Newsletter_January 2012

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Academy Newsletter Edition 15, January 2012

Message from the Academy Principal, Mr R C Evans Welcome to the third edition of The Ridings‟ Federation Winterbourne International Academy Newsletter for 2011-2012. Earlier in this term, the DfE published the League Tables for schools/Academies and I was delighted to see that Winterbourne International Academy came top in the KS4 indicator of 5+A*-C including English and Maths. If you missed the publication of the tables for all schools/Academies, these can be found on the DfE website. Top 5 State Schools in South Gloucestershire 5 or more GCSEs at A*-C including English and Maths:

1 The Ridings‟ Federation Winterbourne International Academy 80% 2 John Cabot Academy 73% 3 Bradley Stoke Community School 67% 4 The Castle School 66% 5= Brimsham Green School 57% 5= Marlwood School 57%

As indicated in earlier correspondence, the Academy is anticipating a full Section 5 Inspection by Ofsted during the remainder of this academic year. This will be conducted under a new framework which was introduced in January 2012. Parents/Carers will also receive individual notification of the inspection with a questionnaire from Ofsted which you will be asked to complete. You are also able to offer your view on the Academy via the Parent View section on the Ofsted website. It is also pleasing to report that applications for Year 7 (2012-2013) and the Federation Sixth Form are both substantially up on previous years. If your son/daughter is interested in a place in the Sixth Form and has not yet applied, please contact Miss Giblin, Federation Director of Sixth Form, for an application form. Forms are also available to download from the website: www.trfa.org.uk/sixthform/ . During this academic year we have been pleased by the continued increased number of parents/carers attending the various Report Evenings. I would ask that all parents/carers sign in at such evenings in order that we can keep a full record of attendance. A signing in sheet, organised in Tutor Groups, is available in the Reception area for Years 7-11 evenings, with a similar arrangement in the Sixth Form area for Years 12-13. The dates of the forthcoming report evenings are:

7th February 2012 – Year 10 Subject Evening

21st March 2012 – Year 13 Subject Evening – Winterbourne International Academy

22nd March 2012 – Year 13 Subject Evening – Yate International Academy

28th March 2012 – Year 12 Tutor Evening – Winterbourne International Academy

29th March 2012 – Year 12 Tutor Evening – Yate International Academy

10th May 2012 – Year 9 Subject Evening

4th July 2012 – Year 7 Subject Evening

11th July 2012 – Year 9 Tutor Evening

16th July 2012 – Year 10 Tutor Evening

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The period February to June is particularly important for all those students who have external examinations in the summer. A number of activities have been arranged to support our students‟ preparation for these examinations, especially for Year 11 students, which will include a comprehensive Easter Revision Programme. Details of this programme have been issued by Mrs Clavey, Director of Studies (Years 10 and 11). I am also pleased to announce that the Learning Resource Centre will be open to all Year 11 students during the forthcoming holiday period (Monday, 13th February 2012 and Tuesday, 14th February 2012) from 9.30am – 3.00pm. Parents/Carers cannot fail to have been made aware of national developments regarding Safeguarding issues in Academies/schools. With this in mind, I must emphasise that during the normal Academy day all visitors, including parents/carers, must sign in at Reception. Again, I must also request that no parents/carers should bring their cars onto the Academy site without prior permission from the Academy. During the period 24th-27th January 2012, the Drama and Music Departments presented Bugsy Malone. The production was “sold out” on all four nights and it was a real privilege to witness at first hand the talent and dedication displayed by the students in what is regarded as a challenging but hugely enjoyable musical. Special thanks to NPower who have helped make the production possible. In addition, the Friends of Winterbourne International Academy have donated £1500 towards a new lighting desk. We look forward to the Sixth Form production of Cabaret which takes place from 21st February 2012 – 23rd February 2012. Study Leave dates for Years 11, 12 and 13 students are as follows:

IB Students

● Exams commence 2nd May 2012 end on 22nd May 2012.

● Year 13 IB students are expected to attend Academy lessons during the week commencing 16th April 2012. Students are allowed to study at home with the option of attending any intervention/revision sessions being held at the Academy for the following week commencing 23rd April 2012.

Year 13 Students

Exams commence on 31st May 2012 end on 25th June 2012.

Study Leave commences on 28th May 2012, i.e. last full timetable day 25th May 2012.

