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Farewell Mrs Jones! 2003-15

Newsletter

Newsletter of Heartlands Academy Issue 19 Autumn Term 2015

The end of this autumn term will mark the end of an era, as we all

say a fond farewell to our Principal, Mrs Jones who is stepping down to take a well deserved retirement after over 41 years in education.

When Glynis fi rst arrived in 2003, the school was in special measures and in danger of closing. Instead, under her infl uential leadership, the school, staff and students have been on an incredible journey of success.

In 2006, HMI returned and judged it “good and improving” and by 2008, the school recorded its highest ever GCSE results. It was also praised in an Ofsted national report as “an aspiration to other schools”. Glynis said this had been achieved by “taking the school back to basics and making teaching and learning a high focus”.

Glynis’ leadership has proved to be inspirational for everyone at

Heartlands, encouraging students to maximise their progress and staff to develop to their full potential. Glynis has always put the students and their education fi rst and her mantra of “Heartlands students can…” has been infl uential to all and has been embraced by everyone within the academy.

Glynis’ drive to improve has been persistent, energetic and focussed with a willingness to listen and give staff the time and opportunity to fl ourish.

Thanks to Glynis, the community now has a well-established outstanding academy to support the development of children in the area.

All the staff and students wish her a long and happy retirement, time to enjoy her family, her friends and beautiful garden - she will be sadly missed.

Mrs Smith, Senior Assistant Principal

The journey and transformation of the school under the headship of Mrs Jones :

2003THHS HMI Special MeasuresIn May, Mrs Jones is appointed as the new Headteacher.

2006Ofsted - Good and Improving.

2009In February, the Heartlands High School receives an Ofsted Outstanding judgment.In September, it converts to an E-ACT academy and became known as Heartlands Academy.

2011Construction work was underway for a new academy building.

2012In January, the academy receives an Ofsted Outstanding judgment.In September, the new building opens and everyone moves in.

2013In January, the academy is listed as one of the government’s top 100 most improved schools for pupil progress.The new sports � elds are completed.

2014In February, the academy receives an Ofsted Outstanding judgment.

2015The academy is awarded Teaching School status.

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Year 8 Aston Schools’ Tournament Champions

The Year 8s competed fi ercely among 10 other schools in The

Aston Schools’ Football Tournament. The tournament was split into two pools, with the leading team from each respective pool going through to the fi nal. The fi rst of the three pool games were played against Aston Manor with a comprehensive 3-0 win. King Edwards were next up for Heartlands with a 1-1 draw as the result. These results meant that Heartlands only had to draw their last game to go through to the fi nal. The girls did not disappoint, holding their nerve with a closely fought 2-2 draw vs Stockland Green.

Heartlands waited nervously to see the outcome of pool 2 and discover their potential opponents in the fi nals…Broadway Academy. This was a very diffi cult game, the girls worked tirelessly to defend their goal and keep Broadway Academy at bay. Excellent goals from Destiny Hall and Ahlam Mumin made sure that Heartlands Academy came out on top and win the overall tournament. A big ‘well done’ to the girls, who showed great perseverance and sportsmanship in this win. They were a credit to the academy; I am a very proud PE teacher!

Miss Hands, PE

Welcome to our New Principal,Mr Tattersfi eld

I am delighted and honoured to be appointed the Principal at Heartlands Academy. Firstly, I would like to offer my sincere good luck wishes to Mrs Jones for a very happy and healthy retirement. Her outstanding leadership has created a culture of support, care and guidance which enables all to fl ourish and strive for excellence. Mrs Jones is a remarkable lady and I know that I have very big shoes to fi ll!

I began my teaching career in 1992 as a PE teacher and loved the opportunities for leadership and teamwork that PE brings. I gradually moved through the different leadership roles in schools before receiving my fi rst acting Headship in 2009 at Wheelers Lane Boys School. My fi rst full Headship was at Dame Elizabeth Technology College in 2010 where I led the school from a position of having the lowest levels of progress in English of all Birmingham non special schools to a “good” Ofsted rating in 2012. By 2013, we were in the top 3% nationally for English progress and 58% of our students achieved 5+ A*-C including English and Maths.

