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Dear families,
I hope you enjoy our most recent newsletter. Inside you will find some information from teachers which provides a snapshot of some of the learning taking place at Snowfields, both at Bearsted and Cranbrook. If you don’t already, then please follow our official Snowfields Academy facebook page, where we regularly update with snapshots of day to day learning opportunities.
At the end of this term, we will be sharing with you the School Assessments and Provision Plans via MCAS for your child. Is therefore important to ensure that you can access MCAS if you are not already set up. A communication was shared with you this week about Self-Sign Up so there is no longer a need to request a link from the school.
We will be going ‘live’ with MCAS Behaviour after half term, using it initially to share positive behaviour points so you can celebrate those times when your child engages well with their learning and makes good progress. This system already sits alongside our popular postcards, which we regularly send home in celebration of students who have gone above and beyond their learning targets or represented our school values especially well. We hope you will enjoy this more regular feedback on behaviour and outcomes.
Signing up to MCAS will also give the opportunity to see attendance information so we can all work together to improve attendance where this may be, or is becoming, a concern.
Kind regards
Mrs Dee Pickerill
MYP Update
We are delighted to share the latest happenings in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) as we continue to foster holistic development and a passion for learning among our students.
This term, we are excited to introduce a new initiative – the "IB Learner of the Week." This program aims to spotlight and celebrate students who embody the core values of the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile Attributes.
The IB Learner Profile Attributes are a set of ten characteristics that encourage students to become lifelong learners and globally minded individuals. Whether it's demonstrating principled behaviour, showcasing open-mindedness, or exemplifying a commitment to be caring, these attributes play a crucial role in shaping well-rounded individuals.
We encourage you to stay tuned for updates on our IB Learner of the Week, where we will feature students who exemplify the diverse range of IB Learner Profile Attributes. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the remarkable qualities that make our students stand out in the Snowfields Academy community!
In other exciting news, our Year 9 students have been actively engaged in meaningful investigations for their community projects. These projects are a cornerstone of the MYP curriculum, providing students with an opportunity to apply their learning to real-world issues and make a positive impact on their community.
From conducting surveys and interviews to exploring various sources of information and creating presentations, our Year 9s have started to demonstrate their commitment to the IB Learner Profile Attributes in action. They are beginning to think critically, and applying their knowledge and skills to address local challenges.
As we witness the enthusiasm and dedication of our Year 9 students in these community projects, we can't help but be inspired by their efforts to become knowledgeable, caring, and reflective individuals. Stay tuned for updates on their progress and the impactful outcomes they achieve.
Subject Updates
English
Key Stage 3:
Year 7 have been working through books linked to the First and Second World Wars. They have been practising their analysis skills and developing their academic writing skills. The cross-curricular elements of this topic have been a big hit, and students have enjoyed sharing their knowledge about the contextual factors linked to their class readers.
Year 8 have been learning all about media and non-fiction texts, and how the media impacts their lives. Students have taken a close look into the language used in the media, but also the effects of gender stereotypes, camera angles and props on audiences. They have even been busy creating and writing their own newspapers too.
Year 9 have spent the module learning all about poetry and how to analyse it. They have been looking at poetry across the ages, from Blake and Byron’s Romantic poetry to Duffy’s more contemporary writings. Year 9 students have worked really hard learning how to compare poems and put together essays. They’ve also had the opportunity to create their own poetry. We are really proud of the work they are creating!
Key Stage 4:
Key Stage 4 are looking at a range of literature for their respective courses. They have been busy developing their analysis skills and looking at how authors create meaning through their word choices, as well as how the world they were written in can impact on their themes and intentions.
Our Year 10 Curiosity classes are currently studying the play, An Inspector Calls, and it has to be said, are giving great performances in the reading of it. Leading up to Christmas, they also studied A Christmas Carol; both of these texts form part of their GCSE English Literature course. Our Year 10 Spirit class have been working on prose and poetry, studying short stories and poetry across time and theme. They’ve also completed some non fiction reading and writing as they work towards their English qualification.
Our Year 11 Curiosity class are currently studying poetry from their anthology as part of the GCSE English Literature course. They are studying a range of poems across time and also different themes. They have been putting forward great ideas about the poems and expressing their personal opinions. They are now working towards developing their extended writing so that they are able to maximise their chances of success. The previous module was a busy time with the study of Macbeth and the mock exams which took place before Christmas. The mock exams allowed students to experience the process they will go through in the summer. For our Year 11 Spirit Class, this was also an opportunity to sit their first Functional Skills level 1 English exam. This consisted of a non fiction reading paper and non fiction writing paper, which cover a range of different topics and ideas. Some students are now focusing on completing the speaking and listening element of the Functional Skills qualification, whilst others are working on their reading and writing skills in preparation for their next assessment opportunity.
