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Dear families,
The last few weeks have flown by as our new and returning students and staff have settled into school routines. Our new Year 11 students are working extremely hard in their exam year, ably supported by our excellent staff. Our plans for Snowfields at Minster are coming to life and we have begun the process of offering places to next year’s Year 7s at what will then be 3 colleges, covering more of the county. We are very proud to be the first choice for many families. Thank you for supporting your young people’s transitions to us, we know this can be a challenging process for some of our young people and we will aim to work closely with you to get this right for your child. We hope you enjoy the October half term and look forward to seeing you in November.
Best wishes,
Mrs Pickerill
EVENTS
This module, Snowfields Academy held two Coffee Mornings, providing a wonderful opportunity to meet with our families and develop a sense of community. These gatherings allowed us to share valuable knowledge and experiences related to autism, update families on our core values, and provide insights into the MYP and curriculum offer. Coffee Mornings are held three times a year, these events are a vital part of staying connected and ensuring ongoing collaboration. We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the families who attended; your support is deeply appreciated, and we look forward to future conversations!
ENGLISH
Year 7s have settled extremely well into English at Snowfields - well done, everyone! This module, Year 7 began by exploring heroes and villains, before studying Myths and Legends via the amazing Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief. Every class has engaged with the story and bigger ideas contained within the text, as well as getting the opportunity to create their own hero or villain.
Year 8 have been studying an autobiography unit and we opted for Boy by Roald Dahl. We’ve had lots of fun reading about Dahl’s childhood experiences and learning about perspective through the eyes of a young boy. It’s been interesting learning about Dahl’s experiences of school, compared to contemporary experiences and exploring family trees. The students have worked on their reading skills, selecting relevant information from a text and using their inference skills. They’ve also had the opportunity to develop their writing for particular forms, including letters home, rewriting a chapter from a different perspective and writing a memoir, as well as taste testing liquorice and sherbet - some of which ended up in the bin! Their engagement, knowledge and understanding of the text and ideas has been phenomenal! We are also in the process of organising a trip to Matilda the Musical for our year 8 students so watch this space.
Travel writing is the topic of Year 9s first module and they have engaged brilliantly with this non-fiction unit. We have been really impressed with their research skills and desire to learn about other countries and cultures as global citizens. It’s also been great hearing students share their own travel experiences with us. In addition, we’ve looked at travel writing over time, travelling back to the 19th and 20th century to learn about others’ experiences. This starts to prepare them for transition to KS4 when they will study texts from earlier periods.
This year has also seen the launch of Sparx Reader and we have seen many of our Key Stage 3 students engaging and, more importantly, reading. We have had a number of students reach our 10,000 words club and even a few break into the 20,000 word club this week. Being a confident and careful reader not only supports our students in English, but also opens up the world around them. Keep up the good work Year 7, 8 and 9!
Year 10 have been busy with their introduction to English literature, reading and studying Charles Dickens’ ‘A Christmas Carol’. Students have been working really hard learning all about the Victorian Poor laws and the ghosts that help Scrooge search for redemption. There’s been some fantastic engagement with the text, as well as group work, discussions and presentations!
Finally our Year 11 students are busy working towards their mock exams which will be taking place in November. We will be working closely with our students to support them at this important time in their school year and encouraging them to make the most of this chance to practise their exam skills.
SCIENCE
Key Stage 3:
This term, Year 7 students have been focusing on lab safety, an essential foundation for all future experiments. They've gained practical experience and earned their Bunsen burner licences, allowing them to handle equipment safely and with confidence. This certification marks an exciting milestone in their scientific journey.
Year 8 has moved on to exploring the world of electricity. They've been busy wiring circuits, learning about current, voltage, and how different components like resistors and bulbs work together in a system. Their hands-on work in building and testing circuits has sparked a real interest in the principles of electrical engineering.
For Year 9, it's been all about the science behind fireworks. Students have been investigating the chemistry of combustion and how different chemicals produce various colours and effects in fireworks displays. This has been a thrilling unit, blending chemical reactions with real-world applications.
Key Stage 4:
Year 10 has been delving into the fundamentals of science, focusing on key topics like states of matter, the structure and function of cells, and the building blocks of life—cells. This core knowledge will serve as the basis for their GCSE studies.
Year 11 students, meanwhile, are gearing up for their mock exams. Alongside exam preparation, they are studying organic chemistry and environmental science, looking at the impact of chemical reactions on the world around us. These topics are crucial for both their exams and understanding real-world issues
MATHS
Key stage 3:
This module yr7 have been practising their numeracy skills by using place value and arithmetic operations. We have also been learning new words and skills such as commutativity, associativity and decomposition and how they can help us in making calculations easier.
Year 8 has seen us making conversions between fractions, decimals and percentages. Calculating fractions and percentages of amounts and then moving onto sequences and patterns. Learning how to find the common differences, term to term rules and writing the nth term expression of a given sequence.
Year 9 started with a fraction, decimal and percentages review and then using these skills moved onto learning about probability. What are the chances of that?!
