Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) Newsletter Issue No. 8, December 2014

Dear Parents / Carers

Welcome to all our readers, especially those new to our trust community. We hope you find the contents of this newsletter, which highlight just some of the activity and achievement taking place in our academies, interesting and informative. It was with a real sense of excitement and anticipation that we awaited the start of the first day of the new term in Aston and Thurcroft, but this was especially true in Lowedges Junior Academy which formally came into existence on September 1st. Trustees, governors and staff had worked hard to progress all the paperwork associated with academy conversion during the Summer Term, in the hope of a July 1st conversion, but this was not possible due to delays in the completion of documentation, so we were all delighted when finally the official notification arrived confirming that Aston Community Education Trust was responsible for a third academy. Very special mention and well done to the girls from the Aston Academy U16 Staff have been very Netball Team who were crowned South Yorkshire champions. A really amazing impressed with the wonderful achievement! We wish them good luck as they now move on to represent the start that our young people county in the next series of matches. have made to Academic Year 2014 / 2015. The pupils and Congratulations also go to Aston Academy Vice Principals, Mrs Josie Sanigar and students have arrived in the Mrs Rebecca Hibberd, whose posts have been upgraded to Associate Principals, with effect from January 1st 2015. This reflects the additional responsibilities which they will be undertaking as a consequence of my wider role as Executive Principal of Aston Academy and Chief Executive Officer for ACET. The trustees thank them academies punctually, smartly dressed; for the great commitment and service that they have already demonstrated to the have behaved well and responded Aston community and wish them well in their new roles. positively to staff. Monitoring grades indicate that the vast majority have made pleasing learning progress since September and where this is not the case, plans have been put in place to accelerate progress next term. On behalf of staff, governors and trustees, I would like to thank parents / carers for their support in enabling our young people to take maximum advantage of the opportunities made available to them – by continuing to work together in partnership in this way, we will ensure that all our youngsters are able to realise their full potential in all aspects of their development. Literacy has been a firm focus in all three of our academies this term, with the pupils and students being encouraged to read well and widely, and we ask that parents / carers continue to support their children’s progress by reading to them and with them and by talking about the importance of reading. This is important whatever your child’s stage of development – whether they are in Early Years learning to read for the first time or in Post 16 researching A Level subjects. If you would like more information about how you can support your child’s reading or As we prepare for the last week of the term, with all the excitement of Christmas wider literacy, please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Watkin or Ms Scutt in the assemblies and presentations, I ask that our pupils and students reflect on their junior academies or Mr Kilgannon in Aston. Let us try to improve the literacy skills attendance, progress and achievements so far this academic year; celebrate their of all our young people during 2014 / 2015. successes and consider any ways in which they can make further progress next term, never hesitating to seek support from our staff, who are only too happy to Congratulations to newly elected prefects at Aston, including the senior prefect assist them. We are enthusiastic and ambitious for all the young people whose team of Sasha Kiddy (Head Girl), Pepukai Nyandoro (Deputy Head Girl), Jack parents/carers have entrusted their formal education to us – a responsibility Idell (Head Boy) and William Leaning (Deputy Head Boy). These are exceptional which we take very seriously and which we will endeavour to fulfil to the very best young adults who serve as excellent role models and who will, no doubt, make of our ability during the remainder of your child’s time as part of the community an excellent contribution to their academy community, as will the Y6 pupils who of the Aston Community Education Trust. are acting as prefects in Thurcroft Junior Academy. I wish you all a very enjoyable Christmas holiday with your family and friends and These pupils demonstrate look forward to celebrating a happy and successful 2015 with you on our return impeccable behaviour in January. on a daily basis and are Best wishes, committed to supporting other pupils and staff in Eunice Newton, Executive Principal their learning community. Ms Scutt reports that they are doing a wonderful job. OutstanOduintgstanding OutstanOduintgstanding ImproveImpenrotvement ProgresPsrogress SSASTSAT Award Award SSASTSAT Award Award

2011 2011 2011 2011 1 A MESSAGE FROM THE TRUSTEES OF ASTON COMMUNITY EDUCATION TRUST (ACET)

