Term 6 Newsletter
Term 6 Newsletter
July 2022
July 2022
Embedded Files
Dear families,
There has been lots to celebrate as we come to the end of the year. Sports Day and our Awards ceremony were two opportunities for many of our students to shine and recognition goes to everyone who took part in both events . I am especially proud that our Awards Ceremony celebrated students for adhering to our values as well as academic progress, and many students across the academy were nominated for excellent work. On Sports Day many families commented that the support for each other was very notable and it was a delight to see older students supporting younger ones and the more sporty cheering on the less so. My thanks go to the staff who made these events happen.
Our Challenge Partners review was another memorable event, I previously shared the report with you. We continue to build on the recognised ‘leading’ work, their highest award category. Next academic year, new students and staff will also be able to contribute towards our high aspirations for the very best outcomes for our students.
In other news we have welcomed many students through our doors who are starting with us in Year 7 at both Bearsted and Cranbrook. You all remember what a big step this is, and we have made sure these students are as well prepared as they can be. In addition we have some new Year 8s and 9s joining at Cranbrook where we will be starting with just those three year groups, as we did at Bearsted in September 2020. In September we will have our first Year 11s at Bearsted for their very important exam year; we will be wishing them luck as we get closer to the dates for exams.
The building works are well under way at Cranbrook. Although not identical buildings they will share similar features and have a ‘Snowfields feel’ to them. In line with LAT’s terminology, each campus will be referred to as a ‘college’, Bearsted College and Cranbrook College. James Doddington will be Head of College for Bearsted, supported by Richard Smith as Assistant Principal, and Fi Bradbrook will be Head of College for Cranbrook with Jack Nolan as Assistant Principal. I will split my week across both colleges. There will be one phone number for both colleges and calls will be transferred to their correct destination. Although the new college at Cranbrook won’t have much day to day impact for the students at Bearsted we are already planning some cross-college events which will support our co-curricular offer.
Next year I will be introducing termly coffee afternoons for families to drop in for an informal chat with each other and senior staff. We will hold these alternate terms at each college, starting in Term 1 at Bearsted then Term 2 at Cranbrook and so on. Dates will be shared with you early next term. One of the things we have reflected on this year is the need to share dates of forthcoming events with you in a more timely manner. We will be sharing key dates with you at the beginning of the school year which will include dates for dress down and fund raising events as chosen by Snowfields Squad, our school council. They have chosen the charities they would like the school to support which are as follows: Children in Need, Cancer Research, Demelza, Water aid, Save the Children (Christmas Jumper Day), Comic Relief (Red Nose day).
Sadly we say goodbye to a few teaching assistants who are all moving on to develop their careers; TAs Sue Williams and Jamie Collier are both leaving to train as teachers and Caitlin Davidson is leaving to go to University. We are delighted to welcome the following staff at Bearsted College in September; Richard Smith, Assistant Principal, Andy Croft, Maths Lead and both Hannah Campbell and Tom Ayed, Teachers. At Cranbrook College we are welcoming Jack Nolan, Assistant Principal and Ella White, Paul Kent, Mike Endicott, Niall Sloweyn, Holly Pickerill and Paris Diamond, all teachers. We also have several new TAs joining us in September. at both colleges.
There are many other events at Snowfields to celebrate. Please take some time when you have a few spare minutes to read our newsletter, I hope you will find it of interest. I look forward to welcoming all of our students and families back in September, along with our new Cranbrook College and our new students.
I hope you all have a restful and happy summer.
Best wishes,
Dee Pickerill
Principal
Life Skills
Anti-Bullying Ambassadors
On June 21st, seven students from Snowfields attended a full-day training session provided by the Diana Award at Walthamstow Hall on how to be an anti-bullying ambassador. Izzy, Noah, Ethan, Gracie, Evie, Oliver, and Theo spent the day learning about bullying behaviour, including the types of bullying (physical, verbal, and indirect), and how being the target of bullying behaviour may affect individuals.
