This past week has seen the Year 10 students undertake their first taste of mock GCSE examinations and they keenly await their results. Next week will also see our Year 10 students take part in our annual ‘Work Experience’ placement scheme which will provide our learners with an invaluable insight into the workplace and the skills required for employment beyond school. They will also be joined next week by our Year 9 students who on Tuesday will be taking part in ‘Take Your Child to Work Day’.
Following on from this, this week will see our Year 11 students have a final opportunity to undertake mock examinations; a further chance to prepare for the final examinations in the summer which are rapidly approaching.
As we fast approach the end of term and the Easter holiday, we are in the final stages of planning our fourth, and best ‘Activities Week’. Students will have numerous opportunities to select from a range of activities to spend their hard-earned Rewards Points gained so far this term.
This issue of my blog provides us with many exciting articles from our KS3 participation in the Skills to Shine Project, our most recent Year 9 Photography trip, our STEM students take on a Zombie attack, we catch-up with Year 11 students visiting Derwent Hill, Mr Healey steps into ‘Staff in the Spotlight’ and we share the new Breakfast menus to take effect after Easter.
I hope you enjoy this edition.
Richard Carr Head of School
Revision Retreat
Sixteen Year 11 pupils recently visited the Lake District on a revision retreat, in preparation for their upcoming English Literature exams. The theme of nature is addressed in many of the poems studied in Year 11; being exposed to the elements certainly helped pupils appreciate the ideas presented in poetry more clearly and conscientiously.
Aside from studying, pupils took part in a number of outdoor pursuits organised by Derwent Hill, including gorge walking, canoeing and the ‘death swing’ challenge. The visit also provided the perfect opportunity for pupils to socialise with other Year 11 pupils from Southmoor Academy, before they move on to the Sixth Form in September.
Skills to Shine
The Key Stage 3 pupils taking part in the Skills to Shine project went to Nandos this week. As part of the enterprise challenge they are looking at healthy eating and how to effectively run a business. Nandos is an excellent example of this and students were able to not only gain a first hand insight into the internal runnings of the business, but also get behind the scenes into the kitchen where they were able to prepare and cook their own Nandos meals.
Easter Arrives Early
Our Science department have been expectantly incubating a batch of hen's eggs as part of a student study on the life cycle of organisms. Mrs. Turner has been pacing her lab for days and nervously looking for any signs of movement from the eggs that have been quietly incubating at the back of her lab. This morning, one of our students reported the sound of chirping during tutor time and upon investigation we have found the first of our new arrivals waiting for us. Staff are now holding a competition to name the chick with the winner to be announced next week.
Baltic Bound for Inspiration Year 9 photography students visited the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art to gain inspiration for a film they are making in a response to the refugee crisis. Students explored links with SMSC and literacy to document how they felt about the issue. Their behaviour was fantastic and we are very proud that they dealt with these issues so maturely. Watch this space for the completed film.
Easter 'Eggstravaganza'
Our attendance event is in full swing, with 100% attendees receiving entry into our prize draw everyday they are in school. The winners so far are: Jade Bryan (Y10), Kyra Bates (Y8), Jessica Bruce (Y10), Ethan Barella (Y9), Sean Paul Charlton (Y8), Bethany Liddle (Y10), Georgia Cuthbertson (Y11), Analise Wilson (Y9), Jay Leadbitter (Y7), Kayleigh Hooker (Y7), Kieran Barker (Y10), Harry Seed (Y11), Kiera Taylor (10), Michael Taylor (7) & Ellis Fraser (10). Well done everyone!
Taking on the Talent Trials
Last week, Miss Reed took a group of five deaf students to compete in the England FA Disability Talents trials. The trials were based at East Durham College, led by England FA coach - Alysha Cook and Sunderland AFC Coach Kevin Darke.
After a gruelling training session, the deaf students competed against other young pupils with varying disabilities. It was a great afternoon!
We are extremely proud to say, that all five pupils were selected for the finals and the chance to be coached by England coaches as part of a 10 week Talent Programme!
Ready for a Challenge?
1st Prize: 2 x SAFC Tickets 2nd Prize: £10 3rd Prize: £5 Game Voucher
Is your son or daughter feeling a little creative? Why not encourage them to enter our brand new Descriptive Fiction Writing Competition? To be in with a chance of winning, pupils should create a short story that is beautifully descriptive. They don’t need to use the photo depicted here unless they wish to but do ensure that the story has strong descriptive elements throughout and has just 1000 words or less (minimum 350). The story must also be unique and previously unpublished.
