Heartlines
Newsletter of Heartlands Academy
Issue 9, Summer Term 2012
From Mrs Jones, Principal
GOODBYE
As we prepare to move into the new academy building and before the current one is demolished to make way for the new sports ground, one of our long-serving members of staff has written a tribute.
A
s the days pass quickly there will be many of us who will be reminiscing about the good old times spent at this establishment as Duddeston Manor, then as Heartlands High and finally as Heartlands Academy. For the few remaining long-serving staff members, it will feel as though we have been here almost a lifetime. How the time has flown! We have had the privilege to experience its many changes. Some of us have seen four generations pass through these corridors, and it will be a very sad moment indeed when the doors are finally closed for one last time. There are so many fond memories that will be buried deep within us, and from
time to time these will be tapped into. The laughter, the tears, so many passing faces and successes will come to mind. However, with the new accomodation comes a new beginning, a new lease of life, an extension of the educational foundation that stems from the current, but now tired building, which will soon be gone but never forgotten. New commitments, responsibilities and continual high expectations will be combined for a better outcome for all, and we will continue our endeavour to make a difference to young peoples’ aspirations and futures after we have moved. Mrs Walters
HELLO!
As we finish another year at Heartlands there are mixed emotions. An outstanding Ofsted, a visit from the Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw who congratulated everyone on the success of the Academy. A fond farewell to our building that has seen us along this journey: The Heartlands High School March 2003 HMI Special Measures March 2006 Ofsted - Good and Improving February 2009 Ofsted - OUTSTANDING Heartlands Academy January 2012 Ofsted - OUTSTANDING
Real excitement as we prepare to move into the new Heartlands Academy in September. An end of a term sees staff leaving and it would be remise of me not to mention the retirement of Maureen Hoy our Finance Assistant. Maureen has worked at Heartlands for 34 years. She has seen the changes from Duddeston Manor to Heartlands High and finally Heartlands Academy. I am sure you would all want me to wish Maureen all the very best in her retirement and, on a personal note, I would like to thank her for all she has done for the students in the academy and the support she has given to me. To parents and students, I look forward to showing you around the new building in September. To staff likewise, but also enjoy a well earned summer break. Glynis Jones Inside this issue: Music Workshop 2 Leading Lights 2 Nechells’ Primary’s Olympics 3 Open Mic & Sports Awards 4-5 Homework, SEN & Year 7 Update 6 Sixth Form University Visits 7 Open Day, Uniform & 8 Important Dates 8
1
Music Workshop
Earlier this term, local Primary Schools joined together to compete in an olympics style event organised by the POD and supported by the PE department at Heartlands Academy. Students from the academy escorted the primary school children on their procession. The games took place at Alexander Stadium which proved to be a fantastic day for all. A lot of the credit must go to the Year 10 volunteers from Heartlands Academy who officiated the events on the day. Below is an account recieved from Noran Flynn, POD Director.
“W
O
n Friday 22nd June, the Head of Woodwind for Birmingham Music Service came and led a workshop for our new orchestra. The students worked incredibly hard and at the end of the morning, they were able to perform two brand new pieces to an invited audience. A large number of students take instrumental lessons at Heartlands Academy and we are very fortunate that we are still able to offer these lessons free of charge. Hard work and dedication are the most important qualities needed to master a musical instrument and many of our students show this in their regular practice and excellent progress made. Look out for our orchestra in the next concert in our new building! Mrs Hanson
During the Easter Holidays, five of our Cultural Lead Learner students planned, organised, and delivered ‘MAD’ Make A Difference; a four day play scheme at the Pod. Their goal was to lead fifteen young children to help them achieve a bronze arts award whilst earning themselves a National UFA Silver Arts award qualification. As part of the Bronze UFA award, the Year 6 & 7 pupils had the opportunity to take part in the following activities:
• • • • • • •
Instrument playing. ICT- researching a celebrity. Designing a t-shirt. Team building. Rock climbing. Learning new dance skills from the professional street dancer Silence. Final performance of their play in front of a audience.