As we near the end of 2014 diligence process we recognised and the refurbishment of the it seems that this year has the massive potential that exists hall. We have now managed to gone very quickly; perhaps there; our job is to work with obtain further funding to replace the community and help deliver most of the floor coverings in that is because we have all those expectations. Achieving a corridors around the buildings. been so busy and successful. September conversion was a big At Aston we are now pleased to This is therefore a great challenge, so the Trustees would have agreed funding to support time to look back on our like to particularly thank all of much needed maintenance and successes and also to thank our staff who made this possible. improvements to our heating those who have helped us Another big change for all of our system. This project will cost in get there. Our thanks go Governing Bodies is that they excess of half a million pounds. are now called Local Governing Trustees have asked for a report to all of our students and on the condition of Lowedges their families and carers, Bodies (LGB’s). This change has been brought about to clarify Junior Academy so that they can our staff and the governors and distinguish between the prepare funding requests for any of all our Academies – with responsibilities of the Trust and priorities. These will be progressed your ongoing support those of the Governing Bodies. along with further projects that and commitment we will This new structure will enable are being considered for our other Academies. continue to make that Governors to get even more crucial positive difference closely involved in getting to know Finally, a reminder about ACET. their Academies in community The Trustees of ACET are Jean in the outcomes for all our engagement, curriculum and Long, Roy Dyson, John Swift, students. student welfare. Paul Bennett, Eunice Newton Firstly it is worth noting that we As you may have seen from and myself (John Barton). To now have a third Academy in our previous newsletters, the learn more about our aims and multi-Academy Trust. Lowedges Trust continues to apply for ethos please feel free to visit Junior Academy joined us at capital funding for further www.astoncetrust.org the start of this school year in improvements at each of our We wish you all a very merry September 2014. Lowedges is Academies. We are pleased with Christmas and a happy and in the Sheffield area and we the improvements made to prosperous New Year. were honoured to be chosen by date at Thurcroft with the roof their Interim Executive Board refurbishment, the introduction John Barton, Chair of ACET to take over responsibility for of showers and changing facilities their school. During the due

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR PARENTS / CARERS Aston Academy Thurcroft Junior Academy Lowedges Junior Academy Aston Academy will be closed Thurcroft Junior Academy will close Lowedges Junior Academy will close at 2:00pm on Friday 19th December Thursday 18th and Friday 19th at 2:15pm on Friday 19th December 2014 for the Christmas break and December to allow time to effect 2014 for the Christmas break and pupils will return to the academy on emergency repair to our heating pupils will return to the academy on Tuesday 6th January 2015. system, in order that the academy Tuesday 6th January 2015. will be able to open again for the Monday 5th January 2015 the academy will be closed to pupils for Spring Term on January 5th 2015. Monday 5th January 2015 the INSET DAY. academy will be closed to pupils for Please visit INSET DAY. Please visit www.astonacademy.org www.lowedgesacademy.org for term dates and further for term dates and further Please visit information. information. www.thurcroftacademy.org for term dates and further information.

2 Halloween at ACET Halloween Masks All of our pupils at Lowedges Junior Academy and Thurcroft Junior Academy, as well as Y7 students at Aston Academy, were invited, with the support of parents and carers to design and make a mask at home inspired by or based on the theme of Halloween. Here are some of the winning Y7 masks. Y1 at Lowedges Junior Academy designed the certificate given to the students who designed and made the winning masks at Aston Academy.

Halloween Masks at Lowedges Junior Academy Parents/Carers were invited to share in the delight and pride of our pupils when they displayed their masks in a parade at 2.45pm across the front of the academy. Prizes were awarded to pupils with the most creative and imaginative masks in each class. Here are some examples from Y1.

A Spooky Night at the Theatre! Courageous students from y11 braved a cold October night to visit Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre to see the spine-chilling touring Halloween Displays production of The Woman in Black. A packed house was thrilled by incredible stagecraft and Each class at both junior academies produced a display of work storytelling in a truly terrifying production! As the play unfolded, related to Halloween; the starting points were the books being 60 Aston students were kept on the edge of their seats – read by the classes. A panel of judges comprising of the Principal occasionally leaping out of them! and a pupil from each year group visited each other’s academy to judge their displays. Below are two of the prize displays from The Woman in Black has earned its reputation as the most the Academies. terrifying live theatre experience in the world for more than 25 years in London’s West End. The blend of suspense, drama and shocks proved that the old-fashioned ghost story has lost none of its power to grip an audience. The attending staff were immensely proud of the compliments we received from members of the public and theatre staff; Aston students were impeccably behaved, fully absorbed in the play and wonderfully well-mannered throughout. The English faculty are delighted with the interest in theatre trips and will be offering more of these fantastic opportunities throughout the year.

