News and Views from Bedford Academy Autumn 2018
(NCS) Sport Residential Trip See page 11
Inside this issue: • Children in Need • Cambridge University applicants • What a way to start at BA! Page 04 Page 14 Page 19 Welcome A message from Bedford Academy Head Teacher, Mr Deller.
With the holidays fast approaching, I am clarity in our next steps to making Bedford hopeful that this newsletter will keep you Academy a more forward thinking and up-to-date with some of the highlights of proactive school. our term, whilst keeping you informed with We have had a number of opportunities planned activities for the new term ahead. this term for our different Year groups; in I spoke before the summer about our November our Year 7 students were involved drive for consistency across the school in a ‘Prison Me No Way Day’, run by The and the importance of this as a basis No Way Trust. Our first ever Year 11 ‘Your to improve educational outcomes for Futures Day’ was an exciting development our students. The impact of this more that gave students a day in the life of a Sixth consistent approach is having a positive Former. The Christmas market was another impact on our school community. This addition to the school calendar which was focus will remain essential, as the students a fantastic community event for the school, continue to familiarise themselves with with various stalls selling festive products. the high standards we set for them in As our attention turns to the importance of our classrooms, building and in the local family and friendships in the build up to the community. festive period, it is a welcome opportunity I am delighted to announce that our new to remind you all of what an important part Student Voice team has been elected, you play in the welfare and development of I hope you all have a great run up to with our Sixth Form students leading your children. We genuinely appreciate your Christmas and I look forward to meeting the interview process for younger years. support with continuing to remind students you during some of our planned events This forum will create a solid platform how vital their time is at school. highlighted in this newsletter. from which students can give us It is important to emphasise the wider role feedback about how they want that qualifications and work ethic play in to lead change in our school securing the best future possible for our Mr Deller, community and will students, a message that they hear every Head of School also help us gain day from staff at our school.
NEW for 2018 GroupCall Xpressions App An exciting new FREE app is now available for parents to ensure communication between the school and home is easier and more effective. Stay informed on the go! The app’s features and benefits include: • Messaging and letters from the school direct to your phone • Attendance records • Timetables • School calendar Note: Assessments are not currently active.
The Xpressions App is available from the App Store and Google Play completely free of charge and can be installed on your mobile phone or tablet. It currently supports both Apple iOS and Android devices with a Windows mobile version to follow.
What do I need to do now? Search for: groupcall xpressions Please ensure we have your correct mobile number and email address. This will ensure you can use the new app as soon as it’s downloaded to your chosen device.
02 Highlights - Autumn 2018 Attendance News At Bedford Academy, we believe that for our students to gain the greatest benefits from their education, it is vital that they attend school every day that the Academy is open, unless the reason for absence is absolutely unavoidable. Investor in Careers It is very important that families recognise Of course, there will always be times when Award Renewal their responsibility to ensure their child your child is going to be absent. When this Where did those three years go? attends school regularly and on time. 98% occurs, please contact the Academy before attendance is a realistic and achievable target 9am on 01234 301500 ext. 238 or email Back in December 2015 we achieved our for all students. This allows for the occasional [email protected] full Investor in Careers status. In January emergency or sickness absence. to advise us of the reason for absence and 2016 we were awarded the Careers As a parent/guardian, there are a number when you expect them to return to school. South-West National Best Practice Award. of ways in which you can help your child To encourage strong attendance, we offer To be fair, I thought our careers provision achieve their attendance target: incentives and positive reinforcement to was pretty good back then, but preparing for our re-assessment has highlighted just • Only let your son/daughter stay at home if students who achieve 100% attendance. how far we have come. During this time they are genuinely ill. These incentives include certificates in assemblies, seasonal prizes and an invitation we have developed considerably and I am • Make medical appointments outside of to an end-of-year Reward trip. massively proud of the well-structured, high Academy hours. quality careers provision that the students • Ensure that holidays are taken in Academy Number of students to at Bedford Academy receive now. We are holidays only, never in term time. A Fixed Year achieve 100% attendance in the first of the SEMLEP 100 schools to Penalty Notice may be issued to parents if first half of autumn term meet all eight Gatsby Benchmarks. I believe students take holiday during term time. 7 109 it to be innovative and creative and am • If there is a problem with your son or 8 79 looking forward to being the very first daughter’s attendance, talk to your child. 9 76 school to be re-assessed under the new Quality in Careers standards that have Listen to the explanation and if necessary, 10 83 contact their tutor or Head of Year to been updated to meet October 2018 11 83 address the reason. We can help you to Statutory Requirements on the 14th of 12 46 resolve issues and offer support for you December. and your child. 13 18 In addition to this I was invited to speak alongside Professor Sir John Holman, senior adviser to the Gatsby Foundation, about Benchmark one – A Stable Careers Programme at the Careers and Enterprise Classical Civilisations Company’s national conference this year. This term we have been incredibly proud to pursue. We have some more exciting Following on from this we get regular visits of a group of our most able Year 8 students, opportunities for students in other year from other schools and academies who who have taken on the challenge of attending groups lined up for the rest of the year to are keen to learn more about our practice. additional lessons after school at Bedford further enrich their education and develop Mandy Green School, where they have been taught their mind-sets. Careers Leader, Bedford Academy Classical Civilisations by Sixth Form students. The students have worked tirelessly in their attempts to learn Latin and can now read, write and comprehend phrases, sentences and even whole paragraphs in an incredibly short period of time – an achievement that we are delighted with. Projects like this with our fellow Harpur Trust Schools is something we are always keen
On 17th and 8 here at Bedford Academy, coming October we together to collaborate on one-off challenges welcomed which tie around a theme. This year’s theme students from is ‘Nature’ and the first session focussed King’s Oak, around African culture and the celebration of Elstow, Cotton nature, taking inspiration from the Disney film End, Cauldwell, The Lion King and the Circle of Life. Students, Shackleton and Shortstown Primary Schools in one hour, worked in groups to either to Bedford Academy for our first Rising learn African drumming, dancing or mask Stars session of the year. Now a staple of making before bringing all three together to the Bedford Academy calendar, the Rising perform in our Main Hall in front of a group Stars programme is running for the fourth of teachers. The students, as always, were consecutive year. The programme involves a credit to their schools and a pleasure to around 100 students in total, from Years 5 work with and we look forward to our next and 6 in the Primary Schools and Years 7 collaboration in December.
