Sir Robert Woodard AcademyDecember 2013 Newsletter

At Christmas time there are many stories, carols and rhymes that have a message that may be applied not only at Christmas but also throughout the year. One example is:

Christmas is coming, the geese are getting fatPlease to put a penny in the old man’s hat;If you haven’t a penny, a ha’penny will do,If you haven’t a ha’penny then God bless you!

Many consider this rhyme to be the ‘charitable’ nursery rhyme. The lyrics point to the traditional Christmas feast eaten during the festive period. The meaning conveyed was that the festive period, whilst a time of celebration, should also involve charity and everyone should freely give, according to individual means, even if they could only give their good wishes.

At the Sir Robert Woodard we are constantly seeking ways in which we are able to contribute, whether this contribution is through good works, such as the ‘Volunteering’ carried out by our Sixth Form and activities during Enrichment or financial. Currently, and in keeping with this time of year, we have been concentrating on a ‘Food Bank’ that will be utilised to provide much needed nutrition to the more needy and vulnerable of our community. We have also responded to the call for help from organisations associated with the relief effort following Typhoon Haiyan. The main event being ‘Christmas Cracker’ where students, staff, Chapters and local craft people have the opportunity to raise funds for what is undoubtedly a worthy cause. For our Academy’s ongoing charitable project we shall look internationally whilst each Chapter will have their own adopted organisation to support.

Brunel – FreddysmileDickens – Worthing Churches Homeless ProjectsLapper – Winston’s Wish Mandela - Chestnut Tree HouseNightingale – The Queen Alexandra Hospital, Worthing

We know that through the funds raised we will be able to make a difference.

It is a challenging time financially for many people and I would encourage us all to think of the nursery rhyme and, if we are not able to give either financially or materially, to at least be generous with our good wishes. On that note may I, on behalf of all those associated with the Sir Robert Woodard Academy, wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and a successful New Year.

Peter MidwinterPrincipal

Performing Arts SpecialismArts Festival: United Summer 2014

SRWA is proud to announce that it will be hosting the first Woodard Arts Festival next year, the summer of 2014. On 22nd November, representatives from the Performing Arts Departments at all of the Academies (St Augustine’s, St Peter’s, Littlehampton and SRWA) attended a planning session at SRWA and the event already looks tantalising.

We are planning an open air extravaganza on our new playing fields. It will open and close with all of the students collaborating in a Les Miserables medley and a huge Carnival themed percussion and steel band piece. In between we will experience the full range of the performing arts: contemporary, ballet and dance fusion; physical theatre; musical theatre; world music and much, much more.

At SRWA, the Arts Award students will be throwing their considerable energies into the event during their enrichment sessions both in creating pieces to be performed as well as ensuring that we are the perfect artistic hosts. More details will follow in due course but we wanted to share our excitement with you even at this early stage.

United in the Arts, united through the Woodard family, united in shared endeavour.

Bugsy Malone - 3rd-6th December

“We could have been anything that we wanted to be… Who can even guess how much a real friend is worth? … it must be worthwhile… good friends do tend to make you smile.”

The first week in December. The nights are short and its getting colder. Exhaustion is in the air. But for four, spellbinding nights, the Alan Strong Studio Theatre is positively glowing with warmth, friendship and energy. Bugsy Malone was the perfect antidote to the worst that winter can throw at us.

Entering the theatre, the audience were surprised to find that things were not as they had expected. Gone was the banked seating and in its place, tables and chairs; purple walls

replaced by swathes of velvet drapes; strains of 1930s jazz filled the space with warmth and candles flickered gently. We were walking into Fat Sam’s Speakeasy and it didn’t stop there: we twisted our heads back and forth to catch the action flowing all around us and above our heads; the live band transported us from the overture onwards into another world; we ducked as splurge and deadly custard pies flew; and bald headed men cringed as their scalps became the crystal balls of fortune telling.

In the ensemble pieces the company brought the place to life. The solos were a delight, often aching with sadness and loss. The mix of ages brought humour and vivacity to every scene and the dance routines were a sophisticated blend of styles and Busby Berkeley-like grandeur. What the audience couldn’t see were the army of Backstage Technicians who ran the whole show like clockwork. They are a tight team who have learned their craft on GCSE and BTEC courses and practised them in many shows. They are seasoned professionals.

The skill of the Musicians and the talent of Mr Lelean were evident throughout. Miss Lawlor’s choreography, time and support shone through. But as ever, it was the miracle-working of Miss Venn that wrought this gem that lit up the night. We are all looking forward to the day when she can weave her magic in a bigger space and many more people can marvel at what can be done with our students. For the last word must fall to the young people. So much talent in so many different ways; on stage and off; singing; dancing; acting, playing. It was their commitment to making this happen that left the audience with the strongest impression. From Year 7 to Year 13, they are friends – they make one another smile and we know that they truly can be anything they want to be.

Mr Williams

St Mary de Haura Concert

On Saturday 23rd November, the Academy Orchestra and Junior Band performed at St Mary de Haura Church, Shoreham as part of the Adur Arts Forum lunchtime concert series.

The Orchestra has been developing its repertoire over the term and the audience were treated to highlights from ‘The Lion King’ and ‘The Polar Express.’ Luke Taylor and Dominic Lelean performed a flugelhorn duet arrangement of ‘Concierto de Aranajuez’ with the Orchestra accompanying them.

The Junior Band is focussed on teaching the newest musicians how to play their instruments and develop within a band setting. Comprising students from our four feeder schools as well as students from SRWA, the Band treated the audience to six pieces including renditions of ‘Barbra Ann’ and ‘Peggy Sue’.

The performance was extremely well received by an enthusiastic audience – it even featured in our local MP’s twitter feed. We are very proud of them all.

Ms Fauvel

Lapper International

On the 21st of November we were honoured to be visited by members of the Kursk Branch of the Russian Peace Foundation. They were: Irina Agapova, School Principal, the Branch Administrator and the visit organiser; Tatiana Panevina, Principal of a school with a Performing Arts Specialism; Victor Lazarenko, Principal and Director, Kursk State Medical University as well as a practising cardiovascular surgeon; and Vladimir Trepakov of the Town Administration and Manager of Market Places. Accompanying the delegation were: Chris Holgate, a former Senior Fire Officer in West Sussex and Founding Trustee and Chairman of Fire Safety Friends of Russia; and Angie Mills, former County and Parish Councillor.