3 Thurcroft Junior Academy News THURCROFT “With your commitment we will exceed expectation”

Dear Parents / Carers, and Science. Pupils have responded the completion of homework over the Christmas is fast approaching, marking positively to the new topics and it has been course of the term; your help and support the end of a rigorous and successful pleasing to see the pupils taking an active is always appreciated. I wish you all an Autumn Term. The academy implemented role in topic homework – the collection enjoyable, relaxing and safe festive the new curriculum in September to Y3, of woolly mammoths in Y3 has certainly period and look forward to working Y4 and Y5 which has involved introducing created a thought-provoking display! My with you again in the New Year. Merry new teaching programmes in areas of the thanks go to the many parents/carers Christmas and best wishes for 2015! curriculum such as History, Geography who have supported their children with Rebecca Scutt - Associate Principal

Fundraising Activities - Helping Others Helping the Academy Back in September, Mrs Wilson organised a MacMillan Coffee Morning. Staff donated cakes to Community sell at the event which raised just over £43.00. Thank you to everyone who was able to come along and show their support. The October Halloween Disco was a As part of the academy’s recognition and thanks for the Harvest Festival, food supplies were very well-attended event with almost brought into the academy in order to support the work of the Archer Project in Sheffield. As a 200 pupils returning to the academy at result of such generous donations, six prefects, accompanied by Mrs Newbolt and Miss Scutt, 5pm in what can only be described as a were able to take many boxes of donations to the Cathedral in Sheffield. The Prefects were spectacularly hair- raising event! Much able to ask questions to the Archer Project workers and received a letter of thanks shortly after the half term holiday. effort and thought had certainly been The academy communities were also involved in fundraising events for Children in Need. put into both make-up and costumes – On Friday 14th November, pupils were able to dress as ‘superheroes’ or ‘show their spots’ a huge well done to everyone involved! while donating £1 to the charity. Various items of CIN merchandise were on sale in the In total, just over £258 was raised on academy, including headbands, wristbands, Pudsey key rings and special CIN cupcake buns the evening, which enabled each class were available to purchase at morning break. The academy raised a staggering £465.38. Thank to take part in the Shoe Box Appeal – a you to everyone who supported the fundraising activities. total of nine Shoe boxes were donated to the appeal. Remaining funds were used to purchase new equipment for Reward for 100% Attendance & the pupils to use during lunchtime. Impeccable Behaviour A fantastic time was had by all on the Sports Morning; the event was very well organised thanks to Mr Grayson and Mr Staniland along with the Sports Leaders from Aston Academy. The Mirfin house Improving Progress were the overall winners (green team), in Reading however a tremendous effort was put in by During the Autumn Term, we have all participants. The behaviour of the pupils been actively promoting and raising was outstanding and they demonstrated a very positive, sporting attitude towards the profile of reading in the academy. each other. Parents provided a fantastic Being a competent reader is vital audience, providing encouragement if children are to achieve their full throughout the whole event. Thank you to potential in life. everyone who came to support the pupils We are aiming to ensure that all throughout the morning and additional children in the academy achieve their thanks to everyone who took part in the potential, and ask that you support us raffle, which raised £78.50. by listening to your child read at home. Each half term we track the number of times each pupil reads and reward pupils who consistently read at least 3 times every week. Reading at home Football Festival doesn’t just mean reading books – we In October Thurcroft Academy entered a Y5and Y6 boys team and a Y5 and Y6 girls team in to know many children read comics and the cluster partnership football competition. Despite suffering a defeat in the opening fixture magazines at home – this is fantastic the boys won 3 of 4 games to finish 3rd in their group with David Goodchild, Millen Flannigan and we actively encourage this. and Alfie Merchant the star players for the boys team. The girls started very well winning the first 2 games 3-0 and 2-0 respectively; however, a 2-1 defeat in game 3 ended the chances of an overall victory. The girls finished with a win in the final game to finish 3rd overall.

