Tuxford academy life issue 2

ACADEMY Life

The official newsletter of Tuxford Academy

Issue No. 2

Spring Term 2015

“Year 11

rugby team

unbeaten”

Welcome to Academy Life

Anti-bullying ambassadors

Principal’s introduction

News

Although bullying can be a problem in some schools, many don’t give students the chance to contribute ideas on how to tackle bullying. That is why Tuxford Academy jumped at the chance to take selected students to an introductory training day to work with students from others schools.

Welcome to issue 2 of Academy Life. At Tuxford Academy we know that students who engage in extra curricular activities, as well as their school work, are those that are more likely to have greater confidence, progress and achievement in life. It was therefore a pleasure to find out that this issue showcases so many of our students’ sporting successes both inside and outside of school, along with their dedication to charity work, volunteering, and responsibilities out of school.

The day was a great success with lots of brainstorming and drama sessions. They learnt many shocking facts about bullying, not just in schools, but also in the work environment.

They also worked with other students from a variety of age groups to communicate and produce ideas to bring back to school to tackle bullying. The students were inspired by the day and are now scheduling regular meetings to collaborate and enforce actions on how to reduce bullying and help ensure everyone feels safe in school.

Over the years, feedback from universities and employers have let us know that Tuxford students are highly sought after and I like to think that the high level of education they receive whilst at the academy, coupled with the enrichment opportunities we offer, results in a student who stands out head and shoulders above the rest in interviews.

Finally this term our drama department were excited to offer a trip to New York over half term and I look forward to reading all about it in the next issue.

For a list of all clubs and trips the academy offers to our students please take a look at the enrichment booklet on our website - http://www.tuxford-ac.org.uk/Extra-Curricular-clubs

Emma Albans, Year 11 student

Mr David Cotton, Principal

Tuxford welcomes new Priest in Charge

Dates for your diary MARCH

JULY

Thurs 26th

Showcase Evening

7th

DALP Games

Mon 30th

PE Netherlands Trip

7th

Creative & Expressive Arts Showcase Evening

8th

Creative & Expressive Arts Showcase Evening

8th

Post 16 Transition Day

9th

Post 16 Summer Ball

10th

Sports Day

13th

Post 16 Lancaster University trip departs

13th

Y7 Camp 1 departs

13th

Y10 Rome trip departs

14th

Y9 London trip departs

15th

Y7 Camp 2 departs

APRIL Mon 13th

Y10 Academic Tutorial Week

Tues 14th

Simon Weston OBE to speak to Y11 students

MAY Thurs 14th

Y11 Smart Day

JUNE 8th

Y8 Paris trip departs

19th

Post 16 RTC event

22nd

Y7 Academic Tutorial Week

25th

Y11 Prom

29th

Transition Week

Post 16 Editorial team Jack Anderton-Cobb

Abigail Pickard

Lauren Gardiner

Hannah Slack

Cullen Gaskell

Alice Walker

Many thanks to all staff who contributed towards articles

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Tuxford Academy recently had the privilege of being introduced to the new Priest in Charge of the Tuxford Benefice, Reverend Greg Price, who was installed and licensed on January 11th 2015.

Reverend Price has a wide experience of working in both secular and Christian environments with a large passion for communities and the people within them. From being an active member of the Independent Monitoring Board for Home Office at Ranby Prison, to volunteering at the Holocaust Centre in Nottinghamshire, to broadcasting with FEBA radio from the Seychelles to East Africa and

India, Reverend Price has been involved with people from many backgrounds and walks of life.

However, the Reverend has made it abundantly clear that his main passion is reaching, encouraging and building the next generation, and is looking forward to having the opportunity to do this through heavy involvement within the academy. Working with the Christian Union and organising community outreach events in partnership with the students are just a few of the things Reverend Price has planned for this new season.

Anastasia O’Connell, Post 16 student

HOLIDAY DATES Easter

Mon 30th March – Fri 10th April

May Day

Mon 4th May

Half Term

Mon 25th May to Fri 29th May

Summer

Mon 20th July (Inset Day) first day of holiday

In October last year, fifty music students from Tuxford Academy enjoyed thrilling quests, epic romances and expansive panoramas as they took a trip to the Nottingham Royal Concert Hall.