The visit had been set up by Chris Holgate who has undertaken pioneering fire safety work across Russia over the past decade and is offering to broker the building of educational links across the continent for us. There is enormous enthusiasm in Kursk for the development of a strong relationship between us and this visit gave us a flying start. From the first moment when they stepped into the building, they were bowled over by the environment in which we work. They delighted in Mark Fox’s assembly and immediately asked for a copy of it to share when they get back home. Irina Agapova spoke to Lapper students with passion – emphasising just how important it is to build friendships across the world so that all of us recognise just how much we have in common. Mr Midwinter took an hour and a half out of his busy schedule to further build the relationship and firmly cemented the friendship that was rapidly growing. However, it was in the tour of the Lapper classes that things really came to life as the visitors basked in the skill and talent of our students and staff. At one point, Irina burst into song in front of a Year 7 music class, sharing with them a Russian folk song, such was her enthusiasm and warmth for our work.

By the time they left, we had established the first project. In the new year, Art students at the Academy and in Russia will embark on a joint project around the theme of ‘Spring’. Once completed, the work will be exchanged and then exhibited in the Academy and in the Kursk school. The opening of the exhibitions will be simultaneous and linked by Skype.

We can’t wait to get started.

Mr Williams

BUGSYBugsy

MALONEmalone

SIR ROBERT WOODARD ACADEMY PRESENTS

ALAN STRONG THEATRE

Prepare to be splurged !!! For Tickets: 01903 767434 Concessions £3 - Adult £5

3RD-6TH DECEMBER 7PM

Year 10 and 11 G&T Students Visit the Institute of Education at the University of London to explore “Maths in Action” with UK leading Researchers and Authors in Mathematics: Mr Redmayne

Fifteen of our most able KS4 students attended a series of lectures and presentations including author Simon Singh and his recently published “The Simpsons and their Mathematical Secrets”; a signed copy of his book was purchased for the LRC. The students were amongst 600 who attended the event and thoroughly enjoyed the day out and the taste of University Life.

Comments from the students included:

Ben Jones, Year 10 - “It was a great day out and showed me where mathematics can be used in real life.”

Hassan Ashrab, Year 11 - “Being in a lecture was new, the topics were super complicated, but I learned a fair bit of new stuff and it was fun”

Kelsie Aitken, Year 10 - “I didn’t know what to expect, but learnt a great deal about hubs, voting and statistics, I found it quite interesting and enjoyed the day out exploring maths”

Year 12/13 Further Mathematics Students attend the UKMT Team Challenge at Lancing College: Mr Jackson

Four Sixth Form students from the Academy attended the annual event at Lancing College, following our inaugural team in 2012. They competed with 18 local state and independent schools, a very creditable 13th place was achieved and a platform to try and achieve a top 10 finish is now in our sights for 2014.

Year 7 Parents Mathematics Evening: Mr Bryant, Mr Redmayne and Miss Hurley A new initiative for students in Year 7 who find mathematics challenging; parents are invited with their children to attend a series of evening classes where we explore a range of topics including:

Which is more likely, Winning the National Lottery or Dying?How many bottles of Coke can I store under a student desk?

A further series will be offered in the summer term after the GCSE exams, details will be sent out in the Spring Term 2014.

Homework Club KS3 and KS4: Miss Hurley

Every Tuesday night in B106 we offer homework support to all students (3.05pm-4.15pm), if you have a problem with using My Maths or a particular topic, just come along and ask for help. Please note that the My Maths password has changed to ‘Pascal’. A copy of individual student passwords has been left at reception.

Homework Support for KS5: Mr Jackson and Mr Redmayne

As we move through the year we are starting to focus on further improving the excellent performance of the Sixth Form mathematics students under the expert guidance of our newly appointed KS5 Co-ordinator, Mr Jackson. We now are offering weekly support “drop-in” sessions for all Sixth Form students.

Tuesdays in C105 with Mr Jackson 3.05pm-4.15pm (A2 and Further Mathematics)Fridays in W116 with Mr Redmayne 3.05pm-4.15pm (GCSE, A/S and A2)

Mr Redmayne

Mathematics Specialism

Mr Redmayne’s Conundrums:

Question 1Three different integers have a sum of 1 and a product of 36. What are they? They can be any positive or negative number.

Question 2Santa’s Reindeer - Dasher, Prancer, Donder, Blitzen, Comet, Cupid, Rudolph, and Vixen each weigh 95kg, how much do they weigh in total?

Question 3Santa’s eight reindeer are each 225cm long; if they stood nose to tail find out how long the chain would be in metres?

Question 4Each of the eight reindeer are now thirsty and they each want 2.5 litres of water, Santa wants 1.25 Litres. How much do they all drink?

Question 5After delivering all the presents the reindeer are hungry, they all eat 2kg of carrots each, those reindeer whose name begins with “D” eat an extra 1.25kg. What weight of carrots does Santa need to buy?

Question 6You need to wrap a present which is in the shape of a cuboid. It has a length of 1.0m, a width of 12cm and a

height of 8mm. What is the minimum amount of wrapping paper you would need to use to cover your present? What is the volume of the present in cm³ ?

The answer to the Maths Quiz in the October edition of the Newsletter is:-

Easy Question:If Mathematics is worth: 112 What is the value of: The Sir Robert Woodard Academy? Clue: Try and find out what each letter could be worth?

ANSWER: Vowels are worth 7 and consonents are worth 12. The Sir Robert Woodard Academy = 9 vowels x 7 = 63, 16 consonents x 12 = 192 = TOTAL 255

Hard Question:A triangle has two angles which measure 30° and 105°.The side between these angles has a length 2 cm. What is the perimeter of the triangle?

ANSWER: Use the sine rule.Total Parimeter is 6.15cm

Future Planned Events:

• Further mathematics event at Worthing College.• Year 10 students to visit University March 2014.• UKMT Maths Challenge - for our most able students: Year 9, 10 and 11 (February 2014) Year 7 and 8 (April 2014)

We are now considering an overseas trip in 2015 within the EU to explore the History of a famous Mathematician. Watch out for further details after Xmas.

