newsletter - ark helenswood academy...caste’ and ‘checking out me history’ which are studied...

Aspire . Achieve . Suc-

In this issueGCSE and A Level resultsDuke of Edinburgh AwardJerwood Gallery workshopHouse eventsGold AwardsStudent workYear 6 induction daysJohn Agard visitSpeakers for schoolsYear 11 PromSporting success and more...

Ark William Parker Academy

newsletterSEPTEMBER 2018 : ISSUE 24

World famous author and writer

John Agard

CelebratingExamSuccess!

Faith . Perseverance . Respect . Achievement

Ark 6th Form East Sussex is celebrating its excellent A level results, witha number of students achieving the top grades.This year’s A Level results show that there was an increase inattainment of those achieving A* to B; students excelled in Maths with91%, Spanish 100%, Further Maths 84% and Dance 80%.Amongst those students is Yasirwho got 2 x A* A-levels inHistory and RE, an A inEconomics and an A in Maths.He is off to the University ofWarwick to study Politics,Philosophy and Economics.He said ‘I’ve been really nervousand anxious for the whole week.When I opened my results I wasover the moon. I’m reallyshocked I’ve done so well and itstill hasn’t sunk in. I’m so happy!I would like to thank my teachers, friends, family and Villier’s Park - I couldn’t have done it without them.’Adam got 1 x A* and 3 x A’s and is heading to Loughborough Universityto study Bioengineering. He said ‘On opening my results I had a greatsense of relief as I had accomplished what I had been working on forthe last two years. It was a big weight off my shoulders.’Cai Ying, who achieved 1 x A*, 1 x A and a B, is off to Exeter Universityto study Accounting and Finance. She said ‘I feel really happy. I neverthought about going to university because my first year at Ark 6th Formwas also my first year in the UK. My parents will feel excited and happythat I’m going off to university in September as I’m the first in myfamily to go.’Anna achieved 4 x A’s and is going to Edinburgh University to studyEconomics. She said ‘I feel happy and somewhat overwhelmed. Myteachers helped me with my confidence and the Villier’s Park course was a big influence too.’Stephanie Newman, Principal of Ark WilliamParker said, ‘Our students have made reallystrong progress. The attainment in Maths,with 91% achieving A* to B is really fantastic.This is testament to the high expectationshere that help our students secure some topgrades across the board. Today's resultsreflect the hard work and dedication of allour students and teachers. We are veryproud of what they have achieved.’

Celebrating A level success!

A warm welcome for worldfamous writer John Agard Students at Ark William Parker had the excitingopportunity to meet world famous writer, John Agardwho visited the academy for a special assembly.John, a playwright, poet, short-story and children'swriter was born in British Guiana (now Guyana) andhas received many literary awards. He talked tostudents about the beauty of language and readpoems from his books, including the poems ‘HalfCaste’ and ‘Checking out me history’ which arestudied at GCSE.The event was concluded with a question and answersession, when one student asked “What keeps yourpassion for poetry alive?”John answered that it was his love of words and howthey were arranged. He said he found it excitinggetting the right words in the right order.Read the full story on our website -www.arkwilliamparker.org

Read the full story and see more photosat www.ark6thformeastsussex.org

Parents, Carers and Community Friends,Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter fromwhich you can catch a glimpse of life at Ark WilliamParker and the events, successes and achievementsthat took place last term.We were very proud to celebrate another year ofimproved GCSE results at Ark William Parker and thebest-ever sixth form results, placing us in the top 25%in the country. The new term has also started verywell, with students responding very positively to ournew routines! We fully expect this year to be even stronger than lastyear. We are committed to building on this progressand working with you to achieve furtherimprovement, providing the best possible educationalopportunities for all our students.I hope you enjoy reading about the wonderful thingsthat our students are doing and achieving.Stephanie NewmanPrincipal

