Year 7 Community Work

Sports Day

Year 8 Camp

Year 9 Wellbeing Week Year 8 Camp

December 2019

SWINDON INSPIRED

MESSAGE FROM THE HEADTEACHER ONE MINUTE READ As we approach the end of a very busy term, the festive season really is upon us with our Christmas Carol Service at , our Christmas by Candlelight event and our Christmas Reward Trips all taking place this week. Our Christmas College Competitions have already taken place and we are eagerly awaiting the results. Our Christmas lunch, for all students and staff, takes place on Friday 20th December and we are looking forward to eating a traditional holiday meal together as a school community in Christmas is just around the corner and our Christmas jumpers. The closes for the Christmas break at when that’s all done and dusted, we are 1.30pm on this day and reopens on Wednesday 8th January. well and truly onto our Year 8 Camp countdown. It’s exactly 200 days from Students and staff have all worked extremely hard over the term and Christmas day until Camp!! this was very evident in the recent mock exams for Year 11 and Sixth Form students. We are looking forward to meeting all of our parents at If you’ve yet to sign up it’s not too late. our Progress Review Day on January 16th to share the progress and If you have already signed up, then that achievements of our students. I would like to congratulate students for is great news! their efforts in so many academic, sporting and cultural activities. If you’d like to receive any more While academic achievement will always be our main focus, it is information or have a question please wonderful that extra-curricular achievement and participation do get in touch with Mr Warren at: continues to play a huge role in the life of our school. I am delighted nick.warren@-academy.org that we continue to build on initiatives in the promotion of mental health and student wellbeing. These, together with all the other areas that we pursue, help form our young people to be the rounded leaders of tomorrow. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to thank staff and students Dates for Term 3 for their hard work and commitment over the last term and, as always, thank you for your continued support. By working together we ensure

Wednesday 8th January the very best education for the students we are here to serve. First Day of Term 3 On behalf of the whole school community I’d like to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year. Thursday 16th January Progress Review Day 1

Wednesday 22nd January CHRISTMAS MESSAGE Assessment Fortnight Y7-10 This year we’ve been thinking a bit about Christmas rd Monday 3 February lights in assemblies. At Christmas we love lights! We Sixth Form Exam Week put lights on our trees, lights in the shopping centres or

th on our houses, and in our churches we too suddenly Tuesday 11 February have more candles. So why lights? Well for one, its School Show winter, its cold and dark and we need more lights on the Wednesday 12th February dark evenings, but lights also make things look different and brighten School Show up our houses, shops, streets and trees. One of the other reasons why at Christmas we have lots of lights is to remind us that Jesus is known Friday 14th February as ‘light in the world’. This wasn’t that he was some kind of ‘glow-in-the Last Day of Term 3 -dark’ baby when he was born, but that he promised to light up our

th lives, to help us see our lives differently, to give hope when it feels like Monday 24 February life is becoming dark and overwhelming and to show us the way when First Day of Term 4 we feel lost. That there is light in the darkness.

SAVE THE DATE I really pray that not only do you have a fantastic time with your families but that in the bright and twinkling lights you may also know Thursday 16th January the peace and light of Jesus this Christmas. Rev Simon Halls Progress Review Day 1 2 A VIST FROM PUDSEY!

TWO MINUTE READ Year 11

Key Dates for your diary: Exams Start - Thursday 11th May Exams Finish - Wednesday 24th June Leavers’ Ceremony - Monday 29th June Reward Trip - Tuesday 30th June This year’s Children in Need was a great success with students involved in Prom - Thursday 2nd July fundraising through cake sales, FIFA challenge on the big screens, a Soak the Teacher where Mr Oke, Mr Rossi and Ms Welsby got very wet as well (Double Tree Hilton, arrival from as the non-uniform day with 6.30pm) some great fancy dress and a Exam Results - Thursday 20th August visit from Pudsey! Across all the Academy sites we raised an incredible £1850, with £455 of this going to School Council. Well done everyone involved!

THE NEW STUDENT COUNCIL

Over this term the Student Voice agenda items. has taken place with Tutor Council, Year 11 students need to meet the College Council, Academy Council Our new Senior criteria to be invited to the Leavers’ Ceremony, Reward Trip and Prom. and the Senior Council. Students Council members are: Students currently not invited shared their opinions, concerns and Peter – Chair suggestions via meetings. received a letter with the reason Hope – Vice Chair why at Year 11 Parents’ Evening. The Senior Council met with Mrs Shanice , Oliver and Reilly. We wish They will receive a second update in Stokes and Mrs Lawrence on Friday them luck in their new roles. the New Year. th 13 December and discussed the following; The Year 11 Prefects and College • Recycling Captains are planning the Prom, Hoodies and the Yearbook which • Recent improvements / will be available to buy towards the additions end of the year. • E-Praise shop • Christmas reward event Approximate costs: • Bullying Prom £35 (700 EPO), Hoodie £20 (400 EPO), Year Book £10 (200 EPO) • Cover lessons We are looking forward to working • Information technology in the with Year 11 this year and helping Academy them to achieve the results they They will feedback to students via deserve and we look forward to assemblies in the new year and celebrating with them at the end of check the suggestions box for new the year.

