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Attleborough Academy Times
Spring 2018 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk
Page 14
Sixth Form
Presentation Evening
£6,000 Donation from former
Page 6
Headteacher for Attleborough
Annual Presentation Evening Academy Library - Page 4
Ski and Snowboarding Trip 2018 - Page 18
part of the
Academy Times Winter 2018
Principal’s Foreword
Parents will know that it is our aim at the Academy to not
only ensure that our students achieve academically, but
also, and just as important, to educate them to become
admirable and kind individuals; Nic is certainly testament
to our ability to do this.
Equally, we also celebrated the achievements of the Sixth
Form this term when our Guest Speaker, Jan Coates,
joined us in welcoming back the 2017 Year 13 students.
Jan inspired us all with her positive and pragmatic outlook
on life, which has given her so many opportunities during
her admirable career.
I would like to repeat my appreciation to those
businesses and organisations in our community who
sponsored the many prizes and trophies that we give
out to acknowledge the success of our students at these
Presentation Evenings. Acknowledgement is one of our
main core values and so we thank all those of you who
help us reward the success of our students so admirably.
We also learnt this term of the generous donation from
Welcome to the Spring Term 2018 edition of the Academy
the estate of the school’s first Headteacher, Mr Jeffrey
Times although as I write this foreword, we are still
Blagg. Mr Blagg’s son, Julian Blagg, visited the Academy
recovering from the effects of the ‘Beast from the East’
with his wife to donate £6000 to the Library. At our 50th
that made it feel like the depths of Winter rather than
Anniversary celebrations last Summer, we recognised and
Spring time!
celebrated Mr Blagg’s service and commitment to the
school by renaming the Library the ‘Jeffrey Blagg Library’
As I look back on the impressive range and number
in his honour. This donation will go to the development of
of activities and events that have taken place and
our Library services, which Jeffrey was so keen to initiate
are highlighted in this magazine, I am, yet again, very
and develop during his leadership at the school.
thankful to our dedicated staff who have made all these
opportunities possible for our students.
This is the term when we hold our final set of mock
exams for our examination years and so
In our Main Academy Presentation Evening, held at the
end of last term, we celebrated the many successes
I would like to wish our Year 11 and Year 13 students
of our students and we also welcomed back, as guest
all the best of luck with all of their upcoming exams.
speaker,
I would also like to thank our staff for their hard work
and dedication and all our parents and carers for your
Nic Jackman our former Head Boy. Nic spoke fondly of
continued support.
the many experiences he had been offered at school and
how they had shaped him to become the confident young Mr McShane
man and successful actor he is today. Principal
02
Sporting Round-Up Norfolk Schools Cross Country After a long period of absence, this year we entered students into the Norfolk Schools Cross Country, and we are glad we did! On a long, tough course for all age groups, all our students performed really well, given how little experience they had had. Top finishers included: Lucas Fulcher – 12th for Year 7 boys, Harry Sparrow - 18th for Year 7 boys, Tilly Anema - 7th for intermediate girls, and Owen Bollingbroke - 13th for intermediate boys. As a result, both Lucas and Tilly have been selected to represent Norfolk. We wish them the best of luck. Netball Both the Year 7 and 8 teams have started their leagues this term, beginning with an inter-house match against each other, where the Year 7s narrowly took the win. We then travelled to Thetford Academy for two very convincing wins. Both games were fast-paced, and it took a while for the girls to play their own game, but once the momentum had started there was no stopping them. The second match of the season saw us come up against Wymondham College, away. This is always a tough fixture for us and the girls were nervous for this match. The Year 7s found their rhythm quickly and took an early lead that Wymondham College could not overcome, taking a comfortable win 15 – 9. Year 8s struggled to settle and Wymondham College took a 15 - 1 goal lead after the first quarter, leaving AAN girls with their heads down. However, with a few positional changes, they worked hard and although they were beaten they kept Wymondham College goals to a minimum. More matches to come. www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 03
£6,000 Donation from former Headteacher
for Attleborough Academy Library
Mr Blagg also had a very extensive
personal library, and kindly made provision
that the Academy could select some
books from it. As a result, the Academy
librarian, Miss Kathryn Elliott, visited his
home and chose some books for the
library and English department. Principal
Mr Neil McShane was then surprised and
delighted when notification came at the
end of the year that Mr Blagg had also left
a sum of £6,000 in his will for the Academy
library. His son, Mr Julian Blagg, and his
wife came to the Academy to meet with
the Principal and librarian to give the
donation cheque, witnessed by Sixth Form
students.
Miss Elliott commented about the
occasion: “This most generous donation is
We were delighted and honoured to A few years ago, Mr Blagg was invited fantastic news for the library and the whole
receive a donation for £6,000 from the back for our Annual Presentation Academy, as it is a well-used and popular
estate of the school’s first headteacher Evening where he was warmly space for many of our students. It is
for our Academy library. welcomed by current Principal, Mr extremely fitting that the library now bears
Neil McShane, to participate in the the name of Mr Blagg as it is something
Mr Jeffrey Blagg became headteacher celebrations acknowledging our students’ that he fought to have included in the
of Attleborough High from when it first achievements. Everyone who was present original school and was a great supporter
opened its doors in 1965 and led the greatly enjoyed meeting Mr Blagg and of throughout his time in charge. For him
school over many successful years, were taken by his kindness, intelligence to have left us this money as a statement
becoming well known and respected and gentle humour. 2017 saw the 50th of the importance of a school library is a
in the community. The school was anniversary of the official opening of the wonderful legacy.”
