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Spring 2016
Attleborough
Academy Times
Students Make the News for BBC
School News Report - Page 10
Ski and Snowboarding Trip Shakespeare Performance Forster Study Centre
- Page 15 - Page 4 Opening - Page 17
ATTLEBOROUGH
ACADEMY
NORFOLK
Welcome to
Attleborough Academy Times
Our students were outstanding, Finally, following our record breaking
particularly considering that this GCSE results in 2015, I am delighted
was the first time many of them had to announce that Attleborough
performed on a professional stage. Academy Norfolk has been nationally
I am sure that all of the parents and recognised for its exceptional
carers who saw this performance will 2015 performance by the Schools,
have been justifiably proud. Students and Teachers Network
(SSAT). As we have previously
In the Spring Term, we said goodbye advised, data analysis from SSAT has
to the following members of staff: shown that AAN is in the top 20%
of all schools nationally for progress
Mrs Blasko made by students between their Key
Mr Hague Stage 2 results at the end of primary
Mr Monkhouse school and their Key Stage 4 results
Mr Morgan when they leave in Year 11.
Miss Norman
Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of
From the We also welcomed the
following new staff:
SSAT said “It’s my great pleasure to
commend Attleborough Academy
Principal
Norfolk on their excellent 2015
Miss Biondo (Cover Supervisor) performance, and to have the
Miss Burt (Cover Supervisor) opportunity to highlight and share
Mrs Stowell (Progression Mentor) their great work at the SSAT
Welcome to the Spring Term 2016 Educational Outcomes celebration
edition of the Academy Times. Congratulations go to Mr Brahams evening. I have the privilege of visiting
and Mr Rosembert who both became a lot of schools and I am always
As we reflect upon another term, it proud fathers of baby daughters. impressed by the creativity
never ceases to amaze me the range of teachers in engaging and inspiring
of opportunities that students are I would like to convey my thanks their students. ‘I hope that SSAT’s
offered and the level of interest and to the The Friends of Attleborough Educational Outcomes award
participation at AAN. Last term saw Academy who, once again, organised will highlight the professionalism,
a variety of cultural, educational and the Annual Fundraising Quiz Evening. commitment and hard work of the
adrenalin fuelled activities and trips In a closely fought contest, my leaders, teachers and students at
together with exciting guest speakers Leadership Team triumphed which Attleborough Academy Norfolk.
and engaging competitions. hopefully provides assurance to Recognising and sharing successes
parents and carers that their children like this is at the heart of SSAT’s
The BBC School News Report event are in safe hands! The evening raised mission, so I’m delighted to
was particularly thought provoking over £300 for the Academy and I congratulate Attleborough Academy
for me when I was put under the thank all those who supported this Norfolk on their achievement.”
spotlight by two of our fantastic Year event.
7 students. Jessica and Ruby turned I would like to thank all of our
the tables on me by visiting me in Having now stepped down from her students for their continued
my office and threw investigative role as Chair of the PTFA, special commitment to their studies and
questions for me to answer thanks must go to Mrs Savage who I wish you the best of luck with all
unprepared whilst being videoed! has worked so hard to rejuvenate The of your upcoming exams. I would
It was slightly strange to be on the Friends over the last few years. Not also like to thank our staff for their
receiving end of sharp and direct every secondary school can sustain hard work and dedication and all
questioning but very enjoyable. Both a PTFA as it relies on a small but parents and carers for your continued
Jessica and Ruby have the makings dedicated team who give of their time support. Here’s to another
of excellent journalists with their voluntarily. If you would like to get successful Summer Term!
courteous but incisive natures! involved in the activities of the PTFA
then please contact the Academy. No Mr McShane
Another highlight of the term for matter how small your involvement, Principal
me was taking my daughter to see this can make a huge difference to
the Macbeth performance at the the activities that The Friends can
Playhouse, organised by Ms Jones co-ordinate which raise funds that will
and Miss Burt. benefit your child.
2
Contents
Welcome – 2
Revision weekend
at Caythorpe Hall - 3
Shakespeare Bought to Life
at the Norwich Playhouse - 4 & 5
World Book Day 2016 - 6
A Visit by Julian Sturdy,
Investigations Editor, BBC - 7
Creative Writing UEA Trip - 8 & 9
Attleborough Academy Makes
Revision Weekend at Caythorpe Hall the News for BBC School News
Report 2016 - 10
BBC School News Report
Interview with Mr McShane - 11
Getting into revision is difficult and trapeze which involved
for many students both in terms climbing a 6 metre pole and then Sixth Form Extended Project
of committing themselves to leaping onto a trapeze from the Success – 12
the process and also having the top!
resolve and skills to begin. Students Set Up Shop at
Students behaved well and all Young Enterprise Trade Fair - 12
When Head of Maths, Kath participated in the activities,
Jenkins, came across a revision many of them surprising Poetry by Heart 2016 - 13
weekend that could be combined themselves at the determination
with outdoor activities, this and courage they showed – Year 7 Road
Safety Presentation - 13
seemed the perfect opportunity to the teachers were certainly
inspire students and get them off impressed. All students Attleborough Academy
to a head start. demonstrated resilience and Norfolk’s National Link Project
determination in participating with London Schools - 14
On Friday 18 March 48 students in the physical and revision
and 7 members of staff activities; skills that can be Ski and Snowboarding
headed off to Caythorpe Hall in transferred as they begin their Trip 2016 - 15
Lincolnshire. This is a large PGL revision for their GCSE’s.
activity centre with over 65 acres Natural History Museum - 16
of space packed full of adventure We wish them luck and hope that
Opening of the Forster
activities on land and water. We the effort and strength of mind
Study Centre - 17
arrived on the Friday evening and they showed over the weekend
students were quickly involved remains with them over the next Spring Term Caeers
in Capture the Flag and playing few months. Events - 18 & 19
football prior to an early night.
