Bexley Business Newsletter

Inside this issue:

Sixth Form Update 2

Election of Parent

Governor

3-4

Gifted & Talented 5

Messages from

Your Heads of

House

6-7

Success at Slam

Poetry Event

8

Messages from Mrs

Tomlin

9

Academy Uniform 10

Newsletters by

Email?

11

The „Prefect

Factor‟

12

FLO‟s Column 13

Salon Opening to

Public

14

Newsletter

Yarnton Way

Erith

Kent

DA18 4DW

0208 320 4800

Email:[email protected]

www.thebusinessacademy.org

T he

Bus ine ss

A c ad em y

Be x le y

January 2011

Issue 4

Term Dates

Dates for Your

Diary

15

16

A Message from Mr Thompson

I would like to say a big thank you to everyone for the welcome I have

received since starting at the Business Academy Bexley.

I am writing this at the end of my second week in the school and I have

been overwhelmed by what an amazing place it is. The students, staff

and parents that I have met and worked with have all demonstrated that

the school is truly on its way to being outstanding and I am very excited

about being able to join everyone in that journey.

I have taught in a number of schools throughout the country and hope

that my experiences, along with my desire to see every individual reach

their full potential, will be of benefit to the school.

If I haven‟t already done so I look forward to meeting you over the

coming weeks and working with you to achieve all our goals.

Mr B Thompson, Deputy Headteacher

Happy New Year! Welcome back and Happy New Year from us all at the Academy. We

have started the New Year on a high note with exceptional examination

results for our early entry Maths and English students in Year 11.

Congratulations to students and staff for achieving 94% A*-C in both

subjects.

I am delighted that so many parents have expressed an interest in

supporting the Academy through attending our New Parents‟ Council

chaired by Mr Hewson. We are looking forward to working together to

continuously improve the quality of our provision and become an

outstanding school.

One of our key priorities this term is forging close links with all of our

partner primary schools to ensure that we ease transition from primary

to secondary school and I have been grateful for the tremendous support

received from both staff and students at the Academy.

Finally, in the interests of greater security and safety additional fencing

has been constructed to protect our playground areas.

May I take this opportunity to again thank you for your continued

support for the Academy.

Guy Nichols

Headteacher Secondary

The Beginning of the End:

As we dive into 2011 our Sixth Form students are immediately confronted with January

examinations. Our first examinations began on 10th Jan and this examination series will not

end until Monday 31st January for some of our students. It is therefore critical to highlight the

importance that support at home for students revision is crucial to student‟s success.

This is the term that really makes the difference and the term that students must pull out all

the stops to have success within their final examinations in the summer. We only have 11

teaching weeks until we break for Easter. This may sound like a lot of time, however with so

much teaching to be completed, all our students need to be aware of the little time they have

to make the necessary progress within their subjects.

Attendance:

Attendance will continue to dominate our strive to become outstanding. In the Autumn term

our attendance in both Y12 and Y13 peaked above 90% which was an increase of over 20%

within the same period from the previous year. Whilst we are happy with this increase our

target is to have our attendance over 95% for the Spring Term. We very much appreciate

parents/carers involvement with supporting our students in getting to school on time and in

each day. If a student is off ill they must report to the Sixth Form office on their return with a

valid letter to explain their absence.

Applications for September 2011:

We are now over-subscribed for applications for our September 2011 intake. Although we are

over-subscribed we are still accepting applications so if you have not yet applied pleased do so

as a matter of urgency. If you do not apply you will not have a place.

Sixth Form Parents Committee:

On Wednesday 26th January we are launching the Sixth Form Parents‟ Pioneer Group.

Membership to the committee is open to any parents who would like to be involved in the

development of the Sixth Form. The first meeting will take place at BAB between 5.30 –

6.15pm. Please contact the Sixth Form Office on 0208 320 4834 if you wish to become a

member.

Important Dates for your Diary:

Wednesday 26th January – The launch of the Sixth Form Parents Committee

Thursday 10th March – January examination Results given to students

Thursday 31th March – Y12/ Y13 Parents Evening

Monday 9th May – Summer examinations begin

Friday 13th May – Y12 Study Leave

Friday 27th May – Y13 leave and the provisional date for the Y13 Leavers Ball

Monday 6th June – Y12 return to start their Y13 courses

If you have any questions or queries please do not hesitate to contact the Sixth Form Office at

the Academy.