3 COLLEGE UPDATE

It has been another busy term for the ONE MINUTE READS colleges with our themes for the term being about positivity and living without harm. Students have looked at how being positive Pupil Charter can improve their own well-being and how they have the right to live without harm. aims to develop Anti-bullying week also took place this term character, compassion and service. and Swindon Academy supported Children In Need with a non-uniform We want students to look back on a day and activities during the week. joyful schooling which has inspired and challenged them, given them Looking ahead to next term, all colleges have been challenged to work wide opportunities and prepared hard on improving their attendance, and students are being asked to them for life’s broad experiences. As reflect on why attendance is so important, and the difference it makes such, we have the ‘The Pupil Charter’, to improving grades. which sets our expectations for the wider opportunities that each pupil COLLEGE COMPETITIONS will access during their time at At the start of term Warwick College walked away with first prize in the Swindon Academy. Visit our website Halloween Costume Competition, well done to all of the to learn more https://www.swindon- students who participated, it was a great effort! academy.org/secondary/pupil-charter Christmas started for our colleges on 2nd December with Top 5 Students Whole School the first competition, Decorate your College Christmas Tree, which is a gold competition. This is a combined 1 Louie Wilkins 10 CA Turing college effort with each tutor group making decorations in th 2 Thomas Hatherall 10 WA O Donnell their college colours. The trees were put up on 9 December and the winners will be revealed soon. 3 Hope Aphane 10 CA Babbage 4 Freya Isom 10 CA Hawking The second competition, a silver competition, 4 Ugochukwu John 7 IM Lockyer in which tutor groups create a Christmas tutor wreath. All wreaths will be displayed in the street on Monday 16th December ready Free Cakes…. to be judged by our 3 resident judges. A big thank you to the registered charity Our final Christmas Competition is the Free Cakes For Kids Swindon who have Christmas Bake Off. College teams of 8 been baking cakes for some of the students competed to make and students who attend Swindon decorate a Christmas sponge cake. The Academy’s Young Carers Club. The competition is for a bronze award and cakes are made by a team of 50 local each cake will be judged on its presentation and taste! volunteers, who also pay for the ingredients themselves. While most Keep an eye on Twitter for updates on these competitions volunteers are amateurs, they enjoy and see which college takes the winning points. baking and decorating impressive cakes that often accommodate the child’s favourite theme or style. REMEMBERANCE SERVICE http://www.freecakes-swindon.org/ During tutor time, students made poppies which were displayed in the . upper street along with messages on them from students. Students also impeccably observed a 2 minute silence in our first ever, whole school Remembrance Service. Over 1000 students and staff participated in the event which was held in sports hall. The service was delivered by Rev Halls before a 2 minute silence was observed. 4 ONE MINUTE READS

WELL-BEING ACTIVITIES World Farming Talk Term 3 clubs will be on Epraise prior to the Christmas break so please look Guest speakers from Compassion in at the new and old clubs on offer. We will also be running Sport and World Farming (CIWF) spoke to Performing Art Festivals in Term 3 so look out for information from Mr th Oke. Year 7 and 8 students on Friday 8 November. The CIWF campaign to Participating in Well-Being Activities and other enrichment opportunities is end factory farming. Farm animal so good for students’ personal development and well-being. This happens welfare and wellbeing is at the by helping them CONNECT with others, BE ACTIVE instead of always be sat heart of all they do and is founded down, TAKE NOTICE of their surroundings and the interesting things going on scientific fact. Guests gave an on in the community, KEEP LEARNING new skills and stimulate their minds and GIVE to their community or help others. More details of the Well- insight into the dangers of factory Being Activities on offer during Term 3 can be found on the website at: farming and how animal welfare is of the utmost importance. This https://www.swindon-academy.org/secondary/extra-curricular insight helped raise awareness amongst our students and gave YEAR 7 & 8 ANTI-BULLYING TALK them a better understanding of factory farming and the dangers th On Friday 15 November, as part of Anti-Bullying Week, attached to it. Author Graham Harris spoke to Year 7 and 8 students about anti-bullying. Graham was subjected to a lot of bullying whilst as school. He turned those negative experiences into a catalyst to becoming a successful businessman. It was these experiences that he needed to explore and explain in more detail. Graham’s experiences of being bullied and how he overcame them are found within his book ‘Bullied Back to Life’. The students engaged superbly with Graham and received some vital advice on how to overcome bullying. A reminder to students that they can report bullying issues on Epraise via the ‘Report Bullying’ button.

