tuxford academy life issue 6

ACADEMY LifeThe official magazine of Tuxford Academy Issue No. 6 Summer Term 2016

“Food Forum promotes new Eatwell Guide”

“The importance of good attendance”

Academy Life 3www.tuxford-ac.org.uk2

NewsNews

18th AS, A Level & BTEC L3 results day

25th GCSE results day and collection of Year Book

AUGUST

6th First day in school for Years 7, 11 & 12

7th First day in school for Years 8, 9, 10, 13 & 14

8th Year 12 Induction Day

9th Post 16 - normal timetable begins

SEPTEMBER

With the pressure of examinations this term, it’s great to be able to read through this issue of Academy Life and see so many fantastic stories about healthy eating and lifestyles, charity work and extra curricular success; such as the success of Team Fast4ward in the Jaguar Landrover 4x4 in Schools Challenge and the STEM team at the National Science & Engineering competition.

I believe that our students’ passion for both academic excellence and enrichment activities are what set Tuxford apart from the rest. I was incredibly proud to hear that one of our former Post 16 students, Sophie Taylor, is doing so well after leaving the academy. Finally, I would like to wish all our Year 11 and Year 13/14 students good luck for the future and I look forward to seeing you all at the Celebration Evening.

Mr David Cotton, Executive Principal

Principal’s introduction

Welcome to Academy Life

Dates for your diaryJULY

1st P16 Summer Ball

4th Year 6 Transition Week

12th DALP Games

13th Billy Elliot performance (evening)



16th Billy Elliot performance (matinée and evening)

18th Year 7 Camp 1 Depart

18th P16 University Residential Trip Departs

19th Year 9 London Trip Departs

19th TFC Music Festival

20th Year 7 Camp 2 Departs

20th Year 7 Camp 1 Returns

21st P16 University Residential Trip Returns

21st Year 9 London Trip Returns

22nd Year 7 Camp 2 Returns

25th First Day of Summer Holidays

Many thanks to all staff who contributed towards articles

Year 8 Jamie Kirkland takes the lead role in ‘Billy Elliot’

Tuxford Academy is showcasing the West End musical ‘Billy Elliot’ this summer. The musical is about a boy who aspires, against his family’s wishes, to become a professional ballet dancer, an unusual choice of career for someone from a mining community in the north-east of England.

Training sessions started at school before Christmas and all students interested in performing in ‘Billy Elliot’ were encouraged to take part. Auditions were held

in February and took place in our new drama studios. Originally nine students applied for the leading role of Billy, but three dropped out. Nerves were high when the auditions started, as students had to perform Billy’s main song ‘Electricity’, which included a dance routine half way through. Year 8 student Jamie was thrilled when a week later, he found out he had got the part!

Jamie really enjoys music and drama and performed in the chorus of Romeo and Juliet, which was Tuxford Academy’s musical production last year.

When asked about his ballet experience, Jamie said he had one ballet lesson when he was five and absolutely hated it, but he is really enjoying it now!

Jamie started to play the piano three years ago and is currently working towards his Grade 3 exam. In 2014 Jamie won the Rotary Club’s Young Musician of the Year for playing the piano. Jamie has a 45 minute music lesson once a week, which consists of 30 minutes of piano and 15 minutes singing.

Rehearsals are taking place most evenings after school and also some lunch times. “Jamie is showing real dedication, by attending as many of these sessions as possible” said Nick Cox, Head of Drama at Tuxford Academy.

‘Billy Elliot’ is being performed at the academy on the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th July with two performances taking place on the Saturday. Tickets are available online via the Academy’s website.

Adults - £7.50 Concessions - £6.50 (These include OAPs, all Tuxford students and Under 16s)

Wiktoria’s favourite booksI have loved reading ever since primary school when ‘Pegasus and the Flame’ by Kate O’Hearn was introduced to me by my best friend. This was my all time favourite book during my primary years – I found the plot very interesting. Since that time I have discovered more books I enjoy and read more and more in my spare time. This is actually how I have learnt a lot of my English, as I moved to England from Poland at the age of five years old. At that time, I could speak no English at all, but reading improved my English skills.