Mr W Pemberton

Assistant Headteacher, Head of Sixth Form

Sixth Form Update

Newsletter

Issue 4

Governing Body - Election of Parent Governor

Dear Parent

GOVERNING BODY – ELECTION OF PARENT GOVERNOR

You will probably be aware that, over recent years, there has been a trend nationally to encourage parents and, indeed, all members of the public to become involved in

the governance of schools. Every school, including the Academy, has a governing body and ours is made up of parents of students, people with an interest in local

affairs, the Principal, the Chief Executive, staff and sponsor governors.

The term of office for all elected governors is four years although a parent is required to resign as governor if his or her child leaves the Academy within that four year

period. The Academy currently has a vacancy for a parent governor and all parents, if they currently have a child registered at the Academy, are eligible for nomination as a

parent governor. Ordinary meetings of the governing body take place three times a year in Central London, normally between 5pm – 7.30pm, and there are also meetings of committees as necessary. It is hoped however that members will lend support to

the Academy on other occasions and become acquainted with educational issues as

they affect us in the day to day running.

I have been asked to point out that a parent governor is not a delegate and therefore is not obliged to reflect the views of the parent body. All members of the governing

body act according to their own consciences and points of view.

I am therefore writing to invite nominations for the position of Parent Governor. If you wish to be nominated, you should complete the Parent Governor Nomination Form

(on page 4), asking two other parents to propose and second you by completing and signing the form. It would be helpful if you provide a brief statement, of no more than 100 words, explaining why you want to be the parent governor. This will only be

used in the event of a vote being necessary.

I would be grateful if you would please let Jane Stanley, as Clerk to the Governing

Body, have your nomination by noon on Friday 28 January 2011. This may be

posted to Jane or handed in to Reception by your registered child at the Academy.

If more than one nomination for parent governor is received Jane Stanley will write to you inviting you to vote by secret ballot. Otherwise, if there is only one nominee he/she will automatically become the elected parent governor of the Academy‟s

governing body. In any case I will write to you to inform you of the outcome of the

process.

We would warmly welcome a new parent governor on the Board and should you wish to discuss the role and responsibilities please contact Sam Elms, Chief Executive on

0208 320 4813 who will be happy to discuss it with you.

Yours sincerely

Tim Garnham

Chair of Governors

Newsletter

PARENT GOVERNOR NOMINATION FORM

PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM TO THE RETURNING OFFICER, JANE STANLEY, SECONDARY

SECTION BY NOON FRIDAY 28 JANUARY 2011.

1. Please enter in BLOCK CAPITAL letters your name and address. You must be a parent of

a student registered at the Academy.

Name ................................................................................................................

Address:

Signature or person nominated..................................................................................

Parent of ..........................................................................................(name of student(s))

Brief statement supporting application:

2. Proposed by Name....................................................................

Signed....................................................................

Parent of .............................................................(name of student(s))

3. Seconded by Name....................................................................

Signed....................................................................

Parent of .............................................................(name of student(s))

PLEASE NOTE THAT PROPOSER AND SECONDER MUST ALSO BE PARENTS OF A STUDENT OR

STUDENTS, CURRENTLY ATTENDING EITHER THE PRIMARY OR SECONDARY SECTION OF THE

ACADEMY.

IT DOES NOT RELATE TO STUDENTS ATTENDING THE NURSERY WHICH IS A SEPARATE LEGAL

ENTITY.

Mega Mentoring is Magic!

Here at the

Academy there are

identified Gifted

and Ta l en ted

students – this

means students

that excel in either

one subject or a

range of subjects.

As part of the

provision for those

G&T students in

Year 11 the school

has assigned an

individual mentor

to guide them to

success in Year

11.

These mentors are our very own dedicated teachers who give up their time to meet with us on

a regular basis. We meet to discuss any current issues and concerns, such as coursework

deadlines and our progress in lessons. These meetings are great because they keep us up to

date and focused on the important things that are coming up, setting targets and deadlines

that we know we have to meet!