4 “With your commitment we will make a difference”

Thurcroft Junior Academy News THURCROFT “With your commitment we will exceed expectation”

Halloween Competition Winners Y3 – George Potter winner, Y3 - Kasey Smith runner-up, Y4 – Thank you to all pupils and parents who got involved with the Georgia Ball winner, Y4 - Grace Keating runner-up, Y5 – Joshua Halloween Mask design competition. The completed entries Barnes winner, Y5 - Oliver Hartshorn runner-up, Y6 – Elle have made a stunning display in the assembly hall – I feel very Whitehouse winner, Y6 - Chloe Bailey runner-up. reluctant to take them down! Congratulations to the following I look forward to viewing the entries for the Christmas pupils who’s masks were chosen as the winners by pupils from decoration competition! Lowedges Junior Academy;

Top Tips for Parents - Multiplication Tables Parents/carers of pupils attending Thurcroft Junior Academy took the opportunity to attend sessions led by the Mathematics Subject Leader last half term. Three sessions Thurcroft Oliver Hartshorn Y5 runner up Thurcroft Kaci Smith Y3 runner up Thurcroft Joshua Barnes Y5 Winner were held so that parents could become more familiar with the expectations of the curriculum as well as seek advice on how to help their children become more proficient with their multiplication and division tables. A video of the subject leader teaching in class was shared, teaching and learning strategies discussed and a ‘Teaching Multiplication Thurcroft Grace Keating Y4 runner up Tables’ leaflet was available. Tea and coffee Thurcroft Georgia Ball Y4 winner was provided and many parents took the opportunity to talk about the progress being made by their children in the academy. Mr Porter would like to thank the parents for their enthusiastic participation and openness, and is looking forward to the next Top Tips topic.

Thurcroft Chloe Bailey Y6 runner up

Thurcroft Elle Whitehouse Y6 winner Thurcroft George Potter Y3 winner

Book Fair Readathon Reading Display A big thank you to all the pupils and For the first time this year we have run a As part of our October and parents who purchased books from sponsored reading event called Readathon. Halloween celebrations, we have the Book Fair held before the half The charity raises money for seriously and had a competition to decorate our term holiday - over £400 of books terminally ill children. The aim of the event classroom windows. Each class was were sold! As a result of the sales, is to encourage the children to read as given an extract from a ‘spooky’ story the academy has been given just over many books as possible within a given time and the pupils designed a window £135 worth of books in commission, period while raising money at the same display. The pupils were challenged to which have been distributed among time. Although only a small number of the read extracts from Dracula, Macbeth, the classes for the pupils to use both pupils took part, they managed to raise a The Woman in Black, Room 13 and in the academy and for home reading. very impressive £527. We are planning to Harry Potter. The displays produced The Book Fair will be returning to the run the event next year and hope you will were of an excellent quality and were academy at the end of February to run support us to encourage more pupils to judged by pupils of Lowedges Junior another one day fair. participate in this very worthy cause. Academy.

Thank you for your continued time and support! Ms Scutt, Associate Principal, Thurcroft Junior Academy

5 Lowedges Junior Academy News LOWEDGES

Dear Parents / Carers, There was a very smooth transition to academy status for Lowedges in September. Since returning for the new academic year parents, staff and pupils have commented very positively on our high expectations, standards of uniform, standards of behaviour and the rich and varied curriculum opportunities. Excellent relationships are being fostered with the staff from Aston and pupils are thoroughly enjoying their lessons in PE/ Games, Art, MFL, Music and Computing. Catherine Watkin, Associate Principal

Anti-bullying Behaviour As part of our Anti-bullying launch, 12 pupils from Y3 and Y4 attended Anti-bullying In line with our change to academy Ambassador Training at Birley Community College, to learn how to tackle bullying status we have also been working on around the academy. They now have a wider knowledge of the impacts of bullying improving our Behaviour Policy. This and have regular meetings to plan how they can support other pupils around the has been distributed to all staff and academy. In ‘Anti-bullying Week’, (17th – 21st November 2014) the Anti-bullying agreed on as a working policy that Ambassadors helped with: all staff will be observing within the • Introduction assemblies to KS1 and KS2. school environment. • Lessons and activities based around friendship and anti-bullying. A copy of this is available in the • An Anti-Bullying day on Friday 21st November where, for 20p, the children could academy entrance if you would like to wear an item of blue clothing to show support for Anti - Bullying throughout read through it. academy, with different activities running throughout the day. All the children were also given a chance to enter a competition to design an Anti- bullying Poster. There were so many fantastic entries that in the end we had a KS1 winner, a KS2 winner and 6 runners-up!!