Year 12 Students

Exams commence on 14th May 2012, end on 30th May 2012.

Study leave commences on 14th May 2012, i.e. last full timetable day 11th May 2012.

Students return on 11th June 2012.

However, vocational courses in both Years 12 and 13 will continue until 29th June 2012.

Year 11Students

Exams commence on 14th May 2012 end on 27th June 2012.

Study leave commences on 21st May 2012, i.e. last full timetable day 18th May 2012.

14th May 2012 – 18th May 2012: Normal timetabled lessons continue with revision sessions prior to exams, co-ordinated by Mrs Clavey.

Leaving Days

Year 13 students – morning of 25th May 2012.

Year 11students – afternoon of 18th May 2012.

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Also, for the period 30th April 2012 – 22nd June 2012, the Academy day will be modified as follows:

Current Change

Period 4 – 12.20pm – 1.20pm Lunch – 12.20pm – 1.15pm (includes individual tutorial)

Lunch – 1.20pm – 2.15pm (includes individual tutorial)

Period 4 – 1.15pm – 2.15pm

Period 5 – 2.15pm – 3.15pm Period 5 – 2.15pm – 3.15pm

I would also like to take this opportunity to advise you of the arrangements for the distribution of examination results in the summer. On the designated results days a printout of the examination results will be available from the corridor outside the Exams Office at 8.00am for A and AS Level and 9.30am for GCSE. Details relating to IB results will be issued nearer the time. In 2012 the examination results dates are as follows:

AS and A Level – 16th August 2012

GCSE, including Year 10 modules – 23rd August 2012 Candidates can arrive in person to collect their results. However, if they are unable to collect them a relative or friend can collect the results on their behalf. The candidate must give the person collecting the results a signed letter giving permission for the results to be collected. Results will not be given out over the phone or by email. We will fax results in response to a faxed request with the candidate’s signature on it. These are the only circumstances where we will issue results to anyone other than the candidate in person. To help with your forward planning, I have included the term dates for 2012-2013. Please note that the holiday period at the end of Term 1 is for 7 Academy days, i.e. 25th October 2012 – 2nd November 2012 inclusive.

Mr R C Evans Academy Principal

NEWSLETTER PUBLICATION DATES 2011-2012 For information the 2011-2012 Academy newsletter will be produced on the following dates with copies also posted on the Academy website (www.trfwia.org.uk):

22nd March 2012

17th March 2012

12th July 2012 Paper versions will be distributed to all parents/carers who have requested such a copy.

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HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTER AWARD 2012 In December 2011 students in their Citizenship lessons were given the opportunity to enter Amnesty International‟s Human Rights Reporter award. It challenges young learners to do their own independent research on a whole host of human rights issues of their choosing and to raise awareness of a particular cause or instance of human rights abuses, national or international.

Students have been encouraged to develop investigation skills and the art of journalist reporting. Some excellent entries have been submitted; watch this space for any updates on their progress!

PARKING

Parents/carers are asked to be considerate to the local community when dropping off and collecting their children at the start and end of the Academy day. Parents/carers should not enter the main Academy site or the front entrance to the Academy. The forecourt should not be used as a turning area. The presence of

additional vehicles on the Academy site does present a health and safety risk. In exceptional circumstances, e.g. when a student has a mobility issue, parents/carers who enter the site must do so with extreme caution and with the permission of the Academy Principal.

Our next event will be an...

Indoor Car Boot Sale- See Main Advert for more details Saturday 17th March 2012: 10am-12pm To hire a table at £7.50 please call 07951 212997 Deadline to book a stall: 11th March 2012 Our first Indoor Car Boot Sale last year was a huge success and we filled both the Main Hall and Gym with stalls, plus lots of people came along to buy- so clear out those cupboards and book your stall asap!

Look out for ………….

Silent Auctions We shall be auctioning the following items over the next couple of months. If you would like to be informed please join our Supporter‟s List & grab yourself a bargain: Thornbury Golf Centre- 2x 2 Ball passes for the Marlwood Course Gloucester County Cricket- family ticket The Relaxation Centre Clifton- day pass Old Down Country Park- family season ticket

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Next Meeting

Our next meeting is on Monday 27th February 2012 at 7.30pm in the Technology Centre Conference Room.

