Cougar Courage
Home and away
Basketball stars take victory in County Championships
ASA students explore France and Belgium
Sports Page 12
ASA TODAY MFL Page 3
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
The All Saints’ Academy Newspaper
www.asachelt.org
Say ‘Cello’ to the new string band By Mrs Austin Head of Music
Music BTEC students enjoy creative possibilities as they get their hands on some new instruments. As part of their course, these Year 9 musicians will be using the next term to explore and learn about their instruments, upon which they plan to give group performance for a local primary school and at a music soiree for parents. Their enthusiasm is noticeable, with many students attending an additional Monday morning practice session where they can further hone their skills. Mr Aitchison, Teacher of Music, said ‘the students appeared to thoroughly enjoy the experience. It is something they have never experienced before and are relishing the opportunity to try something new’. For students who haven’t previously enjoyed any musical tuition, this opportunity has enabled them to gain first hand experience of time and patience involved in mastering an instrument. With this burst of inspiration and the range of instruments on hire from Gloucestershire Music, Mr Aitchison hopes that they may be able to start a stringed instrument club open to all students.
ASA String Orchestra: The Year 9 BTEC Music practising their instruments
Raising Boys’ Achievement
All Saints’ Academy has teamed up with Yamaha Music Education to offer you Yamaha Keyboard courses We are going to be running free taster sessions on Saturday 23rd February and 2nd March. The sessions will be happening between 10 – 5pm. Session are approximately 25 minutes. If you are interested in attending these free taster sessions please email naustin@asachelt.org Full lessons will be starting on 9th March. Lession will be one hour at a cost of £10
By Mr Ackland BFL Manager Teacher of PE
Boys across the country are failing to meet their full potential when it comes to grades and qualifications. At All Saints’ we are determined that all our students have an equal chance to succeed. We
were fortunate that on the 22nd January we had a very exciting opportunity to meet and listen to Gary Wilson, Education Consultant and Author - Raising Boys’ Achievement. Gary Wilson led a 2 hour training session with staff providing the whole staff with ideas, solutions and an awful lot of thought provoking facts to help us to help the boys at All Saints’. Then at 6 pm we had around 50 parents and their sons brave the
snow to come and listen to Gary speak. The evening was a real success with all parents and boys enjoying the night. We had a prize draw and 10 lucky boys will be going to KFC for lunch. As a result we will be targeting groups of boys to help them to close the gap on girl’s achievement. These are exciting times at All Saints’ Academy and I am personally looking forward to rest of the year.
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013 Miss Skelding
PR & Communications Manager Chief Editor for ASA Today Welcome to our new ASA TODAY! We wanted to produce something that was more than a newsletter that would inspire our students to write. Thank you to the many students that have written for the newspaper this term, I hope you agree they show alot of potential to be future journalists. As a Media graduate I felt that having an Academy newspaper would be a brilliant way to communicate with yourselves. We had a lot of feedback from parents wanting a printed newsletter instead of the online format, we hope you enjoy our new newspaper format. A big thank
Mr Hamilton
Reprographics & ICT Technician Editor for ASA Today Welcome to the new look All Saints’Academy ‘newsletter’ or should I say newspaper. After much deliberation, we’ve opted for a short-run newspaper of 1200 editions as our fresh and creative format for keeping you totally informed and up to date.
EDITORIAL
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you to all of the staff that contributed by sending me their articles to be published. During this term we have also launched our new fortnightly ASA TV NEWS. This is a platform that we hope the students will be able to present and take responsibility for with the help of myself. The video features current news and key messages for the following week. You are also invited to watch the videos which feature on our youtube channel. w w w. y o u t u b e . c o m / a s a c h e l t Look for ASA TV NEWS. In our next edition we would like to create a Q & A section and your feedback about the newspaper. Your opinion matters! Please do not hesitate to contact us on: newsletter@asachelt.org
Welcome from Principal Kingham By Mr Kingham Principal
Welcome to our new look ASA Newspaper. You said that you’d prefer a written communication, so we’ve ditched our previous online newsletter, in favour of a full newspaper format. In academic news, we’ve received our recent English and Math results, which were amazing. I would like to say a big ‘well done’ to all
As a church sponsored Academy, with a Christian ethos, we actively seek to discourage inappropriate behaviour. I have come to notice that playground and social language used by the children, includes a lot of swear words. As a Christian academy we want to challenge students about their choice of language. Is it necessary? Is it right? Will it offend?
No swearing policy Very occasionally, a child will become frustrated in class and will choose to swear at their teacher. We believe this is not appropriate, even when angry. As a result, we have decided to introduce a 1-day exclusion policy for any child that swears at a teacher or member of staff, no excuses and no questions.
the students on such fantastic grades.
nity. Once ASA Today has become a more established platform, we hope to break out into the local area, sharing our students’ achievements and progress with businesses and residents. As this is our first edition in an unfamiliar format, we’ve done our best to create a publication that meets your needs, if however, there are items or news you would like to see more of, please contact us with your requests. We would appreciate all feedback, no matter how small, so that we can make ASA Today a real success, as they say, Rome wasn’t built in a day.
We’re so keen to share great things that have been happening at ASA, we want to include the whole commu-
What is a Church Academy? People often ask me what it means to be a Church sponsored Academy. We are very special in that as an Academy we are sponsored by an Anglican and Catholic Dioceses. Our sponsorship certainly makes a difference; our students receive quality RE four hours a fortnight, we enjoy regular worship, prayer and reflect and listen to the Christian message. Throughout all lessons and life in ASA, we seek to apply the Christian values of love, peace, justice, respect, reconciliation and service to others to all our actions so, not only does your child receive an outstanding education but benefits from learning within a Christian framework.
