The Newsletter of Garforth Academy

The Academy
The Newsletter of Garforth Academy
Issue 12 Summer Term 2015
MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL
As we approach the end of the summer term I would like to take this opportunity to thank you
all of you, parents, carers, students and colleagues for your on-going and continued support
for all that we do at the Academy. We have, as always, seen many changes at the Academy
from staffing through to government initiatives but through all of this we endeavour to offer
the best possible outcomes for all the young people in our care.
I would like to share the results of the parent/carer surveys that have taken place throughout
this academic year to evidence that we do listen to your views and where appropriate, make
every effort to accommodate your suggestions.
In this newsletter you will find details of the many extra-curricular and enrichment activities
that have taken place this term.
Can I take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer. I look forward to
welcoming your child back to the Academy in September.
Best wishes
AD Woodhouse
ALL YEAR GROUPS PARENT/CARER SURVEY - 16/7/2015
Q1 My child is happy at this school
Q1
Strongly Agree
Agree
54%
43%
Q3 My child makes good progress at this school
Q3
Strongly Agree
Agree
52%
44%
Q2 My child feels safe at this school
Q2
Strongly Agree
Agree
62%
36%
Q4 My child is well looked after at school
Q4
Strongly Agree
Agree
58%
41%
Q5 My child is taught well at this school
Q5
Strongly Agree
Agree
53%
44%
Q6 My child receives appropriate
homework for their age
Q6
Strongly Agree
Agree
42%
50%
Q7 This school ensures the pupils are well behaved Q8 This school deals effectively with
bullying
Q7
Strongly Agree
Agree
49%
46%
Q8
Strongly Agree
Agree
39%
46%
Q9 This school is well led and managed
Q10 This school responds well to any
concern I raise
Q9
Q10
Strongly Agree
Agree
49%
47%
Strongly Agree
Agree
48%
43%
Q11 I receive valuable information from the school Q12 I would recommend this school
about my child's progress
Q11
Strongly Agree
Agree
51%
44%
Q12
Strongly Agree
Agree
62%
35%
LEARNING WITH STEM
The Design and Technology Department arranged a very interactive STEM
event in which the students were required to label, design and construct an
‘air-boat’. Working in teams of three or four, students experimented with hull
width, depth and shape. They also needed to consider the appropriate
location of the batteries and propeller to allow weight distribution that
facilitated speed.
The results were races and time trials, all conducted in especially designed
race tracks - thanks to John Sykes.
This was the school’s second STEM event in the past two years.
Approximately sixty pupils with
Year 9 & 10 involved.
Mr Nesbitt – MAAT Coordinator
Mr Sutcliff Technology.
YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY TRIP
On the 13th July, eleven Year 12 A level
geography students took part in the
annual field trip. This trip consisted of
visiting various places throughout the
Leeds area, collecting a range of data.
The students were looking at the
correlation between different levels of
deprivation and the distance from the
city centre. This field trip is completed in
order to answer the fieldwork sections
on the A2 exams.
Ms Matterson- Head of Geograpy
TOMMY’s RUNNING SEASON – YEAR 7
Year 7, Tommy D is an avid runner. He has had a great season and here is
an overview of his year - outside of the classroom!
Tommy’s pre-season training during the summer was hampered by a knee
injury so he started the cross country season in October, a little under
prepared. However, Tommy has had an unbelievable season even by his
own high standards that he sets himself.
His first notable victory was winning the 1st round of the UK
cross country challenge, held in Sefton Park, Liverpool. It was an over-cast
day, dry under foot and not a breath of wind. Perfect running conditions.
Tommy settled into the leading group of 3 and looked very comfortable. He
kicked for home with 600m to go and won by a comfortable 40m.
He recorded a 3rd place and 2nd place in the next two rounds of the UK Cross
Country Challenge in Cardiff and Milton Keynes. His running was improving
after a sickness hit Christmas break, he felt confident of a good run at the
English National Cross Country Championship. The championship was held
at the iconic cross-country venue of Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath,
London.
