volume. 2 issue. 4 hound courageous - bolingbroke academy · ruthie parkman- eason brandon smithers...
TRANSCRIPT
Dear Parent/Carer,
This half term the Class of 2020 have settled in and made an excellent start to their secondary education.
On a recent ARK monitoring visit the pupils were commended for their active engagement in lessons and
exemplary behaviour. The Class of 2019 have set a wonderful example and supported the Class of 2020’s
transition to secondary school.
I am delighted to announce we have 24 new pupil Ambassadors over our two year groups. This role is
very important as these pupils will represent their class for the next 6 months. They will greet visitors
who come into their lessons, introduce themselves and explain the focus of the lesson. The new
Ambassadors received their badges in Friday’s assembly and I’m sure they will wear them with pride.
Please see page two for more details.
Over the past seven weeks our two year groups have had the opportunity to experience 5/6 clubs;
including Performing Arts, Music and Sports Clubs. Over the second half of the Autumn term we hope to
give you a flavour of the fun, focus and laughter during these activities. Please note pupils current
enrichment timetables will commence on Monday 11th November to Thursday 19th December 2013.
Last night our Parent group held this years first Parent Council meeting. Thank you to all those who took
the time to attend and provide invaluable feedback to the team. The minutes from the meeting can be
found on page 12.
Next half term we will host our annual Civitas evening where you can have a 10 minute appointment to
discuss your child's progress. Your child’s Civitas tutor will be contacting you this week to arrange a time
to meet you and your child. Please note we expect your child to attend the meeting with you wearing
their school uniform. If you have not heard from your child’s Civitas tutor by the end of Friday 25th
October please do not hesitate to contact your child’s Civitas tutor directly. Contact details can be found
on page 11.
We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday 7th November and I wish you and your family a restful half
term break.
C. Edis
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Volume. 2 Issue. 4
Monday 28th October 2013
Bolingbroke Academy is proud to be green. The Courageous Hound will be emailed
unless otherwise requested. A few newsletters will be available at reception.
Contents Page
Ambassadors 2
Dyslexia Awareness 3
Sports Update 4
No Pens Day 5
Music Update 6
Family Notice Board 7
Competitions 8 & 9
Fortnightly Menu 10
Contact details 11
P.C Minutes 12 - 14
Important Dates
School Closed 4th November
Civitas Parents Evening
16:15 - 19:00
By appointment
7th November
A Midsummer Nights Dream 12th November
Parent Council Meeting 28th November
School Closed 29th November
Yr.8 Christmas Market Trip 6th December
Concert by Candlelight 16th December
PARENT NOTICES
SCHOOL CLOSED
The school will be closed on
Monday 4th November
for staff training
School will resume on
Tuesday 5th November at 8:20
COURAGEOUS HOUND
The Courageous Hound will now
be issued on a Monday instead of
a Friday . Friday’s are packed full of
events therefore we want to keep
you informed as soon as possible.
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BOLINGBROKE AMBASSADORS
Year 7
1. Daniella Araujo
2. Ellie Benbow
3. Eddie Bloom
4. Jamie Buckle
5. Mona Issa Receiving their badges on Friday………….
6. Jordain Konan
7. Saffron Nam
8. Nathan Rose
9. Dylan Scott
10. Lavina Schultzers
11. Tristan Seguin
12. Gabriella Withers
Year 8
Joe Benbow
Lily Rose Boyd
Shannon Clarke
Nikkita Clarke
Ellis Hayes
Athenais Henon
Louis Jenkin
Wisal Kabbouh
Sufyan Khan
Isabelle Leather
Ruthie Parkman- Eason
Brandon Smithers
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DYSLEXIA AWARENESS WEEK
By Ms Robinson
BAKE SALE
Thank you for supporting the Dyslexia Awareness week bake sale with particular thanks to the
following pupils and their families: Grace Chalkley, Ruthie Parkman-Eason, Dill Shepherd, Alexa
Scutt-Thomson, Mikey Scutt-Thomson, Jade Goodwin, Harvey Bellini and Anais Love for their
amazing baking skills. But we mustn’t forget the staff, Miss Bessa made amazing biscuits,
Miss Rassette delivered with mini muffins, Miss Gilbert excelled herself with a Victoria sponge,
Ms Massey’s cupcakes were sold within minutes and Mr Kerby’s red velvet cupcakes didn’t make
it past lunchtime. We raised £80 which we will be spending on a digital camera to support our
dyslexia friendly teaching at Bolingbroke Academy.
