Kings : Issue 2, Spring 2014

3.14 is the Magic Number ASPIRE A few weeks ago, we celebrated World Pi day in style at ARK Kings Academy. One of our students, Jodie-Leigh Freeman talks about her experience of the day. Say it with Bunting of Key Stage 3 lined up in forms, like we In Miss Raj’s lesson we made bunting to always do. Teachers then escorted us around to the school yard and helped us line up to display Pi to as many digits as possible. We all form the shape of the Pi symbol. Mr Clarke, had to make number cards, colour them in the school photographer, then went up to the and staple them onto string in the right order. top floor of the school and took a birds-eye Then Miss Raj took a picture of all of us view of the group. next to the Pi bunting. It was really fun! We all enjoyed working together to ! celebrate World Pi Day but I also think that Making Pi out of people Miss Raj, who organised World Pi Day, A couple of days later we worked as a enjoyed the day even more than we did! group to create the photograph of the Pi by Jodie-Leigh Year 9 symbol featured on the front page of the newspaper. At the start of the day !the whole Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference approximately equal to Keep In Touch 3.14159. It has been represented by the Greek letter "π" since the mid-18th century. Because its definition relates to the circle, π is found Web: aspirearkkingsacademy.wordpress.com in many formulae in trigonometry and geometry. Many people have Twitter: @AspireArkKings memorised large numbers of digits of π. The record for memorising digits of π, certified by Guinness World Records, is 67,890 digits, recited in China by Lu Chao in 24 hours and 4 minutes on 20 November 2005.

What’s in this issue? A Warm Welcome Page 2 Your Future Page 7 Student Art Page 9 Academy News Page 3 Pupil Voice Page 8 Sports News Page 11

ARK Kings Academy Page 1 Welcome

Welcome Welcome to Aspire, the ARK Kings Academy student newspaper. Here, you will find out what’s been happening in our school. This includes art, sports, student opinions, careers and the latest news from the last term. Go on, have a read, you never know if you will be in it, so !go and take a look! by Sherlicia Year 10

Attendance Matters

The 100% Club We have a reward system called the 100% club. This goes to everyone who comes into school every day. Each week a name gets picked out for each year group from the Merit Champions 100% club and they win a voucher. A group of key stage 3 students recently went bowling as a reward for their impressive attendance this year. Key Stage Merit totals ! In our last issue, KS4 were trailing behind KS3 in merits, but they are steadily closing in on the younger students of the school. So far, KS3 have an impressive total of 15,010 merits, with KS4 not far behind with 14,417. Merits are awarded for attendance and also contribution, performance, standards and consistency. Will KS4 ever catch up? We challenge !you Year 10 and Year 11!

ARK Kings Academy Page 2 Academy News Enrichment Day 4 went off like a Rocket!

Enrichment days play a On 26th March, we had our fourth large role in our learning. They can Enrichment day of the year. Year 7 had a vary from building rockets out of whole day dedicated to sport! The year was split into two groups, one who learnt a plastic bottles and launching them to series of kickboxing moves whilst the taking trips to rope climbing courses. other half practiced their team skills. Enrichment days teach students Year 8 were in the science department about a variety of skills that will help all day and had the joys of designing us in every day life and will also give rockets in groups and considering the best us the knowledge that can help us way to make the rockets – using our when we leave school and start to scientific knowledge of course! When the make decisions about what we want rockets were prepared, we took our to do in life. rockets onto the top field for a bit of friendly competition. Emmanuel won , closely followed by Ryan, Hani and Jardell. !Well done boys! Year 9’s day was also split called Dreadlock Alien. in two, where they had the Some of the year 10’s opportunity to compose and performed their fantastic perform a piece of music poetry during the whole and also work with the school showcase at the end Three Faiths Forum to of the day. Well done to discover how to empathise Sufiyan, Layton and Chloe with others. for being brave enough to Year 10 did slam poetry share their rhymes! with a very special visitor by Chloe Year 8 Spotlight on: Spelling Bee

We were very lucky to be invited to the annual ARK Spelling Bee in Evelyn Green, London. Six participants competed to the best of their abilities, despite the increasingly hard words developing with the advancing stages of the contest. Although we did not win, we had a great time. The coach journey was also a highlight with Connor Black’s fabulous rendition of a Katy Perry song. by Keeley Year 8 !