officially opened in 1967 by Mr Robert original school under Mr Blagg’s leadership
E Presswood, the Director of Education and a range of exciting events took place Principal Mr McShane commented:
for Cardiff who, during his opening to mark this important milestone. Sadly, “we are exceedingly grateful to receive
speech, stated that “it is of fundamental the academy had been informed that Mr this substantial sum from Mr Blagg; this
importance that the school reflects the Blagg passed away just months before donation will ensure that the library -
aspirations, desires and characteristics of Attleborough Academy celebrated their which is named in honour of this former
the local community”. Dr F Lincoln Ralphs, 50th anniversary; throughout the occasion headteacher - remains at the heart of
the Chief Education Officer for Norfolk at he was remembered fondly by the staff the Academy. This will keep alive Jeffrey
that time, who was also present at this and former students who had been Blagg’s legacy: his determination to work
ceremony stated that “the inhabitants of present in the years he had served as to enhance the lives and prospects of all
Attleborough will begin to rejoice in this headteacher. Attleborough students and his strong belief
essential amenity. It has been taken great that a well-stocked and sustainable library
care of and to take care of the things that During the 50th Anniversary celebrations a resource was central to the school right
are worthwhile is the basis of education” ceremony was held to rename the library from its inception.”
– and Mr Blagg certainly took great care to ‘The Jeffrey Blagg Library’ in honour of
in his time as leader of the school and he Mr Blagg’s dedication and leadership of
strove to reflect the aspirations of the local Attleborough High. Mr David Jones, who
community, as have the three leaders of had been a colleague of Mr Blagg’s, spoke
the organisation who have followed in his warmly about him during the opening
footsteps. ceremony.
04 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk
Author Visit Students were treated to a special visit from local author Mitch Johnson, who came in to speak to Year 7s about his debut book, ‘Kick’. The story follows 12-year old Budi, an Indonesian boy who works making football boots but dreams of becoming a footballer himself. Students were given some tips for their own writing and had fun competing in a race to put a pair of football boots together. However, there was also a more serious message regarding the human rights of children like Budi working in sweatshops and some mind-boggling statistics, such as the fact that it would take Budi 20,000 years to earn as much as a top footballer’s yearly salary! A group of Year 7s then enjoyed a creative writing workshop with Mitch, where they were taken through the story-writing process in a series of activities. Some great ideas and opening sentences came out of this session! Mitch was also able to spend some time talking to the Year 13 Creative Writing A-Level students, giving them an insight into his time at university and the journey to and practicalities of getting a book published. This was a really useful and honest insight into the life of a writer. Many thanks to Mitch Johnson for visiting us and helping to inspire the next generation of writers! www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 05
Annual Presentation Evening 2017
On Wednesday 6th December, Attleborough We would like to extend our thanks to all the students,
Academy held its annual Presentation Evening. parents, members of the community and teaching
staff, who joined with us to celebrate another year’s
This was to celebrate the achievements of the main outstanding achievements at Attleborough Academy.
Academy body through the last academic year. The
students who took their GCSE exams last summer We would also like to thank all our many sponsors
returned to receive their certificates. Subject awards who made this evening possible by their kind award
were also given for outstanding achievement across the donations:
curriculum. It gave students the opportunity to catch up • Acutech Precision Engineering
with their former teachers and gave parents and carers • Attleborough Christmas Carnival
the chance to celebrate their sons’ and daughters’ • Attleborough Heritage Group
achievements.
• Attleborough Town Council
• Caroline Flaherty
Current students were also rewarded by gaining cups for
performance, progress and attainment, amongst other • Dolphin Double Glazing Services
areas, whilst still in the Academy. • Donna Kissinger Estate Agents
The guest speaker was Nic Jackman, former Head Boy • East of England Co-Op Funeral Services
at Attleborough Academy, and now a successful actor • Edwards and Blake Catering
in film and television where he has appeared regularly • Inspired Flower Design
on Holby City. He gave a motivational speech on his • Last Step Flooring Ltd
journey from being a quiet and timid student in Year • M+A Partners
7, to currently acting in a feature film in Mexico called
• Martin Christopher Opticians
‘Silencio’ starring John Noble and Rupert Graves. The
• Millbank Estate Agents
thriller will be screened at festivals and released in the
later part of 2018. He spoke to the students about • Norfolk Christmas Trees
the importance of setting high aims for yourself and • Plandecil
persevering through setbacks. • Sherbourne House Hotel
• St Marys Church Attleborough
Nic spoke about his time at Attleborough: “My education • Weatherill Brothers Ltd
and experiences from the Academy have played a • William French
huge part in shaping who I am. I’m very grateful for
the support and recognition I received while studying
here and it’s a real pleasure to be back as their guest
speaker.”
