the school ‘have improved enormously’ and OFSTED SAYS TCA IS provides ‘an oasis of community tolerance’. Teachers ‘are helped to improve through ‘RAPIDLY IMPROVING’ regular professional development and opportunities to work with colleagues from Students and staff are delighted that Thomas the school’s improvement ‘over a sustained other schools inside the MAT’ and staff morale Clarkson Academy has been judged as period’ and Multi Academy Trust (MAT) has improved with a 79% drop in absence ‘rapidly improving’ by Ofsted inspectors. The leaders who ‘demonstrate commitment to and a full complement of staff. Inspectors academy received ‘good’ judgements for the improving the life chances of pupils in the found that ‘where learning is most successful effectiveness of its leadership and management school and the town. They have invested teachers provide pupils with suitable challenge and its Sixth Form (16 to 19 study programmes). heavily in supporting the school, appointing and interesting tasks’ and students in Year 11 Students’ personal development and welfare a highly effective principal and other senior and the Sixth Form are ‘very complimentary was also found to be good. In addition, leaders’. There is a ‘clear link’ between the about the quality of teaching’. The report safeguarding, student care and careers advice support of the MAT subject leaders and notes: ‘Effective teaching is found across year were highlighted as positive and developing improved pupil progress and the MAT ‘brings groups and a range of subjects.’ aspects of the school, after the inspection on together individuals who have a strong blend Ofsted stated ‘the Sixth Form is very well 31 October and 1 November. of relevant educational, financial and legal led’ with leaders having high expectations skills’ to oversee the school, with regular visits Leadership was praised by the inspectors that students are rising to: ‘Leadership has from MAT leaders and school governors to who said the academy’s leaders had ‘a sharp a relentless focus on improving the quality ‘hold leaders to account’. focus’ on school improvement and a ‘highly of teaching and monitoring the progress of accurate picture of the school’s strengths The inspectors found that students are ‘very students… [They] have introduced a specific programme to help students gain places at and areas for further development’ as well as well cared for and cared about’, most ‘are the most prestigious universities’ and the having ‘identified and successfully addressed proud of their school’ which represents ‘a the most urgent issues’. Ofsted said: ‘Leaders school ‘offers appropriate and challenging safe space’ for many and students are and the Principal share a clear vision for the study programmes’. ‘extremely positive’ about the care offered academic and pastoral well-being of all pupils.’ Principal Anne Hill said: ‘This report shows by the school; in particular, student services. They have introduced ‘policies and procedures that the hard work of our whole school ‘Very effective strategies’ implemented by the which are beginning to have impact’ and community is having a real impact. It is Principal Anne Hill ‘is frank about the staff and the MAT’s education welfare officer gratifying that the inspectors can see that this challenges of the school and does not make mean that persistent absence has ’reduced is a “rapidly improving” school and that the or accept excuses for poor performance’. sharply’. The range of trips and visits ‘helps leadership team both here, and at Brooke There was also praise for the work of the to raise pupils’ aspirations and broaden Weston Trust, is determined that this will Brooke Weston Trust, which has supported their experience’. Community relations in continue. I would like to thank all the staff for their continuing dedication and hard work. It is pleasing to see the work of our middle leaders, Sixth Form and CEIAG, student services and safeguarding teams being recognised by Ofsted. We are all very confident that Thomas Clarkson Academy will continue to improve.’ Brooke Weston CEO Dr Andrew Campbell said: ‘This report reflects the strength and unswerving vision of senior leaders at Thomas Clarkson and the school’s continuing commitment to improve, underpinned by support from all levels of the Brooke Weston Trust. What is most gratifying is that inspectors can see we are corporately seeking to make a real and sustained difference to the life chances and aspirations of students in and the local area.’ To read Ofsted’s report in full visit: www.thomasclarksonacademy.org