ARK Kings Academy Page 3 BBC School News Report: Our Community

BBC School Report is an excellent opportunity for young people all over the country to get involved in stories that matter to them both in their community and worldwide. Not only this, but it is a great opportunity to meet people you have never spoke to before and it gives us a chance to be creative with our writing without any restrictions. by Charlotte & Chloe

Hello, we are reporting from ARK Kings Academy. We are going to be discussing the regeneration of the Three Estates in our community of which are, Pools Farm, Primrose and Hawkesley.

a supermarket so that they can have mean there is more to do in the So, why are we regenerating the a bigger choice of food and more local community. area? opportunities for jobs in the area. We talked to a woman from City Council called Bali How are they going to do it? We asked some students what about the project. She explained to us The Council are going to they think about the regeneration why the area is being regenerated, demolish 876 properties and build project. Shannon, Kira and “We want to bring back pride to the over 1,000 houses. The Cameron in year 7 said that it’s a local area. We want people to want to community’s wishes have also been good idea because it’s bringing live here.” Bali told us that after a granted regarding a new positive change to the community. meeting with the local community, supermarket, which will be built on Overall, we think that the future of over 90% of people wanted to see a Redditch Road, bringing a great the Three Estates in Kings Norton big change to the local area. They deal of jobs to the area. A new park looks very bright! wanted to see new houses, better is also going to be built somewhere by Harriet & Lois year 8 & year 7 education and improved health. They in the Three Estates, which will Running for Sport Relief

ARK Kings students ran a mile to raise money for Sport Relief

ARK Kings Academy Page 4 Band Musicianship

At Ark Kings Academy we are doing a project called band musicianship. It lets you develop your musical potential. Nathan Portlock is the specialist teacher appointed to lead on guitar skills. He said:

“It’s great to be involved in such a ground-breaking initiative. I’ve worked in music education for over seven years and I’ve never come across a school programme like this. It’s exciting because it will provide every pupil aged 11 to 13 with a place where they can learn to compose, collaborate, play and even record new “This approach is going to Paul Bull, Head of Music at original music. Too often musical create healthy competition across ARK Kings, said: “I’m delighted interventions in learning are short term the entire year group. It is said that that we are introducing the Band affairs that target a small number of talent is universal but opportunity Musicianship programme at ARK pupils.” isn’t – not at ARK Kings!” Kings Academy. This is a unique programme which will give our students a wonderful opportunity to In addition, students at ARK learn several new instruments, Kings will be taking part in the develop their music skills and build annual ARK Schools Music Gala in their confidence. At ARK Kings we the summer which brings together are committed to providing the best students from all ARK schools to possible musical education. Music play at a special concert at the is a life skill that can open new world-renowned Barbican Centre doors and expand the horizons of in London our most talented young people.” by Shannon and Cameron Year 7 Hatching for Schools

The 28th February was the day when the chicks arrived at our school. There were 9 chick eggs and only 7 of them eventually hatched. The first chick hatched on the 3rd March and that chick was a girl called Thunder because it is loud and stubborn. The last one was called Lightning because it can run fast and gets along with Thunder. Nurture at ARK Kings Academy was very welcoming to the new arrivals. All of the chicks have got different things about them that we love. But what we love about them the most is that they are all different and we can tell which one is ours because they know who we are. The school will be sad to see them leave but we wish them all the best. by Hayleigh Year 8

ARK Kings Academy Page 5 Year 7 Admissions

Top Tips

for New Year 7s STOP PRESS!!! ARK Kings will be running a • Be polite to summer school for New Year everyone you meet 7s between 18th and 29th • Give yourself time. August It will take a while until you feel settled in Open Evening for New Year 7s Don’t be afraid to e’re really excited to ! • W Enrichment Days which are fantastic ask for help when welcome our new Year 7 cohort to opportunities to discover your talents, ARK Kings Academy this coming try new things and embark on exciting you need it September. We have already had the adventures outside of the Academy • Try something new! opportunity to meet a few of you at building. ARK Kings has a events that we’ve held over the past few months, and we can’t wait for you to If there’s still more that you wide range of after- become part of our academy. would like to find out about the school activities ! Academy or what life will be a like as a Make sure to do At ARK Kings you will have Year 7, then don’t hesitate to get in • the opportunity to be taught by touch. Or, if you would like to get a your homework on teachers who are dedicated to ensuring taster of ARK Kings before you join in time that you reach your full potential. Not September, then come to our summer only this, but you will be able to take school during the holidays! To find out • Keep Calm and !part in our more, just contact the school. Carry On! Culture corner The Culture Corner is where our students talk about or review their favourite film, book or piece of music from the past few months. In this issue, our year 8’s talk about the highly acclaimed Disney film, Frozen and a gripping book, Fearless.

