BCA ACADEMYFOCUS

February 2018 Principal’s Blog

WELCOME in and a sign of our strong reputation As we move through the new across the town. calendar year, I would like to take this opportunity to update parents Term 1 events children from the local primary schools. CONTENTS on important news and life at the It has been a really busy academic year academy so far this academic year. We held a very successful careers fair so far and alongside our daily menu visited by all students involving over of lessons, RESPECT programme and New building & sports facilities 30 employers, uniformed services, enrichment activities, our students All building work is now finished apprenticeship providers and further & Principal’s Blog 3 have been involved in a rich array of and we have settled in to our new higher education institutions. diverse and exciting experiences; I have school building nicely; it has been Our students do great things 4 provided a flavour of these below: In October, we were selected to host fantastic to take possession of all of the 2017 World DojoCon. This was a our new sports facilities which are The majority of our 184 Year 7 students huge honour as we welcomed over Parent pages 6 truly superb. We are really pleased started the year with a successful 500 delegates and young people with our new school environment residential trip to North Yorkshire, in from around the world and from as far STEM 8 and feel extremely lucky to have which they developed their skills of away as through our doors to such amazing facilities to work in teamwork, resilience and determination meet, discuss and engage in practical every day. through a range of outdoor activities Student leadership @ BCA 10 sessions around a huge range of cutting-edge technologies including Ofsted A group of 24 of our performing arts students won a national competition to robotics, drone programming, Year 7 residential 12 As you know we received a very coding, 3D printing and engineering strong Ofsted report in June 2017 perform in front of thousands of visitors at the Disneyland resort, Paris technologies. Rugby 13 which commended the school for its work. Following on from this A talented group of drama students We love to celebrate the successes of our young people and we are always Beyond the classroom 14 report we have been selected by performed a version of Twelfth Night Ofsted, as one of only a handful of at The Contact Theatre, Manchester delighted when students or parents schools across the whole country, as part of the Shakespeare in Schools inform us of achievements outside of Hopes and dreams 16 to be a case study of good practice Festival school. If you would like us to know within their annual report. It is always something positive about your son Our very own Year 8 Progress Leader, heartening to have the great work or daughter, please contact us at Perform @ BCA 18 Mr McLoughlin was honoured by of our staff and students recognised [email protected] with a lifetime and we are really proud of this Life long learners 20 achievement award for his services to The Challenge Academy Trust (TCAT) achievement. As a consequence in the community The TCAT group is now up and running of this the BBC News North West and as well as lots of collaboration and BCA in the news 21 team came to film a piece about the As a consequence of Mr McLoughlin’s training for teachers, several exciting school for the regional news which coaching programme within our BCA activities have already taken place Meet the teacher 22 was aired on 13th December. rugby league academy, both of our across the multi-academy trust for our Year 7 & 8 teams got to the Warrington young people. Most notably, a young Admissions town rugby finals engineers’ programme sponsored by Student admissions for 2018-19 Outside of school Grace Barnett & United Utilities is off to a flying start are now in and we have more Joel Eccleston both won gold medals and a representative group of our parents than ever choosing BCA to Produced and edited by Claire Rixham and Bev Ivins at BCA. and national honours at national student parliaments visited the houses provide their sons’ and daughters’ Karate competitions and are now both of parliament in London and even Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about the Academy including transition and admissions. secondary education. For the fourth representing at the WUKF managed a momentary meeting with year running, we are hugely over- World Karate Championships Her Majesty the Queen. subscribed in terms of applications to join us in Year 7 which makes us We ran events for both Inter-faith week Mr A Moorcroft BA (Hons), NPQH the high school of choice in the local & European day of languages which Principal area. This is a positive position to be involved many of our own students and

