The Halley's Comment Issue 12

The Halley's Comment

Issue 12

World Book Day - Diary of a Corona Kid

Despite the lockdown, The Halley Academy still celebrated World Book Day this year with an exciting festival called ‘Diary of a Corona Kid’. Students took part virtually through a dedicated Google Classroom and completed challenges such as quizzes, cooking contests, fan fiction writing, and comic book creation. Congratulations to all who took part and especially to our winners:

Kerigma (Year 8) - Quiz Champion
Rhema (Year 8) - Best Dessert Ever! Cooking Champion
Markella (Year 8) - Fan Fiction Champion
Ecaterina (Year 9) - Cartoons and Comics Champion

We look forward to celebrating World Book Day next year!

“Those who can imagine anything can create the impossible”

Turing School

The wider re-opening of the Academy and return of Turing School students, has seen a fantastic energy brought to the corridors of the Academy again. What has impressed the Turing Senior Team the most, is the incredible resilience and flexibility of it’s students, with many now throwing themselves back into their studies and re-discovering their passion for learning.

We all appreciate that students returning to education and the Academy full time can lead to some anxieties and concerns from both students and their families. As I have mentioned in previous articles, The Turing Team has been actively reaching out to families throughout each of the lockdown periods, ensuring that all our students still receive the same level of support as if they were attending the Academy each and every day. We are mindful that any future anxieties may only begin to materialise as the module progresses, so are encouraging all students to reach out to their tutors and our Small School team for support if and when they need it.

The reintroduction of face to face teaching has led to fantastic collaboration and learning relationships being developed across all classrooms. No more so is this evidenced in the awarding of student award cards, with Summer in Year 7 awarded 5 award cards so far, closely followed by Chloe in Year 7 who has currently been awarded 4. As we continue throughout this module and into the Summer, I have no doubt that the numbers in this article will continue to grow, showing the exceptional performance of the Turing School in pursuing academic achievement.

High levels of attendance to the Academy continues to be the benchmark in a student’s commitment to their learning. If a student is in the Academy, they are making progress. With this in mind, the Turing students who are setting the standard by maintaining 100% attendance this year are outstanding. Special mentions must go to 10T1 with 98.61%, 10T2 with 96.70% and 11T3 with 96.40%, who have shown a collective responsibility in maintaining the very best attendance standards.

As we transition from Module 5 into 6, with the introduction of some welcome hot, sunny weather, please remind your child that our high standards of uniform and conduct remain the same. Students are expected to attend the Academy on time and in full uniform. The use of mobile phones in the Academy continues to be prohibited. We encourage all students to bring a mobile phone to the Academy for travel to and from school, however, this must be switched off and placed in their bag during the day. If you need to contact your child during the day, please do so via the Turing School Office.

It is also important to recognise that the Turing name also continues to be at the forefront of education. The government’s recently announced Turing International Scheme, causing interest amongst our students about the origins of our namesake and the high esteem he is held within education circles. As more information about this new scheme continues to be outlined, we will be ensuring all Turing students are aware of the impact Alan Turing has had on education and the wider world.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you as parents and carers for your continued support. As the academic year begins to conclude we will of course strive to keep you, the families, updated with everything that your child has been up to. If you would like to contact someone at any point, please email us at Turing@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.

Mr Stevens

Head of Turing School

Easley School

What a pleasure it has been to see the return of students to the Academy. We are immensely proud of the way in which our Easley students have stepped back into the routine of Academy life, demonstrating this through their commitment to learning, high standards of attendance and excellent punctuality.

With the return to face to face learning, we have also seen the return to face to face friendships. Whether this has been newly developing friendships in Year 7 being rekindled or long standing Year 11 friendships strengthening further as they support each other through the final stages of the first 5 years of secondary school. Relationships are at the heart of our Academy and the Easley team has really enjoyed welcoming back all of our students.

Each of us is unique, and whilst most have enjoyed and embraced the return to face to face learning, for some it has been more challenging. The Easley team continues to work with all of our students and families, as was the case during the lockdowns, to provide the very best pastoral care, in order that all of our students flourish and thrive at The Halley Academy.

Our Easley motto; “you can do anything you want to, but you have to work at it” has been embodied by a number of our students who have achieved impressive numbers of award cards so far this academic year. We would like to congratulate:

Egor, Year 7 - 10 cards
Cintia, Year 7 - 4 cards
Roshana, Year 9 - 4 cards
Leena, Year 7 - 3 cards

Excellent attendance is one of the most important and influential factors in student success. The attendance of Easley students has continued to rise since the return to face to face learning. High standards have been set by a number of tutor groups who are setting the standard. Our 3 highest attending tutor groups are 7E2, 11E1 and 10E1. Congratulations!

Extra curricular activities continue this module and present a fantastic opportunity for our students to develop their interests and talents beyond the classroom. Please ensure you take a look at the offer and encourage your child to participate. There really is something for everyone, whether it is building rockets in science, representing the school at athletics, becoming a member of the film club or puzzling in maths. Do take a look at the Academy website for further information.

