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NLongfield Academy

for Arts and Sciences

DiaryELECTRONIC

STUDENT REPORTS

Logon to our website, click on the ‘ePortal’ tab, and download Module 3

Student Reports now. Full instructions can be found on our website and were

also recently sent to all parents / carers.

Contact us if you have any queries.

The start of the new calendar year brings us the opportunity to reflect on our achievements of the last 12 months but also to plan ahead for the next year to come. As always at Longfield Academy, our aspirations for students and staff are high. For many of our students this is an important year for exams and so planning the year ahead is key to success. For all of us, it is important that we are prepared for the things we know are coming, but also that we are able to adapt to changing situations. We have had some excellent exam results in January, giving many students the boost to drive forward for more success in the summer. For others the results provided an opportunity to reflect on the preparation that is needed for success later in the year.

As you will see from the newsletter, this term has been as busy as always. We have had student conferences on ecology and science. Year 9 and 8X have been working closely with teachers and parents to make GCSE choices, and interviews for places in our popular 6th form are well underway. There have been a range of trips ranging from Howletts Zoo for the year 11 business studies group to a Gifted & Talented Sport opportunity to meet Sir Chris Hoy at the Cyclopark. All of these experiences offer the students at Longfield Academy a chance to see how the world works, be it in terms of personal achievement or business.

Thursday 28 FebruaryYear 10 & 9X Consultation Event, 5-8pm

Wednesday 6 MarchParents Voice Meeting

Monday 11 MarchRetro Exhibition

Wednesday 13 MarchYear 7 Eco Focus Day

Wednesday 13 MarchYear 11 BTEC Dance Showcase

Thursday 14 MarchYear 7 Art Trip

Friday 15 MarchRed Nose Day - Non Uniform

Friday 15 March Year 9 Ypres Trip, Belgium

18 - 22 MarchScience Week

21/22/28 MarchLA’s Got Talent

Monday 25 MarchiPads in Learning Conference

Thursday 28 MarchEnd of Term 4

Monday 15 AprilStart of Term 5

As we enter into Spring, it is a chance to bring new vigour to Academy life with enthusiasm and a positive mental attitude. We hope that all students are looking forward to the future and the achievements they will make.

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History/Science specialism lessons January 2013

GCSE History and Science teachers have combined resources to promote the History of Medicine course through scientific methods and experiments in one of the Academy’s laboratories.

The first session involved researching Louis Pasteur’s method of scientific testing for germs and then studying them, using a microscope. Students also traced the source of infections in test tubes using Dr. John Snow’s methods from the 19th century.

Students took samples from around the Academy building and two weeks later, in the second session, observed the results in their petri dishes. Mobile phones, in particular were covered in lots of germs. In the final session, students followed Galen’s anatomical technique from the Roman period of dissecting animals to discover how the heart worked.

Thanks to Miss Wynne and the Science technicians for enabling the GCSE History students to re-enact the science methods from the past.

Mr I Chambers - DoL Social Science

Second Cross Trust 6th Form Science ConferenceSixth form students from Longfield Academy, Wilmington Academy and The Leigh Technology Academy came together on 7th February to participate in workshops and lectures about science, engineering, mathematics, technology, health and psychology.

Our keynote speaker, Alexandra Knight, from Frazer-Nash Consultancy, gave an inspiring talk about engineering and careers. Students then went into a variety of workshops run by the Science Museum, Xtreme Falconry, University of Kent, University of Greenwich and Longfield Academy. Students learnt about adaptation, thermodynamics, engineering, the mathematics behind juggling and encryption, the role of pharmacy, cancer therapies, forensics, glass, electrophoresis, criminal psychology and made glow sticks.

GCSE triple science students from year 9, 10 and 11 also took part in some of the workshops and worked alongside the sixth form. They showed a high level of interest and maturity and our visitors said that they could not tell them apart.

Two of the iLeaders, Matthew Broomfield ( y9) and Reece Crabb (y8) made a film of the conference which was shown in the plenary. Over 200 students took part in the days activities and we look forward to next cross trust event.