Mathematics Specialism cont.

b = 1.414cm

a = 2.732cm

c = 2cm

Brunel Chapter News Brunel Chapter Charity

Brunel Chapter Charity Committee worked late into the evening on Wednesday 23rd October hand preparing cakes to be sold during the Academy break and lunch times to raise money for the Chapter Charity Freddysmile.

Freddysmile is a charity which offers children suffering with cancer and their families a break during treatment, in the form of a static holiday home situated at Bunn Leisure in Selsey.

Brunel, after considering many charities both local and national decided that this was a cause that they would like to put their time into raising money for.

The sale was a great success and raised £50.72. The Charity Committee have many ideas to continuing their fund raising for Freddysmile and we look forward to supporting them for the rest of this academic year.

Brunel went Bowling

On Thursday 21st November, a number of Brunel students went bowling. This was an opportunity to reward the ten students with highest green card merits over the first half term but also for students within the chapter to get to know each other even better. It was wonderful to see students from different tutor groups playing in teams together and we hope that they enjoyed themselves as much as we did. Top Scorers were Ethan Gravett (115/118) Harry Moreland (114) Shelby Ingall (121) Grace Heath (130) and Terri Ballard-Bryant (118).

Prefect News

In Brunel assembly, Prefects Phoebe Roxbee and Leah Moore launched a student support group to enable members of the Chapter to receive guidance or advice from other students. This is the first in a long list of ideas that the prefects have and will be implementing over the coming year.

Textiles

Twenty students from The Globe Primary School have been coming to SRWA once a fortnight to take part in a Textiles project. The students are currently studying The Tudors and have been making a Tudor court in their school hall. We thought this would be a great opportunity to help them produce a Tudor

wall-hanging to hang in pride of place in their hall. The students picked from a selection of Tudor images which we then traced onto fabric. The students then decorated their image using fabric paint, pens and crayons and then finally stitched over the top with embroidery threads and sequins. The students were thrilled with their finished work.

They did a fantastic job!

Mrs Knight

Miss Roycroft and Mr RedmayneBrunel Chapter Leaders

Sixth Form News

Netball Match

On Wednesday 4th December the staff took on the Sixth Form in a netball match. Unfortunately for the Sixth Form the teachers won. After a slow start and conceding seven goals in the first quarter, the students kept their heads held high and managed to score a couple of goals bringing the final score to 15-2 to the teachers.

Well done to all those who took part!

UCAS Applications

Current Year 13s are working hard on their UCAS applications – 29 are applying to study undergraduate courses at university next year.

We already have one student with an offer from the London School of Economics which is fantastic. Our students are looking to study in a whole range of areas from Dance and Musical Theatre to Automotive Engineering and Production Design. It is an exciting time and students are very grateful for the support they are receiving from Academy staff and from our partnership colleagues at the University of Chichester.

Sixth Form Applications

Current Year 11s have been joining us in Sixth Form this week to get to know current Sixth Form students and to receive help and guidance in completing their applications. The ambassador team, led by Head Boy, Amr Suliman and Head Girl, Laura Still, have been on hand to support and advise potential students about the fantastic Sixth Form provision we offer here at SRWA. They have been providing insight as to what life is really like here in the Sixth Form and how the experiences our students get compare to that of other institutions.

‘Safe Drive Stay Alive’

Current Year 12s attended a ‘safe drive stay alive’ event at the Worthing Pavilion. All students felt this was very worthwhile for them and we hope it will help them stay safe and well whilst driving and whilst travelling in friends’ cars. The session focussed on the impact of drink and drugs on road safety and opened the students’ eyes to the dangers of both drink and drug driving.

Miss ArnoldHead of Sixth Form

Nightingale Chapter News Nightingale students are busy creating a bubbly Santa’s grotto in the weeks running up to Christmas to raise money for the Table Top Sale in aid of the Philippines Typhoon. A bath bomb factory has sprung up in the Science Labs. Custom-decorated, gift-wrapped sparkly smellies will be available for all to purchase at the sale – we would like to thank all of our budding chemists who have ‘cleaned up’ and come up ‘smelling of roses’!

Nightingale tutor groups are also getting creatively festive by designing their own unique tutor group decoration to decorate the Nightingale Christmas tree in a way that reflects their group, their Chapter and the Academy. Competition is fierce for pride of place on the tree – much glitter and shiny paper may be sacrificed for this noble cause!

Competition has been in the air during tutor times in Nightingale since the beginning of term. Tutor groups have been pairing up in a rota to take part in friendly competitive teambuilding sporting challenges…and it isn’t just the PE staff who have been joining in!

At the end of our first term as a chapter family, we have a large number of talented, dedicated and positive stars to celebrate this Christmas. Special mention needs to go to the following students, who have all been nominated by their tutors:-

N1: Hannah Hughes, for being such a hard worker.

N2: Paige Bester and Heather Rycraft, for generally being brilliant.

N3: Tamar Hedgecock for constant effort, and Amr Suliman for his amazing attitude and effort.

N4: Blu Lewis, for his attitude and being generally great.

N5: Lexie Butterfill: Progress, attitude, sheer hard work, and Cameron Atkinson for his extra-curricular effort and hard work.

N6: Claire Rycraft and Rosie Neate, for their excellent attitude and commitment.

N7: Dale Stevenson, for his great attitude and collection of green cards, and Lauren Redding for her fantastic contribution to the LRC.

N8: Tia Hunt, who has really blossomed this term, and Jack Gander-Redfern for his tireless effort and great attitude.

N9: Chaila Latham and Charlie Stringer, for being positive and amazing!

N10: Phoebe Kimber for her excellent effort and green cards, and Isabel McVeigh, for her attitude and positivity.

N11: Liam Fowler and Jordan Maskell for their attitude and effort

We are very proud of them and all of the Nightingale students, and would like to wish all of our parents and families a very Merry Christmas.

We look forward to working with you all in the New Year!

