YIA Newsletter October 2011

Academy Newsletter Edition 13, October 2011

Welcome from the Academy Principal, Mr R Gilbert I would like to welcome you to the first newsletter of 2011/2012, with a particularly warm welcome to new readers, of our students in Year 7. This is also the first newsletter for the secondary phase of the new All Through Academy, much of which you will have read and heard about locally and in the press, with Yate International Academy now being the first 4-19 All Through Academy in South Gloucestershire. We are very proud to incorporate the Woodlands Primary Phase into the Academy and look forward to working with them in the years ahead, for the benefit of educational provision in our community. There is a well known saying “If you stand still, you will fall backwards” and we have made it a clear priority for the Academy that we will not stand still in providing the best we can, in terms of young people in this area. That is why the new All Through Academy is so important to us and I very much look forward to sharing the successes of all pupils and students, in the full age range, with you in the months and years ahead. The GCSE and A Level results in 2011 were once again very good indeed. The students, who completed their A Level studies with us, were all able to move on to the universities of their choice and I am sure that those who have embarked upon that particular pathway are enjoying the student life that opportunities in higher education bring. Our Year 11 GCSE results were once again a record year and showed an improving set of results, for the fourth year in succession. This particular group of students worked extremely hard in their time in the Academy and their collective and individual results were testament to the dedication, commitment and hard work that they displayed over the five years. It goes without saying that these results would not have been as good as they were without the support of the parents/carers of these students. However, I would also like to use this opportunity to publically thank all of the staff at Yate International Academy who contributed to their successes - this includes all staff, not only the teaching staff, but also the support staff, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure that everything that needed to be done to support these students in the right way, was completed. I look forward to meeting students and parents/carers of last year‟s Year 11 at the Federation Presentation Evening, in the Wills Memorial Building of the University in Bristol, on Thursday 24th November 2011. Like last year, I am sure this will be an event worthy of celebrating the successes of this particular Year Group. On 22nd September 2011, we had a very successful Open Evening for prospective parents/carers of students joining the Academy secondary phase in September 2012. There was lots of positive feedback from this evening, especially for all of the students in the Academy, who gave up their evening to become Guides, showing prospective parents/carers around. Again I would like to pay tribute to them and, as I have always said in the past, our students are our best ambassadors. This was followed up by two successful Open Mornings the following week. During that same week, Thursday 29th September, we had the first Open Day/Evening Event for the Woodlands Primary Phase. A great deal of interest was shown by prospective parents/carers, of new Reception pupils starting in September 2012, and it was a great pleasure to be present, both during the day and particularly in the evening, discussing not only the primary provision, but the concept of the All Through Academy with the parents/carers of 3 and 4 year olds.

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The new build continues to develop well and you will have seen, on 9th September, that we had the official Topping Out Ceremony with Willmott Dixon, to celebrate the roof being completed and the building becoming watertight. The tower crane, which dominated the Academy skyline for a considerable number of months, has now been taken down and the contractors are now busy ensuring that the brickwork and the render, around the envelope of the new build, becomes complete. The elevation of the South Block is now clearly visible, from Stanshawes Drive lane, and the entire building itself is now clearly showing the innovative design that, at one stage, was purely on paper. Inside the building, classrooms and other learning areas are beginning

to come together, including some of the mechanical and electrical installations, along with containment for heating and ICT. Willmott Dixon have indicated, at progress meetings, that the programme is very much on time and we can look forward to receiving the building in early July, as indicated to all parents/carers at the end of last year. At this time I would like to reaffirm that the last day, for students in the Academy this academic year is Friday 13th July 2012 and that the week following that, which includes one INSET Day, will be devoted to moving across into the new Academy building. One particular aspect, that will be noticeable when you walk across the front of the Academy site on Sundridge Park, is the recent demolition of the old caretaker‟s bungalow. This is the very first phase of the demolition works of the current site. This will then be replaced by all of the landscaping and new car parking for the Academy, much of which will take place from the end of July 2012 through until February/ March 2013. A copy of the recent Willmott Dixon newsletter, for local neighbours, is also included in this edition of the Academy newsletter for your information. There is much that we are rightly proud of at Yate International Academy and I can assure you that our determination, to do everything that we can for the children we serve, is unrelenting, and we look forward to working with you in the year ahead.

