201512 Wilmington Newsletterwilmingtonacademy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/...2015 Shoe Box...

WILMINGTONA C A D E M YN E W S L E T T E R

December 2015

Festive success at our Annual Christmas Community PartyOn Wednesday 9th December the Post 16 Business A Level and Hospitality students held their annual Christmas Community Party, supported by ten Year 9 students. We entertained over 130 elderly people from our local community and the students from Milestone Academy.

The students have worked on the planning and cooking for the event for the last 4 weeks and the party was a huge success. Over £400 was raised for the Post 16 chosen charity - Guide Dogs.

The feedback from the local community included “Really good afternoon had, thanks to all the students and staff

for their hardwork and friendliness. It was Great!”

“Really lovely, the students are fantastic. We hope to come again” and “Great afternoon, all the kids are brilliant – we take our hats off to them!”

The afternoon saw lots of dancing, raffles and a Christmas afternoon tea

with delicious pastries and Christmas pudding ice cream. All in all, a fabulous afternoon building even stronger links within our community.

We look forward to next year!

WILMINGTONA C A D E M Y N E W S L E T T E R

Charity Work

Cycling Through CambodiaRoughly 1 2 months ago, my best friend Jo-Jo asked how I was going to celebrate my 50th birthday. Did I want a party? Should we have a mad weekend in Las Vegas? Now, as it happens I lost my Mum to breast cancer just before my 40th birthday. As this milestone birthday was going to be a stark reminder of her passing, I decided that what I wanted to do was to raise money to help others suffering in the fight against cancer. So Jo-Jo was given the job of researching fund raising ideas and came across the idea of bicycling from Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam to Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

After seeking the Principal’s permission, it was all systems go. For those of you who know me, you’ll be aware that I was a fat, unfit 49 year old - and according to my friend, that had to change or I’d have a heart attack on this bike ride. This is because I was going to

have to cycle “ about 350 miles” (“subject to change” it said in the brochure) “in hot and humid conditions “ . So began my fitness regime.

It went well considering I broke my elbow on the first day on the summer holidays. That really curtailed my training, but 2 months later, I was back on the bike. I completed 30-40 mile circuits on tarmacked roads and tow paths and to prepare myself for the heat, stuck my indoor turbo trainer next to the radiator and cranked up the central heating to 24˚C and pedalled furiously for hours.

I t all paid off. I was 3 stone lighter, slightly fitter and ready for action. So on 14th November, Jo - Jo and I flew to the Far East.

Usually a balmy 33˚C, it reached 42˚C in the midday sun and the humidity was around 88%, and it didn’t cool down at night either. Thank goodness for air-conditioning! The bikes we were set up with were brand new Trek mountain bikes - a little odd I thought given that we were told the ride was “reasonably flat”. My friends - tarmacked roads are few and far between when you are cycling through coconut plantations, rice paddy fields, and rural villages. Mountain bikes are excellent over the stony, pot-holed, muddy terrain we were faced with.

During my 14 day challenge, I saw some unbelievably beautiful countries which were only made more so, by their people.

I saw poverty in the extreme but I also saw happiness, respect, kindness and love. I have made lifelong friends in both countries. I have eaten some weird and wonderful food. I have been in considerable pain in unmentionable places, thought my brains were boiling inside my skull and sometimes when I was ready to quit; throw the bike down on the ground and have a complete meltdown, I’d look up and see the cutest little shoeless child or a toothless old man grinning madly at me. “Hello, hello!” they would yell, waving madly. “I see you - happy day!”

What can you do? You smile back, give a big wave and shout “Hello” back and keep on cycling. I went through every emotion as I spent time with these lovely people.

I was terrified cycling in the world’s most craziest traffic systems, thrilled when invited into weddings, blessed by Buddhist monks, wept at the Killing Fields in Cambodia, learned how to make noodle soup, astounded school children with my magic finger nails (thermo-chromic nail varnish - changes colour when it’s cold); scared to death when came face-to-face with live and deep-fried tarantulas(!) and laughed so much with people who didn’t speak English but through the weirdest sign

A c t e n t e r p r i s i n g l y , W o r k i n p a r t n e r s h i p , A c h i e v e e x c e l l e n c e

language ever - communicated.