06 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk
AWARD WINNERS
ANNUAL PRESENTATION EVENING 2017
MAIN SCHOOL AWARDS YEAR 11 AWARD WINNERS
Year 7-10 Students 2016 -2017 PRIDE AWARDS
YEAR 11 AWARD CATEGORIES
(for most reward symbols earned) SARAH MEAD CORE SCIENCE AWARD – Small cup Raquel Fontes
PARTICIPATION AWARD
SARAH MEAD SCIENCE AWARD – Large cup Alfie Holmes
RESPECT AWARD
ENGLISH LANGUAGE AWARD Rebecca Parsons
INDEPENDENCE AWARD
ENGLISH LITERATURE AWARD Julia Jopkiewicz
DETERMINATION AWARD
AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENTS IN
EXCELLENCE AWARD ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE Lily Whear
ORACY SKILLS AWARD Esther Collier
(for most reward symbols earned) MATHEMATICS AWARD Joseph Gyde
PARTICIPATION AWARD BUSINESS STUDIES AWARD Jamie Currie
RESPECT AWARD ICT AWARD Sophie Chatfield
INDEPENDENCE AWARD COMPUTING AWARD Jamie Allen
DETERMINATION AWARD ART AWARD Aimee Pope
EXCELLENCE AWARD ART AWARD: EXPRESSIVE ARTS Tamara Birch
MUSIC AWARD Nikita Lane
(for most reward symbols earned) MUSIC PERFORMANCE AWARD Heidi Lodge
PARTICIPATION AWARD
CATERING AWARD Rebecca Bush
RESPECT AWARD
D & T AWARD: GRAPHIC PRODUCTS Chloe Williams
INDEPENDENCE AWARD
D & T AWARD: PRODUCT DESIGN Alfie Holmes
DETERMINATION AWARD
FRENCH AWARD Chloe Williams
EXCELLENCE AWARD
THE LINGUISTS AWARD
For exploring language beyond the classroom Lily Whear
(for most reward symbols earned) CITIZENSHIP AWARD Ellie Leaker
PARTICIPATION AWARD GEOGRAPHY AWARD Joseph Gyde
RESPECT AWARD HISTORY AWARD Julia Jopkiewicz
INDEPENDENCE AWARD RELIGIOUS STUDIES AWARD Rebecca Parsons
DETERMINATION AWARD
EXCELLENCE AWARD
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD FOR PROGRESS (for most reward symbols earned) GENERAL AWARDS
DAVID BARTRAM AWARD FOR DETERMINATION Aleks Ivanov
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD FOR PROGRESS YEAR 7 Jodie Hughes
ALL ROUND ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Esther Collier
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD FOR PROGRESS YEAR 8 Julia Leiva
ACADEMY COUNCIL’S AWARD
FOR OUTSTANDING GCSE RESULTS Alfie Holmes
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD FOR PROGRESS YEAR 9 Lois Martin
OUTSTANDING PROGRESS AWARD (The Parry Cup) Rebecca Bush
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD FOR PROGRESS YEAR 10 Jade Barker
MOST IMPROVED SEN-D STUDENT Jack Clarke
SENIOR PREFECT OF THE YEAR Raquel Fontes
THE HOUSE CUP Boudicca
PRINCIPAL’s AWARD
PRINCIPAL’s AWARD (Head Boy) Ben Castle
PRINCIPAL’s AWARD (Head Girl) Chloe Williams
www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 07
PRINCIPAL’S AWARDS
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
(Head Girl) (Head Boy)
CHLOE WILLIAMS BEN CASTLE
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD FOR PROGRESS
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
FOR PROGRESS FOR PROGRESS
JODIE HUGHES (Y7) JULIA LEIVA (Y8)
PRINCIPAL’S AWARD PRINCIPAL’S AWARD PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
FOR PROGRESS FOR PROGRESS FOR PROGRESS
LOIS MARTIN (Y9) JADE BARKER (Y10) ALFIE HOLMES (Y11)
08 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk
YEAR 11 AWARD CATEGORIES
SENIOR PREFECT OF THE YEAR RELIGIOUS STUDIES AWARD ICT AWARD
RAQUEL FONTES REBECCA PARSONS SOPHIE CHATFIELD
MUSIC PERFORMANCE AWARD MATHEMATICS AWARD ART AWARD
HEIDI LODGE JOSEPH GYDE EXPRESSIVE ARTS
TAMARA BIRCH
ACHIEVEMENTS IN ENGLISH ART AWARD CATERING AWARD
LANGUAGE & LITERATURE AIMEE POPE REBECCA BUSH
LILY WHEAR
CITIZENSHIP AWARD ENGLISH LITERATURE AWARD BUSINESS STUDIES AWARD
ELLIE LEAKER JULIA JOPKIEWICZ JAMIE CURRIE
www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 09
PRIDE AWARDS
PARTICIPATION AND RESPECT AWARD - YEAR 7 DETERMINATION AWARD - YEAR 7 YEAR 8 PRIDE AWARDS
EXCELLENCE AWARD - YEAR 7 KYVAN WOODROW MITCHELL PAGE RUBY SMALLWOOD
WILLOW CUBLEY
PARTICIPATION AWARD - YEAR 9 RESPECT AWARD - YEAR 9 INDEPENDENCE AWARD - YEAR 9 DETERMINATION AWARD - YEAR 9
CHARLIE MILLS MATTHEW JEWSON ZEYNEP AYHAN HUGO FREITAS RODRIGUES
PARTICIPATION AWARD - YEAR 10 RESPECT AWARD - YEAR 10 DETERMINATION AWARD - YEAR 10 EXCELLENCE AWARD - YEAR 10
JOE DANIELS MIA SOUTH FRASER ARDEN GRACE LUCKHURST
10 www.aan.norfolk.sch.ukNatural History Museum Trip
December 2017
At the museum, the students were
greeted by Hope the blue whale (who
is 25.2 metres-long!) instead of Dippy
the Dinosaur as he is on his tour
around the UK. Dippy will come to
Norwich Cathedral but not until 2020!