www.thomasclarksonacademy.org ISSUE 13 WINTER TERM 2017 / / PRINCIPAL’S LETTER

Dear Parents, Carers & Students, As we draw to the end of a We know that our extra-curricular we are making plans to further busy term, I wanted to share provision contributes hugely to improve TCA by building with you some of the many, the personal development of more leadership capacity many activities and events that our pupils and it is right that we and continuing our drive to have taken place at TCA since celebrate their achievements via further improve outcomes September. this newsletter. for students. The Sixth form You will, by now, know For those who may not is officially ‘Good’ and we that TCA was visited by a have read the full report, aim to send more students team of Ofsted Inspectors Ofsted also commented that to university and high quality last month and was judged ‘the school provides an oasis apprenticeships. to have improved in five out of community tolerance’ and I would therefore like to of six categories. We are again we are pleased our close by affirming that the proud of our school and our focus on respect and tolerance improvement is only the wonderful students, so it was has been recognised. And of beginning of our transformation, very encouraging that Ofsted course, the line we all wanted thanking you for your support saw the following as a strength to see: ‘Her Majesty’s Chief so far and wishing you and of the school: ‘The personal Inspector is of the opinion that your family a very happy and development of pupils is good, the school no longer requires restful Christmas. as are the care and support significant improvement.’ provided by staff.’ As I hope you expect, Anne Hill, Principal

REVISION APPS KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH TCA NEWS Year 11 students are reminded of the importance of using a number of apps which can aid their revision. The following There’s nothing we like better than apps can be found on RM Unify: sharing good news stories about Tassomai (science) MathsWatch PiXL Geography our students and the academy. Educake (science) PiXL English Our website is full of our students’ PiXL Maths PiXL History achievements and we also share news through Twitter so make sure Last year’s GCSE students who did well in their exams you are following @TCAwisbech. regularly used the apps listed above.

Term dates Term 3 Wednesday 3rd January 2018 Staff Training Day - Closed for Students Thursday 4th January 2018 Term 3 Starts Friday 9th February 2018 Last Day of Term 3 Half Term - Monday 12th February 2018 - Friday 16th February 2018

Term 4 Monday 19th February 2018 Term 4 Starts Thursday 29th March 2018 Last Day of Term 4 Holiday - Friday 30th March 2018 - Friday 13th April 2018

Term 5 Monday 16th April 2018 Staff Training Day - Closed for Students Tuesday 17th April 2018 Term 5 Starts Monday 7th May 2018 May Day Bank Holiday Friday 25th May 2018 Last Day of Term 5 Half Term - Monday 28th May 2018 - Friday 1st June 2018

Term 6 Monday 4th June 2018 Term 6 Starts Tuesday 24th July 2018 Last Day of Term 6 See the academy’s website for 2018-19 term dates. WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING On GCSE results: 02/03 @DeanLReeves Aug 24 I’m very proud of my daughter’s ABOUT TCA... achievements and appreciative of support & encouragement from all @TCAwisbech #Wisbech Wisbech Mayor Steve Tierney: On Wisbech 2020: #GCSEResultsDay2017

What an honour it was to attend @FenlandCouncil the school’s Remembrance Great to hear from @TCAwisbech @VBucknor Aug 24 event. The students and the staff students on what’s great about Virginia Bucknor Retweeted did the town and themselves #Wisbech. #Wisbech2020 TClarksonAcademy. proud. And their clear and professional SEE PAGE 12 Wonderful news for students and respect for those who have fallen to keep us teachers at @TCAwisbech. safe was evident and obvious.” Andy Briggs On Ofsted report: @abriggswriter On students’ pop-up restaurant project: A great and exhausting day Nov 17 @TCAwisbech today! Sold out @KCockerGoring Replying to @TCAwisbech @Leswhite1961 Oct 21 of stock, lots of excellent What an incredible achievement. It was a lovely evening. Well done questions and enthusiasm! You’ve all worked hard to the students and all involved SEE PAGE 7 SEE PAGE 6 for that feedback. @EnoughAbuseUK

Oct 21 @TBAP_MAT ML @realMarkLloyd @EnoughAbuse Sep 13 Replying to @TCAwisbech you were awesome!! @TCAwisbech arranging training for staff Great news! So pleased for and local schools on grooming. Switched Principal Hill and the team. on safeguarding teams excellent school.