A warm welcome to the venue featured a red carpet entrance for all theatre-goers with hired actors dressed as paparazzi and taking photos as people arrived.

After walking the red carpet the audience followed the yellow brick road with Judy Garland, journeyed with the ill-starred lovers of Titanic, witnessed Luke Skywalker battle with the evil Empire and joined Nottingham’s most famous outlaw as he crossed swords with the city’s villainous Sheriff in The Adventures of Robin Hood.

Audience members joined in the fun by dressing in formal evening wear or as their favourite film characters, ranging from Darth Vader, Storm Troopers and Indiana Jones.

The Hallé Orchestra performed the music of the evening, proving that behind every great movie there’s a great film score; this blockbuster concert brought together some of the finest ever written.

To read the February Governors’ newsletter please visit www.tuxford-ac.org.uk/The-Govenors-on-the Academy-Board www.tuxford-ac.org.uk

Oscar night for music students

Academy Life

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News

Citizenship at Tuxford

Book Fair In November last year, the Learning Resource Centre (LRC) held a highly successful school Book Fair. Students in Years 7, 8 and 9 were invited to attend and purchase books, posters and more.

Books available included hot new titles, award winning authors, thrills and chills. With sales of over £1000, the LRC were able to restock the Learning Resource Centre with over a hundred new books. These include books hot from the press including the ‘Hunger Games’ series.

The aim of citizenship lessons at Tuxford Academy is to create opportunities for students to become aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens; informed about the social and political world; concerned about the welfare of others; articulate in their opinions and arguments; capable of having an influence in the world; active in their communities and responsible in how they act as citizens.

“Hot off the press”

We aim to help students develop self-confidence and deal with significant life changes and challenges such as bullying and discrimination. Students are encouraged to have a ‘voice’ in school, in the community and in society at large. Through a variety of experiences and outside speakers, the students learn how to make a positive contribution by developing the expertise and experience needed to claim their rights and understand their responsibilities whilst helping them prepare for the challenges and opportunities of adult and working life.

Along with planned lessons a number of outside guest speakers come into school and present to students their personal experiences about many different subjects. These

TPA achieves ‘Good’ Ofsted report

are followed by a taught lesson to expand and explore the information the students have been given.

The speakers come from many different areas including Fire Service, NHS, Police, Internet Safety, Environmental Issues, Union Values, The Guide Dog Society, Samaritans, Armed Forces, Self Esteem, Road Safety and many more.

They deliver accurate and informed presentations giving the students an insight into their expertise and, experience.

We are pleased to report that Tuxford Primary Academy (TPA) has achieved a ‘Good’ in its recent Ofsted inspection.

Since coming into post in September 2013 new Principal, Louise Davidson, has transformed the school into the ‘Good’ school it has now been recognised as. The primary academy’s reputation is also now positively growing with places for the school rapidly increasing and becoming sought after.

Louise Davidson said of the academy’s achievement: “I feel it is a very true reflection of where the school is.

Over the next two years our focus will be on raising that standard to ‘Outstanding’.”

The upcoming events for this year are: Fri 12th June

Year 9 Cardiac Risk Assessment Day

Fri 26th June

Year 7 Student Well Being Day

Fri 3rd July

Year 8 Crimes and Safety Awareness Day

Pupils at TPA also benefit academically from coming to Tuxford Academy for weekly ‘Masterclasses’ in Maths and English to help accelerate their learning.

Mrs Sue Johnson, Work Related Learning Leader

Spring Gardening Preparation is the key It’s that time of year to start thinking about the new growing season and all the seeds we need to sow. This month is the time for onions, sweet peas, cabbage and all those beautiful flowers we love so much.

Sixth Term Examination Paper

Here at the academy we have started our onions off in a propagator and in our gardening room.

