Academy News Vol 3 December 2011

Freebrough Flyer

Want to be part of something new, exciting and innovative?

Courses on offer include: Business and Enterprise

Engineering Creative and Digital Media

Performing Arts Health and Social Care

Travel and Tourism

Contact us for a prospectus: 01287 676305 info@freebroughacademy.org

Contact us for a prospectus:01287 676305 info@freebroughacademy.org

Enterprising a new post 16 visionFrom September 2012 Freebrough

Academy will be proud to offer school leavers an exciting and innovative post 16 option. Working in close partnership with our sponsors Teesside University, Prior Pursglove College and Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, along with our lead education partners Redcar and Cleveland College, we aim to provide a curriculum which will excite, motivate and inspire students to reach their full potential, whatever that may be! In December 2012 our new, state of the art, enterprise centre will throw open its doors. The new building will physically stand-alone from the main academy building but will be linked through the curriculum, staffi ng and ethos. The new centre will provide superb ICT facilities including industry standard equipment to provide a realistic work environment as well as powerful workstations, and portable ICT devices such as iPads and Netbooks. Facilities to support courses in Digital Engineering and Media

will provide opportunities for students to develop skills, expertise and qualifi cations in the new and developing industries in the region as well as providing the opportunities for students to seek future employment nationally and globally. The centre will also be equipped with industry standard recording facilities and a funky, modern internet café. Incubation units within the centre will offer the space and facilities that students need to start their own business from the age of 16. This will be matched by the provision of a wide range of expertise to mentor and coach young entrepreneurs in their fi rst few crucial years in business. The enterprise centre facilities and expertise of students will be used to work with our wider family of primary and secondary schools. This means that our students will have opportunities for real-life work experience that will look fantastic on university applications and CV’s. The building itself is currently in the design stages with building work due to start very soon. Watch this space for updates!

Get your grown ups growingFreebrough

Academy’s Science and Engineering Club held a showcase event as part of the Royal Horticultural Society’s ‘Get your Grown-ups Growing Campaign’ on Tuesday 18th October 2011. The Science and Engineering Club involves students at both Key stage 3 and Key stage 4 and aims to raise students aspirations though applied STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Technology) activities. Over the last term, students have been looking at developing an area of the Academy grounds into a “Freebrough Garden”. Students were set a brief to design a garden that is sustainable, is an outdoor learning environment and provides the school and its community a rich cross curricular resource. As part of their research they have visited RHS gardens at Harlow Carr and been supported by the Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle. At the event students shared their ideas, experiences and designs in an informal setting. Once fully developed one of the

student garden designs will become a reality as we transform an area of the Freebrough grounds.

Can You Help?To make our ideas a reality the Freebrough Science and Engineering Club are appealing to the community for the following:•Sponsorship from businesses and individuals•Volunteers to help with the hard work•Donations of materials and plants If you feel you able to help us in any way please contact Mrs Lowe or Miss Walker on 01287 676305.

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 20112

Freebrough Flyer Production Team

“I am thrilled to introduce you to our brand new Freebrough Flyer Production Team. The students above have worked very hard to ensure that this issue of the Freebrough Flyer is the best yet. As time goes on we will be expanding our

team and they will be taking more and more responsibility for what goes into their newspaper. At Freebrough Academy we are proud of what we do and we like to share our successes with our parents and the community so that you can be proud of us too. Please take the opportunity to join us for one of our events so that you can see for yourself the fantastic changes we’ve made. You could also make a real difference to our students by becoming a Friend of Freebrough. Please see the advertisement on Page nine.”

Mrs Kim ForteathEditor

Anna Kennedy Journalist

“I’ve always been interested in Journalism and this gives me a taste of what it would be like to work in this area of expertise. I hope to become a journalist when I finish my education.”

Aimee MarshPhotographer/Journalist

“I want to develop a career in photography and being part of this team will help me. Photography interests me as you get to capture moments of life that happen so quickly.”

Bethany Ambrose Journalist

“I love writing stories and my ambition in life is to be either a fashion designer or a news reporter.”

Bethany RocheJournalist

Freebrough against bullying A safe place to learn and succeed

This year’s anti bullying week ran from 14 to 18 November. With

the slogan ‘Stop and think – words can hurt’ this year’s campaign is focused on tackling verbal bullying. Through supporting this year’s theme we aim to: Challenge the casual use of derogatory

language in our academy and community. Give our young people the tools to challenge others when they use derogatory language, to find new ways of expressing how they feel if they are angry or upset, and to make a conscious effort to speak positively and to compliment others. Encourage adults to consider how they

model the use of language with children and young people. During the course of the week students took part in anti-bullying assemblies, activities and competitions to raise awareness of this very important issue. We will be continuing to work on this theme throughout the year.