2 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 3 OUR STUDENTS DO GREAT THINGS OUR STUDENTS DO GREAT THINGS

@BCA_Principal Last term we focused on the Principal’s Award @MissKLMason BIG CONGRATS TO ETHAN Had the pleasure of meeting Tolerance COG. Congratulations These prestigious awards are Massive thanks to @EvertonChef Brandon today to talk about his to the following students who were celebrated each half term to students working with our students in the IN Y9 WHO WON!! experience, what a mature and nominated by their form tutors and who demonstrate the characteristics @Springboard_UK FutureChef impressive young man, a credit to Progress Leaders as having displayed of a BCA Students. Congratulations to competition day! Well done to Kiera who came very his family. this characteristic: the following students: close! Congratulations to… Year 7 @BCA_Teaching Year 7 Danny Tickle Congratulations Brandon on Max Ravenscroft Courtney Ridpath @BCA_Principal meeting the Mayor for your young Conor Gough Max Morris Year 10 Well done Chloe for completing carers Christmas party. You look Year 8 Grace Barnett Harry Muckley a charity run for @RRFoundation very smart! Libby Clarke Year 8 Connor Heald and winning an impressive medal Rohaan Nasir Aixa Fernandes Eszter Vida for her efforts. Year 9 Joshua Parker Year 11 Carlie Holt Dacie Maja Kuzma Eisha Mir Eve Dolphin Ryan White Angel Simpson Year 10 Year 9 Amy Brown Kate Warburton Libby Rowe Melissa Baldwin Belazs Rigo Samuel Morris All students were awarded with a Kale Roberts unique COGS badge which now has Sophie Trantum pride of place on their blazers. Trips Day! The top students in each year group where invited to attend a special Trips Day in December. They had a fantastic Joel Eccelston and Grace time at the various locations including Barnet both won Gold medals ice skating and bowling. Will you be and national honours at national Molly Croughton in Year 7 invited on the next trip? Make sure Karate competitions and are both amazed us by bringing in her that you are BCA Ready! representing England at the WUKF dance medals for Morris Dancing World Karate Championships. - amazing! @BCA_Principal Staff at BCA were wowed by their @MissColeyBCA Really impressive to see so many demonstration in a recent staff Fantastic performances from all the @_BCA11 students receiving their briefing. girls playing today! Some really close bronze @DofE awards this morning. games but a massive shout out to our Well done to all recipients. Y10s beating Culcheth 4-2! Well done ladies, @BCAWarrington @BCA_PE @BCA_Y10

Share your successes with us by @BCA_Principal emailing the academy at National karate gold medalist [email protected] Joel Eccleston in our midst. Wow!! World Or add your nominations to the ‘Our Celebrating my 2017 England competition victories from this year at England championships next. Impressive students do great things’ notice squad session today. Including my Unified World karate gold and European young lady board in the dining room. gold from Italy. @BCAWarrington @BCA_Principal

4 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 5 PARENT PAGES PARENT PAGES Are you BCA ready? Study skills

Our Key Stage 3 students have been If pupils are to maximise their potential from schooling, sharpening up the tools in their Parents, why don’t you follow the simple BLINK steps they need the full support of their parents. learning toolkit this half term! They took part in the first of their ‘How to yourself and help your child to be BCA ready? Professor Charles Desforges “ Learn’ sessions during tutor time. One of our priorities for this academic These sessions will focus on how year is to increase and improve ” to develop their transferable skills parental engagement across the as well as how to revise effectively. academy. They will receive tips about how to effectively learn all of the knowledge Research shows that ‘What parents that they need to succeed as well as do with their children at home, revision strategies that will help them through the age range, is much DATES FOR YOU DIARY: to retain all of the knowledge that more significant than any other they need. factor open to educational Year 9 Parents’ evening influence.’ It also tells us that ‘the Wednesday 28th March 3 – 6pm They have been introduced to the extent of parental involvement BLINK toolkit which they will use diminishes as the child gets older’. Year 7 Parents’ evening Thursday throughout their learning journey at The priority for the academy is to 3rd May 3- 6pm BCA. look at how we can work together to maximise your child’s performance. Year 10 Parents’ evening Thursday We know that our students will leave With this in mind we have changed 10th May 3 – 6pm these sessions enthused and ready the format of our parents’ evenings to maximise their potential in every and hope that you support these We are always looking for lesson! changes. We have seen a significant feedback from parents and carers. increase in attendance at these vital Please contact Mrs Rixham at the events which is great for our students. academy if you wish to discuss ways in which we can involve In October, we held our ‘Academic parents more effectively at BCA. Transition Evening’ for Y7 parents and carers of Year 7. This was not just an opportunity to meet with form tutors but a chance to see the year group Top Tips to be BCA Parent Ready! perform, get careers advice and guidance, try out our new menus and take part in some lessons. Parents left Remind your child to bring the correct equipment every day. feeling more equipped to support their sons and daughters through Ensure that uniform is correct. their secondary school journey. Ask to check home learning tasks.

We have held two Year 11 events to Does your child leave in plenty of time in the morning to avoid support them in the build up to their lateness? final exams, whilst Year 8 have had a You can spend time supporting your child with the revision for subject review meeting , chosen their assessments. options and attended the first ever BCA Christmas Fair.

6 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 7 STEM@BCA STEM@BCA

CoderDojo Dojocon 2017

Do you want to: Fly a drone? Create new worlds in Minecraft? Make your own phone app? Create and fight robots? Produce your own website for friends to log on to? Make music using code?