Staff at ASA As Principal, I often spend time walking around the Academy, visiting classes and talking with staff and students. I am amazed that in a building of nearly 1000 students and 67 teaching staff, there is such a sense of calm. The learning is going well and students are enjoying their lessons. I want all our readers to know that at ASA, we have outstanding teachers, who plan and deliver excellent lessons, who go the extra mile. Why? Because they want your child to learn and achieve. I am proud of all the
Above: St Benedict’s chapel at All Saints’ Academy
Year 11
the Y11 Prom and Leavers’ Yearbook – please call in to offer your services. Remember the Prom is Wednesday 26th June at Pittville Pump Rooms. Tickets cost £25.50 but we are launching the “Passport to the Prom” to Y11s ... the more revision sessions you attend (signed by the teacher) the more money off you can have! The time to work is now until June; the time to relax and look back on 5 wonderful years in Secondary school, is June 26th.
By Mr Clarkson
Assistant Principal
Address: Blaisdon Way Cheltenham Gloucestershire GL51 0WH Phone: 01242 711200 Email: Admin@asachelt.org www.asachelt.org www.facebook.com/asachelt www.twitter.com/asachelt
The New Year began with great Y11 success in the Maths GCSE results. Around 43% of Y11s have already achieved their A*-C grade and there are another 20% of Y11s on the D grade and being re-entered in March. MASSIVE congratulations to the Y11s who worked so hard in terms 1 and 2 – a lot of intensive work was put in by the maths team, led by Mrs Hewlett, Mrs Goodwin and Miss Wife. The challenges continue with all y11s entered in March or June this year, to improve on their current grade. Recent sporting success has come in the Basketball team becoming the County Basketball Champions for the second year running (they won as Y10s). The team now enter the National Quarter finals. Congratulations to all but special mention will go to Christian Lluisma – star points scorer of the season. Before Christmas a letter came home for parents and students of Y11. The letter had lots of key dates for Terms 3 and 4. A further letter will come out just after the February half-term and, again, after Easter. Can I remind Y11 students to give in
dedicated staff at All Saints’ Academy.
Above: Christian Lluisima scoring a point. their applications ASAP to All Saints’ Sixth Form next year. Also, please note Thursday 21st February which is Y11 Subject Teacher/Parents’ Evening – please ensure you make appointments on the website when it is open. Miss Skelding is still on the look-out for volunteers to help with
Talk to me or Miss Skelding TODAY!. A key concern, which y11s are talking to me and other staff about, is the lack of work being done at home during the week and at weekends. Many students don’t take revision home unless specifically told by their teachers. TARGET: all Y11s take home 2 pieces of revision for Saturday and 2 pieces for Sunday from now until the middle of June. It WILL make a difference to your grades and future. Term 4 (February to march) is all about attending after-school revision (Passrport to the Prom) AND finishing the coursework/controlled Assessments, including some Business Studies presentations to people in Industry. As from this Newsletter deadline (28th January 2013), there are only 14 teaching weeks left before study leave. That is only 70 school days of teaching ... YOUR teachers are making the most of these remaining hours; the question is are YOU?
FRENCH TRIP
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
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ASA’s first International Academy trip By Mrs Atkins
Head of Department MFL From Sunday December 16th until Tuesday December 19th, 33 Year 8 students visited the Christmas markets in Lille and Bruges. Students had the chance to experience the sights and sounds of traditional French and Belgian markets and try some typical food of the countries. During the stay, pupils ate a traditional French 5-course Christmas dinner, had the chance to go outdoor ice-skating, bowling and visited the Nausicaa Sea life centre in Boulogne. Chris Screen was brave enough to stand up in front of everyone and eat an‘escargot’ (snail). He even went back for a second helping! Everyone had a great time and all the pupils were a real credit to ASA.
Christmas dinner
Gabrielle skating
Bowling fun
By Gabrielle Parsons Student Reporter
bruges By Megan Dancey Student Reporter
Day 1 - When We Left On the coach we travelled to Dover, where we boarded the Ferry. When we got onto the ferry we were able to wander around and go for a little shop. They accept French and English money! After we got to France we got back on the coach to go to bowling. We had a great time! After that, we went to the hotel and unpacked before our evening meal. Dan, who was the tour leader in charge of our stay, asked if anyone wanted to try a snail (escargot). Chris then volunteered to try one. At first he was really excited but when it came out, he had second thoughts, but he didn’t back down. After that he went up for seconds! After our meal, we went back to our rooms and all started
Students’ perspective playing a game, murder in the dark. Day 2 - Markets We all had to make our own sandwich for the day. We left the chateau to go to our first market in Bruges. Before we started shopping the teachers gave us a meeting point. Some of us tried out the outdoor iceskating rink although some of us liked the floor too much! After we had had enough, we started walking round the markets, where some of us bought some nice gifts, for family. We bought
a massive hotdog for 5 euro’s! We then boarded the coach and went to the market in Lille. When we got there, there was a huge Ferris wheel that students went on. Some people where scared (Gabrielle) after we went to the market that looked like a winter wonderland! It had a sign at the entrance which said ‘Bienvenue Welcome Wilkommen’. Some students brought some amazing gifts! Especially from the man that was selling fork ornaments! We had such a good day! We then went back to the hotel and had our evening meal, which was Christmas dinner. Then went to our rooms where we played another game, Cops and Robbers.
Day 3 - Sea Life Centre We were all packed in the morning ready to leave the hotel. After the cases were loaded on the coach we went to Nausicaa sea life centre. When we got there, we got our tickets and went off in groups. We saw an octopus, jellyfish and sting rays which some of us touched! We saw some penguins too. Most students went to see the cat fish shark as well! (Scary!) Some people brought some small souvenirs at the gift shop there. We went to a
typical French supermarket to see if they were anything else we needed, some of us were in need of a Mc Donald’s! We had to go through customs on our way back to make sure we didn’t have a phony passport! Luckily, all of us got through. After we had finished we got back on the coach to go to the boat docks and get on the ferry. When we got into Dover we boarded to coach to go back to All Saints Academy where we met our parents. Although we had a great time we were glad to be home.
