NEWSLETTER

TERM 3 : February 2012

EDITION 003

I am delighted to introduce the latest editions of The Hastings Academy Newsletters. The next 20 pages illustrate the wide range of exciting opportunities available here. The Students’ newsletter was written and produced entirely by students and gives us their perspective on life at the academy.

One of our mottos is ‘Every Child Known’. This means that we aim to identify and build on the talents and strengths possessed by every child, as well as providing challenge and support when required. In term 3 we launched ‘The Falcons’, which gathers together the most academically able students for a programme of extension and enrichment. You can read more about the launch and the support offered by the Universities of Brighton and Sussex on page 4 and some of the year 7 to 9 Falcons are shown below.

During the last few weeks we have held consultation evenings for parents and carers of students in years 11, 10 and 9 to meet subject teachers. All of these students will be completing GCSE and/or BTEC courses at the end of this academic year and the three way conversations between students, parents and teachers were really useful. I urge all families to attend the ACADEMIC REVIEW DAY on Friday 9th March. Each student and their parent or carer will meet with their tutor to discuss progress in every subject using the latest tracking data. It will also be an opportunity for students in years 8, 9 and 10 to consider which subjects to choose to study next year.

Many visitors to the academy are amazed to discover the extent of the construction work taking place behind our front building. That we create such a calm and focussed environment for teaching and learning is due to the dedication of our staff, the determination of our students to succeed and the commitment of our parents and carers to work with us to keep expectations high.

I should like to thank Amanda Crisford, our Welfare, Admissions and Community Manager for producing this excellent newsletter and Roo Calverley for inspiring the students to produce theirs.

If you have any suggestions or feedback please e-mail a.crisford@hasla.org.uk or phone 01424 711950 ext 2264.

Theresa Phillips, Principal

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Contents

02 Parent View, Surviving Christmas

03 Ghost Walks

04 Launch of The Falcons

05 Mensa membership, The Life Project

06 Building Update, Nurture Group Visit

07 Drama at The Academy

08 PE Alternative Day

09 Sporting Success and Visits

10 Science in the News

11 Herstmonceux Trip

12 Town Ambassadors, Apple Regional Training

13 Philosophy Club, The Big Picture

14 Extra Curricular Clubs

15 Bance School

16 Cameron School

17 Starkey School

18 Careers, BTEC Web Page

19 Financing your Future

20 School Nurse, Dates for Diaries

the Academy Remembers Surviving Christmas

While preparing for Christmas this year, students and staff at The Hastings Academy were thinking about those in our community who may find the festive season challenging, and worked together to support the local Surviving Christmas charity.

Throughout December, tutor groups decorated a hamper and filled it with non-perishable food, toiletries, gifts and small clothing items. It was a great way for students of all ages to work together. Over forty hampers were collected by Surviving Christmas at the end of term. In addition, on the last day of term, pupils had a mufti day in aid of Surviving Christmas and £266 was collected and donated to the charity. Pupils and staff were delighted to be involved and there was a true spirit of generosity. Ms Adie

parent view

We would like to ask you to take part in an online survey to check how you feel we are meeting the needs of your child at The Hastings Academy. We are constantly striving to improve and would really welcome your participation in this important exercise.

Parent View asks for your opinion on 12 things about the school, from the quality of teaching to dealing with poor behaviour - which is designed to help us improve your child’s overall experience with us.

www.parentview.ofsted.gov.uk

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

GHOST WALKS AT THE HASTINGS ACADEMYA spooky atmosphere was felt amongst the corridors and classrooms of The Hastings Academy on Tuesday, 13th December as students and staff created their own Christmas Ghost Walk around the school. The event came about because the school hall has been knocked down in preparation for the new building. Staff at The Hastings Academy decided to think creatively and put on a production, in the style of an interactive ghost walk, which took place in a series of rooms.

