11th October 2013

The Academy has been busy this week involving parents in a number of important meetings. On Tuesday evening we welcomed the Year 11 parents to an Information Evening to discuss their child’s future. There were inputs from Mr Harvey and Mr Finch regarding the arrangements for GCSE examinations this year, particularly in light of the recent announcements from Government. The rules on exam entry have changed mid year and it is now the case that for any Mathematics or English exams taken in Year 11, only the first attempt will count on the school performance tables. This was explained to parents and our entry strategy was clarified. We will be putting the interests of the child first in all our decision making and we will invite parents in to meet staff to agree the best timing for their child’s Mathematics GCSE entry. The Information Evening was also an opportunity to meet Lindsay Masters, the independent Careers Advisor from Careers South West, to discuss future choices for post 16. Miss Osborne reminded students that we will be holding our Leavers’ Assembly, Ball and Alton Towers trip as usual in the summer of 2014 after all the hard work is done!

On Thursday evening the Parents and Friends Association held their first meeting of the year in The Coldstreamer Inn at Gulval. It was pleasing to see some enthusiastic and creative new members and we were busy organising a number of key events for the year. The first event is still to be confirmed but we are hoping to run a theatre production of Great Expectations in the next month. We will also be holding our annual and very popular Christmas Fair on Thursday 12th December starting at 6pm. The plan is to have a Victorian theme and we will be adding roller skating and possibly a creche for toddlers. If there are any parents or students who would like a stand to sell items for Christmas on the evening please contact lwebb@mountsbay.org to book a table.

SEND IN YOUR NEWS

Principal’s Report

Best wishes

Sara DaveyAcademy Principal

In the new year the PFA will be holding a January Blues Evening with music, curry and a quiz night. In March we plan to set up an evening for parents called “I’m a parent , get me out of here.” This will be an opportunity to talk about issues of shared interest in a relaxed atmosphere with cheese and wine. In May, we will be holding a 1940’s Britain at War Evening and will be welcoming our European partner schools to this event. Finally we are keen to get our PFA to be involved with organizing events for Mazey Day in the summer. Phew!! This will keep us busy.

A letter has been sent home to parents explaining that the Academy will be closed this Thursday for all students. The National Strike action is being taken by the National Union of Teachers and the NASUWT and colleagues in the South West are being asked to take action to support their campaign on pensions. The absence of the majority of teachers on this day means that for health and safety reasons the Academy will close. The library will be available for students who cannot be supervised at home. My apologies for the inconvenience this may cause.

Finally, the autumn weather is now upon us so students are reminded that they can wear V necked jumpers underneath their blazers on cold days and all school coats must be plain and without fashion logos. I would like to thank you for your support in ensuring the uniform is smart as well as practical.

BEINSPIRED

Comenius Project - Opening Doors to Lifelong Learning 2013

Last week four Year 11 students travelled to France as part of our 'Comenius Project', a partnership with four other schools from France, Germany, Spain and Denmark. This was the third trip and the turn of France to host, with Energy being the focus.

Our students were hosted by the students and their families from Jean Renoir College, a middle school in Bourges. Each group of students had prepared a Powerpoint presentation on their Country’s power consumption, the different power sources used and the future ideas to replace fossil and nuclear fuels.

We visited a new eco-village being built for affordable housing, a museum on the French Resistance, Chambourd Castle, attended the International Day of Peace Ceremony and produced Stop Motion Animations on Going ECO with Energy!

Our students were great ambassadors, speaking a variety of languages whilst on the trip and often the ones able to bridge the language barriers between the other nationalities.

BEINSPIRED

Restricted Growth Association Convention

On Friday 4th October my family and I headed to the RGA convention in Torquay. My sister has Hypochrondroplasia, a rare form of dwarfism. I was very uncertain and nervous about attending, it was to be my first time meeting other dwarfs so how was my sister feeling?

When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted and made welcome by committee members of both average height and those with restricted growth, immediately all my nervous and fears disappeared and I felt this would be a great and fantastic weekend, a weekend where I could learn a lot about my sister’s condition and hopefully educate others,but also have the support from others like myself.

So what did I find out?Hypochrondroplasia is a rare form of dwarfism where the person suffers short long bones, so the bones from the hip to knee and shoulder to elbow. People with dwarfism can do anything that a person of average height can, there are over 400 different types of dwarfism the most common form is achondroplasia and over 80% of people with dwarfism have average height parents. However if they get an injury or even a cold it can take twice as long to heal or get over than, say, you or me.

Whist away we attended many workshops including a make-up and hair session and on the Saturday evening we attended the annual gala dinner. It was so fantastic to be able to be a part of such a wonderful community and make great new friendships. I am so proud to have a sister so unique and can't wait to meet so many new friends again soon.

