Download - Point West Issue #14 - Barnfield West Academy Newsletter April 2015

COMIC RELIEFBarnfield West celebrated Comic Relief with fantastic SUPERHERO STYLE! Students and staff alike came dressed as their favourite heroes and villains and took part in a number of activities for the special day to raise funds.One activity was the filling of Smartie tubes with loose change which proved extremely popular with the students (although that may have had more to do with the emptying of the tubes to start with!)Particular thanks should also go to the 6th Form students who organised and managed the bake sale which contributed greatly to the final total.

YEAR 9 BOYS SECURE PLACE IN FINALS OF NATIONAL SCHOOLS FOOTBALL CUP! WEST ACADEMY 3-1 HAMPTON SCHOOLA fantastic performance from the year 9 Barnfield West Academy football team saw them beating Hampton School 3-1 and earning themselves a place in the final of the English Schools National Cup. The boys have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, conceding only 7 in what has been a near flawless rise to the top. The quality of football that has been produced has been to an excellent standard and a joy to watch. The success of this team this year has inspired many other students in the school to become involved in extra-curricular sport as they seek to emulate their new role-models.Mr Slater, the team’s coach and Barnfield West Academy PE Teacher, had this to say; “It has been a pleasure to see the boys develop this year and I have been proud to coach and lead them. They all want to listen and do what is needed to become better footballers; so it makes my role with them easy.”The boys are now due to travel to Reading for their final against Hampton School. We wish them the very best of luck!

ISSUE 14 | APRIL 2015

their favourite heroes and villains and took part in a number of

One activity was the filling of Smartie tubes with loose change

YEAR 9 BOYS SECURE PLACE YEAR 9 BOYS SECURE PLACE YEAR 9 BOYS SECURE PLACE YEAR 9 BOYS SECURE PLACE YEAR 9 BOYS SECURE PLACE IN FINALS OF NATIONAL IN FINALS OF NATIONAL IN FINALS OF NATIONAL IN FINALS OF NATIONAL IN FINALS OF NATIONAL

saw them beating Hampton School 3-1 and

the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys the English Schools National Cup. The boys have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year, have scored a total of 70 goals so far this year,

The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced The quality of football that has been produced has been to an excellent standard and a joy to has been to an excellent standard and a joy to has been to an excellent standard and a joy to has been to an excellent standard and a joy to watch. The success of this team this year has watch. The success of this team this year has watch. The success of this team this year has watch. The success of this team this year has watch. The success of this team this year has watch. The success of this team this year has

COMIC RELIEFCOMIC RELIEFCOMIC RELIEF

lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want lead them. They all want to listen and do what to listen and do what to listen and do what to listen and do what to listen and do what to listen and do what is needed to become is needed to become is needed to become is needed to become is needed to become is needed to become is needed to become is needed to become is needed to become is needed to become better footballers; so it better footballers; so it better footballers; so it better footballers; so it better footballers; so it better footballers; so it better footballers; so it better footballers; so it makes my role with them makes my role with them makes my role with them makes my role with them makes my role with them makes my role with them makes my role with them makes my role with them makes my role with them makes my role with them

The boys are now due The boys are now due

Hampton School. We wish them the very

inspired many other students in the school to become inspired many other students in the school to become inspired many other students in the school to become involved in extra-curricular sport as they seek to emulate involved in extra-curricular sport as they seek to emulate

had this to say; “It has been a pleasure to see the boys had this to say; “It has been a pleasure to see the boys had this to say; “It has been a pleasure to see the boys had this to say; “It has been a pleasure to see the boys develop this year and I have been proud to coach and develop this year and I have been proud to coach and develop this year and I have been proud to coach and develop this year and I have been proud to coach and

‘There is an all-pervading sense of respect for every member of the culturally diverse community at the academy. Students have a good understanding of intolerance and prejudice, but without exception they state that this is not a feature of life at the academy in any form’. OFSTED, September 2014

