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Dear Families,
The momentous news shared with you recently that Kent County Council are not going ahead with their intended redesignation of Snowfields Academy, along with 6 other Kent special schools, has been a cause for celebration. Thank you to each and every one of you who supported in ways large and small, you have made a difference to the education of your child and that of future students who will now continue to have the opportunity to attend Snowfields.
In other news we have some new senior appointments to announce; due to the expansion of Snowfields at Minster, Mrs Edgeler-Uden will be taking up her new role as Vice Principal from the start of the next module. She is busy overseeing the development project at Minster, working closely with the project team to ensure Minster will be ready to open in September. This is another exciting project for us and an opportunity to support Snowfields students closer to their homes.
We have Mr Williams joining us as an Assistant Principal next module. Mr Williams is a highly experienced SEND leader from another LAT academy. He will join Mr Nolan, who will be based at Bearsted. Mrs White, previously our Director of Learning for English begins her new role as Assistant Principal, based at Cranbrook at the same time. We wish them well in their new roles.
Thank you all for your ongoing support. On behalf of myself and my senior team I would like to wish you a happy, and what promises to be, sun filled Easter.
Mrs Pickerill
Key Events & News
Farm Spring Update
After what seemed a very long, damp cold winter, Spring has arrived at the school farm. The birds started singing, spring flowers and hedgerows burst into green but for me what says "spring is here" is lambs. Our small flock started lambing on their due date 12th March and have produced good lambs without too much trouble. Our cow Astra has also calved and presented us with a cracking heifer calf although she did need some assistance. We also have two dairy heifers which will calve in April so there should be new calves here when the students come back after Easter.
Our pupils have worked hard with me to keep the farm and surrounding areas tidy and safe. I have enjoyed seeing their interest, skills and confidence grow and am sure these experiences have enriched their time here and may help them in later life. I do wonder how many students nationally can say that they have seen lambs, calves and piglets born at school as part of their curriculum. Spring is here and summer is coming! Have a good break.
Mr C, Farm Manager
Farm Lessons & Club
It is baby season down at the farm. We have seen the arrival of 30 lambs born over the past few weeks. During the farm lessons, many of the students have been able to see and watch the birth and in the following weeks, learn how to handle the lambs and learn how we weigh them and why. During farm club we have been ear-tagging the ewes as well as getting the farm ready
We have also had a calf born and the calf has been called Venus after the Roman Goddess of Love and Beauty.
We are still waiting for our two other calves which are due any day now, both for cattle many of the older students handled from calves.
Venus
PCSO Visit
Bearsted College recently welcomed a visit from PSCOs and police. Our pupils had the opportunity to share lunch with them and engage in valuable discussions during lunchtime and lessons. This visit allowed students to ask questions, learn firsthand about the roles of both PCSOs and police officers, and build positive connections. This experience helps create a better understanding of community safety, promotes positive relationships, and encourages responsible citizenship among our pupils. We really appreciate their kind and good-humoured approach - the pupils really enjoyed it!
Football Cross College
The recent football matches between Bearsted, Cranbrook, and our friends from Bradfields School were a resounding success, providing an excellent opportunity for pupils to showcase their talents, teamwork, and sportsmanship. The event was filled with energy, excitement, and a fantastic competitive spirit, making it a day to remember for all involved.
KS3 teams from Bearsted and Cranbrook faced off in a thrilling match, demonstrating impressive skill, determination, and teamwork. After an intense and closely fought game, Cranbrook emerged as the winners, displaying fantastic tactical awareness and resilience.
For KS4, Bearsted and Cranbrook went head-to-head in another action-packed match. Both teams played with passion and commitment, putting on a display of excellent football for their supporters. In the end, Bearsted triumphed, earning a well-deserved victory through teamwork, communication, and some outstanding individual performances.
Having Bradfields School join us for the event added another layer of competitiveness and competition, creating a wonderful atmosphere that celebrated the spirit of friendly competition. Regardless of the results, every pupil involved should be incredibly proud of their efforts and the way they represented their schools with respect and enthusiasm.
This event not only strengthened the bonds between our schools but also reinforced the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. We look forward to many more matches in the future!
Minster College
Snowfields Academy Minster is the newest addition to the Snowfields community and is set to open in September 2025. While part of the Snowfields network, it will be located on the same site as Leigh Academy Minster, maintaining the distinctive ethos and environment of our existing Snowfields colleges. The academy will adhere to the same policies and procedures, ensuring consistency in our approach to education and student support.
The development of Snowfields Academy Minster is currently underway, with construction scheduled to finish at the start of the summer holidays.
Below are simulation images providing a preview of the academy’s design.
World Book Day - 6th March 2025
We celebrated World Book Day with a range of activities designed to encourage a love of reading. Students and staff dressed up as their favourite book characters, leading to some interesting and colourful costumes!
Throughout the day, classes participated in shared reading activities, where teachers and students explored different texts together. There was also an opportunity for students to swap books, giving them a chance to find new stories to enjoy.
A "Book Wall" was created, providing recommendations for books to read as well as including some wonderful illustrations; this provided a visual representation of the range of reading interests within our school community, and included ideas from both students and staff.
Staff also shared some of their favourite books with their classes, offering personal insights and recommendations and encouraging our students to engage with their own reading journey.
