The Newsletter of Garforth Academy

Issue 12 Summer Term 2015

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As we approach the end of the summer term I would like to take this opportunity to thank you

all of you, parents, carers, students and colleagues for your on-going and continued support

for all that we do at the Academy. We have, as always, seen many changes at the Academy

from staffing through to government initiatives but through all of this we endeavour to offer

the best possible outcomes for all the young people in our care.

I would like to share the results of the parent/carer surveys that have taken place throughout

this academic year to evidence that we do listen to your views and where appropriate, make

every effort to accommodate your suggestions.

In this newsletter you will find details of the many extra-curricular and enrichment activities

that have taken place this term.

Can I take this opportunity to wish you all a restful and enjoyable summer. I look forward to

welcoming your child back to the Academy in September.

Best wishes

AD Woodhouse

ALL YEAR GROUPS PARENT/CARER SURVEY - 16/7/2015

Q1 My child is happy at this school Q2 My child feels safe at this school

Q1 Strongly Agree Agree

54% 43%

Q3 My child makes good progress at this school Q4 My child is well looked after at school

Q3 Strongly Agree Agree

52% 44%

Q2 Strongly Agree Agree

62% 36%

Q4 Strongly Agree Agree

58% 41%

The Academy

Q5 My child is taught well at this school Q6 My child receives appropriate

homework for their age

Q5 Strongly Agree Agree

53% 44%

Q7 This school ensures the pupils are well behaved Q8 This school deals effectively with

bullying

Q7 Strongly Agree Agree

49% 46%

Q9 This school is well led and managed Q10 This school responds well to any

concern I raise

Q9 Strongly Agree Agree

49% 47%

Q11 I receive valuable information from the school Q12 I would recommend this school

about my child's progress

Q11 Strongly Agree Agree

51% 44%

Q6 Strongly Agree Agree

42% 50%

Q8 Strongly Agree Agree

39% 46%

Q10 Strongly Agree Agree

48% 43%

Q12 Strongly Agree Agree

62% 35%

LEARNING WITH STEM

The Design and Technology Department arranged a very interactive STEM event in which the students were required to label, design and construct an ‘air-boat’. Working in teams of three or four, students experimented with hull width, depth and shape. They also needed to consider the appropriate location of the batteries and propeller to allow weight distribution that facilitated speed. The results were races and time trials, all conducted in especially designed race tracks - thanks to John Sykes.

This was the school’s second STEM event in the past two years. Approximately sixty pupils with Year 9 & 10 involved.

Mr Nesbitt – MAAT Coordinator Mr Sutcliff Technology.

YEAR 12 GEOGRAPHY TRIP

On the 13th July, eleven Year 12 A level

geography students took part in the

annual field trip. This trip consisted of

visiting various places throughout the

Leeds area, collecting a range of data.

The students were looking at the

correlation between different levels of

deprivation and the distance from the

city centre. This field trip is completed in

order to answer the fieldwork sections

on the A2 exams.

Ms Matterson- Head of Geograpy

TOMMY’s RUNNING SEASON – YEAR 7

Year 7, Tommy D is an avid runner. He has had a great season and here is

an overview of his year - outside of the classroom!

Tommy’s pre-season training during the summer was hampered by a knee

injury so he started the cross country season in October, a little under

prepared. However, Tommy has had an unbelievable season even by his

own high standards that he sets himself.

His first notable victory was winning the 1st round of the UK

cross country challenge, held in Sefton Park, Liverpool. It was an over-cast

day, dry under foot and not a breath of wind. Perfect running conditions.

Tommy settled into the leading group of 3 and looked very comfortable. He

kicked for home with 600m to go and won by a comfortable 40m.

He recorded a 3rd place and 2nd place in the next two rounds of the UK Cross

Country Challenge in Cardiff and Milton Keynes. His running was improving

after a sickness hit Christmas break, he felt confident of a good run at the

English National Cross Country Championship. The championship was held

at the iconic cross-country venue of Parliament Hill in Hampstead Heath,

London.