All parents are members of the Friends & you are welcome to come along to any of our meetings, without having to join the Committee. We would really appreciate some new ideas for social or fundraising events. So…if you have any suggestions or would like to join our list of Supporters, please contact Alison Bray via the Academy Reception or email [email protected] marked FAO Alison Bray The Friends.

Thank you to everyone who has joined our Lottery - at £1 per month, it is great value and the odds are good too! Winners since September 2011 are listed below:

Sept 11 1st Gill Harris

2nd Tracey MacDonald

3rd S Clark

Oct 11 1st Fran Deane

2nd Sarah Milne

3rd S Coltman

Nov 11 1st Lesley Johnson

2nd Eric Bray

3rd Enzo Palazzoni Dec 11 1st Suzie Collins

2nd Amanda Hill 3rd Heidi Bassett

MUSIC EXAMINATION RESULTS The Music department is very proud of the following students who have recently passed external instrumental exams.

Caitlin Reeves Grade 2 Flute (Pass)

Beth Martin Grade 5 Flute (Distinction)

Robin White Grade 4 Flute (Merit)

Emily Staff Grade 4 Flute (Merit)

Rose Tanner Grade 2 Flute (Merit)

Lucy Allinson Grade 6 Violin (Pass)

Liam Grogan Grade 8 Piano (Merit)

Amy Reynolds Grade 5 Violin (Pass)

Amy Reynolds Grade 5 Piano (Merit)

Joe Barham Grade 5 Tenor Horn (Merit)

Peter Hynes Grade 3 Cello (Pass)

The Friends of WIA

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Many of the Winterbourne International Academy students are performing exceptionally well when representing the Academy or performing independently in their chosen sport. They are really putting the Academy on the sporting map at a national level, and deserve recognition and congratulations.

SECONDARY SCHOOL SWIMMING GALA

On Friday 2nd December 2011 22 students from Years 7-10 entered the first Secondary Schools Swimming Gala, held at Kingswood Leisure Centre. The Gala was organised by the South Gloucestershire Sports Development Team and a total of eight schools entered. Our students were very enthusiastic and performed extremely well, winning a total of nine races and coming second, third and fourth in others. Overall the Academy won the competition on points which is an excellent result.

The students were extremely well behaved and represented the Academy in a very positive manner.

The Year 9 Boys Football Team continue to show great strength of character and skill having now progressed through to the 8th round of the ESFA National Cup. This is the quarter final stage. We have made it down to the last eight schools in the competition, from over 800 entrants. We beat a number of schools in the preliminary rounds, including Bournside School

from Cheltenham and we recently hosted Kingsdown School from Swindon, where we came from behind to win a thrilling match. We were 0-1 down at half time but showed great maturity, patience and concentration throughout the match. They did not panic and stuck to our style of play and this resulted in an equaliser by Kyle Scott and a winning goal with 5 minutes to go by Ollie Mayhew. Final score 2-1 to Winterbourne International Academy. This was an even more stunning victory when you consider that Kingsdown School had no less than 7 professional academy players playing in their team. (4-Reading FC, 3-Swindon FC.) The next round was again drawn at home and it was a very tense afternoon as we were fully aware that this was now the latter stages of the competition, and any school who have won through to round six are likely to be of a very high standard. It must be said that the professionalism of our boys was exceptional. Their preparation, sportsmanship, commitment and attitude during the match, was incredible. It was a very tense affair to begin with, with both teams tackling and competing to an almost unbelievable standard. It was not a game for the faint hearted and our boys certainly stood up to be counted, regarding the physical battle. However, it was not this aspect of their performance that was the most impressive. They showed courage when tackling but displayed even greater courage when they made mistakes on the pitch. This was because they were not afraid to put themselves back into the same environment where they had just made an error, and this for me showed real guts. They were not afraid of the mistakes they made; instead they endeavoured to put it right, time and time again. In the end our students showed greater composure in a frantic „helter skelter‟ cup tie and won the game 4-0. The players and management of Windsor Boys were gracious in their defeat and commented on the positive attitude of our boys, the excellent facilities we have at our sports fields and the welcome they received by Winterbourne International Academy. They also wished us good luck in round 7.

