Aston Community Education Trust (ACET) Newsletter Issue No. 7, July 2014
Dear Parents / Carers
will have seen over previous newsletters the many thousands of A MESSAGE FROM THE TRUSTEES pounds of government funding that the Trust has managed to OF ASTON COMMUNITY secure to improve roofs, windows and facilities. We are currently close to securing further funding to improve the heating sytems EDUCATION TRUST (ACET) at Aston Academy and have already secured funding for further The end of another school year is arriving rapidly and it is with improvements at Thurcroft Junior Academy. great pleasure that the Trustees look back on another very The Trustees (Jean Long, Roy Dyson, John Swift, Paul Bennett, successful year for the Trust. It is important at times to take a Eunice Newton and myself (John Barton)) hope you have a step back and look at what has been achieved. pleasant summer break; I am sure the new school year will come Our thanks to all the pupils and staff at both our academies. Our around only too soon. academic results over the past year have been very pleasing and John Barton – Chair of ACET all the indicators are positive that we should be looking forward confidently to further good results this summer. The results of our academies are not just about headline news and numbers, but about the individual achievements that make up those numbers. We set up ACET as a fully inclusive trust (see www.astoncetrust. org) because the trustees are passionate about every child being given the opportunity to achieve their best. Some of the most notable achievements at our recent ACET awards evenings were for those pupils who have achieved despite facing significant adversity. As you will know, we fully support the Rotherham Local Authority message that Every Child Matters. Our thanks also go to the premises and finance teams within the Trust. The Trust is fully responsible for all the building and land at our academies. We are therefore focused on ensuring they continue to develop year on year, thereby providing an ever improving school environment within which to learn. You
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2011 2011 2011 2011 1 a Message from the Executive Principal
As the young people of Aston and and conduct; Y9 and Y10 have laid excellent who joined Aston eight years ago; Assistant Thurcroft turn their thoughts to the foundations for their GCSE courses and Y12 are Headteacher, Gill Gibson, who has sixteen years’ looking forward to some impressive A/S results service at Aston; Linda Bower from the Business/ long summer holiday, with Academic this summer. Parents/carers of Y8 will no doubt, ICT faculty who has worked at Aston for forty Year 2013/2014 drawing to an end be filled with pride as they witness their children years and John Draycott, who has spent over on Friday, I would like to thank graduate from KS2 to KS3 on Thursday July 17th. forty years here, first of all attending Aston as a Students from Y11 and Y13 have had special student before returning as a teacher of Design and congratulate them for their leavers’ assemblies and proms, images of which are Technology, then as Head of Faculty and most commitment towards achieving included in this newsletter. They looked amazing recently as Assistant Headteacher. These four their academic and personal goals. and indeed they have been amazing students who staff have certainly made a positive difference to We are immensely proud of our pupils and we have really enjoyed having as members of our the lives of the thousands of young people whose students, who consistently do themselves, their community. We hope they receive the excellent learning they have influenced during their time families and their academy communities great results they deserve this summer and wish them all in education and they are to be commended for credit. They are polite and courteous; work the very best as they commence the next exciting their dedication and commitment. On behalf of all hard; behave well; are smart in their appearance stage of their lives. Of course, many of our Y11 members of the ACET community, I thank them and demonstrate pleasing consideration and students have chosen to join Aston Post 16 with for their contribution and wish them long, happy kindness towards others in the academy and its exciting new vision and drive for ever increasing and healthy retirements. wider community. This year they have raised over standards. We look forward with great enthusiasm Finally, a huge thank you to the pupils of Thurcroft, £10000 in fundraising events, making donations to welcoming these students again in September the students of Aston, all their parents/carers, to a variety of charities, including Help For Heroes, and sharing in their continuing success as they staff, governors and trustees from both academies Cancer UK, RSPCA, Children in Need and Bluebell prepare for university, training or employment. for your individual contributions during Academic Wood Hospice. Should you require advice about Post 16 before Year 2013/2014. Have a relaxing, fun and sun or after the publication of the GCSE results please filled summer with your families and friends. On behalf of the trustees, governors and staff of do not hesitate to contact Dominic Curran, Vice both academies I would also like to thank their Principal / Post 16 at dominic.curran@aston. Best wishes parents/carers and families for their cooperation rotherham.sch.uk Eunice Newton, Executive Principal and assistance this year. Parents/carers and families are the primary educators of their children In addition to the individual academy celebrations, and provide invaluable support to their academic ACET also recognised the achievement of pupils/ TERM DATES 2014 / 2015 progress through reading, numeracy and homework/ students at the annual ACET Awards Evening extended learning routines, which greatly enhance on Thursday May 1st which celebrated the Autumn Term children’s rate of success. Thank you. establishment and continuing development of the trust. It was a wonderful occasion at which Monday 1st September 2014* to The last few weeks have seen many celebration we welcomed guests from both Rotherham and Friday 24th October 2014 events taking place across the Aston Community Sheffield Local Authorities, reflecting the closer