Over 300 runners lined up in the mud on 21st February 2015 in the under 13

Boys category of the English National Cross Country Championship. The start was like a

cavalry charge straight up a 400m long hill. By the top of the hill Tommy was in 5th place and

looking very comfortable. As the leading pack climbed the second hill Tommy stormed

through the middle of the mud to take the lead whilst his competitors tried to find drier

ground on either side. He pulled away throughout the race and won by 13 second, almost

overtaking the back-marker from the men’s race at the finish line. He was covered in mud

and grinning ear to ear.

On the 7th March Tommy represented Yorkshire in the Inter-counties Cross

Country Championship the race was also the final round of the UK Cross

Country Challenge. The race was held at Cofton Park in Birmingham.

Tommy won the race by 10 seconds beating his Scottish rival

Hamish A.

Tommy also led Yorkshire to the team victory in this race.

The final race of the season was the London Mini Marathon that

encompassed the British Road Race Championship. This race was

the last 3 miles of the London Marathon, setting off a few hours

before the adults would arrive. Tommy was representing Yorkshire

and Humberside. He travelled down to London on the team bus on

Saturday morning. His parents waited expectantly and were

delighted to see him come bouncing along the Mall in first place, on his way to

setting a new course record of 15 minutes and 42 seconds.

Well done Tommy, we look forward to hearing about your future running triumphs!

YEAR 7 GIRLS FOOTBALL TEAM WIN CUP !

The Year 7 girls won the U12 cup final on May 5th at

Wetherby FC against Benton Park. It was a very

close game finishing 8-7. The girls played

exceptionally well. We look forward to future

success as they move into Year 8.

YEAR 8 SKATER SUCCESSES CONTINUES

Year 8 Gabriella’s skating success continues. In early May

Gabriella took part in a competition at

Murrayfield, Scotland.

Gabriella competed in two competitions and

achieved 2nd place in both, so it was a very

successful event.

Then at the end of May, just before half

term, Gabriella came 1st in her compulsory

dance at a competition in Streatham,

London.

Finally in July Gabriella competed in the

Primary Ladies British Championship and

came 1st. She is now the primary Ladies

British Champion 2015!

What a busy term in every way - Well done Gabriella!

Miss Dunne – Pastoral Leader Year 8

YEAR 10 FOOTBALL TEAM WIN LEEDS

U15 SCHOOL CUP FOR 3RD YEAR

RUNNING

Garforth Academy 3-1 David Young Academy

MATCH REPORT: Written by Mr Mann.

Wednesday 29th April - South Leeds Stadium.

As the game got under way, DYCA began the brighter of the two sides, Garforth struggling to gain a firm foothold in the contest. Indeed, the holders could feasibly have found themselves three goals behind early on.

An early warning shot was fired when DYCA released their main man over the top, only to see him thwarted by the reactions of the alert Josh F in the Garforth goal. The defence in front of Francis, however, seemingly refused to heed the aforementioned warning and the same player made no mistake when played in again in similar fashion. After DYCA were then presented with a third opportunity soon after, a heroic last ditch tackle from Callum F would save Garforth from going even further behind.

Subsequently, Garforth awakened from their slumber, both Lucas B and Fraser B having good chances to draw them level. Following a period of sustained pressure, a smart knock down from Rhys W found Branton and he delivered the equaliser with a smart left footed strike taken early on the turn, catching the impressive opposition goalkeeper on his heels. Josh L would then have a golden opportunity to put Garforth in the ascendency but the sides went in all square at the interval.

With the introduction of Kewell M and Harry K in the second half, Garforth began to take control of the game and it was Branton who would have the first opportunity to put them in front. The impressive Oliver W played the ball forward but a heavy touch when rounding the 'keeper ensured the Garforth faithful would have to wait to celebrate. However, when Branton rose to challenge the DYCA ‘keeper for a cross, the goal that Garforth had threatened since the break would eventually come, the forward nodding into an empty net and putting Garforth firmly in the driving seat.

