MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

Term Dates 2020 Spring Term 2020

6 January – 3 April

Half Term: 17 February – 21 February

Summer Term

20 April – 17 July

Half Term: 25 May -29 May

Bank Holiday: Friday 8 May

WEEKLY BULLETIN Spring Term

Dates for Your Diary 9th March PTA Meeting

26th March Year 8 Parents Evening 4.00-7.00pm

Dear Parent/Carer,

It has been another busy week at Mark Hall Academy. On Tuesday, we welcomed a new addition to our Mark Hall family with the arrival of Mrs Butler’s son. I’m sure that you all join with us to wish her and her new extended family all the very best.

Thankyou to all of those parents, students and staff who continue to support our academy and promote it in a positive way. During our recent Ofsted inspection, our students were thoughtful and supportive of the staff and welcoming to our visitors. Thank you especially to all of you who emailed in with messages of support to the staff to wish our academy ‘all the very best’.

Students in year 10 and 11 took part in their practical exam performances this week, with the Music Rock School and Drama showcase performances. We would like to commend them for their hard work and dedication in what are always stressful circumstances.

This week, we will continue to be focusing on ‘cognitive Do It Now’s’ to support students in improving their retention of knowledge and skills (details further on). Can I take this opportunity to remind you of the importance of your child being fully prepared for their school day. This includes having pens/pencils in a pencil case, a reading book, their school profile and uniform card. We will be doing checks this week to re-enforce our expectations so that no learning time is wasted.

I would like to remind you of the systems that we have for you to contact the academy with questions and queries. In the first instance, you should contact the class teacher or home group tutor. Further communication should be directed to the Head of House or Head of Department. Further details will be published next week but for ease, Head of Aspire is Ms Terrey, Head of Endeavour is Mr Kemp and Head of Achieve is Ms Brown.

I would like to take this opportunity to share with you again our Mark Hall mission statement: To be an inclusive academy that promotes Challenge, creates Opportunity, builds Responsibility and strives for Excellence for all of our learners (CORE). Students will leave upholding our values of Ready, Respectful and Safe.

Mrs M Hazle, Principal Designate

Word of the Week

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

I would like take this opportunity to introduce myself to you. As an experienced Headteacher and Senior Leader working in a variety of inner London and SE schools, I am delighted to be able to join Mark Hall Academy for the remainder of this academic year covering Mrs Butler’s maternity leave. I am taking this opportunity to both introduce myself and to inform you of the developments we are focusing on in the weeks to come. I will be identifying clear and simple strategies to help raise standards in all aspects of students’ behaviour, personal development and learning.

In my role, positive working relationships and communicating effectively with families are key. Safeguarding and improving student attendance will also be priorities. I shall be focusing on listening to the students about their concerns on how we can all work together to improve our approach to good behaviour and rewards; I shall also aid their well-being through the development of character education. I am pleased with students’ positivity and readiness to be involved in helping to make Mark Hall Academy a safe and enjoyable place to learn. We understand at Mark Hall that a purposeful atmosphere, mutually respectful relationships underpinned by kindness and sensitive communication, is the foundation of all success. As an experienced Headteacher, I have been singularly impressed with the positive manner in which the vast majority of students have responded in the short time I have been here. The high expectations being built at Mark Hall Academy community, will be to the benefit all; I am looking forward to be a part of that journey with the staff, students and local community.

Ms Z Tippey

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

From 8.15am each morning until 8.40am, students can go to G3 if they have any questions, concerns or printing they may wish to do or if they need any help. The room will be staffed by the Guidance Managers. Students are permitted into the canteen from 8am via the student entrance. Students are permitted into G3 to print and complete homework and toilets from 8.15am. Students are permitted to use lockers on the ground floor from 8.30am Students are permitted into the main building for registration from 8.40am.

Wednesdays

3.10pm in S12

Please see below part of an email received by Mrs Birkitt, from Laura Oakley, one of the Nurses that came in to do the vaccinations last week.

Would you be able to pass a message on to the head of houses and deputy heads etc how well behaved and polite all of the year 9's were today, they were a pleasure to vaccinate and we wish every school was like that! Also thank you to you for all of your hard work and organisational skills, you’re amazing!

