Issue 6 – January 2016
YIA:Insight
Achieving success through motivation, knowledge and skills
Dear Parents/Carers Thank you for reading this half terms YIA:Insight, although it is only a short term we wanted to keep you informed of our news and updates. Over the last few weeks there have been a number of option evenings, information evenings and parent’s evenings, it has been lovely to meet with so many parents and have some really conducive conversations. Thank you also to those parents that showed your appreciation for a recent interview that I undertook with the South Gloucestershire Gazette, Over the last couple of weeks our Year 11 students have been taking their mock exams and after half term we will be launching our ‘100 days to the first exam’ plan. This will involve a lot of intensive support, including revision sessions in both lunchtimes, afterschool, at Easter and in May half term. Our Academy improvement plan (please see OFSTED section of the Website) is now well underway and recent conversations with a number of colleagues have been very complimentary about our progress so far. Many thanks for your continued support and I wish all of you a lovely, relaxing half term. Paul Skipp, Principal Yate International Academy
IN THIS EDITION……
Dates for Diary Productions Cashless Catering Charity Events Academy Campaign Sixth form Head Boy and Head Girl Guild News Feedback on Year 11 Mocks Feedback on Year 8 Student Reception Date for next SLT drop in session
Tuesday 23rd & Wednesday 24th February Times 7pm
Cashless Catering By the 24th March, we are hoping to complete the merge to the cashless catering system.
Dates for your Diary Thursday 4th February – Year 10 Parent Report Evening Friday 5th February – End of Term 3 Monday 15th February – Term 4 Starts Thursday 18th February – Year 8 Parent Report Evening Tuesday 23rd & 24th February – Joseph Productions
However, we are still waiting for numerous permission slips to be returned. Please make sure these are signed and returned by the 24th March. Forms can be found on the Website. As from the 15th April, following the Easter break, we will no longer be accepting any cash payments. 1
Issue 6 – January 2016
End of Term – Jumper Off
Drop Down Days
Bristol Soup Kitchen
On the last day of term, students were judged by their tutor, and the student with the best jumper was invited to take part in the cat walk JUMPER OFF.
Through the year there will be a number of ‘drop down’ days. This is to ensure we provide all the necessary PSHE and Careers advice for our students.
Martyn Poole from the Bristol Soup Kitchen came in to do an assembly our Year 8 Students.
The amount raised for the ‘Save the Children’ Charity was £489.
The students were then asked if they could help to bring in items which could be donated to the homeless people of Bristol over Christmas
The next ‘drop down’ day will be on the 7th March, where Yr 7,8, and 9 will be focussing on PSHE and Yr 10 and 11 will be involved in a Study Skill workshop Get Over it Campaign As part of our SMSC programme (spiritual, moral, social and cultural). The Academy will be using a different word each week. These words are aimed at themes and will be discussed during tutor time, along with other activities, debates and student voice. This week the theme was ‘From Other Cultures. Themes for the end of this term and for next term are; Term / Date Term 3 – 1st Feb Term 4 – 15th Feb Term 4 22nd Feb Term 4 29th Feb Term 4 7th March Term 4 14th March Term 4 21st March
Theme Internet Safety Valentines
Some people are… Dangerous – Watch Out! Romantic
Friendship Careers Anti-Social Behaviour Forgiveness
Supportive Ambitious Not Bullies
Family
Young Carers
Tolerant
Head Boy and Head Girl – Sixth Form
Parent Questionnaires
The deadline for applications has now closed. Candidates will be shortlisted and be invited to an interview, which will take place with Mrs Davies, Mrs Twinberrow and Mr Skipp. Good Luck!
From our recent Year 9 Options Evening, and completed questionnaires, I am pleased to share some of the data, “100% of parents felt their child was happy at school” and “97% of parents felt their child was taught well at school”.
Issue 6 – January 2016
Guild News
HELLO! FROM MRS WILLIAMS, HEAD OF AQUILA GUILD Hello and welcome to 2016! I would like to begin by introducing myself. My name is Mrs. Williams and I am Head of Aquila Guild. Our guild is a supportive and enthusiastic guild. Tutor time in the morning is well received with our guild and our tutor’s competitive nature is definitely demonstrated during the weekly caption competition! Below is just some of the wonderful achievement the Guild has made. Please let me know each term if there is anything specific you would like to share and celebrate with us as our Guild members are sometimes a little shy in sharing their outside achievements! We have made a fantastic start to 2016 and I know we will continue to make excellent progress and aspire to be the most successful guild.
