News and Views from Bedford Academy Autumn 2014 Year 7 HAVE ARRIVED! See page 7
Inside this issue: • Focus on Year 7 • Spotlight on Reading • Sky Sports Studio Trip Welcome A message from Bedford Academy Principal, Mrs Smith. The students have had another busy term taking part in a wide variety of events and activities which have enhanced their academic learning. September marked a major milestone in Bedford Academy’s history when we became a secondary school and welcomed Years 7 and 8 for the first time. As you will see from the numerous articles in this newsletter, they have settled in well and have enjoyed being involved in an array of diverse activities from zorbing and sailing, to researching the lives of local soldiers who served in WW1 and creating rainbows in test tubes during science! At the Academy we believe it is important that we offer students opportunities to widen their cultural experience and social skills. We also recognise the importance of ensuring our students are prepared for life after school and provide a high quality careers education and support service. You can read about the comprehensive extent of their work on pages 14-15. Reading, writing and numeracy skills lie at the heart of everything we do and are essential across all subjects at every level. At Bedford Academy we encourage reading at every opportunity and the “Spot Light on Reading” feature within this edition of the newsletter gives top tips in helping to develop an interest in reading. We all have our part to play in providing the very best education that we can for young people and I urge parents to encourage students to read at home. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as something is being read. When reading becomes second nature, everything else follows. Happy holiday wishes to you all.
Mrs Smith, Principal.
Vanda Wins Bronze at the Royal Commonwealth Essay Competition!
Congratulations are due to Vanda Vilarigues, who has won the Bronze Award in the Senior category of the Royal Commonwealth Society Essay Competition 2014! This annual essay competition gives young people from diverse backgrounds a platform to express their views about the world and their dreams for the future. Participants demonstrate their ability to stimulate and provoke discussions about important issues like (but not limited to) poverty, sustainable development, gender inequality, child labour and universal education. For 131 years, the Commonwealth Essay Competition has inspired thousands of young writers from all over the world. Run by the RCS, this international schools’ writing contest – the world’s oldest and largest – is a highly regarded and popular international education project. This year the Royal Commonwealth Society received more than 9,500 entries from over 500 schools in 44 Commonwealth countries and territories. Vanda’s award winning essay was in answer to the topic ‘What part does competition play in people’s daily lives?’
02 Highlights - Autumn 2014 News
Year 12 Get Behind Chelsea’s Choice the Wheel! On Wednesday November 12th Bedford Academy was lucky At the beginning of term the enough to have the drama group AlterEgo come in to deliver Xccelerate Driving Programme the production ‘Chelsea’s Choice’, highlighting the very serious visited the Academy, giving and emotional issue of child sexual exploitation.- Head Boy some students the opportunity The play told the story of a group of three A member of Bedfordshire Police Sexual to experience what’s involved in students who discover the diary of a girl called Exploitation Abuse Unit was on hand to learning to drive. Chelsea. Chelsea was a young girl who, having answer any questions from them and point Year 12 student Lucja said of the day: fallen out with her friends and family, was out the variety of places available for advice “The Xccelerate Driving Programme was approached by a man called Gary. Gary was and help. The production unpacked, analysed fantastic as it gave us a clear insight of what older, owned a car, had a flat and treated her and then served to illustrate the many forms driving is really all about! The experience like an adult. Unfortunately Gary was not what that exploitation can have and highlighted the was incredible as we were given a chance to he seemed to be! Chelsea’s story was played devious nature in a way that students were learn all of the important aspects of driving. out and examined by the three students engaged and concerned with. During the day we looked at the mechanics who, along with their teacher, attempt to The students gained a better understanding of behind cars and learnt all about road safety, understand what happened to Chelsea and the devastating impact that sexual exploitation which will be very useful in the future. In the how it could have been prevented. has on a young person’s life and have since afternoon we all got a chance to drive with In conjunction with Bedford Borough this commented on the ‘rewarding discussions’ an instructor which really helped build up innovative and powerful message was they have had since. our confidence.” delivered to our Year 9 and 10 students.
One Year 10 boy commented, “It was thought provoking as it made me think about what people are capable of doing to people our age.”
UKMT Senior Maths Challenge Congratulations to all Sixth Form Maths students who recently took part in the UKMT Senior Maths Challenge. It ran with great success. Big congratulations to Amrit Thind who received a silver certificate.
Highlights - Autumn 2014 03 Communications SPOTLIGHT ON READING
Why Read? Reading is fundamental to the development of children and countless research shows the links between good reading skills from an early age and future success in life. Researchers in England have noted that “as students become National engaged readers, they provide themselves with self-generated learning opportunities that are equivalent to several years of Poetry Day education.” They also reported that children with a positive attitude to reading are more likely to practice the reading skills On Thursday 2nd October, Bedford Academy they are learning at school. Communications Village observed National Poetry Day with Children who are read to every day at age three have a vocabulary an open mic at age five which is nearly two months more advanced than those poetry recital in who are not. A child taken to the library on a monthly basis from the atrium during ages three to five is two and a half months ahead of an equivalent morning break. child at age five who did not visit the library so regularly. Members of staff Poor reading skills correlate heavily with lack of employment, lower and students from wages, and fewer opportunities for advancement. Significantly all years, including worse reading skills are found among prisoners than in the general the Sixth Form, took adult population. part performing Research also indicates that reading and taking part in social reading to the school as activities such as reading groups help people relax, support learning, classes rotated combat isolation and build social capital, help develop confidence through morning and self-esteem and promote enjoyment and well-being. Reading break. This year, the theme was centred can provide an escape from day-to-day concerns and can be a around remembrance and the century that wonderful way of relaxing and relieving stress. has passed since the declaration of World (Source - www.teachers.org.uk) War One. Poems written by fallen soldiers and notable poets of the period were read, alongside modern verses. We were fortunate to be joined by soldiers from the local Army careers information service who also read to the student body.