Over 300 runners lined up in the mud on 21st February 2015 in the under 13
Boys category of the English National Cross Country Championship. The start was like a
cavalry charge straight up a 400m long hill. By the top of the hill Tommy was in 5th place and
looking very comfortable. As the leading pack climbed the second hill Tommy stormed
through the middle of the mud to take the lead whilst his competitors tried to find drier
ground on either side. He pulled away throughout the race and won by 13 second, almost
overtaking the back-marker from the men’s race at the finish line. He was covered in mud
and grinning ear to ear.
On the 7th March Tommy represented Yorkshire in the Inter-counties Cross
Country Championship the race was also the final round of the UK Cross
Country Challenge. The race was held at Cofton Park in Birmingham.
Tommy won the race by 10 seconds beating his Scottish rival
Hamish A.
Tommy also led Yorkshire to the team victory in this race.
The final race of the season was the London Mini Marathon that
encompassed the British Road Race Championship. This race was
the last 3 miles of the London Marathon, setting off a few hours
before the adults would arrive. Tommy was representing Yorkshire
and Humberside. He travelled down to London on the team bus on
Saturday morning. His parents waited expectantly and were
delighted to see him come bouncing along the Mall in first place, on his way to
setting a new course record of 15 minutes and 42 seconds.
Well done Tommy, we look forward to hearing about your future running triumphs!
YEAR 7 GIRLS FOOTBALL TEAM WIN CUP !
The Year 7 girls won the U12 cup final on May 5th at
Wetherby FC against Benton Park. It was a very
close game finishing 8-7. The girls played
exceptionally well. We look forward to future
success as they move into Year 8.
YEAR 8 SKATER SUCCESSES CONTINUES
Year 8 Gabriella’s skating success continues. In early May
Gabriella took part in a competition at
Murrayfield, Scotland.
Gabriella competed in two competitions and
achieved 2nd place in both, so it was a very
successful event.
Then at the end of May, just before half
term, Gabriella came 1st in her compulsory
dance at a competition in Streatham,
London.
Finally in July Gabriella competed in the
Primary Ladies British Championship and
came 1st. She is now the primary Ladies
British Champion 2015!
What a busy term in every way - Well done Gabriella!
Miss Dunne – Pastoral Leader Year 8
YEAR 10 FOOTBALL TEAM WIN LEEDS
U15 SCHOOL CUP FOR 3RD YEAR
RUNNING
Garforth Academy 3-1 David Young Academy
MATCH REPORT: Written by Mr Mann.
Wednesday 29th April - South Leeds Stadium.
As the game got under way, DYCA began the brighter of the two sides, Garforth struggling
to gain a firm foothold in the contest. Indeed, the holders could feasibly have found
themselves three goals behind early on.
An early warning shot was fired when DYCA released their main man over the top, only to
see him thwarted by the reactions of the alert Josh F in the Garforth goal. The defence in
front of Francis, however, seemingly refused to heed the aforementioned warning and the
same player made no mistake when played in again in similar fashion. After DYCA were
then presented with a third opportunity soon after, a heroic last ditch tackle from Callum F
would save Garforth from going even further behind.
Subsequently, Garforth awakened from their slumber, both Lucas B and Fraser B having
good chances to draw them level. Following a period of sustained pressure, a smart knock
down from Rhys W found Branton and he delivered the equaliser with a smart left footed
strike taken early on the turn, catching the impressive opposition goalkeeper on his
heels. Josh L would then have a golden opportunity to put Garforth in the ascendency but
the sides went in all square at the interval.
