Academy Life newsletter October 2014

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LifeIssue 1 October 2014

The newsletter of The co-operative academy of Manchester

@camdotcoopcamdotcoop Visit us online: www.cam.coop

The Co-operative Academy of ManchesterPlant Hill Road, Higher Blackley, Manchester M9 0WQ

Partnership with MCFC

See page 6

Trip to FranceSee page 8

www.cam.coop now you can see it in 64 languages

GCSE Results 2014 – best in Blackley,

Crumpsall & Moston area

See page 4

A note from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome to the latest edition of ‘Academy Life’. These pages will give you an insight into the varied and exciting things that have been taking place at the academy in recent weeks.

As ever, it has been a jam-packed time at the academy. Our Year 11 leavers celebrated some excellent examination results over the summer and we wish them continued success as they continue their studies or take up apprenticeships and employment. The summer also brought considerable success for our post-16 students, with all Sixth Form leavers achieving their qualifications and four students being accepted directly into university.

In addition to academic achievements, students from across the academy have taken part in a vast range of events and activities including trips to France and the Lake District. It has been an exciting time at either end of the academy over recent weeks. We have welcomed our new Year 7 intake who are the biggest year group the academy has seen. This is testament not only to the strength of our exam

results but also the confidence that parents have in our high standards and core values. Year 7 have settled in really well and are already a credit to themselves and the academy. We have also recently appointed our new cohort of Year 11 prefects who will work alongside me to lead the academy over the coming year. We have enjoyed a fantastic start to the new academic year with the launch of an improved behaviour system and the introduction of an exciting new online rewards system. I am also excited that work is underway on a whole college musical production for February. It is set to be another exciting year at the academy and I look forward to welcoming you through our doors at one of our many events.

Mr Brice - Principal

Our values are:

• Fair and seen to be fair to everyone

• Ambition, to raise aspirations and inspire all of us to achieve

• Respect shown to ourselves, each other and our community

Contact me:[email protected] 795 3005

The co-operative academy of Manchester2

Parent View is an online questionnaire for you to give your views about your child’s school. This is a service from Ofsted.

It’s easy. It’s quick. It’s time to log on http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk

Are you a parent?Have you heard of Parent View?

Are you a parent?Have you heard of Parent View?

Parent View is an online questionnaire for you to give your views about this school at any time of the year.

At the time of an Ofsted inspection, parents are also invited to give inspectors their views using Parent View.

It’s easy. It’s quick. It’s time to log on.http://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk

News in brief

Visit us online: www.cam.coop 3

Girls football team given the royal seal of approvalOur friends at Manchester City Football Club invited our Year 9 and Year 10 girls football team to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday 17 September to help them welcome Princess Anne.

The Queen’s daughter the Princess Royal came to see how MCFC is making a difference to the lives of local people through football, with the opportunities they offer – including football coaching at The Co-operative Academy of Manchester.

The Royal visit was reported in the Manchester Evening News and on BBC’s North West Tonight – if you were watching closely you would have seen our girls resplendent in their red academy PE kits.

Homework ClubThe Inclusion Department are offering support for students that are struggling to complete their homework.

We can offer support in all subject areas and students can access computers, art materials and other resources to enable them to complete homework to the best of their ability.

The Homework Club is run by Teaching Assistants and will be held in Aspire on Mondays 3.00 - 3.30pm, Wednesdays 2.30 -3.30pm and Thursdays 2.30 - 3.30pm.citc

city in the community

News in brief


Summer success GCSE Results 2014Our GCSE results this summer are above the Manchester average yet again, and we have the highest results in the neighbourhood. The table below shows the percentage of students reaching the highest grades (A*-C) in 5 subjects (including English and Maths).

School Percentage achieving 5 A*-C (inc English & Maths)

The Co-operative Academy of Manchester 53%

Manchester Schools’ Average 51%

Other high schools in the Blackley, Crumpsall and Moston areas

47%

41%

40%

39%

10%

The hard work of our students (and staff) is especially evident in English, where a record 79% of students achieved the highest GCSE grades. This represents a 14% increase on last year’s results and is above the national average, which has dropped to just 61.7%.

Principal Mr Brice says “Despite volatile results across the country, for the second year in succession, our GCSE results are above the Manchester average and are the highest in the local area. This is testament to the excellent teaching and learning that takes place here at CAM throughout the year.”Well done to all our students who received their exam results this August.