Visitors were greeted at the gate by a range of zombies who led the audience up to a ghostly choir, who sang ‘creep.’ Refreshments were served to steady the nerves of anxious visitors who were unsure what to expect on the ghost walk. The audience were treated to a dazzling event full of zombie dances, an interactive fright room, wandering grave stones and a terrifying drama production. Mrs Bowers

fun and festivities over

christmas lunch

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LAUNCH OF THE FALCONS

On Monday 30th January The Hastings Academy saw the launch of the Falcons programme. This is a programme put together to support, extend and inspire our more academic students who have joined us from primary school already attaining some of the highest results or have demonstrated impressive abilities in cognitive ability tests (CATS). It was an impressive event with many guest speakers. Moira Sheehan, Villiers Park Educational Trust, gave an invigorating speech which motivated our Falcons and their parents. Moira has many years experience of ensuring able students meet their full potential, will be working alongside our Falcons as a consultant to ensure that the level of support is outstanding. Rachel Roser has been appointed by Brighton University, our sponsors, to work exclusively with The Hastings and St Leonards Academies. Rachel addressed our Falcons students and parents, highlighting the events and master classes that The Hastings Academy Falcons will be able to attend at the University. Rachel also informed the group about University bursaries available to The Academy students. In addition the University of Sussex’s widening participation co-ordinator, Sarah Cullen, spoke about the many research projects which will involve our Falcons students. The evening concluded with Sam Umber a 3rd Year undergraduate student reading Politics and History at Sussex University. It was sheer delight for our Falcons students and parents to hear about university life in person.

Coming up for our “high-flying” Falcons this spring:

* Y11 Academic Mentoring with trained academic coaches from Villiers Park Educational Trust (fortnightly meetings from 20th February onwards)

* The Big Picture Y10 and Y8 (whole year group)

* Y10 “Why Choose University?” event Thursday 9th February

* An opportunity to meet a newly qualified doctors - for students who aspire to study Medicine or a related subject 7th February

* Y7 Star Student 23rd February (whole year group)

* Y9/10 Architecture taster day 23rd March

From left to right we have:

• Rachel Roser - Brighton University

• Sarah Cullen - Sussex University

• Moira Sheehan - Villiers Park

• Sam Umber - undergraduate

• Cordelia Macmillan – Programme Lead

• Pip Gasson – Vice Principal

• Theresa Phillips – Principal

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

the life project

The LIFE project provides an opportunity for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service to engage with local young people within their local communities. It provides an opportunity to break down barriers between young people and the Fire Fighters, enabling the Fire Fighters to gain an improved understanding of young people and the communities they serve and the young people to gain an understanding of the role and responsibilities of a Fire Fighter.

The young people are Fire fighters for the week and specially trained Fire fighters deliver the LIFE project. The project is an intensive one-week work experience course within a disciplined and focused team environment, allowing the young people to experience what it is like to be an operational Fire Fighter.

The consequences session uses uncut footage of Fire and road incidents, giving the young people the opportunity to examine and discuss the grim results of anti-social behaviour, highlighting the cost to the community, emergency services, the young people and their families.

By the end of the week the participants have raised self-esteem, raised self-value, raised self-confidence, raised self-motivation, raised self-respect and consequently gained self-empowerment.

They learn to work as a member of a team, improve communication skills, to support each other, the giving and receiving of orders, health and safety, respect and self-discipline. These are all-important skills required in the work place. They gain new skills for life and the lessons learnt will support them throughout the rest of their lives.

Ryan Clarke, year 9, who attended the course in November said, “I really enjoyed my week, it was good to learn lots of new skills, particularly hose running and ladder climbing. I would really recommend it.”

Ryan Clarke, year 9

Hastings Newest Member

of MENSA

At just 13 years of age Jack Kennedy has once again dazzled us here at The Hastings Academy by becoming a

member of Mensa.

He is one of just 36 members of Mensa in Hastings!

Jack spent a day doing gruelling tests; the hardest test he has ever done before he was welcomed by Mensa.

He is now officially “the academy genius”.

Congratulations Jack!

