ACADEMY NEWS6th December 2013

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Best wishes

Sara DaveyAcademy Principal

This week has had a real international theme. We have been sad to say goodbye to our exchange partners from New Zealand who have been visiting us for the last three weeks. They have been true ambassadors for their school and country; they have willingly shared aspects of their culture with students and their teacher has worked with our staff to share and explore current educational practice in New Zealand.

Miss Hick and Mr Bird have accompanied a group of six Year 11 students to Reitberg, Germany. This is an ongoing project that we have been involved with for a number of years and I encourage you to see what they have been doing via the MBTV section of our website.

Another group of students, this time accompanied by Mr Johns and Mr Strong, left for a different German project at 2am this morning. They will be working with a range of European partners on a 10 day Humanities-based project which promises to allow students to see their lives from each other’s perspectives.

I am delighted that staff and students commit and contribute to such projects as these: it really does extend the learning experience outside of the classroom and it is fantastic that so many different students and staff have now been able to participate in such visits. There are plenty more to come, so keep your eyes and ears open for new announcements!

On Monday 2nd December 2013, the Pearl of Africa choir from Uganda came to the Academy. This was a return visit to Mounts Bay and, once again, we were treated to some excellent music and also some workshops were run with our students. I hope that many people were able to experience this Choir for themselves at the Concert they staged at Penwith College that evening.

We have also travelled within the UK this week. The Academy has been asked to present its curriculum to the National Conference of the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust. This is always an honour and a privilege - we have been invited to National Conferences with the SSAT several times now - but it is always an excellent way to hear from and learn about the work other schools across the country are undertaking.

Finally, can I remind everyone that our Annual Christmas Fayre takes place next week and I hope that many of you will be able to join us for this event which promises to be a great opportunity to buy Christmas presents, sample some early mulled wine and mince pies and enjoy some festive music. Plus, back by popular demand, I can confirm that there will be the return of Mr Dale's Christmas Ice-cream Specials!

Principal’s Report

BEINSPIRED

Pearl of Africa

On Monday 2nd December the Pearl of Africa Choir came to Mounts Bay Academy. Over 200 Mounts Bay students took part in workshops run by the choir learning dance, craft, singing and drumming. The choir also gave a special 20 minute assembly for Year 7 and 8 where they gave a spectacular performance of some of their songs and dances.

The choir, from Uganda, are currently touring the UK running workshops and performing concerts. Through donations and the sale of crafts they raise money to run their orphanages in Uganda. The children spend most of their time in Uganda at school in lessons, rehearsing with the choir or making craft items to sell to support their school.

“Three members of the choir taught us a Ugandan song which was in Zulu. The song was about being thankful for the rivers and mountains. It was a simple song to learn but as it was a different language we still took our time learning it. When we put the two verses together it sounded fantastic.”

- Katy Roberts

In the evening the Pearl of Africa Choir performed at Penwith College. Many Mounts Bay students went along to the packed event. They sang eight songs and performed two dances.

“One of the dances was called 'The Celebration Dance'. The drums were played really loudly. The theatre was jam packed! The concert was free and they just asked for donations. They also sold jewellery that the children had made. I bought a bracelet which is really colourful. I enjoyed it so much and if you didn't go you missed out!”

- Alexandra Woollock

BEINSPIRED

Children’s University

On Saturday 30th November, I went to a Children's University Graduation at Tremough Campus, Penryn. I was chosen as the Children's University Ambassador and had to give a speech of my time being involved with Children's University. I was presented with my Gold Postgraduate Certificate by the Mayor of Penryn, for 600 hours of extra curricular activities and volunteering in the community. I had the opportunity to take part in interactive learning activities set up in the university. It was a really great morning and a stimulating environment.

Report by Loren Trevorrow

Instrumental Success

There has been a 100% pass rate for musicians at the Academy taking instrumental exams. Congratulations to the following: Caitlin Barton Sargent - Grade 5 FluteNina Micciche - Grade 2 PianoLuke New - Grade 1 Jazz PianoCharlotte Clifford - Silver Music Medal Saxophone with ExcellenceRuby Stanbridge - Bronze Music Medal Saxophone with ExcellenceSaffron Start - Bronze Music Medal Saxophone with Excellence

Students will be presented with their certificates at the Cornwall Music Academy’s annual Christmas concert on Saturday 14th December at the Lanner Band Room from 4pm until 9pm. A number of MBA students are performing both as soloists and part of the rock bands at the event.

Loren second from left

The successful musicians

BEINTERNATIONAL

New Zealand Visit

Yesterday we said goodbye to our lovely guests from New Zealand. Four students, Chelsea, Marara, Nadia and Shannon and our New Zealand teacher Janet Crones, have been with us for nearly four weeks. They have been enjoying lessons with Year 9s and 10s and visiting the local area. During their stay they have toured West Cornwall, visited Geevor tin mine and taken a trip to St Michael’s Mount. Host families have also treated them to days out and met together last weekend for a farewell meal and games at Country Skittles.