The next dates are: 3rd February, 10th March, 28th April, 9th June, 14th JUly Primary students must be accompanied by a parent You can join us on any of the dates, just book in FREE OF CHARGE! contact us: [email protected] To find out more or book a place at any of the events Follow us: @dojowarrington please contact us at: Beamont Collegiate Academy, Long Lane, Warrington, WA2 8PX Remember the number one Dojo rule - ABOVE ALL: BE COOL! ABOVE the number one Dojo rule - Remember Tel: 01925 579500 Come prepared to get stuck in and have some fun E: [email protected] W: www.bca.warrington.ac.uk

Warrington Coder Dojo is part of but mainly to try some of the amazing The most exciting aspect for BCA a worldwide network of volunteer opportunities we offer here at BCA students were the number of our led coding clubs. The organisation and in our FabLab. STEM leaders who were involved reaches across 75 countries with in organising and managing the 1500 Dojo’s and 75000 children BCA Director of STEM Chris event. Our students were leading involved regularly. Hillidge opened the conference sessions on robotics to experts with a keynote speech about the from around the world! They were Warrington Coder Dojo is the importance of engaging young welcoming guests and explaining largest regular Dojo in the world people in STEM & Tech, especially sessions and as always were the and is probably the most innovative in a socio-economically deprived best ambassadors for our school. in terms of the range of cutting area and this was followed by the edge technologies we offer to our founder of Raspberry Pi foundation The weekend was a huge success children here at BCA. Back in 2016 – a microcomputer that changed the and our worldwide visitors were we were chosen to host the world world and has sold over 40 million blown away with our school, it conference for all Dojo leaders, here units. facilities but mainly our young in Warrington – DojoCon 17! people, their maturity and A good example of the diversity commitment to STEM and creating Over the weekend of the 13 -15th would be a Turkish Dojo leading a life changing opportunities for October we welcomed visitors from session on Arduino microcomputers other young people. 17 different countries and as far to a groups with Dojo leaders from away as Australia and Japan. They Japan, Italy, Ireland, Belgium and came to share ideas and experiences Poland.

8 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 9 STUDENT LEADERSHIP @ BCA STUDENT LEADERSHIP @ BCA Student Parliament Updates:

The Student Parliament took part in TCAT SCHOOL COUNCILS GIVEN TAKE OVER CHALLENGE MARKET STALL an exciting trip to London to visit the TALK BY HOUSE OF LORDS Representatives from our Student Houses of Parliament. We travelled to MEMBER LORD STOREY Parliament worked with counselors Measure that you visit our Market London bright and early on the train from KOOTH as part of the ‘Take Stall every Friday in the Dining We were then invited, on Friday along with our fellow TCAT schools. Over Challenge Day’ Room from 8.50 – 9.25. Here, you 20th October with students from We visited the Houses of Parliament will find representatives from the the TCAT Councils, to attend a where the Education Officers gave us Student Parliament who will gather talk from a member of the House a full tour of the Parliamentary Estate student views on the ‘Question of the of Lords at Sir Thomas Botelar. and explained the history of these Week’ and feedback to the Senior The purpose of this talk being to iconic buildings. Leadership Team. encourage students to become more engaged with the political We were given access to the Houses This year is the tenth anniversary of Recent outcomes have been and parliamentary process. Lord of Parliament visiting the House of the Takeover Challenge, originally feedback for Mr Millburn on our Storey met students to talk about Lords and the House of Commons. launched in 2007 by the Children’s enrichment programme. We are the work and role of the House of It looked much smaller than it does Commissioner’s Office as a fun, planning to introduce Fist Aid training Lords, followed by a question and on the TV! Students were able to imaginative and exciting activity for selected Students and we raised answer session on various aspects ask questions and find out more to encourage organisations across several hundred pounds for local of the parliamentary process and about the government and how our England to open their doors to charities as part of our Christmas life at the Houses of Parliament country is run. They participated in a children and young people to take Fundraiser as well as collecting generally. series of workshops based on voting over adult roles. fantastic contributions for the and representation and actively We would like to thank STB their Warrington Foodbank - Thank you to participated in writing manifestos and hospitality and look forward to The Takeover Challenge puts all who supported us. campaigning to gain votes. working with the TCAT Student young people into decision- Councils on some exciting projects making positions and encourages Follow us on twitter for regular After our tour we held our own this half term. organisations and businesses to updates: @ParliamentBCA election – Balazs Rigo in Year 9 was hear their views. Children gain voted in as Prime Minister! a valuable insight into the adult STUDENT LEADERSHIP A sign of things to come for this world and gain experience of a PROGRAMME amazing BCA student. workplace, while organisations benefit from a fresh perspective on Probably our most exciting project The day ended with a walking tour of their work. has been our partnership with, the London taking in the sights. We even BCA Student Leadership Team led saw the Queen leaving Buckingham As we have grown to expect, the by Mr. Ryder. Each week students Palace for the weekend! feedback made us very proud: from the chosen tutor group in Year 7 and 8 take on the role of break time Mrs Coleclough, Head of Citizenship The students were leaders. The Student Parliament led at Sir Thomas Boteler Church of “ fantastic and entered fully the way in supporting this initiative England High School who organised WISE UP into what I asked them to by putting in a bid to Mr. Moorcroft the trip commented: AWARDS do. They gave very helpful and Mrs. Gannon, Director of facilities, and insightful feedback operations & personnel. We are on the Kooth website proud to say that we now have fixed “It was an absolute pleasure to which I will feedback to outdoor gym equipment, all weather accompany all the young people the company and on the pool tables and indoor games to use on this visit. They were fabulous apps which the company at break and lunch times. ambassadors for their schools, will use to develop our We are delighted to share the fantastic news that Beamont Collegiate and they showed enthusiasm own. They were a huge Academy have been awarded a GOLD Wise Up award for 2018. This and willingness to participate in help and I am incredibly prestigious award celebrates the school’s commitment to addressing the all activities. They integrated well grateful you allowed me issues of bullying and hate crime and for how we celebrate difference with the others, which is what this to borrow their time on and inclusion. The entry was submitted by the Student Parliament visit was all about.” the day. following our Bronze award last year. Look out for updates and photos following the awards celebration later this month. A huge thanks” to Mrs. Stamp for organising this opportunity for us.

