ASA TODAY, Issue 39

Prom Pull-out

Sports Day

Four pages of prom photos from Year 11 & Year 13 Ball

Record levels of participation at this years sports day

ASA TODAY

Page 11-14

Page 24

The All Saints’ Academy Newspaper

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

Community flock to Cheltenham Summer Carnival

By Mrs Edgar

PR & Communications Manager For the 2nd year in a row All Saints’ ran their Cheltenham Summer Carnival on Saturday 9th July. With over 1200 visitors on the day it was a huge success! There was plenty to see and do such as bouncy castles, games, football, bell ringing, zorbing, dancing, live music, pony rides, meet and greet reptiles, a wandering magician, afternoon tea and Race for Life to name a few.

The idea behind the carnival is to provide a family fun day for our local community.

We were delighted at the public’s response to the carnival. It was lovely to see so many happy faces enjoying the day. We had so many fantastic comments on the variety of activities available and we will be hoping to make it even bigger and better next year!’

Kim Screen came along to the carnival with her family ‘It was a fantastic afternoon, great for a family day out. My children had such a lovely time and something to suit all ages which was fantastic. Thank you All Saints’ Academy for putting on such a lovely afternoon for us families to enjoy’.

Read more on pages 16 & 17

Year 5 students take part in experience days Page 19

Nicola Benedetti visits ASA

Page 2

GCHQ run Cyber Adventure day at All Saints’ Page 2

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

EDITORIAL www.asachelt.org

Student successes a plenty

By Mr McNiffe Principal

Welcome to our final edition of ASA Today for this academic year. We closed the year by celebrating the hard work and achievements of our Year 11 and 13 students who finally completed their examinations in June. Hatherley Manor Hotel set the scene for our Summer Proms and both nights will be remembered for the fantastic atmosphere and enjoyment of students and staff celebrating a five year journey, or more, at All Saints’ Academy.

By Mrs Edgar

PR & Communications Manager Chief Editor Term 6 has been jam packed with fantastic opportunities for our students.

We have been working closely with Cheltenham Festivals, this term we had famous violinist Nicola Benedetti visit as part of the Cheltenham Music Festival. We also had some fantastic Tibetan Monks come and run workshops with our Chaplaincy Team.

The Year 13 Ball and Year 11 Prom were a particular highlight this term as the students really deserved to let their hair down following their hard work during the tough exam season.

Miss Smith and I would like to thank all of the students, staff and parents that helped support our Summer Carnival this year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Carroll for all his fantastic newspaper proof reading over the past year. As he is now retiring we wish him well.

If you are interested in writing for the Academy newspaper please email asatoday@asachelt.org.

ASA TODAY Editorial Team Chief Editor: Mrs Edgar Editor: Miss Smith

Over the final two weeks of this term we have also reflected on the fantastic achievements of our students from Year 7 to Year 10 in our House Celebration Evenings and the

Bishop’s Award service at Tewkesbury Abbey.

These awards commemorate the extra work our students put in to serve our community through extra-curricular work and living out and respecting our Cristian values.

This term we celebrated the work of a group of students who worked on publishing a book of poems and short stories with our author in residence, Jane Bailey. This charity funded project is through First Story in partnership with Cheltenham Festivals. Mr Fredrickson co-ordinated the project which has resulted in a book of our students’ literature entitled “My Voice is a Shy Tiger”. Congratulations to all our students who contributed to this wonderful piece of work.

At the Prince of Wales Sta dium we held our fifth annual sports day. The weather stayed fine and the participation of all our students….. and staff! Resulted in a great day for us all. Congratulations to all students involved, in particular, the students of Canterbury House who won the overall event for the second year running.

Our work with industry, business and agencies is something we are very proud of because it really enriches the learning of our students. Our most recent project was with GCHQ, in partnership with other local secondary schools, where we hosted a computer programming event. Students from Tewkesbury and Winchcombe came to All Saints’ Academy over two days to experience computer programming with a Raspberry Pie 3 and created their own working Robots.

We were honoured to host a music event through Cheltenham Festivals, in partnership with the Worcestershire and Gloucestershire Youth Orchestras.

Nicola Benedetti, a world famous violinist, visited the Academy to inspire the work and talent of a youth orchestra.

Workshops took place around the Academy with Composer William Carslake with our Year 7 students who are starting to learn new instruments. The day finished with Nicola Benedetti performing a concert to our Year 7 students and new Year 6 students joining us in September. Nicola is a true inspiration, we are eternally grateful to her for taking the time out of her busy concert schedule so that she can inspire young people to appreciate music and enjoy the magic of learning a musical instrument.

2 Keep up to date with ASA

follow us on

twitter Matt Coldrey @MattPhysEd Fantastic day at the @ asachelt summer carnival!

Great music and fantastic community spirit. Roll on next year!

On Saturday 9th July we hosted our second annual Cheltenham Summer Carnival at All Saints’ Academy. Over 1000 people attended whilst the weather stayed fine. It is great to have our local community coming together for recreation, dance, music, fun activities and a wide range of attractions. This community day was again well received by parents, children and visitors. Everyone really enjoyed themselves. Many thanks to all staff who helped support the event including Kerri Edgar and Emily Smith who coordinated the whole carnival.

We say goodbye and a big thank you to staff who have served our academy over a number of years and wish them all the best for the future whether that be retirement or in taking up a new post at another school. I would particularly like to thank Mrs Carroll who retires this year after serving nineteen years in the predecessor school and All Saints’ Academy as a senior leader for special educational needs. Her leadership and work has meant so much for so many of our students and I know she will be greatly missed by us all.

I wish you all an enjoyable summer break and thank you for the support you have given All Saints’ Academy over this Academic Year.

First Story @FirstStory Well done to the students of @asachelt, published authors of ‘My Voice is a Shy Tiger’ GlosAcademy of Music @GlosAcadMusic Looking forward to working with @WorcsYouthMusic @NickyBenedetti @ GlynOxley tomorrow @ asachelt So Exciting!