Half Term Education Trust (ACET) community, prominent partnership which now exists with Sheffield as amongst which was the first ever graduation a result of Lowedges Primary School joining the Monday 3rd November 2014 to ceremony at Thurcroft Junior Academy. The Y6 ACET community when it converts to academy Friday 19th December 2014 pupils, their parents/carers and staff took time to status on August 1st. A highlight of the evening reflect and celebrate the outstanding progress that was the musical performance by Anthony Croft an Spring Term has been achieved. It was a wonderful event, with Y10 student from Aston and the ACET choir which Monday 5th January 2015 to at least some members of the audience shedding comprises students from both academies. Friday 13th February 2015 a tear as the youngsters proudly marched up on to stage to be presented with their diplomas and When we finish at the end of this week, we will Half Term be saying goodbye to some staff who are moving additional medals and certificates. The pupils Monday 23rd February 2015 to already appear to have matured a great deal, even on to posts in different schools in September and from the beginning of Y6 and are now ready to take to whom I am sure we all would like to express Friday 27th March 2015 gratitude for their contribution at Aston. We their place in their new secondary schools at Wales, Summer Term Dinnington, Clifton and Wickersley where I am sure wish them every success in the next stage of they will continue to enjoy more success. Goodbye their careers. However, special mention must Monday 13th April 2015 to and good luck to all our Y6 pupils from Thurcroft. be made of four colleagues who are retiring in Friday 1st May 2015 August after impressive years of service: Senior At Aston Academy, Y7 have made a spectacular Learning Progress Manager, Denise Thackery, Public Holidays (Closed for students) start, setting new records for attendance, progress Mon 4th May 2015
Tuesday 5th May 2015 to Friday 22nd May 2015 Half Term Monday 1st June 2015 to Monday 20th July 2015* 5 INSET DAYS (Closed for students) Monday 1st September 2014 * Tuesday 2nd September 2014 * Monday 16th March 2015 Friday 17th July 2015 Monday 20th July 2015* ACET Awards 2014 Y6 Graduation 2 The ACET annual awards ceremony 2014 “With your commitment we will make a difference”
The third annual Aston Community Education Trust Awards winners of the House Contribution Award. Once again, the Maltby evening was held in school on Thursday 1st May recognising Lions Rugby Club kindly donated £200 which was awarded by the the achievements of students from both Aston Academy and trustees to Francesca Caley, the overall winner of the Academic Thurcroft Junior Academy. Achievement Award. The awards evening was not just attended by the trustees of There were award winners within each category across both Aston Community Education Trust (ACET), governors, parents/ academies, with a single winner being presented with the overall carers, students and staff from both academies but also special Trust Award. All the winners were selected by the trustees, and guests: Joyce Thacker, Dorothy Smith and Karen Borthwick from although the students knew they had been nominated for an Rotherham LA, Pauline Anderson and Iain Peel from Sheffield award, they did not know in which category they had been LA, as well as guests from Lowedges Primary School. Mrs Donna nominated or what award they had won. Bennett represented Clark and Partners alongside Matt and The school hall was once again transformed, with students and Stuart Slack from Mid Air who kindly supported the event with guests being served a three course meal by highly professional sponsorship. During the celebration evening we also welcomed waiters/waitresses. This service was provided by Y12 and Y13 Kearn Nicklin and Gloria Marchbank who presented the Geoff students, who generously volunteered their time to support Lowe award, Andrew and Lynne Reaney who were representing the event. The ceremony was opened by a special performance Maltby Lions, and Iain and Morag Somerville from the Bethesda by the ACET choir comprised of students from both academies Church who sponsored specific awards for students. supported by Mrs Donna Perry and conducted by Mrs Jenny The focus of the evening was to recognise the achievements Machin, Music staff from Aston Academy. A DVD presentation of our students from both academies in a number of key areas; was also shown showcasing some of the highlights from this attendance, community, resilience, arts, sports, elite sports, academic year from both academies. inspiring sports, KS2, 3 & 4 student of the year, academic The evening had a fantastic atmosphere of celebration and progress and academic achievement. A new award had also been the pride which all those that attended felt when recognising added to this year’s ceremony that recognises one student from the achievements of our amazing students. It was truly an Aston and one pupil from Thurcroft who has contributed to our inspirational evening. house system. The trust was also delighted to receive a £50 donation from Bethesda Church which was presented to the
The following students were the award winners: AA= Aston Academy / TJA= Thurcroft Junior Academy
Aston Charities Award (Attendance) ACET Arts Award ACET Inspiring Sports Award Bethany Walker (KS2-TJA) Jack Joynson (KS2-TJA) Matthew Ingram (KS4-AA) Dione Palmer (KS3-AA) Charlie Bower (KS3-AA) House Contribution Award Jason Wilcock (KS4-AA) Rochelle Malia (KS4-AA) Courtney Higton (TJA) Alex Bradford (KS5-AA) Abbey Sheppard (KS5-AA) Emma Thompson (AA) Overall Winner: Jason Wilcock (KS4) Overall Winner: Rochelle Malia (KS4) KS2 Student of the Year ACET Community Award ACET Sports Award Millie Cusack (TJA) Georgia MacCormac (KS2-TJA) Ben Lingard (KS2-TJA) KS3 Student of the Year Eleanor Hynd (KS3-AA) Emma Proctor (KS3-AA) Jay Hughes (AA) Christopher Badger (KS4-AA) Sasha Kiddy (KS4-AA) Alice Dean (KS5-AA) Ryan Whilton (KS5-AA) KS4 Student of the Year Overall Winner: Georgia MacCormac Overall Winner: Sasha Kiddy (KS4-AA) Abigail Middleton (AA) (KS2) ACET Elite Sports Awards Academic Progress ACET Resilience Award Charlotte Williams (KS2-TJA) Rhys Lister (KS4-AA) Isabella Hobson (KS2-TJA) Kate Clifton (KS3-AA) Zoe Tongue (KS5-AA) Adam Wood (KS3-AA) Mollie Hobson (KS4-AA) Overall winner: Zoe Tongue (KS5) Jessica Plant (KS4-AA) Amy Hodgson (KS5-AA) Jessica Tideswell (KS5-AA) Overall Winner: Amy Hodgson (KS5) Overall Winner: Adam Wood (KS3)
