Newsletter December 2015

As you will see from all of the activities detailed in this newsletter, staff and students at Colchester Academy have had a busy half term. We have worked hard from September to sustain the excellent momentum we achieved over the summer. Our Year 11 students are currently sitting their pre public exams and I would like to congratulate all of them on their conduct and mature approach. Students in Key Stage 3 have spent the term working hard to achieve against our new assessment system. Feedback from parents about this change has been extremely positive, many of you commenting on how parent friendly it is in directing progress. At this time of year it is important to reflect. I take great pride in being Principal at Colchester Academy, the students have such a positive attitude to their learning, but to see them developing into mature, polite and honest young people is, at times, overwhelming. I am grateful to the supportive parents who are helping me and my team to move the Academy forward. But it is the staff here that allow me to drive standards up, and to whom I thank. We are no doubt on a journey, a journey that is a continuous cycle of improvement, and we are improving. With a clear focused vision, we continue to make rapid gains. I remind my team that when trying to boil the ocean, it is important to start with the streams. I wish all of you a restful and reflective festive period.

Fiona Pierson, Principal

fiona.pierson@colchesteracademy.com

Key Dates for Your Diary Monday 4th January 2016

Year 11 Students Only 11th & 20th January 2016

Year 11 GCSE English Literature Exam

Tuesday 5th January 2016 All other Students back to school

21st & 22nd January 2016 Year 11 Food Technology Practical B Option Exam

8th & 13th January 2016 Year 11 BTEC Health & Social/Childcare Exam

25th & 26th January 2016

Year 11 Science ISA’s

Wednesday 13th January 2016 Colchester Institute Open Evening 5pm—7pm

27th & 28th January 2016 Year 11 Food Technology Practical A Option Exam

There are also a number of internal staffing changes that take effect in January

Miss Lauren Jones Pastoral Leader Year 8

Miss Faye Edwards Academic Leader Year 9

Mr James Bain Pastoral Leader Year 9

Miss Emma Bradstreet Pastoral Leader Year 10

Mr Ben Jones Pastoral Leader Year 11

We welcome the following staff to our team in January

Mrs Brenda McLaughlin Learning Co-ordinator English

Mr Chris Evans Teacher of Geography

Mr Steven Rose Teacher of Maths

Mrs Victoria Halliday Admissions & Attendance Officer

We also say farewell to some colleagues as they leave the Academy to new ventures. I know that you will join me in wishing these colleagues the best

of luck

Mr Dan Johnston Moving to pastures new to explore new opportunities with a whole school impact

Mrs Shona Clapson Going to work at St. Alban’s Catholic High School

Fiona Pierson, Principal fiona.pierson@colchesteracademy.com

Colchester Academy 2015

On Tuesday, as many of you will know, Sam Callahan came into Colchester Academy. If you didn't get to meet him then take it from my point of view, he was amazing, not only was his singing fantastic but he spread very wise words about bullying and his experiences. The songs he sang were:- Superstitious by Stevie Wonder, See You Again by Paul Walker, This One’s For You by himself and an Ed Sheeran song. He talked to us about how being famous gets you lots of positive feedback but some people in the world have been hateful as a hobby and commented horrible things on his social media accounts. He told us some top tips to keep safe online and what to do if you are being bullied. The point in him telling all of this is because he was recently given the title of Nation-al Bullying Trust Ambassador. So he basically did the job he should do as an Ambas-sador. I feel everybody enjoyed him being at our school and he was a really nice person.

Louise Newberry, 7DSH

Harriet Smith, Learning Coordinator Performing Arts harriet.smith@colchesteracademy.com

On the 11th December Colchester Academy hosted their first X factor style House Competition.

This is the first talent based show for many years. We were delighted with the number of students who signed up for audition. Over one week myself with the help of other staff watch 37 acts and had the difficult job of choosing just 10 for the final.

After rehearsals with myself and the excellent Mr Searl, who provided technical wizardry and piano accompaniment, the final acts performed in front of 300 students (Who had all earned the opportunity to attend with good behaviour) and a panel of judges, Miss Edwards, Mr Segade Vieito, and Mr Bacon.

The audience enjoyed a fabulous show with a range of acts both singing and dancing. Audience and staff said it was “Brilliant”.

Finalists were Ellieth Eugenio and Emma Carden– singing, Sophia Ashford – Dancing, Holly Parker – singing, Holly Burman, Chloe Bareham, Jamie Brewer, Autumn Parker, Maia Marzell & Casey Walsh – singing and dancing, Toni Akinsanya & Ria Rugube – playing piano and singing, Ella Luizzi-Cogan, Olivia Wallace, Kausara Ayoola and Limara Sansum – singing, Lana Salmon – singing, Aaliyah Elliot & Lydia Sim – singing, Mya Jackson –singing.