News in brief


Summer success First ever students move from CAM directly to universityThe academy’s Sixth Form sees two students moving directly to university from the academy for the first time ever.

The Sixth Formers moving on to university are Vaidotas Petraitis (Finance & Accounting at MMU) and Sheila De Sa (Business at MMU) who chose to continue studying at The Co-operative Academy of Manchester’s Sixth Form to take advantage of the personalised learning pathways and the high quality support offered – both students speak English as an Additional Language. Their teachers have enabled them to overcome barriers to learning and achieve their potential.

Head of Sixth Form Mrs Fiddler was there on post-16 results day to celebrate with the students, and is proud of all their achievements.

CAM announced as one of the best schools in England for narrowing the attainment gap

The Co-operative Academy of Manchester is in the top one per cent of schools in terms of the rate of progress in closing the attainment gap between those on pupil premium and other students.

In four years the school has closed the gap in GCSE attainment by half, which is five times more than what has happened nationally. The academy’s Principal, Mr Brice, attributes this to the “rigorous quality assurance of assessment and accurate, timely and data driven intervention.”

This means that at The Co-operative Academy of Manchester we have high expectations of all our students, no matter their circumstances.

Manchester Education AwardsFour academy students were presented with prestigious Manchester Education Awards in July at a lavish ceremony at Town Hall.

• Hannah McLaren was a great role model as our Deputy Head Girl in 2013-14. • Zakrea Al Mansouri has never been late and has always given 100% effort to achieve the highest results. • Michelle Williamson has shown determination to succeed and overcome any obstacles to her success. • Hassan Khan works hard in lessons and outside too as a Police Cadet.

Ms Jackson and Ms Thistlethwaite

Sports News


Partnership with MCFCThe academy enjoys a partnership with City in the Community, meaning our students and the local community can benefit from links with a world-class football club.

Our brand new 3G pitch was christened with a primary school football tournament, run by City in the Community coaches. Bowker Vale Primary School remain the champions of The Co-operative Academy of Manchester’s primary school tournament. Former MCFC goalie Alex Williams presented the trophy.

As well as running sessions over the summer open to the whole community, City in the Community coaches now run evening sessions for 6 to 14 year olds every Wednesday from 4pm to 5pm. This is open to the whole community for £2 per person per session, although this is free for students of The Co-operative Academy of Manchester.

Sports Day 2014Sports Day in July was a great success, with students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 competing against each other in a range of track and field events. Students represented their academy family, with the Yellow Family emerging victorious.

citccity in the community

News in Brief


North Manchester children join in at fun community football event

Rochdale AFC community coaches delivered a free football coaching session for children aged 4 – 11 of all abilities on Sunday 7 September at the academy. The Co-operative Group has been working with Rochdale AFC for the last 12 months delivering a programme of sports opportunities for primary school aged children across a number of different projects. This event was a joint venture involving The Co-operative Group, Rochdale AFC, The Co-operative Academy of Manchester as well as local community groups. The fun event, which attracted children from Middleton, Higher Blackley, Prestwich and Rochdale, was a great success.

Boys and girls practiced football skills in small groups with the Rochdale community coaches and then took part in small-sided games, putting the skills they had learnt to the test. Each child received a certificate and a goody bag to take away.

Speaking after the event, Keith Hicks, Head of Community at Rochdale AFC, said: “It was great to round off our year-long community programme with The Co-operative Group with the event on Sunday, using the first class facilities at The Co-operative Academy of Manchester in Higher Blackley. The programme which started in September 2013 has provided

free football coaching opportunities for over 2,600 local children in North Manchester and Rochdale. Almost 100 children took part in Sunday’s event alone and it was great to see the children’s enthusiasm and how much their parents enjoyed it too.”

Debbie Kendal, Community Manager at The Co-operative Academy of Manchester added: “Sunday’s event provided a great opportunity for The Co-operative Academy of Manchester to work with our sponsor, The Co-operative Group, to provide an opportunity for local children to try out our fantastic new 3G pitch.

