The Basildon Academies

VOICE

Gary Smith

TOWER OF LONDON ENRICHMENT EXPERIENCEYear 10 History and French students recently visited the Tower of London as an enrichment experience. Students were able to spend time exploring the many functions of the Tower, including its time as a palace, fortress and prison.

MESSAGE FROMHEADTEACHER

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Students particularly enjoyed visiting the White Tower with its interactive exhibits, including opportunities to dress as medieval soldiers and practice their skills with medieval artefacts through CGI technology. Throughout the day, they met various Yeoman Wardens also known as 'Beefeaters', whilst students also enjoyed watching the changing of the guard ceremony.

July 2019

“The trip was a fun and interesting experience. I have never visited a castle before and I learned a lot about British history and the Royal Family.” Kerry Harman

Last Day of Summer Term:Wednesday 24th July 2019Lessons finish at 12.50pm

“I learned so much during our enrichment visit to The Tower of London and it has really helped to develop my knowledge of different periods in history.” Ellie Tolley

Leah Stacey, Jasmina Houillon& Caitlin O'Brien

Tilly Seabrook & Hope Barnes-Richardson

Leo Dempsey in front of the iconic Tower Bridge

“The visit was fun because we got to see buildings that have lots of history to them. We also got to learn about how the tower has been used and what has happened in it over the centuries.” Tilly Seabrook

First Day of Autumn Term:Wednesday 4th September 2019Students to arrive by 8.25am

“Visiting The Tower of London was a fun and interesting trip and in my opinion I think it helped us recap and improve our knowledge and learning.” Jack Sharp

Jack Sharp & Riley Norman Joella Nyalongwembe standing next to Keeper the Dragon

A Level Results DayThursday 15th August 2019Students can collect their results from 10am

GCSE Results DayThursday 22nd August 2019Students can collect their results from 10am

It is the end of an another rewarding year at The Academies.

As the term draws to a close I'd like to congratulate our athletes for the grit and determination they showed at both the Districts Athletics and our very own Sports Day. Well done to all!

This edition showcases recent enrichment experiences to the Tower Of London, The University of Essex, Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, the Mentoring Programme and First Aid training.

Thank you all for the support you have given The Academies this year. September will see us welcome our biggest Year 7 group to date!

I look forward to working with you again in the new academic year and wish you a great summer break.

DISTRICT ATHLETICS SUCCESS FOR ACADEMY STUDENTSCongratulations to Academy students who recently took part in the annual District Sports Event, held at the Basildon Sporting Village, Gloucester Park.

Our team of athletes tested their ability in track and field events against students from 7 other local secondary schools. There were many notable achievements and personal successes for our students during the event and several members of our team became District Champions by winning their events.

Year 8 student Zsofi Feher competed in 3 events at the districts; Hurdles, Shot Put & the 4x100m Relay; “I found my experience fun and interesting. All the students from schools we competed against were very friendly.”

“I was proud to win, but even if I finished in any other position I still would have been proud of myself. I was nervous at first but I think my training helped give me confidence.” Madison O’Toole - Hammer Throw Year 8 Junior District Champion.

“Before the first heat I was nervous and wasn't sure I wanted to do it, but I had belief in myself and I came 1st in the final. I was really happy!” Beau Hollis - 200m Year 8 Junior District Champion.

“Running the 800 metres at the Districts was a really good experience. The competition pushed me to do better.” Awa Suwareh - Runner up in the Year 8 800m.

“I found the Districts very enjoyable this year. Competing against students from other schools was a really good challenge.” Matijus Mikalickas - Year 9 800m Junior District Champion.

“Participating in the Hammer Throw was overwhelming and a little intimidating. Coming first I felt really proud of myself and it made all the training worthwhile. When I found out that I broke the school record I was so happy.” Tega Atomre - Year 10 Hammer Throw Senior District Champion & 5th place in the Year 10 100m.

“I found it nerve wracking but when I heard the bang of the gun, my adrenaline kicked in and I ran to the best of my ability.” Toju James - 3rd in the Year 10 400m and 5th Year 10 4x100m Relay.

“I enjoyed districts because it showed the unity of our school. I did get nervous but hearing my school cheer for me helped me overcome my fear. I also enjoyed watching my friends compete especially Beau and Jayla because they did really well.” Shyanne Harris - Year 8 100m finalist.

Sky Campbell-Cocksedge, who competed in the Year 8 200m and 4x100m Relay, commented; “I really enjoyed Districts this year. I learnt that working as a team and encouraging each other helped us a lot.”

