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Issue 6, Summer Term 2011

Inside this issueEspañol 2PE Report / House results 3Year 11 Residential 4-5Year 11 Prom / LRC 6Transition / Community 7New Starters 8

Newsletter of Heartlands Academy

HeartlinesFrom Mrs Jones, Principal

These are exciting times at Heartlands Academy as we see the new building emerging from behind the blue hoardings. There are great views of the construction from the main staircase and the top gym. Hopefully, next term there will be the opportunity to go on site and identify rooms etc.

This term has seen another first for the academy as we hosted the very first E-ACT Games at the Alexander Stadium. I would like to take this moment to thank all of my staff for their continued hard work and support they give to our students and to me personally. I would also like to thank the PE staff for adapting so well to the changes that have had to be made to deliver PE off site.

To everyone involved with Heartlands Academy, I wish you all a well earned summer break before we embark on our last year in our ‘old’ building.

Glynis Jones

YEAR 11 PROM NIGHT AT THE HYATT

At the start of this academic year, I had the idea for an E-ACT games competition. The purpose was to create opportunities for young

people from all of th E-ACT academies to come together, compete and share their talents not only in sport but across other academic subjects.

The proposal was to give our young people a ‘chance to shine’ at a national level, a chance to feel part of the Olympics and to uphold the Olympic beliefs. So the idea was born, the E-ACT games, five Olympic events that would run from July 2011 to July 2012. The games are to be held at national venues beginning with an opening ceremony and concluding with a closing ceremony. Each of the five events wil also provide opportunities for other subject departments to show off pieces of work that have been produced by their students. Throughout the

year students will be scoring points for their academy, culminating in three academies being crowned bronze, silver and gold medallists.

After 2012, (the legacy) baton will be passed to another subject department, and the focus will move eg: from sport to art. The art departments from all the academies will then come together to hopefully put on an arts events for the next year. This will continue for the next three years until the 2016 Olympics when the baton is returned to sport.

This really is an exciting opportunity for pupils, staff and academies to come together to acknowledge and celebrate the hard work, dedication, self-belief and excellence it takes to become a true Olympian.

And now it’s time for the E-ACT Games....!S.Vyakaranam

As in previous years, students in year 11 put on their finest outfits and enjoyed a fantastic prom night.

The Prom was held at the elegant and flamboyant Hyatt Hotel in Birmingham city centre. Students began to arrive from 6:30pm, and for the next hour or so, we were treated to an impressive array of sports cars and limos as year 11 students made their grand entrances in style. The ladies looked absolutely stunning in a host of wonderful dresses and gowns, while the gentlemen

were not to be outdone in their suits and dinner jackets. Every single student made a really wonderful effort on the night, and they certainly looked the part. It gives all the staff

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Things have been going well in PE, with the year 7&8 cricket team finishing runners up in

their league. As you probably know, we are based at Nechells Community Sports Centre for PE which although

is different, has had a real positive impact on PE lessons. We now average about 30% of each year staying for after school clubs, a PE record!

Our recent sports day at the Alexander Stadium was a great success. House teams competed and Storm won the day, but wasn’t quite enough to win overall for the year (see below). We will soon be hosting the brand new E-ACT games where we will be competing against nine other academies. J. Lea

PEREPORT

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LAS MARIPOSAS

BARCELONA

If you were in room S1 over the last month, you will have seen caterpillars on my desk! That’s because year 7 Spanish

carried out a project to grow orugas* and see them turn into mariposas*, going through the crisálida* stage in between. A truly cross-curricular project, pupils improved their knowledge of insect life cycles and saw the transformations taking place day by day, as well as learning how to describe the changes in Spanish. It culminated in the release of four painted lady butterflies last week one break time; however, many pupils have gone on to get involved in the butterfly counting conservation project which is taking place this month (www.butterflyeffectschools.org), as their interest has been piqued by the lessons.

*orugas = caterpillarsmariposas = butterfliescrisálidas = cocoons

We celebrated the end of a year of hard work for year 10 Spanish pupils this week by

cooking a paella together. Paella is the national dish of Spain, and although you can make it with such exotic ingredients as black squid, we opted for a simple chicken and vegetable version. The recipe was in Spanish, all my instructions were in Spanish.... would it turn out ok? The answer was of course ¡Sí! Well done to the cocineros fabulosos (fantastic chefs) Salma and Kishoor.

H. Valenzuela

E S P A Ñ O L

¿QUIERES PAELLA?