TCA IN THE NEWS Our students’ endeavours were celebrated in a number of press articles this term. NEWS

AMBITION FOR ALL AT THOMAS CLARKSON ACADEMY

Thomas Clarkson Academy is the latest Brooke Dr Campbell told the students: “When you successful. I want this school to be a shining Weston Trust school to launch our ‘Ambition for set yourself goals, or have hopes in your life, beacon of education in and All’ campaign. how likely are you to get there? If you add we will do that by caring enough to challenge Trust CEO Dr Andrew Campbell delivered a together all the ambition in Thomas Clarkson each other.” series of assemblies to staff and students from Academy, what kind of place is it? When you Dr Campbell said that a school should be across all year groups, outlining the campaign’s put your foot through the door in the morning, measured by the amount of hope that it gives to aims and encouraging them to be ambitious; if you are bringing positivity and ambition then its students, and reinforced key messages being both personally and as a school community. the school should feel like a place where good displayed in classrooms and offices across the The ‘Ambition for All’ campaign runs across stuff is going to happen. If you set yourself a Trust to highlight that staff and students should all of our Trust schools this year and each of goal. do you actually believe you can do it? work to be the best they can, support others our ten schools are assigned an individual Are you using the right strategy? Is it worth it? and make the world a better place. month in which they are specific ‘torchbearers’ “The staff at Thomas Clarkson Academy The ‘Ambition for All’ campaign is a single where the spotlight will fall on them specifically. are here to ensure that you are successful. focus on improving academic outcomes and Thomas Clarkson Academy will spearhead We have signed up to a pledge to give you opportunities for character development that ‘Ambition for All’ in May 2018 with activities and the best possible service. We care about will run in all our Trust schools throughout this projects to encourage and celebrate ambition. what you achieve, we want you to be academic year.

OUTSTANDING STUDENT AWARDS

A new award system has been about creating a positive reward implemented to recognise students system and recognising good who demonstrate exemplary behaviour. Students have been behaviour and attendance. enthusiastic about getting their Student of the Week points and the weekly winners celebrates TCA’s outstanding have been very pleased to students based on achievement receive their certificates and points awarded by staff and different prizes for Outstanding attendance in school. Student of the Month. They are Three students from Years 7 proud of themselves and so to 11 are awarded 1st, 2nd and are their families. They like to 3rd positions each week, with the see their names up around the successful students’ names being academy.” displayed on the screens around A special mention goes to the Academy, in the library and September’s Student of the at the entrance to each Learning Month, Oleg Soltan, October’s Community. The top performing Student of the Month, Skaiste students receive a certificate in Tlembetovaite, November’s assemblies so their efforts can be Student of the Month Jenna recognised by their families and Lilley and December’s Student of fellow students. There are also the Month, Sophie Pleasants. prizes for Outstanding Student of Skaiste said she was the Month. surprised to discover she’d won Leader of Student Services but said: “I want to do well in Akvile Liutikiene said: “It’s school for my future.” NEWS

KROTO AWARDS EVENING Some Kroto case 04/05 studies – staff CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS tell us what makes

