NEWSLETTER 7th December 2012

Principal’s Report

As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter Mr Hall and myself have attended the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust national conference this week and we presented our work with iPads and our research on how it is helping us not only raise academic standards but to promote creativity in all aspects of the curriculum. It was very well received by a national audience and many schools have subsequently contacted us for more information. These conferences are always a useful way of benchmarking our practice on the national stage and I am delighted to report that many of the initiatives that many other schools are promoting as new ideas, are already in place and established practice at Mounts Bay.

You have been receiving your child’s Autumn Semester reports and I am delighted once again to see so many students making such good progress. On Tuesday the Year teams are meeting to analyse results of individuals and groups and so if you have any comments or concerns following receipt of your report please do contact your child’s tutor who will be able to assist you.

Next week is the Carol Concert, which is always a fantastic celebration, not only of all things Christmassy but the wonderful warmth of our students and staff, who yet again, will be performing in the staff choir. I hope as many of you as possible will be able to join us at Ludgvan Church at 7pm. This will be followed by Christmas refreshments in the Church Hall.

Also on the horizon is our Christmas Fair which, this year, takes the form of a market and affordable bric-a-brac stalls along with a series of performances by students. Students have been asked to bring in suitable items for the bric-a-brac stall as part of a House competition.

The sort of items we are after are re-saleable, good condition, unwanted presents, books, CDs, computer games and videos, that can be suitably priced so that the students can use their pocket money to do some early Christmas shopping. Please help if you can as all profits will be donated to the RNLI.

Best wishes

Sara Davey, Academy Principal

Finally, a reminder as the end of term approaches, that we close for Christmas at lunchtime on Wednesday 19th December.

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Writer Inspires

Year 8 were involved in a creative writing workshop last Friday when they were visited by Christopher William Hill. Truro born Christopher is an established playwright and radio dramatist. The sessions were interactive and stimulating and the students had the opportunity to purchase copies of his new book, complete with a personal dedication from Chris. Many thanks to Edge of the World Bookshop for their help and assistance in setting up the session.

Review by Izzy Upton:

On Friday 30th November Christopher William Hill, a famous writer, came in to Mounts Bay Academy to talk about his new book, 'Osbert the Avenger'.

It is a book about a twelve year old boy, Osbert, who is a complete genius and is even smarter than his teachers. For this reason the teachers feel that he should live no longer and decide to murder him and his family (apparently this book may be a little bit gory... just a little...). So Osbert fights back, as anyone would do if someone was trying to murder you; Osbert is on a mission to kill...

However, Christopher William Hill did not just talk about his new book, he talked about how to write your own story. The beginning, the middle and the end are the three main parts of a story. He took three volunteers to the front and asked them to put a sticky note on the most interesting person they thought would be the weirdest fictional character and then explain why. He then told the whole audience to think of a story by asking everyone where the story could be set. We came up with some interesting ideas: in a snail shell, underwater, in a grave yard and in a forest and we all came up with some even stranger ideas for characters: an underwater squirrel, a graveyard digger and someone with long legs. The ideas for

the story were: someone getting buried alive, an underwater war with squirrels and someone getting hung by their toes in a butcher’s shop window. Our ideas were random and crazy, but eventually it was time to go.

Everyone enjoyed the presentation and they also have a better idea that a book can be about anything, from underground squirrel war to being buried alive.

Novel ideas flow

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European Song Project

Seven Gifted and Talented musicians from Mounts Bay are currently in Germany taking part in a cultural exchange programme called The Comenius Project. They are joining up with other schools from around Europe.

In preparation for the trip the students took part in singing workshops with Mary Woodvine. Mary is a professional singer, actor and choir master who helps to run

the 50 Degrees Choir in Penzance. She is also a highly regarded actor, with credits on a number of feature films, mainstream TV and top level theatre companies. During the sessions Mary worked on vocal technique and harmonising; the students have been learning harmonies on two Beatles songs that they will perform as part of a Beatles 50th Anniversary Festival in Ausburg.

We will welcome the international partner schools on the project into Mounts Bay next year.

Look out for news of the Comenius Project over the next week on the website.

