Autumn 2017
ACADEMYUPDATE The latest news from Knutsford Academy and Studio@Knutsford Year 7 in a Science lesson with the bunsen burners in use
WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN EDITION OF ACADEMY UPDATE We are still in the early stages of this academic year, but already students have achieved so much, be it in the classroom, on the sports pitch or in performing arts. I am delighted to see our new Year 7 students settling well into their new environment as they get used to new routines and expectations at secondary school. This summer, our examination results saw the College achieve a 100% pass rate at A Level for the third year in a row and 83% of our GCSE students achieve a grade 4 or above in both mathematics and English. These were the best results ever achieved and testament to the hard work of our students and staff. In view of this, record numbers of people attended our recent open evenings and the numbers of applicants wanting to join the Sixth Form continues to rise. Finally, I am delighted to announce that Knutsford Academy has been selected by Oxford University to act as a hub for Cheshire East to support applications to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities from non-selective state schools. The programme will role out in 2018 with events hosted here at the Academy for aspiring students across the local area. Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
The Sixth Form team L to R: Alex Lunnon, Rowan Perry, Iona McGarvey, Saskia Davies, Jack Franklin
TALKING NEWSPAPER A team of Sixth Form students have been working with the Knutsford Talking Newspaper and recently produced a supplement titled Youth Speaks, They read a combination of pieces, a number of which they wrote themselves including an article on UCAS and music reviews on Bob Marley. The Talking Newspaper team were really supportive when we were getting to grips with the recording process, and we look forward to continuing to work with the charity in the future. Rowan Perry Year 13
Mike Cladingbowl Executive Principal Knutsford Multi-Academy Trust
Students celebrate their GCSE results back in August
READY STEADY COOK Year 7 spent their PSHCE lesson on 8th November in a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ themed event to highlight the importance of a nutritional and healthy diet. The event was hosted by Chartwells who provide the catering across the school. Two teams had to devise and cook a dish from fresh ingredients with the Year 7s then choosing their favourite. The winning dish cooked by Ursula Greenstein and Emma Routs was an oriental stir fry with a hint of chilli, and will be making a guest appearance on the school menu.
KNUTSFORD HERITAGE OPEN DAYS The Academy were delighted to be involved with this years Knutsford Heritage Open Days which celebrated the life and work of Alan Turing and the vital role he played in the 2nd World War. On a code breaking theme Year 8 students took part in a workshop at the start of term hosted by Barclays where they had to experiment with coding and devise a game.
YEAR 7 RESIDENTIAL Year 7 spent 3 days at the Colomendy Residential Centre just before the half term break, where they took part in a range of outdoor activities including high ropes and caving.
We were impressed how quickly the students understood some basic principles with coding and link this to the incredible work of Alan Turing.
The residential was a great opportunity to extend friendships and develop team building skills, we were especially delighted with how resilient they were in the adverse weather conditions (lots of rain).
Jade from Barclays
Mr Acton Head of Year 7
JOURNALISTS AT THE GUARDIAN A Level English students spent the day as journalists at the London HQ for The Guardian on 8 November. Using the resources of the newspapers Education Centre the students had to write articles and submit to a tight deadline which were edited into a virtual newspaper edition. Find out more about the day in the newsfeed on the Academy website. knutsfordacademy.org.uk/2017/11/journalists-guardian
DRAGONS DEN A team of Year 10 students have entered the business world as part of a Dragons Den competition hosted by Manchester Airport. They initially had to pitch for funding and were awarded with a ÂŁ100 investment for their edible Super Santa Sleigh. They are now busy selling the Sleighs across school and at local events with all profits donated to Cheshire East Hospice. At the Knutsford Makers Market on 5 November they sold over 100 of the Sleighs. The Dragons Den team L to R: Thomas Goostrey, Charlie Lingard, Harry Kenyon Andrew Manning, Mrs Collins
If you would like to purchase a Sleigh they are ÂŁ3 and are available in U10 at break times.
NETBALL Miss Walsh provides an update on netball success so far this season. A fabulous first half term of netball in the Macc & District league saw 23 games played against 6 schools. The extension to our coaching team has had a huge impact on retention of players and on overall success. We are so grateful for their commitment and drive and the girls love the training sessions. The Year 7s have had a tremendous start to KMAT netball with 7 wins from 9 games, boding very well for the future! There have been some outstanding team performances from Years 8 to 11, all teams with wins under their belts and fantastic team morale. This half term sees a further 8 scheduled fixtures in the Vale Royal league, so we look forward to more good fun and success.