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Round 7 we were drawn away to Saltash Grammar School near Plymouth and we again played exceptionally well and proved too strong on the day and we eventually won 4-0. We now have a very much coveted quarter final place and we are one of only eight teams left in the competition, out of approximately 800 schools.. We are now to face Whitgift School from Croydon at Winterbourne International Academy Sports Fields in the next round, kick off time still to be arranged. This will be our toughest test as they have no less than 9 Crystal Palace F.C Academy players, so we really have to be at our very best to even compete. Year 9 Team: Ben Slade GK Marcus Beacham, Jacob Spence Dan Kerton Ajay Golding Brad Hardage Tom Curnock

Kyle Scott Rav Heer Ross Sharpe Ollie Mayhew (C) Will Partridge Charlie Hicks Keeton Lacey

Beth Foster, Year 9, has competed in the British Open National Acrobatic Gymnastics contest, held in Stoke-on-Trent. Beth did brilliantly well and came 5th nationally. Congratulations Beth on this outstanding achievement. The first of December at the BAWA club saw the South Gloucestershire Sports Person Awards.

This annual event recognises sporting achievement and the contribution sports clubs make to communities in the district. Winterbourne International Academy student Jessica Hopton (Year 10), was awarded Young Sportswoman of the Year, and was the first person to represent Winterbourne International Academy as a winner! Jess became the first person to represent Winterbourne International Academy at the UK School Games multi–sport event and went on to win a

Gold medal for England in the girls‟ badminton doubles and Silver in the singles. After making a huge impression at this event she was selected to play badminton for England U17‟s and went on to win a Silver and Bronze medal in the Swiss Open in Lausanne, Switzerland. Jess said “I was really excited about being nominated and it was an even greater honour to win the award. It was good to see others sports represented and also see all the different aspects of sport in South Gloucestershire. It was a huge honour to win the award of Young Sportswoman of the Year and I feel proud to have even been nominated. I would like to thank the P.E staff and everyone at Winterbourne International Academy that have encouraged and supported me with my Badminton. I am now looking forward to and focusing on National Tournaments!”

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YEAR 8 ATHLETICS Annie Lewis (Year 8) entered the Avon Schools Sports Hall competition held at Bristol Grammar on Saturday 14th January 2012. She was first in her 4 lap track elimination heat which put her through to the final event. Unfortunately in the final she wasn‟t placed, however she could still be selected to participate in the South West Championships at Torbay. All students participating in Saturday‟s event will receive a certificate which will be forwarded to Winterbourne Academy for presentation. Well done Annie!

YEAR 7 NETBALL The Year 7 Girls Netball team did very well this year, winning the majority of their league games. They made it to the North South Final of the South Gloucestershire League. At this point they came up against some very strong opposition finishing fourth overall - a great achievement for this fledgling team. Well done to all of the squad for their dedication to training sessions – see you next year! CROSS COUNTRY Winterbourne International Academy did well in the cross country leagues this year. Several students were selected to represent South Gloucestershire at the regional event which was held at Kingswood School, Bath on a very cold and frosty morning. From this event Jack Benden and Joe Connors were selected to run for Avon in the next stage. Congratulations to you both and good luck! Other runners were Wes Hunt, Wallis Moore and Chloe Potter SKI TRIP TO SERRE-CHEVALIER, FRANCE

Just before Christmas eighteen year 8, 9 and 10 students went on the Academy ski trip to Serre-Chevalier in France. The group was a mixture of experienced black run skiers all the way through to those that had never strapped on a pair of skis. Thanks to expert tuition from our mountain guides all had a brilliant time and improved their skills considerably. The novices became proficient in snow plough and began to parallel turn whilst the advanced skiers honed their skills in deep powder. The behaviour and attitude of all of those on the trip was exemplary and a brilliant time was had by student and staff alike. We have just booked the Academy ski trip for 2013 at Easter returning to

the Italian ski resort of Sansicario. This trip is open to students in Years 7-12 (next year‟s Year 8-13) and will again be open to all ability levels. In addition, and for the first time, there is the option to choose snowboarding. If you are interested in coming on the trip please collect a letter from Mr Milton in the PE Department or contact me for further information.

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OXFORD SUCCESS Congratulations go to Kevin Schesser and Sasha Ward who have both been offered places to study at Oxford University. Kevin is hoping to be awarded 39 points for his IB Diploma in order to study physics at St. Hilda‟s and

Sasha received an offer of 38 points to gain a place at Somerville to study history. Kevin says: "The interviews in Oxford were a fun experience. Although there were tricky questions, they developed into more of an intense discussion - with people that are the absolute elite in the subject. At lunch, I was sitting at a table with people from India, China, and even Brazil! They all did the IB and it was quite interesting to see the advantages of a truly international qualification." We wish them both every success for the future.