Mr R J Gilbert Academy Principal

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Message from the Principal It is very clear that the expectations placed on us as an Academy, by the Department for Education, as well as our sponsors, is that all students conform to Federation policies. Therefore I would ask your support in ensuring your child comes to the Academy each day in the appropriate uniform. To remind you all:

The Academy blazer is a compulsory item and must be worn at all times

The Academy jumper is optional, but is the only garment to be worn over the top of the mandatory white shirt and Academy tie. No other garments are permitted whatsoever, including cardigans, hoodies etc.

The Academy tie must be worn properly

Black shoes are compulsory at all times

Grey trousers, or knee length skirts for the girls, are the only garments to be worn in addition to the above. Leggings are not permitted.

If your child does not wear the correct uniform you will be notified on a consistent basis. We expect your child to turn up every day, on time and dressed in the appropriate manner. Please ensure they do so!

Once again congratulations to Year 11 for the excellent GCSE Science results – an increase again with 84% of students gaining at least one „C‟ grade or above. Primary Health, Science and Sports Festival on 13 September 2011 was very successful with many local primary schools participating. Students took part in a range of activities e.g. learning about the skeleton, experiments on food types and especially enjoyed examining hearts and lungs. Since then primary school pupils have also visited to make use of our lab facilities and the expertise we can offer. Year 13 Forensic Science students were also busy on the same day, at the University of West of England, widening their experience with a visit to the Scene of Crime House. This was very valuable to their studies and also of great interest and enjoyment.

Mrs Hughes – Head of Science

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Flying High Departure Day 2011...by Miss Bulpin & and the Academy Team

The Academy‟s International team pulled off a tremendous day of world travel for all Year 7 students. The day started with students queuing outside the „Departure Lounge‟ waiting for their tickets. They were then shown to checking-in desks, where their mentors checked their passports and issued their world passes. Senior Flight Attendant, Miss Bulpin, welcomed them on board. After watching an in-flight movie of destinations they could be visiting, students left the Departure Lounge to embark on an exciting journey to various countries around the world. Students travelled to

countries such as India, Japan, and Sri Lanka, enjoying activities such as mask making, and learning how to make spring rolls. At 3.00pm, like all good holidays, the day had to come to an end. On their exits home, all students were given their passports to take home as a memento of their adventures. Many thanks to all staff and who helped to make the day a spectacular success. Dr Antony Jinman, Polar Explorer

On 20th September 2011 Winterbourne International Academy invited twelve Year 9 students to listen to Dr Antony Jinman, who had taken part in an expedition across the Arctic and North Pole for charity, raising thousands of pounds for the Mitchem Trust and Vulnerable Children. Students listened to Antony‟s incredible stories and actually saw video evidence as well as photographs. The talk got students engaged and really thinking about the things that people do for charity. Antony is also setting up another

educational talk where students will be able to try on the clothing and look at what real troubles people go through in expeditions as tough as these. Afghanistan Connections

On 4th October 2011, twelve Year 9 students were invited to Winterbourne International Academy, to listen to a guest speaker, Sarah Fane. Sarah, trained as a nurse during 1987, whilst the Russian and Afghanistan war was going on. She trained in the North West Frontier province of Pakistan. She returned the following year with a team of British surgeons who gave up their holidays every year to operate on the war wounded from Afghanistan. They sent Sarah to run clinics from a Mujahideen camp on the border with Afghanistan. Whilst she was running these clinics for women and children, she

INTERNATIONAL

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heard tragic stories of their lives and saw firsthand the devastating effects of the war.

She returned to Afghanistan in 2001 when it was in the grip of the Taliban regime to visit a clinic in the Panjshir Valley. Sarah had found a country devastated by 23 years of war; she saw no hope for the people there. The entire infrastructure had been destroyed, villages had been razed to the ground and millions had fled across the borders as refugees. Millions more were in camps for internally displaced persons, where there was no running water, sanitation, proper food, shelter or medical aid. The schools and hospitals had been destroyed. She even found doctors operating without anaesthetics on the injured from the front-line, with saws, needles and thread from the bazaar. When Sarah returned home, she decided to set up Afghan Connection, in the hope that even if we could change one life for the better, our work would be worthwhile.

Sarah has raised thousands of pounds to help students in Afghanistan get a better education and resources to get jobs at the end of their school lives.

We are asking for students who are interested in forging links with pupils in Afghanistan to contact Miss Bulpin as she is setting up a Pen Pal club for Year 9 students.