With the introduction of Kewell M and Harry K in the second half, Garforth began to take
control of the game and it was Branton who would have the first opportunity to put them in
front. The impressive Oliver W played the ball forward but a heavy touch when rounding the
'keeper ensured the Garforth faithful would have to wait to celebrate. However, when
Branton rose to challenge the DYCA ‘keeper for a cross, the goal that Garforth had
threatened since the break would eventually come, the forward nodding into an empty net
and putting Garforth firmly in the driving seat.
The holders’ dominance would continue thereafter and when captain Kane B won a free kick
inside the opposition half with a quarter of an hour to go, he proceeded to float the ball
towards the far post where Branton would help it on its way into the net for 3-1,
ensuring Garforth had survived an early scare to bring home the trophy for the third year in a
row.
DIVING SUCCESS
Year 11 diver, Lydia, qualified in the spring for the first ever
European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan which took place in
June this year. Lydia competed on the 3 metre springboard
She achieved this after gaining qualification at the British
Junior Elite Championships at Easter and after winning a silver
and bronze medal at the 7 Nations Diving Meet at Stockholm,
Sweden in March.
Well done Lydia and we look forward to hearing more about
your success.
Miss Phillips – Year 11 Pastoral Leader
YEAR 8 FOOTBALL TEAM WINS MERIT
LEAGUE SHIELD
On May 11th the Year 8 footballers ended
their season on a high by winning the Merit
League Shield against St. Marys Menston
at South Leeds Stadium.
Despite carrying a few niggling injuries, the
players dug deep to win 4-1. Brayden E-J
continued his excellent scoring run by
netting twice with Freddie T and Harry S
also getting on the score sheet.
Every student who represented the academy had an outstanding game but man of the
match was awarded to Brayden for two well taken finishes along with his ball winning
midfield work.
POLITICIANS MEET WITH POST-16
STUDENTS
In early May, with the general election
imminent, our Year 13 students were
keen to discuss and question our local
representatives about their policies and
views. We were thrilled to welcome four
prospective parliamentary candidates to
our sixth form study area over lunch time
to allow our students to interrogate and
quiz them on their manifestos, ahead of
what would be the first legal vote for
many of the students. The candidates
were certainly put to the test with well
thought out questions and debates, our students clearly know
their politics!
With many still undecided about who deserved their all-important vote we hope these visits
have proved useful in increasing the students’ knowledge and allowing them to make a well
informed choice.
Mrs Wright – Pastoral Leader Year 13
YEAR 12 LAW STUDENTS VISIT CROWN COURT
A group of fifteen Year 12 Law students visited Leeds
Crown Court on June 23rd.
The Court trip is run every year to give students an idea
of how the Crown Court operates. The aim is for them to
see how the court system runs in practice and the role of
the people involved and also, hopefully, to see part of a criminal trial and/or sentencing. This
builds on the work they have done in the English Legal System for Year 12 and helps them
for the Criminal Law modules in Year 13.
Mr Sparling
YEAR 10 FOOTBALL TEAM
The Year 10 football team have completed what was
another incredibly successful season.
The boys enjoyed a run to the last 32 of the English
Schools Cup, won their Leeds Schools League,
finished top of the overall Leeds Merit Table and
retained both the Leeds Schools Cup and the Leeds
Schools Champions Cup at South Leeds Stadium.
Well done lads and we look forward to continued
success next season.
Mr Mann & Mr Walgate – Maths Department & Year 10 Coaches
STUDENT COUNCIL VISIT HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT
On Tuesday 14th July 2015 Garforth Academy were privileged to
take the Student Council to attend an educational visit to the
Houses of Parliament. The purpose of this trip was to explore
the Palace of Westminster, learning about the history of
Parliament and the art and architecture of the buildings which
have come to be so recognised.
