ASA TODAY - Issue 48

First Class Honours

Best ever GCSE results

We catch up with a few of our alumni who have graduated university with a first class Page 7 degree.

We celebrate another fantastic year of examination results!

Page 2

ASA TODAY

Issue 48, Term 1, 2018

The All Saints’ Academy Newspaper

www.asachelt.org

Join the second best non-selective secondary school for GCSE progress in Cheltenham Open Mornings Wednesday and Friday Please book your appointment now Tel: O1242 7112O1 or email: khand@asachelt.org

All Saints’ form partnership with Cheltenham College The partnership means that the Senior Leadership Teams of both schools will be collaborating closely and sharing best practice in order to promote educational excellence. The partnership will enhance the professional development of staff and further enrich the extra-curricular provision for pupils at both centres.

To mark the start of this Enhanced Partnership, the two Heads recently signed an agreement which commits both schools to working closely together.

The partnership has already started to benefit students at both educational providers. Students have had the opportunity to take part in joint careers fairs, pre-university work experience, medicine, dentistry and veterinary science programmes, arts workshops, rowing clubs and much more.

Students from the Academy have been enjoying extra Maths

and Physics lessons with specialist engineers. Students from Cheltenham College have been gaining valuable leadership experience as lab assistants, sports coaches and classroom assistants at the Academy.

Both schools have a Christian foundation committed to serving Cheltenham and the surrounding communities.

Principal Dermot McNiffe, All Saints’ Academy said, “For us, it is about sharing the best of what both our educational sectors have to offer so that the young students at All Saints’ Academy and Cheltenham College benefit from an enriched experience of joint provision, whether that is through learning in a Physics lesson, involvement in a joint Duke of Edinburgh expedition, international trips, sport or a debating society. We have collaboratively created an ambitious educational programme with sincere partnership at

the core, which I believe, will be highly regarded as a model of excellence for formal partnership between independent and state sector schools once the impact of our joint venture is realised.”

Nicola Huggett, Head of Cheltenham College, said, “It is a pleasure to be working alongside staff and senior leaders at All Saints’ Academy, to ensure that the young people in our care are given the best all round educational experience. As educators, both schools put pupils at the centre of our decision making, and I have no doubt that as we continue to work with All Saints’ Academy, this will help pupils in both schools.

The opportunities for staff to develop alongside one another has also proved to be a real source of inspiration. We look forward to continuing to build on the strong foundations that have been laid over the coming years.”

RECORD BREAKING GCSE RESULTS Issue 48, Term 1, 2018

www.asachelt.org

I

n the year when all students across the country take the toughest GCSE examinations ever, All Saints’ Academy students pushed on to achieve their best ever GCSE English and Maths results heralding another record-breaking year!

An outstanding 10% im-

provement at grades 9-4 (A*-C) included a significant number of excellent grades at the higher-level grades of 9-7 (A**-A grade equivalent).

The Sciences also made a massive 21% improvement on last year at grades 9-4 (A*-C) with excellent improvements in the single sciences and double award science subjects.

Other GCSE subjects such as Religious Education, Geography, Business Studies, Music, PE and many others made significant improvements too.

This achievement eclipses the successful examination results of 2017 when the Academy was ranked sec-

ond amongst non-selective schools for student progress in the local area.

Principal Mr McNiffe said ‘Our GCSE results are really fantastic. This year students had to complete much harder examinations, containing more content which also involved students sitting more papers than previous years. I am so proud of all of our students’ achievements. The continued improvement in our GCSE and A Level results show that our students are really up for the challenge. They are really dedicated to working hard to fulfil their potential and in many cases exceed their potential in academic achievement. The great support they get from my team of teaching and

Shana Kelly achieved exceptional GCSE results including 2 Grade 9s and 2 grade 8s (A** and A* equivalent) in English, Maths and RE. Shana is now studying at A-level at All Saints’. Shana said ‘I am shocked, in a good way of course. I put everything into this year and it definitely paid off.’

Shana’s mum, said ‘Shana has a good work ethic and that combined with the teaching and staff support at All Saints’ Academy made the complete package. I’m ecstatic and very proud of what Shana has achieved.’

support staff is brilliant and I am delighted that we have gained another set of outstanding results particularly in GCSE English, Maths and Science.’