3 Thurcroft Junior Academy News THURCROFT “With your commitment we will exceed expectation”
The summer term is always a busy time expected any more of these pupils; all Dear Parents / Carers, and this year seems to have been even pupils attended and completed their SATs As we approach the end of the academic more so! Learning has indeed remained tests during the SAT week and responded year, I would like to thank you all for the the key focus during the term though well to the advice and support provided on-going support you have shown towards and it has been wonderful to observe by staff. Once again, thank you to parents the academy and your child’s learning. the pupils producing their very best who were a great support with this. We It has been a very successful year for the work and demonstrating keen attitudes now eagerly await what we anticipate to Junior Academy and staff and governors towards learning. The efforts of the Y6 be a superb set of results. are very much looking forward to building pupils especially, have been phenomenal Rebecca Scutt - Associate Principal on this success in the new academic year. and we really could not have asked or
Sports Morning Keeping Safe A fantastic time was had by all on the Sports The key priority for the academy is to Morning; the event was very well organised thanks to ensure that pupils are safe while they Mr Grayson and Mr Staniland along with the Sports are in school, but also educated about Leaders from Aston Academy. The Mirfin house their own and others’ safety so that they were the overall winners (green team), however are able to make informed decisions a tremendous effort was put in by all participants. when they are out of school. Over the The behaviour of the pupils was outstanding and last few weeks, Childline have been into they demonstrated a very positive, sporting attitude towards each other. Parents provided a fantastic the academy to educate pupils in Y5&6 audience, providing encouragement throughout the whole event. Thank you to everyone who about the potential risks they may face as came to support the pupils throughout the morning and additional thanks to everyone who they get older and what they should do took part in the raffle, which raised £78.50. if they find themselves in uncomfortable situations. The pupils’ response has been very positive. Once again, positive Y5 Scarborough Residential - 4th June to 6th June 2014 comments were received from the 35 of the Year 5 pupils enjoyed a busy three days in Scarborough where they visited the Childline representative about the pupils’ Lifeboat Station, the Rotunda Museum, Scarborough Castle and the Sea-Life Centre whilst smart appearance and their attentive still managing to squeeze in a well-deserved ice-cream! Everywhere they went, the pupils behaviour during the presentation. were complimented upon their patience, calm demeanour and good manners. The hostel owners were very impressed, even though it took a few attempts for some of the pupils to A representative from Dogs’ Trust has sort out their duvet covers and pillow cases! Behaviour at night time was very good and table also been in to the academy to meet with manners complimented during meal times. The pupils also received positive feedback from pupils from Y3-6 to make them aware the Harbour Bar Ice Cream Parlour, the of the dangers of dog waste (potential Museum where they learned about fossils diseases) and the importance of being and from the coach drivers too. Despite responsible owners and cleaning up after tiredness, the Sea-Life Centre guide spoke their pets. Pupils thought the ‘visitors’- of how attentive and considerate the pupils Oscar and Polly (these were dogs!) were were. All in all, a very worthwhile visit in which the pupils represented the academy very cute and once again displayed their and Thurcroft community superbly. Well caring and sensible attitudes throughout done Year 5! the assembly.
School Term Dates 2014 Y6 Castleton Residential – 10th June to 13th June 2014 Year 6 thoroughly enjoyed their four day residential to Castleton where they visited Friday 18th July 2014 Speedwell Cavern, Peak Cavern and Peveril Castle. The boat trip down Speedwell was School closes at 2.15pm for the particularly enjoyable and the children learnt a lot about the history of lead mining in the Summer break area. A detour on the way home meant the children Tuesday 2nd September 2014 could experience the excitement of Alton Towers. Pupils return to school They attended a talk about how maths is used in the park and even had time to try out a few rides. The Friday 24th October 2014 Congo River Rapids proved extremely popular with School closes for half term break a welcoming blast of cold water to cool them down. Monday 3rd November 2014 The children were well-behaved and a pleasure to Pupils return to school spend time with and I am sure they will remember Friday 19th December 2014 this experience for many years to come! School closes for Christmas holiday
4 Aston Academy News ASTON “With your commitment we will make a difference”
Y13 Leavers’ Ball Class of 2014 Prom The annual leavers’ ball for Y13 students took place at the Holiday Inn, Royal Victoria Hotel in Sheffield on Wednesday 2nd July 2014. It was a lovely evening and approximately 80 students and members of staff celebrated the end of our students’ seven years at Aston Academy with a buffet and a disco. We look forward to welcoming everyone back at 7.00am on Thursday 14th August for ‘A’ Level Results Day to celebrate some outstanding results! We would like to wish our Y13 students every success with their examination results and in their next step into Higher Education, apprenticeship or employment!
Sports Awards 2014 On Wednesday 25th June the PE faculty held our first formal sports award evening celebrating the success of Aston top athletes and sports leaders throughout the year. We celebrated sports captains and star performers of the year and the evening culminated with our six big awards. This was a fantastic evening and I hope that next year even more students will be in attendance.