Welcome

Achieved2xA*&2xAs

Achieved1xA*&3xAs


Students from Ark William Parker arecelebrating a strong and significantlyimproved set of GCSE results. The numberof students achieving the new benchmarkscore of 4 or better on their GCSEs(including English and Maths) - equivalentto the old C grade - has risen. Results arealso on the up, rising from 44% to 49%, amarked improvement for the school.Yvonne Powell, Executive Principal of ArkHelenswood and Ark William Parker, said:‘This is a very strong set of results for bothschools. Attainment overall has significantlyimproved on last year. What makes it evenmore special is that this is in the face ofmuch harder GCSE exams this year. Overall,both schools are getting better and better,year on year. Congratulations to all our

students who have worked so hard toachieve this, as well as their dedicatedteachers.’GCSE results now use the new attainmentgrade with 9 being the highest.Some of the top performers in this year’sGCSEs are below:Mohammad achieved 1x A**, 1x A*, 4x 9s,3x 7s, 1x 5. He said ‘I have had a reallygood experience at William Parker, it’sbeen my second home. I’ve made friendsfor life here. I’m very proud and actuallyamazed that I have done so well. VilliersPark helped me to aim high. I hope to go toCambridge University and eventuallybecome a surgeon.’ He’s back to the Ark6th Form to study A Levels.

Visit www.arkwilliamparker.org for more results,

photos andthe full story.

Celebrating GCSE success!

Inspired by World CupTournament Students needed no encouragementto take part in our version of theWorld Cup tournament which wasorganised by the PE department andran during lunch times for a week. Six teams were involved withstudents choosing to representBelgium, Brazil, England, PortugalArgentina and Spain. Each day thestudents played games leading up tothe final show down in July when thefinals took place. The two finalistswere Brazil and Belgium and in the3rd and 4th place play off, Spain tookon England. The final was a closefought battle with Brazil edgingBelgium 2-0 to win the trophy andEngland narrowly missed out to Spainin the 3rd and 4th place play off. PE teacher Mr Martellini said, “Thetournament was a fun event whichcaptured the spirit and energy of theWorld Cup. The students who tookpart in the tournament alldemonstrated the academy values offaith, respect, perseverance andachievement. Their behaviour wasimpeccable and all played with highlevels of sportsmanship andenthusiasm.”

Achieved1x9, 2x8s2x7s, & 4x6s

Achieved1xA*, 1x84x7s, 3x6s& 1x5

Achieved1x9, 1xA*3x7s, 1xA1x6 & 3x5s

Achieved1xA**, 1xA*, 4x9s, 3x7s & 1x5

6th Form Taster DayYear 10 students had the opportunityto gain an insight into what lessonsand life is like as a sixth form studentat Ark 6th Form East Sussex.The day began with a presentationfrom the Head of Sixth Form, MrHamilton, followed by taster sessionsin a range of different subjects and theopportunity to meet more teachers.

Students from Years 7-10 had a uniqueinteractive learning experience when theGSUS Live unit took up residence for 4 daysat the academy. GSUS Live is a multi-mediamobile classroom in a lorry trailer,equipped with displays and touch-screencomputers which rise up out of the desks.It tells the story of three teenagers facingreal-life issues in their lives, and how theyget inspiration from the Bible to deal withtheir problems.Using animations, instant chat, films andmusic video, students explored themes of

fear, forgiveness and rejection through thefictional characters of Jack, Sophie and Ben.While the message is one of the Christianresponse to these themes, the studentsworked through scenarios to identify whichadvice they would give to the characters. An amazed Year 7 student said “Wow, thisis like a posh house where the screencomes from nowhere.”Year 10 commented that it was very usefulin preparation for their GCSE assessment.Read the full story and see more photos onour website - www.arkwilliamparker.org


An electrifyingSpelling Bee!From commencement todenouement, the Inter HouseSpelling Bee was an electrifying andintoxicating philological journey.(And, what is more, all the boys couldspell every word in the previoussentence).Key Stage 3 Bees buzzed and hoveredinto the main auditorium for the firstGrand Final. The Year 7 boys survivedso many rounds that we feared itmight never end; ultimately Abdultriumphed for Saunders. The Year 8competition ended with a nail biting‘all Italian final’ between Theo andMarco - la situazione era tesa (and ifyou are not sure what that means,then one of these boys can certainlytranslate for you ...and indeed, spellall the words). Our Year 8 King Beewas the exuberant Marco.In Key Stage 4 Saxon House Beesswarmed the event and broughthome the honey with Jack taking firstand Adam second place in Year 9 andYousef taking first and Atrin secondplace in Year 10. It was wonderful to see the studentscompeting with such great spirit andsportsmanship without a bat or a ballin sight. The whole event was ahoney pot of excitement, a waggledance of wonder and a ‘B-Propolis’ ofintellect. Never before has spellingbeen so downright thrilling.For full story and photos visit -www.arkwilliamparker.org