The holders’ dominance would continue thereafter and when captain Kane B won a free kick inside the opposition half with a quarter of an hour to go, he proceeded to float the ball towards the far post where Branton would help it on its way into the net for 3-1, ensuring Garforth had survived an early scare to bring home the trophy for the third year in a row.

DIVING SUCCESS

Year 11 diver, Lydia, qualified in the spring for the first ever

European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan which took place in

June this year. Lydia competed on the 3 metre springboard

She achieved this after gaining qualification at the British

Junior Elite Championships at Easter and after winning a silver

and bronze medal at the 7 Nations Diving Meet at Stockholm,

Sweden in March.

Well done Lydia and we look forward to hearing more about

your success.

Miss Phillips – Year 11 Pastoral Leader

YEAR 8 FOOTBALL TEAM WINS MERIT

LEAGUE SHIELD

On May 11th the Year 8 footballers ended

their season on a high by winning the Merit

League Shield against St. Marys Menston

at South Leeds Stadium.

Despite carrying a few niggling injuries, the

players dug deep to win 4-1. Brayden E-J

continued his excellent scoring run by

netting twice with Freddie T and Harry S

also getting on the score sheet.

Every student who represented the academy had an outstanding game but man of the

match was awarded to Brayden for two well taken finishes along with his ball winning

midfield work.

POLITICIANS MEET WITH POST-16

STUDENTS

In early May, with the general election

imminent, our Year 13 students were

keen to discuss and question our local

representatives about their policies and

views. We were thrilled to welcome four

prospective parliamentary candidates to

our sixth form study area over lunch time

to allow our students to interrogate and

quiz them on their manifestos, ahead of

what would be the first legal vote for

many of the students. The candidates

were certainly put to the test with well

thought out questions and debates, our students clearly know

their politics!

With many still undecided about who deserved their all-important vote we hope these visits

have proved useful in increasing the students’ knowledge and allowing them to make a well

informed choice.

Mrs Wright – Pastoral Leader Year 13

YEAR 12 LAW STUDENTS VISIT CROWN COURT

A group of fifteen Year 12 Law students visited Leeds Crown Court on June 23rd.

The Court trip is run every year to give students an idea of how the Crown Court operates. The aim is for them to see how the court system runs in practice and the role of

the people involved and also, hopefully, to see part of a criminal trial and/or sentencing. This builds on the work they have done in the English Legal System for Year 12 and helps them for the Criminal Law modules in Year 13.

Mr Sparling

YEAR 10 FOOTBALL TEAM

The Year 10 football team have completed what was

another incredibly successful season.

The boys enjoyed a run to the last 32 of the English

Schools Cup, won their Leeds Schools League,

finished top of the overall Leeds Merit Table and

retained both the Leeds Schools Cup and the Leeds

Schools Champions Cup at South Leeds Stadium.

Well done lads and we look forward to continued

success next season.

Mr Mann & Mr Walgate – Maths Department & Year 10 Coaches

STUDENT COUNCIL VISIT HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT

On Tuesday 14th July 2015 Garforth Academy were privileged to

take the Student Council to attend an educational visit to the

Houses of Parliament. The purpose of this trip was to explore

the Palace of Westminster, learning about the history of

Parliament and the art and architecture of the buildings which

have come to be so recognised.