Dr D Liard - DoL Physical Science

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Students perform at the National Theatre Studios

Nineteen students from across the Academy including all colleges and the Spectrum centre performed at the National Theatre Studios in London on Wednesday 19th December. Their performance was watched by very proud staff and parents, as well as members of the team who were involved in the production of “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time”.This was a devised performance based on 12 hours work in school with Andy, Mel, Joe and Jon from the National Theatre and Touchstone Theatre group on Tuesday afternoons during term 2.The students had discussed a range of scenarios including what am I scared of ........., the world would be a better place if........... and produced scenes which were then acted out during the performance. During the day we also had a chance to go back stage and look at how a theatre works.Everyone involved was very proud (if not very tired after such a busy final day). Congratulations to everyone involved in this ground breaking project. Mrs H Monks - DoL SEND

Year 9 Social Science Community ConferenceYear 9 took part in 3 workshops as part of a Social Science Community Conference on January 16th.

The 3 workshops involved:1) Oxfam-Where students found out about how the effects of climate change impact on people around the world and what can be done as a community to reduce the impact of global warming both at present and in the future.

2) WaterAid- Students discovered how this charity transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation in the world’s poorest communities. The students also studied how to work with partners and influence decision-makers to maximise Water Aid’s impact around the world community.

3) Up-cycling- Students learned that reducing our waste is one of the best ways to have a positive impact on our world. It’s important to both our natural environment and to us. Our landfill sites are filling up. By 2015 almost all landfills in the UK will be full, and incineration should not be the answer. Making use of redundant materials is a clear statement about closing the loop of resources. Students worked in groups and up-cycled old juice cartons into wallets. The students had an enjoyable, interesting and thought provoking day and after the workshops were complete, they produced promotional information in support of one of the 3 community enhancing ideas.

Thanks to the Geography staff (Miss Sheppard and Mrs Rawkins) for their contribution in making the conference a great success.

Mr I Chambers - DoL Social Sciences

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SWaitrose Longfield supports Let’s Get Cooking!

During November, December and January, the members of our Lets Get Cooking club have been delighted to be working with Waitrose Longfield. They have supplied, free of charge, high quality ingredients for each of our sessions and the students have enjoyed cooking a wide range of recipes. Our aim was to use fresh ingredients each week and to promote the use of vegetables as ingredients. Most of the students said that they didn’t like vegetables, but when we added some into recipes they discovered that they could eat and enjoy them. An example of this was Sweet and Sour Chicken with Traffic Light Rice. The students favourite recipe was Chicken Rogan Josh and Naan Bread.We have enjoyed working with Phil Hawes and Paul Collins from the store. We would like to thank the Waitrose staff at Longfield for their help in making this partnership so successful. We look forward to working together during the next sessions. As always, this activity is designed to be a parent and child activity and we were joined this time by Mums, Dads, Grandmas and Grandads. If you would like to take part in our next sessions, please contact: esther.green@longfieldacademy.org

Mrs Esther Green - Family Liaison Officer

Class of the Month!All students should aim for 100% attendance and at Longfield Academy we expect our students and their parents/carers to strive to achieve this. The majority of our students meet their target and this has a direct impact on their achievement and progress. Congratulations to each of the Tutor Groups who achieved above 95% this term. A box of chocolates to share will be presented in college assemblies. Year 11 students who have achieved 100% attendance so far this year have been presented with reward cards in assemblies. Thank you to parents and carers for installing the need for excellent attendance in our stduents.

- A01 / AWI - 96.99% - A08 / CJA - 98.28% - G09 / NSM - 96.37% - M05 / LCO - 95.45%

Mrs M Thomas - Attendance Officer

Best Ever GCSE Results

Congratulations to Year 11 for their recent GCSE Mathematics results. We currently now have 54% of the whole year group already with at least a grade C, our best ever results at this point of the year by some margin. Particular congratulations go to Gurjot Kaur, Joel Mulley-Goodbarne, Erica Shrestha and Jay Titterrell for achieving a grade A.The challenge is now on for the the remainder of the year for Year 11 to surpass last year’s great results overall.

Mr I Hinks - DoL Mathematics & Numeracy

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SSafer Internet Day 2013

This year’s theme for the Safer Internet day was to encourage pupils to consider what their online rights are. Do we have a right to access all information? Do we have a right to control our privacy?