CULTURAL DAYS Throughout the year we continue to have opportunities to explore different nations’ identity, history, traditions and culture. This term, students with African heritage ran a day of activities showing off all the good things from their background. There are 54 countries in Africa and we have students and staff with links to Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, Kenya, Libya, DRC, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Algeria, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Senegal and Mauritania to name just a few. There was a huge amount of noise, music, types of clothing, dancing, food tasting and live cooking happening throughout the day and lots of interesting information for the students to learn about, for example, did you know that Nando’s is African and there are over 1500 different languages spoke in Africa? It was a great time and everyone really enjoyed themselves. 5 PARENT SURVEY RESULTS Parental engagement in your child’s education is one of the most powerful and well-evidenced levers we have to improve outcomes for ONE MINUTE READ our pupils. We are delighted with the parent feedback from the recent United Big Sleepout Learning Survey. We rated very well and in the ‘GREEN’ for all aspects This past weekend, 18 of our students apart from ‘It is easy to get in contact with the appropriate person at took part in the 'Big Sleepout' raising my child’s school when I need to.’ We are thinking carefully about how funds locally for Threshold Housing we can address this and will communicate our plans with you at our Link. Despite warmer weather than Progress Review Day in January. We are not complacent and will also previous years, it still was bitterly cold be working on areas that are good but could be better from parent feedback over the rest of the year. There is still time to have your say - as they joined with almost 200 others th in braving the cold and wet to the survey closes on Friday 20 December. Here are some highlights: sleep in the grounds of Swindon Communication between the school and parents. Day-to-day Supermarine. Together with other young people they managed to raise communication with my child’s school almost £2000 to help Swindon's 1) The school is good at letting me know about my child’s homeless. achievements. 3.9 The students who got involved in this 3) It is easy to get in contact with the appropriate person at fantastic event were: Jodie and Jade my child’s school when I need to. 2.8 Musselwhite, Skye McLane, Tyler Supporting my child at home Tobin, Vicky Veale, Nathan Hannon, 12) The school makes it easy for me to find out what my Nathan and Rihanna Forshaw, Rafe child is learning, so that I can support their learning at home. 3.6 Fry, Jess Turner, Jess Kuchar, Lucy and Leo Broderick, Lilly-Mae Day, Kyia 13) I feel confident supporting my child’s learning at home. 3.8 Yarde, Kerry-Anne Wiles and Tia Lock 14) The homework my child is given is useful in helping them and Brandon Stratford who did the to learn. 3.7 sleepout with the Fire Cadets at the 15) My child is set homework: 4.5 Fire Station. Supporting my child at home- expectations Thanks to all those who sponsored 16) It is important to me that my child attends school every them; it’s not too late to sponsor them day. 4.7 if you missed it. You can do it at: 17) I believe that working hard at school is important for my https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ child’s future. 4.7 donation-web/charity? 18) Doing well in GCSEs will be important for my child’s fu- ture. 4.6 Mutual trust 22) I feel welcome in my child’s school. 4 23) My child’s teacher(s) treat me with respect. 4.1 26) My child has access to the equipment they need for learning at school. 4 27) The school trips that my child goes on are relevant to their learning. 4 Important aspects of schooling 40) Fostering independence and confidence in pupils 4 41) Quality of teaching 4.1 43) Academic performance 4.3 44) Extra-curricular opportunities e.g. sport, trips, clubs 4.2 45) Provision for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities 4 Final comments 47) I am satisfied with the relationship between myself and the school.6 3.7 GRAMMAR STREAM UPDATE

Year 7 Year 7 Grammar Stream students have had an interesting term, involving a visit from Reading University, where they took part in a Poetry event. They have also been looking at how the Roman Army was equipped and designed their own versions of shields and swords. Year 8 The boys in 8GO attended a residential at Marlborough College this term. They had the opportunity to go swimming at Marlborough College’s pool, play a game of football on the Astroturf, as well as enjoy a good fry up the next morning. All of Year 8 Grammar Stream also took part in the spaghetti tower challenge, where they had to build the tallest tower they could from 20 pieces of spaghetti. The twist was that it had to be able to balance a marshmallow on the top. Year 9 Year 9 Grammar Stream students went on an extended science visit to Marlborough College which also included a residential opportunity for some of the girls. In pairs the students carried out a series of physics practicals using time as the theme. The purpose of the practicals wasto find an alternative mechanism for measuring time instead of using a stop watch. The students had to time an unknown piece of music using their experiment as the timer. This gave a competitive element to the extended physics visit. The girls on the residential attended an evening lecture on “How we will live on Mars” by Stephen Petranek with the highlight being about how astronauts go to the toilet and the aging process of the body during Space travel.