To continue thriving as a school during a difficult period of examination reform is no mean feat! It reflects our excellent drive for all students to achieve which is underpinned by the highest standards in teaching, learning and discipline to secure success. This day really proves that All Saints’ Academy is a great school and one of the best in Cheltenham.”

Head Girl, Jess Sykes and Head Boy, Sam Knight also did brilliantly, gaining four and six respectively GCSE Grade 9-7s (A** - A Grade equivalent). Sam achieved a Grade 9 in RE.

Jess was also nervous when entering the hall this morning to pick her results up, ‘I haven’t been able to sleep at all. I’m elated with my results.’

Sam said ‘I’m happy with my results because I worked hard for them!’

Well done to all our students you have done brilliantly and you are the best ever performing Year 11 GCSE cohort in the Academy’s history.

2

Jose Lumactod achieved two Grade 9s in Maths and Science and Grade 8 and 7s in English, RE and Music. Jose, now studying A-level English Literature, Drama, Maths and Music at All Saints’ said, ‘I felt nervous about picking my results up. I was confident I did well but I doubt myself alot. I was so relieved, overjoyed and overwhelmed when I opened my results.’

Oliver Ray achieved a Grade 9, Grade 8 and Grade 7 in English, Maths, Science and RE. Oliver has taken A-level History, English Literature and Drama at All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form. He said ‘I felt very apprehensive before receiving my results. I have was trying hard to keep calm. I feel so relieved now, like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I’m ecstatic with my results.’

A LEVEL RESULTS

Issue 48, Term 1, 2018

A

ll Saints’ Academy celebrates another set of record breaking A Level examination results with a 99% of students gaining an A* to E pass, which is well above the national average of 97.6% and bucks the declining trend across the country.

Principal Dermot McNiffe said, “Again, we have had some fantastic results this year and seen a 20% improvement in the number of students gaining A*-C grades improving from 48% in 2017 to 68% this year. The average point score per entry has also significantly improved from 19.76 to 24.74. This is a significant achievement considering the government’s major changes to all A Level and Level 3 courses.

“We are delighted that our Sixth Form students have achieved yet another set of great A Level results; their success is down to their hard work, and the dedication of our teaching and support staff at All Saints’ Academy. We are so proud that our Sixth Form continues to succeed and our students continue to achieve great results year on year.”

www.asachelt.org

3

BISHOPS’ AWARD

Issue 48, Term 1, 2018

By Mrs Edgar

T

PR & Communications Manager Chief Editor

his year’s Bishops’ Award was held at Tewkesbury Abbey in July. Bishop Robert Springett and Monsignor Liam Slattery presented awards to students that had achieved Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

Students in Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 12 and 13 worked towards gaining their Bishops’ Award throughout the year. Students needed to meet specific criteria to achieve different levels. Students who are living and acting out the gospel values of service, love, justice, reconciliation, peace and respect achieve recognition for their efforts. Parents and carers were invited to attend this prestihious event.

•

103 Year 7 students achieved Bronze • 65 Year 8 students recieved Silver • 57 Year 9 students were awarded Gold • 70 Year 10 students achieved Platinum • 95 Year 12 & 13 students achieved a Bishops’ Award ranging from Bronze to Platinum.

www.asachelt.org

2

STUDENT EXPERIENCE

Issue 48, Term 1, 2018

www.asachelt.org

5

A day in the life of Year 7 “It’s really easy to find your way around - everything is explained so well” Caitlin

“You can get a locker “You’ll enjoy it here” for your equipment” Zara Lucy “I’ve made more friends than I thought I would” Libby

By Julia Obrebska Head Student Student Reporter

I

have had the pleasure of speaking to some Year 7s during one of their D&T lessons- they have been drawing out a design for their keyring which they are planning to make out of acrylic.

I have seen some very creative designs which have reminded me of the types of things that I have done in my D&T lessons back then.

I have had the opportunity to design and make my own clock and light-up photo frame which I still have laying around the house. I’m sure that they will have equally as much fun making their keyrings as I have had with my previous projects.

Recently, I have been reflect-

ing on my time as a Year 7. The main thing that I have enjoyed back then was the variety of subjects that I could do and how new and exciting it all was.