‘Every young person in the UK has a right to an education’. However, it is also their responsibility to do their best, be a positive citizen and work hard to reach their full potential. As young people today you have the power to exercise your rights and use them to your advantage. At the same time, it’s important that we are aware of our responsibilities. If we behave irresponsibly and abuse our rights, we might need to face the consequences for this.

‘Have you ever uploaded current popular song lyrics to a personal website or social network?’ If you have done this, you may not have been aware, but you have also broken the law. The law in the UK states that you are not allowed to reproduce any content unless permission is specifically given from the creator of the content. Have you ever used someone else’s Facebook or Twitter account and posted something silly or rude for a laugh? The law in the UK prohibits people from changing somebody else’s computer records, even when given permission to access them. Even changing something as small as this is illegal. Of course we have the right to use the internet freely, but it’s also important to think of the responsibility which comes with our rights. It’s important to remember that if we don’t behave responsibly, then our rights can be restricted and sometimes in extreme cases taken away from us.

When it comes to the internet, it is our responsibility to make sure that the internet is a great and safe place for everyone. Whether you’re talking to your friends online, or playing a game on your Xbox with people from all over the world, make sure you’re connecting with respect.

Mr T Cross - DoL Technology & Enterprise

Kent Schools Futsal ChampionshipsOn Monday 4th and Tuesday 5th February, we took 5 Futsal teams down to Medway Park to compete in the Kent School Finals days. The standard of competition was very high on both days, but all pupils and teams played very well and can be very proud of their performances. The teams entered were; Year 7 girls, year 7 boys, year 8 + 9 boys, year 8 + 9 girls and year 10 girls. The team highlight of the competition was the year 8 + 9 girls finishing in 3rd place overall. Individually there were some success stories; Marnie Hallett - who played against girls 2 years above her age group and did fantastically well. Abbie Lane, a real driving force behind the girls year 7 team and Leon Slone, the only year 8 to play in the older boys age group and probably our best performer on the day. I am sure with the experience of this years competition and another years practice and training, we will be improving on our overall results next year.Mr M Golding - Teacher of Sport

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The Student Voice Winter Cup reported on in the last newsletter is coming to an end with the score as it stands being very close between the three colleges. There have been some fantastic performances from girls and boys in badminton, table tennis and cross country and I hope that the students have enjoyed the amount of extra sport this scheme has generated through the Academy. I must say that students have competed with impeccable standards and have shown that they are eager to take part in inter-college competitions, representing their own college and striving for success.

The Winter Cup will be presented to the winning college at the end of term and this will be announced in assembly. I hope that students have enjoyed the new experience and that this drive and determination continues in any future sporting activities.

Kynan Dudney-Long - Matisse Principal student

Red Nose DayThis year, once again, we will be raising money for Comic Relief on Friday 15th March and we hope to have many fundraising activities running throughout the day within the Academy. It will be a non school uniform day so students can wear their own clothes, including at least one item of red, for £1, which will also contribute towards our final total for the charity. We hope students will bring along money to take part in the events that we are organising and that everyone has an enjoyable day raising as much money as we can for a fantastic cause!Lindsey Nixon - Anderson Principal student

LA’s Got Talent!This term there have been many preparations for the success of LA’s Got Talent (Longfield Academy’s Got Talent) which is a fundraising activity, enjoyed by all. This will be ongoing up until 21st and 22nd March, when the semi finals will take place. The finals will be held on the last day of term (Friday 28th March) and some of the students will be showing some of the fantastic talents they posses.Matisse college have been supporting the “Wiz Kids” in a Christmas karaoke . All proceeds will be going to the Matisse charity - the EllenorLions Hospices.

Kynan Dudney - Long (Matisse Principal student)

Student Voice UpdateStudent Voice groups have continued to make a significant contribution to the Academy this term. • They have provided staff with feedback on focussing on PE and Mathematics. • Interviewed potential new staff and their judgements are feedback to the Leadership team. • Organised charity events raising funds for Ellenor Lions Hospices and Wiz Kids.• Led guided tours of the Academy to a wide range of individuals and groups of visitors.• Led assemblies including e-safety to all students.• Supported new admissions students to the Academy as a Buddy in their first few weeks.