The tour included visiting:

The House of Commons or House of Lords chambers

Westminster Hall, the last remaining part of the original Palace

Central Lobby, at the very heart of the Parliamentary Estate

Question and answer session with local MP – Alec Shelbrooke

Mrs Kenneally – Pastoral Leader Year 9 & School Council Co-ordinator

JE JOUE THÉÂTRE - LE

CROISSANT D’OR

On Monday 8th June, a group of

students from the University of

Leeds and the Université de

Bordeaux came to our school to

present a play they had created themselves

called Le Croissant d’Or. They performed in

front of a Year 8 French class and organised a

workshop afterwards. The premise of the play

was a trip to Paris by 2 sisters who need to impress their mother enough with the souvenirs

they bring back to win the family heirloom , Le Croissant d’Or. The Year 8 students

thoroughly enjoyed the play and took part wholeheartedly in the activities afterwards. They

had to follow instructions in French, jumping, running and walking in slow motion, present

“tableaux vivants “ or freeze frame, speak in French and vote for the best sister ‘Apprentice’

style!

Here are some of their comments:

“I liked all the jokes and all the funny bits. I also enjoyed the

landmark scenes. I could always understand what they were

doing from their actions”.

“I thought it was brilliant”.

“I really enjoyed the theatre performance. I understood

the story and the workshop taught me some new

French vocabulary. The

play helped me to

understand culture and

pronunciation a lot

better and I learnt more

about France”.

Thank you very much to JeJoueThéâtre for organising the

play and introducing our students to French theatre.

Mme Thoral-Bell

YEAR 7 ENGLISH GLOBE THEATRE

PROJECT

During the summer term Year 7 were studying 'An introduction to

Shakespeare'. We have

done some research into

William Shakespeare's past

and where he used to

perform. Therefore to

demonstrate what they had

learnt, the students' task

was to create a 3D model of

the theatre using any

materials they choose.

The student’s enthusiasm for the project was just

fantastic. Their presentations

were wonderful and as a

result some students got as

many as ten good comments

(some spent over 3 hours

creating their Globe theatres

and research on top of this

time!)

Miss Sykes – English

Department

BRAIN DAY

Last half term the Psychology and Biology Department hosted a Brain

Day, run by the brilliant and charismatic Dr Guy Sutton. Dr Sutton’s

passion and enthusiasm for Neuroscience was certainly infectious and

our students were hooked. Students learnt about cutting edge research

in this field and the latest brain scanning techniques. They were

fascinated to learn about how amazing the brain is and in particular about

radical brain surgeries for Rasmussen Syndrome (a rare childhood brain

disorder leading to life threatening epilepsy) that involves removing a whole hemisphere of

the brain. Remarkably, due to the plasticity of the brain, patients do recover from this radical

surgery and lead relatively normal lives, with their intellect intact.

Dr Sutton also gave a series of lectures on the anatomy of the brain, genes and brain

development and the effect of drugs on the brain. However,

the highlight of the seminar was the brain dissection and our

students had a rare opportunity to touch the brain and see the

major parts such as the cerebellum and the hippocampus.

Moreover, students were able to discover the similarities

between a sheep brain and a human brain and they were

surprised to discover that the only difference was one of scale,

not function or structure!

Dr Sutton’s presentations were of university level and the

students found him to be a most enthusiastic, engaging and

inspirational speaker. This day enthused and invigorated our

Psychology and Biology students and the departmental staff and will become a regular

fixture in the sixth form calendar of events.

HEAD GIRL & HEAD BOY 2015-16

Hi, we’re Connor Varnavides and Siận Quirk and as of July 8th, we

have taken over from the previous head boy and girl of Garforth

Academy 6th form. After a week of worrying and rehearsing our

speeches, we had a nerve racking two minutes standing in front of

our peers and the 6th form team. But it was worth it in the end, as

we were successful in gaining the vital votes we needed to

succeed.

Our roles consist of being the voice of the students and taking their

ideas forwards to the staff here at Garforth Academy. Although we

have only just taken up these responsibilities, we are hoping to go

into assemblies and speak to you guys, in order to form a closer

relationship between the 6th form and other years and raise the

student voice.

We look forward to forming a strong council and working with our

deputies Amy Peer and Tom Street. Hopefully you’ll see more of us in the near future!

