Edition 6 01/06/15
CLF NEWS “Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
SECRETARY OF STATE REVISITS KING’S OAK ACADEMY
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE...... BCA at the Beeb
Parliamentary candidates Nicky Morgan and Chris Skidmore performed the topping out ceremony of King’s Oak’s brand new state of the art £3.7 million primary phase in front of Steve Taylor CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation, and staff and students of King’s Oak Academy. They were then given a brief tour of the building by representatives of BAM, the building company.
Election Day
To be completed in time for the new term September 2015, the academy will welcome its first two form entry phase of pupils to what will be the Cabot Learning Federation’s first 4-19 all through school. This will be the sixth primary academy to join the Cabot Learning Federation which has twelve academies in total in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and Weston super Mare. The school is being built on the grounds of King’s Oak Academy, in order to make provision for the large number of young children requiring primary places. Nicky Morgan said: "It is a treat to be able to come back to King's Oak. I saw this new primary when it was just a frame. Now it is taking shape and I have been able to hear about the vision for allthrough education from three to 19 at the academy."
Pic Steve South
Ten Tors
Ian Frost, Principal said, “I am delighted that we now have a fantastic building where our pupils are able to learn and flourish. I'm looking forward to King's Oak Academy Primary Phase opening and seeing this fantastic building alive with happy children enjoying their learning activities.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
REAL RUGBY HEROES AWARD 2015 Bristol Brunel Academy PE teacher Matt Leek has earned the title of ‘Real Rugby Heroes Award 2015’ from the English Schools Rugby Union. This award is not looking for the players who score the tries or the coaches who guide the first team to glory, but those who beaver away in the background, largely unheralded, for rugby and the school. Matt won this award through his unprecedented work in forming a Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) Rugby squad from scratch, which draws the top players from the CLF’s five secondary schools in Bristol. Matt has also managed to secure a strong partnership with Bristol Rugby Academy through their Pathway Manager Gary Townsend. The first session started with just 4 players, but now the programme works with around 100 players a week and many of these players are now involved with clubs outside of school. As an award winner, Matt received tickets for a future England game at Twickenham Stadium, two certificates, one for the school and one for Matt and an exclusive Real Rugby Hero pin badge. Matt also received VIP hospitality and a special pitch side presentation of his award at a Schools’ Day at Twickenham Stadium. The President of the ERFSU presented Matt with his certificate,badge and award. Matt said, “It is an honour and a privilege to receive this award and I would like to thank my Senior Leadership Team for nominating me, the RFU for considering me and the other CLF staff, especially Matt Sheppard, who has worked with me to develop this team and of course the wonderful players. The CLF Rugby squad has really taken off and is now receiving recognition at a local and national level which is an amazing feat as it has only been two and a half years since its inception. With the extended provision into the sixth form next year, we are excited that this project is just at the start and can really go from strength to strength.”
Fashion Fever On A National Stage
Pic Jon Ford
Five Year 9 students from Hanham Woods Academy were finalists for an upcycling fashion show competition. The students were selected to model their creations at a fashion show entitled ‘Green is the New Black’ at the Mall, Cribbs Causeway during Fashion Week. They made their garments out of old clothes or recycled material such as newspaper and magazines. One pupil made a top out of crisp wrappers, another used an old bed sheet and T-shirt to make a top and skirt and one used a few old umbrellas to make a skirt. The finalists were Callum Britt, Amy Watt, Georgina Moore, Katy Britt and Amy Stokes. All students completed their products on time although they were a little bit scared about walking down the catwalk!