Listed here are my top ten favourite books. Rick Riordan is one of my favourite authors since he describes the characters in a lot more details, making you attached to them by the second chapter. Reading is really fun once you find the right book for you and the genre you prefer.

1) Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan2) Heroes of Olympus: The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan3) The One Dollar Horse by Lauren St John4) Pegasus and The Flame by Kate O’Hearn5) Road Trip to Love by Nylla Camphry6) The Maze Runner by James Dashner7) Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K.Rowling8) The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan9) The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins10) 10 Sweet Venom by Tera Lynn Childs

Wiktoria Nalewajska, Year 9 student


NewsNews

RECENT ENTRIES

Saturday 2nd April Sixty four students embarked on the academy’s annual skiing trip to Prato Nevoso, Italy. After a 23 hour coach journey, the students and staff arrived at the resort to lovely views of the mountains and got kitted out with skis, boots, poles and helmets, etc.

Sunday 3rd AprilOur first full day at the resort and students enjoyed skiing until 4.00 pm. The evening aprés ski activity was snow tubing which was great fun. This involved sliding down the slopes on inflatable rubber rings – a great laugh!

Monday 4th AprilStudents enjoyed five hours of skiing. In the evening there was a pizza night at a local restaurant followed by a disco.

Tuesday 5th AprilAll groups skied from the hotel which was a fantastic achievement! The evening activity was night skiing but it was touch and go as to whether the activity would take place as thick fog covered the resort – luckily this cleared up and away we went! The slopes were lit up by floodlights and we pretty much had the slopes to ourselves – what an amazing experience!

Wednesday 6th AprilA number of groups went to the neighbouring resort of Artesina to access different slopes. We spent a glorious day in the sunshine with five hours of skiing separated by either a packed lunch or a pizza in a local restaurant. In the evening there was an Awards Presentation (including a few comical ones) followed by a disco.

Thursday 7th AprilOur last day on the slopes. In the afternoon, all groups met at a mountain side restaurant for a party. The music was turned up and the sun shone to dance the afternoon away!

Friday 8th AprilWe began our homeward journey and we travelled through Italy, across the border into France, hopped on the ferry eventually arriving back at Tuxford Academy at 4.00 pm. A very pleasant 23 hour journey - all students were safely handed back to parents! Phew!

It wasn’t until I started teaching that I really got into reading, I found it was a nice way to escape from the planning and marking and relax for a bit. With Tuxford Academy having a focus on Physical and Mental Health this term it is worth mentioning that the relaxing nature of reading for pleasure, is proven to have a positive impact on Mental Health as it has a positive impact on stress and anxiety and can reduce the symptoms of depression.

I read a variety of books, especially in the school holidays, ranging from girly romantic books to spy novels to books about history. A favourite of mine is ‘The Curious Incident of ‘The Dog in the Night-Time’ by Mark Haddon. The story follows 15 year old Christopher Boon whilst he writes a detective novel in a quest to find who has murdered his neighbour’s dog; Christopher is a fascinating narrator who has an incredible memory. He can recall all the countries of the world and their capitals and he knows every prime number up to 7,057 (which is more than Mr Wray knows!), but he isn’t able to read and understand other peoples’ emotions, which gets him into some rather interesting situations.

It wasn’t just the plot that made this book difficult to put down but the fact that Christopher is obsessed with maths. In every chapter of the book the main character, Christopher, shares a really interesting maths fact!

Miss Barlow’s favourite books

My Top Ten Books:

1) The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald2) The Book Thief by Markus Zusak3) The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins4) The Harry Potter Series by J.K. Rowling5) Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn6) The Pianist by Wladyslaw Szpilman7) One Day by David Nicholls8) The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne9) The Outsiders by S E Hinton10) The Shock of the Fall by Nathan Filer

Community art competition – a record number of entries receivedThe theme of the annual Tuxford Family Collaboration Art competition this year was landscapes. Two hundred and thirty entries were received - the most to date in the competition’s history! There were eight age categories from Under 5 through to Age 11 and the winners were selected by John Mitchell from the Sally Mitchell Gallery in Tuxford.

“The community art competition is a brilliant way to showcase the artistic talent of the young people,”said Mr Oli Tatterson, Extra Curricular Coordinator at Tuxford Academy.

