all saints advocate · 2017. 8. 22. · all saints advocate all saints advocate vol 4 no 1 october...

All Saints Advocate All Saints Advocate

www.allsaintsacademydunstable.org

Vol 4 No 1 October 2012

ALL SAINTS

ACADEMY

From the Principal GCSE results increase further

I am delighted that the unconfirmed

headline figure of the percentage of

students achieving 5A*-C including

English and Maths reached 48% in August

2012, which is an 11 percentage points increase on the

previous year. Prior to the Academy’s opening the

same headline figure was 22%. Therefore, in three

years we have seen a rise of 25 percentage points - this

is considerable progress in any man’s language.

Similarly, the percentage of students achieving 5A*-C

has risen to 83%. Prior to opening this figure was 32%.

Again, this is a massive improvement. Finally, every

student achieved at least one GCSE with a grade A*-G

in 2012.

As you know, we are not complacent at All Saints and

the Governors and Sponsors have agreed ambitious

targets year on year for the foreseeable future. We

have agreed an increase of five percentage points on

each of the headline figures above and we will work

tirelessly until we achieve Outstanding status. We

know from our exams analysis that there is still work to

do. We also know that the strong upward trend in

results is underpinned by a commitment and a heart to

do what is best for every one of our students. Thank

you for your support in helping us achieve sustained

improvement.

New Building

The new building is truly monumental! Students have

already settled in well and are making good use of the

exceptional facilities. The new facilities make us all feel

really good about ourselves, and the atmosphere is calm,

purposeful and business like. I am particularly delighted

that the new building has lots of natural light and lots of

windows into every classroom from the corridors through

which I can observe exactly what is going on! Visitors to

the Academy have remarked on the excellent behaviour

of our students, especially during lesson change-over

time.

The students themselves are a delight to teach, they love

the new ICT facilities and they are particularly switched

on by the fact that each teaching room has an Interactive

Whiteboard or an LCD projector screen. The children love

their new building and are pleased that they have a

facility of which they are obviously very proud. Our latest

accommodation includes a Sports Exercise Room / Multi-

gym. I have been astonished at the students’ enthusiasm

in tackling this adult facility and if ever there was a great

advert for British students of school age enjoying and

excelling in Sport, it is surely our students working-out in

this room. I have been amazed at the increasing number

of students who are actually using the Gym before school,

working out their bodies before they work out their

brains!

As you know, the building is not yet fully commissioned

and there are one or two snags. May I take this

opportunity to thank you, our parents/carers, for your

understanding with the recent burst pipe.

I look forward with great anticipation to early Spring

when, having demolished the old building, the new all-

weather pitch and Multi-Use Games Area will be

completed, together with the return of our football and

hockey pitches.


FROM THE PRINCIPAL (Continued)

2

If as a parent you would like to take advantage of a

tour of the Academy, please give us a call and we shall

arrange a time for you to come and be shown round.

Please see pictures of our new building inside this

edition of the Advocate.

Official Opening

Thursday 27 September 2012 was a magical day in the

short history of All Saints. The Archbishop of

Canterbury was proud to officially open the new

building, only the second opening of a school in the

Diocese in the ten years of his tenure. Students’

attitude towards the Archbishop was amazing and

throughout the day there was a buzz of excitement

that such an eminent person was visiting us in

Dunstable and Houghton Regis. We do know that

other organisations tried to arrange for their own visit

by the Archbishop and that they were envious of us for

having beaten them to it! Three years ago my

Governors humoured me when I said that we need to

aim high and invite The Most Revd and Rt Hon Rowan

Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, to the Official

Opening and now that we have achieved this

wonderful feat, we are very proud of ourselves.

During his visit the Archbishop talked about looking

out for each other and helping each other. He also

talked about opening doors for each other to achieve

positive outcomes. Following his arrival and the

formal proceedings, the Archbishop had an extensive

tour of the new facilities, went into many classrooms,

and had a discussion on ethical issues with a range of

students, and almost became a cult hero! In fact, the

Archbishop was almost mobbed by the Sixth Form, all

of whom wanted their picture taken with him.