Highlights - Autumn 2018 03 News Prison Me No Way! On Friday 23rd November, our Year 7 students were given a taste of prison life with the arrival of a team of prison officers from the No Way Trust. On Friday 23rd November, we fundraised The students took part in a number of educational workshops that looked in detail at what prison life was like, how drugs can negatively for Children in Need. impact their lives and the purpose of electronic tagging. They were For this event, we organised also given an opportunity to hear from an ex-offender about what it a bake sale and multiple is like to be inside a fully functional prison. activities such as a hula hooping Students were split into wing numbers through their form groups challenge, Sixth Form mufti for the day, working their way round the various workshops on and a Guess Who challenge offer. The workshops were delivered by experts that were either which involved baby pictures of current serving prison officers or retired personnel that had years teachers across the school! of experience working for agencies that were linked to prisons from It was a remarkable and around the country. outstanding outcome for both The highlight for many students was the opportunity to get inside the volunteers and students. a real prison cell, spending some time in the cramped conditions Our aim was to raise £200 and with standard issue products that are given to inmates when they we exceeded this target by arrive in prison. raising a big £237.96. “I particularly enjoyed going into the prison cell as it looked very realistic This event was a huge success due to the help and dedication and gave me an insight into the world of prisons.” Davina Bagha from all of the Year 12 volunteers, so a big thank you to all of you! I would also like to thank everyone for getting involved and being “My favourite bit was listening to Anthony’s story. It made me realise we so generous. need to focus on school and think about what we want to get out of life.” Luther Nyatsambo Sabina Jannat Chelsea’s Choice On Monday 12th November, Bedford Academy was lucky enough to have the drama group AlterEgo come in and deliver the production ‘Chelsea’s Choice’, highlighting the very serious and emotional issue of child sexual exploitation. The play told the story of a group of three students who discover the diary of a girl called Chelsea. Chelsea was a young girl who, having fallen out with her friends and family, was approached by a man called Gary. Gary was older, owned a car, had a flat and treated her like an adult. Unfortunately Gary was not what he seemed to be. Chelsea’s story was played out and examined by the three students who, along with their teacher, attempt to understand what happened to Chelsea and how it could have been prevented. In conjunction with Bedford Borough, this innovative and powerful message was delivered to our Year 7 students, where members of the Police Force were on hand to answer any questions from them and point out the variety of places available for advice and help. Students will have a follow up session in their Ethics lessons in a few month’s time.
04 Highlights - Autumn 2018 News Team Building at Caldecotte In November, Year 7 students attended a team building day at the Caldecotte Xperience in Milton Keynes. They were led by a group of Sixth Form students who had been trained to lead sessions by the team at Caldecotte. Sian Mills, Year 12, explains what happened groups of Year 7s, developing all of the above things in life. We did this by speaking to them during the day: skills. They took part in activities such as and allowing them to make mistakes but Caldecotte is an outdoor based trip, centred bushcraft, paddleboarding, canoeing, rock helping and correcting them by demonstrating around teamwork, communication and life climbing and caving. These were used to coach the solution to the problem. skills. It also gives students the ability to find students on different ways of dealing with Allowing everyone to have a say and a part to solutions to things that are out of their control problems, pushing them out of their ‘comfort’ play within the group changed their perspective or comfort zone. and in to their ‘stretch’ zone. We reassured on things and in return they were much them throughout this that it is okay to be Over the two days, 12 Sixth Formers lead more aware of their surroundings and we all scared and nervous but they need to try new witnessed a much more polite year in general.
Communities Facilities Hire As part of Bedford Academy’s on- is open to everyone! As a church, our going commitment of encouraging full congregation includes people from all over community involvement, its excellent Bedford – and beyond. We run different facilities are available for hire outside groups for children, youth, families, refugees of normal school hours. The school’s and the lonely and we’re passionate about accessible location, flexible facilities and caring for the poor. We recently held a ample parking make it an ideal venue for Baptism Service at the school which ended a wide range of activities and events; from up as standing room only! There were 400 conferences and seminars, theatrical and guests to celebrate five baptisms, as they musical events, exhibitions and meetings, publicly declared how meeting Jesus had to regular training sessions and sports transformed their lives. tournaments. Please see our website for Luckily it was a glorious sunny day, which more details on what facilities are available. was good news as we had our pool set up One of our community hirers is All outside! It was an awesome morning and a Nations Church: great use of the school facilities. All Nations Church meet in Bedford Andy Woodward, Academy every Sunday at 10:30am and Leader, All Nations Church
Highlights - Autumn 2018 05 Humanities
Geography Homework Last half term I was blown away by the cakes, models, canvases, artwork, video clips, have completed these fantastic pieces fantastic homework being produced by raps and songs, just to name a few. of homework. Keeping the ‘buzz’ going, geography students in both KS3 and KS4 I have been overwhelmed by the support geography students have now been issued lessons, the effort that some students went we have received from parents/carers and with this half term’s homework, so be sure to to was really out of this world!! We have seen siblings in making sure that our students ask your child what they are up to this time!