10 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 11 YEAR 7 RESIDENTIAL RUGBY

The Year 8 rugby team have won THE YR7 RESIDENTIAL WAS AMAZING, I the Warrington Schools Cup LOVED THE CAVING AS THE CAVES WERE defeating Great Sankey in the final Year 7 Residential: our new Year 7s SO DARK AND QUIET. THE WATER WAS at Victoria Park 30 pts to 6 after took part in their first BCA residential. FREEZING COLD AND I LOVED HOW winning their group with wins Each tutor group stayed overnight in MUCH EVERYONE WAS LAUGHING. THE against Bridgewater, Newman and a bunk barn in Yorkshire. They carried CHICKEN CURRY WAS DELICIOUS AND St Gregory’s. out team building exercises and even THE BEDS WERE VERY COMFY. I MADE tried caving or climbing! LOADS OF NEW FRIENDS, WHO ALSO HAD They have also progressed to A GREAT TIME. the semi-finals of the North West JOEL GORMAN Counties Cup with wins over St Peters, Manchester, Standish and St Peter and Paul Widnes in addition to making the National stages of the English Schools Cup.

Year 7 rugby made it to the Warrington Schools Cup winning their group matches against Newman and St Gregory’s before defeat to Bridgewater in the Victoria Park final.

MAN OF STEEL AWARDS Man of Steel Award Winners: ‘WARRINGTON MAN OF STEEL This year each community club has AWARDS - A CELEBRATION OF nominated their own Player of the WHAT’S BEST ABOUT RUGBY Year. A panel from the Warrington LEAGUE IN OUR TOWN’ Wolves’ performance team then judged each player’s performance Great names in the game – past, in three areas; community club IT WAS REALLY EPIC HAVING LOTS OF present and future – joined performances, cubs & origins and at ADVENTURES AND CHALLENGES. I LOVED Warrington Wolves Rugby Club for their high school. GOING IN THE CAVES AS THEY WERE REALLY its annual Warrington Man of Steel COOL AND DARK. awards evening. The Under 12s winner was our very VIKTORIA SZAKOLCZAI own Billy Myers from Year 8.

THE RESIDENTIAL WAS REALLY GOOD. MY FAVOURITE PART WAS THE CAVING. THE FOOD WAS HEART AND SOLE OF RUGBY Our Very own Mr McLoughlin And as you can see from our recent DELICIOUS. IT WAS DEFINITLY LEAGUE AWARDS was a deserved winner of this Rugby wins, Mike continues to go WORTH IT. A very special legacy award with award. His accolades are endless from strength to strength. CAIN FORBER each in the shape of a footprint, but at Beamont he has coached representing the impact each all year groups at some point in has had in Warrington over the his school career often coaching years. These footprints will be on two or three teams in the same permanent display in the south year. He took a very successful stand at the stadium, for all our Year 10 school rugby tour to visitors to see. They will be officially Australia and won all three games unveiled in July next year at the in Brisbane and Sydney. Matty Wire2Wolves Beer Festival. Blythe being a member of the squad. All the students hold him in very high esteem as he’s very often taught most of their siblings and dads.