Maths
Key stage 3
This module Year 7 has been studying Algebra and Angles. In Algebra they have been learning how to collect like terms and expanding single brackets which for some included a trip to Paul’s Plaice fish and chip shop. 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 been plotting graphs from a given equation and then using these to solve equations. They have also been deepening 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 as well as studying units of measure. Year 11 have also been learning all about preparation and practise for their mock exams.
Science
Key stage 3
Our studies into science this module have focused on expanding the understanding of the world around students.
Year 7 have been learning about space, taking a trip through the solar system to understand the formation of planets and how light travels to us from the sun.
Year 8 have been learning about food, they have been testing for macro-nutrients like proteins, starch and fats. They have also enjoyed learning about digestion and making poo!
Year 9 have been learning about the process of evolution and genetics. They have engaged in case studies about the evolution of horses, moths and even godzilla!
Key stage 4
Year 10 has been focusing on the human body in this module, they have dissected hearts, learnt about the lungs and tested for macronutrients. They also spent time learning about their own brains and neurodivergence.
Following their highly successful Mock Examinations in December, Beasted Year 11 have been delving deep into the science of chemical change and how to measure or predict reactivity.
The Arts
In year 7, students continue to expand their core skills in both art and music.
Students are learning about colour mixing and colour relationships in art, and are currently moving from using ‘dry’ mediums like coloured pencils to a ‘wet’ medium like paint to expand their control of primary, secondary and tertiary colours.
In music, students are developing their piano and keyboard skills and beginning to peel back the layers of music theory, covering scales, chords, and the intervals between note pitches.
In year 8, art students are taking their knowledge of surrealism, hybrids and fusions and beginning to explore the lore of the Green Man, creating their own character portraits based on the tales of yore!
In music, students have taken a trip around the world to explore African drumming, and the idea of polyrhythmic composition, and music for purpose.
In year 9, art students are looking at portraiture and have discussed the history of the self portrait and its relationship to early technology like mirrors. In their sketchbooks they are breaking down how to draw faces and accurate representations of people using tools and techniques like grids and proportional spacing.
In music, we’ve taken a trip back through the history of rock and roll music, starting with its roots in blues, and culminating in the wide range of sub-genres we can recognise and listen to today.
At Key Stage 4, Year 10 have begun their personal portfolio projects, just as Year 11 have concluded theirs and begun their externally set projects. As always, it’s incredibly exciting to see students energised by new projects and new ideas. We’ve shared a sample of some early work here.
PSHE
PSHE
Life Skills
Life Skills
Our spiral curriculum means that our year 7-10 students revisit the same topics at each point each year, these are then developed and expanded on as student’s progress throughout their school years. Module 3s focus is Dreams and Goals, this covers choices and decisions (Y7), earning and money choices (Y8), personal strengths and future planning (Y9) and the impact of relationships and health on our goals (Y10).
The Y11 PSHE curriculum is shorter due to this being their examination year, so they are focusing on the Healthy Me topic of Relationships and Sex education, including consent, hormonal health and pregnancy.
The exciting event in Life Skills this module has been our Year 9’s starting their Community Project. This is an exciting experience where each class picks one area of need within their local community, they then identify a project they can take action on to help improve this need. This can be done individually, in pairs or in a small group. In our next newsletter I look forward to updating you on how our students are getting on.
In year 7 students are completing work focusing on Managing our emotions, and in year 8 students are exploring Basic First Aid, this includes learning how to treat minor injuries.
Humanities
In Year 7, our students have been immersed in a thrilling study of Thomas Becket's murder, with a unique focus on role-playing the events at Canterbury Cathedral. This hands-on approach not only makes history come alive but also allows students to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding this historical event.
Additionally, they have embarked on a journey to uncover the motivations behind the Crusades, shedding light on why individuals were drawn to such significant and challenging expeditions.
In the geographical realm, Year 7s have been captivated by the dynamic features of the restless earth. Exploring the forces that drive earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis, they are developing a comprehensive understanding of the natural phenomena that shape our planet.
Year 8 students have been engaged in a thought-provoking exploration of the transatlantic slave trade. Delving into the historical context, they are gaining insights into the lives of those who endured this dark chapter of human history.
Simultaneously, students are examining the physical and human factors contributing to flooding risks, fostering a holistic understanding of environmental challenges and their social implications.