[email protected] | 01582 601 221 | www.westacad.barnfield.ac.uk

A great start to 2015 at West Academy, including our Year 8 winning the Luton Science ‘Faraday’ challenge, Fairtrade Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, being recognised as a ‘National Citizenship Programme’ partner, Comic Relief 2015 and World Book Day. All of these events alongside a rich ‘day to day’ experience of learning opportunities in lessons.Also, congratulations to our Year 9 boys on winning the semi-final against Hampton School in an impressive 3-1 win. All the best to our boys in the final, being played at the Reading Football Ground, Madejski Stadium.’ In January we received confirmation that our 2014 GCSE achievements place West Academy as the highest performing state school/Academy in the town. The past year was a turbulent year for many schools regarding GCSE performance, at West we securely surpassed National Standards of attainment, with a remarkable 81% (+7% compared to the National figure of 74%) and 81% (+14 compared to the National figure of 67%) of students making 3 levels progress in English and Maths respectively. For these progress measures we are the top school in Luton. When we look at the three year trend of achievement across the town, once again West Academy is on the top of this table, an aspect that makes us very proud.Year 11 and Year 13 are now approaching their final hurdles as they enter examination season. We have some extremely talented students and we are looking forward to seeing them raise the progress and achievement bar even further. We would like to wish all students well with their examinations and look forward to them joining our Barnfield Sixth form or for the older students their progression to University.Over the Spring Half Term, Easter, before the Academy day, after the Academy day and at the weekends many of our examination students complete subject knowledge enhancement sessions. The fact we are able to run these sessions is a testament to the commitment and dedication of our staff and the drive our

students have to achieve the best possible results.This term we have held a number of Parents Consultation evenings (Year 8 to 13), Year 8 Options evening and a Key Stage 3 Literacy and Numeracy evening. As an Academy we always appreciate the feedback and comments shared by yourselves on these nights. We believe these evenings ensure there is continued dialogue regarding your child and for us always to consider the best next steps.We are once again extremely oversubscribed for Year 7 in September. We look forward to welcoming all of the prospective Year 7 parents through the coming transition period.Please view our website www.westacad.barnfield.ac.uk or follow us on twitter @barnfield_west regarding our most up to date information and activities. Wishing you a restful Easter break and thank you for your continued support in ensuring we deliver our Platinum standard of education.

Mr A Hardy Principal Barnfield West Academy / Barnfield Teaching School Partnership

Mrs S Akram Deputy Principal

A great start to 2015 at West Academy, including our Year 8 winning the Luton including our Year 8 winning the Luton

Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers, Fortnight, our Maths Challenge achievers,

Citizenship Programme’ partner, Comic

boys on winning the semi-final against boys on winning the semi-final against boys on winning the semi-final against

win. All the best to our boys in the final,

In January we received confirmation that In January we received confirmation that In January we received confirmation that In January we received confirmation that our 2014 GCSE achievements place West our 2014 GCSE achievements place West our 2014 GCSE achievements place West our 2014 GCSE achievements place West our 2014 GCSE achievements place West Academy as the highest performing state Academy as the highest performing state Academy as the highest performing state Academy as the highest performing state Academy as the highest performing state

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THE JUNIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM “Enterprise emulates excellence but retain your integrity as you aspire to success”

Welcome to the Junior Leadership Team segment of the term newsletter. We are really proud of our fellow pupils achievements. Recently, a few of our talented students had a face off with pupils from other schools in the district. Solely with their own knowledge, they came first and beat every other school in the competition; as a result the Academy was prized with an elegant trophy. Furthermore, Head Girl - Selina, and Head Boy - Vinny were honoured to present a beautiful mobility chair to the St Peters Ward in Hemel Hempstead Hospital where the staff aided the recovery of our principal, Mr Hardy.

Over the course of the term we have played an integral part in fund-raising for charitable causes through bake sales and other miscellaneous activities. For example, as a part of our fund-raising scheme, we celebrated World Book Day. The Academy was filled with colourful book characters taking part in our ‘drop everything and read,’ a great event allowing us to raise money and appreciate great literature.

A major focus of the Junior Leadership Team was organising our prominent Policy Cafe sessions. These have been bustling with discussions from students in Years 7 - 10. Pupils circulate around tables where influential topics are deliberated, composed and collated into data for the improvements of student learning. We were also able to organise our yearbook photograph timetable, where year 11 students were able to be snapped for their part of our Academy memorabilia.