Ms L Walker - Vice Principal Anderson

TRIPS

On Friday 1st February 2013 the KS4 and KS5 examination groups in fine art and photography visited Kew Gardens.

Students experienced the huge variety of flora and fauna on show in Kew’s glasshouses and formal gardens. Sculptures made by David Nash were also on display and throughout the visit students discovered these in a variety of interesting and surprising locations.

A plethora of photography was undertaken by all students and some took over 300 shots!The images captured during the visit will form the basis of these students examination in fine art and photography.

The work they produce will be on display in the end of year exhibition, which will be held on the evening of Thursday

27th June 2013. I do hope that you will be able to attend so we can celebrate these students achievements.

Miss N Smethurst - Teacher of Art

KS4/5 Photography Trip to Kew Gardens

A Level Trip to Howlett’s Zoo

On the 28th of January 2013, 30 A-level biology and psychology students went to Howletts Zoo to listen to several talks about the work they do in situ and ex situ to preserve and protect animals and their habitats. In situ is within their natural habitat and ex situ is where they live within special enclosures designed to mimic their natural surroundings. We were also told about their work with gorillas where they use captive breeding program’s to establish captive populations that are large enough to be demographically stable and genetically healthy.

The talks given were extremely informative and have allowed us to get hands on experience for psychology studies and to allow the biology students to write their coursework.The park was started in 1957 when John Aspinall bought Howlett’s, the house and the 100 acre’s of land that surrounds it, for the several exotic animals he bought from a local pet shop that he could no longer keep in his London flat. At this time Howlett’s was not open to the public. In 1973 he bought Port Lympne, another house with 600 acres of land surrounding it.

Makishakini Janarajan

TRIP

SGCSE Catering Trip to Rowhill Grange

On Wednesday 23rd January our year 10 GCSE Catering students visited Rowhill Grange, braving the snowy conditions, to experience a quality Afternoon Tea as key primary research for their coursework. When they arrived the group were shown to their own private dining room, where their personal waiter took their orders from the refined menu. The group settled in to their grandiose surroundings and were soon presented with a sumptuous array of afternoon tea treats. “We all sat to have a traditional afternoon tea on a big table with a crisp white table cloth, white crockery and sparkling cutlery. We had a selection of finger sandwiches and after, carrot cake, macaroons, almond tart, chocolate eclairs and fruit scones with jam and clotted cream.” - Natalie Cocking.“The Rowhill Grange trip was one of the best trips I have ever been on, it was very enjoyable. Not only was it very informative and very useful for my coursework but the food was very tasty! I wish we can have more trips like this in the future.” - Kyra Ollenbittle.“I found Rowhill Grange a fun but also a very educational trip as it has helped me with my coursework a lot. I have managed to come up with 4 dishes that fit my brief and it has taught me a lot about the presentation of my dishes.” - Charlie SpiceMiss H Jarvis - Teacher of Hospitality and Catering

Slapton LeyThe AS geography students arrived at the Academy at 5:30 am on Monday 4th February to begin the long journey to Slapton Ley, Devon for their field trip. It may well have been a six hour drive but that did not deter the students from getting straight into the work, spending the afternoon beach profiling in Start Bay, considering the costs and benefits of various sea defences. The biggest challenge probably came from keeping warm, but this was helped by the students ending their day by “bastion surfing” alongside Mr Lever.

At least they were able to manage the steep climb back up the beach leaving Mr Lever battling gravity!! The rest of the week saw the students visiting Torquay, Plymouth and Totnes, using a range of fieldwork and research techniques which they will need for their examinations. Everyone worked hard: collecting data in different teams, analysing their results until late into the evening. A fantastic effort by all and we are sure they will use this new knowledge to great effect in their summer examinations.Mr J Lever and Mrs A Rawkins

Sir Chris HoyOn Weds 16th Jan 18 students from the Talented Sports group travelled over to the Gravesend Cyclopark to go for a ride with Great Britain’s all time most decorated Olympian Sir Chris Hoy. It was a freezing cold day and not the most comfortable conditions to be on a bicycle but thanks to the generosity of the staff at the Cyclopark all the students were furnished with gloves, helmets and either a mountain bike or a cyclocross bike. When Sir Chris came through the crowd onto the track everybody followed him and for the next 50 minutes had the chance to ride alongside and chat to him. A really great experience so soon after the Olympics and also a first look at the fantastic facilities at the Cyclopark, which we will be using many times in the future.Mr S Masters - DoL Sport