They were up early in the morning Girls Sporting Success - 20
and following breakfast, spent
three hours on both Saturday National Enterprise
and Sunday morning working on Challenge Trip at Norwich
revision in the core subjects of City Football Club - 20
English, Maths and Science with
Boxing Awards - 21
teachers.
Creative Writing Competition - 21
After a hearty lunch on each
day, students headed off to do The Computer Science
a variety of high adrenaline and Coding Club - 21
fun activities such as archery,
challenge courses, Jacobs ladder Students Enlisted on UNESCO
Norwich Writer’s Centre Young
Ambassador Scheme - 22
3
Shakespeare Brought to
Life at the Norwich Playhouse
On 8 March a group of the audience were absolutely Playhouse is utterly
21 Year 8 and 9 Drama delighted by it. All the students committed to offering
students performed learned so much from this innovative curriculum
Shakespeare in the Norwich experience, not just about opportunities like its English
Playhouse Theatre. They performing theatre but about Literature Performance
were a part of the StageLit the motivations and morality of Project, StageLit, to young
programme which explores the characters in Macbeth. One people in Norfolk. Having
how drama can be used to student said: “I’ve never really visited an early rehearsal
bring literature to life. got Shakespeare before, but at Attleborough Academy
when you perform it, you have Norfolk, I was so impressed
The majority of students had to understand everything so you by the courage and focus
never performed outside of the can use your voice and actions of all the students as they
Drama Studio, and suddenly, properly.” explored Shakespeare’s
here they were on the huge Macbeth.
professional stage, blinded Our English teachers have
by stage lighting and facing a reported a great increase in Their final performance at
vast audience! However, we understanding and interest in Norwich Playhouse was a
were seriously well prepared Shakespeare in the classroom, stunning example of what
and delivered our sections which is just what we had hoped we in the arts know to be
from Macbeth and Much Ado for. Our students now have the true; learning through drama
About Nothing with extreme play engraved in their memories, helps young people see,
creativity and skill. which will be so useful when experience, and reflect in
they come to their English exams different ways, providing
During rehearsals, a Year 7 which have to be taken without a gateway to better
English class, who are also copies of texts. The performers understanding of themselves
studying Macbeth, came to have received some really and empathy with others.”
watch Year 9 and give them positive feedback. Ms Jones and Miss Burt
feedback. They were inspired are enormously proud of
to find out more about who Mrs Webb said “I have seen all the students for their
was responsible for the death Macbeth a number of times and commitment, passion and
of King Duncan. this was by far the best version I superb behaviour and are
have ever seen.” looking forward to next year
After great debate, they wrote already! Many thanks to Mrs
speeches and four of these A parent said: “While performing Graham and Mr Moralee for
were filmed and projected Macbeth will no doubt help my all their help too.
during the performance as daughter in her English at school,
Macbeth was put on trial and more importantly it has given her This was aspiration,
the audience were invited to an interest in Shakespeare and in commitment and
decide who was guilty. the power of the creative arts to excellence at its absolute
Year 7 student, Megan understand and explore what it best.
Schofield, received The means to be human.”
Principal’s Award for her Well done to all involved.
incredible animation of The organiser of the event,
Macbeth – this was screened Roberta Hamond, was absolutely
during the performance and delighted and said: “Norwich
4
5
World Book Day 2016
This year’s World Book Day was fiction and non-fiction books to promote reading, with the winning
on Thursday 3 March, however at research a particular country. They entry to be made into a poster.
Attleborough Academy Norfolk then worked together to produce They could be funny, quirky, staged
we enjoyed a whole week of a postcard poster, imagining they with people or without, but above
book-related activities. were writing home describing all a striking image to grab people’s
all the things they had seen and attention and get them reaching
Throughout the first week of March discovered in their chosen location. for the nearest book.
Ms Jones and Mrs Graham ran
literacy assemblies promoting the In addition to this, on Tuesday
scientifically-proven benefits of 8 March the Library hosted an
reading and testing the students’ Inter-House Book Quiz which 1 Cavell
knowledge on the reading choices had students from Year 7 to Year (23.5/30)
of members of staff! During the 10 deliberating over questions
assemblies students were also ranging from Children’s Literature
able to see the premiere screening to the Classics, and from Film
of the World Book Day film made Adaptations to Fantasy & Sci-Fi.
by students from across the 2 Nelson
(22.5/30)
TEN Group. Our Year 7 film stars The individual team winners were
Thomas Lamb, Percy Overton, Riley Allison, Sophie Anderson,
Tala Smith and Alfie Vlatseas did Alex Good, Jessica James and
a fantastic job in the ‘All About the Talyn Woodrow from Nelson,
Books’ parody based on Meghan but the overall House winners
Trainor’s number 1 single ‘All About were Cavell. With only 3 points 3 Kett
the Base’. difference between first and (21/30)
fourth place it proved a very close
Those classes who usually visit contest! Full results are listed
the library for their English lessons adjacent.
enjoyed a special session entitled
‘Reading Around the World’; We also launched a photography 4 Boudicca
students were divided into groups competition asking students and (20.5/30)
where they used a selection of staff to take photographs that
6
A Visit by Julian
tas
co OP
Sturdy, Investigations wha
Editor, BBC
Written by Emily Keable
Year 10 Julian’s top tips
for becoming a
good Journalist:
• Be very nosey and never take
no for an answer.