I have returned a different person. This was a life-changing adventure not just for me, but thanks to your generosity, I have raised almost £6,000 for cancer research. This will help change the lives for others - hopefully for the better. So just in case, you’d like to help me over that £6,000 mark, you can donate to my cause via ParentPay. Think of it like this, I ended up cycling 410 miles so you don’t have to - surely that’s worth a fiver, right?

K. Oliver

London Marathon 2016

I am so excited (and petrified) to finally have the opportunity to take part in the London Marathon. I have applied, with no success for the last five years and this

year I was at last successful! My first memories of the London Marathon are when at the age of four I cheered on my Dad sitting on Grandads shoulders in Bermondsey. This and in the years since when I have watched my friends and family from the roadside have inspired me that I must one day take

part in this once in a life time event.

Through Virgin Money Giving, you can sponsor me and donations will be quickly processed and passed to my charity Phab Kids! Virgin Money Giving is a not for profit organisation and will claim Gift Aid on a charity’s behalf where the donor is eligible for this.

Phab Kids is an amazing charity whose aim is to “promote and encourage people of all abilities to come together on equal terms, achieve complete inclusion within the wider community and make more of life together.”

I am so grateful for any donation you can make and I promise that I am pounding the pavements HARD in an attempt to do myself and everyone that has sponsored me proud on the day! I have so far run a total of 175 miles in my training and aim to run a half marathon at Brands hatch in January! Here is my sponsorship page: http://tinyurl.com/pdohckm

K. Larner

2015 Shoe Box AppealThank you very much to all of those who supported the Shoebox Appeal. The shoeboxes were collected in

early December ready to be shipped to various places, but in majority to the Syrian Refugee camps.

S. Rackley

Charity RunOn 8th August 2015 I took part in the Big Fun Run 5k around Mote Park, Maidstone in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support.

I decided to do the run in aid of my grandfather who died in May, and had been supported by the Macmillan nurses. Although it was only 5k (roughly 3.1 miles) I was still worried that I wouldn’t finish as I’m not a very active person! I managed to do some training before the big day, but it really wasn’t enough and the heat set in as the run commenced at 10am.

I was able to complete the course in about 40 minutes and raised over £100 which was double my target!

B. Burwood


Charity Work

M13 Charity Fundraising 2015

M13 decided to do an event this year to raise money for charity. We wanted to be active

and so decided to aim to score 1000 baskets in one hour. Our target was to raise £300. On Thursday 12th November we descended on the Phoenix Sports Hall and from 3.45pm to 4.45pm we worked solidly shooting basket after basket until we could shoot no more.

Kane Nutley, Matthew Pike and Josh Murphy all scored 100 baskets each. Jemma Pope and Sandy McLaren scored 200 between them. Grace Wiley, Katrina Fordham and Megan Young scored 225 between them. Beth Carter Hart, Jessica Crafter and Molly

Plummer scored 155 between them. Harrison Slough and Stephen Pegg scored 200 between them. Harrison May, Ben Chesley and Harvey Shell scored 50 each. Making the grand total 1230 baskets.

We did it.

We have used £100 to make 10 Christmas hampers for local elderly in Wilmington and the rest of the money is being given to the British Heart Foundation, a charity close to our hearts.

T. Murphy

Children in Need - A Thank you from Pudsey It seems like only yesterday when I first walked into the school wearing the big yellow furry costume dressed as Pudsey. This year marked the 10-year anniversary of the event. In previous years I have thanked the students and staff for their generous donations, often raising between £150.00 - £180.00. This year I wanted to try to beat £200.00. So after speaking to the students in assemblies and around the school site I was hoping that they would help me meet my target.

On Friday 13th November as I got dressed up as Pudsey, thinking about the last 10 years

and how this was probably going to be the last time that I would be dressing up, I felt a little apprehensive hoping that Pudsey could end on a win. As the day progressed I felt overwhelmed with the generosity and support from all the staff and students. Taking off the outfit was a little sad,

but I won’t miss the yellow paint in my ears, hair and nose.

I held my breath and crossed my fingers as the money was being counted, hoping that the amount was just over £200.00. With an overwhelming sense of pride for all the staff and students at the school I am elated to announce that the final total was:

£500.00It just leaves me to say well done and a huge thank you for all your support making this final years total an unforgettable one.