Bristol University delivered a lesson to 9GO the “Neuroscience of the Teenage Brain”. Students learnt about how the teenage brain is more inclined to take risks than the adult brain, especially when rewards are on offer. Students enjoyed playing egg roulette, where they had to choose an egg from a pack of a hard boiled or un-boiled eggs and smash it on the table. The more risky their choice, the higher the cash reward. Year 10 Bristol University delivered a lecture to Year 10 on “Smartphones; instruments of liberation or tools of domination?". They were presented with naive and sceptical views on the use of smartphones in politics using the case study of Cambodia to show that challenges and opportunities coexist. Year 10 have also been given the opportunity to take part in the “Fantastic Futures Programme” which will provide them with exposure to different pathways into higher education. They will take part in a project as well as have the opportunity to go to Oxford University in the Easter holidays on a residential.

7 ATTENDANCE MATTERS

Secondary attendance for the academic year currently stands at 94.7%, not necessarily where we’d like it to be – remembering 97% is our school target! Statistics have proved that those students with 97% and above are more likely to achieve better results than those with lower attendance levels. I’d like to congratulate the 446 students that have an OUTSTANDING 97% attendance, of which 269 still have 100% attendance– well done!! We do have a further 87 students who are on a GOOD 96% attendance and are pushing for OUTSTANDING. The College Attendance Competition is close with Warwick leading the way! Congratulations Warwick. Missing school will mean that your child is missing lessons which could lead to them not doing as well in critical exams and, as a result, they may not be able to achieve their potential.

8 TALKING ABOUT SELF HARM

Talking with young people about self-harm is not SLEEP is an acronym to help you to remember 5 always easy. Many people worry that if they talk important steps when talking with young people about about self-harm they might make things worse. There self-harm: is NO EVIDENCE to suggest that talking about self- harm will encourage young people to harm S top – Stop and make time to talk. themselves. In fact, feedback from young people is that they want to talk. However, it needs to be done Listen – Listen carefully to what the young person is sensitively since our responses can sometimes be seen saying. as uncaring. Sometimes a young person may ask you not to tell anyone else. Do not promise to keep this a secret. You need to decide who needs to know in Empathise – Young people need to know that you order to keep that young person safe. understand how they are feeling, don’t be judgemental.

Explore what they are saying – be curious and explore what they are saying.

How to react if a young person self harms:  Stay calm and don’t panic  Let the young person know you are concerned about them  Make sure they are physically ok. If they have taken an overdose, talk to their GP or go to A&E  Don’t be judgemental or say it was ‘silly’  Talk about what happened and what triggered this  Be patient as they may be embarrassed or ashamed of what they did. UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT REMINDERS The majority of our students look really smart so please continue to support us by ensuring your child is wearing the correct uniform and following the rules on hair, make-up, nails and jewellery. However, over the term we have seen some students wearing the wrong footwear, facial piercings and/or brightly coloured hair. Please can we remind you that hair should be of a natural colour and not in extreme styles or cuts. We would like to also remind parents that students are not allowed to wear coats or hoodies in the building, they should be placed in bags or lockers. Hoodies should not be draped around shoulders during the school day. Trainers are not allowed and students need shoes not boots. We appreciate the weather is colder and students may want to wear coats, hoodies and trainers to school but these are not allowed in the building. Students need to: • Remove coats, hoodies and trainers on the carpet area as they come through student entrance. • Put coats, hoodies and trainers in their bag or in their locker (if they do not have a locker, they need to come to R12 to request one). • If they have a facial piercing a clear stud needs to be worn during the school day. • Tracksuit bottoms or hoodies/jumpers must be worn under their uniform. • Bring a bag big enough to carry A4 size prep books to school every day. • Bring a pencil case with the correct equipment in everyday. If students need to borrow any uniform or equipment, they must to report to check-in at 8.10 where they can exchange an item to borrow what they need for the day. Uniform expectations can be found in the Uniform Expectations and Guidelines booklet given to parents at the last Progress Review Day, or on our website at: https://www.swindon- academy.org/secondary/uniform

