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Dear families,
Despite the rising Covid rates we have managed to have an enjoyable end of the school term. Classes have all been out on the trips which have been thoroughly enjoyed by everyone and the standard of behaviour has been very good. It is really important that our students have the opportunity to engage in the community and I am very appreciative of all the support from teachers and staff to make sure trips take place. We have had our first inter-schools sporting event; football with Broomhill Bank, and I was proud of how well our students welcomed other students to our academy. Our Winter Fair has been enjoyed by everyone and has raised over £100. I am delighted we were able to make a really good donation to our local food bank and I thank you for your kind donations. I am really hopeful that sometime in 2022 we will be able to invite parents into school for a similar event.
Whilst 2021 has been a challenging year in many ways, we have lots to celebrate. This time last year we hadn't yet received any chromebooks, now every student has a device to use for blended learning. We now have Willow, Jade's beautiful therapy dog who brings joy to students and staff alike on a daily basis. We are closer than ever, Covid dependent, to finally opening Infinity Cafe. We have new opportunities for students to regulate their sensory and behaviour for learning needs such as the outdoor gym and the vending machine with it's token system. Most of all we have welcomed many new students to Snowfields Academy; the transitions for all of our new students, and especially our new year 7, has been highly effective, and we have grown from an academy of just over 40 to 80 students. We have welcomed many new staff who have made a great addition to our team and are working really hard and very effectively to deliver the learning and support your sons and daughters deserve.
Thanks to some kind donations and our silent auction we have raised over £400. Thank you.
Thanks to all of you for the kind gifts and lovely cards, they are very much appreciated. I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable holiday and I look forward to seeing our students, and some of you, in the New Year.
Dee
Parent Questionnaire
Thank you to all of you who have already responded. For those that would still like to answer our short survey, please use the link here. The results will be shared early next term.
Horticulture:
Winter has arrived in the horticultural area. It has been a busy term preparing for the bad weather. We have taken cuttings and brought all our plants together and tucked them up into the polytunnel . There is nearly no more room at the inn!
Outside our hardy plants have been covered with fleece to keep the worst off however, garlic and onions that like a cold snap to get them going have been planted in plot three. These were then partially dug up by a fox so our rows might not be straight !
With thoughts of warmer days to come and hoping to encourage wildlife, we have grown plants to populate the pond area at school .These should be ready to plant out in spring attracting pollinators and bees when all our year groups will be experiencing horticulture lessons.
Nocutts garden centre has again been very generous this term, donating lots of seeds for the spring, a bird table and a magnificent Christmas tree for school which we are hugely grateful for.
Year 9
This term the year 9 students finished exploring forensic science by linking the science used to solve a road traffic collision. We look at a range of different fields of science such as; forces, speeds and acceleration, reaction time and the nervous system, drugs and alcohol. The students were then able to use all of this knowledge to help them solve a scenario. We have now started our new project looking at science behind fireworks, which the students have been very engaged in. They have especially enjoyed completing the flame test practical exploring what different colours meal salts burn. Next term we will complete our project of fireworks before moving onto a new project
Year 10
In year 10 we have to been studying the building blocks of life, drawing in from all three areas of science (biology, chemistry and physics). We started the term by looking at the periodic table and the structure of atoms. We then moved on to looking at Cells in Animals and Plants. This allowed the students to gain a deeper understanding of how our bodies work at a cellular level, exploring processes such as diffusion, osmosis and active transport. We have now moved onto learning about waves and the different properties they have. The students have particularly enjoyed using the ripple tanks to look at how frequency impacts the wavelength. Next term we are going to look at the electromagnetic spectrum and then different types of reactions.
Students from Russell and McQueen (Year 8) have been learning about 3D printing this term. They have looked at the advancements in 3D printers over recent years and compared different 3D printed houses. They have been able to learn how to use the CAD (Computer Aided Design) software Tinkercad to create their own Keyring or Fridge Magnet. Students have had to consider and reflect on the effectiveness and suitability of their designs as well as thinking about the environmental impact of their designs needing to be re-printed to correct errors in their designs.
Students from Russell and McQueen (Year 8) have been learning about 3D printing this term. They have looked at the advancements in 3D printers over recent years and compared different 3D printed houses. They have been able to learn how to use the CAD (Computer Aided Design) software Tinkercad to create their own Keyring or Fridge Magnet. Students have had to consider and reflect on the effectiveness and suitability of their designs as well as thinking about the environmental impact of their designs needing to be re-printed to correct errors in their designs.
