newsletter 50

3 December 2015

INASecondaryNewsletter

We need more Work Experience placements!

Do you work in a career that would interest our students? If so please contact us: info@

isaacnewtonacademy.orgYear 10 students will complete a work experience placement from Monday 20th June 2016 – Friday 24th June 2016 and we need your help! If you feel you can offer a placement please read the placement guide below and contact Mr Crowther-Green by email: [email protected] with the title Work Experience. Please provide a work address, brief details of the type of work, potential duties and include a contact name, telephone number and email. Placement guide• Employers must have a Health and Safety policy and Public

Liability Insurance• Placements should be easily reachable from INA by public

transport• Students should not be working in a confined space with a single

employer (safeguarding reasons)• Employers offering placements will need to complete an

agreement and send details of dress, days, times, tasks and any specific information

• Students will complete a project which they will work through during their placement

We welcome friends and family of INA students to offer placements to INA students. We want students to broaden their horizons and we want students to be completing a work experience that they could not easily organise themselves. Therefore students cannot complete work experience with family and friends. If you have an questions please contact Mr Crowther-Green by email: [email protected].

Mr Crowther-Green

Can you support INA?

2 INA Newsletter

Dear Parents and Carers

We had a fantastic turn out at the Year 9 Options Evening on Wednesday. Students and their parents listened to presentations from Ms McEvoy and Ms Bryne and then had the opportunity to talk to subject teachers about

the various GCSE courses. If you were not able to attend or you would like to view the slides and other related resources, they can be found on the school website under ‘Resources for Parents’.

Congratulations to our Chef Manager, Fraser Thomson, and his team for being awarded 5 stars for hygiene in an unannounced inspection last week. This is the top grading (and a level that many cafés and restaurants do not achieve!

I am delighted to announce that INA has appointed a Lead Teacher for Computing, Marsha Duraku, who started with us this week. She has written an introduction below:

“Education has always been a major part of my life; as a university lecturer and an Educational Psychologist my mother placed great importance on the necessity for all of her children to obtain excellent qualifications in order to progress on to university and obtain qualifications through higher education. My outlook on life also mirrors this vision. Having graduated from university with a degree in Computer Science 11 years ago, I have spent the last ten years delivering teaching and learning to a wide range of age groups from Years 3 to 13 in the independent sector. I am now ready to embark on the second tier of my career. I feel incredibly fortunate and equally as excited to be joining the INA team as lead teacher of Computing. Advances in various areas of Computer Science such as robotics, touch screen technology and app/smart phone development have raised the profile of this subject that I am passionate about. Through my role at Isaac Newton Academy, my aim is to deliver an innovative, stimulating, challenging and rewarding programme of study for all INA students.”

With best wishes,

Rachel MacfarlanePrincipal

INA Newsletter 3

4 INA Newsletter

INA Newsletter 5

PE AT ISAAC NEWTON ACADEMY

Fixtures and ResultsYear 8 2nd Football team

The Year 8 team played in a very competitive match against Loxford. The score was 0-0 at half time which shows just how little there was between the teams. The team showed incredible determination and perseverance in search for the goal to separate them . Unfortunately Loxford got the lucky break away and charged towards our goal, making it 1 nil to them. Well done to the Year 8 team for a well fought game; stand out players were Musa Bakhari, Ardit Mudhar and Abdul-Khalil Khan.

Year 7 Basketball team

The team got off to a fantastic start with a 20-10 win against Seven Kings. The first two quarters were closely contested and the score remained tight until INA started to move clear. Goals from Zain Islam and Jaheim Chambers, alongside a great performance from Jack Lavin, ensured the boys got a win in their first game

The KS3 and KS4 Girls Badminton squad

The squad played in their first tournament at Bancrofts on Wednesday 2nd December. Both teams showed tremendous determination against 3 very strong schools and came away with wins in

2 doubles games against Valentines from Charisma, Aishwarya and Ishani. Well done girls!