The tour included visiting:
 The House of Commons or House of Lords chambers
 Westminster Hall, the last remaining part of the original Palace
 Central Lobby, at the very heart of the Parliamentary Estate
 Question and answer session with local MP – Alec Shelbrooke
Mrs Kenneally – Pastoral Leader Year 9 & School Council Co-ordinator
JE JOUE THÉÂTRE - LE
CROISSANT D’OR
On Monday 8th June, a group of
students from the University of
Leeds and the Université de
Bordeaux came to our school to
present a play they had created themselves
called Le Croissant d’Or. They performed in
front of a Year 8 French class and organised a
workshop afterwards. The premise of the play
was a trip to Paris by 2 sisters who need to impress their mother enough with the souvenirs
they bring back to win the family heirloom , Le Croissant d’Or. The Year 8 students
thoroughly enjoyed the play and took part wholeheartedly in the activities afterwards. They
had to follow instructions in French, jumping, running and walking in slow motion, present
“tableaux vivants “ or freeze frame, speak in French and vote for the best sister ‘Apprentice’
style!
Here are some of their comments:
“I liked all the jokes and all the funny bits. I also enjoyed the
landmark scenes. I could always understand what they were
doing from their actions”.
“I thought it was brilliant”.
“I really enjoyed the theatre performance. I understood
the story and the workshop taught me some new
French vocabulary. The
play helped me to
understand culture and
pronunciation a lot
better and I learnt more
about France”.
Thank you very much to JeJoueThéâtre for organising the
play and introducing our students to French theatre.
Mme Thoral-Bell
YEAR 7 ENGLISH GLOBE THEATRE
PROJECT
During the summer term Year 7 were studying 'An introduction to
Shakespeare'. We have
done some research into
William Shakespeare's past
and where he used to
perform. Therefore to
demonstrate what they had
learnt, the students' task
was to create a 3D model of
the theatre using any
materials they choose.
The student’s enthusiasm for the project was just
fantastic. Their presentations
were wonderful and as a
result some students got as
many as ten good comments
(some spent over 3 hours
creating their Globe theatres
and research on top of this
time!)
Miss Sykes – English
Department
BRAIN DAY
Last half term the Psychology and Biology Department hosted a Brain
Day, run by the brilliant and charismatic Dr Guy Sutton. Dr Sutton’s
passion and enthusiasm for Neuroscience was certainly infectious and
our students were hooked. Students learnt about cutting edge research
in this field and the latest brain scanning techniques. They were
fascinated to learn about how amazing the brain is and in particular about
radical brain surgeries for Rasmussen Syndrome (a rare childhood brain
disorder leading to life threatening epilepsy) that involves removing a whole hemisphere of
the brain. Remarkably, due to the plasticity of the brain, patients do recover from this radical
surgery and lead relatively normal lives, with their intellect intact.
Dr Sutton also gave a series of lectures on the anatomy of the brain, genes and brain
development and the effect of drugs on the brain. However,
the highlight of the seminar was the brain dissection and our
students had a rare opportunity to touch the brain and see the
major parts such as the cerebellum and the hippocampus.
Moreover, students were able to discover the similarities
between a sheep brain and a human brain and they were
surprised to discover that the only difference was one of scale,
not function or structure!
Dr Sutton’s presentations were of university level and the
students found him to be a most enthusiastic, engaging and
inspirational speaker. This day enthused and invigorated our
Psychology and Biology students and the departmental staff and will become a regular
fixture in the sixth form calendar of events.
HEAD GIRL & HEAD BOY 2015-16
Hi, we’re Connor Varnavides and Siận Quirk and as of July 8th, we
have taken over from the previous head boy and girl of Garforth
Academy 6th form. After a week of worrying and rehearsing our
speeches, we had a nerve racking two minutes standing in front of
our peers and the 6th form team. But it was worth it in the end, as
we were successful in gaining the vital votes we needed to
succeed.
Our roles consist of being the voice of the students and taking their
ideas forwards to the staff here at Garforth Academy. Although we
have only just taken up these responsibilities, we are hoping to go
into assemblies and speak to you guys, in order to form a closer
relationship between the 6th form and other years and raise the
student voice.
We look forward to forming a strong council and working with our
deputies Amy Peer and Tom Street. Hopefully you’ll see more of us in the near future!