Geography Field Trip On Friday 2nd November, the GCSE Geography department embarked on their first geography field trip for this year, to Bedford town centre. Throughout the day, students collected a Bedford Academy in the best possible way. wide range of primary data for the fieldwork A large number of fundamental skills were section in their Paper 3. The students carried out on this trip that will put them carried out a number of different techniques in good stead for the rest of the academic including pedestrian count, land use function year and if they choose to continue to study and questionnaires. The students were geography in the future. impeccably well behaved and represented
06 Highlights - Autumn 2018 Communications
ILC Drawing/Design Competition TO-DO LIST REVISION • The ILC is open every school morning at 7.30am • The ILC is usually open for breaks 1, 2 and 3 • The ILC is available until 4.10pm each afternoon One of the cupboards in the ILC needs a face-lift • Students revising in the ILC will earn Achievement Points for each session 3 A4 size 3 Any media – drawing/graffiti style/photo they revise, complete work or read 3 Appropriate for school 3 All entries will earn Achievement Points The ILC has: 3 Could be an existing book cover 3 All winners will have their picture displayed • Stationery • Revision guides or you could design a new cover on the cupboard • Revision Cards • Chrome Books 3 Could be a character More information from the ILC or email • AND air-conditioning! 3 Any style/genre [email protected]
Design a Poster/PowerPoint/Video to promote Roald Dahl World Book Day 2019 around Bedford Academy Day The ILC MUST INCLUDE: ran several The date: Must include Must be competitions 7th the WBD Logo Appropriate for for students to March ALL members participate. Brandon Taylor, below, won the 2019 of the school competition for the best short community story in the style of Roald Dahl.
The theme is obviously reading but it is up to you to design/ produce your entry. More information from the ILC.
A book is a gift you can open again and again Books create lasting memories. Young people remember special stories to read over and over. A book will last longer than some electronic toys which break easily. Print books don’t need an internet connection and don’t need to be plugged in to anything. Books do not generate their own noise. You will not have to hunt it down in the middle of the night when it makes a creepy whine as it’s batteries die. Books can be shared between generations. Grandparents can share books with grandchildren – grandchildren grow up and can share their favourite books with their grandchildren. Stuck for ideas? Try this link: https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading/our-recommendations/great-books-guide/
Highlights - Autumn 2018 07 Communications WHY NOT TRY SOMETHING NEW? 10 books fans of should read
Books that WILL make you FEEL...
Library Assistants We are very grateful for the work that Ann in Year 11 does to support the ILC. Ellis in Year 7 is in training to become a Library Assistant. Drop Everything and Read If anyone is interested in hearing more English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching; about being a Library Assistant or for students, understanding the language provides access to the whole wants to apply please call into the ILC curriculum. or email [email protected] Fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects. Without strong literacy skills, a young person’s life chances are severely diminished; their employability, health, confidence and happiness are all compromised. Like the extract? Visit the ILC to find the book!
08 Highlights - Autumn 2018 Communications Lest we Forget Storyteller visits Winners of the Trench in a Shoebox competition the Academy 8y/Hi2 spent the day at Duxford Imperial War Museum Mark Steinhardt visited the ILC again this Last half term the History Department and the ILC announced a joint competition to design year. Mark is a Storyteller who has been a Trench in a box. The prize was for one of the classes to spend the day at Duxford Imperial invited to Bedford Academy for the last War Museum. 3 years to participate in our remembrance We had some very good entries and eventually announced the winning class was 8y/Hi2 – activities. some of them are shown on this page. This year Mark’s presentation focussed on women’s perspective of World War 1. Students listened attentively as Mark explained how the sometimes romantic version of war was very far removed from the reality. Mark also read again from the letters of Corporal Croft (below left). This time Mark focussed on the signs of emotional distress evident in the corporal’s letters and how this would be recognised today as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and help and support would be given.
My trip to Duxford On the 12th November 2018 me and my History class went to Duxford Museum. I saw many old aircraft and I got the chance to walk on the Concorde. I learned that there are Para-dogs that were, and still are, trained to jump out of a flying aircraft. These dogs even have their own parachutes! After we had lunch we watched some planes that had been used in the war to blow up houses and tanks fly over Duxford. Later on we went to see houses that have been created to show what inside a house from the wartime looked like. My favourite parts of the day were holding a gun and walking on Concorde. I really enjoyed going to Duxford and seeing all the planes and tanks. I hope I can go again some time. Chelsea
Highlights - Autumn 2018 09 Communications Reading for Pleasure Creating readers Despite reports to the contrary, by the age of nine, most children can read. However, being able to read is not the same as being a reader. Young people continue to need a supportive relationship with caring adults to encourage a love of reading so that it becomes, and remains, a lifetime habit. Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s academic success. Study after study has shown that those young people who read for pleasure are the ones who are most likely to fulfil their ambitions. Books have the power to transform the lives of their readers. Books can open windows onto new worlds, widen their horizons or even just make them laugh themselves silly. Reading for pleasure can give young people the key they need to unlock their dreams. What difference can I make as a parent? Parents/carers are by far the most important educators in a young person’s life. 3 Set an example of the enjoyment and love of reading by having newspapers, magazines and books in your home. Your books do not have to be new or expensive, it is important to demonstrate that part of the joy of reading is that it can be shared! 3 Make use of your local library, sign your child up for a free library card and make regular visits together if possible to borrow books or sign up together to the Virtual Library online. “We need to stop reading being considered as something young people just do in school. It needs to be seen as a fun way to spend free time. Seeing reading as something that happens at home and is shared by everyone in the family is key.” Christopher Edge Christopher Edge is an award-winning children’s author.
The importance of social awareness, respect and empathy Books are the way that the past communicates with us, and books are the way that we communicate across cultures and national boundaries, across social lines and class divisions. When we read we become part of a timeless, global conversation • Reading opens up a whole new world of understanding and comprehension of the world around us. • It helps young people to make sense of the world around them and consider their own place within the community. • Social stories can allow us all to consider topics such as racism, abuse, unrequited love, faith or poverty. • Books let us enter into each other’s lives and worlds in a completely unobtrusive but immersive way. When we experience, or live other lives through books, we begin to see the other lives happening in the world around us. The lives we knew nothing about. • An awareness of an issue/topic may create an interest to find out a little more. • We begin to have a little more understanding of each other. • Understanding allows respect and tolerance to develop between us all.
