spring newsletter 2014

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Newsletter Spring 2014 On 17th March, sixty students from Year 7 travelled to Calshot Activity Centre to enjoy three days of land based activities. The children worked in groups of ten to develop teamwork, co-operation and communication skills on outside initiative and low rope courses including a scary, pitch black tunnel. They held ropes for each other on the climbing wall, encouraged each other at archery and helped their friends to stand on a pair of skis. Firm favourites were the team swing and spinning down the ski slope in Ringos. The children (and staff!) had a fantastic time and learnt a lot about themselves and each other. Year 7 Calshot Residential

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The Wellington Academy Spring 2014 Newsletter

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Page 1: Spring newsletter 2014

NewsletterSpring 2014

On 17th March, sixty students from Year 7 travelled to Calshot Activity Centre to enjoy three days of land based activities. The children worked in groups of ten to develop teamwork, co-operation and communication skills on outside initiative and low rope courses including a scary, pitch black tunnel. They held ropes for each other on the climbing wall, encouraged each other at archery and helped their friends to stand on a pair of skis. Firm favourites were the team swing and spinning down the ski slope in Ringos. The children (and staff !) had a fantastic time and learnt a lot about themselves and each other.

Year 7 Calshot Residential

Page 2: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 2 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

From the Principal

Taster and Transition Days

Wednesday 18th June - Year 5 Taster Days for Zouch and Castle Primary.

Thursday 19th June - Year 5 Taster Days for Clarendon and other feeder primaries.

Wednesday 25th June - Year 6 Induction Day for Zouch and Castle Primary.

Thursday 26th June - Year 6 Induction Day Clarendon and other feeder primaries

Year 6 Parent and Student Transitions Evening.

Parents/Carers Evenings

Wednesday 30th April

Year 7 Parents/Carers Evening

Wednesday 4th June*

Year 9 Parents/Carers Evening*change from the original published date).

Inset Days

Tuesday 22nd AprilFriday 20th June**Please note this is a new date.

Important Calendar Dates

It is clear however that we also need to continue to address the issue of improving academic achievement. In a recent follow-up visit, Ofsted were clear that we are taking eff ective action to get the Academy to “good” in its next inspection. However we are mindful that in order to get to this point, we have had to change many things and raise expectations of staff and students since September. It is a great testament to all involved that we have been able to address concerns so rapidly and we are looking forward to seeing these changes take further eff ect over the coming months.

One major change that we have yet to make is the introduction of houses, which is likely to happen at the end of the summer term. This will actually be a reintroduction as there was a house system in place at Castledown a number of years ago! The house system is likely to be based on the Wellington College system and the actual details will be worked out over the coming months via a phase of consultation with the Student Voice group. Houses will bring many benefi ts, including more competitive elements, more extra-curricular opportunities and we hope it will add an important strand to our anti-bullying drive. We will

Life at the Wellington Academy is never quiet. This newsletter gives a clear sense of the breadth of activities the students have been involved in over the past few months. We have had visitors from the Department for Education, Ofsted and the ARK chain of academies. All of them have been highly complementary about our young people, how they present themselves and their achievement in a broad sense. The Ofsted report praised the way in which we “deepen students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness”.

most likely want to introduce house ties next year, but we will not make any decisions on uniform which will burden parents with unnecessary costs. We will keep you informed about this exciting change. As ever, I welcome feedback from students, parents or the wider community. Please do get in touch with me if you have a view on how we could improve things further.

Mike MilnerPrincipal

Page 3: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 3

Author Visit - Alex Scarrow

Propelled into both the future and the past, pupils in Year 7 and 8 explored the potential for time travel with the author, Alex Scarrow. The successful creator

of the Time Riders series joined pupils for a romp through both personal and possible pasts and futures, on 26th February. Whilst remaining fully rooted in the present, pupils considered a range of potential ‘What ifs?’ and the complexities off ered by those questions which ranged from ‘What if we couldn’t die?’ to ‘What if sweets were secret agents for the government?’.

On Monday 25th and Tuesday 26th all Key Stage 3 students, including Year 9, had the opportunity to take part in a Humanutopia ‘Communications, Relationships and Growth’ session. The aims of the workshops were to improve the relationships between students and their peers, and staff and students. Throughout the session students were able to explore the concept that the key for healthy and successful relationships is the way we communicate with ourselves and each other. As with all of the Humanutopia courses, there was opportunity for fun, movement, trust, refl ection and expression.