Business Plans

Year 10 Business Studies students have been busy recently setting up their own business enterprises.

Ideas that have been trialled and rejected include event management, candle-making and Santa’s grotto!

Following extensive research and planning, teams are now involved in making friendship bracelets, being agents for selling the works of local artists and making jewellery. Successful teams will be entered for the National Young Enterprise Competition.

Comenius Project musicians

Mary Woodvine leading the workshop

Lisa Mae shows Jowan how to make friendship bracelets

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Performances Light Up Penzance

Report by Lysette Turner

The Year 7-10 choir was fantastic, and despite the more than cool temperatures, the crowd was smiling, and some were even singing along. Hearing the students sing, many locals forgot their shopping and stopped to listen. Mr Payne accompanied the singers and Miss Osborne did a fantastic job of inspiring confidence in some of the more nervous singers!

Next was the concert band with their shiny instruments and hats and scarves. Musicians included Eden Backhouse and Ruby Stanbridge. Their music was powerful, it filled the street and put everyone in the Christmas mood.

Everyone played brilliantly, focussing mainly on the Christmas classics. Like the choir they ended with a resounding 'We Wish You A Merry Christmas!'.

'It was really fun performing live, but really cold. I think my hands have frozen!' - Ella Upton

It would have been a tough challenge to follow them, but the Jazz Band was spectacular. They opened with a funk song and as they were playing, the crowd was dancing, even the teachers. Luke New played lead Sax and accompanied by other saxophones, drums and guitars, the result was amazing. They finished to loud applause from the audience.

Soloist Mia Herbert was next, she bravely took the stage and her rendition of 'Losing Me' was beautiful. The already immense crowd grew still further. She sung again, this time with Bridie Simons, with an original take on the Christmas classic, 'Jingle Bells'. Bridie Simons ended the show, with a performance of 'Losing Me'.She was very courageous as the audience had grown to epic proportions by this point.

Even though the air was freezing, everyone was stunning. The singers were all fantastic and the musicians played superbly. I asked a few members of the audience what they thought, 'It's such a great atmosphere.' 'It's just brilliant!'

Mrs Davey said, 'There was a fantastic range of music, styles and talent. It was great to see such large crowds.'

Mounts Bay Choir

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Extreme Reading

I would like to send out a challenge to all staff and students to send in a photo of you reading in an extreme location or situation. All good photos will be displayed across the Academy on posters as well as on the website and there will be an extreme prize for the best staff and best student photograph.

All you need to do is be caught reading a book in an unusual location or situation. Send your photos to sdavey@mountsbay.org The closingdate is the end of term.

Remember the Acceptable Usage Policy please!!

Mrs Davey

Arts Award ConferenceReport by Louis Hammond

On the 5th December all the people who are studying the Arts Award around Cornwall went to a conference at the Eden Project, to learn about how we could improve our Arts Award and to take part in workshops. Mounts Bay did opera and dancing. In the opera we learnt how to warm up our voices and we had to do opera poses. It was really good fun and we sang the song ‘Toreador’.

After that we had a dancing class. In this we looked at nature and the sculptures around us to get our inspiration for dancing.

Then we went into the Mediterranean biome and performed the pieces. After lunch people gave talks about how they did the Arts Award in their schools.

Finally it was time to leave, on the way back we broke down and had to wait till the van restarted. I really enjoyed the whole day, but the opera was my favourite as it was fun to do and was a laugh.

Mr Hall enjoys his book on the runway

Dancing in the Mediterranean biome

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Maths Quiz

This Week’s Puzzle:

The school bells ring 1 second earlier each day. If the bells ring at the correct time today, how many days will it be before they ring at the correct time again?

Extension for Bonus Points:

Today is 7 December 2012, on what day in the future will the bells ring at the correct time next?

Closing date for Entries: Wednesday 12th December at 15:00. Click here to enter

House Competition

Yellow: 9 PointsOrange: 9 PointsPurple: 7 PointsRed: 4 PointsBlue: 2 Points

Green: 0 Points

Last week’s solution: The wine bottle is twice as tall however it is also twice as wide and twice as deep. Its volume is therefore 2 x 2 x 2 = 8 times bigger than the original. 8 x 750ml = 6l

The third bottle is 3 x 3 x 3 = 27 times bigger in volume. 27 x 750ml = 20.25l

Could you write next week’s puzzle? If you would like to set the numeracy puzzle for a future week click here. You will win house points.

