Friday 11 March 2022

A total of 35 candidates applied, which is unheard of. We were, therefore, able to select a field of the highest quality to interview. We look forward to the successful candidates joining the team and pursuing the strategies that have transformed teaching and learning.

Supporting students to achieve their best

The Year 11 mocks are coming to an end. Having had little experience of exams over the past two years, our students have coped admirably and their attitude has been first class. The interventions we have put in place to support them with their GCSEs have continued to be well attended. The mock results will help teaching staff pinpoint where further support is needed. The children need to know, in their final few weeks, we will do all we can to help them achieve the best possible outcomes.

We had another great turnout last night of students and parents for the Year 8 parents / carers evening. Support for the Academy oozed from every meeting. It was terrific to hear and know parents / carers can see the positive impact our changes are making to their child’s outcomes.

Shaping future lives

For Year 9, the Curriculum Choices process culminates next week when they decide what to study at GCSE. They have had an assembly, a fabulously well attended parents’ evening and chances to discuss their options with staff on a one-to-one basis. Any further support they need, please encourage them to ask. It is a huge decision they are about to make,  shaping their future lives.

Changemakers Podcast launch

Some great things are going on away from the classroom. If you have not heard it yet, please have a listen to our Changemakers podcast: https://changemakers.buzzsprout.com/

I would also like to thank Mr Lowther for his leadership and enthusiasm on the project. There will be fortnightly interviews with community leaders and teachers discussing real world issues. Please show your support for the students by listening to the podcast.

Sporting Success

We are also having considerable success in sport. Mr Baxter tells me the girls and boys who qualified for the Nottingham Schools Indoor Athletics finals were excellent. Dale, Masie-Rae, David, Micah, Carson, Logan, Isaac, Miar, Kasey, Amanda, Theo, Ellie, Katie, and (not in the picture) Kyla and Tilese were fantastic ambassadors of the Academy and showed great team spirit, cheering each other on.

The competition was tough and highly competitive. The girls just missed out on a medal while the boys were awarded silver and qualified for the Nottinghamshire Schools Grand Final on Tuesday 29 March. We wish them the best of luck!

There has been good news on girls’ futsal when they competed in the Year 8 and 9 city championships and showed great determination to win the event. Congratulations to Kyla, Chanel, Maise-Rae, Ava (Year 7) and Amy and Beth (Year 9), plus the staff who supported them.

Making an impression

It was great to have our PR advisor Nigel Lowther – no relation to the other Mr Lowther! –  in the building this week. I took him on a “most impressive” tour. He was full of praise for our students and staff and described an “incredible turnaround”. It is another visitor who’s left with a really positive impression, having known where the school was not so long back. I’m full of pride when I’m taking people around the academy, witnessing the efforts going in from students and staff to maximise outcomes.

The Ukraine crisis – talking to your child

Finally, none of us can help but be moved by events in Ukraine.

Previous

Next