WIA newsletter December 2012

Academy Newsletter Edition 20, December 2012 EARLY CLOSURE End of Term Arrangements: The Academy will close to all students at 1.20pm on Friday, 21st December 2012. This will also be a non uniform day.

Message from the Academy Principal, Mr R C Evans On 22nd November 2012 we held our third Federation Presentation Evening at the Wills Building, University of Bristol. This event celebrated the considerable achievements of students from last year’s Year 11 at both Winterbourne and Yate International Academies. The special guest for the evening was Vernon Samuels, Olympic Triple Jumper (Seoul 1998), who gave an inspirational speech on his life and sporting successes which was extremely well received.

Subject Prizes for Outstanding Achievement throughout Key Stage 4: Art Biology Business Studies BTEC Chemistry Engineering English Language English Literature Food Technology French Geography History ICT Mathematics Physics Product Design Religious Studies Science, Double Award Business Studies Childcare Drama German Music PE Photography Science, Applied Science, Single Award Sociology Spanish Systems Textiles

Christine Joe Lahiru Anya James Louise Natasha Alex Rhiannon April Emma Nancy Kapil Oscar Rebecca Esther Rose Ashley Ellen Jordan Phillipa Levanna Hayley Rowena Anthony Samuel Nye Zoe Marko Kim

SLATTERY DAVIES PEIRIS APPOO BEAVIS CHANDLER BENNETTS CRAIG BUCKLEY PEARCE HAZELWOOD WILLIAMS AGARWAL HATFIELD CROCKER PRITCHARD CRONIN HARRIS FARE PINSKER SLAYNE McLEAN ORCHARD PRITCHARD MORLAND GILLARD REES JOHNSON DOGRAMADZI GROSVENOR

1

Special Awards and Memorial Awards: Academy Principal’s Award for Outstanding Achievement at GCSE:

Kapil

AGARWAL

Girl Boy

Emma Thomas

LOVELOCK PREEN

Federation Community Shield:

Ellen

FARE

University of Bath Award for Promoting Internationalism:

George

PULLEN

Beth Jim

LANGLEY GREEN

Rianne Jack

LEWIS DIGBY

Lucy Tom

GAZZARD STREET

Academy Principal’s Award for the Most Progress made KS2 to KS4:

Academy Principal’s Award for Attendance: Girl Boy Eddie Gregg Award for Outstanding Achievement in PE: Girl Boy Kostas Lazarides Award for Significant Overall Contribution at Key Stage 4: Girl Boy

We have also held two successful Open Evenings since the last Newsletter. On 4th October 2012 the Academy held its annual Year 7 Open Evening for next year’s prospective Year 7 students and on 7th November 2012 we held the Sixth Form Open Evening for prospective Year 12 students. A follow up IB Information Evening was also held on 21st November 2012 and a number of other events are planned for students interested in progressing to the Federation Sixth Form. May I remind you that Sixth Form applications should be submitted by Friday, 21st December 2012.

The Friends’ of Winterbourne International Academy held their annual Christmas Market on Saturday, 24th November 2012. Once again, this event was a great success - I would like to express my continued thanks to the work of The Friends and would appeal to other parents/carers to join The Friends’ Committee in their excellent work.

I am also pleased to inform you that our Children in Need Day on 16th November 2012 raised a total of £1523.57. Congratulations to all involved on this excellent effort.

Capital Investment Phase 1 of the building work is now almost completed. This has involved: building a large extension to the Technology Block; constructing two additional classrooms on the Sports Hall Balcony; converting the Conference Room into a Textiles Studio.

After the Christmas holiday period, Phase 2 will commence which will involve the demolition of D Block, the existing Library and the Main Hall/Old Gymnasium. This will then enable the main new building to be constructed in the existing central courtyard area. Clearly, with the scale of the project increasing, there will be further movement restrictions on the main site and all students will receive a full briefing before the end of Term.

May I also remind you that: All access for staff, students and parents/carers is now via the rear of the Academy.

Parents/carers visiting the site must sign in at the new temporary Reception Area at the Sports Hall.

No parking for parents/carers and visitors on the Academy site.

