CONGRATULATIONSTO YEAR 11 & STAFF ON ANOTHER YEAR OF EXAM SUCCESS!Congratulations to all of our year 11 students of 2017 on their exam results, with over half of our students achieving both English and Maths at Grade 4 (the old Grade C) or above. There were lots of excellent results across all of our subjects.

It maintains Saltley's position as one of the highest achieving schools in our area. We look forward to the Government publishing the progress data in the

autumn, which we hope will show that, for the third year running, Saltley students will have made well above national average progress. Once confirmed, our results data will be available on our

website. We wish year 11 all the best for the future and that, as with last year, each and every one one of them go successfully on to further education, training or employment.

A DAY WITH PRINCE CHARLES!As part of the work the Academy does with Mosaic, our mentoring project, we were honoured to attend an event at the City of Leicester College, where students had the opportunity to meet and talk with His Royal Highness Prince Charles. Mosaic brings mentors from the business world into schools to motivate, inspire and mentor students. On this occasion the mentors included Shakil Butt, the Head of HR for Islamic Relief and Detective Inspector Ronan Tyrer, with the Prince observing. Mosaic is part of the Prince’s Trust, which was founded by the Prince himself, and it was a real pleasure to show him the impact that it is having in schools. The Saltley students represented the Academy perfectly and the Prince clearly enjoyed his time, sharing a joke or two to break the ice.

Review of the 2016-17 Academic Year

RRSA: RIGHTS RESPECTINGSCHOOL AWARDWhat is the UNCRC? The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, or UNCRC, is the basis of all of Unicef’s work. It is the most complete statement of children’s rights ever produced and is the most widely-ratified international human rights treaty in history.

The Convention has 54 articles that cover all aspects of a child’s life and set out the civil, political, economic, social and cultural rights that all children everywhere are entitled to. It also explains how adults and governments must work together to make sure all children can enjoy all their rights.

Saltley Academy, championing the rights of all children: Saltley Academy is proud to be working with UNICEF and we are a Rights Respecting School (RRS). The core principle of a RRS is: every child has rights, whatever their ethnicity, gender, religion, language, abilities or any other status. We have achieved our Level 1 Award and are proud to be the first Birmingham Secondary school to achieve this, and the quickest ever in the country.

We are now working towards our Level 2 accreditation. As part of this work a group of Year 10 students were lucky to be selected to represent Saltley Academy at the REP, along with other schools from across Birmingham to promote the rights of children everywhere.

The students worked extremely hard and created their own performance poetry based around the Articles on the rights of children and had the chance to work with a professional poet in the build up to the event. Some of the Articles they promoted included: Article 3: (best interests of the child).The best interests of the child must be a top priority in all decisions and actions that affect children. Article 12: (respect for the views of the child.) Every child has the right to express their views, feelings and wishes in all matters affecting them.

One of the students, Sanah Mehmood, wrote a reflection on her experience which can be read in full on the Saltley Academy website. An extract is as follows:

“It was a huge once in lifetime opportunity – I was honoured to be selected to represent our school and speak on behalf of all children across the world. Seeing how many people were there was overwhelming, as well as inspiring to see how many people work relentlessly to uphold the rights of children!

are being affected by war and poverty.

Students also investigated how we can work together to achieve global solutions to the humanitarian and environmental problems throughout the world.

All students have participated in an assembly to launch our recruitment drive for the student steering committee which will drive the RRSA activities throughout the next academic year. Students from local primary schools have also been introduced to this exciting project through our visits and through their induction day at Saltley Academy on Wednesday 5th July.

Many thanks to Ms N. Shaheen, Ms D. Dance and Ms Y. Akhtar for all their hard work.

I have an ambition now to help children all around the world, who are less fortunate than me. It has been hands down one of the best experiences I have had and I hope to have another one like it in the future.”

As part of the Academy’s journey towards Level 2 of the RRSA there have been many activities going on in school which have highlighted the work of Unicef in protecting children’s rights throughout the world.

During Dimension Day on Friday 30th June, all year 7 students explored the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Students learned about the different Articles / Rights that they are entitled to. They also looked at how young people throughout the world

NATIONAL ENTERPRISE CHALLENGE FINALSby the scale of the event, they peeked shyly into their bags and held on to them tightly. After the introductions were over they were called for their presentation.

The students gave a tremendous performance and all the earlier nerves and shyness disappeared as they talked through their ideas and answered questions about their product. They came out of the judging room buzzing and beaming from ear to ear, full of excitement and enthusiasm of how well they had done.

With this new burst of confidence they availed themselves of the exhibitions with the confidence to gather more freebies and even have their photograph taken with Sam and Mark. After lunch there was time for a game of virtual reality football and a chance to make models with a quick drying foam substance.