CheltenhamScienceGrp @cheltscigrp Thanks to all our #volunteers @ChildFestChelt #cheltchildfestival particularly these YP @TheAstonProject @asachelt

Address: Blaisdon Way Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 0WH Phone: 01242 711200 Absences: 01242 711203 Email: admin@asachelt.org www.asachelt.org

@asachelt

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

NEWS www.asachelt.org

Nicola Benedetti MBE takes part in a concert for the Cheltenham Music Festival

By Mr Aitchison

Music & Drama Teacher

On Thursday 7th July, the Academy hosted the string sections of both Gloucestershire and Worcestershire Youth Orchestras. This was organised as part of the Cheltenham Festivals Education Department. Fifty students from across both counties who have studied violin, viola, cello or bass as they have made progress through the education system, some of whom are now studying at the Royal Welsh Conservatoire of Music and Drama in Cardiff.

The group worked on a performance of Ralph Vaughan Williams’ ‘Fantasia on a theme of Thomas Tallis’ and gave a superb performance to all of Year 7 and the Year 6 who were on induction day. The group were joined by international violinst Nicola Benedetti, who the previous evening had performed in Cheltenham Town Hall as a part of the Education Department for the Cheltenham Music Festival. Nicola worked with the students on getting the best out of their instruments and working as a group. She then performed with the group in the afternoon to our Year 7 and Year 6 induction students. Nicola also performed a solo which amazed all in the Cotswold Hall.

3

“It has inspired me to start playing the keyboard again.”

Jamie-Lee Gray

“Her performance was very inspiring and one day I hope to play the clarinet well enough to perform with her.”

Lottie Farmer “It was very good and I was very impressed with how fast her fingers were moving as she played the violin.”

Harry Kempson ‘I liked how they plucked the violin strings, they sounded so good that I want to learn how to play the violin.”

Leah Roden Congratulations to the following who passed their exams this term!

Grade 2 Piano: Ellie Davage Grade 1 Double Bass: Connor Morrison Grade 1 Viola: Jose Lumactod, Rhiess Mitchell and Tomosz Polorksi Grade 1 Violin: Sam Shepherd and Andrew Mills

All Saints’ Academy working with Cheltenham Festivals

GCHQ run Cyber Event at All Saints’ Academy

By Mrs Edgar

PR & Communications Manager

All Saints’ Academy in Cheltenham were given the opportunity to be part of and host a “Cyber Adventure Project” in collaboration with GCHQ. CyberFirst Adventurers is a local schools initative aiming to give young children an exciting introduction in the world of Cyber Security.

CyberFirst is a government and industry-backed scheme to identify talented young people considering a future career in Cyber Security. They intend to promote careers in Cyber Security and successful candidates will get to work in challenging technical roles to protect the UK. The event took place on the 1st and 4th of July and involved twelve Year 8 students from All Saints’ who are gifted and talented in Computing

and Maths. Students from Churchdown School Academy and Winchcombe School were invited to send 12 students each to make a group of 36 students for the two days. IT training provider ‘QA’

delivered the sessions, which involved the students building their own robots using a ‘Rasberry Pi’. Students worked in groups of four, with at least one student from each school in.

The students learnt about coding and building a robot. At the end of the two day session they were able to control the robots by sending commands that they had scripted from a console.

Borys Bilak from All Saints’ Academy said ‘I enjoyed the programming and building the robot’.

SPIRITUALITY

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

4

Annual Catholic Education Mass Secondary Schools Day

By Mrs Spence

Roman Catholic Lay Chaplain A group of students representing the Academy, accompanied by myself and Mr Aitchison travelled down to Clifton Cathedral, Bristol to attend the annual Mass celebrating all involved in Catholic education in the Diocese.

Schools from all over the diocese were represented and the Mass began at 7.00pm with a procession of the school banners, Jose Lumactod and Sophia Leslie carried the All Saints’ Banner.

The main celebrant of the

with Bishop Declan

Mass was Bishop Declan and during the Mass, representatives from each school were invited to come forward to renew their commitment to the education of the children in our diocesan schools. Mr J. Kyffin, Governor and I made the commitment on behalf of All Saints’ Academy.

In his homily, Bishop Declan spoke about the importance of the role of all involved in education: teachers, support staff, chaplains and governors in the formation of the young people in our care. He expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation for their dedication to promoting a vision of Christian Education.

Year 7 Retreat Days at The Rock

Year 7 Retreat Days were held at ‘The Rock’, Tewkesbury Road, the theme was Community and Belonging. Each RE Class attended on a different day.

Students arrived at 9.00 and the morning session took place in St Peter’s Church which is no longer used for worship.

Once the introductions were completed students were divided into groups and we began with some ice breaking activities. Then students were asked in their groups to look around the Church and note down features which were special to church buildings and what they were used for, this was an interesting task as St Peter’s still has all the traditional features. This was followed by an activity which involved the students visiting reflection zones already set up

by The Rock staff, each had a discus-

sion element and was interactive, the students really enjoyed this exercise.

During break we went into The Rock hall where students were given a variety of games to choose, basketball, football and pool, refreshments of squash and biscuits were on offer.

The second session took place back in the church and this time each group was given a topic connected with ‘Community’ to plan and execute a reflective station using a variety of resources. The topics were:

Be yourself, People on the outside, When troubles come and Playing your part. The students were given time to discuss their topic and plan out how to set up their zone. I have been very impressed by the consideration and care shown by the students, all

having engaged with this activity and created most thought provoking reflections. Once all the zones were complete, the students then visited each other’s and again this resulted in very frank discussions, with students willingly sharing their views and opinions.

After lunch the students were split into three teams and took part in a carousel of three activities which were aimed at putting into practice the morning’s work. We ended with a roundup of the day, with students sharing their thoughts, very positive comments were made. Andy Macauly from the Rock staff spoke to the students about the weekly events for young people which take place there and gave out information.

Some members of the Chaplaincy Team accompanied myself and Mr Aitchison to Downside Abbey just outside Bath, for a day with students from other secondary schools in the diocese.