YEAR 12 POST 18 DAY
On Friday 5th June 2015 Year 12 students attended Post 18 day here at Garforth Academy
which was organised by Miss Appleyard and Mr Saker from our CEIAG department.
Post 18 day happens once a year in order for the students to start planning their future,
whether that is to go on to university, employment, further training or an apprenticeship. This
year we decided to do things a little different and split the day in half in order for the students
to have the choice to attend both sessions.
To start the day off we arranged for Leeds City College and Leeds Apprenticeship Training
Agency to come in and talk about the different options available after sixth form for students
not wishing to go to university. Their presentations were great and gave the students all the
information needed in order to start their planning – this included CV building, interview
techniques, application process and more. The students thoroughly enjoyed these
presentations and all got involved during the quiz (especially when the chocolate made an
appearance).
In the afternoon Newcastle University gave a great presentation explaining in detail the
process of writing a personal statement, applying and choosing a suitable university. They
also provided a quiz and got the students to really think
about their future.
At Garforth we are proud of the guidance
that we provide our students with. Our 1 to
1 guidance helps to ensure that all
students go on to their chosen future
career or university. We also welcome
external organisations into the academy to
give academic and industry specific advice
to students.
YEAR 12 FIELD TRIP TO ROBIN HOOD’S BAY 2015
The annual A- level Biology field trip to Robin Hood’s
Bay took place on Thursday, 18th June.
Students completed transects down the beach….
……and used a very expensive piece of
equipment to measure limpets!
………Identified Seaweeds…..
After all their hard work the students were allowed to visit the fish
and chip shop. After all who can visit the seaside without having fish
and chips?!
TALENTED YEAR 10
Year 10, Giulietta L has been
playing the exciting, dynamic
and very physically
demanding sport of water polo
since she was 10 years old
and has been involved with
three teams over the last five
years: Morley Water Polo
club, the City of Leeds U16
team and North East Girls
team. Giulietta manages to fit in four training sessions a week as well as her important Year
10 studies and playing the flute. One of these sessions is to coach the Morley U11 squad,
where she first started playing. Her playing position is on the wing and she has taken part in
a trial for the GB team and has been asked to come back when there are vacancies in this
position. Last September Giulietta went to Andorra to compete in the BWMF
(BeWaterMyFriend) tournament with the North East Girls team, on this occasion they didn’t
win, but they gained lots of valuable experience.
Recent successes include the North East Girls winning the Inter Regional National
Championships in Walsall – meaning the squad were the highest ranked region in the UK.
Also The City of Leeds team won the National Age Group Plate competition.
Latest news: Giulietta has been picked for Leeds Ladies 1st team - Well done Giulietta !
TWO GARFORTH STUDENTS SECURE MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS
Two Garforth Academy students, Poppy ( Year 8) and Milly W-H ( Year 11) have been
awarded prestigious Robert Lewin scholarships this year through the Giving Talent a
Chance programme, organised by AYM - Awards Youth Music. Only 103 scholarships were
given across the whole of the country.
The sisters were one of hundreds of young musicians who experienced a rigorous
application process. There then followed an intensive adjudication process by the judges
and we are delighted to announce that the sisters were accepted for the 2015 Awards
programme.
Each outstanding young Award winner will receive vital financial help ranging from £200 up
to £2,000 and will also benefit from individually tailored support, which may comprise
mentoring, access to advanced skills workshops with professional musicians, master classes
and opportunities to attend rehearsals with orchestras and other musical partners.
Well done to the girls, this is an amazing achievement.
WHATS BEEN HAPPENING AT HABITS?
Success is in the air at Habits…..as our academic year
comes to an end our students have once again proved to
be creative, artistic, professional and committed to their
studies.