12 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 13 BEYOND THE CLASSROOM BEYOND THE CLASSROOM Year 8 Rise to the Challenge.

way in which our students grasped THE NATIONAL ENTERPRISE the aims of the session and came up BCA CAREERS FAIR The following organisations attended may have had and helped with our CHALLENGE: 15TH JANUARY 2018 The winners of the competition with outstanding work. They were were; the careers fair: understanding and tolerance towards confident in presenting their ideas On Tuesday 14th November • PRIESTLEY COLLEGE others. Year 8 G band students were involved BCA held its annual careers fair. in the biggest enterprise school event in front of the rest of the year group • WARRINGTON COLLEGIATE LIBBY BIRCHALL Engaging with people from the Yet more demonstrations of our COGS in the country earlier this term. which was excellent to see. • REASEHEATH COLLEGE MIA FLETCHER, world of work is an essential step – the characteristic of Tolerance. • CRONTON SFC The organiser and lead facilitator Liam in a young person’s transition from The National Enterprise CHLOE CANNON-BROWN Brookes was extremely impressed student to employee and the event • ST HELENS COLLEGE “ Challenge’ delivered a whole- BEN ROWE with the groups: was a great showcase for over 30 • WARRINGTON UTC day session to our students DYLAN STUART local employers, colleges, training It was a great day working with • ACCESS TO MUSIC which was really engaging, providers and universities. challenging and lots of fun. the students on the 15th. I’m BRODIE KITTERIDGE MCSHANE • CHESTER UNIVERSITY “ really looking forward to seeing The students really enjoyed Making contact with professionals • EDGE HILL how the winners progress their These students will now have the themselves and got a lot out of it from different fields definitely • THE UNIVERSITY OF LAW Disney idea from now up to opportunity to represent us in raised the horizons of learners • GET INTO TEACHING the National Finals. Throughout the National Finals in July. The ” in years 8, 9, 10 and 11, and the day, your students were a facilitators commented that they • WARRINGTON MUSEUM The facilitators were full of praise enhanced their employability credit to the school, developing would expect us to do really well • SAINSBURY’S and commended our students and skills such as networking and a real diverse range of ideas based on what they had seen. • RESULTING IT school. They were amazed at the communication. The students which would appeal to multiple particularly valued the information • O2 audiences! Mr Arukovic on jobs and careers they got from • WARRINGTON & CO ” the exhibitors. • NATIONAL CITIZENSHIP SERVICE • DAVID CAMPBELL SOCCER • LITTLE LEAGUE • ROYAL NAVY • ARMY • PDSA • CAPITA • INTERSERVE • THE LOCKER GROUP • SCHNIEDER • ASTRAZENICA • THERMOFISHER • COGENT SKILLS • SELLAFIELD • BELL GROUP

INTERFAITH WEEK

Mrs Tickle held an fantastic and innovative ‘inter faith’ day at our school. We were delighted to be able to welcome our local primaries along to support the day. We learnt about lots of different religions and beliefs from our visitors and our own students. This helped us to get rid of any pre conceived ideas and prejudices that some people

14 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 15 HOPES AND DREAMS HOPES AND DREAMS

Each year we organise a fantastic 2 incredible chef Jacquie Virgo and week event for our BOLD Cluster they also had a brilliant STEM day of primary schools. These schools with Mr McClafferty and Miss Madden 16 NEWS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2017 WG warringtonguardian.co.uk include, Beamont Community where they had to solve problems Primary School, Brook Acre and save the world from the BCA Community Primary, St Margaret’s nuclear reactor that was about to CE Primary School, St Andrews blow! C of E Primary School, St Anns C of E Primary School, Meadowside Fun and educational all rolled in to Primary School, and Dallam one! Can’t wait for the next one now! Community Primary School. Mrs Ivins The idea of the event is to inspire our Primary Transition Coordinator local kids to start thinking about their Beamont Primary School pupils took part in science, technology, Heather Eubank from Rees Vets with Maggie Apsit, Jasper Porter, Students from Beamont Primary School learned how to cook future careers. The event has an array engineering and maths activities Scarlett Nestor, Amy Deakin and Byn the dog DG_3234001 a healthy meal of amazing people happy to give up their time to talk to the students about what they do, and what they had to do Pupils share hopes and dreams to get where they are today. We had n Youngsters get the chance to try out a variety of vets from the Reece vets in Orford, careers during a week-long series of activities CHILDREN with dreams of being organised by the high school to the Police, Fire Service, the NHS, vets, engineers, firefighters or help children explore their career doctors had a chance to find out goals. IT consultants, Engineers, a dance what life is like in the workplace Students from Beamont, Brook thanks to a careers day organised Acre, Dallam, Meadowside, St teacher and a karate teacher. They by Beamont Collegiate Academy. Andrew’s, St Ann’s, St Margaret’s Eight primary schools took part and St Stephen’s took part in the also had a trip to Chester University, in the project which saw pupils event. head to The Halliwell Jones Staff from Rees Veterinary Warrington Wolves Stadium and Stadium to learn about being a Centre brought Border Collie Byn professional athlete, meet with them and children were Fiddlers Ferry Power station. officers from Cheshire Police and invited to dress up in operating visit the University of Chester. theatre outfits. Professional As well as all of this they came to BCA Budding young cooks also dancer and martial arts expert learned how to make delicious Sam Hickey also held sessions for a couple of exciting workshops, St Margaret’s Primary School pupils baked cupcakes with a meals with a professional chef. where pupils tried out their best Children from Brook Acre Primary School with Cheshire they cooked healthy snacks with professional cook The two-week programme was moves. Police officers