9 ACADEMY SPORT Basketball This term saw the start of basketball fixtures. Basketball Club has proved to be very popular with all years in the weeks leading up to the start of the fixtures. Year 11 students started off with a narrow defeat to Abbey Park. The standard of basketball was extremely high but they found themselves struggling to convert their shots into points. Their next game saw them travel to Royal Wotton Bassett Academy. After a nervy start the team pulled it back and came away with a 28-18 victory. They all played brilliantly as a team with everybody doing their bit. However special mentions go to Sanjib for some amazing plays and Harry for scoring a few vital lay-ups. The Year 9 boys have also been put through their paces with two hard away games. On both occasions the games have been incredibly competitive and they were not able to hold on to a lead going into the last quarter. Over both games David showed superb control with the ball when dribbling. Onrea and Gustavo have also shown moments of brilliance in the games. They have a few more games approaching so they will be looking to bounce back and claim a victory. This week the Year 8 team travelled to after a defeat at Great Western Academy. The boys showed great character and were determined to put that defeat behind them, coming away comfortable winners with final score 26-4. The boys put in a great team performance with a special mention to Antwone for his superb passing and dribbling. Cross Country Netball Well done to the 30 selected students Year 7 have continued their great start to their who competed in the Swindon netball matches. Recently the team played Schools Cross Country Championships. Ridgeway, Lawn Manor and Commonweal. They had Despite a cold, wet and windy a stand out result against Lawn Manor winning by 3 Saturday morning, goals. The Ridgway game saw a closely fought students displayed contest, and ended with the girls losing by just one excellent goal. Eleanor Anger has been a key player in the determination to centre, along with Haneen Eldegail who has become complete the more and more confident in defence and is course in good reading both player and the ball well. time. There were Year 8 students have remained together as a strong team since Year 7, plenty of excellent some of which have now gone on to join Pinehurst Netball Club. The Year results, Caroline 8 team recently played Ridgeway, where they came away with a 5-1 win. and Pedro have Kesha St Clair receiving player of the match. now been selected to represent Swindon in the Championships. ♥ J’ADORE PARIS ♥ As you read this, a group of 40 students from Years 8 to 10 have just returned from another magical trip to Paris and Disneyland where they discovered what life is like on the other side of the channel. Highlights included a visit to Disneyland Paris as well as cultural visits to the Sacré Coeur Basilica, the cobbled streets of old Montmartre with its little souvenir shops, a trip to see the Eiffel Tower and a boat trip along the Seine river. To top it all off, they enjoyed a trip to the Christmas market and funfair. It really was an action- packed non-stop adventure. Students have said: “I was really nervous as it was my first time abroad. I’ve always wanted to visit Disneyland and going to Paris was very exciting”. “Seeing the Eiffel Tower in real life is something special, it’s so much bigger than you imagine - it was like a dream come true.” We hope everyone had a “bon voyage”! 10 FESTIVAL OF LITERATURE 2019

This November the twelfth annual Swindon Youth Festival of Literature took TWO MINUTE READ place; a collaborative event organised by the LRC Mangers of all 12 Swindon secondary schools. Our students were Reward Trip involved in a host of different activities. Since mid-September all students The week began with a poetry workshop have been working hard to keep their place on the Christmas for all Year 7 students, led by th performance poet Ash Dickinson. Ash Reward Trip on 19 December. introduced them to different kinds of All those who met the criteria will get a non-uniform day and poems and supported them to write and the Student Council have share their own work. requested that students go Tuesday afternoon saw Swindon Academy Tenpin bowling for a festive Secondary Phase hosting our Year 5 and reward for their hard work over Year 6 students from Beech Avenue and the last 2 terms. Alton Close Primary Phase, to see an We have over 240 students so far interactive, music-filled show with the who are still eligible for the trip, award-winning author Gareth P. Jones. a great effort with just over a On Wednesday, the author Helen Dennis week to go before the final cut visited the school for the day. Helen gave off. a very entertaining presentation to Years If students miss this term, they 7, 8 and 9 on her books and how she was have an opportunity to meet the inspired by real-life mysteries in her writing. criteria for the next Reward Trip, which will be Thorpe Park in May The headline event of Festival Week on Thursday saw 50 lucky students 2020. The criteria will start again from Year 8 go to the Wyvern Theatre to see author Annabel Pitcher. for everyone in January. Annabel put on a very moving show, describing how tragic historic events, such as the terrorist attacks of 9/11, had motivated her to write her first novel. The week drew to a close with six students from Years 7, 8 and 9 representing the school at the Inter-School Book Quiz, this year held at Ridgeway School. Our team did the school proud in a very close competition, finishing in 6th place!

