Bexhill Academy Gunters Lane, Bexhill-on-Sea, TN39 4BY T: 01424 730722 Catherine Davies, Executive Principal Vicky Norris-Wright, Head of Academy E: [email protected] Eleanore Gordon, Vice Principal W: www.bexhillacademy.org

16 July 2021

ACADEMY UPDATE 35

Dear Parents and Carers

As the Academic year draws to a close and we reflect on a very different year, despite its challenges, it has brought out the best in our community and I am very proud to be part of it. Over the past year, alongside leading and managing the day to day organisation of the school, it has been my responsibility as Head of Academy to manage the Covid strategy and to try to maintain as much face to face contact between students and staff as possible, whilst observing the Government guidelines. The school year will end as stage 4 of the Government Road Map is implemented and with this information in mind, I am writing to inform you of our plans for the beginning of September, which incorporate the latest Schools Covid-19 Operational Guidance (July 2021)

As you may already be aware, schools have been asked by the Government to implement Lateral Flow Testing on the school site in September as students return from the summer holiday. We are experienced at this and have set out our initial plans for implementation as follows.

In September we will stagger Lateral Flow Devise Testing across 2 days. This will help us to avoid over mixing of student groups before we have results from the first LFD tests.

 Thursday 2nd September – We will LFD test Year 7 and Year 11. Year 8, 9 and 10 stay at home.  Friday 3rd September – We will LFD test Year 8, 9 and Year 10 and we also hold an Induction Day for all Year 7 (Year 11 stay at home)  Monday 6th September – Lessons begin for all year groups.

Our plan is that (as before) for the first test, students attend school in their school uniform at the agreed time to do their LFD Test. Students will test and go, Year 7 will be first between 8.30 and 12.30 on Thursday 2nd September. The new Year tutors will be on hand to support this process and parents can wait for students just outside the gates should they wish to. Year 11 will be tested from 1.00pm onwards. On Friday 3rd September Year 10 testing will start at 8.30am, Year 9 at 10.30am and Year 8 at 1.00pm. A specific time for your child will follow in due course.

The second on-site test will take place in the following week. From Monday – Friday 6-10th September, this will take place towards the end of each school day. Monday Year 11, 2-4pm, Tuesday Year 7, 2-4pm Wednesday Year 10, 2-4pm Thursday Year 9 2-4pm and Friday Year 8 2-4pm.

Specific appointment times for the Lateral Flow Tests will be emailed to you next week alongside the necessary forms for permission for new students in Year 7. Needless to say, we are making these arrangements in July and our intention is for them to go forward, but as ever (these days) we will see if any changes occur over the summer holidays that necessitate alteration or cancellation.

We have implemented many changes over the last two years to ensure that Covid-safe procedures have been adhered to and at the same time relentlessly pursued the retention of the curriculum for all students. When we return in September some of the Covid procedures will be maintained as they work well, students have

ATTWOOD ACADEMIES Registration Number: 09148479

highlighted that they wish for them to stay and since the pandemic began, the school population has increased dramatically. The school is now at full capacity and we are over-subscribed. Some procedures will be parked unless required again.

Strategies we will keep for September

 Staggered break and lunch for all Year groups.  A staggered finish to the school day.  Year group allocated space in the Heart Space  Our one-way system around the building  Our one-way stair-cases  A focus on maintaining circulation of air around the building by keeping windows and doors open whilst we can.  Students and staff able to wear masks should they choose to do so.  Hand sanitising promoted at all times.  Cleaning of desks at the end of tutor time each day.

The school day will run as follows.

 Start of Day: All Year groups 8.30 AM  End of Day: Year 7, 8 and 9 is 2.50PM  End of Day: Year 10 and Year 11 3.00pm.  Period 6 finishes for Year 11 at 4.00pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

As with all plans over the past 2 years, the rate of change has taught us to learn quickly and adapt, the students more so (we think) than the adults. Changes we have made have shown how quickly adaptation can take place and significantly the level of student resilience in our community. Students have been open to new ideas, new ways of working and have recognised that the world is a different place today.

As we move ever closer to September and the possibility of a more normal year, let us hope that we retain what we have learnt and use it to move forward positively.