Mrs Pike and Ms CampbellNightingale Chapter Head

News

For our ‘Can’ you help campaign for the local food bank in Lancing, Mandela students each brought in a can of food to donate to the food bank – enough to spell the word Mandela in cans. Mandela charity representatives are going to take the cans to the food bank.

Humanities Master Class for Year 10 and Year 11 students takes place on 11th December where students debate and discuss a topic from a geographical, sociological and historical point of view.

Geography KS3 Project – Reactive Geography. Students studied typhoon Haiyan and the effects of this for the Philippines. They entered a competition to write a newspaper report and create a fundraising poster in order to raise money for the relief effort. To raise awareness of this within the school, a display board of students’ work has been placed in the plaza.

History

On the 7th November, two Sixth Formers (Amr Suliman and Tom Robbins), along with Miss Murray, travelled to Oswiecim in Poland. We probably know this area better by its German or English name - Auschwitz. As part of a trip organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust, they were taken to two German concentration camps in order to learn about the conditions in which six million people, mainly Jews, were exterminated by the Nazis in World War II. All found the long day a fascinating experience,

and whilst it cannot be said that they necessarily enjoyed their experience, they did find it enlightening. The purpose of the Holocaust Educational Trust trips is to bring the knowledge gained and teach it to others, and Amr, Tom, and Miss Murray will be working with other members of staff surrounding activities on Holocaust Memorial Day.

Mr Pearson

The Leucan Charity

In Mandela we encouraged as many tutor groups as possible in the Academy to participate in a voting process in the hope that we could secure £3000 from the Lloyds Bank Community Fund for the Leucan Charity.

Leucan is a charity very close to Gemma Flowers’ (a Mandela Year 10 student) heart, as at the age of 10 she was diagonsed with leukaemia.This charity was a great source of help for her as they provided financial and emotional support for the whole family.

Leucan was lucky enough to be shortlisted along with three other good causes in the Adur area, all of which would get a minimum of £300. However, the two charities that got the most public votes would receive an additional £2700 each, making £3000 which would obviously make a huge difference to them.

We are extremely pleased to announce that Leucan came first after receiving 2800 votes.

A big thank you to everyone that voted.

Competition Prize Winner

At last year’s Big Bang in Crawley on 2nd July one of our students entered a competition and has been notified that she won £500 for the school and a gift voucher for herself. Well done to Paige Thurston.

Mr Langan and Ms BarrMandela Chapter Leaders

Mandela Chapter News

Lapper Chapter News Alison Lapper’s Visit

On the 14th of November, Lapper Chapter was delighted to welcome its namesake, Alison Lapper to the Academy. The prefects were the first to experience her unique brand of humour and cheerfulness. They made her feel at home and she, in turn, made them feel immediately at ease with her. They then escorted her to the Alan Strong Studio Theatre where she captivated the whole Chapter. She shared her life story and then answered questions from the students. In twenty minutes she had transformed herself from being an international artist into our friend.

She then went upstairs to Ms Pigg’s classroom and entranced her Year 11 students with a workshop in painting with your mouth and toes. The students threw themselves into the experience with enthusiasm and created a fantastic mess in the process. They left wanting more and appreciating the astonishing skill that Alison possesses. She even left us with a signed art work which we will be displaying in the Academy.

She had coffee at break time with our dynamic Chapter Council again answering questions and meeting a student whose great grandmother had tried to adopt her some 46 years ago. It was a very moving moment within a very powerful day. Alison went on to tour the Academy and had lunch with the Lapper staff, starting to plan what our next steps will be in developing this relationship. We are thrilled that she has agreed

to be the guest of honour at the Awards Ceremony on the 11th December. She was also transfixed by the work of the Year 12 Acting students that she saw on her Tour and asked if she could come to see them perform. True to her word, she arrived on the evening of the 21st November and was blown away by their performance of The Crucible.

We are honoured to have such a good friend.

Lapper Chapter Charity Lapper is proud to announce that the Chapter Charity is Winston’s Wish. It is the leading childhood bereavement charity and the largest provider of services to bereaved children, young people and their families in the UK.

Our first fund-raising event is ‘Wish Upon a Star’. For £1.00 you get a star onto which you write a message to someone at Christmas – perhaps someone who is no longer with us. You then hang your star upon the Lapper Christmas tree. All proceeds go directly to Winston’s Wish to provide support for bereaved young people.

Art Trip

On Tuesday 12th November the Year 12 photography students went on a trip up to London to visit the Jerwood Gallery and the Tate Modern. The trip was organised and funded by the University of Brighton and it was an opportunity for the SRWA students to work alongside 2nd year photography degree students sharing ideas and photographic practice.

It was a thoroughly enjoyable day and all the students commented on how interesting and inspiring it was to work alongside creative young people who are pursuing a career in a creative subject. The University students visited the Academy on Tuesday 3rd December to work again with the Year 12s to produce some photographic outcomes from the ideas and concepts that came to fruition on the day of the trip.

Miss Pigg

Miss Lawlor and Mr WilliamsLapper Chapter Leaders

Art

Dickens Chapter News Chapter Charity As part of the charity work being completed by the Dickens fundraising committee the students in the Academy supported the wearing of a woolly hat for the day on the 8th November 2013. This event was able to raise £67.00 for Worthing Churches Homeless Projects. The committee have arranged a Table Top sale for Friday 13th December and a Year 7 Disco for Monday 16th December.

As part of their service to the charity the students are investigating the opportunities with Rachel Blair, one of the community fundraisers from the charity, to contribute a food bank to support the homeless around Christmas.

Modern Foreign Languages

Bruges Christmas Markets Day Trip: Friday 6th December 2013

It was not even the scrape of dawn when we gathered on a cold winter’s day to take the coach to Bruges, Belgium. The students had followed advice and had dressed warmly, all arrived in good time and we watched the sun rise as we headed for Folkestone and the Channel tunnel. It is extraordinary how the coach manoeuvres onto the Channel train and with little more than a trundling sound from the movement of the train we were soon on the French side and heading into Belgium.

