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Parents and carers are a huge part of our community and we appreciate the support you give to ensuring that students are really successful. As we approach the end of term and indeed the end of the calendar year, we encourage our parents and carers to spend some time discussing the achievements of their children this year. 
The holidays are a really important time to rest and recharge, and we wish you all a wonderful break. If there are opportunities to revise with your child, test them for a quiz, review their assignments, or read a good book, these activities are so valuable and help our students benefit from learning beyond the classroom. 
May I take the opportunity to remind all parents and carers of the benefits of working with your child's Personal Tutor as they have a great understanding of how your child is doing at the Academy. When Interim Reports are published (this week for Key Stages 4-5 and in January for Key Stage 3), they will support you with any questions you may have on your child's progress. – Mr Bury 
Spread Cheer on Christmas Jumper Day!Tomorrow, Thursday 12th December, is National Christmas Jumper Day! Students are welcome to wear a Christmas jumper or accessory to celebrate the festive season. Full Business Dress must be worn alongside the accessory. Please consider making a voluntary donation to Save the Children. Christmas lunches are also available. See more information on our website. Summer 2024 Exam Certificates Are Ready!Summer 2024 examination certificates will be available for collection on Tuesday 14th January and Thursday 16th January 2025, from 4-5pm. We look forward to welcoming our former students on either day, with their photo ID. The collection will take place in Quisine; please note that for safeguarding reasons, candidates will not be allowed to access the rest of the Academy. If a student wishes to nominate someone else (such as a parent/carer) to collect certificates on their behalf, or if they are unable to collect on these dates, then they should email the Exams Office in advance as additional paperwork is required. Students currently in the Sixth Form will receive their certificates in Tutor Time. From Sonnets to Scrooge: Year 10 Study Dickens for ChristmasAs the festive season approaches, our Year 10 students have wrapped up their exploration of poetry and turned their attention to a classic seasonal tale: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Just in time for Christmas, the students have begun reading the opening stave of this timeless novella, delving into the rich language and vivid imagery Dickens uses to introduce the infamous Ebenezer Scrooge. 
Across all classes, discussions are buzzing as students analyse how Dickens presents Scrooge as a miserly, cold-hearted figure, setting the stage for his eventual transformation. With its themes of generosity, redemption, and the spirit of Christmas, A Christmas Carol offers the perfect opportunity for students to reflect on the values of the season while sharpening their analytical skills. 
The excitement in classrooms is palpable as students embrace this literary journey, and we can't wait to see the thoughtful insights they bring to this much-loved story. – Miss Russell 
Young Stars Train for Big TournamentGirls from Years 7, 8, and 9 have been attending early-morning training sessions every Friday to develop their football skills. In the New Year, they will be taking part in the ESFA U13 and U15 Girls' Cup where the girls will play teams from around the country. Keep up the hard work girls! – Mrs M Schwald-Samuel 
Students Embrace New Fitness EquipmentThe Academy recently upgraded its gym with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, including cardio machines such as bikes, treadmills, and cross trainers, as well as new weight machines such as shoulder press, leg curl and extension, and lat pulldown machines. 
Students are now using this new equipment during Wellbeing Active lessons to learn about energy balance and effective training techniques. They are being taught how to structure their workouts using sets and reps, which helps them understand the principles of fitness and the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The new gym has quickly become a favorite spot for students, who are enthusiastic about incorporating these modern tools into their fitness routines. 
In other Key Stage 3 lessons, students have been engaged in playing badminton. They have been learning the fundamentals of serving, both backhand and forehand. This week, the focus has shifted to mastering the overhead clear shot, a strategic move designed to outwit an opponent positioned close to the net. By practicing this shot, students are developing their ability to control the shuttlecock and enhance their tactical gameplay, making their badminton sessions both educational and exciting. – Mrs Halford 
Careers Speed Networking & Business BreakfastWe are excited to announce that we will be hosting The Careers Speed Network and Business Breakfast again. Every year, some fantastic companies who are known as our VIEs (Very Important Employers) join us in supporting this event. Thanks to all those who have confirmed; we look forward to welcoming you again! The date for our event is Wednesday 5th March 2025, so if your company can support Year 9 and Year 12 in their quest to explore careers and support career decisions, please get in touch. – Mrs Meredith 
Helicopter Workshop with the Royal NavyYear 8 have enjoyed linking Science with careers, completing workshops with the Royal Navy. Students first listened to instructions and then created their own helicopters and were required to test and alter just like an engineer until they thought their design would win. 
The competition began as students eagerly released their helicopters. The Naval officers exclaimed that this class was amongst the best they had worked with this year! They not only behaved impeccably and followed instructions, but also demonstrated creativity and a willingness to experiment with different designs. 
The questions asked by all groups were also outstanding. How do you train to be a Naval officer? How many countries have you visited? Over 60! – Mrs Meredith 
Year 7 Career Adventure: Guess Who?Year 7 students dived into the exciting world of careers through a lively and interactive assembly. Careers Guess Who asked the students to guess which role each participant was playing. It offered students a fascinating glimpse into diverse career paths such as engineering, childcare, and catering, while also challenging stereotypes. To add a sprinkle of magic, Santa himself made a surprise appearance as the final contestant! – Mrs Meredith 
Year 8 Triumphs in U13 Football TournamentOn Thursday, the Year 8 football team traveled to Gospel Oak Academy to participate in the Under 13s 6-a-side football tournament. The team showcased exceptional skill and determination, winning all three of their group stage matches. Amari and Damari were on form in attack, with Amari scoring four goals and Damari scoring one. This secured their place in the final against Sandwell Academy's first team. 
In a tightly contested match, they emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, with Damari scoring. This propelled them into the final against Sandwell Academy's B team. The final match ended in a 0-0 draw, leading to a tense penalty shootout. Amari, Kishan, and Richie stepped up confidently, scoring all their penalties and clinching the tournament victory for the team. Their outstanding performance and teamwork were truly commendable! Joshua Munday was the player of the tournament. – Mr Richardson 
Sassons Hits a High Note with Zog!This week Zog found himself down in music, following Mr Sassons' ZAFTA win. He had been impressed by Mr Sassons' innovation in written feedback and tireless commitment to spreading enthusiasm for his subject. He even managed to check out some Panto rehearsals! – Mr Mills 
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