In the Red Zone they discovered the
power of the earth in the earthquake
simulator and travelled through time to
see the formation of the planet. In the
Green Zone they were able to see the
treasures that rocks can contain and
see what a Dodo looked like in real
life. Whilst in the Blue Zone they came
face to face with a Tyrannosaurus Rex
and found out how the human body
worked.
The group were also involved in
In December, Year 8 were given as they were given a guided tour
the Rocks the House talk in the
the opportunity to visit the Natural along the Thames which pointed out
Attenborough Lecture Theatre. Here,
History Museum, London. In total 40 some of the spectacular features
Beth Evans and Ruben Gomes got
students travelled down to London of London’s skyline. Such delights
involved in making an “earthquake”
where they were able to explore the included: The Shard, which is
against one another whilst Jodie
museum and find out more about 95-storeys high, the Tower of London,
Hughes got her hands dirty playing
Geography and Natural Science. which started to be built in 1078 and
with custard to show how the mantle
Big Ben, hidden inside the Elizabeth
of the earth can move.
On the ride into London the students Tower which is the second largest,
were given an extra special treat four-faced chiming clock in the world.
www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 11Christmas Concert
On Wednesday 13th December, the school opened
its doors to host the annual Christmas Concert in the
main hall, organised by the Music Department.
There were a variety of musical acts, ranging from solos
to ensembles, and encompassing a wide range of
musical styles. Over fifty performers from Years 7 to 13
took part in the concert, ranging from beginners, who had
only started learning in September, to more experienced
students.
The concert was overseen by GCSE and Sixth Form
Music students, who prepared the set design, organised
rehearsals and managed the overall event.
It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by staff, students and
parents. A massive thank you to all who attended and
well done to all of our very talented performers.
12 www.aan.norfolk.sch.ukwww.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 13
Sixth Form Presentation Evening In January we were proud to welcome back all our former to do the job. Every success we had was a huge deal to us because Year 13 students, who had travelled from their universities and they were hard fought for - but it did feel like we were helping to workplaces from around the country to attend our annual Sixth pave the way for more women to do this type of work in the future.” Form Presentation Evening, which is held to honour the year group’s achievement. The evening was led by the Head of Sixth Form Mr Andy Cole, supported by Director of Sixth, Mrs Carmina McConnell and was attended by former Head of Attleborough Sixth Form Mr Brian Hunt, AAN Principal Mr Neil McShane, members of the Academy Council and all our Sixth Form teachers and tutors. Our guest speaker, Jan Coates, joined our assembled students, parents, staff and members of the local community to celebrate the achievements of this year group. During the course of this celebratory evening, the students were presented with their examination certificates on stage to the applause of the audience. After an interval where staff, students and parents had time to mingle and share their experiences since leaving the academy, our guest speaker, Jan Coates gave the assembled After leaving the RAF she began a new career in the Education audience a superb inspirational speech about her extraordinary sector and went on to be Head of Quality and Standards for CITB’s career and presented her strategies for success. Jan initially served National Construction College to focus on leading on the attainment in the Royal Air Force for 22 years beginning in 1979, qualifying of Ofsted Outstanding Training Provision. Then, in 2015 she decided in aircraft electronics and working on both Phantom and Tornado to move forward again to join the Attleborough based company, aircraft systems – and went on to become an aircraft technical Fireworks Fire Protection Ltd - a highly successful and rapidly instructor and engineering course designer. In her speech, Jan growing business that installs high pressure water mist systems spoke about how in this early part of her RAF career, females were across a range of sectors in the UK and abroad – to develop and relatively new entrants to aircraft engineering in the RAF: “these early manage their Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental Management years were both exciting and challenging as the culture was one of Systems. During this awe-inspiring career Jan, a mother, has run her doubt and prejudices regarding whether women should be allowed own businesses and trained in a diverse range of additional skills. 14 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk
For the second part of the evening event, further wonderful awards from my speech. I was hugely impressed by just how much the - to acknowledge progress, endeavour and individual subject award winners I heard about during the evening had already excellence - were distributed and the students’ achievement achieved – and I am certain they will all go on to pave out successful celebrated. Heads of subject and subject teachers spoke about paths of their own. I wish all of them a very bright and happy future.” the specific qualities of each of the excellent award winners, before Principal Mr McShane concluded the enjoyable and successful evening by presenting awards to the highly deserving Lead Presidents Aaron Cahill and Poppy Williams. The evening could not have gone ahead without the fantastic support of Attleborough Academy staff: from the superb organisational and decoration skills of Fiona Campbell-Horne, supported by Alexandra Cooper and Cala Parks and sound and lighting expertise provided by Garry Baisden and Stefan Middlebrook. Our thanks go out to all our ex Year 13 students who attended along with their parents, our staff and members of the community, and for the incredible generosity of all our prize sponsors - Attleborough Surgeries, Breckland Industrial Limited, Breckland Auto Services, Brian Hunt, Christmas Carnival, Cider House Joinery, Connaught Bowls Club, Daniels Plumbers Limited, East of England Co Op Funeral Services, icanbea, Last Step Flooring, K M First Aid, P F Southgate, Richard Johnston and St Mary’s Church. Jan Coates commented about the evening: “It was an honour to be asked to speak at Attleborough Academy’s Presentation Evening – I hope that everyone took something either interesting or inspirational www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 15
Sixth Form Presentation Evening Prize Winners Subject Award Prize Winner Art Grace Mahony Biology Matthew Hogan Business Studies Kiara Oluyole Chemistry Daniel Smith- Hughes Computer Science Liam Havers Creative Writing Kiara Oluyole English Literature/Language Amy Foster Geography Alexander Neil Health and Social Care Sian Evans History Laura Higgins Maths Joe Ground Further Maths Daniel Smith- Hughes Media Studies Aaron Cahill Photography Emily Hinsley Physics Daniel Smith- Hughes Product Design Tempany Martin Psychology Poppy Williams Sociology Shannon Painter Brian Hunt Award for Progress Tom McIndoe Keith Maughan Memorial Breeze Lister Golden Moustache Award The Sarah Mead Award for Endeavour Bethany Cook Head of Sixth Form Aaron Cahill Principal’s Award to Lead President Aaron Cahill 8” Salver in Presentation Box Principal’s Award to Lead President Poppy Williams 8” Salver in Presentation Box 16 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk
Playhouse Lighting Trip
In January, our Year 13 Drama students went to The Norwich
Playhouse for a technical workshop. This was tailor-made
for them to explore how the opening scene of their set text
Frankenstein could be enhanced through lighting and sound.