Last week's answer was moon.

The winner was Arabella Freeman in 8 Strong, well done.

Translate the word of the week from either French, German, Spanish or Italian and send your answer to lshine@mountsbay.org to be entered into the weekly competition.

Use the word of the week in your Language lesson and get a credit from your teacher!

Word of the Week!

l’étoile la stella

la estrella der Stern

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Deep Learning Zone

St Buryan Academy visited the Deep Learning Zone (DLZ) last week. Class 2 were very excited by all our books and soon made themselves at home reading both fiction and non fiction. They were keen for a small school to experience a large 'big' school and also wanted to help us with ideas for the development of the DLZ. Class 2 were given the same survey as our students to see what they would like in the learning area. Many of their ideas were the same. They suggested an inspiring, colourful space with lots of books, some fiction and some non fiction. Some of the clubs were similar as well, reading clubs, art clubs, homework clubs and many more.

They will be visiting again when the DLZ has been finished to see if we have used their ideas.

Thank you to all our students who have completed the DLZ survey. All your ideas will be going forward to make a positive, inspiring place to read and research. Lots of work has gone on behind the scenes. Soon we will be starting the Accelerated Reader Programme, as was discussed in last week’s assemblies. Also we will be starting lots of new clubs at lunchtime and after school.

Thank you to all the students who have shown an interest in being librarians. We have had lots of interest and we will be in contact soon. If you still have to complete your application please write a letter saying exactly why you would be good for the position. What have you to offer? Also please include a reference from a teacher.

Mrs Forster

Pupils from St Buryan enjoy the new DLZ

What’s Different - Competition

Some of you may have noticed something different about Mr Yeates' hands recently.

The first three correct answers that identify:

What's different about me;How this relates to Extract 1, 2 or 3;How this relates to Robert Frost;

will win a £10 book voucher.

Please come and tell Mr Yeates the answer rather than e-mailing.

Click here to read the competition extracts on our website

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Festival of FootballReport By: Mr Lawrence

On Monday 3rd December, young footballer stars from Penzance took part in a buzzing evening of football at Penryn College.

The festival was based at Penryn College on the 3G Pitch, and there were lots of young talented players on show from the Penryn and Mounts Bay LTPD (Long Term Player Development) Centres. Players aged U8, U9, U10, U11 & U12 are a part of the LTPD centre based at the Mounts Bay Football Development Centre. (LTPD) Centres across the County are designed to provide an opportunity for young players to improve through enhanced standards of coaching and provision. They target players who possess strong levels of ability for their age. Players involved at the Centres participate in weekly training sessions receiving advanced coaching linked into the County's Player Development Pathway. Working in partnership with the LTPD Centres, players are offered a process of advanced coaching and County representation until U16s. Players have been offered numerous opportunities by professional clubs.

We will welcome the Camborne LTPD centre this coming Monday 10th December at Mounts Bay Academy 3G Pitch for another festival. The festival will operate between 5 – 6.30pm and I am sure it will be another action packed evening and will be the final session for the players of the 2012 year before the Christmas break.

Football stars of the future

Snapseed is currently free. If you are a student and do not have this app, please use this link and download the app.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/snapseed/id439438619

There’s An App For That

Mr Jones Favourite this week

I'm reading Tips & Tricks - iPad Secrets LITE

Please use this link and download the app.

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/id373311049

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“Smile please!” Tuesday 11thDecember

Break time and lunch time

Staff & students from Peninsula Dental School are holding a:

Toothbrush exchange: Bring your old manual toothbrush and swap it for a new one!

Pick up some top tips on keeping your smile happy and healthy!

Information, help and advice We look forward to meeting you in the

Main reception

Your smile is your best asset, look after it!

Brush twice a day for 2 minutes

Use a fluoride toothpaste

Reduce the number of ‘sugar shocks’ in your diet