The smartly painted exterior of City Community Faith School Many people have questions hides a treacherous secret. Behind its wall, one thousand girls are about the popular Disney film, Frozen. forced to labour in the city’s laundry, separated from their families and deprived of their freedom. One of these girls is eccentric, Little Frozen is a story about an ancient Fearless, a courageous and indomitable spirit who never stops curse that traps a kingdom in eternal believing that one day they will have their lawful freedom. Valiant of winter. Anna, a fearless young optimist the punishment she will confront, Little Fearless escapes the teams up with a mountain man and his Institute to tell her story to the world. However why does nobody reindeer to find the Snow Queen to end the believe the truth? And when they do will it be too late? icy spell. Fearless is part fairy tale, and partly a dark fable for our times by Harriet Year 8 by Makalia Year 8 Image: copyright: Walt Disney Animation Studios

ARK Kings Academy Page 6 TEACHER Your Future SPOTLIGHT Miss. Marshall

! University and Degree: French and German at Cambridge University! Future dreams: My dream is to be a Head Teacher !one day. I became a Teacher because I loved school; I loved learning Year 11 Broaden their horizons but most of all I loved being able to play sports, sing, act and In Year 11 we had a more serious Although some of us didn't have get involved with all the other and meaningful approach to our an interest in the types of careers that we opportunities I was given. I enrichment day; the careers corridor. A looked at, most of us were still inspired by want to make sure that the the broadness of certain jobs and how their variety of people from different paths of students I teach get those same life came to inspire us, ranging from qualifications could still apply to some other careers. It was a truly inspirational opportunities, which is why I solicitors to football coaches to soldiers. We love Enrichment! I'm going to had 5 minute sessions with each person to day. Not just to find your own dream job, ask them questions such as "what but to learn about others' and how they work really hard and hopefully qualifications do you need for this job?” contribute to our society. by Samra Year 11 one day I'll be good enough to and “what's the best thing about your job be a Head teacher. and why?" ! ! Year 11 Careers Interviews I hope to be Head Teacher at a As this is our final year in Over the last couple of weeks, all year 11 school that is similar to ARK secondary education I think everyone students have had a one on one interview Kings, with lots of found it useful to get an idea of what they with a professional careers advisor. The opportunities for students to wanted to do in the future and how they interviews help students make the best have fun and find something choices when they leave ARK Kings. were going to get there. they are passionate about...and most importantly,! to be happy! A Career in Medicine Makalia Bobb speaks to GP Dr Sarah Clarke Greatest Achievement: ! I cycled the Coast2Coast with What grades do you need to become a Doctor? my Dad and his friends. We ! cycled from the North West to 3 As at A Level, including Chemistry to study Medicine at university. the North East coast of ! , across the Pennine How long does it take to become a Doctor? mountains. The journey is about 150 miles and I did this ! in two and a half days in the 7 years. 5 years for a Medicine degree then a 2 year Foundation Programme. pouring rain. I was the only girl ! there so I was pleased I What advice would you give to students wanting to be Doctor? managed to keep up with the ! boys! Study hard and try to get work experience in care homes and health centres. !

ARK Kings Academy Page 7 Pupil voice Fighting Cyber Bullying

reasons, and is being used as a 7 out of 10 students have been breeding ground for hate. bullied. In fact, 37% of students are regularly bullied. Cyber bullying is So, how could you identify cyber one of the most prevalent forms of bullying in your friends and others? bullying for our generation and it’s Does your friend or a member of on the rise. But, do teens actually your family tend to stay off their know how to tackle this issue? laptop or mobile? Do they tend to quickly click off a website when you’re around? If so, they may be Cyber bullying is when people are having online problems. You can abusive towards others using a support your friends or family by digital device. This can involve reporting it to senior member of abusive texts or online messages, staff or older family members. Even embarrassing others through social reassuring them they are not alone is media by posting images of them great support and can help more without their permission and passive aggressive statuses clearly targeting than you may realise. individuals. When asking students around school we discovered that there are three main websites which So what can we as a school do to conquer cyber bullying? Our anti- are prone to cyber bullying; Ask.fm, Facebook and Twitter. A group of bullying coordinator Ms. Busby says Do you want to express your opinion on a she would love to do workshops to year 10 students particularly controversial topic or an issue that you feel commented on their concerns of make people aware about the facts !passionate about? Then this is the platform to Ask.fm which is a social media site and signs of bullying so that we can do it! This term Chloe and Charlotte discuss allowing people to ask other s start to develop our understanding the reality of cyber bulling; what it is, and how to fight it. anonymous questions. Unfortunately of it. it’s being used for the wrong !