In July all students were involved in a PSHEdrop down day, which focused onenterprise and careers. Year 7-9 worked ona project to devise a snack product for oneof the world cup countries alongsideplanning, cost, advertising and packaging.One student said, "What I enjoyed aboutthe day was working in a team to come upwith our product and competing to producethe best product."The focus for Year 10 was learning aboutcareers and writing CVs and their personalstatements.Some students participated in workshops

on preventing homelessness with YMCAUnique and exploring issues around alcoholwith Alcoholics Anonymous.Each year group also had a presentationfrom Rob Poyser from the ‘Extrememountain bike show.” The aim was toidentify how to ride safely in extremesports. Rob showed students his trials bikeand explained that he had been competingfor over 20 years across the UK and Europe.He demonstrated a number of tricks whileemphasising the importance of safety.See more photos and the full story athttp://arkwilliamparker.org/news

PSHE drop down day

A high-tech experience with GSUS


Last term, students took part in theirannual House Athletics event that was heldat our athletics arena. Year 7 and 8students combined to have their event onWednesday and Year 9 and 10 took placeon Thursday. The events were also used asa selection process for the Secondary TownSports day.

There were excellent performances fromathletes who won their events and fromothers who showed great enthusiasmcompeting for their houses. The boysreceived plenty of support and cheers fromspectators and fellow team mates. The full story, more photos and results canbe found on our website.

Annual House Athletics day

Ark William Parker hosted the annualPrimary Town Sports event where over 15schools competed in the athletics event.Pupils took part in many different athleticsevents ranging from sprinting events,600m, long jump and several throwingevents. Year 9 students from Ark WilliamParker were on hand to help run some of

the events; they did a fantastic job andwere a real credit to the Academy.Organisers Rob Smith (Hollington Primary)and Stuart Maclean (Dudley Infant School)said that the Year 9 students were afantastic group of boys who showed greatleadership in running the differentactivities.

Year 9s help at Primary Town Sports

Innovative ways tolearn and teach During their Philosophy lesson Year12 students looked at innovativeways to demonstrate new learningand teach each other.Students were asked to identifyPlato’s allegory of the cave and thendemonstrate an aspect of theallegory - explaining what theteaching is with regards to how dowe know things? They used Playdohto create scenes from Plato's allegoryof the cave. Each student had to picka section of the allegory and presentit, explaining what the allegory tellsus about life, forms and realities.

6th Form Drama Ark 6th Form drama studentsperformed a powerful original dramaas part of their theatre studiescourse. ‘No Church in the Wild’ was apoignant family drama whichincorporated physical theatre skillsand challenging dialogue to createoutstanding performances. Mr Hamilton, Head of Ark 6th Formsaid “Students displayed exceptionalskill and ability in the performance oftheir assessed piece.”An audience member who wasamazed by the talent said “Theperformance was a professional andvery well put-together piece ofwork.”

visit our website for more news and photos www.arkwilliamparker.orgwww.facebook.com/williamparkeracademy

Local MP Amber Rudd visited Ark WilliamParker Academy to see the school in actionand learning in progress.After being welcomed by the SeniorLeadership Team, Amber spent time withthe Head boy team and discussed theircurrent roles and the progress made in thelast 2 years at the academy. The group then moved on to the library tomeet Ark 6th form students who arecurrently studying politics. There was aquestion and answer session which studentJake Stewart found very informative, hesaid "The Q&A session was an insightfuland personal view into the reality of politicsand the life of an MP."

