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Dear families,
Welcome to our curriculum newsletter where we focus on sharing information from teachers so you can learn a little more about the exciting work taking place in lessons. We have a very talented team of teachers at Snowfields who not only ensure learning is high quality, but also that our students' needs are very well supported in class. This couldn’t happen without our wonderful TAs who support our young people every step of the way. Thank you.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate our Year 11 students on their progress in their exams and coursework so far; although not yet finished, their maturity and dedication to the process has been exceptional. Keep up the hard work Year 11s!
Enjoy May half term, I am sure it will fly by.
Kind regards
Mrs Dee Pickerill
MYP Update
We're excited to share some updates regarding the ongoing development of the Middle Years Programme at our academy. As part of our commitment to fostering holistic student growth, we've been focusing on the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills.
Our dedicated staff body has been working closely with students to enhance their proficiency in key areas such as Communication, Social skills, Research skills, Self-management, and Thinking skills. These foundational skills are essential not only for academic success but also for personal and professional growth in the years ahead.
There has been an increased emphasis on these skills within your child's lessons. We believe that by integrating ATL skills into various subjects, students will not only grasp the content more effectively but also develop valuable lifelong skills that will serve them well beyond the classroom.
Students receive explicit instruction on these ATL skills to further aid their ability to learn and thrive academically. We encourage you to reinforce these skills at home and engage in conversations with your children about how they are applying them in their daily lives.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to provide our students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for success in an ever-evolving world and to live well with their Autism diagnosis.
Subject Updates
English
Key Stage 3:
In English year 8 have been busy working on their non-fiction writing skills and creating some really interesting newspaper articles around a range of topics. They have been learning all about the 5’ws and writing about things in our local community. Suffolk have even been off to Bedgebury Pinetum to find some inspiration for the leaflets and newspapers they are creating. It has been great to see how learning in English has been taken outside of the classroom.
In Year 9 Mr Nolan has really enjoyed debating topics such as mobile phone usage in schools with his Hereford group. This debate has been informed by reading texts and then turning these debates into non-fiction texts. This term has seen year 9 really develop their writing skills, well done year 9!
Year 7 have been enjoying an Introduction to Shakespeare and learning all about the Elizabethan era and the different types of plays Shakespeare is famous for. Year 7 have also been busy bringing some of these plays to life through drama activities in English. Dorset has been acting out scenes from Hamlet and Farah from Macbeth.
Whilst the students in Romney have loved learning about William Shakespeare they have also been busy creating their own comic strips based on Romeo and Juliet, they even wrote a Fortnite themed one.
Finally, all of Key Stage 3 are really engaged and enjoying their class readers this module. It has been lovely seeing them reading in their reading groups and having chats with them about the wonderful books they are reading at the moment, it really is seeing reading for pleasure in action.
Key Stage 4:
Year 11 have worked so hard in these last couple of modules in the build up to their exams, both functional skills based and GCSE. The English department would like to take this opportunity to say well done and wish them every bit of luck and success. We are all very proud of your hard work!
While year 11 prepared and sat the real thing, year 10 have been working hard on their mock exams and have filled us with pride in how they approached these. This term they have also been busy working on their extended writing skills and revising the texts studied so far. As we head in to our final module of the year they will be working on their speaking and listening skills. We are really looking forward to seeing what they put together.
Maths
Key Stage 3:
In modules 4 and 5 year 7 have been constructing triangles using rulers and a pair of compasses. We have been using maps to learn about coordinates by finding local landmarks. We have also learnt how to calculate the area of rectangles, triangles, parallelograms and trapeziums and taken steps into the world of fractions.
Year 8 have been learning about direct proportion by converting currencies. They have also been studying data. Learning how to calculate the range of a set of data and the different types of averages; Mean, mode, median. Year 8 have also learnt about the different types of data and how to collect and represent it through pie charts and scattergraphs.