R. Mongon


Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Education

‘Lest We Forget…’It is with much pride that three Wilmington Academy students laid a wreath on behalf of everyone at the Academy in memory of the sacrifices made by members of our community in laying down their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today. Our students also honoured the two-minute silence impeccably on the 11th, taking time to reflect on the importance and relevance of this commemorative event to our lives today.

In school we collected a grand total of £229.55. Thank you to

everyone who supported this cause.

Anti-Bullying WeekAs part of National Anti-Bullying Week we were privileged to invite Tony Waite, who works for IMAGO, into school to deliver some anti-bullying workshops to over 40 Year 8 students. They explored what bullying is, how it makes people feel and where students can go to for help. Tony has kindly agreed to run some more sessions for our students and we anticipate that they will be just as successful.

In Apollo assembly, Form A16 showed the anti-bullying presentation they have made which is absolutely outstanding. Congratulations to all the students who took part in putting it together, which was no mean feat. It has now been shared with students across the school,

so that everyone can benefit from hearing an extremely important message.

Wilmington students show unity for peaceAfter the dreadful attacks in Paris many of our students were moved by what they read and saw. In response, many students came forward requesting that, as a school, we participate in the national one-minute silence for the victims of the Paris attacks. The school came to a total standstill as our students showed their empathy with many around the world touched by this tragic event. It is a tremendous testament to the character of young people today who are willing to think of others at such a terrible time.

P. Devlin

Wilmington Academy celebrates Diwali!On Friday 13th November the LRC was a hive of activity as hundreds of our students celebrated Diwali.

The students tried traditional celebration treats, different foods, made Rangoli patterns and mats, learned key facts about Diwali and different ways this religious festival is embraced. Some of the staff

dressed in traditional Sikh and Hindu dress and the students completed quizzes, listened to cultural music.

It was a fantastic event and there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout.

S. Stevens


Literacy & Numeracy

20 Book Challenge CompetitionIt’s now Module 2 and we enter the last weeks of the 20 Book Challenge for tutor groups across Minerva and Apollo. Back in September, all tutor groups were tasked with reading 20 books per student before the end of December in an attempt to win the title of ‘Wilmington’s Best Readers’ along with a £100 prize! Students have also been given the chance to discuss their books in Wednesday’s tutor session and complete thinking skills tasks to show their understanding of the text. There are only a few

books between the top tutor groups currently in the lead, but there’s only one way to win - keep reading!

Seeds of SuccessWhat does it take to be a great writer? Here at Wilmington Academy we believe that every lesson is a chance to improve our literacy, so that’s why we introduced the Seeds of Success. Each module students focus on a key element of good writing. Last module saw students focus on using capital letters correctly, this module they have been tackling full sentences, and next module the academy will focus on improving spelling.

National Literacy Trust SurveyThe National Literacy Trust is a non-profit charity that works across the UK to raise the literacy standards of both young people and adults. They do a number of research projects during the year, and our academy has received a special invitation for all students in the academy to take part. To take part, students should simply go to: www.literacytrust.org.uk/research/annual_literacy_survey

N. Marken

The National Literacy Trust Big Book SaleOn Friday 4th December the Learning Resource Centre held a BIG BOOK SALE for charity.

A large selection of new and pre-loved books and DVDs were on sale at very reasonable prices. It was a chance for staff and students to share their love of books and reading while helping to give disadvantaged children across the UK the literacy skills they need to succeed in life.

Research shows that one in seven children across the UK has no books of their own at home and many will leave

primary school unable to read well. They will struggle throughout secondary school, and as adults, find themselves

locked out of the job market without good literacy skills.

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity


that transforms lives through literacy. All the money raised will help support children and young people in deprived communities across the UK to develop their literacy skills, inspire them to enjoy reading and empower them to reach their potential.

A massive “Thank You” to all staff who donated books and DVDs for the sale and to everyone who came along and supported the event.

If you can read you can succeed!

D. Kennedy

NumeracyLooking to promote the profile of Numeracy within the academy I have been working on several ideas this term.

I am pleased to announce that next term will see the beginning of a new numeracy initiative. There will be a numeracy competition and all students are welcome to compete. The students with the correct answers will be entered into a prize draw and winners will be announced during assemblies.