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL IN GREAT BRITAIN & IRELAND: YOUTH SPEAKS EVENT...by Emily Taynton (TG 8.6)

Back in October 2011, two teams of Year 8 students were chosen to represent The Ridings‟ Federation Winterbourne International Academy in a speaking competition, held at Bradley Stoke Community School.

Each team was made up of a Chairperson, a Speaker and somebody giving the vote of thanks.

The teams did not have much time to practice leading up to the competition, so we were all very nervous, as we had never been to an event like this before and didn‟t really know what to expect.

The two Winterbourne International Academy teams were competing against four other teams, two from Bradley Stoke School and two from Patchway School – six teams in total.

The first team to speak were from Winterbourne International Academy and it was made up of Hannah Whittock, Dale and Charles.

My team was made up of the Chairperson, Jacob Horsnell, Emily Taynton as the Speaker and the vote of thanks was given by Charlotte Mulderrig.

INTERNATIONAL

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We were the second of the six teams to compete and it went well. We had to stand in front of an audience of about 50 people, as well as three judges and two people that were in charge of timing us.

Jacob began by introducing the team and warming the audience up nicely with a funny pun or two. I then followed by reading a 6 minute long speech, entitled “Should Britain Create A Super Race For The Olympics?” and then Charlotte finished with a brilliant summary.

The audience were then invited to ask questions about our “super race” subject, and this was probably the scariest part of the competition so far.

Once this was over, we sat back in the audience and listened to the remaining 4 speeches, which were about different topics and all very interesting.

When everyone had finished performing their speeches, we waited for the results from the three judges for, what seemed like, ages. Eventually, they announced that Jacob, myself and Charlotte were the winners and that we would be going on to the next level of the competition. We were really pleased with the result and are now practicing for the next round, which is to be held in Gloucester in March.

In September 2011, the English Learning Area played host to a delegation of twenty-five teachers from various European countries. The teachers visited the Academy for one day as part of the British Council‟s Comenius Project, which aims to encourage collaboration between educators across Europe. The visitors met with members of the Academy‟s Senior Leadership Team, and observed a variety of English lessons, with a particular focus on the learning experiences of students in Years 7 and 12. Finally, the group met with the Acting Head

of English, Nick Pritchard, for a discussion session covering topics such as the examinations system, approaches to differentiation and methods of formative assessment. Throughout the day, the visiting teachers gained a valuable insight into the teaching of English in British secondary schools and academies; they were also able to share and debate their own approaches to the study of language and literature.

INTERNATIONAL CLUB All Students are invited to the International Club which takes place every Tuesday from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. For more information, please speak to Mrs Adams.

IB STUDENTS TAKE CONTROL AT U.W.E. 10th November 2011 saw our group of International Baccalaureate (IB) students turn the tables on a traditional Academy day and run a workshop for adults from a wide range of different backgrounds at U.W.E. The group showed excellent teamwork when hosting and running their sessions on what international education means for them. Their „pupils‟

were actually a variety of teachers, charity workers and people representing local industries and businesses. After setting up their presentations and activities around 60 people were given a detailed tour of what it means to be an IB student, and how their learning experiences have made an impact beyond just their grades. The key theme discussed was how their work with other schools, other Year Groups and associations have pushed them to develop their organisation, planning and presenting skills. These attributes were shown in fine style from all our students and were most poignantly demonstrated when one student, Kevin Schesser, gave a presentation to the 200 invited guests on his own experiences of being an IB learner.

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ACADEMY STUDENTS GET THEIR TEETH INTO WORLD FOOD DAY Students at both the Winterbourne and Yate International Academies participated in World Food day on 16th October 2011 by experiencing lessons that highlighted the challenges many people around the world face in finding sufficient food. The lessons were also aimed at recognising the huge range and diversity in what is eaten around

the world. The menu options and tradition surrounding mealtimes in different countries and cultures helped our students to identify the similarities and differences between themselves and their peers in different corners of the globe. To round off the day this topical diet of lessons was matched by an international array of meals in the dining hall at lunch, serving up a range of dishes from Europe as well as North and South American classics.