News from the MFL team Year 8 are embarking on their first FCSE unit on the topic of Leisure. This is a foundation qualification which will be completed in Year 8 and will provide students a fantastic foundation for further “It was really impressive to see and French success! Revision club runs every hear so many students, especially in Monday with Miss Dubois if some extra our younger year groups, read with help is needed. confidence” said Mr Farmer.
04 Highlights - Autumn 2014 Communications Top tips to help you develop an interest in reading There are a number of ways in which you can develop a positive relationship with reading. • Visit your local library or school library. • If you discover an unfamiliar word as minutes can hook you into an inviting book.” Bedford Academy’s ILC is extremely well you are reading use a dictionary to find – Tareq, Year 8 stocked with books to suit everyone. the definition. “15 minutes reading is a good idea because it There are audiobooks and reference texts • Finally, try lots of different books. If you settles the class down for lesson after break or as well. For our students in the upper are having a negative experience with lunch.” – Year 8 student years, periodicals and journals are also reading it means that you haven’t found “It’s a good way of making us read instead of available on request. the right book yet! being forced into reading a book we don’t like • Ask friends questions about their A number of students in Years 8 and 9 were as we choose the books we want to read.” current book or see if they can asked to evaluate the 15 minute reading that – Enamul, Year 8 suggest similar authors. begins every English lesson. Their feedback “I think 15 minutes quiet reading at the start • Read the book that a film is based on shows that students believe that reading is a of the lesson is very good because at home I before watching it. This will give you the positive way to start their lesson, as well as wouldn’t want to read. The bad thing about it is opportunity to visualise characters and providing a number of other benefits relating to that 15 minutes doesn’t give you enough time settings before being influenced by the learning skills which are required in English study. to read much of your book.” – Natan, Year 8 director’s perception. “In my opinion I quite like reading time before • Reading can involve the internet too. “I think that it’s a good idea because we learn my English lesson because it helps me to relax Every site you visit will include some form new words and that helps a person to learn.” and be prepared for my lesson.” of written language. There are also lots – Dominik, Year 9 – Sabihah, Year 8 of educational sites that you can use to “We all have our opinions on quiet reading; I support your learning. “Reading at the beginning of English makes think it’s good. Books aren’t there for nothing, part of your day enjoyable; those little 15 they are for reading.” – Nathan, Year 9
We Dropped Everything And Read! At 11 am on Thursday 4th December, were all utilised for the 20 minutes we Bedford Academy stopped. We put down dedicated to just reading. pens, left the photocopier running, switched Following the session, students and teachers off our computers and picked up a book. engaged in lengthy debates across the Drop Everything And Read (DEAR) is Academy about favourite authors and stories. a termly initiative to excite and explore World Book Day is officially Thursday 5th the world of reading. Every student and March 2015, but on the run up to this event, member of staff participated and it was a Communications Village and the ILC will be fantastic success. Some classes were read hosting a variety of reading competitions to by teachers while others shared stories and initiatives to get our students hooked on from different cultures. Kindles, books, reading. Stop by the ILC to find out more. magazines, papers and even online journals
Paradise Wildlife Twelve lucky students were rewarded with a September 2013 and July 2014 to qualify trip to Paradise Wildlife Park during October for a place on the trip. in recognition of their successful completion The second Literacy Across the Curriculum of two literacy intervention schemes over scheme, ‘ILC Reading Awards’, launched on the course of an entire academic year. Pupil- World Book Day 2014 and ran through Premium funding provided the first scheme, to July 2014. To attain the Gold Award, Accelerated Reader, which is an online and thus a place on the trip, students had programme that develops students’ reading to read fifty novels! Bronze and Silver comprehension; students had to attain three Award winners, reading 40 and 25 books challenging targets based on comprehension, respectively, each received a gift voucher to book level and points scored between spend on books on Amazon.