This term I have enjoyed working with Miss Marken

and looking at different ways we can promote numeracy and literacy around the academy, especially in the communal areas, with several ideas in mind I look forward to continuing to work with her next term.

This term we have trialled a computer program designed to support and promote numeracy for our students. I will be asking the students their thoughts and views on this program and hopefully implementing it fully next term.

R. Mongon

E-Safety

Rich Cottell Delivers his E-Safety Message to Wilmington Academy

On the 26th November 2015 Wilmington Academy welcomed singer-songwriter Rich Cottell to the academy, he is part of a campaign highlighting issues around

cyber bullying. Rich has recently been on tour with UK boy band “The Wanted” and having sold over 2000 copies of his self-released debut EP “In The Now”, Rich has since

recorded the LP “Go Geek”.

He performed his new single and as an ambassador for an anti-bullying charity and he discussed cyber bullying and the potential risks of social media, following up with ways to avoid and tackle problems. He performed to all year groups and both students and staff were encouraged to join him on stage to sing and perform.

‘Don’t be mean behind the screen’ – that’s the message Rich had for pupils when he visited our school.

The event was a huge success


E-Safety

Post-16 at Wilmington

and pupils left with five key points about staying safe online:

• Think before you post

• Only be friends with real friends

• Check your security settings are set to private

• Never share inappropriate photos

• If in doubt talk to someone – parents, teachers, CEOP

(run in conjunction with the police) or ChildLine.

The students said ‘Great event, the e-safety message was relevant and clear, with great advice’, ‘delivered in a fun exciting way’.

E-safety is taught and promoted throughout the academy to all year groups.

We also have help for parents/carers with information on many e-safety issues.

We have information and advice on our website, this can be found under E-safety online, with a parents and students zone.

Further information about staying safe online for both parents and students can be found at: www.thinkuknow.co.uk and www.kidsmart.org.uk

J. Wicks

Online Safety Evening: It’s Good to Talk

Parents/carers came along to our online safety evening looking for advice and ideas on how to tackle some of the issues students face when going online. Led by

the IT department and the SSMs there were several presentations and open discussions. Topics covered included: the sending of inappropriate images, cyberbullying and keeping an eye on how children use the Internet. Perhaps the biggest message was encouraging parents to begin conversations with their children about e-safety, and agreeing that

both home and school need to work together to manage online behaviour. From the feedback form 94% of parents/carers rated the evening “Very Useful” and so we will be running a similar event in Module 4.

T. Reffold

It has been a really hectic, but pleasing two modules for Post 16. The students have made a smooth transition from their respective Year 11 and Year 12 studies, and have made a fantastic start to all of their courses. Away from the classroom, students have also

been participating in numerous events and experiences, all aimed at providing them with a well-rounded education. Here’s a roundup of all the action from Modules 1 and 2:


London Skills Show 2015

As part of the Post 16 impartial careers advice, Year 12 students attended the London Skills Show on 13th November. The London Skills Show provides an opportunity for young people across the country to discover varying careers and further education opportunities. Exhibitors this year ranged from Russell Group Universities, apprenticeship providers including BPP Professional and IBM, to national employers including HSBC, M&G Investments and the NHS.

Many students left the exhibition with clearer ideas about their next steps after Post 16.

“Today the London Skills Show provided me with the experience to speak to the

companies I’m interested in, and allowed me to understand what qualifications I need to pursue my dream, to be a pilot. After knowing what I can do after A levels, I feel more motivated to study. Thank you for the experience.” - Ruby

“I found the skills show very interesting. It gave me an insight into what universities to choose and what career path I would like to follow. I had an in-depth conversation with Oxford University and they advised me on how to get in. I’m glad I went.” – Nicole

Literacy Skills WorkshopsResearch shows that students with good literacy skills are more likely to achieve higher grades, gain better jobs and earn higher wages; but more than that, that they have higher self-esteem and better health.

In order to improve the confidence in writing their A Level coursework, eight Post 16 students have been attending literacy workshops. Workshops have focused on planning, proof reading and academic voice and allowed students to improve the overall quality of work produced.

License to Kill 2015Year 12 students attended a production of License to Kill. The event is organised by Kent Fire and Rescue and offers perspectives from those involved in road traffic accidents.