Warrington17/10/2017 BoroughClass/Group/Team Councils : Willow - Subject : Growth Mindset Firefighter visit

17/10/2017 Class/Group/Team : Willow - Subject : Growth Mindset Firefighter visit

Pupils

Author: Emma Ward

Pupils

Author: Emma Ward

16 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 17 PERFORM AT BCA PERFORM AT BCA ‘When you wish upon a star...’ The bright lights of BCA

Some of our Performing Arts students have been working extra hard to ‘We Will Rock You’ BCA secure their place in the The 2017/18 ‘Big Reveal’ did not disappoint. The much anticipated “Disney Performing Arts on event was only accessible if you Stage Programme” were lucky enough to have a much coveted wristband. Luckily we had These students were required to film the Beamont Bouncers on hand to an audition piece which was then sent quell the crowds. off to Disneyland Paris and, of course, our very talented students were successful in their audition and invited to perform in the world-renowned park.

On the 22nd September at 5am, 24 excited performers (and teachers!) boarded the coach ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime! The students performed like never before as they portrayed tranquil water, dangerous fire, vicious ice and mesmerising wind through an exquisite display of dance. The cast list was revealed whilst Students displayed a true sense of the audience were wowed by an stamina, resilience and determination amazing up and coming local as they performed in front of a crowd band. of 700 for twenty minutes. This is yet another show that is not to be missed. Be sure to get your tickets to see why Shakespeare in Schools Festival ‘We are the champions’ of performing arts.

“Be not afraid of greatness”

Twelfth Night by Beamont Collegiate Academy at The Contact Theatre, 16/11/2017 appraised by Natalie Diddams

I would like to offer sincere thanks and congratulations to Beamont Collegiate Academy for your wonderful production of Twelfth Night as part of the 2017 Shakespeare Schools Festival. Students and teachers alike have put hard work, imagination, determination and passion into this production, and were a credit to the school. I'd like to take this opportunity to highlight just a few fantastic moments that you should be especially proud of.

v This was an imaginative and lively production, which was engaging for the audience Year 10 Music Showcase

from start to finish. The company created atmosphere by banging broomstick handles on the stage which, along with the soundtrack, gave the play a youthful and rebellious feel. I was also impressed with the section of the play performed in the dark, lit by little LED lights. v I loved all of the characterisations, which were larger than life and full of great detail, as they should be in a play like Twelfth Night! The humour in the moments of tipsiness and Mr Jones and his team put on characters falling in love was vibrant and heartwarming. v The lighting and sound provided by Technical Students Nathan and Joe greatly enhanced this energetic production, which was brilliantly directed by Maya Greenwood, a spectacular performance last supported by the Teacher-Director, and the tight-knit company. You worked together as a team and were true professionals throughout the day. term with the Year 10 Music This was a skilfully humorous and energetic Twelfth Night performed by an enthusiastic and committed company. Showcase. We were absolutely

Congratulations to everyone involved in this superb production. I hope to see Beamont Collegiate Academy in the Festival again next year. stunned by the talent shared that

Natalie Diddams Miss Higham, supported by Mr Gillespie, led the casting of our High Level night. Watch this space for some more exceptional performances “A skilfully humorous and energetic Learners from Yr 8 for this year’s SSF. The cast led by Yr 10 director Maya Twelfth Night” Greenwood tirelessly rehearsed and prepared for this prestigious event. from our musicians, singers and songwriters. shakespeareschools.org charity no. 1164676 SSF were blown away by the family atmosphere witnessed within the squad.