Sowing Tips:

In December, three of the Post 16 Maths students, Chris Hill, Adam Wilmott and Abbie Fowles attended a STEP workshop at the University of Nottingham to help in preparation for their STEP exam. Many students at the Post 16 Centre at Tuxford are looking to go into higher education including universities such as Oxbridge and Warwick. The trip was just one of the many opportunities the Post 16 Centre offers to aid students in achieving these positions.

The problem solving event, which took place on Monday 15th December lasted from 9.00 am - 3.30 pm and included activities such as ‘writing and communicating maths’ and ‘masterclass on proof’.

The STEP exam is taking place in the sixth term and is used by universities as an admission test, as the level required is similar to that of undergraduate maths.

When asked about the day, Chris Hill said, “It proved a useful insight into the STEP exam.”

Step 1: Cover the ground to warm the soil, you will be left with a great place to grow broad beans and they will grow quicker.

Step 2: Use blood fish and bone plant food to give the soil some extra nutrients.

“Happy planting!”

Sophie Marshall Potter & Wiktoria Nalewajska, Year 8 students

“Responsible young students”

Alice Walker, Post 16 student

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www.tuxford-ac.org.uk

Academy Life

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News

Tuxford’s Got Talent

Festive Fun – ‘He’s behind you’ This year’s staff Panto was a fantastic start to the Christmas holidays. Never in all the years of Tuxford Panto history did the story of Aladdin conjure such laughs from its student and staff audience. The script was brilliantly written and directed by Mr Cox and Mr Bingham, who pulled the cast and performance together in record time just before the break for Christmas. Some said Mrs Saxelby’s interpretation of the evil Abanaza was cast perfectly, (no names mentioned!!), whilst Mr Lloyd’s special guest appearance as the Fairy Godmother was greeted with shouts of joy from the students.

Personal accounts from the winner and runner-up At the first audition I sat down in front of the judges with my guitar and sang ‘Don’t’ by Ed Sheeran – this was my favourite song at the time.

Although it didn’t go perfectly, I got through and felt a sudden moment of relief. I got home and my brother said, “It’s a shame that my band is going to beat you.” This pushed me on to practise even harder for the semi-finals and I sang ‘Thinking Out Loud’ also by Ed Sheeran.

“I was in disbelief but overjoyed”

On the evening of the final I was highly anxious. I was the fifth act to appear on stage. As I walked out, my heart stopped and I remember that my footsteps echoed as I crossed the stage. I then began singing – everything was perfect until about half way through when I had a technical difficulty and my guitar wasn’t being amplified due to someone backstage stepping on my wires. My lungs stopped but I kept going.

Although you couldn’t hear my guitar very well, my vocals were good. As I stepped off stage, all my hopes had gone, especially after hearing a few other good vocalists.

After the votes had been counted, it was announcement time – I was told I was in the top three. One by one they slowly revealed who had won, “George” they said. I was in disbelief but overjoyed. Some of the other contestants ran on stage and picked me up – it was a great moment which will be with me forever. My prize was £100 which I have not yet spent.

George Sinclair, Year 9 student

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www.tuxford-ac.org.uk

This competition was a fun and exciting experience for both of us. We came 2nd in the competition as a duo dance act, so both our family members and friends (along with ourselves) were very proud and pleased with the outcome of the event.

We decided two days before the audition that we wanted to enter the talent show. We had both danced from a young age and together we made a good team. This then meant that we had to choreograph a dance very quickly and spent time at each other’s houses deciding on a routine. We were very nervous about the audition, as we didn’t know what people would think, but it turned out that all four judges on the panel said ‘YES’! However, the semifinals were a lot harder as we were performing in front of our school friends, but we were pleased with three out of the four judges saying ‘Yes’!

We desperately wanted to do something different for the final so we decided to do a song mash up, which was very risky.

This was because people might not have liked the multiple changes in the music and may have put them off. Thankfully, the audience were clapping along and loved the popular songs like ‘Gangnam Style’ and ‘Every Day I‘m Shuffling.’

At the end of the competition, we were over the moon and couldn’t believe that we were placed 2nd.