Guild winners for 2015 Sports day Over 95% attendance as a Guild 41 Students from year 7-11 had 100% attendance for term 1 and 2! 22 students from year 7-11 had 100% attendance for term 2 Guild voice students taking part in interview process for the newly appointed CEP Acting as guides during prospective year 7 parents evening Year 8 being the first Guild members to trial the new student reception process and so far it being a huge success. Leading on anti-bullying week 2015 and providing some really motivational comments for all YIA students. Alex Searle-Sandy and Ryan Puddy achieved the Aquila awareness award for having the best costumes on children in need and contributing to raising the profile of charity events. End of term 2 ‘Aquila Aspiration’ award was given to Mason Wakely for his participation within tutor time and for representing the guild so positively at all times. 3YA3 Miss Dennis were awarded with the top tutor group in the guild for receiving the most guild points over term 1 and 2 Lydia Jones and James Puddy received an award for achieving the most guild points in Aquila. 3YA1 Mrs Manning won the Guild quiz for term 1 and 2…. who will win this term!? Nathan Boskett has achieved his 5th degree junior black belt, the highest he can achieve until he is 16! Nathan also has his grade 4 violin exam upcoming. Robyn Humphries is taking part in a kickboxing completion this weekend and will update her progress.
Our guild has a real passion for bringing everyone together and as such will be hosting some inter guild and whole school charity events. The first to be a lip sync battle (date to be announced) and the second a quiz evening. Myself and the tutor team; Mrs. Manning 3YA1, Mrs. Brookes 3YA2, Miss Dennis 3YA3, Mrs. Beddow 10YA1 and Mrs. Spreadbury 11YA1 would like to thank you for your support so far this academic year. We are a relatively new team and are working hard to ensure the guild has a clear identity and high aspirations. On a final note we would like to wish all our year 11 students good luck in their upcoming mock exams. Mrs. Williams Head of Aquila
Aquila Guild are proud to identify Macmillan Cancer Support as our chosen Guild Charity for 2015/2016 in recognition of support they have provided for some members of the guild.
Issue 6 – January 2016
Guild News Continued
HELLO! FROM MR BOLSTER, HEAD OF GRIFFIN GUILD Happy New Year! I would like to begin this article by introducing myself. My name is Mr. Bolster and I am Head of Griffin Guild. Now in my 6th year at YIA, although I am relatively new to the Head of Guild Role, I am not new to the Academy. With my team of fantastic Griffin tutors, through assemblies and tutor group activities, this term has been spent building a positive guild ethos of respect and determination. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the students and seeing all of the amazing things that we are doing in lessons and outside of school. I have been delighted by all of the things that Griffin students have been involved in so far. They include;
Several students involved in Cross country, Rugby and netball fixtures. Anna Piper-Thompson (3Y/G1) achieving a truly magnificent Distinction Grade in the LAMBDA performing arts qualification. Joseph rehearsals involving Anna Piper-Thompson (3Y/G1) and Sophie Bennett (3Y/G1) Molly Mason (3Y/G1)continues to excel at BMXing Joe Hastings (3Y/G1) and Tavis Sutton (3YG1) both enjoying regular Sea Cadets training. Shannon McClurg (11Y/G1), Tiana McClurg (3Y/G2) and Rebecca Adams (3Y/G3) continue to amaze us with their incredible acro-gymnastic skills. They’ve been training extremely hard and will be hoping for great things in a big international competition at the end of January. Evie Williams (3Y/G2) has been training hard with Wotton-Under-Edge Hockey Club ready for important league fixtures coming soon. Tommie Bright (3Y/G2) continues to play well and train hard for both Charfield FC and Frampton, scoring in a recent 4-1 win and being voted man of the match!
It has been a real pleasure to work alongside such a marvelous group of hardworking staff and students, who have such a wide range of talents. I would like us to now encourage Griffin students to get involved in building a real ‘Guild Identity’ by participating and supporting a number of Guild charity projects and competitions which we will announce next term. Mr. Bolster Head of Griffin Guild
Griffin Guild are proud to identify Teenage cancer Trust as our chosen Guild Charity for 2015/2016.