A programme set up to challenge higher ability who have been identified by staff as having higher them special: students has been inspired by a chemist from ability, in order to help them reach their Wisbech who won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. full potential. Gvidas Grikietisi The Academy’s Kroto and Sigma programme The programme is named after Sir Harold “Gvidas is an exemplary was established to offer additional opportunities Kroto who was born to refugee parents in student who has a thirst for and challenges for students who either scored Wisbech in 1939. Sir Harold shared the 1996 learning across all his subjects. well in Key Stage 2 tests for reading and maths, or Nobel Prize for Chemistry for the discovery of He spends a lot of time outside fullerenes, also referred to as ‘bucky-balls’. Kroto and Sigma Programme Leader, Liz the classroom reading and Taylor, said: “It was a lovely evening and great to researching around his studies see so many families in attendance. to broaden his knowledge. “The word I kept repeating was amazing, With regard to his art and because these students are amazing. It’s about design work, he is never giving them that self-belief and confidence.” afraid to experiment and try Along with trips to the University of Cambridge, something different and he has the University of Oxford and the Globe Theatre, learnt the technique of wheel- there have been a number of special events and assemblies covering topics such as STEM throwing by staying in Session (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), time 5 relentlessly in order to master management and applying for university. what is a difficult skill.” Kroto student Gvidas Grikietis, who is in Year Art teacher Sarah Loosemore 11, said: “What’s good about Kroto is the sense of community and the concept that you’re cared Joshua Watson about, and that your learning is cared about. The “Joshua is one of our senior programme gives you choices and opportunities.” Library Ambassadors, having signed up in Year 8. Always a keen reader, he has met all the authors who have visited TCA during his time as a Library Ambassador and must now have an impressive collection of signed books. Moving up to Year 10 his studies mean he has less time to help in the library but is always the first to volunteer to help at events outside school. In the summer he helped at the Wisbeach day, assisting with face-painting in Wisbech Library. Josh is 100% reliable, and when we needed someone to represent Library Ambassadors at the school’s Remembrance Parade we immediately thought of him.” MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKERS Librarian Debbie Trafford INSPIRE STUDENTS Olabisi Oredein “I have taught Olabisi Maths Three visiting speakers helped to inspire and Another speaker, celebrity chef and presenter Mark since the start of Year 9. She motivate our students this term. Lloyd, addressed students and explained tries hard all the time and will Students in Key Stages 4 and 5 heard from his journey from a troubled home life to appearances always apply herself, whatever David McQueen, a motivational speaker who on television shows including River Cottage and we are doing. From the start works internationally with schools and businesses. Hairy Bikers. Mark opened up about his background, of teaching her, I was actually David also explained to students that they are which saw him placed into care when he was six and responsible for their outcomes and the importance included a history of getting into trouble at school. unable to spot that she was of supporting each other as a year group. Mark then informed students that they would be new to the UK. In lessons setting up their own business – getting a restaurant and exams she is equal to up and running for a day at the Academy (read many others in the top set more on page 6). who have been in the UK Another speaker – Kevin Hayes from The from birth. Olabisi will always Constant Change Company – ran workshops for a try her hardest; despite the week with students in years 10 and 11 and Sixth gaps she must have, it is not Form students. The workshops taught students about memory and memory techniques to help easy to spot them, due to that them store and find information needed in lessons, application from her.” in readiness for their exams. Maths teacher Kate Moore NEWS

POP-UP RESTAURANT IS A HIT

Students received guidance from celebrity chef Mark Lloyd to set up their own pop-up restaurant for the day. Mark, who has appeared on television shows including River Cottage and Hairy Bikers, visited the academy at the start of term to talk to students about how having the right attitude leads to success. At the end of the presentation, he told students they would be setting up their own business by getting a restaurant up and running for a day. A group of Year 10 and 11 students got the project off to a flying start by raising £100 for ingredients through a bake sale. They also had to create invitations and draw up a guest list, which included family, friends and the Mayor of Wisbech. The restaurant at TCA was transformed into a formal seating area for guests and students spent the day preparing the three course meal of cous cous salad, pork and chocolate brownie dessert. Loran Hawkins, from Year 11, said it was a very rewarding experience. She said: “Everything went to plan and it made Mark Lloyd’s talk seem real – that you can’t achieve success if you don’t go for it. We learned that if you put the hard work in, you’ll get to where you want to be.”