Highlights - Autumn 2014 05 Communications
UoB Literacy Workshops Sixteen hardworking KS3 students have earned the opportunity to take part in a series of literacy workshops provided by an MA-research student from the University of Bedfordshire. The workshops use drama and performing arts to engage younger children in literature in a fun and creative way. Every Thursday the students will work together to create unique adaptations of classic and modern texts, before Sixth Form performing them to a peer audience for assessment and appraisal. Students have already spent the first part of Literature Conference this academic year working on their Studious Sixth Form English Literature conference, students had the opportunity to literacy skills using the Lexia and Toe by students experienced a day in the life of express and debate their academic opinion Toe intervention programmes and have a university undergraduate student by during two seminar workshops. been rewarded with these university attending the University of Bedfordshire’s workshops in recognition of their The day concluded with a final plenary dedication and achievement. annual Sixth Form English Conference in session in which students bravely presented September. The event opened with a lecture their conclusions, reached during their by Professor Bob Owens, an expert in John seminar sessions, encouraging the audience Bunyan and his works, on the ways in which to debate the novels discussed. Overall, literature engages with social issues. the conference helped students to develop Having put their independent study skills to their skills in reading, oral communication practice using extracts from the beginnings and analysis of works of literature, provided of Jude the Obscure, White Teeth, Jane Eyre and opportunities for debate with students from Wide Sargasso Sea and supporting material other schools and gave Sixth Formers an that had been provided in advance of the experience of studying at degree level. Wicked! Theatre Trip As part of the Academy’s Literacy Across the Curriculum programme, forty students travelled to London’s Apollo Victoria Theatre to enjoy the spectacular, multi award-winning stage musical adaptation of Winnie Holzman’s book ‘Wicked!’. Performing Arts students amongst the group were eager to study Academy Award® winner Stephen Schwartz’s music and lyrics, which have seen the musical secure over ninety international awards, including the Olivier Award for Most Popular Show. Prior to the show, students relished the seasonal festivities at Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland with a spot of ice-skating, gift buying at Christmas stalls and a traditional German pastry. All involved are looking forward to July’s theatre trip to see the National Theatre’s production of Michael Morpurgo’s novel ‘War Horse’, which uses innovative, life-sized puppets by the internationally renowned Handspring Puppet Company to lead the audience on a gripping journey through history.
06 Highlights - Autumn 2014 Compelling Crime & Safety Awareness Focus on Year 7 Workshops Return to Bedford Academy The No Way Trust, an educational charity, returned to Bedford Academy with two days of interactive and thought-provoking workshops on the 26th and 27th November, for over 400 Year 7 and 8 students, aged 11-13. Part of the ‘Prison? Me! No Way!!’ series, the workshops are run by ex and serving Prison Officers, who travel to schools nationwide and run activities encouraging students to make positive and responsible decisions regarding crime and anti-social Year 7 Have Arrived! behaviour. With presentations from Bedfordshire Police and Fire Services as well as Holloway Prison This term has been an exciting time for numerous people but, for the drugs dog team, these hard-hitting workshops Humanities team, September saw the final piece of the Academy jigsaw covered prison life, explaining the strict regime fitting firmly into place. As Assistant Principal for Humanities and with undergone by inmates and the limitations on their Miss Hussain Learning Village Leader we were extremely proud to possessions and freedom, the work of prison dogs welcome our first Year 7 students into our Learning Village. What fun and the police, car safety and anti-social behaviour. we have had in such a short period of time! In addition, Bedford Academy students acted as Police Community Support Officers in a street Caldecotte was probably the highlight with eagerly explained about aspects of school scene role-play, helping to deal with troublesome students enjoying the challenges of climbing, from achievement points, enrichment and behaviour by the workshop actors. sailing, zorbing and caving to name just attendance to tutor time activities, assemblies a few of the activities they experienced. and Stars of the Week. There was a real sense Seeing the students grow in confidence of excitement and achievement at being able throughout the day was fantastic; it was just to introduce their family to their areas and we a pity it was over so quickly. would like to thank all parents for attending. Our dedicated team of Year 7 tutors have Finally, in December we are looking forward to enjoyed getting to know their tutor group welcoming some of our grandparents into and through weekly tutor time activities their the Academy for Christmas Dinner. The competitive nature has been clear to see. students will be running the evening, raising Their current project is our Bedford Academy funds through a raffle for their chosen version of the national competition called charity, as well as serving the food and Education is the key to success The Tenner Challenge where each tutor group eating with their relatives. The highlight for all students across both days is challenged to make as much profit as they On behalf of the Year was an inspiring presentation from ex offender can from a tenner. This helps to develop their Anthony Powell, who now works as a Youth 7 Learning Village team entrepreneurial skills as well as their teamwork I would like to thank Engagement Officer for ‘‘Prison? Me! No Way!!’ and organisational skills. His very powerful message that “Education is the our parents for their key to success” made such an impression with Our Meet The Tutor Group event was the support and wish you Bedford Academy Year 7 students that they made first chance our students had to welcome all a very happy and a special request to him to be allowed to adopt their parents into school to find out what restful holiday. this message as their year motto. they have been getting up to so far in Year 7. Mrs Eastlake Mrs Smith commented on the day: “Workshops Presentations were planned and rehearsed Assistant Principal, like the ‘‘Prison? Me! No Way!!’ are important tools and many nerves conquered as they Humanities to help our students prepare for challenging situations both within and outside the classroom. The compelling message of the workshops helps to encourage students to make positive, responsible decisions and develop solid citizenship skills. Well done to all the students who took part in the workshops.”