During the tour of the Academy, Ambermet with William Parker trainee teachersand welcomed them to the teachingprofession.See more photos and the full story athttp://arkwilliamparker.org/news

A visit from local MP Amber Rudd

FrogsI love frogs who leap like kangaroos,Who swim as fast as submarines,And fire their tongues as fast asmissiles.I love frogs that smile like toddlers,And sit as calm and quiet as achurch mouse.

I love frogs with eyes as large as thesun,Or frogs who flaunt patterns likenew clothes.I love frogs who hide like spies,waiting in the bushes for its prey.

by Jake, Year 7


House Charity Day On House Charity Day, tutor groupsonce again put on their thinking capsto come up with new ways to raisefunds for their house charities; Parkerhouse saw Miss Clark and Ms Cricellihave wet sponges thrown at them,Saxon house paid to wax MrEldridge’s legs and Saunders housetempted students with a sweet toothby selling cakes and chocolate. Lotsof other events took place, and thetotals are creeping up. Well done toeveryone who got involved.

Hastings Thrive SongCompetition In June, a group of our students performed at theHastings Thrive Song Competition at the White RockTheatre.Jack, Joey, Bobby, Ethan, Jack and Colby competedagainst Hastings Academy in the secondary division.We are very proud of the boys and their effort. Welldone to them for representing our school. It was agreat experience for them.

Business students inspired by speakers Three inspirational speakers were welcomedinto class by Level 3 Business studiesstudents. Robert Morgan (Factory InternetLTD), Mark Heaps (Live Productmanagement Limited) and Laura Field(Spoken Word limited) discussed theircareers and routes into their representativeindustries. During the working parties,students were able to question the varietyof careers available within the differing industry and discuss their own future aspirations. Work ethic and the ability to communicate effectively were key themes discussed andstudents took away some key tactics from the session.


Last term, we welcomed over 120 primary students to the first of anumber of transition days for incoming Year 6 students. The day wasbased around the principals of the Duke of Edinburgh programmewhere students developed teamwork skills, improved a physicalactivity, learnt how to put up tents, practiced their first aid skills,worked on their catering skills and completed an orienteering task toreplicate the expedition phase of the programme.For the full story and more photos visit www.arkwilliamparker.org

Primary students enjoy aDofE themed day

Students in years 7, 8 and 9 spent three days taking part in a programme basedaround the theme of resilience. Resilience education tries to instil habits that lead to a successful outcome. Withstudents increasingly being placed under a range of pressure situations in theirschool lives, Ark William Parker has noted that at times students do not have theskills or experience to find a way through these difficulties.Our students had to face up to a number of increasingly challenging and difficultactivities. The focus was around accepting that failure is all part of being successfulas long as you have time to reflect and then move forward and try again. Whilst developing their resilience with a variety of outdoor activities, our studentsalso managed to have a fun time. Joshua from Year 9 said, “It was really fun but atthe same time very challenging, especially the minefield activity. I was pleased thatI never gave up and tried my best to complete all the tasks.”For the full story and more photos visit www.arkwilliamparker.org

Creating resilient students

Primary student Joshua said, “I’ve really loved the day, especially cooking as I already do a lot of it. I enjoyed making newfriends like Cameron from Blacklands. It was good to spend time with friends and have fun doing it...”


Ark William Parker Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) students were thrilled topass the expedition phase of the Bronze Award. After months of training, planning and preparation the Year 10 studentsfinally got to test themselves and their training on the assessedweekend, which began at the assessment centre in Cranbrook.Over the weekend they covered 32km carrying rucksacks that weigheda quarter of their body weight and overcame obstacles such as lockedgates, hidden paths, fences across footpaths and a large herd of lickingcows!DofE students Charlie and William said “The distance was challenging.We all cared and looked after each other throughout the weekend andensured our fellow group members managed to keep up. It was verysatisfying knowing we were in the right place when we reachedlandmarks on the maps. It was such a relief when we got to thecampsite, took our shoes off and could have a shower. We reallyenjoyed the weekend and look forward to moving on to the SilverAward and possibly the Gold in the future.”For the full story and more photos visit www.arkwilliamparker.org

Duke of EdinburghBronze award success

In July, we welcomed Year 6 students from local primary schools to ourinduction days. The aim of these days was to enable the students to gainan insight into what life at secondary school will be like, when they enrolas the new Year 7 cohort in September.The students experienced a range of exciting lessons and activities fromacross the curriculum, which showed them just how different Ark WilliamParker will be to their current school. These days also gave students the opportunity to make new friends, meetstaff who will play a key role in supporting them and build their confidenceas they take the next steps moving from primary to secondary education.