RED CROSS: POSITIVE IMAGES PROJECT Winterbourne International Academy students in Years 8 and 10 have benefitted from the input and support of The Red Cross in tackling unfair and misguided stereotypes of people in our community throughout terms 3 and 4. The global charity, which has a

base in nearby Warmley, delivered workshops and assemblies to both Year Groups focussing on how refugees, often marginalised people in the UK, can be misunderstood and suffer as a result. The topic developed over several weeks, beginning with why people would choose to migrate, the implications this can have on both them and their families and the common stereotypes these groups face. Finally we heard some moving stories from real experiences some refugees have had which challenged our students to empathise and consider the impact these situations would have on someone their own age.

YEAR 7 STUDENTS FOCUS THEIR GLOBAL EYES January sees the connection between the charity African Initiatives and the Winterbourne Academy grows ever stronger as we again launch the Global Eyes Project with our year 7 students. This is a series of 3 workshops that look at the similarities and differences between our student‟s lives in the UK and those in Africa.

These workshops are actually guided by the students themselves too, back in November a sample of students were asked which African issues they would like to learn about and how they would like to find out more about it. We then use this information and African Initiatives develops bespoke workshops that can get to the heart of what our students want to know. Encouragingly the most popular topics were an engaging mix that spanned natural disasters, perceptions of poverty and education in African schools. It was good to see some heavy-hitting topics win out over more lightweight suggestions and just goes to prove how the curious young minds of our year 7 students are adept at seeking out challenging ideas they can investigate further. More information on the charity can be found here: http://www.african-initiatives.org.uk/

Coming up... Video Conference with Korean International School in Hong Kong. In February 2012 Year 13 students are holding a video-conference with a partner school in Hong Kong. They will be discussing their own local histories and current affairs, including economy and democracy as well as comparing school routines and work/ life balance. The Year 7 gifted and talented Mandarin club will also have the opportunity to practice their burgeoning Chinese language skills!

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MODERN

FOREIGN LANGUAGES

...One of Our Specialisms

YEAR 9 EXPERIENCE ROSCA DE REYES...By Leah Taylor, Chloe Endicott and Wes Taylor (Year 9)

On 6th January 2012, Señora Kirby cooked our class a Rosca de Reyes, which is a sweet circular bread traditionally eaten in Spanish-speaking countries on 6th January each year, including Mexico. The bread is meant to represent the crown worn by the 3 Kings when they visited the baby Jesus. The Rosca de Reyes is decorated with sweets and inside are hidden small plastic figures which represent the baby Jesus.

Each student took it in turns to cut a piece of the Rosca and it is lucky if you get a figure. It was really interesting to experience the tradition and we had fun doing the activity as we had never done anything like it before.

COME ALONG TO THE LANGUAGES CLUB! Languages Club runs every Monday lunch time in room AG4. It is open to students in all Year Groups. We learn about all sorts of different languages.

Señora Kirby’s Year 10 class cutting the Rosca de Reyes

Hannah Clark (Year 10) cutting the Rosca de Reyes

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MEXICO 2013 We are currently Year 10 and 11 students at the Winterbourne International Academy most of whom will be studying A‟ Level Spanish next year and we are planning a cultural and language-based trip to Mexico in the summer of 2013. Apart from living with families and attending secondary school we will be spending time in a small, poor, rural nursery school, something which we are very much looking forward

to. The area is very poor and we are excited about being able to make a positive contribution to the local village community. The school would appreciate any help we can give them in terms of painting classrooms or by donations of school materials all of which has to be funded by the parents, as although it is a government school only the building, electricity and teachers‟ wages are paid for. In an area where the daily minimum wage is £3, parents are asked to contribute 50 pence a month to cover everything else including drinking water for the children and all school materials. The cost of the trip has to be funded by ourselves by way of sponsorship, part-time jobs and fundraising events, a challenge which we are more than prepared to rise to. As part of our fundraising we are organising a Grand Summer Raffle. If you feel that you may be able to donate a prize to include in the raffle or provide sponsorship in any other way then please contact Ms Kirby at the Academy on [email protected] Thank you for your time

The Mexico 2013 Team The Year 10 and 11 Mexico 2013 students, Ms Kirby and Mr Masters proudly wearing their team polo

shirts which were kindly donated by Initially Yours.