Outside of school I am a keen golfer and also a huge Arsenal FC fan (although I often wish I wasn’t!) and I am looking forward to joining in with the staff football matches.

I have already met a number of staff and students since my appointment and have been hugely impressed by how the school feels like one big family. I passionately believe that the key to a successful school is supportive relationships and strong communication so will continue with this ethos and look at ways to develop it even further. To this end I will be meeting with all staff early in the spring term as well as holding a number of drop in sessions where any parent or community partner can come and meet me personally.

I look forward to leading Heartlands Academy and furthering the great legacy of achievements.

With best wishes,

Richard Tattersfi eld

worked tirelessly to defend their goal and keep Broadway Academy at bay. Excellent goals from Destiny Hall and Ahlam Mumin made sure that Heartlands Academy came out on top and win the overall tournament. A big ‘well done’ to the girls, who showed great perseverance and sportsmanship in this win. They were a credit to the academy; I am a very proud PE teacher!

be meeting with all staff early in the spring term as well as

Year 8 Aston Schools’ Tournament Champions

Welcome to our New Principal,Mr Tattersfi eldWelcome to our New Principal,Mr Tattersfi eldWelcome to our New Principal,

I am delighted and honoured to be appointed the Principal at Heartlands

This is my last newsletter and

never has a message been so

difficult to write. I hope that over

the years, I have helped you young

people to develop so that you can

create your own image.

I hope I have:

• Made you feel important

• Made you feel special

• Made you realise I believe in

you• Made you realise I respect you

• Helped you to succeed

You can all be winners.

In life, sometimes be silly but

always be honest and kind. As I

close the latest chapter in my life,

your next chapter is well and truly

up and running. It has been a

privilege to be an important part of

your education; you are a credit to

your families and this academy.

Finally, I would like to wish

everybody, staff and students

alike, the very best for the future at

the academy under the leadership

of Mr Tattersfield.Merry Christmas

Mrs G Jones, Principal

Mrs Jones’ Diary 2015

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DISCOVERYCENTREMathematics, Science,Health & Social Care, PE.

This year at Heartlands Academy, the Maths department is planning

to carry out a series of public “Lesson Study” sessions.

Research Lesson 1 Bridging the gap between number and algebra.

We proposed three lessons (the second of which constituted the main Public Research Lesson) during

which we began with a simple 10x10 grid which was super-imposed with dominoes, as a source of patterns. Following students’ familiarisation with patterns within an n x n grid of consecutive numbers, we introduced the idea of a variable as something which can be mapped to anything on the grid, and from which we required expressions to be formed.

Miss Javeheri, Maths dept.

Miss Joomun’s reflection on the teaching experience

Having delivered the Research Lessons for Lesson Study, I feel I particularly benefited from our pre-lesson discussions as well as the act of writing the official Lesson Plan. Rather than operating in isolation, the core team of four consulted heavily with our department and even students. This contributed diverse and useful

perspectives to our planning and helped us avoid “tunnel vision”. Moreover, I found the teaching experience challenged my questioning skills

and enabled me to dig into the students’(mis)understanding in order to guide them through their learning journey.

The framework of the lesson was also refreshing as students were encouraged to approach mathematics with open and opinionated minds – their questions were embraced and their ideas valued and built upon. I wish l could teach every lesson in this fashion. My teaching of algebra has been genuinely transformed and my ability to teach for understanding has been enhanced.

Miss Jooman, Maths dept.

Observers’ feedbackWe had observers from different

schools/organisations. Below are some of the comments about the Heartlands’ “Lesson Study” session:

“Enjoyable, informative and interesting. Lesson study is definitely a tool I want to use to improve my teaching.”

“It was a pleasure to observe a lesson study and how the students learn with each other.”

“This is a good way of moving from concrete to abstract areas of algebra.”

“Thank you so much for inviting me - it was fascinating and I learnt a lot.”