SPIRITUALITY
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
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Megan’s Memorial Service By Mrs Scarfe
Assistant Principal Spirituality & Ethos/RE
14th January - Megan White Anniversary.
It doesn’t seem like a year ago that Megan passed away, but her close friends wanted to remember her in a special way. We met to discuss the best way to do this. They all liked the way that her memorial service went last year by hanging paper stars that they had written onto Megan’s tree. After a discussion it was agreed that we would hold a quiet reflection outside before school.
Each of her close friends wrote a thought or prayer for Megan on a star shape. This was laminated to protect it from the weather and stretchy silver elastic threaded through a hole at the top of the star. Monday morning we met by her bench and tree and all held hands. I was immediately struck by the realisation that despite the freezing temperature and ice that Megan’s tree was flowering with pink blossom. It was the only tree in blossom in the garden. I took this a sign of new life and explained this to the students that it was almost as if Meg was saying she is happy and has a new life and this is her way of telling us. We had a silent prayer and then the stars were tied onto her tree. It was a lovely way to remember Meg and we agreed that every year we can hang more stars as the tree grows and blossoms.
Left: Megan’s tree and bench & close ups Above: Stars containing personalised messages from her friends
Year of Faith at ASA By Mrs Scarfe
Assistant Principal Spirituality & Ethos/RE Pope Benedict has invited the Catholic Church to spend a year reflecting on what faith means to them and to consider what the faith of the Church actually is. In a letter to the Church called Porta Fidei, the Latin for ‘Door of Faith’, the Pope explained that from 14th October there will be a whole year focused on Faith. Every Catholic church and school across the world is doing something between October 2012 and November 2013. So what is All Saints’ Academy doing?
We want to have an ASA Reflections book. We wondered if anyone of you would be willing to suggest a prayer, thought for the day, words of song or poem that has inspired you at any time. Would you be prepared to say what it is and how it is inspirational to you? We will then select and your name will go into the book, which will be properly printed with your reflection. It may be well be used for years to come in tutor time and assemblies. You will be part of ASA history. If you have a suggestion please email me: tscarfe@asachelt.org. Watch out for posters with the Year of faith logo on appearing around the academy. Doors to the chapel and the RE rooms will be decorated as doors of faith. Pope Benedict has asked that we say as often as possible the Creed. We will include this in Meet, Greet, Pray time.
• Pope Benedict has asked that we reflect on the examples of the saints. Each House has a Saint attached to it and a House pledge. We are asking all students to reflect on the example of their House Saint and put their faith into action. Special FAITH IN ACTION badges will be awarded in House colours. In conclusion, here at All Saint’s Academy we plan to pray, reflect and put our faith into action, and we are grateful for any support you can give during this special year.
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
English By Mr Dangerfield Head of Englsh
Blood Brothers English GCSE students are studying Blood Brothers this term. We’re particularly lucky this year as Blood Brothers will be performed at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham during the half-term. All Saints’ English department will be running a trip to see Blood Brothers on Monday 11th February. If you have missed out on a ticket, the Everyman still has some tickets available for the other performances Monday 11th February to Saturday 16th February. Please try to get to see the play – it will boost your GCSE Literature mark in the summer exams!
Assistant Principal
By Miss Smith
Accelerated Reading Project Manager Here at All Saints’ we know that one of the best means of doing your best across all subjects of the curriculum is to develop your reading skills. To support students at the Academy to improve their reading skills we have launched an initiative called Accelerated Reading. Miss Emily Smith has been appointed to help manage the project. All Phase 1 and 2 students (Y7 and Y8) have been enrolled in the programme and are expected to take an active part in this. The first step was to take a reading quiz to help us see which book band colour would help them to improve their reading the most effectively. GLH staff have been very busy colour banding the many books we have that fit into the project.
Mr Giblin with some of the History revision class
World Book Day World Book Day is coming on Thursday 7th March. There will be lots of events to join in with. Watch this space…!
By Mr Giblin
Teacher of History
Year 11 History Revision
The Poetry Games
By Mrs Carroll
5
Year 8s are choosing their GCSE options. If you are interested in taking drama and media at GCSE please speak to Miss Robinson (Drama), Mr Wright (Media) or your English teacher.
The English department will be running GCSE preparation sessions in the half-term on Thrusday 14th and Friday 15th February. These will be open to all, but selected students will also be receiving invitations to come along.
Accelerated Reading
Histor y
Year 8 GCSE options – Drama and Media
Year 11 half-term GCSE preparation
The Poetry Games is a national poetry competition open to all year groups. For more information, please see Mrs Bowden in BG02.
www.asachelt.org
Above: Lucie Jelfs doing some research on cookery
Students were given a lower and higher book band as a recommendation of the level of books they could choose. Students then visited the GLH to select a book and now it’s heads down for reading. As students finish their book they are expected to go and take a simple online quiz. This helps to show they have understood what they have read. Every successful quiz taken leads to prizes! Final step is straight onto the next book to see if they can pass another quiz. We have a bit of a competition going on to see who can read the most books and successfully pass the quizzes and who has read the most words Our successes to date: Total words read: 2,266,039 Quizzes Passed: 195 Top 5 students with the most completed quizzes: • Ceri Mavin • Cameron Wolley • Kai Champion • Alex Lyons • Tia Dobbs Top 5 students with the most words read: • Asher Reynolds • Ceri Mavin • Morgan Print • Sophie Woodman • Elizabeth Shawcross How can you help? Help your child to find a little bit of time
As many would have seen from our department debut on ASA/TV recently, we in history are trying to encourage all Year 11 students to attend our revision sessions. These are held every Thursday afternoon for one hour, between 3 and 4, each day to read their book. Your son or daughter may enjoy reading to you. Talk to them about what they have read. Ask them how they are getting on with the quizzes. We are really looking forward to seeing the positive impact this will have on reading ability and consequently improved GCSE results in the longer term. If you want to know more about the project please contact Miss E Smith esmith@asachelt.org who will be able to give you more detail.
