Newsletter

And the Gold Games are awarded to...

Which Year 7 bid nation got the Gold Games? See Page 3

Issue 14 April 2011

Latest: www.stockport-academy.org | Student Progress: https://insight.stockport-academy.org | Twitter: @sptacademy

The Most Improved School or Academy in the North West Region for 2010 - Specialist Schools and Academies Trust

Sale Sharks star Kristian Ormsby - a New Zealander - with the New Zealand bid team. But did they seal the Games...?

tockport Academy has launched a homework wall designed to improve the recording and completion of all student homework.
The wall is made up of ten columns of perspex frames, with each column representing an individual subject. Each frame is then filled in individually by subject teachers, detailing the homework they have set for the week. The wall also displays some of the best pieces of homework from the previous week, setting an exam-

Homework Wall Launched

ple for students to follow. As well as improving the recording and completion of homework by students, it is hoped the homework wall will reassure parents and carers that homework is being set, with them welcome to look at the wall whenever they wish. On the homework wall, Principal Ben Dunne said: I have listened intently to parents concerns about homework and I believe the homework wall will go a long way to show there is a rigorous homework culture here at the academy. He added: The wall, which is positioned behind the main doors at reception, will communicate clearly

to parents and students that homework has been set. We are determined to ensure students log homework clearly in their planners. With the homework wall, there is no longer any excuse for students not to do so. Meanwhile, the academy has unveiled its new Progress Gallery in the atrium. The gallery showcases Year 9 and 11 students who have performed to a good or outstanding level during a half-term. Progress Gallery: Page 7

Also in this issue...

Fundraising * Boxing club * Chaplain appointed * Science week * World Book Day * Parent governors * Trips * Man Utd choir * Football and rugby successes

Principals Message
Principal Ben Dunne reflects on receiving the award marking the academys determined strive for improvement.
our students. Key to this is the ability of the academy to attract the best staff. Awards such as this help raise the national profile of the academy and improve the quality of applicants when we advertise. Therefore, I am delighted to announce that in the summer term we will be joined by two such staff. Andrew Thomas will be joining us our Director of Sport and Enrichment and Becky Davies will join the Maths Curriculum Area as a leader to improve the quality of teaching and provision. In September, we will also see Nicholas Ashler join us as the new assistant Curriculum Area Leader in Humanities. I would also like to thank parents and students for supporting our recent Progress Review Day. Feedback from parents confirms the importance of having quality time with our staff to discuss progress and using the reports to track and celebrate success. This success is now made very public with students who are making the highest rates of progress appearing in our Progress Gallery! Can I finally ask all parents to continue supporting our drive on improving attendance by ensuring your sons and daughters attend the academy every day and on time (8.45am), and that high standards of uniform are maintained at all times. Finally, you are welcome at any time to come and have a look at our homework wall and if you have concerns about the quality or quantity of homework being set, then please use the group e-mails on the back of this newsletter to contact the relevant subject areas directly. Thank you again for your continued support and heres to a peaceful Easter and high achieving summer term ahead for all our students.

his edition of our newsletter comes at a time when Stockport Academy, by achieving one of the fastest improving GCSE results both regionally and nationally, has received national recognition.

The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT) is one of the country's leading education organisations and represents more than 5,600 schools, academies and education bodies. An annual event on the 23rd March celebrated those schools and academies that met criteria in several categories in the 2010 GCSE or equivalent examinations. I was very proud to receive an award on behalf of students, staff and parents given to Stockport Academy for achieving the Most Improved School or Academy in the North West Region for 2010. On receiving the award, Elizabeth Reid, Chief Executive of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust, said: Congratulations to Stockport Academy and their students, where GCSE results have made dramatic improvements. These improvements in education standards are down to the hard work of young people, their teachers Kind regards and the invaluable support of their parents. It goes without saying what a privilege it was accepting the award, but we now continue with the hard work of improving our attainment even Ben Dunne further and ensuring consistent, high quality Principal teaching and learning across the academy for all Issue 14 - Page 2

www.stockport-academy.org

News

Year 7s going for gold

Front: Winning bid nation Spain with form tutor Mr Stonehouse (right). Back: Judging panel including Sale Sharks players and Pure FM DJs

ear 7s showed they were the entrepreneurs of the future after bidding for the Gold Games during a business and enterprise day.
The Bidding for Gold Games project saw students split into groups to represent a potential host nation. They then had to compile a presentation including fact sheets about their country, corporate branding to attract sponsorship, mascot designs and songs. The panel of judges included

rugby stars Neil Briggs and Kristian Ormsby from Sale Sharks, Bob Barber from the National Cycling Centre - Manchester Velodrome and Ann McLaughlin from the academys enterprise link partner, APS Group. Pure 107.8 FM were also on hand to help with the judging and record a piece for their Pure Breakfast show. After long deliberation, the judges awarded the games to Spain, with their all-round presentation highly praised. Commented Bob Barber: I am lucky enough to work with Team GB and other Olympians Students ran a variety of stalls including cakes, nailpainting and football computer games, where students donated money to play a short game against one of their friends. Save Sams Spine is raising 20,000 to help Scarborough

and even they would have been inspired to see the presentations from the pupils!" Ann McLaughlin from APS added: Today has made me feel proud that APS is working with Stockport Academy. The Year 7s learnt how creativity, research and presentational skills are key attributes to being successful in business. Judging from the standard of work today, I suspect many of them will have successful careers in business in the future!