Before the workshop, the students analysed the text very closely
and wrote to the technical team explaining what atmosphere and
effects they wanted to achieve:
“The overall vision for the play is going to be one that combines
dark gothic macabre, with the theme of twisted science, and the
human arrogance of industry. To this end, the lighting must reflect
both theour
In January, idea
Yearof
13 the
Dramasupernatural, and
students went to The a defiance
Norwich Playhouse offor anature, but
technical workshop.
This was
also thetailor-made
concept for of
them to explore
new how the opening
technology andscene of their setThey
machines. text Frankenstein
must becould
be enhanced through lighting and sound. Before the workshop, the students analysed the text very
entwined so as
closely and wrote totechnical
to the createteama vision ofwhat
explaining Science vs and
atmosphere Nature, which
effects they has
wanted to
achieve:amalgamated in the Creature.”
been
“The overall vision for the play is going to be one that combines dark gothic macabre, with the theme
of twisted science, and the human arrogance of industry. To this end, the lighting must reflect both
The Playhouse
the idea Teamandresponded
of the supernatural, saying
a defiance of nature, thatthethey
but also needed
concept us to and
of new technology
be moreThey
machines. ‘technical’ andsosent
must be entwined as to a proa forma
create sheetvsthat
vision of Science they
Nature, whichuse with
has been
amalgamated in the Creature.”
professional companies. The students completed this and we
The Playhouse Team responded saying that they needed us to be more ‘technical’ and sent a pro
were all set to go.
forma sheet that they use with professional companies. The students completed this and we were
all set to go.
Cue# Text Desired effect Lighting Sound
reference
LX1 Darkness. Tension, gothic Total blackout. Relentless rain. Plays
atmosphere, through whole scene.
SFX1 something bad is
about to happen.
Audience focus
zooms from outside
to inside.
LX2 Sudden Shocking, sterile. Bright cold blue, white. Heartbeat. Starts
flash of hesitant, gets louder
brilliant and steadier, plays
light. through whole scene.
SFX2
It was an excellent event. We all learned a huge amount of technical terminology, which is essential
Itforwas
the exam, and then got the
an excellent opportunity
event. We all to have a go at experimenting
learned a huge amount with different light and
of technical
sound combinations. The results were tremendous and everyone got very excited by how
terminology, which
professional it looked. is used
Jackson essential
his actingforskillsthe exam,
to show and then
the Creature’s got theas he was
bewilderment
‘born’ into the human
opportunity world and
to have a gotheat
lighting changed from thewith
experimenting red glow of the womb
different to aand
light cold blue
as Frankenstein rejected him. We created a shadow to symbolise the fact that the creature is part
sound combinations. The results were tremendous
human, part monster and is terrifying but still heartbreakingly vulnerable. and everyone
got verylike
We would excited byPlayhouse
to thank the how professional
for making their it looked.
theatre Jackson
our classroom for theused hisand
afternoon
acting
for addingskills to show
such depth the Creature’s
to the students’ learning. The bewilderment as wrote
following week students he was ‘born’
an essay
entitled: “How could lighting be used to bring out the Hero and Villain theme in Frankenstein?”
into
Their the human
answers were wellworld
informedandandthe
highlylighting
perceptive.changed from the
There is no question red practical
that their glow of
the womb
experience hasto a them
given coldanblueinsightas
thatFrankenstein
will boost their exam rejected him. WeWecreated
grades significantly. have
followed up the workshop by creating mini theatres using Blu Tack actors and mobile phone torches
awhich
shadow
has beento symbolise
a lot of fun! the fact that the creature is part human, part
monster and is terrifying but still heartbreakingly vulnerable.