2:00pm - Bake sale opens 2.03pm - Teachers descend on the cakes
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FOOTBALL - YEAR 8
Ashcroft 2- 8 Bolingbroke
Bolingbroke’s year 8’s maintained their 100% record with a cultured performance against an ever improving Ashcroft
side. A patient philosophy and focus on playing on the floor is reaping the benefits for Mr Kerby’s men, who utilised a
large playing surface to full effect. Welcoming a few new faces into the squad, Bolingbroke retained their measured ap-
proach, and were soon the better side in blustery conditions. Bolingbroke were soon on top of the score line, with
Nicky Whyte creating déjà vu all round, netting the first goal of the season once again. Bolingbroke’s joy was short lived,
however, as a soft moment in possession turned into a 1-1 score line. If the year 8 Greyhounds have developed one
standout attribute under Kerby’s tutelage, it is a patience and self-belief that rang true throughout what was to follow.
Sheer Bolingbroke dominance. With a renewed vigour and intensity, straddled either side of half-time (and a call for pa-
tience and composure from Kerby and support ably by Mr Clow), goals aplenty ensued. Both Andrew Miller and Luke
Hedges shared the spoils of 4 goals without Ashcroft reply, followed by individual scoring efforts from Joe Benbow,
Findlay O’Brien and skipper Ethan Riley. Not even a slight consolation sandwiched in between Bolingbroke’s final goals
could dampen the spirits on a spectacular team performance. The team’s challenge now is to maintain sporting focus and
welcome the upcoming challenges that loom on the calendar.
FOOTBALL - YEAR 7
Ashcroft 6 - 4 Bolingbroke
The year 7 Greyhounds kicked off their season with a battling display against Ashcroft on Monday. In trying conditions
for their first fixture of a busy sporting calendar, there were many positives to take from a disappointing end result. With
a frenetic start, Bolingbroke came out with the most composure, moving the ball well across what proved to be a tricky
surface. After the initial high octane opening, the passing rhythm of the boys in blue took hold, with an opportunistic
move from left to right culminating in a cool finish from Mackenzie Frizell to take the lead. A goal to the good, Boling-
broke spurned a couple of chances that left them surprised by an Ashcroft counter, pulling the score level. In a half that
Bolingbroke dominated, a swift breakaway led to Levi Gallimore capitalising on indecision within the Ashcroft defence-
racing onto a telling through ball, only to be scythed down by a clumsy tackle. Gallimore picked himself up to slot the
penalty straight down the middle and restore the early lead. In a telling moment, the game was changed by a fabulous
strike that shifted momentum. On the stroke of halftime, a sublime effort from an Ashcroft midfielder flew into the roof
of the net, seizing the score line level, and the momentum firmly into the Ashcroft camp. Halftime was a moment for
reflection, and pupils utilised their WWW’s and EBI’s to full effect. A spirited start by Ashcroft, buoyed by their moment
of brilliance, was enough to take the lead by two early second half goals. Chasing a scoreline that flattered the opposition
perhaps, Bolingbroke fought to pull level, with end to end football in a frantic last 20 minutes. Goals aplenty, counter at-
tacking football at its finest, a towering header from Isaac Gordon, and a Bolingbroke moment of brilliance from Gal-
limore was not enough to rescue the points in the final push. A result that so easily could have been reversed, Mr Kerby
will take home many positives in his bag over half term!