Additionally, our mentors get us to think about our future, focusing on our ambitions and

aspirations, what we want to achieve and how we are going to do it. This is really motivating

and has made the meetings really helpful.

Most recently, in preparation for the Christmas holidays,

we completed a questionnaire to help us reflect on our

own strength and weaknesses, as well as a priority grid

that focused our attention on what we really need to

concentrate on over the next few weeks. “This really

helped me think about which areas I need to improve on to make me more efficient, as well as

what tasks need to be done by when.” (James Wade).

As well as being another person to talk to about concerns with our GCSEs, our mentors are

also always there to help with anything else we need, such as sixth form applications or exam

preparation for specific subjects.

Big up to all dem mentors!

Miss Hourmouzious

Gifted & Talented

Issue 4

“This really helped me think about

which areas I need to improve on to

make me more efficient, as well as

what tasks need to be done by

when.” (James Wade).

Messages from Your Heads of House

Newsletter

Green House Considering the hard work of the students and staff it has been a disappointing first two terms of this

academic year finishing in last place! Although, the silver lining is that it is one of the closest run Inter-

House competitions in years. So there is still hope! This year has seen the introduction of student led

assemblies and these have been of an incredibly high standard and very successful. Well done to Mr

Ferreira and Miss Hourmouzios and their tutor groups for their productions.

The Green House senior students have been working hard and there has been great competition for

places. The latest place being awarded to Tim Fay from Year 11. Any interested students are

encouraged to write a short letter to their Head of House outlining their skills and qualities that would

make them good senior students.

The next two terms are very important for Green House. As the Champion House from last year it is very

important to be back in winning ways. I am certain the students will turn the situation around and it will

be a very successful two terms and come Easter, Green will be the colour called last! I would like to use

the words of General George S. Patton, the American general, 1885-1945, as a motto for the next term

in Green House... ―Success is how high you bounce when you hit bottom.‖

Mr Easton, Head of Green House

Last term ended with success again for Blue House as we finished 1st in the house point standings for the

last 2 terms. This is not unfamiliar territory for us at the start of the year but it is important that we

keep up the hard work to try and finish in 1st place at the end of the school year. It has been

encouraging to see since the start of September how dedicated and focused many of the Blue House

students are and long may it continue.

With the introduction of the new House point scoring system it is really great to see how close the

competition is between all Houses. It does go to show that in previous years when Blue House have not

won there may have been sinister reasons behind this.

I am proud to announce that Abimbola Fashina (Year 12) has been appointed the new Head Student

for Blue House with Victor Aregbesola-Allen (Year 13) as her number 2. I wish both students the

best of luck in their new roles.

The Blue House senior students do an incredible job with their charity topic and worked really hard in

organising the message wall for “children in need” last term. This rose to well over £800 and it was

really good to see some nice messages sent to those less privileged.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish all students, but especially Blue House, good luck in the

upcoming A‟s and GCSE exams. I am sure that if you remain focussed and work hard you will receive the

success that you desire.

Long live Blue House!

Mr Cook, Head of Blue House

Blue House

Newsletter

Last term Red House finished in fourth place, not the best result but we still have some time to pick up

our game and climb to the top.

Red House have been working hard on their Competition Day, we have some lovely models of the Great

Wall of China, the Hollywood sign and Lapland. We have also had some lovely quizzes and a brilliant

House newsletter produced by Mr Button‟s tutor group. I am looking forward to having music by Mrs

Moulton and Mr Dennis during our assembly and to have two assemblies that will be taken by the

students.

I hope Red House will have a successful term and if you are in Red House please make sure you get

loads of House points!

Ms Velasco-Tapia, Head of Red House

Red House

Silver House

Silver House have been working really hard and have already secured an Enterprise win and a 3rd place

in the Christmas standings. During tutor time we have been particularly `creative‟. Mr Keary‟s group

produced the pyramids whilst Mr Agbakoba‟s group have produced a fantastic design for trainers.

Particular shout outs to the Silver House boys who are currently enjoying a great run with the Year 11

football team, Chris Adedun, Kala Beredugo, Kenny Mosuro, Pelumi Osibona and Daniel Grigg.