18 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 19 WARRINGTON NEWS LIFE LONG LEARNERS BCA Staff leading the way … BCA IN THE NEWS In July 2014 I embarked on a two year leadership to be invited to speak on behalf of the North cohort at development programme called ‘Teaching Leaders’. This my graduation ceremony in Manchester and receive national programme is designed to support the long commendation for my contribution on the course. This Teach Secondary term improvement in schools in its mission to ensure that moment has been the highlight of my career to date and I students achieve exceptional outcomes so that they can sincerely believe that I wouldn’t have achieved this without achieve greatness. the inspiration that our students give me every day. @BCA_Principal

Throughout the course there were numerous times Mrs Curwen, Associate Assistant Principal This is an article I wrote for @TeachSecondary magazine about when I felt like I was a student myself…having to keep to our school’s journey & the fabulous deadlines to complete assignments, working with new staff & students who made it all people on projects and presentations…as well as making happen sure that my attendance at seminars was punctual and excellent! It was this ‘student’ experience that made me Follow the link or visit our website recognise and remind me, how great our students are! to read the full article.

https://www.teachwire.net/free- I am fortunate enough to see our students masterfully copy/secondary/digital balance class work, home learning, assessment preparation and retain the knowledge and skills required in a mass of different subjects! It was this sentiment that inspired me and motivated me to ‘be like our students’, moving to the Ashton-on-Mersey to apply their determination, tolerance, resilience, self- BBC News @BCA_Principal school, where United like to send reflection and aspiration, to complete the course to the their youngsters. Lingard now has a Tune in to @BBCNWT at 6:30pm this younger brother, Jasper, at Beamont best of my ability. I knew that our students achieved great Northwest evening to hear me and our students and turns up on occasion to watch his things on a daily basis, and I wanted to do the same! talk about our school’s journey & the sibling play in school matches. We also had a prime time slot on challenges schools face in securing BBC North West tonight – did you Throughout the two years of the programme I was improvements “He gets mobbed on the sidelines see us? fortunate enough to lead projects and presentations, as you can imagine!” said Mike networking with inspiring leaders that further fuelled my McLoughlin, a progress leader at Beamont who was one of Lingard’s PE passion for delivering exceptional teaching and learning The teachers. “He’s a character but there’s experiences that our students deserved. I was delighted no edge to him. A lot of the lads at Telegraph the time are still his friends now.” Craig Milburn, assistant principal at @BCAWarrington Beamont, who ran Lingard’s school football team remembers a grounded, Great to see another former student unassuming boy who was a natural succeeding in their chosen field. “our athlete and “scary to watch” at football.’ students do great things”.

How Jesse Lingard rose @MrsRixhamBCA through the Manchester BCA in the News! ‘The Ofsted United ranks - just as Sir Annual Report 2016/17 highlighted Alex Ferguson predicted Beamont Collegiate Academy as one of seven case studies across ‘Lingard attended what is now the north west which had improved Beamont Collegiate Academy in the during 2017.’ @BCAWarrington tough Warrington neighbourhood @BCA_Principal @BBCNWT of Orford between 11 and 13 before

20 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 21 MEET THE TEACHER MEET THE TEACHER