10 Highlights - Autumn 2018 Arts & Sports
Sport Performing Arts Residential Enrichment Trip Rock Challenge This term we have been working On Monday 19th November, towards Rock Challenge 2019. Every our Sixth Form students year Bedford Academy enter a dance attended the National competition held in Stevenage and Citizen Service (NCS) sport students work towards creating a residential trip to the Derby performance for the final competition. velodrome and We have over 40 students involved, St George’s Park. all contributing in different areas from creating set to planning the lighting and Over the three days, students were put choreographing the performance. through a range of different sporting activities including rock climbing, track We will be performing in cycling and hydrotherapy sessions in Stevenage on Wednesday the state-of-the-art facilities. 6th February 2019. You can purchase tickets from This was an excellent opportunity for Stevenage Lifestyle directly students to widen their knowledge and if you would like to understanding of the sport and active attend and support leisure industry, learning key skills and the students. techniques which will directly impact on their learning. Students will then be able to transfer and apply what they have learnt into their coursework in Heart Choir order to complete their qualifications Bedford Academy students have been in sport. involved in a singing workshop with the vocal group Voices8. This will lead to a performance next March with all other Harpur schools. We have over 40 students involved from Years 7–11. Miss Corr has been working with the group each week in preparation for this and for our Christmas Fete.
Media Studies Christmas Fete Level 2 media studies. Level 3 media studies. On Tuesday 11th December we hosted Currently the level 2 media studies groups The Year 13’s are currently working on their our first ever Christmas Fete. There was are working really hard in their groups to independent thriller or horror movies. a wonderful selection of stalls to browse make their own music video. Students are They are working hard to complete their and amazing live performances from currently completing their pre-production pre-production documents before going out Bedford Academy students and local documents before filming their music videos to film. They have worked really hard last year primary schools. early next week. We are expecting to see in their exams and we are looking forward to Together with a mug some amazing music videos being produced seeing the amazing thriller or horror music of Catering’s special before Christmas. videos that they will be producing. hot chocolate, this was the perfect way to begin the Christmas period.
Highlights - Autumn 2018 11 Arts & Sports Sports Fixtures Sports Leaders The half term has been filled with numerous fixtures across all At the start of the school year, 13 Year 8 students were selected to Years including U16 Basketball, Year 7 and 8 Rugby, Year 7 and 8 represent the Academy by becoming Sports Leaders. These students Girls Football, Girls Netball, Year 11 Football and various County have made a fantastic start within their roles as Sports Leaders, not only Cup fixtures. These fixtures have had their ups and downs in representing the school well outside of the Academy at events but also with the teams enjoying and being proud of their success in performing as young role models in PE and around school. winning as well as being humble in defeat. The role of a Sports Leader entails intends to use a range of adapted The results for some of this half term’s fixtures are below: teaching and coaching sport and PE sports to get students with additional U16 Basketball – The Year 11 boys won 4 out of 5 games, to younger students. These students learning needs physically and mentally demonstrating fantastic attitude and passion throughout. are often challenged with special engaged in sports, whilst developing Year 11 Boys Football – The boys finished the league educational needs and this is where important life skills such as teamwork, unbeaten winning 4 games and drawing 2. engaging in sport and PE has become communication and listening. As Year 7 and 8 Boys Rugby – The boys had a mixture of wins invaluable for these individuals. a school we should be extremely and losses, but showed grit and determination in games to Bedford Academy can be extremely proud of other teachers commenting strive for a win. proud of our Year 8 students, as they on the positive impacts our Sports Year 7 and 8 Girls Football – The girls finished their series have been working passionately Leaders have already had in building of games unbeaten, showing an enormous amount of talent and sensitively with these younger relationships with the students in their and a love of the sport. students to ensure they receive an care. It has been pleasing to see the Support from around the school has been great, with lots of unforgettable sports experience. confidence this has given our young students coming to watch and support fixtures. Still to come we The first event was held in October leaders in becoming role models for have Year 7 Basketball, Year 7 and 9 County Cup fixtures and also and was centred around giving the others around the school to follow. Badminton tournaments for boys and girls in Year 9, 10 or 11. Sports Leaders an understanding of Well done Mohammed Akash, the basics behind sports coaching and Laiba Ansari, Zanaira Ansari, Helena teaching. This began with the Leaders Bossendorfer, Caelan Cox, Thomas meeting the younger children for the Fragapane, Robertas Gaveika, Amelia PE Stars of the Week first time in the afternoon and getting Jameson, Conor Lappage, Leah Scott, It has been a brilliant start to the PE year at Bedford Academy. them engaged with team-building Aiesha Virdi, Freddie Williams and With so many students making outstanding progress in the activities. The second event involved Abby Woodward for representing the subject it has been difficult each week to award just three teaching a range of sports such as school and yourselves so well and for students with ‘PE Star of the Week’! Those students that are goalball and zone hockey. This initiative doing the school and Team PE proud! awarded PE Star of the Week are rewarded for going above and beyond with their attitudes, efforts and achievements within the subject. Students who have been successful are awarded 3 achievement points, have their name put up in the spotlights on the display board and now make the TV around school! Since the start of the school year, it has been fantastic to see a whole range of students from each Key Stage receive recognition for their progress in PE. A big well done so far to everyone who has achieved PE Star of the Week this term. Could it be you with your name up in lights next?!
PE Lessons Our students are able to experience Football, learning the rules and a wide range of sports within their teamwork involved in the game. PE lessons. Year 7 have settled in well Health-related fitness has been a large and have shown a keen interest. The focus for our Year 9 groups, learning main sports we have concentrated about the importance of healthy on this term are Rugby, Hockey, active lifestyles. During health related Netball, Lacrosse, Gaelic Football, fitness lessons, students have been Handball and Touchball – to name completing a number of fitness tests just a few! Lacrosse has been well to assess their own personal strength received by the girls and the boys and cardiovascular endurance, with all have thoroughly enjoyed Gaelic students showing excellent progress.
12 Highlights - Autumn 2018 Arts & Sports Teaching and Learning in PE In PE there is a real focus on ensuring all students meet the learning outcomes by applying 100% effort to all activities. A key way of doing this is by stretching and challenging students whilst sports covered on the curriculum plan. Each card is individually ensuring activities are achievable. A new way the PE team have looked differentiated through a bronze, silver and gold system and can fit to do this is through Differentiation Challenge Cards. These cards are with the learning outcomes of each lesson as well as simultaneously for the teacher to take into each lesson to enhance the focus and linking with the assessment ladders for the respective sports. This competition in lessons. These have been created and tested through enables students to feel challenged in each lesson and aims to assist a variety of invasion games with the aim to roll them out across all them in meeting and exceeding their target grades.