These students are now trained to be able to identify bullying behaviour, and know how to be an upstander, instead of a bystander. They are also now trained to provide support to peers, as research shows students are more likely to discuss these issues with peers rather than adults. These seven students will be involved in promoting wellbeing and positivity throughout the school, including hosting assemblies to discuss important issues and spearheading initiatives about community action, wellbeing, respect, and online safety.
This training is part of a bigger project that the school has undertaken. This year the school participated in the Anti-Bullying Alliance’s United Against Bullying programme, which involved a full school audit of current practices, creating an action plan to make improvements, and gathering feedback through student surveys. All staff have also undergone training to be able to better support students who may be targets of bullying behaviour, and students who may be exhibiting bullying behaviour although this may be more complex due to our students' needs. I’m delighted to announce that we have been awarded the United Against Bullying BRONZE School status. 217 schools complete the programme with 4% achieving Gold, 32% Silver, 49% Bronze and 15% a certificate of participation.
Year 7
Brighton Trip
In June the Year 7 classes took a joint trip to Brighton in order to enjoy the Sealife Centre and the Pier. Although it was a blustery day with a little bit of drizzle, everyone enjoyed themselves. We set off from school in good spirits and before we knew it we were making our way into the Sealife Centre. As we drove into Brighton, Emily pointed out some of the amazing buildings, such as the Royal Pavilion. We ate lunch with the turtles and then headed onto the Pier for an hours fun on the amusements. Everyone was treated to an ice cream and were able to spend a little bit of their money. Some students even won plushies on the arcades!
We were back from school in time for taxis.
Year 7 Taster events
We welcomed Snowfields new Year 7 from Bearsted and Cranbrook for a range of transition events and taster days this term.
We are really looking forward to meeting all the students again when they start in September.
They took part in a range of activities and it was wonderful seeing them meeting their new friends.
Year 8
The Residential
WOW! What a residential the Year 8’s had. The first residential for Snowfields Academy. It was an amazing experience and so much fun was had by all.
Kingswood provided a busy schedule during our stay meaning students got to experience a range of activities including Rock Climbing, The 3G Swing, Archery and Aeroball. The students made us proud by pushing through their fears and supporting each other throughout the trip. For some of our students it was their first time experiencing a night away from home, students showed courage and developed their independence skills and even made their own beds for the first time.
Students learnt how to work as a team, help each other and support and encourage one another. Friendships between our students blossomed during the trip which was fantastic to watch. The students had the opportunity to create some unforgettable memories, developed their confidence and resilience and they should all be incredibly proud of themselves.
Swimming
This year our Year 8 cohort got to participate in weekly swimming lessons as part of their Physical Education Curriculum. Students worked incredibly hard to develop their confidence in the water and their stroke technique. Some students started as beginners but with determination and resilience to achieve, they ended their swimming module being able to swim using the correct stroke technique. Our swimming lessons finished with a free swim, students got to enjoy the slides as a treat for working so hard. Well done Year 8’s!
PSHE
Snowfields Academy supported Pride during the month of June. We had a big flag up in the library to represent all members of the LGBTQ+ community. Books were up on display for students to access information and learn. Information has also been shared and discussed in PSHE lessons. You may have noticed the Leigh Academy Trust logo is in rainbow colours as the Trust acknowledges and celebrates all members of our community.
Year 9
Food Factory Trip - Year 9 and 10 Science Classes
Have you ever tried making croissants yourself at home from scratch? Difficult, wasn’t it, and the results were probably a bit of a chewy let-down. So just how do they manufacture those delicious packaged croissants with the satisfying flakey layers that you find in the supermarket? Well, you can ask our Year 9 students that visited the local Grupo Bimbo Food Factory to investigate their Existing Product Development Kitchen and three of their production lines - which make croissants, pain au chocolate and bagels on a huge scale.
In fact, this factory makes practically all of those packaged croissants that you see on your favourite supermarket shelves, so they certainly know their Food Science. Which is why our students were visiting the factory, to see how the knowledge they had gained in their science lessons and Food Scientist project could be applied in the food industry.