As well as this Ms. Busby offered preventing cyber bullying from us a top tip: never reply to negative developing as well as only accepting comments, always report it straight friend requests from people that you away. know.

As young people who have If you feel that you need to talk to experienced cyber bullying, we someone, here at ARK Kings have some questions for you to Academy, we are lucky to have an think about – Do you really need amazing service called Place2Be that social media account? Do you where our students can go and really want or need these people on openly talk about their problems, your profile? If these answers are and get the support they need. More ‘no’ then why are you putting your widely, if you need support from selves in the danger of being your school, then it will be out targeted? Keeping your profile there, so don’t be afraid to use it! private is a really effective way of by Chloe and Charlotte Year 10

ARK Kings Academy Page 8 Artistic Endeavours

Showcasing the latest and greatest student artwork

Atlanta Campbell Joana Elias Year 11 Year 10

Hope Hughes Lauren Weston Zainab Jaber Ali Year 9 Year 9 Year 11

Channon Mooney Maryam Ebohon Brandon Weeks Year 10 Year 9 Year 10

ARK Kings Academy Page 9 Enrichment Day 4

ARK Kings held another successful enrichment day on Wednesday 19th March.

The purpose of the day was to offer students of all ages a range of fun and informative activities aimed at expanding their horizons and preparing them for the future. Younger students got to sample sports, music and even launching bottle rockets. Older students in Year 11 were focused on preparing for life after ARK Kings. These students met people from a range of different careers, including the Army and Police, before sitting down with ! specialist careers advisers to plan their next steps. Roll on the next Enrichment Day on Monday 19th May!

ARK Kings Academy Page 10 Sports News Kings and Queens of Sport ! Thai boxing is an after school club that teaches you about self-defence. Miss Redhead is the teacher that is in charge of this club and many students take part every Thursday. Thai boxing is traditional martial art in which the fists, elbows, knees, and bare feet may all be used to deliver blows. ! by Lois Brookes Year 7

Year 7 & 8 boys and girls faced off against six other Birmingham secondary schools in the Sportshall Secondary indoor !athletics competition. Sadly, neither the boys or girls teams placed highly in the rankings. There was individual success, however, for Year 8’s Makalia Bobb, who won 1st place in the triple jump competition. Well done Makalia!

This term, a group of boys in Year 7 and year 8 played their first ever basketball match against a great team from Kings Norton boys school. The final score was 10-16, and although we did not win we all played extremely well and worked well as a team. We look forward to our next match so that we can continue to grow and represent the school. by Josh and Gurditta Year 7

ARK Kings Academy Page 11 Sports News Goals Galore for ARK Kings

The ARK Kings Academy an unbelievable save from the corner of the far left. The lads did our school proud. football team have had a The boys then faced St. Thomas Aquinas in wonderful season this year. As their next match. The lads played their hearts out the league currently stands, our on the pitch and won the game 3-1. Aaron secured ARK Kings Academy boys are the sensational hat rick of goals. top of the league, with the last Finally, the boys will be facing Shenley next week, game of the season only just round the corner in in which they want to win the league. It will also be the last week of term. The boys will be looking to Mr Cropper’s last game as ARK Kings Academy’s bag a huge result and to bring the title back to assistant manager because he will be leaving. The where it belongs. team would just like to say thank you to Mr Last week, the boys played Frankley (now called Cropper for everything he has put into the team. Balaam Wood Academy). The ARK Kings boys and good luck in your new job. won the game 5-1. Our goals came from Aaron, Joe, Marquez and Reiss (myself). Our defence, led ! by Reiss Chance Year 11 by Luke, was a solid force and Zamar pulled off ! Can the boys win the league next week? ARK Kings Academy Football Team: Keep up to date on our Twitter Zamar English, Zac McKee, Layton McKeon, Luke account @AspireArkKings for the McCann, Tom Suffolk, Paul Wright, Joe Harris, latest result Mohammed Ismail, Jhavan Samuels, Marquez James Aaron Chance (Captain), Reiss Chance, Mohammed Rahmouni, Ryan Joy

ARK Kings Academy Page 12