YEAR 12 POST 18 DAY

On Friday 5th June 2015 Year 12 students attended Post 18 day here at Garforth Academy

which was organised by Miss Appleyard and Mr Saker from our CEIAG department.

Post 18 day happens once a year in order for the students to start planning their future,

whether that is to go on to university, employment, further training or an apprenticeship. This

year we decided to do things a little different and split the day in half in order for the students

to have the choice to attend both sessions.

To start the day off we arranged for Leeds City College and Leeds Apprenticeship Training

Agency to come in and talk about the different options available after sixth form for students

not wishing to go to university. Their presentations were great and gave the students all the

information needed in order to start their planning – this included CV building, interview

techniques, application process and more. The students thoroughly enjoyed these

presentations and all got involved during the quiz (especially when the chocolate made an

appearance).

In the afternoon Newcastle University gave a great presentation explaining in detail the

process of writing a personal statement, applying and choosing a suitable university. They

also provided a quiz and got the students to really think

about their future.

At Garforth we are proud of the guidance

that we provide our students with. Our 1 to

1 guidance helps to ensure that all

students go on to their chosen future

career or university. We also welcome

external organisations into the academy to

give academic and industry specific advice

to students.

After all their hard work the students were allowed to visit the fish

and chip shop. After all who can visit the seaside without having fish

and chips?!

YEAR 12 FIELD TRIP TO ROBIN HOOD’S BAY 2015

The annual A- level Biology field trip to Robin Hood’s

Bay took place on Thursday, 18th June.

Students completed transects down the beach….

………Identified Seaweeds…..

……and used a very expensive piece of

equipment to measure limpets!

TALENTED YEAR 10

Year 10, Giulietta L has been

playing the exciting, dynamic

and very physically

demanding sport of water polo

since she was 10 years old

and has been involved with

three teams over the last five

years: Morley Water Polo

club, the City of Leeds U16

team and North East Girls

team. Giulietta manages to fit in four training sessions a week as well as her important Year

10 studies and playing the flute. One of these sessions is to coach the Morley U11 squad,

where she first started playing. Her playing position is on the wing and she has taken part in

a trial for the GB team and has been asked to come back when there are vacancies in this

position. Last September Giulietta went to Andorra to compete in the BWMF

(BeWaterMyFriend) tournament with the North East Girls team, on this occasion they didn’t

win, but they gained lots of valuable experience.

Recent successes include the North East Girls winning the Inter Regional National

Championships in Walsall – meaning the squad were the highest ranked region in the UK.

Also The City of Leeds team won the National Age Group Plate competition.

Latest news: Giulietta has been picked for Leeds Ladies 1st team - Well done Giulietta !

TWO GARFORTH STUDENTS SECURE MUSIC SCHOLARSHIPS

Two Garforth Academy students, Poppy ( Year 8) and Milly W-H ( Year 11) have been

awarded prestigious Robert Lewin scholarships this year through the Giving Talent a

Chance programme, organised by AYM - Awards Youth Music. Only 103 scholarships were

given across the whole of the country.

The sisters were one of hundreds of young musicians who experienced a rigorous

application process. There then followed an intensive adjudication process by the judges

and we are delighted to announce that the sisters were accepted for the 2015 Awards

programme.

Each outstanding young Award winner will receive vital financial help ranging from £200 up

to £2,000 and will also benefit from individually tailored support, which may comprise

mentoring, access to advanced skills workshops with professional musicians, master classes

and opportunities to attend rehearsals with orchestras and other musical partners.

Well done to the girls, this is an amazing achievement.

WHATS BEEN HAPPENING AT HABITS?

Success is in the air at Habits…..as our academic year

comes to an end our students have once again proved to

be creative, artistic, professional and committed to their

studies.