It is hoped that students will put into action all that they have learnt to ensure they are responsible citizens in our community and that they are able to develop positive relationships with those they work and learn with.

Humanutopia

Page 4: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 4 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

English

Keep up-to-date with what is going on in English by following @twaEnglish on Twitter and http://wellingtonacademyenglish.wordpress.com/

English Faculty

www.thewellingtonacademy.org.uk/bbc_news_school_report_2014

On Friday 29th April, the Cestous Theatre Company’s will be coming to the Academy to run a workshop and perform ‘Of Mice and Men’ to Year 11. Please note the change of date from Friday 28th March. This is a fantastic opportunity for everyone to get involved and help with their revision.

On 27th March, for a group of Year 9 pupils, the Wellington Academy became a newsroom. Joining up with BBC News School Report, supported by some Year 12 pupils, the team researched the news stories they felt were important at a national or local level. With a tight deadline, pupils researched, wrote, edited and fi lmed a range of stories which can now be seen on the school website. Interviews were conducted in person and over the phone with Cancer Research UK and a variety of teachers and pupils in an attempt to get to the knuckle of the story.

BBC News School Report

Year 11 Workshop

Page 5: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 5

During the February term break, thirty nine students

from Years 9,10 and 12 took part in the Academy’s fi rst skiing trip. Destination: Italia, Region: Folgaria. After a long journey by coach we arrived at our resort on Saturday 15th February to commence our skiing and mountain campaign. Spirits were high and with much excitement and enthusiasm we had our fi rst taste of snow early on Sunday. Bay House school in Hampshire were unfortunately delayed by 6 hours due to worsening conditions in the English channel, proving that our decision to take the earliest ferry was the right thing to do. To help Bay House we re-scheduled our own skiing lessons on the Sunday to allow them the later lessons when they fi nally arrived. Our students responded exceptionally well to this change in-keeping with our Academy pledge. After our fi rst day of skiing we enjoyed dinner at a local Italian restaurant for some delicious traditional pizza. The next day weather seemed to turn on us and although we encountered wet conditions we ‘persevered’ and everyone continued to enjoy the skiing and mountain air. On Monday evening we went to a local black run for some extreme sledging, which was an exhilarating experience. Mr Greenwood became ‘slightly’ anxious about the whole thing, the speed students were gaining was unbelievable! All went well though and afterwards we settled into a chalet for some hot chocolate.

Ski Trip to Folgaria

On Tuesday the sun began to emerge and we had pleasant sunny spells, but the conditions of the piste became very icy and hard overnight, making some of our skiing time ‘tricky’, but again everyone involved ‘persevered’ and continued to make progress. Room inspections took place on Tuesday night, and to the teachers surprise our students had all made an excellent eff ort to maintain and keep their hotel rooms in good order (even the boys). Wednesday saw a return of some wet weather, but we all got through this in good spirits. Skiing instructors informed us that this weather was the wettest they have known for decades. After hot showers and much warming up at the hotel on Wednesday evening, we went to the local ice skating hall and had lots of fun skating around. Thursday proved to be the sunniest day of the week as we awoke to clear blue skies and fresh powder on the ground. Some fantastic photographs were taken on this day now the weather allowed the use of a camera, take a look on the skiing trip site: http://folgaria2k14.yolasite.com/. This was also race day, where

students raced each other in a time trial slalom. A presentation was conducted by the instructors at our hotel where medals and certifi cates were handed to students and comments made by the instructors clearly indicated that our students were all well behaved, and respectful with positive attitudes. Following the presentation we went to join other schools at a local disco and enjoyed some socialising and down time before our fi nal day of skiing. On Friday the sun was bright and the blue skies became even bluer, it was an amazing fi nal day of skiing. The staff were all relieved when all students returned from the mountain together and unharmed. To the students who attended: Well done, you made the staff on this trip extremely proud to be with you. Thank you all very much for being super stars. Planning for our next Skiing trip is already underway. We hope to take interested students in Years 9,10 and 12 in 2015. Watch out for notices.