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latest aerial pictures of the

building works

On Tuesday, 31st January The year 7 Nurture Group were the first ever students to visit the 1st floor of the new building. Even though is was a cold and misty day it was easy to see what spectacular views the building will have

once completed.

On returning students were asked what they thought that new year 7 students would like about the new school. They said, “We think that the children who come to the new Hastings Academy will enjoy the brand new school, and they will not have to go outside when in the rain and snow, like we do at the moment, because classes are all over the school.”

Wow words they used to describe the building were:

• Fabulous

• Inspiring

• Wow

• Cool

• Scary

• Too high

VISIT TO THE NEW BUILD

Sam Bolden, year 7, enjoying the visit

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

Haunted Child trip

Recently a group of students were invited to go to London to see a performance of ‘Haunted child’ by Joe Penhall. The trip started with a coach to London, the students were all buzzing with excitement to see this new piece of work at a well acclaimed London theatre. When the students arrived they were dazzled by the beautiful chirstmas lights on display in Sloane square. The theatre was very compact and perfect for this piece, the set was extremely realistic and the use of lighting was used excellently to convey very realistic sunlight and moonlight. All of the class sat ready for a haunting story however, this piece was more of a psychological endeavour of a young man affected by a ‘cult’, that didn’t only affect him but his wife and child believed him to be dead. The play showed

some good drama techniques and helped the GCSE drama students with their renditions of ‘after the accident’.

Taming of the shrew trip

A group of students recently went to Stratford-upon-Avon to see a performance of Shakespeare’s ‘taming of the shrew’. The piece had been adapted by the RSC (Royal Shakespeare Company) and completely modernized however some of Shakespeare’s original text still remained. When the students arrived they were allowed to walk round Stratford upon Avon for a while, when the students went in to the theatre the students were surprise to find that the theatre was very small but very tall. The performance was adapted to cover current issues. The performance was then followed by a workshop, taught by a leading expert at the

RSC. This workshop included a brief story outline of the play followed by tuition to lead the students to a better understanding of the play whilst also developing their skills. It was a very long, but rewarding day.

Written by Curtis Arnold Harmer and Dominic Barker

midsummer nights’ dream

Drama students are running workshops for year 5 in local primary schools prior to a spectacular open air performance on 20th April at Fairlight Hall. There will also be a chance for family and friends to watch the performance at The Pheonix Centre on 7th March. Further information from Mrs Crisford on 01424 711950 ext 2264.

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Physical Education Alternative Day

On Friday 27th January 9 girls attended a PE Alternative Day at the University of Brighton, Eastbourne Campus. This day allowed the girls to practice some of the new activities we offer in PE lessons which included Street Surfing, Kinball and Wii Games and also experience some new activities which were Tchoukball and Alternative Swimming. The girls had a fantastic day! The first activity was Street Surfing. The students worked hard with their partners to support each other on the board, one of the Olympic Values of ‘Friendship’ was demonstrated by Jodie Fuller and Elizabeth Baldwin as they helped each other to balance on the board and move around the room.

The next activity the students took part in was ‘Alternative Swimming’. This was a dance/aerobics session in the pool where the girls were taught different exercises and then had time to choreograph their own routines and performed to the rest of the group. The third session of the day was ‘Wii Sports’. This involved 4 different Wii activities which tested the students non-verbal communication in a variety of ways.

Skiing – students had to slalom their way through the slope blindfolds on. Their partners would tap their shoulder and they would lift themselves off of the wii fit board to manoeuvre left or right.

Driving - the students had to use non- verbal communication to drive the through the field. A clap signified left and a ‘boo’ was right.

Heading a football – pairs stood on the board and moved left or right depending on the signals from their partners.

Marble in the hole – again not looking at the screen student relied on their partners to tell them whether to stop on the board to move the marble! A fun session that tested our teamwork and communication to the limited!