Highlights - Autumn 2014 07 Focus on Year 7 H10 ARE THE BEST! Bedford Academy rocks! Meet The Tutor Group On Thursday 13th November there was a Meet the Tutor Group event for all of Bedford Academy’s Year 7 and their parents. We wanted our parents to see how much we have achieved at Bedford Academy. We took our parents to the class rooms where to the restaurant for some lovely refreshments. the tutors and the students go for tutor time. In my class, H10, we showed the parents a Then, we and our tutors talked about what we Powerpoint presentation that we had made do at Bedford Academy. We told our parents all about all the things we do on a normal day, like about the enrichments we go to and how we’ve assembly, tutor time and lessons. earned our achievement points. The tutors then Shaun, Erikas, Holly, Chloe, Francesca, me and talked about how the school is run and lots Miss Parry read it out; it was so nice for our more, including how Star of Week is chosen. parents to see the work that we do whilst we Afterwards it was the tutors’ time to answer our are at school and for them to meet Miss Parry. parents’ questions and finally we all went down Written by Kaylee Young, H10
Tenner Tycoon International School Connections Challenge International work at Bedford Academy is going from strength to strength with this In Year 7 we are currently working on year seeing our efforts being put into working towards achieving re-accreditation our Tenner Challenge projects. The idea for the British Council’s International Schools Award. is quite simple: each class has been given Following our very successful partnership about their daily lives. Drawing their local £10 and challenged to turn that into as with Bishop Okiring School in Kenya we are environments and writing a blog or diary much money as possible by Christmas now developing a range of projects across entry about themselves, the student’s work by starting their own business. all ages and curriculum areas with some new from both schools will then be shared and We work on our business during Tutor Time schools in Kenya, France, Sri Lanka, Poland compared. Hannah Potter, Achievement twice a week and, so far, we have had to create and United Arab Emirates. Leader for Geography, said “The aim of this ideas for our businesses (which we have to keep Sheikh Zayed Private Academy in Abu Dhabi project is to enable students to learn about a secret to stop other teams from stealing our is one of our really exciting partnerships. the world that they live in and understand ideas). We have also been learning about how In Geography we will be creating a short that schools and our local environments are businesses market themselves to new customers video to introduce Bedford Academy to the all different. This is a fantastic opportunity to and how businesses can make money. students in Abu Dhabi. Year 7 students in learn from children from another country Our class has ideas to host three separate both schools will follow this up by learning first hand.” events, which we are trying to put on before about each other’s countries and writing Christmas in school. To advertise those events we have created our own website and are using Here is one of our first entries to Sheikh Zayed School: social media to help us reach as many people as ‘My name is Bilal Malik; I live in a place called Bedford, England, with my mum, dad and my sister. possible. We are aiming to make at least £100 The weather is cold in the winter, sometimes we have snow or it freezes. In the summer it can in profit from our £10. Whilst we are running be quite warm, but I’ve heard it’s not as warm as where you live. I go to a school called Bedford events, we know that other classes are starting Academy. We go to school Monday-Friday and have Saturday and Sunday off. I am 12 years old, very different businesses with ideas ranging my birthday is in November and I was born in 2002. My favourite hobby is cricket and I support from the weird and wild to downright painful. Pakistan and England. My favourite players are Shahid Afridi for Pakistan and Ian Bell for England.’ The Tenner Challenge was started by Peter Jones, the multi-millionaire businessman who Bilal Malik is famous for being one of the Dragon’s on Dragon’s Den and is designed to help students A message from Miss Nicola Davies – Partner teacher at Sheikh Zayed understand what it is like to start their own ‘I was thrilled to be asked by Bedford Academy to be part of this project, I think it is really important business. You should hear more about HU03’s that all students are aware of the world around them and that they understand not everywhere is events and the businesses of the other classes the same as where they live. My students and I are really looking forward to receiving our first mail in the next few weeks around school so keep and being able to look at how different schooling is and more importantly how very different our an eye out. environment is.’ H03 Students History Report Year 7 have made an excellent start to the study of History and have produced some excellent homework and assessment pieces. Students in Set 1 worked hard to design an were judged by Mrs Eastlake before being Remembrance Day and have created some election campaign for who should be the next presented in assembly. beautiful war memorials which will be displayed king of England in 1066. This allowed students The homework produced by Year 7 was later in the year. to have a lively debate during lessons and outstanding, with students completing their Teachers from across the history department create and run a very successful campaign that own research to create excellent diaries about are delighted with the effort and diligence of resulted in Harald Hardrada being elected different periods in history ranging from the the Year 7 students and hope that this high as king. Students then moved on to create Great Fire of London to the Blitz. Students also standard of work will continue. timelines about the actual events in 1066, which worked hard to create letters to commemorate Miss Livingstone
08 Highlights - Autumn 2014 Focus on Year 7 WW1 Heroes of St Mary’s Parish Project Bedford Academy students in Year 7 are taking the lead in researching the lives and deaths of the fallen heroes from the WW1 Roll of Honour list found in St Mary’s Parish Church, Bedford, as part of the commemoration of the Centenary since the start of the war. With grant funding provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the students have so far visited Outside the Imperial the church, which is now the offices of Albion War Museum Archaeology, to record the names from the WW1 Roll of Honour. Students also met archaeologists to find out about the work that is carried out there and experienced the excitement of handling finds that have been buried for hundreds of years from sites around Bedfordshire.
