Newsletter

Issue 19 March 2012

Latest News @ www.stockport-academy.org | twitter: @sptacademy

Fashion teacher Ms. Taylor (back row, second from the left) and fashion designer and Princes Trust young entrepreneur Jensen Chadwick (back row, middle) with academy students and employees from APS Group.

Paris, London, Stockport Academy!

cademy students are set to organise a fashion show in conjunction with the Princes Trust and the academys enterprise link, APS Group. Students will be responsible for planning and running the event, with roles including budgeting, marketing and logistics. APS Group will be supporting students through their expertise in project management and publicity. The clothing range will be designed by Princes Trust young entrepreneur Jensen Chadwick.

Jensen became involved with the Princes Trust after approaching them for funding to start her own fashion business. Jensen was successful and thanks to their support now runs Cindys House inside Manchesters famous Afflecks, specialising in unique customised clothing and homeware. On the upcoming show, Fashion teacher Ms. Taylor said: This event represents a fantastic opportunity for students to gain vital work experience, which can give them the

edge when applying for university or work within the fashion industry. She added: Fashion is incredibly competitive but this opportunity gives students the chance to really stand out over others hoping to get a break in the industry.

www.apsgroup.co.uk

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Principals Message | Primary Sports Day | Joseph Special | Our Science Specialism | Ceramics and Duke of Edinburgh | UCAS Trip | Student Voice

Principals Message
arting is such sweet sorrow! Thank you to all parents and students who, over the last few weeks, have been so generous with their comments, letters and e-mails wishing me the best for the future. Having taken the decision to move closer to my family and shared it with you all, I am now fully focused on continuing the academys journey to outstanding right up to the end of this academic year. The process of finding Stockport Academys new Principal continues apace and with the release of a national advert, potential candidates will be interviewed early in the summer term. My successor will have a wonderful opportunity to build upon the hard work and achievements of staff, students and parents over the last two years to ensure our students achieve their personal best. Our Year 11 students are already on track to exceed the fabulous results we posted in the summer of 2010. We are expecting results in April that will confirm over 40% of our Year 11 students already achieving an A*-C in Maths and secure in getting English. The National average for the 5+A*-C including English and Maths last year was 57% and we are working hard with all our students to exceed this years national average in the summer. I want to also thank all those parents
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who have completed the on-line parent survey or returned the paper questionnaire. Once we have analysed your responses I will contact you with the findings and let you know how we intend to address the concerns that you have. I then plan to conduct a follow-up survey in the summer term and measure the impact achieved. Finally, I would like to take this opportunity in wishing Steven Longden all the best in his new school. Steven was on the Future Leader programme, designed to prepare teachers for a future headship. Steven has secured a placement in a school until the end of this academic year. I hope you all have a relaxing Easter break and I look forward to welcoming students back for our summer term. Kind regards

Ben Dunne Principal

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News

Primaries show off their sporting skills

One of the primary teams which took part in the primary school sports festival.

tockport Academy recently welcomed primary schools from across the borough for a primary school sports festival, reports Girls PE teacher and event organiser Ms. Murray. Students took part in a range of activities such as sprinting and indoor javelin throwing, as well as dungeon ball - a game similar to dodgeball but which also involves rescuing teammates from the dungeon or mat in the middle of the playing
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area. All students demonstrated a fantastic competitive spirit, especially when teams from the same schools played one another. The overall team winners on the day were Bridge Halls Primary first team, with Alexandra Park declared runners-up. During the event, the academys Sports Leaders were onhand to help primary students, referee events and act as time-

keepers, with primary school staff delighted with their professionalism and leadership. Another primary school sports festival is set to take place towards the end of March. Participating Sports Leaders Ashley Boon (Year 10) Emma Boyd (Year 11) Taniel Breddy (Year 9) Callum Gannon (Year 10) Dianna Whalley (Year 10)

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Joseph and His Technicolor Dreamcoat

f a ry o to am n a s o s e d re I wh . b oy t ru e e cam

he academy recently held a hugely successful production of Joseph and His Technicolor Dreamcoat - and cameras were there to capture some of the highlights. Here are some of the best shots.

Cheadle Heath Primary School provided the fantastic choir - here they are modelling their Joseph t-shirts.

From left: Alice Manning, Elisha Boycott and Liv Hampton played the roles of brothers...

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...while the academys own Mr. Cross played the Pharaoh - in the style of Elvis!