• Research is everything. Carry out
thorough research into the facts
behind the story.
• Never be afraid to talk to people,
always try to find a different angle
to a story.
• When on location filming, make
sure the camera is still and take
your time to create the visual image
We were lucky to have Julian One of the stand out points and background to the story for
Sturdy, a national award Julian made was regarding social people to see.
winning journalist, come to media: how easy it is to trace
EN4 at Attleborough Academy people. In fact, one of his most • When writing a report try not to write
Norfolk on Wednesday 2nd important stories this year came in such long sentences. Try to keep
March to talk to students about because he was able to it to 15 words a sentence.
interested in a career in research an alleged fraudster
Journalism. 22 students from through his use of facebook. • Collect as much information and
Years 7, 10 and 12 gathered facts as possible so that you can
to listen entranced by what Despite all the aliases the back up your report and your point
Julian had to say. criminal created over a period of of view.
years, Julian was able to delve
He began by explaining that deeper into his social media • Make sure that the variety of
there are two types of reporter: history. By befriending many of opinions you have researched are
one who focusses on publicity the criminal’s contacts, Julian represented, but always make sure
for example popular/celebrity eventually found out where he that any juicy gossip turns out to be
stories and another who wants lived and could doorstop him. true – otherwise you could end up
to be a conduit for change. He Of course, Julian didn’t exactly facing prosecution for libel!
gave the example of the latter doorstop the guy, one of the
regarding a school: trying to team rang the criminal’s doorbell • Stick to your guns. Don’t let anyone
change the way it is run or asking for help getting a parcel or anything get in your way when
altering the subjects taught. out of the van for delivery. you have a news story you believe
in.
Julian explained his The fraudster duly obliged; so You may get the story rejected, take
background. He didn’t have the the team managed to ask him this with a pinch of salt, there will
best start in life, his mother died pointed questions without him always be another story to research.
when he was a year old. After being able to hide behind his
he was adopted, his ‘second’ front door. Apart from anything • Be nice and kind to your
mother tragically died a few else, this certainly made all of interviewees, even if you know that
months later. He was then us aware how careful we need person could have done something
re-adopted. Julian didn’t go to to be about what we reveal on really awful or despicable. Kindness
university and was lucky to ‘fall’ Facebook and Instagram etc! is a great aid
into journalism, after a brief stint to gathering your facts.
at Aviva, by getting employed Emily Keable
by the EDP. Year 10 • Never be afraid to ask the
unthinkable questions.
7
Creative Writing UEA Trip
Written by Aaron Cahill
Year 12 Creative Writing A-Level Student
On Monday 7 March, 13 was preceded by a fun game famous people’s work, such
Attleborough Academy Norfolk where the students had to as Lee Evans, from which they
students visited the UEA on an guess whether certain subjects drew inspiration for their own
exciting Creative Writing trip. were made up or actually pieces of writing. The students
Accompanied by Mrs Graham existed as courses you could spent about 15 minutes busily
and Mr Doheny, 7 Year 12, 2 study in Britain. writing their own personal
Year 13 and 4 Year 9 students accounts as if they were writing
were given the opportunity to The students were then split into the autobiography of their life
experience University life. 2 groups and were each assigned so far. Once time was up, a few
an Ambassador to give them people shared their work with the
After a fairly short minibus an extensive guided tour of the group and the standard of writing
journey the students arrived premises. Such sites they visited displayed was very impressive.
on University campus to begin included: The Sainsbury’s Centre; It was great to hear the varied
their day. They were met by 2 the sports complex and the 24/7 styles demonstrated between
University Ambassadors who Gargantuan Library. the work of the Year 9’s and
took them to one of the oldest Year 13’s, both of whom had
lecture theatres on site to meet They were also shown the interesting stories to tell from
Alice, the lady in charge of outside of the newly built, swanky different perspectives due to their
organising the day to make sure Enterprise Centre. Following the life experience and the age range
it ran smoothly. tour, the students were reunited between them.
in another one of the lecture
Here the students were given a theatres where they took part After a thoroughly stimulating and
presentation on what the UEA in their first interactive Creative engaging session, it was time for
offers and told some interesting Writing workshop. Here they lunch. The students dispersed in
facts about University life in were taught for an hour by one waves across the site to pick up
general. There was a brief of the PhD students on how to something to eat. Many opted
overview given on the 30,000+ write in an autobiographical style. to visit the on-site shop, whilst
courses offered in the UK, which They were shown examples of a few bought food from the
8
UEA canteen. The food was of a thinking to examine. The day then the future.
very high quality which everyone concluded with a final debrief from No doubt the UEA excursion
seemed to enjoy. With everyone Alison and the students thanked was a major success and
well fed and watered, they were the staff and Ambassadors for huge thanks must go to Mrs
ready to commence with the rest their help in contributing to an Graham and Mr Doheny
of the day, in high spirits with their outstanding and invaluable day. for burning the midnight oil
full stomachs. The final session of The students seemed to really to make sure the trip went
the day before departure was a enjoy the outing and felt that it was ahead. Those who got to
Creative Media lecture by another a great experience. They loved enjoy the day have massively
one of the PhD students who the interaction and participation benefitted from the wealth of
led an interesting and thought- throughout as they got really stuck knowledge they picked up and
provoking seminar to give a taster in and involved. they’ll utilise this experience in
of what education at the University their future.