The Roll of Honour at St Mary’s
and Luton Archives and Records Service hosted the students to show them how to look up Harry information about the soldiers’ battalions and to Manton, look over old maps of Bedford to locate where one of our the soldiers lived. Students found out that some soldiers of the addresses were where Bedford Borough Hall is now. Students have said that the best things about The young historians have followed up the research are: ‘I have enjoyed researching my information found on the census of 1901 and soldier Leonard Brown’ and ‘I am getting to learn 1911 and from the National Archives. They about WW1 and about the people who served for have learned about where the Heroes of St us during the war’. ‘Going to the Bedfordshire and Mary’s Parish lived, what they did before joining Luton Archives and Records office and looking at Further research is to continue until the end of up to serve, as well as records of medals they the old maps and photographs of Bedford Town March when an exhibition, open to the public, were awarded for their gallantry. from that time has shown me how different and will be held at Bedford Academy to show their So far this term, students have also paid an how similar Bedford is today’. findings. The young researchers are hoping that exciting visit to the new WW1 gallery at The the public will come forward with information Imperial War Museum to find out about life as about relatives from the Roll of Honour a soldier between 1914 and 1918. Coincidently, (http://www.roll-of-honour.com/ at the gallery there is also a photograph of Bedfordshire/BedfordStMarys.html) who Bedford born WW1 poet, David Westcott may still live in Bedford. They are particularly Brown, son of a past rector of St Mary’s Church. interested to find people who have been told war During the trip to London students paid a visit stories, hold personal diaries or own memorabilia. to the Tower of London to see the display of If anyone has any information they can email the The Bedfordshire and ceramic poppies. school at [email protected] or call Luton Archives As part of the on-going research, Bedfordshire on 01234 301500. A History Tweet… This Day in History Year 7 assemblies are a key focus every week and are used for a range of things including celebrating our student’s amazing attendance, achievements and successes such as our Tutor Group ‘Stars of the Week’. However, we also use them to address either a topical and national themed event like Global Enterprise Day or a life skill. These assemblies are designed to encourage our Year 7 students to contemplate the world around them, our past and our futures and are followed up by form-based activities for the remainder of the week, helping to develop our students’ curiosity and social intelligence. Assemblies this term have covered a range of content, from Remembrance Day to budgeting for the future – there is always something to think about on a Monday morning! Any ideas of themes for our assemblies are always very welcome. “Mr Marsham Tweets a History fact every day, called ‘This Day In History…’ which links to a famous event that happened on each day in the past. I love History and I like hearing about these as it expands my knowledge and it is something new we do not normally learn about in school that I can share with my friends and family.” Aliyah Rahman, Year 7, HU05 (right)
Highlights - Autumn 2014 09 Science & Technology
Inspiring Younger Years to Achieve in Science In Key Stage 3 Science lessons students have been learning about drag force. The students designed their own parachutes to take a practical look at drag forces in a real life scenario. Their task was to design the most efficient parachute they could out of the materials provided. As a result of this the students produced some unique and interesting designs which were tested in the atrium. In pairs students timed how long it took for their parachute to reach the ground from the balcony, assessing the relationship between surface area and drag. In Year 7, students were able to learn about the normal Key Stage 3 curriculum. These reactions with methane bubbles. Methane are normally visually spectacular and often bubbles are a visually stimulating and produce a loud bang! This term alone we dramatic way of demonstrating one of the have seen reactions called ‘cannon fire’ and key reactions, which Year 7 students need to ‘exploding bubble bath tower’ as well as know as part of their burning fuel module. witnessing a Pringles tube explode, a fireball It shows how a fuel such as methane produced from water and oil and combines with oxygen in the air to rapidly Mr Herridge setting students hands on fire! produce heat. The students were able to As well as getting to observe different easily see the reaction taking place and reactions, the students always get a chance were particularly excited by the ability to to do some hands on practical work and ask ‘hold fire’ in their hands. any questions they may have about Science Further to the exciting practical experiments they have seen in the news or are just that take place in lessons, every Thursday curious to know the answer to. after school a 1 hour Science club is run to Practicals that the students have been able to engage students in some of the more fun get stuck into this term have included making aspects of Key Stage 3 Science. slimy bouncy balls, producing rainbows in a This is a chance for the students to see test tube and making a Bunsen burner flame some demonstrations that are not part of turn a variety of colours.
10 Highlights - Autumn 2014 Sixth Form News University Taster Days As part of our work in preparing students for university, our Year 13 cohort have had the opportunity to retrace the steps of their own teachers by visiting their past university campus’ for some taster days. We have undertaken two trips so far; one to Loughborough University with Mrs Lovett and the other to Keele University with Mr Campbell.