As this is our last term before exams a wide array of enhancements have been put in place for all individuals to offer support in subject areas both after school and during the holidays (willingly) hosted by teachers - you may see some of us in the Academy throughout the break.

Although this term may have been short, it hasn’t stopped us from packing it with achievements and events. We wish you a restful and safe Easter break.

-The Junior Leadership Team


st. peter’s ward, ‘riser’ chair donationOver the past year staff and pupils at West Academy have been completing a number of charity events raising money for St. Peter’s Ward, Hemel Hempstead Hospital. St Peters Ward is a 20 bedded ward situated within Hemel Hempstead General Hospital, providing care for people with intermediate or rehabilitation needs from a team of nursing, medical and therapy staff. The service acts as a ‘step down’ from acute hospital services, and a ‘step up’ from community services. I spent 4 important weeks in the ward during my illness, it is an amazing place with 34 staff. Fund raising events have included The Three Peaks Challenge, Cake Sales, Toy Auctions, Non-Uniform Days and the Christmas Fayre and Shows. We have now raised our target amount of over £2000, and on the 16th March I was delighted to be able to return to St. Peter’s Ward with Tammy Hind, our Head Girl, Selina Mowatt and Head Boy, Vinnie Moli.

We presented the new ‘riser’ chair and ‘patient movement trolley’ to Joy Brooks, Matron, and St. Peter’s Ward staff. The chair and trolley were both in place and ready for use by the residents at the Ward. It was a really special day. I would personally like to say

a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to everyone who has supported with this fund-raising.Andy HardyPrincipal Barnfield West Academy / Barnfield Teaching School Partnership

Maths Winners Discover the Formula for Success Barnfield West Academy is celebrating another success this week with some fantastic results in the UK Intermediate Maths Challenge (UKIMC) tackled by years 9, 10 and 11 last month in a challenging 25 question paper under a strict time-limit.

There was great success across all three year groups who took part as students picked up a total of 32 Gold, Silver or Bronze awards between them. Principal Andy Hardy was impressed commenting “I am very proud of all of the students involved and their mathematical ability. Excellent results.”

Overall Harry Springer in Year 10 achieved Gold and was our highest performer with 70 points. He now qualifies for the follow on

“Pink Kangaroo round” where he will compete against 5,499 other students from over 30 countries world-wide. Miss Rashid, Director of Mathematics and Barnfield West Academy said “Well done to everyone and good luck to Harry Springer in the next round!”

Fancy a go yourself? Here is one of the 25 questions posed in this year’s paper!

“There are 120 different ways of arranging the letters, U, K, M, I and C. All of these arrangements are listed in dictionary order, starting with CIKMU. Which position in the list does UKIMC occupy?”

A 110th B 112th C 114th


st. peter’s ward, ‘riser’ chair donationst. peter’s ward, ‘riser’ chair donationst. peter’s ward, ‘riser’ chair donation

We presented the new ‘riser’ chair We presented the new ‘riser’ chair We presented the new ‘riser’ chair We presented the new ‘riser’ chair a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to a heartfelt ‘Thank You’ to

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Fancy a go yourself? Here is one of Fancy a go yourself? Here is one of the 25 questions posed in this year’s paper!paper!

“There are 120 different ways of arranging the letters, U, K, M, I and C. All of these arrangements are listed in dictionary order, starting with CIKMU. Which position in the list does UKIMC occupy?”list does UKIMC occupy?”

A 110th A 110th

[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] | 01582 601 221

COOKING CLUBCooking club has been very busy, helping with cake sales for our charity events, in two weeks we have made over four hundred cup-cakes.One of our students has been diagnosed with celiac, so we use wheat free flour to make our cakes and meals. It tastes no different from ordinary flour, but we have to check everything we buy to make sure it’s ok and contains no gluten.This dairy and gluten free cake was made by Julia Szylar and Lee Janes; we didn’t know if the colouring would work, so we were delighted to see all the different colours when we cut a slice. It was too big for us to eat so we shared it with others in the Academy.

FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHTEspecially for Fairtrade Fortnight, we invited speakers from a Fairtrade charity Traidcraft to deliver an assembly and workshop. The speakers covered a lot of fascinating topics such as; what Fairtrade is, the living/working conditions of people producing goods and products which we often take for granted; and how the charity has managed to change the producers lives through fair trade.The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.

producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!

The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft

discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.

discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.

Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.

Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.

producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!

producers lives through fair trade.The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.

Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made

producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.

The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-

Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.

discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-

Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made

such as; what Fairtrade is, the living/working such as; what Fairtrade is, the living/working conditions of people producing goods and conditions of people producing goods and conditions of people producing goods and products which we often take for granted; and products which we often take for granted; and products which we often take for granted; and products which we often take for granted; and products which we often take for granted; and products which we often take for granted; and products which we often take for granted; and how the charity has managed to change the how the charity has managed to change the how the charity has managed to change the how the charity has managed to change the how the charity has managed to change the how the charity has managed to change the how the charity has managed to change the how the charity has managed to change the producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.producers lives through fair trade.The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities The students involved got really into the activities discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-discussing the ethics and economics, using a tug-of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!of-war to model debates!Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.it such an enjoyable and informative day.

Year 8 FootBallWith only one league game remaining in the 2014-2015 season the current year 8 boys football team are undefeated in the league. With two emphatic 4-1 wins against both Challney boys and Putteridge High School, and a closer 3-2 win against Denbigh, only Icknield stand in their way of a season without loss (including pre-season friendlies). The year 8 team has also had a successful cup run getting to the quarter finals of the Bedfordshire Schools Cup.

All in all, a successful year for the boys. Well done year 8 keep it going!

FAIRTRADE FAIRTRADE FAIRTRADE FORTNIGHTFORTNIGHTFORTNIGHT

The year 8 team has also had a The year 8 team has also had a The year 8 team has also had a The year 8 team has also had a The year 8 team has also had a The year 8 team has also had a The year 8 team has also had a The year 8 team has also had a successful cup run getting to the successful cup run getting to the successful cup run getting to the successful cup run getting to the quarter finals of the Bedfordshire quarter finals of the Bedfordshire quarter finals of the Bedfordshire quarter finals of the Bedfordshire Schools Cup.Schools Cup.Schools Cup.Schools Cup.

All in all, a successful year for the All in all, a successful year for the All in all, a successful year for the All in all, a successful year for the All in all, a successful year for the All in all, a successful year for the boys. Well done year 8 keep it boys. Well done year 8 keep it boys. Well done year 8 keep it boys. Well done year 8 keep it boys. Well done year 8 keep it boys. Well done year 8 keep it going!going!going!going!


Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft Thank you to the representatives from Traidcraft and all of the students whose contributions made and all of the students whose contributions made

STEM cluB successSince September, 18 members of Yr10 have been planning, organising and developing projects to achieve a Crest award. Wednesday 4th of February saw the culmination of their efforts with the presentation of their projects to their peers, SLT and Mr Hardy. The pupils demonstrated their ability and enthusiasm for STEM throughout their presentations. Whether it was testing and launching rockets, designing better aeroplanes, making a renewable car using wind as a fuel source or robotics, the students excelled and demonstrated their capacity to promote and enhance their learning with their projects. The projects required much self-directed research and self-motivation to ensure their completion and their quality. Prototypes were made and destroyed to ensure that the final product was capable of successfully completing their goals. These frustrations paid off in the end with the wonderfully designed projects that demonstrated both the creativity of the students and illustrated their capacity to develop and adapt ideas successfully. Students feedback was very positive and a clear indication that the fire of innovation has been lit in the minds of these students. ‘Designing and adapting the rockets proved challenging but ultimately rewarding when we were able to see the successful launch ’ - Rhiane Blake 10A2‘Learning about a subject and then building something with it was a very rewarding experience’ - Natnael Mesfin 10A1“STEM club has given me the opportunities that no other club could give. I have explored science in so many different ways and I have discovered so much.“ - Mehrdad Raghem-Moayed 10A3

Project Robina: Chloe Page, Frea Repospolo, Maya CollinsProject Rocket GO Boom: Rhiane Blake, Tyler Ross, Jairah Rose Lubay, Jack Coates, Lewis WittonProject WECK: Renver Peña, Mehrdad Raghem-MoayedProject Magic Candles: Ayesha Shah, Safia Hasib, Sofia AhmedProject NO Name: Raisa Sikdar, Abdul-Akbur, Abraham Contreras, Natnael Mesfin

We are now anticipating the arrival of their CREST Bronze award certificates from the British Science Association. Mr Hegarty & Miss Davidge

STEM


GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

HANISA SALEEM (Yr12) 1) What’s your favourite food?