More information can be found at www.restrictedgrowth.co.uk or www.dsauk.org

By Sian Birch 8 Green

Learning Resource Centre

The Deep Learning Zone has continued to build this year, with new Librarian Miss Knowles introducing many new exciting books and resources which are now displayed in genres, making them easy to access. If students have any particular books that they would like to see introduced to the DLZ please let Miss Knowles or the librarian team know during break or lunch time.

We would also like to welcome a new set of Librarians, particularly new Year 7 students who have signed up to aid other librarians in the smooth running and organisation of the DLZ.

The Accelerated reader programme has now been launched across Years 7, 8 and 9. Students can now access the reading test and book quizzes via their iPads using the Accelerated reading apps, making testing even easier and more accessible. Homework Club runs from 3.15 - 4.30 in the DLZ, come along to use the Macs, make the most of the research materials available and receive support in completing your homework on Monday to Thursday every week.

BEINSPIRED

Maths House Competition

Well done to all the entrants. It was great to see such a wide range of ideas; inspiration had been gathered from a variety of places including construction, engineering, nature and finance. The winner is Arabella Freeman, 9 Blue, for her cleverly edited photo of a sunny day. The runner up is Sam George 9 Green for his photo "dodgy prices", showing us that special offers aren't always what they seem!

A special mention also goes to our Governor, Karenza Jelbert, for her lovely photo "Fibonacci Dahlia".

Looking at France

Some students in Year 9 have been studying France this semester. We have been looking at where France is in Europe, studying some of the regions and looking at the traditional food of each region.

Studying has included researching icons of France, one being the Eiffel Tower. We have been working together to find out facts about the Eiffel Tower and have made a cardboard model of it.

We are also studying medieval castles and hope to soon visit Restormel Castle.

Report by Mrs Forster

First prize

Runner-upHighly commended

BECREATIVE

Poetry in Motion

If you were asked to describe the colour of the sea you would most likely answer blue or green. And it was Green House and Blue House who stormed the English House competition this week. Where were Yellow, Red, Purple and Orange? Surely, there are many creative types out there who could have given Blue and Green a bit more of a competition.

7 Green worked fantastically well as a form to produce a dramatic group reading of James Reeves’ poem ‘The Sea’. The team showed they could co-operate, work independently and be creative and can use this as part of their evidence for their Colours application.

Well done to 10 Blue, 10 Green and 11 Green whose films can also be viewed online. They too have evidence to put on their Full Colours application, represented their Houses and have earned House points.

On Thursday 10th October six of our Year 9 Silver Arts Award students headed down to Penlee Museum in Penzance to meet with the gallery director and education officers. This was the first meeting to discuss a Mounts Bay Academy ‘Takeover’ of the museum on Friday November 22nd as a part of national ‘museum takeover’ day. The project is linked to the Trinity Arts Award programme, and the kidsinmuseums.org.uk website.

As a part of their Silver Leadership Unit, the six students will be coordinating a day and evening of live art, music, dance and film in the Museum on Friday November 22nd. It will be a public event featuring the artistic talents of lots of Mounts Bay students and coincides with the last day of the current Graham Sutherland exhibition, which will provide the inspiration for our own input.

More details to be published soon... ...watch this space.

Year 8 RugbyMatch report by Mawgan Osborne

On Wednesday Mounts Bay Year 8s played their first game of the season against strong opponents Hayle School at Hayle. The match started with Hayle catching Mounts Bay by surprise with an early try which was converted straight after. After the restart Mounts Bay started to look dangerous with strong tackling and rucking. After a scrum near our own try line Hayle scored a quick try under the posts. Undeterred, pressure paid off and just before half time Theo Simpson scored a well-played try which was just kicked short in the conversion.

The second half saw good play continue, with strong scrums and line outs, which sparked a great try from Jordan Church. Hayle replied with another try. The final play of the game saw the backs playing some good rugby which set Theo Simpson up to score his second try, which was converted by Mackenzie Oliver. A close fought match which saw Hayle take the win, final score 19 - 17.

BECOMPETITIVE

Year 7 and 8 Netball Win at Hayle

We’ve just had the first of our junior league fixtures for our Year 7 and 8 teams. The girls have been training really hard this season which has certainly paid off.

Year 7 won 15-4 and Year 8 won 30-2.

The Year 7 team consisted of, Megan Byrne (Captain), Rowan Torrie, Megan Pengelly, Tilly Hocking, Chloe Graham, Georgia Haffendon and Amber Symons. They all played extremely well. Well done girls a great start.

The eight consisted of Steph Sampson, Esme Dale, Renae Caddy, Eva Hawken, Rosie Saddlington, Skylar Finch, Sofia Thomas and Lamorna Reid. The girls had an amazing game, rarely losing possession of the ball and scoring off 30 of the 32 centres that were taken. A great start to the season girls, well done.