Our visit to Loughborough began with an of students as it’s really difficult to know Business Trip early start and we arrived in great time what to expect. What was also really to make the most of the day on campus. good was to find out more about the to IKEA It was a full open day which meant all social side of university life. The clubs and As part of our Sixth Form Business course, degree courses were on show and there teams that run at university are extensive we were invited to IKEA to learn more about were lots of student helpers around to ask and it’s great to know that universities the running of this successful business. questions about courses and university life. always have something for everyone to We were given a presentation and video We found the day really useful as it was get involved with! We enjoyed visiting about the history of IKEA, about who completely different to what any of us was the lecture theatres and student union to founded it and the history of the founder. We expecting – the campus is so big and lively, explore the different sides to university were then given two different tasks in groups with outstanding facilities. It was interesting life and it’s really helped us to feel more where we had to locate some of IKEA’s to find out more about halls of residence, confident in applying for our courses at a products which allowed us to work on our as this is something that often worries a lot range of different universities. communication skills as well as working as a team to complete the challenges successfully. We arrived at Keele team was given a file with a university in and IKEA took us around every department University and were given we had to present a convincing argument for of the store and we were also introduced an interesting introduction why our university was the best one in front to key members of each department and to a BSc Criminology of the other teams and a jury. This was great learnt more about their role in the business. degree. This introduction for us at it got us thinking more about what We also went on to both layers of the roof was about how the police to look for in a university. where we learnt about the solar panels and secret services proceed For the last activity we had a tour around IKEA uses as part of their contribution to to search on a murder the university campus, guided by one of the sustainable development. case and, more precisely, students. We saw the different areas of the This was a fun and rewarding trip that was how to find a buried body. We were also university where the different subjects are helpful in giving us an important insight into introduced to some of the tools they use taught. We were able to ask lots of questions the world of business, as well as enabling us for their research, such as a metal detector to find out more about the life of a university to gather important information which will and another device which could measure student, as well as the differences in types support us for our business coursework in pressure differentiations. of courses that are offered. It was a really which we are completing a unit on IKEA. Later in the day we went to a room where helpful experience and very interesting to Sanam & Narhys we had to complete a team challenge; each see the life of the university for a day. Year 12 Business students
Children In Need As Children In Need was approaching, contribute to a great cause, within such a myself and my peers decided to organise a short space of time. Thanks to everyone fundraising event. Sixth Formers at Bedford who made a contribution! Academy were actively involved, as we Surma Shah suggested ‘Yellow’ theme attire for the day Head Girl whereby Sixth Formers would contribute £1. We raised a staggering £160 in just an hour and a half through our cake and sweets stall. There was also bidding for a home-made chocolate gateaux and our winner was Stefan Eric in Year 13, with a bid of £20. It was rewarding to be able to
Highlights - Autumn 2014 11 Arts & Sports
School Club Links It has been a great start to the year for Bedford Academy PE department, who have built some fantastic relationships with external sports clubs. So far this year we have managed to set up a school club link with Bedford Thunder Basketball Club, who will be running a session every Saturday after Christmas at a reduced rate for Bedford Sky Sports Studios Trip Academy students. We have also linked up with Atletico Europa, a football club based at Bedford Saturday 15th November 2014 Academy, so that our students have access to club football on their doorstep. One of the most exciting On Saturday 15th November, 10 outstanding PE students went on a developments is our rugby link with Bedford Junior trip to Sky Sports Studios in London. The students were selected as a Blues. We have boys from all age groups attending result of excellent behaviour and achievement in both PE lessons and the weekly sessions and four Year 8 girls who attend sport enrichment activities. every Friday. As a department we encourage all of Students left Bedford Academy at to film, edit and publish their own our students to access sport outside of school. 5.30am in order to ensure they were news broadcast. The students worked If you are interested in joining a club outside of on set for the Sky Sports show Game exceptionally well as a team to create school please see any member of the PE department Changers which was live on TV at 9am. a short clip that discussed both their or get in contact directly with the clubs below. The students were in the live audience appearance on Game Changers and Basketball: Bedford Thunder of the show, which meant they had the their school sport successes. Before E: [email protected] opportunity to meet both singer Olly travelling back to school, the students Football: Atletico Europa Murs and England female footballer were invited on a tour of the Sky E: [email protected] Jordan Nobbs. Leah Rands (Year 7) Sports news studios, which allowed Girls Football: Bedford Ladies and Eleanor Russell (Year 8) were them to watch live presenting and E: [email protected] also selected to participate in ‘bubble filming in action as well as ask the staff football’ during the show. questions. The trip was a fantastic Girls & Boys Rugby: Bedford Junior Blues experience for all the students involved Adam Woolhouse T: 07711 798803 Following on from the game show, the students were taken to the Sky and each student represented the Table Tennis: Bedford Community Table Tennis Skills Studios where they were able Academy very well. Michael Fox T: 07837 975267 to use the 4 different studio rooms Well done to everyone involved.