Going blue to beat the bulliesOn Monday 14th November, the

whole of Freebrough Academy turned blue to support the Anti-Bullying Week campaign. The staff and students all came dressed in anything blue. But, as usual, there was one comedian; one of the Year 11 students came in a bright blue baby grow outfit!Students donated £1 to Childline at the start of the day and, as the day carried on, they could buy Beat the Bully wristbands for a charitable donation. Altogether, £538.46 was raised for this fantastic charity.

by Aimee Marsh, Year 10

Beat The Bully Enterprise Day

Freebrough Academy decided to use one of this term’s enterprise

days to ‘Beat the Bully’ on Thursday 13th October 2011.The day helped raise awareness of bullying and the many forms it can take as well as the negative effects bullying can have on people. The students then used all of their enterprise skills to develop their own range of anti-bullying t-shirts using a variety of materials. Each tutor group selected one winner to go forward to the Freebrough Beat the Bully catwalk on Friday 21st October where a winner from each small school was selected with Chloe Parkin’s design being the overall academy winner.

Bullying What can we do?

Although at Freebrough Academy bullying is not a major issue, we

recognise that it happens, we deal with it swiftly and we want to take every step to reduce its occurrence.Student Journalist Anna Kennedy took time out to interview Kate Hillyard, Anti Bullying and Behaviour Consultant, to see what we can all do to tackle it.Can you define bullying?Bullying is deliberately hurtful behaviour which is repeated over time. Bullying can take many forms including physical, emotional, verbal and cyber bullying. Bullying is very real to the person it is happening to but parents should be aware that one fight or disagreement does not necessarily mean that their child is being bullied.Why do people bully?Studies suggest that the majority of bullies do it because there is something negative happening in their own lives. Sometimes they are being bullied themselves. A very small minority of people who bully do so purely for their own gratification.What should you do if you are being bullied?TELL! Despite what the bully may say, telling someone will help. Bullies often make threats in order to keep their victims quiet but if you never tell, it will never stop.What can parents do to help if their child is being bullied?The most important thing is to listen and to understand that it may have taken a great deal of courage to speak up. Parents should then contact the child’s school. In Freebrough Academy a parent’s first point

of contact would be their child’s tutor who will ensure that the concern is passed onto the relevant member of staff.What should schools be doing to tackle bullying?Schools need to be very aware that bullying goes on and that it can be very damaging to young people. Some young people really benefit from being taught the skills needed to tackle bullying themselves and this is one of the areas that I am working with Freebrough on. We will also be working with a group of staff, students and parents to develop the Anti-Bullying Policy.How should bullies be tackled?Often the key to changing how a bully behaves is to listen and try to find the root of the problem. There are lots of strategies that can be put in place to show bullies that their behaviour is not acceptable and to help them to make positive changes.What about when friends fall out? Is that bullying?Friendship issues are very common, especially among girls. Often rumours are spread and others become involved to stir up trouble. Although this needs nipping in the bud to prevent it from escalating, it is not necessarily bullying. Mediation between students who have fallen out is often very successful.

Other SupportChildline Freephone 0800 1111NSPCC Freephone 0800 800500www.anti-bullyingalliance.orgwww.bullying.co.uk

“I really enjoy going to the Newspaper Club.”

Welcome to the autumn edition of our termly newspaper. We have

had a very positive and productive term and hope you enjoy reading about the exciting developments at Freebrough Academy and the growing successes. We have had another Business and

Enterprise day on 16 November 2011 where students worked in their vertical tutor groups to look at real local businesses and identify ways in which they could be developed. The theme of the day was “Risky Business” and the students certainly participated fully in the day and worked with enthusiasm displaying their Business and Enterprise skills and knowledge. As this goes to press we are waiting for the decision to be made about our application to become a regional hub of the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy. Those of you who watch Dragons Den will have seen people pitching their business ideas to the Dragons. Myself, Ms Rich and Miss McAndrew had to go to the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy in Amersham, Buckinghamshire and pitch for Freebrough. Although the Dragons weren’t there it was a challenging experience. This is a brilliant opportunity for students from Freebrough and across the North East. If we are successful we will be the only school in the country to have the status and will be able to deliver level two

and level three courses in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. We will recruit other schools as “spokes” and support them to develop this as part of their curriculum. Another exciting development is the progress made on the designs for our new Post 16 Business and Enterprise Centre. The plans are on track for completion by December 2012. We will bring you the first glimpses of the designs in our next edition but watch progress develop on our website (www.freebroughacademy.org). This has been a challenging term for Year 10 and Year 11 who sat their GCSE maths exam in November. They will get their results in January and will have an opportunity to improve this grade if necessary by re-sitting the exam again after Christmas. Some of the Year 11 students will go on to study aspects of A level maths after January if they have achieved their grades this time around. Year 10 and 11 are also preparing to sit their Unit 1 exam in English in January. Good luck to them and I am sure they can depend on the support of parents/carers through this challenging time. We continue to celebrate sporting success at Freebrough and are delighted in particular with the success of our netball and football teams. Staff and students have put their fundraising skills to the test this term

raising £70 through the sale of poppies, £550 for Childline during anti-bullying week and £600 (and counting) for Children in Need. Well done to all of those people who worked so hard to achieve this. Congratulations to the Faculty of Performing and Creative Arts who have put on some fantastic performances and opportunities this term. This includes performing Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Middlesbrough Theatre, the Spooky Arts evening for Halloween, the performance as part of Redcar and Cleveland choir at York Minster in October and for the performances to commemorate Remembrance Day on 10 November 2011. I was very proud of the quality of performance and impressed by the growing number of students who took part in these events. I hope you enjoy reading this edition and if you have any comments or ideas that arise from reading it please don’t hesitate to contact us. On behalf of all of the staff, students and Governors at Freebrough Academy I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and prosperous New Year. I look forward to working with you all in 2012.Best WishesLinda Halbert, Principal