I would like to take this opportunity to ask all parents/carers to be especially considerate to the local community at the start and end of the Academy Day when dropping off and collecting students. In particular, parking has been an issue especially in the Flaxpits Lane, Bradley Avenue and Parkside Avenue areas. Your co-operation of this matter would be much appreciated. There is also a separate section on the website (www.trfwia.org.uk) dedicated to the new build, which will be updated regularly with the latest information regarding the building works.

Congratulations to Year 10 student Matt Griggs who had the privilege to perform in front of Her Majesty the Queen during her recent visit to the Bristol Old Vic. In my last Newsletter, I outlined the Academy’s gratitude to Bristol Rugby Club in continuing to provide complimentary tickets for a number of their fixtures during the season. Our thanks also to Bristol Rovers who have invited the Academy to their fixture on 1st February 2013 against Barnet FC. As we approach winter, I would like to highlight that staff will endeavour to keep the Academy fully open in severe weather conditions. However, we have a duty of care to all the students and staff which may require a full or partial closure. Any such decision will be communicated to parents/carers by text and on the Academy website (www.trfwia.org.uk). The local media will also be informed of any decision to close.

In this final Newsletter of 2012, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year with a reminder that Term 3 will commence on Monday, 7th January 2013.

Joyeux NoĂŤl! Feliz Navidad! FrĂśhliche Weihnachten! Nadolig Llawen!

Mr R C Evans Academy Principal

NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION DATES 2012-2013 For information the 2011-2012 Academy newsletter will be produced on the following dates with copies also posted on the Academy website (www.trfwia.org.uk): Thursday 31st January 2013 Thursday 14th March 2013 Thursday 16th May 2013 Thursday 11th July 2013 Paper versions will be distributed to all parents/carers who have requested such a copy.

PARKING There is no parking available for parents/carers and visitors on the Academy site Parents/carers are asked to be considerate to the local community when dropping off and collecting their children at the start and end of the Academy day.

On Tuesday 7th November 2012 the following students competed in the South West England Regional Final of the UK Maths Team Challenge. To get there they had to win their heat, competing against schools from South Gloucester.

In the Regional Final they had to compete against the winners of other heats from across the South West of England. They put in a valiant effort and were a credit to the school and came a very close 4th out of 8 teams (they missed 3rd place by two points).

Congratulations to Tom Johnston, Josie Cable, Will Hardie Brown and Karim Allaouat.

YEAR 8 TRIP TO PRIVATE PEACEFUL... by Millie Crocker (8.1) On 4th October 2012, a group of Year 8 students went to watch the first screening of the film Private Peaceful at the Odeon, Leicester Square, London. They also had a Question and Answer session with the author Michael Morpurgo.

The film is set during World War 1 and portrays the bond between two brothers: Charlie (Jack O’Connell) and Tommo Peaceful (George McKay). It was directed by Pat O’Connor, who adapts the story well.

The film is moving and emotionally challenging - both upsetting and touching, conveying how unfair and treacherous war really is.

Much of the story unfolds in France and the settings, such as the trenches where the soldiers lived together in cramped filthy conditions, were incredible. Much thought had been given to these scenes and other locations used for the film, helping the viewer imagine the tension between the soldiers: some grieving, some sick, some in pain or even being cheerful. However, in my view, there were some very important elements that were missed out, for example: the importance of the character, Big Joe who was Tommo and Charlie’s older brother. Joe rarely featured in the film and yet in the book, he influenced many aspects of the story.

Although some parts of the book were left-out, the film was brilliant. Overall, the experience was very enjoyable.

The following pupils in year 7 made Christmas cards and sold sweets to raise £25.02 for children in need.

They gave up their lunchtimes to create the cards.