Well done to everyone involved.

A reminder of the dead line for Work experience forms which is Monday 23rd March.

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

Accelerated Reader

All pupils in Year 7 and selected pupils within year 8 and 9 will be taking part in the Accelerated Reader programme. Students will begin the programme by sitting an initial STAR test to ascertain their reading age, this will then be used to guide them towards appropriately pitched books supplied by the Academy Library. Once students have completed a text they will be encouraged to quiz their knowledge and recollection of the story; this is done during the school day, either within a dedicated reading lesson or at break and lunch time in the Library. Students will be rewarded with a praise point for each quiz that they successfully pass.

Furthermore, we would like to stress the importance of encouragement at home; you may wish to just monitor reading or allow your child to read to you, allowing pupils to associate reading as a pleasurable pass time. The recommended daily reading time is 45 minutes. However, should pupils choose to read for longer, that is a bonus! All pupils are invited to attend the Academy Library to work with Mrs. Holland to help pick an appropriately pitched book, or you could try joining the local library to access a wider range of books for free.

A huge congratulations to Mrs Butler and her husband on the birth of their son. Also a big “Thank you” to Mrs Butler for sharing these beautiful photos with us.

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

The Easter Academy (Tuesday 14th April to Saturday 18th April) will include the following subjects: English, History & Geography. Staff are going to use analysis of the mock examinations to identify specific sessions for specific students.

Year 11

All students were issued with a new personalised timetable for enrichment. If not specifically invited students are still welcome to attend. They should be getting their individual passports signed at each session.

Tues Wed Thurs Fri

Week 1 After School

Science Group History

English group 2 Languages Music

Maths

Geography History

Week 2 After School

Science Group 2 History Target 5 English group 1

Enterprise & Media Art

Geography History

Home Group/ Lunch

Week 2 Statistics drop-in

Music: Small groups on each of Tues-Thurs Timetables to be shared

Send a ‘Thank You’ card today We’ve all had a great teacher. They show a real interest in who we are, listen to our

thoughts, inspire us to learn and encourage us to achieve our best, no matter what our

goals are. The influence of a good teacher lasts a lifetime.

You can “Thank a Teacher” and send them a free card here:

www.thankateacher.co.uk

http://www.thankateacher.co.uk/

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

Art intervention classes for GCSE Art Y10 Tuesday and Wednesday and GCSE Art Y11 Thursdays from 3:10 onwards. There is also a lunch time GCSE ART CLUBS DAILY.

Students are supported throughout with their art coursework and exam preparation.

A special “Thank you” to Y10 Art students who have been showing great commitment, Mario, Daniel F, Farrah and Kai who have been attending regularly each week.

Mobile Phones and Devices

Our mantra and motto regarding all mobile devices/ipods/ipads/mp3 players and any device that can store, send and receive digital media is:

SEE IT, HEAR IT, LOSE IT!

We have a duty of care to ensure our students’ online safety and students’ privacy is not compromised in respect of our Safeguarding Policy.

Therefore, any mobile phone/electronic device should be turned off and placed in the student’s bag before they enter the Academy. They should stay there and not be removed until the student leaves the premises.

Please note that after confiscation of any device a Parent/Carer may be required to collect it at the end of the Academy day.

Should you wish to contact your child urgently during school hours, please telephone the school office on 01279 866 280 and your message will be passed on to your child. Similarly, if your child needs to contact you urgently during school hours, they will be able to do so, by going to the school office or Guidance Manager and making a request.

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

As a duty of care and point of safeguarding , it is vital that we have as an academy, up to date contact details for all of our students. We understand that family situations or mobile contracts change but it is so important that we are able to contact our parents/carers. Can I please ask that you ensure we have;

Two numbers per contact ( a mobile and/or home/work number – in the event that we cannot get through on the mobile number) Two names per student (for siblings 2 x contact for all siblings is sufficient) this can be parent/carer or other family member – but please do specify and do not just provide a name.