Sheffield Sharks Visit On Monday 24th November, Patrick Horstmann from the Sheffield Sharks Basketball Team visited the academy. He led assemblies for KS1 and KS2 about healthy eating and being active. Patrick then did some reading activities with Y1 and Y2. Afterwards the children could take part in a competition where the winner could win a signed Basketball. Athletic Event On Tuesday 11th November a group of Y6 pupils represented the school at an indoor athletic event at the English Institute of Sport. Pupils took part in track events such as individual and team relays, obstacle races and hurdles as well as field events. All pupils performed with great distinction finishing in third place overall and narrowly missing out on the regional finals.

6 “With your commitment we will make a difference”

Lowedges Junior Academy News LOWEDGES

Children in Need House System In support of Children in Need, pupils To promote a sense of belonging and pride, the children have been randomly were invited to wear fancy dress for allocated into the four Lowedges Junior Academy houses; Wainwright, Graves, Lupton the day and decorate biscuits for a and Selioke. The children can earn merits for their house for excellent behaviour, small donation, which raised £149.13. outstanding work or effort, as well as any excellent contribution to the school Thank you to all who donated, and also community. to the Post 16 students from Aston Academy who made a surprise visit with special treats for the children.

Christmas Tree Attendance Trip Six of our pupils, one from each year from Y1-Y6 were lucky enough to be selected to go to a Christmas Tree Farm to choose this year’s academy Christmas tree. This was a reward for 100% attendance and excellent behaviour.

7 Aston Academy News ASTON “With your commitment we will make a difference”

you please do all that you can to ensure to a close we will be saying goodbye Dear Parents / Carers, that your child arrives in school wearing to Mel Siddall and Elaine La Dell. Mel Our young people have worked so hard a suitable coat. Non-uniform jumpers or has taught drama and performing arts throughout this long and busy half term sweatshirts should not be worn instead of at the academy for 25 years and Elaine and are, no doubt, very much looking a coat or jacket. Students are permitted has worked within the inclusion faculty forward to a break from the school to wear low heeled plain black boots as a teaching assistant for 16 years. On routine over the festive period. It has been during the winter months but trousers behalf of everyone associated with ACET noticeable how smart students have been must be worn outside of the boots. Please I wish them all the best for the future and this term and we would like to express our consult our website or contact staff in thank them for their service to our school sincere thanks to parents and carers for the academies for additional guidance on community. supporting us in this respect. As the winter acceptable clothing and footwear during Josie Sanigar the cold weather. As the academy comes weather conditions worsen, we ask that Associate Principal – Aston Academy English

We are very proud of the rapid progress Y11 students are making Of Mice and Men. Discussing these texts with adults at home is an towards their vital GCSEs in English Language and Literature. Students excellent form of active revision. If you would like any guidance on are showing very impressive diligence and dedication by attending how best to support your child through the English GCSE course please the extra sessions provided by English teachers and most importantly do not hesitate to contact the English Faculty. they are making every lesson count. January sees a shift in focus to Students in Y7, Y8 and Y9 continue to impress with their sharp insights examination technique to ensure students are absolutely ready for into reading texts and delightful creative writing. We look forward their pre-public exams and the external papers in the Summer Term. to judging the entries for the ‘Wonder: Auggie, Two Years On’ writing Y10 have fully embraced the challenges of a rigorous start to their competition over the Christmas break. English GCSEs and have already tackled the key texts of Heroes and maths