The four days were a great success. All the students worked really hard to learn a drama and perform on the final day. The young pupils enjoyed the sessions especially meeting Silence, a professional street dancer who showed them his groovy moves. Some of the pupils were able to teach him a move or two especially Remell. Their performance of an anti bullying play and live performance of the hit ‘Lean on Me’ was fantastic - the audience loved it. The group then had the chance to watch their supporting adult Helen Edgar perform at the Symphony Hall. We would like to thank all those involved for all their support, especially Noran Flynn (The POD), Caz Brader (UFA national training manager) and Helen Edgar (celloist for CBSO). Miss Taylor
2
e marked the start of the Nechells Zone Olympics with a torch relay to each of our Zone schools. The DT department at Heartlands Academy made a superb replica of the Olympic torch so much so that the children from our primary schools and Children’s Centre were convinced they had carried the ‘real thing’. The children had a wonderful afternoon and really got into the spirit of the games. The relay was supported by all our schools, the staff, parents, and carers all cheered the children on as the torch made its way round Nechells. Then on Friday 15th June Heartlands Academy, Bloomsbury Nursery and Children’s Centre, St Joseph’s Primary, Cromwell Primary, St Vincent’s Primary, St Clement’s Primary and Nechells Primary took part in the Nechells Zone Olympics at the Alexander Stadium. Children, parents and staff attended the event and everyone had a day to remember. There were 63 track and field events and Gold Silver and Bronze medals were awarded for each race and every school received a trophy for their display cabinet. Lots of people were involved in making the Nechells Zone Olympics such a big success. Paul Freeman, Operations Director Smurfit Kappa, funded and presented the winners trophy to the winning school. The Olympic Leads from each school worked hard to make this event possible. POD staff and Heartlands Academy staff and students organised and managed the races. Free@ last provided archery and a climbing wall which entertained everyone. A special thanks should go to all competitors, spectators and everyone involved in making the Nechells Zone Olympics such an amazing day. The final results were: 1st Place - St Vincent’s, Joint 2nd were St Clement’s and Cromwell, 3rd place went to Nechells and in joint 4th place were St Joseph’s and Bloomsbury - well done to everyone who took part in the Nechells Zone Olympics and Torch Relay!”
n in O l y m e m y e r S d d t l a i p i c Spirit u d e n t s and Prim a r y Ch Ac
“Our parents had an amazing time, they loved attending the Zone Olympics”
“Friday 15 June was the best day anyone could wish for I raced like I had never raced before and I am proud of our school and the fact I won a medal”
“Thanks for the Olympic Day, it was fantastic for everyone involved” “It was a day to remember in our hearts forever”
3
Music Workshop
Earlier this term, local Primary Schools joined together to compete in an olympics style event organised by the POD and supported by the PE department at Heartlands Academy. Students from the academy escorted the primary school children on their procession. The games took place at Alexander Stadium which proved to be a fantastic day for all. A lot of the credit must go to the Year 10 volunteers from Heartlands Academy who officiated the events on the day. Below is an account recieved from Noran Flynn, POD Director.
“W
O
n Friday 22nd June, the Head of Woodwind for Birmingham Music Service came and led a workshop for our new orchestra. The students worked incredibly hard and at the end of the morning, they were able to perform two brand new pieces to an invited audience. A large number of students take instrumental lessons at Heartlands Academy and we are very fortunate that we are still able to offer these lessons free of charge. Hard work and dedication are the most important qualities needed to master a musical instrument and many of our students show this in their regular practice and excellent progress made. Look out for our orchestra in the next concert in our new building! Mrs Hanson
During the Easter Holidays, five of our Cultural Lead Learner students planned, organised, and delivered ‘MAD’ Make A Difference; a four day play scheme at the Pod. Their goal was to lead fifteen young children to help them achieve a bronze arts award whilst earning themselves a National UFA Silver Arts award qualification. As part of the Bronze UFA award, the Year 6 & 7 pupils had the opportunity to take part in the following activities:
• • • • • • •
Instrument playing. ICT- researching a celebrity. Designing a t-shirt. Team building. Rock climbing. Learning new dance skills from the professional street dancer Silence. Final performance of their play in front of a audience.