11 PREP SUPPORT

Before School - 7:30am – 8:20am PSTGs • Whole Academy Prep support is available in the Library from At Swindon Academy we strongly believe that 7:30am to 8:20am the partnership between parent, student and • This is supported by Mrs Stannard and Mrs Hicks teacher is important in supporting our young • Students have access to computers and the printer people to achieve their very best. The Parent- • The Academy Code of Conduct for lessons must be observed by Student-Teacher Guide (PSTG) is written by students in the Library subject teachers and provides parents with • Students are expected to work quietly information about what students will be learning in their subjects each term. It also After School contains information about prep arrangements Room Group Timing Days and out of class learning opportunities. These guides are circulated termly to students in Library All students 3.35 – 4.35pm Monday - Friday paper form and electronically to parents via the D1 Grammar 3.35 – 4.35pm Monday - Friday e-mail address registered with the school. We Stream hope that you find the information in the guide D2 Prep Club 3.35 – 4.35pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday useful and that it provides an opportunity to R11 Prep Club 3.35 – 4.35pm Thursday open up discussion about learning in school at home. PSTGs are available on our website at: https://www.swindon-academy.org/secondary/ Helping at Home parent-student-teacher-guides

 Give your child a chance to talk about their prep work if they want to. Even if you know nothing about a particular Term 1 Prep Update subject, you can still help just by talking and listening and helping them to find their own answers. Well done! During Term 1, Swindon Academy students completed 98.2% of all prep work set.  Help your child take responsibility for organising and doing However, 85 students received more than 3 prep their prepwork and never forget to praise them for their detentions so there is work to be done. hard work or their improved concentration, handwriting or presentation. There were 36756 lots of prep work set on Epraise by teachers. The prep completion target  Log into Epraise regularly to show your interest and for term 2 is at least 99%. We will report how commitment to your child. This helps you and your child students did in the next newsletter. know that their prep work is being monitored and increases awareness of prep deadlines, there is lots of additional information to view on Epraise Doddle Prep  It’s very important to try to create a suitable place where Science prep is completed on the online your child can do their prepwork, ideally somewhere with platform called Doddle, which is found at: a clear work surface, good lighting and no interruptions. https://www.doddlelearn.co.uk/app/login. The Try to teach younger brothers and sisters not to interrupt prep involves completing knowledge quizzes. when prepwork is being done. In order to do this your child has been given a  Children are all different and have different learning styles. username and password. You can help by Some prefer to study alone, whereas others like to study keeping a copy of their username and with friends or family. It’s worth remembering that some password in case they forget. Students are children like to work with music on to keep them given one week to complete the prep, which company, too. allows plenty of time for them to use the library computers before or after school, and  If there isn’t suitable space in your home for working, try there is also a Doddle Club every Wednesday in using the library or Prep Club. Swindon Academy offers R8 where science staff are on hand to help. Prep Club before and after school—please see the times Encourage your child to above. complete the prep on the  The internet can be great for looking things up and finding day it is set so they have out more so encourage your child to become an plenty of time to see their independent learner and to go the 'extra mile' with their science teacher if they need studies assistance. 12 CAREERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT We have had two new exciting annual ONE MINUTE READ careers events start this year! Firstly, during the last week of Term 1, every year group had a university talk and employer Thank You workshop. These events were fantastic and hopefully students learnt something new they hadn’t before. The highlight of the week, with 81% students voting it as their favourite event during the week, was the Futures Fair. We had 40 employers, post 16 education providers and universities in attendance and all students had the chance to go around the fair. These series of events will happen every year and we are so excited to see how it inspires our young people over the coming years.

Pegasus Art Shop, Stroud. Thank you for the generous donation of acrylic paint for our Art Department.

In Term 2, the whole of Years 10 and 11 attended a university visit. Year 10 went to University of West England (UWE) in Bristol and Year 11 went to Cardiff Metropolitan University. They had tours of the campuses, learnt about university life and took part in Fabric Magic, Trowbridge some myth busting activities around Thank you for your generous university finances. 12% of Year 11 students donation of fabric scraps and 26% of Year 10 students, who weren’t towards our textiles previously considering university reported Department. that due to this event, they are now considering it as an option. CAREERS MEETINGS

During Term 2, all Year 11 students had their careers meeting with Miss Cook, the Careers Coordinator. During this meeting, they were provided with impartial advice about their future and next steps after Swindon Academy. Miss Cook now has a list of students who are looking at apprenticeships so there will be tailored workshops to help support these students with their applications. If your son/daughter is planning on applying to Sixth Form or College, please support them by assisting them with attending Open Days and completing their applications. Please be reminded that the application deadline for United College Sixth Form (based at Swindon Academy) is 18th December 2019. Year 11 students were also given information on work experience, if they would like help finding a placement, they need to return their form to Miss Cook in the Sixth Form Office by 13th December 2019.