Millie Clarke & Caitlin Parry, Year 7 students

Thanks again to all staff for a brilliant, memorable production.

Student Engagement Committee The first meeting of the new Student Engagement Committee was held at Tuxford Academy on Thursday 13th November. The aim of the day was for students to discuss ‘what is charity?’ and to select a chosen DALP charity that would be supported throughout each academy and at DALP events throughout the year.

Students had clearly spent a lot of time creating their presentations and gave extremely comprehensive and moving addresses detailing the benefits their charity would gain from the support of the academies.

DALP ‘Celebration’ festival lifts the roof at local theatre The DALP 2014 Creative Arts Festival was a fantastic success for the third year running. All six of the DALP academies: Tuxford Academy, Retford Oaks Academy, Tuxford Primary Academy, Holgate Academy, National Academy and East Leake Academy met to perform on the 14th December at the Majestic Theatre, Retford. The event was compered by Hollyoaks actor Colin Wells who inspired the students with the message to work out your own personal goals and then make it happen.

Mr Pickering, DALP Executive Principal, said the performance was outstanding and the best one to date. He congratulated all the students for their hard work and performances over the last term.

All students involved in the event were rewarded with a trip to the Theatre Royal, Nottingham in January to watch the pantomime, ‘Snow White’ which was both extremely enjoyable and an inspiration itself.

“I want to be a dancer now like the girls on stage”, Tuxford Academy student.

Many thanks to all those parents, students and staff who supported the event.

As each group of students spoke, the passion and care they felt for their charity was evident which made selecting a winner even more difficult.

Following the five presentations students voted for the charity they felt would benefit most from DALP students support with the winning presentation coming from Holgate Academy and their chosen charity ‘Battle Batten’. Batten Disease is a fatal inherited disorder of the nervous system for which there is currently no cure.

Mrs Kirsty Rafferty, DALP Student Engagement Co-ordinator Academy Life

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Academy Focus

Growth Mindsets – A new way of thinking According to Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University, people with a ‘fixed mindset’ believe that intelligence is static; as a result, they see effort as pointless, and they give up easily or avoid challenges altogether.

Meanwhile, people with a ‘growth mindset’ believe that intelligence can be developed; as a result, they see effort as the path to mastery, they embrace challenges, and they are keen to learn from feedback.

Prestigious IIP Accreditation We are pleased to announce that Tuxford Academy has received confirmation that it is the first secondary academy in Nottinghamshire to gain the prestigious ‘Investors in Pupils’ (IIP) accreditation; a National Quality Mark.

The assessment day was on 5th November 2014, and involved a tour of the school followed by a series of interviews with staff and students.

“The school has an abundance of talented, creative and enthusiastic students” said the Investors in Pupils assessor.

The academy’s principal, Mr David Cotton, said “we are delighted to receive the IIP award and with no areas for improvement – which is very unusual!”

“Develop by praising effort”

The IIP programme focuses on developing each individual student’s understanding of the role they play in their own future and in the future success of the academy.

“Achieving ‘Investors in Pupils’ allows us to continue to increase student voice and activities at all levels within the academy and ensure our teams remain high performing and effective. ‘Investors in Pupils’ is central to our mission statement ‘High aspirations and high expectations leading to high achievement for all – within a safe and supportive environment’. We have tried to keep the students at the heart of everything we do” said Mrs Dodd, Associate Leader.

Innovation and Initiative at Enterprise Day

Our research group consists of around 20 staff who have volunteered to pioneer the development of a growth mindset across Tuxford Academy by promoting a common language of learning in lessons; and by advocating the use of clear success criteria, effective feedback strategies, and opportunities for personalisation and choice. Our aim is to emphasise the process of learning and making progress, and to shift away from a focus on levels and grades that only measure fixed outcomes.