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 2011 3

A word from our Principal

Academy Awards Evening

This term has seen the academy’s first ever Awards Evening, held to

celebrate the success and excellence of our students. The glittering ceremony took place in the academy and parents, staff, VIP’s and members of the community all gathered to show their pride in our young people.Professor Graham Henderson, Vice Chancellor at Teesside University, presented awards for achievement and progress as well as special awards for attendance and contribution to the academy. The event was attended by The Mayor of Redcar and Cleveland Councillor Mrs Olwyn

Peters, sponsors, governors and community partners as well as nearly 200 very proud parents and carers. Well done to all of those who were nominated for awards.The event was hosted by students Richard Walker and Claudia Walker who did a spectacular job as comperes. Entertainment was provided in the form of singers, musicians, dancers and drama performances all arranged by the Performing and Creative Arts faculty.Well done to all of those who were nominated for awards Freebrough is proud of you!

Tackling ‘The Tempest’After 2 successful

productions at Freebrough Academy, I decided to set my year 9 G&T students a challenge…and a challenge it was. Shakespeare seemed to be a taboo subject for both myself and the cast and so we could find no better reason than to push our own boundaries and enter into Shakespeare Schools Festival whereby we created a production of “The Tempest” and performed it to a paying audience at Middlesbrough Little Theatre.The students deserve full recognition for the success of the performance. Their dedication, commitment and energy were outstanding and I could not have wished for a better cast. Their enthusiasm kept me going throughout the entire festival whether it was breaking out into grease lighting during a rehearsal or hiding away from me in their dressing room, they have always had a smile upon their face and did themselves very proud.The students were delighted to see their principal and other staff members at the theatre to support them and this support truly inspired the students to put on a great performance and reminded us all that what they had done was a massive achievement.As with most performances this has surely been a rocky rollercoaster but from hearing the students say after 3 weeks “I never want to do Shakespeare again” to some of them saying to me on the night of the performance “What Shakespeare play shall

we do next?” I knew the students had been transformed…well maybe a little bit!The students never cease to amaze me when performing; they constantly remind me of the reason I am in this profession.Myself and the cast would just like to thank the parents and teachers for their continued support and a big thank you to Mr White for all his help and assistance with the technical side of the show. Well done to all of you, you are stars!!

CastSam Algie, Becky Anderson,Olivia Moody, Jake OrdAdam Torka, Claudia Walker, Ryan Wilks

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 Devember 20114

Redcar & Cleveland College recognisesthat the traditional academic routethrough A levels isn’t right for everyone.

Students completing a BTEC NationalDiploma Level 3 course (equivalent tothree A Levels) can move on to a relevantdegree level course. This could bestudied part-time at the College’s HigherEducation Centre or, alternatively, theBTEC National Diploma Level 3 is arecognised entry qualification for mostuniversities in the country.

Matthew Spencer is just one of the manyRedcar & Cleveland College studentswho have gone on to study at university,gaining a place on the highly sought afterBA (Hons) Computer CharacterAnimation course at Teesside University.

“The course at Redcar & ClevelandCollege was instrumental inpreparing me for my degree as I wasgiven first class technical guidancethroughout. In addition to this thefacilities are excellent.”

Matthew SpencerIT Practitioners BTEC National Diploma Level 3

Universitywithout A Levels

There’s still time to apply tostudy on a full-time course atRedcar & Cleveland College,one of the best rated colleges inthe region. In the latest Ofstedreport, we were officially gradedas a ‘good’ college. Whetheryou know exactly what youwould like to do next or have afew different ideas in mind,come and talk to us about ourwide range of courses.

• Art & Design • Built Environment • Business & Accountancy • Childcare• Computing & IT • Engineering & Science • Hair, Beauty & Holistics• Health & Social Care • Public Services • Skills for Life • Sport & Fitness • Travel & Tourism

Pick up a copyof our Full-timeProspectus orvisit our websitefor more information:

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Taking youhigher

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Level 2)*• Instructing Physical Activity and Exercise –

Gym (NVQ Level 3)*• IT• Local Environmental Services*• Maintenance Operations (Level 2)*• Management (Level 3) • Nail Services (VTCT Level 2 & 3)*• Painting & Decorating• Plastering• Plumbing• Retail*• Spa Therapy*• Team Leading (Level 2) • Wood Occupations

Visit our website for more informationabout Apprenticeships.

Leaving Schoolin 2012?

View the videos on ourwebsite to seewhat collegelife is really like!

Financial SupportFind out how we can help with thecost of studying, including FREETRAVEL to and from College. Call now for details.

Apprenticeships:real skills for the real worldWhatever your age, anApprenticeship will give you theopportunity to earn while youlearn, gaining work-basedexperience with your employer balanced with College study foraccredited qualifications.