Daisy Seymour 7.1 Fiona Pace 7.4 Emily Bayfield7.4 Freya Howorth7.4 Katie Thomas 7.5 Jennella Perez 7.3

Lydia Leonard 7.4 Abbie Buckingham 7.5 Phoebe Newman 7.4 Brooke Brimicombe 7.1 Tegan Horlock 7.1

CHRISTMAS MARKET AND DRAW A BIG thank you to everyone, who contributed to our Christmas Market on Saturday 24th November 2012 - parents, who sent in donations for the tombola & raffle; students who helped put out the tables & chairs on Friday night; parents, staff & students, who helped or came along on the day. Your support was SO appreciated! We would also like to thank the following organisations, which kindly supported our fundraising:

Airbus Avon Valley Railway Berkeley Castle Birdland South Glos Leisure Riverside Leisure Centre The Relaxation Centre, Clifton Three Choirs Vineyard, Glos Post Office, Winterbourne Michael Rich Photography, Winterbourne Fruit & Veg Patch, Frampton Cotterell Spoilt Hair and Beauty, Winterbourne

Bristol Rovers Bristol Water Cattle Country Adventure Park Gloucestershire County Cricket Old Down Country Park SS Great Britain Theatre Royal, Bath Tesco, Yate Bradley Avenue Newsagents Frome Valley Farm Shop

………&, of course, our stall holders! At the time of writing, I’m afraid we don’t yet have a final figure raised, but we can say that the day was a great success.

THE COMMITTEE Just a reminder that your new officers for 2012-13 are: Alison Bray – Chairperson Jane Harris - Secretary Thomas Koeller – Treasurer (amended from last Newsletter)

CHRISTMAS TREES White Christmas Tree Farm on the corner of Badminton Road and Down Road has kindly agreed to support the Friends this Christmas!!

When you buy your Christmas Tree from White Christmas Tree Farm at the recommended retail price and HAND IN THE COUPON BELOW, £5 will be donated back to the Friends!!

Please support us this Christmas!

6

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------NEXT MEETING Our next meeting is on Wednesday 23rd January 2013 at 7.30pm.

All parents are members of the Friends & you are welcome to come along to any of our meetings, without having to join the Committee. We would really appreciate some new ideas for social or fundraising events. So…if you have any suggestions or would like to join our list of Supporters, please contact Alison Bray via the Academy Reception or email office@trfwia.org.uk marked FAO Alison Bray The Friends.

MUSIC

On Sunday 25th November 2012 students from the Academy went to play music at a Christmas Party for the Jessie May Trust.

Their contribution was very gratefully received and they were wonderful ambassadors for the Academy (see photograph).

7

THE ACADEMY ALLOTMENT...by Jennifer Bromiley – Year 11 My name is Jennifer Bromiley, I am in Year 11 at the Winterbourne International Academy and I am going to tell you about the allotment that we have. Will Chamberlain, Mrs Milsom-Dyer and I have been looking after this allotment since the start of Year 10.

We have done lots of work, e.g. weeding, raking the soil and planting different vegetables like lettuce, cabbage, courgette, runner beans, peas, beetroot, carrots, red onions and we did have spring onions.

It has been rewarding to pick the produce and share it out. Hopefully, this year’s allotment will be even more successful!

THE BOY IN THE STRIPED PYJAMAS EXPLAINED... By Jack Mellor and Will Pearce, Year 8 Last month we were fortunate enough to have a guest speaker on the Holocaust to visit Winterbourne International Academy, to speak to some of our Year 8 students. He explained to students the context of the film a Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. The students responded with relevant questions and developed a clearer understanding of antiSemitism. Mrs Gray.

The man who came to visit us to talk about the Holocaust was really good because he was interesting and answered all our difficult questions. He told us lots of different facts about the Holocaust, for example the use of gas pellets, how the prisoners were tattooed, the striped pyjamas that they were made to wear so they all looked the same and were humiliated and how the shoes were piled up after the prisoners were gassed.

The story he told about his family, who were held in the prisoner of war camps because they were Jewish, I found very sad. When he showed us the final scene from the film, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, although I had seen the film before I had not understood its meaning until we met this man.

In the assembly on the Holocaust we learnt about the camps for Jews in the 1940s (holding and extermination). We watched parts of the film, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and learnt about racism against Jews which is called anti-Semitism. I found this assembly really interesting because I found out information I didn’t know before and really should.

8

CAREERS EVENING – THURSDAY 11th OCTOBER Fourteen organisations were present at this year’s Careers Evening to provide information and advice to pupils in years 11 -13.