If circumstances change then please ensure that we are kept up to date. That way we can always contact you and you need not worry that in the event of an emergency we wouldn’t be able to contact you. If you can provide and ensure that email addresses are also up to date….it keeps the lines of communication clearer. We will be asking all parents/carers at future Parents Evenings to review their contact details and to notify us of any changes using the proforma supplied on the Evening. Many thanks in helping us to help keep our young people safe. Ms Whittington Assistant Principal & Designated Safeguarding Lead

MINDSPA CLUB Learn and Practice Mindfulness & Relaxation

At the

Personalised Learning Zone Thursdays (KS4)

Fridays(KS3)

Please see Mrs Maragh-MacPherson COME AND SHARE YOUR LUNCHTIME WITH ME

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

“MyTutor” offers one-to-one tuition by connecting students with top tutors studying at the UK’s leading universities. We’ve worked with the company to identify students that need a helping hand in raising grades or boosting confidence in Maths and Science. Each student has been matched with a tutor for regular online lessons that will take place between now and the exams. ATT committed the funding to support this initiative.

14 of the 18 students identified met Miss Moore on Friday during Home group 2. 7 then stayed on to have their first session. After expressing some initial reluctance after 2 weeks of mock exams the feedback at the end was extremely positive.

A big well done to year 11 on their attitudes towards the mock examinations over the last 2 weeks. miss Moore will lead an assembly and workshop with them all on Monday to reflect on the experiences and plan the next steps.

Endeavour House News

Raise the Praise – Endeavour House Tutees of the Week Huge congratulations to our Tutees of the Week. I hope your certificates have taken pride of place at home. Your hard work and commitment does not go unnoticed. We are proud to have you as members of Endeavour House. You play a significant role in #TeamMHA.

Student Parliament Endeavour House student parliament members, your first meeting is this Tuesday, 10th March at 1.35pm in F14.

‘Endeavour Eco Warriors’ This week I have been particularly pleased with our ‘Endeavour Eco Warriors’, who have been busy collecting litter at break and lunch. Keep up the good work Endeavour House!

“Hard work beats talent, when talent doesn’t work hard”

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

Work Experience Parents/Carers of Year 10 students will now have received, via email, documentation and information regarding Work Experience. If you require a paper copy of any of the documents please ask your child to request a copy from their Home Group Tutor.

Monday 9th Sports Relief poster activity tbc.

Tuesday Mario character drawing.

Wednesday Various PI day craft activities.

Thursday Plan for St Patrick’s Day activities.

Continue with above.

Friday Plan for Mother’s Day activities.

Continue with above.

Meteor Club Monday to Friday in G4

3.10pm to 5.20pm An opportunity for all year groups to get their homework done with support and

resources to help. Free activity of the week is offered once homework is complete, so you can get creative and socialise with students that are not normally in your friendship groups. Be part of a smaller community within the Mark Hall community, work together to produce a finished article/s. Student Wellbeing.

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

Year 11/10 Students Please remember to order your revision cards or scientific calculators through school money. The new Casio scientific calculators are available for all year groups. We are waiting on orders of other revision aids and materials.

Maths update year 11 All year 11 have been issued with an “Aiming for Target grade” question booklet. These pro-vide students with a variety of questions on key areas for success. Students are welcome to take these home for independent work but are expected to have these in school daily – should be kept in the poly wallets issued last half term.

Maths Watch All user names Years 9-11 are FirstnameSurname@mha with capitals as indicated. Year 8 usernames are FirstnameSURNAME@mha Year 7 usernames are firstnamesurname@mha The password for all: lovemaths This is on online resource that will be used for maths homework as well as independent study. Any work done as independent study is recorded in the “My Progress” section. There are supporting videos which demonstrate methods that are currently used. When students log in there is access to further information in the extras tab. Any student can change their password when logged in.

Year 11 Edulink informs parents that year 11 students will be sitting their Literature GCSE exam this year; this is incorrect. There is not a Literature exam this year.

This week’s Maths challenge:

Count Down (+, -, x, divide)

75 50 6 3 9 10 Using all of the above numbers can you make

9 1 1

How close can you get? Completed answers to Mr Kitchen (F3) by Thursday.

(make sure your name and Tutor class is shown)

4 winners picked each week!