Sarah Robinson, a Deputy Key Account Manager in Co-operative Estates, whose son Seth attended with one of his friends commented: “Thank you so much for the event on Sunday and for the photographs. Seth and Riley absolutely loved it. It was a great day and I felt really proud to work with The Co-operative.” And Scott Wilson, a Co-operative customer from Rochdale added: “Thank you very much for allowing Dan to attend on Sunday. In short he loved it. The organisation was great and you sure made a lot of kids happy. If you have any other events like this in the future please put us on the circulation list.”

Trip to FranceIn July a group of students had the chance to practice their French and develop their cultural awareness as they spent a week at the PGL resort in Paris.

The group, led by teachers from our Modern Foreign Languages and IT departments, had a great time seeing sights like the Eiffel Tower and also had a trip to the Disneyland Paris theme park.

Ms Roberts

News in Brief


Trip to Ghyll HeadOn Friday 12 September, a group of our new Year 7 students travelled to Ghyll Head outdoor education centre in the Lake District for the weekend.

The purpose of the trip is to enhance the students’ Maths and English skills and also to ensure a smooth transition to the academy from primary school. As well as extra classroom sessions, the students had opportunities to take part in exciting outdoor activities.

7 staff members from the academy gave up their time to work with the students and enjoyed the chance to get to know Year 7 and give them that vital early boost in key Maths and English skillls.

The Scottish play comes to CAM

Our teachers strive to bring the curriculum to life, and in July a theatre company was invited into the academy to perform Shakespeare’s Macbeth, which Year 8 students had been studying.

EnrichmentThe academy offers its students a wide range of extra–curricular activities. Here’s the timetable for half term 1.

The academy is proud to offer so many different activities after school, and taking part is a great opportunity to develop new skills, work together with different people and enjoy yourself.

In today’s competitive job market, taking part in these activities shows that you are always trying to improve and make good use of your time – great qualities for employers and colleges to see.

If you have an idea for a new club, please tell Mr Wade and he will do his best to set it up.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Table tennis 3.00 – 4.00pm

Debate Mate 3.00 – 4.00pm

Year 7 girls football 3.00 – 4.00pm

English GCSE booster 2.30 – 3.00pm

Art drop in after school

Years 7-10 rugby 3.00-4.00pm

ICT coursework club 3.00 – 4.00pm

Community Cohesion Taskforce 2.30 – 3.00pm

Gardening club 2.30 – 3.30pm

Maths GCSE Booster 2.30 – 3.00pm



Humanities drop in clinic 2.30 – 4.00pm

Reading Club2.30 – 3.30pm

French GCSE booster 2.30 – 3.00pm

Years 7-9 girls netball 2.45 – 3.45pm

Singing Club 2.45 – 3.45pm

MCFC Football coaching 4.00 – 5.00pm


Years 7-8 football 2.45 – 3.45pm


Years 10-11 basketball 3.00 – 4.00pm

Year 11 ICT booster 2.30 – 3.00pm

Year 11 catering Booster 2.30 – 3.00pm


Year 11 Art booster 2.30-3.00pm

Years 9-10 boys football 2.40-3.45pm Year 11 GCSE PE booster 2.30 – 3.00pm


Year 11 Science booster 2.30 – 3.00pm


Years 9-10 GCSE PE booster2.30 – 3.00pm


Basketball3.00 - 4.00pm


Extra Curricular Activities

Perfect Training


Perfect TrainingOn Monday 15 September, Mr Brice, Miss O’Connor, Mr Bramwell and Ms Thistlethwaite took 46 Year 11s to The Co-operative Group’s head office at One Angel Square for some prefect training.

The day was spent taking part in different team building activities and a session on leadership delivered by Russell Harvey who is the Group Leadership Development Specialist for The Co-operative Group.

Readers’ Choice – Ms Snowden picks A Fine Balance by Rohinton MistryWhy did you choose this book to read?I am extremely interested in World Fiction and was recommended this book when I was at University by a good friend, who has great taste in literature. I didn’t have a television or Iphone at the time so I invested in books.

What one thing about the book resonated with you?The main strength of this book is the relationships with one another and how the characters end up interlinking. The book describes the fine balance between hope and despair and how we, as humans, cope with everyday hardships and when we give up.

What was your favorite character, and why? Could you relate with him/her?My favourite character is Shankar (the crippled beggar). His determination and positivity towards life is awe-inspiring after his difficult upbringing.