Upcoming fixtures7th December• Under 13 girls handball

tournament • Year 7 Basketball Cup

vs Oak park (AWAY)9th December • Yr 8 & 9 King Solomon

Netball (Back to back)• Yr 7 B Final Indoor

Athletics Beal• Dance Competition

12.30 Caterham 10th December • Yr 7 Seven Kings

Netball.- TBC• Girls 7, 8, 9 football vs

Loxford• Chosen students to go

out to the Copperbox for Handball & Volleyball session

Jump Rope for British Heart FoundationNext Monday, 7th December, all Year 7 students will participate and hopefully raise money for the British Heart Foundation through skipping in their P.E lessons.

Money raised can now be paid via Wise Pay. Merits will go to students who upload their money.

Sponsorship forms should be brought to the first P.E lesson next week.Individual prizes and form prizes will be given for the most money raised.

6 INA Newsletter

PE AT ISAAC NEWTON ACADEMY

After school Lunch timeDay 1st Lunch

(Year 10)2nd Lunch (year 7,8 &9)

Mon Boys Handball (Year 8 &9)

Tues Basketball club (Year 8&9

Wed Basketball club (BH)

Girls Handball Year 8 & 9

Thur Year 7 Handball Boys and Girls

Fri Handball Club (BH)

Basketball (Year 7) Girls and Boys

PE department extra-curricular and enrichment clubs

Improve your skills! Try something new! Keep fit! Make new friends! Unleash your

energy! Increase your chances of getting into a team!

DAY CLUB TEACHER VENUE

Mon Handball DB Sports Hall

Netball EH MUGA

Table Tennis GW Activity Studio

Tues Judo Club External Sports Hall

Wed Yr 9 S+C BH Sports Hall

Rugby Club OT Knox Field/MUGA

Thur Yr 10 Football AT MUGA

Table Tennis BW Activity Studio

Yr 8 Basketball JL Sports Hall

Seated Volleyball

MB Activity Studio

Football/Cricket Yr 7

TB MUGA

Fri Badminton club External Sports Hall

Girls’ Sports club

AN MUGA

Bike Club EC, DH, BB MUGA

Football/Cricket Yr8

AG Knox Field

Please note that this floodlit all weather pitch is available for hire outside school hours. For enquiries, please contact the school via phone or email.

Our new 3G Pitch

INA Newsletter 7

This week’s Mathematicians of the Moment

Nikita Spiridonovas (9N) Amaal Khandwalla (8N)

Keshan Becke<-‐Edwards (7S)

Khadija Ahmed (7N)

Eleanor Brant (7N) Sajjad Ali (7A)

Well done to the following students who are this week’s Mathematicians of the Moment. Please collect a merit from Mr

Dukes

7I 60 7S 30 7A 100 7C 7N 180 7E 80 7W 120 7T

8I 8S 90 8A 170 8C 30 8N 100 8E 8W 8T

9I 9S 9A 600 9C 9N 800 9E 160 9W 540 9T 560

8 INA Newsletter

The Mathematics department would like to encourage all students to enter next week’s Mathematician of the Moment competition. Have a look at the problem below.

Answers to be written on a Maths postcard to be placed in the Maths post box no later than 4.10pm on Wednesday 17th December. Good luck and may the best form win!!!

Answers on a postcard to be handed to Mr Dukes (G42) by Thursday 4.10pm latest!

Monday 30th November to Thursday 10th December YEAR 7 - PROBLEM OF THE WEEK

Find the dimensions of a rectangle whose perimeter is 68cm and area is 240cm2.



You are at an unmarked intersection ... one way is the City of Lies and another way is the City of Truth.

Citizens of the City of Lies always lie.

Citizens of the City of Truth always tell the truth.

A citizen of one of those cities (you don't know which) is at the intersection. What

question could you ask to them to find the way to the City of Truth?



The bag of sweets has gone missing! Andy, Bob, Cassie and David are questioned about the disappearance and ONLY ONE of them tells the truth.

Andy said "Cassie did it." Bob said " I didn't do it." Cassie said "Bob is lying."