On Monday 27th June 19 students and 4 staff made their way to Spain for a new successful educational and

cultural experience. Pupils had the chance to visit and explore the beauty and cultural aspects of Barcelona through visiting Nou Camp (Barcalona stadium) , Las Ramblas, Placa Catalunya and La Sagrada Familia.

Heartlands Academy students were able to have an insight into the history and modern aspects of the city. In Tossa de Mar, the fantastic tourist resort, pupils had another experience visiting the beach market, tasting the fresh fish and trying to speak and understand Spanish. In fact this experience made them aware of the

importance of languages and being a global citizen. In Lloret de Mar the other part of Costa Brava, they spent an exciting day in one of the world’s biggest water parks. Pupils really enjoyed their visit to Spain and they can’t wait to go back again.

K. Smith, Head of MFL

On the 14th of July, several KS4 pupils took part in the Language Festival which was held at Washwood

Heath Technology College. The purpose was to raise the profile of MFL and to motivate students through songs, dance, art and theatre competitions. Tutors from universities, parents and community figures were invited to this special event.Pupils of Heartlands Academy won third prize in the competition and they showed a lot of pride bringing back the trophy.

K. Smith, Head of MFL

LANGUAGEFESTIVAL

A Spanish Omelette from the Modern Foreign Languages Department

1st Tornado 70,3102nd Hurricane 70,1943rd Storm 68,5454th Lightning 67,761

HOUSE RESULTS

Pupils from across the partnership

took part in the Quad Kids event. Secondary schools were able to bring along leaders to run each of the different events. From the Heartlands cluster St Clements and St Matthews took part. Even though they didn’t win any medals they all enjoyed taking part in the events. All pupils worked really hard to ensure they and the team gained as many points as possible. Well done to all the leaders and competitors.

V. Allen

HOUSE MEETINGS& ACTIVITIES

Sport

s Day 2011

QUAD KIDS

In April just before the start of the Easter Holidays, Year 11 Students at Heartlands Academy enjoyed a residential trip to

Rossall School. Rossall is one of the UK’s top co-educational boarding and day schools located in the picturesque coastland of North West England in Fleetwood, Lancashire. The school is set in beautiful grounds with its own private beach. Heartlands Academy students had full use of the private swimming pool, football pitches and other recreational facilities on offer.

The trip, which is supported by Nechells Education Action Zone, has a focus on raising standards. During the day, students attended intensive revision sessions in which

there was a focus on teaching and learning delivered in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere by Heartlands Academy Staff. The rest of the time the students were able to take a relaxing walk along the beach which provided an opportunity for them to socialise with their friends and teachers. Everyone took part in some fun activities including rounders, volleyball and cricket and on the last day, students were treated to a day at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

A valuable outcome of the residential experience is the opportunity it gives students to become more independent and gain confidence as they prepare for their GCSEs and their future.

Year 11 Residential

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If you would like information about:

• primary school transition• Heartlands Academy events• parenting support programmes• community partnership work

contact:Mrs Rachel Buckingham

Community DirectorHeartlands Academy

Great Francis Street, Birmingham B7 4QR

0121 464 5531

r.buckingham@heartlands-academy.org.uk

This year’s transition programme welcomed Year 6 students from 27 different primary schools. The

students spent five days, over five weeks, experiencing what life is like at the academy, getting to know staff and each other. They had the opportunity to meet the Principal, their Learning Manager and other staff in school. Over the five days, students were

involved in a range of activities and enjoyed the challenge of taking part in a series of typical lessons.

In English, students were washed up on a desert island and wrote a travel guide to explain to others how to thrive. It was lovely to see such careful and thoughtful work. In Maths, students were very lucky to be joined by a number of PGCE students from Birmingham City University and Year 6 took part in a range of activities which focused on maths in sport. In Art/DT, students worked on designing a product which included making a spinning top, a hand bag and models of buildings. During Humanities students studied the history of the Olympics and wrote a newspaper article. In the afternoon, students were taken to Nechells’ Sports Centre in order to get them used to travelling the short distance to their P.E lessons. Over the next two years P.E will be taken at the Sports Centre whilst the new building work is taking place. Students took part in a range of sporting activities which culminated in a Year 6 mini Olympics.

The transition programme ended in a parents’ presentation where parents found

out more about activities on offer, uniform requirements, day to day issues and the residential which we will all take part in October.