would be like. To start with the students were
quite shy and weren’t forthcoming The visit was incredibly
For this hour the Attleborough with any questions, but by the end worthwhile for all involved
contingent had to analyse clips they fully threw themselves into the and hopefully the organisers
of people’s work to decipher exercises. The trip was great for will be encouraged to
whether they perceived them them to not only further develop continue this incredible
as ‘creative’. They then looked their language and analytical voyage for years to come.
at various forms of media e.g. skills, but also get a grasp of what
advertising and music videos, all of university is like to see whether it’s Aaron Cahill
whom took some out-of-the-box something they might like to do in Year 12
9
Attleborough Academy Makes the News
for BBC School News Report 2016
Written by Mrs McConnell
Over 50 students experienced website, which links with the BBC Attleborough Academy
the pressures and excitement across the world. Numerous articles students taking part on
of reporting news to a deadline and films were produced on the day the day spoke about their
when, for the sixth year running, by the Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 groups on excitement with the project:
Attleborough Academy Norfolk was the following subjects:
involved in the BBC’s international “It’s really interesting
School News Report scheme. •U SA elections because I have to research
•M igration all the different perspectives
Students from Year 7 through to • Sports’ Relief that people have on an issue”
Year 10, worked with their Drama •A crash that happened the day
and English teachers – Ms Jones, previously on the A11 “Its exciting because you
Ms Taylor and Mrs McConnell - to •T he school’s cultural link with Amber are working to a deadline
research school, local and national Primary in Islington London and it gives you really good
events and news and create articles experiences”
and films which were then uploaded The main aim of BBC School News
onto their dedicated web page for the Report is to interest young people in
BBC report. the world around them, by giving them Ms Jones, Head of Drama
the chance to make their own news. said: “It is fantastic to
BBC School News Report gives 11-16 It is also an opportunity for students see the students working
year old students in the UK the chance to inform a real audience, via BBC independently and being able
to make their own News Reports programmes and web pages, about to work under pressure. It is
for a real audience. With access to the stories which are important to also wonderful to see the Year
resources from the BBC School News them. 10’s working in a mentoring
Report website, and with support from role with younger students.”
BBC staff and partners, teachers help See Attleborough Academy’s BBC
students develop their journalistic School Report news: English teacher, Ms Taylor
skills to become School Reporters. said: “I think we are so lucky
Attleborough Academy joined schools aannews.wordpress.com living in Norfolk having access
from across the world to take part in to the BBC free resources in
an annual News Day on Thursday 10 Norwich. We are astounded
March, simultaneously creating video, by the dedication and interest
audio and text-based news reports, exhibited by our students”
and publishing them on a school
10BBC School News Report
Interview with Mr McShane
As part of the Academy’s tight budget so that’s difficult. The a good moment.
involvement in the BBC School best bit is when I leave my office
News Report, Year 7 students and walk around I see our fantastic What can you visualise the
Jessica and Ruby, spoke to Mr students working with our fantastic school being like in 10 years?
McShane about what it is like teachers and learning brilliantly –
to be Principal of Attleborough that’s what makes me smile. Well I hope with all the
Academy Norfolk. development that’s going on and
What colour are the socks that the new houses that we’re going
What did you do before you were you are wearing today? to be a much bigger Academy
Principal? so hopefully we’ll be able to get
They’re black, I normally wear the building programme right so
I was Deputy Headteacher here black with my suits. that we give you better facilities
and before that I was Assistant and better opportunities. It’s
Headteacher here. I’ve been here What can education do for us going to be a bigger Academy
for about 12 years now and before when we go into the world? but hopefully it will still have the
that I taught at Notre Dame High same ethos and the same happy
School in the City Centre. I think it’s probably the most culture.
important thing for you to be
Why did you want to be a educated well when you go out in What makes you proud to be at
Principal here? to the world as it will open doors our Academy?
for you and open up opportunities
I wanted to be a Principal here for you. I think probably the proudest
because I had been here a number moments are when I go to the
of years so I knew how good the What is the funniest moment that Proms, particularly the Year 13
Academy was and, as I always tell has happened at Attleborough Prom. It’s a sad moment in a way
you, I’ve got the most brilliant staff Academy? because they’re going to leave.
and I think I’ve got the most brilliant However when we reflect and
students of which you are two. There have been lots so that’s look at the fantastic students we
a hard one actually. I think the turn out here and the fantastic
What is the worst and best thing funniest one that I can remember young adults that they become,
about being a Principal? recently involved our former we take a bit of pride and
Deputy, Mr Bartram. Two remember that we have helped
I think the worst is probably that, Christmases ago he broke his leg them to develop. They’ve had a
strangely, it’s quite a lonely job so he hadn’t been in school for a good education and they’re now
because you are the only one at while and at the Christmas staff going on to bigger and better
the top of the tree making all the meeting he sat in his wheelchair things and that’s what makes me
decisions and the other difficult dressed up as Santa Claus. He proud.
bit is that you have to work to get was behind the curtains and we
the best opportunities for you, the opened them for the staff so that
students and staff, on a really really was funny as well as joyous. It was
11Students set up
Sixth Form Extended shop at Young
Project Success Enterprise Trade Fair
On Saturday 27 February two
teams of students, from Years
10 and 12 respectively, set up
their stalls to sell their products
at this year’s Young Enterprise
Trade Fair at the Forum in
Norwich.
Phoenx, the group of year 10
students, were selling their line
of fashion items; including tote
bags and headbands. TALK, the
group of year 12’s were slightly
different, in that they are a not-
for-profit social enterprise. They
were selling wristbands and
giving out information relating to
mental health. Their aim was to
destigmatise mental health issues
and encourage people to seek
help when they need it, rather
than hiding problems away and
them potentially getting worse.