Bruges is a very picturesque town, it is full of quaint little shops selling Belgium chocolates, lace and candles in all shapes and sizes. Bruges is known as the Venice of the North because of the many waterways that cross the town. We were fortunate as it remained sunny all day, so we were able to see the true beauty of Bruges with its sparkling canals, cobbled streets, horse-drawn carriages and striking architecture. The students lost no time in acquiring hoards of Belgian chocolate and one student bought a small example of white, fine lace for which Bruges is also famous.

All had a really enjoyable day. Students were well-mannered and beautifully behaved and we arrived home safely and in good time.

Business Studies

Year 10 and Year 12 Business students took part in “The Enterprise Business Game”. This is a work related business trading game that offers students an opportunity to put business, maths and enterprise skills into action through an exciting simulation of real-life trading. Students worked together in teams of 4:• competing against other teams to trade oil and make a profit • demonstrating skills that contribute towards success in business.

Chapter Awards

At the end of half term there were a number of students highlighted for their achievements. Awards were given to students for progress in KS3 and KS4. These students were; Megan Stapleton from Year 11, Kaya Cosgrove in Year 7 and Dominic Lelean in Year 8. Well done and keep up the hard work.

The Chapter also highlighted students who have been working hard in their lessons, always giving their work the best that they can and demonstrating the Chapter values whilst working in the vertical mentor bases. These students were; Jamie Morland Year 9, Ellen Francis Year 13, Erin Rickman Year 11, Bradley Hughes Year 9, Grace Wood Year 7, Harry Lay Year 9, Crystal Holyoake Year 7, Charlie House Year 13, Louis Eckert Year 8, Shaun Williams Year 11 and Victoria Sammons Year 11.

Attendance

There are 61 students in the Chapter with 100% attendance and each of them still have a chance to win the IPAD to be drawn at the end of the year as a whole Academy prize. Students in Dickens average attendance is at 94.5% which is still too low for students to be able to achieve their full potential. As an incentive to improve Dickens attendance further the ‘Kindle Fire’ draw is still ongoing. For every full week of attendance students receive a ticket into the final draw. All students still have a significant amount of time to make an impact on their attendance and the number of tickets they have in play. Make sure you are at school every day.

Mr Fox and Mr CrowhurstDickens Chapter Leaders

English DepartmentLiteracy Developments at SRWA

As parents will no doubt be aware that literacy is a vitally important part of the curriculum at SRWA.

Each month, a literacy focus of the month will be launched across the school. As part of this scheme, every classroom will display a generic poster providing pupils with information on a literacy skill.

December’s focus aims to reinforce when to and when not to use apostrophes. Other themes that will be covered in future months are; common uses of wrong words and the correct use of punctuation symbols such as exclamation marks and full stops.

Key Stage 3 Reading Passports

All pupils have been issued with a Reading Passport. This passport should be kept in school bags and brought to school each day.

Pupils are advised to use these passports in a number of ways:

1. To write down any new or unfamiliar words that they found in their reading book;2. To write down the meaning of a new or unfamiliar word that is important within a particular subject area or reading book; 3. Complete one of the reading challenges to assess their understanding of the text they are reading.

Each week we have a specific literacy focus, this includes the 'Word of the Week' and the ‘Weekly Quiz’. To have maximum impact we would like all pupils (and parents!) to join in. We promote this in school through our Weekly Bulletin and on our plasma screens around school.

Sport Round-up

Year 7 Football

The boys have continued the season in fine style with a fine victory against Felpham Community College in the first round of the County Cup. The game finished 4 a piece at the final whistle. Within extra time the boys went 5-4 up, however conceded in the final minute to send the game into a penalty shoot-out.

The final shoot out was tense with SRWA missing their first two attempts. However Zak McNealy saved the day with two fine saves and Kieran Small stepped up to slot in the final penalty for the win.

MOTM- Zak McNealy and Luke Snow

Mr Dales

Academy Tournaments

SRWA hosted the first of our “Academy Tournaments” - Badminton with five schools (SRWA, Angmering, Littlehampton Academy, Shoreham Academy and St Andrews) entering four players into an “A” league, “B” league, and a “Doubles” league. The event was umpired superbly by our Sports Leaders from Year 12 and Year 10. The SRWA competitors were: Amy Izard, Abraham Bloxham, Cameron Atkinson, and Chris Emery. All competitors played at least four games in a round robin tournament, playing all of the other schools in their league. The top four players/ teams then went through to a semi final (1st versus 3rd, 2nd versus 4th), and on to the final. Results:“A” league: St Andrews won the final versus Shoreham Academy, 21-10. SRWA and Littlehampton were the runners up. “B” League: Shoreham won the final versus Littlehampton, 21-15. Angmering and St Andrews were the runners up. “Doubles” League: St Andrews won the final versus SRWA, 21-12. Shoreham and Angmering were the runners up. Mr Fox

Year 10 Football Team

The Year 10 Football Team are yet to start their league fixtures, but continue to make impressive progress in the Sussex County Cup.

Following on from an excellent 6-0 victory against Bexhill High (away) the boys took on a very large, very physical Longhill School (Woodingdean) team. The attitude, behaviour and commitment of our team did the Academy proud, and winning 3-0 was the icing on the cake. James Thurgar scored all 3, converting from 6 yards out from a cross from Kofi Joseph Baudi, a left footed “Kyle Walker-esque” freekick, and a finish from a Liam Reynolds throw-in.

I’d like to name outstanding performances, but I’d essentially be naming the whole team list. Harrison, Elliott, James, Joe, Jerry and Dillon all made outstanding tackles against very physical, tough opponents.

The squad members are:

Matthew Jukes, Samuel Benger-Wells, Elliott Dollner (VC), Harry Sayers, Caleb Livous, Joe Hitchcock, Jerry Hopkins, Liam Reynolds, Cameron Brind, Dillon Nagle, James Thurgar (C), Jay Stride, Kofi Joseph-Buadi, Ethan Simmonds, Harrison Moulton.

Mr Bromley

Under 16 Football Update

The under 16 team played their second round tie in the County Cup against Angmering in very wet and windy conditions. The weather did not shake the determination of the boys to play good supportive and measured football. They remained in control of the ball, not wasting possession. The defence were strong and committed to keeping a secure line and this they did all through the game coping with every situation that came their way.