SPORTS UPDATE
By Mr Kerby
Up Coming Fixtures Wandsworth football league
Other Sports:
1st December: Girls inter-school Netball
2nd December: Boys Inter-school Cricket at Kia Oval
15th December: Girls Inter-School Netball
Bolingbroke v St Cecilia's
Bolingbroke v Ark Putney
Bolingbroke v Chestnut Grove.
Bolingbroke v Southfields
Bolingbroke v Battersea Park
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GEOGRAPHY
By Ms Blacklock & Ms Robinson
Snowdon Geography group made the most of No Pens Day Wednesday by putting
their geographical skills and knowledge into practice! The pupils had already decided
on and mapped out the best route from the Academy to Battersea Park, planned an
itinerary, and worked out the best form of transport (thankfully this was just the 319
bus).
After a very rainy start to the day, the sun came out for us and so we were able to
spend a very enjoyable afternoon in the autumn sunshine, identifying key human and
physical geography features as well as analysing the flood defences along the river
Thames. Our map skills were put to the test as we worked our way around the park
to get to our planned destinations, and the pupils showed fantastic behaviour and
enthusiasm throughout.
This is an annual national speaking and listening event. It is:
A day when learning takes place without writing
A day to focus all learning through speaking and listening
A day to see the benefits of speaking and listening for learning
NO PENS DAY WEDNESDAY
Wednesday 23rd October
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MUSIC SCHOLARS AND
APPRENTICES
By Mr Reeve
The music department are delighted to announce to the launch of the ‘Scholar
and Apprentice’ programme for musically-gifted pupils. The scheme is designed to:
Stretch and offer extra support to those with musical promise
Inspire and develop the musicianship of other musicians in the Academy
Provide extra performance opportunities
Broaden musical awareness through trips and workshops
Recognise excellence in music
All pupils in Year 8 are welcome to apply, but bear in mind that to be a Music Scholar or Apprentice
you need to:
Have a keen interest in music (performing, listening and/or composing)
Be a gifted musician
Be willing to push yourself
Be confident in leading/supporting other musicians
Have demonstrated commitment and dedication to musical activities at Bolingbroke Academy
If you are interested in applying to be a Music Scholar or Apprentice, you will need to sign up for an
audition after the half-term break. The audition (around 10 minutes) will run as follows:
A performance of 2 contrasting pieces that show off your musical ability
A short interview (‘Why am I deserving of being a Scholar?’ + ‘As a Scholar, what skills could I
offer the Music Department?’)
In the future, it is hoped that the Music Scholar and Apprentice programme will be offered to Year 8-13
pupils.
If you have any questions regarding this, please contact Mr Reeve.
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FAMILY NOTICE BOARD
SAVE THE DATE
All parents are invited to the Parent Council’s annual
Christmas drinks at
County Arms
345 Trinity Rd London SW18 3SH
Thursday 5th December
VACCANCIES
http://www.arkbolingbrokeacademy.org/staffvacancies
As the school continues to grow so will our
work force. Please keep looking at the
vacancies page on our website as over the next
few months we will be recruiting. Do you know
someone who might be interested?
Please remember to spread the word.
GUESS THE MUFFINS?
Can you guess how many muffins there are
pictured here?
Email: [email protected]
Provide your name, child’s house and estimate.
Results will be in Courageous Hound 5.
Friday 15th November 2013
Bolingbroke Academy are taking part in this years Children in Need
celebrations by selling t-shirts and having a bake sale. We are also selling
a range of merchandise, like Pudsey’s ears.
Please watch this space for more information.
FUNDRAISING AT BOLINGBROKE
COFFEE MORNING
If you would like to be involved in Bolingbroke
Academy’s fundraising, join parent Patrizia Gnoato on Monday
18th November to discuss all the ideas.
Time: 09:30
Place: 95 Sugden Road, SW11 5ED
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HOUSE COMPETITION 4
Bolingbroke Academy Christmas Card Competition 2013
Deadline for entries 5th November
Three winners will be selected from this year’s entries that are already coming in thick and fast! Winning
designs will be sent out to all our Bolingbroke Academy friends and associates and will also be available
for sale at school in the run up to Christmas and The Common Ground Café on Wandsworth Common.
