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Dear Parent/Carer,
Princess Beatrice tells pupils: “Dyslexia is an opportunity”
It’s not every day pupils at Bolingbroke Academy have the opportunity to meet a Princess. On Thursday
Princess Beatrice visited Bolingbroke Academy to observe the excellent practice in our classrooms to sup-
port all learners and in particular pupils diagnose with dyslexia. Last month we were the first ARK School to
be awarded the Dyslexia quality mark . Princess Beatrice praised our pupils and staff for their outstanding
achievements throughout the year. During her visit she met a group of pupils and discussed how she felt
about her dyslexic. Princess Beatrice said
Tristran Seguim, (Class of 2021) said: “It was really exciting to meet Princess Beatrice, I was quite nervous before
though. I really enjoyed it and she was very nice. The teachers at my school help me a lot to understand certain
things and my English teacher will help me get my grades up as I was struggling before, now I feel much more confi-
dent in English.”
More pictures of the day can be seen on page three.
A special thank you to our Parent Council and in particular Patrizia Gnoato for coordinating a large team of
parents to create, set up our first Spring Fair. It was a terrific success. Please see page four for more
details.
Thank you to all our parents/carers for your continued support and I look forward to seeing many of you at
this weekend’s 16 mile Challenge for the second year running!
Warmest Regards
Ms C Edis
Principal
Volume. 2 Issue. 12
Thursday 8th May 2014
Bolingbroke Academy is proud to be green. The Courageous Hound will be emailed unless otherwise requested. A few newsletters will be available at reception.
“Dyslexia is not a pigeonhole to say you can’t do anything. It
is an opportunity and a possibility to learn differently. You
have magical brains, they just process differently. Don’t feel
like you should be held back by it.” Princess
Beatrice continued:
“I went to a school that was really dyslexia friendly, like Bol-
ingbroke Academy. Pretty much half of my class was dyslexic.
The most important thing was having great teachers who
took the time to make sure we were all really well supported.
I did a lot of extra classes, a lot of practice, and a lot of
asking questions!”
All the parents did us proud
with their bake off!
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NEW STAFF AT BOLINGBROKE ACADEMY
By Ms Edis
This year will continue to expand our teaching staff. I’m delighted to introduce the following staff who will
commence in September 2014.
Ms Widdowson (English Teacher) graduated from the University of the West of England with a first class
honours degree. She commenced her teaching career in Devon and comes with a wide number of experi-
ences with a focus on stretching the most able pupils. She is looking forward to moving to South London
and joining our team as we prepare for our third cohort.
Ms Khan (English Teacher) graduated from Kings College with a Masters before commencing her PGCE at
Canterbury University. She is a participant of the Teach First programme and currently completing her sec-
ond Masters in Leadership and Education.
On Tuesday 6th May Ms Sarwar joined Miss Gilbert and her
administration team. She has had a wide range of experiences
in Primary and Secondary schools developing attendance and
administrative systems. She will be instrumental in developing
our communications to parents to ensure you are informed
of the latest news from the Academy.
Since Easter Ms Wheeler has been a welcome addition, initially on Monday and Tuesday’s, as the perma-
nent Lead Teacher of Art & Design Technology. She a highly creative and experience teacher with
excellent skills to set up our new Art & Design Technology department in the lower ground floor for
September 2014. In September she will be commences her post full time. On Wednesday, Thursday &
Friday Mr Adegbenle will be taking her classes to ensure a smooth transition between teachers and high
quality work is produce to show off in our new art rooms.
Ms Sherman (Modern Foreign Language Lead Teacher) graduated from Leeds University in 2008 with a
Bachelor of Arts (BA) Joint Honours in French and German. She has extensive experience of GCSE and
A’ level and will continue the fantastic work of Ms Schon to motivate and inspire pupils with Ms Konne-
radt throughout key stage 3 and beyond. Mr Khan has joined the team to teach Ms Schön’s German’s
classes until September 2014. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr Wilson who has
stepped in take over our Latin enrichment two mornings a week.
BOLINGBROKE ACADEMY PROUDLY PRESENTS
ILP RECITAL EVENING
Wednesday 21st May 2014
6pm
Solo and small performers by a selection of pupils on the Instrumental Lesson Programme
Venue: Bolingbroke Academy
All Welcome
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ROYAL VISITOR TO BLOLINGBROKE ACADEMY
Here are some more photos from the special day
Princess Beatrice looks over Mohamed’s work
A wonderful group shot. After a busy question
and answer session.