Our visitors are now heading to London for four days before returning home to begin their lovely long summer holidays. We wish them a safe journey and thank them for their contributions to school life over the last few weeks. They have all been presented with a gift from MBA to represent their trip to Cornwall. If anyone is interested in the return trip next year, please see Mr Kent. A huge thank you to the host families for looking after the students whilst they've been with us.

Report by Ms Kennedy and Miss Wearne.

Mining Links

On Tuesday 3rd December a group of students from Rototua Girls High School and Mounts Bay Academy visited Geevor Mine at the invitation of the Cornish Mining World Heritage team.

They were sent to Geevor to investigate the links between Cornish mining heritage and mining in New Zealand. These links grew up in the 19th century when Cornish miners took their expertise to the other side of the world.

During their trip they had the chance to go underground, speak to ex-Geevor miners and pan for tin. Many thanks to Cornish Mining World Heritage team for making this possible and supplying resources to support the trip.

Report by Mr Kent

BEINTERNATIONAL

German Visit

Six Mounts Bay students along with four students from Nancealverne School have spent the week in Reitberg, Germany on a visit to Wiesenschule.

Wiesenschule is a special needs school that specialises in the education of young people with a varying range of learning difficulties. The group, accompanied by Mr Bird and Miss Hick, started their journey at 9:30pm on Sunday 1st December and travelled overnight, arriving at their destination just in time to be introduced to classes before lunch on Monday.

Each of the students was assigned a class and stayed with the same group for the rest of the week. Although the lessons are quite different from those we are used to, the content is very similar with students in Wiesenschule learning literacy and numeracy as core subjects alongside subjects like the Humanities, Sport and Music.

The school day finishes at 3pm and the evenings were spent soaking up the German culture, visiting the local town and shops and socialising with the hosts. There was plenty of opportunity for everyone to use their German language skills when both schools visited a local Christmas Market. They are similar to the markets we get in Cornwall but the range of crafts and food on sale is very different. There may be some interesting Christmas presents winging their way back

The highlight of Thursday was candlelit singing which is a wonderful coming together of the whole school. The children practised some of their songs for the St Nikolaus festival on Friday.

Students spent every spare minute rehearsing their presentations and performances for their final day today, Friday.

Click here to see more reports.

Christmas Lights Switch On

On Saturday 1st December, Mr Payne, the MBA Christmas choir, musicians and solo singers met at the Humphry Davy statue in Penzance to take part in the Christmas Lights switch on. Penzance was buzzing with a certain christmas jingle and groups of people gathered around to watch and listen despite the cold weather.

BEFESTIVE

We kicked off with a medley of traditional christmas carols, accompanied by up and coming students from the Music Institute and other more seasoned performers. A folky set from Georgia and Theo got everyone in the dancing mood, which was followed by a pop fix from Molly and Shania. To finish off, the choir delivered a stunning finale, a festive feast of the finest melodies that Christmas has to offer.

I would like to thank all the students who took part for their immaculate behaviour and general christmas cheer.

Thank youNina Micciche, Arabella Freeman, Ananda Lee, Jenna Eddy, Chloe Way, Charlotte Jones, Bridie Simons, Katy Roberts, Beth Tremithick, Izzy Upton, Victoria Tulley, Theo Black, Georgia Ellery, Caitlin Barton Sargent, Ruby Stanbridge, Skylar Finch, Eden Backhouse, Charlie Hornby, Will Rodda, Shania Curnow, Alannah Furneaux, Molly Kemp

Mr Payne

Phoenix Project

On Friday 29th November 11 MBA students passed out from the Phoenix Challenge at Penzance Fire station with flying colours. They had taken part in a tough week of physical and personal challenge focused on improving their teamwork, motivation, and communication skills. Nicky Penfold said, “It was hard at times, but if you put a lot in you get a lot out, and it’s really rewarding.”

Part of the course involved learning how to conduct a house rescue. Todd Kyle explained, “We had to go into shipping containers laid out like a house. We had to go round in the dark wearing masks and find life sized dummies. It was pretty hard because you can’t see anything and you have to rely on one another to get through.”

Relatives, MBA staff and invited dignitaries were witness to their efforts when we watched them complete their final drill. This involved running the hoses to extinguish a house fire, a vehicle fire, save casualties using breathing equipment and give emergency first aid. John Seed said, “We did lots of firefighting activities. It really helps with your communication and team building skills. Also they taught us basic first aid and now I’ve got a first aid qualification.”

