Embedded Files
Welcome from the Principal
I hope that by now you have all seen the news that we have appointed a new Principal for Snowfields from September. I already work closely with Laura Smith in my role as Principal Governor to LAT’s Maidstone Primary Academies. Laura is a highly effective and experienced principal with a huge commitment to SEND and gaining the very best outcomes for each of her students. With primary, secondary and SEND experience, as well as a long and successful career within LAT, she is extremely well placed to successfully lead Snowfields beyond my retirement in August. We will be working closely with Laura in the coming months as part of the handover process; she is meeting staff soon and will have the opportunity to meet students closer to the end of the academic year.
Thank you all for your efforts in helping to drive up our attendance. This has always been a challenge for us, with many of our young people experiencing anxiety about school. As I am sure you know, we work extremely hard to personalise our offer for all of our students who experience school based anxiety and ensure their attendance is as high as it can be. To support our pupils' learning and remain in line with DfE guidance and our Attendance Policy, we would like to reiterate that term-time holidays cannot be authorised. We truly value every day of your child's education, so authorised absence is strictly reserved for the very exceptional cases outlined in our school policy. Authorised absence can only be agreed in a few very exceptional cases which are outlined in our attendance policy and the DfE guidance. Thank you for your support and understanding; the very best outcomes can be achieved for our students with good attendance.
I wish you all a happy February half term. Hopefully we can finally begin to look forward to some sunnier days and lighter evenings soon.
Mrs Pickerill
Principal
News & Events at Snowfields
Box Clever Theatre Company
Treated Year 10 and 11 students to a high-energy, contemporary reimagining of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. They brought the story to life with fantastic songs, humour, and standout performances, all while expertly retaining the most important aspects of the novella.
Students were engaged throughout, with several even taking on roles in the live performance and doing a brilliant job! For our Year 11s, this wasn't just a break from the classroom; it was a useful revision tool. The production consolidated their understanding of core themes—redemption, social injustice, and the "Spirit of Christmas" - making the complex text far more accessible ahead of their summer GCSEs.
The learning didn't stop when the curtain fell. During the post-show Q&A, our students truly shone. The actors commented on the "impressive range" of questions, which covered everything from line memorisation to characterisation and the creative reasoning behind the modern adaptation. It was an entertaining and insightful morning for all.
Young Poet Laureate Competition
We are delighted to celebrate the incredible group of KS3 students who recently stepped up to produce poems for this year’s Young Poet Laureate competition to find the young poet laureate for Kent.
Poetry is often described as "the best words in the best order" but our students proved it is so much more than that. The entries were engaging, creative and entertaining, and it was wonderful to see the diverse range of ideas and voices. Whatever the outcome, we are super proud of our students, and there’s still the chance to become Snowfields’ first Poet Laureate too. Watch this space!
Bore Place
We are so proud of how our Leigh Academy students have embraced their recent trips to Bore Place. Our classes have had the wonderful opportunity to swap the classroom for the organic fields and ancient woodlands of the Kent High Weald. It’s been a joy to watch them roll up their sleeves and connect with nature, whether they’re learning about where our food comes from or simply enjoying the peace of the outdoors. These visits are about more than just "lessons"; they are building confidence, teamwork, and a real sense of calm. Seeing the students thrive in such a beautiful, supportive environment is a highlight for us all, and we can’t wait to see what they discover during their next visit!
Maths
Key Stage 3
Year 7 has been studying Algebra and Angles. In Algebra they have been learning how to collect like terms and expanding single brackets. We then moved onto angles; learning the names of types of angles, measuring and estimating their size by using protractors and taking our first steps into angle theorems.
Year 8 finished off their work from the previous module on linear graphs by solving inequalities by shading regions on them to show the solutions. Year 8 has also been learning how to round numbers to specific place values including decimal places. These skills were then used on estimating and testing accuracy of calculations by rounding to significant figures.
Year 9 have deepened their knowledge of angle theorem by learning all about triangles, vertically opposite angles, angles on straight and parallel lines. Then using this knowledge to calculate exterior and interior angles of polygons.