Mrs Dominique Rhodes, Textiles teacher said, “The fashion show was a huge success. We had lots of support from pupils and parents and all the finalists did an amazing job. One of our pupils Amy Stokes in Year 9 came 2nd and received a huge box of cosmetics. I felt it was really important for our students to get involved in a project like this. It was an amazing out of classroom business experience having to meet real deadlines and work with budgets to produce clothing not out of place on a professional catwalk.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
The General Election Across The Federation
Hans Price Academy John Cabot Academy
Wallscourt Farm Academy
The Cabot Learning Federation played a local strategic role in the recent General Election. Four of our academies acted as polling stations, Summerhill Academy, King’s Oak Academy, Bristol Metropolitan Academy and Bath Community Academy, there was also a polling station at the gym at Bristol Brunel Academy. Students across the Federation also got involved with their own mock elections starting with ‘making democracy real’ at Wallscourt Farm Academy, where students voted for their favourite storytime book. At Hans Price Academy students took part in a mock election. There were four parties running campaigns; Progress, Transform, Vision and Tomorrow. Party leaders wrote their own manifestos which put across their party’s views stating how they would run the country, and what they would do if their parties were to win the election. Party leaders took part in an election debate about a number of different topics chosen by a small audience. The debate was also broadcast through the school live system so that all students were able to watch and form opinions on the best candidate. Candidates were questioned on how they would actively encourage more female and ethnic minority involvement in politics and further encourage them to become MPs. Candidates also debated education, health and benefits. The students did fantastically well in the debate, and they put their arguments across in a strong controlled manner. Mrs Westcott, Teacher of Humanities who organised this event said, “Students really engaged with this debate both as candidates and voters. This election has given us an opportunity to raise the topics with students that the general public have serious concerns about and involve them in a debate to think about these issues before they can vote.” John Cabot Academy staged its own mock general election. Students voted for the real candidates standing for election to become the Member of Parliament for the Kingswood constituency, eight candidates in total. All students from Year 7 – Post 16 had the opportunity to vote. Polling stations were set up in reception and students voted before school, at breaktime, lunchtime and after school. The party manifestos had been discussed prior to the election in tutor times throughout the term and were pinned up around the building to remind students what the parties stood for. Julian Wilson, PE Teacher, who organised the event said, “The aim of this event is to make our students more aware of our electoral system and party manifestoes. But this election also allows staff and students to debate the latest political thinking and strategy.”
King’s Oak Academy
Bristol Metropolitan Academy
Summerhill Academy
Bath Community Academy
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
Bath Community Academy At The BBC
Students from Bath Community Academy spent a day at BBC Broadcasting House in London to take part in the BBC School Report News Day, an initiative to encourage young people to actively engage with world affairs. The students took part in a range of workshop activities including looking at the creation of the BBC iPlayer and how hi-tech drones are being used to film reports. Some students were fortunate to co-host the BBC News School Report radio festival in which they gave their opinions and views on a range of topics, this was alongside Chi Chi Izundu a Radio 1 Newsbeat presenter – there was even an appearance from Radio 1s Nick Grimshaw. A further discussion was had on the theme of ‘Why young people should have the right to vote’ and it concluded with a session in which students were encouraged to get more involved with politics and how they can do this, both on a regional and national level. The day finished with a live Radio 2 interview with Jeremy Vine in which two Year 7 students were able to ask questions about his life. They also conducted a quick fire round which had already been tested on Nick Clegg MP in his recent visit to Bath Community Academy. Jeremy admitted that being questioned by the Year 7 students was the most nerve raking interview he had taken part in, even more than when he interviewed the Prime Minister! Whilst in the Radio 2 station Jonathan Ross also spoke to the students providing them with an experience they will never forget. Dan Copp, IT Network Manager said, “BBC School report is a fantastic opportunity for young people to get actively involved working with professionals at the BBC, to gain a real life experience in media.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
HPA Student Poetry Grand Slam Winner Channon Chard, a Year 10 student from Hans Price Academy, took part in a poetry slam competition alongside professional poets and against a selection of South West schools and won with her poem “Albatross”. Channon is now the South West's first Junior Slam Poetry Champion and will be competing in the national final later this year. Congratulations also go to Kurt Reynolds, who performed and did brilliantly. The slam event followed two days of poetry and spoken word workshops, delivered by poet Hussain Manawer at Hans Price Academy. A group of Year 10 students then attended the Word in the West Poetry Slam Competition held in Bristol. The Word in the West festival, which ran from May 26 – 30, is being organised by Bath & North East Somerset Council, in partnership with North Somerset and arts organisation BoomSatsuma, funded by Arts Council England. Three Hans Price Academy students will be working as Shadow Poets alongside Hussain Manawer, helping to deliver the poetry workshops in Weston over the half term holiday. The aim of the festival is to inspire a new generation of poets and spoken word artists, whilst offering support to more established local writers.