The four days were a great success. All the students worked really hard to learn a drama and perform on the final day. The young pupils enjoyed the sessions especially meeting Silence, a professional street dancer who showed them his groovy moves. Some of the pupils were able to teach him a move or two especially Remell. Their performance of an anti bullying play and live performance of the hit ‘Lean on Me’ was fantastic - the audience loved it. The group then had the chance to watch their supporting adult Helen Edgar perform at the Symphony Hall. We would like to thank all those involved for all their support, especially Noran Flynn (The POD), Caz Brader (UFA national training manager) and Helen Edgar (celloist for CBSO). Miss Taylor
2
e marked the start of the Nechells Zone Olympics with a torch relay to each of our Zone schools. The DT department at Heartlands Academy made a superb replica of the Olympic torch so much so that the children from our primary schools and Children’s Centre were convinced they had carried the ‘real thing’. The children had a wonderful afternoon and really got into the spirit of the games. The relay was supported by all our schools, the staff, parents, and carers all cheered the children on as the torch made its way round Nechells. Then on Friday 15th June Heartlands Academy, Bloomsbury Nursery and Children’s Centre, St Joseph’s Primary, Cromwell Primary, St Vincent’s Primary, St Clement’s Primary and Nechells Primary took part in the Nechells Zone Olympics at the Alexander Stadium. Children, parents and staff attended the event and everyone had a day to remember. There were 63 track and field events and Gold Silver and Bronze medals were awarded for each race and every school received a trophy for their display cabinet. Lots of people were involved in making the Nechells Zone Olympics such a big success. Paul Freeman, Operations Director Smurfit Kappa, funded and presented the winners trophy to the winning school. The Olympic Leads from each school worked hard to make this event possible. POD staff and Heartlands Academy staff and students organised and managed the races. Free@ last provided archery and a climbing wall which entertained everyone. A special thanks should go to all competitors, spectators and everyone involved in making the Nechells Zone Olympics such an amazing day. The final results were: 1st Place - St Vincent’s, Joint 2nd were St Clement’s and Cromwell, 3rd place went to Nechells and in joint 4th place were St Joseph’s and Bloomsbury - well done to everyone who took part in the Nechells Zone Olympics and Torch Relay!”
n in O l y m e m y e r S d d t l a i p i c Spirit u d e n t s and Prim a r y Ch Ac
“Our parents had an amazing time, they loved attending the Zone Olympics”
“Friday 15 June was the best day anyone could wish for I raced like I had never raced before and I am proud of our school and the fact I won a medal”
“Thanks for the Olympic Day, it was fantastic for everyone involved” “It was a day to remember in our hearts forever”
3
OPEN MIC
I
n April this year the Music department put on our first ever ‘Open Mic Night’, which gave a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their talent in front of a live audience and special guests, Sam Aston and Nicholas Galante. Our talented students presented them with a variety of performances, which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The students gave both solo and group performances including some accompanied by our very own talented guitarist, Mr Methven. Although many of the students were nervous about performing in front of a live audience they all gained a great deal from the experience and are already looking forward to repeating it again next year. Mr Aston
T
Inaugural Sports Awards Evening
he academy recently held its first ever Sports Awards Evening devoted to celebrating the success and achievements of students in PE and Sport. The black tie event was well attended by students and parents who were treated to an inspirational speech from Daniel Caines, 400 metre Olympian, a performance of an award winning poem, and a karate Kata from Kiah D’Souza in Year 7. One of the highlights was a chat-show style interview with guests Daniel Caines and Louise King which was followed by the presentation of awards. The evening was a tremendous success with parents, pupils and staff having a fantastic evening. Thank you to all who attended and congratulations to the nominated pupils and the winners. Miss Morris
Winners of the PE & Sport Academic Achievement Awards 2011-2012 were: Gabriel Stevens Y7 boys, Qotre Elmi Y7 girls, Musa Njie Y8 boys, Gona Sokoli Y8 girls, Ismail Mohamed Y9 boys, Shannon Brennan Y9 girls, Basitullah Khan Y10 boys, Heleema Begum Y10 girls, Naveed Hussein Y11 boys, Aisha Golding Y11 girls.