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Medical Appointments

Traffic on Academy SiteThe vast majority of students come to school on the bus system using their freedom passes and this is the form of transport that we wholly support for our students. For a small number, transport to school is much more difficult and so arriving by car is the only option. We are very aware of the congestion that is on site first thing in the morning and at the end of the day. Kent Council are also aware of this and recently undertook a traffic survey. We were provided with the outcome of the survey and a number of points were highlighted for us.

There are clearly marked entrances and exits, with clear directional road markings. The entrance to the turning/drop off bay is at the gate closest to the front entrance. This is a dropping off area only and should not be used for parking. There are a number of disabled badge holder spaces. These are allocated for the students who are in possession of a blue badge or being collected from the Spectrum Centre. Please do not park in these bays as some of our students are finding it increasingly difficult to locate their transport.

The gate at the far (New Barn) end of the car park is an entrance only. There have been a number of occasions where cars have exited from there and caused traffic concerns. We have been notified by Kent council that should an incident occur that the driver’s insurance is likely to be invalid.

If students or visitors to the Academy are arriving or departing on foot, they should use the pedestrian gate directly outside the Academy main entrance. Walking through the large vehicle gates presents a very clear danger both to the pedestrian and drivers who alter their direction to avoid them.

Thank you for your help in keeping students safe at Longfield Academy.

Mrs A O’Donnell - Principal Anderson College

We understand that sometimes medical appointments are unavoidable, but we do ask that when possible, all medical appointments

are made out of school hours. Evidence of appointments will need to be provided.

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NAttendance

All students should aim for 100% attendance and punctuality“Everyday Counts”

Achieving Excellence Together 100% Attendance & Punctuality

Your child’s education is your child’s future. Don’t let them waste it!

To discuss any attendance issues please contact your son’s/daughter’s tutor in the first instance

or Access Officer - mel.thomas@longfieldacademy.org

Accurate Communication details

Please ensure you provide the Academy with the correct contact details to be used in an emergency. This includes home, mobile, work telephone numbers and home address, as well as other key contact people. If you change your number or place of work please let us know the new details so we can reach you in an emergencyEither call the appropriate college number, email or speak to reception on 01474 700 700

Ms L Walker - Vice Principal, Anderson College

AttendanceAll students should aim for 100% attendance and punctuality

“Everyday Counts”

GoldLevel 1

If your attendance is above 97%You are absent less than six days in the school yearYou are highly likely to achieve your target grades or above, enabling you to achieve your very best and raise your earning potential in the world of work.

GreenLevel 2

Your attendance is 95% plusYou are absent for less than 10 days in the school year missing up to 60 hours of learning lost.You will probably achieve target grades if you catch up on lost learning that will allow you to continue your studies and raise your earning potential in the world of work.

BlueLevel 3

Your attendance is 90-94.5% ACTION NEEDEDYou are missing up to 20 days in each school year, one month, that is 120 hours of learning lost.This amount of absence will make progress difficult and reduce your level of success.

AmberLevel 4

Your attendance is between 85-90% URGENT ACTION NEEDED NOWThis means you are absent up to 30 days in each school year - SIX WEEKS, that is 180 hours of learning lost. Missing this much time will make it extremely difficult for you to keep up in lessons, make progress and reach your target grades. You will be referred to the Attendance Welfare Officer and Local Authority.

RedAttendance

AlertLevel 5

Your attendance is below 85% ACTION WITH LOCAL AUTHORITYThis amount of absence will seriously affect your learning potential and life chances. Your parents/carers may face court action! You will be missing over 180 hours of learning, meaning achieving your target grades is highly unlikely.

Achieving Excellence Together 100% Attendance & Punctuality

Your childʼs education is your childʼs future. Donʼt let them waste it!

To discuss any attendance issues please contact your son/daughters tutor in the first instance

or Access Officer - mel.thomas@longfieldacademy.org