ONLINE MATHS HELP FOR ALL STUDENTS UK MATHS CHALLENGE – Did you know that Aston Academy provides access for KS5 INDIVIDUAL SUCCESSES all its students to use the online learning resources at Following on from the team challenge, a larger group of 40 post- ‘MyMaths’? Just go to www.mymaths.co.uk and enter 16 Maths students sat the national Senior Maths Challenge. This these login details; username = aston password = number individual exam tests the students’ ability to use maths skills to All students also have their own ‘portal’ login details solve problems. Congratulations to Richard Nicklin (Y13) and William Leaning (Y12) for getting the best scores in their year groups and for which can be used to save any work they do. The website also being awarded with national gold certificates. Richard has also can be used for accessing help on topics students find qualified to go through to the national finals – best of luck Richard! difficult, for accessing extension work or for practicing Well done to all the other students who were awarded national exam-style questions. certificates: Archie Galbraith, Daniel Reynolds, Joseph Baggaley, Katie Marshall, Charlotte Parkin, Benjamin Taylor, Ben Fozzard, Daniel Ferriday, Liberty Bennett and Daniel Willey (all from Y13); Sasha Kiddy, James Herring, Keaton Askew, Jason Wilcock, Phoebe Galbraith and POST 16 MATHS SUCCESSES! Matthew Long (all from Y12). On Wednesday 5th November four Post-16 Maths students represented Aston Academy at the regional final of the UKMT Senior Team Challenge. The team went through three rounds of problem solving questions. Round one was made up of ten general problem solving questions; round two involved the team working in two pairs to solve a cross number grid and round three consisted of a relay with the team working in pairs to solve problems in order to achieve a correct run of four answers in under 6 minutes. The team did very well managing to come 7th out of 18 extremely mathematically strong teams. Well done to the team members. Head of Maths Mr Duncan awards Daniel Reynolds (Y13) and Richard Nicklin (Y13) with their certificates from the UK Mathematics Trust 8 MFL The European day of and Y8 classes took part in a competition in September. They had to research facts about Languages a European country and create a poster. On On the 26th September, all across Europe, the 26th at lunchtime, representatives from people celebrate the variety of languages classes stuck all the posters on a giant map spoken across the countries that are of Europe that in the end proved to be far members of the European Council. This too small for all the fantastic work. represents over 225 languages spoken in 47 Mr Burton’s Y8 Aspiration class was chosen countries. Yet, these languages, some spoken by the MFL staff as the best and most by only a few hundred people, represent only informative poster. They created a fantastic 3% of the 7000 languages spoken across the piece of work about Poland and won a world! To celebrate this diversity and learn European breakfast, with pastries and other more about our European neighbours, Y7 delicious food. Well done to them! Science

Science Club has been up and running for several weeks now, and is already proving to be a great success! With activities ranging from forensic investigations, making slime and creating huge flames with methane bubbles, we incorporate team work with exciting experiments. Our rat dissection was immensely popular, with even a group of Y11’s coming to see what was going on! There is something for everyone at Science Club, it’s a great place to make new friends, try something new, and learn even more about science! Plus you earn 5 merit stamps every time you attend! If you are interested in coming to Science Club it is every Wednesday, 3-4pm in F2.1, and is run by Miss Spiewak, Miss Ashley and Mr Kiss-Toth. art, design and technology

September 2014 saw the Art and Design and • Implementation of the new KS3 The Art, Design and Technology Faculty is Technology departments merge to become Programme of Study committed to providing relevant, engaging the Art, Design and Technology Faculty. There • Extending our range of Post 16 courses and challenging learning experiences, where are exciting changes ahead planned for the to include BTEC Art and Design and BTEC all of our students learn how to take creative Art and D&T curriculum both nationally Fashion and Clothing for September 2015 risks, develop confidence in their practical and at Aston Academy, which we are busy skills and become resourceful, innovative and • New GCSE specifications in Design and planning and preparing for. Key developments enterprising young adults. Technology and Cooking and Nutrition for include: Mrs. S Martin, Head of the Art, Design and September 2016 Technology Faculty.

Did you know?! Students in our current KS4 cohort are studying KS3 Design and Technology Though out the course of the school year Y7 and Y8 students study and rotate around three one of the following option choices below: areas within Design and Technology; Food Technology, Product Design (which incorporates • GCSE Art Graphic Design, Resistant Materials and Systems and Control) and Textiles Technology. • GCSE Food Technology Our Y8 Textiles Technology students have been busy designing and making cushion covers • GCSE Product Design* based around the theme of ‘Spikes and Scales’ using recycled fabrics and • GCSE Resistant Materials components. • GCSE Textiles Technology • VCERT Art and Design* • VCERT Graphic Design* *new for our 2014 Y10 students!

Yorkshire Sculpture Park In October, the Y9 Art students visited the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. It was a fantastic couple of days and the sculptures were amazing. Students particularly enjoyed the work of world famous artist Ursula Von Rydingsvard. Our Y9 students were a joy to be with and a credit to our school community. We look forward to doing it again next year!