The Game Changer The Wall During the next game related practice can you: During the next game related practice can you: 1. Get your team to make 10 passes 1. Intercept 5 passes from to score a goal (Bronze) the opposite team (Bronze) 2. Make 3 key passes that lead to 2. Stop the other team making 10 passes by goals for your team (Silver) closing down any space they have (Silver) 3. Score a point for your team using a 3. Go an entire game without key skill learnt during the lesson (Gold) conceding a point (Gold)
The Tactician The All-Rounder During the next game related practice can you: During the next game related practice can you: 1. Get everyone in your team to touch the ball 1. Make 3 assists across at least once before scoring (Bronze) the lesson (Bronze) 2. Create a set play to gain your 2. Concede less than 5 goals team an advantage (Silver) during the lesson (Silver) 3. Get every member of your team to 3. Score 4 goals during contribute towards a goal for your team (Gold) the lesson (Gold)
Visit to the Shuttleworth Collection On 18th September, 8 Art students visited the Shuttleworth Aerodrome in Old Warden to draw from primary sources. The students all engaged with the venue, drawing not only the aircraft but studying the cabinets of war relics. The outcomes from the visit are already being demonstrated to a high standard.
Highlights - Autumn 2018 13 Sixth Form Sixth Form News Open Evening Our Sixth Form Open Evening on 22nd Autumn Term Highlights November was extremely well attended. Both internal and external students were The Sixth Form leadership team is extremely impressed with the able to meet with subject staff, current Sixth progress made by Year 12 and 13 students this term. Form students and university representatives The students are extremely positive role number of extremely positive comments to discuss their Level 3 pathway. A talk by models to our younger students and have from teaching staff. Year 13 students Mr Deller and Mrs Harrop enabled students already been involved in a number of have hit the ground running in the and parents to gain a greater understanding activities with the lower school. This has second year of their courses and are of Bedford Academy Sixth Form. Students included peer mentoring, subject coaching also working hard to complete their were able to collect a prospectus and and leading the Student Voice interviews. university or apprenticeship applications application form during the evening. Our Year 12 students transitioned to Key for next year. The application deadline for all students Stage 5 smoothly and we have received a considering Bedford Academy Sixth Form was Thursday 12th December. Please contact Mrs Harrop if you are thinking about Bedford Academy but have not yet Pixl Student Conference returned your application. On Wednesday 7th November, 10 Year take home valuable information, including 12 students attended the Pixl student reading lists and useful links for a range of conference at Westminster Central subject areas. Hall, London. The conference, titled ‘Getting into Top Universities’, welcomed a number of guest speakers who talked about the prestigious Russell Group universities and how students can be competitive in their applications. Students were able to ask questions and
Cambridge University Applicants Three Year 13 students have been Sharnbrook Academy in November, receiving a lot of support after their was extremely useful in preparing for applications to Cambridge University. the nature of and style of interviews. In preparation for the extremely Following this, the mock interview vigorous entry tests and interviews, evening at Bedford School enabled students have attended external students to be interviewed and receive preparation sessions and mock feedback by professionals in their interviews. subject areas. We wish each of our A preparation session, held at applicants the best of luck! Your Future Day On 20th November, Year 11 students had the opportunity to experience ‘Life as a Sixth Lakeview Primary Form Student’. The students came to school School Placements in professional dress and attended a range of Year 13 lessons, guest speaker workshops Nine Sixth Form students have secured themselves and university lectures. The aim for the day voluntary work placements at Lakeview Primary School. was to allow students to further explore This opportunity was opened up to all checks complete, the students are now their options after Year 11. The day was a students and those with the strongest ready to begin and we wish them the best huge success and the feedback from students applications secured themselves a place. of luck. Students who were not selected was extremely positive. We are exceptionally Students will work as teaching assistants this time will be kept up-to-date with any proud of the conduct of our students on this with Year 1 and Year 2 classes and will upcoming opportunities as we look to set day and look forward to receiving their Sixth take a lead on the reading time. With DBS up a similar link with more primary schools. Form applications!
14 Highlights - Autumn 2018 Sixth Form News Physics A level students visit Cambridge University After school on Thursday 18th October, Physics A Level students attended a lecture at the prestigious Cavendish Laboratory at the University of Cambridge. Arriving early, the group was able to look poring over literally miles of data from a new around the museum and see so much of the radio telescope she had helped to build. universally important scientific equipment “It was a very, very small signal. It occupied that was used to discover phenomenon we about one part in 100,000 of the three miles take for granted now. of chart data that I had,” Bell Burnell said. A thoroughly enjoyable lecture entitled At the time, the researchers were unsure “Transient astronomy: bursts, bangs and what produced the signals. Today they are The decision drew vocal criticism from the things that go bump in the night”, was known as pulsars: spinning neutron stars that British astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle, but Dame given by Professor Dame Jocelyn Bell can be tens of miles across and yet weigh Jocelyn has not complained. Burnell (right). Dame Jocelyn discovered more than the sun. As pulsars spin, they Earlier this year Dame Jocelyn was chosen the astronomical phenomenon: pulsars. The release intense beams of radio waves that by a panel of leading scientists to receive the group had the chance to hear about the new sweep around the heavens like beams from a $3m (£2.3m) Special Breakthrough Prize in frontiers in space research from one of the cosmic lighthouse. fundamental physics for her landmark work world’s most eminent astronomers. The discovery of pulsars was so dramatic it and a lifetime of inspiring leadership in the Whilst completing her PhD at the Cavendish was awarded the Nobel prize in 1974. But scientific community. She promptly donated laboratory, she spotted a faint and unusual whilst her supervisor, Antony Hewish, was the entire amount to an organisation to help signal: repeating pulses of radio waves, whilst named as a winner, Dame Jocelyn was not. students under-represented in physics.
