Academies Week » Assembly | Academies Week

Hampshire team head for life in the pit lane

Billy Camden — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 07:30:33 +0000

Next time it’ll be champagne, but for now a St George flag and punches in the air marked success for a team of five students from Robert May’s School, Hampshire, in the FI in Schools world championship 2014.

Team Colossus set a new world record when they represented England in the Abu Dhabi finals of the competition. The team’s car dashed along the F1 in Schools 20m track in a record time of 1.003 seconds, knocking almost two-hundredths of a second off the previous record, held for seven years by Northern Ireland’s team FUGA.

Colossus F1 weren’t fazed at all when 38 teams from 24 countries were put in the spotlight for two days of verbal presentations, pit displays and portfolio assessments. They broke the world record less than four hours later.

Founder and chairman of F1 in Schools, Andrew Denford, said: “Records are there to be broken and the world record has stood for seven years. The innovations that Colossus F1 introduced . . . have paid off and produced a very quick car. Our congratulations go to the team for their great effort.”

Sponsors the final in Abu Dhabi included Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The Institution of Engineering and Technology, City University London and Etihad Airways.

Inset: Team Colossus in racing action

The competition brief told entrants they were an “FI team commissioned to design, construct and race the fastest Formula One car of the future, powered by compressed air cylinders”.

Students were competing for the Bernie Ecclestone trophy, City University London scholarships and a VIP paddock tour at the 2014 F1 Abu Dhabi grand prix.

The Robert May’s team also collected the Innovative Thinking award for an air cushion device and the Pressure Challenge award for their knowledge of Autodesk 3D software, designing and 3D rendering a helmet for F1 within two hours.

After the big win, Colossus manager, Vicky Waterfield said: “I’m speechless. I need to pinch myself as I just can’t believe this has happened. We have had an amazing experience and to win this has topped it off.

“We’ve worked so hard, putting in eight hours at school and then another eight afterwards but it really paid off.”

Mr Denford topped off Team Colossus’s week by saying: “Colossus F1 showed innovation in this as well as their unique R&D programme. I wouldn’t be at all surprised to see these faces in the pit lane in the not too distant future.”

Main pic: Team Colossus from Robert May’s School celebrate their victory at the F1 in Schools World Championship 2014.

Garden waits to spring into life

Billy Camden — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 07:30:36 +0000

A Peterborough care home will soon get fresh organic fruit and veg from new school gardens at Stanground Academy.

The new garden is part of an environmental project at the academy headed by design and technology teacher Mike Schofield, who has spent the past six months securing donations and assistance from volunteers.

Stanground’s principal, Ged Rae, said: “I am delighted to see our garden taking shape. Mr Schofield’s organisation and enthusiasm has been infectious, transferring on to staff and students. I am sure that this will be a place that many people enjoy for many years to come.”

Donations came from Jewsons, Bobbies, B&Q, Marshalls, Peterborough Council and Eurovia, who provided a construction team and gave first-hand advice to year 10 students.

So far 1,250 bulbs, seven fruit trees, vegetables and various shrubs have been planted.

Pic: Volunteers and students at Stanground Academy in front of their new gardens

Your Life campaign gets official nod

Billy Camden — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 07:30:53 +0000

Education secretary Nicky Morgan got behind a campaign to boost maths and physics when she told a group of students from University Technical College (UTC) Norfolk that both subjects could lead to many career options.

Five students from the UTC, including Maddie Newman,14, were invited to the launch of the three-year government Your Life campaign, held at Google’s London headquarters.

Students taking part in workshops at the launch of ‘Your Life’ campaign at Google London HQ

Maddie is planning to study physics and maths at A-level, she said, “because I find them interesting and challenging. I definitely think it’s a good thing that the government are pushing them because it feels like they’re being valued as subjects . . . and we students are being valued too.”

The campaign, backed by more than 200 businesses, is trying to raise awareness by promoting role models, creating mentoring programmes and providing work placements.

Ms Morgan said: “The skills taught by subjects such as maths and science are some of those most valued by employers and universities.”

