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ACADEMY NEWS 17th September 2015 E X P L O R E QR to view on the web

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ACADEMY NEWS17th September 2015

EXPLORE

QR to view on the web

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BE YOURBEST

Best wishes

Sara DaveyAcademy Principal

The MixX brochure will be published soon with all the clubs and activities for this Semester and students are encouraged to take part in at least two a week to benefit from the amazing opportunities that are offered by staff. Research has shown that the more clubs a student gets involved with, the higher the chances of exam success in the end. Don't forget there is a late bus for students who take part in clubs but places need to be booked to secure a place.

In this busy world we all live in there is precious little time to get everything done. However, I urge all parents to get involved in their child's learning by chatting to them about their successes each day, encouraging them to spend time reading a fiction book as this will increase vocabulary and will improve their reading age, and minimize the hours spent watching TV, playing electronic games and using the mobile phone, iPad or computer after 8pm.

Research on the brain using the latest technology shows that sleep patterns are seriously affected by late night electronic screens and moods are altered negatively. Teenagers need to be encouraged to stay active by being physically active as this promotes happiness and well being. This does get more difficult as the evenings get shorter and darker as we move into autumn.

Principal’s Report

Finally a thank you to the hundreds of parents who took time to complete the recent parental survey. The results were an opportunity to celebrate things that are going well and areas where we need to communicate more effectively. We will be adjusting our Information Evenings to include some items that could be useful and you can find a copy of the survey results on page 11.

The exciting new 2015-16 curriculum courses have started in earnest across the Academy. Your child's bag will be full of brand new exercise books or folders with accompanying student guides and the student planners will have new homework diaries for the year. The iPad will have a new feature called Firefly that has a range of amazing functions including interactive resources from each subject area, a digital student homework planner and a facility to upload work to a personal e-portfolio for marking and storage. It should make learning more efficient and professional as we move through the year.

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BECURIOUS

The new Year 7s have just completed their first full week and the atmosphere is buzzing. They have been very busy with the general day to day organisation, getting used to life in the Academy and taking on the challenges of the day with excitement and enthusiasm. They are now more comfortable in finding their way around and are enjoying getting to know their teachers and the exciting lessons they plan.

Report by Mr Payne

Year 7 Settling In Well

One of the exciting developments in the curriculum this year is the RealProjects which our new Year 7s have just started. They are completing studies of various local sites with the aim of producing a published piece of work that will then be exhibited. So far we have looked at the historical background of these sites along with positioning and techniques for producing artwork for the chosen area. The students have responded with enthusiasm and are enjoying this new way of working. We are looking forward to getting to know the new students even better over the coming weeks.

Jacob Pengelly and Thomas Hosking:“We’ve got into the football team with Mr Lawrence. The facilities here are really good, particularly the new dome and the 3G pitch. We’re really looking forward to achieving things here.”

Daisy Leiworthy:“The teachers help each individual person. They’re really caring and kind. Even though there’s loads of people they still make an effort to know each individual person.”

Liberty Terry: “I’m really enjoying the RealProject. I love to draw and this project involves drawing and finding facts. It’s a more fun way of learning.”

Marlene Favata:“The RealProject is really fun. It will be satisfying to get our work in a book that we can open in the future.”

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BEINSPIRED

Report by Olivia Sanders

Sports Leaders in France

There were many other schools on the trip, all of which were schools based around young people with special needs, learning difficulties and physical disability. We mainly worked with people from in and around Plymouth but there was another coach with students from further afield. We met the others in Plymouth and then all got on a coach and drove to Portsmouth where we took a ferry over to France. While in France we stayed at a school-based camp called PGL. Over the two days of activities at PGL we got to know each other and helped one another to conquer our fears whether that was heights, being away from home, trying new

things or speaking another language. Everyone on the trip was so lovely and encouraging. On our last night we stayed in Southampton’s Hilton Hotel and then took the long coach journey back to Plymouth. We had all made great friends in such a short space of time and saying goodbye was harder than expected. But we all hope to meet again at another sports leadership event.

