HERTSBEAT Monday

9th March 2015 Issue 10:20

Measles outbreaks and MMR catch-up campaigns Attached to this edition of Hertsbeat is a letter from Herts County Council regarding the increasing number of measles cases recently reported across England and Wales and

advice on what to do if you have any concerns.

CREATIVITY ROCKS

Following our outstanding results of 90% GCSE A*- C in the Arts last year and the confirmation of our Artsmark Gold status by the England Arts Council , it’s no surprise that creativity is thriving across our academy. This week we review our annual Global Rock entry which saw our students stand as equals against some of the highest level competition in this field. They performed brilliantly and with the guidance of our dance expert, Ms Smith, came away with two awards and one nomination. To further recognise their achievements each student has also been awarded 100 Vivo points each! Read on……...

GLOBAL ROCK 2015 by Jodie Smith, Teacher of Dance After months of rehearsal and preparation for the competition, our students finally performed the renowned Global Rock 2015 event. The audience, which consisted of all the other competitors from other schools, including an international performing arts school from Dubai, were cheering us on and thoroughly enjoyed our performance! We could not have been more proud!

As usual, the standard was very high this year and our students performed brilliantly. Additionally, we were nominated for ‘The Spirit of Rock Challenge’ Award by the Dubai school for our contribution to the event. Our students had some fantastic feedback about the success of their creative costumes as well as our well-rehearsed and tight choreography. Also mentioned, was the inventiveness of our concept and storyline which was punctuated with an extremely powerful finale! Following our performance the judges presented us with the ‘Excellence for Drama Skills’ award and also the award for ‘Best Stage Crew.’ Congratulations to our Global Rock troupe and many thanks to Ms Jenner and Mr O’Brien for helping make the event such a success. Peter Gillett

Headteacher

‘An outstanding concert’ ‘such confident and talented young people’ These were just two of the comments made by members of the audience who attended the Key Stage 3 concert just before half term in the Ark theatre. As staff, we were blown away by the professionalism and maturity with which all the students delivered such quality performances. From vocal solos to House Dance compositions to choirs to instrumental ensembles, the evening was a true showcase of musical talent from just Years 7 & 8. They did not disappoint. A real treat of music making. Well done to all involved, performers, teaching staff, Ark staff & the Year 10 stage crew – you were fantastic! Siana Brooker, Taylor Skinner, Scott Hayes, Lucy Barnes, Hazel Snowball, Matthew Read, Megan McHugh, Lovely Osei Addae, Florence Nizameddin, Caitlan Philbin,, Jena Jackson, Fallon Murphy, Gemma Hudnott, Letisja Festo, Pamela Cooper, Katie Perlmutter, CJ Brindley, Savannah Endean, Carla Duncan, Charlie Townshend, Abigail Brooker, Grace Henley, Grace Neale, Harry Winslade, Molly Taylor, Millie Clive, Kayleigh Bennett, Mano Caloro, Joe Steward, Peter Gonsor, Elizabeth Marvelly, Tyler Evans, Freddie Murphy, Andrew Flanagan, Ryan McHarg, Chloe Stone, Oliver Lane, Ana Caetano, Joseph George, Immanuel Ndungu, Jamie McDonald, Oliver Pickard, Habibah Islam, David Delia, Freddie Devonshire, Tommy Dyer-Powell.

Year 7 Football The Year 7 football team reached the District Cup Semi-Finals after beating Monks Walk 9 – 1. The team performed extremely well throughout the game and ran out comprehensive winners. The first half was a tight affair until Hertswood broke the deadlock and went on to score two more, taking a 3-0 lead into half time. During the second half Hertswood continued to dominate the game and scored another 6 goals. Scorers: George Grange 7, Jordan Danquah 1 and Tyler Pavitt 1. A special mention must go to George Grange for a fantastic all round performance.

Mr Burkhardt

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT – the Free School Meal Application Process is Changing

On 31st March 2015, Hertswood Academy will no longer be using the Hertfordshire County Council Free School Meals eligibility checking service.

You will need to make applications via the following website: pps.lgfl.org.uk To make an application you will need to input some basic details about yourself: name, date of birth, National Insurance number, email address, mobile phone number and home address. It is important that you have your mobile telephone to hand when making the application as part of the process creates a username and a password. The password will be texted to you. You will be notified whether your child is eligible and then must link your child’s account to your own. The system should recognise your child and make the suggestion to you to link the accounts. If this does not happen it will give you the option to search. If you have more than one child at Hertswood you must ensure that you have linked all accounts. Hertswood Academy will be notified of your application and whether Free School Meals have been granted. We request that all parents complete this process even if your child is not entitled to a Free School Meal or if you have already been granted Free School Meals for this academic year. On completion of the process you will be entitled to download a free virus software protection for your computer. If you have issues during the application process please contact the Finance Team, Option 2 on the main switchboard.

DANCING@WESTMINSTER

We are delighted to announce that Jessica, Mason, Aaron and Reece have been chosen by Dance Digital to perform in the Commonwealth Day Observance, the UK’s largest multi-faith celebration which takes place in Westminster Abbey on Monday 9th March. Her Majesty The Queen and Heads of Commonwealth will be in attendance and we wish our students well for this fantastic event!