Year 9 Netball Team
STUDENTS PERFORM AT PRESTIGIOUS EVENT Talented musicians from Knutsford Academy joined the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire at the recent investiture for the British Empire Medal at Tatton Park. The medal, awarded on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen, recognizes outstanding contribution in the local community. The Academy’s Sixth Form choir performed a repertoire of songs and the audience joined them to sing the national anthem. After the formal ceremony, afternoon tea was served and the guests were entertained by an ensemble of our students from Years 9 to 11. Ensemble left to right: Hannah Spurry, Abby Taylor, Daisy Bolton, Emily Isaac, Mr Sharp
TRANSPLANT GAMES SUCCESS FOR AMELIA Year 9 student, Amelia Michnicz, recently competed in the British Transplant Games and came away with two medals, including a Gold medal in the tug of war event. At just two years old, Amelia was diagnosed with Nephrotic Syndrome which can lead to kidney failure. The condition meant that Amelia had to follow a restricted diet and could only drink 500 ml of fluid every day. I absolutely loved taking part in the games, it was great to meet up with my friends from the hospital together with the medial staff that took care of me.
After years of searching for a donor, and a failed transplant, Amelia’s Mum donated one of her own kidneys and the successful operation took place in the summer of 2016. This has been both lifesaving and life changing for Amelia, who is now able to lead a ‘normal’ life. This summer, Amelia was invited to compete in the British Transplant Games as part of the Manchester Children's Hospital Team and took part in table tennis, tug of war and running events.
Amelia Michnicz
UNDER THE SEA On Thursday 19 October, GCSE Hospitality students delivered an ‘Under The Sea Party’ for Year 5 pupils from Egerton Primary. The students began planning the event in the summer asking pupils for ideas on a theme, food preferences and activities. From this they were able to put on a fantastic lunch with arts and crafts activities plus party games.
Our students worked incredibly hard to set up the event and executed it to perfection! They cooked a range of savoury and sweet dishes and transformed the school hall into a fantastic event space. I was really proud of their achievements and equally delighted to see how much they and the Egerton pupils enjoyed themselves. Mrs Szkolar
DANCE MASTERCLASS Several lucky dance students from Years 8 to 11 got to spend time with former Knutsford Academy student and professional artist, PJ Hurst, who played a chameo role in our recent Billy Elliot production. The 7-minute piece will be submitted to the U.Dance Northwest competition in March next year at The Lowry.
RUGBY PLAYERS TRAIN WITH SHARKS The Academy’s U15 rugby team continue to build on their success with an excellent start to the season competing in the NatWest Trophy Vase competition. Recently, a number of the squad - Will Stride, James Stride, Callum Grassby, Nathan Brooks, Matthieu Hilton and Charlie Norbury - have been selected to train with the Sale Sharks and Cheshire Development Squad. This will be a first for the Academy - testament to the growth in the sport across the school and Knutsford.
Year 10 Rugby Team
PARENT APP LAUNCHED
Have you downloaded the new SIMS Parent app?
The launch of the SIMS Parent App gives parents quick and easy access to important student information, such as homework, attendance, behaviour points and the timetable. Headteacher, James Whittaker, commented: ‘Over 50% of parents are now using the app and we’re delighted with the positive feedback we’ve had. We’re now planning to make a version of the app available to our students.’
Receive alerts about your child’s attendance, behaviour and achievement, direct to your phone.
Simply visit the App or Play Store and download SIMS Parent to get started.
To download the SIMS Parent App, email helpdesk@knutsfordacademy.org.uk
DECEMBER EVENTS CHRISTMAS CONCERT We will be hosting our annual Christmas Concert on December 19th at 7pm.
Or login online at www.sims-parent.co.uk Ask your school for more information.
ACADEMY FACILITY HIRE
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Did you know, the Academy has a range of facilities available for private hire? Meetings, training events, performing arts or sports activities.
KNUTSFORD CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Look out for the Junior Choir who are performing at the Knutsford Christmas Lights Switch On Saturday 2nd December at 5pm.
Further details can be downloaded from our website at knutsfordacademy.org.uk/facility-hire
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Official Knutsford Academy