W Jo e ne s ll m e ep fet e d h c if hi m h he m an th i ca to , I s n! he lp

Above and below: Students playing the roles of brothers.

www.stockport-academy.org

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Stockport Academy: A Science Specialist

From gazing at the stars...

...to a career in science?

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www.stockport-academy.org

OIBC and stargazing showcase academys passion for Science

tockport Academy has Charles Pasternak said: The grounds. hosted two events that aim of the symposia is two-fold: Days after the symposium, showcase its enthusiasm to enthuse more youngsters into the academy held its first for Science. stargazing night, inspired by the hugely In late February, the successful BBC series academy welcomed the Oxford International Stargazing Live and a Biomedical Centre growing interest in as(OIBC) for the first ULTtronomy. OIBC symposium on the The free event, open human brain. to the local community The symposium gave as well as students, was gifted and talented stua huge success, with dents from across the over 150 people attendcountry the chance to ing. mix with top scientists Reflective telescopes from the University of provided by the Science Oxford and the UniverLearning Centre North sity of Manchester, with West and Kepler and students sitting in lecNewtonian telescopes tures on dyslexia, the made by students in prediction and prevenSTEM [Science, Technoltion of dementia and ogy, Engineering and the structure of the Mathematics] Club were human brain for those available to use, with without sight. the academys Parents Students also had the Forum manning an open chance to ask the scienair BBQ for hungry tists questions through stargazers. It is hoped further seminar and Q&A sesstargazing events will sions. take place in the near Other ULT-OIBC symArtwork used for the ULT-OIBC symposium future, along with other posia are set to take invitations (above) and stargazing night poster. events that engage the place at other ULT acadlocal community and emies across the country science and to promote social show the academys commitover the coming months. On the symposia, President mobility by encouraging young- ment and passion for Science. and OIBC founder Professor sters from deprived backwww.stockport-academy.org Issue 19 - Page 7

Enrichment News

Ceramics group show their surrealist side

s. Lomas ceramics club have been showing off their surrealist art skills during enrichment. With support from ceramics expert Mr. Nichols, the group have made high-quality ceramic pieces in the style of Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser. Students have been incredibly enthusiastic about ceramics club, with some discovering creative skills they never thought they had. Two Year 7 students, Jade and Imaan, said: We made coil pictures based on the work of Hundertwasser. We didnt think we were very creative before but now we do. One of the girls added how she made birthday presents for family members during ceramics club - and even a name plaque for her new baby nephew. Meanwhile, Bethany and Emily from Year 9 were full of praise for the club. Its fun and creative weve learnt lots of new things, they said.
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Sixth Formers get their DofE adventures underway

Students looking at some of the activities they can complete to gain the DofE Bronze Award.

ntrepid Sixth Formers have begun their Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) adventures by planning their activities for the next six months. To complete the bronze award, students have to spend three months perfecting a skill, volunteering in the local community and participating in a physical activity. One of the three activities must also have an additional three months spent on it, with a two-day expedition completed as well.
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During the introductory session, students were given a range of activities they could complete to meet the DofE criteria - from computer programming and football coaching to volunteering for animal shelters or charities. Sixth Form Enrichment Co-ordinator Mr. Laidlow is pleased the DofE programme is finally underway. He said: DofE will be a rewarding and memorable experience for students. As well as learning a skill and volunteering

in the local community, students will gain the skills employers and universities crave such as determination, team-work and leadership. Once students have achieved their bronze award, they will receive the eDofE, an impressive looking hardback portfolio made online by uploading photos documenting each activity. This portfolio can then be taken to university and job interviews.

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Sixth Form News

UCAS fair helps Sixth Formers plan their futures

Sixth Formers with Music teacher Ms. Pavey and Sixth Form Administrator Jan Vale.

ear 12 academy students have attended the UCAS convention at Manchester Central - a key event for those looking to attend university. Thousands of students from across the North West attended the convention, with universities on-hand to answer the questions that mattered most to students. Advisors on student finance were also available, as well as gap year organisers for those considering a year out to work,
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volunteer or travel. Sixth Form Administrator Jan Vale believes the trip was hugely beneficial to students. She said: The convention allowed students to think more about higher education and the courses and universities they are interested in. Our Year 12s will soon be starting their UCAS applications so they need to know the options available and plan ahead, especially with competition for places at top universities so

tough. The trip played a key part in the guidance Stockport Academy offers to Sixth Form students hoping to enter higher education. It was essential all Year 12s had the chance to attend, said Jan, as it could make the difference in getting a university place and taking the first steps towards a fantastic career.