Matijus Mikalickas

Tega Atomre

Madison O'Toole

Beau Hollis

“Districts was a good experience, however it was challenging due to other competitors working hard to achieve their best performances. Hearing people shouting my name during the 100 metre final gave me great confidence. I achieved my personal best time of 11.09 seconds.” Logan Haywood - Runner up in the Year 10 Boys 100m and 5th in the Year 10 4x100m Relay.

Logan Haywood

Fenita Rossi Joella Nyalongwembe

Michelle DonnellyZsofi Feher

Vlad Aioanei Bradley Walsh

Toby LawrenceToby Howard

MENTORING PROJECT SUCCESS!

Over the last 3 terms, members of the group were mentored by a host of professionals from local industry and the business community who all dedicated their time to provide students with an insight into the business world. In addition, they supported individuals in gaining a better understanding of the workplace by encouraging them to think about their future. The key focus was to develop an understanding of the skills and qualifications required for specific careers.

Congratulations to the group of Year 9 students who successfully completed the 60 Minute Mentoring Programme!

Students were tasked with independently researching their dream job and enhancing their listening and communication skills. Often students stepped out of their comfort zones, taking on challenges that they would previously have found extremely daunting, such as presenting to an adult audience.

In recognition of the students’ achievements and to mark the completion of the programme, the group were invited to attend a prestigious celebration event at South Essex College, Southend. This was a phenomenal opportunity for our students to meet with their peers from other schools and celebrate their achievements.

Two of our students, Harley Gordon and Katie Lodge received a ‘Rising Star’ award for their outstanding and positive interaction during the programme. Both students showed that they can go forward and become successful in the career paths they researched.

Mentor, Graeme Sargood, a Construction Manager based in Southend, was full of praise for our students; “Taking part in this event was hugely gratifying and tremendously rewarding. The students who took part were dynamic and energetic and I found the project utterly compelling.”

“I found the project really interesting, it allowed me to discover the job of a Horticultural Therapist.” Paige Foakes – Year 9

“Working with our mentors was really fun, beneficial and inspiring.” Neve Croft – Year 9

During the event, motivational speaker Action Jackson gave a powerful speech with the focus on trying new things and asking for help.

SIXTH FORMERS RECEIVE FIRST RATE FIRST AID TRAINING EXPERIENCE Over the past few months our Sixth Formers have been taking part in the FAA Level 3 Award, referred to in the work place as the Emergency First Aid at Work Qualification. This invaluable first aid training not only provides a valuable qualification that is universally recognised by employers, but also skills first aiders to competently perform their role.

Working in small groups, students were trained by experienced First Aid Instructor, John Bastin, of the YMCA, Southend. Participants were taught a variety of lifesaving techniques including CPR and the use of a defibrillator. In addition, they had the opportunity to practise a broad spectrum of other essential first aid procedures, including: managing an unresponsive casualty, using the recovery position, dealing with choking incidents and so much more.

Benjamin Iziren, Daniel Delve & John Bastin

“The first aid training experience was brilliant! I have come out of the course not only with a recognised qualification, but more importantly, the confidence to practice lifesaving procedures if needed. This was very valuable experience and I am glad to have taken part!” Lucy Hall – Year 13

Cameron Barnard practising CPR

Katie Lodge

Harley Gordon

Year 9 students & Ms Kansaran attending the 60 Minute MentorCelebration Event at Southend College

FANTASTIC FORENSICSA selection of our Sixth Form students, who aspire to go to university, were recently given a fantastic opportunity to spend the day working with the University of the Year: The University of Essex. Those involved had expressed an interest in studying Criminology and Psychology.

UPPER ACADEMY MATHS HOMEWORKCOMPETITION

Joshua Traishe & Lucy Selby working together during the forensic investigation task

Antonia Listrat (Left) & Andrei Magurean (right hand side).

Produce a range of images where maths is used to generate objects in real life. Students can look at packaging, buildings, nature or Google Earth for the best examples.

The aim of their experience was to give them a taste of lectures in these areas and encourage them to consider whether they were subjects they would like to pursue at degree level.

In addition, students took part in a forensic investigation, where they assumed the role of a police officer or witness. The lecturer praised their application of the cognitive interview process and was highly complementary regarding their organisation and motivation. It was great to see scientific experiments applied to real life situations.

STUDENTS REPRESENT ACADEMY AT COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIPCongratulations to our Year 8 students who were part of a team that represented The Academies at this year’s Essex County Athletics Championship.

Students participated in a wide range of psychological experiments, including challenging memory tasks, which required them to listen to different types of music.

During the lecture, Dr Sam Wass of 'The Secret Life of 4 Year Olds' fame, offered selected students the opportunity to take part in a work experience placement at his esteemed research laboratory at the University of East London. The highly coveted placement will focus on conducting psychological research of children and how they develop.