9 PE, Music and Health Faculty

The Physical Education faculty are proud of all New Courses our students’ extra-curricular activities and we for KS5 wish these four students particular success in their After another successful set of KS5 results the PE, Music and Health upcoming endeavours. Faculty we are excited to expand our Josh Cox – Team England Kickboxing Nathan Wasteney – Team England opportunities for our future Post 16 Squad Kumite (Karate) Squad students. In September 2015 we will Josh competes for Team England Youth Nathan recently competed in the be launching our NEW FOOTBALL squad in Kickboxing. He is ranked 4th in National Karate finals and achieved ACADEMY, alongside a full time the world in his age group and recently silver in Kumite (fighting). He is sport course that will develop sports finished in 4th place at the Youth World currently 2nd in the UK at his age and coaches and PE teachers of the future. Championships in Italy. Josh’s season belt range. Nathan has been at the top The football academy will provide full has just finished and he is working hard of his age range for a number of years to climb the rankings to achieve 1st and represents England. He is going time training and a competitive fixture place. from strength to strength and has a list travelling around the Yorkshire Kate Clifton – Yorkshire Swimming successful future in Martial Arts. area; the academy team will play Squad Lauren Cooke - Martial Arts their home games at the revamped Kate Clifton is one of our brightest Lauren is another star performer at and impressive Swallownest Miners sports stars. She has recently competed Aston Academy who excels in martial Welfare Ground which will encourage in the Yorkshire Counties swimming arts. She competed in the Revolution stronger links with the wider competition where she finished 2nd in British Championships on Sunday 2nd community. The new full time Sports the 800m freestyle competition. Kate November in Freestyle Forms coloured course will allow students the chance will be competing in the North East belts. She came 2nd and received to study a whole variety of sporting regionals in the coming weeks and is a silver medal which is an amazing aspects alongside gaining valuable only 3 seconds off the qualifying time accomplishment! The PE faculty are experience and other sporting in representing Britain in the Junior very proud of her. Olympics. qualifications. We are also pleased to launch our new PERFORMING ARTS course at Post-16. This will target our Aston Academy U16 Netball the Best in the County!! talented performers in dance, music After a tough competition on Saturday a team of 9 girls from both Y10 and Y11 were crowned and drama. These courses will be County Netball Champions. Our first match was a local rivalry against Wickersley with Aston running alongside other subjects in narrowly winning 7-6; the second match saw Aston defeated by Sheffield High 10-7 in a tough match; Olivia Saxby’s strength in attack helped Aston narrow the goal difference in the second half. our ever growing and expanding Post Our next opponents were Tapton. This is where Aston began to excel; Katie Jacobs working alongside 16 provision at Aston Academy. Gemma Coyle and Hannah Fitzgerald scoring a fantastic 17 goals giving Aston an essential boost to their goal average, finishing 17-2. High in confidence, going into their final match against Silverdale, Aston’s remarkable teamwork was evident, accurate shooting from Mollie Hobson and Katie Jacobs allowed Aston to take advantage of the strong work defensively in the center court by Olivia Hirst and win 11-2. Post-16 Health and The defence were solid throughout the tournament with numerous skillful interceptions made by Social Care Sarah Marsh, Georgia Fox and Ericka Bishop. The defensive trio often turned their oppositions centre Special Congratulations to the Post pass allowing Aston to score and gain an advantage, which was vital with the high standard of 16 Health and Social Care students netball being played by all teams. who recently completed the 1st phase of their practical assessment. This is the first time any Rotherham school has been crowned county champions and we are The 19 students had to teach a 40 extremely proud of all the girls. minute lesson to Foundation Stage at Lowedges Junior Academy achieving the highest marks for their application and delivery. Children made Halloween masks, Bonfire night posters and scary decorations.

10 POST 16 STUDENTS IN FOCUS

MACMILLAN COFFEE STUDENTS MEET MORNING JESSICA ENNIS-HILL The MacMillan Coffee Morning organised by Post 16 students, On Tuesday 25th November, 10 of our Y12 and Y13 students visited was a huge success this year. Thanks to the huge generosity of the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield to lead a full day of sporting staff at Aston Academy and Thurcroft Junior Academy, and Post 16 activities to over 500 Y1 students from Rotherham. Whilst leading students and their families!, for baking buns and purchasing them over 16 sessions, Olympic Gold medalist Jessica Ennis-Hill came over at break time, we raised £334.91 for MacMillan Cancer Support. to compliment the Aston students on the impressive way they were delivering sessions to all the young people.