A look back over the year has resulted in a fantastic

showcase held in January. The ‘All that Glitters’

performance allowed students to demonstrate their skills to

a packed audience. The move to

Fusion Court has expanded our

teaching and learning areas ensuring each student is taught in a

professional and realistic environment.

Our client base is increasing and this is thanks to continued support

(and familiar faces) from staff at school!

Hairdressing student Kirsty W has shown continued progression and

determination and we look forward to her returning to

study her NVQ 3 in Hairdressing.

Our media makeup course allows students to take their

creativity and individual flair to another level. Covering

a wide spectrum of media the images and designs

created are of a very high standard so much so that

Lauren G has been successful in securing a place to

study Media Makeup & Special Effects at Manchester University.

We have developed positive relationships with local business providers

including Thorpe Park Spa & Hotel, Leeds. As vacancies arise within their

holistic spa setting students are invited to apply. Their senior therapist and

trainer is a previous Habits/Garforth Academy student Laura

Dobson.

Our recent External Verifiers visit from VTCT (awarding body)

highlighted the dedication and commitment our department strives

to deliver and how our standards are of a very high quality allowing

students to progress into employment and higher education.

In March Steiner visited our department. This workshop gives

students the insight into working on board exclusive cruise liners for

9 month contracts. These positions are extremely competitive and

a very high standard of skill is required. Successful

candidates will travel around the world experiencing many

countries and cultures whilst working in a prestigious

environment. This week Alexis P and Natasha P attended

regional interviews and were accepted (over 300 students

attended this interview). We are very proud of them and wish

them every success in their promising careers.

The Habits department doesn’t stop over the school holidays.

Throughout the year enrichment courses are held including

threading, spray tanning and Gel nails. These courses

enhance a students learning and proves invaluable in this

competitive industry.

All in all the team at Habits are extremely proud of the

students’ achievements this year and we look forward to

achieving the same success in 2016.

The Hair & Beauty Department

OUTSTANDING (and unusual!) YEAR 7 LESSON OBSERVATION

When asked to visit a Year 7 lesson to

view the reading group, I didn’t expect

to be met by sights such as this!

I know people say that that some of my

year group are cheeky little monkeys –

but I didn’t know that they meant

literally!

Imagine my surprise when faced with

students on desks, underpants outside

of trousers and reading books on head.

I was somewhat relieved when Ms Macklees explained that

students had been tasked with dressing up as a character of the

book they were reading……hence Captain

Underpants !!

Mrs Needham – Year 7 Pastoral Leader

SALAMANCA 2015

In the last week of June a group of eighteen Year 10 students who study Spanish spent a

week in Salamanca. The students lived with Spanish families and attended Spanish school

each afternoon.

Thanks to Anna and Grace who supplied the following write up:

Our trip to Salamanca improved our vocabulary and understanding of the language rapidly in

the space of just six days. We were amazed at how confident and forward we were at the

end of the trip. Anna and I lived in a house just off the Gran Via, in the centre of Salamanca.

Our Spanish mama was called Mari Paz, Mari Paz, like many other mamas, could not speak

any English. At the start of the week we both were very nervous and apprehensive on the

language barrier that faced us. However we also looked forward to the week ahead of us.

Even though we experienced an annoying six hour delay ( ) it still didn’t manage to

dampen any of our spirits! We were all really cheerful at the airport, playing games and

chatting and enjoying a meal together. We finally got in bed at 5:30am Tuesday morning. We

were utterly exhausted!

School in Spain was surprisingly entertaining and fun! We were

always challenged and pushed to our limits. Looking back we

can easily say that they were the most interesting school days

we’ve ever had! We would do anything to re visit.

The best thing about living in a house

with a Spanish woman was that we felt

like we were living in a home from home.

Mari Paz was very friendly and treated us

just like we were her own children. We

felt very welcome and felt as though we

could treat it like our home. We were

fortunate to meet a girl from Tai Wan

called Wendy. She too was studying

Spanish but she was lucky as she was

staying for 2 months.