Other awards:
Jake Teeling - Sports Leadership Award Fahima Ali Mahamad - Sports Volunteer Award Kiah D’Souza - Outstanding Achievement Award Rebecca Yamalimbu - Female Sports Personality of the year Javid Zahidi - Male Sports Personality of the Year Raheem Raja - Outstanding contribution towards sports extra-curricular activities
4
5
OPEN MIC
I
n April this year the Music department put on our first ever ‘Open Mic Night’, which gave a fantastic opportunity for students to showcase their talent in front of a live audience and special guests, Sam Aston and Nicholas Galante. Our talented students presented them with a variety of performances, which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. The students gave both solo and group performances including some accompanied by our very own talented guitarist, Mr Methven. Although many of the students were nervous about performing in front of a live audience they all gained a great deal from the experience and are already looking forward to repeating it again next year. Mr Aston
T
Inaugural Sports Awards Evening
he academy recently held its first ever Sports Awards Evening devoted to celebrating the success and achievements of students in PE and Sport. The black tie event was well attended by students and parents who were treated to an inspirational speech from Daniel Caines, 400 metre Olympian, a performance of an award winning poem, and a karate Kata from Kiah D’Souza in Year 7. One of the highlights was a chat-show style interview with guests Daniel Caines and Louise King which was followed by the presentation of awards. The evening was a tremendous success with parents, pupils and staff having a fantastic evening. Thank you to all who attended and congratulations to the nominated pupils and the winners. Miss Morris
Winners of the PE & Sport Academic Achievement Awards 2011-2012 were: Gabriel Stevens Y7 boys, Qotre Elmi Y7 girls, Musa Njie Y8 boys, Gona Sokoli Y8 girls, Ismail Mohamed Y9 boys, Shannon Brennan Y9 girls, Basitullah Khan Y10 boys, Heleema Begum Y10 girls, Naveed Hussein Y11 boys, Aisha Golding Y11 girls.
Other awards:
Jake Teeling - Sports Leadership Award Fahima Ali Mahamad - Sports Volunteer Award Kiah D’Souza - Outstanding Achievement Award Rebecca Yamalimbu - Female Sports Personality of the year Javid Zahidi - Male Sports Personality of the Year Raheem Raja - Outstanding contribution towards sports extra-curricular activities
4
5
Homework Club
Homework Club has proven to be very successful this year, with a great number of students coming regularly to get help with any set work. There are four members of staff every day, with a number of teachers who come regularly to help out. It is a relaxed setting where students can use the computer independently, or work with a member of staff to complete work. Students have found it a very useful place; as one Year 7 put it: “I can’t always do the work on my own; I need the help of Miss.”
and delivering Speech and Language programmes to individual students, Ms Turner has been training both Ms Christie and Ms Rehman so that from September they can begin delivering Speech and Language interventions to individual students and groups of students. So far this is has been very successful and both Ms Christie and Ms Rehman have already acquired the relevant knowledge and skills to carry out assessments and deliver group sessions. Ms Turner will continue working within the academy over the course of the next academic to support Ms Christie and Ms Rehman with the work that they doing with the students. Mrs Smith
Year 7 Update EAL Hub meetings / Staff Training
A number of schools have got together to support each other with the demands of working within an EAL rich environment. Mrs Westwood has been part of this group since its start, and has found it incredibly useful as a way of sharing ideas and best practice with other professionals working with EAL students. Mrs Westwood was then asked to run a training day workshop on working with such students for members of staff at Heartlands, which was agreed afterwards to be a practical and useful session. A homework session was set up on the back of this to help staff to differentiate appropriately for EAL students.
Transition Visits and Days.
During the course of the Summer Term Ms Hinch, Ms Thomas and Ms Brown have been visiting the feeder primary schools to meet the SENCOs and teachers of the Year 6 students that are coming to Heartlands Academy in September. In the meetings, each individual student has been discussed in detail to gain as much information as possible in preparation for the new academic year. Along with these transition meetings Ms Hinch has organised the transition project which is aimed to help the students settle into the academy and to give teaching and support staff a chance to get to know the students before they arrive in September. Throughout the project, students will be spending time within the English, PE, Humanities, Maths and Science departments and on the final day they will spend time in their tutor groups with their tutors getting to know each other.
