We rapidly approach the first half term of this academic year and this week our Year 11 students are all undertaking mock exams to prepare them for their final exams in the summer. Our new Year 7s, having already undertaken baseline testing in numeracy, are also now this week experiencing our baseline literacy tests.
The smooth start to the year continues and I am pleased to inform you that the issues that we experienced with a lack of supply of school ties has now been fully addressed. I would like to extend my gratitude to you all for your patience and understanding in this matter.
In this version of the blog we outline developments in creative writing, health and first aid, updates from the PE department, our vast range of extra-curricular activities, how your child can benefit from using the school library, art initiatives and Miss Blyth our Acting Head of History steps into our regular staff in the spotlight feature.
Richard Carr
Head of School
The Write Stuff
The Creative Writing Club at Sandhill View Academy is a new addition to the Sandhill View Academy programme of extra-curricular events. Initially it was pitched at Year 7 students, but we are now rolling it out to all year groups as we are launching a half termly student newsletter - first edition due off the press December 2016.
I ran a Creative Writing Club in my previous school, and was fortunate enough to witness the success of a Year 8 student who won a National short story competition. She won IT equipment for the school and a trip to London for the Awards Ceremony. The buzz amongst the students when she won was phenomenal, and it really inspired them to see where their writing could take them...
The student newsletter was the brainchild of Mr Shannon, Literacy Co-ordinator at Sandhill View, and is an excellent opportunity to involve all year groups in a project which is written for the students; by the students... We are currently working on staff/student interviews, sports club reviews, and an Arts/Entertainment section.
The club runs every Thursday from 3-4pm in Eng6, but there is also opportunity to become involved in the student newsletter throughout the week during break, lunch and after school. Anyone who would like to be involved, please come and seek me out!
Miss Roadley, Teacher of English
Defibrillator Unit Added to the School's First Aid Kit
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) can strike people of all ages, including children, therefore a defibrillator has recently been purchased by Sandhill View Academy as part of our first aid kit.
Safeguarding our children, staff and visitors to school is crucial and having this defibrillator on site could make the difference between life and death.
Rich Rocks SHV
Thank you to the the amazing Mr. Rich Cottell for joining us at the Academy a few weeks ago to speak to our students about British Values, anti-bullying and staying safe online and how these important issues relate to young people. Rich is a talented musician and online personality with a passion for encouraging social awareness and tolerance in young minds - it was fantastic to have him at our school where his energetic personality really captured the hearts of our Year 7 and 8 students and had them signing along to his musical renditions. He even had time for a few dozen autographs and more than a fair share of selfies! Thanks again Rich - you were brilliant!
Football Report Sandhill View 4 - 3 St. Aidans
With the boys chasing their first win, optimism was high. Stadia’s however were eager and arriving on the buzzer, it was a dash to tie the boots (by myself, Bobby!) and get the game underway. What better way to start the game than a quick goal by striker Mitchell Fairweather. As it was the night for outrageous goals, St. Aidan’s first flew over keeper Bobby and levelled the scores. Sand Hill View continued to play eye pleasing football when a lack of luck saw the boys going behind 2-1.
With last week’s result in the back of all minds Fairweather took his chances and levelled the scoring. With a new line-up the team went out in the second half and pulled it off! First with a wonder ‘worldie’ by captain Deacon Donell and a last minute goal to secure a hat trick and man of the match for Fairweather. St. Aidans didn’t go down without a fight forcing Bobby into some great saves and a last kick of the game, half way line shot, from the kick off ended the scores 4-3! You couldn’t write it!
With only their second game and first win, team morale is high and the boys are impressing with their resilient attitude! A special mention to the Rear twins (Kyle & Ryan) who became our first ever mascots! they were devastated we didn't have a costume but I directed them to Mrs Ord (your welcome) for the next game. More to come…
Team: Bobby-lee Connor, Charlie Harrison, Deacon Donell, Adam Gibson, Dalton Hewitt, Jay Riseborough , Michael Taylor, Adam Gadsty, Mitchell Fairweather, Jay Matthews, Shane Armstrong , Gage Robinson
The Most Valuable Resource
My name is Mrs Margaret Palmer, I am the Learning Resource Manager
The Learning Resource Centre (library) is open from:
7.45am until the start of the school day,
12.40pm until 1.20pm (lunchbreak)
3pm until 4pm - Homework club in Graphics IT
The LRC is a comfortable environment where pupils can come in and check out a book from the large selection that is on offer, or have a game of chess, draughts or just chill with friends.