Students heard from paramedics, police, survivors of traffic accidents, and from parents of victims. It was a sobering insight into how all actions have consequences, and prompted much thought into the importance of thinking decisions through, especially when dealing with young and inexperienced drivers.

“License to Kill has made me think twice about being responsible for my actions, as they can affect others around me especially whilst driving or being in my friend’s car. It has also given me the awareness of how and why it is important to take care of my safety.” - Nick


Skills for Success WorkshopsAs part of their induction programme, Post 16 students had the opportunity to develop some of the skills required for A Level study and beyond. Skills for success workshops saw students participate in three key areas of skill development: the first was tailored towards making students more independent in their studies, in order for them to take ownership over their own learning. Students discovered what true independent learning was (making decisions and solving problems) and worked on developing higher order thinking skills such as analysis, evaluation and synthesis.

The second series of workshops focused on skills identified by individual Post 16 subject areas as “critical for success”, and included time management and ICT skills to name but a few. These workshops were delivered by Post 16 subject staff, and enabled students to apply these skills in a practical way. The last workshop

focused on motivation and study strategies and was delivered by an external provider: MADE. The MADE session helped students break down their time to plan time for work, studying, and recreation, in order to allow them to prepare for time management and maintaining a work-life balance.

Post-16 Tools for Independent LearningOn a final note, we would like to draw your attention to the fantastic independent learning tools available to students studying here at Wilmington Academy. All students have been issued with a Learning Journey for each of their subjects. The Learning Journey details what students will be studying, when and also what progress they are making towards their qualifications, and should be updated by students on a regular basis. The Google Classroom tools also allow students to access work and assistance remotely, at any time. This, together with the roll out of our Bring Your Own Device scheme, will allow students to develop their independent learning.

L Evans & K Sanders

Year 12 BTEC HospitalityThe Year 12 hospitality students began their unit in September with some blind tasting of cake and pastry products. I assured them I wouldn’t give them anything nasty to eat and as you can see from their faces I think they enjoyed it.

They now are creating their own desserts – hot, cold and frozen to a standard better than some of what they sampled!

J. Murty

Post-16 Student Leaders – Peer MentoringWilmington Academy Post 16 Student Leaders have initiated a Peer Mentoring pilot with Minerva College. They have had the opportunity to support and mentor younger students with their Literacy, Numeracy and SMSC, during tutor time. When asked to review how this was progressing Chloe Mann reported back:

“I feel as if I am positively

Post-16 at Wilmington


contributing towards Ms Ward’s form by helping to mentor her tutor group. Ciara and I sit in the plaza and help two students with their maths work, supporting them whilst they practise for their exams. We use past papers to go over previous exam questions. I feel as though we are all gaining something from this experience.”

T. Whitcombe

A-Level Law and Citizenship Trip to Parliament and the Supreme Court The Houses of Parliament and

Supreme Court form a pivotal role in both the A Level Law and Citizenship courses. In order for students to gain first hand experience of how both of these bodies operate within our legal system we visited both during module two.

The visit started at the Supreme Court, where students heard first hand the role that the most senior court within our legal system plays. They were able to learn about topical issues such as the upcoming Supreme Court case on joint enterprise, a controversial legal principle whereby a a person can be charged the same crime as another, even though they did

not carry out that crime.

From the Supreme Court, the students crossed Parliament Square to the Houses of Parliament, taking in sights such as Westminster Abbey. At the Houses of Parliament, students were taken on a guided tour in order to learn about the history of Parliament and how both the House of Commons and the House of Lords make laws, which affect both England and Wales. Students were able to follow in the footprints of Members of Parliament, by walking down the voting corridors and sit in the seats of the Houses of Commons.

L. Evans

Who Do You Think You Are?In September I appeared on the popular BBC programme Who Do You Think You Are. This genealogy show delves into the family trees of many famous people. This particular episode starred the Choir Master Gareth Malone. He is related to my Great Grandfather Edmund Payne. Edmund was a famous musical theatre actor between 1888 and 1914. The filming took place in Clissold Park, North London and the highlight of the show was when I handed to Gareth a silent film of our Grandfather which was made in 1911.

It was a great experience for me and one that I will remember for a long time.