And finally, we close for the summer holiday on Friday 23rd July. We have an exciting Sports event that day with individual Year group tournaments and an athletics event. We will finish at 12.30. Student are invited to attend on Friday 23rd in their Bexhill Academy PE Kit or normal school uniform if not taking part. We will not be operating our changing room facilities on Friday due to numbers involved.

We wish you an excellent summer break. Stay Safe.

Vicky Norris-Wright Head of Academy

Calendar Dates

23 July – Last day of term. We will be holding our annual sports day on Friday 23rd July. Students will finish after sports day at c.12.30pm 2 September –Year 7 and Year 11 Lateral Flow Tests in school. Students to attend in full uniform and Year 7 students to bring signed permission slip with them.

3 September –Year 7 induction day. Year 8, 9 and Year 10 Lateral Flow Tests in school. Students to attend in full uniform. 6 September – First day of school term for all year groups. All students must be in school by 8.25am wearing full school uniform. Lessons start at 8.30am.

Safeguarding Update

With the Summer Holiday break fast approaching, for the next two weeks we will be reminding parents/carers of the relevant support services available for children and families. This week includes details of national counselling and mental health services for young people. i-Rock is a local service, based in Hastings, and Newhaven, that can offer young people advice and support on emotional and mental wellbeing, jobs, education and housing. There are many different people at i-Rock and they have a wide range of knowledge and information. So whether your child wants to talk about how they’re feeling or get advice on things like continuing their education, someone will be able to help. Details of the local iRock service in Hastings are as follows: Address: Rock House, 49-51 Cambridge Road, Hastings, TN34 1DT Email: [email protected] Twitter: @HastingsiRock Facebook: iRockHastings Further details of other mental health and counselling services can also be found on our academy website.

Hastings Pride 21 Sunday 29th August:

Calling all LGBTQ+ young people and their friends, families and allies! This year's Hastings Pride event will have a dedicated Youth Zone. This will be a dedicated, safe space for young people to enjoy- there will be acoustic music and spoken word, stalls, food and more. Young people can also explore the rest of Pride- with a “back to the 80s” theme, great performances, a main stage and alternative arts space, fairground rides, plus delicious foods and stalls to shop at. But the Youth Zone is exclusively for young people- so if young people need a place to chill out, meet friends or sit down and be comfy, that’s where they can head. Allsorts Youth Project who work with young people who identify as LGBTQ+ are supporting the event. This is the 4th annual Hastings Pride, after having to cancel last year’s event due to the pandemic social restrictions. The organiser say, "It will be a really colourful, fun community Pride. LGBTQ+ young people, their families and their allies can march in the parade, along streets festooned with rainbow bunting, or just arrive at the festival and soak up the atmosphere." Date: Sunday August 29th 2021 Location: Festival is held at The Oval, Bohemia Rd, Hastings TN34 1EU.

For more information, including details of the parade, and other events for young LGBTQI+ people during Pride Month, please visit website: https://hastingspride.org.uk/

Mental Health Update

My initial reaction to England losing 3 – 2 after extra time and penalties to Italy was sadness, especially for the three players whose penalties were missed or saved. After reflection I realised my sadness was not to do with the loss, but the negative public reaction that these players specifically are likely to receive.

It is easy to forget that Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka are young men, living their greatest dream with the expectation of the whole Country on their shoulders. None of them would have stepped forward to take a penalty with the intention to miss, or have it saved. No one will feel the disappointment more than they will themselves. I can only hope that awful abuse these men have suffered in the face of the greatest English footballing result since 1966 is dealt with swiftly and the team are allowed to recognise their amazing achievement and enjoy the amazing memories that they have created for our County.

For Gareth Southgate and Harry Kane post tournament review, please follow this link:

https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2021/Jul/12/20210712- Southgate-post-match-reaction

This moved me onto thinking about how people react to situations and it once again comes back to how we tend to focus on the negative of the situation rather than the positive. How social media can be used for such awful anonymous abuse rather than lifting people up and promoting peoples successes.

I can be just as guilty as the next person for focussing on the negative. A prime example of this was the short notice of having a student with me last week for work experience. I initially went to the “how can this work” rather than “great, another pair of hands to help me.” I am overjoyed to say that having Josh with me for the week was motivating. The support that he offered not only me, but also the students was inspirational. Plus he took the best photo of Milo!!