Fitzwilliam Museum Trip The Year 13s had a successful visit to the connections between Virginia Woolf and her Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge on 9th contemporaries, the paintings ranged from November. As part of their BTEC Level Laura Knight to Penny Slinger. 3, they have to study libraries and all that The Year 13s also explored the Museum they contain. During their studies, they are and discovered the beautiful collection of expected to draw from real life; drawing ceramics, paintings, sculptures and prints from from primary sources ensures a direct and other countries. personal response to the theme. The drawings from the day were fantastic The students visited the Virginia Woolf in their intriguing descriptions and creative exhibition inspired by her writings and this response. Below are just a selection of the gave them a thought provoking collection drawings produced. of studies. Drawing attention to the many
Highlights - Autumn 2018 15 Careers Upcoming Events Student feedback has said you would like more notice of upcoming Careers events, so here is what we have planned so far… Lloyds – Enterprise Adviser Update • January through to March: As some of you may be aware, we were lucky (If you are wondering SME stands for Small Year 8 Employer Visits enough to have benefited massively from the and Medium Enterprises). Jon has already been • 30/01 and 05/02: Year 11 and 12 support and enthusiasm of Paul Shadbolt, Area into school and talked some of his colleagues Mock Interviews Director Beds & Herts Lloyds SME Banking. As into doing a video shoot for our BA character • 31/01: Options and Careers Evening well as introducing me to numerous business and careers assemblies this term. The team Years 8, 9 and 10 links, he persuaded Tour De Force to bring a talked about how they had to demonstrate BA racing car into school, supported many careers character traits in their workplace, showing the • 31/01: Access Coffee Morning – Information events either himself or coaxed colleagues into value that employers place on employability for Year 11 Students & Parents/Carers on doing so, sponsored the Careers Quest 2018 skills as well as qualifications. Jon has also been alternative post-16 pathways and hosted some fantastic employer visits. busy lining up prospective employer visits for • 01/02 and 06/02 SEMLEP: Paul was a massive support and I was able to next term and also recruiting volunteers for our Introducing Apprenticeships Year 9 learn a great deal from him. Year 11 and 12 mock interviews in January and • 08/02: KS4 & 5 Meet the Professional Sadly Paul has now moved on from Lloyds, February next year. Creative Careers, including Forth Monkey but was careful to line up a replacement Wishing Paul all the best in his new venture Drama Workshop before doing so. I am happy to say that Jon and looking forward to working with Jon • 22/02: IT & Technology Meet the Bates has taken up the reins! Jon also works for moving forwards. Professional KS4 & 5 Lloyds SME Banking as a Relationship Manager. Mandy Green, Careers Leader • 27/02: Bing Bang STEM event Silverstone – Year 8 or 9 (tbc) • 04–08/03: National Apprenticeships Week and National Careers Week – related activities in lessons and at lunchtime throughout the week • 07/03: Parent Apprenticeship Information Evening including Degree Apprenticeships • 12/03: Visit to National Apprenticeship The team of Lloyd’s volunteers that made the assembly character & careers recordings, Show, Stadium Milton Keynes left to right; Kristy Taylor, Nasir Shabir, Gabi Chindris, Jon Bates and Paula Daniels. • 02/05: Year 11 College Transition Evening • 21/06: Year 12 UCAS Conference • 24–28/06: Year 12 Work Experience • 27–28/06: Year 7 University Visit The Football Education Academy • 05/07: Year 6 (RY7) – Meet the Professional – ‘STEM Rocks’ event The Football Education Academy has enabled Football Education Academy pride themselves • 08/07: 20 Bedfordshire-based footballers each year on a learning environment that is unique Year 10 (Rollover Year 11) Next to combine full time football with educational and inclusive to allow all types of students to Steps Event, University of Bedfordshire studies. Based in Wixams School in Bedford, succeed and thrive. Remember we are adding new events and they combine educational studies with full ‘I am currently studying at The Football Education opportunities so keep your eye on the careers time football training. The Football Education Academy. It has allowed me to enjoy the sport I noticeboard, follow @careersbears on Academy provides facilities, equipment and love playing, which is football, whilst also studying Instagram (we never follow you back) or email software, mirroring a professional football club, a Level 3 extended diploma. This means I can [email protected] to sign up to maximise the players’ personal and football gain a qualification which is equivalent to 3 A for our weekly careers bulletin. development. levels. Whilst being at this football academy, it has What are the entry requirements? allowed me to become much more confident with ‘The reason that I chose to do the Level 3 sports my football and also improve on my footballing diploma course with The Football Education 3 GCSES A-C or 8-4 preferably one Maths Academy was because I wanted to carry on or English skill and knowledge.’ Ibby Miah, former Bedford Academy Student. in the path of football but also study a sports What happens if I don’t meet the course alongside it. I went and looked at different ‘The Football Education Academy gave me a requirements? academies that offer the same experience but second chance after dropping out of Sixth Form. I chose this one due to the fact that all the staff The Football Education Academy appreciate Looking back on the decision I feel as though it here are very helpful and friendly and it’s the exams can be a tough and stressful period for was the right choice because I have come across same for all the students. The training is very students, although their entry requirements for many more opportunities and it gives me a better intense and you have to make sure that you work our BTEC Extended Diploma in sport are in understanding on what to do after completing hard in the training sessions. It’s all worthwhile place, students who do not meet the 3 GCSE’s this course. So far, being a few months in, it has though because only being here for 5 months 8-4 are able to study a Level 3 Subsidiary improved my football abilities whilst also learning my football abilities have increased massively. The Diploma or a Level 2 BTEC Sport Course if important life skills. The Football Education lesson are well organised as well and you learn all required. Any student who doesn’t gain a 4 Academy does not focus on football, but uses it or above in English or Maths will retake those the information for your assignments from good, as a tool for students to achieve in life.’ Raheeb subjects, will have access to all learning materials well-structured lessons.’ Mason Wright, former Arman, former Bedford Academy Student. and will be re-entered for the exams. The Bedford Academy Student.