Session 5 was ‘Kinball’. The students worked on trust and teamwork to help each other balance on the Kinballs and then played some fun Invasion Games with the Kinball. Tchoukball was the final session of the day, this required the team to work together to get the ball to their attacking zone and to score through the ball against the trampet and catch it!! This was a great session that tested the students teamwork and reaction skills! Ms McCann

Mercedes Gillet demonstrated ‘Determination’ on this activity!!

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

London Prepares for International Gymnastics

The PE department took 12 girls from the gymnastics squad to the O2 arena in London for the Olympic London Prepares Gymnastics competition.

The event was an official qualifier for the Olympics and involved international athletes competing on the beam, high bars, the vault and the floor routine. We had excellent seats, next to the beam competition and the girls were given a real taste of what the Olympic atmosphere will be like.

This event was a part of the build up to the games and the next trip will hopefully be to the Olympic Stadium for the athletics in June.

Success at the Sportshall Athletics

On Wednesday 11th January a group of year 7 students from The Hastings Academy took part in Sportshall Athletics at the Summerfield Sports Centre. The whole team had a great day, competing to a good standard, showing skill and determination in athletics, track and field events. It is with great pride that we can announce that our year 7 girls came away as winners of the event, the team comprised: Katy Marks, Ruby Webb, Jaleela Nakazibwe, Ellen Brooker, Jennifer Boswell, Kira Roycroft, Shayla Francis. “I participated in lots of activities, it was very competitive and everyone was very serious about winning. It was a fantastic experience and next time we’ll know who to watch out for”, Ellen Brooker year 7.

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Stem Cells

Skin cells have been converted directly into cells which develop into the main components of the brain, by researchers studying mice in California. This is key in using the cells for a variety of medical uses

Stem cells, which can become any other specialist type of cell from brain to bone, are thought to have huge promise in a range of treatments. Many trials are taking place, such as in stroke patients or specific forms of blindness.

One of the big questions for the field is where to get the cells from. There are ethical concerns around embryonic stem cells.  During the science course the ethical arguments and issues surrounding many science issues are thought and reasoned with learners.

Star Gazing

Hastings Academy students joined the recent BBC Stargazing weeks during science lessons and tutor time.  The study of the solar system is an important part of all the science syllabuses.  The week had clear evenings , perfect for observing the stars.  There were BBC programmes focused on what can be seen in the night sky.  Go onto the BBC iplayer which has the programmes.  There are also some excellent free apps for the ipad and the iphone available if you go into the Apps Store and type in Astronomy.

Counterfeit Cigarettes

Warnings have been in the local news about the counterfeit cigarettes that are widespread in the Hastings Area at the moment.

During the science lessons the chemical dangers of the unregulated heavy metals in these cigarettes were covered so that students are aware of the dangers involved.  The heavy metal lead is in the cigarettes at a concentration eight times higher than usual there also high concentrations of cadmium.  Lead can damage the nervous system and causes blood and brain disorders, cadmium can damage the lungs and is linked with kidney disease.

snake bursts after gobbling gator

Finally, just because it is so unusual a clash of two predators at the top of the food chain!

An unusual clash between a 6-foot (1.8m)

alligator and a 13-foot (3.9m) python has left

two of the deadliest predators dead in Florida’s

swamps. The Burmese python tried to swallow

its fearsome rival whole but then exploded.

The remains of the two giant reptiles were

found by astonished rangers in the Everglades

National Park.

Science in the News

Ms Calderbank

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

Herstmonceux Trip

Year 7 had an extra reason to be excited in December last year. As the

night drew in and the temperature dropped the build up to this year’s

main event grew until a measurable buzz was felt all around the school.

The science trip to Herstmonceux Observatory and Science Centre was

finally here!

We arrived at the Science Centre about an hour before dark, enough

time for everyone to have a go on the interactive exhibits outside before

the main event later. Year 7s scattered to the four corners trying all

the interactive exhibits, getting the chance to learn science outside the

classroom. There were levers to use, DNA molecules to build and the

Archimedes screw moving a ball against gravity. It is safe to say that

everyone was fully entertained!