All acts performed superbly, after some deliberation the winners were: 1st Place—Lana Salmon, 2nd Place—Sophia Ashford ,

3rd Place—Mya Jackson

The winning 2 acts will also be performing in the Winter showcase 17th December

House points achieved over the competition: Curie: 350 Orwell: 215 Owens: 260 Turing: 190

On Tuesday 3rd November the girls from 11X1 went on a Physics ‘girl’s day out’ with Mr. Vieito and Mr Wilkinson to Cambridge University.

I confess I went thinking it was going to be a boring day - all about physics but boy, was I wrong.

The first part of the day was spent at the historical Emmanuel College where we met with the Student Liaison Officer for a chat. It was interesting. She gave us a talk about University life and in particular, what this could be like at Cambridge.

She then focused on the Science courses that are available to study at Cambridge University: I never knew there were so many Science courses! I always thought there was only Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

We went on a tour around the College as well as a lovely, long walk through Cambridge town to the Physics Department. It was so fun; we had a mini lecture from one of the professors, where he gave us some background on the work of some famous scientists.

There were even a few experiments for us to do that were related to what we were recently doing in class.

I always thought that the Science world was a very male dominated place and that finding a female was rare, but the visit didn’t reflect that.

There are so many branches in Science: there’s probably a field in Science that is flooded by women!

All in all, the day actually made me re-think Science and what I could go on to study, and it’s given me the encouragement to go on to take Physics for an A Level, as it could lead to so many potential careers.

Maggie Barrett , 11NRD

My trip to Cambridge made me think.

It made me think that, actually, I do want to go to University.

When you’re older it pays off because I feel you’ll have what it takes to be whatever you want.

Having studied for 3 years and getting a degree makes you more employable.

It also usually means that you will be earning better money.

Personally, when I went to Cambridge, I loved the place and the people. It was a great day.

Rebeccae Howlett, Yr 9

Science News

Roque Vieito

roque.vieito@colchesteracademy.com

Christmas Art

Competition

Angela Coburn, Team Leader Technology & Art

angela.coburn@colchesteracademy.com

Lauryn Taylor, 10HRR Inspired by Liselotte Watkins

Kaylee Boughton, 10HRR Inspired by The Slav Epic by Alphonse Mucha

Emily Rowley, 10HRR

Inspired by Henri Matisse

Colchester Academy decided to create a Christmas Card, so we challenged the students with the task of designing a card for this year. There is lots of artistic talent at the Academy and after lots of discussions, the judges announced Lauryn Taylor, Kaylee Boughton and Emily Rowley, Year 10, are the winners for their creative flair and unique design.

Sports News

Colchester Academy welcomes Colchester United Football Club

This term the Academy has been given the opportunity to work with Colchester United Football Club to get girls into the sport.

Girls from Year’s 8, 9 and 10 have been really lucky to receive free training sessions from current Colchester United players on a weekly basis.

The girls have massively improved over the last few weeks and are keen to learn more.

As the girls have been so amazing and dedicated to the training, they have been offered free match tickets to a home game in January, 2016.

Well done girls and keep up the good work.

Kat Ross, Head of PE

kat.ross@colchesteracademy.com

Rebecca Dennis, Emily Rowley, Elise Lauenborg, Chloe Western, Rebecca Howlett, Toni Akinsanya,

Portia Spindler, Tia Sharman, Libby Taylor, Jasmine Fribbins, Emily Oakley, Freya Mallison and Oladayo Bisira

Humanities

Felipe Fleury, Team Leader Humanities felipe.fleury@colchesteracademy.com

Mahima Sanwar Year 11

Utter commitment to intervention, lessons and revision, controlled

assessment, drive and determination.

Chloe Ford Year 11

Excellent attitude and working hard to improve History

marks.

Chelsea Stevens Year 8

Great improvement this half term,

working really hard and well.

Year 7’s Battle of Hastings Re-enactment Lesson

I found the Battle enjoyable and fun.

Kezia Johnston, 7PKA

The Battle of Hastings was a gruesome time.

In class we re-enacted this massive war/fight.

Saxons had to make a shield wall in order to

stop the Norman arrows. The fight started

when Edward the Confessor was King. But,

when he died he had no children to pass

down the throne to, so there was a great

dilemma because several people had a claim

to the throne. These people were Harold

Hardrada, William Duke of Normandy and

Harold Godwinson. Out of all three, there was

one Englishman. In the end the King of

England was Harold Godwinson.

The class made swords and shields for the

re-enactment. It was fun and we all learnt at

the same time. Fuad Akinshipo was acting out

as Harold Godwinson and was leading the

Saxons. On the other side was Cory who was

acting as William Duke of Normandy.

The fight commenced and at the end Cory and

the Normans won, Cory (William the

Conqueror) was crowned.

Follow us on Twitter @ColchesterAcad

ParentPay Reminder There are still some ParentPay accounts that need to be activated.