Princess Beatrice speaks to staff to discuss how they
adapt their teaching for Dyslexic pupils.
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FAITHS DIRECT Each year young people from schools across the borough take part in Faith Direct Event. It is unique because it al-
lows pupils an opportunity to fire a series of questions at representatives from the borough’s different faith groups.
It brings together speakers from Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Jewish Baha'i, Humanist and Buddhist communities.
This year Ms Bessa and Ms Rose took a selection of pupils who had excelled in RE last term to this very interesting
afternoon.
Olivia Mangroo who attended the meeting said “ It was such a great opportunity to speak to people from different
faiths and communities”
AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH 2nd April - International Autism Awareness
By Ms Rassette
The day was celebrated across the academy with pupils, staff and parents taking part in various ways!
First Bolingbroke Autism Support Group Meeting
The inaugural meeting of the Bolingbroke Academy ASD Parent/Carer Support Group took place on 2 April 2014
with practitioners from Garratt Park Advisory Service, parents and staff all taking part.
This session dealt mainly with ways in which we can support our pupils on the spectrum to understand subtle social
norms that might be confusing. We discussed the social stories, 1:1 support and Civitas programme as key aspects to
the provision given at Bolingbroke which will aid in the development of the crucial social skills necessary to be
successful.
Further meetings will see important speakers invited to the group, specific topics discussed and possible film viewings
to enlighten and clarify the many and varied aspects of ASD. It is our hope that all parents/carers and staff interested
in supporting those pupils with ASD will become involved in the various meetings and activities cultivated at Boling-
broke.
We warmly invite you to our next coffee session on 11 June at 4pm.
Dami was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when he was 14 years old
but that didn’t stop him being elected as Deputy Young Mayor of Lewi-
sham shortly afterward. Dami is currently studying Politics and Parliamen-
tary studies at the University of Leeds which included a one year intern-
ship in Parliament. Dami gave a captivating assembly to the whole school
reminding each of us that while some people may be different we should
all be treated with the same respect.
Ambitious About Autism – Lace Up Charity Event
Pupils and staff got into the spirit of the day by wearing different
shoes and socks to ‘walk a mile in someone elses’ place. ‘ This event
raised almost £200 for Ambitious About Autism, a local London char-
ity that focuses on improving the lives of those with an ASC.
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MESSAGES FROM MUSIC DEPARTMENT
By Ms Reeve & Ms Dyne
Scholar & Apprentice Recital 2nd April
The last Wednesday of the Easter term saw the Music Scholars/Apprentices hold their first-ever recital evening at
Bolingbroke Academy. The performances were of the highest quality, and included a wide variety of styles from rock
to jazz to classical. Extra congratulations go to Arthur Kergall, who stepped in at the very last minute to cover the
vocals on Led Zeppelin’s ‘Immigrant song’, and Jasmine Liu (with Moniece Mullings) premiering her original song
‘Believe’. The concert also featured the newly-donated Bluthner grand piano (pictured), kindly loaned to us by local
resident Mr Alan Meyer – we are incredibly grateful for your generous contribution to our school.
Congratulations to the following pupils on some fantastic performances:
Scholars: Moniece Mullings (voice), Jasmine Liu (piano/voice/composition), Dylan Bowles (guitar/drums), Eugenie
Faure (piano)
Apprentices: Arthur Kergall (voice), Betty Smith (trumpet), Shannon Clarke (clarinet)
Thanks must also go to Viva Givanni (bass guitar) for supporting Dylan with his performances
Fusion Ensemble Residential 4th - 6th April
At the very end of the Easter term, 7 Bolingbroke pupils set off for the annual Fusion & Spark residential weekend -
this year held at the magnificent Wellington College.
As well as Fusion Band rehearsals, the children were also split into chamber groups that performed music in various
styles.
Highlights of the weekend included:
Joint performances with the fantastic Spark choir
Superb performances of ‘Tequila’, ‘Just the way you are’, ‘Get lucky’ and ‘Fabulous swing kid’ at the chamber
music concert
Jasmine doing a specially-arranged performance of her song ’Believe’
Building a wagon…
‘Sheep’ herding…
A night hike – VERY SCARY!
Charlie being given the ‘Brass section award’ for his great trombone playing and attitude
Many 3-course meals – soooooo much food!
The Fusion Ensemble is made up of gifted & talented musicians from across the ARK network. They will be perform-
ing (along with singers from the Bolingbroke Choir) at the ARK Music Gala on 7th July, at The Barbican.