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Study for a degree or higher levelprofessional qualification atRedcar & Cleveland College’sHigher Education Centre.

Easily accessible with free parking forstudents, the centre is equipped withthe latest teaching and learningresources. To find out more visit ourwebsite now or call for a copy of ourHigher Education Prospectus.

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 2011 5

As part of Freebrough Academy’s drive to raise standards in teaching and

learning, a group of 10 teaching staff have come together to become the Teaching and Learning Group. These staff are those who have consistently been graded as good or outstanding practitioners in their lesson observations over the course of the academic year. By making use of the academy’s best practitioners it is possible to share best practice and to show others how to effectively deploy strategies, materials and resources to improve teaching and learning.

The Teaching and Learning Group meet with the Deputy Principal on a half-termly basis to focus on the needs of staff as identified through questionnaires, lesson observations, work scrutinies or drop-ins. In the most recent sessions, assessment, literacy strategies and ‘bell work’ activities have been identified as areas for further development. The Teaching and Learning Group discuss how best to share their own expertise with others and then deliver their ideas via a ‘carousel’ format during CPD sessions at the academy. This involves teachers being exposed to a ten minute

session with each Teaching and Learning Group member where they determine how to adapt the strategy within their own lessons. Once this ten minute session is over, the groups rotate to the next member of the Teaching and Learning Group so that all staff have been exposed to all ideas by the end of the evening – a bit like educational speed dating! The next Teaching and Learning Group lead CPD session will take place on Monday December 12th and will involve all staff being exposed to ideas relating to the area of ‘differentiation’ – that is, how

we provide engaging and challenging work

for students of all abilities and learning

preferences. There will be a particular of

SEN students and G&T students, although

as the saying goes, ‘the rising tides raises

all boats.’

Dr Michael O’Neill

Deputy Principal, Freebrough Academy.

Teaching and Learning

Superstar Students

Superstar Class – 8U EnglishThe Students in Miss Fenby-Dixon’s 8U English class have shown a fantastic attitude to learning this term with some students moving up a level through their sheer hard work. Those who are working

particularly hard and deserving a special mention are; Codi Garbutt, Rebecca Bottomley, Ashley Whitefoot, Ebony Day, Owen Smith, Sean

Kersey, Gemma Jackson and Gemma Gatenby.

Humanities - Emma BintEmma studies Btec Level 2 Travel and Tourism. Her target

grade for year 10 is Pass but she is currently working at Distinction!

Her motivation and dedication to only working at the highest possible standard is amazing, she will only settle for the very

best, continually self-reviewing her work and identifying areas to make further progress. She works well in a team and

supports other students ensuring they also make excellent rates of progress.

Technology and ICT - Olivia WardOlivia demonstrated excellent design and make skills

during her graphics based project. Olivia’s design brief asked her to design and make a prototype of a shop front specifically focused on selling

cookies. Olivia had an excellent attitude towards the design brief, produced exceptional designs and

manufactured a great practical outcome.

Maths – Emma Winspear

Emma has been such a brilliant role model leading up to her November exam. She is totally self-driven and

is determined to maximise her potential.

Sport and Health – Callum Brundle

Callum has been the top goal scorer at school football matches and has helped his team to finish 3rd in the Redcar and Cleveland championships and 2nd in the school football

league!

English – Codi GarbuttCodi has improved her reading age by an amazing 3 years this year and has moved up two sublevels

between assessment point one and assessment point three. She is working really hard and has completed

all homework set this term.

Business and Enterprise – Beth Bird

Beth has made excellent progress and put in lots of hard work in her BTEC Business lessons. Beth has really

applied herself and is completing all tasks set to a very high standard. She is an inspiration to the class and is

able to motivate other students.

Science - Lindsey Seccombe

Lindsey has been awarded superstar student for her hard work and her unfailing attitude in the face of adversity.

Well done Lindsey – you are an inspiration!

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 20116

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Evacuated to Rigwood House!

Although the vintage bus journey seemed endless, a phenomenal

experience awaited us. Eventually the dreaded bus journey came to a sudden halt. Although the rubber wheels were screaming frantically with desperation, we had survived our treacherous journey. Time had gone back to 1945 when the frightful world war was on. On arrival we lined up in our groups and were challenged with our first activity. As we trudged further into the woods, we found two pieces of plane and a jar labelled ‘tachens’

Meanwhile, Callum and Darsey carried on exploring. ‘Guten tag’ ~ It was a German soldier, hurt and bleeding. His plane had been shot down. Clearly, I loved learning about rationing. Cook McManus showed us the food they had in one week. Well…. chocolate~ only two pieces a week? Personally, I could not stand it! The cellar was a life changing experience, showing what people had to suffer during air raids~ although it did keep them safe.

Euro Pro Tour

Badger Hill

Saltburn Woods

Robin Wood by Katie Clarkson

Reaching out...Reaching up!

Hummersea

On Thursday the 15th September a group of Year 6’s, who helped

in the Tri-Golf last year, went to watch Professional Golfers at Hunley Hall Golf Club, playing in the PGA Euro Pro Tour tournament. On the first hole (‘Jaws’ which is a Par 4,) many of the golfers were getting the ball on the green with one shot. We also looked at all of the Audi cars which you could win by getting a hole in one. We would like to say a big thank you to Hunley Hall for inviting us.