www.careerpilot.org.uk 13 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

On Saturday 23rd November, accompanied by Mr Matthews and Miss Matthews, some of our aspiring musicians attended an evening concert by Swindon Symphony Orchestra at The Steam Museum in Swindon. This was a wonderful opportunity to see an orchestra live and to learn and experience more about working in the music industry. In celebration of the Orchestra's 30th Birthday the orchestra hosted a special evening concert “A Night at the Movies.” With a selection of music from the classical repertoire that has featured on the silver screen alongside iconic themes specifically written for the movies, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Featuring solos from some of the orchestras talented players this was an unforgettable evening of music from the likes of John Williams, Verdi, Morricone, Rossini, Shore, Goodwin, Mahler and many more. Instrumental Programme Update Students continue to make good progress on our instrumental programme. Some students are now being entered for ABRSM and Rock School National exams and we wish them every success in their preparation and practice. Learning to play a musical instrument and/or developing singing skills is beneficial. Studies show the brain benefits of learning to play a musical instrument include increased comprehension and math skills, better coordination, and a greater capacity for memory. Musicians are literally growing their brain power as they practise and learn. Remember too that these weekly lessons at Swindon Academy are heavily subsidised by school funding and we ask for a nominal contribution from parents/guardians which can be paid either in full annually or throughout the year in instalments. Our highly skilled team of visiting music teachers from Swindon Music Co-operative deliver a specialist instrumental/vocal tuition programme providing valuable performance and examination opportunities. Please contact the Director of Performing Arts, Miss Leigh Matthews for further details and/or an application form at: [email protected] Alternatively, students can collect a letter and application form from the music department. Christmas School Show Rehearsals By Candlelight 2019 Rehearsals for our next full-scale school musical Now in its fifth year, the annual Christmas by production have been taking Candlelight concert is always a festive favourite, place weekly on Tuesdays and this year was no exception! and Thursdays after school. If your child is a member of The event was organised by Year 13 music students as part the cast, please ensure they of their music studies in events attend all rehearsals. management. They have been Weekend rehearsals will be responsible for planning, pro- planned in the weeks moting and directing the leading up to the show. event, including scouting for THE NEXT GENERATION SCHOOL OF ROCK is scheduled to talent and putting together the take place on the 11th and 12th February 2020. Tickets will programme. A great end to the be on sale nearer the time. Be prepared to be rocked! term with festive food and Christmas tunes. ROAD TRIP The up-and-coming boy band ROAD TRIP visited Swindon Academy on Friday 8th November to give a special performance for students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10, to highlight the benefits of working within the music industry. We’d like to say ahuge thank you to the band Andy, Rye, Brook, Mikey and Jack for coming in and performing for us. Follow them on social media @roadtripTV (instagram), RoadtripTV (youtube) and keep up-to-date with their latest news, videos and performances. You saw them here first! 14 SIXTH FORM NEWS Student Council Term 2 saw the formation of the Sixth Form Student Council. This is an organisation conducted by students and supervised by staff. The purpose of the Student Council is to give students an opportunity to develop leadership by organising and carrying out school activities and service projects. In addition to planning events that contribute to school spirit and community welfare, the Student Council is the voice of the student body. They help share student ideas, interests and concerns with the school wide community. The function of the Student Council is based upon parliamentary procedures. Ideas are presented, voted upon and confirmed by the student body president. This term students voted for Riya Navin as President, Joel Bates as Vice President, Louis Caetano as Secretary, Maddison Morgan as Treasurer, Elimelech Bile as Sixth Form Environment Officer and Lea Donnelly as Director of Charitable Affairs. We wish them well in their new roles. Sixth Form V Staff Football Match

On Wednesday 27th November, the second ever Staff V Sixth Form football match was held. Last year during the first fixture, students won 6-5 in an impressive footballing display. This year however, the staff team took an early lead after just 2 minutes, and doubled their lead 5 minutes later, making the score 2-0 after just 7 minutes of play. Staff then took their feet of the gas a little and conceded two goals before half time; one scored by Logan Plumley and one by Connor Robb. The staff started the second half in the same way as the first, with Mr Oke scoring from an impossible angle after just a few minutes. Shortly after, Mr Griffin scored the fourth goal bringing the score to 4-2. The game look like it was in the bag for the staff who were firmly in control. However, with 5 minutes left to play, the Sixth Formers were awarded a controversial penalty, by referee Reilly Plumley. The penalty was scored putting the students within just one goal of the staff. Unfortunately for the students, the staff managed to hold on to their lead, and won the match 4-3. Having played each other twice, and with both teams winning one game each, a deciding match will be played in the summer for ultimate bragging rights. STEM Grammar Stream BIMM Bristol On Friday 22nd November, the Year 12 and Year 13 music students attended a bespoke Open Day at the British and Irish Institute of Modern Music in Bristol. This was a fabulous opportunity to learn and experience more about working in the music industry and life at university. The day involved careers talks, music production workshops, live band perfor- mances, question and answer sessions and free pizza! As a result of this successful day, some of our talented young musicians are The Sixth Form Grammar Stream students attended an applying for places to study a degree course in music evening lecture on ‘Solar Energy’ by James Hall-Smith. next year. We wish them every success with their The lecture focused on alternative power and how this forthcoming auditions and interviews. will fully replace fossil fuels within the next 30 years. James focused on technology, how the job market will change to accommodate these changes and how the subjects currently being studied at A-level and university will contribute to this future. Students came away from the lecture inspired about Higher Education and how important STEM subjects are in this industrial world. 15 BATTLE OF THE BANDS Battle of the bands took place at Swindon Academy on 28th November 2019. This How To Contact Us: event is now into its 7th year and