Pathfinder Update
A group of Pathfinder students spent their reward points on a trip to see Back to the Future in London. They had a fantastic time learning how to navigate the underground, buying lunch and seeing the show.
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A group of students have been working with a company called Elevate Creates, developing their creativity and knowledge of enterprise. These students have been working with professionals to gain a better understanding of how to start a small business, designing a tshirt and using equipment to create products.
Visits and Trips
Ski Trip Report – Claviere 2025
Our recent ski trip to Claviere was nothing short of spectacular! Pupils from both the Bearsted and Cranbrook sites came together for an unforgettable week of adventure, laughter, and personal achievement. From the moment they arrived, they demonstrated exceptional behaviour, teamwork, and enthusiasm, proving themselves to be a true credit to their schools and parents.
Throughout the week, the pupils tackled the mountain with determination and courage, progressing rapidly from the beginner slopes to confidently conquering the thrilling red runs. Their perseverance and willingness to challenge themselves was truly inspiring to see, and their instructors were consistently impressed by their attitude and progress.
Evenings were just as enjoyable as the days on the slopes, with multiple pizza nights providing the perfect opportunity to relax and refuel. Snowball fights became a regular source of entertainment, bringing everyone closer together and friendly competition. A highlight of the trip was undoubtedly the exhilarating skidoo adventure, which ended with delicious crepes under the starry Claviere sky – a magical experience that will be cherished by all.
The pupils’ positive energy, kindness, and support for one another made this trip incredibly special. They have not only made long-lasting friendships but memories and skills that will last a lifetime.
Imperial War Museum - Angus School Trip
We have spent our penultimate day of Module 4 in London, at the Imperial War Museum. This was a wonderful way to round up our learning about World War 1 and to allow the students to get a sense of the scale of some of the weaponry and to get hands on experience of what war might have been like. They were fabulously behaved and the sun shone for us all day!
Tennis
Angus have just finished a wonderful 12 week block of tennis coaching, provided to us by Suzanne at Sissinghurst Tennis Club - in collaboration with Hotshotz and funded by Bright Ideaz for Tennis. Each week, the students have been building up their skills through games and learning techniques, as well as some pretty competitive student v teacher activities. The class have been amazing and have developed their confidence and subsequently, their tennis playing ability has much improved. We are really proud of what they have achieved and are hoping to be able to play again on the lovely courts in Sissinghurst.
Maths Feast 2025
Cherry, Ruby and Izzy did a fantastic job representing our school in the Leigh Academies Trust year 10 Maths competition: Maths Feast 2025. They even came in medal position for one of the rounds! Mrs Mfarej and Mrs Underhill did a superb job of supporting, marking, invigilating and getting them there. The students’ effort and determination were a credit to our school community.
Tamworth Horse Riding Lessons
During module 3 and 4, the students in Tamworth have been participating in weekly horse riding lessons, which are run by Chalkdown RDA in Staplehurst. The students have loved getting to know the horses and it has been wonderful watching them grow in confidence and skills. They all completed their Grade 1 in Riding and Horse Care and they also received certificates and rosettes for completing their first 1km hack!
Well done Year 7!
Personal Development
Careers Visits
Year 10 students at Bearsted visited the Mid Kent College campus in Chatham for an open day event. Students had two workshops, one in plumbing and the other in Esports. Students got a brief tour around the campus and also had a short presentation from the careers team about applying for college and entry requirements to different courses.
For more information about the courses available at Mid Kent College please visit their website: https://www.midkent.ac.uk/
Exams
Year 11 students will have received an exam pack over the last few days, containing their personalised time table and important information.
Year 10 Mock Exam time table is on the website for all to view.
For more Exam information please visit Snowfields website: https://snowfieldsacademy.org.uk/our-curriculum/exams-at-snowfields-academy/
As we enter this important time, we wish all of our KS4 students luck and every success for their hard work. We encourage them to seek support from their teachers, TAs and our SSMs if they feel the need to reach out to someone or visit Kooth for tips to manage exam stress. https://www.kooth.com/
Training for families
The last of the online training with the ADHD Foundation is coming up on 24th April. Please view the letter here for further information.
We have upcoming coffee mornings at each college which will provide families with an opportunity to come in and meet other Snowfields families and hear from Jack Nolan (Assistant Principal- Cranbrook) about Online Safety.
12 May 2025- Snowfields Cranbrook
14 May 2025- Snowfields Bearsted
Snowfields Academy Updates
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@snowfieldsacademy.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
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
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.
Brigade - The deadline to guarantee delivery before the start of September is 1st August
https://thewebsitehosters.co.uk/brigade-2025/PD
NEW! BRIGADE CLEARANCE CORNER: 60% off Skirts, Dresses, Trousers, Blouses, Shirts
https://www.brigade.uk.com/parents/school/BR8829PD/
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@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk
ssm_cranbrook@snowfieldsacademy.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, Mr Lawrence and Mrs Norman.
All of the SSMs are Safeguarding trained and support with communication between home and school.
Dates for the diary
Snowfields 2024/25 term dates are available to view on our website: https://snowfieldsacademy.org.uk/academy-life/term-dates/
Please see below for our upcoming Snowfields Events:
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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