I’m Proud of you all. Miss Rooth

Tetrathlon Champion

Last weekend Poppy Burford of 8 Kilby/Purple won the 12 and Under Girls class at the Pony Club Area (Somerset, Devon and Cornwall) Tetrathlon Championships.

She scored 940 out of 1000 in the pistol shooting, ran 1000m in 4 minutes 20 seconds, swam 6 lengths in 2 minutes and rode a clear round at cross country.

Well done!

BECOMPETITIVE

Year 7 Rugby

The Year 7 rugby team is steadily growing in numbers after their great win over Hayle this week. The final score was Hayle 12 - 49 Mounts Bay.

Team: Perran Tustin, Ely Williams, Oli Legg, Tom Ellery, Ritchie Payne, Toby Osborne, Dylan Cole, Ben Durrant, Harris Eddy, Ben Wragg, Tyler Kearey, Finley Gray-Williams, Thomas Morice, Harley Hicks.

Cricket Leadership

18 students from Years 7-11, boys and girls, took part in the Leadership Award for cricket in our sports dome this week. They will all gain a qualification and it is the intention that these students will help to lead on inter and intra school competitions.

The session was run by Cornwall Cricket Board coaches. They taught students how to run activities for groups. There were five different cricket drills for students to learn to teach. It is hoped that they will be able to pass on these skills to other students.

“It was good to increase our knowledge of the sport. It will benefit us both in terms of coaching and playing. I really enjoyed it and came out buzzing.” - Loren Trevorrow.

BECOMPETITIVE

Anyone for Tennis?

We are hoping take 40 students on a three day tour next June 2014 to The Wimbledon Tennis Championships.

The dates of the trip will be from Monday 30th June until Wednesday 2nd July 2014

The proposed itinerary is as follows. (Please be aware that this may change):

• Three days exclusive coach hire, including collection from and return to the Academy

• Two nights accommodation based on students sharing twin or triple rooms

• Continental breakfast

• Court 2 or 3 tickets at Wimbledon on Tuesday 1st July 2014

• Pre-theatre meal (Planet Hollywood, Rainforest Café or Hard Rock Café)

• Theatre Ticket (show to be confirmed, either Wicked, Matilda or We Will Rock You)

• Day in London including sightseeing

• Services of a Sport Experiences representative

The total cost of the three day tour will be £255 including a hotel with continental breakfast and in order to secure a place a deposit of £30 is required, which is unfortunately non-refundable. Money for food and other purchases is not included in the price and therefore needs to be considered for the trip.

If you are interested please download and fill in the initial consent form below with a deposit for £30. Payment can be made by debit/credit card at www.parentmail2.co.uk or over the phone by calling Mrs Eddy on 352322 (direct line).

If you require any further information please do not hesitate to email/phone. This is a fantastic opportunity for students and will be the first trip that the Academy has organised to the Wimbledon Championships.

CLICK HERE BOOK EARLY!

BECOMPETITIVE

Well Done Mounts Bay

We have just been awarded the Silver School Games Kitemark award for 2013 in recognition of our hard work providing various sporting opportunities throughout the academic year.

The kitemark has three levels Bronze, Silver and Gold and Mounts Bay is the only school in Penwith to receive the kitemark at Silver level.

The application looks at the amount of sports on offer for all pupils, intra and inter school competitions.

Next year we will be aiming to achieve the Gold Accreditation which requires that 20% of students need to be either a leader, coach, or volunteer during a School Games event.

Dear Mrs Davey

I would like to introduce myself to you as one of the Cricket Development Officers working for Cornwall Cricket Board Ltd. I am writing to inform you of Laura Pearce’s achievements with the County Girl’s Development Squad this season, with a view to helping her attain credits towards her school colours.

Firstly, since meeting Laura at the beginning of the season at our first Girls’ Development Squad session at the Cornwall Cricket Centre, I have been pleased with the amount of dedication and ambition she has shown.

After the first session she continued to attend the following two sessions at Camborne Cricket Club, a county girls’ festival, an East vs. West Cornwall Development fixture and a final match against Falmouth CC to conclude the summer events.

As well as showing the commitment to attend all the events I organised this season, she has demonstrated her willingness to improve all areas of her game. This attitude is exactly what I and other coaches want to see and, because of this, I have nominated Laura for her respective age group county trials for the 2014 season.

Yours sincerely

Matt RoweCricket Development Officer

Cornwall Cricket Board LtdWell Done Laura

BEADVENTUROUS

This new MixX activity is taking place in the Gym each Wednesday afternoon from 3:30 - 4:30. You can learn a whole range of new and impressive skills such as diablo, stilt walking, juggling, clowning and many more. We have external instructors coming in to teach the skills.