Maths Hold Public Lesson Study Sessions

Lesson Study involves a community of teachers and ‘knowledgeableother(s)’ (academics or other educational experts from a range of contexts) collaborating in a cyclical process that comprises planning a ‘research lesson’, joint observation of the lesson and criticalreflection in a detailed post-lesson discussion.

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exploration CENTREHistory, Geography, Religious Education, Sociology and Psychology

The Year 12 Psychology students at Heartlands Academy Sixth Form

recently attended ’The Power of the Mind Event’ at Warwick University on the 24th November 2015. The students were able to explore how Psychology can be applied to the real world. The students participated in a number of events which included the Psychology of anxiety, laughing, magic and dancing. The students collectively agreed that they gained valuable insight into how dancing can improve problem solving and how memory and perception can be distorted through magic tricks. The students also enjoyed a lecture on concentration by Dr.Sam Wass, who currently has a documentary on Channel 4 called ‘The secret life of a 4, 5 and 6 year old’. The highlight of the event was participating in a dance routine introduced by Paul Lovatt. Miss Bhuttay and all Year 12 students were involved in the dance routine and were so impressed with their own dance routines that they may incorporate them into Psychology lessons in the near future. Watch this space!

Miss Bhuttay, Psycholgy

Daleside RetreatMemories that will last a lifetime were made this half term when seven lucky students in Year 8 swapped the grey concrete landscape of Birmingham for a transformed farmhouse set in the beautiful countryside of the Peak District. Destiny, Faizaan, Foday, Hashim, Leo, Rima, Safi yat and Mr Williams all packed their suitcases, clambered into the minivan and headed to the tranquil Derbyshire dales in order to become part of the fi rst ever CHICKS break at their brand new Daleside Retreat! Surrounded by green fi elds as far as the eye could see, they had the privilege of

spending a week in our countryside paradise. From rock climbing to kite fl ying, and from pizza making to cave exploring, every single day was jam-packed full of fun and games that were simply unforgettable. On one day alone, they climbed to the top of a formidable folly, then descended into the dark, mysterious caves of an ancient civilisation, and still made it back to the retreat in time for hot chocolate and a festive fi lm! What an incredible week it was.

Mr Williams, EnglishMr Williams, English

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expressionCENTREEnglish and Modern ForeignLanguages,

We are coming to the end of our six month voluntary placement

with Birmingham Children’s Hospital. During this time, a group of sixth formers have visited the hospital each Monday night to read bedtime stories to the patients. We have experienced a range of different wards – such as oncology, trauma, urology, and surgery. It has been a humbling experience to see how the children

Bedtime Stories at

react in these diffi cult situations, and we now have a greater amount of respect towards the health care profession.

Over the last month, we have also assisted Father Christmas with his annual workload and helped patients write and send letters to Santa. This has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience and one which we feel extremely fortunate to have experienced before we end our placement. It was shocking just how little the children actually wanted for Christmas and how motivated they were to get out of bed and hand deliver their own letter.

We would like to wish a Happy Christmas to Lisa Robinson and the team at Birmingham Children’s Hospital from all of us at Heartlands Academy.

Amna Hussain (13BIK) andFatumo Abdullahi (13HMS)

Reading Together

During Year 6 transition, all students were tested for their

reading age. The test assessed eight different reading skills and we were able to see the strengths and weaknesses of each student.

Over the last term, students have been made aware of their reading age and their reading target. This information can be found on a sticker in the inside of their planner.

More information will be sent to you in the new year regarding how best to support your child with their specifi c reading skill. However, in the meantime, please make time to sit and read together as a family over the holiday period.

Miss Hamman, English

Classic Texts

The new curriculum for GCSE English will see students

studying Shakespeare, 19th century novels, a selection of poetry since 1789 (including Romantic poetry), and British fi ction/drama from 1914 onwards. The Department of Education says that the revised curriculum will reward students who have read widely.

Due to this, all students in Key Stage 3 have been studying classical texts over the last half term. Classes have read classics such as Lord of the Flies, Frankenstein, Jekyll and Hyde, and Animal Farm. Not only have they been able to complete the entire text but, in preparation for their closed book GCSE exams, they have been memorising quotations along the way.