We would like to thank the Playhouse for making their theatre
our classroom for the afternoon and for adding such depth to the
students’ learning. The following week students wrote an essay
entitled: “How could lighting be used to bring out the Hero and
Villain theme in Frankenstein?” Their answers were well informed
and highly perceptive. There is no question that their practical
experience has given them an insight that will boost their exam
grades significantly. We have followed up the workshop by
creating mini theatres using Blu Tack actors and mobile phone
torches which has been a lot of fun!
www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 17Ski and Snowboarding Trip 2018
Year on year we have lots of fun on the ski trip to Italy Jake Linnett he took this somewhat literally and was
and once again it didn’t disappoint! We had a bigger awarded the ‘Ostrich’ award for trying to bury his head in
group of students join us this year, with 17 brave souls the snow too many times!
willing to put themselves forward for the challenge of
spending a week on a snowy mountainside. Yet again, the weather treated us kindly and we had back-
to-back sunshine all week. Après-ski events included bum
The beginners were quick to progress and they managed boarding and a torch-lit ski where all the schools grouped
to complete some tough runs by the end of the week. together and skied down the slope whilst holding light
Everybody in that group from Attleborough was a natural- sticks. We went on night walks to the gelateria to try out all
born skier. The group’s Italian instructor, Gulia, even said the tasty flavours: strawberry and mint were clear favourites
they were the best beginners she’d ever had! Even when with this year’s group. Highlight of the après-ski schedule
they stumbled, they got straight back up on their feet and this year however was the Disney themed disco, attended
continued, which was just as impressive as seeing the view joyously by Olaf, Mr Incredible, Genie and Cinderella with
from the top of the mountain over a glacier at 2991m high. her Prince Charming.
The intermediate and advanced skiers progressed really A very special mention goes to Kieran ‘Kiwi’ Fitt in Year 13
well each day and were able to show some real talent at the who skied for the last time with us this year after having
sport. Mr Cole led the group on the pistes and by the end been on every trip since 2013 when he was in Year 8.
of the week he had the group come down one of the most Although he might not be skiing with us next year, he hopes
notorious black runs in the resort, “Paradiso”. Each of the to become a ski instructor; so maybe we haven’t seen the
students said they loved the challenge of the slope and felt last of him and his glittery personality just yet?!
a tremendous sense of achievement in completing it. The
‘Most Improved Skier’ award went to Karis Harvey as her If you are interested in joining us next year, get a letter
technique was brilliant. from Miss Billin in HU1. Deadline for signing up is soon –
don’t miss out!
The snowboarders also loved being out on the slopes and
they all got stuck in to the fun. Unfortunately, for
18 www.aan.norfolk.sch.ukKiwi in 2013 and then in 2018 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 19
AAN Sixth Formers’ Red Cross
First Aid Sessions
In January we were delighted to welcome Rebecca In each session Rebecca recorded ‘before and after’
Cotterell from British Red Cross to our academy to on the students’ confidence in their ability to respond
provide our Sixth Form students with basic first aid when witnessing someone in medical difficulty, and the
training at no cost to the academy. results reflected the huge benefit from the knowledge
and instruction our students received during the day’s
The British Red Cross has built up their training branch workshops.
over 35 years and is acknowledged by the Health and
Safety Executive (HSE) as a standard setter for first aid at Year 12 student, Julia Jopkiewicz, commented:
work training and practice. The one-hour training sessions “The course allowed me to gain confidence, knowledge
at AAN were aimed at increasing students’ confidence to and understanding on how to help people in need of first
be able to provide first aid support; an interactive workshop aid. It was a fun and friendly experience with various
to increase the practical skills needed to help save lives discussions and hand on activities; anyone who takes
when an accident strikes. part will only benefit from it.”
Over the course of a day, over 100 of our Sixth Form Similarly, Year 12 student Rebecca Parsons also
students attended one of the four, one hour first aid recognised the value of the session she attended:
instruction sessions that Rebecca presented. The “The first aid experience gave me vital and potentially
students were instructed on a range of medical lifesaving information that no one should be without. While
emergency procedures before practising them. Students enhancing my basic medical knowledge, the course was
on our A2A course will receive an additional three hours also able to broaden my social skills and confidence through
of first aid over this term, along with those Sixth Formers group activities. The relaxed and light-hearted atmosphere
who did not get the chance in January. provided an effective learning environment, ensuring
these valuable skills will not be forgotten.”
20 www.aan.norfolk.sch.ukTeenage Cancer Trust
Attleborough Academy Sixth Form chose the charity A representative from this charity has made regular visits
Teenage Cancer Trust as the recipient of the money to AAN to develop greater understanding about the illness
raised by several of their fundraising activities this year. and to encourage students to be pro-active in looking for
warning signs. The Teenage Cancer Trust educates young
Following a number of inventive fundraising activities, people about cancer – its signs and healthy living, with the
Attleborough Academy Sixth Form were excited to be able aim of empowering young people to take control of their
to hand over a cheque for £580 to the Teenage Cancer Trust own health. They explain what cancer is, the treatments
when their Education and Awareness Executive, Morwenna available and how people can be pro-active in learning the
McNeill, visited the Sixth Form to give a presentation about signs for early diagnosis. The charity delivers free, interactive
the charity. Not only our current Sixth Form Presidents, but education programmes and web-based downloadable
also all Sixth Form Students who had been involved in the resources. It was with pleasure, when Morwenna from the
recruitment process for the Presidential Team, were highly Trust came this term to speak to our Sixth Formers, that we
active in raising money for this worthwhile cause: through were able to donate £580 to this extremely worthy cause.
refreshments and stalls at the whole academy Sports’ Day
and through non-uniform donations. Attleborough Academy’s Lead President Keziah Collier
commented: “As Sixth Form students at Attleborough
The Teenage Cancer Trust is devoted to improving the Academy we recognise the importance of coming together
lives of young people diagnosed with cancer. They provide to support charities and giving back to the community.