Robyn Becker from Millford School Plymouth said about our students, “They were a credit to your school and your school ethos. It really touched me how they engaged with our students and supported them and made friends. It gave our students a real sense of being a teenager, which we often struggle to find. Inclusion with secondary school students is something we really struggle with but last week was inclusion at its finest and that was down to the actions, maturity and kind nature of your students.”

Mrs Trevail said, “Being involved within this SiS/project-ability camp organised by Katy Wedgewood of Woodlands School Plymouth has been a truly inspiring experience. Our students showed empathy, leadership and initiative not only when facilitating the development of others, all of whom had varying special educational needs, but in conquering their own fears. The way our students engaged and encouraged others was the talk of the trip, from both school staff and PGL staff and I am so very proud of all our students achieved.”

On Monday 7th September Year 11 students Olivia Sanders, Caitlin Brodie, Ashleigh Haffenden, Tommy Clifford, Peter Williams and Ryan Howes and Year 10 students Kerenza Semmens and Zelah Yuill embarked on a trip to France with Mrs Trevail.

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BECURIOUS

Thirty students from Mounts Bay Academy visited the Battlefields of Ypres and Somme for four days last week. This year was the centenary of the Second Battle of Ypres and the chlorine gas attack on British and French troops.

On the first day students visited the Flanders Fields Interactive Museum, preserved trenches at Sanctuary Wood, the St. Julien Memorial to the Canadians who died from the gas attack and Tyne Cot British Cemetery – the largest in the world and the German Cemetery at Langemark. Students also laid a wreath on behalf of the school at Tyne Cot. Many students also found relatives who had fallen in the Ypres Salient. That evening, staff and students took part in the Last Post Ceremony at the Menin Gate.

The second day provided students with an in–depth study of the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the tactics and technologies used and the reason for the failure of this battle. On visiting the Thiepval Memorial to the missing, students again laid a wreath in memory of the missing.

The last day on our return home we stopped at Essex Farm Cemetery and paused for thought and reflection at the grave of Joe Strudwick aged 15, the youngest English soldier to die during the Great War – no older than the students who stood before him and a constant reminder to the horrors of war and the loss and suffering that war can bring.

The battlefield trip allows students to make a perhaps once in a lifetime visit and understand the scale of the Great War; but also allows them to empathise with individuals and make connections between the past and the world that they live in today.

Report by Mr Blackabey

Ypres and Somme Trip

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BEINSPIRED

Next Friday morning Millie Matthews and Izzy Markham will be holding a Macmillan coffee morning at 1st and 2nd break. All cakes/cupcakes will cost 50p - £1.00 so bring your money along. We have decided to do this in memory of our grandparents and all who have fought cancer.

We would love it if anybody would help us and bake or fake some cakes to sell on our stall. If you would like to help out please email either [email protected] or [email protected] to let us know.

Bonjour Year 7

Year 7s doing a spot of ‘Speed Dating’ in French on Tuesday to practise basic information and greetings.

BECHARITABLE

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BEADVENTUROUS

After two very successful Bronze expeditions last term we are having a surge in the number of Bronze certificates being awarded.

Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award

Report by Mr Fish

Back row left to right: Georgia Cane, Katie Walker, Caitlin Barton Sargent, Ellie Collyns and Lowenna Eddy.Front row Left to right: Aaron Dunkley, Ben Morcumb and Henry Hocking.

Also awarded but not in the photo are: Anna Cryer, Lara Jane Bettens, Ananda Lee, April Broadbent, Harriet Radford and Molly Gordon.

For Year 10s who are interested in doing the Bronze Award, the deadline for enrolment is 30th September. Forms are in the Student Services office.

Year 11 Silver expeditions are coming soon!

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BECREATIVE

As part of product research into branding and marketing, Year 8 students spent their Graphic Design lessons this week eating different flavours of ice cream. The students tasted tubs ranging from Cookie Dough to Chocolate Brownie and even sampled a Daim Bar flavour!

The lesson was focused around the link between product, branding, packaging and target audience. The students reflected on how the visuals of the product captured the way the ice cream tasted, and how it attracted certain attention. They also compared similar flavours across a range of brands, considering how successful the branding of that product was.

A Taste for Graphic Design

Report by Miss Green

This is all in preparation for students to design and brand their own ice cream company, coming up with three new and exciting flavours. The taste testing certainly got the students thinking creatively about their own products and how they will be innovative...watch this space!