Huge congratulations to Lauren Foulkes, who has already secured a place to undertake a placement with him in October. Several other students are making enquires and we look forward to hearing about their progress. Speaking of the experience, Lauren raved: “The university day allowed me to participate in psychological research, which is fascinating, as well as beginning to network within that field!”

Prizes will be awarded for those who have shown effort and good understanding of what maths is used. Annotations of images should be added to show your understanding. Use of original images will also be a consideration.

Entries for competition should be submitted on a single A4 page and handed into Mr Rowland during the first week back at school.

Left to right: Adriana-Emilia Rosu-Tulbure, Chloe Sheldon, Temi Adebambo and Charlie Lewis

“During the competition I felt like had to do my best and give it all I've got. The event seemed a lot stricter than the Districts but the main point is I enjoyed myself.” Charlie Lewis - Year 8

RESPECT AMBASSADORS WELCOME ANDSUPPORT NEW YEAR 7 STUDENTS

“I thought the Transition Days were really good because I got to know the students who will be joining us in September and they got to know the school. Taylor Barton and I worked together and helped the students during their lessons. We made sure the Year 7‘s felt welcome and safe at the Academies.” Jessica Wheatley - Deputy Respect Ambassador

Well done to our Lower Academy Respect Ambassadors who helped and supported our new intake of students during the recent Year 7 Transition Days.

During the 3 Transition Days our Respect Ambassadors;• supported staff in sessions, giving appropriate age related input• helped at break times and lunch times• supported the groups moving them from session to session ensuring they got to know the school.

“Myself and the Respect Ambassador Team worked incredibly hard to ensure that the Year 7’s had a fantastic fun-filled time, ensuring that they were prepared for the upcoming year. The group that I worked with were a delight to be around.” Natalea Mohammed - Head Respect Ambassador

“I am extremely proud of the team. Constructive feedback proved how successful their participation was. Parents of our new year 7’s were full of praise for our Ambassadors.” Ms Kansaran - Respect Mentor

GEOGRAPHERS VISIT QUEENELIZABETH OLYMPIC PARKAs part of their GCSE studies, Year 10 Geography students spent a day at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park Stratford. The main purpose of the field trip was to allow our geographers to look into the impact of urban regeneration. Students completed environmental surveys and created geographical drawings of key locations in order to compare and contrast with the previous land use.

Students and staff had the opportunity to visit the iconic ArcelorMittal Orbit, the world’s tallest and longest tunnel slide. The bravest members of the group took the plunge by descending the 178 metre slide plummeting at speeds of 15mph.

“The geography trip to Olympic Park was a great experience that allowed us a lot of independent learning and to discover changes and impact to the landscape of Stratford. My favourite part was the slide as you got to see the city from a fantastic vantage point." Wallis King

“We studied the difference that has taken place throughout the years, the area has transformed from unhygienic and run-down, to a welcoming environment for natural wildlife and tourists. The top of the Orbit is a great place for tourists to view London, they can see skyscrapers, iconic buildings like the O2, and the wildlife.” Crystal Colkett and Jessica King

Recently the Academies received their bi-Annual Food Hygiene Inspection from The Environmental Health Agency. We are pleased to announce that the school has retained it’s 5 Star Status.

ACADEMIES RETAIN 5 STAR RATING

“I would like to thank Catering Manager Marion Barker and her Kitchen Teams, for their splendid work in maintaining excellent standards. Well done!”Gary Smith - Headteacher

REEGAN SELECTED FOR WORLD CUPCongratulations to Academies alumni, Reegan McMillan, who has been selected to represent the England Cerebral Palsy Football Team at the World Cup in Spain this summer.

Reegan, who joined the under 19 squad at 16, now plays with the seniors as Goalkeeper. He attended the Academy 2009 – 2016, and has been part of the England squad for 4 fantastic years. “I’m over the moon to have been selected,” he confirmed. “It’s every kids dream to play for their country and I’m honoured to be one of the very few to be able to say I have!”

The England Cerebral Palsy Team are currently ranked seventh in the world by the IFCPF and will compete against 15 other teams in a bid to be crowned world champions.

As we go to press the tournament is well underway, with Reegan making his senior debut for England in a 6-0 victory against Japan.

Brandon Parker reaches the bottom of the worlds longest tunnel slide

Researching the environment; Crystal Colkett, Lucianna Taylor & Andreea Smalii

STUDENTS ENJOY JACK PETCHEY REWARD TRIPS

In the previous edition of BA Voice we reported on Academy students who have recently received the prestigious Jack Petchey Award.

Two of our Year 11 award winners, Dante Dilliway and Ruhul Miah, decided to spend their reward money on fun activities for themselves and a group of friends with trips to Base Jump and Rayleigh Go Karting.