Our students gained hands-on experience of how to design products in a research kitchen, and then how to implement an efficient production line that could supply a whole nation with a nutritious and delicious food product. That included a theoretical deep-dive into the ingredients and mechanics of creating a croissant, and a thorough explanation of the essential food safety and quality controls which ensure both product safety and customer satisfaction.
The Year 9 students certainly came out of this experience with a clear impression of the positive impact of Food Science, the potential careers that exist in the food industry, and a useful peek under the bonnet of how supply chains work. Everyone enjoyed the experience so much that Grupo Bimbo have invited us back - the Year 10 students were booked in for a visit on 12th July 2022. Well, we might as well strike while the croissants are still hot!
Rock Climbing
During Module 5 our Year 9 got to experience Rock Climbing as part of their Physical Education curriculum. Students visited The Climbing Experience in Maidstone every Thursday morning and had the opportunity to climb on both the Fun Wall and Free Climbing Wall. Students really enjoyed their experience and developed their resilience and confidence in climbing. Some of the cohort had never climbed before but by the end of the Module they climbed every wall with ease.
IT and Careers
Year 10 Careers trip to Gallagher's Quarry Friday 1st July 2022.
Year 10 students were invited to attend a careers event at the Gallagher's Quarry in Maidstone. This is one of the last two remaining Kentish Ragstone quarries. It has the capability to produce in excess of 1 million tonnes of aggregates per annum, which are processed into more than 70 different construction materials.
Students were greeted with stalls explaining the different job roles within Gallagher's as well as some of the different machinery that is used throughout the site.
Students had the opportunity to speak to members of the team that controlled the explosive blasting elements of the quarry as well as watch some videos of recent blasts.
Students had the chance to try some of the virtual machines where students could drive a vehicle around a virtual industrial estate or use a JCB to dig up a tonne of soil and load it into a truck. This activity was immensely popular as there were prizes for the fastest load times. 2 Snowfield students were in the top 3 while we were there but were later overtaken by other schools.
Students also had the chance to plant a tree which will be replanted on the Quarry site as part of its regeneration. Students could also use a range of materials to build a bug hotel.
Students had the chance to take a 4x4 tour of the site where they could see the raw materials being dug up and loaded before moving across site to be processed. Students had a talk about the different roles of employees in the different areas of the quarry.
Students were given vouchers to exchange for a hot dog and an ice cream which both went down well.
Food Tech Year 10
This term in Food Tech Year 10 have continued to develop their culinary skills. They have made a variety of dishes; tacos, chicken Kiev, carbonara and even pushed themselves with making a Biscoff cheesecake! They've learned some great new skills - including throwing spaghetti at the wall to see if it's cooked as well as the traditional taste test - and their confidence is growing week by week. And don't forget, if you'd like to see some of our Year 10s in action, pop into the Infinity Cafe 9.30-2.30 and you may be served by one of our fantastic Infinity Team!
Year 10 Mock Exams
At the beginning of June our Year 10s under took their first mock exams in preparation for their GCSEs. Students used the auditorium to sit their assessments and completed them in timed conditions, making use of their individual requirements. They were able to gauge the level of support, the length of time and the feel of the room, as a practice for when they will sit their final exams in Year 11.
The results that students achieved were fantastic and we were really pleased with the mature way that Year 10 tackled the week.
As a treat for their hard work, they were able to order a McDonald's lunch!
Science
Partridges
This term we have been eggcited about the arrival of some partridge eggs ready to hatch. We were very pleased that 10 hatched and became a lovely addition to the school. We were shell shocked to see how eggstaticly well both students and staff had been interacting with them. They have now been collected and will be released to the wild to help improve the number of wild partridges.
Horticulture
The term has raced away and all students have been hard at work in the horticultural area at our busiest time of year.
Our harvests so far include peas, broad beans, lettuces , courgette , garlic , spinach , sweet peas, and strawberries to name but a few. Our garlic crop has just been lifted with onions not far behind.