Performances to note in the defence were Makombo Madzima’s strength and Kyran Henley’s speed that shut down all efforts from a strong centre forward. This base allowed the team to control their game building patiently and when the formation was changed to exploit the width the team pressed hard scoring seven goals without reply.

Goalscorers were James McKernan with his second hatrick of the season, Brandon Joseph-Buadi with two goals, Tyler Nightingill and Charlie Hudson. The third round will be played before Chrismas and we are drawn against The Forest School.

Mr Fox

Cross Country

On Wednesday 27th November, SRWA hosted the Annual District Cross Country event at Lancing Manor Leisure Centre.

Twelve schools entered creating a fantastic atmosphere despite the cool temperatures! SRWA competitors and Sport Leaders are to be commended on their sportsmanship and effort.

The Year 7 boys came second and the intermediate girls came first!

Intermediate Girls: Sahara-Re Betteridge, Ashleigh Johnston, Alicia Veale, and Jaime-Leigh Gilbert.

Year 7 Boys: Brandon Morris, Harry Paterson Vandyke, Morgan Kennett, Kieran Small, Kian Shorter

Miss Hammersley

Year 7 Girls’ Basketball

The Year 7 Girls’ Basketball Team have got off to a flying start with back to back wins against Sion and Steyning Grammar School. In both games the girls fought hard to ensure they stayed ahead despite some tough opposition.

In the forthcoming weeks we will be playing Shoreham Academy, Littlehampton Academy and The Angmering School where I am sure they will improve even further!

Miss Hammersley

Gymnastics

This term has seen great success in gymnastics.

In November the Senior Gym Squad came second in the group floor event at the District Schools Gymnastics Competition, beating Shoreham Academy, Towers and Davision High School.

Well done to Megan Phillips, Jade Dikken, Kelly Green and Connie Franks!

On 7th December, fifteen students travelled to Eastbourne to compete in the Sussex Schools Sport Acro Competition. Competing in front of over 500 people, the girls performed really well and thoroughly enjoyed the day. We didn’t win any medals, but will be back to try again next year!

Miss Hammersley

Year 5 and 6 Indoor Football Tournament

SRWA hosted the Year 5 and 6 Indoor Football Tournament. The tournament was attended by two of the Head Teachers from the primary schools, hundreds of parents, and the four PE primary link teachers. Run and refereed by our Sports Leaders from both Year 10 and 12, the event was a great success, giving both staff, pupils and parents the opportunity to see our Academy, and for us to show off our students and facilities. North Lancing won the Year 6 event, with Sompting Village winning the Year 5 group.

Judo During the London 2012 Olympic Games, Gemma Gibbons won silver medal for her performance in judo. Her coach, Darren Warner, is now taking judo lessons at SRWA!

For the next 4 weeks our KS3 students have the opportunity to take part in this class every Thursday after school. A further 6 week club will be organised after the Christmas break.

Mr Bromley

U16 Girls Basketball

We have recently had a host of fixtures. The following students took part and played for SRWA: Joakima Driscoll, Devon Driscoll, Jamie Morland, Alicia Veale, Bryony Johnson, Charlotte Hollis, Jessica Munday, Alishia-Mai Carlier and Ashleigh Johnston

Well done to all these girls.

Year 4 Boys and Girls Indoor Football Tournament

On Thursday 21st November, SRWA again held an Indoor Football Primary School Tournament, with our Year 10 and 12 Sports Leaders again refereeing and running the tournament. This time, Year 4 boys and girls took part in two seperate tournaments. The results were:

Year 4 boys1st = North Lancing2nd = Sompting Village3rd = Seaside4th = Globe Girls1st = Sompting Village2nd = Globe3rd = North Lancing4th = Seaside

Mr Bromley

Sport Round-up cont...

SRWA Links with the CommunityThe SRWA Travel Plan

The new SRWA travel plan is coming together and thanks go to Ashley Downs, Annie Rolf, Ryan Boyling and Hannah Leyton for putting the video together, all of Mrs Phelps’ tutor group who waded through the questionnaires and Chloe Brooker for putting the results together. The plan when it is complete, will contain a specific package of measures designed to reduce the number of car trips made to and from the Academy. This will be achieved by increasing the availability and choice of sustainable travel modes. The overarching aims include promoting healthier, more environmentally friendly sustainable forms of transport and to improve safety to and from the Academy. The Travel Plan also offers benefits to the Academy, its students and the local community by reducing congestion and on street parking in the immediate vicinity at key times during the day.

To achieve this, the Academy will aim to:• Provide the means and encouragement for more staff and

students to walk, cycle or use the train to the Academy. • Educate students and parents about the effects of the

evident congestion outside the Academy, via assemblies and via our community web page.

• Educate students in all aspects of road safety and to adopt a healthier life style.

The objectives therefore are:• Increase the numbers of students and staff walking and/or cycling to the Academy• Reduce the number of car journeys.• Reduce the degree of traffic congestion• Improve the present cycling routes to the Academy• Increase staff and students’ health and well being in relation to physical activity New Shop on the Block

The Sompting Big Local Hub was officially opened by Cllr Barry Mear, Chair of Sompting Parish Council, on Saturday 16th November. Cllr Mear said “I anticipate that this Hub will play an important part in the improvement of the lives of Sompting residents in the future”

The Hub, in Cokeham Parade, Cokeham Road, Sompting, was opened after being renovated over the past week by a small team of volunteers who had to clear the rubbish from the previous occupant and paint over the bright red paint on the walls. Office furniture was donated by Ricardo Engineering in Shoreham.

Over 20 people attended the opening including Councillors from Sompting Parish, Lancing Parish and Adur Councils. The Councillors pledged their support and are now considering using the Hub, on an occasional basis, for their surgeries. Tim Loughton , MP for Adur and Worthing, also attended.

The Hub will be staffed by volunteers, These will be overseen by Sompting Big Local’s newly appointed part-time Co-ordinator Ann Watts. Ann commented: “I already have several local residents who have volunteered, but we need a few more to allow the Hub to be open every day, even just for a few hours”

In time it is planned that the Hub will be able to offer local residents a signposting service for issues such as debt advice, anti-social behaviour and a range of other services. A computer will be available for the use of the unemployed to search for jobs. It is hoped that a link to the Worthing Credit Union will also be established.