Has to be pizza

2) What’s your favourite colour? Purple

3) If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? I’d love to go to Monte Carlo

4) What are you currently reading? The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

5) What was the last CD you bought or Downloaded? X by Ed Sheeran

6) What’s your favourite film? The Other Woman

7) Do you own any pets and if so what are they? No, I hate pets!!!!

8) What is your favourite TV show at the moment? Prison Break

9) Do you have any hobbies and if yes what are they? Shopping!

10) If you could meet anyone famous (dead or alive) who would it be? Ed Sheeran – he’s lovely

BARNFIELD WEST NEWS TEAM LAUNCHWe have recently launched a BWA News team who have been tasked with investigating and reporting on stories from every corner of the Academy and local community including:

Sporting eventsSubjects specific awards and competitionsPerformances from the schoolWeather reportsFilm reviews.

This team will even be contributing to the next issue of this newsletter!We will be creating stories in writing, radio and video to share all of the excellent achievements of the Academy and build our English, Media and journalism skills at the same time.So far we have had a great response with a large number of attendees, but it is not too late to get involved. Come and find me for more details!Mr Kesby

Gardening News We have been working on the fourth bed ready for our potatoes. You have to rotate where you put the vegetables so this is the first time potatoes have been in this one.

We have garlic, onions and spinach growing at the moment which will be ready to crop soon.

Finally we have coriander growing in the greenhouse which came from India thanks to Mrs Akram. These will go into our herb garden along with the mint and rosemary, which will be used in the catering department and of course the school kitchen.


GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

MS ROBOTHAM 1) What’s your favourite food? Tacos/Mexican

2) What’s your favourite colour? Pink

3) If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? Croatia or Greece

4) What are you currently reading? Inferno by Dan Brown

5) What was the last CD you bought or Downloaded? Hozier by Hozier

6) What’s your favourite film? Pride and Prejudice

7) Do you own any pets and if so what are they? No pets but I wish I owned an English Bulldog

8) What is your favourite TV show at the moment? Criminal Minds

9) Do you have any hobbies and if yes what are they? Golf, Running, Shopping, Reading, & Watching Netflix

10) If you could meet anyone famous (dead or alive) who would it be? Rory McIlroy

GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...GETTING TO KNOW YOU...

Finally we have Finally we have coriander growing coriander growing in the greenhouse in the greenhouse which came from

4) What are you currently reading? 4) What are you currently reading? 4) What are you currently reading? 4) What are you currently reading? Inferno by Dan Brown Inferno by Dan Brown Inferno by Dan Brown Inferno by Dan Brown Inferno by Dan Brown Inferno by Dan Brown

5) What was the last CD you bought or 5) What was the last CD you bought or 5) What was the last CD you bought or 5) What was the last CD you bought or Downloaded? Downloaded? 5) What was the last CD you bought or Downloaded? 5) What was the last CD you bought or 5) What was the last CD you bought or Downloaded? 5) What was the last CD you bought or

Hozier by Hozier Hozier by Hozier

6) What’s your favourite film? Pride and Prejudice

7) Do you own any pets and if so what are they? 7) Do you own any pets and if so what are they? 7) Do you own any pets and if so what are they? No pets but I wish I owned an English Bulldog No pets but I wish I owned an English Bulldog No pets but I wish I owned an English Bulldog No pets but I wish I owned an English Bulldog

8) What is your favourite TV show at the 8) What is your favourite TV show at the 8) What is your favourite TV show at the 8) What is your favourite TV show at the moment? moment? 8) What is your favourite TV show at the moment? 8) What is your favourite TV show at the 8) What is your favourite TV show at the moment? 8) What is your favourite TV show at the