The parents / carers and families of the winners were invited by Tuxford Academy to an awards evening on Wednesday 27th April held at the Sally Mitchell Art Gallery, which saw the young pupils receive their prize and certificate from Mr Cotton, Executive Principal.

“It was a lovely evening that celebrated the fantastic art work on display,” said Mr Cotton. “It was clear to see that the pupils had spent a lot of time and effort creating their entries. A very special thank you to the Sally Mitchell Gallery for hosting the event and well done to all the pupils who entered!”

Mr Tatterson’sDIARY OF THE ITALIAN SKI TRIP

Seamus Morrison in Year 10 commented,

‘The ski trip was the highlight for me of 2016. It was a massive adventure and the best school trip I have been on so far’.

News


News Academy Focus

Official Opening of the new drama facilities

Former Principal Mr Lloyd, opens new drama studios

Astronomy ClubOn Monday 9th May, students and staff from the Astronomy Club watched the planet Mercury transit the face of the Sun. The next time this will be seen in England is 2049!

100%

Over 97%

Below 97%

Below 90%

The target for everyone. Rewards available for students reaching this.

= 5 days absence (or less) in one year. Very good attendance.

Your chances of good grades are in danger.Support from your tutor and class teachers is available if you are ill for long periods.

= more than 4 school weeks off school. This is called Persistent Absence. Your chances of good grades are negatively affected.

For further information on the importance of good attendance please read the Good Attendance Guide on our website.

http://www.tuxford-ac.org.uk/AttendanceOn Thursday 21st April the academy officially opened its new state of the art drama facilities - the new build includes two large studios, the latest state of the art audio and LED lighting equipment; along with two offices, two new classrooms and storage facilities. The extra space will enable us to offer additional exciting courses, such as photography and media.

The new studios were opened by former Principal, Mr Geoff Lloyd.

“The build process was challenging at times, but well worth it. What a fantastic facility our students now have to develop their talents and learn in.”

Drama students performed an excerpt from ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time’. KS5 dance students gave an ‘Armed’ dance performance. Students from KS3, 4 & 5 sang a song from ‘Billy Elliot’ which will be showcased by the academy on the 13th, 14th, 15th and 16th July 2016. Drinks and nibbles were served to invited guests.

Head of Drama, Mr Nick Cox, commented, “It is a privilege to teach at an academy that is forward thinking, where drama is promoted and supported fully. The new studios now allow the school to offer even greater opportunities, which will include the teaching of all technical aspects of drama and theatre.”

It is commonly believed that excellent attendance at school leads to the best educational outcomes for our children; the more they miss school, the lesser their chances of succeeding.

To test this theory, we have analysed our recent GCSE performance data, alongside Year 11 student attendance figures. The results are clear:

For each 4% drop in attendance:

• Students’ chances of reaching 5 A* to C (including English and Maths) drops by 15%

• Students’ total number of GCSE A* to C grades attained drops by 2

• Students attain 1 grade less in every subject, on average

Please see the below table for an explanation of what is deemed as good attendance rates.

The importance of good attendance


Food Forum members make a difference!Academy Focus Academy Focus

The academy’s Food Forum group has currently been making large changes and improvements with regards to students; eating and drinking more healthily, along with working closely with the kitchen staff to make adjustments and improvements to the school menu.

Recently this proactive group have been trying to guide Tuxford students towards a better and healthier lifestyle.

‘One of the ways we are trying to do this is by showing the amount of sugar students are consuming daily on the ‘sugar app’. The app measures the amount of sugar in food and drink products students consume daily – which can be shocking said a food forum member.

Some members of the Food Forum scan students’ food and drink products during morning break and lunchtime

– in doing this, students are more aware of what is going into their bodies, allowing them to take control and hopefully find better options for healthy eating.’ The group have also put in place ‘complaints and compliments’ boards which allow students to put forward anything that needs changing or for just praising the dinner staff. Students can also approach any member of the Food Forum group with questions and suggestions. This is one of the many ways students can have their say on what they eat. The group will then arrange a meeting with Alison Harvey, the Catering Manager in the school kitchen.