Main pic: Nicky Morgan talks to students at the launch of ‘Your Life’ at Google’s London HQ

Students learn to support peers

Billy Camden — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 07:30:45 +0000

A group of 32 Nottingham Girls’ High School students will now be better able to support their peers after a coaching session with educational psychologist Dr Val Besag.

Parents and staff also sat in on the seminar led by Dr Besag to understand problems that their children may be having, what they should be looking for and how they could support them.

The school contacted Dr Besag as part of its pastoral care programme, designed to support the personal, moral and social development of students.

Headteacher, Sue Gorham said: “Investing in a renowned and well-respected educational psychologist is demonstrative of our commitment as a school to providing first-rate pastoral care.

“Wherever they are, girls will encounter friendship troubles in one way or another – it’s simply a part of life — but with this network of support firmly in place, designed with girls in mind, we can help them along the way.”

Pic: Students at Nottingham Girls’ High School taking part in workshops being delivered by educational psychologist, Dr Val Besag

Duke keeps an eye on lessons

Billy Camden — Sat, 29 Nov 2014 07:30:08 +0000

Crown Wood primary in Bracknell got a royal seal of approval last week when the Duke of Gloucester officially opened new facilities.

The duke toured the new building before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion and signing the visitors’ book.

He also visited three lessons, including a year 5 computing class, a year 6 class studying bridges and structures, and a year 1 PE lesson in the school playground.

Improvement works started at the school in 2010 and were completed earlier this year.

Antoinette Butler-Willis, Crown Wood’s headteacher, said: “This really has been an enormous project in terms of the difference it has made to our children. And look at this beautiful building that we now have.”

The duke added: “It’s a great pleasure to be here today. It was a good opportunity for everyone in the group to reflect and remember the old and to celebrate the new school building.”

Pic: The Duke of Gloucester visits lessons at Crown Wood Primary School after opening new facilities (Photo from Bracknell Forest Council)

Ananda remembers fallen relative, 100 years on

Billy Camden — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 07:30:17 +0000

A Cornish schoolgirl has become the first in her family to see the grave of a relative who lost his life in the Great War.

Marking the 100th year anniversary of the start of the First World War, 15-year-old Ananda Lee from Mounts Bay Academy in Penzance travelled to France to pay her respects to her great-great grandfather’s cousin, Private Frank Reginald Hogg.

Private Hogg of London Regiment (Royal Fusiliers) was killed in action, aged 23, on July 1, 1916’ during the first battle of the Somme.

His grave is in the Hebuterne Military Cemetery, a small Commonwealth War Graves Cemetery, close to Albert in northern France.

Speaking of her visit, Ananda said: “The fact I saw his actual grave made me feel much more emotional. None of my family has ever ventured out so far, and the inscription on the grave was quite poignant: ‘Awaiting the Meeting of Loved Ones’.

“I feel as if a weight has been lifted off my shoulders; Frank Reginald Hogg can truly rest in peace.”

Ananda’s trip was made possible through the government-funded First World War Centenary Battlefields Tour programme.

Delivered by Equity, a provider of overseas curriculum-based tours for schools and universities, in partnership with the Institute of Education (IOE), the programme funds two students and a teacher from every state secondary school in England to travel to the Western Front.

The tours, which take participants to Belgium and France, began earlier this year.

Thiepval Wood visited by students and teachers as part of the ‘First World War Centenary Battlefields Tour Programme’

Students can trace the Western Front from Ypres to the Somme and follow all the historic battles between 1914 and 1918, visiting battlefields and Commonwealth War Graves sites such as Tyne Cot Cemetery. They also see the Last Post Ceremony at Menin Gate.

Mounts Bay Academy history teacher, Peter Blackabey, who accompanied Ananda on her trip, said: “The centenary project has provided students and teachers with a wonderful and perhaps once in a lifetime opportunity.

“Many pupils or staff may never return to these places; others may make annual pilgrimages. The act of remembrance is just as important for people to make 100 years on; to realise the loss and tragedy that war can bring and the effect it has on a nation.”

Stuart Foster, from the Institute of Education, has said of the tours: “We have worked closely with Equity to develop a high quality tour programme that provides both outstanding support for teachers and engaging, relevant and meaningful learning opportunities for students.”