Maths
By Mrs Hewlett
Interim Senior Leader
In November all Year 11 sat a maths GCSE. After weeks of intensive preparation including half term revision sessions, a Pizza afternoon and 1-1 tuition, a record number of students achieved a grade C or above. For some students this will be life changing as it opens the doors to higher level courses in the 6th form; many are now aiming for a grade B to enable them to study A-level maths next year. The vast majority of the students attained a grade higher than they expected and every student is now focussed on going up by at least one grade by the end of the year.
and are hosted by Mrs Gooch, Mr Giblin or Miss Cameron. The History department has also got a number of revision tools that can allow students an added aid when they are trying to revise at home. The department is currently selling revision guides for £2 apiece, of which a £1 will be return to any student who wishes to sell it back to the department after the exams. We only have a limited stock of these, so it really is a first come first served offer. Other than this, we also have a number of past papers and mark
schemes available on FROG, so students can practice their exam skills and become more efficient at answering the questions. The message really is to start revising now, rather than leaving it to the last minute to hone skills and become more time efficient. There will be a history mock exam on the 4th March to test students
Science
light. This light ‘bends’ around it. We normally see objects because light from luminous objects reflects off them. These metamaterials do not reflect or absorb light. This means that the light reflecting off the truck (in the picture) bends around the man in the jacket – you can see the truck. I bet you can’t wait for a real invisibility cloak to be made! What would you do?
By Mrs Cain
Head of Science
Invisibility cloak - Science fact or fiction?
across the topic.
One of the rules that you are always taught in year 8 science is that light travels in straight lines. This is true. Well, mostly true. Light is able to be bent. To do this, we have to make the light travel through a material that will slow the light down. The light wave changes direction as it slows down. Scientists are now using this principle to help make invisibility cloaks.
Scientists have designed a metamaterial that does not absorb or reflect
“Scientists are now using this principle to help make invisibility cloaks”
DEPARTMENT NEWS
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
www.asachelt.org
Engineering M u s i c By Mrs Austin
By Mrs Sutherst Subject Leader of Engineering
Engineering & STEM club Flying Start Challenge Year 9 Engineering and STEM club have been taking part in this year’s Flying Start Challenge. The Flying Start Challenge is a contest run by businesses and organisations in the South West for local schools to help develop science and engineering skills and highlight the opportunities available in engineering careers. The challenge also offers a great opportunity for the schools to forge links with local industry. The task is ‘to design and build a hand-launched glider’ within a
Art
Head of Music tight budget. The students have been supported through the project by regular visits from engineers from GE Aviation. The students have enjoyed these visits and have made the most of the time the engineers have been with us, often asking challenging questions. The engineers enjoy interacting with the students (or at least they seem to!) Two teams from year 9 GCSE Engineering and a team from STEM club will be representing ASA in the local fly-off against other local schools at GE Aviation on 5th February 2013. Teams will be judged on the distance flown, and also on a poster presentation detailing the design decisions made. In recent years emphasis has also been placed on the use of recyclable materials. The year 9 teams representing ASA will be decided by a fly-
off in school at the end of January. All the students have been working hard on designing and building their gliders to go further in a straight line than those of the other teams. Fingers crossed the fly-off goes in the favour of ASA! The winning team from the regional flyoff will go to the finals - an all-day event held at the Fleet Air Arm Museum, in Yeovilton, Somerset, where both teachers and students are tested to the full. We wish all the ASA teams well at the regional fly-off.
Easter Performance Following the collaboration with St Gregory’s School for the carol service in Gloucester Cathedral the singing group are now working towards a performance of the Easter Oratorio “From the Stable to the Cross” which will be performed with St Gregory’s and St Thomas More schools just before Easter. Rehearsals for this take place on Friday lunchtime week 1 and straight after school on Friday week 2. There are still some opportunities for solo and chorus parts so anyone who is interested in taking part should see Mrs Austin or check the music room notice board.
Opportunities for music making in the department Monday
Coda Guitar – group lessons
FREE
Private guitar lessons
£45 per term shared, £80 per term individually
Tuesday
Coda Keyboard – Group lessons
FREE
Glee Club – 3pm – music room FREE
Garageband – 3pm – Music Tech
FREE
Thursday
Private violin lessons
Price dependant on number of students in group
Friday
Singing club
FREE
Private piano & singing lessons £8 for 20 minutes
Private woodwind lessons
£40 per term shared, £80 per term individually
If you are interested in getting involved with any of these clubs please contact Mrs Austin or check the music room notice board. We are currently in negotiations with a drumming teacher to provide private drumming lessons. These are likely to cost a similar amount to the other private lessons. If you are interested please email naustin@asachelt.org.
By Mrs Bayliss Head of Art
Gifted & talents Art trip Ten talented year 10 Art Btec students have attended a lecture on the world of marketing at Pates Grammar school. The lecture focused on the creative aspect of marketing, what the role entails and how to gain employment in this £34 billion industry.