Well Done to Everyone who Participated in PE Enrichment Attendance at PE enrichment has been excellent throughout the term. A range of 12 different activities were offered across all year groups. In total over 360 Students attended and engaged in PE enrichment! 80 of these students achieved 60% attendance or more in their respective enrichment. 21 Fixtures Update of these students engaged in their enrichment activity for 100% of the time and received a fantastic prize! Bedford Academy is known for entering the boys and girls U16 tables tennis in to as many competitions as possible teams, which meant they qualified and this year has been no exception, for the county tournament. This was with fixtures and enrichment clubs heightened by the girls being crowned taking place every day after school. County Champions and going on to This term has seen the Academy go represent Bedford Academy in the from strength to strength at fixtures, National School Team Championships with wins in Rugby, Football, Dodgeball, in Grantham later on this year. We are Futsal, Netball and Table Tennis across wishing the girls the best of luck and all year groups. look forward to further extending our trophy cabinet. One of our biggest achievements so far this year has been wins from both
12 Highlights - Autumn 2014 Arts & Sports
Sports Leaders Level One Award Group Go Above and Beyond The sports leaders’ Level One group had a busy month preparing for their quality assurance visit from an external sports leader moderator. The Bedford Academy sports leaders One award the leaders must complete at have spent the past 8 months gathering least one hour of leadership in sport. The information and attending enrichment Bedford Academy sports leaders went above sessions to develop their knowledge and beyond, completing over 10 hours of and understanding of being a successful leadership each, running a number of lower sports leader. All that was left to do school sports days and working with disabled Level One Sports Leadership certificate was arrange their work into a folder to children on more than 8 adapted inclusive in their Village rewards assembly at the present to the moderator. sports such as goal ball, zone hockey and end of term. On the day of the QA visit, Patricia sitting volley ball. Fairclough was completely blown away by This group of young sports leaders have 2013-2014 Sports Leaders Level One the quality of the leaders’ work and was been a pleasure to work with and they have group: Bradley Cann, Jack Ecott, Alexio surprised at the level of leadership they have set the standard extremely high for the new Nandha, Liam Walker, Anesu Chagwiza, Laura been involved in, both in the school and Year 8 and 9 sports leaders to follow. Taylor, Jaslyn Kaur, Monique Maphosa, Jordan within the community. As part of the Level The sports leaders will be awarded their Cox, Sayima Akhtar, Phynia Nyamanzi
Rugby proving to be a BIG SUCCESS AT BEDFORD ACADEMY This term was the first time in Bedford Academy’s history that they were able to put out two competitive rugby sides. Teams from both Year 7 and Year 8 represented the school with pride. The rugby enrichment programme was against St Gregory’s Middle School. In both against Lincroft Middle School. Stand out successful this term, with 48 Year 7 and 8 games, the students were able to win every players for the Year 8 team this term include students attending overall. Year 7 kicked physical battle, including some tackles that charismatic captain Benji Wazabanga, Natan Bedford Academy off at home against Courtney Lawes would be proud of! They Andrzejczyk, Mehrazul Muhammed and try Westfield, in a close game which Bedford finished their league off against Westfield – scoring machine Michael Frezza. Academy narrowly lost after taking an early a game that we really wanted to win due to I have been proud to coach both teams this lead. Considering not one Year 7 student had the Year 7 result! The students were able term and hopefully we can keep the interest played a competitive game of rugby before, to get one back over Westfield to win the up into next year. If we can do this, I have this was a fantastic achievement. league comprehensively. This Year 8 team no doubt that we can produce some really In their second game, Bedford Academy could go a long way if they can stick together competitive rugby teams and be able to were at home again to Margaret Beaufort through Year 9 next academic year and I am produce some excellent individual players Middle School. Although the result did not really looking forward to seeing how they here at Bedford Academy. go their way, they were able to implement do when they take a step up in competition skills and tactics learnt in PE lessons and after school enrichment to good effect, scoring 2 tries. The Year 7 team should be really proud of their achievements this term and if the interest can remain into next year, when in Year 8, I’m sure they will be able to turn some of the results around in their favour. Stand out players for the Year 7 rugby team include inspirational captain Eddy Adaba, Erikas Galinis (who both have 100% attendance to the rugby enrichment) and Gabriel Drewek. The Year 8 rugby team, against all odds, won their league with a 100% winning record. They kicked off their first league game with a comprehensive win against Beauchamp and then followed this up with a 50 point win
Highlights - Autumn 2014 13 Careers
Work experience at Cauldwell Lower School For two weeks in the summer I volunteered at Cauldwell Lower School in various classes from Year 1 to Year 5. During this time Summer School 2014 I completed tasks such as: listening to children read individually, leading up to 7 children in classroom activities, making displays of Year 12 students attended university summer the childrens’ work and I even read some school; here two of them describe their experience: stories to a Year 1 class. During the summer I attended the University of Bedfordshire’s I found this experience very useful as an Summer School, where we were given the opportunity to insight to what it’s like to work within experience and have a few taster sessions of whichever course a primary school and it was interesting we signed up to. It was 3 days long, so we stayed for 2 nights in to be in a school environment from a the student accommodation. I admit I was nervous about the teacher’s perspective. stay at first, but I met a lot of great people who had also chosen my course and managed to make friends on the first day. The Overall I enjoyed every second of it and lectures I attended were very inspiring and motivational to me it has inspired me to hopefully go on to and the views of current students were extremely valuable in become a primary teacher in the future. making my decision to apply to the course I have chosen. I would recommend the Summer School to anyone in Year 12 Year 4 class work who is considering going to university! Kelly Wharton, Year 13 A01
The summer school at the University of Bedfordshire was an exciting and really useful experience. Participating in summer school gave me the opportunity to speak with current students and ask anything I was unsure about. Current students are there to offer advice and share what they have learned from their experience. Also, you get to stay in university accommodation for three My Career Goal days, which gives you a real taste of university life. Some people In the future I hope to become a successful primary teacher. I plan thought the rooms were too small, but in my opinion they had to do this by completing my A-levels at Bedford Academy and then enough space for a single person. We were also offered a range going onto university to complete a BEd or BA degree. of tasters to help us experience what learning at university is really like. These tasters gave you a brief experience of a lecture The work experience from the course and also covered exactly what you would Overall I thoroughly enjoyed the entire 2 weeks at Cauldwell Lower study if you chose this course. Summer school also helped me School and found the differences of teaching styles between the year to develop a range of skills such as confidence, independence, groups very interesting. I appreciated all of the staff’s help throughout teamwork and communication. the 2 weeks and enjoyed listening to the imagination each child had Zanis Ogorodnikovs, Year 13 A01 during their lessons. It was a very refreshing experience to work with children aged 5-10. Lakiesha Kumari, Year 12 Latest Careers Resources Higher Ideas: Go to Moodle/Careers/Resources/Higher Ideas Careers Charts: Go to Moodle/Careers/Careers Charts Working in Books: See a selection in the Careers area of the ILC.