Take the opportunity to be one of the winner of the Academy Christmas Card Competition 2013
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ART COMPETITION
Webbs Gallery Art Competition
Deadline for entries 8th November
The Bolingbroke Art Club made their first
visit to Webbs Fine Art Gallery last week to
begin an exciting and creative collaboration.
Bolingbroke pupils have the opportunity to
take part in an exciting new art competition.
The brief is to produce a painting, print or
drawing of their favourite place in and
around the local area. The image has to be
inspired by one of the artists listed in the
details. All entries will be
displayed in our very own gallery window
display at Webb’s Gallery in the run up to
Christmas and the winning entrant will not
only win a prize from the gallery but will also
have their picture made into a
limited edition print or card that will be sold
at Webbs Gallery. An amazing opportunity
for any young artist.
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Week Commencing 4th November 2013
Monday
School Closed
Tuesday
Beef Bolognese
Quorn Bolognese(V)*
Mixed Vegetables
Spaghetti
Fruit
Wednesday
Chicken and Leek Casserole
Quorn and Leek Casserole(V)*
Mashed Potatoes
Flapjacks
Thursday
South Indian Vegetable Curry Rice
Sponge Cake & Custard
Friday
Jumbo Fish Fingers
Quorn Sausages(V)*
Mini Roast Potatoes
Peas
Yoghurt
Week Commencing 11th November 2013
Monday
Jacket Potatoes
Baked Beans
Tuna (*)
Cheese
Yoghurt
Tuesday
Jerk Spiced Chicken
Jerk Spiced Quorn(V)*
Rice & Mixed Vegetables
Apple and Berry Crumble
Wednesday
Pasta with Tomato & Basil Sauce
Cheese
Chocolate Sponge & Custard
Thursday
Fish Pie
Vegetable Pie(V)*
Mixed Vegetables
Fruit
Friday
Beef Burger in a Bun
Veggie Burger in a Bun(V)*
Chips
Salad
Tomato Sauce
Jelly
MENU
A MIDSUMMER NIGHTS DREAM
By William Shakespeare
TICKETS OUT NOW
£10 FAMILY (MAX 4 PEOPLE)
£3 INDIVIDUAL
You are all warmly invited to see an abridged Bolingbroke version
of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
It’s going to be an amazing night
Tuesday 12th November, 7pm
Shaw Theatre, Euston
Tickets available from reception - correct change only please
STAFF CONTACTS
A reminder of staff contact details
THE CORE TEAM
Role Name Email address
Principal Ms Edis [email protected]
Assistant Principal, Behaviour & Ethos Ms Bessa [email protected]
Assistant Principal, Teaching and Learning Ms Schon [email protected]
Operations Manager Mrs Horrocks [email protected]
PA to the Principal/Communications Manager Miss Gilbert [email protected]
THE TEACHING STAFF
Role Name Email address
Art & Design Technology Mrs Massey [email protected]
English Subject leader Ms Shurey [email protected]
English Ms Hopkins [email protected]
English Miss Kelly [email protected]
Geography Teacher and DoE Assessor Ms Blacklock [email protected]
History / RE Ms Bergin [email protected]
Maths Subject Leader Miss Donaldson [email protected]
Maths Teacher Ms Banks [email protected]
Maths Teacher Ms Tibbetts [email protected]
Modern Foreign Languages Teacher Ms Konneradt [email protected]
Music Subject Leader Mr Reeve [email protected]
Music: Woodwind Tutor Ms Dyne [email protected]
Music: Guitar, Bass and Drum Mr Favre [email protected]
Music: Vocal Tutor Ms Kirby-Ashmore [email protected]
PE Subject Leader Mr Kerby [email protected]
PE Teacher Miss Harvey [email protected]
Science Subject Leader Mr Conlon [email protected]
Science Ms Simmons [email protected]
Science Miss Westcott [email protected]
Science Technician / LSA Ms Ogbonna [email protected]
THE SUPPORT STAFF
Role Name Email address
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
(SEND) Lead Teacher Mr Constable [email protected]
Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Miss Brown [email protected]
Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Ms Rassette [email protected]
Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Miss Rose [email protected]
THE OPERATIONAL STAFF
Role Name Email address
Operations Manager Mrs Horrocks [email protected]
Research and Development Leader Ms Robinson [email protected]
Administrator Mr McIntyre [email protected]
Finance Administrator
Premises Assistant Mr Barnes [email protected]
Premises Assistant Mr Clow [email protected]
Chef Manager Ms Crabtree [email protected]
FIRST AIDERS
Mrs Horrocks [email protected]
Mr Clow [email protected]
Mr McIntyre [email protected]
DESIGNATED MEMBER OF STAFF for Child Protection
Ms Bessa [email protected]
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Hound PARENT COUNCIL MINUTES
These are the initial minutes from Thursday nights parent council meeting. Please note that the outcomes
of the points raised will be discussed further either at Civitas Meetings or in the next Courageous Hound.