Both groups performed well on
the day, making sales. The
organisers were particularly
Congratulations to Chloe Whiterod The EPQ is equivalent to an AS impressed by TALK, and having
in Year 13 who is the first of the Year qualification and it enables Sixth Form sold over 100 of their wristbands
13 students in this academic year to students to both develop their research
and talked with dozens upon
successfully complete her Extended skills and enhance all their applications for
Project presentation and 5,000 word both University courses and employment. dozens of people that day, they
dissertation. The programme of study helps to ease walked away as (probably) the
the transition from school to higher most successful company on the
Chloe’s project topic choice was to education/employment. It also assists day out of the 16 in attendance.
explore how our perceptions of mental students deepen their knowledge of The next step for TALK will be
health have changed over history and an aspect of one of the subjects they
to produce their company report
to examine how perceptions within our are studying. The project provides
contemporary society still need to be opportunities for the development of and enter the competition to
addressed. Chloe chose this area to critical, reflective, problem-solving and progress to the regional finals.
complement her future study as she will independent learning skills through the
be progressing to a nursing degree after planning, research and evaluation of a
Sixth Form and she aims to specialise in self-selected project.
the field of mental health nursing.
Mrs McConnell, Assistant Principal and
This year the Extended Project has Director of Sixth commented: “Mr Cole’s
been successfully introduced as an expertise in organising the Extended
additional qualification for all our Sixth Project, along with the work Mr Berwick
Formers. Through workshops and has carried out to organise resources and
additional sessions it has been effectively learning onto Google Classroom has been
implemented as part of our Sixth Form invaluable.
tutor time. Students are free to choose
their area of study, and the topics chosen The Sixth Form tutor team have been
by our students this year have been very instrumental in supporting the students
wide ranging. through the project process this year.
We are very optimistic about the success
Mr Cole, Head of Business commented: rate of this qualification for the Year 13
“The projects have covered an incredible students and the Year 12’s have already
breadth of research areas and have been made great headway in project planning
extremely interesting to read and assess.” and research.”
12Year 7
Road Safety
Presentation
On Tuesday 4 March Robert
Daynes, Norfolk County
Council Road Safety Officer,
visited the Academy to talk to
the Year 7 students who were
taken aback by the statistics
of being involved in a road
accident in the Attleborough
area alone.
The students were utterly
amazed by the number of
accidents across Norfolk in
the last 5 years. The visual
presentation given, which
showed where the different
types of road accidents
occurred, really hit home.
Robert Daynes presented the
statistics and reality of road
accidents in a very relevant
manner to the students and
they were fully engaged
throughout. They were shocked
by the injuries that occur when
a person is hit by a car and they
Poetry by Heart 2016 took on the serious message
of how to keep themselves
safe around the roads of
Attleborough.
Students from Attleborough Academy learnt two poems, one pre 1914
This was an excellent
Norfolk took part in Poetry By Heart, and one post 1914 by heart. All
presentation by Robert
a national competition designed to our contestants were virtually word
Daynes and the students will
encourage pupils aged 14-18 at school perfect. Year 10 student, Rebecca
be even more informed now
and college in England to learn and to Bush, represented the school in the
about how to keep safe.
recite poems by heart. The competition regional round on the 6 February at
successfully engages young people Norwich Arts Centre.
from diverse social backgrounds
and all types of schools in personal Year 12 student, Charly Linnitt,
discovery of the pleasures of poetry. was the Academy winner closely
followed by Rebecca. Due to other
Each student was challenged to commitments Charly was unable
memorise and recite two poems from to compete so Rebecca stepped
a special collection of World War forward. Rebecca practised very
1 poems as part of the centenary hard to make sure that she knew
commemorations. Students were able every word for the competition.
to choose the poems from the Poetry
By Heart website which includes a Rebecca did herself proud and was
timeline anthology of over 600 years by far the youngest competitor as
of poetry. Attleborough Academy everyone from the other schools were
Norfolk’s round of the 2016 Poetry By Sixth Formers. Although she did not
Heart competition was a thoroughly win the chance to take part in the
enjoyable experience for judges and national round in Cambridge, we
spectators but more nerve-wracking have high hopes for her next year!
for the contestants! Each contestant
13Attleborough Academy Norfolk’s National
Link Project with London Schools
Attleborough Academy Primary School to deliver the
Norfolk’s three year ongoing letters to their Year 6 class who On receiving their letter, another
National Link project with received the letters with great student commented “He tells
Ambler Primary School in excitement and expressed a deep me about where he was born
Islington London has gone from interest in learning about life in and where his story begins,
strength to strength in 2016. Norfolk and the similarities and which is different from mine,
differences between their lives, although I was also born in
The project was established with backgrounds and education. another country. His school is
the aim of sharing contrasting multi-cultural and he lives in
school, and life, experiences Mrs McConnell and Ambler’s a big city which is quite
giving Attleborough students a Headteacher, Ms Juliet Benis, have different from here.”