Year 9 have learnt all about indices. How to write them using index notation. How to calculate with indices and using standard form to perform calculations with very large and very small numbers. We have also learnt about compound interest and how to calculate the value of investments and the losses made with depreciation.
Key Stage 4:
Year 10 have studied the transformations of shapes; Rotation, reflection, translation and enlargement. They then moved into studying the probability of an event happening or not happening! Rounding to a significant figure was our next skill which we then used to estimate the accuracy of our calculations. We have also been learning how solve lots of different types of equations whilst getting ready for our first mock examinations.
Science
Key stage 3
In year 7 students have completed there 2 module study on the nature of the world. This has focused on global warming, climate change and human impact on the world. Students have tested for acids and alkalis, suggested how the school can become more green and developed their understanding of evolution
Year 8 have been studying ecosystems, in order to further develop this they have been planting their own plants. Designing polyculture farms and we have had a colony of monarch butterflies growing and developing. The students have helped set up, care for and watched these grow and have seen these released into the wild.
Year 9 have been studying botany and have been planting a range fo crops including cress, chickpeas, basil and beets. They have been designing farms as well as learning about wild UK plants in angley woods and the laws surrounding invasive species in the UK.
Key stage 4
Y10 have been learning about the human body and how it maintains its internal environment. They have studied diabetes, heart disease and the menstrual cycle. Additionally they have been outstanding in preparing and completing their first set of Mock exams! They have achieved some outstanding results and demonstrated their hardwork and perseverance.
Year 11 have been revising content for their exams, they consistently demonstrate the snowfields value of work hard; through this dedication they have shown resilience and we wish them the best of luck in their upcoming exams.
The Arts
Art
Music
Key Stage 3:
Year 7 are exploring the weird and wonderful world of abstract art. Taking key skills learnt through earlier units that focused on the fundamentals of art, students are being encouraged to step away from pictorial representation and explore how famous artists have used abstract approaches in their work to express feeling and emotion.
Year 8 are learning about how a variety of historic technologies have gone on to influence art. In lessons at the moment, students are using cameras to encourage them to ‘look’ at the world in new ways, sleuthing for shapes, colours and textures in the world around us whilst developing their framing and presentation skills. As we move into module 6, students will be taught how digital manipulation can be used to modify an image and create exciting graphic outcomes.
Year 9 have been exploring the origins of Pop Art, understanding its genesis as a reaction to fine art and high culture. Students have been considering how popular and modern culture defines the world and environment around them, using pixel art as a means of representing our increasingly digital and interconnected world.
Key Stage 4:
Students in Year 10 are making great progress in their personal portfolio unit. Students decide on their own starting theme and have been working since the start of the calendar year building their sketchbook submissions and developing their ideas and skills. It’s been lovely to see such a range of themes and topic ideas, with students exploring subjects as ranged as ‘science fiction’, ‘the wild west’, ‘childhood nostalgia’ and ‘Alice in Wonderland’!
Students in Year 11 have just finished their exam unit and completed the period of supervised time that wraps up their course. We’re extremely proud of everything the students were able to create, refine and present, and wish them all the best as they await their grades in the summer.
Key Stage 3:
Have you ever had a song that you can’t get out of your head? Year 7 have been learning what makes Popular Music successful. As well as performing chord patterns, they have learnt to play some catchy, repetitive hooks and gone on to composing their own hooks using Chrome Song Maker. They are aiming to use these structural devices in their own Pop Song compositions by the end of the school year.
Year 8 have studied the history of Blues music, learning how it follows a 12 Bar chord progression and performing this. They have composed their own bass lines and will compose their own Blues song by the end of the project. Writing their own lyrics and improvising on the notes of the Blues scale will help them create a true Blues style.
Year 9 have embarked on a worldwide tour of indigenous music where they are listening, performing and composing in a wide range of styles. Students are learning about many new instruments and are finding suitable playing techniques and timbres on the classroom instruments that most closely match what they have discovered.
PSHE
PSHE
Life Skills
Life Skills
Our PSHE and Life Skills aim to give our students the knowledge and skills needed to live their lives as independently as they can.