With the biggest turn out ever for the 2014 prom, the evening was always going to a tremendous success. A great time was had by all… More pictures and news to follow in our next issue.
KS3 NEWS Additional Induction Day Summer School Y6 Induction Day 34 students from 22 contributory 50 of our new Y7 students will be joining primary schools visited Aston Academy us for our annual summer school that On Monday 7th July, 315 Y6 students for an additional induction day on begins in August. A range of activities visited Aston Academy in preparation Tuesday 17th June. have been planned including: for their first day as Y7 students in September 2014. The additional visit gave students (that • Art and Sports Projects may be single representatives from their The students participated in a range • Drama Production primary school) the opportunities to of learning activities and were also • Literacy and Numeracy Booster sample learning, become more familiar involved in an afternoon sporting event. Sessions with the school environment and make In the evening there were presentations friends. Student feedback suggested All of the activities are designed to to parents/carers discussing the that the day was a big success, with ensure that students receive support KS3 curriculum and the learning many students discussing how excited with the preparation and transition that opportunities that students will have they were to be joining Aston Academy are required to transfer from Primary to available to them. Parents/carers also in September 2014. Secondary School. learned more about the House System All of our new Y7 students will be joining and our high uniform standards, with us on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th representatives from a local shoe August to ensure that they are fully company on hand to discuss footwear prepared for the new term which begins requirements. on Wednesday 3rd September 2014.
5 Aston Academy News ASTON “With your commitment we will make a difference” house system update y7 / 8 / 9 MFL competition – La Francophonie Students were asked to work in groups to produce a poster/fact file about the French speaking world (La Francophonie). This was done in lesson time and as extra ELT. The winners were: Aston’s got Talent Maisie Burkinshaw / Hannah We held our own version of Britain’s Got Talent this year Campbell and handily called it Aston’s Got Talent! It was just like the Ellie Coldwell / Hannah Thompson TV show as we had a gruelling round of auditions, final selection process and then the grand finale. There was a Robyn Potts / Isabelle Rajendiran weird and wonderful range of acts that incorporated a Olivia Corbiere / Maisie Temple magician, a dancer, a drummer, some musicians and lots Robyn Taylor / Lucy Payne of singers. Our final took place in front of an audience of Jasmine Watt / Kieran Elrick approximately 120 students who took part in voting for the winner and so was a nerve racking experience for all. Jodie-Mae Leather / Evie Rippon The final winner was singer/songwriter Beth Jones (7ME) These students received a French style who performed an original song and brought the judges to breakfast and loads of House points for tears. Second place was singer Abbie Martin (9FA) who sang winning. Pictured is some of their work. ‘Everytime’ by Britney Spears and third place was Callum Morrison (7ME) who sang ‘Wrecking ball’ by Miley Cyrus.
Overall positions Overall positions will be revealed on Y8 & 9 Sports day so keep collecting points until the very end. So far this year, Dance we have organised approximately 30 competitions, 8 reward afternoons, competition given out hundreds of pounds worth of prizes, arranged 1 cinema reward trip Students had to work in groups to and recorded over 60,000 House points! choreograph and perfect a routine Wow! There are some amazing students based around a summertime out there. The House staff would like to theme. They also had to choose thank each and every student who has played a part in the successes of the which music to use. The winners system this year. Let’s make next year (Y8 Furnival) are photographed even bigger and better. below. They chose to dance to a Elizabeth Foxton ‘mash up’ of Walking on Sunshine Coordinator of the House system. and Singing in the Rain whilst using beach towels and umbrellas.
‘Planner Points’ High flyers The following students (at the time of print) have collected the most House points in their planners and so have been rewarded with their shiny star badges that they wear proudly on their blazers. Pictured are Abigale Liversidge from 7MA (156 points, Melton), Ellie Chilton from 7FA (263 points, Furnival), Caitlin Black from 7DE (180 points, Darcy) and Daniel Grant from 7VE(183 points, Verelst).
6 Aston Academy FACULTY News ASTON “With your commitment we will make a difference” art
Aston Art Prize GCSE Displays Ready Aston Students contribute Art students in Y9 have been engaged for Assessment ideas for The Rotherham in creating a piece of art work for the A sample of our Y11 GCSE work was Carnival Aston Art Prize. The piece of work must selected by the AQA examination Y9 students at Aston Academy were asked represent an idea or concept which board to be assessed. The selection to take part in workshops to come up students want us to think about. Our was mounted and presented for the with fresh ideas for this year’s Rotherham starting point was the Turner Art Prize board’s moderator to view at the Carnival. They produced mind maps showing which is a contemporary art award that beginning of June. Have a look at their thoughts to inspire a series of free workshop experiences where people can was set up in 1984 to celebrate new the amazing work our students have participate in the construction of ideas developments in contemporary art. done…. and see art coming to life. From gigantic Aston Art Prize 1 Jacob Holley; Remel ice creams to pie shaped trampoline and Francis; Tom Idell more whacky and wonderful ideas. The Rotherham Carnival will take place on 2nd Aston Art Prize 2 Olivia Hirst August on Lodge Lane field all are welcome Aston Art Prize 3 Sophie Park to come along. Aston Art Prize 4 Charlotte Proctor & For more information contact Vicky Hilton Laura Messenger e-mail [email protected] Aston Art Prize 5 Emma Thompson & Lauren Spencer Aston Art Prize 6 Lauren Jones; Jade Maltby & Emma Herring Aston Art Prize 7 Emma Keeton; Nikola Kepska; Holly Gregory & Penny Davis Aston Art Prize 8 Aiden Dallinson Aston Art Prize 9 Samuel Burgin- Edwards
re This week the RE/PSCHEE faculty celebrated the outstanding and long faculty in raising boys’ achievement in term service of Mrs Annette Morris. Annette has served as both a R.E. R.E. She has led the ITT programme in teacher and Head of Department at Maltby Comprehensive, Brinsworth the R.E. faculty, sharing her expertise Comprehensive and Aston Academy over a 35 year period. We were to train future generations of R.E. delighted to celebrate with her as she received a Standing Advisory teachers. We are very proud of her and Council for R.E. award for service to R.E. in Rotherham. Over her career congratulate her; SACRE are absolutely she has introduced R.E. through both the guidance curriculum and right to recognise and celebrate discrete R.E. lesson, teaching hundreds of students through GCSE and her professionalism, expertise and A Level R.E. examinations, and achieving excellent results. She was commitment to R.E and to the young accredited excellent teacher status in October 2008, and has led the people she teaches.
