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Transcript of Christmas Edition
Newsletter
Willenhall E-ACT Academy Design a Christmas Card 2014 Winning Design Abbie Phillips: Year 7
Christmas Edition 2014: Issue 16
2
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!
3
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
4
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
6
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.
7
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!
8
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!
9
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!
10
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.
11
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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.
14
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: [email protected] Visit our website: [email protected]
Telephone: 01902 368221
Social Media Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WillenhallEACTAcademy Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/WillenhallEACT