It was a very successful week with excellent behaviour and commitment- well done to the following boys:

All boys will have further mentoring from the Phoenix staff and even the parents have been invited to the Fire Station for an evening of discussion and challenge!

BEADVENTUROUS

Brandon Jones ThomasWill NichollsJacob Davey Jordan Nicholls Jordan AuburnParis ThomasJohn SeedKai SummersTodd KyleNicky PenfoldZac Andrewartha - Dodd

Report by Ms Van Horn

BECREATIVE

Performance Week

This week over 40 students from all years have been involved in the Music MixX Performance Assemblies. Emily Walker and Shania Curnow started the event with the Year 11s on Monday and we have had 2 or 3 performances in each Year Assembly through the week.

The performances have been very diverse, ranging from jazz to rock to acoustic songs featuring a Year 7 and 8 string section. The sound system in the hall has been set up and very professionally run by our student Music Tech team, clearly making every performer sound great.

The Music MixX is a series of extra-curricular clubs including Band MixX, Karaoke, Taiko Drumming, Jazz Band, Music Tech and more. It is run by Luke New with help in Band MixX from local professional musician and music leader Darren Roberts. Any students who would like to join please look in the Mixx brochure for details, or contact Luke - lnew@mountsbay.org

MBA’s new girl band made their debut performance

BECREATIVE

Artist Of the Week

The ‘Artist of the Week’ is Milli Morgan in Year 10. She has been working with great care on her sketchbook work and creating designs working towards a final painting based on the theme of ‘Structures, Cells and Magnification’. Milli has been researching the work of the Expressionist Wood cut artists and has produced a series of colour prints in response to her research. A selection of prints by Milli and other Year 10 Artists are on display along the Art/Technology corridor.

Year 8 Rugby

On Wednesday Mounts Bay Year 8s welcomed St Ives to the last game of the season. After receiving the kick off we pressed strongly into their half with some good runs and big hits. This was followed up with good hands to allow Mawgan Osborne to go over the try line to score the first try of the match which was converted by Morgan Harvey. After a lot of good play we were rewarded with an excellent try by Josh Storey. Nearing half time, following a penalty, St Ives showed some good, organised moves to give them a try which made the score at half time 12-7.

Mounts Bay made hard work of the beginning of the second half. Play was very back and forth and handling errors crept in. St. Ives took advantage and scored first. They quickly scored again to put them ahead. The pressure was on and Ben Chapman responded by scoring in the corner to put us back in the game. But St Ives were determined as well and scored another try which they managed to convert. After a good phase of play Mounts Bay continued to put pressure on the visitors and a “kick and chase the ball” was passed out to put Mawgan in for his second of the game. With five minutes to go and still behind, a good scrum led to Toby Pearce scoring a powerful try which was converted by Morgan again.

Final score: 31:27 to Mounts Bay!

A good win to round off a successful season. Thanks to Mr Strong and well done to all the team!

Report by Mawgan Osborne

BECOMPETITIVE

National Cup Football

Congratulations to the Year 8 boys who have had a great run in the National Cup reaching the 4th round. This is where their run ended playing a vastly experienced Ivybridge school side losing 4-0. This is the furthest a MBA school side has progressed for a number of years. Well done and we look forward to trying to avenge our defeat next year!

Report by Mr Veal

Amnesty International Report - by Louis Hammond

Again this week Amnesty International has been busy in the news all around the world helping protect people’s human rights. This week it's good news from Zimbabwe.

Human Rights Lawyer Acquitted

Last Wednesday, Beatrice Mtetwa was found not guilty of ‘obstructing the course of justice’. Beatrice is one of Zimbabwe’s top human rights lawyers. She was arrested in March and detained for eight days after insisting police officers show her a search warrant as they searched the home of one of her clients.

Stepping Away From the Death Penalty

This good news relates to the death penalty. In October Emmerson Mnangagwa, the new Minister of Justice, publicly criticised its use at an event organised by Amnesty International Zimbabwe. He told the audience ‘as someone who has been on death row myself and only saved by an ‘age’ technicality, I believe that our justice delivery system must rid itself of this odious and obnoxious provision.’

These are positive steps, but there is still much to be done for the new Zimbabwean government to improve its human rights record. The government will be judged on this record as well as its ability to improve the living conditions for everyone in the country.All at Amnesty International are hugely pleased, as are we, with this positive result in Zimbabwe. It just goes to show how small things can impact on lots of peoples lives. With this in mind, we urge you to support Amnesty International in any way, shape or form; whether it be simply coming to the school Amnesty Club on Thursday lunchtimes or getting involved in any future events.

How you can get involved:

At Mounts Bay Academy we run an Amnesty International Club with Mr Johns. Come and join us on Thursday lunchtimes to prepare for events to help raise money for this charity. We are getting involved with the annual Christmas Fayre and would love for there to be more volunteers taking part. Just get in touch with Mr Johns or pop in!