Our thoughts have also been leaning to the darker days of autumn with a variety of squash and pumpkins hopefully ready for our students' return in September. Winter veg crops are now underway as well and we look forward to sweed, turnips, carrots, brassicas and parsnips.
The plant sales have also been a highlight and we thank all the staff and families who have supported us with this venture. To date we have made £423.81 which is being put towards a variety of projects including a heated greenhouse so students can sow seedlings earlier in the year.
Farm update
We are one of only a few schools to have a working farm on site at Cranbrook. Nick, our farmer, has made the school farm one of the highest performing in the country - winning many awards.
Although a working farm, many curriculum subjects use the farm and it’s animals for lessons. We will use this brilliant and unique resource to support learning across the curriculum, from Science and Geography to English and Art.
As a working farm, this also provides a unique opportunity for all pupils to develop both agricultural and life skills. The hands on learning approach on the academy’s commercial livestock farm, means the young farmers are actively involved in the day-to-day running of the farm.
In September there will be pigs, piglets, cattle, sheep, chickens and rabbits for all the students to work with and take care of.
Queen's Platinum Jubilee
Snowfields staff and students enjoyed celebrating the Queen's Platinum Jubilee during the last week of Module 5. Our week started off by looking at the Queen's many roles over the years. We then moved on to making our own bunting to represent what being British means to each of us and this was displayed around the school. Our weekly Wednesday debate, lead by the Snowfields Squad student council, saw students voting on British names for our 3 student kitchenettes. The vote went to naming them after 3 of the Queen's corgis- Sugar, Honey and Candy. On the last day of term staff and students wore red, white and blue to school and some went all out and dressed up as members of the royal family. The whole school had a picnic lunch on the field followed by an afternoon of traditional activities. Rounders and picnic games took place on the field whilst indoors students were involved in biscuit decorating, Jubilee crafts and a British seaside themed putting course set up in the library. The final event of the day was a fun 'How British Are You?' quiz accompanied by traditional scones, jam and cream. It was a fun event and the perfect way to end a busy term!
Mental Health Awareness Week
Mental Health Awareness Week
Snowfields Academy supported Mental Health Awareness week 9-15 May. This year's theme was loneliness which is particularly relevant given how many people feel isolated following the pandemic. During the week, green ribbon pins were on sale in reception and the cafe. All proceeds were donated to The Mental Health Foundation. We also participated in the 'Wear it Green Day' where staff and students wore green items to school to show their support. The school was decorated in Green all week and we had displays and book displays for students to access information about Mental Health and support. Postcards are a part of our school ethos and used as a way of acknowledging when students have shown one of the school values. For Mental Health Awareness week we created some limited edition 'Compliment Cards' for staff and students to write positive messages to each other.
'Compliment Cards' for staff and students to write positive messages to each other.
Sports Day
On Friday 24th June we held our first Sports Day. This year our Sports Day theme was ‘Safari’. The day started with class events, students got to enjoy inflatable games and tried their best to earn as many points as possible for the Snowfields Sports Day Class Cup. It was fantastic to see each class work hard and cheer each other on. In the afternoon we welcomed our wonderful families to join the event. It was lovely to have so many families attend. Our afternoon events started with an exciting display of the Red Arrows, it was a great way to start the events. The afternoon events were fantastic, students got to choose the events they wanted to participate in including the 100m, 200m, Relay and Hurdles. All of the students who participated demonstrated determination and true sportsmanship.
Many of our students went home with more than one medal and wore them proudly.
Students and staff embraced the theme with face paints, costumes and decorations. The Ice cream van was a big hit!
LAT Sports Day
On Monday 11th July 2022 and Thursday 14th July 2022, Snowfields had the opportunity to attend the LAT Sports Days held at Dartford Harriers Athletics Club. LAT’s first ever Sports Day took place in 2009 with 3 schools and this year 17 schools were in attendance.