Discussions were held on various topical issues and then this question was posed to the students in a presentation ‘If not I, then who?’ This was followed by a question and answer session with Bishop Declan. We had our lunch in the beautiful grounds of the Abbey and thankfully it remained dry. The afternoon session began with students being shown a film about the plight of refugees and they were given

an opportunity to write a few words of comfort to people who have lost everything as a result of war, these notes will be given to people in refugee camps as a symbol of hope that they are not forgotten about. We then walked in pilgrimage to the Abbey and entered by the ‘Holy Door’ designated for the Year of Mercy , which reminds of the need to show compassion to each other in times of need. During the liturgy led

by Bishop Declan, students brought up their notes and placed them on the altar. I felt the day provided a valuable opportunity for young people to share their thoughts on current issues.

As part of the Year of Mercy called for by Pope Francis, which runs from December 2015 to November 2016, here at All Saints’ Academy we are focusing on the Corporal Works of Mercy. These are kind acts by which we help our neighbours with their material and physical needs.

In Term 5 our focus was ‘Shelter the Homeless’, and after a discussion the Chaplaincy Team chose the local Homeless Charity ‘Open Door’, which supports those who are homeless by providing meals, showering and laundry facilities, as well as the use of a computer to help with job applica-

tions. Open Door also provides the opportunity for people to come together and talk, allowing much needed social interaction. The Chaplaincy Team asked the Tutor Groups to donate essential toiletries and present them in shoe boxes which were to be decorated.

I was delighted with the generosity shown, the quantity of items donated and the thought put into the gift boxes. These supplies are vital to the support given to the homeless and the donations were delivered and gratefully received. Many, many thanks to all who supported the appeal.

Year of Mercy

DEPARTMENT NEWS

Issue 39, Term 6

www.asachelt.org

Students become published authors

By Mr Fredrickson English Teacher

Canny Cheltenham punters avoided our country’s dismal showing against Iceland in the Euros on Monday in favour of the only show in town that night – the premiere of ‘My Voice is a Shy Tiger’, a compendium of masterpieces from writers in Years 9-12. As spirits plummeted in Nice, they soared in the academy hall as Ciara Austin closed the event by reading a piece that has been specially commissioned.

The students have had a year of weekly writing workshops, of visiting national and local Universities and Art Galleries and of ‘playing Dragon’s Den’ in choosing their own book cover.

This has all been thanks to the support of the Academy itself, the Cheltenham Literature Festival and First Story (a project which funds the discovery of young authors in areas of disadvantage across the UK and which promotes social mobility). Most of all it has been thanks

5

to the real stars: the mice that became tigers, namely the students themselves.

The young published authors will be invited to read their poems at the Cheltenham Literature Festival this year where their book will also be on sale.

Students explore Bourton-on-the-Water Year 11 Leavers Assembly

By Mrs Zentner Head of Geography On Thursday 19th May Year 10 Geography pupils travelled to Bourton-on-theWater for their Controlled Assessment fieldtrip. They had spent two weeks preparing for the day; writing a questionnaire and doing background research on tourism in the village. Our first stop was an interview with Rev Rachel Ros-

borough, Rector, Bourton on the Water with Clapton & the Rissingtons. The pupils asked her a range of questions on tourism in the village and we learnt all about the annual football match in the river and the Christmas market. We then set off to fill in the questionnaires. Everyone did really well stopping locals and tourists to ask them about their views; we completed over fifty questionnaires in one hour! Then we met back on the village green to collect the maps to complete a land use survey, a difficult task but well executed by all groups.

Next on our agenda was lunch, the sun came out and a few brave souls chose to take a paddle in the icy cold river.

We all had icecream before heading out again around the village to complete individual research tasks. You can always tell that a fieldtrip went well when all the fieldwork booklets are complete and the teachers had a smile on their faces.

A huge thank you all Year 10 Geography pupils for a lovely day and a special thank you to Mr Koller and Miss Morley for giving up their time to join us.

By Mrs Spence Roman Catholic Lay Chaplain

The Year 11 Leaver’s Service is always a poignant moment, a time to come together to reflect on the past 5 years.

A time to say thank you to God for the friendships made, the good times shared, the laughter, the jokes, and all that has been achieved. We give thanks to God for these moments and also remember the more difficult times that may have been experienced and acknowledge that through these times, by God’s grace the students have grown and become stronger.

Our bible passage was taken from St Paul’s letter to the Colossians in which he gives us good advice on how we can live in peace harmony with one another. During the service the House Captains carried up symbols of school life.

Canterbury House Captains Jess Fraser and Keenan Taylor carried a cross.

Durham House Captains; Jess Knight and Harry Breese carried school ties from each House.

Westminster House Captains; Lauren O’Shea and Sandro Noquiera carried school text books.

York House Captains; Tom Agg and Megan Dancy carried a football.

We then watched a video clip, which conveyed the message that we are all unique, ‘There is no one like you’.The poem Our Deepest Fear was read by Clarissa Evans and Matt Jones.

Following the final prayer, Rev P. Smith Vicar of St Aidan’s and St Silas blessed the leaver’s crosses and gave the final blessing to all present. On exiting the hall the students were offered the crosses as a reminder of their time here and the promise made by Jesus that he ‘will be with us always to the end of time’.

ART

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

By Mrs Bayliss Head of Art

The Art Department are incredibly proud of the achievements of the Year 11 GCSE Art students this year. They have shown tremendous levels of commitment and determination to gain their best grades. The students have explored two themes during their course; the first being Food and the second Masks. During both projects they have explored a wide range of materials and techniques from lino printing to silk batik. They have continued to

www.asachelt.org

develop key Art skills such as drawing and painting whilst being influenced by the work of a variety of Artists.

The photographs of work show students final responses to the exam unit. The students had to select one of eight themes to develop into a unit of work. The themes this year included ‘From above’ and ‘Outline’.

Within the 10 hours of their final exam they produce exciting and dynamic final pieces that celebrated all of the research and experimentation, undertaken during the unit, with a final outcome.

The Art Department wishes them every success with their future creative journeys.

6

Tia Gay

Ellie May Lee

Charlotte Andrews Rez Dalogdog

Matylda Nowak

Molly Taylor Tim Justice Annalise Body Callum Campbell

Cory Pockett Fern Nachin

Gabriella Krakowiak Elliott Waring Callum Jones

Jess Knight

Brad Jenkins

Caitlin Leach

Cameron Morrissey

Jack Arnold

Macy Patereson

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

By Miss Morley Head of Health & Social Care

UPDATE

Now that the team has been finalised this can only mean one thing – Fundraising! Each team member has been given a personal target to raise £500 by Christmas. This will make a £6000 dent to the large total needed of £27,000.