Year 6 students gain aninsight into Parker life

Parker and Saxon went into Sports Day 2018knowing that Saunders could be beaten forthe first time in 3 years.Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students took part in awhole day of house competitions in 10different events! Students took part in golf,rugby, table tennis, badminton, basketball,softball, dodgeball, football, cricket andathletics events to try to knock Saunders offtheir perch. Sports Day was a culmination ofa years’ worth of events, ranging from

spelling bee to cross country and house quizto a marble run challenge. Points weregained from every event.Head of PE, Jimmy Elford said “The boyswere absolutely amazing on sports day, theyshowed such sportsmanship with thedetermination to win every event theyentered. I am so grateful to the staff fordelivering a wonderful event - I can’t waitfor next year”.Visit our website for the full story and more photos

Can Saunders be beaten?


A great way to learngeography in townIn July, 56 Year 10 geographystudents undertook their GCSEfieldwork in and around Hastingstown centre.As part of their GCSE exams next year,the boys will have to answer questionsabout two pieces of fieldwork thatthey have carried out, one human andone physical. To study how migrationhas affected Hastings, students spentthe morning walking around the town,carrying out a land use survey andconducting questionnaires withmembers of the public.After lunch, the boys then startedtheir physical investigation by lookingat how longshore drift acts inHastings and how humanintervention in beach managementaffects this process.The boys all enjoyed the trip andlearnt a lot. Their investigations willsupport other topics studiedthroughout the year.Comments from Year 10 students: “I really enjoyed it. I especiallyenjoyed the longshore drift fieldwork”“It was great to see geographyworking in the real world.”


It was a glorious warm, sunny eveningwhen Ark William Parker and ArkHelenswood students were welcomed totheir Year 11 Prom.The young women in their beautiful gownsand young men in their extremely smartattire were greeted by their proud teachersand members of staff. They walked up thered carpet to the circus themed venue foran exciting evening of magic, music anddance to celebrate the end of this year’sexams.The evening was a great success; thestudents had fun in the photo booth taxi,were enthralled by the magician, enjoyedcircus themed food including candy floss,popcorn and ice cream and danced thenight away to music provided by the DJ. Ahighlight of the evening was a spectacular

firework display watched by all the guestsbefore they headed back for their finaldances and a massive balloon drop withglitter bombs.Head of Year Graham Morris said, “It was awonderful evening to celebrate thestudents officially finishing their secondaryeducation at the school. The students had agreat night and it was really good to seethem so smartly dressed for the event.Many thanks to all the parents and carers,students and colleagues for all their hardwork in helping to make this event such awonderful evening for all.”Student Jay said “It was an amazing nightand an amazing way to say goodbye topeople you have grown close to over theprevious five years.”See more photos: www.arkwilliamparker.org

Glamour & circus fun at the Prom

Gardening Project

Chess Club

Pearls of the Sea at the Jerwood This year Ark William Parker have been involved in a project with The Jerwood Gallerycalled The Pearls of the Sea. Students visited the gallery and viewed work by PaulaRego and Gus Cummings which were exceptional. They were lucky enough to beinvolved in a collage workshop and drawing workshops led by local artist Olivia

Bishop. This work led to further classroom work resulting in superboutcomes. The work was exhibited at the Jerwood Gallery and

included Year 10 etchings based on self-portraiture andYear 9 based around depth and perspective

influenced by the work of GusCummings.

Our Science department invited a teamfrom the Herstmonceux ObservatoryScience Centre into the school to deliversome fantastic sessions to Year 7, 9 and 10students.The team brought their blow upplanetarium which they put up in the mainhall. On entering the dome, our studentswere astounded as they were transportedinto space. They saw parts of the milky waywhizzing past them and were given either

in depth tours of planets within our solarsystem or the life cycle of the birth anddeath of stars, depending on what bestsuited their curriculum. Ms McCall Head of Science said “Thank youto the team from HerstmonceuxObservatory, our students were veryimpressed with the experience. The contentdelivered helped them reinforce thecurrent space topics they have beenstudying.”