After dark we all had the chance to use the enormous telescopes to see

into space. Luckily, there were clear skies all around and we were all able

to see the moon, Mars and Jupiter with the naked eye, though, through

the telescopes it was more impressive. The craters on the moon were

clearly visible through the refracting telescope and Jupiter and Jupiter’s

moon was also visible through the reflecting telescope, although you

needed to get on your hands and knees to see that!

There were many others exhibitions inside the Science Centre to

be enjoyed after dark, which contributed to learning the science

curriculum, helping the students understand the nature of gravity, light

and forces which all proved very popular.

We put the telescope to bed at about 8.00 pm and all returned to

school on a much quieter coach than we had left. I was very glad I

stayed up late to spend the evening looking into space.

Mr Hunt

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Town Ambassadors

Two students from The Hastings Academy have joined the pioneering Town Ambassadors group. Billie Broadhead and Grace Humbles, year 9 students, will be working with representatives from primary and secondary schools across Hastings.

The Town Ambassadors are visiting a number of schools looking at different environments and the learning that takes place there and taking good ideas back to their own school.

The group was created by Mr Small, the headteacher at Castledown, and Mr Upton, the headteacher of St Leonards, as a means of sharing ideas and good practice in response to a student who posed the question “Is my school good?”

Billie and Grace visited Castledown School and were very impressed by what they saw there, particularly the wonderful artwork on display. In addition to visiting two primary schools the Town Ambassadors have also had the opportunity to visit the recently completed Jerwood Gallery building.

We look forward to welcoming the Town Ambassadors to The Hastings Academy in the near future. Ms McCallum

Grace Humbles

Billie Broadhead

Apple Regional Training Centre (RTC)

At the Hastings Academy we recognise the importance of engaging and inspiring students within the classroom and seek to deliver an exciting curriculum involving multimedia, animation and podcasting. It is ideal if we can use industry-standard computers and software for this, so that our students are prepared to use their skills in the world beyond school.

With this in mind, The Hastings Academy is very excited to announce that it has recently been successful in becoming an Apple Regional Training Centre (RTC). This means that Apple are providing The Academy with a quantity of free equipment (iPads and MacBooks), training and on-going access to their experts and other centres of excellence.

In return, The Academy will be providing a number of free training events over the next year for the community and other schools to attend, helping people to understand how to use multimedia technology to enhance creativity. Details will appear on the Academy website and in this newsletter in due course; we hope to see you there.

Phil Golding, Apple Lead EducatorThe Hastings AcademyTel: 01424 711950 email: rtc@hasla.org.uk

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

Philosophy Club

An exciting new club will be starting at the Hastings Academy after half term. Miss Gough will be running a philosophy club that will debate a range of issues from news items to science and ethics. We will be choosing some issues and topics that we think are important and exploring them together.

Once we have chosen our issue we will be working with some other teachers at the academy, such as Mrs Bowers and Miss Webber, to improve our public speaking skills. The final aim is to produce a three minute clip, showcasing our thoughts and ideas. The best part is we will put it all together in a ‘4thought’ style presentation (also known as three minute wonder) and you may even get a chance to get on the television. If you have any questions pop along to A4.

The club will begin the first Monday after half term and it will be in the library, biscuits and juice will be provided! Miss Gough

The Big Picture

The Big Picture event hit The Hastings Academy this week and had a huge impact on many of our year 8 and year 10 students.

Students were asked to think about their hopes and dreams for the future and were taken through some tasks to look realistically at what they have to do right now to realise these dreams. The speaker, Keith Warren, was really motivating and students got totally engaged in the activities.