The list below is by no means an continues to go from strength to strength. exhaustive one. We hope it is a useful With 12 competing bands and one guest signpost as to who to contact within band which was formed for one night only the academy. If you have any queries especially for the event, it was a show that please don’t hesitate to get in touch. rocked from start to finish!

Please feel free to contact the Students began preparing for Battle of the switchboard at the number below. Bands in September, meeting for weekly rehearsals under the guidance of the Alternatively, to speak to Karen music department staff. Bands had to choose their own name and songs to Stokes, Secondary Headteacher, email perform and ensure that their chosen style and image was suited to their Ms Stokes directly at genre of music. All of this was taken into consideration by the three [email protected] adjudicators who marked each band on their overall performance and stage or call her PA, Sally Hadaway, on presence. With a professional stage set up and the latest in show control 01793 426957 and she will return your call as swiftly as possible. sound and lighting systems, bands had the opportunity to sound check and perform in an authentic music industry working environment. Academy Reception: 01793 426900 The 3 judges, all professional musicians, Rebecca Louise, Harry Sayers and Bob

Student Support and Development Pountney spoke of the professionalism of the performers and the dedication team - use this number if you have an of staff at Swindon Academy. Miss Matthews, Director of Performing Arts said urgent message to get to your child or “Staff and pupils worked very hard to put on an amazing show. Many thanks to contact Mrs Drinkwater (Senior go to the judges who gave their time this evening to support this event. The Assistant Principal): 01793 426908 performers were all fantastic and should be so proud of themselves.”

Attendance: 01793 425973 Guest performer was former student Charlie Povey, winner of the BOBBO award 2018 for single outstanding performance in the competition. Charlie Inclusion – to contact Mrs Lawrence kept the audience entertained whilst the judges made the all-important (Senior Vice Principal): 01793 426949 decisions. Congratulations go to Ben Bicknell winner of the 2019 BOBBO award for his dynamic performance as vocalist in the band ASDC with friends Curriculum and Teacher Richard Gambrill on guitar, Billy Povey on vocals and Elimelech Bile on drums. Development Team – to contact Mrs Thompson (Senior Assistant Principal) Congratulations to this year’s winning band NB with Chelsea L’Estrange on or Mrs Jordan (Vice Principal): 01793 bass, Emily Brown vocals, Callum Jefferies and Shaun Leonard on guitar and 426955 , Mrs Knowlton (Assistant Kane Oakley on drums. This Sixth Form band wowed the audience and the Principal) and Ms Hendra (Assistant judges with their musical skills and confidence and musicality as a group. Well Principal) 01793 426928 done to all the young performers in the competing bands. See you all again

Sixth Form Team – to contact Mr next year! Lewis: 01793 426930

Bath College Manager – Cat Roberts: This term our focus has been to encourage students to complete their two 01793 426917 Bedrock lessons every week as this is the best way to boost their vocabulary at Cambridge College Manager - home. We had some great feedback from students and parents and over 700 Shannon Oakley: 01793 426980 students are regularly completing two lessons a week. Students need to have a

Imperial College Manager - Vacancy: vocabulary size between 50,000 to 70,000 words by the age of 17 to be 01793 426989 successful in exams and life in general. This is why completing the Bedrock Vocabulary prep every week is important. Warwick College Manager - Becky Harding: 01793 426982 Top Tips for Supporting Students with Bedrock Vocabulary Prep: • Remind students they must do two lessons weekly (excluding quizzes). Swindon Academy, Beech Avenue, Swindon, SN2 1JR • Ensure students complete their prep early in the week so it’s finished by the weekend. Tel: 01793 426900 • Encourage students to use the support button at the bottom of the Fax: 01793 426901 webpage if they are experiencing technical difficulties. Web: www.swindon-academy.org • Email: [email protected] If students are finding lessons too easy or too difficult please email Mrs Twitter: @SwindonAcademy1 Hendra at [email protected] so the difficulty level can be adjusted. 16