Crisps

Raisins

Frozenpeas

Lentils

Soyadrink

Cous

Cous

pasta

Whole wheat

Bagels

Porridge

Low fatsoft cheese

Tuna

Plainnuts peas

Chick

Semi

milkskimmed

Choppedtomatoes

lowersaltandsugar

Beans

Whole

graincereal

Potatoes

Spaghetti

Low fatPlain

yoghurt

Leanmince

Lower fatspread

Sauce

OilVeg

Rice

Each serving (150g) contains

of an adult’s reference intakeTypical values (as sold) per 100g: 697kJ/ 167kcal

Check the label on packaged foods

Energy1046kJ250kcal

Fat Saturates Sugars Salt3.0g 1.3g 34g 0.9g

15%38%7%4%13%

Choose foods lower in fat, salt and sugars

Source: Public Health England in association with the Welsh government, Food Standards Scotland and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland © Crown copyright 2016

Use the Eatwell Guide to help you get a balance of healthier and more sustainable food. It shows how much of what you eat overall should come from each food group.

Eatwell Guide

2000kcal 2500kcal = ALL FOOD + ALL DRINKSPer day

Eat less often andin small amounts

Choose lower fat and

lower sugar options

Eat more beans and pulses, 2 portions of sustainably

sourced fish per week, one of which is oily. Eat less

red and processed meat

Potatoes, bread, rice, pasta and other starchy carbohydrates

Choose wholegrain or higher fibre versions with less added fat, salt and sugar

Frui

t and

vegetables

Oil & spreads

Ea

t at l

east

5 p

ortio

ns o

f a va

riety

of fruit a

nd vegetables every dayLOW LOW HIGH MED

Choose unsaturated oils and use in small amountsDairy and alternativesBeans, pulses, fish, eggs, meat and other proteins

6-8a day

Water, lower fat milk, sugar-free drinks including tea and coffee all count.

Limit fruit juice and/or smoothies to a total of 150ml a day.

We have already had many ‘compliments’ and a few new ideas for the food menu. One of the ideas received is the celebratory meals on days such as Chinese New Year or American Independence Day so food served would be themed to the celebration.

Next term, will be themed around physical health. We have created a quiz to test knowledge of the student based on food – this will hopefully let students have fun while learning. Also members of the group hope to make a short film behind the scenes, in the main dining room and also the Post 16 canteen which will be shown in learning time. The film, themed around physical health, will include awareness of what we eat and short interviews with the kitchen staff.

A new idea I came up with was an afterschool snack facility, which we have luckily managed to get up and running this term. It is run by Post 16 students. They visit the afterschool clubs selling healthier versions of snack bars, crisps, drinks, etc.

It is a service to the students and no profit is made from the sales. The snacks are sold Monday – Thursday from 3.30 – 4.15 pm and this allows students to keep up their energy, whether it is for physical afterschool activities or revision sessions.

Fresh ingredients are also now incorporated in the menu, from our school garden - we are the first secondary school to be able to do this and hopefully the food will taste all the better for it. The menu has been updated and we have had many things added such as themed burgers and fresh vegetable soup. Everyone seems to be enjoying them so far!

‘Take control and findbetter options for healthy eating’

Caitlin Parker, Year 10 student, Food Forum Group


DALP Achievement & Awards

100 word story competition On Thursday 10th March, the fourth annual DALP Quiz took place at Retford Oaks Academy. The quiz, which is always a highlight of the DALP academic calendar was as usual an exciting, fastest-finger-first quiz, with a variety of questions to suit all six DALP academies. This year the pupils from Tuxford Primary Academy (Years 4-6) joined the older DALP students, from the other five schools for the entire day, which added a new dimension to the quiz. The younger pupils did really well and looked like they were really enjoying themselves.

Last year’s winners were Tuxford Academy, who just pipped Retford Oaks Academy to the post. This year Holgate Academy took a strong lead from the start. Not only did they work fantastically well as a team, but they also demonstrated a breadth of general knowledge that impressed everyone at the quiz and in the audience. The Holgate team also had lots of support and encouragement from the audience, which helped focus the team and motivate them to win.

“We really look forward to the DALP Quiz at Holgate. We were determined to win this year and we have managed to do that which is brilliant,” said Phil Bailey from Holgate Academy.