David said " Cassie is lying." Who took the sweets?

INA Newsletter 9

10 INA Newsletter

On Saturday the 28th of November students across years 7, 9 and 10

attended a Saturday Stretch class in Psychology led by an undergraduate from Oxford University; Susanna O’Brien.

The session began mysteriously as students were taken into a separate room in preparation for a psychological experiment. Students were invited into the experiment room one at a time. They were told upon entry that they were taking part in a Skinner experiment and for the purpose of the activity they were a hungry rat. Each ‘rat’ was placed in a make shift box. In the box were two circuits with switches that light a bulb. The students were told they had ten seconds to do whatever they wanted in the box. Some of the more savvy ‘rats’ realised that by switching on the light bulb they would receive a treat and continued to flip the switch.

Susanna used this experiment to conceptualise the students’ understanding of positive reinforcement: a condition that encourages behaviour. Susanna explained that we can be motivated as human beings by reward and praise.

Psychology is the study of the brain but Susanna carefully explained that within this there are many avenues of study to explore such as those listed below:

• Abnormalpsychology: psychopathy and abnormal behaviour• Biopsychology:theinfluenceof the brain and neurotransmitters• Behaviouralpsychology:the study of how behaviours are learned• Counsellingpsychology: providing therapeutic treatments• Clinicalpsychology:assessment and treatment of mental illness• Cognitivepsychology:studyof mental processes• Educationalpsychology:studyof how people learn• Forensicpsychology:intersection between psychology and law• Healthpsychology:promotionof health and prevention of disease• Socialpsychology:studyofsocial interactions• Sportspsychology:how psychology influences physical

activityAs a group, we then had a very rich discussion as we collectively tried to name everything that the brain is responsible for. We came up with a vast and diverse list to include creativity, dreams, vision, language and speech, memory and mental health. This exemplified for the students that within Psychology there are many facets and that the study of the subject at university level would result in a very interesting and mixed timetable.

The students were clearly gripped by curiosity and hands were shooting up left, right and centre to ask thoughtful questions. When asked how she found delivering the session Susanna said “really enjoyable- the students were lovely and friendly and asked interesting and intelligent questions.”

Susanna ended the session by talking to the students about the history and prestige of Oxford university. She helpfully explained the process of recruitment the university goes through and addressed some common misconceptions about Oxford.

When asked the question ‘do you think the session was helpful?’ some students said:

“Definitely- it gave me an idea of what Psychology is and what A Levels I would need to do it.”

“Yes- we don’t really know anything about Psychology and it was a great opportunity to expand our minds and learn something new.”

“Yes because I learned what Psychology is and also that you can study Art and get into Oxford”

When asked if the session had prompted them to consider studying this subject at university some students said:

“Yes because it seems really interesting and has a wide range of topics”

“Yes because it helps me understand the human mind.”

Saturday Stretch: Psychology

INA Newsletter 11

A Warm Invite to INA’s Awards Assemblies – Friday 18th December 2015

On Friday 18th December we will be holding our first awards assemblies of the year. This is an opportunity for the staff, students, governors and parents/carers to formally celebrate our students’ achievements at the end of the autumn term. There will be a separate assembly for each year group. Please note the times as follows:

Year 7 12.00-12.45pmYear 8 11.05-11.50amYear 9 12.00-12.45pmYear 10 11.05-11.50am

At the assemblies we will be presenting awards in recognition of students’ academic progress and attainment, personal progress and the development of their BRIDGES dispositions. Excellent attendance and punctuality will also be celebrated. It is also a great opportunity for you to see some examples of the activities and events your child has been participated in this term.

We believe that it is important that every student is represented by a parent at the Awards assembly for their year group and would like to invite one parent to attend on behalf of the family. If you would like to attend, please ask your son/daughter to collect a ticket for the awards assembly from his/her form tutor. Please request your ticket by Friday 11th December.

Due to limited capacity in the viewing gallery, we are unable to accommodate very many additional family members. However, if you would like a second place, please notify the school office and we will do our best to allocate an additional ticket.