Would/have you recommend it?It is my ‘go to’ gift for family and friends that I haven’t already persuaded to read it. Read it. Buy it. Cherish it. I promise you’ll want to read it again.

Careers Zone


Mrs Godfrey’s Careers update for Year 11It is that time of year when our current Year 11 students are starting to think about what they are going to do after leaving The Co-operative Academy of Manchester. Continuing education at the CAM Sixth Form, Xaverian Sixth Form College, Loreto Sixth Form College and Connell Sixth Form College are amongst the most popular destinations for our students, studying either A levels or Level 3 courses. Also popular are The Manchester College and Hopwood Hall College, which are popular for students wishing to study BTEC vocational courses.

One of our leavers from last year has successfully got an apprenticeship with a plumber’s merchants.

All current Year 11 students will get the opportunity to meet with myself, one to

one, to discuss their plans and career aspirations. Students can find me in the Community Room (2nd Floor – Post 16 area) if they wish to drop in and discuss anything.

Our annual Careers Evening this year (Tuesday 21 October) has a slightly different twist to it. As well as all the traditional colleges attending providing advice and support to parents, carers and students, visitors will also get the opportunity to ‘have a go’ at our interactive careers stalls –including the chance to have a go on a fork lift truck stimulator and examining a crime scene whilst finding out about careers within forensics.

Year 10 work experienceJust before the summer all our Year 10 students undertook 2 weeks’ work experience. This is an important part of learning about the world of work and a chance to gain new skills. The variety of placements included leisure centres, nurseries, shops, the Manchester Museum, FC United Football Club and Manchester City Football Club. In addition, 30 of our students were placed in The Co-operative Group’s head office (One Angel Square) and within their banking group.It was a huge success and all our students came back having really enjoyed it and

having gained a lot of new skills that they will use in their last year at The Co-operative Academy of Manchester and beyond. The process for our new Year 10 students will start in October, and students can see me if they want to discuss their placements which will take place in June 2015.

Mrs Godfrey

Here are some quotes from the students:

“I learnt how to communicate with people that I don’t know”

“I learnt that I can work independently and can get along with people who I don’t know”

Here are some quotes from the employers involved:

“Shows willingness to challenge his own personal goals and works well in a team environment as well as individual” (Co-operative Bank)

“Superb - best student ever had, shows initiative like a member of team, brilliant, happy, mature beyond years” (Camberwell Park Specialist School)

Student gardeners exhibit a show garden at Tatton Park Flower ShowOur student gardeners and GCSE Art students created a show garden which was exhibited to the public at the prestigious RHS Tatton Park Flower Show in July.

This year, participating schools were asked to create gardens inspired by books, and the academy’s garden was inspired by the classic children’s book The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle. This is a book that started a literacy journey for many of the students, and which has stretched the skills of student gardeners and GCSE art students. The after-school gardening club spent months carefully cultivating caterpillar host plants such as cabbage as well as vibrant flowering Echinacea, Buddleia and others as favoured by butterflies. Meanwhile our art students created a fantastic backdrop following the distinctive visual style of the book and delicate details, including a cocoon

and paving stones decorated with the foods eaten by the Very Hungry Caterpillar. Student gardener Danny Walker enjoys the real life experience gained from gardening and may even consider a horticultural career in the future. He says that the public has had the opportunity “to see what good work the academy has done”. All schools gardens were judged and we were delighted to be ‘Highly Commended’ – one of only a few school gardens to be judged so highly.

Ms Palkimas, Ms Matthews, Mr Davies, Mrs Baldwin, Mrs Wright, Ms Smith

Tatton Park Flower Show



Praise Pod

Date Name Year GroupOutstanding Piece of Work exceeding

student’s target level

A piece of work which reflects

outstanding effort and improvement

Demonstrates real willingness to be a great learner

15/09/14 Andrew Palmer 11 Purple 2 ü ü15/09/14 Beth Clayton 9 Blue 3 ü15/09/14 Abdiqadir Osman 7 Green 1 ü15/09/14 Masie Wilcox Taylor 11 Purple 2 ü15/09/14 Nathan Corry 11 Purple 4 ü15/09/14 Louis Shiels 7 Blue 3 ü ü ü15/09/14 Salman Ali 11 Purple 5 ü ü

Praising student achievementThe Praise Pod provides an opportunity for students to have an appointment with the Principal and receive praise and a certificate, which recognises their achievements in the classroom.