Both Badger Hill and Skelton Primary have been working with

Freebrough Academy’s Advanced Skills Teacher, Mr Hukin over the last term following a project based on WW1 which is designed to raise levels of literacy, challenge students identifi ed as Gifted and Talented and build students’ confi dence in their reading

and writing abilities. Students studied high level poems by Wilfred Owen and enjoyed dramatic representations of scenes from Morpurgo’s ‘Private Peaceful’. Summing up the outreach project a student from Badger Hill commented “I really enjoyed the sessions with Mr Hukin; I wouldn’t change anything about them!”

On Monday 3rd till 5th October year 6 went to Robin wood in Cumbria. Here’s

what we got up to:MONDAYThe fi rst activity we did was the obstacle course. Kian said ‘I enjoyed the obstacle course. I enjoyed going through the tyres.’ We then had our evening meal. The next activity was the piranha pool. Georgina’s opinion was ‘it was frightening when you went across because you never knew if you were going to get back across before the piranhas were let out.’ After that we did caving. First we had a little tour of the cave. Then we had to explore and we had to fi nd answers to questions and we had a map. After a while my back hurt. Ben M said ‘it was awesome.” I also enjoyed it when we played cops and robbers. It was a tiring day! TUESDAY The fi rst activity we did that morning was the zip wire. A very kind man called Martin did it with us. He went through the instructions and showed us what to do. He clipped us on and he said ‘One! Two! Three!’ and we had to say ‘kick em out the tree!’ or he said ‘Zip! Zip! Zip!’ and we had to say ‘have a nice trip!’ Tegan thought ‘the zip wire was so much fun. When Martin chucked me out the tree it felt like I was fl ying! Next was climbing and abseiling. We had a cool man with us called Rienk. He was so fast at it. It took him 3 jumps to get down. Lots of people overcame their fears and went higher than they planned to (with a little encouragement from

their team.) Brooke said ‘the climbing wall was really fun. I enjoyed abseiling.” Next we went to the dragon’s quest. In each room there was a different type of puzzles and we had to collect power crystals. Next it was archery. We all had a couple of goes and then we had a competition. After that the teachers had a go! Miss Archer, Mrs Overy and Mrs Rowe went head to head in an archery competition. Well done to Mrs Overy who won and got plenty of gold’s! Next was the trapeze. Everyone in our team had a go and enjoyed it, especially Che who said ‘I really enjoyed it and I was proud of myself when I got back on the ground.’ After that we did nightline. Ben M said ‘it was fun and you had to communicate with each other. It was very dark so you couldn’t see anything”. In the court yard we had a team challenge. We got in to groups and we had to do lots of fun activities and games. At the end there was a birthday cake for Grace, Katie and Erin. WEDNESDAYIn the morning after breakfast we did canoeing. We fi rst got in the boats and went round the lake. Then we had a game of canoe football. We did the stream walk next. We got very wet. At one point we had to pretend to be crocodiles and get down in the freezing cold water on our fronts and we had to swim a couple of metres. Over all we had a brilliant time and would love to go again and a big thanks for all the staff and teachers that came for looking after us!

Twelve Year 4 children enjoyed an adventure day at Saltburn Woods

organised by East Cleveland and Guisborough Schools Sports Partnership.Aisha Flanigan and Lewis Wright have reported about the day. The fi rst thing that we did was the climbing wall. A partner helped us to put our harness on. For some people the climbing wall was hard. There is a big difference between the easy side of the climbing wall and the harder side. After that we had to get into a group of six. We were given an egg and a box of equipment and we had to do some challenges and take the egg and box with us. First we had to cross a pretend river without putting two feet in the river. We had to work as a team to put circles on the river and jump onto them but there wasn’t enough room for everyone at once so the people at the back had to pass the circle forwards. Some people used an air bouncer and

hockey sticks to get them and the box across. A camoufl age net was next and we had to get us and our equipment through that too. The zip wire was hard because we needed to carry the box and the egg down with us. Lewis broke the egg at the zipwire. We had to put our egg in a bowl and decorate it with fl owers and leaves. Aisha got a super star sticker for good team work. In the Yeti adventure we had to untangle a rope and make a rope shape. We had to work with our group to fi nd pairs of animals names so we could collect points. If we found the Yeti we got 5 points. Lewis thought the best activity was when he was blindfolded and Toby had to direct him. Lewis had to feel objects such as football boots and high heels and guess what they were. It was hard because it was slippery on the slopes. Overall we had so much fun and we would love to go again.