Channon Chard, regional winner Rachel Allchurch, Learning Resources Coordinator said “Kurt Reynolds and Channon Chard's performances were superb. The quality of poetry and performance was outstanding from every school in attendance. The workshops and slam event left our students inspired and excited about poetry. We are very proud of them all.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
A Morris Dancing Green Day At Begbrook
All students at Begbrook Primary Academy had the pleasure of watching Morris Dancers perform in their school. This event organised by Jack Neal from the Bristol Morris Men and was staged to celebrate the May Day festival. After watching the dance students were involved in a question and answer session with the dancers and discovered how the dance and costumes evolved and originated. Students were also invited to wear green on this day to celebrate the fact that Bristol won the 'European Green Capital 2015'. Students discovered more about this in their lessons throughout the day. Duncan Cruickshank, Principal of Begbrook Primary Academy said, “It has been a really fun exciting day for our students, no doubt one that they will remember for a long time. But this has also been an invaluable teaching and learning day. Today has allowed us to talk to our students about History, British traditions and Bristol as the 'European Green Capital.”
Minerva Shine In Gymnastics Competition It was an exciting moment for the children at Minerva Primary Academy when they came 1st and 2nd place in the Baskerville Gymnastics Competition! The children spent their lunch times learning and practising two routines (floor and vault) before performing in front of the judges and many other Bristol schools. Stephanie Barter, a teacher at MPA, commented "What an amazing experience for the children! They put so much hard work and time into the competition and really deserved to do as well as they did."
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
St Georges Day At Summerhill
Students at Summerhill Academy who are members of the Cubs, Beavers, Guides, Scouts and Brownies, were invited to wear their uniforms into school to celebrate St Georges Day. Over thirty students donned their uniforms to celebrate this traditional event. Baden-Powell chose Saint George to be the Patron Saint of The Scout Association. He felt that the Saint George of legend set a good example of faith, courage and perseverance for future generations. Laurie Munro, Associate Principal said, “This event is something that Summerhill Academy has done in the past and we would like to engage in this tradition again.”
Turkish Delight For BCA Students Four Bath Community Academy students and two staff went on an exchange programme to Istanbul in Turkey at the start of Easter which was funded by the European Union. They worked with the Comenius project on ‘Tolerance’ giving presentations to assemblies of Turkish school children. The students and teachers stayed with families in the community on the Asian side of Istanbul where very few travellers visit. They were the centre of attention in school where everyone wanted to say "hello" and practise their English. The group had a day trip to the European side of Turkey to visit the Sultan's Palace and Roman remains in Istanbul. Sean Cullen said "It was the best thing ever the families were not materially well off but were happy to share what they had, and gave our students an amazing life changing experience.” Mel Chavez said, "Everyone wants to talk to us, we were like celebrities.” Grace Wright said, “It was cool. We got to find out about a different place.” Darci Williams liked everything especially travelling by horse and carriage on Big Island where cars are banned. Andrew Mackney, International Education Co-ordinator at BCA said, “Experiencing different cultures is fantastic. These students were able to take the opportunity of mixing and working with Islamic Turkish students in their own school and appreciated the extensive hospitality given. It really opened their eyes to others situations. They will remember this trip for the rest of their lives as I know it had such a big impact.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
HPA Students Tackle The Ten Tors
Six students and a member of staff from Hans Price Academy have completed the Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor, an annual event run by the army for teenagers across the South West, in record time. Hans Price Academy is the only school from Weston-super-Mare to enter this prestigious event. The team have been training since February, and in the process have covered over 165 miles in preparation for the big event which was held on the 9th and 10th of May. The team travelled to Okehampton Army camp on Friday to set up camp, register and pass through scrutineering. They passed scrutineering with flying colours and no major faults with their kit or equipment were found. Having been woken at 5am on Saturday, the team had one final kit check before heading to the start line to join the 2500 competitors. The nerves were palpable, but the steely determination was evident too. As the artillery guns fired at exactly 7am, the team set off on their adventure, holding a steady pace of 4.5km per hour, reaching Tor one exactly one hour later. They kept up this pace for an incredible 13 hours, reaching their goal of Tor 7 where they camped. This in itself was no mean feat. The team knew that they had to reach a safety control station by 6pm to be allowed to carry on walking to Tor 7. However, at 17.15pm they were still on Top of Higher White Tor, Tor 5. Having already walked 35km with fully loaded backpacks, they decided to run the 5km to Postbridge. They arrived at 17:58pm and indeed were allowed to continue on to Tor 7 and camp. At 6am on Sunday the team set off again, maintaining their fast pace and quickly ticked off Tors 9 and 10. They arrived back at Okehampton Camp and crossed the finish line 11:50am. The earliest any team from Hans Price Academy had ever finished. The leader of the expedition was Sarah Hayes, Head of Physical Education who said, “The team have really excelled themselves. To finish 25th out of the 242 teams on the 35 mile route is a truly incredible achievement. They are a great example of what Hans Price Academy students can achieve and we are all exceptionally proud of them and their commitment.” The expedition team included, Archie Tilsley, Lucy Loud, Mateusz Szymankiewicz,Aleks Lisov, Connor Burns and Dillon Medagedara.
