Academy News Autumn Term - Issue 1 Page 1

Autumn Term Issue 1

Open Evening

Another huge success with over 375 families attending in the evening and over 30 families visiting during the school day. The Principal gave 3 talks to parents throughout the evening, with the Auditorium filled to capacity. Thank you to all of our visitors, and for all of your wonderful feedback.

Year Seven Summer School *meet and handle a range of animals, *design/paint an animal poster Eighty five soon to be Year 7 pupils spent insects and reptiles, including a pygmy *learn sign-language five fun-filled days at the Academy crocodile, a skunk, a pair of meerkats, a *take part in competitive sport following an action packed itinerary. *use ICT to research and present Summer School is about giving pupils time information to make new friends and become better * plant seeds and investigate bugs acquainted with their school before the *toast marshmallows by tea-light official start of term. This helps to boost Thank you to everyone who made this their confidence and allay any fears they week such a huge success. Mrs Edgar might have of ‘coming up to the big school’. The theme of this year’s Summer School was ‘Animals’ and each pupil was assigned to a team (Monkeys, Snakes, bearded dragon, a chameleon, a Tigers, Rhinos, Parrots and Crocodiles) tarantula, a tree-frog, a scorpion, a that they spent the majority of their time hedgehog, an owl, a snake and a millipede with. * design and print a ‘T-shirt’ and a mug Every pupil at Summer School had the * make lemon drizzle cup cakes opportunity to: *design and make a notebook Academy News Autumn Term - Issue 1 Page 2

writing stories to his work as an The Principal's award-winning comedy writer to how he desperately tried to scare the life Monologue out of his three boys while composing his latest horror offering, ‘The Schools are places where time passes Hunted’, the new book in his ‘The exceptionally quickly. Every day whizzes Enemy’ series. Our Year 7 pupils were by, every term is over before you know particularly excited to hear about his it. The pace of life in the last eight weeks work writing the ‘Young Bond’ series has been no exception and they have been littered with significant events. and enjoyed listening to his obsession with the scariest monster of all, the Our open evening was very well zombie – especially when he likened attended. Over 400 families came them to teenage boys! Pupils were so through the Academy doors and there taken with Charlie’s talk that as soon was much positive feedback provided as they got back to school, their first about the building but more importantly stop was the LRC to check which of about the pupils that showed parents his books were available to borrow! around. Everyone I spoke to commented Mr Duffield on how friendly, mature and impressive our pupils were.

We also had our annual Haberdashers’ Higson Horror Talk A Great Success! th Deputation. This is when our sponsors On Tuesday 16 September, the send a number of their members to visit English department took a group of the Academy and reassure themselves enthusiastic Year 7 readers to that we are Oakengates Theatre to hear best- delivering the kind of education they selling children’s author Charlie value. Again must positive praise was Higson talk all things books. A packed received and a common thread was the audience full of students from across confidence of the pupils that showed the Shropshire listened intently as Charlie Haberdashers’ around the building. chatted about a whole host of topics

Our House system has really come to life ranging from how he first started this term. The first two big competitions were held, photography and cross country. The first was won by Chloe Kennedy from Darwin House. The inaugural House cross country race was a fantastic event. Nearly 1000 pupils and 36 staff ran the race. The purpose of these events is to build competition and belonging. They also teach us that sometimes we need to do things that we are not good at, and maybe would rather not do, for the greater good of a community. For those of us, and I include myself here, for whom running is Rolls Royce recently sponsored an borrow money (monopoly money!) and a not a favourite past time the fact that Enterprise Activity Day at Aston team of buyers who negotiated a price we did it shows great character. Many University. Tasmin Mason, Serena for the items and ideas they were thanks to all staff and pupils. Heales, Jack Loftus, Nathan Garvey, Katie making. The academy students designed

Goring, and Govind Kumar from year 10 a ‘computer wrist band, which was well The winners were Woodhall House. had no idea what to expect, but were received by the buyers. At the end of the Owen, Darwin and Webb were 2nd, 3rd pleased to see lots of other students day the team were placed 11th out of 30 and 4th respectively. Next year we will from other schools in exactly the same an impressive performance. The hold the event a little earlier in the year position. A package of information was students also watched a presentation to try and avoid the rain. on each table which they had to digest about Aston University, and student

and act upon at the start of the finance, all in all a very worthwhile day. Have a restful half-term and return rd challenge. There was a supply desk Thank you to everyone at Aston energised on the 3 November. where they could purchase items (a glue University and Miss Moszynska for stick cost £20!) a bank, where they could organising. Mrs Kendall Academy News Autumn Term - Issue 1 Page 3

Abraham Darby Academy Senior Jazz Band Success Music For Youth 2014.