Parents Council
Thursday 24th October 19:30 – 20:30
Led by Mr. Ron Rooney
Introduction
Information for parents
All parents need to email Miss Gilbert to make sure that emails/telephone numbers are correct
WWW (what went well) and EBI (even better if)
What Went Well
Parents are very pleased with the positive learning at the school.
Ron mentioned that parents can arrange an appointment with the school to sit in the classrooms to observe the
children and their learning process. They can also join them for lunch to chat with the children and find out how
they are getting on.
Parents are very impressed with the school, there has been a lot of feedback that the children thoroughly enjoy
learning at Bolingbroke.
One parent thanked the school for being so supportive of her boy with allergies
The school is doing an amazing and brilliant job. Children have reported back to parents that they are making
some wonderful friends. Parents are really pleased with the way the school encourages the children to make
friends
Parents made a specific point of saying that they all accept the fact that it is a new school and understand the
growing pains. Everyone has been so impressed with the amazing parental support system and would like to get
more involved to help make it better.
Even Better If
Item Question or Parent Council response Schools actions
Parents expressed their concerns
over the cakes that are on sale at
break for Yr. 8. This means that
some of them are not necessarily
eating their lunch. It means they are
not hungry at lunchtime to eat the
healthy food and it is also proving to
be expensive. Should pupils be lim-
ited to one snack a day?
Is there an option to have fruit at break
instead? Yes To ensure children are
encouraged to select fruit
Parents asked if there was an
option for lockers? Ron explained that there is not enough
space in the school at this stage. The Academy are currently
reviewing cloakroom solutions
Concern was expressed over the
heaviness of the bags that the
children have to carry and the back
and neck problems that incur as a
result of the portfolios over one
shoulder.
Is there an option to keep rucksacks with
them all day long?
We feel pupils do not need to
carry their rucksack &
portfolio. Teachers will collect
books in which are not
required for homework to
reduce the weight of portfolios
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Hound PARENT COUNCIL MINUTES
Parents are concerned over the small
size of the lunch portions. Can it be set up to be more
proportionate for both year groups?
The Chef Manager is currently
reviewing portions and will be
collecting feedback from pupil
next half term.
Parents expressed a desire for the
Year groups to be more integrated to
improve their social skills. Children
are complaining of being with the
same pupils all the time.
Perhaps the school could introduce a
day a week to integrate the groups?
Ron explained individual pupils may
have group changes after Christmas. He
also encouraged the children to come in
earlier to meet others.
Civitas Tutors will encourage
children to integrate with other
children during the lunchtime
period.
Questions were asked over the
timing of the completeness of the
building.
Parents are concerned the noise is
disturbing their learning. Ron told
parents it would be Easter 2014.
Heavy duty work in the base-
ment will be carried out over the
half term holidays. We will be
arranging for pupils to visit phase
3 in the Spring term 2014. The
academy expects the remaining
heavy duty works to be
completed by November.