The team’s ideas have been creative and varied, with many staff at All Saints’ having their cars washed by members of the team. Thank you for your support. Another person who the team need to thank is Mr Aitchison.

On Tuesday 5th July 2016, he ran 12 miles, from Tewkesbury to the Prince of Wales stadium on Tommy Taylor’s Lane for sponsorship, so far raising £70 with money being added all the time.

There has also been lots of wider community fundraising by the Africa Team.

AFRICA 2017 www.asachelt.org

FUNDRAISING

7

Cheltenham Summer Carnival The annual All Saints’ Academy Carnival was another fundraising opportunity that just couldn’t be missed. The team were provided with a marquee and endeavoured to turn it into a “Mad hatter’s tea party”. Cakes were kindly provided by the Catering department, thank you.

The tent was busy all day, with “guess the number of sweets” competitions and with Joe Almond selling his homemade African Jewellery, there was a real party atmosphere. Harry Breese, Matt Jones and Shana Kelly added to the theme of a mad hatters team party with their fancy dress. Overall, the total raised at this event was £285.

Rowanfield Fete

Several members of the team are Rowanfield Primary and Springbank Academy alumni, and Rowanfield Primary very kindly offered for us to hold stalls and their summer fete on Friday 8th July. We were also invited to give an assembly to the students, providing details of the trip and the wider vision for our partnership with Kasulu. The fete was very successful, with students running both nail painting and beat the goalie stalls. Another £100 has been added to the target. Thank you Rowanfield!

If you would like to sponsor the Africa 2017 Team please either contact a staff member of the Africa Team

Miss Morley dmorley@asachelt.org Miss Wellington ewellington@asachelt.org Mr Pierce mpierce@asachelt.org Mr Pinless mpinless@asachelt.org or visit our justgiving page: crowdfunding.justgiving.com

/ASA-Africa2017

Lake Victoria - Africa Rowing Challenge On Friday 15th July, the team embarked on their biggest physical challenge to date. Lake Victoria, which is on the northern border of Tanzania, is one of the Great African Lakes measuring 250km across. The teams’ challenge was to row the same distance within the school day, just 6 and half hours. Each team member had gained sponsorship for this event, and they had to work for every penny of it! Several members of the team had expressed their worries before attempting this challenge and without the enthusiastic shouts of Miss Wellington, who was away on CCF camp, everyone knew that they would have to dig deep to complete the challenge!

The total for this event will be announced in the next issue of ASA today.

Finally, thank you once again to all those that have supported this partnership so far. The team have several events happening in the new school year – watch this space.

£70!

Above: A HUGE THANKS to Mr Aitchison who ran 12 miles, from Tewkesbury to the Prince of Wales stadium!

so far raising £70 for the Africa Trip.

TECHNOLOGY

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

ASPENS Young chef of the year competition

By Mrs Derwent Head of DT

On 6th July, Jayden Yeates competed in Wolverhampton for the Aspens young chef of the year competition.

It was a challenging day with nerves running high and lots of other schools competing. Jayden successfully gained 2nd place, losing out to first by only two points.

Jayden prepared a rack of lamb with sweet potato mash, mint and coriander sauce with heritage carrots along with a chocolate ganache tart with walnut brittle and coconut ice cream.

Jayden has been training after school with Phil Brett, kitchen manager and Mrs Derwent, Head of DT to prepare for the competition.

8

Students prepare for success

By Mr Kelly

Head of Faculty

A massive well done to a very impressive Jayden and Skie who stayed after school prepping for their compeitions: Aspen’s Young Chef of the Year and the Semi Final of the South West Junior Chef of the Year.

A big thank you to Mrs Derwent and Phil Brett for staying and cooking with them. The students are really proud of what they managed to achieve and couldn’t of done it without you!

Student makes finals

for title of Junior South West Chef

By Mrs Derwent Head of DT

Year 7 Activity Day

By Miss Holland DT Teacher

Our final farewells to Mr Turner “His humour will be greatly missed”.

“We are incredibly proud of Skie.”

- Mrs Derwent

On the 7th July Skie Smiles came 3rd at Gloucester College for the title of Junior South West Chef. Skie battled it out amongst more senior and experienced competitors in an industrial kitchen, which she is unfamiliar.

Skie has been training hard after school with Phil Brett, kitchen manager and Mrs Derwent, head of DT to perfect her Pork Belly and Crackling, sweet potato and red cabbage mash with heritage carrots.

Mrs Derwent said “We are incredibly proud of Skie who fought off some seriously tough competition and was highly commended by the judges”

Students will be manufacturing their own 16GB USB memory stick along with commercial blister packaging which they will design their own eye catching graphics for.

The reason this project has been designed for Year 7 is so that students will have their own personal memory stick to save any Academy work onto and back up any important documents. This is especially important as they go through the years at the Academy and begin studying for their GCSEs and A-Levels. A memory stick enables the student to save work and then independently continue to improve the work at home.

We would kindly like to request a contribution of £3 for the 16GB USB memory stick project. This will pay towards the cost of all of the materials involved within the project.

- Miss Holland

“He is always willing to help out and suggest ideas for the department. His humour will be greatly missed and we will all remember the many laughs we have had together. We know the students appreciate all of your time and effort you have provided them since you have been here. Please keep in touch and keep us updated on your next move in teaching.”

- Miss Holland

“John will be a challenge to replace”.

- Mrs Coleman

“John has given substantial service to the school for over 19 years covering the 3 schools St Benedicts, Christ College and All Saints’ Academy. John will be a challenge to replace. Especially the classical music that radiated from the prep room, his outstanding carpentry skills and his quiet gentle manner with the students.”

- Mrs Coleman

PERFORMING ARTS

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

9

Performing Arts Showcase

By Mr Aitchison Music & Drama Teacher

On Friday 1st July the Academy presented it’s 2nd Annual Showcase, the captive audience was entertained by dancers from Year 9- Year 12, Drama Club, Choir and the Year 10 Drama Group performed their end of Year exam titled “Twisted”.