After discussions with Mrs Hillman, DSL and Mrs Davies, Executive Principak we are excited to announce that Josh has been appointed as our Senior Mental Health Ambassador.

Josh’s first duty will be to design a program and recruit additional Mental Health Ambassadors. Other duties will include supporting students at the well-being drop-in’s; writing a regular slot in this newsletter and be the keeper of Milo’s many, many balls (most of which are stolen from PE!)

I would also like to say a massive thank you to Casey-Leigh, Paige, Josh and Milo for representing the team with the year 6-7 transition evenings. I could not have done it without you all!!

The school website has a dedicated Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being page. If you are unsure of where to look for support this is a good place to start.

www.bexhillacademy.org/about/mental-health-and-emotional- well-being

If you have any concerns regarding the mental health or well-being of your child or would like support yourself, please contact your Pastoral Team or email me directly [email protected]

Victoria Ransom

Mental Health First Aid Lead

Careers Update

I hope you enjoy this week’s newsletter – this can be viewed on-line http://www.bexhillacademy.org/media/documents/2021%20-9%20July%20(Term%206)%20- %20Careers%20Newsletter.pdf

Please do share this with your son/daughter. Feedback is always welcome and I would love to include your new ideas, just email [email protected]

Tracey J Holden Careers Adviser 01424 735475 [email protected]

Ms Leadley - Year 8 and 9 Drama: UPDATE ON SCORES

This term, Year 8 and 9 have been learning how to work successfully as a team, with a series of tasks in a competition the Drama department are running - called ‘Taskmaster’. Every lesson, the students compete as a team to win points and win the lesson, with all points earned in each lesson going towards a whole class total score. At the end of the term, the winning class will earn a reward lesson with yummy treats and Drama games!

The skills we have focussed on developing this term are teamwork, listening, focus, communication and creativity; skills that we think are vital for employment in the future. The classes who are getting the most points are doing so because of phenomenal teamwork skills, focus and listening. Many students are also picking up bonus points for their teams because they are behaving respectfully and demonstrating excellent collaboration and leadership skills.

The Taskmasters (Miss Leadley and Mr Robertson) have been astounded by the quality of work that the students have produced and we are impressed at the progress students are making in the creative Drama pieces they are developing.

So, on to the exciting bit… the scores:

CONGRATULATIONS to 8X1 AND 9Y4 who are currently leading… ONE more lesson to go – can they hold their lead?

What an amazing six weeks of Year 10 extra sessions organised by Mr Steward, events that combined inspiring guest speakers such as Musharaf Asghar of Educating Yorkshire fame and companies like the award winning Elevate Education armed with resources, techniques and study skills to equip our students to achieve maximum potential.

This week the final sessions were upon us and based around over achieving through options. The students were given opportunity to explore careers linked to the different option subjects.

In Health & Social Care we decided to link our session to the police force and set the challenge of solving a real life murder case, creating a timeline or crime board and ultimately as a team concluding who was to blame. The students loved it, they allocated roles and took the entire process extremely seriously. This is their assignment brief and some of the pictures from the session.

Well done Year 10/11 you are amazing!

Ms Bigby

WARNING!

Super Sleuths at work

Wendy Minns - Assistant Head: Culture for Learning From teaching and learning

The shift in the timetable has pushed our students as we near the end of term. Students across the academy are continuing to develop their knowledge and skills ready for the challenges that await them in the next academic year. Our period 6 sessions for year 10 have been buzzing with engagement and we are proud of their developing independence as learners. The excitement about learning extends to our new year 6-7 transition groups with their pre-recorded lessons and fantastic school visits from the History departments. The primary school feedback has been excellent and we hope that all of our new starters are looking forward to joining.

Mrs Deeprose Child Development - Finn K, Evie L, Lily H, Lianna F, Lexie P, Paige M Maths - Kerri C, Kitty H, Ebonni O, Kloe A

In other Child Development news...Year 10s were learning how young children use their senses to learn about their environment, encouraging cognitive and intellectual development. In class students were blindfolded and had to use their sense of touch and taste to identify food products. A huge well done and thank you to Natalie S and Lexie P who participated.