Issue 6 – January 2016
Guild News Continued
HELLO! FROM MR MAGGS HEAD OF LION GUILD Welcome to 2016! Terms 1 and 2 have seen Lion students achieving success in many different aspects of Academy life. LION The Guild ethos “Truth, Strength and Pride” has been fundamental in this success and provides a focus for all Lion students. I have been amazed by all of the things that they have been involved in so far. They include;
Lion Guild Ambassadors organised two charity events which raised an amazing £226.65 for our Guild charity, SANDS (Stillbirth & neonatal death charity) All Lion students involved in Anti-bullying week and the ‘Make a Noise’ Campaign Lion Guild Attendance – 96.50% 53 Lion students have maintained 100% Attendance Jack Boulton 3Y/L3, Kelsey Williams 3Y/L3 and Jasmine Bull 3Y/L3 – Selected to represent South Gloucestershire Schools in the Avon Schools Cross country championship Kelsey Williams 3Y/L3 – 2015 British Tae Kwon Do Champion Jasmine Mulcock 3Y/L2 – Selected as YIA YR7 Netball Captain Trinity Lewis 3Y/L3 – Involved in Joseph rehearsals Lion Guild Ambassadors working as open evening support guides Madison Leppard 3Y/L2 – Awarded Level 2 certificate in Music Performance – Grade 4 Recorder Jasmine Bull 3Y/L3 - Selected to represent the South West U15 girls Football team Trinity Lewis 3Y/L3 – Part of the student interview panel for appointing the new Federation Chief Executive Thomas Keenan 11Y/L1 – Gaining work experience with local MP Luke Hall Jack Boulton 3Y/L2 – 4th place in regional swimming gala Kelsey Williams 3Y/L3 and Trinity Lewis 3Y/L2 – Awarded the Lion Pride Award for outstanding contribution to Lion Guild Key Stage 3 and 4 students all involved in Inter-Guild x-country, Rugby and Netball competitions.
I take great pride in working for our local community, and the students of Lion Guild continue to inspire me through their commitment and hard work. I would like us to now encourage Lion students to get involved in building a strong community spirit by participating and supporting a number of Guild charity projects and competitions which we will announce during terms 3 and 4. If as a community you wish to support Lion efforts please let us know how YOU are raising money for this charity or take a look at; www.justgiving.com/Albie-James-Maggs?utm_id+5 Well done for all of your hard work Mr. Maggs Head of Lion Guild
Lion Guild are proud to identify SANDS as our chosen Guild Charity for 2015/2016.
Issue 6 – January 2016
Guild News Continued
HELLO! FROM MR MATTHEWS HEAD OF PEGASUS GUILD Hello and Welcome to 2016! I would like to begin this article by introducing myself. My name is Mr. Matthews and I am Head of Pegasus Guild. I have been with the Ridings Federation since it was formed and before that as part of King Edmunds Community School. The students in Pegasus have been working hard in both terms 1 and 2 and have achieved top spot in the Guild points competition which is a fantastic collective achievement. One which I hope they can maintain with Lion Guild stalking behind in second place. Please see some of the achievements that individuals have been working on so far this year and give them a round of applause:
Holly Britton won the Concord Book advertisement competition for all of South Glos Schools, Holly drew a freehand version which was translated by a graphic artist as her prize and she went along with Nathan Boskett to work with artist to produce the finished version Cara Tippins winning a gold and bronze in the English Open Karate championships Toby Brewer – Assistant Musical director for The Juveniles for Joseph UK Tour 2016 Rhiannon Curle – walked 10 miles to raise money for a women who needed a prosthetic leg Gaby Powell – 2nd in kickboxing competition Katie Bassett – Won The ’Daisy Witney Award’ for excellence in Art Jamie Walden European championships 1st and 2nd in the Tang Soo Do tournaments Maia Boucher-White Avon – Track and Field Shot Putt (Gained a new Club Best and Personal Best) Emily Port - performed at the Royal Albert Hall (Acting) St. Nicholas Football Club (Alex Hulance, Mason Hawkins and Kylan Mapstone) beat Bristol City FC Under 12s 3-1 Milan Cacacie - won the 'Take the next step' competition and a trip to Paris!
It is really inspiring to work alongside such a motivated group of students who have such a wide variety of skills and interests and who strive to be the best at whatever it is they try their hand at. During term 3 / 4 Pegasus students will be engaging in their challenge to raise money for the chosen charity Cancer Research UK. Watch this spot or alternatively if as a community you wish to support Pegasus efforts please let us know how YOU are raising money for this charity! Mr. Matthews Head of Pegasus Guild
Pegasus Guild are proud to identify Cancer Research as our chosen Guild Charity for 2015/2016. So far this year Charlotte Youll has raised £180 and Rhiannon Curle £215 for a sponsored hair cut!