Transported into space!

Rise and Roar!Hastings Fringe Festival Community InterestCompany held spoken word workshopswith Ark William Parker students to helpthem ‘Rise and Roar.’ The event was organised by HeatherAlexander, Hastings Fringe organiser, incollaboration with Ark William Parker, toraise awareness and promote the power ofwords encouraging students to ‘find theirvoice’ and ‘express their truth’. LucasHoward, who is an established spokenword artist and English teacher, performedand supported the students as they foundnew ways to write poems, raps and ideas.


Speakers for schoolsMatt Craigie Atherton, a director forMother UK an advertising firm that workswith John Lewis and others, was a guestspeaker at our ‘Speakers for Schools’ event.The aim of the assembly was to inform Year9 students of the different professionsavailable in advertising and what subjectsand qualifications may assist them.Students were engrossed with the level ofeffort and work that goes into making aChristmas commercial such as the‘Bouncing Boxer’ - up to six months withhundreds of people involved in the pre-production as well as the final outcome. They were particularly engaged with findingout about the CGI and VFX effects thatwere used. They also had an opportunity toask questions.

Parliamentary JobShadowing Year 12 student, Alisa Brown, had thegreat opportunity to do a week’s jobshadowing at the Houses ofParliament with Amber Rudd.During her time with Amber Rudd,Alisa attended debates in the Houseof Commons, select committees (oralevidence hearings), toured roundParliament, and helped out withother administrative tasks. Alisa said “I had an amazingexperience working in Parliament, Ilearnt so much and I am determinedto come back to work there again. Ican't thank Amber Rudd and JessicaSiddell enough for this invaluableopportunity.”

Super Sixes GolfCompetition Six students represented the schoolat the local Super Sixes GolfCompetition that was held at CoodenBeach Golf Club. The students playedin pairs using a Texas Scrambleformat, where both students hit theirball but then take the next shot fromthe best previous shot. Theconditions were very challenging withheavy winds causing the plastic golfballs to deviate in many differentdirections. However the students didparticularly well, finishing in acreditable 3rd place.

visit our website for morenews and photos

www.arkwilliamparker.orgwww.facebook.com/williamparkeracademy

Year 8 student, Zeki said that LucasHoward is ‘very inspirational.’

Give your views onParent View

Parent View gives you thechance to say what you think about yourson’s school. By sharing your views, you’ll behelping us to improve. You will also be ableto see what other parents have said about ArkWilliam Parker Academy. Visithttps://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk

Ark William Parker Academy . Park Avenue . Hastings . East Sussex . TN34 2PG . Tel. 01424 439888 . Fax. 01424 448292

www.arkwilliamparker.orgFaith . Perseverance . Respect . Achievement

SGN is upgrading the local gas supply network in the Hillside Road area of Hastings.The project involves the essential replacement of old metal gas mains with newplastic pipe to ensure SGN continue to provide a safe and reliable gas supply to thelocal area. Their contractor WCB will undertake this work on SGN’s behalf.In consultation with East Sussex County Council, the four month project started onTuesday 28 August. Engineers will progress through roads in our surrounding areaincluding Hazelwood Gardens and Parkstone Road, Hillside Road (approximatelythirteen weeks) and Grange Road. A full list of all roads effected and further detailscan be found on our websitehttp://arkwilliamparker.org/sites/default/files/From%20SGN%20Gas.pdf

www.facebook.com/williamparkeracademy

visit our website for more news and photos www.arkwilliamparker.orgwww.facebook.com/williamparkeracademy

Well done Parker House students!

Well done Saunders House students!

Well done Saxon House students!



Congratulations to all the students who have achieved the Gold Principal’s Award

Notification of major gas worksfrom SGN

newsletter - ark helenswood academy...caste’ and ‘checking out me history’ which are studied...

Documents