Key Stage 4
Year 10 have completed calculations with mixed numbers and learnt the differences between expressions, equations, identities and inequalities. They have then used this knowledge to rearrange and substitute into formulas. From there the Year 10’s have learnt how to expand and factorise quadratic expressions. They have also refreshed their knowledge on the area of 2D shapes.
Year 11 have been using their knowledge of the relationships between the side lengths and the interior angles of triangles to solve Pythagoras and trigonometry problems. They have also studied linear, quadratic and Fibonacci sequences as well as compound units of measure. Year 11 also learnt all about preparation and practise for their mock exams.
ICT
We are excited to share the incredible progress our students have made in their ICT lessons so far. Each year group has been engaged in a range of activities designed to develop their digital skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. Here’s a look at what they’ve been learning:
Year 7 – Exploring Computer Components
Our Year 7 students have been introduced to the different components of a computer, learning about their functions and how they work together. From understanding the role of hardware and software, to discovering the importance of storage devices and input/output hardware, students have gained valuable foundational knowledge. This unit has sparked curiosity about why different components are essential for performance. Students created a classroom model of a Computer with each student taking the role of a different component and then being connected by string to show how data moved from one component to the next.
Year 8 – 3D Design and Wearable Technology
Last module, our Year 8 students showcased their creativity by designing stunning 3D Christmas ornaments/keyrings using digital modelling software. They explored how technology can be used for design and manufacturing, producing impressive results! This module, they will delve into the world of wearable technology. From fitness trackers to smart clothing, they will explore how these innovations impact health, sport, and daily life.
Year 9 – ICT and the Workplace
Students have been developing their digital skills through Google Workspace, earning badges in tools such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Forms. These badges demonstrate their ability to create, organise, and present information effectively, which enhances their readiness for the workplace by building confidence, digital competence, and practical skills that are directly transferable to a professional environment..
Year 10 – Building Skills for Coursework
Our Year 10 students are laying the groundwork for their Year 11 coursework. They have been developing their technical skills and deepening their understanding of ICT concepts to ensure they are well-prepared for their assessments.
Year 11 – Hard Work and Dedication
Our Year 11 students are working exceptionally hard to complete five units of coursework, demonstrating incredible effort and dedication. The quality of work they are producing is outstanding, and we are incredibly proud of them. Their perseverance and determination will undoubtedly set them up for success as they approach their final assessments. We encourage them to keep up the fantastic work and to reach out if they need any support during the internal assessment period.
Music
Year 7 have enjoyed playing Brazilian Samba this module. Romney class at Cranbrook recorded a whole Samba piece for assembly, learning key music performance skills about structure and rhythm.
Year 8 have played Djembe drums and performed and composed polyrhythmic pieces.
Year 9 have been learning about Rock Music and have begun to learn to read guitar and ukulele tablature.
Pathfinder Update
Hair & beauty students have completed their unit on basic makeup application and have now moved on to styling men’s and women’s hair. There is a lot to cover and the students have jumped in with high enthusiasm and have been showing off their skills. They’ll be working hard on everything from shampooing to straightening and hair ups to hair products.
Childcare students have been working on safeguarding and protecting children and young people in this module. There is a lot of information but the students have handled it with maturity and understood how essential and important it is when working with children and young people. We are hoping to take the students to a local sensory baby group next module so they can see childcare in action and gain some experience.
A select group of students have been working with our Social Enterprise partners - Elevate Create, to build their knowledge of creative design and marketing. Students take part in a six week programme that is designed to teach them how to market their own designs. We are pairing this project with the launch of our new Enterprise curriculum which will soon showcase products made by our Sixthformers and will be available for public purchase. Watch this space for more information in the next few terms!
Communication
During this module Year 7s have been exploring Conversation skills. They have learnt the key components to conversations, including how to repair a conversation if it breaks down. They are conversation pros!