window into inner city school life; been liaising to explore ways they
a very different environment to can share best practice across Whilst in London, Mrs
their own. the contrasting contexts of an McConnell also met with
urban primary and rural secondary the Headteacher and
This year the project began school and how the project can Communications Lead at
with Attleborough Academy’s be extended so the students can Islington Arts and Media, a
Year 7 students working with interact and develop their learning secondary school which, like
their English teacher, Assistant and their understanding of different Ambler, is situated near the
Principal Mrs Carmina McConnell, cultures and lifestyles. The students Emirates stadium in Finsbury
to compose handwritten from the respective schools have Park. Mrs McConnell’s visit
letters where they introduced now been paired together and allowed her to explore ways
themselves to Ambler’s Year 6 our students have now received that the National Link between
students. wonderfully interesting and insightful Attleborough Academy
letters, held in beautifully decorated Norfolk and other educational
The students were encouraged to envelopes, from their Ambler institutions in different
include key aspects of their lives, counterparts in return. educational and environmental
backgrounds, specific interests contexts can be extended
and hobbies and their perspective As one Attleborough student even further.
on what makes Norfolk unique commented about the project: “I
and why they enjoyed living here. like it because I have learnt about
Mrs McConnell visited Ambler different origins and religions”
14Ski and Snowboarding Trip 2016
Once again we had an amazing Of course we had some people Honourable mentions for the
week skiing! Every year the trip snowboarding too who loved every week go to Kiwi Fitt for his fabulous
just gets better and better. As minute of being on the slopes; slippers, Connor Pettifer for wearing
always we had a mix of abilities Charlotte Piper was one of the top his boots on the wrong feet, Josh
and everyone put their all into four in her group from the start Reynolds for losing a ski pole in a
improving. and overcame difficulties to really forest and Jack Chapman for pure
succeed. In spite of a couple of tenacity by saying he was definitely
The advanced groups hit the tough cloudy days we loved the snow coming skiing next year whilst he
red and black runs from day 1 and falling all around and were treated to was sat out with an injury.
skilfully overcame the moguls on some super sunny days where the
the day 2; Mr Cole was particularly pistes glistened. Sarah Richardson says
impressed with Matt Hendrie’s “You just have to try it for yourself
determination to ski through them. We were also treated to lots of tasty to find out what all the fuss is about!
gelato and scrumptious Italian food. So what are you waiting for? If you
As for the beginners they rapidly In the evenings we had a go at bum want to come skiing next year then
caught up with the intermediates boarding and a torch-lit ski where get a letter from Miss Billin in HU1.”
and were coming down the red runs we skied down the slope interwoven Deadline for signing up is 28 March
like professionals by the end of the by the instructors holding flares. – Miss it; Miss out!
week. Karis Harvey did particularly One evening we had a disco in the
well at supporting the whole group hotel; the dance floor was certainly
as they learnt from scratch and Mrs impressed by Lewis Savage’s
Banham was very grateful for this. moves.
15Natural History Museum Trip
This term Year 8 were given the second largest, four-faced With all this excitement at the
opportunity to visit the Natural chiming clock in the world. At museum the long bus rides home
History Museum, London. In the museum, the students were didn’t dampen the students’ spirits
total 45 students travelled greeted by an escalator which as they were all full of enthusiasm;
down to London where they rose through the centre of the the same can’t be totally said for
were able to explore the earth as they walked into the Mr Seymour who, at one point,
museum and find out more museum. In the Red Zone they fell asleep!
about Geography and Science. discovered the power of the
earth in the earthquake simulator
On the ride into London the and travelled through time to
students were given an extra see the formation of the planet.
special treat as they were given
a guided tour along the Thames In the Green Zone they were
which pointed out some of the able to see the treasures that
spectacular features of rocks can contain and see
London’s skyline. what a Dodo looked like in real
life. Whilst in the Blue Zone
Such delights included; The they came face to face with a
Shard which is 95-stories high, Tyrannosaurus Rex, found out
the Tower of London which how the human body worked
started to be built in 1078 and and were dwarfed by the 26m
Big Ben hidden inside the long, 100 tonne blue whale.
Elizabeth Tower which is the
16Opening of the Forster
Study Centre
February 2016 saw the official The bursary will be granted to Sixth activities. The Forster Study Centre
opening of our Sixth Form’s Study Form students who have the vision and now provides two bespoke study
Centre: The Forster Centre. Sixth ideas but do not have the means to rooms with computer access for
Form Presidents, Senior Prefects, complete their educational journey. The Sixth Form students to carry out their
Principal Mr McShane, Assistant Sixth Form students who have been research, reading and silent study.
Principal Mrs McConnell, and awarded this bursary over the 3 years it
Head of Sixth Form Mr Keshavarz, has been in existence have all engaged The centre is an effective addition to
all welcomed Philip Bujak to the in life changing experiences. The first our Sixth Form Centre which continues
Academy to lead the unveiling beneficiary of this award, Amy Bedford, to expand in numbers and in the type
ceremony of this newly refurbished travelled to Uganda, where she worked of courses on offer to students.
Sixth Form Centre. with young children and experienced
first-hand the value of education in
Philip Bujak, an ex-student and bringing about changes to young lives.
supporter of the school, spoke
to the assembled students about In 2014 Georgina McLaren used the
his education and career and the bursary to gain experience to support
students showed their appreciation her future degree course in Events
for his generosity in sponsoring the Management; visiting European capital
refurbishment. cities; engaging with a wide variety
of different cultures and experiencing
Philip renamed the study centre in the challenges of organising trips and
honour of his mother’s family who events. In 2015 Chloe Painter and
still live in the town. His namesake Holly McLaren were funded to visit
Philip Forster was the first soldier from Auschwitz, and have since worked
Attleborough to be killed in battle in the to raise awareness amongst young
First World War. Philip Bujak already people, of the tragic events that
donates an annual travel bursary to occurred there.