It was a cold Saturday morning in performances by young musicians Practice ertificate c rewards special March 2014 when the members of from across the UK. Featuring jazz, achievement in the quality of the Senior Jazz Band, Brass Band, orchestral, rock, folk and world, musicianship, or an aspect of Showband, Clarinet Choir and urban, wind and brass, pop, choral performance presentation that Percussion Ensemble boarded a and chamber music! The Academy’s deserves particular coach and travelled to Meole Brace Senior Jazz Band was performing acknowledgement. The Innovation School in Shrewsbury in order to alongside some of the top School certificate is awarded for perform at the regional round of Jazz Bands in the UK which included performances that are particularly Music for Youth Festival (MFY). The Northampton School for Boys Big imaginative, creative or inspiring. Senior Jazz Band performed a twelve Band, The Blue Coat School Jazz minute programme including Orchestra and Roundwood Park After such an inspirational, well - Gordon Goodwin’s piece ‘Hunting School Jazz Band. Under the balanced and innovative Wabbits’ and Sammy Nestico’s direction of Doug Bill and Tom performance the Abraham Darby arrangement of ‘God Bless the Gledhill the band performed a Academy’s Senior Jazz Band was Child’. The performance was demanding set, which included presented with the Performance celebrated in the feed back Weather Report’s ‘Birdland’ Practice award. This was in comments given by the music featuring the Academy’s electric recognition for.., ‘a truly amazing mentors. bass player Harry Beech. performance with outstanding solos It was approximately two months and a truly professional approach to later the news came through that all aspects of performance’. both the Clarinet Choir and the Certificates of This achievement was the perfect Senior Jazz Band had impressed the Achievement ending to what has to be described music mentors so much they invited as one of, if not, the most successful them to perform at the National At each session during the Festival, year ever for the Abraham Darby Finals held in . Music Mentors present two special Academy Senior Jazz Band. Celebrating 10 years in Birmingham Certificates of Achievement, one for 8-12 July 2014, MFY's National Performance Practice and one for Mr Gledhill Festival showcases dynamic Innovation. The Performance Academy News Autumn Term - Issue 1 Page 4 Deputation Day

Once again the Academy welcomed the annual Haberdashers’ Deputation for a packed day of activities. The party of fourteen were taken on tours of the building and into lessons by students in The experience of a lifetime! defence class. My wave was the year 11. Following on, all year 7 first wave to be able to attend The National citizens Service is a the NCS festival. There was government run program that music, food, paint and people. It offers you at the age of 16 to have was an amazing day! a once in a life opportunity.

During this past summer we On the completion of the first participated on the program. two weeks, we were then During week one, we travelled to required to do ‘social action’, this Glan Llyn, here we participated in is when we met up with our lots of different activities such as team and leader and planned a rock climbing, canoeing, gorge project that aimed to benefit our walking and raft building. This is a community. We are so happy students were presented with a King picture of us on Bala Lake. that we got involved with the James Bible, the Master gave a brief national citizen’s service. NCS speech and welcomed the students into has made me a better person. the Haberdasher family of schools. Not only have I faced my They then attended a Q & A session with some students from years 7-11 and fears but I have also made also visited the extra curricular activities amazing new friends and on offer that day. Another very helped my community. I successful visit and our guests left with would recommend the smiles on their faces! experience to everyone.

Abbey Turton and Andrew McMahon-Stone

During the second week we stayed in the Hotel and Golf Resort, here we had the opportunity to make a film and designed our own franchise for a smoothie business, this included making our own smoothie and presenting it to our wave manager. We also got to have a free driving lesson and a self- Academy News Autumn Term - Issue 1 Page 5

opportunities available to you, be as develop leadership skills. There is a blend creative as you can be and use your of different activities to ensure that surroundings to inspire your success. everyone has the opportunity to represent their house at some point. There is a strong emphasis on the need to include pupils (a sense of belonging) Webb house thrives on the ethos of: immediately on joining Webb House and  Belonging build on the sense of community with  Heroes each other as well as the need for positive role models. In our house we  Sense of accomplishment work to achieve through team work,  Fun and excitement encouragement and enjoyment.  Curiosity and creativity It is very important that students within  Spirit of adventure the house are happy and have all they  Leadership and responsibility need to reach their true full potential.  Confidence to take action This will be achieved through a strong Welcome to Webb House. My name is Miss Owen emphasis on mutual respect for each Miss Owen and I am lucky enough to be This term the four houses have been other and a calm and caring environment. the head of this fantastic house. Webb is running a photo competition. Below is a fun and exciting house where all There are many opportunities for student the winning entry entitled ‘Calm’ for students are valued for their contribution, leadership within the House system. Webb House by whether they be large or small. Webb House believes it is important to Courtney Hellowell 11 SEW provide more opportunities for our Mary Webb, novelist and poet, is students to take responsibility and Shropshire’s most famous daughter. She passionately loved the Shropshire countryside, which she knew intimately, drawing from it her settings, her characters and the rich descriptive detail of her novels and poems. Her creativity was inspiring. The message we can all learn from Webb is that you should make the most of your Webb House chosen charity for the year