Speech and Language Therapy Since the start of April the academy has been very fortunate to have had Ms Turner our Speech and Language Therapist working very closely alongside Ms Christie and Ms Rehman. As well as assessing
It has been a privilege to be the Year 7 Learning Manager and I have enjoyed watching the Year 7s flourish and develop throughout the year. In addition, I’d like to say a big thank-you to the Year 7 team who have worked tirelessly to support the students in their tutor group. There is much potential in Year 7, and I wish them every success and happiness in the future Miss Hinch Year 7 Learning Manager
7AKH...
Mrs Akhtar is on maternity leave after having a baby boy. We send her our good wishes and peaceful nights! Miss Hinch
7BUE...
have finished their first year with the same hard work that they began it with. Students continue to be involved in a range of activities, including the school band, sport and the student council. They are looking forward to moving onto year eight and taking on new challenges next year in the new building. Miss Burgess
7FAM... It’s been a wonderful year with 7FAM
but I think we’re all relieved to see the year come to a close. The biggest news this half term has been congratulating Monwara on her excellent result at the E-ACT Games badminton tournament where she brought home the prize for Year 7 girls! I hope everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing you all in September. Mr Farrah
7ALJ... This has been a fantastic and successful year for students in 7ALJ. Throughout the year students in the tutor group have used and developed skills in team work and communication, which have been utilised during tutor time to help build and strengthen the tutor group. Many members
6
of the group have taken on responisibilites during the year to help to support the day-to-day running of the form. Students have also undertaken activities to represent our form group such as student council and extra curricular sports activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the group and wish them all the success for the future. Mrs Campbell
7AHG...
Every student in 7AHG is well-settled and following ALL Heartland Academy’s policies e.g. correct uniform, full equipment, planners filled-in and following all BfLs and LfLs per week. Every student in 7AHG has accumulated numerous praise cards and/or certificates for achievement in their progress files. Every student in 7AHG had a library book for silent reading during tutor-time. Many took part (and some did extremely well) on Sports Day such as: Mahir, Kyle, Raheel, Amos, Anis, Taylor, Amira, Marayam, Ayaan and Shakera. Abou-Baker has been updating 7AHG’s noticeboard each week. Amos was incharge of 7AHG’s reigister, for AM & PM registration. Hamza and Mahir took part in yr7 student council meetings every two week. Some students are going abroad during their 7weeks holiday such as: Zain to Turkey, and Ayaan to Holland & then Somalia. Mr Ahmed
HA Sixth Form - University Visits
H
aving finished their gruelling AS and A2 level exams in May and June, the sixth form students have embarked on a series of university open days and information sessions this term. The aim was to ensure that they are fully informed as they prepare to take their big step into the post-Heartlands world. Potentially confusing aspects of university applications such as student finances, course choices and the UCAS process have been tackled head-on.
Another key aspect of these trips has been to increase the sixth formers’ independence and organisational skills. Despite some initial reluctance, the sixth formers travelled independently to the universities and organised their time effectively. Over the summer they will be working on their all important Personal Statements, going along to other universities which interest them, and ensure that they come back in September ready for action! Best of luck! Miss Zhang
Events Incuded: • • • • • •
Wolverhampton University and Walsall Campus Open Day Aston University Open Day Bolton University tour of campus and workshop sessions. Admissions talk from Edinburgh Napier University UCAS Conference at Birmingham University Individual students have undertaken residential trips to Southampton, Warwick and Oxford universities
7ALF...
And this brings us to the end of our amazing journey. 7ALF have learned a lot in this year and are grateful to Heartlands Academy for giving them numerous opportunities throughout the year. They have become responsible individuals and role models which was evident on Year 6 Transition Day when members of the form helped mentor the new students in September. Good luck for Year 8 7ALF! Miss Allidina
7SHM...