Tuxford Academy Enterprise Day gave our Key Stage 3 students the opportunity to learn about the importance of enterprise and develop their entrepreneurial skills. In teams, the Year 7, 8 and 9 students undertook a range of tasks, from building the tallest possible free standing structure out of 20 sheets of paper to preparing and presenting a proposal to solve the Santa Challenge. Groups had to decide on the best possible course of action for Santa because it had been estimated that due to the increasing global population, he would have outgrown his current workshop in the North Pole by 2018! Possible options to explore were outsourcing to non-elf factories, investing in state-of-the-art equipment or relocating the factory and elves to China!

At home, you too can help to develop a growth mindset in your children – by praising their effort (not their attainment), by encouraging them to persevere with subjects that they find more difficult, and by teaching them to see mistakes as opportunities to learn and improve.

Onwards and upwards!

Matt Worthington, Physics teacher & Dr Carl Phillips, Geography teacher

Some of the comments made by those involved include…

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“I enjoyed being able to join in, propose ideas and be listened to” “I have been good at creative thinking and listening to others” “The skills I have developed today will make me more confident when I talk to people” “I have enjoyed working in a different group than I do usually” “This will help with life choices”

Claire Wilson Head of Business, Computing and ICT

Staying Ahead of the Game Information, advice and guidance is given to our Post 16 students on a regular basis, predominantly in the form of weekly bulletins that are presented in form times every Monday. The presentation contains a wide variety of useful information, including university and further education information, alternative routes, opportunities and insightful stories and ideas that will allow us to hone our skills.

Throughout the year the Post 16 team offers help in achieving the dreams of each student, wherever they go. This may be to university, college, an apprenticeship or anywhere else.

Regarding university, which is a common choice amongst Post 16 students, there are several opportunities available to enhance applications and prepare potential university students

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for their departure. This includes trips to universities, including a three night residential to the University of East Anglia, dedicated support for writing personal statements and visits from a variety of university personnel to provide help for the transition into university. The mock exams held in December were in preparation for Post 16 exams in the summer, as well as what to expect during further education.

Mr Simpson, Assistant Principal, has said, “they are a great opportunity for our students to build their confidence, prepare them for the pressure of the summer exams and make people realise how much work they will need to put in both now and in the future.”

Cullen Gaskell, Post 16 student

www.tuxford-ac.org.uk

“Helping with my life choices” Academy Life

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Academy Focus

Books or Films? Both!

A great film can really leave an impression. Losing yourself in a book is also one of the great pleasures in life. Watching a film, we are guided by the director. Reading a book, we are guided by our imagination.

A book can perhaps give a deeper insight into the lives of the characters. A novel allows us to see into someone’s mind. It is in reading books that we can really imagine what it would be like to be someone else.

As Atticus advises Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird:

see life in different ways. Reading can provide a mirror to see ourselves and a door to future opportunities.

On Thursday 18th December Tuxford Academy held its annual Celebration Evening for Year 13 students in the academic year 2013/2014. The prestigious evening, hosted by Leanne Murphy, Head of Post 16, was a celebration of the year group’s impressive achievements.

Mr Paul Simpson, Assistant Principal Post 16

Over 150 guests arrived at the academy to watch Tuxford former students receive awards in the following categories: Tutor Awards, Subject Awards and High Achiever Awards.

Four high flying students from the academy won multiple awards in more than one category. These included:

Mr Simpson’s Top Ten Books:

“First of all,” he said, “if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you’ll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view […] until you climb into his skin and walk around in it.”

1) The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

I enjoy books which look at the same situation from the points of view of different characters. The same event can be a very different experience for the individuals involved, depending on their perspective and previous experience.

5) The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The study of psychology is about understanding what makes us develop, feel and behave the way we do. I believe that reading allows us to understand the emotional reactions of characters.

It can help us gain a deeper understanding of ourselves. It allows us to access the past and the future. It enables us to imagine the world through different cultures. It inspires us to

Fantastic Celebration Evening

2) To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 3) Animal Farm by George Orwell 4) Small Island by Andrea Levy 6) The Diary of a Provincial Lady

by E.M. Delafield

7) The Other Hand by Chris Cleave 8) So Many Ways to Begin by Jon McGregor 9) One Day by David Nicholls 10) Atonement by Ian McEwan

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Jack Beeby – Physics Award and Maths Award Olivia Howcroft – Biology Award and Tutor Award Josh Jackson – PE Award and John Parker Award Jack Parkes – Drama Award and Tutor Award

Former Tuxford student Holly Higgins, who is now studying Optometry at the University of Bradford, was a guest speaker and was inspirational in her talk on both her experiences and successes whilst at school and now at university. “You have to look for every opportunity and decide where you want to be” said Holly.