honour his father who fought at Monte
Cassino and was awarded the Krzyz Patrick Kassaga used the bursary for
Welecznych (Cross of Valour) and who a trip to St Lucia, where he worked
settled in the town having arrived with with young people from deprived
the Polish Army from Italy in 1947. backgrounds to get involved in sporting
17Spring Term
Careers Events
Throughout the spring term students The students then took part in a schemes available in agriculture
across the Academy have been speed networking session with and students were shown how to
experiencing a wide range of careers representatives from 15 local and register on the national apprenticeship
activities allowing them to become national employers including Carters database.
more aware of the future career Engineering, Norse Commercial
opportunities and progression services and Breckland Council. After the event students were positive
routes available to them. about the many career ideas that had
Students were given the opportunity been revealed to them and many were
The Academy aspires for all its to sit down one-to-one with an also pleased with how they overcame
students to be outward looking and employer and develop essential their nerves in the speed networking
aspirational and as such we place a interpersonal skills as they questioned session.
high value on the importance of our them about their career and business.
careers and guidance provision. The Speed networking was followed
events this term highlight some of the by a series of guest workshops. A
careers opportunities students can representative from KLM spoke to
experience at the academy. students about opportunities in aviation
engineering and the new Aviation
Academy set to open at Norwich
Norfolk Chamber of Airport. Medical students from the
Commerce Careers Fair University of East Anglia and
a Paramedic from the Norfolk
On 23 February the Norfolk Chamber Ambulance Service spoke to students
of Commerce bought a careers fair about opportunities in health care.
to the Academy for all students in
Years 10 and 11. Students were also given an insight
in to the world of ICT when a
The event kicked off with a guest representative from the Computer
speaker, social entrepreneur Ali Service Centre spoke to them about
Clabburn, the Founder and Managing the many careers in ICT and gave
Director of Liftshare. He spoke to Year them a few top tips on how to get
10 students about the changing world their CV noticed by an employer.
of work ahead of them and his own tips There was also a workshop on the
for being a successful entrepreneur. many opportunities and apprenticeship
18Norfolk Skills & U-explore Online
Career Festival Resources
On 9 March a group of 50 Year 9 As a further support to all students
and 10 students visited the inaugural in the academy the TEN Group has
Norfolk Skills and Career Festival at provided all students with access to
the Norfolk Showground. an online careers interactive website
known as U-explore.
The event included an opportunity for
students to spectate at a construction All students have access to this
competition where post-16 students website and use it regularly in Steps
from across Norfolk competed in for Success lessons. Parents and
plumbing, electrical engineering, Kidzania London carers are encouraged to view this
bricklaying and painting and decorating website and its resources at home
competitions. There was also a huge with students when discussing future
wealth of stands from local and national options and aspirations.
employers, apprenticeship providers On 15 March 30 Year 7 students
and colleges. Exhibitors included the travelled to London to visit Kidzania. Further exciting events will follow in
Army, Aviva, Norse and City College the summer term not to mention the
Norwich. The experience is a 75,000 sq ft opportunity for all Year 12 and 10
interactive city where young people students to partake in work experience
There was even an exhibitor who get the opportunity to experience a in June and July. If any parents or
bought his two birds of prey along range of 60 different role-play activities carers would like further support or
to talk to students about careers in based on a variety of careers and advice for their son/daughter, there
falconry. Students were able to have a develop important life skills such as is the opportunity for one-to-one
go at the many hands-on activities that communication in the process. appointments with our Careers Advisor
the employers and training providers who visits the Academy every week.
had provided. These included tackling Students were given 50 Kidzos (the To arrange this opportunity please
the Army climbing wall, racing on currency in Kidzania) and had 4 hours contact Ms Edwards through the
sports cycles, changing the tyre on City to find jobs and earn more money. The Academy Reception.
College Norwich’s Formula Ford racing students tried their hand at a range of
car, sitting in a police car and riding jobs including Police Officers, Racing
in a tractor. There were also guest Car Mechanics, News Presenters and
presentations by leading employers even Aeroplane Pilots. By the end
on topics such as ‘How to Become a of the day many of the students had
Leader’ and ‘How to Use Social Media doubled their money and even opened
to Find a Job’. a bank account.
19National Enterprise
Girls Sporting Success
Challenge Trip at
Norwich City Football Club
The Year 7 Netball team The Year 8 Netball Team played
played their first fixture against a tournament at Wayland
Wymondham College on 4 Academy on Friday 25 February.
February away at Wymondham Drawn in a pool against Diss,
College. Wymondham High, and Wayland
Academy. Having beaten all three
Always a difficult venue to play at of those teams comfortably we
but especially for your first game. drew Wymondam College in the
After an extremely nervous start semi final.
the girls settled well into their
game, keeping possession well Tilly Warren-Peters and Blod Grant
and working the ball down to our worked well together in the circle On Wednesday 2 March, 13
shooting end. Both Hallie Snelling’s throughout this game to ensure that students went on a trip to
and Ellen Cursons’ shooting was on all plays played into the circle were Norwich City Football Club as
form so sinking the ball was not a scored. Ellie Willson and Amelia part of the National Enterprise
problem once it had been worked Anema delivered some great feeds Challenge. We had a mixture
into the circle. Team Captain, into the circle and both worked of Year 8 and Year 9 students
Emily Cole, had an excellent game hard in centre court. An awesome who participated in 3 workshops
as Centre and was brilliant at defence unit of Katie Cursons, Ellie to inspire their work on the
communicating on the court. Wright and Lydia Nagel meant that National Enterprise Challenge,
Wymondham College were unable to and they also enjoyed a tour
The final score was 12 – 7 to AAN, get the ball into the circle. of the Norwich City football
a fantastic win and very well ground.