Representatives from local training providers, local industry, Further and Higher Education, Connexions and The Ridings’ Federation Sixth Form were in attendance.

YEAR 8 AMBITIONS CAREERS TRIP - WEDNESDAY 24TH OCTOBER All Year 8 students visited the Ambitions Careers Event held at the University of the West of England on the afternoon of Wednesday 24th October 2012. More than 80 local and regional organisations, including employers, universities, colleges, training providers and volunteering organisations were represented.

Students were able to get an insight into a variety of careers areas through talks and practical interactive workshop activities, and gain an understanding of the sorts of skills and abilities that local and national employers' value in potential employees.

YEAR 11 MOCK INTERVIEWS – 12TH, 13TH AND 14TH NOVEMBER Year 11 students were again given the opportunity to practise their interviewing skills with local industrialists on 12th, 13th an 14th November 2012. This was a follow up to a series of tutorial sessions, during which students had completed CVs, letters and application forms. Each student was given a 25 minute interview which included a debriefing.

Generally the employers were very impressed with how the students presented themselves in the interviews, but stressed the need for students to recognize the importance of neatness, accuracy and “selling themselves” in their applications.

The Academy is very grateful to the following for providing the 23 interviewers who took part over the 3 days: Airbus Brunel and Gordano Training City of Bristol College Indesit JCP Operations

Royal Bank of Scotland South Gloucestershire & Stroud College South Gloucestershire Council Tesco Tulip Limited

Two interviewers had to cancel at short notice, but their interviews will be rearranged in the New Year.

YEAR 9 REAL GAME MORNING - WEDNESDAY 28TH NOVEMBER Year 9 tutors delivered a citizenship/careers package called THE REAL GAME to their tutees throughout the morning on Wednesday 28th November 2012.

Early in the “game”, students were encouraged to consider their ideal lifestyle. Next, the students found it necessary to review their ideals after assuming an occupational role. This involved budgeting their earnings and leisure time, and understanding how work affects lifestyle.

The focus was on exploring the world of work in an active and participative way, and the materials helped students prepare for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences they might encounter in adult life.

9

International INTRODUCING THE MIDDLE YEARS PROGRAMME

“Life in the 21st Century places many changing demands on students making the transition through adolescence. They are at a crucial period of personal, social, physical and intellectual development, of uncertainty and of questioning. The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme is designed to help them find a sense of belonging in the everchanging and increasingly interrelated world around them and to foster a positive attitude to learning.”

[IBO] In September 2012, the Academy introduced the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (MYP) with Year 7 students. Designed to encourage students to embrace and understand the connection between traditional subjects and the real world, the programme supports the development of key skills and allows students to become critical and reflective thinkers.

The MYP is part of the International Baccalaureate Organisation who we already work with on the Diploma Programme. A key difference, however, is that the MYP is not a qualification (as the Diploma is), instead it provides a framework which encourages a positive attitude to learning by challenging students to solve problems, show creativity and resourcefulness and participate in their communities.

Following an introductory assembly, Year 7 students began working on understanding the key concepts of MYP. They considered aspects of the Learner Profile (a list of the characteristics we are trying to develop in our students) and how they thought it reflects them as learners. They created and presented mobiles which represented how the attributes applied to them and decided on actions they could take to develop others.

Students discussed the five Areas of Interaction (the “lenses” through which lessons are taught) and were introduced to Approaches to Learning.

Approaches to Learning are the skills that students will learn such as organisation, collaboration, reflection and communication. They record the activities they do around the school in their “Passport for Learning”.

The key part of the MYP, however, is that it not a standalone subject. Each subject teacher uses the principles of MYP to teach their lessons. Unit questions will be discussed, links to other subjects will be made and real life examples shared. Students will have the chance to recognise how the same skill looks when it is applied in different subjects. Teachers will use a common language, encouraging students to become knowledgeable, principled risk takers who understand what it means to be “internationally minded” and who have appositive attitude to learning.

International Club All Students are invited to the International Club which takes place every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. For more information, please speak to Mrs Adams.