The session ended with the completion of an individual card about what they hope to be doing in 10 years’ time and what they need to be doing next month to achieve this. These cards will be sent back to the students next month to remind them of what they said they would do to make their lives a complete and utter success. “It was truly inspirational. It has made me want to go for what I wanted to do even more” Lilly Cooper, year 8 

 If you would like more information on the Big Picture, please go to www.thebigpicture.eu.com

 We hope to run this event for year 7 and 9 later in the year. Ms Bance

Miss Gough Mrs BowersMiss Webber

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Extra Curricular Club Day Location Time Year Group Year 7 Activities Mon Sports Centre Lunchtime Year 7

Key Stage 4 English Mon & Wed B23 3:15 – 4:30pm Year 10 & 11

Bronze Art Award Mon B24 3 – 4pm Key Stage 3

Spanish Club Mon A7 3 – 4pm Year 9, 10 & 11

Btec Music Mon B8 3 – 4pm Year 11

Girls Activities Mon Sports Centre 3 – 4pm Year 7,8 & 9

Boys Activities Mon & Wed Sports Centre 3 – 4pm Year 7 & 8

Fitness Club Mon & Wed Fitness Suite 3 – 4pm Year 10 & 11

Year 8 Activities Tues Sports Centre Lunchtime Year 8

Year 9 Activities Wed Sports Centre Lunchtime Year 9

Badminton Wed Sports Centre 3-4pm All Welcome

Science Club Wed A20 3 – 4pm All Welcome

Key Stage 4 Art Wed & Thurs B24 3 – 5pm Year 9, 10 & 11

Key stage 3 DT Wed B1 3 – 4pm Year 7 & 8

Music Club Wed B8 3 – 4pm Year 7

Dance Club Wed & Thurs Sports Centre 3- 4pm All Welcome

Singing Club (Vocalworx)

Wed Kenway Hall 3 – 4pm All Welcome

Year 10 Activities Thurs Sports Centre Lunchtime Year 10

Literature Club Thurs B26 3 – 4pm Year 9 & 10

Art Club Thurs B25 3 – 4pm Year 7 & 8

Music Club Thurs B8 3 – 4pm Year 8

Boys Activities Thurs Sports Centre 3 – 4pm Year 9 & 10

Duke of Edinburgh Award

Thurs A20 3 – 4pm Years 10 & 11

DT Club Thurs B1 3 – 4:30pm Year 9, 10 & 11

Year 11 Activities Fri Sports Centre Lunchtime Year 11

French Club

Fri A3 3 – 4 pm All Welcome

Drama Club Fri A6 3 – 4pm Year 7 & 8

Scaletrix Club Fri B1 3 – 4:30pm All Welcome

Maths Help & Revision

Fri Hut 2 3 – 4pm All welcome

DT Club Mon – Fri B1 Lunchtime All Welcome

Homework Club Mon – Thurs Library 3 – 4:30pm All Welcome

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

bance school

Ms Cate BanceHead of School

Get to know your Student Support Manager ...

What I love most about my job is talking with the students; I get a great feeling when I have made a difference to someone and it’s lovely when you get a thank you as you feel that you have resolved an issue.

My hero is Meryl Streep because she is a strong woman who has achieved so much and is still doing well.

At the weekend I like to sit in front of the fire and read or watch films and I love a bit of retail therapy.

When I was at school, I wanted to be a teacher which is why I love working with children.

K Muggridge

Bance school successes in English and Maths Congratulations to the following students who really did themselves and Bance school proud in the recently published GCSE results Well done to Jake Begg, Asante Fowler, Aaron Jay, Charlie Pilgrim, Peter Rye, David Todd who have already gained C and above in both English and Maths.

know that so many of you are working hard to gain really good grades in all your subjects and have been applying for college places over the last few weeks.

So keep that effort up and let me know if you need any additional support.

I want to see really happy faces in August when you open your results.

Karen MuggridgeStudent Support Manager

Term 3 ...what’s been happening in Bance school

It seems to have been another very busy term, particularly for those of you who have had exams.

It was great to see so many of you at year 9, 10 and year 11 parents’ evenings and we will look forward to meeting with parents of year 7 and 8 parents soon.

As we reach the end of term, I would like to flag up some key events next term - we will be starting the options process for year 8 and building on the option selection for Year 9 and 10.