FUN WITH MATHS ON PERFECT NUMBER DAYBirmingham City University played host to Saltley students on Perfect Number Day. All year 7 students took advantage of this exciting opportunity where they experienced mathematics from a different perspective.

They had a lot of fun through competitions, games and group work whilst also learning mathematics, its real life links and the significance of the ‘Perfect Number Day’..

A group of year 7 students took part in the Grand Finals of the National Enterprise Challenge at the The Telford Centre in July.

The students’ idea was to come up with an attraction to compliment the Galicia ride at Alton Towers. They split into two teams and began to put their presentations together. As with all great projects, ideas and thought processes evolved until two fantastic presentations were created. All that was left to do now was to present it to the judges.

On arrival at the venue, they were welcomed by representatives of the sponsors, Ryman Stationery, and then assembled for a welcome meeting which, to the delight of the students, was hosted by Sam and Mark from CBBC. Along with this, students also received a bag of goodies from the sponsors of the competition. Being somewhat overawed

All too soon, the day was over and it was time to return to school; the return journey was very jolly, full of excitement and the students arrived back having proved themselves great ambassadors for Saltley Academy.

Well done to Sumayyah Kalsoom, Rafaida Bibi, Najmo Mohammed, Mohammed Abdullah, Amaan Ashad, Aisha Arshad & Hawa Aktar and thanks to Mrs Connor & Mrs Dearing.

For the second year running, students from Saltley Academy attended the Tower of London Water City Music event as part of a group of performers from across the Academies within our Trust.

Alongside students from Gossey Lane Primary, Brownmead Primary, Washwood Heath and Tile Cross Academy, they sang several renditions

of songs including Pharell’s ‘Happy’ and Justin Timberlake’s ‘Can’t Stop the Feeling’ as well as their own song choice, Shawn Mendes’s ‘Mercy’ with great success and aplomb.

They were met with gratitude and applause from the crowd. Special thanks to Samina Khan, Sarina Hussain and Sameera Abdin all currently in Year 9, well done girls!

TOWER OF LONDON!

Throughout the Summer Term, year 8 students, in collaboration with Stans Café, worked extremely hard to prepare a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. From understanding the text to learning their lines, cues and gestures, students demonstrated resilience and dedication over the course of the project.

The fruits of their labour first came to fruition on Monday 3rd July and Tuesday 4th July, when 8X band and 8Y band performed their versions of the play to their fellow peers. There was a real buzz in the air as our students took to the stage and confidently recited Shakespearean phrases like it was their native language.

Following these successful performances, Saltley Academy then took their performances to Shakespeare’s beautiful birth place – Stratford upon Avon. From the moment they stepped on to the coach, you could feel the excitement emanating from students. As we arrived at Shakespeare’s New Place, the stunning and idyllic atmosphere stunned students into silence.

SALTLEY ACADEMY PRESENTS:A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM

The gardens were full of exquisite plants, flowers and tributes to William Shakespeare and, in the centre of the gardens, their stage awaited. Students were eager to get back on stage and do themselves, their teachers and Saltley Academy proud – which they surely did. The performance ran smoothly and students stepped it up a gear, showcasing their skills to passing tourists and visiting guests.

After their performances, students headed off to explore Stratford, including a visit to Shakespeare’s birthplace. For many of our students, this was their first visit to Stratford upon Avon and it did not disappoint. Anisa Begum from year 8 said “it was really interesting to see Shakespeare’s birthplace, bedroom and where he grew up. It was great to see what it was like for him growing up in that time.” Sadly, all good things have to come to an end and after a day of performing, learning and exploring, it was time to head home.

Well done to all students involved. William Shakespeare once said “the course of true love never did run smooth” but I can safely say our efforts as a school did. ‘All’s well that ends well.’ – Miss Parker.

DATES TO NOTE:Mon 18th Sept: Open Day 9-10am

Tues 19th Sept: Open Day 9-10am

Wed 20th Sept: Open Day 2-3pm

Thurs 21st Sept: Open Evening 6-8pm

Mon 23rd - Friday 27th Oct: Half Term

Mon 4th Dec: SCHOOL CLOSED

Mon 25th Dec - Fri 5th Jan: Xmas Hols

Mon 19th - Friday 23rd Feb: Half Term

Mon 2nd - Friday 13th Apr: Easter Hols

Mon 28th May - Fri 1st Jun: Half Term

Fri 20th July: End of Term

LETTERS HOMEPlease note that, as previously announced, from September 2017 all letters home will be published on the website. Parents/carers will be alerted by text when a letter is being uploaded. This is to reduce costs and be more environmentally friendly by reducing our use of paper. If you wish to receive a paper copy of letters, please contact the main school office. Please also remember that payments to school are now done via ParentPay. Please see the website or contact the main office if you have any queries.