Year 7 students were fortunate to benefi t from a host of brand new texts and each class has been reading an American award-winning dystopian novel.

Miss Hamman, English

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Kingswood StaffordhireIt was hard to decide who was more excited the teachers or the students. A few parents had come to say goodbye but the students were too preoccupied to pay too much attention. The start of the year seven residential had begun and the students just wanted to be on their way. A short drive up the motorway saw the Heartlands students arrive at Kingswood outdoor activity centre in Staffordshire. On arrival one of the students was heard to remark that there was “so much green stuff”. The students were soon unpacked and raring to go wondering which activity they would be able to experience fi rst. Each day saw the students experience something different from Aeroball, teambuilding, rock climbing, laser zone and go karting. The children even enjoyed getting dirty! The night time was just as thrilling with the students too overwhelmed to sleep and wanting to make the most of their unique ‘sleepover’. The same could not be said however of the staff! The students were exceptionally behaved and many compliments were made by the Kingswood staff. All too soon the residential was over. Although the students were only away for a few days both the students and staff agreed that a great time was had by all.

Miss Christie, Y7 Learning Manager

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Year 7Residential

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imagination CENTREArt, Drama, Music

Year 11 Theatre Trip to London

On Thursday 10th December the Y11 Drama cohort were treated

to a theatre visit as part of their GCSE studies. Mr Lee and the gang made the trip to the Gielgud Theatre in London to see ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’ by Simon Stephens. The play is based on the story of a boy named Christopher who has Asperger’s Syndrome and his quest to understand the world around him. The students were amazed by the acting and production values on display. Ismail O said, ‘There was so much to see and analyse, I could talk about it all day!’ This is probably a good job because the learners now have to write a 2,000 word review based on what they saw!

Mr Lee, Drama

What a fantastic evening of performances by some of the most talented students at the academy. Heartlands Factor 2015 was held on Tuesday 8th December to a sell out audience. Sixteen acts made it through to the live � nal and performed their hearts out. Judging this year was Mr Henshaw, Miss Bailey, Miss Mfundisi and a guest appearance from former head of music, Mr Bard. The � nal decision was made very di� cult because of the amazing quality of all of the performers.

The evening was opened in great style by our two Steel Pan groups and followed by the Wind Band, the largest group of the evening accompanied by Miss Henry. They gradually expanded into an orchestra with the addition of violin and � ute players from St Matthew’s Primary School. The singing acts followed. Y7s Kacey Barron, Najma Ismail and Amina Jimcale created Heartlands’ very own Little Mix, performing ‘Black Magic’. Panashe Hove brought a touch of comedy to the evening with his impressions of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Batman. Next onto stage were the dancers with second place � nisher Jadon Dyett, dazzling the audience with his moves. The evening was hosted by Y11 double act, Naa Adei Kotey and Teny Kuti, who provided some very entertaining interludes between performances. Finishing the � rst half were two performers from Y11, � rst singing solo was Luke Bathgate and � nally, wowing the judges and the audience was Remmel Sewell.

The second half began in a Christmas-y mood with a trio of saxophones played by Alex Gallagher, Naa Adei Kotey and Keana Miller. Followed quickly by our very own Beyonce, Rianne Mpiana. Y11 BTEC music students were the � rst of three groups and performed The Script song ‘Hall of Fame’. Next up was a solo performance of Emeli Sandé’s ‘Read All About It’ by third place � nisher Ramatoulie Mbowe who had the audience singing every word along with her and earned a standing ovation. The penultimate act was the Rock Band formed of Alex Gallagher (Y9) Keana Miller, Sabrina Chim, Sania Tahsin, Latay Penant-McIntosh (Y10), Naa Adei Kotey and Ismail Olanrewaju (Y11) playing a medley of Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’, Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars’ ‘Uptown Funk’ to one of the biggest cheers of the night. This was enough for the judges to award them the winners’ trophy.

The evening was closed by Y10 BTEC music students with their performance of Sam Smith’s ‘Stay With Me’, willing the audience to stay for more.