Here is Darwin’s winning entry to the photography competition

Confident Calm Caring Chloe Kennedy 11MAB

Darwin House is named after probably the best known local scientist in Shropshire, Charles Darwin. Darwin was a British biologist who laid the foundations of the Theory of Evolution and transformed the way we think about the natural world. He is celebrated as one of the greatest and most innovative scientists who ever lived. There are two quotes from Darwin’s writing that have provided Darwin House with our motto; “In the long history of humankind (and animal kind, too) those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.” “It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change.”

We in Darwin House are a proud bunch. We work hard and we play hard, always with a smile! We love to win, but even if we

don’t it is with the knowledge that we have tried our best. We love to work as a team and encourage and support each other as we strive to do our best to succeed in whatever we are doing. Mrs Duggan Academy News Autumn Term - Issue 1 Page 6

Woodhall House is named after the famous Telford sportsman, Richie Woodhall. He is a former English boxer who held the WBC super title. He took the Bronze medal at the 1988 in Seoul and won the 1990 . Since retiring, he has followed a career in broadcasting with the BBC and Sky Sports. He has recently established his own charity, “Fight For Change”, that uses the sport of boxing in inner cities and socially excluded communities to engage young people in positive activities. Richie grew up in Telford on the Woodside estate. .He attended the Abraham Darby School from 1979-1984. Richie was renowned Richie Woodhall was presented with his for his hard work, teamwork and ‘above Woodhall House Sweatshirt by Mr Bennett in and beyond’ spirit. an Assembly at the start of term. These are the three values that Woodhall House is built upon. Whether solving murder mysteries, designing Christmas We want to make your time in Woodhall cards or playing house rugby I would House as enjoyable and successful as always expect you to demonstrate these possible, both through competition and pillars of the house values when taking providing opportunities for personal part in any activity. “Acta non verba”, growth. Our main expectation from all which translates into actions not words, is students in Woodhall House is that you the motto of Woodhall House. We want take part to the best of your ability. Woodhall House students to use their Remember, alone we can do so little; Woodhall House Captains initiative and take part in all activities together we can do so much! and Sports Captains to the best of their ability. Mr Bennett

Owen House is named after Wilfred As our motto suggests, student leadership is another key aspect Owen, one of Shropshire’s most famous of Owen House. We have a senior team of 2 house captains and sons. He was a officer in WW1 and led his 2 vice-captains who help run house events and deliver men bravely into battle on several assemblies. Each mentor group also has a nominated form occasions. However, his real talent was representative and sports captain to help with the promotion with words! He was the most amazing and organization of competitions. We want Owen House poet and managed to capture just how students to aspire to be future leaders and try to provide horrible the war was in dozens of poems regular opportunities for them to demonstrate their ability. that he wrote on the subject. His poems are now known all over the world and are often read out on Remembrance Day each year. His life gives us our House motto, which is: TALENTUM. DUCTUS. FORTITUDO. It means ‘TALENT.LEADERSHIP.BRAVERY’. In other words, we Owen students to show off their talents, set an example to others and be brave enough to make the right choices. Throughout the year, we hold lots of different competitions, to give students chance to win points for Owen House and help us Owen House Photography Competition win the House Cup at the end of the year. Some of these Winner include: Jasmine Birt 7 ERH Mr Gillespie INTERHOUSE SPORTS, HOUSE ARTS FESTIVAL, MURDER MYSTERY, MASTERCHEF,CREATIVE COMPETITIONS and CHARITY FUNDRAISING Many of the competitions involve trying new things for the first time; Owen students are encouraged to be open-minded in the pursuit of hidden talents! All students are expected to take part in the Interhouse competitions and Owen House uses an 8 level reward system to motivate them to do so. Academy News Autumn Term - Issue 1 Page 7