invaluable accommodation for young people suffering from The Teenage Cancer Trust provide excellent care for
cancer to be solely amongst patients their own age, by teenagers and also save lives through educating about
providing specialist units within NHS hospitals in relaxing cancer. We were excited to raise money for such a relevant
and peaceful surroundings. This wonderful charity aims to and worthwhile charity.”
increase awareness amongst young people of the warning
signs of the rare instances of youth cancer.
www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 21The Sixth Form & Staff Giant Book Swap In the Autumn Term we held the first Attleborough Academy Sixth Form and Staff Giant Bookswap event. Assistant Principal Mrs Carmina McConnell organised this event in order to promote the joys and educational, intellectual and emotional value of reading to students across Attleborough Academy by creating an opportunity where everyone had the chance to restock their home library. The event aimed to extend everyone’s access to texts across a large range of genre and topic, role model prolific readers and to promote discussion about books and reading by sharing responses and recommending texts to each other. In the weeks leading up to the event, Sixth Form students and staff donated nearly 400 books both fiction and non-fiction, hardback and paperback: from classic novels, historical novels, modern literature, through to children’s classics, history, crime and fantasy. In return for the books that they donated for the event they were given book swap tokens ready to use to ‘purchase’ books at the book swap event. It was exciting to see the books mount up before the event and to witness the extensive range of style and genre of texts that our students and staff enjoy reading. Students Beth Alexander and Emma Seager donated the highest number of books individually in the Sixth Form, whilst Psychology teacher Mr Paul Hendy, and Claire Sadler provided the most book donations from our staff. On the day itself, a number of Sixth Formers worked with Assistant Principal, Mrs McConnell, carrying books, organising them into categories and labelling and laying out the room ready for the event in the Sixth Form Centre. When doors opened later in the day the room was buzzing with our staff and Sixth Formers swapping ideas about books in the process of spending their tokens. Within a short amount of time piles of books quickly found new homes and readers to appreciate them. We were able to also donate a number of relevant books to our academy library, and our librarian Ms Elliott carefully selected the books on the day for this purpose. After the book swap was over, both students and staff requested another book swap, so watch this space for more news! Mrs McConnell commented: “This was a very successful and enjoyable event, giving all those who joined us hours of additional reading treats for no financial cost. It provided a superb opportunity at the academy to extend the range of discussions about books: to share favourite texts and to explore with colleagues and students just how invaluable reading is. It also showed how, irrespective of electronic books, people still take great pleasure in owning a physical copy of a book that they can hold, inspect, show and talk about in the company of others. We hope to hold a repeat event in 2018 and include students from every year group.” 22 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk
Children in Need at AAN
Fundraising fever hit Attleborough Academy on Friday The Sixth Form also took part in a sponsored ‘Row-athlon’.
17 November as the entire school community joined Throughout the school day, a team of students and staff
together to raise money for Children in Need. pushed the boat out to see how many miles they could
row. Everyone who took part gave it their all, adding to the
At the Academy, The Sixth Form President Team – the overall distance and total raised, with some students raising
group of nominated students who organise social and sponsorships of over £40 each. Overall, the team effort
fundraising events for the whole school, and who are the reached 68 miles and Attleborough Academy’s Sixth Form
representative body for the whole Sixth Form – planned Progress Manager, Mr David Nevard commented: “the
and ran a large range of fund raising activities to take place Row-athlon has been the biggest and best challenge that
throughout the day. I have been part of in over 10 years of fundraising for
Children in Need. I’m amazed by the team effort that got
During the day hundreds of homemade Pudsey cupcakes us to over 110,000 metres in 6 hours! A huge well done to
and tray-bakes, baked by Sixth Formers Ella and Georgia, everyone who took part and thank you to everyone who
were sold around the school, and they proved so tasty that sponsored us”.
they completely sold out within a very short amount of time!
Around the Academy, the Presidents coordinated a range By the end of the day over £400 was raised by the students
of activities, ranging from a penalty shootout and face for Children in Need - a total that is ever growing as the
painting, to competitions such as guessing the number of money is still rolling in.
sweets in a jar.
At lunchtime, the charity fundraising turned competitive
as staff and students went head-to-head in a netball
match. This was an exceedingly closely fought match
with great skill shown on both sides. Tala, Emily, Senna,
Beth, Chantelle, Shannon, and Maddie formed the student
team, while the staff line-up consisted of Miss Billin, Miss
Anderson, Miss Newton, Mrs Sparrow, Mrs Cushing, Mrs
Marsh, Mrs Phoenix, Ms Jones, and Miss Wilson. For this
heavily hyped contest, spectators donated to watch the
game and were not left disappointed as the match proved
to be a thriller. During the first half, the staff had built up a
commanding lead of 4-0, but the student side showed real
commitment and resilience as they steadily pulled back.
