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Willenhall E-ACT Academy Design a Christmas Card 2014 Winning Design Abbie Phillips: Year 7

Christmas Edition 2014: Issue 16

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December 2014 Dear Parent/Carer I am writing as part of our December newsletter 2014. I

am sure that you will enjoy reading the articles and

getting a taste of the exciting term that we have had. I

am very privileged to be Principal of an Academy that has

so many brilliant students and staff. We have just said

goodbye to our HMI Deborah James who completed

another really positive visit this term. She commented on

the positive relationships between staff and students and

the improvements in the progress she saw in lessons. She

also commented on the students saying they were,

‘polite, helpful and honest’ and ‘good students’. She is

absolutely correct and they deserve praise for the effort

they have put in over the term. We now await her visit

next term that, if successful, will take us out of Special

Measures and enable us to continue the journey to

becoming a Good then Outstanding Academy. The first ever whole year outward bounds visit to Laches

Wood for Year 7 was another great event this term. The

whole of Year 7 spent a day in the countryside; caving,

using zip wires and mountain biking in order to further

develop their communication skills. This was the first

opportunity towards achieving the Willenhall Passport

that will see students develop in all sorts of areas over

the next few years to gain the passport before they reach

the end of Year 11. The term also saw our first ever Willenhall Media Bus, led

by Mrs Solway-Blower and Miss Wade. The bus toured

our partner primaries. It contained a high tech radio

recording facility that allowed primary students to

produce a radio advert to celebrate and promote the

Willenhall experience. The students produced some

brilliant results and I was fortunate enough to present

some of the awards to the winning adverts. It was

another brilliant event this term and showed how we are

developing relationships with our partner primaries.

We had our first ever WOW week towards the end of

this term. WOW stands for Wonders Of Willenhall

and was an opportunity to award students for positive

conduct. Every time a member of staff saw something

positive they awarded a WOW card. In return the

students picked up a small reward from staff in the

Academy. The staff also appreciated their WOW

awards from the students as well. It was a busy week

and students responded positively to this initiative

towards the end of a long term.

As we move towards the break we say goodbye to

some staff and wish them all the best for the future. It

has been a busy term but one in which students and

staff have worked really hard and made sustained

progress. I wish everyone a peaceful Christmas and all

the best for 2015. I look forward to welcoming all

students back into the Academy on January 5th.

Happy Christmas!

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King Charles Primary School

Jorgia Bray 2A’s, IB, 5C’s BTEC Dist*

Short Heath Junior School Alex Storey

3A’s, 3B’s , 5C’s

Reedswood E-ACT Academy Harriet Timmins 3A*’s 4A’s, 2B’s,

BTEC Dist*

Bentley West Primary School

Billy Plant 4A*’s, 1A , 2B’s, 2C’s

BTEC Dist*

St. Giles C. of E. Primary School Sukhraj Kaur

4A*s, 6A’s BTEC Dist*

Short Heath Junior School Lucy Probert

2A’s, 5B’s , 1C BTEC Dist*

Some of our current Year 11 students achieved

outstanding successes in their Maths and English GCSE’s

when they sat them last term, whilst still in Year 10. Congratulations to Daniel Blythe, Ethan Brough, Gursimran

Chanian, Blazej Chomik, Lewis Dunning, Abbiegayle Evans,

Anandbir Hothi, Kyle Hunjan, Javan Jagpal, Rajiv Khutan,

Anthony Littleford, Sarah Nelson, Simran Pahal, Ashley

Tonks, Joshua Whitehouse and Rhys Woodward who all

scored B, A or A* in their GCSE English and Maths exams.

outside of school and have

lots of interests.

Career Ambitions and Advice from Blazej Chomik

Blazej’s career ambition is

to become a military pilot

for the RAF and fly fast jet

planes. He already is part of

the flying club at RAF

Cosford and his aim is to

get a private pilot license.

His advice to other students

is to always to try your best,

don’t ignore homework and

get involved with clubs

Ashley Tonks

A & B

Rajiv Khutan

A & B

Simran Pahal

A & B

Sarah Nelson

A& B

Lewis Dunning

B & B

Abbie Evans

B & B

A* & A

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The Year 7 students first day at Willenhall E-ACT Academy started with a blast as they participated in a host of activities designed to promote team building, communication skills, self-esteem and confidence and Involved solving a range of challenges. Students completed the activities in forms enabling

them to get to know each other and begin to develop

relationships. It was a great first day at Willenhall

E-ACT Academy! Students had the following to say about their first day.

“ I enjoyed my first day!” “ I really loved the day!” “The puzzles really challenged us!” “It was fun getting to know other students in my form!”

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Our Year 7 students take their first steps towards

achieving their Willenhall Passport! During the week beginning the 17th November, several coaches

and over 200 Year 7 students from Willenhall E-ACT Academy

visited Laches Wood. The centre, which is situated in the

Staffordshire countryside, is one of the biggest centres in the

country with a variety of indoor and outdoor activities. The week was all about Year 7 students challenging themselves

mentally and physically, getting involved in activities such as

climbing towers, indoor caving as well as learning some new

BMX skills. It was an opportunity for pupils to try out a range of

fun and adventurous activities with a clear focus on developing

communication skills and promoting positive relationships. It was a fantastic week and the students really enjoyed

themselves.