Below: Watercolour and pen cupcake
Above: Pen drawing inspired by pat-
study
BY Charlotte Spillan, Year 10 GCSE Art & Design
tern in fruit and vegetables
BY Jasmine Ebbah,Year 9 GCSE Art & Design Above: Pen drawing inspired by pattern in fruit and vegetables BY Kaya Fitts, Year 9 GCSE Art & Design
Left: Sweet collage Right: Watercolour and pen cake study
BY Nathaniel Anderson, Year 10 GCSE Art & Design
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HOUSE ACHIEVEMENT
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
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www.asachelt.org
Canterbury
Durham
House Star student of the Term Jon Hopson 3CH
House Star student of the Term Emily Domm 2DH
Tutor Comment (Mrs Wilczynska)
He is a school sport captain and he always participates in team sports. He always goes above and beyond in helping others. John constantly follows Academy rules; he is cheerful, optimistic and persistent in putting forth a personal best effort in his academic and co-curricular life at the academy. He respects other people. I would like to present a student who, through attitude and actions, has demonstrated supportive leadership skills and who acts as a positive role model during his time in the All Saints Academy. He always takes the opportunity to do his best – in after school clubs and revision sessions.
HAL Comment (Mrs Crawford)
Jon has always impressed me with his positive attitude. He is always willing to help and can be relied on in any situation. I was delighted when he became our Sports’ Captain – this post fits well with his sporting interest and ability. He is an excellent role model to other students and an asset to the house. It is for these reasons that Jon has been chosen as Canterbury’s Start Student.
Tutor Comment (Mrs Sutherst) Emily is an outstanding member of 2DH. She is a dedicated member of the form, always making sure that the younger students are ok. She helps others with their reading, and checks they are coping with their ILTs and general school life. She has recently taken on the role of student mentor - something that she undertakes with enthusiasm and passion. As sports captain for Durham, Emily takes a very active part in interhouse competitions. Emily is a perfect role model for students in ASA.
Outstanding Christian
Student Comment
What I like about the Academy is the sporting facilities that are available such as the fitness suite, the astro turf and the sports hall. As well as this I like the support that the teachers give so that I do not lose concentration when I am in all of my lessons. In the future I would like to go to sixth form and as a profession I would like to become a physiotherapist for a professional sports team.
Inclusive Community
Term 2
2013
HAL Comment (Mr Bradley) Emily continues to be model student not only in her house tutor group but for all students at the Academy. Emily seizes every opportunity that is given to her. It has been particularly pleasing to know that Emily took it upon herself to help and support some younger students with their learning. Well done, Emily! Student Comment I am really proud to be put forward as student of the term. I am really pleased that I was nominated for doing the things that I love. I get great satisfaction from helping younger members of my form with their reading. As a mentor, I hope I am making a difference to the life of the Academy. Over the last year at ASA, my confidence has really grown and I am excited for what the future holds for me.
Outstanding Christian Inclusive Community
Term 2
2013
Westminster House Star student of the Term Amy Pierce 9WH Tutor Comment (Mrs Austin) Amy has really applied herself from the start of this year. Her attendance has been excellent and she has had good reports from subject staff. She sets a good example to younger students in form and is always willing to get involved. HAL Comment (Mrs Mitchell) Amy has really impressed me at the start of such an important year for her. Amy has proven, she is a dedicated and motivated student. I am particularly pleased with the efforts she has made to maintain such good attendance.
Outstanding
A very well deserved student of the term. I hope Amy continues to take such an active part in tutor time and be a role model for her fellow students. Congratulations Amy!
Christian
Student Comment I am pleased to be recognised for this. I have enjoyed working with students in my tutor group and offering my support. I have made a real effort this year and worked hard to ensure I do well in my exams.
Inclusive Community
Term 2
2013
ASA SIXTH FORM
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
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Students learn more about Gap Years By Mr Burger
Sixth Form Mentor
A special Living Well session was organised for the Sixth Formers after the Christmas break, with a talk on Educational Gap Years. Shaun Murphy came all the way from Manchester to give a presentation about SoapBox (http://www. soapboxtrust.com/); a Christian mission charity that provides short term practical aid projects across the globe. Shaun gave a wonderfully informative talk about the new 6 month “African Quest” project that the organisation has begun this year, aimed specifically at Gappers. This programme offers the chance to become involved with community and mission work in Zambia, helping school children become closer to God, followed by helping churches and providing practical aid in Malawi and Mozambique. There is also the possibility to participate in adventure activities, such as going on Safari, or diving with sharks! Shaun then showed a video about all the activities they offer on this project, which really helped to give the students an idea of how exciting taking a gap year can be. I then followed up with some general information about the types of gap years available to students, includ-
ing some short videos about the volunteering possibilities in the UK, and how the students might start to plan a gap year. He then told the students all about his own gap year experiences last year, doing conservation work and scientific research in Paraguay, and then travelling around South America. The and was that
where we stayed and a group trekking through the andes.
Sixth Formers were fully engrossed attentive throughout, and Shaun very impressed, saying afterwards they were a credit to the school.
Information leaflets and application forms for SoapBox are currently available in the Sixth Form Study Room, as well as booklets on planning a Gap Year.
Right: Taken in Paraguay: Oppossum, myself catching an Armadillo and scientists doing some fieldwork in the
Savannah.
Student Reporters
Left: Some of the Young Enterprise team with their products.
Young Enterprise We are Elite!
“We plan on bringing families together and hope to mend a lost connection between adults & children through encouraging fun arts & crafts..”