The dancers were superb performing in a variety of different styles with group, duo and solo dances. The drama club had the audience in stiches re-creating work that has been done by some of the great talent we have lost this year, including Victoria Wood, David Bowie, Prince and Ronnie Corbett.

The choir performed a medley from the hit musical “Hairspray” with solos by Borianna Nacheva and Ciara Austin.

The Year 10 Drama Group deserve a lot of credit as all students

were moved out of their comfort zone and rose to the challenge of performing in public for the first time.

All performed well and there were some exceptional performances with Naomi Hoare portraying Gretel, the lead female role, Charley Hulley her mother and Lewis Brooks her father.

Just a year ago we hosted our first performance showcase including Joseph and since then we have seen more and more students engage with the performing arts at All Saints’ Academy.

Already in the next academic year we have a very busy schedule. Dates for your diary include a performance of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew at The Roses Theatre, Tewkesbury on Monday 8th November and the Annual Carol Service will take place on Friday 9th December at Cheltenham Minster in the centre of Cheltenham.

The Academy choir will be singing at St Gregory’s Church at 9.30am on Sunday 11th September for Education Sunday, they will also

be singing at the Confirmation service on the evening of 22nd September and Advent Sunday, 28th November.

Thank you for all your support this academic year and we look forward to welcoming you to our events from September.

Performing Arts Captains Tibetan Monks

Performing Arts Captains are appointed to Year 10 students who have shown commitment and responsibility in Performing Arts consistently throughout their time at the academy. This may have been in drama, music or dance or a combination of the arts. They have applied, been interviewed and awarded the roles below and they will be responsible for supporting performing arts staff, encouraging younger students to get involved and promoting Arts Events.

By Mr Aitchison Music & Drama Teacher

“It is something I will always remember”

- Madison Greathead

On Monday 11th July we hosted 8 Tibetan Monks who are on a tour of the UK from their monastery in Tashi Lhunpo in southern India. The monks who practice the Buddist faith shared how they live out their faith with the Academy Student Chaplaincy team and members of Year 7, before providing a performance workshop for the Academy choir in the afternoon. They shared with students how to speak and write in

Council Chair - Lewis Brooks

Canterbury House Arts Captain - Tamsyn Lewis

Durham House Arts Captain - Leah Wright

Arts Ambassador to Year 7 Kiara Allen

Westminster House Arts Captain - Jakub Sprenger

Arts Ambassador to Year 8 Chloe Fletcher

York House Arts Captain - Julia Obrebska

Arts Ambassador to Year 9 Boriana Nacheva

their native tongue, how to create Dukar Wheels (which are prayers, then folded in paper and wrapped in cotton to keep them secure and worn around the neck), how to pray whilst creating sculptures, the use of wood blocks to create prayer flags and a Sand Mandala, which is an ornate image made using coloured sand which is then swept away, signifying that nothing lasts for ever. They showed us and taught us how to use chant, hand gestures and dance in prayer.

Madison Greathead said “It was interesting to learn about their culture and faith.

I really enjoyed making a Dukar Wheel, it is something I will always remember.”

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

BERLIN TRIP

By Miss Cameron Head of History

Students at ASA found themselves in the midst of Euro fever as they flew into Berlin for the last weekend of June, and they managed to view many of the cultural sites the city has to offer. Berlin’s rich and somewhat chaotic history provided the students with a chance to embark on a multitude of adventures; from flying high in the Television Tower to delving into a WW2 underground bunker. Students stepped into the Bundestag, visited the zoo and even managed to find themselves in two places at once!

The trip was thoroughly enjoyable and a massive success. The students did themselves and the Academy proud.

www.asachelt.org

10

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

YEAR 13 BALL www.asachelt.org

11

YEAR 11 PROM

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

12

YEAR 11 PROM

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

13

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

YEAR 13 BALL www.asachelt.org

14

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

SIXTH FORM www.asachelt.org

Year 13 Business Success

15

“I am extremely proud to announce that Danielle Williams, Charlotte Darville-Row and Emily Brundett have won the county Start Up Enterprise competition. The competition involved them setting up and running their own business where they focused on creating lovingly home baked cookies. The girls have worked extremely well to develop the business alongside the demands of Year 13. The girls were competing against other groups from Bournside.

The girls did extremely well to balance Year 13 A-Level pressure with running their own business.They faced many obstacles along the way but demonstrated great resilience in overcoming these, working as a team, functioning as a business and returning a small profit. Their final presentation was excellent and it proved how much they have gained from the whole experience which will help them at university or when applying for jobs. They have been a real credit to themselves and the school.”

Cheltenham College Trip

By Kerryanne Bill Student Reporter

On Tuesday 28th June, we visited Cheltenham College for a university preparation day. We had a series of talks which were designed to motivate us into going to university and gave us information on how we can better ourselves so that we can be the best we can possibly be. A cooking demonstration was also presented to us which showed us how to prepare and cook simple dishes such as chicken, pasta and homemade sauce whilst giving us tips on how to save money on food. We also attended two sessions; one was dedicated to give us time to start our university applications and the other was to give us some time to start researching universities that we would like to go to. This was helpful

Congratulations Savannah

Psychology & Sociology Trip

By Chloe Walker Student Reporter

By Ciara Austin Student Reporter

since we also had the opportunity to speak to staff from Cheltenham College and get advice from them, as well as our own teachers; which was useful since we were able to get a few different opinions from different backgrounds to enable us to make an informed decision about which universities to apply to.

Stuart Langworthy Creator of Start Up

On 27th June, Year 12 Psychology and Sociology students visited the University of Gloucestershire’s Francis Close Hall for a day of Social Sciences lectures. We were also taken on a tour of the facilities available at Francis Close Hall, including the vast library and some of the beautiful nooks and crannies of the campus, including the ‘Se-

cret garden’ and the chapel.

The lectures, as well as promoting the university and courses in social sciences, were fascinating. With subject matter ranging from Jack the Ripper to Mass Shootings in the US.

These lectures gave us a taste of the style of education we would receive if we choose to go on to university. The lecturers were animated, and all clearly loved their subjects, resulting in incredible lessons that tapped into the reasons that people study social sciences; to understand human nature.