Our Senior Students continue to work hard. Last term they set up the Wednesday afternoon Careers

Club, organised the Enterprise Competition and attended several meetings about helping the work

experience team. Jack Springham (Year 13) continues to do a fantastic job leading the team and if

you fancy getting involved go and see him in Miss Forster‟s tutor group.

Well I‟m sure that we will continue to do well. Look out for the new Enterprise Competition and lets see

if we can finish higher than 3rd!!!

Miss Walker, Head of Silver House

Yellow House

Yellow House are off to a good start this academic year. We sit in 2nd position overall in the House point

competition. Our achievements so far are all down to the hard work, dedication and rewards earned by

the Yellow House students. The competition is very close so we need to keep up the hard work to make

sure we overtake Blue House to take the lead at the next celebration assembly.

Yellow House senior students lead by Judith Apiyo (Year 13) have been working their socks off and

doing some fantastic work with the new starters, Year 7 and the primary students to ensure a smooth

transition in to the secondary section of the academy.

There is some fantastic work going on during tutor time and the students have produced some excellent

models, trainer designs, brain gyms and quizzes to name a few.

I would like to wish our 6th form and Year 11 students best of luck in their upcoming exams and spur

them on to keep up the hard work for the last few months. Keep smashing it my yellow lovelies!!!!!

Miss Clark, Head of Yellow House

Newsletter

Success at Slam Poetry Event

Daniel Alabi and Dammi Adegoke from Year 10 were given the opportunity to participate

at a National Young Peoples event to perform their slam poetry. This poetry was developed

through both English lessons and a 2 hour workshop from the production company OSMO.

Their performance was live streamed on the internet and will be published on the website

http://www.tedxyouthholborn.com/ in due course.

This opportunity shows both student‟s talents and fantastic

ability to engage an audience. Their commitment to the

performance was noticed by all observers. Miss Gunstone said,

“the students were phenomenal – the highlight of the whole

event”.

Daniel Alabi said, “The opportunity to speak in front of young

people was very motivational because the speeches that were

shared in the event were inspirational. I believe every young

person should hear them and have a chance of participate”.

It is a pleasure that The Business Academy Bexley can share Daniel and Dammi‟s success.

Miss Gunstone, English

Stop Look Listen

Stop Look Understand;

Understand that great men are not always wise.

That wisdom comes alone through suffering.

That wise men, hear one word and understand two.

That wise people; wise people. Stop Look Listen, Stop Look and understand.

They say bend over, bend over, bender over.

The great men say don’t get high off your own supply

Mama said knock you out.

But I say

You’re that star up in the sky,

You’re that mountain peek up high

You’re the world’s greatest,

So don’t think you’ve have failed,

You just found 10,000 ways it doesn’t work.

What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

So Stop Look Know your greatest fear is not that you are inadequate.

Your greatest fear is that you are powerful beyond measure.

Know, its your light not darkness that most frightens you

So shine and give permission for people around you to do the same.

Be the picture that speaks mighty words.

For the lord said unto we, say not we’re children. We might be small but our pen mighty. For

our pen is mightier than the sword. But before we go into battle. Stop look Believe.

Stop,

Look,

Listen

by

Dammi

Adegoke

http://www.tedxyouthholborn.com/

Newsletter

Congratulations to our Year 11 students who recently took exams in English

and Maths. They did remarkably well.

This is an important step to unlocking doors to your future. Well done and

keep up the good work!

94% of students who took the English and Maths

passed both exams with A*-C.

Mrs Tomlin, Assistant Headteacher - Learning Provision KS3 & KS4

Thank you to all parents who came along to our year 11 parents‟ evening.

Parents had the opportunity to discuss students‟ education and any concerns direct

with the subject teachers.

Mrs Tomlin, Assistant Headteacher - Learning Provision KS3 & KS4

The Parent Council (Secondary) met for the first time on 11th January 2011.

This was an extremely successful meeting, which discussed the following:

Communication with parents

How parents can be more involved with the Academy

Homework

Holiday Clubs and activities

If you would like to attend these meetings or receive the minutes, please contact me at the

Academy.

We currently have 25 active members but will always welcome new parents.