Congratulations to the following pupils for their commitment to this project:
Dill Shepherd (Trumpet)
Ellie Shepherd (Flute)
Grace Chalkley (Flute)
Jasmine Liu (Piano/Percussion)
Charlie Venes (Trombone)
Betty Smith (Trumpet)
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LIGHTS, CAMERA, PARLIAMENT COMPETITION
By Ms Kelly
Meeting House of Lords Peers, touring the House of Lords, having your own film shown at the British Film Institute
and celeb spotting Ed Miliband were all in day's work for Anais Delforge Mistry and Amira Zanabi before the Easter
holidays. As previously reported in the Courageous Hound, the two year 8 pupils won the storyboard category of
the national Lights, Camera, Parliament competition and attended the prize winner’s day on Tuesday 1st April.
All the winners gathered at the Houses of Parliament and met with House of Lords Peers to discuss their laws, why
they feel they are important and the impact they will have on young people. The winning entries dealt with a range
of issues including increasing the number of litter bins, reducing the speed limit near schools and our Bolingbroke
winning entry - men and women having equal sports coverage.
Arthur Kergall, Ruthie Parkman-Eason and Dilan Polat all received highly commended certificates for their entries
on making first aid compuslary and ensuring every school has its own dedicated bus route. The highlight of the day
was all the winning entries being shown in the big screen at the British Film Institute before pupils were awarded
their trophies. Describing the day Anais said, "We really enjoyed ourselves and it was a new experience for us. It
made us realise that fighting for what we believe in is really important. "
Anais and Amira
collecting their certificates
A group photo with all the winning
entries.
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MUSEUM OF DOCKLANDS
By Shannon, Brandon, Yusuf and Jade - Year 8
On Wednesday 2nd April we went on a Geography trip to the Museum of London Docklands with Ms Blacklock, Ms
Robinson and Ms Brown. We got there by a G1 bus, then northern line from Clapham South to Bank, then the DLR
to Westferry and then we walked to the museum. The DLR was really fun because we sat at the front and it went
really fast, and it felt like we were driving the train. On the walk to the museum, we saw some boats and the docks
where ships from all around the world used to come to with all their food and materials from around the world.
We saw old pictures of the people who lived in those days, and learned what their houses and jobs were like. We
saw all the different people who moved to London in the past and about their lives and why they moved to London
from all their different countries. We saw about all the spices and other smelly things that people brought to Lon-
don on their big ships. They were things like vanilla, cinnamon, cloves and black pepper. In ‘Sailortown’ we saw old
houses and shops, we sat in some of the shops and it was very dark and spooky. We had lunch in the basement din-
ner hall, and then watched a film about bombs dropping on London in the war. We sat in the bomb shelter and
learned about life in London during the war. We had so much fun looking at all the exhibits. Afterwards we walked
around all the tall buildings in Canary Wharf, which were so big they went past the clouds. Yaslam wants to work on
the top floor of the tallest building! We then did the journey but in reverse, back to school. We had a really good
time and learned lots about migration to London, but also other interesting things about what London was like in
the past and also nowadays.
Taking a look around the
fantastic Docklands Museum
and taking in some of the
history.
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BOLINGBROKE ACADEMY’S
FIRST SPRING FAIR
Thank you to all the parents who took part in such a wonderful day.
There was a huge selection of stalls and games for
everyone to enjoy. It was a brilliant way to start our first Spring Fair
and it will be a big competition for future years.
Here is a just a selection of what was on offer:
A school raffle
Karaoke
Bouncy castle
Lots of food stalls - cakes, pizza and Oddono’s Ice Cream
Sweet Cart
Face Painting….and much much more
RAISING
APPROX
IMATLY £8,000!!
“What an amazing day”
“What a great first fair - so
impressed with Bolingbroke”
“BEYOND
EVERYONES
EXPECTATIONS”
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PARENT COUNCIL NOTICE BOARD
16 MILE THAMES -SIDE CHALLENGE
Sign up Sign Up For the Bolingbroke Challenge………………..
After a successful inaugural year please do join us for a second Bolingbroke Academy 16 Mile* Thames
Challenge. This is a chance to raise money for the Bolingbroke Academy minibus whilst enjoying some
fresh air, exercise and river views.
Date Saturday 10th May 2014
Start: 09:00 – Hampton Court
Finish: 15:00 – Putney
*8 mile version available.