Communication:
Snowfields students have been working hard in Communication lessons this term. The Zones of Regulation programme has been the focus for our Year 7s. Lessons have supported their understanding of how to identify their emotions and regulate themselves. They completed this unit by making their own personalised keyrings to record strategies that work for them.
Year 8s and 9s have focused on anxiety this term. We started by looking at a definition and researching different types of anxiety. Following this we discussed how anxiety can have an impact on us physically and emotionally as well as impacting our relationships and behaviour. Everyone shared strategies and learnt from each other.
I am really proud of how hard our students have worked this term and been brave enough to share with their peers.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday and a well deserved rest! Courtney Bolton
Individuals and Societies (Humanities):
Years 7 and 8 have been exploring the Norman Conquest this term, while Year 9 has been looking at the history of democracy in the UK.
There has been a great deal of focus on looking at primary sources and using our analysis skills to explore their importance.
Years 7 and 8 had a chance to explore how King Harold died by comparing various sources and considering their validity and the trustworthiness of the authors.
Year 9 has embarked on a research project to investigate whether or not the suffragettes could be considered terrorists!
Both of these topics have generated engaging discussions!
It is absolutely wonderful to see the students at Snowfields enjoying history so much
Science:
Year 7
Over this term, the Year 7 classes have been learning the fundamental building blocks of science in both biology and chemistry. We have learned about cells as the building block of all living things, we have investigated single cell organisms and bacteria, and then explored the levels of organisation that lead to fantastically complex, multicellular organisms like humans. In the field of chemistry, particles have been identified as the building blocks of matter. We can explain and describe the states of matter using our knowledge of particles and their behaviour. This particle model was then used to explain what happens when matter changes state, and is a really useful tool for understanding everyday phenomena - like melting, freezing, boiling and condensing. These fundamental concepts in biology and chemistry are the firm foundations for further development of scientific knowledge on our continuing journey of discovery.
Year 8
Over this term, the Year 8 classes have been enjoying a deep-dive into the atomic model, the elements, and how best to employ the Periodic Table to understand trends and relationships between the elements. Core skills we have acquired include how to recognise elements by name and atomic symbol; how to locate elements in the Periodic Table by their Group; an understanding of trends in physical and chemical properties within Groups; and the ability to use the metal reactivity series to explain and predict the outcome of reactions. If we were to compare this term to learning a language, then we have learned the basic grammar of chemistry and have begun to write effective descriptive sentences in both words and symbols. Having confidence in the language and structure of chemistry at this early stage will stand us in good stead as we extend our scope in future lessons.
On Tuesday 30th November our Year 9 and 10 students played two football matches against Broomhill Bank School. It was brilliant to be able to host our first football fixture.
The students worked hard to prepare for their matches by attending training sessions, they all showed a fantastic amount of commitment. The first match was played by our red team. The students demonstrated excellent communication and team work skills throughout. Some brilliant saves were made along with some fantastic and successful shots on target, the Red team won the first match with a final score of 5-3.
The second match was played by our green team, the students worked well together and demonstrated resilience throughout. A last-minute goal from the opposition meant the match ended with a final score of 3-2 to Broomhill Bank School.
Overall, it was a brilliant afternoon and the students demonstrated our Snowfields Values throughout the matches.
Well done to all the students who participated.
Year 7 & 8 Panto Trip!
Year 7 and 8 attended Jack and the Beanstalk as their Christmas Treat.
We travelled into Maidstone on a double decker bus and then had a picnic lunch back at school. Fun and silly gags were in full supply and students enjoyed themselves and the chance to have a day out.
The students from Dickens Class all enjoyed a game of bowling at Lockmeadow and then we all sat down in the Franky and Bennies restaurant for lunch. Some students had pizza and some had burgers but everyone had brownies and ice cream for dinner.
Austen class went to Gravity @ Lockmeadow to play Urban Street Golf for their Christmas trip!
Lots of fun was had by all trying to get the best scores on each hole. There were quite a few impressive shots - some on purpose, some by pure luck!
Bertram, the Austen class mascot, also came along and joined in the fun!
After mini-golf was finished, Austen class was treated to slushies - and they made sure to get the most out of the unlimited refills!
When we got back to school, we had a little holiday party with lots of snacks and treats.