16 Highlights - Autumn 2018 Introducing Careers
Alumni Day We are now using START as our primary Back in the summer we invited some of our former students in to meet up with our careers website. We have trialled this current Sixth Formers and to have a catch up with favourite staff and teachers! The former with students from a range of year students also created some stars detailing what they are doing now along with some groups and initial feedback has been very memories. It was lovely to see them all and to hear all about what they have been doing positive. since leaving Bedford Academy. They were so confident when they were talking to the One of the main reasons we have chosen Sixth Formers and so supportive of them too! We finished off the morning with some old START is because of their innovative Student school dinner favourites – cornflake tart and chocolate toothpaste! Locker – this is equivalent to the old Record of Achievement (ROA) for those of you that remember them! The difference is it’s an online locker where you can store Wayne Instrell Dylan Claassens details of your achievements and career- I finished Sixth Form at Bedford Academy in related learning throughout your time at – Giving Back! 2016, with hopes of going to a top university Bedford Academy. We have even managed One of our former students, who to study mathematics. Unfortunately, this didn’t to customise our version of START and has now graduated and is working quite happen due to poor exam performance, when you add skills and achievements to at Sky, came in twice this term to leading me to take a gap year in which I re-sat your Locker you will be able to tag in BA deliver a fabulous assembly to various exams. My improved grades allowed Character. Year 9s. Talking them through his me to continue to pursue my interest in We will be holding tutor group inductions journey and the challenges he faced mathematics at Coventry University, where I after Christmas starting off with Year 11. during his time at the Academy have just completed my first year of study. Once you are logged on you can update and sharing his experiences of Whilst it has been a great year, meeting loads your locker as often as you like and university. He spoke passionately of interesting people and taking advantage of teachers and the careers team will also about making the most of the new opportunities, it has also been a lot of be able to add career related learning and opportunities and the importance hard work. Despite this, I know I made the achievements to your Locker. he places on being polite, grateful right choice by choosing a subject I enjoy and and prepared to have a go. START can help you to explore study that challenges me to produce my best work. options and career ideas and have a range Often, the questions I am set have seemingly of activities you can complete. obscure answers, which only become clearer START is accessible anytime on computers after hours of debate, trials and effort. This has and compatible mobile and tablet devices, been great preparation for the working world, and is designed to enable young people to where problems have complex or even no make more informed choices about their answer at all. futures. A mathematics graduate has a large number Can’t wait until January? of career choices, so it was important to You can register now and take a look. start thinking about what I would like to do after graduating. Networking with industry professionals and joining the Financial Trading How to Register: Student Guide Society, I quickly gained insight into the Wayne was Sky Sports ‘Living for Go to www.startprofile.com and click world of finance, financial markets and the Sport Student of the Year 2012’ and Register maths behind it. I hope to use this interest to received a surprise visit when David pursue a career in finance, specialising in risk Use your school email address and the Beckham visited Bedford Academy management. Academy’s postcode: MK42 9TR to meet him in July 2013. The Sky Click Login and enter your username Sports ‘Living for Sport Awards’ My advice to current students would be to and password. Click Login celebrate the successful way UK embrace failure as a necessary step towards The first time you log in you will be secondary schools are using the free achieving success. Try not to dwell on past required to complete the following: initiative, delivered in partnership mistakes and instead, reflect upon them so that you can change your approach when faced I am Studying in Education with the Youth Sport Trust, to • Select with similar problems in the future. and would like to explore my inspire young people through sport. career options The Awards offer UK schools the opportunity to shine a light on their • Start typing the name of your school pupils’ sporting journeys and share or college to find your establishment their stories of success. • Enter your current year group Wayne is very passionate about • Enter your registration code: giving back and helping others and (available in January) has volunteered to deliver talks • Click Submit in other schools via the SEMLEP For more information on START please network. Well done Wayne, thank contact [email protected] you for your time!
Highlights - Autumn 2018 17 Careers Accountancy careers that Apprenticeships explained add up! During October Sixth Form students What is an apprenticeship and where • Gain official certification of your skills, had the opportunity to hear a talk on can it take you? equivalent to a qualification ranging from accountancy careers from Milkround, An apprenticeship gives you hands-on Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) up to degree which is the UK’s most widely used experience, a salary and the opportunity to level – see chart below. student and graduate website. train while you work. All of this with some • Start a long-term career path with the The guest speakers from Milkround high quality, prestigious companies in loads of possibility of higher earnings corrected some common different industries. misunderstandings about accountancy An apprenticeship is a real job. It’s a way to: When can I start an apprenticeship? – it isn’t just about numbers, you don’t • Earn a wage and learn at the same time, From age 16 (after Year 11). There is no necessarily need with at least 20% of your time set aside upper age limit. a degree and it for learning – normally at a college, is not just for university or other training provider. students from mathematical What are the different levels of apprenticeships? backgrounds! There are APPRENTICESHIP CAREER PATHWAY many different specialisms and ENTRY POINTS* routes into accountancy, such as via apprenticeships. DEGREE LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS Students were encouraged to identify HND LEVELS 6,7 - EQUIVALENT TO A transferable skills that they may have BACHELOR’S AND MASTERS DEGREE already required through their studies, part time jobs and work experience and were shown how these apply HIGHER LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS to accountancy. Examples included A LEVELS relationship building, self-awareness, & HNC/D LEVELS 6,7 - EQUIVALENT TO A FOUNDATION DEGREE problem solving, communication, time management and leadership skills. Each student was offered a booklet on accountancy careers to encourage them GCSEs & LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS to explore the profession in more detail. A LEVELS LEVEL 3 - EQUIVALENT TO 2 A LEVELS