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BECOMPETITIVE

Sports High Performance Programme

The Mounts Bay Sports High Performance Programme is now OPEN for new applications and last year’s students who wish to re-apply. This year the programme has been expanded and changed slightly.

Fencing StarCongratulations to Maia Fashokun, who won gold at the U17 Cadet Fencing competition at Millfield. She has just received confirmation that she will be representing GBR in Meylan, France next month.

Application or renewal is required to be a performance member.

The application form needs to be completed and returned to Mr N Eddy by Friday 25th September. Each application will receive either a successful or unsuccessful letter to your home address.

Application forms, guidelines to help you complete the application and the HPP expectations are available on the Academy website. Please click on the links to download.

WHO IS IT FOR:Students who perform to an extremely high standard and/or compete in a variety of sports to a good level. Students must be seen to represent their sport to a high standard e.g. county, regional, national. Students must demonstrate themselves to be actively continuing to improve their performances.

WHAT YOU GAIN:– Extra Fitness and Conditioning twice a week– At least One workshop per semester– Mentor meetings on a 6 week rotationand much more…

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BE INFORMED

Student Led Conferences are an evolution from Mounts Bay Academy's previous Progress Review Days as they place the emphasis on students' ownership of their own learning. This is achieved via students discussing the work they have completed during the previous academic year with their tutors and parents. After this reflective process students then consider the most effective next steps they can take to reach their full potential during the upcoming year.

Student Led Conferences

We have a number of open days and evenings coming up through this month. This is an excellent opportunity for students to develop their leadership skills and assist on these days and the hours can be used to gain "service" hours for their full and half colours. Students will need to see the relevant staff in order to collect letters about these activities. Students will also be awarded Vivo points for helping at these events.

MixX Clubs

All MixX clubs will start on Monday 7th September, the MixX brochure will be emailed to all students on Friday and will also be available on the Academy website. As you will see, the activities are colour coded to help the students identify creativity, action and service to go towards their full and half colours. The assemblies last week challenged all students to achieve half colours by Christmas, instructions have been emailed to all the students showing them how to achieve these awards.

The Academy late buses can be booked to take students home after the MixX activities, these have to be booked on the day of the activity. Students should go to student services during their break or lunch times to book themselves onto one of the buses.

At the beginning of this semester, Mounts Bay Academy held its first Student Led Conference which was a great success. Over 833 students attended to discuss their progress and many remarked that it was much more constructive for them to be able to take charge of their learning in a supportive and caring environment.

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BE INFORMED

Parents Positive About Academy

On Student Led Conference Day parents were asked to complete a Parent Survey letting us know what they think about Mounts Bay Academy. The results were overwhelmingly positive. We are grateful to all the parents who completed the survey. However, if you ever have any concerns we are always ready to listen. Email us on: [email protected]

My child is happy at this schoolAGREE 95% DISAGREE 4% DON’T KNOW 1%

My child feels safe at this schoolAGREE 100% DISAGREE 0 DON’T KNOW 0

My child makes good progress at this schoolAGREE 89% DISAGREE 6% DON’T KNOW 5%

My child is well looked after at this schoolAGREE 96% DISAGREE 2% DON’T KNOW 2%

My child is well taught at this schoolAGREE 96% DISAGREE 2% DON’T KNOW 2%

My child receives the appropriate homework for their ageAGREE 84% DISAGREE 11% DON’T KNOW 5%

This school makes sure its students are well behavedAGREE 96% DISAGREE 2% DON’T KNOW 2%

This school deals effectively with bullyingAGREE 80% DISAGREE 4% DON’T KNOW 16%

This school is well led and well managedAGREE 95% DISAGREE 3% DON’T KNOW 2%

This school responds well to any concerns I raiseAGREE 92% DISAGREE 5% DON’T KNOW 3%

I receive valuable information about my child’s progressAGREE 95% DISAGREE 4% DON’T KNOW 1%

I would recommend this school to another parentAGREE 92% DISAGREE 3% DON’T KNOW 6%

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BE INFORMED

Topics addressed include equipment requirements for school, to ensure students are prepared and ready to learn.