STAFF DISPLAY ‘CURRENTLY READING’ SIGNS TO SHARE LOVE OF BOOKS

Staff at TCA have been displaying signs around the academy to share with students which book they are reading at the moment. The ‘currently reading’ signs include a tick box so staff can say if they think it is a page-turner or not to their liking. The aim is to open up a dialogue about reading between staff and students as part of a drive to encourage reading for pleasure across all year groups. It has seen students ask teachers about the book they are reading after spotting the signs. Every English lesson for students in years 7, 8 and 9 begins with 10 minutes of reading and every Thursday, all students and teachers – including senior leaders – spend 20 minutes reading at the start of the day, so that reading becomes ingrained in school life. Matt Dobbing, Assistant Principal for Key Stage 3, said: “We think that reading is central to what we do, especially in terms of students accessing the curriculum. We want to communicate our passion for reading and show that reading can be enjoyed into adult life.” NEWS 06/07

NEW HEAD GIRL AND HEAD BOY LEAD SCHOOL COUNCIL

TCA FALLS SILENT FOR The academy appointed its new Head Girl and Head Boy this term, following REMEMBRANCE SERVICE a rigorous selection process. Emilia Reeves is Head Girl and she Students, staff and community leaders came Cllr Tierney said: “During the service and is joined by Head Boy Daniel Putterill, together to pay tribute to servicemen and the silence, despite thousands of students in with deputies Rui Santos and Alicia servicewomen who have lost their lives in conflict close proximity, you could have heard a pin Baghdouyan. during a poignant Remembrance service. drop. What an honour it was to attend the They had to first produce a Students helped to lead the service at the school’s Remembrance event. The students statement outlining why they thought academy, which was attended by the Mayor and the staff did the town and themselves they were suitable for the position. of Wisbech Steve Tierney and representatives proud. And their clear and professional Next they were interviewed by from the police and fire service. respect for those who have fallen to keep us Principal Anne Hill and Head of Sixth Eden was lined with students who watched safe, was evident and obvious.” Form Jess Smith before the final the service get under way with a parade by those Cllr Tierney presented the academy with decision was made. students in the various cadet forces. Students held a wreath, which is on display in the trophy Daniel, who is studying A levels in up posters bearing the names of former students cabinet outside reception. Maths, English Literature and Biology, of the school who lost their lives in past wars. Students also posted messages on to a said he drew on his experience of Head Girl, Emilia Reeves, read In giant memorial candle in Eden, while Sixth the National Citizen Scheme (NCS) ‘Flanders Fields’ and the Last Post was Formers - led by the Head Girl and Head Boy for examples of the qualities he will played by Chloe Garner. – sold poppies and other remembrance items. need in his new role. He said: “I spoke about the team work which is involved in the NCS. I have also completed lifeguard training so I used that as POPULAR AUTHOR INSPIRES STUDENTS an example of how I am confident in handling difficult situations.” Emilia, who is taking A levels in An author who has worked in Hollywood riding elephants (did you know they have fleas Maths, History and Sociology, said: encouraged students to think about the impact of as big as your thumbnail?) and sniffing gorillas, “I think the school has changed a lot story-writing on their lives during an inspiring talk. which he recounted in hilarious fashion. since I have been here and I want to be Andy Briggs wrote the story line behind “Andy describes himself not as an author a part of that change to make things Hellboy and has collaborated on other major but as a writer and he showed our students even better.” movies, as well as working with the iconic how so many aspects of their own lives involve Emilia, Daniel, Rui and Alicia will be Stan Lee on graphic novels and creating story-writing, including the video games they involved in senior leadership meetings novels of his own. play and the songs they listen to. He challenged where they will pass on students’ Andy gave an exciting and inspiring talk to his audience to work hard and to go out and be comments and suggestions that have every student in years 7 and 8, to nearly 100 creative: someone in the audience could be the arisen through the school council. Year 5 pupils from Peckover Primary School next Beyoncé or Will Smith or JK Rowling, but Each year group has a sixth form and also to some of our older students and only if they were willing to work for it.” representative who provides feedback Library Ambassadors (pictured). After his talks, Andy signed books and spent to the head boy and girl. Suggestions TCA Librarian Debbie Trafford said his talk some time chatting to a small group of Library so far have included the provision of was thought-provoking and interesting. She Ambassadors about their interests, discovering a dedicated medical professional, said: “Research for his books has involved him a shared enthusiasm for Comic-Con. such as a nurse, who students can speak to about their health, and in particular, mental health issues. CEIAG