Year 7s raise over 140 - in an hour and a half!

ear 7s raised over 140 in just 90 minutes during a business and enterprise fundraiser for Save Sams Spine. www.stockport-academy.org

man Sam Rhodes. Sam currently suffers from severe spinal problems, leaving him unable to work. The money is needed to cure him of prolapsed cervical discs. For more information, search online for Save Sams Spine. Issue 14 - Page 3

News

Boxing club set to be knockout winner

Sue Mayo appointed Academy Chaplain

T
Foreground: Year 11 student Andrew Roberts with ex-boxer Jonjo Greene. Background (L to R): Senior Vice Principal Pete Whitehead, Police Community Support Officers Gareth Jones and Claire Atherton, Executive Member for Communities Cllr Helen Foster-Grime, Principal Ben Dunne and Community Safety Officer Dan Walsh

he Rev Sue Mayo has been officially appointed Chaplain of Stockport Academy.

Former crusierweight Jonjo Greene has teamed up with the academy and local police to set up Edgeley Community Boxing Club (ECBC) as part of the Safer Stockport initiative, which encourages local people to create safer places to live, work and visit. On starting ECBC, Jonjo, who fought 44 times as a professional and once fought former WBO World Heavyweight Champion Herbie Hide, said: This is a great opportunity for me to give something back to the community, to engage with young adults from the surrounding communities and teach them the discipline and skills involved in boxing - the sport I love. Issue 14 - Page 4

I am really excited about what former boxer has started a new club at we can achieve with the club and the academy aimed at hope it will be a big success. Academy student Diana Whalley the areas young people. went along to the first ECBC session - and is glad she did. ECBC is great as it teaches discipline and fitness, she said. It also gives people things to do and is a small and close community. I enjoy it as everyone is friendly and helps one another out. There are also many benefits such as meeting new people, learning self-defence and obviously keeping yourself healthy. ECBC is open to everyone aged 10-18 and takes place every Tuesday from 3.30-5pm in the academy sportshall. For more information, visit www.wix.com/edgeleycbc/edgeleycommunity-boxing-club.

Sue has worked with the academy and its predecessor school for nine years, providing spiritual and emotional support to students and staff. Sue, who was ordained at Chester Catherdral last July along with her daughter, Jenny, also works with other local schools as an evangelist through the Christians in Schools Trust. Before working for the church, Sue worked as a theatre and TV director, notably for former Channel 4 soap Brookside. On becoming a schools evangelist, Sue said: Most people would think my life has been very varied and exciting, but it is working for the Christians in Schools Trust in Stockport that has given me the most job satisfaction.

www.stockport-academy.org

News

Science week success at the academy

tion, where students had to find the names of famous scientists from posters positioned around the academy building. Meanwhile, Year 10 and 13 students visited the Skills North Students from LadyWest exhibition to see bridge Primary School how science can influspent time at the academy our interactive whiteboards. ence their future careers. Academy students were learning about filtration and There was also a pastoral treated to scientific demonstraevaporation. programme dedicated to the reThey also tested their scien- tions by staff at lunchtime, as tific knowledge by using one of well as a Who am I? competi- cent events in Japan.
Ladybridge students mastering filtration during an experiment

he academys science week was a fantastic success and included a range of events for all academy students, present and future.

Booklicious cake for World Book Day

he academy marked World Book Day in the best way possible with a book shaped cake made by food technology!

New parent governors elected

The cake marking World Book Day made by food technology Bookmania reading group reading some of their favourites

lison Carney and AlanLivingstone have been elected as the new parent governors to serve on the academys Local Governing Body (LGB).
Alison has two students at the academy - Thomas in Year 10 and Ryan in Year 13 - while Alans daughter, Abigail, is in Year 9. Alison and Alan follow previous parent governors Paul Driscoll and Amanda Shuttleworth. The academy thanks Paul and Amanda for the fantastic contribution they made whilst on the LGB. Issue 14 - Page 5

Art and humanities departments also got involved with making promotional posters and PowerPoint presentations explaining the earliest forms of books, from clay tablets to the Roman codex. The academys Bookmania to read and discuss some of reading group also got together their favourites. www.stockport-academy.org

Sixth Form and Student News

Sixth Formers rock London

Sixth Formers on Londons South Bank on the River Thames

ixth Formers have sampled London and university life with a visit to the capital and JohnRylands University Library, University of Manchester.

walked over Tower Bridge at night and ate in a South Bank restaurant before ending their trip with a visit to the Dominion Theatre to see the hit Queen musical We Will Rock You. Meanwhile, the Year 13 history students who visited John The 17 students who vis- Rylands University Library ited London had a private cap- were given a tour of the buildsule on the London Eye, ing and a talk on how to use its

facilities. They were then given free access to the librarys resources to work on the historical enquiry element of their A-Level syllabus. The students thoroughly enjoyed the day, which gave them an insight into university life and is helping them become more independent learners.