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MANDARIN CLUB AT WINTERBOURNE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY...by Ms Roberts For the last four weeks a group of Year 7 students has been learning Mandarin and all about Chinese culture in a weekly lunchtime club. Thanks to the hard work of Ms Henecka and the support of three student ambassadors from the University of the West of England, Shao Tao, Hwee Yen Ong and Catherine Lai, the club has been a great success. In the first week, students learnt how to say their name (and they were given a personalised one in Mandarin!), and to ask and answer about how they were feeling. They also learnt how to count

to ten and the hand gestures that go with each number. In the second week we had the opportunity to taste some Chinese foods and drinks, including haw flakes, fortune cookies and lemongrass cordial. Some of the foods and drinks were liked more than others! In the third class, students were given an introduction to Chinese calligraphy and painted some beautiful characters of the animals representing Chinese signs of the zodiac. On Monday 23rd January the Chinese community celebrated New Year and the class learnt in their next session all about the customs and celebrations associated with this exciting festival. Alasdair Slater, Tutor Group 7.3, said “Mandarin club has been going for four weeks now. On the first day, we learnt how to say „What‟s your name‟, „My name is...‟, „How are you?‟ and the numbers from one to ten. In the second session we learnt about Chinese food and even got to taste some. In the third session, we practised writing the symbols of the zodiac signs. Mandarin club is awesome!” The club would not be possible without the efforts of Ms Henecka and the UWE student ambassadors. The students would like to say a big „xièxiè‟ to them all.

LANGUAGES OLYMPIAD...by Ms Roberts The MFL Faculty will be taking part in the Linguistics Olympiad in February 2012. This is a national and international competition for students in Key Stages 3-5 in which students have to solve a series of linguistic data problems. Similar competitions happen in a number of other countries, though it is only recently that they have taken place in English-speaking countries.

The Academy is hoping to enter Year 12 and Year 13 students for the Advanced level of the competition. If they are successful they will go through to the national heats in York and then onto the international Olympiad in Sweden. KS3 and KS4 students will also be entered for the Olympiad in an internal Academy Olympiad. We wish them every success in their endeavours!

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GETTING TO KNOW OUR EUROPEAN NEIGHBOURS eTwinning is a British Council tool and is the online community for schools in Europe. Teachers from all participating countries can meet virtually, exchange ideas, team up in groups, learn together in Learning Events and engage in online-based projects. A Year 8 languages class in our Academy has started an eTwinning project with our partner school in Zaragoza (Spain) on common stereotypes regarding food in England and Spain. Students will do a comparative study and will upload the results of their investigative work on the eTwinning project page. (www.etwinning.net).

YEAR 8 GEOGRAPHY FIELDTRIP TO PARKEND: Some musings on the trip from members of Tutor Group 8.10

From 9th to 13th January 2012 we attended the Parkend fieldtrip. The house looked creepy but once we got inside it was really warm and welcoming. The staff were really kind and one of the instructors, Dom, had wicked purple hair! Every day we undertook different activities and especially enjoyed the trip to the Roman baths and amphitheatre, although the best event was the high wires course. We were able to go on a zip wire, attempt the climbing wall and jump for the trapeze on the leap of faith. A highlight of the week was getting to chill out in the evenings and creating friendships with other people in the year.

We played cards, had hot chocolates made for us and had table-tennis and table-football tournaments! We all agreed we would love to again and would like to thank the teachers involved; Mrs Hart, Miss Thomas, Miss Williams, Mr Rendu and Mr Derrick!

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CALENDAR

Term 3

Thursday 2 February Academy Newsletter

Thursday 2 February Intermediate Maths Challenge (Years 9-11)

4 February - 8 February Spanish Trip

Tuesday 7 February Year 10 Subject Staff Evening

Wednesday 8 February Parent Focus Group Meeting (6.30pm)

Friday 10 February TERM 3 ENDS

13 February - 17 February HOLIDAY

Monday 20 February TERM 4 BEGINS

21 February - 23 February Sixth Form Play - Cabaret

Monday 27 February Friends Meeting (7.30pm)

Wednesday 29 February Year 13 Careers Event (Periods 3 and 4)

Thursday 1 March Some Like It Hotter (ACE)

Wednesday 7 March Year 13 Subject Reports Issued

Wednesday 14 March Year 11 Progress Reports Issued

Year 12 Careers Event (Periods 1-4)

Thursday 15 March A Level Module Results Day

19 March - 23 March Year 12 A Level Field Trip - Dale Fort

Wednesday 21 March Year 12 Subject Reports Issued

Year 13 Subject Staff Evening (WIA

Thursday 22 March Year 13 Subject Report Evening (YIA)