The year 8s have been focussing on Humour and how complex this can be! We have looked at sarcasm, puns and idioms just to name a few. We may have even found some future comedians with their jokes!
Online communication has been the topic for the Year 9 classes this term. They have navigated professional vs social online communication and how to be sensitive when discussing topics/opinions online. Great work!
'Young Cooks' Competition
Our students have been very busy with this module and it has been amazing to see how our students have developed their cooking skills from the beginning of the year in September to now. I am really proud to see their individual achievements in developing self confidence to work independently when cooking in practical lessons.
This has all led to our Students entering ‘Young Cooks’. This is the first time we have entered as a school and we had submitted 24 entries into the competition. The winners will be receiving a share of £500, in addition, a finalist will be selected to cook at a showcase lunch at The Dog in Wingham.
We are all extremely proud of each and every student who demonstrated the IB profiles by being Risk takers, great Communicators, Open mindedness, Balanced and Caring.
Well done to everyone who had submitted an entry!
We are extremely proud of you all.
PDP Asdan
Students in Cooper class, Year 10 have been working hard on challenges to gain further credits towards their PDP qualification. This module, students have focused on ‘Independent Living’. They most enjoyed planning and cooking a cultural meal. They chose to research traditional Korean foods, the thought of kimchi, bipimbap and mandu all sounded delicious but students decided to recreate Korean sticky wings with pickled cucumbers. The chicken was a hit (despite being a little messy to eat), but it seemed very few were as fond of the pickled cucumber!
Cooper also received an incredible visit from a steam train driver where students were able to interview him using questions they had planned. We were fascinated by how many exciting stories he had, how incredible the locos are and we were eager to find out how to support the KESR charity. Many students in Cooper love locomotives and it was wonderful to see this excitement. We look forward to upcoming trips to gain even more credits towards our award.
Autism Research
Are you a parent or carer of an autistic young person?
Stronger Together: How Relationships and Participation Support Resilience in Autistic Young People
Our Therapy Assistant at Snowfields, Ms Conington, is conducting research as part of a Master’s in Psychology at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Can you spare twenty - thirty minutes to help improve our
understanding of resilience in autistic young people?
Take part in research about resilience and participation in autistic young people.
All data is anonymous and confidential.
https://cccusocialsciences.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_80rGu6ukbUPBNVI
Thank you for your support!
Behaviour Policy
In February we updated our behaviour policy as part of our ongoing commitment to promoting a positive behaviour culture within our school, where all students can thrive and reach their full potential.
The updated policy is in line with the latest guidance from the Department for Education (DfE), the SEN Code of Practice, and the Education Endowment Foundation (EEF) guidance. It reflects our dedication to providing a supportive and consistent approach to behaviour management that is tailored to the needs of our students.
It is important that we teach young people actions have consequences. Snowfields behaviour approach aims to replicate this for students in a supportive educational environment. We predominantly utilise positive reinforcement and restorative practices. This means we praise the positive and support students to learn from the negative.
This updated Behaviour Policy is linked to a range of resources we use in school to support positive behaviour and de-escalation strategies. These resources help us to create a consistent and supportive environment for all our learners.
We believe that a positive learning environment is crucial for academic success and personal well-being. We strive to ensure that Snowfields is a disruption-free environment where all learners can focus on their education.
Thank you for your continued support in helping us achieve this. We value your partnership in ensuring that Snowfields is a positive and nurturing community for all.
Our behaviour policy can be found on our website: Behaviour-Support-Policy-Procedures
Attendance News
We have been working closely with families over the past year to support students who struggle with their attendance and understand that many of our students struggle particularly with anxiety, which in turn impacts on their attendance. However, over the past year we have had some huge successes and have seen students return to school using many of our strategies that we can use to support parents and ensure they continue to access lessons.
Our overall attendance sits just below the national average for special schools and will be looking to improve our attendance in the next academic year. In line with national guidance, we will be communicating with parents via letter to advise you if your child's attendance is of concern and work with you to support your child's return to school. Our Student Service Managers are a vital link to keeping in touch with parents and finding solutions to any concerns that you may have, particularly around attendance.