Congratulations to the students at Holgate Academy and very well done to all those that took part in this challenging event. Finally many thanks to Retford Oaks Academy for hosting, to Mr Baker at Tuxford Academy for writing the quiz questions and to all other staff for helping to run this great event.

“It was a lot of fun. I liked being part of the quiz. I knew the answers to quite a few of the questions, but just wasn’t quite fast enough,” said one Tuxford Primary Academy pupil.

DALP Academy Challenge

Final scores on the day were: National C of E Academy

East Leake Academy

Retford Oaks Academy

Tuxford Academy

Holgate Academy - WINNER!

130

145

345

375

540

Currently in her second year, studying a BA in Product Design at Nottingham Trent University, former Tuxford student Sophie Taylor was unsure what to do about finding a placement, until she noticed an opportunity available for an Internship with The Body Shop.

After submitting an online application, which included a cover letter and CV, Sophie then had to complete several psychometric and numerical tests, designed to measure her potential to perform well in the role advertised. Approximately four weeks later Sophie got a call to say she had passed and a telephone interview then took place. Sophie passed with flying colours and was then asked to attend an assessment day at their regional offices inLittlehampton, West Sussex.

She was given a design brief and had only four days in which to complete it, before the assessment day.

The assessment day was intense and Sophie felt like she was taking part in the reality TV show, The Apprentice! Sophie had to complete more tests, took part in a group assessment, designed some packaging concepts and then had to present her findings to the recruitment panel. As if that wasn’t enough, at the end of the day, Sophie also had two interviews.

Two days later, Sophie got the phone call she was waiting for when they offered her the Internship. After all the hard work she put in, she was absolutely thrilled to be given the opportunity. The recruitment panel gave Sophie some really positive feedback and were impressed with the quality of her work, her knowledge of the manufacturing process and her overall attitude and enthusiasm.

In June, Sophie will go to Littlehampton, for one year to start her Packaging Design Internship. How incredible would it be for Sophie to walk into a Body Shop store in the future and see skin care products that she has actually designed herself?

Internship with The Body Shop for former student

Tuxford’s fantastic quiz team

Congratulations Sophie and good luck with your internship!

The English Faculty ran a ‘100 word story’ competition during the spring term. Students were asked to write a story that was precisely one hundred words long, demonstrating their writing skills and allowing their imaginations to run wild when creating their tiny tales. Dozens of budding J.K. Rowlings and John Greens entered the competition. A panel of Year 8 students then whittled the entries down to a short-list of excellent stories, before the winners were finally selected.

Joseph Barnes, Year 8, was the overall winner, with a very poignant tale, with Jenny Banyard in Year 8 judged in second place. The runners-up were Ruby Atkinson Year 7, Christian Vassilides Year 8, Ben Galbraith Year 9, Hannah Barnett Year 10 and Matt Williams Year 13. Well done to all those who entered.


Achievement & Awards Achievement & Awards

The Rotary Children of Courage Awards Event was the brain child of the Mansfield Rotary Club in Ohio and brought back to Nottinghamshire about 20 years ago. The event aims to honour young people who have shown great courage in overcoming personal difficulties in their lives.

On 21st March, an awards ceremony was held at the Newark Showground and was well attended. Special guests included senior members of Newark & District Rotary Club.

Amongst the six young people nominated for the award was Daniel Stainton from Tuxford Academy, as well as children from Magnus C of E School and Newark College.

Daniel was nominated by his form tutor Mrs Hagan because of the invaluable support he gives his parents on a daily basis. Daniel’s parents both suffer from debilitating conditions.

The audience was deeply humbled by the courage and exemplary determination of these young adults who have shown great determination in the face of personal adversity and difficulty. Each received an engraved award and framed certificate presented by District Governor of the Rotary Club.

The ceremony ended with an inspiring closing speech from the Club President congratulating the nominees for their great courage.

Congratulations Daniel!

Courage Award for Year 8 student

There is no doubt that creating a performance to demonstrate one’s own musical skill on whatever scale is the pinnacle for every musician. You can spend as much time in the practice studio as you like but once on stage in front of an audience everything changes. Sounds are different, the atmosphere created by the audience is there and mostly we, as musicians, get that sudden kick of adrenaline that can either lead us to a higher level of performance or give us the screaming heebie-jeebies! That is the nature of what we do as musicians and what spurs us on.To explain it to someone who doesn’t play an instrument is difficult, but imagine that situation at work where you have just made a really important decision, acted on it and got it so right that all your colleagues and seniors are buzzing with congratulations. That’s what the Drummers Perspective is all about.