7 English We’re coming to the end of another busy year We have also said goodbye to some faculty won 100 new books for the library. We have in the English faculty at Aston Academy. All of staff over this year and we wish them well in also taken students out to the theatre to see a our Y11 students have completed qualifications their new positions. Equally, we look forward range of productions – Birdsong at the Curve in GCSE English Literature and IGCSE Language to welcoming new members of staff who will theatre in Leicester, King Lear by the National including the new dreaded speaking test. In start alongside us with our new Y7 students in Theatre, A Midsummer Night’s Dream at the addition, 71 Literature, Language and Drama September. Lyceum, One Man, Two Guvnors and Oliver at students in Y12 and Y13 completed their the Crucible. We also have been visited by two There have also been a range of exciting extra- coursework and exams in May and June. We writers of teen literature who did workshops curricular activities this year. Ms. Lithgow has would like to congratulate all of our students for with Y8 classes. We have lots more exciting resurrected Film Club and Ms. Wright has taken their hard work over this year and wish those events lined up for next year. over English Club. In conjunction with Ms. Jones, that are leaving Aston all the very best for their the school librarian, we participated in the Mr. Walton (Head of Faculty) future endeavours. national Read for My School competition and
English Club King Lear Students English Club has gone from strength to In May, Y13 Literature were given the opportunity to watch strength since the New Year - and it’s all a fantastic live stage production of King Lear. In a bid to down to the power of biscuits (cheers, help the students understand the play as a whole, the trip Owen!). Clubbers have done their best consisted of a whopping three-hour viewing time. Thankfully, to promote the Short Story Competition this wasn’t enough to make you want to poke your own which saw record entries and some stunningly inventive pieces of writing - eyes out (in-joke for Lear fans there) - and in fact was proof that we have some strong writing complimented by every student who attended - all of them talent out there. There have also been some stating that it really helped them see the play in a different great contributions to Aston Academy light and all of them adding that they were really glad they News as well as some wonderful poetry had seen it. Directed by Sam Mendes and starring Simon submitted to the poetry competition. Not Russel-Beale, it was an utterly stunning performance and only that, but the club was responsible for presented the titular protagonist in an oddly sympathetic creating some really excellent English-skills light that brought great discussion to the literature lessons related board games, designed to make that followed. literacy matters fun. After Easter, not only (P. Davie) did English Club get new student members - it got a new leader in the form of Mrs. Wright who has kept the club buzzing with activity and fizzing with creative ideas. One Man Two Guvnors English Club has never looked healthier! Hardworking Y10 students took a break from Film Club! coursework preparation with a night at the Film Club has enjoyed an exciting start this theatre to see the award winning One Man, Two year with members from Y7 and Y8 enjoying Guvnors at Sheffield Lyceum. The frantic action films both familiar and brand new. It’s great on stage had tears of laughter rolling down our to have a midweek break with a good film, a cheeks and a great night was had by all. Theatre beanbag and maybe a cheeky bag of sweets. staff and members of the public were quick If you enjoy exciting movies, competitions, to praise Aston students for their impeccable prizes and discussions then come along. Next year, we hope to branch out into creating our manners and positive attitude in and around the own reviews, movie posters and maybe even theatre and the English faculty were immensely our own short films! Whether you want to be proud of how Y10 represented our school active and creative or just fancy chilling out community. A fantastic night out. One word of warning - if you book tickets for the play, before you go home, Film Club might be the don’t sit too near the front! place for you. (M. Kilgannon) technology STEM Festival telling the story of their project development, they then had to articulate this to the 8 judges walking around who asked them a On Wednesday the 18th of June 2014 it was the Sheffield and series of involving questions. Midway through the day it was time Rotherham 13th annual STEM celebration. This event was open to announce the winners of the different categories: - Overall to all students in the South Yorkshire Area aged 11 -19 and took Winner, Post 16 winner, KS4 winner, KS3 winner etc... Aston came place at the New York football stadium in Rotherham. Schools away with a certificate for winners of KS3 and a £100 prize; the were requested to put forward teams that have been involved judges said they were impressed with the girls for their resilience in the production of exciting, innovative projects in the areas of: in seeing their project through to the end with an excellent Science, Engineering, Maths, Technology and Enterprise. 8 Girls outcome. from Aston’s Y9 STEM club attended the event with two projects that they had been working on over the last 12 months. There The following Y9 girls attended the annual STEM Festival at the were around 25 other teams that entered from schools in the New York Stadium Rotherham and came away as KS3 winners. surrounding area all displaying excellent work and initiatives. On Francesca Whitbread / Eleanor Hynd / Isobel Clark / arriving at the venue for 9am the students were given a table Alicia Machon / Holly Cavell / Chloe Elwell / Rebecca Bamber and a back drop and were expected to set up their display