CAREERS DAY PROVIDES INSPIRATION AND INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF WORK

Thirty representatives from the world of work and go through the event – we just wouldn’t be further education provided a thought-provoking able to take that many out on trips to this many and aspirational day for students at TCA’s annual companies.” Careers Day. Students said the event was an eye-opener The event, which is held in conjunction with and helped to answer their questions. the Skills Service, was open to all students Year 10 student, Emilia Riley, added: “I’m from Year 8 to Sixth Form. It gave students the interested in studying journalism and I was chance to meet a wide variety of businesses surprised by how many universities offer and organisations, including NatWest, Nestle, journalism courses. I also Cambridgeshire Police, Anglian Water, the RAF found out there are lots and the fire service. A number of universities and of different courses, training/apprenticeship providers were on hand such as sports and to encourage students to think about their next magazine journalism. steps and what they need to do to get there. I spoke to people CEIAG Ambassador, Vicky Read, staged from the universities the event and she said: “We want students to and they told me understand what the world of work is actually about the importance like and what skills are required. The event gives of getting good them a range of different organisations to talk to, A Levels to get all in one place. We have about 1,000 students onto the courses.”

The history and future of metals and plastic Vicky Read, from the Academy’s STUDENTS VISIT were the subject of a special international CEIAG department, accompanied the conference that TCA students went along to. group and said: “For our students, it gave them PLASTICITY A group of students visited the International an insight into the various specialisms involved Conference on the Technology of Plasticity in metal and plastic. It attracted people from CONFERENCE at the Cambridge Corn Exchange, where Sir around the world who were looking at the Tony Robinson led an interactive presentation ecological and technological issues. on past and present uses of metal. It was an inspirational Science and Product Design students event to get us from Year 12 were joined by Year 11 Science thinking about the students at the conference, which brings use of metal and the industry specialists together to look at the impact on the planet.” issues surrounding these resources.

‘SPOT THE DIFFERENCE’ CHALLENGE tour of Trinity College and compare life at the two universities. They also had the chance to AT TWO UNIVERSITIES IN CAMBRIDGE question the student ambassadors. During the second day, students worked back at TCA to design and produce an Year 10 students were given the opportunity accommodation, social life and studying. information leaflet about university aimed at to compare two universities when they spent They began by working with student their peers. time at Anglia Ruskin University and the ambassadors from Anglia Ruskin (ARU) and CEIAG Ambassador Vicky Read, who led University of Cambridge. took photographs along the two themes of the trip, said: “The idea was to let students A group of students took part in a ‘Spot accommodation and social life, and studying know that there’s a university for everyone. the Difference’ challenge to see what the and learning. It gave students the opportunity It also provided them with information about two universities offer in terms of courses, to explore and experience the city, have a Russell Group universities.” NEWS 08/09 CHILDREN IN NEED & ANTI-BULLYING WEEK

Sixth formers ran a series of events to raise money for both for non-uniform and the total amount raised for both Children in Need and Anti-Bullying Week. charities was more than £600. Along with the popular photo booth, there was a “Visiting universities makes it more realistic - I didn’t really penalty shoot-out competition, a timed plank challenge and know what university life would be like so it’s inspired me even Pin the Patch on Pudsey. Students also made a donation more. It’s shown me if you work hard, you can get there.”