Solid Start to Sixth Form Netball! The girls played their first friendly match Netball at Abraham Darby Academy has against local rivals Madeley Academy last been going from strength to strength in week. As well as demonstrating a high recent years and this year, the sixth form level of skill, the team was able to identify netball team is already looking better areas to improve which will be worked on than ever. The level of performance from in training sessions. It may have poured it the girls last year was amazing, down and with Justine being carried off particularly during the Haberdashers with a sprained ankle, you would have tournament. This year’s team of Lois thought that the girl’s performance would Fiano, Amy Vincent, Justine Tanomjit, drop. However, the competition was Chloe Hobbs, Georgia Fellows, Hannah fierce and the teams were evenly Venables, Nicole Kerce, Sandy Bassi and matched until the end with Madeley Last two weeks of the summer Suzette Yeboah are hoping to achieve taking the winning shot to end the game holiday, saw the rugby teams even greater things. 18-17 to Madeley Academy. It was a from all age groups come into the tough game, and a great performance The team has been working hard in Academy for some pre season regular training sessions on Wednesdays again from all the players. The score was and Thursdays; improving teamwork, close throughout the whole game which, training to "ease" them into the developing match tactics and learning hopefully, will end in favour of our girls new season. There were two technical drills. As well as preparing for when the two teams meet again in a few sessions, juniors and seniors. this year’s Hab’s tournament, the girls will weeks. Both were well attended with Hopefully, the girl’s success will continue also be taking part in the sixth form numbers never dipping below 17. league, competing against a high standard to grow in the next few months and of netball from around Shropshire, and netball at Abraham Darby will improve Pre season training is vital to hopefully a netball tour later in the year. even further! prepare the students for the With only a few training sessions physical and mental challenges together, the girls were asked to compete Amy Vincent & Miss Knowles they will encounter this term. in a tournament held at Newport Girls Well done to all that came, it was School against teams such as William Brookes and Wrekin College. All the enjoyable to see you working so girls put 110% effort into the games, hard! showing that although they hadn’t been together as a team for long, the Mr Bennett time they had worked together had been put to good use. This was reflected in the result as the came 3rd overall. A highlight of the tournament, was an astonishing 8-1 win over local school Wrekin College!

Abraham Darby's ‘B’ team played a fair Ellie( v.Charlton) and Alisha(v. Idsall and game at the Madeley Academy Newport) as appointed by opponents, tournament. A lively atmosphere from helping to boost confidence and gain a other teams helped to welcome us and sense of achievement for players, relax tension from nerves as we drew our although the other members of the team first two matches against Charlton and played just as well. Congratulating our ‘A’ our guest team: 1-1. Sadly loosing out on team for making it to the finals, we hope our third and fourth matches against to participate in more tournaments soon Idsall and Newport, the scores being: 3-2 and with assurance progress to reach the and 8-1. Players of the match included finals. Ellie Baggott

The Year 10 ‘A’ Netball team coach, Miss Smith, where constructive Madeley 0 – 11 ADA recently took part in a competitive criticism was made, we were able to Burton Borough 4 – 5 ADA tournament held at Madeley Academy at compete in the final with 100% effort Newport Girls 2 – 1 ADA the end of September. After a scrappy against Newport Girls High (A team) yet; Also, a huge congratulations to the and inadequate start to the tournament, unfortunately, we came away with a loss ‘players player’ of the matches: we realised that we were not playing up of 2-1. However, having only played a five Olivia Jones to our full standards, as we have before. minute game, the match was full of Leila Archer Despite this, we made a tremendous competitive spirits and was definitely the Hannah Barney difference after an 11-0 win over Madeley best we have ever played! Taz Mason The match scores were as followed: Academy, yet improvements were still Well done girls for coming 2nd out of 13 HLC 0 – 2 ADA needed. After a swift discussion with our in the tournament! Taz Mason Academy News Autumn Term - Issue 1 Page 8

Academy hosts Telford Schools Cross Country

Row, Row, Row—all the way to France! Abraham Darby Sports Council Abraham Darby Academy Tuesday 7th October saw the first Sports played host twice in Council meeting. Representatives from September to the Telford Darwin, Webb, Woodall and Owen discussed and Wrekin School Cross promoting the school extra curricular County. Over four hundred programme, developing the school PE kit, and students and staff gathered enriching the PE curriculum. All students conducted themselves extremely on the field, thanks go to Mr professionally and were a credit to their David Staley who was The senior rugby tour to Barcelona is fast approaching. house. A special thanks to Daryl Coldicutt, responsible for the course To help raise funds for the trip, the rugby squad took and Lois Fiano for chairing the meeting. layout and the organisation. part in a fund-raising ‘Row the Channel’. The squad of Watch this space! Miss Knowles It was impressive to see 20 had to collectively row from Dover to Calais. The challenge would be complete when they finished the students from all over 30 mile crossing. Once the group started, it was Telford competing on our apparent that they would soon reach the target! In the playing fields. We are space of 6 hours the squad crossed the channel 3 times hopeful that each year rowing a total of 92miles. This is a fantastic Abraham Darby Academy achievement, one that the students can be proud of. If you are interested in helping to sponsor the rugby can host. Mr Thomas teams please speak to Mr Bennett at the Academy.

Abraham Darby Academy, Ironbridge Road, Madeley. TF7 5HX. With my very best wishes Tel: (01952) 386000 Email: [email protected] Lee Hadley www.abrahamdarbyacademy.org.uk Principal