Rules: Maximum word count is 1000 (minimum 350) including the title. You may enter multiple submissions. You must enter on or before the closing date 31st March 2017. Entries must be submitted via the English department. Note: Follow the rules carefully and you could be one of our proud winners.
In support of motivating Year 11 students in the lead up to their crucial exams, we now get their week off to a great start with a ‘Motivational Malteaser Monday’ assembly. As part of this students are nominated each week by their teachers for outstanding effort and progress and are rewarded with a box of Malteasers.
Zombies, Werewolves & Dracula!
On Monday 13th March Dr. Geoffrey Bosson from Newcastle university came into the Academy to give his outstanding lecture on the possibility of Zombies, Werewolves and Dracula being real.
The lecture is very wide ranging and covers various aspects of Biology, Chemistry and Physics as well as little Geography, location of Transylvania, anyone?
The lecture was phenomenal and was hugely enjoyed by all students that were lucky enough to be able to attend. Dr. Bosson is an exceptionally engaging lecturer and all the students, as well as staff were absolutely enthralled by the presentation.
I think we all left the lecture completely believing in these mythical creatures and I certainly heard many students discussing this with their science teachers for the rest of the week!
Our students also had some very positive comments to make about the lecture:
Lewis C: “It was really interesting to see how lots of different Science fits together and how it went from electrons to vampires. I was inspired by the lecture and it gave me an idea of what Science looks like at a more advanced level. I'm looking to follow a career in Biology.”
Rachel T: “I really enjoyed the lecture and wish we had more chances to see these kinds of things. I really enjoy Science and it was interesting to see how people made up strange stories to explain things they didn't understand, and how science can now provide answers!”
Anthony L: “I'm catching up on a lot of missed work due to attendance in Year 10 and this really helped in bringing things together. I loved it and would love to see any other lectures he does. “
Our thanks go to Dr. Bosson and Newcastle University for the time and resources spent on this lecture and we look forward to further collaboration in the future.
The Amazing Marathon Man
Last week, the Deaf pupils were visited by James Clarke - a Deafblind marathon runner.
James has Retinitis Pigmentosa and Ushers Syndrome, a degenerative sight condition in addition to being profoundly Deaf. He cannot hear at all and can see very little. This year, James completed his 100th marathon! James was also an Olympic torch bearer for the 2012 games.
He gave an inspirational presentation - showing us that no matter what barriers we may face, if we put our minds to it - we can achieve great things!
Street Pastors
Thank you to Sunderland Street Pastors & Northumbria Police for visiting us in school last week to talk to our year groups about the work they do keeping people safe in the city centre and how our students can be safe when they are out and about in our city.
What do you do at Sandhill View? I am a teacher of P.E. currently completing my teacher training, I manage the school football teams, support GCSE PE and I am a Year 11 progress and achievement mentor. I am also a Year 7 tutor which is a great experience, it’s a very rewarding start to the day seeing the same pupils grow, develop and resolve minor dramas (who knew a pen meant so much!) We are definitely the best tutor group in the school!
Who was your favourite teacher at school and why? As an ex pupil of the school it’s strange to now work with my favourite teacher… Mr Wallace! When I was a student Mr Wallace was always there to support and guide me. He made my P.E. lessons engaging and exciting, he’s my main influence and inspiration in wanting to become a P.E. teacher. What do you like to do in your spare time? As a trainee teacher, spare time is very rare! Although when I have spare time I spend most of it with my best friend, we both enjoy football, cars and winding each other up! I also like to take part in sports; football, skiing, kickboxing and surfing. I love them all.
Who is your favourite musical artist or band? I like all kinds of music, from Ben Howard to Disclosure to Chance the Rapper. My all-time favourite song is ‘All of the lights’ by Kanye West.
What's the best thing about Sandhill View? It has to be the sense of community and togetherness of staff and pupils. From taking my first steps in the school as a year 7 in 2007, I felt a sense of belonging. Now all those years later as part of the staff I have witnessed the journey the school has taken. Each staff member whether it be from Science, Geography or P.E. all have amazing support for one another and most importantly thrive for the success of the pupils. A special mention to Miss Lamb my mentor and all the staff members who have went above and beyond to help me along the path of my own development.
What's the one thing you could never be without? Although I do like my material things (car, phone, laptop) It has to be my parents! The support I receive every day from them is invaluable. Their love, sacrifices and guidance has truly let me lead the most privileged and fulfilled life possible and for that I am forever in their debt!