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Student News

Making a difference through academy Student Voice

Stockport Academy believes students can have a positive say in how things are run, as Year 13s Danny Hulme and Year 8s Alan Bradbury explain.
I wasnt that interested in politics when I started the Sixth Form but I was interested in learning more about society and the part people can play in making a positive change. At the start of Year 13, my Citizenship teacher Miss. Vale started the Sixth Form Student Council, so I put myself forward as a representative hoping to put into practice some of the things I learnt during Year 12. During our first meeting everyone had really good ideas. We had a discussion about which UK Youth Parliament iniFor students to make a difference on what goes on in the academy, a student voice is a must. That statement has grown in importance over the past year as the academys student voice programme has exploded. Previously, we only had a Student Council - but now there are lots of ways students can put their mark on what goes on at the academy. This includes Newspaper Club, online surveys
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tiative we should support and after the debate and vote we signed the e-petition and sent our thoughts to the UKYP. Over the following months we watched as the petitions grew and the UKYP held a debate in the House of Commons to decide which initiative they were going to make their national campaign. We were delighted that improving public transport was chosen: it was one of the ideas we put forward and an issue affecting students, especially when bus prices continue to rise, making getting to the academy more expensive. and the suggestion box outside student services. In our school, it makes sense for students to be included in the decisions that affect school life. As a member of the Student Council, I can discuss my views on academic and pastoral issues; an example of this is the Eco-School initiative (we have been awarded bronze status!), which gives students a chance to contribute to the academys

We have made a positive impact in the Sixth Form by bringing forward the issues affecting all students. We have had some successes and done things democratically. I am now going to study Politics at university, where I will continue to stand up for what I believe and try to bring about the changes I wish to see happen. Danny Hulme, Year 13

green pledge and to raise awareness of global warming. All the academys student voice programmes are vital, so all students voices can be heard. The longer these initiatives continue, the longer the students are happy and learning well - that is a fact! Alan Bradbury, Year 8

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D i ar y d ate s a nd gro up e m ai l s
Summer Term 2012 Summer 1: Mon 16th Apr-Fri 1st June Spring Bank Holiday: Mon 4th-Fri 8th June Summer 2: Mon 11th June-Thurs 19th July* Inset Days Monday 16th April Forthcoming Events Year 11 Prom: Thurs 28th June Family Fun Day: Sat 7th July Exam Results Thursday 19th March Term Dates 2012-2013 Autumn 1: Wed 5th Sep-Friday 26th Oct Half-Term: Mon 29th Oct-Fri 2nd Nov Autumn 2: Mon 5th Nov-Fri 21st Dec* Christmas Break: Mon 24th Dec-Friday 4th Jan Spring 1: Mon 7th Jan-Friday 8th Feb Half-Term: Mon 11th Feb-Fri 15th Feb Spring 2: Mon 18th Feb-Fri 22nd Mar Easter: Mon 25th Mar-Fri 5th Apr Summer 1: Monday 8th April-Fri 24th May Half-Term: Mon 27th May-Fri 31st May Summer 2: Mon 3rd Jun-Fri 19th Jul Inset Days: Mon 3rd-4th Sep, Fri 30th Nov, Mon 8th Apr, Mon 22nd Jul. * Lunchtime Close Group emails Group emails allow you to get in touch with staff quickly. Simply use the relevant email address and include the staff member you wish to contact in the message. You will get a response within 48 hours. Progress Leaders Year7@stockport-academy.org (change number for relevant year group e.g. Year8@ etc) For Sixth Form enquiries, please email sixthform@stockport-academy.org Group emails - Faculty Addresses English@stockport-academy.org maths@stockport-academy.org science@stockport-academy.org humanities@stockport-academy.org (includes Geography, Health and Social Care, History, Law, Psychology, Sociology and Travel and Tourism) technology@stockport-academy.org ict@stockport-academy.org (includes Business Studies) expressivearts@stockport-academy.org mfl@stockport-academy.org (French and Spanish) pe@stockport-academy.org (incl. BTEC Sport)

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Contact Us
Post: Stockport Academy, Heathbank Road, Cheadle Heath, Stockport SK3 0UP Telephone: 0161 286 0330 email: enquiries@stockport-academy.org Website: www.stockport-academy.org
Newsletter Editor: David Meller United Learning Trust 2012

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