It was indeed a real joy to see such an eminent person

come to our Academy and to join in our joyous

celebration. A final word has to go to our students, all

of whom conducted themselves impeccably. As for

the Archbishop, we saw just how great this wonderful

person is and yet so humble, despite his high office.

Please see inside for pictures and comments from our

guests.

Awards Evening

We were delighted to invite Bill Rammell, Vice

Chancellor of the University of Bedfordshire, to be our

keynote speaker at All Saints Academy’s third Annual

Awards Evening on 03 October 2012. During his

speech Bill praised the special relationships between

All Saints and the University and was delighted that all

Year 9 students, after only one month at the Academy,

have already made a visit to see the University’s

fantastic facilities. Bill talked about working hard to

achieve our best and commented that the new

building is one example of hard work paying off. He

praised the Academy’s improved results year on year

and urged us to continue in the pursuit of excellence.

A further highlight of the event was the inaugural

speeches of Luke Ankrah, Head Boy, and Jadene

Giltrow, Head Girl. Luke talked about being an

ambassador for the Academy, particularly in the Arts,

whilst Jadene talked at length about her increased

confidence since joining All Saints. As Head Boy and

Head Girl both are going to ensure that future

generations of students at All Saints take advantage of

the tremendous opportunities available to them.

As for our award winners, they were treated to a 5

minute rousing round of applause whilst they

ceremoniously entered the Main Hall. To my delight,

many other students during the day had advised me

that they were sad for not having been selected for a

prize! This really does show a remarkable turnaround

in 3 years. As for those who won awards, every single

student was overjoyed and very proud of their

achievement.

See inside for further details and photographs of

award winners.

Open Evenings

Wow! Attendance at our Year 7 and Year 9 Open

Evenings this year has been tremendous and feedback

hugely positive. Parents now clearly understand the

message that All Saints is a school ‘on the up’ with a

clear passion for improving students’ results and a

www.allsaintsacademydunstable.org 3

FROM THE PRINCIPAL (Continued) clear focus on improvement year on year. On both

Evenings I spoke to packed audiences of prospective

students and their parents who know that an

improving school, together with a fantastic new

building, as well as a determination at all levels to

improve our students’ results, have to make All Saints

the place to be. We were proud to show off our

facilities for the first time and there is no doubt that

our fantastic new accommodation made a great

contribution to the success of both events. There has

certainly been an upswing in support for All Saints

recently. Currently, we are full in Year 9 and our

expectation is that we will be full in Year 7 and Year 9

for September 2013. If you know anyone who is

looking for a place, please advise them urgently to put

us as their first choice.

We have held Academy in Action Tours over the last

two weeks and they have been busier than ever with

no fewer than 110 parents requesting visits so far. The

Tours are an opportunity for parents to see the

Academy at work and it has been a pleasure to show

off our students working hard, working with

enthusiasm and working within great positive

relationships.

I am very lucky to be Principal of All Saints Academy

and have to report that the atmosphere around the

building remains amazingly positive.

Tom Waterworth


4

AWARDS EVENING


AWARDS EVENING

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Main Award Winners

Best GCSE Results Hannah Riley

Best A Level Results Stacey Hardacre

Contribution to Academy Life Aeilish Wynne

Commitment to Student Voice Rachael Elmes

Community Award Stephen Hammond

Outstanding Contribution to Performing Arts Stephanie Regan

Female Sports Personality Stacey Hardacre

Male Sports Personality Danny Aylward

ASAD Literacy Award Marie Denney Emma Hunter

Principal’s Award Hannah Riley

Tom Waterworth Cup Nathan Marshall

Diocese of St Albans Award for Excellence Through Adversity

Kimberley Stace University of Bedfordshire

Shield for Excellence in Academy Specialisms

William Hammond


‘I just want to say how impressed I was by your opening ceremony and tour today; it was a real credit to the Academy staff and children. I loved the assembly but was even more impressed by the guides who showed us around and the staff and children in all the lessons we interrupted - they were all so calm and yet enthusiastic about their learning. It really is an amazing transformation.’