Criminal Minds Criminal Minds Criminal Minds Criminal Minds

9) Do you have any hobbies and if yes what are they? they? 9) Do you have any hobbies and if yes what are they? 9) Do you have any hobbies and if yes what are

Golf, Running, Shopping, Reading, & Golf, Running, Shopping, Reading, & Watching NetflixWatching Netflix Golf, Running, Shopping, Reading, & Watching Netflix Golf, Running, Shopping, Reading, & Golf, Running, Shopping, Reading, & Watching Netflix Golf, Running, Shopping, Reading, &

10) If you could meet anyone famous (dead or 10) If you could meet anyone famous (dead or alive) who would it be? alive) who would it be? 10) If you could meet anyone famous (dead or alive) who would it be? 10) If you could meet anyone famous (dead or 10) If you could meet anyone famous (dead or alive) who would it be? 10) If you could meet anyone famous (dead or


STEM DAY AT BWA!On Tuesday 18th of November, 36 Gifted and Talented students participated in a STEM day organised by the science team. It was very successful in enriching and inspiring year 7 and 8 G&T pupils. Students spent three hours participating in various STEM inspired activities as part of a competition. The pupils designed their tallest tower, made the gooiest slime, wrote mind boggling riddles, solved a murder mystery using forensic skills and worked against the clock to set up a colour changing experiment. They competitively yet positively completed the challenges set by the science teachers resulting in impressive models, products and discoveries. All pupils were engaged, challenged and gave the competition 100%. The year 10 science leaders supported the event and were a true credit.

The winning team showed great skill and enthusiasm in every task making them the overall winners of the STEM challenge.The winning group were Team Science, Elijah and Tyrone in year 8. Feedback from pupils was extremely positive and encouraging.‘We did lots of cool experiments and learnt at the same time.’ Alexandru Curcan 7E2‘I liked everything especially the slime.’ Angel Cuffy Nanton‘I think they should do more days like this’ Jemma Doherty‘Would have been better if we did it for the whole day’ Leyla Blyth

“STEM club has given me the opportunities that no other club could give. I have explored science in so many different ways and I have discovered so much.”- Faiza Habib 7X1 It was a highly stimulating and motivating event. Thank you to everybody that supported this magnificent experience.

FROG UPDATESFrog has been evolving! Over the last few months the number and variety of sites has been growing, many offering extra resources and activities to support students at home. Homework has been revitalised so students now get automatic notifications of set work and a greater variety of ways to submit it.There has also been an App released to allow easy access to Frog from a variety of tablets (just search for FrogLearn or see the links on our Frog log-in page)There is a good deal more exciting developments to come this year, including parent ‘timeline’ apps and a lot of interactive revision content.If you feel like you have been missing out so far, then please drop in the form below to BWA reception or visit our Frog page at http://bwa-frog.barnfield.ac.uk (also linked to from our main website) and click ‘Parent forgot password’ to get your personal parent log-in details.

Parent Name:

Child Name: (eldest if more than one)

Parent E-Mail:


YEAR 11 PUPILS LOOK TO THE STARS

On Monday 15th December at 7pm, 22 year 11 Triple science pupils visited the Dall observatory at the University of Bedfordshire Putt-eridge Bury campus. We were greeted by 5 enthusiastic staff mem-bers of the Luton Astronomical Society. The observatory is located in the middle of a field which is a 5 minute walk away from the building avoiding light pollution.

The sky was cloudy upon our arrival and Anthony Tucker, an inspira-tional physicist, engaged the pupils as he explained how the obser-vatory was used. Pupils were highly intrigued and asked Tony several questions, feeding their curiosity for physics.

The sky became clear at 7.30pm and the visibility of stars and con-stellations with the naked eye was incredible. The supporting univer-sity staff were educating pupils on the names, colours, positions and distances of the stars. The telescope was set up at three varied posi-tions giving pupils the opportunity to view the stars. Finally, pupils were given the opportunity to view the sky through the observatory and were guided by the helping scientists.