We have studied the language of probability, the probability scale and how sample space and tree diagrams can help us to calculate the probability of an event or a combination of events happening.
Key stage 4:
At the beginning of the module, year 10 were rounding to decimal places and significant figures and answering worded arithmetic problems. Some classes have also been collecting like terms, simplifying expressions and studying the laws of indices. Ending the module by expanding and factorising single brackets and calculating angles.
Depending on which path they are following, year 11 have been studying a wide range of topics including factors, multiples and prime factor trees. Then taking this knowledge and using it to learn about indices, roots and surds. Equations of straight lines, distance time graphs and the surface area and volume of prisms were then studied towards the end of the module.
ICT
KS3
The Year 7 students at both colleges are learning how to use the different Google Apps and Google Classroom. They are starting to become more confident in using the different software and applications. In this module they will also learn about the different components that form part of a computer and how these components work together in order to perform a function.
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 Christmas 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.
Year 9 students at both colleges are studying the hardware and software used in businesses. They are also exploring how technology can impact businesses in both positive and negative ways.
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.
ART
Year 7 artists have been exploring the formal elements of art, getting to grips with concepts like line, shape and tone to help them create exciting and personal responses to the work of artist Michael Craig-Martin.
In year 8, students have enjoyed exploring the concept of fusions and hybrids, making connections between contemporary surrealist artists like Redmer Hoekstra and the hybrid creatures of Roman and Greek mythology.
In year 9, our classes have enjoyed learning about the Mexican Day of the Dead or ‘Día de Muertos’, exploring some of the symbols and visual language of these celebrations through a range of experiments in mark making.
Year 10 GCSE students have made a fantastic start to the course, being introduced to a range of famous artists that work within the theme of ‘organic and natural forms’, and then responding using a spread of art materials and techniques. Every lesson has been a flurry of activity, and it’s wonderful to see such independence and personality in student sketchbooks even at this early stage!
Year 11 GCSE students are now nearing the end of their personal portfolio units, and are planning final pieces that they can create, refine and present in our next module.
Music
Year 7 have been exploring the building bricks (elements) of music and learning new vocabulary. There have been some amazing first attempts at composing using what they have learnt and communicating this to each other.
Year 8 have followed a timeline of Classical music, learning about key periods and composers. Students have performed and composed set pieces based on the invention of instruments and different genres.
In Year 9, students have learnt about the history of film/television music, focusing on how leit-motiv themes are used to depict a character, performing some well-known ones and composing their own.
PE
This module students have been working on their social skills and their self management. In years 7 and 8 they have been learning how to measure, record and compare their own fitness in a variety of ways. Students have done a fantastic job taking part in team-building activities and fitness testing. We've been focusing on working together, improving fitness, and having fun, and it's been great to see how much progress everyone has made.
Year 7 and 8 have also been learning to work in small groups and large teams, problem solving and developing their communication and interaction skills. Some students in years 9 and 10 have supported younger students and learnt to be young leaders, whilst others have begun to plan their own fitness sessions.
During the team-building exercises, students have really stepped up, showing great cooperation, communication, and teamwork. Whether working in pairs or in larger groups, they’ve supported one another to achieve common goals. It's been awesome to watch how well they’ve worked together and built stronger relationships along the way.
Students took part in a range of fitness tests that measured different aspects of their physical abilities, like endurance, strength, and agility. They all gave it their best, with many of them improving their personal scores from the start of the term. It's been great to see their determination and hard work pay off as they set goals and worked to achieve them.
Across the board, students have shown a lot of growth, not only in their fitness but in their teamwork and perseverance as well. Their positive attitudes and willingness to challenge themselves have been impressive, and I’m excited to see even more progress next term.
Next module we will be moving onto invasion games where students will be challenged to try some different sports as well as improve their individual understanding and skills in small teams.
Humanities
This module students have been working on their social skills and their self management. In years 7 and 8 they have been learning how to measure, record and compare their own fitness in a variety of ways.
Year 7 and 8 have also been learning to work in small groups and large teams, problem solving and developing their communication and interaction skills.
Some students in years 9 and 10 have supported younger students and learnt to be young leaders, whilst others have begun to plan their own fitness sessions.
Next module we will be moving onto invasion games where students will be challenged to try some different sports as well as improve their individual understanding and skills in small teams.
PATHFINDER UPDATE
Pathfinder students and staff have settled into the new Suite in Cranbrook. Students have been making use of the new facilities, including their Common Room, The Salon and the eSports room. Our focus this term has been to get used to our new community and students have been out and about but have also invited the community in for the first Stay and Play event in our Childcare room.
The students in Pathfinder College have begun or are continuing with their Level 2 NCFE qualifications in Childcare, Hospitality, Hair and Beauty and retail. We also have some students studying a Level 1 Vocational Studies qualification with a focus on Creative Media.