The LRC also is used for English classes, where the teacher brings the class into the LRC, then every pupil chooses a book to read for pleasure and spends the lesson reading their chosen book.
We have a Reading Throne in the LRC, where volunteers from staff read for about 15 minutes to pupils during lunch time once a week, after which the throne is signed by the reader, we have a few authors that have visited the school that have signed the throne.
All pupils are a member of the library; this entitles them to borrow two books for two weeks.
To encourage reading, working with an outside agency named Book Buzz, every Year 7 pupil has the opportunity of choosing a book from a selection that is sent by Book Buzz for free.
The stationery shop is situated in the LRC, this is where you can buy stationery and Academy ties.
Extra Curricular Enrichment Returns to SHV
Enrichment started again on the 5th October with a wide range of new and exciting activities. We have a mechanic who comes in and teaches a range of car maintenance and service techniques in our fully equipped garage, as well as a fully trained hairdresser delivering hair and beauty in our own working salon. We now have Apollo Trampoline Club working with students to improve their technique which is excellent for those who already attend the Apollo club outside of school. A690 are offering a range of sporting activities to opt into including archery, fencing and pool. Our own staff also offer a range of clubs from football, Wii and computer games, art and Spanish. We now also have a homework club available to make sure students never miss a deadline.
What do you do at Sandhill View? I am acting Subject Leader of History. My role currently involves teaching many of the GCSE History classes at Sandhill View, as well as making sure our Year 7 and 8 students have a varied and interesting curriculum. I am currently working closely with our Year 11 students in an intervention form as well as offering other forms of support.
Who was your favourite teacher at school and why? I actually had two favourite teachers! My History teacher Mr Smith and my English teacher Miss Liddle. They were both great characters who made every lesson challenging and always managed to keep us entertained. Miss Liddle was always around for a chat if you needed some advice, and she always encouraged us to keep trying, even if we found the work difficult. Mr Smith had a very dry sense of humour and knew how to make us laugh! Both teachers pushed me to work hard and not give up! What do you like to do in your spare time? I love to spend time with my family and friends whether it be shopping, going for a coffee or for a long walk along the beach. I am always watching films and enjoy going to the cinema as often as I can! I also enjoy going to the gym when I have time, and am an avid reader.
Who is your favourite musical artist or band? That is a difficult one! I have a very eclectic taste with music and love everything from Beyoncé to The Stone Roses who I recently went to see in concert.
What's the best thing about Sandhill View? The people! Both the staff and students of Sandhill View make it a great place to work in every day. I love the fact that all the staff make time to see one another and not just stay within our departments, it makes every day at work much more of a ‘team effort’. The students are also very entertaining and friendly, it is lovely to see smiling faces and hearing a ‘morning Miss!’ at the start of the day.
What's the one thing you could never be without? My family...and my ever expanding collection of books!
Battle of the Sexes
Recently Year 9 launched the first "dream team" tutor group for girls and have made an excellent start with Miss Lamb. Having only been together for two weeks, the girls planned and organised their very own Macmillan coffee morning on 30th September. The girls worked in small teams with cake stalls in all year bases selling cookies, cakes, doughnuts and sweets as well as creating their own guess the sweets in the jar competition during tutor time. The girls raised a staggering £160.35 for charity and combined with staff donations from their coffee morning managed to raise £203.05 for charity.
STEAMland Big Draw
Visitors were invited to take part in a dystopian land inspired by STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and maths) where there were rockets, robots, outfits and pets built it our future. Organised by our local art teacher network and joined by many members of Sand Hill View team and their families, including Mr Carr, Mrs Nairne-White, Mrs Ord, Mrs Thompson and Miss Pitchers. The art department would like to thank you for your support! Watch out for more big draw activities taking place in tutor time this month.
Thanks for reading! We look forward to reporting on more stories from Sandhill View Academy in the new school year. Until then we hope you have a great summer!