‘It was interesting to see and learn about the different constellations and the reason behind the colours of stars’ - Suraya Yusuf

‘Seeing stars up close and personal was fascinating, especially ob-serving the different colours.’ - Vinny Moli

‘It was a great experience learning about constellations. Overall, very fascinating!’ - Raphaela Obeng

‘I absolutely loved it! Learning about the different constellations and seeing star signs in the sky was really interesting. I definitely would go back.’ – Jade Edey-Husbands

‘It was an amazing experience! I learnt a lot and my interest in astron-omy has increased.’ – Rashed Mannan

The experience was breathtaking and I was overwhelmed by all the images I observed.’ – Selina Mowatt

‘Hope to go back soon to see Orion’s belt!’ – LaDantai Henriques, Whitney Jones & Keziah Jones

Children in Need! The Barnfield Academy Trust were congratulated this month for our on-going efforts, fund-raising for the charity Children in Need.

This year the Trust were able to donate a total of £1,014.98.

The money was raised through a range of initiatives including non-uniform days, bake sales and the various sponsored activities of a large number of altruistic students whom we’d like to thank wholeheartedly.

The money will also be recorded alongside our Academy running total of charitable giving for the year; with a target this year of £10,000. Last year we just managed to exceed that amount.

students whom we’d like to thank wholeheartedly.

The money will also be

thank wholeheartedly.

Academy running total of charitable giving for the year; with a target this year

Academy running total of charitable giving for the year; with a target this year

The money was raised through a range of initiatives including non-uniform days, bake sales and the various sponsored activities of a large number of altruistic students whom we’d like to thank wholeheartedly.thank wholeheartedly.thank wholeheartedly.

The money will also be recorded alongside our recorded alongside our recorded alongside our recorded alongside our recorded alongside our Academy running total of Academy running total of Academy running total of Academy running total of charitable giving for the year; with a target this year of £10,000. Last year we just managed to exceed that amount.

through a range of initiatives

bake sales and the various sponsored activities of a large number of altruistic students whom we’d like to

Academy running total of charitable giving for the charitable giving for the year; with a target this year of £10,000. Last year we just managed to exceed that managed to exceed that amount.amount.

HARRY STILL RULES WORLD BOOK DAY!Harry Potter ruled within the English Department for World Book Day on the 5th March. Departments were encouraged to support World Book Day by dressing up as a character from their favourite book. Students were also involved, with Uniform Plus where they wore their uniform plus something from a favourite character. Harry Potter still ruled as wands and capes, and the obligatory zigzag forehead, populated the corridors.Various other activities took place, from a PL competition to design a new book cover for their favourite book to a hunt for the books made into films in the LRC. A quick cake stall at break sealed the deal, and the day was considered a success. The only challenge now is to outdo ourselves next year!

Barnfield West Academy, Leagrave High Street, Luton LU4 0NE01582 601 221 I [email protected] I www.westacad.barnfield.ac.uk

STEM Challengers engineer a win! On Thursday 5th March, science teacher Mr Smith took six of the Gifted and Talented year 8 students to compete in the Faraday Challenge at Challney High School for Girls. The students were tasked with a safety project that involved the use of design software, advanced electronics and 3D printers in order to design and make a prototype product. Winning required not just a good knowledge in the STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths) but also teamwork and presentation skills.Many other Luton schools brought their best and brightest to compete at the event but at the end of the day it was Barnfield West Academy who emerged victorious.Mr Smith congratulated the students on their win, saying; “It was fantastic to see our Year 8s participate and become engaged with an industrial engineering task and to see them produce their own prototypes using cutting edge software. The experience was wholesome and enriching for their science education as well as their STEM learning. Winning was the icing on the cake!” Like Eurovision, the winners have to host the next competition, so all the staff and students at Barnfield West Academy are now making plans to see that the trophy never leaves!The Year 8 Faraday Challenge day winners were;

Mia Lily DrewCallum McGeorgeMason BurgessArmend MalaHannah WellsMaisha Mumin

What enabled us to win?“Innovative ideas made us stand out amongst the other schools. Our greatest strength was the ability to think outside the box, something the other competing schools lacked.” -Mia Lily Drew

STEM Challengers STEM Challengers STEM Challengers STEM Challengers STEM Challengers

Departments were encouraged

dressing up as a character from dressing up as a character from dressing up as a character from dressing up as a character from dressing up as a character from dressing up as a character from dressing up as a character from