Why not come along and have a go.

SKILLS

MBA Tunes Our Year 10 and 11 Music students have been hard at work in our recording studio producing work that they will be submitting for coursework.

We are so impressed with the work that we have received that we have decided to set up our own eTunes page on the website so everyone can hear their talent.

Olivia Stephens, Shania Curnow, Immy Forster and Bridie Simons are the first artists featured.

Click here to visit page

BECREATIVE

Arts and Crafts

This week both Mrs Harvey and Mrs Forster had busy sessions in their art and craft classes. Mrs Harvey's craft class were making coasters for the Christmas Fair. In previous weeks they have made earring stands and Mrs Harvey has lots of interesting projects planned.

Mrs Forster's class had students drawing mushrooms, liquorice sweets, manga and portraits. This is a time that students can draw what they choose or have projects set if they want.

Come along after school to the art rooms to have some creative fun, 3.30- 4.30.

Report by Mrs Forster

Maths Quiz

This Week’s Puzzle:

When Christine is twice as old as she is now, she will be three times as old as she was three years ago. How old is Christine now? Extension for Bonus Points:

What is your favourite number and why? You need to give a mathematical reason.

Closing date for entries: 12.00 Thursday 17th October

BEA WINNER

Translate the word of the week from either French, German, Spanish or Italian and send your answer to ktripp@mountsbay.org to be entered into the weekly competition.

Use the word of the week in your Language lesson and get a credit from your teacher!

Last week’s solution: 116 Days - click here to see solution.

Extension: 10 = 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 14 = 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 50 = 11 + 12 + 13 + 14 106 = 25 + 26 + 27 + 28

Could you write next week’s puzzle?If you would like to set the numeracy puzzle for a future week click here. You will win house points.

Win an iTunes voucher

For each correct answer throughout this semester we will put your name in the hat for a chance to win an iTunes voucher – the more correct answers, the more chance of winning.

House Competition

Green: 15 PointsBlue: 11 PointsYellow: 8 PointsOrange: 7 PointsPurple: 5 PointsRed: 3 Points

Click here to submit your answer

Last week's answer was clouds.

The winner was Megan-Jo ConnollyWell done!

BEA WINNER

To enter, simply write an original sentence correctly using the word orientation. Send in your sentence using the link below?

All correct entries will receive House points, and the winner will receive a WHSmith gift cardas well as an additional House point. The winner will be chosen from the correct entries received each week.

Competition

Congratulations to James Prowse who wins a WH Smith Voucher.

Click Here to enter the competition

James receives his prize from Mr Dale

This week’s word is: orientation

Definition: orientation – noun – the action of locating someone or something relative to the points of a compass or other specified positions.

The word can also be used to describe the “direction” of someone’s thoughts or attitude. Someone might be described as having an orientation towards a particular political or religious belief.

The sides of the Great Pyramid of Cheops are oriented towards the four compass points despite the Pyramid having been built some 4,500 years ago!

In Zoology the word relates to the faculty birds and animals have to find their way back to a place as do homing pigeons and migratory birds. So thanks to their powers of orientation, we will see the swallows back here in Spring!

Etymology: from Latin orientem "the rising sun, the east, part of the sky where the sun rises" This preference (or should we say “orientation”?) towards the East in the etymology of the word is because many churches were built to face Jerusalem, just as mosques are built to face the holy Kaaba shrine at the centre of Mecca's Al-Haram mosque.

BE A PARTOF IT

MOUNTS BAY ACADEMY PROUDLY PRESENTS

Ol i v er!

A MUSICAL BY LIONEL BART

"Food, Glorious Food" – "Oliver!" – "I Shall Scream" – "Boy for Sale" "That's Your Funeral" – "Where Is Love?" – "Consider Yourself" – "You've Got to Pick a Pocket or Two" "It's a Fine Life" – "I'd Do Anything" – "Be Back Soon" – "Oom-Pah-Pah" "My Name" – "As Long as He Needs Me" –"Who Will Buy?" – "Reviewing the Situation"

Directed By: Celeste OsborneMusical Director: Will Payne

COME AND LEARN THE SONGS

Tuesday 15th October - 1pmWednesday 16th October - 1pm

AUDITIONS

Tuesday 22nd October - OliverWednesday 23rd October - NancyFriday 25th October - FaginTuesday 29th October �- The Artful DodgerWednesday 30th October - Bill Sykes

Do not worry if you have missed a rehearsal, see Mr Payne and he will run through it with you.

CONSIDER YOURSELF ONE OF US

We are looking for the cast of our next spectacular Academy Performance which will be the musical OLIVER! and be performed here in the Academy from March 19th - 21st 2014.