It was lovely to meet so many friendly, polite, caring and hard-working students. I hope this will continue in September. It was fantastic to share in your activities throughout the weeks and see all the talents you will bring to our school community. You all worked well together as teams and it was good to see many of you make new friendships along the way.

Miss Hinch

Year 6TRANSITIION

Year

11 Prom

Night 2011

For the first time at Heartlands Academy we ran the Accelerated Reading scheme with year 7. It was a brilliant success and we will continue with

it in September. The programme allows teachers to monitor the level of literacy for all pupils. To launch the scheme we had Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R) day back in October in which staff and students were able to come to school dressed as their favourite book character. The whole school stopped everything they were doing, all lessons stopped and everybody read for 15 minutes in the morning. We did this to promote the importance of reading at school but also reading at home. During the course of the year we have established some star readers in year 7, pupils such as Mariam Kulsoom, Diev-vit

Loukelo, Abdullahi Abdinasir and Mariyah Fiaz. At the end of term these pupils will be rewarded with certificates, chocolates and

the top three star readers will be given vouchers worth £40, £20, and £10. We hope for continued success with the new year 7 in September.

N. McArthur

On the evening of Wednesday 11th May 2011 our annual Year 11 Graduation Ceremony took place

at the Tally Ho! Conference and Banqueting Centre, a superb venue for a fitting occasion. It was an absolute treat to see the Graduates wearing their gowns and caps which they did with great pride. The evening’s proceedings started with a flawless performance by Mrs Millicent Stephenson, an award winning saxophonist and musician. This was followed by an eloquent speech delivered by our well loved Principal Mrs Glynis Jones. The guest speaker was none other than Bishop Dr Derek Webley MBE. Bishop Dr Webley is a senior Pastor at the New Testament Church of God Lozells, Chair Person of West Midlands Police

Authority and a vibrant member of his local community. Dr Webley spoke with conviction and boldness as he inspired and motivated everyone who gave a listening ear to his address to the graduates.

After a touching reflection, capturing memories and moments from the last five years from the Learning Manager, Mr Levy, the audience, were entertained by students receiving a range of well-deserved awards celebrating the successes and achievements of Year 11. The certificate and awards were presented to the Graduates by

Dr Derek Webley and Mrs Glynis Jones. Other highlights included the Principal of the year Awards, awarded to Mrs Jones and presented by Elisha Reid and Danico Johnson and some inspirational and explosive musical performances from Maria Maiela (student) and Mrs Michelle Levy. The evening ended with a final speech by Mrs Jones conveying a clear message of appreciation and gratitude to staff, parents and students but also her expectations regarding the Sixth Form Centre at the Academy emphasising it is not good bye but a transition. A memorable and enjoyable evening enjoyed by all.

 G.Levy

GRADUATION 2011 Business Awards 2011Business Class award: PWC and Heartlands Academy attended a Gala Dinner at Birmingham Town Hall to receive an award in recognition of their commitment to delivering business partnerships projects that have supported closing the gap between business and education. Highly commended award Youth Sports Trust: This award was given for Heartlands Academy using their specialism to drive learning with targeted sectors of the wider community.

Community LearningHeartlands parents and local community completed adult education courses and gained awards and qualifications in: Mentoring; Financial Management; Mendi; Floristry.

Business Partnership with PWC Students attending Heartlands Academy 6th form attended a business workshop at PWC offices in Birmingham. The workshop was looking at developing students’ knowledge and understanding of skills employers required from young adults other than their academic qualifications. The students that attended worked in small groups with business mentors throughout the morning. Their feedback will form a working plan to deliver employability skills to students from year 9 to year 13.

Business visitsThroughout the year students from Heartlands Academy have attended many local businesses to experience “a day in the life of” and to find out the skills needed to gain employment. Business partners visited throughout the year include: PWC; Jaguar; BMW; Thomas Vale Construction.All companies offer apprenticeships, mentoring, work experience, company tours and further opportunities to develop student’s awareness of skills required in the world of work.

who attended the Prom great pleasure to see year 11 at their finest.

As always Patsy and Maureen did not fail to deliver on the decorations and presentation of the ball room.

The team at the Hyatt did us proud, not just for the perfect location for the Prom but also the tasty buffet. Once again we had Harvey from Birmingham Crew DJs as our DJ and he kept the dance floor busy

for the whole evening. Students were also given the opportunity to have a professional photograph taken – a lasting memory of the evening.