Page 6: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 6 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

Wives of Offi cers and Soldiers Enjoy a Pamper Evening

A group of nine Year 9 students have been taking part in a course run jointly between SkillForce and 26 Engineer Regiment on Wednesday afternoons. The six week course has allowed the students to develop their skills including teamwork, fi rst aid and map reading. The course is run with the Academy Pledge very much in mind, which has given its name to the course. Throughout the last term the students have worked very hard, with their Resilience being tested to the full in the last few weeks,

Year 9 RESPECT Course with SkillForce

especially whilst undertaking outdoor activities in less than favourable weather. The course concluded on Wednesday 12th February with a walk from Eveleigh to the Academy, which is approximately 5 miles, in the most testing of conditions. Whilst out students were required to cook their own food while sheltering from driving rain and wind. The course is run by Mark Getley and Jerry Stockford who work for SkillForce within the Academy, ably assisted by members of 26 Engineer Regiment who volunteer to work with and support our students. SkillForce is a charity that works in partnership with schools, drawing upon the skills of predominantly ex-Forces personnel, to inspire young people to succeed. Since 2000, SkillForce has changed the lives of 50,000 young people in the UK, engaging the hard-to-reach, developing their skills, and preparing them for next steps in education, work or training.

On the evening of Friday 7th March a group of seven hair and beauty students went to the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery to pamper the wives and partners of offi cers and soldiers who are away on active service. The students worked hard and provided a relaxing evening of facials, manicures, pedicures and hair styling to the appreciative ladies. Glen Hankie from the RHA Welfare team commented "the event went extremely well. The girls were very professional and the ladies really enjoyed the evening and are looking forward to the next event." He was very proud of how the evening went. This is the second year the hair and beauty department have been asked to take part in a pamper evening and hope to continue to build community and military links at Tidworth.

Page 7: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 7

Visit www.samlearning.com and Login to SAM Learning.

Our centre ID is SP11cs and Student login & password is DOB & two initials. eg DDMMYYfl . Research has shown that students improved their GCSE results by 1 grade in two subjects using SAM Learning.

SP11cs

DDMMYYfl

DDMMYYfl Sign in

RevisionGuidance

GET ORGANISED, DE-STRESS, GET GREAT GRADES

GET GCSEPOD!

Now in our school

Make your mobile work harder www.gcsepod.com

Login to plannerLIVE.

Don’t forget to login to MyMaths for the latest up to date maths revision.

www.mymaths.co.uk

Year 11 Exam Revision Website

Visit the Year 11 revision website for everything you need for exam revision.

You can fi nd Year 11 tutor contacts, Easter revision sessions, revision and catch-up timetables, links to past papers and revisions websites, letters home to parents, plus exam dates and top tips.

www.thewellingtonacademy.org.uk/y11revision

www.plannerlive.com

www.thewellingtonacademy.org.uk/y11revision

Page 8: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 8 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

On Thursday 13th March students from Year 7-13 were entertained by two pop bands from the Prince of Wales’ Division. For Year 7 and 8 it was a rousing start to the morning, instead of the usual Thursday morning assembly, they rocked in the theatre to the music of Instant Sunshine. The eight piece band performed current and recent chart numbers and consisted of; trumpet, trombone, sax, kit, bass, lead guitar, keyboards and a vocalist.

Following the performance in the theatre, students from GCSE and A Level classes were invited to a ‘workshop concert’ on arranging music for a pop band. Students were given demonstrations by the instrumentalists and an insight into how the band, Overly Complicated, put together their pieces.

These hugely entertaining performances were aimed at encouraging students to study an instrument. Any

Visit from the Prince of Wales Divisional Band

student wanting more information on learning an instrument should contact Mrs Sillett-Scoggins in the music department. The Academy currently off ers tuition on; Drums, Guitars, Brass, Woodwind, Piano, Strings, and voice.

‘And the Oscar for best performance goes to… William Sinclair Withers in Year 8’. Students in drama this term have been learning the art of ‘stage combat’, resulting in whole class performances of ‘The Rumble’ scene from West Side Story. Although all the groups have been fantastic and have produced performances to a high standard, William stood out for his commitment and focus and was presented with the ‘Oscar’ for best performance by fellow student, Cameron Davies. Well done to all the Year 8 drama groups this term!

Stage Combat

Performing Arts

Page 9: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 9

On Thursday 6th March, sixty two students travelled down to Southampton Guildhall to take part in an International Performing Arts competition- ‘Rock Challenge 2014’.