Major Exhibition For BMA Students
Forty five Bristol Metropolitan Academy GCSE Art students from Year 9 have their work on show at DAC Beachcroft’s office, an international legal business, from May until September and this exhibition is open to the general public. The exhibition is in DAC Beachcroft’s 16 metre wide window gallery space. The window is visible to thousands of people each day on their commute to and from work in the city centre. The theme of the exhibition was to reflect the environment and highlight green issues. Drawing on the department trip to Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in September the GCSE Art & Photography students produced a variety of outcomes, which included digitally edited photographs, paintings and drawings. Key Stage Three have also been represented in the form of the clay fish Year 8 created and drawings of Butterflies from Year 7. DAC Beachcroft offered the space to Bristol Metropolitan Academy students to develop closer ties with education and to promote local artists. Ms. Jenni Norman, Teacher of Art at Bristol Metropolitan said, “We were delighted to be invited back to showcase our students work. Excitingly we have introduced GCSE Photography to the department and students have created extremely successful outcomes so far which looks promising for the future. The students love knowing their work will be exhibited to the public as if they were real artists."
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
FEDERATION SPORT Basketball Champions Bristol Metropolitan Academy under 16 Girls Basketball team are now champions of Bristol. In a fiercely fought final they narrowly beat St Bedes Catholic College 28-24.
With eighteen schools in their league Bristol Metropolitan beat some tough opposition to win through to the final staged at Bristol Metropolitan Academy. This is only the second time Bristol Metropolitan have entered a girls’ team so this is an amazing achievement.
They train once a week in the academy gym and are coached by Sian Angell,Teacher of PE and Dance who said, “St Bedes played a really good game and an intensely tight game in the final quarter. The PE department’s aim to get more girls involved with after school clubs and if this is what we can achieve in two years, we are excited for the future of girls sport at Bristol Metropolitan.”
Rugby Champions The Bristol Schools Plate Final was a closely contested affair hosted at St Marys Old Boys RFC between Marlwood and the CLF. Playing into a strong wind, the CLF fell behind to an organised and skilful Marlwood outfit and went in at the turn around, 19-5 behind. Sam Tiley crashing over for a try after a strong catch from Ted Blackmore in the lineout and drive from the forward pack. A rousing speech from captain Oli Lathrope and vice-captain Harry Owens at half time inspired the team come back. With the wind behind them, some amazing runs from Mike Zeke and Jordan Beasley and barnstorming charges by Dan Thurston and Jake Knight encouraged a fight back. Neat link up play involving LJ Brown, lead to him finishing off an attack on the right hand side for a try as well as three well taken long range penalty kicks by Harry Owen bought the team level, he kicked another two penalties before Tiley ensured the victory when another whole team-made try was finished off by him. Credit to all 19 players who showed great character to put in a great team performance to round off the season with some winning silverware, as we build up to next year. Matt Leek BBA PE teacher & Coach said,”The boys turned the game around with a great second half performance against a very good Marlwood team. Both myself and Matt Sheppard were delighted to see a great display by all players as we grow the project next year and finish the season off with some silverware.”
@cabotfederation
Cabot Learning Federation
www.cabotlearningfederation.net Written, produced and photographs by Dean Blake CLF Communications Manager
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”