We will be inviting families and friends of Snowfields in for more events over the course of the academic year. Including our annual World War Tearoom on 11th November. Please refer to the letter sent to you and we would love to welcome you to enjoy a rationing inspired lunch:
Mains:
Vegetable Soup or Kensington Rarebit served with bread and butter
Pudding:
Carrot Biscuits and Jam tarts with tea or coffee
FARM UPDATE
Farm
The first few weeks of the new school year have been very busy for us. There have been new students and timetables to get to know, lambs and piglets to wean and the sow and ewes need to be prepared for mating. Our cow and two heifers were also scanned and confirmed as “in calf”.
Our site needed work, the entire wildflower meadow has been cut and cleared by hand by our students using bagging hooks, rakes, forks and hayter mowers. It is now ready for next year's flowering.
We have also recycled old wooden pallets into kindling and firewood using handbills and saws without any injuries!
We know winter is coming and it has been very wet but there is always something to do or plan for. The ram must visit the ewes if we want lambs in the spring! The falling of the leaves, darker, shorter days and chilly wind is a sure sign winter is coming and the year is ending. We know that nothing stays the same, we can look back and be proud of what we have achieved then look forward to Christmas and the spring with anticipation.
Mr C
Farm Manager
MYP
We have made a google site to help explain some of the key components of the MYP which can be found here.
We would strongly encourage all families to take some time to read through the contents of this site as it should help to clarify some of the key language and elements of our MYP offer.
NOTICE BOARD
EVENTS
06.11.24 -Virtual Coffee Morning
11.11.24 - 22.11.24 - Year 11 mocks
15.11.24 - Children In Need - Fundraising
19.11.24 - School photographs @ Bearsted
22.11.24 - School photographs @ Cranbrook
04.12.24 - YR 11 Parents Consultation Bearsted College/Cranbrook College
11.12.24 - YR 10 Parents Consultation Bearsted College/Cranbrook College
11.12.24 - Christmas Jumper Day
17.12.24 - Christmas concert @ Cranbrook College - pm
19.12.24 - Christmas concert @ Bearsted College - am
Snowfields Academy term dates can be found on our website link below:
https://snowfieldsacademy.org.uk/academy-life/term-dates/
PASS (Pupils Attitudes to School and Self)
This year we introduced PASS (Pupils Attitudes to School and Self) surveys at Snowfields Academy to allow us to understand more about our young people’s mindset towards school, and whether they are confident, ready and motivated to learn. The results of the surveys help us to identify barriers to learning in order to ensure student wellbeing and positive outcomes.
Students in Years 7-10 undertook the surveys this year and their responses allowed us to learn more about their feelings at a whole school, class and individual level, across 9 specified factors. Comparing our data to statistics gathered by the National Autistic Society’s Education Report (2023), Snowfields students reported having positive attitudes to their teachers, with data 24% higher than the national figure. Additionally, Snowfields students have positive feelings about school, with positive responses 47% higher than the national average for young people with ASD.
Individual data has been explored as part of our Individual Pupil Need meetings and appropriate interventions have been identified and put in place to support those whose scores fall below those outlined above.
These surveys will be rolled out across all students during this academic year to ensure we understand our students as they grow and develop during their time with us at Snowfields.
SNOWFIELDS ACADEMY UPDATES
My Child At School (MCAS)
My Child At School (MCAS)
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
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
ACADEMY GUIDELINES
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
Our Behaviour as a curriculum sessions are part of our Wellbeing time, and are planned to support students with their behaviours to teach them appropriate strategies to manage the most frequent negative behaviours we see.
During this module, students have continued to expand their knowledge of the Zones of regulation.
They have been able to identify what the zones may look like for them personally and their triggers for certain zones.
Students are currently exploring a variety of activities and the impact they have on their regulation, including alerting, organising and calming strategies.
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!
Mental Health Updates
Advertising mental health agencies
Kooth- is a website that students can access to type to a counsellor. Students just need to sign up. Kooth are hosting free webinars on the topic of “Parenting pressures during the summer holiday and how we can help” - Please see the booking form to reserve your space. Kooth have also shared a range of Activity sheets which are available for free from their website.
To access Mental Health support for yourself, we encourage parents and carers to contact ‘Release the Pressure’ on 0800 107 0160 or text ‘Shout’ to 85258. This service runs 24/7.
If you require support for your family, we suggest contacting Early Help on 03000 411 111 or 03000 419 191 (after 5pm).
Schools Team Officers and Safeguarding
Student Service Managers
Each college has a team of Student Service Managers (SSMs). At Bearsted the team includes Miss Savage, Miss Burton and Mrs Giles. At Cranbrook the team is made up of Mrs Davies, Miss Clark and Mr Lawrence. 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
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
Snowfields Academy is the official Facebook page. Like this page for daily updates about what the students do day to day at the academy.
I know many of you follow and enjoy our facebook page where we share events and celebrate our wonderful students.
Unfortunately a few people are using this platform to raise concerns or issues. This is a gentle reminder please to contact us directly if there is anything you would like to discuss. (Info@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk).
If you disagree with a comment made, please do not use the Facebook page as a way of expressing this.
As always, we appreciate your support in this matter.
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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