As a band member we absolutely control rhythm, pace and dynamic as well as making the band ‘Rock’. On Thursday 31st March, A Drummer’s Perspective took place in the school hall. Twenty four talented drummers from the academy, each played individually, accompanied by guest musicians, to an audience of family and friends.

It’s our job, our passion and why we need to play drums.

A drummer’s perspective, Gary Coxhead, Peripatetic (Music)

STEM students reach final of National competition

Team Fast4ward make it to Silverstone!On Friday 22nd April, Tuxford Academy’s Team Fast Ward attended the Jaguar Landrover 4x4 in Schools National Final held at Silverstone.

The team, made up of five Year 10 GCSE engineering students – Joe Limby, Eathan Oakley, Jacob Vernon, Philip Brackenridge and Jac Warriner, qualified for the event by winning ‘Best Rookie’ and ‘Best Track Performance’ at the regional finals held in February with their remote-controlled 4x4.

In the regional final, the boys were given the chassis of a radio controlled 4x4 and had to improve its performance. Headlights and sensors were added that detected the angle of the vehicle. A body was created for the vehicle and they added light detecting sensors that powered the headlights when it became dark.

One of the requirements of the competition was that the team generate sponsorship in order to cover the costs of competing. The team achieved this by contacting local companies and asking for their support. This was very successful and enabled them to carry out a range of improvements to the vehicle in preparation for the challenging assessment tasks faced in the National Final.

On the day of the final, Team Fast4ward competed against 26 other teams from around the UK. They took part in a range of assessments which included presenting their engineering ideas to a group of Industry Experts, Scrutineering assessment, an interview with a panel of engineering judges, a track assessment and trailer tow challenge. The team performed extremely well in all areas and were praised by the judges for their professional image and their knowledge of engineering. Unfortunately, due to the high level of competition, the team were not awarded a trophy – however, they thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the day and the opportunities which they have been exposed to.

Mr Dave Birchall, Engineering teacher commented,“This is the first time that a team from Tuxford has competed at this competition and so the students had a very steep learning curve. They performed incredibly well and were a credit to Tuxford and themselves. To have made it to the National finals is an incredible achievement and I am very proud of their efforts and achievements. Competitions like this give students a fantastic opportunity to engage with employers whilst making links between their subject and potential careers and the engineered world around them. Over the last five months, the boys have worked tirelessly, staying until 6.00 or 7.00 pm every week to work on their model.”

Team Fast4ward would like to thank their sponsors for their support and generous donations.

We look forward to competing next year and hope to become the UK National Champions.

Congratulations to six students from the academy who made it through to the final of the National Science & Engineering Competition held at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham on 16th and 17th March. Our students all attend the STEM after school club (Science, Technology, English & Maths). Tuxford’s team comprised of Sam Barnett Year 8, Jack Bee Year 8, Ben Galbraith,

Joy Matthews Year 9, Hannah Barnett and Daisy Stringfellow Year 10. The students designed an eco hotel with solar panels, wind turbines and turbines that turn waste into energy. The eco hotel received the Most Innovative Project Award at the regional final in Derby.


CharityCharity

Proud of the money we have raised!

Well done!

At Tuxford Academy we are serious about enriching children’s lives through reading and promoting a love of books. This year, as part of World Book Day celebrations, we have launched the Year 7 Readathon. Students have had special library lessons to inform them about the importance of reading and how we as an academy assess their progress throughout the year.

To encourage more participation and challenge in reading, we have chosen to support this worthwhile ‘Readathon’ charity for the first time, which helps to raise money for new books and readers for children whilst in hospital. A fantastic sum of £527 was raised for this charity.

As ever, we would really appreciate parent/carer encouragement of reading at home, which as we all know has endless benefits to students’ academic progress and achievement levels.

On Saturday 2nd April, Kathryn Daly in Year 9 had 13 inches of her hair cut off to be made into a wig for ‘The Little Princess Trust’, a charity that provides real hair wigs to children who have lost their hair due to cancer.