We have had a very busy start to the new school year. I must start by thanking a

range of business and individuals on behalf of Friends of Hummersea who made a fi nancial contribution to our Outside Classroom. This new teaching area would not have been possible without the help of Cleveland Potash, Tees Components, Area Electrical Products, Sabic UK, Loftus Town Council and St Leonards Church. I also must thank all of the adults who have tirelessly given their time in a range of other fundraising activities which include raffl es, tombolas, sponsored walks and kind donations from Parents. At the start of this term our oldest children went on a full weeks residential to Peat Rigg. While there we enjoyed a range of outdoor activities from climbing, canoeing, abseiling and a high ropes obstacle course. The children thoroughly

enjoyed their experience and are all looking forward to going again next year.Over the October holidays we entered a team of children in to a Cheer Leading competition. Our children represented the school with honour and pride. They had been practising their routine for months, and all the hard work paid off. They came third! This is a fantastic achievement. Well done to all the children who took part in the competition. Finally, Hummersea Primary School Nursery has places available from January 2012 for children from the age of three. If you would like to register your children with our school please contact us. Once again you are very welcome to have a look around school. It only remains for me to wish every one a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

By Mr Peter Tyreman, Head Teacher

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 2011 7

Skelton PrimaryOpening our Nurture Room

Our Nurture room is now open in school. There has been

lots of building work and lots of hard work from Mrs Hill and Mrs Craggs.We welcomed Councillor and Mrs Briggs, Reverend Valerie and Mrs Clarkson- all governors to school on the last day of half term. Councillor Briggs cut a ribbon and

we all enjoyed a cup of tea and a piece of cake. The nurture room is there to help some chidlren in Year 1 and Year 2. It has a kitchen, a front room, a play area and a big work area. We felt excited and a bit nervous because this was our first official job as Head Boy and Girl but I think we did alright.

By Graham and Jordan, Head Boy and Head Girl

Storytelling at The Bowes

On the 6th December Advanced Skills Teacher, Mr Hukin,

took over 50 Year 5 students from Skelton Primary School to The Bowes museum for a fantastic day with the popular storyteller Adam Bushnell, who told Christmas stories from around the world. Adam’s technique of storytelling encouraged students to participate

in the retelling of the magical and mysterious tales. Mr Hukin is really looking forward to building on the students’ creative flair during his visits to Skelton Primary School which form part of Freebrough Academy’s commitment to ensuring a successful transition from Primary School to the academy.

St. Peter’s C of E Primary School

During the Autumn term we have been

delighted to welcome Father Jonathan Rhodes as our new Rector of St. Margaret’s and Foundation Governor of St. Peter’s C of E Primary School. He has moved from the parishes of St. Aidan’s and St. Columba in Hartlepool. Father is committed to working closely with schools, parents and the wider community. He visits St. Peter’s at least twice per week to lead Collective Act of Worship and work with the children. In the near future we hope to have creative activities taking place both at school and at church for the people of the East Cleveland Community. The arrival of Father

Jonathan has been a massive boost for the school community and the children look forward to his visits on a Tuesday and a Thursday each week.

Skelton United Junior Football Club teams up with local schools

for holiday fun and fitnessRecently Skelton United received a

grant from Redcar and Cleveland to support its partnership work with local schools. The Club has worked with St. Peter’s Church of England Primary School and Badger Hill Primary School both in Brotton organising a sports and arts holiday club for 5 to 11 year olds. The event was a huge success and over 36 attended on each of the action packed days. We received great feedback from children, who enjoyed art activities including printing, collage, puppetry and sporting activities, including football, hockey, netball and cricket. Mags Hayden from St. Peter’s led the art experiences, whilst the various sporting activities were led by Phil Peggs and Paul Neasham, who are FA trained coaches from our Club. We would like to give a special word of thanks to Mr. Unthank, Head Teacher from St. Peter’s School, who provided the facilities of the school free of charge, enabling low cost holiday care for many Brotton families. The event was the first of many to be organised across East Cleveland in partnership with our Club.The Club runs 11 teams at De Brus in

Skelton for both boys and girls across the 7 – 16 age range, as well as a Saturday Club for children between 4 and 10 years of age. More details about our Club can be found on our website: www.skeltonunited-jfc.co.uk

Visit to Lanehead

This term the Year 5/6 children had the opportunity to visit Lanehead

Outdoor and Adventurous Centre just outside Coniston in the Lake District. Staff and pupils had a fabulous week enjoying a wide range of activities such as kayaking, canoeing, rock climbing, abseiling and orienteering during the day and at night! The weather was glorious with not one drop of rain! With the sun shining, we all had a great time even

managing to have a BBQ one night. All the children and staff enjoyed the beautiful surroundings of Lanehead, for which for many was their first visit to the centre and the National Park. Unfortunately St. Peter’s will be one of the last schools to access the extensive facilities due to closure. We would like to thank all the staff for their hard work over the years, making us all feel so welcome during our stay.

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 20118

E: ppc.enquiries@prior.pursglove.ac.uk T: 01287 280800

Church Walk, Guisborough, TS14 6BU

“I chose Prior because of the wide range of A-levels it has on offer - and also because of hearing past students speak about it. My teachers have been invaluable in the past year, interested in what they're teaching as well as being on hand for any extra help I need. I also spend a lot of time in the Resource Centre, working on my own, it is a wonderful environment for extra study. This year I am part of the peer mentoring scheme; where a second year gives extra tutoring one-on-one to a first year.” Beth Hodgson (Ex Freebrough Academy) Currently studying A level Decision Maths, Chemistry & Biology

“As well as its strong academic aspects, Prior also

has an amazing social community, with everything from the Students’ Union to

the Cheese Society – you’ll always have somebody to

talk to. Everybody is friendly and approachable

at the college; creating a welcoming environment.”