The trip was exciting and informative, and most of all, it left us hungry for more and eager to continue to higher education.

Well done to Savannah Evans on running a successful family fun day at ASA. Savannah raised £1000 and bought some iPads to donate to Bristol Royal Hospital and also raised money for Beauty with a Purpose.

Savannah was recently crowned Miss Bristol and will compete in Miss England towards the end of July.

SUMMER CARNIVAL

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

By Mrs Edgar

PR & Communications Manager As part of our Cheltenham Summer Carnival this year we welcomed one of our alumni back to perform on stage with his band. Jake Sheppard will be in his 3rd and final year at BIMM University in September. Jake has formed a band called Discount Columbo since studying Music at University and has released an EP. You can find their music on spotify and iTunes.

Year 12 Sixth Form student Savannah Evans was crowned Miss Bristol in July and is off to the Miss England Finals on 21st July. Savannah has been doing some fantastic charity work with her title - please read more about her story on page 15. We would like to thank Savannah for presenting our Race for Life runners their medals at the Cheltenham Summer Carnival.

The final total for the amount raised for Cancer Research will be announced in the next ASA TODAY. We can reveal that we have already beat our target of ÂŁ500!

Photography by Mrs Edgar, Sixth Form students Trisha Maglaqui and Nadia Cooper

16

SUMMER CARNIVAL

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

Your Photos of the Carnival

17

CAREERS

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

18

‘SCHOOLS OUT FOR SUMMER’ The summer break is a great time to relax and recharge, however you could also use this time for your own personal development.

Here are a few ideas of how you can do this:

By Mrs Parr

Pastoral Manager

By Mrs Taylor

Personal Education Co-ordinator

NCS

Is a great way to spend part of your summer. Running for three weeks with various start dates in June, July and August.

We were extremely proud of the four students who took part last summer, the impact they have made and how their confidence has grown.

Part 1: (residential) During Part 1 of the programme young people work together and get active- staying at a residential centre and taking part in a range of outdoor activities like abseiling, kayaking, hiking, rock-climbing and more.

Part 2: (residential) Working with a skills practitioner young people gain skills in a particular area whilst discovering more about the local community.

Part 3: (non-residential) Is a chance for young people to make their mark! After meeting a charity or community organisation the team come up with ideas for a project to make a difference before having the chance to present their project to a panel of professionals and gain feedback.

Volunteering Volunteering is an unpaid activity you choose to do freely to support your community. However, volunteers also gain a lot of benefits for themselves too.

It helps you: Try an area of work.

Learn new skills.

Develop skills and experiences Try out an area of work you might be interested in.

Feel you are doing something worthwhile.

“I took the opportunity to go back to my local primary school to help and volunteer. I wanted to help teach the kids a variety of sports and I did this for 9 months. It was very rewarding and also boosted my CV and personal statement. I would recommend everyone to volunteer. It really isn’t hard to do and you achieve so much from it. It’s a great feeling to give back to the local community” - Christian Bessel Year 13

Online Learning “Summertime is always the best of what might be”

- Charles Bowden

A Mooc is an online university short course aimed at making higher education more accessible to more people. Instead of physically attending lectures and seminars or hitting the library, you complete the course usually over 2/3 hours for a 4/6 weeks, using university materials and resources posted online.

They’re open to anyone in the world via the internet, usually free of charge and often they don’t have any entry requirements.

Summer Camps

There are a wide variety of summer camps and play schemes that run in Cheltenham during the summer holidays, where you could volunteer, or possibly get a paid position.

How can you use a Mooc to get into higher education?

Work Experience

Depending on your career aspirations, work experience could improve your chance of securing a university place or apprenticeship. Family, friends or neighbours may be able to help, or you could try contacting local companies directly.

“Work experience at Wentworth court, a Dementia only care home, has given me first-hand experience and understanding of how to help keep patients safe by looking out for signs of tension and anxiety between patients. Some of the roles that I carried out whilst in my placement were; assisting carers at lunchtime by feeding and encouraging unable residents to eat. I also chatted with residents, building relationships through talking about distant memories, going through their photo albums, carrying out creative activities such as drawing, colouring and to involve the residents which made them feel a sense of self-worth. I learnt that it is important to answer the questions that the residents often asked considerately, calmly and in a ‘bubbly’ manor to reduce their distress and anxiety. The main vital skill that I learnt was how to communicate effectively with residents. In the future I hope to go to university to study mental health nursing. This work experience was important in securing my understanding and knowledge in the roles and difficulties that could be presented in this profession.” - Kerryanne Bill Year 12

Part Time Employment Depending on your age, you may be able to get a part time job. Most large retail stores advertise their vacancies on line, whereas smaller stores, cafes and restaurants still advertise vacancies in their windows and require you to apply in person or with your CV. Hopefully we have inspired you? All of these will help you to develop key transferable life skills which will support your university personal statement or CV and ultimately make you more employable.

When you return in September for the new academic year you can continue to build your skill set and employability by taking on student responsibilities, such as student council representative for your tutor group, house prefect or maybe as a mentor. Extra-curricular clubs are a great way to do something you enjoy, while at the same time enhancing your CV.

We asked a couple of the universities who offer Moocs what the benefits of taking them are if you're considering degree study...

“Moocs provide you with access to high quality learning materials and offers a taster of exciting and innovative topics which are taught in leading universities. You can experience a new discipline, whilst being supported by experts in their fields and peers with similar interests, prior to committing to studying for a full award.

Moocs have the potential to raise aspirations for further study as well as make the process of choosing which discipline to study and what university to attend much clearer.” - Profressor Bernie Morley Pro-Vice chancellor, (learning and teaching) - Univesity of East Anglia

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

YEAR 5 DAY www.asachelt.org

19

Primary school students have a blast at ASA!

By Mrs Cain

Assistant Vice Principal

For 3 days this term, the Science, D&T and PE departments welcomed over 300 students from our feeder primary schools. The Year 5 students were challenged to bake their own chocolate palmieres and design beautiful boxes to show off their baking talents. They were tasked with finding out which suspect had stolen the ASA Star trophy by working their way through 3 pieces of evidence found at the crime scene. They also had to show their sporting prowess

by learning how to pike jump, sit jump and ‘kill the bed’ on the trampoline.