In Year 9, our students have been transported back in time to the trenches of World War I, gaining a vivid understanding of the conditions faced by soldiers during this pivotal period in history.
Simultaneously, they are examining contemporary issues by exploring weather patterns and climate change. Understanding the impact of human activities on the environment, students are developing a global perspective on the challenges we face in the 21st century.
Vocational Studies
In Key Stage 3, pupils at Bearsted have been starting their Horticulture unit, taking advantage of the fantastic facilities at the Bearsted college. At the Cranbrook college, pupils have been working through theory and practical cooking tasks. They have been learning key skills around the safe use of kitchen tools and then applying these skills in delicious recipes such as Macaroni and Cheese - which Mr Nolan in particular enjoyed taste testing!
Pupils in Key Stage 4 at both colleges have continued to work through their portfolios. Again, demonstrating their theory understanding as well as their practical application of these.
Physical Education
This module students have been learning all about net games.
At Cranbrook they have experienced Badminton, Volleyball and Table tennis. Students have worked on their hand eye coordination as well as their social interactions and communication during pair work. Students have used a range of adapted equipment to support their successes, including different size balloons, giant shuttlecocks, slo-mo shuttles, beach balls and giant balloon balls too!
Next module we move on to aesthetics where students will have the opportunity to do some Gymnastics and Trampolining.
At Bearsted our pupils have been perfecting their volleyball and kinball skills in our Net Games module. Alongside improving their teamwork skills we have worked on tactical understanding. Like Cranbrook pupils have had the chance to use different equipment in their lessons throughout the term. Next module we are moving onto aesthetics where we will look at different dance types and gymnastics.
We have had Badminton and football fixtures against our Cranbrook site which is something we are looking to continue as a school and offer more opportunities for our pupils to represent the school in different sports.
ICT
KS3
The Year 7 students at both colleges have learned how to use the different Google Apps and they are now experts in using Google Classroom. They are currently learning about the different components that form part of a computer and how these components work together in order to perform a function.
This module Year 8 students at Cranbrook and Bearsted have started a Unit on 3D printing where students will learn how to use CAD software to design a 3D item and print it using the Makerbot 3D printers. Some students independently worked on their designs in their free time and it shows how creative and committed they are.
Students in Year 9 at Bearsted have started building Mbot Ranger robots and will learn how to use block coding concepts to drive them through a set course in the classroom.
KS4
The Y10 and Y11 students at both colleges are working hard to complete all units required, in order to gain an ICT qualification at the end of the year.
Some Y10 students had the opportunity to take part in a Game coding and VR experience workshop. During this workshop, students built a game element in a virtual reality space on an ipad and then explored their game on a VR box goggle set.
Communication
During this module Year 7’s 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 8’s 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!
Snowfields Post 16 - Pathfinder College
Snowfields Post 16 - Pathfinder College
This term Pathfinder students have been developing their practical skills by taking part in a variety of learning workshops. Scott led the students in a bread making workshop, sharing his knowledge of how to make simple and tasty breads. The students thoroughly enjoyed this experience and hope to use these skills to make bread for the Infinity Cafe in the future.
On Saturday 27th January it was the Holocaust Remembrance Day. The Pathfinder students spent a day learning about the Holocaust and an amazing survivor called Suzanna Pollock. The students developed their stitching techniques by creating memorial pieces highlighting their own interests and skills.
Wellbeing & Therapy
Mental Health Champions
Our Year 9 students at both colleges had Mental Health Champion training this term. The training involved identifying what impacts mental health, recognising signs and symptoms, understanding common mental health issues and practical tips to support mental health. Students had to assess their own mental health and come up with some actions on how mental health could better be supported at school. This training has empowered students with knowledge and ideas to support themselves and others and at the end of the course they graduated as Mental Health Champions. It was lovely to see the enthusiasm our students had for this topic. One student from Bearsted made posters to stick up around school the very next day!
PASS (Pupils Attitudes to School and Self)
The personal, social and emotional development of our students is of utmost importance to us and we are eager to capture how your child feels about themselves and the school. Therefore we will be using the Pupil Attitudes to Self and School (PASS) framework in place in Module 4.
This tool measures students’ attitudes towards themselves as learners and their attitudes to school in order to understand internal and complex reasons behind behavioural issues, low attendance levels, poor attainment, mental health and wellbeing issues. As well as identifying barriers to learning in order to ensure student wellbeing and positive outcomes at a whole school, class, and individual level.
More information will be shared with parents and carers in Module 4.