“Embrace every opportunity”

Empathy for those less fortunate Earlier this term various students volunteered to take part in ‘The BIG Sleepout’, a charity event in which people sleep rough for one night in order to raise money and awareness for the homeless. One student who took part was Elliot Crookes in Year 12.

“Raising £1,400 for the homeless” Elliot spoke about how privileged he felt within his own life and so wished to experience what it was like to have very little. He also described how uncomfortable it had been, waking up at four in the morning in a puddle which demonstrated to him how tough it must be to sleep rough every night. Elliot said he would definitely do it next year due to its success in raising around £1,400. When asked if he would recommend it he replied “I’d recommend it to everyone, its not the most fun but certainly eye opening.”

Jack Anderton-Cobb, Post 16 student

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www.tuxford-ac.org.uk

Academy Life

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Achievement & Awards

Sport

Stockman of the Year

‘Excellence through Teamwork’ for Year 11 Boys’ Rugby Team

Agriculture plays a heavy part in the functioning of the rural surroundings, and provides many livelihoods in the local area. There is an ever increasing need for young people to adopt an agricultural career path and many paths are open after full time education, including degrees in agriculture at universities such as Harper Adams University, the Royal Agricultural University and also vocational opportunities in terms of apprenticeships available.

As a country and local community, farming is something that will always

Tuxford Academy’s Year 11 Rugby team really is something special. The lads have been playing together as a team since they joined the academy in 2010 and have not only formed a winning team but also solid friendships throughout the years.

be around and with our population increasing and more mouths to feed, the demand for farmers is becoming more and more prominent.

One student who really embraces these opportunities is Year 10 student, Liam Goddard. Liam has recently been awarded ‘Stockman of the Year’ in the 15-18 category at the East of England Smithfield Festival held in Peterborough. Liam has been showing a prize herd of fifteen British Blue Pedigree cattle for two years now, as well as helping

out with the rest of the herd at home. He attends around 25 shows a year, from large shows such as the English Winter Fair to local shows such as Nottinghamshire County Show, which takes place in May, and Liam continues to place well in all of them. Next year he is planning on going to Canada to visit a big show.

In the future Liam is keen to go into agriculture as his chosen career and is looking to attend local agriculture college, Riseholme.

Alice Walker, Post 16 student

The boys admit that in Year 7, at the start of their rugby lives at the academy, they were a little scared of being run at by bigger teams, but they soon built their confidence once they started winning matches against other local teams.

The boy’s game history proves their impressive track record over the years: • • •

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Year 7 – Mansfield Town Cup – WON Year 8 – Mansfield Town Cup – WON Year 9 – Mansfield Town Cup and County Cup – WON Year 10 – County Cup – Runners Up Year 10 – National Cup Final – Knocked out at quarter finals (by only 2 tries!)

Which brings the team to Year 11, their final year at the academy: The pressure of the Year 11 workload and losing a couple of players last term dampened the boys’ spirit a bit with some of the team finding it hard to commit to matches, but this term the team is back on form and together.

‘‘We got our heads together and pushed on. We played Dukeries and thrashed them 36-1 and then Magnus 50-12, so we were really pleased with those wins.”

So why do the boys think they have been such a solid team over the years?

“Excellence through teamwork, I guess,” said Alex Scargill with a smile. Something the boys have heard a lot during the past 5 years at Tuxford Academy!

“We are good friends and we get on well together on the pitch. We’ve been playing so long together that we know what each can do in a match which often gives us the advantage. We have the big guys at the front and the runners at the back which makes our team strong.”

The Tuxford team’s success has even spread throughout the community. This term Retford Rotary Club has kindly donated £400 towards new rugby kits for the boys.