Each night we had something different: Le tapas, salsa, karaoke or a gathering for ice cream

at the square .The days consisted of school, lunch with our family and activities like

swimming, photo-rally, tour of the city and the cathedral. Personally the tour of the cathedral

had to be one of the best activities we did. As a group we went around and up the cathedral

hearing about its history and reconstruction. On Saturday we visited Sierra de Francia. This

was a mountain range just outside Salamanca. This was owned by the French; they were

given the land to harvest crops like fruit for the local towns.

In summary our week consisted of high adrenaline, entertaining activities and lots and lots of

Spanish! It was completely worth the six hour delay.

Thanks Senora Daly for taking us (& Mme Thoral Bell & Mr Walgate)…….when can we go

back ?!

BATTLEFIELDS TRIP 2015

The History department took sixty five Year 9 students to Belgium for the annual WW1 Battlefields tour. They visited many famous sites such as Vimy Ridge, Thiepval and Tyne Cot Cemetery. They were staying in the historic town of Ypres which was itself nearly destroyed during the Great War and which houses the brilliant 'In Flanders Field' museum.

Mr. Williams who led the trip this year explained:

"We had an excellent time and the students were marvellous. There was a healthy mixture of tears, smiles and ice-cream and the weather was almost too hot, reaching 38 degrees on the Wednesday, but was typically raining on our arrival back in the UK. Hopefully the experience will stay with the students for many years to come and I was very proud of the four students who represented the academy perfectly at the Menin Gate wreath laying ceremony. Well done Year 9 and thanks to all the staff who gave up so much time to enable this trip to take place.”

History department

CSI WEEK

A group of keen young scientists from Years 7 and 8 took up the challenge of becoming Crime Scene Investigators. There had been a murder in the Art Studio on Sunday 6th July around 19.00, there were three suspects seen in the area around the time of death. The young investigators combed the scene for evidence and used several key pieces of forensic analysis; blood splatter patterns, chromatography, fibre analysis with microscopes, chemical flame testing and finger

print analysis. Fortunately the group were able to gather enough evidence to be able to identify and build a strong case against the suspect. Parents were also invited in to visit the crime scene and were put through their paces as the young investigators explained how they gathered evidence and used it to identify the suspect.

Mr Fielden – Head of Chemistry

CAREERS ACADEMY

As part of the A-level ICT double course, students have the

opportunity to undertake a six week paid internship through

the Careers Academy scheme. This year we have our

biggest ever cohort going out on internships, students will

be working at such places as Lloyds bank and Xerox over

the summer holidays. This is an excellent opportunity for

the students to experience the real world and to be treated

like a proper employee. This is the fifth year the department

has run the scheme with many students returning to their

placement provider for full time, or part time work in the future.

Mr P Donlon – ICT

“BATTLE OF THE BANDS WINNERS”

Year 8 band, Territory, won the first ever Battle of the Bands contest at Kirkstall Festival,

held at Kirkstall Abbey on Saturday 11th July.

The band, which formed just over a year ago,

were the youngest entrants in the 13 – 24yr

category. The boys; Luke F, Harry S, Liam B and

Joe L performed a song written by front man Luke

called “One Man Show”. The judging panel (which

included the band Apollo Junction) were

impressed by the fresh sound presented by the

band and the original track. The boys won a

session at a recording studio and the chance to

support the band Apollo Junction at their next gig.

What a fantastic achievement for a new band that

only gets the chance to get together after school

and at weekends.

To hear the track click here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsGURUSEY3Q

Next in their sights is the Breeze on Tour event on August 20th, when Territory performs in

front of a large crowd at Temple Newsom.

Good luck and we look forward to hearing how you get on!