A look back over the year has resulted in a fantastic
showcase held in January. The ‘All that Glitters’
performance allowed students to demonstrate their skills to
a packed audience. The move to
Fusion Court has expanded our
teaching and learning areas ensuring each student is taught in a
professional and realistic environment.
Our client base is increasing and this is thanks to continued support
(and familiar faces) from staff at school!
Hairdressing student Kirsty W has shown continued progression and
determination and we look forward to her returning to
study her NVQ 3 in Hairdressing.
Our media makeup course allows students to take their
creativity and individual flair to another level. Covering
a wide spectrum of media the images and designs
created are of a very high standard so much so that
Lauren G has been successful in securing a place to
study Media Makeup & Special Effects at Manchester University.
We have developed positive relationships with local business providers
including Thorpe Park Spa & Hotel, Leeds. As vacancies arise within their
holistic spa setting students are invited to apply. Their senior therapist and
trainer is a previous Habits/Garforth Academy student Laura
Dobson.
Our recent External Verifiers visit from VTCT (awarding body)
highlighted the dedication and commitment our department strives
to deliver and how our standards are of a very high quality allowing
students to progress into employment and higher education.
In March Steiner visited our department. This workshop gives
students the insight into working on board exclusive cruise liners for
9 month contracts. These positions are extremely competitive and
a very high standard of skill is required. Successful
candidates will travel around the world experiencing many
countries and cultures whilst working in a prestigious
environment. This week Alexis P and Natasha P attended
regional interviews and were accepted (over 300 students
attended this interview). We are very proud of them and wish
them every success in their promising careers.
The Habits department doesn’t stop over the school holidays.
Throughout the year enrichment courses are held including
threading, spray tanning and Gel nails. These courses
enhance a students learning and proves invaluable in this
competitive industry.
All in all the team at Habits are extremely proud of the
students’ achievements this year and we look forward to
achieving the same success in 2016.
The Hair & Beauty Department
OUTSTANDING (and unusual!) YEAR 7 LESSON OBSERVATION
When asked to visit a Year 7 lesson to
view the reading group, I didn’t expect
to be met by sights such as this!
I know people say that that some of my
year group are cheeky little monkeys –
but I didn’t know that they meant
literally!
Imagine my surprise when faced with
students on desks, underpants outside
of trousers and reading books on head.
I was somewhat relieved when Ms Macklees explained that
students had been tasked with dressing up as a character of the
book they were reading……hence Captain
Underpants !!
Mrs Needham – Year 7 Pastoral Leader
SALAMANCA 2015
In the last week of June a group of eighteen Year 10 students who study Spanish spent a
week in Salamanca. The students lived with Spanish families and attended Spanish school
each afternoon.
Thanks to Anna and Grace who supplied the following write up:
Our trip to Salamanca improved our vocabulary and understanding of the language rapidly in
the space of just six days. We were amazed at how confident and forward we were at the
end of the trip. Anna and I lived in a house just off the Gran Via, in the centre of Salamanca.
Our Spanish mama was called Mari Paz, Mari Paz, like many other mamas, could not speak
any English. At the start of the week we both were very nervous and apprehensive on the
language barrier that faced us. However we also looked forward to the week ahead of us.
Even though we experienced an annoying six hour delay (  ) it still didn’t manage to
dampen any of our spirits! We were all really cheerful at the airport, playing games and
chatting and enjoying a meal together. We finally got in bed at 5:30am Tuesday morning. We
were utterly exhausted!
School in Spain was surprisingly entertaining and fun! We were
always challenged and pushed to our limits. Looking back we
can easily say that they were the most interesting school days
we’ve ever had! We would do anything to re visit.
The best thing about living in a house
with a Spanish woman was that we felt
like we were living in a home from home.
Mari Paz was very friendly and treated us
just like we were her own children. We
felt very welcome and felt as though we
could treat it like our home. We were
fortunate to meet a girl from Tai Wan
called Wendy. She too was studying
Spanish but she was lucky as she was
staying for 2 months.