Although, I was extremely nervous to move schools as I was very shy back then, I have since made many new friends just like the new Year 7s have.

This time of their lives can be quite a challenging one because everything is new and some can find it quite hard to settle in. The Year 7s that I have spoken to however, have very positive experiences with moving schools, although, some are quite said to leave their old friends behind. Gabriella has said that the transition between primary and secondary was easy and that everyone at the Academy have made her feel very welcome. Lucy reflected on this saying that she actually prefers secondary school- she feels more involved

within the Academy life especially through the more practical subjects which have enabled her to explore the more active side of each subject and gain more “hands-on” experience.

Milly has told me that she feels like the whole experience is a bit weird because she was used to being the oldest while in year 6 and now she’s the youngest within a huge school.

I remember that I have really enjoyed my music lessons back then and as a result, I have continued to learn about it at a GSCE level where I have discovered my passion for that subject which has led me to discover the world of the performing arts. Since then, I have taken an active role within the All Saints’ Academy choir and have taken part in a number of school musicals such as Beauty and the Beast, Little Shop of Horrors as well as some

of the Shakespeare’s Schools Festivals performing shortened versions of Shakespeare’s plays such as Taming of the Shrew and Merchant of Venice. Albeit only being here for a few weeks, our Year 7s have already decided which lessons are their favourite and which ones they have particularly enjoy; many of them said that they have enjoyed P.E because they got to do trampolining which they haven’t had the chance to do at their previous schools. Caitlin said that she has enjoyed her art lessons where she has been working hard on her self-portrait.

Katarzyna said that she has really liked how different everything is; she has talked to me about the transitions between lessons and how she enjoyed having different classrooms and different teachers for all of her lessons.

I have also spoken to some

of the year 7’s about their future plans and aspirations. I have decided to take my education to a further level and study business management at university. I am hoping that this would enable me to have a career in marketing later on. Some of our Year 7 have got great ideas about who they would like to be when they are older. Lucy had the lovely idea of working in a dog rescue and similarly Milly wants to become a vet. Caitlyn has decided to follow on from her family and wants to work at a residence home just like her other family members have done in the past. In addition, I have also spoken to some girls who wanted to become ballet dancers or famous actresses- she said that she has particularly enjoyed the drama lessons here at All Saints’ Academy during which I was told they were acting out heroes and villains.

ACADEMY PRODUCTION

Issue 48, Term 1, 2018

www.asachelt.org

All Saints’ Academy presents

Performed entirely by students A musical by ALAIN BOUBLIL and CLAUDE-MICHEL SCHÖNBERG School Edition special adaptation licensed by MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL and CAMERON MACKINTOSH (OVERSEAS) LIMITED

Coming February 2019

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR UPCOMING PRODUCTION PLEASE VISIT: WWW.ASACHELT.ORG/LESMISERABLES

6

FIRST CLASS DEGREES

Issue 48, Term 1, 2018

CURTIS MANSFIELD First class honours degree in ENGLISH LANGUAGE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM

www.asachelt.org

7

All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form alumnus Curtis Mansfield has been awarded a first class honours degree in English Language from the University of Birmingham. The University of Birmingham is part of the Russell Group along with 23 other universities. Russell Group universities are committed to maintaining the very best research, an outstanding teaching and learning experience and unrivalled links with business and the public sector. Whilst studying at All Saints’ Curtis achieved A* A A in English Language, Geography and ICT. What was your biggest achievement at university?

Academically, my biggest achievement was attaining a first overall. There were some very intelligent people on my course who got a 2:1, which is also a fantastic result, but there’s something special about getting a first. Outside of that, probably organising our subject society ball in second year on an extremely limited budget. We started off with about £150, so raising the funds to organise a ball for 100 people was tough, but we just about managed it.

What did you enjoy most about your course at the University of Birmingham?

Probably the diversity in module choices. Although all first year modules were compulsory, we had the choice to narrow down into specialist areas as the course progressed. I liked having the variety though, so my modules included the History of the English Language, Discourse Analysis, as well as Clinical Linguistics (sort of like speech and language therapy). My dissertation was also completely different from these, where I studied how men construct masculine identities when discussing love and relationships.

What advice would you give to our Sixth Form students?