Trs bien students visit Caf Rouge

Academy students inspire United

Academy students helped sing Manchester United to victory against Arsenal in their recent FA Cup QuarterFinal. Year 8s Zoe Beddard, Aimee Bollington, Hayley Harrison and Chloe Smith all sang on the pitch at half-time as part of the Manchester United Foundation Choir. The Foundation aims to engage with local communities and inspire young people to build better lives for themselves. www.stockport-academy.org

ardworking Year 9 and 11 French students have been treated to a French surprise.

Year 9s tucking into their fougasse

The students were taken to Caf Rouge in Didsbury where they ate fougasse - a French bread from the Provence region - and a typical French meal. As well as being a reward for their hard work, the meal helped increase the students Issue 14 - Page 6

cultural understanding. After the meal, two customers approached teaching staff and said they had never seen such well-behaved students!

StudentNews
Showcasing achievers on our Progress Gallery

Football team set for semis in cup

he Year 9 boys football squad progressed to the semi-finals of the cup with a 3-2 win over Stockport School.

highly in GCSEs and other qualifications. The wall is to be updated every half-term using the information sent to parents and carers inside the progress reports. To get onto the Progress It is hoped the gallery will Gallery, students have to meet motivate Year 9 and 11 stuor exceed their targets in sub- dents to achieve and even betjects. Students who feature on ter their academic potential. the wall are likely to achieve

he academys Progress Gallery celebrates Year 9 and 11 students who are achieving highly.

Two goals from Tom Farrington and a strike from Jake Flynn were enough to hold off a strong Stockport School side. A potential final at Edgeley Park now awaits the winner of the semi-final. With a sports tour to Barcelona likely next year and with the quality of football now on show - who knows, maybe the Camp Nou beckons for some of our lads...

Rugby squad makes its mark

he academys Year 7 and 8 rugby squad produced fantastic displays when competing against more experienced teams from Bramhall and Kingsway HighSchools.

The squad before their games against Bramhall and Kingsway

The 25-man squad scored some superb tries in both matches and demonstrated an excellent level of team work and commitment. All players performed exceptionally well but the man of both matches, decided by the squad, went to Year 7s Dale Hester.

All students in Years 7, 8 and 9 are welcome to take part in training and learn more about the game. Training takes place every Tuesday from 3.15-4.15pm. For more information, please see Mr. McGahey or Mr. Cross.

The more of a dierence we make to Stockport Academy, the more of a dierence Stockport Academy will make to us.

Pledge made by Year 7s Alan Bradbury during a Debate Club and Student Council meeting.

www.stockport-academy.org

Issue 14 - Page 7

Diary dates and group emails

Parents Evenings Year 8 Parents Evening Tuesday 7th June, 6.00-8.00pm Year 7 Parents Evening Thursday 14th July, 6.00-8.00pm Principals Drop-in Sessions Tuesday 3rd May, 4.30-6.00pm Tuesday 14th June, 4.30-6.00pm Year 11 Prom VIllage Hotel and Leisure Club, Cheadle - Thursday 7th July, 7pm-12.30am Transition Events Year 6 Parents Evenings - Thursday 7th April and Tuesday 12th July, both 7.00-8.30pm Year 6 Induction Day - Thursday 7th July Group emails Group emails allow you to get in touch with staff quickly. Simply use the relevant email address and include the staff member you wish to contact in the message. You will get a response within 48 hours. Year Directors Year7@stockport-academy.org (change number for relevant year group e.g. Year8@ etc up to Year11@) For Sixth Form enquiries, please email 6thform@stockport-academy.org Term Times Easter Holiday Thursday 7th April-Monday 25th April Summer (1) Tuesday 26th April-Friday 27th May Royal Wedding Friday 29th April May Day Bank Holiday Monday 2nd May Spring Bank Holiday Monday 30th May-Friday 3rd June Summer (2) Monday 6th June-Friday 22nd July Work Experience Week (Year 11) Monday 9th-Friday 13th May

Group emails - Faculty Addresses English@stockport-academy.org maths@stockport-academy.org science@stockport-academy.org humanities@stockport-academy.org (incl. geography, health and social care, history, law, psychology, sociology, travel and tourism) technology@stockport-academy.org ict@stockport-academy.org (incl. business studies) expressivearts@stockport-academy.org mfl@stockport-academy.org (French and Spanish) pe@stockport-academy.org (incl. BTEC sport)

Have your say...

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Contact Us
Post: Stockport Academy, Heathbank Road, Cheadle Heath, Stockport SK3 0UP Telephone: 0161 286 0330 email: enquiries@stockport-academy.org Website: www.stockport-academy.org
Newsletter Editor: David Meller Newsletter written and designed in-house by the Editor. United Learning Trust 2011

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