Adam Bates (Ex Freebrough Academy)

Currently studying A Level Biology, Physics, Maths &

Chemistry

www.pursglove.ac.uk

The Freebrough community get their spots on

On Friday 18th November, staff and students at Freebrough held a non-

uniform day to support Children In Need. For £1 students could dress in their own clothes or fancy dress for the day.Lots of staff and students took part in different activities to raise money for Pudsey including a cake sale, human statue, Pudsey shop and staff versus students dodge ball.Good fun was had by all. Although we’re not sure Dr O’Neil (Deputy Principal) will be so keen to let students loose with hair bleach and waxing strips again!

by Aimee Marsh

Next term, a group of students have been given the fantastic opportunity

to spend a week working with published authors in one of Ted Hughes’ old houses in Hepden Bridge near Leeds. In a new partnership with The Arvon Foundation, Freebrough Academy will be taking budding, talented writers from Year 7 to 9

for a challenging week of writing, walking and adventure! Trip organiser, Mr Hukin said “This is an amazing opportunity for our students to be part of something out of the ordinary, something that will challenge and stretch even our most able students, something that they will never forget!”

Freebrough writers set to visit Ted Hughes’ Mansion!

Sarah’s snaps

At Freebrough Academy we love celebrating the success of our

students. We also like to showcase their remarkable talents. This term we want to share with you some of the wonderful photographs taken in our local area by Sarah French, Year 11. Here Sarah explains how she got into photography and her aspirations for the future.“I became interested in photography at about 8 years old. My mum always took pictures when she could and her old camera was the fi rst camera I had. I grew up in London and a lot of what inspired me came from the city and the nature around it.

When I moved here it felt very different, the beautiful colours and tranquillity of the place create a perfect environment for me. It’s rare I don’t have my camera with me, as I always fi nd an opportunity to take a few shots. I experiment as much as I can, fi nding new techniques and fi nding my own style. I love to travel a lot, especially to rural or interesting places, like Ireland and places near the coast. I hope that in the future I can work behind the scenes in fi lm and television and will be taking a photography course at college. You can see more of Sarah’s work at www.saraita.devientart.com

Academy Army stand to attentionby Miss Hollinshead

From 14 to 18 November, 10 students took part in a residential with the

Army Cadets at Stainton Camp near Barnard Castle. The students were given this opportunity as we felt it would be brilliant for their personal and social development.Students were kitted out in full combat gear, and over the course of fi ve days learnt an enormous amount of new skills. All students were awarded certifi cates for qualifying in Heartstart (fi rst aid), and are now fully experienced in map reading and orienteering. Other activities over the action packed week included: cooking in the fi eld (ration packs), night navigation, archery, mountain biking, climbing wall,

paintballing, radio command, team building tasks, camoufl age and concealment, observation, and erecting tents. Students enjoyed a social night on Thursday as a reward for their hard work, and were treated to pizzas and a ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ competition. On Friday afternoon, there was a fi nal parade and awards ceremony. Alana Dawes was awarded a certifi cate for her determination to conquer the climbing wall, and Kieran Wynn was awarded the honour of ‘most improved cadet’. It was fantastic to see the students working as a team, and growing in confi dence over the course of the week. The skills that they have learnt will prove invaluable, both in and out of school.

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 2011 9

Do you want to learn the language of

Strop?

To register your interest and for more

information please contact: Sandra Bell on Mob:07926390849

Tel: 01287 676305 email: bellsa@freebroughacademy.org

Time 4 You School Counselling

Service Ltd will be running courses

to help parents to develop the skills

needed to deal with teenage

behaviour.

Learn how to communicate with your

teenager in a fun and informal

environment.

Can you spare a couple of hours each half term?

Friends of Freebrough is a small group of staff and

members of the local community who are dedicated to raising funds for the benefit of our students.

The group urgently needs new members to help with the

organisation of fundraising events.

All money raised by the group is used to supplement extra curricular activities and to provide subject areas with

additional resources. Students can also bid for investment in their ideas during

a ‘Dragon’s Den’ style panel.

All parents and members of the community are welcome to join the group.

For more information please contact Mrs Evans on

01287 676305

A box full of love

Throughout October and early November, Mrs Clark’s tutor group

have been busy fi lling boxes to send to countries where the children have no Christmas presents, through Operation Christmas Child. Everybody contributed towards the appeal by bringing in toys, games and toiletries. Sophie Weed, John

Dickinson and Matty Morrish took the boxes to Guisborough with Mrs Clark to drop them off, where they are then going to be sent to less fortunate children in either Africa or Eastern Europe. Mrs Halbert kindly contributed £2.50 for every box to be delivered. We are currently waiting to fi nd out where the boxes will end up!