Kathryn had thought about changing her hair style by having her hair cut much shorter. Wanting to raise money for charity, she did some research and found the Little Princess Trust. She was touched by this charity and worked hard to gain sponsorship. The minimum amount of hair to be cut off was seven inches so Kathryn went for thirteen and has raised an incredible £855.00 – WELL DONE!

Kathryn raises £855 for ‘The Little Princess Trust’

Sport Relief

The Little Princess Trust

Readathon

£2070.62

£855.00

£527.00

Total: £3452.6

2

Over £2000 raised for Sport Relief On Friday 18th March, Tuxford Academy organised various activities for Sport Relief. Staff and students were invited to come to school in non-uniform. Many staff members dressed in sporting attire.

On Thursday 17th March, 24 students from different year groups (boys and girls) stayed behind after school to make and decorate cakes for a Bake Sale the following morning. The atmosphere in the Food Technology room was fantastic as wonderful creations were made to help raise money for Sport Relief.

Activities on Sport Relief Day included:• Intercollege ‘Bikeathon’ – this was an Intercollege competition for Key Stage 3 students. The four exercise bikes were positioned in the main reception area. Students had a 15 minute slot where they cycled as far as possible. Ash College won, followed by Oak College 2nd, Willow College 3rd and Beech College 4th

• Bake Sale of all cakes made and decorated by our students

• Darts competition - students paid £1.00 for six darts• Penalty Shoot Out – students were invited to test their skills against Business teacher, Mr Richard Dutchak and paid 50p for three shots

• Eighteen students from Years 7 – 13 also took part in a Swimathon on Saturday 5th March at Retford Leisure Centre which raised £194.19

• Staff Boxing during lunchtime – 12 members of staff took part in pairs over six bouts, each bout had two rounds of boxing in an inflatable boxing ring. A member of staff was in the ring with the two boxers acting as referee and another member of staff was the compère. The judges panel consisted of a group of six Post 16 students. Approx 300 students bought tickets sold at 50p each to see the boxers. The audience of students and staff members cheered and booed as the boxers fought their battles

Many thanks to Mr Mosley (Head of Beech College) and Mr Tatterson (School Sport Coordinator) who organised the fantastic day. An incredible £2070.62 was raised for Sport Relief. Thank you to all staff and students who supported this event.

Love of reading raises £527 for ‘Readathon’ charity

‘...a love of books’


Gardening

In the academy’s garden we have set lots of broad beans, leeks, cabbages and brussels so far. The gardening club has also dug over all the beds, added in lots of manure and compost and covered the seeds to keep them warm. It is also a great time for all the tools and pots to be washed. I recommend Jeyes Fluid which is very good.

Finally, don’t forget to feed the rhubarb, as it needs lots of food and the fruit trees need to be tended to, removing any broken branches and giving them a good weed around the stem.

So have a great season and enjoy the garden.

Alan Hardy, Academy Gardener

Summer planting

Rhubarb FoolIngredients

350g/12oz fresh rhubarb

55g/2oz caster sugar

The juice of one orange

Water

150ml / ¼ pint double cream whipped

1egg white, beaten until soft peaks

Method

1. Place the rhubarb, sugar, orange juice and enough water to cover the rhubarb in a medium sized pan. Bring to a rapid boil until rhubarb is soft.

2. In a bowl, fold the egg white into the whipped cream.

3. When the rhubarb is soft, remove it from the liquid with a slotted spoon. Fold the fruit into the egg white and cream mixture. Reserve a little rhubarb for decoration.

4. Spoon the mixture into a tall dessert glass. 5. Top with the reserved rhubarb and serve.

‘Delicious!’

Pat on the back

Alice Richards, Year 9 and Rebecca Marshall, Year 10 Congratulations to Alice Richards and Rebecca Marshall on reaching the final of the MasterChef competition hosted by Ye Olde Bell, Barnby Moor. Both students prepared and made their chosen meal in the restaurant kitchen of Ye Olde Bell.

Tom Atkinson in Year 12 Tom became the Junior 200m Free Champion in swimming at the Olympic Trials in Glasgow in April. Tom will travel to France in July for the French Open Meet. He has been chosen as part of the British Swimming Target Tokyo 2020 programme.