deserved. Player of the match went The game ended 4-2 to Attleborough
The workshops ranged from
to Chloe Strutt who played Wing Academy Norfolk, seeing us through
leadership skills, to understanding
Defence. She intercepted the ball to the final where we played Thetford the processes behind decision
so many times which made it almost Grammar. Another superb game making in business. They boosted
impossible for Wymondham College from all of the girls which ended the students’ knowledge and
to get the ball in to their shooting 2-2. Having lost the light by this time understanding, spurring them on
circle. the winner of the tournament was to work hard on the Enterprise
decided on goal average where Challenge. The trip was a huge
Team: Emily Cole, Charlotte we unfortunately narrowly missed success among the students,
Leslie, Ellen Cursons, Abbie out by 2. who voiced how much they had
Wilson, Chloe Strutt, Emma Leslie enjoyed it and what they had
and Hallie Snelling Congratulations to all of the girls learnt.
who played. A fantastic effort.
This was particularly evident when
Team: Kayleigh Stringer, Blod the students had the chance to
see football shirts which didn’t
Grant, Tilly Warren-Peters, Ellie
quite make it to production. This
Wright (Player of the tournament) helped them to understand that
Katie Cursons, Caitlyn Goldsmith, the Enterprise Challenge will be
Ellie Wilson, Amelia Anema and a process with a beginning, a
Lydia Nagel middle, and end and that their
ideas may change along the
way but this is perfectly fine as it
reflects how a business really runs.
The students performed
impressively and being involved in
the trip was useful for them both in
terms of taking knowledge away
to help them with the Enterprise
Challenge, and in learning to talk
and socialise with other students
from different schools. The
staff at Norwich City provided a
fantastic day and their energy and
enthusiasm certainly motivated
and inspired the students.
20Boxing Awards
Congratulations to Year 8 students
Kasey Campbell and Chrissy Daniels
who have passed Preliminary and
Standard Boxing Awards!
Creative Writing
Competition
Over 100 of our students entered
our Creative Writing Competition
this half-term. The brief was to
write a story, play or poem inspired
by the photograph below.
The English department shortlisted
the entries and our A-Level Creative
Writing students chose 4 winners.
It was very hard to choose from so
many imaginative and well written
entries. Very well done to everyone
who took part and thank you for taking The Computer Science
the time to enter. Coding Club
Our Winners are:
Beth Chapman - NCBR
The Computer Science Department Bluetooth – a great achievement.
Katie McSkimming - KCME
have been running a club for The next thing the group is looking
Jay Warren - CSTM
students to get hands on experience to do is to create a small scale robotic
Bella Cole - CJJA
of the practical side of computers: arm. Mr Pickering, Head of ICT and
from building a computer to Computing, commented: “This is a
Congratulations! The next Literacy
constructing a robotic car, through great opportunity to take the theory
competition is to take a photograph
to image manipulation and game out of the classroom into a real world
which promotes reading! Email
design. practical experience. The possibilities
pictures to: photos@aan.norfolk.sch.
for making unique ideas a reality are
uk – we will welcome entries from
This exciting club runs each Tuesday endless – we could see successful
parents too…
and Thursday after school from 15.15 international programmers of the
to 16.15 and is held in ICT2. One of the future develop here at Attleborough
projects students have been working Academy”.
on this term is to produce a Raspberry
Pi computer controlled robotic car. Students who are interested in learning
Students in Years 7 to 9 created this more or taking part in this wonderful
model from scratch and have just opportunity should contact Mr
recently incorporated the use of a Wii Pickering.
controller to turn the car’s steering via
21Students Enlisted on UNESCO
Norwich Writer’s Centre Young
Ambassador Scheme
Five students – Esther Collier, where our students met with the At the end of the scheme all 5 of
Heidi Lodge, Abbie Storer and leader of the Norwich scheme, The our students will have the chance to
Julia Jopkiewicz from Year 10, Writer’s Centre’s newly appointed qualify for an Arts Award.
and Poppy Williams from Year Learning and Participation Mentor,
12 – have been accepted onto a Sophie Scott-Brown; Programme Assistant Principal, Mrs McConnell,
Young Ambassadors scheme run Co-ordinator Melanie Kidd, and commented: “We are so excited that
by the world renowned Writer’s Programme Assistant Tina Garcia. students from Attleborough Academy
Centre in Norwich. Participants The students had the chance to are involved in this project in the
in this exciting scheme, funded explore and discuss their specific early stages of its development.
by the Arts Council, will have interests in relation to developing These students will have the chance
the chance to attend a range of their writing and they were to develop their writing, meet
cultural events and to experience allocated an individual mentor experienced writers and to engage
exciting arts and literature related from The Writer’s Centre. with the region’s cultural and literary
performance and activities. heritage – this is an absolutely
They receive free training and The potential activities and unique opportunity”.
support with running their own opportunities on offer through this
small-scale events, gaining scheme focus on developing writing
internships and reviewing cultural skills and cultural experience and
events around the region. include: complimentary tickets to
report on arts events around the
On the 27 February, the 5 city and some theatre and cinema
Attleborough Academy students screenings; interview opportunities
joined a group of only 15 students with top authors and publishers; work
in total from across schools in East experience at the City of Literature
Anglia for the unique opportunity of programme for Norfolk & Norwich
taking part in the WCN-UNESCO Festival; running writing competitions
programme. The programme for young people; writing guest blog
began with a day of training at the slots on the Writers’ Centre website
historic Dragon Hall in Norwich, and book and event reviews.
Thank you for reading
Attleborough Academy Times
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