By Anna Kennedy

If you have any feedback, questions or comments on our newspaper we would be delighted to hear from you via the contact details

below. Call: 01287 676305

email: forteathk@freebroughacademy.org

Please also take a look at the Freebrough Academy website: www.freebroughacademy.org

Bowes Museum trip

There are lots of different forms of art that have been created in a

variety of time frames and the Year 10 Art BTEC group got the chance to see a fi ne collection of that on 2nd November at the Bowes Museum. This grand, magnifi cent building is full to the brim with unique art taking the form of paintings, sculptures, fashion, ceramics and toys. The group went there to collect some primary research of sketches and photos to inspire their work in the next

project, ‘The Bowes Museum’. The actual art pieces themselves were not the only thing we were looking at; everywhere we looked there was pattern and architecture; in the frames, the stair railings, chairs, door panels, tables and clocks. The wide range of objects meant there was something that everyone was interested in. We had the opportunity to sketch the inspiration as we saw it, there and then. Overall the day was a great success and the group gathered a large number of ideas.

by Hannah Clayton

10 Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 2011

World War II evening

Freebrough Academy Performing and Creative Arts Faculty held a

nostalgic World War II Evening in the run-up to Remembrance Day. The event was open to the public and was well attended by parents, family members and the community. The event included live performances

from our Drama Youth Theatre group, our two dance troupes and our music students. There was also a war re-enactment, an art exhibition, a raffle and prize bingo. War time refreshments provided by our fantastic catering team included sausage and sultana casserole, health bread and vinegar cake. Yum yum!

Redcar and Cleveland Olympics

Freebrough are representing Jamaica in the Redcar and Cleveland

Olympics, organised by Mr Thomson from Laurence Jackson School. We have to enter as many competitions as possible in an attempt to achieve as many points as we can for our country. The competition is running 2011 and 2012 and there are numerous competitions are coming up which we are all looking forward to. Next year bronze, silver and gold medals

will be up for grabs as part of ‘Olympic week’ which will see all the schools in Redcar and Cleveland participating in a variety of events. Students from Freebrough also took part in the practice Olympic torch run which spanned the Redcar and Cleveland area. We are currently in second place in the running points total. Well done to our netball team for their fantastic efforts in the recent netball tournament!

tees.ac.uk/inspiring

‘My law degree was a keystepping stone in my legalcareer. I qualified as a solicitorwithin six years.’Lucy Butler, LLB (Hons) Law – class of 2007Solicitor, Archers Law LLP

Tennis ace JakeYear 7 student Jake Thomas-

Cattermole looks all set to be a super-successful tennis player after taking up the sport just 2 years ago. What started out as just-for-fun squad sessions during year 5 quickly matured into regular private one on one lessons from the start of 2010. At the start of the summer season Jake moved from the mini green division (under 10’s) into the yellow ball division (under 12’s). In order to help Jake make the jump between the two divisions he spent 2 weeks at the Barcelona Tennis Academy. A typical day for Jake at the academy consisted of four hours of tennis, a two hour language class and 90 minutes of physical training. Gruelling by anyone’s standards! During an average week Jake spends over 11 hours in training including private lessons, coaching under match conditions and County Team training. Jakes inspirational commitment to his training has seen him achieve rankings in the top 750 nationally and the top 10 in the county. Well done Jake – Freebrough is proud of you!

Freebrough Flyer Vol 3 December 2011 11

Sport and Health - so much more than just PEThe Sport and Health Faculty at

the academy have had a very busy start to the year. To develop students’ sporting knowledge and extend our links with outside clubs we have created partnerships with the following:Guisbrough Rugby Club coaches have been supporting staff to deliver skills in rugby lessons. It has become so popular that students have requested to have an after school club with the coaches! Brendan O Brien (qualified British Gymnastic coach) has been supporting Year 8 and 9 gymnastic lessons to support staff and develop students’ skills when using Gymnastics apparatus for balance and flight. He is also running a trampoline club every Tuesday night which again has proved popular with students. Brendan is currently a volunteer coach at Redcar Gymnastics club and can be

contacted on brendanobrien01@hotmail.co.uk Caroline Stevenson comes to Freebrough to help run our very own cheerleading squad every Monday after school. The squad are hoping to enter some competitions later in the year. Zenith Leisure have continued to do some great work at the academy. This year they have been working with targeted groups of students to help develop self-confidence, raise self-esteem and give them the opportunity to gain accredited awards. So far this term they have delivered a 7 week course in mountain biking and are currently delivering rock climbing, using several indoor venues across the region. To further develop students health we have had targeted assemblies based on smoking and its effects and will be running smoking cessation courses for any students who want to kick the habit.

Teams on tour

For many months now our sporting teams have been working hard to

raise the funds needed to subsidise their summer tour to Spain.So far the football and netball teams have raised a fantastic £2,200. The students have taken part in some gruelling challenges including a 40km sponsored bike ride (through extremely tough weather

conditions), a sainsburys bag pack in Saltburn, a 5km sponsored run, two staff car wash days, a pamper night, cake sales and a car boot sale. The students have also had wonderful support from their parents particularly Molly Broughton’s mum who sells cakes in her workplace to raise money. Watch out for us packing bags in local supermarkets over the festive period!

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Academy News Vol 3 December 2011Freebrough Flyer