The students have been working hard on this piece since January, and because of their professional and committed approach, the rehearsals during the day went well. After a good team talk, the air guitar competition, mass face painting and general preparations they were ready for the show. The performance on the night was fantastic, with all of the students pulling out all the stops! We came away with awards for ‘Best Choreography’ and ‘Best Staging’ which we were really pleased with. Unfortunately this year we didn’t get through to the fi nals, however, the students attitude, behaviour and enthusiasm was superb and they have made the performing arts department very proud. Thank you to the parents, carers and staff who came along

Rock Challenge

to support on the night. Any parents/carers who would like a copy of the performance on DVD, these will be available as soon as possible. Here’s to Rock Challenge 2015!

As the Royal Opera House’s education season progresses, our students once again had the opportunity of visiting London and experiencing performances of the highest quality. This time our visits were to see a production by the Royal Ballet. On Wednesday 19th March, fi fteen Year 9, 10 and 11 students attended the matinee performance of Tchaikovsky’s “Sleeping Beauty”, and this was followed on Friday 21st by a 6th Form trip to the same ballet. The traditional nature of this work enabled students to experience the spectacle of solo’s, pas de deux and corps de ballet set pieces in the most exquisite of settings. Seated in the amphitheatre they also had a bird’s-eye view of the full opera house orchestra.

Our next visits are scheduled for the summer term with again opportunities for both Key Stage 4 and 5 students to experience opera and ballet. Watch out for the posters as these are always popular visits and ticket go very quickly.

Royal Opera House Visit

Page 10: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 10 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

Student Leaders are welcomed to “the Den”

Student Leaders were challenged by our Head Girl, Beth Wall and Head Boy, Dan Dalton, to create a campaign to tackle bullying at The Wellington Academy.

All Academy Focus Groups (AFGs) were tasked to create intiatives that will educate, inform and help prevent bullying.

Each AFG, along with their SLT link member, pitched their campaigns to “The Dragons”, including Beth, Dan, the Principal, Dr Milner, Assistant Head of 6th Form and Coordinator of the Student Leadership Programme, Miss Stamp and Student Leadership Co-Coordinator, Miss Wright.

Pitch day arrived and the AFGs were well prepared. The Dragons listened carefully to each initiative before drilling into the key issues of cost, practicality and implementation.

Overall, the Dragons were astounded by the level of thought that had gone into each of the pitches. One particular focus group dazzled us with a musical performance by Tonya Bailey. Another had surveyed tutor groups throughout the school to identify key areas for development.

Deciding on a winning campaign was a daunting task. The Dragons deliberated for some time but there was a clear tie between three strong front-runners.

Mr Patel’s AFG, led by Ben Dalton in Year 13, presented a fantastic concept, “United Against Bullying” with a distinctive logo depicting an olive tree. Their suggestion to incorporate a mobile ‘app’ was seen as very appealing.

Another campaign that presented a detailed and thorough pitch came from Mr Wood’s team, led by Georgia-Leonora Allen in Year 12. The campaign promoted the development of the ever popular and eff ective humanutopia programme. The initiative included the development of staff and student training in online safety to tackle the increasing issue of cyber bullying. The project was thoughtfully costed and in an eff ort to provide fi nancial support for the project Mr Wood has even off ered to take part in a 60 mile cycle to raise awareness and raise the funds required to implement the initiative.

After lengthy deliberations a winner was agreed upon. Ms Dew’s focus group, led by Matthew Bates in Year 12 had an excellent brand, strong ideas and a clear and eff ective plan for implementation.

The “CIC Campaign”, standing for Communication, Inter-Year Relations and Curriculum, identifi ed the need for a variety of avenues for tackling bullying. The project aims to increase communication through the implementation of an online support service where students can report incidents but also have immediate access to information and advice. The students also look to embrace mobile technology helping the students to access the service.

The CIC Campaign will provide opportunities for students to have more opportunities to interact and support one another and learn more about how to prevent, identify and tackle bullying through out the curriculum.

Each team were recognised and rewarded for the work that had gone into their initiatives.

Now comes the hard work. The Dragons have tasked Matthew and his team to join forces with Ben and Georgia to combine their projects, pulling together the strengths of each one.

The teams have submitted the updated version of the CIC Campaign and it is due to “CIC off ” with humanutopia on Monday 24th March.

Upon successful implementation, the winning student leaders will be rewarded and thanked with a special dinner with the Dragons.

All the students did a fantastic job and a number of key leadership qualities have been developed through the competition. The students have learnt the art of time-management, teamwork, organisation and presentation skills. Duncan Bannatyne might need to watch out, there are some keen entrepreneurs in the making.