New Compass Centre

Advice is also given on preparing for a school day, helping to remove anxiety and panic in the mornings i.e strategies, which include packing school bags the previous evening, planner signing, sleep issues, getting up on time, sleep patterns etc

In the Compass Centre one of the interventions delivered is help with self-organisation. This intervention supports students who may be having difficulty in getting themselves organised; this may be an issue after a long summer break.

This Semester we have introduced an online learning tool to help organise student learning and help with communication. The system is called Firefly, and is being used by some of the top schools in the country.

Teachers have started to put lessons onto the system, as students are being trained to use it both in a browser, and through the App on the iPad. The system will store content from lessons so that it can be revisited by students, or accessed if students are absent. This will ensure that students do not miss any of the material for their courses.

Report by Mr Hall

In October we will be launching the Parent Portal for Firefly, which works over the internet, or via an app. It works on all platforms, and is very easy to use. We will be providing demonstrations for parents in October, so if you are interested watch this space over the forthcoming weeks. The portal will enable parents to see student timetables and will improve communication even further.

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BEA WINNER

Maths Quiz

This Week’s Puzzle:

A pen and pencil cost £5. The pen costs £4 more than the pencil. What is the price of each?

Could you write next week’s puzzle?If you would like to set the numeracy puzzle for a future week click here. You will win house points.

Win an iTunes voucher

For each correct answer throughout this semester we will put your name in the hat for a chance to win an iTunes voucher – the more correct answers, the more chance of winning.

Click here to submit your answer

Closing date for Entries: Monday 12:00

This week’s word is: aspiration

Definition: a hope or ambition of achieving something.

Etymology: late Middle English from Latin aspiratio(n- ), from the verb aspirare (see aspire).

Click Here to enter the competition

To enter, simply write an original sentence correctly using the word aspiration. Send in your sentence using the link.

Every week the winner will receive an Edge Of The World Bookshop voucher.

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BE INFORMED

Most people know me, I've been at MBA part time for two years working on the Arts Award program as well as lots of our after school clubs and events. Last year I set up the school record label Qube Records and in July we released the first album, Ferris Wheel, worldwide! Outside MBA I've worked on many many youth work and music projects, including lots of work with children in care, music in several of the Acorn Academies and for the last five years have managed the music project at the Nancherrow Centre in St Just. I also have a separate life as a recording artist, releasing three solo albums to date with chart appearances across Europe and South America, with a fourth album nearly finished and due to come out before Christmas. Lastly, I'm the frontman in local rock legends (if only) Blank Panda!

New Staff Members

During my career I have taught in three schools across the south west and holding a variety of leadership posts including Head of Year, Head of Student Services and most recently Subject Team Leader for Maths at St Ives School. In my new role here at Mounts Bay I am excited to be working with colleagues to enhance further the opportunities for students to excel across the curriculum and to develop our links with universities.

Mr Roberts - Music and Performance Development Leader

Mr Jack - Maths Teacher and Head of High Performance Institute

Mr Hoyle - Science TeacherProfessionally, I’ve been teaching for about 15 years, mainly Science but some MFL (German) along the way. I am a former Mounts Bay student, and my degree was in Chemistry with German. Whilst in Germany as part of my degree course, I met my wife (who is Spanish). I lived (and taught) in Spain (Canary Islands) and as a fluent Spanish speaker I am also delivering immersive Spanish with a Science focus to some Year 8 classes this year. Personally I enjoy outdoor activities, particularly water sports, coastal swimming and walking.(You don’t have to mention the shark wrestling or bat suit base jumping off everest!)

Favourite book: The God Delusion - Richard DawkinsFavourite song: It's a tie between The Frame by Oceansize and Asleep by The Smiths!

I am currently reading “How Not To Be Wrong” and I enjoy listening to The Killers.

Favourite book: The Hungry Caterpillar. Favourite song: You’ll never walk alone (sung just before full time!)

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BE INFORMED

I have just moved back to Cornwall after a long time away. I have studied in Spain, lived and worked all over the UK and also in Guatemala, Costa Rica and Nicaragua. For the last few years, I taught at a school in Bristol. Before becoming a teacher, I worked for educational and international development charities overseas. It is great to be home and I am really exciting about working with the students of Mounts Bay Academy!

I have a B.Sc. (Hons) in Biomedical Science and a M.A. Science Education. I have been teaching Science for 20 years. I was Head of Biology and Second in Science Faculty at a school in Reading and have taught KS3, GCSE Science and A level Biology / Human Biology. I then moved to Cornwall to be Head of Science at St Ives School for 10 years. I am an examiner for AQA GCSE Biology and I have co-authored various Science text books.

In my spare time I enjoy walking and swimming.

Miss Harry - MFL Teacher

Mrs Halls - Science Teacher

Mrs Masters - Careers and Personal Adviser

I previously worked with Careers South West formerly known as Connexions for over 10 years based at local schools in the Cornwall area including Mounts Bay. I completed a Level 6 Diploma in Careers Guidance in 2013 and am a professional member of the Careers Development Institute. I have joined Mounts Bay as a full time Career and Personal Adviser (from September 2015) and am really looking forward to this exciting new role in the Compass Centre. It will enable me to support students from all Years with more time to do the Careers and Support work I enjoy.

My first job was as a Tele-sales Rep for Bass Brewers and my first Saturday job was with Top Shop in Bath.

Favourite book: I love reading so it is quite difficult to choose a favourite book. Recently I enjoyed reading Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts which was fantastic.Favourite song: Probably something by the Rolling Stones if I had to choose.

Favourite book: Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde.Favourite songs: Anything by Bob Dylan, Ed Sheeran, Ben

Favourite song is: Otis Redding - These Arms of Mine, and favourite books include thrillers from authors such as Stieg Larsson or Lee Childs to classics such as Jane Austen Pride and Prejudice.

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BE INFORMED

Fluent Welsh speakerB.Sc (Hons) Mathematics, University of Wales, BangorPGCE (Secondary) Mathematics, UWICACCA Diploma in Accounting and FinanceD of E LeaderD of E Accredited AssessorPrevious Employment: Mathematics Teacher in Cornwall, Business Analyst at Cornish Mutual Assurance Co. LtdHobbies include Rugby, Football, Music, Food.

My name is April Grosvenor and I am a new Photography teacher this year. I studied Fine Art at Plymouth University receiving a first BA(Hons). After my degree I became an Art technician at Penwith College and later gained a position as a Teaching Assistant at Mounts Bay Academy. After working at Mounts Bay for three years I applied to complete my School Direct teacher training at Mounts Bay Academy in the Arts. I completed my teacher training with Outstanding. I love working at Mounts Bay and look forward to spending more time with the students here! I am very passionate about the Arts and enjoy creating opportunities for students to show their creativity and talent! In my spare time I enjoy visiting galleries and travelling to new and exciting places.

Mr Williams - Maths Teacher

Miss Grosvenor - Photography Teacher

Mr Bromfield - Food Technology TeacherI am very pleased to join the fantastic team at Mounts Bay Academy. I’ve now met many students across the Years, and have been impressed by the enthusiam shown towards my specialism subject - Catering. My door is open, and I’m always interested in your experiences with food, so pop in for help and support any time. Looking forward to a great year ahead.

Bon appetit!

Favourite Book: Brave New World, Aldous HuxleyFavourite Song: Angie, Rolling Stones

My favourite book is ‘Ways Of Seeing’ by John Berger.One of my favourite songs is ‘Something Good Can Wait’ by Two Door Cinema

Book - Le Guide Culinaire by Auguste EscoffierSong - American Pie - Don Mclean Club.

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CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

GIRLS

FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

THURSDAY FOOTBALL SESSIONS FOR SCHOOL GIRLS IN YEARS 3,4,5,6

OPEN SESSIONS FREE – TURN UP & PLAY! IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MBFDC, PSS & YOUR SCHOOL!

Contacts: Kevin Lawrence - [email protected]

Neil Eddy - [email protected]

17.00PM - 18.00PM

EVERY THURSDAY (TERM TIME)

LAUNCH NIGHT - THURSDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2015

@ MOUNTS BAY ACADEMY – TR18 3JT 3G PITCH

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