Our academic review day will take place on Friday, 9th March and this will be your opportunity to meet with your child’s tutor and discuss her / his progress. We are currently planning our Sports Relief event for March 23rd ...more info to follow.

Ms Bance

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“Inside of a ring or out, ain’t nothing wrong with going down. It’s staying down that’s wrong” Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali had resilience; the ability to face difficulties, learn from mistakes and stick at it until the end. As exam pressure builds for our KS4 students we need to support them through this crucial period in their careers. We have had three successful parents’ evening’s for years 9, 10 and 11 and it was great to see so many parents and carers and students talking with teachers and tutors, discussing their progress and what they need to do in coming months. 

These year 11 students have clearly demonstrated great perseverance and resilience and have already gained a C grade or above in both English and Maths, well done to them:

Liam Cookson Natasha Dockerill Chelsea Dunn Joseph Shearer

Resilience is essential if you are to succeed and one Cameron School Star has shown great strength of character this term. Callum Wood, who boxes for West Hill ABC goes from strength to strength, and recently shone at a regional competition in Tenterden, chalking up five wins from six bouts. Well done Callum, we are following your career with great interest and pride.

Congratulations to Mr Van Gran on the birth of his son, Theo James.

cameron school

Mr Jim CameronHead of School

Next term proves to be another exciting and busy one, with new options choices for year 8 students and for those in Year 9 and 10.

Our academic review day will take place on Friday March 9th and this will be your opportunity to meet with your child’s tutor and discuss his / her progress. I look forward to seeing you all there.

We are also currently planning our Sports Relief event for March 23rd ...more exciting info to follow.

Lots of exciting things happening, have a great break and thanks to all Cameron School students for their hard work this term.

Mr Cameron

Sharon FielderStudent Support Manager

Top 10 students for each School with the most Vivo miles awarded to date are:

BANCE CAMERON STARKEY

Emily Brazil Connor Lusted Sam Bolden

Bradley Vandepeer Myles Winch-McQuade Louis Griggs

Maya Little Oliver Barker Anastasia Hope

Sophie Vaughan Alisha Pattenden Louie White-Dyer

Alexander Hobbs Rosie Brock Olivia Ruff

Peter Rye Max Foster Ryan Crouch

Tanisha Eastoe Ellen Brooker Kylie Woollard

Jay Blunden Callum Wood Josh Huggett

Kimberley Wilson Cieran Fitzgerald Bradley Beckley

Owen Fuller Samuel Mayo Jazmin Daniels

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

I can not believe that we are half way through the school year.  Starkey school has come from second position to be leading the competition for most Vivo miles out of the three schools.  Well done to everyone in Starkey School.  We are also doing very well with our attendance which is very important to achieving our potential in the Academy.

Starkey School is in the lead for the most Vivos - keep it up! We are second for attendance with 93%.

I would also congratulate everyone in Starkey school on an excellent start to 2012.  Your behaviour and commitement to the Academy has been outstanding

In addition to this there have been some fantastic results in the GCSE English and Maths examinations. Here are the names of the students who have already passed at A*-C in Maths and English in Starkey School.

In the order they appear: Ross Clarke, Donna Davage, Ryan Jinks, Elliot Milham, Jade Prust, James Robinson, Bem Tomkins.

Some of these students are resitting to further improve their grade whilst others are going on to study English Literature or Statistics GCSEs and I’m sure if they work as hard as they have up till now they will have no problem in passing thosre too.

Well done to all of you!

starkey school

Mr Lee StarkeyHead of School

Kerry GeorgeStudent Support Manager

I know that year 11 will all be working hard to achieve the grades they all need to go onto the next stage in their careers. Mr Starkey

School Council

We have appointed students to the Academy School Council this term and they will represent Starkey School at regular meetings to be held throughout the year. The School Council not only gives everyone the opportunity to support changes in the school but also to put forward new ideas for change. Well done to those students who were nominated, they include:

 

 S Mozumdar-Dive

S Cooper  J Brett  J Mitchell

 J Hugget

 S Francis C Gadbury

E Champion  P Roszak  O Ashcroft

 N Seeteram  M CarterL Purdie

 D Henham H Cox

 H Blunden

 C Halstead

 J White

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btec web page

During our last BTEC quality assurance visit, we were highly commended for the information we made available to students, parents/carers and staff to help them make successful progress through their BTEC courses. We are introducing a new webpage that we hope will provide all the information you need about BTEC courses. Please have a look at www.hasla.org.uk/BTEC

If you have any suggestions about further information you would like to see here, please use the email link on the webpage.