10

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES ...One of Our Specialisms

GERMAN TRIP TO THE BLACK FOREST Year 8, 9 and 10 students studying German have the opportunity to participate in a trip to the Black Forest from 15th to 19th July 2013.

This is a wonderful opportunity for students to practise their German in an authentic setting.

All travel, accommodation and excursion costs are included in the price. Highlights include a toboggan run, a trip to Freiburg and a day at the Europa Park theme park!

Any students who are interested should see Miss Szczekala in the Languages Work Room.

The deposit of £60 needs to be paid by 19th December 2012 to secure your place.

COME ALONG TO THE LANGUAGES CLUB! In languages club, we’ve been learning short dialogues in French, German, Spanish, Italian and Japanese. You can see videos of this on the school website: http://www.trfwia.org.uk/index.php/subjects/subjects-languages We’ve also been learning how to Flamenco dance!

All welcome to join us Monday lunch time 1.40 in room AG4.

11

Sport at Winterbourne International Academy continues to go from strength to strength with the Academy enjoying another outstanding year so far, in a wide range of activities.

The Year 9 football team embark upon the English Schools Football Association national cup run again and hope to go one or two rounds better this year having made the quarter final stage last year, where they narrowly lost to Whitgift School from Surrey. We are currently in the 4th round and play at St Peters School in Gloucester on Wednesday the 5th December. The football season starts again in January 2013, where all teams will be involved in league and cup fixtures.

In November 2012 we also hosted the South Glos 5-A-Side football finals at our fantastic Sports Hall and our Year 7 boys competed well, coming third in the finals. All visiting schools were very complimentary about our excellent facilities.

The girls competed in the NPower Football League U13 Girls Cup at Filton Wise Campus – we were allowed to field two teams on the day, due to the interest in girl’s football at the Academy. Both teams competed very well and gave a good account of themselves, although having the two youngest teams.

The tournament consisted of eleven teams from the Bristol and South Glos area, with our sides picking up a 3rd and 8th place finish. Every girl was a credit to themselves and the Academy with a little mention for Ruby Michael scoring a couple of hat-tricks during the day and both Ellie Michael & Rachel Plenty solid in their performances. Well Done to Mo Hopkins who runs the girls football for the PE Department.

In rugby we have also enjoyed many victories in all Year Groups and it was great to see us host the South Glos Schools tournament at Winterbourne International Academy Sports Fields. This tournament run on consecutive evenings all week and involved approximately 1000 students across the county.

We also now have an exciting new Elite Development Academy run by Mr Penhale that has the best of our rugby players from each year. The Elite Rugby Academy has been set up this to develop and nurture the most talented rugby players. Twenty students (of which 5 currently play for Bristol Rugby Youth) train 2 mornings a week at Winterbourne International Academy sports village. This Elite Academy has been fully endorsed by Bristol Rugby Youth Academy Manager Mike Hall. Bristol Rugby’s Involvement means pupils in the Academy will benefit from specialist coaching and will be given the opportunity to meet and train alongside Bristol Rugby 1 ST team. This new initiative is a fantastic provision for all the students involved and is an example of Winterbourne International Academy’s commitment to promoting excellence.

WATER POLO On Friday 30th November 2012, the students were chosen who will represent the Winterbourne International Academy Water Polo team.

Matches will commence in Term 3 of the New Year with local schools and thanks must go to Mr. Hopkins for his encouragement and support.

12

ANNIE LEWIS Annie, a natural runner, is now an enthusiastic member of Yate & District Athletic Club undergoing serious coaching to develop her track and long jump competitive ability. She also represents Winterbourne International Academy in track and field events.

Since 2009, Annie has been playing in the Avon Youth Football Association League and has developed into a proven goal scoring striker. She was named manager's ''Player of the Year'' for the 2010/2011 winter season. In the 2011/2012 winter season while concentrating on athletic sprint and stamina training she achieved highest scoring striker in the Bristol Girls Football League with 17 goals to her credit.

Only just celebrating her 13th birthday good progress was made during the 2012 athletic season against the odds of competing in an older age group. In recognition her club awarded her Under 15 Girls Athlete of the Year Runner-Up. Retaining her F.A. registration Annie has decided against playing soccer during the 2012/13 winter season in order to concentrate on her track and field training, while also participating in selected cross country and indoor events.