I have been really proud of 7SHM this year. They have matured into young adults and have been a pleasure to have in our tutor. Many took part in the sports day and did their house teams justice. Now that the academic year has come to an end I wish them all a happy and safe holiday. I hope that next year is also a very successful year for them. Miss Shah
Harry’s Enterprise Project
All students at Heartlands Academy participated in a week’s activity making bracelets in support of Harry’s Charity. The bracelets were then given to every child participating in the Birmingham School Games.
ensuring many children are educated and supporting a good cause, Harry’s cause. Thank you Harry for giving Heartlands Academy the opportunity to share in your project, your legacy has now spread across the academy and beyond. To find out more visit www.hhho.co.uk
Miss Brown
S
tudents in Years 12 & 13 were treated to an exciting and interactive performance by current undergraduate students from Worcester University. Using drama they explored apects of going to University. The cast gave a fantastic performance and invited the audience to challenge higher education stereotypes and explore solutions to the characters’ dilemmas. Afterwards, students had the opportunity to speak with the undergraduate students about their own personal university experiences. Feedback was excellent; the performers commented on how well informed our sixth formers were and how this would help when deciding whether to go to university. Miss Taylor
If you would like information about: • primary school transition • Heartlands Academy events
New Learning Manager - Sept ‘12
Hello, my name is Miss Brown and I will be the new learning manager for year 7 from September 2012. I have worked at Heartlands Academy for four years and have been a key part of a successful Physical Education department. In preparation for this new role I have been supporting the Learning Manager of year 10 for the past twelve months. My expectations are high and I insist on outstanding behaviour and hard work. I will strive to ensure our new students gain valuable experience at Heartlands Academy and achieve their full potential. I am looking forward to working with them in September.
Is It Worth It?
• parenting support programmes • community partnership work
contact: Mrs Rachel Buckingham Community Director
Harry’s mom, Georgina came to present Harry’s charity on the first day. Georgina shared with all students the background to Harry’s enterprise project and how Harry worked hard to ensure he could leave a legacy behind. The legacy now supports families with children suffering from cancer. Harry lost his battle against brain cancer, but his enterprise project lives on,
Heartlands Academy Great Francis Street, Birmingham B7 4QR 0121 464 5530 r.buckingham@heartlands-academy.org.uk
7
Homework Club
Homework Club has proven to be very successful this year, with a great number of students coming regularly to get help with any set work. There are four members of staff every day, with a number of teachers who come regularly to help out. It is a relaxed setting where students can use the computer independently, or work with a member of staff to complete work. Students have found it a very useful place; as one Year 7 put it: “I can’t always do the work on my own; I need the help of Miss.”
and delivering Speech and Language programmes to individual students, Ms Turner has been training both Ms Christie and Ms Rehman so that from September they can begin delivering Speech and Language interventions to individual students and groups of students. So far this is has been very successful and both Ms Christie and Ms Rehman have already acquired the relevant knowledge and skills to carry out assessments and deliver group sessions. Ms Turner will continue working within the academy over the course of the next academic to support Ms Christie and Ms Rehman with the work that they doing with the students. Mrs Smith
Year 7 Update EAL Hub meetings / Staff Training
A number of schools have got together to support each other with the demands of working within an EAL rich environment. Mrs Westwood has been part of this group since its start, and has found it incredibly useful as a way of sharing ideas and best practice with other professionals working with EAL students. Mrs Westwood was then asked to run a training day workshop on working with such students for members of staff at Heartlands, which was agreed afterwards to be a practical and useful session. A homework session was set up on the back of this to help staff to differentiate appropriately for EAL students.
Transition Visits and Days.
During the course of the Summer Term Ms Hinch, Ms Thomas and Ms Brown have been visiting the feeder primary schools to meet the SENCOs and teachers of the Year 6 students that are coming to Heartlands Academy in September. In the meetings, each individual student has been discussed in detail to gain as much information as possible in preparation for the new academic year. Along with these transition meetings Ms Hinch has organised the transition project which is aimed to help the students settle into the academy and to give teaching and support staff a chance to get to know the students before they arrive in September. Throughout the project, students will be spending time within the English, PE, Humanities, Maths and Science departments and on the final day they will spend time in their tutor groups with their tutors getting to know each other.
Speech and Language Therapy Since the start of April the academy has been very fortunate to have had Ms Turner our Speech and Language Therapist working very closely alongside Ms Christie and Ms Rehman. As well as assessing
It has been a privilege to be the Year 7 Learning Manager and I have enjoyed watching the Year 7s flourish and develop throughout the year. In addition, I’d like to say a big thank-you to the Year 7 team who have worked tirelessly to support the students in their tutor group. There is much potential in Year 7, and I wish them every success and happiness in the future Miss Hinch Year 7 Learning Manager
7AKH...