To register simply go to:
https://regonline.activeeurope.com/bolingbrokeacademy16milethameschallenge2014
To Donate simply go to:
http://www.justgiving.com/bolingbrokeacademyschoolminibus
NEXT PARENT COUNCIL MEETING
SAVE THE DATE
Thursday 22nd May 18:30 - 19:00 - Food Sampling
19:00 - 20:00 - Meeting
Please let Miss Gilbert know if you would like to attend the meeting
CONTACT LIST Due to data protection the school is unable to share your details with the Parent Council however it is
important that you can all communicate and keep in touch with the latest news. If you would like to be
added to the Parent Council Contact List please send the following information to the email addresses
below:
Year 7 parents to email [email protected]
Year 8 parents to email [email protected]
We need 1) Pupil name
2) Name of house
3) Name of parent/guardian
4) Parent/guardian's email address
5) Parent/guardian's mobile number
Following on from last terms meeting
Ms Crabtree will be giving parents an
opportunity to sample some of the
Family Dining meals and will be around
to answer some of your questions.
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HOUSE COMPETITIONS
SCOORES ON THE DOORS!
Competition Erskine Klein Smyth Verbiest
Brought Forward 164 168 95 120
Maths Challenge
2 3
Emanuel Science Day
3
2
World Book Day Potatoes 5
14 10
12
Civitas Book Quiz Winners
38
20
Guess The Book Character 116
102 221
324
Anti - Bullying Posters
5
30
Spring Fair Poster
20
15
Lace Up Competition 37 31 42 40
Last Day of Term Egg Competition 150 130 109 206
Science Week Competition 35 5 30
ASD Competition 10 5 20
Pi Challenge 3 19 4 23
Total 523 479 547 850
PI HOUSE COMPETITION
Pupils had to see if they could recite the Pi number to as many places as possible. The results were
impressive:
Bronze Noah Davy (Klein)
Silver Eugenie Faure (Klein)
Gold Theo Rooney (Verbiest)
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Week Commencing
12th May 2014
Monday
Sweet & Sour Mixed Vegetable Stir fry
(V)
Egg Noodles
Rice Noodles *
Ice cream
Tuesday
Beef & Onion Pie
Cheese & Onion Pie(V)*
Mash
Peas
Tomato Sauce
Fruit
Wednesday
Jacket Potatoes
Tuna
Baked Beans (V)*
Cheese
Yoghurt
Thursday
BBQ Chicken
BBQ Quorn(V)*
Potato Salad
Green Salad
Summer Pudding
Friday
Breaded Fish
Breaded Quorn(V)*
Chips
Peas
Chocolate Cereal Treats
FAMILY DINING MENU
Week Commencing
19th May 2014
Monday
Macaroni & Cheese (V)*
Mixed Vegetables
Strawberry Eton Mess
Tuesday
Jerk Chicken
Jerk Quorn (V)*
Rice & Black Eyed Beans
Flapjacks
Wednesday
Margherita Pizza (V)*
Salad
Fruit
Thursday
Beef Chilli
Quorn Chilli (V)*
Mixed Vegetables
Jacket Potatoes
Yoghurt
Friday
Lamb Burgers in a Bun
Vegetable Burgers in a Bun (V)*
Peas
Skinny Chips
Brownies
INSTRUMENTAL LESSON PROGRAMME (ILP)INSTRUMENTAL LESSON PROGRAMME (ILP) If your child is involved in extra ILP lessons you should have received an invoice from them
detailing the fees for the Summer Term. This may include instrument hire and/or music
exam fees. If you child didn’t receive one, please let Miss Dyne know as soon as possible!
Please make sure you pay this promptly using the new WisePay system. If you have any
questions or concerns please contact Miss Dyne [email protected]
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WISEPAY REMINDER
By Ms Thunhurst
Online Payments are coming to Bolingbroke Academy! We are delighted to announce that parents and carers can now pay for trips, music lessons and break time
food via our new secure online service, WisePay. You can make payments online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You no longer have to remember to write
cheques or make repeated bank payments direct to the Academy. WisePay helps you to see clearly what has been paid and any balances owing. It can help you to budget and
manage payments via instalments. There are many benefits for parents and carers using WisePay:
Quick and easy to use Payments can be made when the Academy is closed Safe and secure service Own private account history available at anytime Balances can be viewed 24/7 Quick and easy way to find information about trips, events etc No more writing cheques All major debit and credit cards taken
Look for the logo on the front page of the Academy website – click on the logo to access
your account. Your login details and more information were sent out with your child’s end of term report.If
you haven’t received them please contact Ms Thunhurst [email protected]
Year 8 parents & carers – Break Time food payments are changing!