when they were given a talk TRAVEL by a travel advisor. The Year 13 students INDUSTRY welcomed Angelika Palacz HOPE from TUI Travel in King’s INSIGHT Lynn, who talked to the group about the current NOT HATE Travel and Tourism students travel market, TUI’s gained a useful insight into business model and how the Students were given a thought-provoking talk from anti-racist, one area of the industry company stays competitive. anti-fascist charity Hope Not Hate. Speaker Lee Sondis talked to students from all year groups about hurtful language and everyday racism. NEWS

RACE TO THE GOLD COAST

A new challenge inspired by next year’s Commonwealth Games has been launched to encourage Year 7 students to take part in extra-curricular activities. The Gold Coast, Australia, is hosting the 2018 Commonwealth Games and while it may be on the other side of the world, staff at TCA are hoping to bring the spirit of the Games closer to home. The distance between Wisbech and the Gold Coast is approximately 10,400 miles and students who attend an after- school club are awarded 30 ‘miles’ per session to add to their tutor group’s tally. The aim is for each tutor group to get to the target of 10,400 miles by next summer and complete the Race to the Gold Coast. Amy Anderson, Raising Standards Leader for Year 7, came up with the idea for the Race to the Gold Coast. She said: “We fully recognise that education is not just about developing knowledge and skills. A balanced education must challenge students to put their skills to the test and encourage them to push their physical and mental boundaries.”

HORSE-RIDER SOPHIE COMPLETES BURGHLEY HORSE TRIALS SPONSORED RIDE

A keen horse-rider overcame injuries sustained in falls from the saddle to continue with her passion, with the highlight being a cross-country ride at Burghley Horse Trials. Sophie Jackson, who is in Year 11, was competing in games at her riding school on Christmas Eve in 2015 when she fell off and broke her ankle badly. She was operated on and needed two pins in her ankle. Despite the setbacks, Sophie has been doing some ‘in-hand’ showing (displaying the condition, movement and grooming of the horse in a ring with a judge) and qualified to show ‘in-hand’ at Equifest, at the East of showground in August. Her highlight so far has been the Burghley Horse Trials sponsored ride, where riders pay to go around the cross country course on their own horses.

ROOKIE LIFEGUARD

Kacey Johnson is celebrating while in the water; and after completing a series of demonstrating a rope throw tough challenges to achieve her rescue of a casualty 8m away. Rookie Lifeguard Bronze Award. Kacey said: “I wanted to try Kacey completed stages something new and I thought if 1, 2 and 3 after performing I learnt this I would be helping tasks including swimming people. the lifesaving backstroke “It also helped me to continuously for 50m; improve my swimming performing a feet-first dive; because I became a stronger removing additional clothing swimmer.” SPORTS SUCCESS

SETH PROVING TO BE AN 10/11 ACE ON THE TENNIS COURT

Seth Briggs-Williams was only three-years- to start playing at a national level. His old when he started to play tennis – fast- next aim is to qualify for an international forward to 2017 and the Year 8 student is tournament. now playing at a national level. Seth, who trains most days for around It was Seth’s dad who first fostered four hours after school, said that playing at a love of tennis in him and soon after he a national level has allowed him to challenge started competing, Seth was playing at a himself. He said that dedication was crucial county level at age six. When his coach to his success, adding: “You need to keep recognised his potential, he encouraged a steady head and think about what you’re Seth to keep competing and to continue doing. It’s important not to lose focus. developing his skills. “I love playing tennis and I’m enjoying Seth started to play in bigger playing at this level because you know tournaments and improved his ratings you’ll get a good game.”

SOPHIE MAKES A SPLASH

Year 7 student Sophie Fenner helped swimming pool on Saturday 7th October Wisbech Swimming Club to achieve a – the first time Wisbech Swimming Club historic win in the Junior Fenland League. have won the junior league since 1986. Sophie, who has been competing Sophie came 4th in the 50m butterfly, since she was nine, was part of the team securing points which went towards her which swam to victory at Peterborough team’s final tally.