For more information on our famous Grandfather, please visit www.edmundpayne.co.uk

L. Elson – Post 16 Administrator


Biology Week 2015The Royal Society of Biology held its biology week from 10th-18th October. This year they encouraged schools to create a biology themed art attack. Beth Carter-Hart, Sandy McLaren, Jess Crafter, Katie Dellow and the Science department couldn’t wait to get involved!

The students decided they wanted to make a mouse; they chose their equipment and

planned how they could create it. They used lab coats for the body, Bunsen burners for the tail and whiskers, pink paper for the eyes and tongue, pink highlighters for the feet, cans for the ears and a yellow school bag to make a chuck of cheese for their mouse to nibble on!

Fantastic use of your creativity and collaborative learning skills girls, well done! E. Howe

District Cross Country – Thursday 5th November

On Thursday 5th November a selection of students from years

7-10 took part in the Dartford and Gravesham District Cross Country Competition, held at The Leigh Academy.

Despite the weather being less then favourable, Wilmington Academy came away from the event with some fantastic results, and look forward to having a number of our

students go on to represent the District at the Kent Schools Cross Country in January.

Special mentions go to Taliyah Homewood who won the Year 7 Girls Competition and Tom Denyer-Vickers who came 2nd in the Year 9 Boys Competition.

M. Slater

Extra-curricular Activities

Apollo Spotlight

Head of College ReportIn Apollo College we have many causes to be proud of our students. As I reflect back over the academic year so far, it is very easy to give examples that demonstrate this. A few weeks ago, the

nation remembered those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms we too often take for granted today. Among those paying their respects were Wilmington students laying a wreath on behalf of us all at Wilmington Memorial, and every single student in the school who observed the two-

minute silence was impeccable. Only two days later Paris was attacked by terrorists, resulting in huge loss of innocent lives. Again, our students showed their understanding of how important it is to stand together, observing a one-minute silence to remember the victims. Too often today


we read newspapers that show young people in a poor light, suggesting that they have little respect or understanding. I have to say, that I would wish them to see the response of our students in marking these two events, I am sure they would change their minds.

Another source of pride is the excellent work that our students do in leading assemblies. According to one leading newspaper, Glossophobia (fear of public speaking) is one of ‘the top three fears, which are experienced by the majority of British people’. You would never believe this was true, as week after week we see students as young as Year 7 speak in front of an audience of up to 450 people, truly inspirational as you can imagine.

My final example of pride, is seeing the hard work that the students put in to make progress in their studies and reach their potential. Visitors to the school regularly comment favourably on the application and conduct of our students and we received a huge number of compliments about them at the various Open Evening and Open Morning events. This again, is no surprise, yet always a pleasure to hear.

So, as a proud Head of College, may I wish you all a wonderful break and a very Happy New Year. Thank you for your on-going support.

Pete Devlin Head of College (Apollo)

Apollo News

Warwick Daden in Year 10 has recently taken part in a Ford Fiesta Junior Championship Competition at Brands Hatch. In a 20 minute race he qualified in 13th place. He then took part in a twenty minute race and finished ninth out of fifteen. In the next race he was in seventh position when his car was taken out by an overeager driver behind him.

At the start of module three all of our Year 11 and 12 students will be sitting some external exams and some internal mock exams. The timetable can be found on the school web site under the exams tab. It is important that students arrive

at the correct start times and that they have the correct equipment (black pens, pencil, ruler, protractor, rubber etc.) as this often leads to delays which results in students missing buses.

The next Parents’ Forum meeting is on Thursday 14th January 2016. This forum provides an opportunity to hear about new developments at Wilmington Academy and for us to get feedback from Parents’. We will send reminders by Parentmail, Facebook and by text prior to the next meeting.

There is currently a Parent Survey (the link to this has been emailed out) which we would like all parents to complete as it is useful in telling us what is going well and any points that we need to address.

B. Dedross Assistant Principal

Apollo AttendanceAll the students have been working extremely hard to maintain their attendance the Academy expectation is that students achieve above 95%.

We currently have 136 students in Apollo who have 100% which is a fantastic achievement.

We look forward to presenting


these students with their certificates in our end of term assembly.

As we go to print we would like to congratulate the following tutor groups for their amazing attendance:

1. A15 97.1%

2. A8 96.8%

3. A16 96.7%

Enjoy your rewards.