The students and staff really enjoyed their time with us - many commenting on how smoothly the day ran and how much they enjoyed seeing all the facilities and being able to use our equipment. Shanai (Hester's Way) said "I can't wait to come up to All Saints' Academy. I think Science will be my favourite subject! The microscopes were really cool and I could see all the little fibres".

Many thanks for all the hard work put in by staff and Year 7 and 12 students that helped to support our Year 5 enrichment days.

By Mrs Derwent Head of DT

On 29th, 30th June and 1st July 317 Year 5 students from local primary schools took part in an All Saints' Academy enrichment project.

In Design and Technology students made chocolate palmiers and a gift box to take their products home in.

Students had a fantastic day and said that they had really enjoyed their experience at All Saints' Academy.

Mrs Derwent would like to apologise to all the parents / carers that did not have opportunity to taste the chocolate palmiers, as apparently they were so good most were eaten on the way back to school!

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

YEAR 6 G&T www.asachelt.org

20

Year 6 Gifted & Talented students visit Design Technology

By Miss Ayling

Assistant Head of Science On Monday 4th July Year 6 Gifted and Talented students from Springbank Primary Academy, Rowanfield Junior School and Hester’s Way Primary School visited us for a second workshop session led by the Design Technology Department. Their morning consisted of two parts. The first was with Mrs Derwent, where pupils learned how to make ‘cake pops’ and then made their own. The students seemed to love using the cooking room and learnt some new skills and ideas for making cakes. Some pupils couldn’t wait to try these out at home and show their family. The cake pops were decorated and left to cool while they took part in the second part of their workshop; this was with Miss Holland in Product Design. Here pupils got to use a variety of techniques and machinery to design and create a stand and packaging for their cake pops. They

used several pieces of new equipment, such as the vacuum former, drill, junior hacksaw and pyrography pen; after being a little timid initially, they soon became confident. It was lovely to see them being creative and maximising the learning opportunities in this new environment. We look forward to seeing them come back in September!

Year 6 Gifted & Talented Photography Workshop

By Miss Ayling

Assistant Head of Science On Monday 29th June we welcomed Year 6 pupils from Springbank Primary Academy, Rowanfield Junior School and Hester’s Way Primary School to attend a Gifted and Talented workshop in Photography, led by Mr Chilman. The Year 6 pupils were given a brief on the theme of ‘colour’ and over the course of the morning they learnt how to use cam-

eras to take some fantastic photographs, then edit them using Adobe Photoshop.

The Year 6 pupils thoroughly enjoyed the experience and more than impressed with their enthusiasm and natural talent! Many of the pupils left at the end saying they had learnt new skills and were looking forward to doing more photography and taking some even better photos! Year 7 and 8 pupils will get the chance to develop their skills further in September when they will have the opportunity to attend an afterschool Photography club with Mr Chilman.

“I have enjoyed the chance to use a good camera to try and produce a good picture. At the start, I knew pretty much nothing but now I have learned how to use cameras pretty well! I am looking forward to doing lessons like this to give me lots of opportunities for different jobs and hobbies.” Jacob Watts

ASPENS NEW IN SEPTEMBER Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

www.asachelt.org

Deal 1 ½ Baguette, Cookie or Fruit & Water* or Cuplet £1.50

DINE with us DEALS

Main Meal Hot Meal, Dessert & water or fruit juice cuplet £2.10

21

Deal 3 Pizza Slice & water or juice cuplet £1.50

Deal 2 Sausage Roll & Any bottled Drink £1.25

Pizza Deal 7” Pizza & Drink £2.10

Pasta Pot & Topping Pasta Pot & Topping, Dessert & water or fruit juice cuplet £2.10

Check out our new site on the ASA web page, The coming Term menus, Allergen info along with our break & Break time menus.

DINE with us DEALS

55p Mid Morning

99p Lunch Time

Look out for our great value 55p and 99p offers.

Healthy Eating Remember! Every time you choose to eat healthy you will be rewarded with our Pro-Active Points. These can be redeem in Loaves & Fishes. C

Competition Time!

Show us you adventurous meals from the summer break and be in with a chance to Win.

WIN Lunch for 4

Email a picture of yourself & your meal with description to: kitchen@asachelt.org

Salad & Pasta Bar from 55p Deal 1 Filled Jacket Potato, Dessert & water or fruit juice cuplet

Deal 2 6” Sub, fruit or Cookie & water or fruit juice cuplet

£2.10

£2.50

Deal 3 12” Sub, fruit or Cookie & water or fruit juice cuplet £3.00

BISHOPS AWARD

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

By Mr Simcox Assistant Vice Principal

The Bishops’ Award Ceremony was at Tewkesbury Abbey on Wednesday 13th July. 320 students were presented with certificates and badges from Monsignor Liam Slattery of the Clifton Diocese and the Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, the Bishop of Gloucester.

The students receive these award for outstanding service in the Academy and the local community. The students must have displayed the Academy values of LOVE, RESPECT, RECONCILIATION, SERVICE, JUSTICE and PEACE. The awards are categorised as Bronze, Silver and Gold. However this year a new award of Gold+ was introduced because some students had achieved so much. Students that achieved Gold+ were Chloe Fletcher, Ronan Austin, Reece Attwood, Klaudia Fenyvesci, Patrycja Piorkowska, Jade Pearce.

Sixth Form students also given their awards during the ceremony and 12 students achieved the highest ward of Platinum. Three of these students are in Year 12 (Ciara Austin, Lontum Mangong and Anna Straw) and to complete so many extra tasks in just 9 months is an incredible achievement.

As an Academy we are proud of the achievements of our students and proud of our unique Bishops’ Award that recognises the extras those students are involved in.

www.asachelt.org

22

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

ASA SPORT www.asachelt.org

23

Annual Inter-Staff 7-a-side Football Tournament

By Mr Wright Media Teacher

On a balmy Cotswold evening two All Saints’ staff football teams made their way to Balcarras School for the annual Inter-Staff 7-a-side Football Tornament.

Two groups of three teams would play each other once, with the top 2 progressing to the semi-finals & the bottom teams playing off to avoid the ignominy of the ‘wooden spoon’.