BEFREE

BEA WINNER

Translate the word of the week from either French, German, Spanish or Italian and send your answer to ktripp@mountsbay.org to be entered into the weekly competition.

Use the word of the week in your Language lesson and get a credit from your teacher!

Maths Quiz

This Week’s Puzzle:

Find three different sets of whole numbers that add up to 55. Extension for Bonus Points:

How many different ways can this be done?

Last week’s solution: If you have 7 sticks which measure 1cm, 2cm, 3cm, 4cm, 5cm, 6cm and 7cm is it possible to make two lines of the same length?

2, 3, 4, 5 =1, 6, 7 OR 1, 2, 4, 7 = 3, 5, 6 Extension: Can you make four lines of the same length?

1, 6 = 2, 5 = 3, 4 = 7

Could you write next week’s puzzle?If you would like to set the numeracy puzzle for a future week click here. You will win house points.

Win an iTunes voucher

For each correct answer throughout this semester we will put your name in the hat for a chance to win an iTunes voucher – the more correct answers, the more chance of winning.

House Competition

Purple: 20 PointsOrange: 13 Points

Blue: 7 PointsGreen: 6 PointsYellow: 5 PointsRed: 3 Points

Click here to submit your answer

Last week's answer was ‘storm’.

The winner was Lily Wadham-Duke Well done!

MFL Word of the Week!

un drapeau una

bandiera

una bandera eine Flagge

BEA WINNER

To enter, simply write an original sentence correctly using the word enigma. Send in your sentence using the link below.

All correct entries will receive House points, and the winner will receive a WH Smith gift card as well as an additional House point. The winner will be chosen from the correct entries received each week.

This week’s word is: enigma

Definition: - enigma – noun.A person, thing, or situation that is mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand. Enigma was also the name given to an electro-mechanical machine invented in the 1920s to encode messages. During WW2 it was used by the Germans who were convinced that it was unbeatable.

However, with the help of Polish mathematicians who had managed to acquire a machine prior to the outbreak of war, British code breakers stationed at Bletchley Park managed to exploit weaknesses in the machine and were able to crack the Enigma code.

Breaking the Enigma ciphers gave the allies a key advantage, which, according to historians, shortened the war by two years thus saving many lives.

Etymology: from Latin aenigma, which itself came from Greek ainigma, from ainissesthai to speak in riddles, from ainos a fable, or story.

Click Here to enter the competition

Surf Film Club

Surf Film Club is off to Africa on Tuesday with a screening of the 2011 movie Thirty Thousand.

The film is a surfing odyssey from Casablanca to Cape Town - 30,000 km down the WestCoast of Africa - featuring undiscovered waves in Morocco, Western Sahara, Liberia, Angola Namibia and South Africa.

Surf Club meets in Room 30 at 3.15pm. Film Club is free and all are welcome.

BEINVOLVED

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE CONTACT US

Mounts Bay, Boscathnoe Lane, Heamoor Penzance, Cornwall TR18 3JT

Principal Mrs S Davey B.Sc. M.Ed

T 01736 363240 | F 01736 352326 E enquiries@mountsbay.org

www.mounts-bay.cornwall.sch.uk

MBS-LH2011-Grey-AW.indd 1 08/06/2011 21:24

PROGRESS REVIEW DAY IS ON MONDAY 6TH JANUARY

Students have been given letters for parents/carers to request appointment times for Progress Review Day. Please return these letters with the appointment time request on Monday 9th December. Parents/carers will then be notified of the confirmed times via the student planner.

December

9th Return Progress Review Day letters

12th Victorian Christmas Fayre at Mounts Bay Academy from 6 o’clock

Carol singing for the over 60s at Heamoor Britsh Legion from 2 o’clock

13th Carol singing at Christmas Farmers’ Market, St Johns Hall from 10 o’clock

19th Christmas Carol Concert at Madron Church from 7 o’clock

Dates For Your Diary:

MOUNTS BAY ASTRONOMY CLUB

Introductory talk by Stephen StrangroomSee Miss Weightman for further details

Offering a free weekly course, “Beginner’s Guide to Astronomy”.

In association with Landsend Astronomers

Thursday 12th December 3.20 - Room 9

CLICK HERE TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE

BECHARITABLE

SEND IN YOUR NEWS

Mounts Bay Academy

Thursday

12th December 2013

6pm to 9.30pm

Victorian Christmas Fayre

Bric a Brac

Mince Pies

Crafts

Mulled Wine

Food DecorationsArtworks

Gifts

Stalls

STALLS £10 - contact: lwebb@mountsbay.orgwww.mountsbay.org

Music