More than 12,000 students and teachers will join the tours, which continue until March 2019.

Main pic: Ananda Lee visits the grave of her war hero Private Frank Reginald Hogg

Rooney goes back to school

Billy Camden — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 07:30:39 +0000

It was like England football captain Wayne Rooney had never been away when he recently went back to his Liverpool primary school.

Rooney visited Our Lady and Saint Swithin’s Catholic Primary School days before he won his landmark 100th England cap last weekend.

The school, which has been in contact with Rooney throughout his career, had 99 pupils take part in a special photo session with the returning hero. They had all been kitted out in England’s home and away shirts – the captain’s idea.

Described as acting like a “little school kid” by headteacher Sandra Hamilton, Rooney sat in the centre wearing his No 10 shirt with the kids around him.

“He did everything with the children, We couldn’t get rid of him,” Ms Hamilton added.

“He gives so much belief to the kids round here. He’s the one in a million to make his dream happen and the kids really look up to him.”

Main pic: Wayne Rooney (centre) returns to Our Lady and Saint SwithinÕs Catholic Primary School (picture from Daily Mail)

Phab award for London schools

Billy Camden — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 07:30:36 +0000

Pupils and staff from St Helen’s School and Merchant Taylors’ School in North London have won a national award for their contribution to the inclusion of disabled young people.

The schools were presented with the Lord Irene Morris of Manchester award by Lady Irene at an annual Phab UK ceremony held at the House of Lords. Phab supports children and adults with and without disabilities to work and live together.

The St Helen’s and Merchant Taylors’ Phab week, held over Easter, provides residential care for physically and mentally disabled young people aged 12 and over. They socialise with their peers and take part in activities that they might not normally be able to do, such as flying an aeroplane or visiting Harry Potter World.

Dr Mary Short, headteacher at St Helen’s, said: “I am delighted that the enthusiasm, hard work and commitment of the staff and pupils of St Helen’s and Merchant Taylors’ Schools have been acknowledged in this way.”

Main pic: Lady Irene presents representatives from both schools with their award. Left to right: Father Dan Bond, Miss Karen Baker, Lady Irene, Mrs Sheilagh Marsh, Mrs Julie Rose, Miss Hannah Blazewicz

Sikh free school shows off

Billy Camden — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 07:30:24 +0000

Children from Leicester’s first Sikh free school recently showed off their new school to Education Secretary Nicky Morgan and Secretary of State for Schools Lord Nash.

Falcons Primary opened on October 27 following a seven-week delay.

Mrs Morgan met a group of parents, all active in the opening of the school, and saw a presentation by pupils, including a Remembrance Day performance of The Poppy Song.

Falcons has already received £1 million of government funding to help with renovation and refurbishment.

Headteacher Jasbir Mann said: “We were really delighted when Lord Nash said he’d like to visit and that Nicky Morgan would be joining him.

“Bearing in mind our children are reception age and year 1, they weren’t fazed at all, which shows that within two weeks the children had settled in extremely well and enjoyed sharing and showing off their school.”

Main pic: Lord Nash and Nicky Morgan join pupils Harjot Singh Gill and Munlene Kaur in Falcons reception class

Coding skills put to the test

Billy Camden — Sat, 22 Nov 2014 07:30:10 +0000

Fifty girls from schools in Norfolk learned a new computer programming language in just four hours.

At an event organised by the Programming Challenge 4 Girls, hosted at City Academy Norwich, the girls had to code a 3D animation using the Alice programming language.

The day was organised as part of the international PC4G initiative, which is designed to introduce girls to programming.

Students from Attleborough Academy Norfolk, City Academy Norwich, Fakenham Academy Norfolk, and Wayland Academy Norfolk worked in pairs or threes to put their coding skills to the test.

Alexis Bale, 13, from City Academy, said: “Things like this give girls more chance to try it and then they can see that it is interesting.”

Jerome Thompson, leader of learning at City Academy, said: “The girls have done four solid hours of coding today, in a new programming language, which is tough. But they worked well together and have really enjoyed it.”

Main pic: Norfolk school pupils show that girls can code at the Programming Challenge 4 Girls event