By Bryony Hopkins Student Reporter
By Helena Bevan Student Reporter
Starting off as a Young Enterprise group, our team Elite have made our debut in the Arts and Crafts industry. We plan on bringing families together and hope to mend a lost connection between adults and children through encouraging fun arts and crafts activities to engage in together. We have introduced two products so far - the Socky and Friends sock puppet making kit, and a makeyour-own-bunting kit. Elite is made up of Year 12 students: Lucie Jelfs, Ciara Kennedy, Melanie Townsend, Charlotte Davies, Evie Townsend, Elisha Bartley, Lilly McRoberts, Amy Rushby and us (Bryony Hopkins and Helena Bevan). We have been selling our product at Christmas Fayres in a few Primary Schools. The sales of these
Left to Right: Taken in Bolivia: Mud hut
products so far have been very promising, and this has motivated us to expand our market, we will soon be appearing at the Regent arcade. The annual Trade Fair, on March 5th, is a major opportunity we will be looking forward to in the near future. Elite have also created a Facebook page, so we can update news and bring exciting content like photos, videos and pictures. If you wish to take a look, you can find us at www. Facebook.com/EliteCraftCompany .
Above: Socky & Friends puppets
Practise Interviews By Miss Stone
Sixth Form Mentor
At the end of January our UCAS applicants were given the opportunity to have a practice University Entry interview independently run by Liverpool Hope University. The interviews focused on the students personal statements, and aimed to give our students vital preparation and experience in what to expect from a University interview, with each student given individual feedback on their performance. The interviews were a great success with the representatives from Liverpool Hope University commenting on the quality of our student’s personal statements, their enthusiasm for their chosen courses, and their great interviewing skills. The students were a credit to the Sixth Form and hopefully this will put them in excellent stead for University interviews over the coming months. Well done to all students that took part! Those in year 13 who did not have an interview this time around will have the opportunity to have a practice interview focusing on preparation for apprenticeships/ college courses/ and future employment on the 20th February 2013.
COMMUNITY
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
www.asachelt.org
Activity
Club
Facility Used
Age Group
Dates
Day & Time
Point of Contact
Archery
Cheltenham Archery Club
Main Hall
All
Oct-Mar
Monday 7pm-9pm Friday 7pm-9pm Saturday 10am-12noon
Mr Chris Kemp 07734 430245 / chrissandra@talktalk.net
Badminton
Pittville Badminton Club
Sports Hall
All
All year round
Sunday 10am -12am
Mr Chris Travis 07759628636 / pittville@christravis.co.uk
WORSHIP
AGAPE
Main Hall
All
All year round
Sunday 11am-2pm
Mr Gift Terera 07807922458 / gift.terera@hotmail.com
SLIMMING WORLD
Slimming World
Main Hall
All
All Year Round
Thursdays 6.00pm-7.30pm
Mrs Mandy Ferneyhough 07935721335
FOOTBALL (six a side leagues)
Pitch Invasion
Astro
All (Teams)
All Year Round
Thursday 6.00pm-9.00pm
Pitch Invasion 01273 377261 / www.pitch-invasion.com
FOOTBALL CLUBS
Tivoli Rovers
Astro
Over 16’s
October - March
Tuesday 7pm-8pm
Mr Tony Holmes Sherlock_6@hotmail.com
Fintan FC
Sports Hall
Under 16’s
October - April
Wednesday 6-7pm
Mr Andy Island arnoldemma@ymail.com
Falcons FC
Sports Hall
Under 13’s
October - March
Fridays 6pm-7pm
Emma Driscoll / drisky9@sky.com
Lakeside FC
Astro
Under 13’s
October - April
Mondays 7pm-8pm
Martyn Alder / 07828153487
Cheltenham Town Ladies
Astro
Over 16’s (Female)
Sept - April
Tuesday 8.00-9.00pm
Miss Rhona Donaldson 07843559038 / rhonafreakachudonaldson@hotmail.com
Tae Kwon Do
Sports Hall
All
All Year
Saturday 10am-11am
Tai Chi, White Dragon Association
Gym
All
All Year
Wednesdays 7pm-8pm
Mr Paresh Bhadeshia 07748 437 806 / pmbhad@blueyonder.co.uk
Dance Studio
All
All Year
Thursday 7.30pm – 9pm
LADIES FOOTBALL MARTIAL ARTS
Mr John Dyke 07960 301174 / whitedragon@whitedragon.co.uk
HANDBALL
Handball Club
Sportshall
All
All Year
Saturday 4.30pm-6pm
Mr Jany Bambuch 07551092213
BASKETBALL
Cheltenham YMCA Basketball Club
Sportshall
Over 16’s
All Year
Friday 8.00pm-10pm
Mr Rob Charsley rob@cheltenhamymca.com
FITNESS & DANCE
New Image Majorettes
Dance Studio & Sports Hall
All
All Year
Saturday 11.30am – 4.30pm Mrs Wyman 01242 691901 cstnewimage@fsmail.net
Ballroom Dancing
Dance Studio
All
All Year
Monday 7.30pm-10pm
Natasha Overthrow 07756422378 / nat_dancemotion@hotmail.co.uk
Cheltenham & Tewkesbury Dance Company
Main Hall
All
Sept-April
Wednesday 5.15pm7.15pm
Mr Dan Derek dderrick@asachelt.org
High Intensity Interval Training
Gym
U16’s
All Year
Thursday 6.00pm-7.00pm
Mr Craig Pitcher cpallstarz@gmail.com / 07875754090
Free Running (Parkour)
Gym
All Year
Mondays 7.00pm-8.00pm
Over 16’s All
Thursday 7.00pm-8.00pm
U16’s
Tuesdays 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Over 16’s
Tuesday 6.30pm-7.30pm
All
Friday 5.00pm-6.00pm
Ensty Health Club Breathing & Relaxation Class
Dance
All
All Year
Tuesday 6.30pm-8pm
Mr Paul Barnett 07762101938 / protekinternational@yahoo.co.uk
Zumba Fitness
Main Hall
Over 16’s
All Year
Tuesdays 7.30pm-8.30pm
Dance Studio
Over 16’s
All Year
Wednesday 7.30pm8.30pm
Miss Natalie Burton 07927759286 / zumbanatalie@hotmail.co.uk
Over 16’s
All Year
Fridays 6.30pm-7.30pm
Gym
NETBALL
Mr Craig Pitcher cpallstarz@gmail.com / 07875754090
Cheerobics
Gym
Over 16’s
All Year
Sunday 10.30am-11.30am
Stage School (Musical Theatre)
Dance Studio
All