Engaging Parents in Raising Achievement

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News from The Guilds

Lion Guild

The Lion Guild would like to welcome back all students, with a special warm welcome to our new Year 7 students, who have settled in very well in such a short period of time. Indeed, they have already earned a wealth of Guild Points, which have helped the Lions to build up a strong position in the Guild Points Championship. We would also like to welcome Mr J Cornick to the Guild. Mr Cornick has taken up the post of Second in Mathematics and is also looking after one of the Guild groups. We wish him every success in his stay at the Academy. Last year, our Year 11 students achieved a very credible set of GCSE results. Our congratulations and best wishes go out to our 20 students who are now embarking on Year 12 studies at the Academy or elsewhere. Of particular pride to the Guild is Ben Webb, who has managed to secure an apprenticeship at Rolls Royce. Ben was a fantastic student and a great ambassador for both the Guild and the Academy. We all wish him well for the future. Our present Year 11 students have a challenging target to reach if they are to outdo last year‟s performance. We have every confidence that they will do so. Finally, our Guild attendance and behaviour statistics were terrific last year. I have no doubt that we will continue to set a high standard in this respect and show everyone that Lions really do ROAR!

Mr A Lord – Head of Lion Guild

Pegasus Guild

May I wish you a very warm welcome back, to all the supporters of Pegasus. I hope you had a splendid summer break and are looking forward to the coming year. The 2011/2012 academic year has started in a very positive way. In fact, it could be argued that the students in Pegasus have returned with renewed vigour and enthusiasm. They ended last year as Guild champions achieving well over 14,000 Guild points which I and their mentors were tremendously proud of them. The first six weeks of this term has shown that they have returned wishing to remain the top Guild - they are only 30 Guild points away from the top spot, which is currently held by Lion Guild. This is such a small gap that I expect the students to close this gap easily before the Christmas break. I believe they have been able to repeat this achievement by having high attendance, of 96%, and within the Guild 63% of students have not missed a single session of learning, and 70% of students are above the national target of 95%. By attending regularly our students are going to have the best opportunity to learn and demonstrate to their class teachers they are exceptional! We are a healthy „school‟ and I would like to take this opportunity to request that parents/carers ensure that students refrain from bringing „fizzy‟ drinks into the Academy, especially the highly caffeinated ones. I have discovered a direct link to poor behaviour selection by students who regularly consume

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fizzy drinks before and during the Academy day. These drinks cause a „rush‟ of sugar and caffeine which may in the short term make the student feel more alert, but following the rush there is almost always a „crash‟ and in both these states students are less likely to concentrate and perform to the best of their ability. I hope you will join me in supporting and strengthening the learning of all the students in the academy this year and look forward to receiving any of your suggestions.

Mr S Matthews – Head of Pegasus Guild

Phoenix Guild

The members of the Guild have made an excellent start to the sporting calendar. Phoenix Guild are clearly the champions in Year 10 and Year 11 netball, Year 10 rugby and also Year 11 trampolining. Well done to all. Phoenix students have also distinguished themselves outside of the Academy. At the International Day, held at Winterbourne International Academy recently - half of the delegates were Phoenix students. Congratulations, for being selected, goes to Amber Gardner, Amber Sharpe, Danielle Hacker and Kara Buet. Chelsey Bennett also represented the student body at the Topping Out Ceremony for the new build.

Congratulations to Liam Bailey in Year 10 who recently came second overall in his class at the National Show Jumping Event at Hartpury College. He has done extremely well considering he only recently started show jumping and beat many competitors who have been competing for much longer. Well done Liam Bailey!

Phoenix students are well represented in the Academy‟s sporting fixtures and many Guild points are notched up by attending practices. The Guild appreciates your efforts, Daniel Miller, Chris Edwards, Emma Griffiths, Rhianna Luton, Chloe Faithful, Amber Sharpe, Danielle Hacker, Amber Gardner (as Spectator) and Tazmin Trueman. Finally, perhaps the most important achievement of Phoenix Guild so far this year, is the fact that our Guild has the least and by far the least number of detentions. Some people have made a considerable effort this year and they know who they are! Well done to you as well.