Each night we had something different: Le tapas, salsa, karaoke or a gathering for ice cream
at the square .The days consisted of school, lunch with our family and activities like
swimming, photo-rally, tour of the city and the cathedral. Personally the tour of the cathedral
had to be one of the best activities we did. As a group we went around and up the cathedral
hearing about its history and reconstruction. On Saturday we visited Sierra de Francia. This
was a mountain range just outside Salamanca. This was owned by the French; they were
given the land to harvest crops like fruit for the local towns.
In summary our week consisted of high adrenaline, entertaining activities and lots and lots of
Spanish! It was completely worth the six hour delay.
Thanks Senora Daly for taking us (& Mme Thoral Bell & Mr Walgate)…….when can we go
back ?!
BATTLEFIELDS TRIP 2015
The History department took sixty five Year 9 students to Belgium for the annual WW1
Battlefields tour. They visited many famous sites such as Vimy Ridge, Thiepval and Tyne
Cot Cemetery. They were staying in the historic town of Ypres which was itself nearly
destroyed during the Great War and which houses the brilliant 'In Flanders Field' museum.
Mr. Williams who led the trip this year explained:
"We had an excellent time and the students were marvellous. There was a healthy mixture
of tears, smiles and ice-cream and the weather was almost too hot, reaching 38 degrees on
the Wednesday, but was typically raining on our arrival back in the UK.
Hopefully the experience will stay with the students for many years to come and I was very
proud of the four students who represented the
academy perfectly at the Menin Gate wreath laying
ceremony.
Well done Year 9 and thanks to all the staff who
gave up so much time to enable this trip to take
place.”
History department
CSI WEEK
A group of keen young scientists from Years 7
and 8 took up the challenge of becoming Crime
Scene Investigators. There had been a murder
in the Art Studio on Sunday 6th July around
19.00, there were three suspects seen in the
area around the time of death.
The young investigators combed the scene for
evidence and used several key pieces of
forensic analysis; blood splatter patterns,
chromatography, fibre analysis with
microscopes, chemical flame testing and finger
print analysis. Fortunately the group were able to gather enough evidence to be able to
identify and build a strong case against the suspect.
Parents were also invited in to visit the crime scene and
were put through their paces as the young investigators
explained how they gathered evidence and used it to
identify the suspect.
Mr Fielden – Head of Chemistry
CAREERS ACADEMY
As part of the A-level ICT double course, students have the
opportunity to undertake a six week paid internship through
the Careers Academy scheme. This year we have our
biggest ever cohort going out on internships, students will
be working at such places as Lloyds bank and Xerox over
the summer holidays. This is an excellent opportunity for
the students to experience the real world and to be treated
like a proper employee. This is the fifth year the department
has run the scheme with many students returning to their
placement provider for full time, or part time work in the future.
Mr P Donlon – ICT
“BATTLE OF THE BANDS WINNERS”
Year 8 band, Territory, won the first ever Battle of the Bands contest at Kirkstall Festival,
held at Kirkstall Abbey on Saturday 11th July.
The band, which formed just over a year ago,
were the youngest entrants in the 13 – 24yr
category. The boys; Luke F, Harry S, Liam B and
Joe L performed a song written by front man Luke
called “One Man Show”. The judging panel (which
included the band Apollo Junction) were
impressed by the fresh sound presented by the
band and the original track. The boys won a
session at a recording studio and the chance to
support the band Apollo Junction at their next gig.
What a fantastic achievement for a new band that
only gets the chance to get together after school
and at weekends.
To hear the track click here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsGURUSEY3Q
Next in their sights is the Breeze on Tour event on August 20th, when Territory performs in
front of a large crowd at Temple Newsom.
Good luck and we look forward to hearing how you get on!