The large floor space allows for small groups to use the facility, such as Knit’n’Natter groups, computer training and family support groups. Talks are also ongoing for further links with Educational, Voluntary and Statutory organisations to use the facilities for the training and development of unemployed residents. When the kitchen area is renovated in the New Year, the Sompting Big Local committee plan to offer refreshments in the form of a small café.

When committee member and volunteer Trevor Crowter was asked what the vision was for the Hub he replied “What the Hub looks like, and the activities that take place within it, is up to the residents of Sompting provided that it falls inside the criteria set down by the Local Trust.” The first Annual General Meeting of the Sompting Big Local Partnership will take place on Monday 9th December, starting at 7pm, in the Community Room at the Sompting Village School. At this meeting officers will be elected to their posts. This partnership consolidates on the past year’s work to bring together both residents and business partners. At least 51% of the partnership are residents and the other 49% are from the both Voluntary and Statutory bodies.

Residents wishing to volunteer their services to either work in the Hub or assist with other projects are asked to contact the Co-ordinator by email: ann.somptingbiglocal@adurva.org or to leave a message on 01903 851282. If there are any students who want to get involved in this project please see Mr Bryant on any Thursday or Friday.

Family Maths Evenings

We have now completed two of the proposed six Thursday evening Maths sessions for Year 7 students and their parents. The intention of these evenings is to show parents how Maths is taught, what is taught and how parents are able to support the Maths Department.

A mixed group of sixteen adults and students, ably led by Mr Redmayne and Mrs Hurley, are meeting until the end of term to look at six themes;

1. Pythagaros in buildings2. problem solving conundrums3. probability and chance of winning the lottery4. banking and interest rates5. patterns in nature and shapes 6. areas, volumes and capacity.

The two sessions so far have been informative and fun, and there is certainly a healthy competitive spirit between parents and their children.

It is intended that this approach to learning will be extended by other departments after Christmas and further information will soon be on the community web page.

Mr Bryant

Chaplain’s Corner The Soil and The Seed

At the end of the first half term in our whole school assembly, I shared some thoughts about a story Jesus told about a farmer who sowed seed in a field, some seed fell on the path and

got eaten by the birds, some seed fell into shallow soil and quickly sprouted. Other seed fell in amongst thorns and was choked to death by the weeds. Finally, some seed fell on good soil and took root, sprouted, and eventually produced more. In the story the birds are like those thieves who steal our dreams. We have to be careful we don’t allow others to snatch our dreams from us telling us we can’t do the things we have set our hearts on. The shallow soil is like starting off well but falling back because we become shallow, we lose our enthusiasm, or get put off by the effort that is required to continue to grow. The weeds are like the fears and anxieties that can choke our hopes and dreams, keeping us from reaching our full potential. At the Academy we hope to be like the good soil where every student with a dream or ambition is like a seed that can be planted and have the right conditions in which to grow to its full potential.

Remembrance Day

On 11th of November at 11am the whole school fell silent to join in the Act of Remembrance kept throughout the country to honour all who have suffered or died in wars since the First World War. It was a very simple and moving act and I was most impressed with the behaviour and participation of the students who showed great respect.

Celebration of Christmas

Come and join us in the Sports Hall for our CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS on Wednesday 18th December at 7pm which will include Music, Dance & Drama showcasing the talents of our students and celebrating the Christmas Story.

Have a wonderful Christmas.

Rev Hadge

Twitter: @SRWAchaplaincyhhughes@srwa.woodard.co.uk01903 875504

Palace of Westminister

On Friday 8th November a group of fifteen nervous Sixth Form students departed for the Palace of Westminster to take part in a debate following House of Commons procedure. The group had every right to be nervous as the motion they were about to debate was a challenging one - “This House: notes the failure of the United Nations security council over the last two years to take united action in response to the Syrian crisis; supports military action involving UK forces; agrees that a strong humanitarian response is required from the international community.”

The students were very lucky to have a familiar face overseeing proceedings in MP for East Worthing & Shoreham, Tim Loughton. After a few early jitters the students got into the flow of the debate and stood up and put forth some insightful arguments. Some of the students were arguing to oppose the motion while others were trying to garner support for military action by UK forces.

Particularly noteworthy contributions came from Stewart Matthews, Hayley Eichenhofer, Shu Hua Lin, Zach Fitzpatrick, Emma Ekpo and Bradley Gravestock. However, as a group they truly did themselves proud and definitely held their own amongst the students from three other participating schools, including the International school of London. Perhaps facing the most daunting task of all was Year 13 Law student, James Hails, as he took on the role of government closing speaker. However he presented his speech with great gusto giving way and responding eloquently to several heated interjections.

Following the debate, Tim Loughton led the group on an impromptu tour of the Houses of Parliament providing some fascinating historical background on the impressive buildings. In all it was a hugely successful day out which allowed the students to gain an insight into how democracy works in this country, to see it up close and personal and to get involved in the process.

Feedback quotes from Students:

“It was great to be immersed within a politically charged environment where we were able to interpret and challenge opposing views” Shu Ying Lin, Year 13.

“The day was so much better and much more interesting than I thought it would be. Reading aloud a point in the debate has really built up my confidence and I would definitely do it again” Lauren Gravett, Year 13.

“A very insightful look into the legislative process in the UK, offering me a great reference point for my studies and outlook on Parliament” Jack Rhodes, Year 12 Law student.

“It was a brilliant experience sitting in the public gallery after a heated debate, with an outcome in favour of the side I was on” Louisa May, Year 12 Law student.

“A thrilling experience into how debates are conducted in Parliament and the rich history the Palace of Westminster holds” Emma-Louise Ekpo, Year 12 Law student.

“A very interesting and towards the end heated debate that was very entertaining. My role was to be a teller for the opposition which meant at the end of the debate I had to count who opposed the idea of going to war in Syria” Sam Lay, Year 13.

“Exhilarating, heart thumping and quick-fire; my day in the House of Commons” Stewart Matthews, Year 12.