Page 11: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 11

On Wednesday 12th February, forty Year 10 triple science and resistant material students had the opportunity to attend an amazing and inspiring science and technology event at Bristol University. The day opened with an exhibition of a wide range of companies highlighting the benefi ts of science and technology subjects how they are required across industry and a wide range of careers. Some of them included robotics, 3 dimensional printing, forensics and much more.

The students had the chance to see and hear about the production of ‘Bloodhound’ the vehicle that has been developed with the aim to reach 1000 miles per hour and beat the current land speed record. They got involved in activities that allowed them to experience the external eff ects that a vehicle travelling at this speed would have to endure and how all these factors and more need to be considered when designing

Super Sonic – the Big Bang Science and Technology Event

https://www.thebigbangfair.co.uk/

and engineering a vehicle to travel at this speed. They experienced a sonic boom also and produced their own miniature version. Some had the opportunity to drive Bloodhound through a virtual driving game.

They then had the chance to hear about a whole range of careers within the industry and vote ‘Dragons den’ style for the one they found most appealing. It was an excellent opportunity for students to put science and technology into prospective and consider the benefi ts of gaining good grades within science and technology subjects.

The Library has undergone a transformation since Christmas, with an improved, enhanced layout. Since October, between 1,000 and 2,000 titles have been added to the stock, with more in the pipeline, broadening the range of titles available to borrow to read for pleasure. In addition, the library aims to play a full part in providing resources to back up the Accelerated Reader programme.

Library Development

Page 12: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 12 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

On Wednesday 29th January, nine primary schools took part in a hockey festival held here at the Academy. The students played to a good level showing an excellent understanding of team work and fair play. The Sports Ambassadors supported the primary teams with coaching and umpiring. The fi nal result was very close with Collingbourne coming third and Bulford A second. Shrewton stole fi rst place after winning all of their games. Well done to everyone who took part!

Primary Hockey Festival

Sport

Netball

It has been another outstanding season for the Year 7 to 11 netball teams. Since starting the season back in October each team has played within a league producing some excellent results which have been the best since becoming the Wellington Academy. The teams have consistently attended training showing commitment to the sport and wanting to develop their level of performance further.

Year 7 and 9 came second in their league, whilst Year 8, 10 and 11 teams won their league, with the Year 8 and 10 teams qualifying for the Wiltshire School Games that was held at Warminster school on 25th March. Both teams completed against eight of the best school netball teams in Wiltshire. The students performed amazingly, showing perseverance and the want to succeed. It was by far the best that the girls had ever played.

Year 10 Netball Team

Year 8 Netball Team

The Year 8 player of the day was Charlotte Tilsey who showed excellent eff ort and determination. The Year 10 player of the day was Ella Annan who showed excellent team work and helped maintain team moral.

Well done to everyone!

Page 13: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 13

Wellington Academy v Wellington College

The annual Wellington Academy v College 6th Form football match took place on the 6th March. The fi xture was played at the Academy for the fi rst time and was a resounding success with both sides playing some great football. It was a very close game, with the Academy winning 2-1 at half time but unfortunately losing the match 4-2.

Fantastic performance by everyone who took part in the Sport Relief Wellington Row Off on Friday 21st March. A massive 303,774 km were clocked up in total. With KS4 & 5 clocking up the most kilometres in the day. They achieved a staggering 121,434 km, closely followed by the staff with 107,314 km. KS3 did well with 75,026 km. WELL DONE to everyone who took part and big thank you for all donations received. We raised just over £230 for Sport Relief.

The Wellington Row Off

On Tuesday 25th March, the Year 8 rugby team, who have gone unbeaten in this academic year, were

lucky enough to meet England Rugby World Cup winner Matt Dawson. The boys were extremely excited and all had souvenirs signed and photos taken with Matt Dawson. The boys have represented the Academy this year with great commitment, passion and a desire to be winners in every game. Let’s hope the rugby team is as successful in next years fi xtures.

Well done boys!

Year 8 Rugby

Page 14: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 14 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

We attracted some extremely strong applicants for the teaching posts, and after a rigorous interview process we are delighted to have appointed our four teaching staff for September:

• Mrs Kerry Chapman: Early Years Phase Leader• Miss Becky Salmons: Key Stage 1 Phase Leader• Miss Kim Lane: Key Stage 2 Phase Leader • Mrs Ellie Potter: Key Stage 2 Teacher

Now that we have established such a strong teaching staff base, our next steps will be to look at appointing support staff during the summer term, as well as organising resources, furniture, ICT equipment and, most importantly, detailed planning for the children’s new and exciting curriculum!