ASA A were drawn against Balcarras B & Cleeve, whilst ASA B were in a group with Balcarras B and the holders Cotswold School.

Things started badly for both ASA teams. The A team gave a disjointed performance, and in match with few clear chances for either team, Balcarras B scored the only goal with a thumping drive. ASA B also lost their first match 0-1, an unstoppable volley screaming past Mr Griffin. Unlike Euro 2016, where weaker nations like England are allowed to make up the numbers, there were no obviously poorer teams; both ASA teams now faced the exit after only one round of games.

Fortunately, the second match saw a vastly improved performance by ASA A, who took the lead through a calm finish by Mr Derrick after a slick interchange with Mr Kelly. A crunching interception and quick through ball by Mr Koller then saw Mr Wright, ASA’s oldest player, nip in behind the Cleeve defence, and his first time left foot shot flew into the bottom corner to make it 2-0. Cleeve continued to press; an astonishing full length dive by Mr Chapman tipped a goal bound effort away from the top corner, and on a quick break from the ensuing corner

Above: B Team ASA A made it 3-0 when Mr Kerr (new Business teacher, starts in September) finished sharply after a knock-down by Mr Derrick. A deft outside of the foot volleyed lob over the stranded keeper

by Derrick wrapped up a convincing 4-0 win, guaranteeing ASA A a place in the semis.

Meanwhile, it was heartache for ASA B. Despite creating chances and looking at least the equals of Balcarras A, a single goal again proved decisive, and even Mr Griffin leaving his goal in the final seconds to try to force the equalizer wasn’t enough. But better was to come for the B boys............

ASA A now played Balcarras A for a place in the final. Straight from kick-off a raking pass from Mr Wright found Mr Kerr haring through, and though his first time effort flew into the side-netting, it was a sign of things to

My experience at Cheltenham harriers Student Success Story

By Joshua Hale Student Reporter

Cheltenham Harriers is a local athletics club held at the Prince of Wales stadium. They provide a wide variety of events and even some you may have never heard of before like steeple chase.

The club runs throughout the week de-

pending on what events you do and age group you are. If you looking at Cheltenham harriers go to the Cheltenham harriers website and look at the training groups.

I have loved being at Cheltenham harriers and they have pushed me and helped be achieve my potential even at the short 4 months of me being there. My main event is the 400m for the under 17s . I have recently went to the south west schools and I came 7th this means is a big achievement for me and I am very proud. Alongside being 7th in south west and running for Cheltenham harriers I also compete for Gloucestershire as a county. With help from Cheltenham harriers I hopefully get to the nationals championship by next year.

come. Mr Ferguson unsettled the Balcarras A defence with his physical forward play (somewhat harshly picking up the tournaments only yellow card in the process), and his deft lay off was followed by powered home by Mr Rollason, who quickly doubled ASA A’s advantage with a fine finish following slick interplay between Mr Kelly and Mr Brookland.

Although Mr Wright limped off with calf-twang, the result was never in doubt.

Before the final, ASA B triumphed in their play-off against Cleeve thanks to a sweet strike from Mr Fredrickson, cutting inside his man and slotting home into the corner from distance to secure a 1-0 victory.

The final against the holders Cotswold school was, if anything, more one-sided than the final score suggested as ASA A dominated possession without quite finding the finish

required. Mr Kelly, Mr Brookland and Mr Koller ensured no way through, and the movement of ASA’s forwards constantly dragged Cotswolds defence apart. The only alarm came when a kick-in by Cotswold (no throw-ins in 7-a-side) was casually left by Mr Chapman; it suddenly dipped alarmingly and twanged the bar, before bouncing safely out of play. Eventually though, ASA’s pressure told, and after cutting in from the left Mr Ferguson’s meaty drive into the far corner broke the deadlock; 1-0. A rasping drive by Mr Brookland whistled past the post with the keeper stranded as Cotswold clung to their title.

Eventually pressure told, and a calm finish by Mr Rollason clinched victory.

The trophy was presented by Mr Healy, the Balcarras headteacher who is standing down after his 20 years of sterling service, and the onus is now on ASA A to defend the trophy next summer. What odds are a all ASA final?

Above: Mr Rollason recieving the trophy from Mr Healy.

(Head Teacher of Balcarras).

Left: A Team

Year 7 Cricket

By Mr Ferguson

Assistant Vice Principal

Vs Pittville (Won 83-81) Vs Pittville (Won 94 – 93) Having already beaten Pittville in an evenly contested match in May, the team travelled to play once again.

Harry Kempson led the line following his 53 not out stand in the first game but was out for 8 this time around. Satwinder stepped up and scored 31 not out before I decided to retired him. Luke Walsh (15), Liam Hope (13), Sonny Cooper (6) and Abdul Jabar (17) were also not out but I thought best to retire them too so that more players would get a bat. Hitting a total of 94 for one with an excellent batting display

from Jabar from 15 deliveries. The team looked to have set an impressive target.

Pittville batted well and were helped by some loose bowling. They looked on target to reach the total until Abdul Jabar and Marley Palmer both took two wickets and Marley conceded only two runs in the space of two overs.

The game entered the final over with Pittville requiring four runs to win. Twice Kempson had the opportunity to run out the batter, twice he missed. Pittville required one two from the last ball to win, the batter opted not to run but failed to communicate this with his partner and Kempson eventually ran him out.

A second but much narrower victory in an excellent game played with a high level of etiquette and skill. Well done year 7!

Issue 39, Term 6, 2016

SPORTS DAY www.asachelt.org

@ASASportsDept

24

Canterbury take the win at Sports Day for the 2nd year running

By Mrs Edgar

PR & Communications Manager On Tuesday 5th July All Saints’ Academy had their annual sports day at the Prince of Wales Stadium in Cheltenham. We had the highest participation numbers ever this year, which was fantastic.

Students took part in a variety of sporting events such as hurdles, running, discus, shot put, high jump, long jump and triple jump.

The overall winners on the day were Canterbury House. With each house winning a cup for individual year groups.

Photographs taken by Mrs Edgar & Sixth Form student Bethany Halford

SCAN TO ACCESS OUR WEBSITE