We will continue to celebrate the positive with certificates for those who achieve over 95% or made the biggest improvements. Well done to the students that have achieved this since September.
SMS Attendance Reporting
Just a reminder that we now have a mobile number that you can use to report absences 07860 054 492. Please send a text message with Students Name/ Dates of Absence/ Reason of Absence by 9.30 in the morning. Future dates can be reported too. Alternatively you can still use the office email address to report student absence: info@snowfields.latrust.org.uk. The office staff will then pass these messages on to form tutors.
My Child At School (MCAS)
My Child At School (MCAS)
As you are aware, Snowfields has now implemented a parent platform called My Child At School (MCAS). This is an online platform which is designed to share key information about your child/children's school day and enable effective communication between parents and the school.
All our communications are now issued via the School Office and sent to you via MCAS including letters and documents which will also be shared with you in the same way. Ahead of the issuing of School Reports and Provision Plans, we would like to encourage families to sign up to MCAS if you haven't already done so.
MCAS has proved to be a great help to parents as it allows them to see their child's timetable, attendance, positive behaviour points and school reports to name but a few.
Parents no longer need a link from the school - you can sign up yourself just as long as you use the email address we hold on our system for you.
If you need any support with self-sign up, then please feel free to contact the School Office who will assist you with this.
School Contact Details
Messages from the School will show as 12072@bromcomcloud.com. This is a no reply email address.
Please do not message Teachers directly, if you wish to contact the school you can do so in the following ways:
Call the school office on 01622 250 050
Email your respective college -
Bearsted - infobearsted@snowfields.latrust.org.uk
Cranbrook - infocranbrook@snowfields.latrust.org.uk
Minster - infominster@snowfields.latrust.org.uk
Contact the school using MCAS ✉️ this message is sent directly to info@snowfields.latrust.org.uk
For Attendance Only - you can send a text message to 07860 054 492. This is a SMS service only it will not accept voice messages.
Confidential emails for Mrs Pickerill can be emailed to principal@snowfields.latrust.org.uk
Uniform Expectations
At Snowfields Academy, like most schools we have expectations of our pupils’ uniform. Pupils are expected to wear a white shirt, black blazer, black shoes and black trousers or skirt. Some boys also wear a Snowfields tie. Trainers which are not black, or have distinct coloured branding, do not meet our uniform expectations.
Students may also prefer cotton Snowfields T-shirts, polo shirts or shorts which are also acceptable. To order directly from our uniform supplier, Brigade, click this link.
Where necessary, we can make reasonable adjustments for individual pupils. This does however need to be agreed with either the senior leadership team or your college behaviour lead.
If you feel that your child cannot meet our uniform expectations and will require reasonable adjustments, please contact your college Student Services Manager.
Schools Team Officers and Safeguarding
Safeguarding Team
The Safeguarding team at Snowfields meet regularly to discuss ways in which we can support our students and families. The team has grown and the school website reflects the current staff members who are involved.
Details of our designated team at each college can be found below.
Safeguarding Links
Snowfields Policy - It’s important that all Snowfields students understand Safeguarding and the school policy is available in easy to read language: Child Friendly Safeguarding Policy.
Helpful links - websites that we recommend include:
Student Service Managers
A reminder that our teams can be contacted on the college email addresses below:
ssm_bearsted@snowfields.latrust.org.uk
ssm_cranbrook@snowfields.latrust.org.uk
ssm_minster@snowfields.latrust.org.uk
At Bearsted the team is made up of Miss Savage, Miss Burton, Mrs Giles and Mrs Underdown.
The team at Cranbrook includes Mrs Davies, Miss Clark, Miss Martin and Mrs Norman.
All of the SSMs are Safeguarding trained and support with communication between home and school.
Snowfields 2026/27 term dates are available to view on our website:
https://snowfieldsacademy.org.uk/academy-life/term-dates/
The Official Snowfields Academy Facebook
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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