If you require another copy of your login details, please contact the school.

ParentPay allows you to top up your child’s lunch money online, along with seeing what your child has spent and eaten.

An alternative to topping up online, is a PayPoint card.

These can be ordered from the school at a cost of £1.50.

You can then pay at any store displaying the yellow PayPoint sign.

Please be aware that you must allow 48 hours for your payment to show on your child’s account, if you use a PayPoint card.

In the new year we will be adding menus and trips to ParentPay.

This will allow you to see what menu choices are available and allow trip payments to be made online.

If you require any further assistance, please contact 01206 861217.

Year 11’s enjoyed two theatre workshops this half term: ‘An Inspector Calls’ and ‘Of Mice and Men’.

The students were treated to a performance of the texts and then participated in a workshop with the actors. Students were fully involved in the performance with professional actors and peers including: directing, staging, and developing character and plot all within the social and historical context. This will help them when they sit their GCSE in January. Students from Year 7 and 8 have participated in the ‘Mini Sagas’ writing competition. Writing a story in

50 words is not easy – the story needs a beginning, a middle and an ending. But as always, out

students have been up to the challenge. It has been a delight reading so many of the entries – good

luck to all who have participated. Caroline Dutton, Team Leader English

caroline.dutton@colchesteracademy.com

English

Winter Showcase

We are excited about our up-coming Winter Showcase on Thursday 17th December.

The audience will be treated to performances by the Drama Llamas, who will be performing an adaptation of The Red Tree an illustrated book by Shaun Tan.

We will have musical performances from the school choir and our talented GCSE and music students plus beautiful piano solos from Johnathan Ford and Emily Johnson.

A group of year 10 GCSE drama students will be sharing work inspired by Frantic Assembly.

As a special treat we will have Rosie Hawkins performing close up magic and Holly Parker singing her own song in the interval.

With performances from our X factor talent show winners and dance group the night promises to be a spectacular event.

Special thanks to all the staff who have made it possible

Harriet Smith, Learning Coordinator Performing Arts harriet.smith@colchesteracademy.com

Technology

Martin St.George, Teacher of Technology

martin.stgeorge@colchesteracademy.com

Speaker Box Project

Year 10 Graphics students have been researching, designing and making speaker boxes. The speaker boxes have a small mono amplifier which the students have soldered electronic components to, including resistors, chips, capacitors, switches and battery connectors. They then designed, modelled and painted their boxes and once finished, the students tested and evaluated the designs.

I am very pleased with the results, with each student creating a well finished, well made working product. These skills will help them achieve their target grades at GCSE.

Special mention to Charlie Cross, Fawazz Yusran and Sam Mantle for the quality of work.

Roald Dahl takes over Year 7

On Friday 20th November, Colchester Academy held its second annual Roald Dahl Day.

All Year 7 lessons were cancelled and different Roald Dahl characters and activities took their place.

In the Chocolate Room, students investigated if a waterfall really was the best way to mix chocolate (and ate a huge quantity of marshmallows). In the Medicine Room, students investigated the error of George’s way and mixed chemicals to see the results. Fortunately, no-one created a potion that damaged Grandma! In the Foxy Room, students supported Mr Fox’s escape from the tunnel system by creating periscopes. Meanwhile, in the Poaching Room, students made sure that the pheasants were roosting out of sight of Mr Robinson, our school poacher. The students in the Revolting Room rescued Red Riding Hood from the Wolf (where does she keep her pistol?). Finally, in the Television Room, students created their own terrible children ready to be put on the box.

During the afternoon, some students elected to take part in a fancy dress competition. They each revealed their inner-character and three students, 3rd Emily Beal, 2nd Ellieth Eugenio and 1st Ryan Dee won prizes for their efforts.

Our librarian, Ms Tait, created a fantastic Roald Dahl display in the library and is ready to lend out as many Roald Dahl books as readers require.

Thank you for to all the staff for supporting the day,

dressing up and helping to make sure Year 7 had an enjoyable time.

Emma Ingate, Lead Practitioner English

27 Students start their Duke of Edinburgh Award

On the 2nd November, 27 participants embarked on their first steps to becoming a Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award holder. So far, we have learned about each other, maps, equipment, hygiene, fitness and tents. Our greatest challenge has been negotiating the eDofE system and organising activities for the Skill, Physical and Volunteering sections of The Award. We hope to have tamed the technology by the end of January.

Highlights have been reaching the top floor in the satellite task, making friends with our co-ordinator Lesley West (who loaned us some much needed training equipment) and for learning that Jessica has the loudest voice in the group (who knew?). After Christmas, we will complete our training and navigate our first walk around Mersea Island. Thank you to all our participants for being so much fun and for everyone who has accommodated our group on a Monday evening (yes, we mean you Mr Bain!).

Diane Paton, Emma Ingate and Kyle Balcombe Duke of Edinburgh Leaders