“Hopefully [the kits] will bring us even more luck!

We would like to thank the Rotary Club for their generosity. We will wear the shirts with pride.”

Well done boys and we hope you keep playing after leaving the academy.

County Football Honour

Discovering Auschwitz In October 2014 Year 12 student, Natalia Smith, made her first visit to Auschwitz for a one week stay to film a documentary for The Discovery Channel.

pressure and nothing was planned. We just spoke and the cameras moved around us.

Kitty originally arrived at the Camp aged 17, the same age as Year 12 student Natalia.

Taryn has been training at the Nottinghamshire FA Player Development Centre every Monday and Tuesday night for around two hours each night for the last three years. “My passion for football came when I was very young, as I watched my brother play football. I was keen to copy him and soon I had begun training as well”, says Taryn.

Speaking of her trip, Natalia says “On the first day we didn’t do any shooting. We had a look around Auschwitz which was very emotional. Kitty told us her story and was very brave.

“When we began filming it was very natural, there was no

Aside from the support of her family, Taryn has been influenced by the big star players in mainstream football. “I’d say my favourite football player is Joe Hart because

Natalia met with Kitty Hart-Moxon, a Holocaust survivor who returned to Auschwitz to tell her story and walk among the crumbling memorial.

“Auschwitz was very eerie and creepy. Kitty got everything across that she wanted to say and bravely told her story.

Natalia’s documentary has been seen in 220 countries.

“An emotional experience”

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Ever since she was young, Taryn Hill, Year 7, has had a passion for football. However, after years of training she will now be playing at county level.

www.tuxford-ac.org.uk

he is a goalie, just like me, so it gives me someone to look up to,” she explained.

“My passion for football”

When Taryn was asked about the subject of the level of respect given to women in male dominated sports, such as football, she replied, “I believe that, in the future, women footballers will gain more respect, as everyone should be allowed to do what they want to do.”

Moreover, when asked about her future ambitions, Taryn said, “I feel happy when I am playing football, and although I’m unsure of what the future may bring, I am definite I will continue with football, no matter what.”

Hannah Slack, Post 16 student Academy Life

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Sport

Callum Macfie plays for England Golf’s Under 16 Regional Development Squad Callum, a Year 9 student, has recently been accepted into England Golf’s U16 Regional Development Squad for Yorkshire.

Callum started playing golf at the age of 9 and joined Rufford Golf Club – he has always enjoyed watching it on TV and went on a driving range with his grandpa. At the age of 10, Callum joined Lindrick Golf Club – it was a tougher golf course and more challenging.

During the last year, Callum has won two prestigious competitions, the Sheffield under 14 stroke-play and Notts School match-play titles.

He trains on weekday evenings and since the selection into the Yorkshire squad, also has to follow the

strength and conditioning programme set by Yorkshire coaches to improve his fitness. Callum now goes to Sandburn Hall in York once a month where he receives coaching from top England coaches.

He will play in various matches against other regions over the next 6 to 9 months.

It is Callum’s dream to become a professional golfer. “My favourite pro is Rory McIlroy and the course I would most like to play on is Augusta in the United States. The Masters is held there every year and it is known for its severity. I find golf exciting – I will continue to keep working as hard as I can and hopefully become a pro.”

Bassetlaw Sports Award Junior Volunteer of the Year Sixth form student Sam Stringfellow was recently named as Bassetlaw Sports Junior Volunteer of the Year in an event that took place on the 5th of December at Worksop College. His outstanding contribution to the sport of cricket both inside and outside of the academy saw him edge out five other competitors, all under the age of nineteen, to win the prize. Sam has umpired and scored in a range of fixtures, from National Festivals at Oundel, Twenty20 cricket in Leicestershire and at a Lord’s corporate day. His efforts in the sport influenced Mr Longmore, Head of Physical Education, to nominate him for the award, believing that he deserved recognition for his dedication to the sport. When describing the three characteristics needed to succeed in both umpiring and scoring, Sam stated that ‘hard-work, drive and performance’ were key. In 2012, Sam secured his Level 1 in scoring and gained his Level 1 in umpiring the following year, through preparation that took place both in and out of school.