The date of the next meeting is Monday 7th March 6.30-7.30pm (buffet and hot drinks

provided).

Guy Hewson, Assistant Headteacher - Learning, Enrichment and Cohesion

Parent Council

(Secondary) Meeting

Newsletter

The Academy Uniform List

All students

Academy blazer

Academy jumper (optional) - No other jumpers allowed

Boys Girls

Plain white school shirt White revered neck school blouse or

Academy tie plain white school shirt

Charcoal grey trousers Charcoal grey skirt or

Black socks Charcoal grey trousers

Black or white socks or black tights

Shirts and blouses may be long or short sleeved but must be tucked in.

Ties should be full length with a standard knot.

Socks and tights must be plain.

Shoes

Plain black low heeled (trainers, sandals and open-backed shoes are not acceptable).

P.E Kit

Academy polo shirt

Academy sweatshirt (optional)

Academy shorts or joggers

Academy socks

Trainers / Boots

Rain jacket (optional)

Gum shield / shin pads / sun hat / sun protection (optional)

Outdoor Coats / Rainwear

Plain coats, jackets, anoraks or parkas may be worn to and from the Academy but must not be worn in the Academy

(a Cloakroom is available to leave coats securely).

No hats allowed in the building.

Jewellery

A watch and one small pair of small ear studs may be worn at the owner's risk (any other form of body or facial

piercing is not allowed).

Make Up

If worn, make up should be unobtrusive (nail varnish must not be worn).

Electrical equipment

Telephones must be turned off and put out of sight.

No earphones connected to MP3 players or similar.

Music players with headphones may be used out of the building during breaks but we advise against bringing them to

school.

Please remember that UGG BOOTS are NOT allowed

to be worn in the Academy

Newsletter

Let‟s Get Cooking!

At the end of November students in the Learning

Development Centre (LDC) enjoyed planning and

preparing healthy lunches as part of their ASDAN Award.

They had to discuss and research what constitutes a

healthy diet and the Recommended Daily Allowance for

their targeted age group.

The students were split into three groups and they

decided what to prepare. They decided on Tuna Pasta

(using wholemeal pasta and low calorie mayonnaise),

Pitta Pizzas (using wholemeal pitta) and wholemeal

chicken and bacon wraps.

Each group worked together to prepare their healthy lunch and then we all sat down together

to evaluate the dishes i.e. eat them!!

This activity helped them to identify healthy, tasty

and easy to prepare lunches as well as improving

their social skills and provide evidence for their award

portfolio.

Mrs Denise Fuller, ‘Let’s Get Cooking Coordinator’

Would You Like to Receive Your

Newsletters by Email?

No more paper and guaranteed delivery

Please email: [email protected]

In your email please include:

Your full name

Your child/children’s full name/s and Year Group/s

mailto:[email protected]

At the start of the year all year 7 students started to use Accelerated Reader in their library

and English lessons. Accelerated Reader is a computer based reading program that is used to

improve reading ages. At the start of the year all students take a reading test that gives us

their reading age and a level so students can be shown appropriate and exciting books. When

these books have been finished students take a comprehension quiz on the computer.

When Accelerated Reader started a fierce competition to see what class could be the top AR

class this term began and with a tin of chocolates for the class to share at stake. Several

different classes were constantly vying for first place right up until the last week of term but

in the end 7P4t fought off all the competition and took a well deserved

first place.

We would like to say well done to all the year 7 classes for working so

hard at Accelerated Reader and we‟re hoping their hard work will

continue into the new year and beyond.

If anyone has any questions about Accelerated Reader please contact myself or a member of

the English department.

Mrs Allen, Librarian

Newsletter

Have you got what it takes to be an English Core Prefect?

Being a Core Prefect is a perfect opportunity to show that you are one of the leaders

within the school. As a Core Prefect you can set an excellent example for other

students, support the English Teachers, assist on Open Days, organise events and

carry out a number of important duties.

As a team, we are looking to recruit the best students with proactive attitudes who

would like to make the English Department an even more positive and inspiring

place to be.

For more information on how you can join this dynamic and forward moving team:

contact Ms Baugh in Room 249, your English Teacher or a member of the Core

Prefects Team.

We look forward to hearing from you.