Heartlands Factor 2015 was an enormous success and all the hard work by the students and the music department over the last term has really paid o� .

Mrs Ward and I are extremely proud of everyone who was involved in putting on such an amazing performance and we cannot wait until the next concert.

Mr Mee, Music

The Heartlands Factor

The Rock Band, winners 2015

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innovationCENTREICT, Business Studies,Design Technology, ASDAN

What a delectable delight! All those delicious cakes had

to be seen to be believed. This year at the academy we launched the Great Heartlands Bake Off. There were numerous entries ranging from the simple cookie and cup cakes to elaborately decorated cakes with exotic fruit. Chocolate cakes seemed to be the most popular choice and we saw Oreo, Maltesers and double chocolate cakes to name but a few. We were not short of volunteers willing to judge the cakes but the overall decision was down to our Principal, Mrs Jones and head of Design Technology, Mrs Salter. They did not fi nd the task easy as the standards and fl air shown by all entries was of a very high standard. Nevertheless, in the end the ultimate winner was Simrah Malik, in year eight whose double chocolate sponge cake wowed the judges. She was closely followed by Nasreen Xara and Christina Li both in year seven.Miss Christie,

Learning Manager

Li both in year

Miss Christie,

The Big Bake Off

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NEWS FROM THE SIXTH FORM

Year 11 2015 Thursday, 19th November

This time it really was farewell. On a brisk autumn evening, the graduates of 2015 came to say one

last goodbye. It was a wonderful occasion and an ideal opportunity for everyone to catch up. For some students it was just a short walk from our sixth form centre but many had to travel from a little further away. It was a wonderful turn out and seeing so many parents, friends and family members all here to support our students and to get the opportunity to thank the staff. Some were even grateful to be able to say their own personal goodbye to Mrs Jones. How fitting this was as our Principal’s final presentation evening. The class of 2015 achieved some excellent results and our chair of governors, Noran Flynn, thanked them all

as did our Principal. Many awards were handed out by subject leaders and it was further proof that “Heartlands students can...”

Miss Christie, Learning Manager

Year 13 2015 Friday, 11th December

The Presentation event is an opportunity for our former Year 13 students and staff alike to converse with each

other in a more social setting, with an obvious talking point being the transition from the Heartlands Academy Sixth Form to University.

There was also the chance to collect A Level certificates before the presentation of subject specific book awards, delivered alongside glowing testimonies from the teachers to the recipients.

The evening closed with a short speech from Mr. King, highlighting how important it is to seize every opportunity which comes the former students’ way. A special mention must also be given to Jurana Ahmed, who walked away with the prize for Outstanding Contribution to the Sixth Form. An accolade which was most definitely deserved.

Mr. Ewart, Head of Year 13

Celebrations and Presentations!

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AND IN OTHER NEWS...

If students are struggling with their homework, please feel free to attend Year 7 Homework Club which is held straight after school on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays in the ICT suite.

From Sao Paulo to Nechells

In September this year the new intake of Sixth Formers were joined by Luigi

Pelissari, an exchange student from Sao Paulo, Brazil. Luigi had travelled to England as part of the Study Abroad UK programme, an organisation that brings students from all over the world into UK Sixth Forms.

Luigi has thoroughly enjoyed his time in England, and especially at Heartlands Academy. Although it was difficult at first because he didn’t know anybody, and he was in a completely new environment, he soon made friends amongst the other Yr12 students, and as well as enjoying his academic studies he became an important part of the Sixth Form football team, proving to be an

Employability Day

Year 10 students had a day away from lessons to learn about

Employability Skills. The day was organised and delivered by over forty PwC staff who volunteered a day away from the office to work with

exceptional goalkeeper. He says that the four months he has spent here are amongst the best of his life, and he is a little sad to be leaving his new-found friends behind as he prepares to return home.

Luigi would like to thank all of the staff and students at Heartlands for the friendship and support he has received during his stay, and says that the Heartlands experience will always be in his mind.

I’m sure we would all like to wish Luigi all the very best for the future.