Alicia Goodwin and Rachel Manifield in Year 12, Innola Havers and Josie Magee in Year 9, Phoebe Havers, Maddie Clarke and Caitlin Saint in Year 9During the last few months, the above students who attend The O’Dwyer Academy of Irish Dance in Edwinstowe, have been on stage dancing with a professional touring company “Ireland’s Call” displaying their skills as Irish Dancers.

The girls have also attended numerous Feis (competitions) across the UK and Europe - the highlights being:

• Alicia crowned the Midlands Under 16 Champion• Rachel won the Under 17 Award Midlands Championship • Innola was crowned 3rd in the ‘All Ireland Championship 2015’

• Josie — 1st in the Under 13 Primary Championship• Phoebe — crowned 2nd in the All Ireland Overseas Championship 2015

• Maddie — crowned the ‘Great Britain Under 11 Champion

• Caitlin — 1st in the Under 11 Championship

Alice Smith, Year 11Alice Smith in Year 11 has been selected to play touch rugby for the U18s Girls England team to be held in Holland in August.

Year 10 and Year 11 Boys’ Football TeamOur Year 10 and Year 11 Boys Football teams for making it to the finals of the Mansfield Town Cup at the Stags football ground in Mansfield.

Gold medal dream for Georgia Shearman in Year 11Georgia somersaulted her way to success at the recent British Disability Championship / Masters competition held on the 10th April 2016, at the Liverpool Echo Arena.

Georgia competed in all four categories – bar, beams, floor and vault. Incredibly, Georgia won gold on the vault, making her the current Bitish Champion in this discipline. She also came 4th on the floor and achieved silver in beams and bars.

Winning gold is a dream come true for Georgia and she is thrilled to be competing at the highest possible level. Unfortunately, disability gymnastics are not currently included in the Paralympic games, but Georgia hopes to qualify to participate in next year’s British Championships. Georgia would love to win gold, or maybe even two next year! Congratulations Georgia, this is such an amazing achievement.

Congratulations to the following students:


Date Event Result

29.02.2016 Y11 Boys Football Outwood Academy Valley Won 4 – 2

29.02.2016 Y9 Boys Football Outwood Academy Valley Won 2 – 1

29.02.2016 Y7 Boys Football Outwood Academy Valley Lost 3 - 1

29.02.2016 Y7 Boys Football Brunts Academy Lost 9 - 1

10.03.2016 Y9 Boys Rugby Brunts Academy Lost 60 - 10

16.03.2016 Y10 Football Outwood Academy Valley Lost 5-2

21.03.2016 Y7 Girls Football Tournament West Notts College Won

19.04.2016 Y11 Boys Football Holgate Academy Won 4-3

25.04.2016 Y10 Football All Saints’ Catholic Academy Won 3-0

06.05.2016 Y9 & Y10 Cricket Meden School Won

06.05.2016 Y11 Bassetlaw Athletics Bassetlaw Came 3rd

10.05.2016 Mansfield Cup Y10 Mansfield Town FC Lost 3-0

11.05.2016 Mansfield Cup Y11 Mansfield Town FC Lost 1-0

11.05.2016 Y9 Girls Football Carlton le Willows Academy Lost 2-0

12.05.2016 Y11 Boys Football Ashfield School Lost 1-0

Sports Results

Year 10 boys’ football team at Mansfield Town FC

Sport

Are you feeling under pressure from your studies or exams? Hitting the gym and exercising regularly, is the perfect way to combat stress!

Living a healthy active lifestyle can be a challenge, so take advantage of this fantastic free facility!

The fitness suite is open on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday until 4.45pm and also on a Tuesday and Friday lunchtime. The fitness suite boasts numerous pieces of cardio equipment including treadmills, cross trainers, exercise bikes and rowing machines alongside a variety of weight training machines and free weights. Individual training programmes can be arranged by Mr Tatterson or come along with friends for a fitness workout class.

Try the gym and combat stress

Sport

Marnham Road, Tuxford, Newark, NG22 0JH Tel: 01777 870001 Fax: 01777 872155 Email: [email protected] www.tuxford-ac.org.uk

Come and see ‘Billy Elliot’ at Tuxford Academy

tuxford academy life issue 6

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