I’d recommend working towards something you enjoy, because you won’t view it as a chore. I genuinely enjoyed writing and researching a lot of my work at university, which was reflected in the work itself. You’re also more likely to work hard at it if you enjoy it.

What experiences at All Saints’ inspired you to go to University of Birmingham?

Being at All Saints’ made me realise that I could actually go to one of the best universities in the country. The staff really get to know you and your strengths, and it was only after discussing my potential with various teachers that I even began to consider that I could exceed my previous expectations.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?

I’d like to be living in London doing a PR job. Hopefully I’ll have progressed to a senior role by then so that I can save up and invest in my future.

All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form alumnus Liam Taylor has been awarded a first class honours degree in Computer Science from the University of Bath. University of Bath was recently ranked 6th in The Guardian’s top UK universities. Whilst studying at All Saints’ Academy Liam achieved A* in Psychology, an A* in Business and an A in IT. Not only has Liam achieved the top honours at degree level he has also secured a job at a prestigious employer in his field of work. Cisco Systems is a worldwide leader in IT and networking.

LIAM TAYLOR

First class honours degree in COMPUTER SCIENCE university OF BATH

What was your biggest achievement at university?

My biggest achievement was my final year project/dissertation. I carried out research into the design elements of Social Media platforms that make people use them more frequently and whether this could lead to addictive behaviours. It was tough to manage such a large project alongside other coursework and exams but the outcome was a piece of work that I was very proud of and I achieved a first.

You decided to take a 4 year course that entailed a placement year, can you tell us a bit about it?

I worked at Cisco Systems in London for a year in the Mobility department within IT, which is responsible for managing all mobile devices within Cisco. My role included providing analytics around mobile contract spending and security and compiling reports for management to make decisions from. I was also involved in the development and automation of new security processes within the organisation to ensure that Cisco staff and corporate data were protected against any malicious attacks.

What advice would you give our Sixth Form students?

Make sure you pick a degree course that you are genuinely interested in because the whole experience will be much more rewarding.

University is a big step from A Levels and it can seem very daunting at the start but don’t be scared to reach out to the academic staff and peers if you do struggle because you are not the only one. Make the most of your first year and get involved in as many societies and activities as possible because you’ll make so many great friends which will help with the subsequent years when it gets a bit more challenging.

Did All Saints’ help you in reaching your goals for university?

I think All Saints’ prepared me well for university. All the teachers were very encouraging during my A levels and pushed me to do the best, which is a mindset I have carried throughout my time at university. Mr Carroll’s support through the UCAS application process was amazing and perhaps under appreciated by many at the time of our applications.

Where are you looking to go following your graduation?

I am going back to Cisco Systems in London as a graduate Business Analyst.

JACK LANE First class honours degree in philosophy cardiff university

Alumnus Jack Lane graduated Russell Group university Cardiff University with a first class honours in Philosophy. Whilst studying at All Saints’ Academy Sixth Form studied Philosophy and Ethics (B), English Literature (B) and Mathematics (D).

What was your biggest achievement at university?

Other than getting a first in my degree I would have to say it would be presenting my dissertation on the philosophy of mathematics at a conference and the success I achieved as president of the Cardiff University Liberal Democrats.

What did you enjoy most about your course at Cardiff University?

I really enjoyed the academic environment at my university. I was always encouraged to contribute and attend conferences and seminars held by the department. This not only encouraged me to work even harder but also allowed me to engage with philosophy even more.

What advice would you give to our Sixth Form students?

Make sure you have a good work ethic, focus is everything. More importantly, study things you actually enjoy that way you can maximise your university experience.

Did All Saints’ help you in reaching your goals for university?

I was always encouraged and I was told to aim high by my teachers. This positive and supportive outlook helped me to flourish. My work ethic and attitude was mostly positive because of this and the help I received helped me develop academically.

Where are you looking to go following your graduation?

As of this September I will be going on to Bristol University’s philosophy masters program (MA)

Issue 48, Term 1, 2018

By Mrs Edgar

PR & Communications Manager Chief Editor July saw our students take part in our annual sports day at the Prince of Wales Stadium. Many records were broken and student participation was fantastic.

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

Canterbury House were the overall winners. Awards were also given out to the winners of each year group.

SPORTS DAY www.asachelt.org

8