8 humanities BERLIN-BOUND! Thirty GCSE History students from Y9 and The capture of the Reichstag is an iconic Y10 in Aston Academy are spending the last photograph symbolising the final Victory in week of term in Berlin in order to further their Europe in World War Two, and it is always a study of Germany. We will spend five days in thoughtful moment to stand in almost the one of the most thrilling, exciting and awe- exact spot and contemplate the sacrifices of inspiring cities in Europe, during which time the last century. Today, the centre of Berlin is we will explore many aspects of German exciting and vibrant, but the past can still be history, from the horror and solemnity of the seen in the shell holes and bullet chips that Holocaust and the Nazi dictatorship to the scar the lower levels of the buildings. There will also be time for fun with a trip up absurdities of living in a divided city during We will also visit Sachsenhausen the Cold War. the enormous TV Tower, for panoramic city Concentration Camp outside Berlin: not a views, shopping on the sophisticated Ku’Dam, This will be the second Berlin trip, and we pleasant trip, but a profoundly moving one, and a bowling competition. hope it will be as moving and enjoyable as in and one which produces many memories that 2010, when we also turned out en masse to students will carry long after the rigours of A student who went last time sent this email support our hosts in their World Cup semi- GCSE exams have passed away. The Jewish from his current location at a Cambridge final. (They lost – the Curse of the English.) Museum and Holocaust memorial, and the College: “Berlin sounds fun - it holds some paradoxically beautiful Haus am Wansee, of my happiest youthful memories…If a staff We will visit the German parliament, the member falls ill, I’m more than happy to fill Reichstag, and climb to the roof terrace, where where the Nazis planned the ‘Final Solution’ are also on our itinerary. in...” We hope our current students take away graffiti left by Russian soldiers is still visible. equally happy and meaningful memories. pe didn’t qualify for finals day they performed Aston Sports Rounders well at their tournament winning three times We have had a very successful Rounders and drawing once out of the six games they Winners 2014 season so far this year with in excess of fifty played. We are now looking forward to the Y7 Key Stage 3 Most dedicated performer students attending practice each week. The competition which will be played shortly. Katie Jacobs Y11 team finished 2nd in the Rotherham Key Stage 4 Most dedicated performer Schools competition and the Y9 and 10 teams have both qualified for the Rotherham Schools Sarah Marsh finals day on Saturday 5th July. In addition the Russell Heritage Award Y9 mixed rounders have qualified for the South Amy Hodgson Yorkshire competition having finished 2nd in Leanne Knight Award the Rotherham competition. Although the Y8’s Chris Badger Sports Leader of the Year Sporting Talent Ryan Whilton Congratulations to Emma-Lou Proctor Cricket Aston Academy PE Faculty Award a Y8 student at Aston Academy after We have had a positive season thus far Jessica Taylor playing for Yorkshire CC against Lancashire at Aston Academy Cricket. The Y7 and Team of the Year Award and getting 42 not out. The team beat 8 teams are currently through to the 1st XI Football Lancashire by 4 wickets. They have played Rotherham Schools Quarter Finals and Shropshire, Staffordshire & Derbyshire & are in good shape to progress further. won all their games so far Emma has made Girls Football Rotherham Students interested in playing Cricket good contributions in all games in fielding United FC Cup Winners should attend training on a Tuesday & bowling by taking 2 wickets to help the Congratulations to the Y10 Girls Football team team to their wins so far. Well done Emma. night at Gym 2. We would also like to who entered a Rotherham Schools competition acknowledge Matthew Coleman in Y8 on Rotherham United’s New York Stadium and who is currently representing Yorkshire came away as Champions!! Top performers on Schools Cricket Squad, a fantastic the day were Megan Nagy, Sarah Marsh and achievement. Mollie Hobson. Well done girls. Crowden As part of the KS3 Physical Education rewards programme 34 Y7 and Y8 students were given the opportunity to attend Crowden Outdoor Activity Centre. During the three day residential students took part in Abseiling, Caving, Gorge Scrambling and Zip Wire. Students were given the opportunity to experience these new and exciting activities and we are really looking forward to next year’s residential.
9 maths Students Represent Aston’s Maths Faculty Selected to Run a New Post 16 Qualification School in National Finals! We’re delighted to announce that Aston Academy is one of A number of our Y9, Y10 and Y11 students recently took part a small number of schools from across the country that has in the UK Mathematics Trust’s intermediate challenge, the first been selected to run a new post-16 qualification starting in stage in a national maths competition. Four of our students September 2014. The qualification is designed for students scored high enough in this round to go through to the second who achieved a grade C or greater in their GCSEs but who round, the European Kangaroo. These entrants were Laura have not opted to take an A Level in Maths. Students who are Messenger (Y9), Amelia Smith (Y10), Hannah Saville (Y11) planning to take subjects with statistical elements included, and William Leaning (Y11). They all gained certificates of such as psychology, economics or geography, will be strongly participation and William was within the top 25% of the 6741 encouraged to sign up to this course to support their studies entrants from the UK and hence achieved a merit. We are really in other subject areas. Further details about the timings and proud of what they have achieved! commitments required from students will be available after the GCSE results day.