Ms D Longley – Head of Phoenix Guild

Griffin Guild

A new Academy year and a highly exciting time to be a student at Yate International Academy! Last year‟s Year 11 recorded the highest ever GCSE pass rates including English and Maths and the new building dominates the skyline, ready for September next year. There is justifiable cause for excitement and optimism. I have been delighted by the start made by almost all Griffins, particularly the positive

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attitude displayed by Year 7. They have acted as our main drivers for guild points so far. Well done and keep up the good work. I am planning a Christmas reward trip which will either be bowling or a visit to the cinema. This trip will be available to those who have adhered to the Academy behaviour plan – in other words, those who have not received detentions will be allowed to go. Finally, griffins seem to be popping up everywhere. I told my guild about happening

upon a Griffin on top Sir Bevil Grenville‟s monument in Lansdown, just outside Bath in the summer, but I also noticed a griffin on a recently discovered Roman helmet. The Crosby Garrett helmet was found in a field in Cumbria by a treasure hunter with a metal detector and features a „never before seen griffin crest‟. The helmet is worth £300,000 and has been described as „a once-in-a-lifetime discovery‟. As I said in my assembly at the start of term, this is a sign that this will be our year. Go Griffin!

Mr S Ponsford – Head of Griffin Guild

NEWS: October 2011 INTERNET REMINDERS Please remember that Google Scholar is a good research engine and free - this is also a reminder that The Federation have provided access to various databases via EBSCO. This provides cutting edge research journals, especially for the Science/medicine, business areas all sourced and verified which can be e-mailed with links, downloaded to iPods, translated into other languages and via speech. 6th form students have been shown this but any further queries please see Paula Miles here and Ceri Evans at Winterbourne. COMMUNITY NEWS Yate Library: Deanna Prendergast, Bade Pirinc, Thomas Keenan, Joe and James Heron, Christian Howlett and James Westacott all came along to our meeting at Yate Library to discuss half-term activities. They are rewarded with Mrs Fiddes‟ cake (!?) and guild points and their enthusiasm is much appreciated by Yate Library and Yate International Academy. Note: Sat 22nd October 2011 at 10.30am - talk on Bloodhound SSC – the world‟s fastest car

Yate Heritage Centre: Following the success of the exhibition on schools from 1945 to present day in the Yate/Chipping Sodbury area, please check whether you wish to go to any of the following exhibitions which are planned:

History of Concorde, Lecture on building of Severn Tunnel, The making of “M” shed, photographic evening, the development of Bristol Harbour, Serridge Steam engine, Yate and District Art Society.

During Half Term (24th – 28th October 2011) there will be a Roman Workshop Day - 1.5 hour sessions bookable (essential) for sessions on Thursday 27th October including Roman writing, making Curse Tablets and learning about Roman surgery!!!

For details of any of these please see posters in LRC or contact Elaine Fiddes.

Also please see Scholastic book

magazines for up to 50% discount on new titles. Orders by 14

th

November please.

OPEN EVENING

We had a lot of interest in our projected new “Discovery Centre” images and plans which we still have on show if you have missed them. Many prospective Year 7 students joined in with our Quick Quiz (and enjoyed their chocolate rewards!)

DELETED BOOKS As part of our “streamlining” process we are setting aside certain deleted books which we will have for you to look at and any that are left we will take to St Peter‟s Hospice as they will make funds on them whether they are sold or sent for recycling. We will do this on a rolling basis. YEAR 7

LRC induction has now taken place and all students should be more aware of resources available and where to find them. Year 7 students have chosen their free book from a list of 15 selected by Book Trust and funded by Government –

coming end October/early November. LRC QUIZ WINNERS Our most recent LRC Fun Quiz on current events and geography/history had 3 joint top winners: Caitlin Wood X7PB, James Westacott X8/9ASt and Mrs Thacker who will all choose a book and chocolate. 10 runners up will all receive chocolate prizes too. See notice in LRC for details. PHOTOCOPIER COST REMINDER:

5p - A4 or A3 black/white 20p - A4 colour 30p - A3 colour - Especially useful if you have photos!

Congratulations to Josh Evans who has reached the finals of the Prince‟s Trust Celebrate Success Awards for Educational Achiever Award (South West Region) 2011/12. The ceremony takes place on 28th November at St George‟s Hall, Bristol. We wish the best of luck to Josh for that evening.

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WHY NOT TRY SOMETHING NEW THIS AUTUMN AND JOIN GIRLGUIDING?