Sam’s interest came from a passion for the game of cricket, and his ambition for the future is to get even more involved in the sport by umpiring Premier League fixtures. His determination means that he is already on the way to achieving this goal, previously scoring for Ordsall Bridon in the Notts Premier League. During the course of 2014, Sam hopes to start his Level 1A in umpiring, having already achieved a Level 2 in scoring.

We spoke to Mr Simpson, Assistant Principal, about Sam and he replied, “Sam is an excellent student who works hard at all aspects of school life. He is fully involved in the school community, as reflected by his role of Post 16 Forum Secretary. He is determined to contribute to helping others. We are very proud of his recent cricket umpiring achievement.”

“Working hard to achieve” 14

On Wednesday 4th February, Sam represented Bassetlaw at the Nottinghamshire Sports Awards held at the Nottingham Conference Centre and won the County Award for Junior Volunteer of the Year.

Lauren Gardiner, Post 16 student

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Multi Talented George George Bartlett in Year 12 is a student who involves himself extensively in many aspects of Tuxford Academy life. In conjunction with studying hard for his GCSE exams this summer and being head of the social committee with Anushka Bovill in Year 11, George describes himself as ‘ambitious and hardworking’. He can also be regularly found enjoying a wide variety of sporting activities and competitions.

George believes his proudest moment is winning the National Trampoline Competition in Cardiff last term. Along with trampolining, George participates in a number of other sports such as handball, hockey, badminton, gymnastics and rugby, whilst still balancing his schoolwork. He also frequently coaches gymnastics at a local gym after completing multiple sports leaders’ awards available within PE lessons at Tuxford. He told us “I like the fact that they offer a wide range of opportunities across all subjects especially in the PE department”. Although he enjoys participating in sports both inside and outside of school, he does not let his academic achievements suffer at the

Olympic Taekwondo Dream At just twelve years old, Millie Morgan, Year 7 is a contender to become a part of Team GB. This is a huge honour for the youngster whose dedication and hard work have rewarded her with a 2nd Dan black belt in taekwondo.

Millie competes and trains at the Lynx Academy in Retford and achieved her black belt on the 1st November last year at just eleven years of age. Now however, her sights are set on bigger goals, as she aspires to launch a professional career within the sport and compete in the Olympic Games - a target which does not seem too farfetched as she is currently under consideration to join the GB squad.

Millie expects to gain her 3rd Dan black belt sometime in 2017, but that is not without commitment and diligence, as she trains four times a week, approximately

expense of taking part. He says he is determined to attend university after gaining his GCSEs and A levels at Tuxford Academy.

George has also been involved in the range of school productions offered by Tuxford since he started in Year 7, saying “I love being on stage when it all comes together and being part of a cast with people who you wouldn’t usually get the chance to socialise with”. He goes on to say “they are always great fun and Tuxford puts a lot of effort into the making of them”. The talented gymnast has recently appeared in the musical, ‘Slimmers,’ written and created by Mr Cox, Head of Drama at Tuxford.

George is pictured below (centre) in the academy’s production of ‘Our House’ in July last year. With George are fellow students Henry Cawthorne (left) and Ryan Footitt (right).

Abigail Pickard, Post 16 student

12 hours in total, in order to accomplish this goal. Determined not to fall behind on her academic studies, Millie makes sure to balance out her schoolwork and training by completing her homework during the weekend in between training sessions.

Millie’s biggest competition of 2014 came in June, when she travelled to Darlington in Northern England and succeeded in triumphing over hundreds of other competitors to win a gold medal in Team Patterns. Her victory was made even more memorable by the fact that legendary taekwondo master Kim Yong Fu travelled from South Korea to personally hand out her medal. As a 9th Dan black belt in taekwondo, Grand Master Kim is something of an inspiration to everybody in the sport, providing Millie with even more inspiration to succeed.

Lauren Gardiner, Post 16 student Academy Life

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