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

Apprenticeships for August/ September Start Are Coming Up Now! Are you ready to apply? *apprenticeships.org *getingofar *Indeed website. *Make an Account so you are sent alerts in the field you are interested in. *If there is a particular company you are interested in make sure they have your CV. *You should be looking at either an Intermediate or Advanced appren-ticeships *A quick browse today showed…. 2 Nursery apprenticeships, one in New Hall and one in Waltham Abbey A hairdressing apprenticeship in Toni and Guys Epping. Coach work Apprentice in Bishops Stortford IT Apprentice at Broxbourne School. Is your CV Ready? Where can you find help? bbcbitesize (careers section) offers help with this. Bragfolder.com National Careers Service web site too Do you know how to write a covering letter? All of the above websites can help. Keep it short and to the point. It needs personalising for the particular job/ apprenticeship you are applying for.

For Ages 15-18 InvestIN Summer Internships 2020

London and Silicon Valley With optional trips to Italy, the Netherlands, Germany and Czech Republic

We are delighted to formally launch our Summer Internships, which will take place in London and Silicon Valley, with optional trips to industry hubs across Europe.

Internships are available in Medicine, Investment Banking, Law, Engineering and Tech and offer some once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Internship Highlights:

Trade the stock market live inside the London Stock Exchange Argue a human rights case before a judge in London's Supreme Court Embark on a 'Supercar' trip to Italy, with experience-days at Lamborghini and Pagani Experience Emergency Theatre in a London hospital Visit the headquarters of some of the most iconic brands in Silicon Valley: Google, Amazon, Dell and more Experience life as a student at some of the world's most iconic universities: Oxford, UCL, Stanford and Berkeley

https://docsend.com/view/jykqawk?utm_source=InvestIN+Education+-+Schools+MASTER&utm_campaign=bf0df391b0-bankersschoolmar_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ea2e31bba1-bf0df391b0-

http://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=dmNbMWbt&id=5045608F3657CD02DB5FE84CD525708B3A21FC37&thid=OIP.dmNbMWbtFIZ8nbTkTM01_gHaEL&mediaurl=http://www.studentdigz.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Apprenticeships-cartoon.jpg&exph=274&expw=485&q=apprhttps://docsend.com/view/jykqawk?utm_source=InvestIN+Education+-+Schools+MASTER&utm_campaign=bf0df391b0-bankersschoolmar_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ea2e31bba1-bf0df391b0-136077697&mc_cid=bf0df391b0&mc_eid=93f0aaf5d6https://docsend.com/view/jykqawk?utm_source=InvestIN+Education+-+Schools+MASTER&utm_campaign=bf0df391b0-bankersschoolmar_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ea2e31bba1-bf0df391b0-136077697&mc_cid=bf0df391b0&mc_eid=93f0aaf5d6https://docsend.com/view/jykqawk?utm_source=InvestIN+Education+-+Schools+MASTER&utm_campaign=bf0df391b0-bankersschoolmar_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_ea2e31bba1-bf0df391b0-136077697&mc_cid=bf0df391b0&mc_eid=93f0aaf5d6

Planning for Post 16 Please make visits to as many institutions you like the look of /will suit you for your next steps in education.

Open Evenings at Schools and Colleges

Capel Manor College 28th March, 13th June 10am – 3pm Hertford Regional College Saturday 5 30 - 8pm, Saturday 6th June 10 – 1pm Writtle College Chelmsford Saturdays 25th April (All from 10am to 1pm) Building Crafts College, Stratford.

Are you an A level or BTEC/NVQ student? You can apply to as many institutions as you want to. Always have at least a plan A and plan B. Look at the courses and make sure you find one which best suits your style of learning. It has to be right for you! Be proactive about your future. Apprenticeships.There is no need to apply for apprenticeships yet but do familiarise yourself with the apprenticeship sites. (Look at local media too to see what is on offer.) Here are some examples. Essex apprenticeships apprenticeships@essex.gov.uk Trainingtrust.org.uk apprenticeships@creativeskillset.org apprenticeships.org.

Day Before School After school

Monday STAFF CPD

Tuesday

Fitness Club – KS3 Only

Football Club—KS4

Wednesday Football Club—KS3

Thursday Fitness Club –KS3/4 GCSE Intervention

Friday

Badminton/Table Tennis – Sports Centre Fitness Club – KS4 Only Dance Club

Extra-curricular Timetable

Clubs before school will run from 7.45pm – 8-20pm. After school clubs will run from 3.15pm.