If your child wishes to buy food at Break time, from the Summer term they must do so using our new cash-
less system. This works using a secure electronic biometric system. When a pupil buys food items at Break,
they will be asked to press their finger onto the ID pad to make the payment. The till will identify them and
debit their account accordingly.
To put money onto your child’s account, go to the Academy homepage and look for the
logo. After you have logged in choose Food and Drink, then Break Time Food. You can choose a pre-
set amount, or put in your own amount. This will credit your child’s account with the money, which they
can then spend as they choose on Break time food. If they spend all the money on their account, they will be
unable to buy any more food until their balance is back in credit. Please note that Academy staff will not regulate what food is being purchased by any child, unless the situa-
tion is clearly unreasonable. Therefore please do not load your child’s account with a large amount of money
if you feel that they will spend it too quickly – small top ups made often are recommended in this instance. You will be able to see details of what your child has bought via your WisePay account – choose My Wise
Account for details.
Your account name and log in details were sent home with your child’s end of term report.
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STAFF CONTACTS
A reminder of staff contact details
THE CORE TEAM
Role Name Email address
Principal Ms Edis [email protected]
Vice Principal Mr Speight [email protected]
Assistant Principal, Behaviour & Ethos Ms Bessa [email protected]
Operations Manager Mrs Horrocks [email protected]
PA to the Principal/Communications Manager Miss Gilbert [email protected]
THE TEACHING STAFF
Role Name Email address
Art & Design Technology Ms Wheeler [email protected]
English Subject Leader Miss Kelly [email protected]
English Ms Quincey [email protected]
English Ms Hopkins [email protected]
Geography Teacher and DoE Assessor Ms Blacklock [email protected]
History / RE Ms Bergin [email protected]
Maths Subject Leader Miss Donaldson [email protected]
Maths Teacher Ms Banks [email protected]
Maths Teacher Ms Tibbetts [email protected]
Modern Foreign Languages Teacher Ms Konneradt [email protected]
Music Subject Leader Mr Reeve [email protected]
Music: Woodwind Tutor Ms Dyne [email protected]
Music: Guitar, Bass and Drum Mr Favre [email protected]
Music: Vocal Tutor Ms Kirby-Ashmore [email protected]
PE Subject Leader Mr Kerby [email protected]
PE Teacher Miss Harvey [email protected]
Science Subject Leader Mr Conlon [email protected]
Science Ms Simmons [email protected]
Science Miss Westcott [email protected]
Science Technician / LSA Ms Ogbonna [email protected]
THE SUPPORT STAFF
Role Name Email address
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
(SEND) Lead Teacher Mr Constable [email protected]
Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Miss Brown [email protected]
Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Ms Rassette [email protected]
Learning Support Assistant (LSA) Miss Rose [email protected]
THE OPERATIONAL STAFF
Role Name Email address
Operations Manager Mrs Horrocks [email protected]
Research and Development Leader Ms Robinson [email protected]
Administrator Mr McIntyre [email protected]
Behaviour Administrator Ms Sawar [email protected]
Finance Administrator Ms Thunhurst [email protected]
Premises Assistant Mr Barnes [email protected]
Premises Assistant Mr Clow [email protected]
Chef Manager Ms Crabtree [email protected]
FIRST AIDERS
Mrs Horrocks [email protected]
Mr Clow [email protected]
Mr McIntyre [email protected]
DESIGNATED MEMBER OF STAFF for Child Protection
Ms Bessa [email protected]
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BOLINGBROKE CALENDAR
SUMMER
MAY
Saturday 10th Parent Council - 16 Mile Challenge
Monday 12th Assessment Week Begins
Thursday 15th Year 8 Girls HPV Vaccinations ( Third and Final Round)
Wednesday 21st ILP Recital Evening - 18:00
Thursday 22nd Parent Council Meeting - 19:00 - 20:00
Friday 23rd Whole Academy Photo
Friday 23rd Last Day of Half Term
JUNE
Friday 6th Year 8 Trip to Hampton Court
Tuesday 17th Year 8 visit Kings College University
Tuesday 24th Year 7 Concert at St Michaels Church - 18:00
Thursday 26th SCHOOL CLOSED
Friday 27th SCHOOL CLOSED
JULY
Monday 6th ARK Schools Music Gala - Barbican
Tuesday 15th Summer Music Concert - St Lukes 18:30
Wednesday 16th Sports Day
Thursday 17th Year 7 Residential
Friday 18th Year 7 Residential
Monday 21st Year 8 D of E Expedition.
Tuesday 22nd LAST DAY OF TERM - 12 NOON FINISH
Wednesday 23rd Uniform Day