INVESTORS IN CAREERS AT THE HASTINGS ACADEMYAt The Hastings Academy, we are committed to providing the information, advice and guidance that our students will need to make the best choices for their futures, whether that be choosing the right college course, a pathway to university or a career path to follow.

To further develop this work, we are currently working towards the nationally recognised “ Investors in Careers” award. Students will be learning about careers and future choices within their Personal, Social Citizenship and Health Education lessons from year 7 onwards. We have employed the services of an independent careers company, “My future starts here”, who have been working with year 10 and conducting individual careers interviews with year 11.

We are introducing an online careers service which will be launched via assemblies in Term 4.

If you would like any further information on any of the above, please contact Miss Nicholson or Mrs Bance at The Hastings Academy on 01414 711950.

The website is available at www.hasla.org.uk/careers

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THE HASTINGS ACADEMY

Financing your future You can afford University

A talk for parents and supporters about tuition fees and student finance

Suitable for parents of children in years 9, 10 ,11, 12

Wednesday 29 February 2012

5pm and 7pm sessions University of Brighton – Hastings campus

Havelock Rd Hastings

Contact 01273 644634

20

Rye RoadHastingsEast SussexTN35 5DN

T: 01424 711950F: 01424 719842

email: thaoffice@hasla.org.ukwww.hasla.org.uk

Principal: Theresa Phillips BSc MA

SCHOOL NURSE

Good health has a positive impact on a child or young person’s enjoyment both at School and at home. Poor health can often be a barrier to learning and School Nurses can act as an effective bridge between Education, Health services and Social care, supporting work on health issues in School and making health services more accessible to pupils, parents, carers and School staff. Working together we can contribute to the outcomes for children and young people and support them to:

• Be healthy

• Stay safe

• Enjoy and achieve

• Make a positive contribution

• Achieve economic well-being

School Nurses also work in partnership with the School in developing Healthy School Status and Extended School Services.

The School Nursing Service includes drop-ins and access to basic sexual health services as well as Smoking Cessation for parents, staff and pupils at Hastings Academy.

The School Nurse is at The Hastings Academy most Thursdays, and appointments can be made through Student Services.

The School Nurse, Julie Griffin, can be contacted on 07769676647 or at Ore Clinic on 01424 728368 or by email on:

Julie.Griffin@esht.nhs.uk   julie.griffin@nhs.net

DATES FOR DIARIESFebruary 20 - Term 4 commences (week 1)February 29 - Parents Forum 6.00-7.30 (Library)March 9 - Academic Review Day (all students)March 22 - Y8 Parents Evening 5.30-8.00 (tbc)March 29 - Last day of term 4March 30 - Inset Day (closed to students)

April 2-13 - Easter holidays

April 16 - Term 5 commences (week 1)April 25 - Parents Forum 6.00-7.30 (Library)May 31 - Y7 Parents Evening 5.30-8.00June 1 - Last day of term 5

June 4-8 - Holiday

June 11 - Term 6 commences (week 2)June 20 - Parents Forum 6.00-7.30 (Library)June 22 - Inset Day (closed to students)July 2 - New Year 7 Parents EveningJuly 4-6 - New Year 7 Transition DaysJuly 19 - Last day of term 6

director of ict

Please join us in welcoming our newly appointed Director of ICT for the Federation, Dominic Norrish.

Find out more about our Digital Strategy in the next edition of our newsletter.

Julie Griffin, School Nurse