Parents requested written reasons/
explanations for the Disappoints
given to the children. Parents want to
be clear as to why.
Civitas tutors will be able to
explain and give feedback to
parent at the Civitas meeting on
Thursday 7th November.
Parents have not been receiving
replies from Civitas tutors after leav-
ing messages, writing emails.
Can the Civitas tutors please let
reception know when and who the
cover is when they are absent - Yes
Please can Parents contact their
child’s Head of Houses if they
have any queries or concerns
regarding communication with
their child’s Civitas tutor.
Parents are concerned that the P.E
Theory double lesson is too much
and that there needs to be more
physical activity for the children in
school. There is not enough dance/
gymnastics/athletics.
Needs to be more of a range of physical
activities. Ron explained that there are
different seasons for different sports i.e.
summer athletics. One parent made a
reference to the fact that the
curriculum requires 1 hour of physical
exercise every day. Ron explained to the parents that to
bring in more activities such as fencing/
rowing the school needs a mini bus &
money and funding as all the activities
they are currently doing are free.
Pupils attend a double of physical
PE per week and have the option
of many additional sports clubs
every day of the week. Dance is
taught within the curriculum and
within the DofE Friday
afternoons. Athletics will be
taught in the Summer term.
Parents raised concern that
detentions are being given for the
children not doing their homework
or not understanding properly.
Parents request a much better
explanation for detentions. Children are
writing down homework too quickly
and not understanding it when they get
home.
Teachers will ensure adequate
time is given for pupils to write
down their homework. If
parents have any concerns
regarding subject detentions
please contact their child’s
subject teacher.
Parents asked for the enrichment
planning & allocation to be better. Children are missing opportunities
because the groups are full. Parents
asked that the process not be on a 1st
come 1st served.
Pupils’ choices were entered into
groups on a first come first
served basis. The Academy will
ensure this communicated
through the Courageous Hound
for the second cycle after
February half term.
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Fundraising Patrizia is in charge of this. Parents can email the school for her contact info. Ron suggested a coffee morning/drink for
parents to get together to think of ideas for fundraising and suggested a Direct Debit to build up a fund for these
excursions & extra curricular activities. Parents thought it would be better to suggest a figure to avoid making people feel
pressured/guilty to pay a certain amount. (Please see page 7)
Social
Parents asked for a date to be confirmed for the Christmas concert.
Future Meeting Dates
Thursday 28th November 2013
Thursday 13th March 2014
Thursday 22nd May 2014
AOB
Parents asked for the homework
and assessment schedules to be
given in advance to both parents and
children. They would like to know
which days to expect homework so
they can plan with the children.
They asked if the teachers will stick to
the schedule? Some parents feel it
should be the responsibility for the
children, particularly when they get to
Yr. 8 to know what their homework is
and to do it themselves.
Children have the responsibility to
write the day their homework is
allocated in their homework time-
table. The Academy asks parents
to review their child’s planner for
their homework timetable. We
will request teachers stick to their
allocated days.
Parents asked for the procedure of
taking children out for hospital and
doctors appointments to be in the
handouts.
Parents are to write a note in their
child’s planner and show their
Civitas tutor and teacher when
they need to leave a lesson. Before
the child leaves the Academy they
must receive an absence slip from
reception
A question was raised over the par-
ent directory for purely social/
fundraising reasons.
Ron suggested that parents organised
it between themselves. Perhaps it
could go in the Courageous Hound.
Parent Council to feedback to the
Academy of next steps.
Parents asked for communication
with regards to enrichment
cancellations and detentions to be
clearer & with enough time for
parents to make re-arrangements
for picking children up etc.
The Academy is reviewing the
communication procedure and will
update parents in the Courageous
Hound.
A point was made that the German
trip clashes with the parent social
5th Dec 10 pm Yr. 8.
Is there any chance it could be
changed?
We have not received a change of
date. The event has been
advertised in the Courageous
Hound.
Parents expressed that a PTFA
committee is needed
Ron Rooney is meeting the
Principal to discuss next steps.