Finally, we would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support. This academic year has certainly presented many challenges for everyone and the strength of the Easley community has shone through, together, we are definitely stronger.

If you would like to contact the Easley team you can do so by email on easley@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.

Mrs Cronin

Head of Easley School

“You can do anything you want to, but you have to work at it”

“All that is necessary is the belief that by doing our best we shall come nearer to success and that success ..... is worth attaining”

Franklin School

It has been a continuing pleasure to welcome back Franklin students to the Academy after the Easter break. We have been incredibly impressed with the continued work ethic of students, returning to their studies with the focus, commitment and drive that are essential to success. In particular, an increasing number of Franklin students across all year groups secured 100% attendance since returning from the national closure of schools.

With all Franklin students now equipped with their Chromebooks, it has been really pleasing to see them use these invaluable resources to support their learning both at home and in lessons. Many parents and carers at home have benefitted from the Google Guardian programme, which gives them updates on their child’s learning and progress.

The return of our expansive extra-curricular programme at the Academy has also been well received and attended by Franklin students. Whether History Film Club, or Science Rocket Society, it has been lovely to see students get stuck into additional learning opportunities that previously were not available during the lockdown. Moreover, Gabriella in Year 10 is currently writing her second book to be published online shortly, and Shammah in Year 10 has enjoyed producing his own music at a local recording studio.

Our virtual assemblies have continued to focus on the importance of self-reflection and self-improve, a key attribute of the MYP Learner Profile. Rosalind Franklin - upon whom our Small School is named - is a testament to these values: her work helped discover DNA and create modern medicine.

As the academic year unfolds we will of course strive to keep you, the families, updated with everything that your child has been up to. If you would like to contact someone at any point, please email us at franklin@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.

Everybody in the Franklin Team wishes you and your families a restful half term break.

Mr Russell

Head of Franklin School

Hawking School

During Modules 4 and 5 our careers programme has been able to continue with students benefiting from careers interviews, an employer engagement day and 11 virtual employer webinars from a range of industries. Please remember that students in Years 12 and 13 have also been given access to an apprenticeship Google classroom with a range of resources.

We have gained support from both Trust directors and the Tallow Chandlers to develop our employer engagement partners.

We have also been in contact with Smallpiece Trust regarding additional STEM opportunities and any student interested in a Engineering work experience placement or level 4 higher/degree apprenticeship should contact Mr Harrison.

UEL (University of East London) have agreed to a 5 year commitment of support for the Academy involving visits, a private open day, student finance presentations and the potential sponsorship of up to 2 students per year. This will start in September and I would advise students to look at the courses available.

Destinations: September 2022

Students in Year 12 are beginning to look at the various options available to them when they leave school in Summer 2022. In the coming weeks, students will begin researching degree courses and entry requirements, investigating university open days and drafting their personal statements, as well exploring opportunities with apprenticeship providers and employers (including those detailed above).

Dedicated tutor sessions will support students in identifying the right pathways, and I would advise students to spend the summer months visiting universities that appeal to them -- either virtually or in person -- to get a feel for what the experience of living and studying there might be like. This will ensure applicants begin the UCAS process in September with a clear understanding of the opportunities available to them and the grades or experiences required to succeed.

Football Academy

Students that are looking to join our Football Academy are already benefiting from morning training from APD coaches and will be attending an additional trial and training session on Tuesday 1st June. Any Year 12 students that wish to support this trial should see Mr Harrison and this will support future applications as evidence of coaching.

University Taster days

Please remember that the universities are currently holding virtual and live open days. These are very valuable and give you the chance to get a feel for the university and gain a greater understanding of the courses available.

"Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet"

UKMT Maths Challenge

Congratulations to 60 pupils in Year 9,10 and 11 who took part in the UKMT Intermediate Maths Challenge at the beginning of February.

The Intermediate Mathematical Challenge is a 60-minute, multiple-choice competition aimed at pupils across the UK. It encourages mathematical reasoning, precision of thought, and fluency in using basic mathematical techniques to solve interesting problems. The problems on the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge are designed to make pupils think. Most are accessible, yet still challenge those with more experience.

The Halley Academy achieved several participation certificates as well as three pupils receiving Bronze awards, three achieving Silver awards and two achieving Gold awards.

Ha An and Angela who received the Gold awards also took part in the next round which was the Pink Kangaroo Challenge on Thursday 18th March.

Bronze Award

Maja
Sutharrsana
Artemios

Silver Award

Lara
Kobeen
Luca

Gold Award

Ha An
Angela

STEM Club

This module has seen the face to face launch of The Halley Academy STEM Club. STEM Club is run collaboratively by the Science, Technology and Mathematics faculties, and members have the opportunity to participate in projects involving all of these disciplines. Projects undertaken so far this module include looking at ways to improve the bird biodiversity of the grounds - students have designed and built bird feeders, and then adapted their designs to make them more squirrel proof. The ideas were pitched to a small audience of staff members by the designing teams, and will be built and tested later in the year.