Year 5 class work about Africa on display
14 Highlights - Autumn 2014 Formula Student visit Careers
Careers Events Coming up • Bedford Academy Careers Fair, Friday 6th February – please email [email protected] if you or your company would like to contribute. • Year 11 apprenticeship workshops in partnership with Wilmot Dixon, 3aaa Apprentices and Bedford College Apprenticeships. • IIC Stage 2 assessment. Having successfully gained Stage 1 of the Investor in Careers Quality Award we are now in a position to be Careers Events Roundup assessed for Stage 2. As a student at Bedford Academy we want you to have the best careers • Presentation Skills Training to be advice to inspire you to aim high and be successful in your chosen career. delivered by Cilex (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) to Year 10 and We will help you learn about jobs, employers, children and to a panel of judges from Year 12 prefects. further education, applications, employability Formula One teams. Students were able • Year 10 music students to visit Heart skills and entry requirements. You will to look at the cars designed by the teams, FM studios (Global Radio). learn about careers through tutor time, and talk to the university students about PCD lessons, assemblies, trips, events and engineering, their involvement in Formula • Bedford College Assembly. enrichment activities. Anyone can request an Student, and life at university in general. • Higher Education Assemblies. individual careers interview, which will help Another important part of the event • Alumni (former students now at you to explore your next steps and the skills is the display of cars and exhibits from University) visiting Year 7 and you need. We will also provide you with a motorsport companies. Sixth Form students. range of careers resources. • ASDA Logistics Services – Clive Bowen, • Merry Careersmas competition – Some of the events we have arranged Training Manager, kindly gave up his time Careers Library treasure hunt, this Term include: to deliver a really informative session cinema tickets and selection boxes • Year 11 Careers Assemblies – Year 11 have to our senior prefect team and Year 13 are up for grabs. now had a range of assemblies looking at prefects on presentation skills. their choices. These are Bedford Academy • NCS (National Citizenship Service) Sixth Form, an apprenticeship, a job with delivered an assembly and held an training, an alternative Sixth Form or a information stand during break time. Careers Help Sixth Form college. Details can be found • Bedford Academy Careers Charter in the careers library or on the careers launched. and Support section of Moodle. • Year 11 mock interviews. Along with • Request a Careers Interview: • Network Rail came in and delivered an achieving the best qualifications you can, you can do this by telling your tutor, assembly focusing on opportunities in IT employability skills are vital in today’s or signing up on the self-referral sheet and promoting women in IT. competitive jobs market. A recent local on the Careers Noticeboard located • The Army have been busy this term. employer survey highlighted that when on the ground floor of Humanities They delivered a real life scenario on recruiting, one of the skills employers Learning Village. Careers interviews job applications to Year 11 students find most lacking in young people are are for students wishing to explore during PD Lessons. The students had communication skills (40% young people career ideas and/or to find out more already completed a job application compared to 14% adults). To help and make informed choices about form prior to the session and were given prepare our Year 11 students for their future pathways. some very honest feedback from an next step we are aiming to arrange mock • Careers Drop in: you can come to employer’s viewpoint! They also came interviews for all Year 11 students. A the Careers Office at break time on in and read war poetry and delivered an letter will be posted home with details of a Monday or Friday or after school Army Careers talk for students that had the date and time. The interview will last up to 4pm. Drop in for help with expressed an interest. approximately 30 minutes and students CVs, applications, job search or if you • Formula Student was a great opportunity will receive some written feedback at the have a question. for students interested in a career in end of their interview. To help students • Careers Enrichment: every engineering or motorsport. The event prepare for their mock interview they Wednesday after school until 5pm. is centred around presentations given can look on the National Careers Service Come along for help with job search, by three leading Formula Student teams Website or on Moodle under careers/ applications, advice and support using from top universities aimed at the school employment/interview preparation. careers resources or for careers advice.
Highlights - Autumn 2014 15 Diary Dates
Spring Term
January February March 5th Staff Training Day 4th First GCSE’s: How to 4th Meet the Leadership 12th Year 8 Parents Evening get the best results Team 22nd Inter Primary School (Year 9 & 10) 12th Year 8 & 9 Options Quiz Competition 5th Access Fish and Chips Evening (1-3pm) Evening 18th The Final Push Evening 22nd Community Quiz Night 6th Careers Fair 24th Year 7 Parents Evening 29th Year 11 Parents Evening 10th Year 12 & 13 Parents Evening 16-20th Half Term April 22nd Community Bingo
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