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Head of School's Blog of Monday 23rd January 2017
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Monday 23rd January 2017

Since the last edition of the blog, the focus within the Academy has been on preparing students in key year groups for their future.  Earlier this week students in year 8, along with their parents and guardians attended the year 8 progress evening where feedback was given on their progress. They were also issued with information which will allow them to select their GCSE options which they will take in year 9 as they begin on their routes to their future careers. 

Older students in year 11 have also been undertaking preparation and revision for their mock examinations which take place from today.  This experience will best prepare them for the real assessments in the summer and the results of these mocks will inform the areas they then focus on to improve and develop as we move towards their real final examinations in the summer. 

Students in other year groups have been receiving key messages and information in the areas of careers, health, E-safety, relationships and citizenship.  Likewise, the Leadership Team continues to review the feedback from our recent parent, student and staff surveys and this will go on to form the future direction that the Academy takes over the next two terms.  Detailed results of the parent survey will be communicated to all parents and carers before the upcoming half term break.

Alongside this our usual wide range of events and activities have continued to take place, with many highlighted in this edition of the blog.  From anti-bullying week, to activities week, attendance matters, the work of the student council and Mr Johnson, our newest member of staff who has joined the behaviour team introducing himself, I am sure you will agree there is always a lot taking place.

I hope you enjoy reading the blog.

Offers of a Lifetime

Among the many students at our associated Sixth Form at Southmoor who have secured excellent offers from Universities this year, three ex-Sandhill students stand out. Brandon Smith has been offered a place at Veterinary School in Liverpool, and Bobbie-Jay Barnett and Dillon Scott are both heading to Durham to study Psychology and Physics respectively. Many congratulations to them, and to all of our hard-working sixth formers!

Don't forget our open evening is next Wednesday 25th January at 6pm at Southmoor Academy. Everyone is welcome!

Activities Week Returns!

As usual, our last week of term saw host to activities week. Pupils really look forward to the different activities and trips that they can spend their hard earned praise points on and this time was no exception, with more interesting things to take part in than ever!

Whether it be tinkering with motor vehicles in the school garage, learning about hair and beauty in our salon, playing board games in our library, making elf baubles in art, cooking, doodling, performing in the theatre or participating in one of school trips out and about  there was plenty for our students to enjoy before their Christmas break. Thank you again to Mr. Blake for arranging it all, he already has even more planned for the end of this term!

Our December Attendance Advent proved to be a huge success amongst our pupils.We had 545 pupils in total with 100% attendance throughout the entirety of December, with each one of those being entered into our daily draw of prizes. Congratulations to Ethan Wilkinson of Year 8 who was the over all winner for the grand prize to receive a £100 gift voucher, a fantastic early Christmas present for Ethan.

An amazing 71 pupils managed 100% attendance for the entire term, with each of those entering a ballot to receive free football tickets.

The Academy is on an huge attendance drive this year, not only are we looking to reward students who turn up to school on time everyday, we are also active within our community - making sure that everyone is aware of the importance of being at school.

Introducing our New Student Council

Student voice in any school is essential and here at Sandhill View this is undertaken in a very democratic way with the year 11 students electing a Head Boy and Head Girl to be ambassadors for the Academy each academic year.  This year we are proud to have both Lewis Charlton and Lauren Donkin, year 11, in these key positions.  Both students will be ably supported by both Katrina Dodds, year 11 and Christian Robson, year 11, who were also elected by their peers as Deputy Head Boy and Deputy Head Girl. 

The role of Head Boy and Head Girl is one of great importance and significance in the life of the Academy.  These posts are the face of the students of Sandhill View here in school and also in our local community.  The students will represent Sandhill View at external events, will be heavily involved in the appointment of new staff, feedback student voice opinion to the Academy Leadership Team and will also be involved in a range of other activities.  The pupils act as role models for those students in younger year groups and most importantly for themselves individually will benefit from this heightened level of responsibility and experience throughout the year, all of which benefit them in their future careers.

Words of Positivity from Year 9

Our year 9 photographers were given the challenge in December to create artworks to make us smile a little more this month after the Christmas chill out. They have chosen words they feel may help/support or motivate staff, students and visitors and they will be placing these words around school to brighten your day!

Sandhill Students get a Clue

The students have just finished the Clue HQ part of their visit. The students split into two teams. Both groups thoroughly enjoyed attempting to solve the puzzles and worked superbly as a team demonstrating great resilience to gain success. Miss Reed and Mr Heley were waiting at the end and could hear the loud shouts of excitement as they picked the locks and broke through into each room. 

It became fiercely competitive as no groups made it out of the first game. After lunch they switched and went into the other rooms. One group made it out with 3 seconds to spare and the other made it further in the other room. The students were great ambassadors for the academy.

Enter the SnowZone

18 Year 10 students joined Mrs Turner and Mr Twemlow in wrapping up with their winter woollies ready for an action packed day at the SnowZone indoor ski centre in Castleford. Students tried out the nursery slope on the real snow and mastered their turns before moving up on to the main slope. Here they enjoyed sledging with races being held to determine who was ‘slickest on the slopes’. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all.

What do you do at Sandhill View?
My job title is Disadvantaged Student Behaviour Support & Intervention Mentor/Tutor. I work within the Pastoral team and I am currently running the Behaviour Support Unit.

Who was your favourite teacher at school and why?
Mr Gill who was a History teacher and my Head of Year. He was energetic and enthusiastic and would always listen to you if you needed help.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with family and friends. My hobbies are walking, cycling and travelling.

Who is your favourite musical artist or band?
I enjoy all types of music especially Motown. My favourite artist at the minute is Bruno Mars.
 
What's the best thing about Sandhill View?
The pupils and staff. Everyone has made me feel very welcome here within my first few weeks.

What's the one thing you could never be without?
My Passport as I like to have travel as much as I can with my wife.

Please refer to our school website for more up-to-date information on Sandhill View Academy.
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