Congratulations to all the award winners on the night but special recognition goes to our well deserved Prom King and Queen 2011 Aminata Nzolani and Liam Gallagher. Awards on the night were presented by our proud Principal Mrs Glynis Jones. Many

thanks and appreciation goes to all the staff that attended and supported the event from start to finish ensuring it was a success and a memorable experience for all. It must be mentioned that students’ behaviour on the night was exemplary, from the arrival of the first limo, through to the very end of the evening. Next years’ year 11 will have a tough act to follow.

G. Levy

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8Heartlands Academy, Great Francis Street, Birmingham, B7 4QR

Telephone: 0121 464 3931 • www.heartlands-academy.org.uk

Academy Dates

Autumn Term 2011Thursday 1 September - Friday 16 December

Half Term HolidayMonday 24 October - Friday 28 October

Teacher Days (non-pupil days)Thursday 1 September

Friday 2 September

Other DatesWednesday 21 September - Open Evening

Wednesday 9 November - Review Day

Spring Term 2012Wednesday 4 January - Friday 8 April

Half Term HolidayMonday 21 February - Friday 25 February

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO PARENTS

If you bring your child

to school by car, in order

to avoid dangerous

congestion,it would be

appreciated if you could

park on Wardlow Road and

NOT in the car park.

Thank You

Soon, you will be Year 7 at Heartlands Academy. I will be writing to you shortly letting you know which tutor

group you are in. Make sure you know this for September and write it down! Ensure you read your Student Guide, which you received on the last transition day, thoroughly and have all your equipment ready. Bring this guide with you – you will need it! On your first day, you will have P.E and therefore you will need to bring your P.E kit ready for you lesson. Make sure your name is on all your equipment so that if you lose something it can find its way back to you! We come back on Monday 5th September. Make your way to the school hall when the bell rings! Have a lovely summer holiday and I look forward to seeing you in September.

ReadingIt is important that students keep up with their reading out of school and not just think of this learning as a school based activity. I am asking new Year 7 students in September to take a photograph of themselves as they are reading on holiday, whether this is in the garden or an exotic location it doesn’t matter as long as you are reading. Remember to note down where you were and what you were

reading. Photographs may be emailed to me at k.hinch@heartlands-academy.org.uk and I can print these off or brought in on our return in September. I look forward to seeing all of these.

Miss Hinch

Miss Hinch’s Top Tips• Make sure you are organised - pack

your bag, pencil case etc the night before

• If you need help ask straight away

• Always make the first effort to make new friends

• First impressions last a long time, so make sure yours are good - for organisation, presentation, and behaviour! This is your chance to make a fresh start - embrace it and make the most of all the new opportunities

• Try out clubs and activities

• Plan your journey to school and try it out in the holidays

• Making new friends and learning new things is an exciting time so although you may be nervous remember that everyone else is in the same boat.

Sixth Form Centre

W h e r e w i l l y o ub e n e x t y e a r ?

G o a n y w h e r e f r o m h e r e !

Have you considered the benefits of post 16 option at Heartlands Academy Sixth Form?•anewanddevelopingSixthFormwhichyoucanhelptoshape

•aSixthFormthatwillworkwithyoutomeetyourpersonalrequirements

•smallclasseswithexcellentteachertostudentratios

•awiderangeofcoursesatbothLevel2&3

•committedteacherswhoyouknowandwhoknowyou

•afamiliarenvironment

•yourownSixthFormareainwhichtoworkandsocialise

•specialSixthFormeventsandactivities

•supportwithcareer,furtherandhighereducationdecisions

•achallengingandsupportiveethos

A Special Note to Year 7 Students Starting in September

Eleven year 8 students from Heartlands Academy did the school proud at Warwick University on Friday 8th July

when they went against over 100 other students from across the country in a series of competitions testing their skills in IT, Communications, Engineering, Creative Thinking, Logic and Debating. Nasradin Sharif, Dariq Warsame, Ayeisha Siniara, Lewis Higgins, Zeeshan Faher, Faisal Hoque, Shahrazaad Sharif, Uthman Laeeq, Ayesha Kauser-Hussain, Ayeisha Khan and Abdihafid Abdirahman did brilliantly and represented Heartlands in nearly all of the winning teams across the subjects. All students behaved like true professionals and their conduct has been recognised by the event organisers who commented on the enthusiasm and maturity with which they approached the challenges of the day. Well done!

A Smith

HeartlandsStudentsgo to University...