Chris Spurgeon, Headteacher - St Mary’s C of E Lower School, Clophill ‘Thanks and hearty congratulations to all of you who were involved in the arrangements - as a logistical exercise, it was brilliant!

On behalf of my fellow governors, please accept our appreciation both of today and of course, for all that you continually do to give these young people the best possible start in life.’

John Wallace, Chair of Governors

‘The day was indeed monumental. Well done to everyone for making it so special.’

Professor Kate Jacques, Vice Chair of Governors

‘It was very satisfying to have had the opportunity to chat to some staff and students during the tours so ably conducted by the Prefects. The whole event, not least the building of course, was incredibly impressive and I wish everyone at All Saints well for the continuing successful development of the school, whose present students are already demonstrating quite tangibly the benefit they are experiencing.’

Brian Muskett, Diocesan Board of Education Member

OFFICIAL OPENING

6


OFFICIAL OPENING

7

‘It was a privilege to be present - I am sure that the foundation now laid will be built upon strongly.’

Cllr Peter Hollick

‘The whole occasion from start to finish was positive and uplifting, putting out the message of a happy and achieving school, who were but at the beginning of ‘a new great adventure!’’

Canon John Pedlar, Vicar of St Paul’s Bedford

‘Thank you so much for inviting me to your official opening – what a fabulous event and what a fabulous school – you must all be so proud.’

Lesley Phillips, Headteacher – Ashton Middle School

‘Congratulations on a splendid day. The aspect which is harder to deliver than the new building is the positive attitude of the young people in the Academy. Local councillors, clergy and other visiting dignitaries remarked on the maturity, aspiration and enthusiasm of your students.’

Jon Reynolds, Diocesan Director of Education


OFFICIAL OPENING

8

‘Everyone was so welcoming, particularly the students who were polite and willing to chat and looked very smart in their uniforms.’

Elaine Fairclough, Headteacher Thomas Whitehead C of E Lower School

‘The students and staff we met did you proud.’

Bob Garrard, School Admissions Adviser

‘The new buildings were impressive, and clearly the Academy is flourishing.’

David Cheetham, Former Diocesan Registrar

‘Congratulations on achieving such an outstanding new build.’

Stephanie Benbow, Headteacher – St Mary’s C of E Lower School


OFFICIAL OPENING

9

If you would like to purchase photographs of the Official Opening,

please contact Robert Michael, Audio-Visual Manager at the Academy.


All Saints Academy has continued to run the Sports Leaders UK Award, with 14 students currently on the course. All students have signed up to help and lead activities at a variety of events that take place throughout the year; these events are co-ordinated by the School Games Organiser (Miss Katie Milton) who is based here at the Academy. Festivals and events are selected for a range of Sports as well as a range of abilities. Our students, therefore, complete the necessary training for each festival within their Physical Education lessons; they are then able to lead confidently and effectively at the events. All students completed their Level 1 in Sports Leaders UK Award in February 2012 and then were moved straight onto the Level 2 course. Students attended their first festival on the 11th October 2012, which was the SEN Sports Hall Athletics at Dunstable Leisure Centre; students were divided up and allocated a station to lead. All students were confident and enthusiastic and motivated all the middle school children who attended; several members of staff from our local middle schools also commented on the politeness and their continuous encouragement of their students. It was clear that all Leaders have enhanced their leadership skills and their ability to work with a range of students; this will continue to develop throughout lessons and by attending more festivals.

All Saints Academy also provides opportunities for the Leaders to attend out of school leadership hours, by having good and strong links with a variety of local clubs. All relevant information is provided to the students at the start of the academic year.

Student Names: Nathan Marshall, Georgia Craig, Ellie Bastian, Jodie Gorman, Aeilish Wynne, Keely Sharp, Lewis Reid, Kiya Bishun, Rachel Room, Matthew Sibley, Philippa Jones, Samuel Giddings, Lily Moon and Courtney Stanley.