Mrs Akhtar is on maternity leave after having a baby boy. We send her our good wishes and peaceful nights! Miss Hinch
7BUE...
have finished their first year with the same hard work that they began it with. Students continue to be involved in a range of activities, including the school band, sport and the student council. They are looking forward to moving onto year eight and taking on new challenges next year in the new building. Miss Burgess
7FAM... It’s been a wonderful year with 7FAM
but I think we’re all relieved to see the year come to a close. The biggest news this half term has been congratulating Monwara on her excellent result at the E-ACT Games badminton tournament where she brought home the prize for Year 7 girls! I hope everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable summer and I look forward to seeing you all in September. Mr Farrah
7ALJ... This has been a fantastic and successful year for students in 7ALJ. Throughout the year students in the tutor group have used and developed skills in team work and communication, which have been utilised during tutor time to help build and strengthen the tutor group. Many members
6
of the group have taken on responisibilites during the year to help to support the day-to-day running of the form. Students have also undertaken activities to represent our form group such as student council and extra curricular sports activities. I would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the group and wish them all the success for the future. Mrs Campbell
7AHG...
Every student in 7AHG is well-settled and following ALL Heartland Academy’s policies e.g. correct uniform, full equipment, planners filled-in and following all BfLs and LfLs per week. Every student in 7AHG has accumulated numerous praise cards and/or certificates for achievement in their progress files. Every student in 7AHG had a library book for silent reading during tutor-time. Many took part (and some did extremely well) on Sports Day such as: Mahir, Kyle, Raheel, Amos, Anis, Taylor, Amira, Marayam, Ayaan and Shakera. Abou-Baker has been updating 7AHG’s noticeboard each week. Amos was incharge of 7AHG’s reigister, for AM & PM registration. Hamza and Mahir took part in yr7 student council meetings every two week. Some students are going abroad during their 7weeks holiday such as: Zain to Turkey, and Ayaan to Holland & then Somalia. Mr Ahmed
HA Sixth Form - University Visits
H
aving finished their gruelling AS and A2 level exams in May and June, the sixth form students have embarked on a series of university open days and information sessions this term. The aim was to ensure that they are fully informed as they prepare to take their big step into the post-Heartlands world. Potentially confusing aspects of university applications such as student finances, course choices and the UCAS process have been tackled head-on.
Another key aspect of these trips has been to increase the sixth formers’ independence and organisational skills. Despite some initial reluctance, the sixth formers travelled independently to the universities and organised their time effectively. Over the summer they will be working on their all important Personal Statements, going along to other universities which interest them, and ensure that they come back in September ready for action! Best of luck! Miss Zhang
Events Incuded: • • • • • •
Wolverhampton University and Walsall Campus Open Day Aston University Open Day Bolton University tour of campus and workshop sessions. Admissions talk from Edinburgh Napier University UCAS Conference at Birmingham University Individual students have undertaken residential trips to Southampton, Warwick and Oxford universities
7ALF...
And this brings us to the end of our amazing journey. 7ALF have learned a lot in this year and are grateful to Heartlands Academy for giving them numerous opportunities throughout the year. They have become responsible individuals and role models which was evident on Year 6 Transition Day when members of the form helped mentor the new students in September. Good luck for Year 8 7ALF! Miss Allidina
7SHM...
I have been really proud of 7SHM this year. They have matured into young adults and have been a pleasure to have in our tutor. Many took part in the sports day and did their house teams justice. Now that the academic year has come to an end I wish them all a happy and safe holiday. I hope that next year is also a very successful year for them. Miss Shah
Harry’s Enterprise Project
All students at Heartlands Academy participated in a week’s activity making bracelets in support of Harry’s Charity. The bracelets were then given to every child participating in the Birmingham School Games.