LUNCHTIMEENRICHMENTIn the summer term, we trialled our new Enrichment Activities as part of our commitment to promoting students’ health and wellbeing. This included giving students fully supervised access to all of the sporting facilities such as football, basketball, trampolining, table tennis, dance and cricket every lunchtime.

The iniative was a response to the requests of the Student Voice and it was a huge success. It is going to continue this year, with the appointment of a specialist PE Technician in September to further increase the opportunities. From September, our new Morris Suite will also be available, offering students access to music and the arts. It is wonderful to see students choosing to be healthy and active during their lunchtimes and making the most of the school day.

WHMAT GRAND IFTARBigger, better and grander! That was the theme of this year’s Grand Iftar and it certainly did not disappoint! On 08/06/17, Washwood Heath Multi Academy Trust held its third Grand Iftar, at the Crystal Plaza Banqueting Suite. It was an opportunity for students, staff and the local community to celebrate the opening of the fast (‘Iftar’in Arabic). There were amazing performances from students across the Multi Academy Trust (MAT), culminating in a unique cross-MAT performance. The evening included beautiful Nasheeds (religious songs) by the world renowned Nasheed group ‘Aashiq-Al-rasul’. The evening concluded with delicious hot food being served.

Everyone who attended the Grand Iftar agreed it was a fantastic, uplifting night. Many thanks to all who supported and attended to make this such a wonderful and special evening - make sure your get your tickets early for next year’s event!

In January 2017 a group of year 7 and 8 Saltley students accompanied students from Washwood Heath and Brownmead on a week-long adventure trip to the Aberdovey Outward Bound Centre in Wales.

Students enjoyed a range of experiences that are not accessible in Birmingham, such as mountain hiking, sea kayaking and gorge walking. Our young people overcame a range of challenges and really learnt the value of teamwork and collaboration. A great time was had by all and the trip will be running again in November for our eager new year 7s!

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES WEEKOn 27th June 2017, year 10 students from Saltley Academy had the chance to join in Professional Services Week by visiting prominent work places in Birmingham City Centre. Students visited the Lloyds Bank offices on Colmore Row where they were introduced to various careers within banking and given information about academic routes into working with Lloyds bank as well as partnership companies. Students were then taken to Victoria Square where they visited DLA Piper, one of the largest law firms in the world. They met with a panel of solicitors who answered a variety of questions about the legal profession and the range of careers available within it.

JEWELLERY PROJECT: THE CRAFTS COUNCILAll of our Year 9 students had attended creative workshops in manufacturing bespoke jewellery. The workshops were conducted by professional designers, organised by The Crafts Council. Ms Bickley and Mr Hasan then took a group of Y9 students to enjoy an exclusive preview of an exhibition of all the work produced across the city. It was a wonderful visit where the students were a true credit to the academy by their maturity and impeccable behaviour.

ADVENTURES IN ABERDOVEY

FORWARD THINKING: YEARS 8 AND 11Year 11 Celebration

After successfully completing a four year programme, Saltley Academy’s year 11 students graduated in the Great Hall at the University of Birmingham. The students attended a grand event alongside teachers and parents, congratulating them on their hard work and commitment over the last four years.

Students have attended several university events as well as a series of student mentoring programmes in school. Now they proudly accept their graduation certificate from Steve Beckles-Ebusua, ‘The Speaker With The Orange Tie’. Following their involvement with the Forward Thinking programme, these year 11s are already confident that they will attend university in the future.

Year 8 Launch

On Monday 19th May selected students attended the Forward Thinking launch event at the University of Birmingham. Students took part in a range of activities including a tour of the university campus and higher education quizzes. The event was brought to a close in the Great Hall where students gathered with teachers and parents to be welcomed onto the programme. Visitors also had the chance to watch the very talented motivational speaker Alim Kamara who welcomed several Saltley Academy students to the front stage to talk about their experience that day and what they had gained.

Students will now embark on a three year journey with the Forward Thinking team, designed to encourage students from a variety of backgrounds into higher education.

July marked Saltley’s 9th summer camp at Blackwell Court Adventure in Bromsgrove. The PE department took 60 year 7 students away for three days to participate in a wide range of outdoor adventure activities such as zip lining, high ropes, vertical assault courses and archery (to name but a few!).

The beautiful weather made for a real holiday atmosphere and students really enjoyed experiencing the great outdoors. Songs around the campfire was the perfect way to end a fun filled few days and our year 7s will remember Mr.Bussey’s terrible ghost stories for years to come!