“ It was a pleasure to see our students working together and

tackling every challenge they faced. They were excellent at

encouraging each other and staff as well.”

Mrs Solway Blower

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The recent Sky News trip was an

amazing opportunity for Year 12 Post 16

students from Willenhall E-ACT

Academy, who participated in a Skill

Studios experience. They travelled to

London, Sky Headquarters and had the

chance to go behind the scenes and use

the latest technology in film and

television production, as well as film a

documentary based on student finance.

The students undertook various roles,

such as presenter, director, producer,

editor, script writer and camera

operator. For those students who were

performing ‘front of camera’ they took

the opportunity to dress up using

costumes and items from the props

room. All students who took part came

away with a copy of the documentary

on a USB stick, courtesy of Sky.

It was a fast moving and interactive

experience which was part of the

Walsall Vision Exchange Programme

organised by Douglas Hansen-Luke

(Prospective MP for Walsall North). The

programme aims to provide experiences

for Year 12 and 13 students to take part

in events, attend talks and take part in

work experience relevant to their

chosen career pathways.

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UPDATE ON CARL PARFITT’S SUCCESS! Over the six weeks holidays Carl Parfitt, who represents Wales in Speedway

Cycling competed in Poland. Carl did very well, he just missed the individual

semi-final by a single point and helped Wales reach an overall standing of

third place. Carl did come back to school in plaster after chipping a bone in his

right hand. However, the next big event for Carl is the World Championship in

August 2015 at Ashmore Park, which is local to our Academy.

Willenhall E-ACT Academy students took part in a

fund raising event to raise money for the Macmillan

Nurses. Everyone got busy baking and donated lots

of cakes to make the morning a success. The

students were very grateful to those who bought

and to those who supplied the most beautiful and

delicious cakes. Over £220 was raised! Students would like to

thank-you for your support and ask you to keep an

eye out for their next charity event.

On Sunday 30th November 2014, Year 7 student Hannah

Price competed in a British Dressage competition held at

Rodbaston, South Staffordshire College. Hannah did really

well, finishing in 2nd and 3rd place. Well done Hannah!

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Abbie Fryer–Gould has been Artistic Free

Skating for three years and it has been an

incredible journey! “Thanks to my

amazing coaches I have been able to

achieve more than I could ever have

dreamt of! This sport has also led me to

gain many awards and in May this year I

became British Champion. I have also

been selected to be part of ‘Team GB’

and will be representing my country in

‘The Cup of Europe’ which is held in

Portugal. Skating makes me feel happy

and alive, it also gives me something to

shout about and that’s what makes it so

special to me.”

Abbie Fryer-Gould

Skating Champion

STUDENTS FALL FOR ACADEMY HOOK,

LINE AND SINKER! Through a unique blend of mentoring and mediation support, the

Fishing Academy initiative aims to guide young people towards

improving their chances of continuing in education and advancing

their employment prospects. At a purpose built facility near Abbots

Bromley in South Staffordshire, the charity currently carries out

these objectives through the medium of angling. Their structured

learning programme of a ‘dry’ module in the classroom and a ‘wet’

module around the pool is an accredited qualification through the

Angling and the Environment award (AIM). Last week three students, Callum Nightingale, Harry Arnold and

Jamie Turner spent a thoroughly enjoyable induction day at the

Academy. During the day they were taught how to fish by

professionally qualified angling coaches, who also spent time

mediating and mentoring educational skills whilst waiting for a bite.

Morgan competed in the British Gas National Disability Swimming at

Manchester Aquatic Centre in November. She achieved 3 Gold Medals in 400

and 100 metre Freestyle, 100 metre Breaststroke and a Bronze Medal in 50

metre Freestyle with PB’s. Morgan has now qualified to compete in an

International event taking place in Glasgow next March; this will be her second

visit. Morgan is on an England Talent Programme. Swimming is a family affair, her sister Brooke achieved her regional times in

the 400, 200 and 100 metre Freestyle last June.

Willenhall is proud of you both!

Morgan Holland Swimming Talent!

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Students experienced a practical

learning day involving a series of

workshops designed to be thought

provoking, challenging and fun, and

to consolidate curriculum work that

had already been undertaken.

Workshops included; Food Chains,

Adaptation, Light, Forces and close

observational work using lenses and

microscopes.

Students enjoyed the opportunity

to carry out investigations and as a

result our science department are

currently planning a Learning Day

with a CSI focus. We will report on

this in our next issue.

Students from Post 16 spent the day at the University of Birmingham talking to other students

and gaining vital information about different universities and courses from around the UK. It

was an eye opening experience for the Willenhall students and will be very helpful to them

when selecting where they would like to continue their further education.