Stephanie Flynn PE Technician– Games Organiser

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SPORT, HEALTH & LEISURE SPORTS LEADERS SEN FESTIVAL


The last five days has seen more than one hundred and fifty students using the Sport, Health and Leisure Curriculum Area’s enrichment programme. These are really promising figures and as a team we want to continue to promote the activities that we have on offer, as well as continue to increase the number of students participating in physical activity out of school hours. A particular success has been our brand new fitness suite which has a range of equipment including cross trainers, treadmills and fixed weights machines. Students come and use this facility both before and after school to work out and train and most sessions are usually full.

All students are welcome to any of the clubs and activities that we have to offer, no matter what their ability, and we encourage any student who has not been along already to come and ‘have a go’.

Joanna Carey Curriculum Leader - Sport, Health & Leisure

11

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

MORNING

7.45-8.15

FITNESS SUITE KS4 & KS5

Mr O’Rourke

FITNESS SUITE KS4 & KS5 Mr Gilbert

FITNESS SUITE KS4 & KS5 Miss Carey

FITNESS SUITE KS4 & KS5 Miss Flynn

FITNESS SUITE KS4 & KS5

Miss Delderfield

LUNCH 1.00-1.30

Year 9 & 10

MAIN HALL TABLE TENNIS Father Coles

SPORTS HALL BADMINTON

Miss Delderfield

SPORTS HALL BASKETBALL Miss Carey


SPORTS HALL TABLE TENNIS Father Coles

LUNCH 1.30-2.00

Year 11,12 & 13


SPORTS HALL BADMINTON

Miss Carey

SPORTS HALL BASKETBALL Mr Gilbert


SPORTS HALL TABLE TENNIS Father Coles

AFTER

SCHOOL 3.30-4.30

SPORTS HALL BASKETBALL

Mr Gilbert/Miss Flynn

SPORTS HALL NETBALL

Miss Carey/Miss Delderfield

SPORTS HALL FOOTBALL

Mr O’Rourke/Mr Gilbert

SPORTS HALL TRAMPOLINE

Miss Carey

STAFF CPD FITNESS SUITE

KS5 Mr O’Rourke

FITNESS SUITE KS4

Miss Flynn

FITNESS SUITE GIRLS ONLY

SESSION Miss Delderfield

FITNESS SUITE BOYS ONLY

SESSION Mr O’Rourke

SPORT, HEALTH & LEISURE EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMME


OPEN EVENING

12


South Beds Years 10 & 11 Boys’ Table Tennis Competition

All Saints Academy Dunstable –Champions!!

Above: All Saints Academy Boys’ Table Tennis Team

The All Saints Years 10/11 Boys’ Team were undefeated in the round robin stages where they played Queensbury and Vandyke Upper School. Coming top of their group they then played Cedars Upper in the final. The All Saints Team were focused and skilful, winning all three games of the final – Singles 1: 12-10, Singles 2: 11- 7 and Doubles 3 & 4 : 11 - 4 This Team will now go through to the County School Games Finals which will take place on 23rd November 2012 at Vandyke Upper School! Congratulations!

Katie Milton

School Games Organiser

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SCHOOL GAMES TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONS


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EXAM RESULTS DAY


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EXAM RESULTS DAY


OUR NEW BUILDING

16


Punctuality, Attendance and Holidays

Please ensure that your child arrives on time for school. Students need to be on the Academy premises by 8.25am so that they will not be late to registration at 8.30am. Students arriving late will receive a 20 minute detention after school on the same day. If a student has more than 3 lates in any one week they will also be required to do a 1 hour detention on a Friday afternoon with their Achievement Leader.

The Academy attendance target is 93.5%; any students below this will be monitored and if they drop below 85% All Saints Academy will need medical evidence to be able to approve the absence.

Medical evidence can be any one of the following: copy of an appointment card/letter, a note from the GP/practice nurse giving reason for absence, a copy of a prescription made out to the student or any other suitable documentary evidence. A decision on whether or not to authorise the absence will be made by the Academy.

Holidays will not be approved by the Academy unless they are in exceptional circumstances.