Mr Weir - Maths Razeah C-M (y9) Shay W (y9) Oliver N (y9)

Ms Cricelli – Spanish Fabian R, Scarlett C year 11 for turning a corner and doing amazing in every lesson

Mrs Megit - Geography 8Y3 (7Y3) - Rubi Lee S, Kris H, Aariyan G 8X5 (7X5) - Will C, Isabelle S, Jago M 9Y1 (8Y1) - Blake G, Harvey A, Maria W, Isla S, Emma Louise L 9X2 (9X2) - Sophie T, Oli N, Cass C, Amelie H 9X3 (8X3) - Fin F, Sam G, Abbie W, Ben B Year 9 into 10 - Max W, Connor D, Cat H, Lilly May J Year 10 into 11 - Ellie E, Milo C, Esme L

Mr Parks - Geography 7X1 - Matthew N, Maddison W, Daisy R, Nathan S, Ruby A 8X4 - Jake H, James F, Franchesca O, Barney R, Tasha R 8Y5 - Jason L-B, Ella S, Malakai W, Charlie D, Alex L 9C1 - Cameron W, Abigail D, Brandon C, Ruby H-W, Caid B 10C2 - Chloe B, Tayah-May C, Sophie T, Adam F, Josh C

Ms Makin – French Ben H-R - fabulous French café skills! Lilly W - great French speaking skills around the station Esme L - enormous perseverance & progress in French

Ms Morris – Computer Science Leo C (year 10) for excellent attitude and effort. Finley F (year 9) for a great interactive presentation using all of the new skills that he has learnt. Rheanna G (year 11) and Oliver G-H (year 11) for excellent revision mindmapping Taila B (year 9) for continued excellent work and attitude in computing Elle-Ann W (year 8) and Freya (year 8) – for being kind and thoughtful Tyrone H (year 10) for great programming work

Ms Rhodes - For amazing Hegarty (Maths) work: Afrah C, Harrison W, Kaylee B, Esraa S, Oula K, Poppy B-S, Sophie T, Isabelle S, Levi C

Ms Ransom – Mental Health First Aid Lead Lily W – Year 8/9 for her unbelievable resilience

Ms Bennett - English 11Y/En3 have been reading Jekyll and Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson and I have been so impressed with Dylan C. He has been reading the character of Utterson aloud in every English lesson. Dylan finds reading a little difficult so this is a tremendous achievement as Jekyll and Hyde has some incredibly complex language. Dylan’s reading has not only helped his understanding but also helped the rest of the class access a very difficult text. Definitely star of the term so far; well-done Dylan keep up the hard work.

Ms Watts – Art This week’s Art superstar learners are 8Y2 (formally 7Y2) – yes the whole class, I cannot take credit for these as Ms Osborn has taught them and they have only just (the last two weeks) become one of my new Art groups. The tasks for two lessons were to draw out in line only the 3D shapes and forms seen within the shell. All completed multiple viewpoints. The challenge was to then create the 3D shape and form from a single piece of newspaper, they were not allowed to rip or tear the newspaper, just use manipulation of surface techniques. Here is the work of the whole class, and an extra special mention to Callum E and Summer H. Here’s to a very exciting and BRILLIANT year in Art!

Home  Partnership Schools Bexhill Academy Artwork in Eastbourne train station, please go and see these exciting artworks.

Back in October 2020 Mrs Watts was asked to submit artwork for this permanent exhibition at Eastbourne Train Station. It’s up and ready to see! Galleries The Eastbourne Schools Partnership is a partnership of Schools and Colleges located in the Eastbourne area. By linking our resources, expertise, enthusiasm and commitment, we aim to develop projects and ideas that inspire, excite and offer creative opportunities for children and young people. In so doing we hope to enable our pupils to work together for mutual benefit and the benefit of others across our town.

The Partnership schools are Bexhill Academy, , Gildredge House Free School, Hailsham Community College, , , St Catherine’s College, ’s – Eastbourne Campus, St Richard’s Catholic College, The , The Cavendish School, , Willingdon Community College.

The Art work is right at the front of concourse as you arrive at Eastbourne Train station as you get off the train. (I think the very best place)

The face painting is by Evie R a year 11 student, this work was completed last year in year 10.

The tonal markmaking study is by Harry E currently in year 8; this work was produced in year 7.

These photographs do not do these amazing Artworks justice, please if you can visit Eastbourne Train station and see for yourselves.

Mary Watts Director of Arts