All Year
Wednesday 5.00pm7.00pm
Tasha Lusty 01453 823923 /07790 193922 / www.centre-stage.net
United Netball Club
Sports Hall
Over 14’s
September - April
Tuesday 7pm – 9pm
Vicki Wood 01242 518261 / vicki.wood@unitednetballclub.co.uk
Survivors Netball Club
Sportshall
Over 16’s
September - April
Mondays 7pm-9pm
Kirsty Wingate 07787 732613 / kirstywingate@gmail.com
Netball Fun League
Sportshall
Over 16’s
All Year
Wednesday 7pm-10pm
Bridget Beardsley 0117 2302028 / register@netballfunleague.co.uk
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Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
ASA SPORTS
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U13’s National Penalty Heartbreak By Mr Rollason Teacher of PE
All Saints’ Academy U13’s crashed out of the Danone National Cup 5th Round at the expense of a decent Church Stretton School team. ASA started the game with real passion and intent and got their reward after 3 minutes when Gambrell powered a left foot shot into the bottom corner, giving the goalie no chance. ASA were soon under pressure and spent the rest of the half defending their own goal. ASA thought they had held on till half time, but a strike on the 45th minute brought Church Stretton back into the game – 1-1. The game could have been decided in the second half with Gambrell and Church Stretton going close, producing good saves from both keepers. Extra time saw ASA go behind for the first time in the game and found themselves heading out of the competition. A tactical masterstroke
from the manager was needed – and with 1 minute to go Waring now playing in midfield fired home from 15 yards after Gambrell’s shot was saved - 2-2 and the game now heading to penalties. After a great save from Woolley and good penalties from Gregory, Gambrell and Duffus all Townsend needed to do was to score. However, it wasn’t to be his day, with Church Stretton scoring their next penalty and Dylan Fletcher missing for ASA it was game over for the boys and an incredible cup run came to an abrupt end. With 654 teams entering the competition from around the country, All Saints’ reached the last 64 which was a great effort by all the boys involved. They were a credit to the school and should hold their heads high. Well done boys.
Upcoming Fixtures Tuesday 19th February
Wednesday 20th February Above: The U13 ASA Football Team
Above: ASA with the ball Left: Player line up
Visit to University of Gloucestershire
U14 GIRLS FOOTBALL (A) U14 BOYS FOOTBALL V CLEEVE (H) U14 BOYS FOOTBALL V C’WOLD (A) 6TH FORM F’BALL V CLEEVE (H)
Thursday 21st February
Y9 B’BALL V PATES (A)
Tuesday 26th February
GOALBALL 10-1 @ B’SIDE Y8 BOYS FOOTBALL V CAMPDEN (A) U12 GIRLS FOOTBALL (H) U12, U13, U14 NETBALL V ST EDS (H) U14 – 3.15 START U12&U13 – 4.15 START
Wednesday 27th February
POSSIBILY 6TH FORM NETBALL (AFTERNOON) V ST EDWARDS (A)
Thursday 28th February
Y10 BOYS FOOTBALL V PITTVILLE (H) U13 BOYS FOOTBALL V CHS (A)
Monday 4th March
U13 GIRLS FOOTBALL T’MENT – JENNA (H) Y10 BOYS FOOTBALL V PATES (A) 4PM KO Y9 BOYS B’BALL V CLEEVE (A)
Tuesday 5th March
Y9 BOYS FOOTBALL V PATES (A) 3.30/45PM KO Y8 BOYS FOOTBALL V PITTVILLE (H) U12 DISTRICT NETBALL @ B’SIDE
Wednesday 6th March
By Miss Daley
Y8 BOYS FOOTBALL V TEWKS (H) GRASS Y10 BOYS FOOTBALL V TEWKS (H) 3G 6TH FORM FOOTBALL V CHS (A) 2PM KO
PE Technician
BTEC Sport students visit the University of Gloucestershire. Earlier this month, Mr Ackland and Miss Daley took a group of Year 10 BTEC Sport students to the University of Gloucestershire to enhance their understanding of fitness components and fitness testing. They began the session with an interactive theory lesson, where students demonstrated good knowledge. They then took part in a SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness) session and fitness testing. Students engaged brilliantly in the session.
Monday 11th March
U13 DISTRICT GIRLS HOCKEY U15/Y10 BOYS FOOTBALL V BALCARRAS (H)
Thursday 14th March
BOYS WATER POLO V BALCARRAS
Tuesday 19th March
U13 DISTRICT NETBALL @ PATES
Wednesday 20th March
6TH FORM FOOTBALL V B’SIDE 2.30KO
Thursday 21st March
Y9 B’BALL V BALCARRAS (H)
ASA SPORTS Paralympics live on at ASA
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
By Miss Skelding
PR & Communications Manager
Students at All Saints’ Academy are continuing to be enthusiastic towards sport following the Olympics last year. Due to popular demand two trampolining clubs were created. Students have been taking up waterpolo and there has been a rise of girls wanting to persue rowing. One particular club has been inspired by the London Paralympics - The Sportisibility club. The Sportsability club entails students taking part in traditionally Paralympic sports such as New Age Kurling, Boccia and Seated Volleyball. Miss Daley and Mr Fautley run the club on a Thursday after school. Students that are normally disengaged with sport have been encouraged to try these new sports and are really enjoying the challenge. Students have already taken part in competitions against other similar clubs. Last year they won a seated Volleyball competition. Miss Daley said “We do a lot of work with Bournside School, which has a club of the same kind. We thought it would be good to get more students involved in sport. They really enjoy it and are always asking when it’s on and what we’ll be doing. The club was inspired by the Olympics and Paralympics.” The club are competing at
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National Star College on ary. They will be using Age Kurling skills. We out the result in the next
30th Janutheir New will find newsletter.