The E-ACT Games The E-ACT Games were inspired by the

2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Through the ethos of community and

competitive spirit, the E-ACT Games

brings together students from across the

E-ACT family of Academies to participate

and compete in a variety of sports and

cross-curricular activities and Willenhall

students did not disappoint!

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Walsall Schools’ Athletics Championships I would just like to share with you the achievements of our students at the Walsall Schools’ Athletics Championship in July last term. Below is the list of students who won medals at the Championship: Leondre Haye, Silver in Shot Putt. Lewis Riley-Stewart, Bronze in the 200 metres. Thomas Ferns, Bronze medal in the 400 metres. Bradley Richardson, Silver medal in the Discus. Danielle Smart, Gold medal in the 200 metres. Brooke Holland, Bronze medal in the 800 metres. Ashley Tonks, Bronze medal in High Jump. Liam Riley-Stewart and Abbie Evans, reached

the 100 metres final. Lewis Green, Joshua McFarlan, Jack Bradley

and Kyle Hunjan came 2nd in their heat in the relay.

Argentina triumphs again! The Annual Willenhall E-ACT Academy Sports Day

took place on a sunny Wednesday back in July.

Several hundred students took part as competitors

and spectators. Students competed in eight countries across

various sporting disciplines and in the end

Argentina fought off tough competition to retain

their title. All the students enjoyed themselves and had an

unforgettable Sports Day.

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Mr Ashley invited the students to

design the Academy’s Christmas card

this year. There were many fantastic

entries and it was difficult to choose

an out and out winner. Well done to

all the students who took part and a

special congratulations to Abbie

Phillips, our overall winner!

Willenhall E-ACT Academy Design a Christmas Card 2014

Abbie Cooke Year 9

Winner!

Sarah Hurmson

Year 8 Winner!

Bina Kaur

Year 10 Winner!

Angelique Robinson Year 11 Winner!

OVERALL WINNER!

Abbie Phillips Year 7

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Mr. Monaghan

Birthplace

Bridgwater, Somerset

Early childhood memories

Every summer holiday going to Ireland to visit my

cousins. The 24 hour road trip travelling there was

all part of the fun.

What did you enjoy most at school and why ?

Unsurprisingly, it was PE, I was always successful

and l loved the competitive nature of PE. I also

enjoyed getting involved in a variety of extra

curricular activities including PE, Music, and

every trip that was offered.

What did you enjoy least at school ?

Art, I always struggled with art regardless how

hard I tried.

Who is your lifetime hero and why?

Lots of people in my life have inspired me from PE

teachers, my athletics coaches even colleagues

that I have worked for. My biggest inspiration

comes from my Nana. She was a lady who despite

a range of health problems always put others first

and looked at the positive side of life despite the

challenges that life threw at her.

Which football team do you support?

Liverpool - come on the reds!!!

What do you do in your spare time?

Playing football every week and golf when

the weather is nice. Weekends are mainly

spent visiting farms and other attractions that

interest my 2 1/2 year old daughter.

What is the best bit of working at Willenhall

EACT Academy?

At this point I should say the students!!! I

love the varied nature of my job, I can

honestly say that since I have been at the

school I have not had two days that are the

same.

What is your one tip for success for

students at Willenhall?

Believe in yourself, take risks in your learning

and learn from your mistakes. Hard work

beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!

We are all talented - don’t waste that talent

by not working hard.

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During October half term we held

a 3 day play scheme that was

available to children in Years 4, 5

and 6. We had over 50 children

attend from various local primary

schools. Children took part in

activities such as arts and crafts,

multi sports, science experiments

and cooking. On the final day of

activities we arranged a day trip to

West Midland Safari Park. All the

children involved had a lovely

time. Here are some quotes from

parents.

“My daughter really enjoyed it

there as it was her first time and

didn’t know what to expect. I

would definitely bring her again

and recommend to my friends.”

“My son has enjoyed everything at

Willenhall E-ACT this week. The

staff have been very helpful from

start to finish 10/10.”

“I was a little nervous sending my

daughter to the play schemes she

didn’t know anyone going but she

has made new friends and says the

leaders were fab!”

Keep an eye on our Facebook and

Twitter accounts for regular

centre updates.

Willenhall Leisure and Community News! Children’s Holiday Play Schemes

Willenhall Leisure and Community New Year offers

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Willenhall Leisure and Community New Year offers

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Hollywood came to Walsall for one

night, as Willenhall students dressed

to impress when they descended on

the Village Hotel in Walsall to

celebrate the Year 11 Prom. The Year 11 Prom was an extravagant

night with lots of glitz and glamour.

Everyone had a great night with some

Year 11’s saying, “It was the best

night ever.”.

Pictures courtesy of Philip Charles Photography

Willenhall E-ACT Academy Contact Information Postal address: Willenhall E-ACT Academy Furzebank Way Willenhall WV124BD Email us on: postbox@willenhalle-actacademy.org.uk Visit our website: postbox@willenhalle-actacademy.org.uk

Telephone: 01902 368221

Social Media Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WillenhallEACTAcademy Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillenhallEACT