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Over the past few days we've enjoyed rounding off the term with Celebration Assemblies for each year group (and Year 10 still to go tomorrow)! Hundreds of students have been awarded hard-earned certificates for Q-Points achievements, subject awards, and more – and winners will receive their blazer badges when we're back after Easter. This week all students are also receiving their Interim Reports. Please ask your child to see their report, and discuss this with them at home. The purpose of reporting is to keep you informed about how your child is getting on at the Academy, and you're always welcome to get in touch with your child's Personal Tutor if there's anything you'd like to discuss. Survival of the fittest – elite desert animalsAs part of our Natural World topic, we have explored how desert animals have unique adaptations which help them survive in such harsh climatic conditions. Studying adaptations contributes to our understanding of biodiversity around the world. Despite the hostile environment, fauna still manage to thrive and survive here. This gave us a chance to explore our creative side with salt dough models. 
Using our new knowledge of animal adaptations, we designed a new 'elite' animal of the desert. Our animals have unique features to help them survive the hot, arid, windy, and barren desert ecosystem. "My animal will have vent-like patches on its skin, which will open during the hot day but then close to keep warm during the cold desert nights". 
Look at the amazing detail on our models! "My animal can close it's eyes and use echolocation to navigate in sand storms" – Yves 
We are now ready to paint our new elite animal, which will thrive in the scorching Sahara Desert. 
We exercised our great teamwork skills as we worked in groups to turn our 2D designs into 3D models, bringing our creations to life using salt dough. – Miss Perkins 
Year 11 students prepare for English examsThe English team are preparing Year 11 students for their exams taking place soon. We have used a range of strategies and have revisited all components of the exam. This week, students have been looking at exam questions and how to approach them. 
We have spent a lot of time unpicking questions and mind-mapping ideas. We have also been looking at thesis statements which can be used in introductions. Students had a go at attempting their own which were then read out and discussed. – Miss Russell 
Basketball ClubBasketball club has been a hit with students and we have had a great turnout within the last few weeks. 
Students have been able to practise and develop a range of skills in isolation. 
They have also been able to apply these skills into small sided games and full court games. I have been very impressed with all the students who have been attending this club. – Mr Richardson 
A flying visit!Students in Year 7 and also our CCF cadets were given the opportunity understand the work of MAF. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) is the world's largest humanitarian air operator. For over 75 years they have been flying light aircraft over jungles, mountains, swamps, and deserts. They enable more than 2,000 aid, development, and mission organisations to bring medical care, emergency relief, and long-term development. 
Students were given the opportunity to access flight simulators and different games used by pilots in training to understand the skills required. Students in Year 7 were given the opportunity to problem-solve about a flight that crashed on a desert island. Students had to decide which passengers to prioritise and how to save them, whilst communicating with the rest of the team. 
Students enjoyed sitting in the cockpit of the plane and acting as the pilot for a small aircraft. Callum said he "had never had the opportunity to sit in the cockpit of a plane" and he "didn't realise there would be so many different buttons to control what the plane is doing – it was amazing!" Since MAF came into the Academy, many students have expressed an interest in aviation for their future. – Miss Bloomfield 
Year 11 GCSE PE Handball ModerationYear 11 GCSE PE students took part in a mock handball moderation in order to have their level of skills assessed, both in a series of progressive drills and in a full sided game. 
Students were assessed on their ability to pass, receive, shoot, move with the ball, and mark opponents in a variety of progressively challenging situations. 
The session allowed the students to experience what their real practical moderation will be like which is due to take place on Tuesday 9th May, as well as ensuring marks provided to students prior to external moderation are consistent and fair. – Mrs Halford 
Year 11 revision successOver the next few weeks, we will be showcasing some of the amazing revision that is taking place with Year 11 in the Academy. 
Here are some examples of independent work done by Edie, who has been making incredible summary sheets in both science and English. Well done to her and all the other Year 11s who are engaging so well with their revision! – Miss Tromans 
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