Above: Students playing Boccia Natea Harper, Harry Stockwell, Lydia Tsang and Aniela Grzesikiewicz
Above: Miss Daley with the Sportsability Club
Student Reporters
U19 National Cup “Super sub Aaron ASA vs Wycliffe Mason did manage U19 National Cup to get onto the court By Dom Casey ASA vs Millfield and a deliver a 60 Student Reporter second cameo with By Naz Ali Student Reporter a great intercepAfter some superb driving from Mr Pierce we arrived at Wycliffe, where we tion..” met our assistant coach Mr D Ackland.
ASA 6th form basketball team travelled to mighty Millfield to compete in the U19 national cup. The game consisted of 4 quarters to my surprise. Out of the 4 quarters All Saints’ led the 1st minute of the 1st quarter only. During the second quarter, former Head Boy Edward “clueless” Perrins discovered what the “key” was after a number of trial and errors. Third quarter substitute, myself, aka LeBron James, delivered a superb performance, as I was very close to scoring a three pointer. One of which did not even reach the basketball hoop, but great technique was demonstrated. ASA put up a good fight thanks to Christian Lluisma. However, Supersub Aaron Mason did manage to get
onto the court and deliver a 60 second cameo with a great interception, which may have been pivotal to the score line. All Saints lost the game 48 – 70. Top - - -
Scorers of the Christian: 40 points Jan: 6 points Dominic: 2 points
game
Mr Ackland must have been pleased as the team got invited for supper. This was a new experience for the basketball team as they got introduced to life outside of Cheltenham. The quality of the facilities were not to be forgotten. Quick thanks to Nathan Parsons and Steve Brown for turning up and making the numbers.
After a little reassurance from our assistant coach we entered the sports hall to be confronted by two giants from Lithuania and the team’s captain ‘Big D’. At the tip-off I managed to get a hand to the ball, but it was not enough to get the ball away from one of the Lithuanian giants. In the first quarter the dribbling from Lluisma and Batac was not as effective as in the previous game. ASA finished the first quarter with 0 points with their heads starting to hang. During the break confidence was knocked down even more when Superstar point guard Matt Sherman has to be brought off due to a knee injury. In the second quarter ASA picked up their play more when Steve Brown drove to the basket scoring the team’s first points of the game.
More points came from Lluisma, Batac and Casey. Mason was brought on and made an instant impact after being ‘pushed’ winning a side-line ball. Jed Seers also came on and had a run around making some decent attempts at the basket and making interceptions. Former head boy Ed Perrins, in his second game of the season, still struggled to have a clue on what was going on. At half time ASA had begun to play some decent basketball, but it just wasn’t enough to make a comeback against Wycliffe. In the third quarter, even though they knew it was all over, ASA still played some good basket-
ball and secured more points, but still Wycliffe were dominating. After the rebound of one of Lluisma’s 3 point attempts, Casey and team captain ‘Big D’ both had hands on the ball, after fighting for the ball on their feet, both players fell to the floor still hustling for the ball. Wycliffe got the side-line ball and Casey is left confused by this decision. In the fourth quarter Wycliffe knew that they had won the game, and the Lithuanian giants start to show off and play up. ASA battled hard to finish the game having their hopes and mind set on after game teas. This was to end disappointingly as ASA had to travel home both beaten and hungry.
ASA SPORTS Cougars claw a victory
Issue 18, Term 3, 2013
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By Mr Ferguson
Assistant Principal Teacher of PE The year 11 Cougars have once again won the county finals and are going forward to the national league as Gloucestershire champions. The squad played Churchdown in the semi final and despite some determined defensive work from Churchdown were able to open a 10 point lead by halftime which was never really threatened. Several of Churchdown fouled out which allowed the ASA Cougars to rest some players in the last quarter in preparation for the final. Churchdown Cavaliers 41 – 50 All Saints’ Cougars (Lluisima 33, Batac 7, Mansell 6, Rayson 2, Mitchell 2) With Thomas Keble showing some real class in their demolition of Dene Magna in the other semi final, the final looked like it would be a hotly contested affair. It did not disappoint, neither team proved able to pull away to any real lead and the game was a true end to end contest. Both teams looked to score on every possession and with Lluisima on fire the Cougars did not fail to convert their chances. The result came down to the dogged determination of the Cougars defence and the effect of the offensive screening they put in place to create the channels. Thomas Keble Kangaroos 55 – 57 All Saints’ Cougars (Lluisima 51, Batac 4, Patterson 2, Gromek 1)
Below: The boys showing us how it is done.
Above: The Cougar team after their victory.
Girls National Schools League Basketball By Miss Daley PE Technician
All Saints’ first year in the national schools competition has proved to be an exciting venture! The girls have really enjoyed playing and competing in basketball, transferring their netball skills and adding movement and blocking into the mix. Two matches have been played against St John’s (Marlborough) and Backwell School (South Bristol). The girls did really well in both matches, although the final scores weren’t in All Saints’ favour. In the first match against St John’s the girls were finding their com-
fort zone and getting used to the idea of dribbling with the ball. Jess Harper and Hannah Whelan showed the desire to win with excellent movement on and off the ball, and some excellent shooting from Cameron Morrisey. The second match, against Backwell, saw the girls go out with a lot more confidence and were ready for the battle. We did really well coming back with some decent shots from Sophie Whelan and Bethany Wiltshire and some good defending from Ola Hohm. The next match is away 29th January. A big well done to all the girls for taking up this new challenge!
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