“I was proud to have received the Jack Petchey Award and I was pleased to have won money to spend towards a school trip. Go Karting was a great day out with my friends.” Ruhul Miah - Year 11

BLACK BELT FOR JAMESCongratulations to James Park for recently achieving a black belt in Karate. The year 8 student first got into martial arts 4 years ago when a friend introduced him to local club ‘Maru Karate Kai’. Since then James has been training 3-4 times a week and has successfully progressed to the highest ranking belt colour.

“I felt really surprised and proud. Unlike the other gradings, no spectators were allowed to watch. There were 7 members of the judging panel so that was a little bit nerve wracking.”

STEM SKILLS AND PROGRAMMING PROJECTS FOR TALENTED YEAR 11 Last week, a group of Year 11 students had a unique opportunity to spend an action-packed day learning and developing engineering and coding skills.

The series of challenges were led by Curriculum Coordinator Nick Acton, representing technology solution Company JTRS. In addition to leading and coaching students, Nick was able to use his wealth of expertise and experience to inspire and guide students through the tasks.

Students worked in groups using construction kits and tablets installed with coding software. Their initial task was to design and build an autonomous vehicle. Once completed, there followed a series of challenges where the vehicles had to be to programmed to perform specific commands.

Participants could choose which functions they wanted their vehicles to carry out but had to explain their decisions first to prove they could execute the appropriate programmes.

Each vehicle was fitted with an ultrasonic sensor to measure distance and students applied their maths skills to calculate the scale, programming this into the software to carry out accurate commands. Using trial and error, they were able to record the distance the vehicles travelled. Analysis of algorithms was used to determine whether re-adjustments to the coding were needed and the adjustments were then programmed into a series of coding commands.

A plethora of skills were developed in the course of the day, which was focused not only on the more obvious careers within engineering and programming, but also any role requiring communication skills, collaboration and team building.

“The students showed a huge amount of perseverance and were fearless in their approach to all tasks!” Nick Acton - Curriculum Coordinator, JTRS.

“Today was fun! We used our imagination and creativity and I learned new things about programming.” Lukasz Mrozowski

“I really enjoyed the trial and error area of the task. It made us work as a team using our intuition.” Taite Greenland

“The last task was the most challenging. There were a few complications with the coding, but in the end, we pulled through. I had a great team today and I have learned a lot about programming. I enjoyed it and found it really interesting.” Alfie Ives

“It was tremendous fun and hugely challenging, but it was worth it in the end!” Cordelia Lovage

“I found the day great fun and very interesting. It has helped me further my understanding of programming and engineering.” Charlie Dennis

Lukasz Mrozowski adapting his autonomous vehicle.

Alfie Ives, Stefan Vijan & Bailey Hill

Brandon Wright & Chloe Lumbard

Lower AcademyTimberlog Close, Basildon, Essex SS14 1UX

Tel: 01268 552 536

Upper AcademyWickford Avenue, Basildon, Essex SS13 3HL

Tel: 01268 552 536www.basildonacademies.org.uk

STUDENTS ENJOY LOWER ACADEMY SPORTS DAYFriendly rivalry and a fantastic community spirit were the highlights of this year’s Lower Academy Sports Day.

Hawking House were overall winners for the second year running. Well done to everyone who took part.

“Sports Day was really enjoyable. It was fun to have friendly competition with other students in the school and also the staff were really supportive.” Jashelle McLawrence and Maria Magean - Year 10

“Sports Day was an amazing event. I came 3rd in the Long Jump and I’m glad I took part.” Joella Nyalongwembe - Year 10

“I enjoyed Sports Day and I really enjoyed working with my team.” Jayla Tate - Year 9

“I loved Sports Day and I’m so happy our team won.” Sefakor Laryea - Year 9

“Although our team didn’t win, it was great to participate in such a fun event.” Naomi Lombi - Year 9

“I really enjoyed sports day, it was really good because I won every race I took part in and Hawking House won the trophy.” David Andronic - Year 9

“The event was amazing. I won the Hammer Throw with a distance of 17.6 metres and was really pleased because I didn’t train.” Ben Edmonds Year - 8

“I took part in the 800m and Long Jump and really enjoyed taking part. My mum is really proud of me.” Mihai Apetroae - Year 8

“Sports Day was incredible. It was good to be part of a team.“ Maria Patru- Year 8 “I threw the furthest distance in the Discus event, so I am

really proud of that. I took part in the 100m and relay but pulled my hamstring so I was disappointed about that.” Reggie Watson - Year 9

“I was really pleased to win the High Jump and be part of the winning team. I was part of a really close 100m final, only just missing out on first place.” Tyreese L’Olive - Year 10

“Sports Day was fun and it was good to win. It was very exciting.” Awa Suwareh - Year 9