Spring Term Update

This term has been an exciting and important time for Wellington Primary Academy as we have been very busy appointing teaching staff ready for the opening of the new school in September. The school will open with four classes initially: Reception, Key Stage 1, Lower Key Stage 2 and Upper Key Stage 2 (which cover all year groups from Reception through to Year 6 inclusive).

The building itself is starting to take shape and I look forward to giving you further updates in the summer term. In the meantime, please visit our website where you can fi nd additional information about the school: www.wellingtonprimary.org.uk . Contact details are also available on the website, so please do not hesitate to get in touch with us if you have any questions.

Jo AndrewsHeadteacherWellington Primary Academy

Wellington Primary Academy

Page 15: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 15

Parent PortalAll parents/carers should now have received a login to the Parent Portal for their children. This allows parents/carers to view information on their children’s attendance, timetable, exams, rewards, school calendar and update contact details, to name but a few.

If you have not received these details please contact the Academy to request one.

Year 7 Intake 2014 School Uniform OrderingNew Students for September 2014 are able to attend the Wellington Academy on the morning of Saturday 28th June to come and try on and order school uniform ready for September. Parents will get more information nearer the event to confi rm timings. If unable to attend orders are to be handed in to reception by Friday 11th July latest. Those students returning in September, please order replacement uniform before Friday 11th July to ensure delivery for the start of the new term.

We would like to remind parents/carers to advise us of any changes to their contact details. It is particularly important that our details are up to date in case we ever need to get hold of you in an emergency. This can be done in a number of ways, either logging into Parent Portal and updating your details, visiting our website and downloading the Change of Contact Details form under the ‘Contact us’ link or by emailing us directly at: [email protected]

Change of Contact Details

The Academy is open for business. We have a mixture of rooms and sports facilities that can be hired at reasonable rates. A relatively new fi tness suite can help you reach your health goals whilst the services provided in the hair and beauty salon can give you that extra boost before an important engagement. If you run a community group our rooms are modern and range from wood carving rooms right through to a professional catering kitchen as well as dress making workshops. All our rooms contain power point projectors and our staff are friendly and very helpful.

For details on prices and availability please contact: [email protected]

Venue Hire

Page 16: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 16 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

Check out Change4life website for lots of brilliant tips on becoming healthier. 1 million people have already signed up to this!! We have a limited

number of free taster recipes’ booklets, – contact us if you would like one.

Healthy bodies... healthy minds...

Academy Carers Together! We have now set up and are running a regular support group for Young Carers at the Wellington Academy. The group is open to all year groups and allows students to meet others who understand exactly what it means to be a Young Carer. It means that students can support one another in a safe and friendly environment.

We need you! We are keen for some of our older students to attend who could act as ‘Peer Mentors’ to some of younger students too. Does this sound like your Son or Daughter? Then perhaps you could encourage them to come along on Monday Lunchtimes, The Board Room 1-11 with Jo Rose and Mrs Kearley.

Healthy Living Club

Tuesday lunchtimes with Mrs Kearley/Jo Rose.

We launched this in January to off er support to students setting New Year’s resolutions. We had a brilliant response and have a 15 strong group of Year 7s. Students prepare their own (healthy!) lunch and have fun learning about the week’s theme, so far we have covered lots about healthy eating and the importance of getting your 5 a day portions of fruit and veg, and looked at the importance of sleep.

Medicines in Schools

Here’s our usual reminder that students shouldn’t bring medicines to school unless prescribed. In this case, please contact us to make arrangements for safe managing.

If you would like to discuss your child’s health and wellbeing, please contact us :

Jo Rose, Health & Wellbeing Advisor - ext 3842, Sue Kearley, Academy Nurse - ext 3862, Annabel Copeland, Chaplain -

[email protected] & Michelle Taylor, First Aid - ext 3907

Copies of the BHF Eating Well Guide available. No cost. Please contact us.

Not registered with a Dentist? Follow this link to

fi nd one:www.nhs.uk/service-search

Children should be diagnosed by a GP; this will rule out non pollen allergies.

Do you think your child suff ers from hayfever?