The first picture shows a bird feeder designed and tested by Sara (8F3) during the Easter break.

Our current project is based around rockets - students are currently engaged in building model solid fuel rockets, which will be launched in the next module. The club is also now producing a weekly newsletter, which is circulated to all form groups. This covers what we have been doing and includes some background information about the processes involved. The club is open to all year groups - applications should be made to Mr Mensah.

GAV (Growing Against Violence) Workshops

During March, our Year 7 and 8s all engaged in the GAV (Growing Against Violence) workshops. GAV aims to prevent youth violence and protect young people against exploitation by gangs and grooming both online and face-to-face. Our students engaged in two hours of talks and discussions and were a credit to the Academy, highlighted by the comments from the facilitators that led the sessions.

‘The team were very happy with the sessions and the engagement from the students who asked some very relevant questions’.

‘All in all they were happy with how the activities went. The leaders are looking forward to returning next year.’

Wellbeing Interventions

The Inclusion Team is delighted to announce that we are able to offer our wellbeing intervention sessions once again.

We are now delivering the following sessions:

Think Good, Feel Good
Zones of Regulation
Talkabout Social Skills
Drawing and Talking
Art Therapy
Breakfast Club
Break Club

If you would like to find out more about these sessions, or would like to join one, please see your small school team.

The Infinity Hub students have been working on mask making in their art therapy session this week. The outside of the mask represents the way they think people see them (their public face) and the inside (not shown on the photos) represents their private and personal thoughts about themselves and the things people may not know about them. This is a selection of some of the masks.

Art News

KS3 Art students at The Halley Academy have been completing their MYP module assessments. In Year 7 they have focused on cultural heritage for their ‘Cultural Eyes’ project. Year 8 have been designing their own costumes for The Lion King, using inspiration from the designer Julie Taymor, and Year 9 and have been looking at interior design and using their perspective drawing skills to design their own interiors. Here are just a few examples of their fantastic work:

Chloe, Year 7

Bianca, Year 9

Juliana, Year 8

Boaz, Year 8

Rivers of the World

The Art Department will be taking part in an exciting, global project; 'Rivers of the World'. This is in conjunction with the British Council and The Thames Festival Trust and connects different parts of the world through their 'rivers'. As part of our International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme in Year 8, we have been focusing on insects and nature and particularly the impact science and technical innovation has had, and continues to have, on communities and habitats.

As part of the workshop, we will be making sea creatures from recycled materials donated by staff. The workshop will take place all day on Thursday 27th May and a further half day in Module 6. Once complete, Shona Watt, our visiting artist, will produce a digital board that will be displayed outside the Tate Modern, alongside the river and at The Maritime Museum. We will also work collaboratively with our partner school in Ghana. I am sure you will agree, this is an exciting opportunity for the students selected to take part and the academy.

Lisa Courtley

Coordinator of Learning for Visual and Performing Arts

Lead Practitioner Art

The Halley Academy Social Action Group's Campaign to Make Misogyny and Violence Against Women and Girls a Hate Crime

As you may already be aware, misogyny is now a recognised category in recording Hate Crime.

It was the stories of Faridah, Sophie, Yasmin and others that set Greenwich Citizens on fire, and made this campaign a reality.

It was almost 2 years ago that young women from The Halley Academy spoke out on this and that Gabriel and Tristan joined our campaign. Soon after, we took action, were interviewed by local newspapers and ITV London News, attended parliamentary meetings, All Party Parliamentary Groups, met local councillors and attended the London Mayoral Assembly.

Change can be a slow and challenging process, and this demonstrates that it takes a village to ensure justice and progress.

Congratulations to the members of The Halley Academy Social Action Group for this incredible win in their fight for justice! This win belongs to all the women that shared their pain, and to all those that allowed others to do so.

We would like to offer our thanks to the Tallow Chandlers for their ongoing support and positivity for our campaign.

Thank you and congratulations!

MyChildAtSchool

MyChildAtSchool is an online portal that enables parents / carers to view their child’s performance at the academy in real time via a web browser or an app (for Android or iOS).

Anytime access to Timetables, Attendance, Behaviour, Assessment, student reports, letters and important documents.

Access to Real-time Data

All the data is in real time so a parent / carer can instantly see whether their child is in the academy now

Personal Account Settings

Parents can update their personal contact details online so that the academy always has their most up to date information.

Announcements

Allows the academy to communicate with all parents or focus on a selected audience based on student groups, including attaching documents.

Timetable and Academic Calendar

Parents can see which lessons their child has and with whom as well as having access to the academy events in calendar format.

The Halley Academy currently uses MCAS to provide families with real time information on:

Academic Calendar
Assessment reports
Attendance
Class information
Personal Contact Details
Letters sent home
Timetables

We are looking to extend our use of MCAS further and will therefore be re-sending all usernames and passwords soon, so if you haven’t already logged on to the system, please do so.

If you have any queries relating to MCAS, please contact admin@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.