Academy Newsletter

26 March - 31 March Bordeaux Student Exchange Trip

Tuesday 27 March Parent Focus Group Meeting (6.30pm)

Wednesday 28 March Year 11 Photographs

Year 7 Progress Reports Issued

Year 12 Tutor Report Evening - Winterbourne

Thursday 29 March Curriculum Concert

Year 12 Tutor Report Evening - Yate

Friday 30 March TERM 4 ENDS

2 April – 13 April HOLIDAY

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TERM DATES FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2012-2013

2012 Term One

Monday 3rd September 2012 – Wednesday 24th October 2012

Holiday Thursday 25th October 2012 - Friday 2nd November 2012

Term Two

Monday 5th November 2012 - Friday 21st December 2012

Holiday Monday 24th December 2012 – Friday 4th January 2013

2013 Term Three

Monday 7th January 2013 - Friday 8th February 2013

Holiday Monday 11th February 2013 - Friday 15th February 2013

Term Four

Monday 18th February 2013 - Friday 22nd March 2013

Holiday Monday 25th March 2013 - Friday 5th April 2013

Term Five

Monday 8th April 2013 - Friday 24th May 2013

Holiday Monday 27th May 2013 - Friday 31st May 2013

Term Six

Monday 3rd June 2013

Ends Wednesday 24th July 2013

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NATIONAL POOL LIFEGUARD QUALIFICATION COURSE

National Pool Lifeguard Qualification

11th – 18th February 2012

This course offers a solid base to an onward career in the sports and leisure industry. It will also offer all candidates the chance to improve their fitness levels along with team skills. This is a challenging course and therefore all candidates must be able to fulfil a number of requirements before acceptance on to the course is confirmed. Minimum age 16 years.

COST OF COURSE £220.00 which includes training manual

For further information and prices please contact

Katie Hosegood on 01454 822135 Or email [email protected]

Website www.trfwia.org.uk

Please note that all courses may be subject to change at the discretion of the Academy

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From Tuesday 3rd January 2012

The Catering Service will be selling the lunch cards

at mid-morning break only

Available from the Dining Room

Mondays and Wednesdays 11.00am – 11.20am

The cost for each card is

£22.50 (Cheques made payable to South Gloucestershire Council)

From 3rd January 2012

NO cards will be available for purchase At the lunchtime service

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Do you have and want to make money from your spare room?

Can you host French students?

Are you interested in hosting French students aged 11 to 17 years of age on short stays

from 2 nights to 7 nights? You could earn the following from your spare rooms:

Per

student

per night

1 night 2 nights 3 nights 4 nights 5 nights

£14.50 X 2 students £29.00 £58.00 £87.00 £116.00 £145.00

X 3 students £43.50 £87.50 £130.50 £174.00 £217.50

X 4 students £58.00 £116.00 £174.00 £232.00 £290.00

If you are interested, please contact Sarah Crawford on 07788 751101 as soon as

possible. The new season starts in February 2012.

You must be able to pick up and drop off the students on a daily basis at a local meeting

point. The students are out of the house from 8am until 6-7pm on field trips.

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people is paramount. All hosts are expected to share this commitment and will be subject to vetting, including an enhanced

CRB disclosure check.

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French & Spanish Tuition

Oral exam approaching? GCSE coursework giving you the jitters?

Finding verbs and tenses difficult? Want some one-to-one help?

I can help you succeed in your French and Spanish.

I am a fully qualified language teacher

with many years experience of GCSE and A Level.

I live in the Winterbourne International Academy

catchment area.

Email Louise Burns-Jones (BA Hons PGCE) at [email protected] Tel 01454 777938

The appearance of any adverts on this page does not mean that The Ridings' Federation of Academies endorses the

advertiser's goods or services. While we will not knowingly run an advert that is untrue, The Ridings' Federation of Academies is not responsible for the accuracy of any advertising material or the accuracy of the description of an advertised product or

service placed in the Academy Newsletter.

We do not recommend or endorse any vendor/trainer/product/service. It is up to each member to decide whether what an advertiser offers is right for you and we recommend that any purchaser/service user take every precaution possible to satisfy

themselves of the authenticity of any service/product purchased and responsibility for this lies solely with the purchaser/service user.

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