Mr Heath, Photographer

our students. Everyone learnt exactly what it meant to be employable. The message of the day was that to be successful in a chosen career, you will need to learn a mixture of skills. Employability is also about capabilities, competencies, attitudes and behaviour. Students were able to talk to and quiz PwC volunteers about their career pathways and salaries! Volunteers were from all business areas and management levels. Workshops were delivered on the importance of broader skills and experiences as well as qualifications when seeking employment. Other popular workshops of the day were: Careers in Business, Communicating with Confidence and Employability Skills. PwC are eager to continue working with our students to help give them the competitive advantage they need to be successful in the

job market when the time comes. A fantastic day was had by all so a big thank you goes to all the staff and volunteers who supported the event.Mrs Blackham,

Community Manager

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Calendar 2016

12 © December 2015 Heartlands Academy, No 10 Great Francis Street, Birmingham B7 4QR

E-SAFETY

E Library ServiceHeartlands Academy is offering all students and staff a new E Library service. No fees, automatic returns and no lost books. See the LRC for more information or simply log in to the following website and start borrowing:http://heartlandslrc.lib.overdrive.com/

Opening Times

Mon - Fri: 8am - 4pm

Late Opening for Sixth Form Students

Mon - Thu: until 7pm

E-Safety is a priority at Heartlands Academy and we have measures in place to protect students from unsuitable on-line content while at the Academy. If you would like to find out how to keep your child safe at home, please contact a member of our E-Safety team or visit our website for further information.Mrs Buckingham, Miss Johnson, Miss Brown and Mr Ahsan.

For up to date announcements, follow us on TWITTER @Heartlands_Acad

LITERACY CLUBLiteracy Club has got off to a great start this term!Cross-curricular conundrums in hangman, mind-boggling word snakes in Boggle and a plethora of other word puzzles and literacy games bring out the competitive sides of attendees; yes, students are never short of fun and games!

Every Tuesday 3:10 until 3:40pm in the English SLZAttendees are enjoying themselves in a variety of games and activities all in the name of improving literacy.

Will we see you there next week?Mr Williams

YOUNG REPORTERThe Young Reporter page on our website has been extremely successful this year. It is updated on a weekly basis and covers a range of different types of writing and a variety of topics. All the work published belongs to students in the Academy – and demonstrates the outstanding nature of our students’ creativity. Some of the work has been completed in lessons, and some has been sent in by students who have written articles in their own time.

Miss Hammanwww.heartlands-Academy.org.uk/news/young-reporter

Help your child retrieve the facts

IF YOU WOULD LIKE INFORMATION ABOUT:

• primary school transition

• Heartlands Academy events

• parenting support programmes

• community partnership work

Contact: Mrs Rachel Buckingham, Business ManagerHeartlands Academy, No 10 Great Francis Street,Birmingham B7 4QR0121 464 5530r.buckingham@heartlands-Academy.org.uk

Spring TermTerm Starts Monday 4 JanuaryHalf Term Monday 15 Feb to Friday 19 FebruaryTeacher Day Monday 22 February (closed to students)Term Ends Thursday 24 March

Summer TermTerm Starts Monday 11 AprilMayday Monday 2 May (Academy closed)Half Term Monday 30 May to Friday 3 JuneTeacher Day Friday 1 July (closed to students)Teacher Day Monday 4 July (closed to students)Term Ends Friday 22 July A level results Thursday 18 AugustGCSE results Thursday 25 August

Autumn TermTerm Starts Monday 5 SeptemberHalf Term Monday 24 October to Friday 28 OctoberTerm Ends Friday 16 December

The skill of retrieving is one of the most important reading techniques for your child to learn. By being able to retrieve, students are far more likely to engage with the whole curriculum. When retrieving, students are not expected to infer or apply any prior knowledge; the answer they are looking for will always be clearly in the text. In order to improve retrieval skills, after listening to your child read, you can ask questions based on the following sentence starts: What is …? • When did …? • Who thinks …? • Which word shows …? • Who is …? • How does …? • Where is …?