The English Core Prefects Team: Leading the Way

The Prefect Factor

Accelerated Reader

‗....well done to all the

Year 7 classes for

working so hard at

Accelerated Reader.....‘

Newsletter

In each Newsletter I will be providing you with ideas, advice and money saving tips.

All about me:

My role at the Academy is to support families who are in need. If you would like to talk to me

about any issues, please telephone or drop in to make an appointment.

What Are You Entitled to:

There are so many schemes and benefits out there and all the criteria and paper work can be

a little overwhelming. A great website which is simple and easy to use is

www.entitledto.com. Once you fill in your information it shows you what you are entitled to

claim and has direct links to online application forms.

Here at the Academy we are trying to encourage all parents who are entitled to them to ap-

ply for Free School Meals, even if your child has packed lunch. If you think you are entitled or

are unsure please contact me for more information.

New Year Pinch

January is the time we all tighten our belts in more ways than one. Check out

www.moneysavingexpert.com This website is full of money saving tips, grants and advice. It

is free to use.

Focus on Special Needs

For parents of children with special needs or children with suspected special needs, it can be

a very isolating and emotional experience. It can feel like there is no one who understands

and everybody is talking at you rather than with you. But there is help out there.

Bexley SNAP provide a range of services for parents and children. Check out

www.bexleysnap.ismysite.co.uk for full information.

Bexley Adult Education also run a parenting course designed around parenting children with

special needs. Check out www.adultedbexley.org.uk.

Until next time,

Terri McCann, Family Liaison Officer

Welcome to the FLO Column

http://www.entitledto.com

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com

http://www.bexleysnap.ismysite.co.uk

http://www.adultedbexley.org.uk

On Thursday 16th December in the library a new game called Guess Who‘s Coming to

Christmas Dinner took place at lunchtime.

Twelve famous book characters had left their belongings behind after Christmas dinner in the

library and everyone taking part had to work out who had been there. We had a wide variety

of “guests” including Sherlock Holmes, James Bond and Goldilocks. It was a hard fought

competition and but in the end the winners were:

Marsha Turner - Year 11

Jia Yue Li - Year 8

Kerrianne Booker - Year 8

Charlie Bunn - Year 7

Well done to everyone who took part.

Mrs Allen, Librarian

Guess Who‟s Coming to Christmas Dinner?

Newsletter

SALON OPENING TO THE PUBLIC

The Salon staff and students would like to welcome you to our „Friday Dry

Styling Hour‟ between 8.30-9.30am.

Our Year 10s will be providing dry styling services for all staff and parents.

Services include:

Curling £4

Straightening £2

Dry Set £2

Please support the students and at the same time have fun and a little

pamper!

Please contact the salon to book an appointment on

0208 320 4800 EXT 4878.

Shortly we will also be having an Open Salon Day on Mondays with Post 16.

Watch out for further details.

ENGLISH SCHOOLS CUP

Our Year 11‘s are through to the next round—the last 32!

BUSINESS ACADEMY 2 - GOFFS 0

Goal Scorers: Louis Glazebrook and Jeff Allen

WELL DONE BOYS!

Football Latest!

Newsletter

Spring 2011

Term 3 Tuesday 4 January – Friday 18 February

Term Break 21-25 February

Inset Monday 28 February

Term 4 Tuesday 1 March – Friday 8 April

Easter Break – 11-25 April

Inset – Tuesday 26 April

Summer 2011

Term 5 Wednesday 27 April – Friday 27 May

(May Bank Holiday - Monday 2 May)

Term Break 30 May-3 June

Term 6 Monday 6 June – Friday 22 July

Term Dates

January 2011

27th Year 9 Subject Parent Evening and Full Reports

February 2011

10th Year 9 Options Evening

March 2011

31st Years 12 & 13 Subject Parent Evening and Interim Reports

April 2011

7th Year 7 Subject Parent Evening and Interim Reports

May 2011


June 2011

Year 7 Full Reports (to be posted)

9th Year 9 Tutor Parent Evening and Interim Reports

July 2011

Year 12 Full Reports


Dates for Your Diary

Bexley Business Newsletter

Documents

Transcript of Bexley Business Newsletter