ForCHILDREN Children in Need 2014, Post 16 studentsIN enthusiastically NEED took part in the annual fancy dress. The costumes, as always, were incredible A huge thank you goes to the students and staff at Aston Academy, and we are proud to have raised £693 just from the collections during Thurcroft Junior Academy and Lowedges Junior Academy, for bringing Period 1 and by organising and running quizzes, including “Where’s in spare change in order to donate to the cause. We hope next year Pudsey?”, “Guess the teacher’s baby photo”, “Guess the name of the brings just as much success and fun! bear” and “Guess the weight of the cake”.

Post 16 Prefects, Abbey Freeman, Ashlie Smith and Abigail Middleton present winners of the “Guess the Baby Photo” and “Where’s Pudsey” quizzes.

Abigael Williams (7FA2) receiving the Children in Need cake from Ms Bev Kerr, Unit Manager, having correctly guessed its weight:

6lb ! Connie Dawson, Daniella Jackson and Charlotte Chatterley join the princesses of Lowedges Junior Academy.

Appointment of Head Boy and Head Girl Trustees were delighted to appoint Sasha Kiddy and Jack Idell as Head Girl and Head Boy supported by Pepukai Nyandoro and William Leaning who have been appointed as their deputies following a rigorous interview process. Twenty four Post 16 students were appointed as Prefects and will be supporting the younger students around school, in their tutor groups and participating in the inter-House competitions.

11 POST 16 AT ASTON ACADEMY HIGHEST A LEVEL PASS RATE IN ROTHERHAM 2014! Post 16 at Aston Academy is made up of a lively, thriving and diverse next stage; whether that be higher education, training or employment. community of learners. Our aim, in keeping with the Academy’s mission Our students are highly successful in this regard. This year, 95% of statement is that every student is enabled “to reach their full potential, students progressed on to a range of degree courses at universities across whatever their age, ability, gender or ethnicity”. As such, we provide a the country, with others moving on to apprenticeships or employment. broad and varied curriculum which caters for a wide range of learning If you choose Aston Academy for your post 16 journey, the advice, needs. guidance and support you will receive is second to none. You will be For September 2015, we will be offering twenty-two traditional A Level allocated a Daily Tutor who will support you with any problems or courses as well as a broad selection of opportunities for students to concerns you may have, you will also be assigned a Progress Tutor who follow BTEC Diploma pathways at level 3. A full list of our courses is will review your progress with you on a regular basis, and provide you provided below. with additional one to one support! At Aston Post 16, we pride ourselves on the exceptional A Level and BTEC results achieved by our students year on year. This year, we achieved the How do I apply? highest A Level pass rate in Rotherham at 99.7%, of which 60% of grades Applications should be made on line, using www.ucasprogress.com The were at A*- B; well above national averages! closing date for applications is Friday 9th January 2015. Should you Becoming a post 16 student at Aston is about more than just achieving require any further information or assistance with the application process, academic qualifications however, we want our students to develop all of please do not hesitate to contact us on [email protected] the skills and confidence they will need to move on successfully to their

Courses for 2015 PLEASE KEEP • Art and Design • Further Mathematics • Business and Marketing/ IN TOUCH!! Law/Finance (Single) • Business Studies • Photography We would love to keep in touch • Fashion and Clothing with you via our Alumni Network. • Biology • Physics (Single) By signing up at the website • Chemistry • Physical Education • Health and Social Care below, we can keep you connected • Economics • Product Design (Offered as Single & after you leave Aston Academy. • English Language • Psychology Double) By staying in touch, you’ll get to hear about opportunities to gain • English Literature o Film • Religious Studies: • IT (Single) experience and develop your skills Studies Philosophy and Ethics • Performing Arts (Drama/ and CV. There is also a short 90 Music/Dance—)Double) • French • Sociology second animation - which you can • Geography • Spanish • Sports Performance and find on either YouTube or Vimeo. Excellence (Offered as • Government and Politics Single, Double & Triple) Please sign up at: BTEC DIPLOMA COURSES https://networks.futurefirst.org. • History ADDITIONAL COURSES uk/student/astonacademy • Applied Science (Single) • Mathematics • Extended Project Thank you! • Art and Design (Single) Qualification

Aughton Road, Swallownest, Sheffield, S26 4SF Tel: (0114) 287 2171 Fax: (0114) 287 6359 Email: [email protected], [email protected] www.astoncetrust.org www.astonacademy.org www.thurcroftacademy.org 12