YEAR 9 RUGBY TEAM LEAGUE WINNERS AGAIN

The Year 9 rugby team has made TCA history “I do believe this is a massive achievement other schools within the Brooke Weston Trust, by winning the Isle of Ely league for the for the students, showing that with work, winning three games and drawing the last. As second year in a row. dedication and commitment you can achieve. a result, 10 players from the TCA team were The boys won five games out of six “They are outstanding young people as selected for the Brooke Weston Trust team. to be crowned champions once again. well as rugby players and it is a huge pleasure Special mention must go to Tomasz Since the team formed in Year 7, they have to be their coach and teacher.” Hajdukiewicz who was considered the best been a force to be reckoned with at local Week in, week out, the boys have put in the player of the tournament and Connor Loughlin tournaments. effort and shown a determination to succeed. who, as a Year 8 student, was playing against The team’s manager, Bruno Porfirio, The team celebrated some resounding boys a year older and was selected for the said: “The students have displayed a victories at a regional tournament at King’s Trust team. fantastic spirit and level of rugby and their Ely School, where they won three games out TCA is immensely proud of the team commitment to the sport and to the team has of four. In addition, the boys took part in a and we look forward to seeing what they been outstanding. Northampton Saints rugby tournament against achieve next. YEAR 8 RUGBY TEAM

TCA’s Year 8 rugby team enjoyed a run of success this term, remaining unbeaten all season and winning the Isle of Ely league. Key games included a 0-40 win over Neale Wade Academy and a 25-15 win over Ely. Well done to the team and to the try- scorers: Connor Loughlin (Captain) 8, David Michalczyk 7, Domantas Baltuska 4, Joe Tierney and Josh Putterill 2, Brandon Boughen, Ronnie Kilby and Kacper Mrozik 1. NEWS

OUR TALENTED ARTISTS HEAD GIRL AND BOY IMPRESS Here is just a small selection of some of the outstanding artwork produced across all year groups here at TCA... AT WISBECH 2020 SUMMIT

The academy’s Head Girl and Head Boy got off to a flying start in their new roles by delivering a presentation to more than 100 delegates at the annual Wisbech 2020 summit. The summit, which included MPs, prominent business representatives and community leaders, is held once a year to examine what progress has been made in the bid to regenerate Wisbech and the surrounding area. With the summit once again being held at TCA, Emilia Reeves and Daniel Putterill were given the opportunity to address the audience and give their thoughts on Wisbech 2020. They delivered a 10-minute presentation outlining which areas of the plan they agreed with and what more could be done to support the hopes and aspirations of Wisbech’s younger generation. Emilia said: “We found that we have similar ideals to that of the project, like the dualling of the carriageway and opening a train station. “One of the issues we flagged up was the timeframe of the project – the idea to begin with was to get things done by 2020 but now it’s been pushed back to 2040.”

FOOD BANK APPEAL

Sixth formers are helping with this year’s Christmas food bank appeal, which will also run throughout January. Each form has a box that they are filling with goods to be donated to Wisbech Food Bank. Items needed include dried or long-life milk, coffee, squash, pasta sauce, tinned tomatoes, tinned fish, tinned vegetables, rice, beans and soup. We hope you have enjoyed reading this edition of News @ TCA. We are always keen to hear your feedback or We hope you have enjoyed reading this edition of News @TCA. thoughts on content for future We are always keen to hear your feedback or thoughts on content for editions. future editions. Contact [email protected] For the latest updates and information For the latest updates and information about TCA please visit us at: about TCA please visit us at: www.thomasclarksonacademy.org www.thomasclarksonacademy.org

Corporation Road, Wisbech, PE13 2SE t: 01945 585 237 www.thomasclarksonacademy.org

You can keep up to date with our latest school news on Twitter by following @TCAwisbech