Netball continues to be a success with all Years continuing to do well in an ongoing fixture list. The Year 7 girls have done particularly well this year and remain unbeaten in all school games. They also did well representing Winterbourne International Academy at the South Glos Netball tournament. Well done girls.

The Year 10/11 girl’s netball teams have also done well and are involved in fund raising activities to help them go on tour in the New Year. They had a stall at the Winterbourne International Academy Christmas Market selling homemade Christmas goodies and raised over £90 toward their cause. Well done girls.

Basketball This year has been the most high profile year of basketball at Winterbourne International Academy in recent years. Two squads at both U16 and U14 level have been training weekly, with the help of basketball legend, Mr Bateman. The U14s are currently competing in the English Schools League and although losing the first 2 games, the young but talented squad show a lot of promise. Seb Hodge, the teams point guard said; “we have improved through both games and are staring to find our rhythm on the offensive end. We look forward to our next game against Redland Green in a few weeks”. The U16s are training hard ready for the start of their competition in the New Year.

13

CALENDAR MONDAY

7

JANUARY

TERM 3 BEGINS

Wednesday

9

January

Year 8 Pathways Evening (Tutor Groups 1-5)

Thursday

10

January

Year 10 Post-16 Taster Days Year 8 Pathways Evening (Tutor Groups 6-10)

Friday

11

January

Year 10 Post-16 Taster Days

Monday

14

January

Year 8 Humanities Parkend Trip Starts Year 11 Food Manufacturing Practicals Week

Wednesday

16

January

Student Voice Meeting (Year Council Period 1) Year 11 Subject Reports Issued

Thursday

17

January

Year 11 Parent/Carer Subject Report Evening

Friday

18

January

Year 8 Humanities Parkend Trip Ends

21 January - 25 January Wednesday

23

January

Academy Production Year 8 Subject Reports Issued Friends of WIA Meeting (7.30pm)

Tuesday

29

January

Year 8 Subject Report/Pathways Advice Evening

Thursday

31

January

Academy Newsletter Issued

Friday

1

February

Year 11 Music Assessments

2 February - 6 February

Years 8, 9 and 10 Spanish trip to AndalucĂ­a

Monday

4

February

Year 12 International Activity Event (all Year 12)

Wednesday

6

February

Year 10 Progress Reports Issued Student Focus Group Meeting (Period 1) Year 8 International Day

Thursday

7

February

Intermediate Maths Challenge (Years 9-11) Year 10 Parent/Carer Subject Report Evening

Friday

8

February

Year 8 Pathways Forum Return Deadline Parish Liaison Meeting (11.30am)

Friday

8

February

11 February - 15 February

TERM 3 ENDS HOLIDAY

14

TERM DATES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2012-2013 2013 Term Three Monday 7th January 2013 - Friday 8th February 2013 Holiday Monday 11th February 2013 - Friday 15th February 2013

Term Four Monday 18th February 2013 - Friday 22nd March 2013 Holiday Monday 25th March 2013 - Friday 5th April 2013

Term Five Monday 8th April 2013 - Friday 24th May 2013 Holiday Monday 27th May 2013 - Friday 31st May 2013

Term Six Monday 3rd June 2013 Ends Wednesday 24th July 2013

TERM DATES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2013-2014 Term One Monday 2nd September 2013 - Friday 25th October 2013 Holiday Monday 28th October 2013 - Friday 1st November 2013

Term Two Monday 4th November 2013 - Friday 20th December 2013 Holiday Monday 23rd December 2013 - Friday 3rd January 2014

2014 Term Three Monday 6th January 2014 - Friday 14th February 2014 Holiday Monday 17th February 2014 - Friday 21st February 2014

Term Four Monday 24th February 2014 - Friday 4th April 2014 Holiday Monday 7th April 2014 – Monday 21st April 2014

Term Five Tuesday 22nd April 2014 - Friday 23rd May 2014 Holiday Monday 26th May 2014 - Friday 30th May 2014

Term Six Monday 2nd June 2014 Ends Tuesday 22nd July 2014

15

16