Page 17: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 17

On 28th February, we formally welcomed our new Chaplain to the Academy. Reverand Annabel Copeland is also Vicar of Tidworth, and will provide support and guidance to students and staff within the Academy, as well as work with teaching staff in relevant curriculum areas. Assemblies were led by the Bishop of Ramsbury, to formally introduce her into the school community.

Licensing of the Chaplain

It is great to be able to join the school as Academy Chaplain. I am here to off er support to staff , students and their families during times when life isn’t so easy. I am passionate about

every person reaching their full potential and becoming the person they were designed to be.

If you would like to discuss your child’s wellbeing I can be contacted at [email protected]

Message from Reverand Annabel Copeland

Why do we have eggs at Easter?

The custom of giving eggs at Easter celebrates new life. Christians remember that Jesus, after dying on the cross, rose from the dead. This miracle showed that life could win over death. For Christians the egg is a symbol of Jesus' resurrection, as when they are cracked open they stand for the empty tomb. Enjoy your eggs as you remember why we have them at Easter.

Page 18: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 18 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

Tidworth E-Safety Event for Parents & CarersWednesday 7th May 20146:00pm – 8:00pmat the Wellington Academy

Come and enjoy free afternoon tea and learn about how to keep your child safe on the internet!

The internet is an amazing resource which enables children and young people to connect, communicate and be creative in a number of diff erent ways, on a range of devices. However, the internet is always changing, and being able to keep up to date with your children’s use of technology can be a challenge. You may sometimes feel that your children have better technical skills than you do, but children and young people still need advice and protection when it comes to managing their lives online and using the internet positively and safely.

E-Safety for Parents and Carers workshop is delivered by Helen Southwell, Learning and Teaching Coordinator, L & T Lead Professional –ICT/e-learning, Wiltshire Learning Trust.

This event will include:• The positives and negatives, the advantages of the biggest resource and entertainment

library in the world, and disadvantages of using it unwisely or recklessly.• Demystifying the technologies and describing how they are used by children and young

people. • Social networking and privacy, what you (and your children) need to know. • Managing risks and taking positive action.• Coping strategies, dialogue, resources and ideas - what we can all do. • Q+A’s - What questions do you have about Facebook, gaming sites, Skype, etc. Other professionals will be available during the evening to share with your how the schools, police and youth services support young people. Free resources will also be available to take away and you will have the opportunity to let us know what other E-safety support you may want.

This event is open to all parents and carers in the Tidworth & Ludgershall area.Supported by the Wellington Academy and Aster Communities, co-ordinated by Tidworth Extended Services.

Page 19: Spring newsletter 2014

The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014 | Page 19

Page 20: Spring newsletter 2014

Page 20 | The Wellington Academy Newsletter Spring 2014

Contact us

789

1011

12 & 13

Julia NoyesRob WoodJonathan StrandKelly Hearn-SmithKirsty BiggendenDavid Maxwell

YEAR GROUP HEAD OF YEAR

For general enquiries, please contact [email protected] or call 01264 405060

Other contact information can be found on our website at: www.thewellingtonacademy.org.uk

Emma ShortTeresa Bernard Ali BruceSam AmorPaula HolewellShelly Willis

STUDENT MANAGER TEAM

Attendance Matters

[email protected] @thewellingtonacademy.org.ukalisonbruce@thewellingtonacademy.org.uksamamor@thewellingtonacademy.org.ukpaulaholewell@thewellingtonacademy.org.ukshellywillis@thewellingtonacademy.org.uk

EVERY DAY COUNTS

EACH YEAR THERE ARE 190 SCHOOL DAYS WHICH LEAVES 175 DAYS FOR HOLIDAYS,

SHOPPING AND NON-URGENT MEDICAL AND DENTAL APPOINTMENTS.

The school day begins at 8.45am. Students should be on site by 8.40am in order to arrive at registration on time and get their morning mark.

If a student arrives after 9.15am and without an acceptable reason this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

A child who is 15 minutes late each day is missing 2 weeks every year.

To avoid your child having unauthorised absence it is important that you contact the school on the fi rst day of absence and each day that they are going to be absent from school. If we do not hear from you and are unable to contact you a letter will be sent which must be completed and returned to school as soon as possible.

Whilst 90% attendance may be a good result in an exam, 90% attendance is actually the equivalent to 20

days off school during the year. This means your child will have missed 100 hours of learning.

Please note there is new guidance regarding applications for Leave of Absence on the website. If you require further information please contact Karen Tremayne, Attendance Offi cer (Ext 3868).