DEARNE VALLEY – KINGSWOOD EDUCATIONAL

OUTDOOR LEARNING

For the fourth year running the MAAT team, led by Mr

Nesbitt took a small group of Year 10 MAAT students

to Kingswood Educational Outdoor Learning Centre for

an outward bound residential. One of the aims of the

residential is to give the students an opportunity to

learn about themselves and to consider their

education. While away on the two night residential the

pupils are

encouraged

to consider

self-awareness, the difference between success

and happiness, obstacles to achieving goals,

pupil stress, parental expectations, relationship

with staff and whether careers are linear or

dynamic.

Students participated in canoeing, rock climbing,

high ropes course, nightline, lazerzone, time

challenges, problem solving, and archery.

Throughout the trip students were learning about

each other and about their own limitations.

Learning about the nature of fear and the tools

required to

overcome

those initial

thoughts of self-doubt.

Student and teacher feedback from the trip was

overwhelmingly enthusiastic and positive.

DUKE OF EDINBURGH

PROGRAMME UPDATE

What a busy term it has been for all the staff and students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh programme! We have had three residential trips out this term as well as a day fund raising at the local Tesco store. Firstly, in May, the Bronze teams completed their practice expedition around Harwood. Just over fifty pupils walked for six hours on both the Saturday and Sunday. Whilst they found walking on their own the second day a daunting task they rose to the occasion in spectacular form. We enjoyed fair weather and a roaring bonfire on the Saturday night and the students set the tone for their Assessed Expedition in June.

On June 13th and 14th the Bronze teams put all their practise into action, navigating the footpaths and bridleways around Ingleton and Horton in Ribblesdale to complete their assessed Expedition. True to form they managed it well with only a few extra excursions of exploration along the way. Later in June they would recount their adventures in front of friends and family at the Presentation evening. Staff were very proud of the students hard work and look forward to them participating in

Silver Award next year. On the first weekend in July, the twenty one Silver and 7 Gold students set off on their Assessed expedition in

Swaledale. While some of the Gold Award pupils found the first days walk too difficult, we were pleased to see a team of students complete the four day trek successfully. The Silver groups all exceeded expectations and did themselves proud over their three day adventure. Despite the electrical storm on the first night the weather was kind and everyone enjoyed the trip.

To finish off the year a team of Bronze and soon-to-be Bronze ( and a few very loyal Silver ) students gave up some of their weekend to help pack customers bags at the local Tesco’s in Garforth. £297.51 was raised which has already been earmarked for new rain covers for the rucksacks we provide students with on expeditions. Another bag pack has been arranged for Sunday October 4th, this time at Sainsbury’s, when we hope to raise more funds to replace kit which is suffering from wear and tear after a busy year.

YEAR 10 FRENCH TRIP TO PARIS

This year's French trip took twenty eight

students and four members of staff to the

French capital and most visited city in

Europe- Paris.

Staying in the Chateau de Grande

Romaine on the outskirts of Paris we had

access to an outside heated swimming

pool, basketball and football courts, ping

pong tables and a games room. However

we hardly had time to take

full advantage of them as

we had a packed itinerary in and around Paris.

EuroDisney was extremely popular with the students and Mr Mann and Mr

Baldwin alike but one can't go to Paris without seeing the sites and see them

we did.

I think that it is fair to say the students were very impressed with the Eiffel

Tower (despite the queues) and we also saw Sacre Coeur, Montmartre,

Notre Dame, the Louvre, Musee d'Orsay and walked and cruised along the

River Seine (seeing more sites on the way; Place de la Concorde,

Assemblee Nationale, Pont des Arts).

Oh la la! We made crepes, played musical chairs and did a variety of

activities in the evening with our guides as well as eating some lovely French

food, although I didn't see many students tasting the snails which were on

offer on the last night!

A wonderful time was had by all and

I would like to thank Mrs WIlson, Mr

Mann and Mr Baldwin for

accompanying me on the trip and of

course the students who thoroughly

enjoyed themselves and did us

proud!

Mrs Campling – Modern Foreign

Languages Department