Statutory School Attendance

I am glad to be able to advise that the Academy attendance levels are currently 94.45% and would like to thank all students and their parents/carers for their continued support. The Academy target is 93.5% and, therefore, we ask that everyone continues to help us to maintain this level.

Please be aware that the current percentage for a Persistent Absentee is below 85%, therefore, parents/carers of any student whose attendance is below this level could receive a fixed penalty notice, be requested to attend a panel meeting or be referred to the Education Welfare Service.

Current Academy Year Figures

Medical Appointments

A reminder to parents/carers that medical appointments should be made for out of school hours where possible. We do appreciate that this is sometimes impossible and would ask that students only take the necessary time out of school, not the whole day. Medical evidence will be requested for students with attendance concerns.

Absence

All Absences should be reported at the earliest possible convenience on the first day of absence, by calling 01582 697618.

Emma Gaskell Attendance Officer

Year 9 Year 10 Year 11 SSA

Academy year

Figures to date 96.9% 90.5% 95.6% 94.8%

ATTENDANCE

17


A reminder to parents/carers of the procedure which the Academy follows in the event of a first aid incident

or in the event that a student wishes to go home due to illness.

If a student is ill they will be sent to Main Reception to be assessed; they will only be referred to the Medical Room if absolutely necessary.

The First Aid qualified member of staff dealing with the student will assess the situation and make contact with parent/carer to get permission to send the student home or to make arrangements for the student to be collected.

Only once all these steps have been followed can the student sign out at Reception.

Students should NOT contact their parents via mobile phone and ask to be collected without the above procedures being followed. The Academy thanks parents/carers for your continued support in this regard.

FIRST AID PROCEDURES

Visitors’ parking on site is limited but we are pleased to advise that there are six allocated short-stay parking spaces (including one designated disabled parking space) immediately outside the Main Reception for visitors to the Academy, including our parents/carers.

Please note that, for the safety of our students, the main gates on Houghton Road will be closed at the end of the school day from 3.15pm to 3.30pm Monday to Thursday, and 12.55pm to 1.10pm on Fridays.

VISITORS’ CAR PARKING

A reminder for all parents/carers to please advise the Academy of any change of address or telephone numbers.

It is important that our records are up-to-date, and the correct telephone numbers are vital in order that we can make contact in the event of any emergency.

EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS

18


November 2012

Monday 5th Public Exam (GCSE); Guy Fawkes Night

Tuesday 6th Year 9 Parents Pathways Evening 5.30pm - 8pm

Wednesday 7th Year 10 Parents Consultation Evening 4pm - 7.30pm

Sunday 11th Remembrance Sunday

Thursday 15th Sixth Form UCAS Parents Presentation Sixth Form Parents Consultation Evening 4pm - 7.30pm

Friday 16th Children in Need Day - Non Uniform Day

Thursday 22nd Year 11 Parents Consultation Evening 4pm - 7.30pm

Monday 26th Literacy Focus Week 2

Friday 30th St. Andrews Day

December 2012

Monday 3rd TEEP Training Day - Closed to students

4th to 15th Year 9 Pathways Interviews

Thursday 6th Houghton Regis Schools Christmas Concert

Thurs 13th/Fri 14th Sixth Form Cake Sale

Wednesday 19th Open Day Forum for Sixth Form

Friday 21st Last Day of Term - Christmas Break - Non Uniform Day

Tuesday 25th Christmas Day

January 2013

Tuesday 1st New Years Day

Monday 7th Staff Training Day

Tuesday 8th Students Return After Christmas Break

Wednesday 9th Public Exams (GCE, GCSE)

Thursday 10th November Public Exam Results available to Students

Monday 21st Literacy Focus Week 3

Thursday 31st Year 11 into 12 Pathways Evening 6pm - 9pm

Diary Dates 2012 - 2013

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Principal: Tom Waterworth BA MA

ALL SAINTS ACADEMY DUNSTABLE

HOUGHTON ROAD

DUNSTABLE LU5 5AB

Telephone: 01582 619700 Fax: 01582 619701

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.allsaintsacademydunstable.org


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