M. McLean

Report from the Student Services ManagersWe have now completed two modules and it has been full of exciting things with trips to Leeds Castle, Margate and Ypres. Having welcomed in our new Year 7 students, we can’t believe we are nearly a

third of the way through their first year and we know that they are enjoying themselves and finding the transition over from Primary to Secondary school wasn’t anywhere near as bad as they thought…

Mentoring our Year 11s has also given that little bit of reassurance and support as they prepare to do their GCSEs

It’s been an absolute pleasure working with all our students and look forward to continue our work with them in the future. Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and an even happier New Year.

Mrs Johnson & Miss Mclean

A taste sensation!Well done to Toby Sears in A5 who reached the final of the Kent Cooks competition. There were 180 entrants,

so to make it to last 6 is an incredible achievement.

The dishes he created were Chicken and Chorizo Paella and Kentish Apple Sponge Pudding. As a result of his efforts, he has won a ‘masterclass’ in Asian cooking, so we are all looking forward to Toby’s next creations!

Apollo Spotlight

Minerva Spotlight

Head of College Spotlight‘Be happy, be ambitious make a difference’

Thank you for taking the time to read our final newsletter of 2015. At this time of year it is always a good idea to reflect on the work we have done; the impact that it has had and

consider what our plans for the new year ahead might be. 2015 has undoubtedly been an incredibly successful year for Minerva College. We achieved outstanding progress from our GCSE results in the summer and are very proud of our sustained achievements.

Year 11 Student: Reflection on their last

year at Key Stage 4

“My last year of education at Wilmington Academy will be very emotional, but I am grateful for all the amazing teachers who are wishing for the very best for the future and giving everything they can to prepare us for life after Key Stage 4. Teachers are willing to go out of their way to help you succeed; booster


sessions and Saturday School have really helped me in subjects where I felt I could do better and it is shown throughout my work. The support you get from the teachers is brilliant, all Year 11’s are allocated a mentor and it’s nice to know that you always have someone to talk to at school when going through a stressful time, for example exams. When I leave Key Stage 4 I hope to join the sixth form at Wilmington Academy as I already know the staff and I feel comfortable with my surroundings. I will also have the ability to know what is expected of me and what I can achieve.” Tia Allen - M7

It might be an obvious thing to say, but this level of success does not happen by magic. The staff here are incredibly aspirational for our young people and they work tremendously hard so that students have every chance of being successful in their qualifications. I have seen staff from all areas of the College go the extra mile throughout this term and it really is an honour for me to be able to lead such a dedicated team.

Year 9 Student: Reflection on their new chosen subjects:

“At the start of Year 9 I did not know what to expect, however I was very excited to start my new options, Travel & Tourism,

Catering and Spanish. I feel that I have settled in really well with my new teachers and I have learned so much in the last 2 modules. I feel positive that I will achieve well in 2016.” Rosie Nobbs - M15

As you read through this newsletter, you will see that there is a huge amount going on at Minerva College, and not just in the classroom. Again, these extra-curricular and enrichment activities only take place because the staff are so willing to give their time to make sure students have a range of experiences that will benefit their development and give them opportunities to try out something new.

Year 7 Student: Reflection on their first year at Wilmington Academy

“I settled in really well and now I know all the teacher’s names. They are really kind to me and help me when I need it. Maths is my favourite subject, I have the best teacher in the world and feel like I am improving and going to go up in levels. I met lots of new friends on induction day and they have made coming to the school a lot better than I first thought; it was fun when I was doing the team building activities. Every Tuesday the College meets for an Assembly. I like it when we all meet up as a college as I see everyone from Minerva. I

especially liked the remembrance assembly - it was really good. I also like the presentations from other form groups.” Josh Crabb M9

It has been a real pleasure to work with the fabulous students throughout his autumn term and I am looking forward to 2016 as we continue to make Minerva College an even better place to study.

I hope you all have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year.

M. Gore Head of College

Once again, we have had an excellent start to the year and continue to build on the success of the previous academic year. The new Year 7, along with students who joined during the summer term, have settled well and are making a valuable contribution to the Wilmington community.

As the school roll grows so does the number of opportunities available to students and like all staff I am proud of the range of extra-curricular activities on offer including trips, clubs and support for both academic and personal development.