Maths House Competition Congratulations to all the Y7, Y8 and Y9 students who took part in the Maths faculty’s annual house competition. Details of the winning house were not available before we went to press, but if last year’s efforts are anything to go by, students will have done themselves proud. Last time over 100,000 questions on the popular ‘Sumdog’ website were answered correctly by students from the Academy! Riddle Time Associate Leader Mr Gossiel (far left) and Faculty Leader Mr Have a go at answering these riddles. You’ll Duncan (far right) present the high flyers with their awards. have to check with your maths teacher to see if you’re correct! There is a small treat available for the first few students to tell their teacher the correct answers to all Year 11 Students go the three riddles. Extra Mile 1. What number do you get if you multiply all the numbers on your phone’s keypad? Well done to the many Y11 students who came 2. A fishing boat is at the docks with a lifeboat into school for extra revision workshops in maths, hanging off the side 5 metres above the right up until the day of their Maths GCSE exams. water. If the tide rises at a rate of 1.5 metres Students attended sessions before, during and after per hour, how long would it take for the water to reach the lifeboat? school, as well as at the weekend and in the school 3. Two fathers and two sons sat down to eat eggs for breakfast. They holidays. We’re confident that the extra effort will had exactly three eggs yet each person ate their own egg. How can result in even better grades. this be so? library Author Visit Thanks to Rotherham Public Libraries, in February we were pleased to receive a visit from authors Celia Bryce and Neil Bushnell. They were with us for 2 hours, and accommodated two different classes. The students listened to them speak and then split into groups and had a workshop of how to write and create ideas. The feedback from the authors and the students was extremely positive and a good time had been had by everyone. Read For My School We took part in an online reading competition during February and March. Students were registered online and read. Their commitment to reading gained us a prize of 100 books for the library, and one student, Beth Allcroft Y7 earned an individual prize of 5 books – many Read Every Day congratulations to all who took part, and a big thank you from me for This challenge begins on July 1st and runs through the summer holidays, the books. in the hope that student reading levels do not drop over the summer Following the success of Read For My School, we have also registered break. Here’s hoping it is as successful as other competitions we have for a new challenge. taken part in.
10 MFL
“Un Stage en France” (Work experience in France) Just before the Easter holidays, two of our wrapping food items and helping to as it gave me the chance to explore the French Y13 students undertook a week’s rearrange the shop. Being immersed in city on my own, going into cafés and shops Work Experience in Lille in the north of an environment where nobody spoke to improve my basic communication France. They arranged this themselves English forced me to use my French skills, skills when talking with the people who through Halsbury Travel, a company causing them to improve greatly as the worked there. Though there were a few that specialises in organising work week went on. “tricky” moments when nobody had a experience and language learning trips Complete immersion in the French culture clue what I was saying, the lack of English abroad for Y12 and Y13 students. Lauren allowed me to improve my confidence enabled me to think quickly for other MacAskill and Fran Caley would certainly and ability when using French, as well as ways to express myself in French, a skill recommend such a trip to future Post-16 allowing me to experience new aspects of which was invaluable during my French MFL students. the French culture, including the cuisine. speaking exams at both AS and A2. French Work Experience As well as improving my French skills, I would certainly recommend undertaking In April 2014 I completed work experience the trip also allowed me to experience a Work Experience trip abroad if you get for a week in Lille, France. I worked in the independence and responsibilities the opportunity. an organic shop and restaurant called required later in life, such as at university. Lauren MacAskill Y13 La Source, helping behind the counter, The independence aspect was invaluable
Le Fabuleux Destin de Lille and Fran Aston à Paris In the Easter holidays my fellow ‘A’ level French student Lauren As you are reading this 45 Y9 and Y10 students are travelling and I both undertook the perilous journey from Sheffield to Lille. back from 3 exciting days in Paris. Every year the MFL faculty And when I say perilous I am merely referring to the fourteen hour offers the chance for students to go to Paris during the last coach ride. week of the academic year. Last year, after very little sleep I was assigned a place at Lille’s youth hostel which gave me the over night, we started our visit at Montmartre. I did not opportunity to fulfil my dream of changing beds whilst trying to realise how keen on wearing a beret some students from explain the plot of King Lear in French to a thoroughly disinterested Aston are! As the weather was so beautiful, we had a relaxing Anne-Sophie. Talk about multi-tasking! picnic in the garden by the Louvre museum. Some of us even As well as being totally immersed in French at my work place, I enjoyed an ice-cream by the obelisk! We then went on a boat spoke a lot of French while exploring Lille. My shift times at work trip on the Seine River and saw many monuments. Finally, meant that I had a few hours in the middle of the day to fully we climbed the 702 steps to the 1st floor of the Eiffel Tower take advantage of Lille’s unusually warm weather and the tourist in the evening and waited until they turned on the lights; a sites such as la Beffroi, and le Parc Zoologique where I met a fellow fantastic light show! English student and managed to hold a conversation in French The following day was spent in Disneyland Paris. Students before we realised that we were both English, and then journeyed have sworn an oath to not mention which teacher screamed to the zoo for a sight of Lille’s two rhinos. on Space Mountain! Only having been abroad three times in my life, I was quite excited This trip is full of memorable moments that I cannot wait to to have the opportunity to visit France. Becoming more