DEARNE VALLEY – KINGSWOOD EDUCATIONAL
OUTDOOR LEARNING
For the fourth year running the MAAT team, led by Mr
Nesbitt took a small group of Year 10 MAAT students
to Kingswood Educational Outdoor Learning Centre for
an outward bound residential. One of the aims of the
residential is to give the students an opportunity to
learn about themselves and to consider their
education. While away on the two night residential the
pupils are
encouraged
to consider
self-awareness, the difference between success
and happiness, obstacles to achieving goals,
pupil stress, parental expectations, relationship
with staff and whether careers are linear or
dynamic.
Students participated in canoeing, rock climbing,
high ropes course, nightline, lazerzone, time
challenges, problem solving, and archery.
Throughout the trip students were learning about
each other and about their own limitations.
Learning about the nature of fear and the tools
required to
overcome
those initial
thoughts of self-doubt.
Student and teacher feedback from the trip was
overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH
PROGRAMME UPDATE
What a busy term it has been for all
the staff and students participating in the
Duke of Edinburgh programme! We have
had three residential trips out this term as
well as a day fund raising at the local
Tesco store.
Firstly, in May, the Bronze teams completed their practice expedition around Harwood. Just
over fifty pupils walked for six hours on both the Saturday and Sunday. Whilst they found
walking on their own the second day a daunting task they rose to the occasion in spectacular
form. We enjoyed fair weather and a roaring bonfire on the Saturday night and the students
set the tone for their Assessed Expedition in June.
On June 13th and 14th the Bronze teams put all their practise into
action, navigating the footpaths and bridleways around Ingleton
and Horton in Ribblesdale to complete their assessed
Expedition. True to form they managed it well with only a few
extra excursions of exploration along the way. Later in June
they would recount their adventures in front of friends and family
at the Presentation evening. Staff were very proud of the
students hard work and look forward to them participating in
Silver Award next year.
On the first weekend in July, the twenty one Silver and 7 Gold
students set off on their Assessed expedition in
Swaledale. While some of the Gold Award pupils found the first days walk too difficult, we
were pleased to see a team of students complete the four day trek successfully. The Silver
groups all exceeded expectations and did themselves proud over their three day
adventure. Despite the electrical storm on the first night the weather was kind and everyone
enjoyed the trip.
To finish off the year a team of Bronze and soon-to-be Bronze ( and a few very loyal Silver )
students gave up some of their weekend to help pack customers bags at the local Tesco’s in
Garforth. £297.51 was raised which has already been earmarked for new rain covers for the
rucksacks we provide students with on expeditions.
Another bag pack has been
arranged for Sunday October 4th,
this time at Sainsbury’s, when we
hope to raise more funds to
replace kit which is suffering from
wear and tear after a busy year.
YEAR 10 FRENCH TRIP TO PARIS
This year's French trip took twenty eight
students and four members of staff to the
French capital and most visited city in
Europe- Paris.
Staying in the Chateau de Grande
Romaine on the outskirts of Paris we had
access to an outside heated swimming
pool, basketball and football courts, ping
pong tables and a games room. However
we hardly had time to take
full advantage of them as
we had a packed itinerary in and around Paris.
EuroDisney was extremely popular with the students and Mr Mann and Mr
Baldwin alike but one can't go to Paris without seeing the sites and see them
we did.
I think that it is fair to say the students were very impressed with the Eiffel
Tower (despite the queues) and we also saw Sacre Coeur, Montmartre,
Notre Dame, the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and walked and cruised along the
River Seine (seeing more sites on the way; Place de la Concorde,
Assemblee Nationale, Pont des Arts).
Oh la la! We made crepes, played musical chairs and did a variety of
activities in the evening with our guides as well as eating some lovely French
food, although I didn't see many students tasting the snails which were on
offer on the last night!
A wonderful time was had by all and
I would like to thank Mrs WIlson, Mr
Mann and Mr Baldwin for
accompanying me on the trip and of
course the students who thoroughly
enjoyed themselves and did us
proud!
Mrs Campling – Modern Foreign
Languages Department