PROGRESSION Focus Group A Careers Focus Group has been set GCSEs & INTERMEDIATE LEVEL APPRENTICESHIPS up to give all students an opportunity A LEVELS LEVEL 2 - EQUIVALENT TO 5 GCSEs A*-C to have their say and to come up with new ideas for Careers provision within school. The initial meeting was held in November TRAINEESHIPS and students came up with some great GCSEs ENGLISH AND MATHS QUALIFICATIONS ideas and feedback including: AND UP TO 6 MONTHS WORK EXPERIENCE • How to communicate more effectively with students about Careers events/ *Entry requirements may differ according to the particular sector; profession, employer, activities on social media. apprenticeship level or trainee’s age. • Making best use of Careers activities at tutor time. • How to make better use of Careers noticeboards. Alumni Apprentices! • Ideas for rewarding students who have In the last two years we have had a record Tourism, Healthcare, and Hospitality & taken part in Careers trips, events, etc. number of students securing apprenticeships. Catering. In addition, seven students from We are excited for the next meeting and There were six Year 12 and five Year Year 11 went directly into apprenticeships look forward to receiving more helpful 13 students who successfully secured in the following industries: Construction, feedback from students! apprenticeships including Law, Pharmacy, Motor Vehicle, Hair & Beauty, Hospitality If you are interested in taking Recruitment, Logistics, Creative Industries, & Catering, Childcare and Engineering. part, please send an email to Air Cabin Crew, Motor Vehicle, Leisure & [email protected]
18 Highlights - Autumn 2018 Year 12 Work Experience Launch Careers To prepare and inspire our Year 12s to find aspirational work experience placements we invited in some What a way to start at BA! experts to help them on their way. What better way to show our commitment to careers than Massive thanks to: for our new students to meet a range of employers, further • Viv Davidson & Elizabeth Parry – DWP education providers and universities on their second day. • Tim Guest – Zoedale Electronics The aim of the event was for students to • ICE (Institute of • Richard Cooper – RCA Business meet with four or five delegates over an Civil Engineers) Psychologists hour and take part in a variety of activities, • Stomor • Matthew Wetherby – Wilmott Dixon quizzes, talks and question and answer Engineering sessions to find out more about job areas • Bryony Richardson – Aim • Wilmott Dixon Charlie Campbell with his that they might not have thought of or Certificate of Achievement Apprenticeships and their previously dismissed. Many students (and for giving up your time and delivering amazing ‘Who teachers) have misconceptions about jobs, some fantastic workshops to help our wants to be a millionaire?” presentation! often dismissing them without finding out students on their way! The students’ participation was a delight, more about the full range of opportunities Work Experience this year runs from 25– our visitors commented on how lovely and available and about the skills and personality enthusiastic they were and how well they 28th June. Sixth Formers are encouraged traits that employers want. to research companies and identify why engaged! A massive thank you to all of our delegates: they would like to do work experience “I enjoyed most of the learning events because • Halifax • Santander there in particular, what they would like to they tell you more about what you would like to find out and what experience they hope • Bedford College • UOB do in the future.” to get. Placements do not have to match • UON • UON Nursing “I enjoyed most of the learning events because one of the job or degree courses students • Interserve • Aecom they really helped you think of what you wanted are considering but do need to give them • Elizabeth Toogood, Critical Friend to be. What could be better for me would be if a new experience of a workplace, one • Milton Keynes College and their drone! we had more time.” they have not had before, out of their • Thomas Hunter (and @careersbears) comfort zone to build their confidence, give them an insight into the daily, weekly, monthly and annual responsibilities involved in full time employment and make Year 8 go to Dunster House them more aware of the employability During September a group of Year 8 students had the opportunity to visit a local skills they already have and those they employer, Dunster House. The aim of the trip was to give them an experience of want to develop further. the working world, raise their awareness of employment opportunities and learn If you or the organisation you work essential employability skills. for are able to offer one of our Sixth Formers a placement please email Dunster House was founded in 1994 in and met some of the staff. The trip ended [email protected] Northampton as a family business and is a with a visit to the boardroom where leading manufacturer of garden log cabin students were able to ask questions and and climbing frames. The business now met Dunster the bear. owns several sites in the UK and factories Students really enjoyed the opportunity: Careers info directly in Estonia, Hungary and Poland. Previous “I enjoyed visiting all the built things and to your inbox! customers include the likes of David learning about the amazing things that Cameron and Jason Statham, who purchased Dunster House have designed and built.” The Careers Bulletin contains details of a climbing frame and log cabin respectively. “I learnt that you don’t have to go to upcoming careers events, careers insights, The students were met at the Bedford office/ university to be successful and happy.” information about university taster days, factory by the Managing Director, Chris “It was interesting to learn about his (Chris work experience opportunities and Murphy’s) life and how it all led up to this exciting Intermediate, Higher and Degree Murphy, and were taken around the premises business.” apprenticeship vacancies. This is emailed where they got to see a range of structures to Sixth Form students every week and is placed on the Careers noticeboards in the Atrium and ILC. If you would like to receive a copy please email [email protected].
Highlights - Autumn 2018 19 Diary Dates
Key Dates for Spring 2019 January March 7th School Term starts 14th Year 11 Parents’ Evening 31st Year 8 & 9 Options Evening 28th Year 10 Parents’ Evening February April 6th Rising Stars 5th Last day of School Term 7th Year 8 & 9 Options Deadline 7th Year 7 Parents’ Evening 11th Half Term
School Jumpers Communication The school does not hold stocks of uniform for sale other than jumpers and backpacks. With the progress of technology, we are If you require uniform items for your child/children, these can be ordered via the online keen to ensure that parents and carers shop linked to our website, https://www.totalclothingshop.co.uk/bacad/. receive information from us promptly and Back packs can be purchased from Reception at £12.00 each. Payment must be made efficiently. We are aware that telephone through Parentpay or by cheque, payable to HEART Academies Trust. numbers and email addresses do change, Jumpers can be purchased from Reception, size and prices below. Payment must be so it is important that we are informed made through Parentpay or by cheque, payable to HEART Academies Trust. of any new contact details as soon as possible. This will help us should we need to contact you in an emergency. Price £8.00 £9.00 £10.00 Please send any change of contact details Size 28 30 32 34 36 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 to [email protected]. Please label all your child/children’s uniform items Please include in the email your child’s so that if any items turn up in Lost Property they name, tutor group, your full name, can quickly be returned. relationship to child and the new telephone/email contact details.
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