fluent in share with our younger students (such as the snail eating at French was the main aim of the trip and being able to find my the restaurant). I hope to see many of our Y8 and Y7 students way around a new city and meet new people (and of course enjoy on the coach to Paris in the next few years! Bonnes vacances! croissants all day every day which is the dream) was an added Mr Richards-Gourves bonus. Whether enjoying the haute-couture worn by staff at the crêperie, or trying to explain to a polish woman that the youth hostel was fully booked due to an influx of school children, I was forced to become more independent and confident during the trip - and this has undoubtedly helped me not only in my French speaking exams, but also out of school. I can certainly recommend language trips abroad for developing an increased knowledge of the language and the country’s culture while staying in a thoroughly charming city. After years of French lessons it was certainly rewarding to be able to practise French with a purpose, and even if I made loads of grammar mistakes, people would still encourage me or try to help me with the language. This trip was also a great opportunity to enjoy practising your social skills without the worry that you will ever have to speak to these people you may have accidentally insulted in their own language ever again. Francesca Caley Y13
11 Post 16 As we approach the end of this term we would like to take the opportunity We are especially proud of the following students who received recognition to wish all our Y12 and Y13 students “Good Luck” for their summer exam at the recent ACET Awards Evening: results. We would also like to thank our parents/carers for all the help and KS5 ACET Attendance Award – Alex Bradford support they have given to our students and the Post 16 Team during these demanding and often very stressful months. We have been delighted with how KS5 ACET Community Award – Alice Dean the examination period has gone; all our students have been well prepared KS5 ACET Resilience Award – Jessica Tideswell and focussed; attendance at all exams has been excellent. This year 97% of KS5 ACET Arts Award – Abby Shepherd Y13 students are hoping to achieve the necessary grades to be accepted at the University of their choice; other students have secured apprenticeships. KS5 ACET Sports Award – Ryan Wilton On Friday 23rd May 2014 it was the Y13 Leavers’ Assembly and we were KS5 ACET Elite Sports Award – Amy Hodgson delighted that so many students attended. It was a wonderful event; KS5 ACET Academic Progress Award – Zoe Tongue students were presented with a number of awards and took the opportunity KS5 ACET Academic Achievement Award – Francesca Caley to say “Thank you” to their Academic Mentors who have supported them throughout the UCAS application process and their time in Post 16. Our present Y12 students returned from their AS examinations on 16th June and are now focussed on planning for their futures; all have been writing personal statements and have attended the UCAS Convention at Sheffield University. The Academy’s UCAS week also welcomed guest speakers who delivered presentations on Apprenticeships and careers in Teaching, Medicine, Law, Criminology and Science. The Graduate Ambassadors from Sheffield Hallam University delivered a presentation about applying to university and student life in general, and lecturers from Dearne Valley College gave detailed information about Foundation degrees. The Post 16 Team has also been busy planning the next academic year for our new Y12 students. We were delighted with their excellent attendance, commitment and enthusiasm during the Post 16 transition days on the 30th June and 1st July. During these sessions the students had the opportunity to sample life as a Post 16 student and experience the new teaching and learning styles used on ‘A’ Level courses. Many of them have already volunteered to be peer mentors, ready to welcome and support our new Y7 students on their induction days in September.
Parent / carer Voice they valued and enjoyed attending them; it DEAR PARENTS/CARERS was suggested that refreshments should be PLEASE REMEMBER TO INFORM THE SCHOOL Thank you to all the Parents and Carers who made available, especially for those people IN WRITING, OR BY E MAIL TO MARJ. have taken part in Parent/Carer Voice over who had come directly from work. This will [email protected]. the year. be the case at future Consultation Evenings. UK OF ANY CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES, eg. TELEPHONE NUMBERS, ADDRESS, When we asked if you believed your child Transport was mentioned as a problem for CONTACTS ETC, AND OF ANY MEDICAL was happy and safe at the academy, all but students who wish to participate in extra - ISSUES WHILST YOUR SON/DAUGHTER IS AT two parents questioned, said that their child curricular activities; however, it was clear ASTON ACADEMY. THANK YOU. felt safe. However, all those questioned felt from the conversations that many children that if they had any issues their children take part in a wide range of activities, such would know who to go and talk to. Virtually as Film, Science and Badminton clubs, Aston Leisure Centre all Parents/Carers we spoke to thought whilst many of the older students stayed Sports Opportunities that their child was making good academic after school for revision sessions. Are you aged between 11 & 25 Years? progress and felt that the academy is highly Want to try something different? aspirational and has excellent academic Most Parents/Carers said that they accessed Get fit? Socialise? Have fun? standards. the school website and found it easy to use. Some Parents/Carers made suggestions as If yes, B-active is for you! Parents/Carers questioned were delighted to how the website could be improved, and 6 Weeks unlimited gym for £15.00 with the rewards their child had received; many of these ideas are being acted on. With this 6 week membership you can enjoy these came in many forms from postcards unlimited access to the gym, swim and classes home, praise letters, certificates received in Once again, thank you for all your contributions Badminton assemblies and participation in the yearly this year; we look forward to speaking to you Grab a racket, rally with friends and head on ACET awards evening. during the next academic year. court for some action Smash Up – Mondays 4.30pm – 5.30pm On the whole, Consultation Evenings were No Strings Badminton – Saturday 3pm – 5pm said to be valuable. Parents/carers said
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