With a solid defence in place, the team scored point after
point. After the game drew level at 6-6, goal-attack for the
students – Chantelle – scored a superb final net to win the
match. A great victory.
www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 23Sixth Form A2A Programme of Study
For the second year we have run our innovative new research carried out in this world famous centre of plant
one year programme of study for Year 12 students: research. This term he has moved on to gain different
the A2A course. This bespoke programme, designed experience in a charity shop, where Kian too gained valuable
to meet individual level and need, includes a one day work experience. Tamzin spent time supporting the work
a week work experience placement throughout the in the academy’s student support centre and this term is
academic year, along with a range of Level 2 and 3 carrying out her day each week at the Fairland House Care
qualifications and life skills. Home. Both Lace and Dane have been learning the skills
associated with a family business: Dane at the Attleborough
Since beginning the programme in September 2016, Boxing Club and Lace in catering. Aleks has put his sporting
we have been incredibly lucky in that a wide range of skills to great use by working for Vinnies Gym, where he
local businesses have embraced the opportunity to hopes to be completing an additional qualification with
provide Attleborough Academy students with on-the- the organisation. Both Louise and Rebecca have been in
job experience. From Primary and Infant Schools, to Attleborough retail work: Rebecca has enjoyed the creative
different sector charities, gyms & sports centres, science surroundings of the craft shop, with Louise being at Myhill’s
research centres, car repairs, restaurants, retailers and pet store. Kierra has been working with ‘The Lighthouse
manufacturers. The work experience helps our students Charity’ in Attleborough where she has been involved in
to develop essential skills that will prepare them for a their programme to support the elderly in their usage of
successful future in the workplace. computers, alongside being involved in the ‘life stories
project’ recording events in a local resident’s life.
Sixth Former Kah enjoyed a series of days at The John
Innes Centre in the Autumn term learning about the This A2A programme, along with providing opportunities for
24 www.aan.norfolk.sch.ukstudents to increase their qualifications within the academy the ability they have shown in the different work areas.”
timetable, is also having a very positive impact by providing
practical learning opportunities in the workplace. As A2A student Kah commented since beginning a new
Work Experience with The Lighthouse Charity: “This
Over this year, the aim has been to extend the range of allows me to gain new experience, learn about how
experience the students on this course gain in diverse and charities are organised and also help the community”.
interesting ways that will benefit them greatly in their future Dane commented: “I work with people all ages and cover
lives in both theoretical and practical ways: this year the all types of skills and helping people to master them.” All
A2A students have taken part in four First Aid training the students agree that this opportunity to experience a
sessions, along with having the opportunity to study for work place environment prepares them well for the future.
their Driving Theory test, whilst many of them have also Rebecca commented that “You learn people skills.” Whilst
had specific small focus group English skill lessons. Louise points out: “The people who I work with treat me
Assistant Principal Mrs Carmina McConnell, who set like an adult, give me a range of responsibility and are really
up the programme and has been working to extend the great to work with.”
provision commented “We have had wonderful support
from Attleborough workplaces for this programme. Many If you are a local business and you are interested in
organisations in the area have really engaged with the idea accepting a Sixth Form student for Work Experience,
of bringing an academy student into their workplaces once please contact Mrs McConnell through the Attleborough
a week to guide them into developing new practical work Academy Office
skills. The students have learnt a range of new skills and
have gained great confidence from the experience and
www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 25Borderline
On Tuesday 21st November, a group of Year 11 and laugh even when their hearts are breaking, and this is very
13 Drama students were lucky enough to get tickets therapeutic for us. Laughter is the best medicine and it
to go and see Borderline at The Garage Theatre in cuts across cultural and linguistic barriers.” We all came
Norwich. away feeling warmed by the magic that these actors had
woven from the most tragic of stories and inspired by the
This production and the following workshop was a part strong message that the human spirit can survive in the
of Norwich’s Refugee Awareness Week. It was an hour most desperate of times. It was a real reminder of what
long devised piece of theatre that was originally created is really important in life and how human relationships are
in the Calais Refugee Camp by a drama therapist, theatre more valuable than material objects.
practitioner and a group of refugees. The play premiered
earlier this Summer on the London Southbank and has The workshop that followed was equally as thought-
since toured all over Europe to great acclaim. The actors provoking and encouraged us all to question what it is
left Norwich after the show to head back to their base in that causes human beings to persecute one another. It all
London and then on for a world tour starting in India. boiled down to the same thing: fear. Fear of change and
fear of the unknown. These actors felt like our friends by
The play was a satirical comedy and had our students the end of the performance and any stereotypical ideas
laughing one minute and crying the next. The actors we might have had about what a refugee is were blown
explained at the end that the play was constructed of their out of the water. We met people from Syria, Sudan, Italy
own stories and those of their friends and families which and Germany and saw them all working collaboratively as
gave it an honesty not often found in the theatre. In the one big family. A particularly poignant moment in the play
Q&A session, we asked why they chose to use comedy was as they stood around a mound of shoes and a single
and one actor replied: “we have had enough of tears, we voice sang ‘I Have a Dream’. Mrs Phoenix asked them
need to laugh. Humans have the remarkable ability to what their own personal dreams were, and one person
26 www.aan.norfolk.sch.uksaid, “to return to Syria”. It was then agreed that they would all like to go home and also that they dreamt of a world where people put love before hate. Our students all agreed and went home with the advice of another actor ringing in their ears: “You can help with just a smile. One smile can change everything.” We went with the primary aim of seeing a piece of live theatre to review in the drama exam and came away recognising that theatre has the extraordinary ability to change the way that we see the world. This was a wonderful opportunity for our students and we were very proud of the maturity and sensitivity with which they received it. www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk 27
Sixth Form: Accepting Applications
for September 2018
Achieve your aspirations with
Attleborough Academy Sixth Form
For further information, or to arrange a visit,
contact Mr Andy Cole, Head of Sixth, on (01953) 452335
Apply through our website at www.aan.norfolk.sch.uk
Attleborough Academy Norfolk
9 Norwich Road, Attleborough, Norfolk NR17 2AJ
t: 01953 452335 f: 01953 456817
e: office@aan.norfolk.sch.uk www.aan.norfolk.sch.ukYou can also read