Please see any member of staff in the office or around the academy if you have any questions. You do not need to sign up for a club, you are welcome to just turn up!

Please remember the guidelines below for any Astro based activities.

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

Getingofar, (all sorts of apprenticeship at all levels)

QA apprenticeships (Business and IT) HTS (Multi skilled Plumber or Painter/

Decorator or Arborist or Grounds &drainage)

mailto:apprenticeships@essex.gov.ukmailto:apprenticeships@creativeskillset.org

Thank You for your support so far…

As a parent ofa student at Mark Hall Academy, you are already a member of the MHA PTA so why not let your voice be heard? We have created a survey to find out how we can tailor our fundraising efforts to boost parental support and maximise the benefit to all our children. Any help or feedback is gratefully received.

New Members are always welcome,

Please contact us if you’d like to join the team.

Please take a few moments to complete our survey

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SD9JVSZ

March Issue 2020

The Mark Hall PTA is a group of dedicated parents and teachers that want the very best

for our children and our local community school.

We are keen to raise funds to provide essen-tial equipment to support the students in their learning and to enhance life at the

Academy.

To follow or contact us;

Spring Fair – Can you help? Our Spring Fair is taking place on Saturday 28th March 12-4pm.

We would be really grateful for your help:

To set up/clear away

To run a stall

To bake cakes for the refreshments stall

To donate tombola or raffle prizes

To donate books for our book stall

Please contact us if you can help or donate

Battle of the Bands

On Thursday 13th February members of the PTA sold drinks and home made cakes at the Academy’s Battle of the Bands event. This was a huge success and enhanced a spectacular evening of musical entertainment. We raised more than £100 to support fu-ture events, activities and to supply equipment throughout the school.

Mark Hall Academy PTA

pta@mha.attrust.org.uk

9TH MARCH

PTA Meeting

Everyone welcome

28TH MARCH

Spring Fair

30th March

20th April

PTA Meeting

Everyone welcome

26th September

Autumn Fete

10th December

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/SD9JVSZ

MARK HALL ACADEMY

Aspire Endeavour Achieve

ATTENDANCE & PUNCTUALITY

STUDENTS ARRIVING TO THE ACADEMY Just a reminder that all students must enter the Academy via the London Road entrance by 08:40am.

Students arriving by car must be dropped off in the Sports Centre car park.

Students must not be dropped off by car at the main school entrance except for known arrangements already agreed by the Academy.

STUDENTS ARRIVING LATE TO THE ACADEMY We expect all students to be punctual. If your child is late they must still enter the Academy via the London Road entrance up to 08:55am where a member of staff will take their name and a C3 detention may be issued. Late arrivals by car should also be dropped off in the Sports Centre car park. They should then walk to the London Road entrance. Arrivals after 08:55am – Students should enter via the Main Academy with a written/ phone message reason for being late from a parent/carer. Students who persistently arrive late to the Academy will be referred to our Attendance Consultants.

REPORTING THE ABSENCE OF YOUR CHILD To inform us that your child will be absent we ask that you telephone the school on 01279 866280 and press Option 1 for the absence line/Attendance Officer. For safeguarding reasons we ask that you report your child absent at the start of the school day, preferably by 08:00am. For safeguarding reasons, we check any unreported absences daily and you will receive a text or email from the Attendance Officer if you have not telephoned the student absence line.

MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS If you child has a medical/dental appointment, please inform the Attendance Officer via the absence line prior to the appointment.

ATTENDANCE MONITORING All student’s attendance is monitored every week. Should we have any concerns, you will be contacted by our Attendance Consultants who may invite you in for a meeting. The Academy has issued a number of penalty fines this year for irregular attendance and holidays in term time so we cannot stress enough how important it is for your child to attend well. We want your child to achieve and attendance is an extremely important factor. Government Research has shown that where attendance levels fall below 95% a students’ academic performance and achievement is badly affected.

Thanking you all in anticipation of your support. Regards Mrs P Lane Attendance Officer