Mr Langan

SRWA Visits/Trips

EnrichmentJanuary-April 2014

Throughout the autumn term, your child has been participating in the Academy’s Enrichment Programme. For those students who chose a 6-week course at the start of the Enrichment Programme, it is now time for them to choose their preferred enrichment options for the new term starting in January. The following is a list of the new enrichment sessions we are offering students along with the yearly courses that will continue to run.

Art and CraftDrawing from LifeHow to Apply Make-up in a Natural WayInterior DesignTemari BallsThe Making of MandalasWatercolour ClassesOrigami

CitizenshipDebating ClubFamily HistoryHow to be a WomanIntroduction to British Sign LanguageIntroduction to Voluntary Work in the CommunityInternational LinksReading Buddies

CulturalAn Introduction to CriminologyBaking SocietyBoard GamesCreative WritingFilm ClubImprovised Comedy WorkshopCooking from Around the WorldPress GangFilm Buff Club

Design TechnologyFashion - Customising ClothesJewellery and AccessoriesSlot Car Competition

MediaComputer Aided Design - CADComputer Programming and Raspberry Pi DevelopmentMusic Technology

MiscellaneousMindfulness Meditation‘The Beautiful Game’Lego Construction

OutdoorsOutdoor Education and Orienteering

Performing ArtsBallet TechniquesPerforming with Full Masks

SportBoxerciseCircuitsDodgeballFitness SuiteFootball SkillsHorse RidingBasketballLevel 1 Netball Umpire AwardSwimmingRock ClimbingTrampoliningTable Tennis

SustainabilityAllotment, Greenhouse and Community Gardening

Horse Riding Enrichment

We now have some pictures from our horse riding enrichment. All students have gained enough experience now to walk their horses around the areas close to the stables whilst others are riding out on the Downs in Hassocks. The students are enjoying the outdoors and experiencing something new.

LRCLiteracy Celebration Fortnight!

The LRC and the Literacy Team are running a host of exciting activities to get everyone buzzing about Literacy in the run up to Christmas. The LRC is home to the fabulous half price Book Fair until Friday 13th December with five cases of freshly published favourites for students to buy at knockdown prices – last year we had a rush of enthusiastic readers queuing up to buy all three Hunger Games books for just £5, and we have the same bargain offer again this year.

Mr Midwinter kicked off the celebration as our Special Guest in ‘An Audience With…’ where he spoke to students about a book entitled ‘Real Adventure’ which had inspired him as a young teenager with tales of exploration and survival. In particular Sir Ernest Shackleton’s story of his team’s escape from the ice in Antarctica and their perilous trek across the frozen wastes until he had to leave some of his men sheltering under a boat on the shore whilst he and a few others rowed to Elephant Island to raise a rescue mission; the fact that Shackleton did not lose a single man despite the dreadful conditions and temperatures of minus 20 led Mr Midwinter to read more about this hero.

There are many competitions for students to enter, including the ten word story challenge: ‘Get a sledge, find a hill, grab your friend… slide’ by Shannon and ‘He went one way, the ball went the other. Goal!’ by Kieran – entries are pouring in thick and fast! There is a Christmas Cracker joke competition, a ‘books into film’ visual clues quiz; a Twitterature competition – entries to be posted on a special school Twitter feed; karaoke in the lunch break; a fun literacy spellings quiz and many more activities. There will be individual prizes as well as a prize for the best chapter and tutor group. Even the canteen is joining in the fun with a menu inspired by books and fictional characters: ‘Gruffalo Pie with Peter Rabbit carrots’ for example!

We hope this will raise the profile of literacy in a fun and engaging way, and allow every student the chance to participate and achieve.

Accelerated Reader: The LRC is a busy hub of activity now that all Year 7 students are reading books on the Accelerated Reader programme. Classes are booked in for regular reading slots to change books and take the online quizzes, with a lucky dip prize for every 100% quiz result. This has resulted in a huge rise in the numbers of books borrowed and English teachers are tracking progress with regular reports. In January, we look forward to our current Year 8 students joining the AR programme and many more happy hours of reading.

Mrs WatonLRC Manager

‘Community Volunteering’ Enrichment SessionSaturday 25th January

@ Broadwater C of E School

There is usually a BBQ about 7.30pm and they ask people to arrive from 6.30pm to set up shelters

Everyone sleeps outside - there is indoor space available if people need it.

There is access to toilets, tea urns and food!

Participants are asked to raise sponsorship and WCHP provide forms for this.

Mrs Ramshaw

Enrichment cont....

Academy Information

Follow us and contact us by:-

Telephone: 01903 767434Academy Website: www.srwa.woodard.co.ukEmail: enquiries@srwa.woodard.co.uk

Our Partnership with Ricardo EngineeringThroughout the year Ricardo will be holding various master classes, career talks and other opportunities for SRWA students to become involved with engineering and the possible career paths available when they leave the Academy.

On the 25th October the Year 12 and 13 Three Dimensional Design BTEC group attended the annual Ricardo Rocket Car Competition. This is an event where Ricardo employees go head to head in designing and engineering a vehicle to be propelled down the Ricardo test track by a small, yet quite powerful rocket, with the objective being to cover the most distance possible. For the second year running SRWA students were invited back to take part in the event. In the weeks prior to the competition the students worked tirelessly designing, testing and manufacturing their cars, and with the weather being more favourable this year, things looked promising. All three cars entered by SRWA had good runs covering a fair amount of tarmac, but unfortunately, we just could not quite match the distance covered by the Ricardo employees’ light weight vehicles. I think it’s fair to say the SRWA students went for looks over weight with regard to their designs, and in doing so although we didn’t win any prizes for distance, the Ricardo officials noted our efforts and awarded us a trophy for ‘Artistic merit’.

The event was a great opportunity for the students to meet the professional Ricardo Engineers and engage in some friendly, design related competition. The students thoroughly enjoyed the event and learned some valuable engineering lessons, which I am sure they will be using to their advantage for next year’s race.

Students involved:

Connor Clarke, Brandon Hagenstede, Daniel James, Sam Jordan, Connor Lane, Mellissa Norton, Daniel Tattersall, Harry Tracey, Jordan Card, Frederick King, Rebecca King-Winterborn, Aidan Wood, Kai Gillett,

Mr O’Brien