On Monday 11th July a group of Year 7 and 8 students attended the event. They had the opportunity to participate in both track and field events including, 100m, Javelin and 200m. Throughout the day, students demonstrated their resilience and perseverance. They encouraged each other and showed incredible sportsmanship throughout the event.
On Thursday 14th July 2022 it was the turn of the Year 9 and 10s. Students participated in both track and field events including 800, 400m and The Long Jump. The competition was challenging at times but the students did not give up.
Throughout both events it was a privilege to support the students, they were fantastic representatives for Snowfields Academy and it was brilliant to compete against other academies within the trust and showcase our talented and athletic young people.
Student Council
The Snowfields Squad have been working on some interesting projects. The main one has been in conjunction with KCC and reviewing the letter that they send out to Young People about EHCP paperwork. The students made suggestions about how to make the letter easier to read and friendlier for neurodiverse students. Grace in Year 10 then met with some Educational Psychologists from KCC to present the feedback. We have just been sent a copy of the easy to read letter and are very pleased with the outcome. It's been wonderful to see our students advocate for themselves and others.
We are extremely lucky to have outside originations finally allowed to come into schools after Covid put a stop to it.
We took full advantage of this and had Lauren from the Fearless campaign provided by Crime Stoppers. Lauren has been spreading the Fearless message in Kent for the past two years, delivering sessions to over 5,100 young people. They held some engaging workshops to help students understand “Hate Crime.” The students interacted with the organisation as they demonstrated what hate crime is, the impact of hate crime, influences of hate and spotting the signs.
All students had the opportunities to ask questions and voice their opinions around this subject and we were very proud of them!
MP Visit
MP Visit
Helen Whately MP and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury visited Snowfields this morning to meet with Dee and some students. The students spoke about the different opportunities that they have had at Snowfields and how our school supports their learning. Helen particularly enjoyed the trampoline room! We look forward to future opportunities to work together.
Helen Whately MP and Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury visited Snowfields this morning to meet with Dee and some students. The students spoke about the different opportunities that they have had at Snowfields and how our school supports their learning. Helen particularly enjoyed the trampoline room! We look forward to future opportunities to work together.
Year 10 - Sessions House
Year 10 - Sessions House
Some of our Year 10 students were invited to a round table meeting at Sessions House in Maidstone to discuss the Government’s SEND Green Paper. This meeting involved local councillors and Kent elected members speaking to the students about the support they receive at school and their EHCP documents. Our students did a wonderful job with advocating for themselves and other students with Autism. The councillors will use this information in their reports for government.
Therapy
Willow
It's been a busy time of the year for Willow! Willow has started to be in classes a bit more over the recent months and has learnt a lot in Maths, Life Skills and Science. She provides a calming presence for students. Many students have enjoyed using their hard earned behaviour tokens on Willow time vouchers from the vending machine. Willow really enjoys these cuddles! Willow now has a display board up in school where students can read a few facts about her- one of these being her birthday which was celebrated in May. She turned 1 on the 14th of May and enjoyed lots of birthday treats.
Willow's not the only dog on the block now as she has been joined by Otis who will be our therapy dog at the Cranbrook campus. Otis is busy picking up lots of tips and tricks from Willow and they make the perfect team!
Kooth
Kooth is an online Mental Health and Wellbeing website which we have previously mentioned in communication with families. This term students have all had class sessions with a Kooth student engagement lead. The first session was an introduction to what Kooth can offer and students were given business cards to take home. The second session involved a live tour of the website and the various elements that students can access if they choose to sign up. Please have a look at the Kooth website if you would like to join their next parent/ caregiver webinar and have one of these website tours.
The Official Snowfields Academy Facebook Page is up and running.
Please like the page and see what the students do day to day at Snowfields.
Your support will be much appreciated.
Infinity Cafe
Infinity Cafe is open for bookings 9.30-2.30 Monday to Friday Term Times only
Call 01622 250050 or email info@infinitycafe.org.uk or pop in for a take-away if you are passing. Your custom will give our students excellent opportunities to develop transferable skills for employment
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