Involvement in the preparation and delivery of assemblies is another really important activity for


developing self-confidence as well as presentation and communication skills. Minerva Assemblies continue to be informative, thought provoking and often convey a powerful message, on what can be seen as sensitive subject matter. M10- M16 have given us an excellent start to the year’s programme and I look forward to seeing the fruits of the tutors and their tutees preparations in the new year.

I wish you all a happy and relaxing break.

Best wishes for the New Year.

T. Salih Assistant Principal

I would like to start by thanking all the staff and students who have welcomed me in my new role as Assistant Principal for Minerva since transferring from Apollo back in September. Like all “new” members of staff I was nervous at the beginning of term to be joining a new team, but everyone has been very welcoming and supportive.

Working with the new Year 7s has been particularly interesting, watching them grow and mature from their first tentative steps as Wilmington Academy students to the confident young people they are growing to be and I look forward to working with

you over the next year.

I would like to wish you all a happy and peaceful break.

B. Burwood Assistant Principal

Report from the Student Services ManagersIt’s that time of year again when as SSMs we reflect on our last two modules. We are so pleased that our Year 7s have settled in quickly and now feel part of the Minerva family!

Our Year 11s are busy revising for their forthcoming GCSEs and planning for the next stage of their education.

During Parents’ Evenings an SSM is always available to speak to you if you have any concerns regarding your son or daughter.

We would like to wish parents, carers and students of Wilmington Academy a very happy Christmas and a prosperous 2016.

Mrs Penkert & Mrs Duff

Peewee National Champion at Wilmington Academy!

M5’s own Ice Hockey Hero, Kian Morgan plays for the London Knightz Skater Hockey Club. He also plays for the Peewee and Youth squads. On 21st and 22nd November 2015, Kian and his team won the National championships at the Midlands Roller Arena in Lutterworth, Leicestershire.

He will now go onto compete in the European Championships next year.

Congratulations and good luck Kian.

Minerva Spotlight


Where Are They Now?

Wilmington Academy are pleased to announce their partnership with Future First, an Alumni Community designed to keep former students in touch with the Academy. In this issue, Darren Wilkins (2015) shares what he

has been doing since receiving his results this summer.

What are you doing now?

Currently I am working in Swanley as a Trainee Accountant and have my exams to become qualified beginning in the New Year.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of getting the job that I have now got. This actually has another point which makes me proud of myself as well which is achieving my A Levels. The reason for this is I needed to go sixth form to become an accountant in any company, and by achieving what I did, it allowed me to achieve my dream.

What is your favourite memory from school?

This would have to be when I used to take Sport because we used to have a lot of practical lessons which meant playing my favourite sport which is football.

Practising free kicks and my passes in my school time as part of my studies was a good feeling.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students?

The one piece of advice I would give anyone who is a student now is to keep that head of yours down at all times. I made the mistake and let my social side of school over run my academic side which meant I was in a lot after school or working into the very late hours. There are times for both and you can always have a social life, but it’s best to do it once your studies are complete! So knuckle down get the work or revision done then have a chat with your mates.

If you, or anyone you know is a former student of Wilmington Academy and wish to sign up to the Alumni Network, please follow the following link: http://latalumni.org.uk/

B. Burwood

Future First

WILMINGTONA C A D E M Ywou ld l i ke to w i sh eve r yone a ve r y mer r y

Ch r i s tmas and a Happy New Yea r

Key Dates

Friday 18th December 2015 Christmas Break begins

Monday 4th January 2016 Module 3 begins. Whole academy back

Thursday 7th January 2016 Mock exams begin

Thursday 14th January 2016 Parents’ Forum 6pm – 7pm

Thursday 28th January 2016 Post 16 Parents’ Evening

Thursday 4th February 2016 Year 7 Parents’ Evening 5pm – 8pm

Thursday 11th February 2016 End of Module 3. Half term begins

Thursday 3rd March 2016 Parents’ Forum 6pm – 7pm

Thursday 15th March 2016 Year 8 Parents’ Evening 5pm – 8pm

Wilmington Academy

Common Lane, Wilmington, Dartford, Kent DA2 7DR 01322 272 111 | www.wilmingtonacademy.org.uk

All text and images © Wilmington Academy 2011 Newsletter design by Toby @ Genobi Ltd | www.genobi.net

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