If you have a few hours spare, would like to make new friends and have an interest in working with children and young people then why not consider volunteering with Girlguiding

Yate has a thriving Girlguiding membership with girls aged between five years old up to their early 20s attending Rainbow units, Brownie packs, Guide units and a Senior Section. However, there is a long waiting list in the town with most units full to capacity. Sarah Goddard, commissioner for the Westerleigh district which covers most of south Yate, said: "Guiding is a great opportunity for girls to learn new skills, make new friends and grow in confidence but without willing volunteers units cannot run and waiting lists keep growing, and we don‟t want any girl to miss out on being a Rainbow, Brownie, Guide or a member of senior Section.” Girlguiding UK is the largest youth organisation for girls in the UK today, with half a million young members aged between four and 25. Despite being steeped in history members today can take part in a wide range of activities from abseiling to party planning. For more information about Girlguiding in Yate or to volunteer email [email protected], or for more information about Girlguiding UK visit www.girlguiding.org.uk

Call 07870523899 or email [email protected]

In the interests of SAFEGUARDING Parents and carers are reminded that if your personal contact details change e.g. telephone/mobile numbers/work numbers or addresses, then the Academy should be informed as soon as possible. We may need to get hold of you in an emergency! Students can give this information to the Academy via their mentors, or contact the main office themselves to ensure we have the correct information. Your help with this important matter is greatly appreciated.

Be on your SAFE ‟GUARD‟ ING. CHALLENGE

It is now policy that all staff wear I.D. badges at all times. It is an expectation that parents/visitors always enter Yate International Academy via Reception. Parents/visitors will then be signed in and given a Visitor badge. Please do not be offended if you are asked to go to Reception and to sign in as a visitor – it is an important matter of safeguarding. You will then be met by the member of staff you came to visit or escorted to them through the building. We have innumerable points of entry at the Academy and we are endeavouring to make the building as secure and SAFE, as we possibly can. The new build Academy will have only one point of entry and a secure line to safeguard your children.

LOST PROPERTY We have a very large amount of items in lost property which is still unclaimed. If it is not clearly labelled or is not claimed by the end of term, it will be taken to a charity shop, as we cannot store it all.

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CALENDAR

TERM DATES 2011/2012

ACADEMIC YEAR 2011-2012

TERM 1

Friday 21 October TERM 1 ENDS

TERM 2

Monday 31 October TERM 2 BEGINS

Tuesday 29 November INSET Day – Academy Closed to Students

Friday 16 December TERM 2 ENDS

2012:

TERM 3

Tuesday 3 January TERM 3 BEGINS

Friday 10 February TERM 3 ENDS

TERM 4

Monday 20 February TERM 4 BEGINS

Friday 30 March TERM 4 ENDS

TERM 5

Monday 16 April TERM 5 BEGINS

Monday 7 May BANK HOLIDAY – ACADEMY CLOSED

Friday 1 June TERM 5 ENDS

TERM 6

Monday 11 June TERM 6 BEGINS

Friday 29 June INSET Day – Academy Closed to Students

Thursday 19 July TERM 6 ENDS

Thursday 19 July INSET Day – Academy Closed to Students

ATTENDANCE HOTLINE This is the number to phone if, for ANY reason, your

child will be absent from school:-

01454 862668 Jane Whiting —Attendance Clerk

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PARENT GOVERNOR ELECTION FOR LOCAL GOVERNING BODY At the close of the voting period for the Local Governing Body Parent Governor Election, I am pleased to announce that following the distribution of 478 Voting Slips to Parents/Carers of Students at Yate International Academy Secondary Phase, the result of the votes cast is as follows: Colin Hallett – 10 Votes Richard Mayes – 30 Votes Richard Westacott – 23 Votes In view of the above, I am pleased to confirm that Richard Mayes and Richard Westacott have therefore been elected to serve on the Local Governing Body.

THE RIDINGS FEDERATION - YATE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY – GUILD OF FRIENDS

Thanks to all who took part in our Table Top sale last summer. We are now planning this year‟s events – Can you help?

Our next meeting is 9th November 2011 at 6pm at the Academy. Everyone welcome! Our AGM will also be held on 9th November 2011. Please come along to support your children and find out more about the Guild which raises funds for the benefit of everyone at the Academy. We have been able to give support to Kit Car, Rock Challenge and other projects at the Academy – but we would like to do much, much more!

For more details call our Chair, Jude Enright on 01454 881989