Each student will be read their individual achievements. Students will be nominated by staff and will be given an

appointment to see the Principal on a Monday.

Criteria for the Praise Pod:

• An outstanding piece of work exceeding the student’s target level. To achieve this, the student will need to work independently and will no doubt have revisited their work a number of times to ensure its quality.• A piece of work which reflects outstanding effort & improvement.• Demonstrates a real willingness to develop skills to become a great learner. The student will have needed to ensure they are developing the 5 R’s below: • Resilient-persists, overcomes difficulty, takes risks. • Resourceful- shows initiative, demonstrates research skills, creative, works well interdependently. • Reasoning- thinks and reviews, analyses patterns, deals well with conflicting ideas. • Responsible - motivated to pursue goals, acts on feedback, proactive partner in learning, skilled at working collaboratively, shows leadership skills. • Reflective - learns from experience, can improve on own learning, learns from research, helps to create the big picture, makes own connections in learning, reflects and acts on feedback.

The first Praise Pod of 2014/15 is Maths - well done to the following students.

Learning and earning in our new rewards systemAs well as receiving praise from the Principal, students in the Praise Pod will also receive extra Vivo miles – part of our new system to recognise and reward student achievement.

Vivo miles are like a virtual currency. All members of staff can award Vivo miles for special effort in lessons, brilliant homework, contribution to life inside and outside the academy and more. Students can then spend their Vivo miles in the online shop, or they can even donate them to charity. There are all sorts of items available in the shop, from keyrings and stationery to bigger items like footballs and sports equipment for those who like to save their Vivo miles.

All students have an account with the vivo website and can even keep track of their Vivo miles with an app for Apple and Android devices.

Students are

nominated for

Praise Pod by

staff and given an

appointment with

the Principal

News in Brief


Year 11 promIt was a delight to see our Year 11 school leavers dressed up in June in their suits and dresses for the prom, which was held at the Mercure Manchester Hotel at Piccadilly Gardens in the city centre.

We look forward to seeing these young people again at our Presentation Evening, to be held at the academy on Thursday 20 November.

Big tickThe academy’s lead sponsor, The Co-operative Group, has been awarded a prestigious award for its work with our academy.

Business in the Community, a charity whose president is The Prince of Wales, awarded The Co-operative Group a Big Tick award at a ceremony in June 2014.

Laura Boonham, National Projects Assistant at The Co-operative Group collected the award on behalf of the Group in the same week she had been managing the Year 10 work experience programme..

The academy as a community venue


To discuss your requirements contact Mr Allen Moth, Facilities Manager on 0161 300 5893 or email [email protected]

Hire our facilitiesfor your club, group or event Our facilities available for hire include:• Brand new 3G football pitch

• 5-7-9 a-side and full-sized pitch available

• LED-lit sports hall

• Dance studio

• IT suites

• Meeting rooms, auditorium and more

Competitive rates and reductions for block bookings

NEW for 2014 3G football pitch

Leadership & management

“Good”“Students take on additional responsibilities enthusiastically” Behaviour & safety of pupils

“Good”“The co-operative values that underpin the academy are apparent in relationships between adults and students”

Quality of teaching

“Good”“Teachers build good relationships with their students and consistently show concern for them as individuals”

“Since coming to this school I’ve met loads of new people and made loads of friends.”Chelsea, Year 7 student

@camdotcoopcamdotcoop

Visit us online: www.cam.coop

The Co-operative Academy of ManchesterPlant Hill Road, Higher Blackley, Manchester M9 0WQ

“I really like it here because it’s so fun and

I love the independence. Some of my least favourite lessons are becoming my

favourite lessons!”

Clare, Year 7 student

We have the highest attendance rates of Manchester

schools

Upcoming eventsPlay the Game: Community FootballEvery Wednesday, 4pm – 5pm Open to 6 -14 year olds, £2 a session or free for academy students Run by City in the Community

Autumn Open DayThursday 2 October, 4pm – 7pm

Family Fun Bingo EveningWednesday 8 October, 5pm – 7pm

Half term activity clubMonday 27 and Tuesday 28 October, 10am – 2pm each dayOpen to 7 -13 year olds, £4 a session Find the programme at www.cam.coop/halfterm

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Academy Life newsletter October 2014

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