All in all, it was a great day!
Year 10 Bowling
Year 10 enjoyed an end of year rewards trip to Hollywood Bowl in Maidstone. After 3 hotly contested games, students enjoyed a diner style lunch of burgers, chips and everything in between!
The trip was a great chance for students to build social connections, and for staff to be well and truly humbled by students' superior bowling skills!
Oli claims to have earnt the best score on the day, but we think he may have altered some of his scores using the on-lane computer!!
As Father Christmas loads up his sleigh it may be very possible that one or two of our students are lucky enough to receive a new electronic device this Christmas.
Whilst we want our young people to enjoy these devices, we always need to be mindful of the potential risks when our young people navigate online communities. At Snowfields we want to support our families with this. National Online Safety is an online portal full of useful information, videos and webinars for school staff and families. It can be used by both adults and students, and can be a real help. The materials on here help us and our students to develop our understanding of how to stay safe online. You are invited to make your own account. We can share specific videos or material which we feel of real use, but you are also able to access many of the resources it contains.
To make an account please click here. I cannot emphasise enough just what a fantastic resource this is and would encourage as many of our families as possible to take advantage of it and its content.
Snowfields Winter Fair
Snowfields held its first internal winter fair yesterday. Students took part in games and were able to purchase items made by the Winter Enterprise.
Over £200 was raised and we were able to donate 15 shopping bags full of food to the local foodbank.
Thank you to everyone who supported the day - a great time was had by all!
MAIDSTONE LIONS PROJECT TO ENSURE EVERY MAIDSTONE SCHOOL HAS A DEFIBRILLATOR
MAIDSTONE LIONS PROJECT TO ENSURE EVERY MAIDSTONE SCHOOL HAS A DEFIBRILLATOR
Maidstone Lions have launched a project that they hope will result in every school in Maidstone having at least one defibrillator. A recent survey of schools in Maidstone revealed that approximately one third do not have a defibrillator. while of those that do, another third may have just one machine on a large campus, where really two or three are needed.
It is a sad fact that every week in the UK, 12 young people under the age of 35 die from Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS), many of these deaths take place in a school setting.
The use of a defibrillator significantly improves the chance of survival, in fact use of a defibrillator within one minute of a Cardiac Arrest improves the chance of survival by 90%, decreasing by 10% with every minute that passes. Research by the Club has revealed that there have been cases of SADS in Maidstone schools in the recent years, some of which were adults.
Lions are looking to raise £65,000 to fund defibrillators and training. Their first aim is that every school has one defibrillator, then to increase the number of defibrillators in schools that have a need for more. Unfortunately, this is not something that the club can do on their own and we are looking for community support for the success of the project. The Club are starting the fund with an injection of £15,000 and, in addition, every penny raised at our annual street collection in Week Street, Maidstone Town Centre on 18th December will be added to the fund. We hope that people will support the project and spread the word through social media and word of mouth
If you would like to donate to this appeal by Maidstone Lions you can do so on their GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/c773fb16 or on their website www.maidstonelions.org.uk you can also follow them on Twitter and Facebook
For further information please email welfare@maidstonelions.org.uk
Or see our website www.maidstonelions.org.uk
KENT YOUNG CARERS
KENT YOUNG CARERS
Kezia Murphy is the lead coordinator in the Maidstone area for Kent Young Carers.
Every child registered receives amazing support; they will receive a monthly newsletter, a bus pass (for those of secondary school age) and invites throughout the year to a range of respite activities.
Further support can also be offered of monthly workshop invites and 1:1 sessions with Kezia to provide a low-level talking therapy.
If you have a Young Carer at home who is not yet registered with Kent Young Carers, please find the button below to refer them and which also lists eligibility criteria
Silent Auction
Thank you to everyone who emailed in with bids for the silent auction, we were amazed at the number of bids we received, and also the generous amounts that were bid too! The winners were:
Mr & Mrs Smith - Hamper
Mr Wisdom - Champagne
In total we managed to raise an amazing £300 , well done and thank you to everyone involved.
Carols at Invicta Court
It was lovely to give something back to the community, and we were doubly rewarded when the residents asked if they could sing to us as well! We sang Jingle Bells, White Christmas, Silent Night, Away in a Manger and then enjoyed excellent renditions of O Come All Ye Faithful, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas.
We look forward to visiting the residents again in the new year! Chris Dow
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