No Limits Last half term, we reported on our academy’s tremendous improvement in academic results

placing us in the top 10 state secondary schools in England at GCSE. This was coupled with our first

dual offer for Oxbridge in Year 13, part of a step-change in UCAS applications and a record number

of unconditional university offers. We start this half term with a reminder of how much more

students experience at Hertswood with a report on a trip to Barcelona and next week you’ll read

about the success of our largest ever entry to the renowned ’Global Rock’ event. Our community’s

capacity to grow has no limits and these are some of the many examples of students and staff

showing the courage to try new experiences, gain new skills and compete with others to improve and do well.

Hertswood Academy Aim High Achieve Excellence

Hertsbeat Monday 29 Feb 2016 | Issue 11:18

Peter Gillett, Headteacher

From the first rush as the plane took off until the screech of the tyres as we returned to a cold Luton Airport our visit to

Barcelona was a non-stop thrill, from Gaudi’s creations, to the Hard Rock Café and beyond. Of course the first experience was

the spotless luxury coach that took us to our chalets which would be our home for the next few days. Unpacking and picking

rooms followed a delicious meal (every meal was a real feast!) and a restful night in preparation for the activities to come.

It would be impossible to say everything that happened on the trip (there is just not enough space) but some highlights

include a personal tour of Espanyol stadium, picnics overlooking the Mediterranean, a guided wine tour, salsa dancing and

who could forget the breathtakingly beautiful Sagradia Familia. The small details though were perhaps some of the highlights,

the authentic seafood paella, the churros ‘con’ chocolate and the Chupa Chup lollies as prizes all made for lovely moments

that will never be forgotten.

However all trips must come to an end, and after a final chalet inspection and a final few excursions, we wearily arrived at the

airport, touched down, met the coach and travelled the short miles home where parents picked up their excited (but tired)

children. ¡Hasta la próxima España!

www.hertswoodacademy.org | facebook.com/hertswoodacademy | twitter.com/hertswooduk

Recent achievements in exam results and in university acceptances have given our

students, staff and local community many reasons to be proud. Our continued

progress has not gone unnoticed, and we’re grateful to have received the

congratulations of Members of Parliament Nick Gibb and Oliver Dowden.

Read the letters at hertswoodacademy.org, or on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

“On Thursday 11th February we had a Spanish lesson like no other. In the first of three rooms, we

learnt essential phrases to use in the market and a cafeteria. We were put into groups and had to

spend as much money as possible, but asking for our items only in Spanish. In the next room we

visited different stations and learnt about famous Spanish cities, such as Madrid, Barcelona, and

Seville, as well as famous people from Spain and Spanish-speaking countries.

“The teachers saved the best activity for last, meeting an Arsenal football player called Julio

Pleguezuelo. We had to ask him questions to try and find out about him, but only in Spanish. The

phrases we’d learnt in class were very useful, and we found out a lot about Julio with questions

such as 'How old are you?', 'Where do you live?', and 'What do you like to do?'. As soon as we

were doing well in Spanish with the pronunciations and translations we would get a token, which

would lead to a prize -- a full bag of delicious sweets. We had a lot of fun getting to know Julio

and his hobbies.

“Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed it and we're sure our classmates did too. Thank you to the Year

12 students who helped out with the activities: Joseph, Chaid and Mollie.”

An Afternoon of Spanish Activities by Olivia and Alex (Year 8)

BBC News School Report 2016 by Mrs Edgar (Assistant Headteacher)

On 10th March 2016 we will once again be taking part in the BBC

News School Report, along with schools across the country. To give

our eager team of students a chance to prepare, on Tuesday 9th

February we ran a final Practice Day, with the aim of producing a

news bulletin on whether the current generation of young people

should be labelled as selfish: the so-called "me generation."

Students took charge of writing, filming and editing the piece,

including an on-site interview with a representative from Noah’s Ark

Children's Hospice, and two of our own Sixth Form Leadership Team. We’re incredibly proud of what they managed to create

over the course of a few very busy hours. You can see their work at www.hertswoodacademy.org/BBC-School-Report or on

our Facebook and Twitter pages.

LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANT (28.50- hours per week—Term Time Only)

Salary will be at Grade H1 pro rata | This equates to approximately £ 9,008 per annum

The Inclusion Team have a vacancy for a Learning Support Assistant to start as soon as possible. Applicants should have experience of

working with young people and be genuinely committed to assisting each student to achieve their very best. Education to GCSE

standard is essential. Closing Date: Monday 14th March 2016.

The school is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All postholders are subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring

check. Information and applications forms are available on the Academy’s website at www.hertswoodacademy.org. Alternatively, you

can contact Shelagh Musk, Academy Manager, on 020 8238 7254 or email at smusk@hertswoodacademy.org