ensuring many children are educated and supporting a good cause, Harry’s cause. Thank you Harry for giving Heartlands Academy the opportunity to share in your project, your legacy has now spread across the academy and beyond. To find out more visit www.hhho.co.uk
Miss Brown
S
tudents in Years 12 & 13 were treated to an exciting and interactive performance by current undergraduate students from Worcester University. Using drama they explored apects of going to University. The cast gave a fantastic performance and invited the audience to challenge higher education stereotypes and explore solutions to the characters’ dilemmas. Afterwards, students had the opportunity to speak with the undergraduate students about their own personal university experiences. Feedback was excellent; the performers commented on how well informed our sixth formers were and how this would help when deciding whether to go to university. Miss Taylor
If you would like information about: • primary school transition • Heartlands Academy events
New Learning Manager - Sept ‘12
Hello, my name is Miss Brown and I will be the new learning manager for year 7 from September 2012. I have worked at Heartlands Academy for four years and have been a key part of a successful Physical Education department. In preparation for this new role I have been supporting the Learning Manager of year 10 for the past twelve months. My expectations are high and I insist on outstanding behaviour and hard work. I will strive to ensure our new students gain valuable experience at Heartlands Academy and achieve their full potential. I am looking forward to working with them in September.
Is It Worth It?
• parenting support programmes • community partnership work
contact: Mrs Rachel Buckingham Community Director
Harry’s mom, Georgina came to present Harry’s charity on the first day. Georgina shared with all students the background to Harry’s enterprise project and how Harry worked hard to ensure he could leave a legacy behind. The legacy now supports families with children suffering from cancer. Harry lost his battle against brain cancer, but his enterprise project lives on,
Heartlands Academy Great Francis Street, Birmingham B7 4QR 0121 464 5530 r.buckingham@heartlands-academy.org.uk
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UNIFORM Correct uniform must be worn at all times during the day and when travelling to and from the Academy. Uniform must also be worn for educational visits. All items of uniform must be clearly marked with the student’s name. Students will be disciplined if they are not wearing the correct uniform. Students who do not have the complete or correct uniform must provide their Tutor with a note explaining the reason why. If this is likely to extend beyond a day then their Learning Manager must be provided with a note explaining the reason and when this will be rectified.
11-18 • Specialisms in Sport and Mathematics
Students are able to learn exceptionally well because there is a positive climate for learning across the whole academy...
All students wear: • Black blazer and jumper, both embroidered with the Academy logo. • White shirt • Academy tie Boys wear: • Black tailored trousers • Black or grey socks • Smart plain black shoes Girls wear: • Black skirt (knee length or longer) OR • Black tailored trousers • Black or white socks • Conventional black shoes • Tights, if worn, must be plain black or natural • Plain black headscarf (optional) • Plain black hair accessories (optional)
Ofsted 2012
NOT PERMITTED: • Jewellery except for one small stud earring in each pierced ear • Make-up • Casual shoes, trainers, boots, velcro shoes or stilleto heels • Coats, jackets or hats must not be worn inside the Academy building • Accessories • Jeans, casual trousers etc.
OPEN EVENING Wednesday 26th September 2012 4:15pm - 6:00pm
Heartlands Academy, Great Francis Street, Birmingham B7 4QR • 0121 464 3931 • Principal: Mrs G Jones
www.heartlands-academy.org.uk
To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee all students and staff at Heartlands enjoyed a celebration lunch. The dining hall was decorated with flags, balloons and jubilee bunting. All the students were pleased to be part of this historical moment.
Autumn Term
Academy Dates 2012 - 13 Begins: Monday 3 September (students) Tuesday 28 August (staff)
Teacher Day Open Evening
Library Opening Times Monday 24 Sept Wednesday 26 Sept
11:10 - 11:25 12:35 - 13:45
Half Term: Monday 22 October - Friday 26 October
Ends: Friday 21 December
08:00 - 08:35
Teacher Day Teacher Day
Thursday 15 Nov Friday 16 Nov
15:05 - 16:00
Spring Term
Christmas Break: Monday 24 December - Friday 4 January
IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS If you bring your child to school by car, in order to avoid dangerous congestion, it would be appreciated if you could park on Wardlow Road and NOT in the car park. Thank You
Begins: Monday 7 January Half Term: Monday 18 February - Friday 22 February
Ends: Thursday 28 March
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Heartlands Academy, Great Francis Street, Birmingham, B7 4QR Telephone: 0121 464 3931 • www.heartlands-academy.org.uk