Issue 6 – January 2016
Guild News Continued
HELLO! FROM MRS BIRKETT HEAD OF PHOENIX GUILD I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas Holiday and are looking forward to the New Year at Yate International Academy. I would like to begin this article by introducing myself to you. My name is Mrs. Birkett and I am the new Head of Phoenix Guild. I started at Yate International Academy in September after teaching English at a secondary school in Swindon. I am looking forward to getting to know the students in Phoenix Guild and helping them to achieve the best grades possible over the year. I have been impressed with all of the things that Phoenix students have been involved in so far this year. They include:
Rehearsals for the school production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream coat Participating in school sports teams Collecting food parcels for the homeless at Christmas.
I have also been happy with the effort that the majority of students are putting into their lessons and homework tasks. Many students are receiving Guild Points for the determination, passion, honesty, respect, self-belief and teamwork that they are demonstrating in lessons. I have been particularly impressed with:
Michelle Allen, Kye Dudley, Ben Johnson, Ross Jones and Phoebe Walker for their effort in their English lessons Charlie Drew, Danny Frankcom, David McLeod, Almerio Soares and Storm Whittingham for their outstanding work in Humanities Emma Headington for producing exceptional Maths homework Rhiannon Jones and Hailie Phillips for teamwork in DT and Food Technology.
Due to the huge variety of personalities and talents in Phoenix Guild, I am excited about working with this group of hardworking and dedicated students. Over the next two terms, I would like us to focus on creating a strong and competitive Guild identity where we celebrate our achievements as a group. I would also like us to nominate a charity to support as a Guild. Throughout the year we will then arrange a number of projects in order to raise some money to donate to the selected charity. Well done for your outstanding effort so far! Mrs. Birkett Head of Phoenix Guild
Phoenix Guild are proud to identify as Pahar Trust – Nepal as our chosen Guild Charity for 2015/2016.
Issue 6 – January 2016
Lateness
Year 8 Student Receptionist Post
The Academy day starts at 8.45am. All students are expected to be in the Academy before the bell goes at 8.45am. Any student, who arrives after the bell, will be marked down as late and will receive a 20 minute detention on the same day. Please ensure you child arrives on time to the Academy.
The new Student Receptionist programme in year 8 has been in place since the beginning of term 3 and has been very successful. Students have enjoyed working with the reception staff throughout their day’s duty and have been engaged in a variety of different tasks. This has enabled students to broaden their insight and knowledge of how the school runs on a daily basis. All the students have earned Guild Points at the end of their day for Teamwork or Respect which are two of the new foci within the new Rewards Structure, also introduced this term. Well done and congratulations to all the students who have taken part thus far.
Year 11 Mocks The Year 11 Mock Exams ran smoothly with the students approaching this important event with great maturity.
SLT Surgery Teaching staff are now marking the exams and ensuring that they provide detailed and specific feedback to students to help them make the next steps towards reaching their target grades. In the week commencing Monday 22nd February, students will have an official “Results’ Day” and be presented with their results in line with the actual GCSE results on 25th August 2016. This will offer them a real practice run for the real event.
Monday 22nd February 4pm – 7pm Please come along to our Drop-In sessions and speak to a member of the Senior Leadership Team, this is an informal chance to have a cup of tea and to ask any questions that you may have. These surgeries run on the first day back following each holiday. Keeping up our appearance
Their results will include the “Next Steps” which staff have written and then it will be down to our students to put those actions in place. We have every confidence that they will take on board the advice given to achieve the very best that they can.
Whilst the standard of uniform has improved it is important that we maintain it. Recently there have been a few girls starting to wear the lycra style skirts that are simply too short. Can we remind you that these are not appropriate for school. Can we also ask that you ensure students have black leather shoes to wear.
Contact Us All staff can be contacted using their firstname.surname@trfyia.org.uk. i.e. john.smith@trfyia.org.uk If you wish to contact someone regarding your child, your first point of call is their mentor, for further assistance your child’s Head of Guild would be the next point of call. For operational matters regarding YIA (Primary Phase) Woodlands site – Please contact Mrs. Sarah Findlay-Cobb on 01454 866535 or email primary@trfyia.org.uk For operational matters regarding YIA (Secondary Phase) – Please contact Mr. Paul Skipp on 01454 333560 or email office@trfyia.org.uk For matters appertaining to policy and practice of any of the phases within The Ridings’ Federation of Academies, please contact Mrs. Suzanne Head on 01454 252000 or email office@trfyia.org.uk