MISS QUEROL MFL TEACHER MRS RUSSELL ENGLISH TEACHER

I’m responsible for teaching Spanish and to Liverpool and worked for two years as English Teacher and Year 8 Tutor to the WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND French… not only the languages, but also Spanish language assistant in three different WHAT IMPRESSES YOU ABOUT wonderful 8O Tutor Group. INTERESTS? culture and traditions! schools. I really enjoyed it and wanted to do BEAMONT COLLEGIATE I love to walk my dog and go out into the more, so I began my PGCE. I love working with ACADEMY? WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS? countryside with my little girl, Rosie. WHAT ARE YOUR QUALIFICATIONS? young people and since the age of 18, every The very first thing that struck me was BA Hons English Studies 2:1 Degree, My husband and I are very busy in the BA (Hons) + Posgraduate in English summer, I would work as a youth leader and the determination of everybody in PGCE English, MA Dip Advanced week but when the weekend comes we Language, Literature and Linguistics. I take youngsters from my region in Spain to school to make BCA the best school Educational Practice and I am enjoy quality time together as a family. University of Zaragoza. different countries in the European Union to that it can possibly be. Having the continuing to study for my Masters As a family we support the National Master in Education (specialty: English as a carry out different projects. opportunity to work in such a caring Degree. Trust and enjoy visiting Delemere Forest, second language). Valencian International school, that provides so much support the Gruffalo Trail is a particular family University. WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND GO for their pupils and the community in WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO favourite. I love reading, which is probably PGCE Secondary Spanish with French. TO SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY ETC? general is a privilege for me. INTO TEACHING? not a huge surprise, I particularly enjoy Liverpool Hope University. I grew up in a tiny village in the North I was inspired by my college tutor reading books by Carlos Ruiz Zafon and East of Spain, called Ráfales and less than who taught that “The pen is mightier Christopher Paolini and educational WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO GO INTO 200 people live there! I absolutely love than the sword” and it is from this articles and books, such as ‘Seven Myths of TEACHING? it… I used to spend hours playing in the point in my education that I felt Education’ by Daisy Christodoulou. My mother is a teacher and I have always street with my friends making the best truly empowered to pursue a career loved being around education. Since I memories ever. It is so small that during embroiled in my love of English. I also WHAT IMPRESSES YOU ABOUT was little, I always wanted to be with her my secondary education, I had to take a love to learn and what better way to BEAMONT COLLEGIATE ACADEMY? when she was planning and creating new 20-min ride by bus to the closest town with learn new things than to work with BCA has the friendliest and warmest resources… it fascinated me! a high school! curious and inquisitive young people. students at its heart and from the moment Then, in high school I was good at English I feel it a great privilege to teach I started I have felt like part of the family. so I decided to study this at university so I studied for four years in the University and inspire the students of Beamont The staff too are incredibly kind and I could become an English teacher. This of Zaragoza, an amazing city half way Collegiate Academy. helpful, nothing is too much trouble. It was the plan until when I moved to the UK between Barcelona and Madrid; and I is clear that within this academy there for my study year abroad. After a couple also spent one year studying at Edge Hill WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND is a shared goal; to work hard and to of months here, I knew that this was the University. Later on, while working as an GO TO SCHOOL/UNIVERSITY achieve but also to be happy and caring place where I wanted to be, so I started assistant, I completed my Masters degree ETC? members of the school community. I feel to prepare myself to teach Spanish and and last year I thought I was ready enough I grew up in Widnes, not too far down very fortunate to be a part of this fantastic I realise that teaching my language and to start a new adventure, studying the the road from here and I attended academy. culture was my passion! PGCE course. Wade Deacon High School and then on to Cronton Sixth Form College. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE YOUR WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES AND I then studied at Sheffield Hallam SPECIFIC SUBJECT? INTERESTS? University, which was an incredible I’ve always loved languages and believe it I love travelling, meeting locals and experience and a great city to learn in. I or not… grammar too! During my last two learning about their traditions and culture. continued my postgraduate education years at university in Spain, I started teaching I also like photography, animals and a little closer to home in Liverpool, at English and Spanish as a second language in a football. I am a big FC Barcelona fan, Hope University and then I decided to school. I loved it and this helped me to gain the although I have to confess that since I am reconnect with academia again a few necessary experience to come back to the UK living here Everton FC has taken half of my years ago when I took up a Masters in and start my career in education. I moved heart! Advanced Educational Practice. I hope to complete this in November and I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of becoming the student once again.

22 BCA ACADEMY FOCUS BCA ACADEMY FOCUS 23 Keep up to date with the Academy A

...by following Receive us on daily Twitter updates... Search for your ...and favourite Facebook department

Every Term Time @Beamont Collegiate Academy Saturday ! £2.00 each Or £3.00 if taking part in two sessions

PERFORMING STREET KARATE SPORTS CLUB ARTS 10.am - 11.30 11.30am - 12.30 10.30am - 11.30 10.30am - 12.30 Come along and be Come along and learn Learn new skills and Drop in and get involved to pop, lock and bounce creative at BCA Performing self defence, get fi t and with different types of sports. with BCA street dance. Arts. Learn to sing, dance Included: football, A cool and energy fuelled build self confi dence badminton, basketball, and act with our LIPA class for everyone who with BCA Karate. Learn tennis, dodgeball and many, trained team. Fab, fun and wants to fi nd their inner from one of the best. really friendly! rhythm. many more! Year 2 upwards Year 2 upwards Year 2 upwards Year 3 upwards irls and bos are elcome to all our classes irls and bos are

To fi nd out more or book a place at any of the events please contact us at:

Beamont Collegiate Academy, Long Lane, Warrington, WA2 8PX T: 01925 579500 E: [email protected] W: www.bca.warrington.ac.uk

BEAMONT COLLEGIATE ACADEMY LONG LANE WARRINGTON WA2 8PX

Tel: 01925 579500 Fax: 01925 579505 Email: [email protected]