I look forward to seeing you on the 18th December.

Jo SpencerVice Principal.

GCSE French and Spanish Controlled Assessments - Speaking

Year 10 students will do their first Speaking controlled assessments during Friday 4th and Monday 7th December. This means that any student in Year 10 who is doing Spanish or French GCSE will be required to attend a 1:1 Speaking assessment with their language teacher for about 10 minutes. The controlled assessments will take place in formal exam conditions.

The focus of the controlled assessment is sports and leisure. Students are preparing for the controlled assessments during their French or Spanish lessons. Students should also spend time as part of their independent learning revising and practising key vocabulary and phrases to ensure that they fully prepared and can approach their assessment with confidence.

If you have any questions please contact your son/daughter’s MFL teacher.

Jo Spencer12 INA Newsletter

Community Languages GCSEsDoes your son/daughter speak a language other than English at home e.g. Italian, German, Russian, Urdu, Bengali, Polish, Turkish, Mandarin, Arabic, Portuguese? Can he/she read and write the language to a good standard?

If you answered ‘Yes’ to these questions, your child may be able to take an early entry GCSE in the language at INA.

Students will need to study independently for the exam. The school will supply past papers for students to practise and will pay the exam entry fees but we are unable to offer any tuition in the language. Students will need to make a commitment to studying independently for the exams.

What happens next?

Ms Spencer will be talking to students about the process in assemblies in the week beginning 17th November. Any students interested in finding out more should attend a meeting with Ms Spencer and Mr Crowther Green on Tuesday lunchtime. Ms Spencer will distribute a past paper GCSE paper and a mark scheme for the language for students to do at home. Parents will need to mark the paper and students should return it to Ms Spencer by Monday 23rd November. The school will then make a decision as to whether the student can be entered for the exams next summer. Mr Crowther-Green will contact parents directly to discuss the decision. Should a student not be deemed ready to take the exam, he/she may be able to take it the following year.

If you would like to would like more information or you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact Ms Spencer or Mr Crowther-Green.

Dear Parents of Y10 studentsReports for Y10 students will be published in early January and have been revised to better support students following GCSE courses. The student’s current progress will be reported in GCSE grades and will include fine grading. A 1 or + after a grade indicates the student is progressing towards the next grade whereas a 3 or – would indicate the grade is not currently secure. See the table below for full details.

The student reports will also feature and attitude to learning for each subjectAttitude to Learning Key:

Mr Crowther-Green

INA Newsletter 13

Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10T 847 C 549 T 687 W 247 C 726 W 493 E 439 E 153E 656 E 485 N 267 I 138S 580 N 474 S 260 N 138W 534 S 471 W 239 S 132N 522 I 460 I 183 A 118I 438 A 414 C 160 T 111 A 411 T 382 A 136 C 93

The seventh awards have been decided by the previous week’s winners.

Ahmedwaswellknownforbeingkind,forhelpingothersandforbeingextremelypolite.Hewasalsosomeone known for his hard work and absorption; the idea, therefore, is that the winner should be someone that encapsulated one of these qualities in that week.

Year 7: Tahmina Rahaman 7S Year 8: Omar Ali 8TYear 9: Djevia Elliel 9AYear 10: Yusra Khiliq 10E

Good Deed Feed

From Ms Clarke: Gyane got a merit today for clearing away the equipment in the science lab. Equipment that was put in the wrong place by other students. He even wiped the water from the floor.

From Ms Atkinson: Shaye Alexander saw me moving the layout of my room and kindly offered to help.

Praise &Recognition

Merits

Ahmed Al-Khafaji Award (Peer Commendation Award)

Jennifer ByrneYear 9 Pastoral Leader, i/c Praise and Recognition

14 INA Newsletter

INA Community Party On Tuesday December 8th we will be hosting the INA Community Party. Timings for the day will be as follows: Only students involved in supporting

the event will be allowed on site after 13:00.

Should your child be eligible for free school meals we will have a packed lunch available to take away that day.

Many thanks in advance for your help and support!