SUMMER CAMP

For the 2017 6 Nations Rugby tournament, Canterbury, the maker of the shirts for the England Rugby team, ran a national competition for students to design their own rugby shirt. The competition was part of the CBRE All Schools initiative, launched in September 2012 by the RFU to increase the number of secondary schools playing Rugby Union and therefore investing in the next generation of rugby players.

The shirts were all designed at Canterbury Kit Designs workshops, where students learnt about the core values of

CRICKET FLAGBEARERS

6 NATIONS GUARD OF HONOUR

SCIENCE AND TECHIN THE BIG SMOKE

rudby, the pride associated with the shirt, and the importance of colours, logos and emblems. 100 of the best shirts were selected and worn by the individuals who designed them, to form a Guard of Honour at Twickenham for the England vs Ireland game on 27th February.

A Y11 Saltley student, Mohammed Ibrahim, was one of the 100 winning students and proudly attended the game to wear his shirt. Pictured right is Mohammed with Billy Vunipola, one of the star players of the England Rugby team.

Selected Saltley students had the opportunity to be flag bearers during the Champions Trophy match between Pakistan and South Africa at Edgbaston on 7th June. They carried flags onto the pitch to welcome the teams and then watched the match under the floodlights. A great honour and experience for all students involved.

The Science and Technology faculty took a wonderful group of Key Stage 4 students to London in March. The students enjoyed the scenic views from the London Eye and the ‘selfie’ opportunities with the London skyline as the backdrop. This was followed by a very interesting boat trip on the Thames, where the students learned about the iconic and historic landmarks of our wonderful capital, such as the Tower of London, The Gherkin, The Shard and the OXO building to name but a few. We then had another unique experience crossing the Tower Bridge walkway,

looking down through the glass flooring onto the Thames.

Our visit to the Engine rooms that lift up the famous Tower Bridge to allow large vessels to access London brought the two subjects together - a great application of science and the technology that makes it all happen. The students were a delight and true ambassadors for Saltley Academy. Huge thanks to Ms Hopkins, Ms Yasmin, Mr Iqbal and Mr Hasan for dedicating their Saturday so that our youngsters could have such a tremendous out of school learning experience.

THANK YOU, MRS CONNORWe bid a very sad farewell to Mrs Nuala Connor, our Assistant Headteacher, who retired at the end of the Summer Term.

Mrs Connor has made an outstanding contribution to Saltley Academy over the last 16 years and we will all miss her greatly.

Among many other things, Mrs Connor played a pivotal role in launching and providing our very special Saltley Guarantee, giving our students unique and enriching experiences outside of the classroom.

Staff and students wish to thank her for all her hard work and to wish her a thoroughly enjoyable retirement.

MAT STUDENT LEADERSHIP

THE PERFECT ENDING - THE Y11 PROM

Our student leaders had the opportunity to visit the House of Lords to meet Baroness Emma Nicholson. Students asked some thought provoking questions and came away with some advice and guidance on developing leadership qualities. As part of the day we also enjoyed a tour of the House of Lords and a visit to Westminster Abbey. J. Shemar

Y10 LAW WORKSHOPYear 10 Saltley Academy students joined other groups from across the MAT to find out about careers in law as well as the best academic routes into specific fields.

Students took part in a series of role-play activities where they had mock trials of real life legal trials and found out the jury’s verdicts on range of past cases.

UPCOMINGTRIPS & EVENTSThe Saltley Guarantee is a commitment to give students in all year groups the opportunity to be involved in enriching activities outside of the classroom. For 2017/18 we have an exciting range of activities available, a selection of which are as follows:

Aberdovey Years 7 - 9

Culture and History tour of Birmingham - Year 7

Work Experience Year 10

London Eye Experience Years 8 - 11

Disneyland Paris Years 7 - 10

Lickey Hills Year 8

Centre for Alternative Technologies Years 7 - 10

Summer Camp Years 7 - 10

Prom Year 11

Shakespeare in Stratford Year 8

More information will follow in due course with regards to dates and booking information.

The Year 11s drew their time at Saltley to the perfect close with a wonderful Prom night. They girls looked glamorous and the boys looked the smartest they have ever looked as they arrived in style.

Over the course of the evening the students enjoyed a welcome drinks, a sit down two-course meal, a chocolate fountain and a DJ to get everyone in the mood for dancing and to see the night out.

It is with special thanks to Mrs Chowdhury, Mr Turner and the pastoral

team for all their hard work in organising this very special evening. Students were impeccably behaved

and we are sure they had a night to remember.