Lunch Time Clubs
Bearsted Clubs
At every break and lunch time students can attend the ever-popular Switch Club or Club Central rooms. At Switch Club students can take part in paired or group games, these help our students build friendships and develop their social skills through game play. The new game bought, following student voice, for this module is Super Mario Brothers Wonder. At Club Central students can choose to engage in board games, building lego sets or jigsaws
One new addition to lunch time clubs this module has been Craft Club, this takes place in the STEM room. Students have been engaging in a range of Christmas crafts, and have proudly showing off their designs around the academy.
Another new addition on Wednesday lunchtimes is our Vexillology Club (all things flags) hosted by our Year 9s. The team running it are hoping to announce an exciting competition to design a Snowfields flag, so watch this space!
Outside students can choose from football on the MUGA on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays students can explore other sports including basketball and handball. Inside we run Badminton Club on the same days.
Outside we also have a range of activities that students can engage in including table tennis, table football and the outdoor gym.
Warhammer - Cranbrook
Exciting news alert: our very own Warhammer Gaming Club is now in full swing! Picture this: every lunchtime, students gather to dive into the captivating world of Warhammer, armed with models they've not only built but also painted with impressive skill. But here's the best part – we recently took a trip to Ashford where our students not only learned to play the game but also got a sneak peek into the awesome world of game design as a potential career. The vibe at the club is electric and we owe it all to the fantastic support from our school community. So, if your child has a knack for strategy or just loves gaming, invite them to join us during lunch for a blast of fun and creativity!
Cranbrook Clubs
Social times at Cranbrook continue to be a source of joy! There’s a vast range of activities pupils can choose to engage in throughout lunch time. Club Central is home to Lego Club, Nintendo Switch and crafts activities. The auditorium is host to Just Dance and Karaoke. On the playground epic football matches take place, as well as basketball. On Wednesdays, farm club get together and work hard on the farm with Mr Cooper, alternatively pupils can also access football coaching in the sports hall.
Celebration Assemblies embodies everything Snowfields drives for - success and joy! Mr Nolan and Miss Bradbrook particularly appreciate how pupils celebrate the success of others showing our core value of 'Be Kind'.
It has been an absolute joy for Miss Bradbrook and Mr Nolan to walk around the school and see the learning taking place which occurs in a range of ways. Staff are utilising a range of learning approaches, such as hands on learning and digital learning to engage pupils to facilitate their progress.
Snowfields Academy Updates
Uniform Expectations
At Snowfields Academy, like most schools we have expectations of our pupils’ uniform. As we shared in our transition booklet, Snowfields 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.
Behaviour as a Curriculum
This module students have been focussing on the core value of “Be Kind” We have enabled the students to explore and discuss zones of regulation. This will not only help students to understand how they are feeling but also how others are feeling. Students with a better understanding of themselves and better empathy skills will find it easier to seek the best support strategies for themselves and hopefully others too moving forward.
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.
Please contact the School Office to ask them to send you a further link, alternatively you can sign up yourself using the following:
www.mychildatschool.com or download the app MCAS - Google Play MCAS - Apple Store
Click on the Sign Up link in the Parent Login screen.
Enter the school’s Postcode ME14 5GA or School ID 12072
Select the school from the list in the dropdown.
Click Continue.
Enter the registered email address.
Click Sign Up and follow the instructions in the email you receive.
During the course of next module, we intend to also roll out absence management and achievement points on MCAS.
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
Contact the school using MCAS ✉️ this message is sent directly to info@snowfieldsacademy.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@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk
Student Service Managers
Each college has a team of Student Service Managers (SSMs). At Bearsted the team includes Abby Savage, Tracey Christofi and Natalie Giles. At Cranbrook the team is made up of Sandra Davies and Jessica Clark. Many families will be familiar with these members of staff as they regularly make contact with home about student needs, concerns and support. All of our SSMs are Safeguarding trained and work with teachers and the school leadership to support students and families. You can contact the SSMs at your child’s college on the following email addresses:
Bearsted:
ssm_bearsted@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk
Cranbrook:
ssm_cranbrook@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk
Postcards
There has been a real drive for positive reinforcement at Snowfields this academic year. In addition to our Celebration Assemblies, Shout Out Boards and Reward Stamps, our pupils are recognised by staff with a postcard home for displaying Snowfields’ core values. It has been wonderful to see the pupils stretch themselves above and beyond, to earn a postcard!
Events in 2024
Events in Modules 3 and 4
Parent Consultations
Year 7 - 21st February
Coffee Mornings
18th January - Cranbrook
22nd February - Bearsted
Mental Health Champion Training
15th January (Sixth form)
16th January (Year 9)
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.
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 Friendly Safeguarding Policy
Community Links
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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