Ms Alibhai-Watson

KS3 KS4P1-P3 Normal school

dayNormal school day

P4a Normal school day

Period 4b lesson

12:50-13:00 PM Registration PM Registration13:00-13:10 Whole school

dismissalWhole school dismissal

Christmas Themed Non Uniform Day on Friday 11th December

On Friday 11th of December we will have a non-uniform day to fundraise for Save the Children. Students will be invited to wear a Christmas jumper as part

of their non-school uniform. Christmas colours of green, red, gold and white are encouraged!

Students can choose to wear trousers, jeans, leggings or skirts but their outfit cannot be revealing and students are not permitted to wear any jewellery beyond that which

is permitted as part of their day to day uniform.

Students will need to bring £1 by Monday 7th December in order to be permitted to wear non uniform on the 11th of December.

Ms Alibhai-Watson

INA Newsletter 15

I N A B R I D G E S P l a n n i n g a n d P r i o r i t i s i n g

16 INA Newsletter

P l a n n i n g a n d P r i o r i t i s i n g

INA Newsletter 17

Regular attendance is a crucial factor in students’ educational development and ability to achieve their full potential.

At Isaac Newton Academy every student is set the target of 100% attendance. We know that attendance has a direct link to progress, and would urge you to really consider if a day off school is necessary.

Well done to 9T for meeting their 100% target!

It is still possible for any tutor group to take the lead, so keep giving your form the chance to win by being here every day!

Ms. Abbott-JonesLead Pastoral Leader

7T 99.4 8S 98.7 9T 100 10N 98.9

7A 99 8W 98.7 9A 98.9 10I 97.6

7S 98.8 8E 98.1 9N 98.7 10T 97.4

7I 98.3 8N 97.9 9C 98.3 10C 97.2

7C 95.7 8C 97.6 9S 97.8 10W 96.2

7N 95.5 8T 96.9 9E 95.7 10A 94.6

7E 92 8A 95.1 9I 93.7 10S 92.4

7W 90.9 8I 93.5 9W 88.5 10E 89.7

ATTENDANCE

Year 9 96.5%

Year 8 97.1%

Year 7 96.2%

HowwebuildlearningpoweranddevelopcharacteratIsaacNewtonAcademy

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.” Isaac Newton

The secondary BRIDGES programme commences on Monday 14th September. BRIDGES are habits of mind or learning characteristics that develop a student's character and learning power and enable them to grow into well rounded individuals and resilient learners.

On a two weekly cycle throughout the year, Year 7 and 8 students are introduced to one or two new habits of mind or learning characteristics that will permeate throughout the curriculum. This will take place through a range of interactive activities. In addition, the students will experience BRIDGES learning objectives in each and every lesson throughout Isaac Newton Academy. Year 9 BRIDGES lessons will focus on strengthening certain BRIDGES learning characteristicsthroughexplorationofPHSEtopicsandthemes.

Each fortnight you will find top tips in the newsletter of ways of supporting your child to develop the BRIDGES habits of mind and learning characteristics within the home.

B R I D G E S

18 INA Newsletter

Key Dates for the Autumn Term 2015: Secondary

Tuesday 8th December Community PartyTuesday 8th December 20 Year 10 students involved in an Entrepreneurship workshopFriday 11th December Christmas LunchSaturday 12th December Saturday Stretch: GeographyTuesday 15th December 20 Year 10 students involved in an Entrepreneurship workshop 3-5pmWednesday 16th December 15 Y10 students on a medics trip to Kings CollegeThursday 17th December Winter ConcertFriday 18th December Awards Assemblies. Term ends at lunch time.

Spring TermMonday 4th January - Thursday 24th MarchHalf Term 15th - 19th FebruaryINSET days: Monday 4th January and Friday 12th February

Summer TermMonday 11th April - Wednesday 20th JulyHalf Term 30th May - 3rd JuneINSET days: Thursday 23rd and Friday 24th June, Friday 8th July

INA Newsletter 19

newsletter 50

Documents