In PSHE this module, students have been exploring relationships. Our spiral curriculum means that students revisit the same topics each year, but the focus of each topic changes. In year 7 students are learning about positive, healthy relationships and how we handle friendship fall outs, and year 8 have focusing on how our self-worth can be effected by others, including the areas that we have control of (and what we don’t). Across years 9 and 10, the modules are focused on healthy long-term relationships, relationship life cycles . This topic features our sex education components where students learn about contraception, STIs and pregnancy for these year groups.
If you would like any information regarding how Snowfields Academy delivers its RSE (Relationships and Sex Education), please contact us using the info@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk email address.
In Life Skills, year 7 have been looking at how their choices in their leisure time affects their wellbeing and our year 8s have been looking at working effectively with others.
The most significant progress made in this department has been our MYP Community Projects that our Year 9s have been working on since January. The MYP (Middle Years Programme) community project is a significant component of the IB. It encourages students to engage with local communities, identify issues that matter to them, and take meaningful action to address those issues. Through the community project, students have the opportunity to develop essential skills such as research, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration, all while making a positive impact on the world around them. This project not only fosters a sense of responsibility and empathy but also empowers students to become active global citizens who understand the value of contributing to their communities. It serves as a platform for students to apply their learning in real-world contexts and cultivate a lifelong commitment to service and social responsibility.
There has been considerable success at both colleges with the effort and creativity students have shown in these projects. We have had a bake sale to raise money for cat plushies to improve wellbeing, organised football matches and bike rides, sculptured art pieces to raise awareness, student-led assemblies and student-created resources for Wellbeing times, among many more. We are incredibly proud of every student and what they have achieved.
Humanities
We're excited to share some highlights from the recent studies in our Individual and Societies curriculum. In both Year 7, 8, and 9, students have been delving into captivating topics that offer them profound insights into the world's past and present.
Year 7: Unravelling the Mysteries of the Past
Our Year 7 students have been on a journey through time, exploring the mysterious era of the Black Death and delving into the complexities of Iceland's geological landscape. They've been probing the evidence surrounding the plague, pondering why such a catastrophic event lacked a cure or prevention. Additionally, they've been captivated by Iceland's dynamic tectonic plate boundaries, examining the potential advantages and challenges of living in a region abundant with volcanoes.
Year 8: Industrial Revolution and Beyond
In Year 8, our students have been immersing themselves in the Industrial Revolution, gaining an understanding of the laborious work and living conditions prevalent in urban areas during that transformative period. Additionally, they've embarked on a journey through China's rich physical and human geography, broadening their perspectives on diverse landscapes and cultural dynamics.
Year 9: Navigating Empires and Development
Year 9 students have been exploring the vast expanse of the British Empire, with a focus on India as the crown jewel of this historical empire. Through this lens, they've been critically examining the impact of colonialism. Furthermore, they've been engaging with different development indicators, applying them to investigate the landscape of African countries and gaining insights into global inequalities.
These studies help students think critically, empathise, and understand the world better.
Physical Education
As the summer fast approaches the excitement of the Paris Olympics continues to grow, and we have spent this module preparing our students to hopefully aspire to be those future olympians! focusing on track and field athletics and honing their skills in the Javelin, Shot Putt, High Jump and relays.
Many of the students have discovered hidden talents and some are looking forward to showcasing their athletic prowess at the upcoming LAT games.
Our students have enjoyed trying new skills with equipment they have not seen or used before. This has often led to inquiring minds asking questions about where the shot or javelin originate from - it is wonderful to see students not only performing but questioning, discussing and supporting one another through sport.
Through our co-curricular programme - Year 7 at Cranbrook have been on the bikes in the woods in this module, they have experienced all weathers and how the weather affects the terrain (and amount of mud too!!) whilst years 8 and 9 have had their friday swimming where the fun and splashing is never ending!!
ICT
KS3
Year 7: Students at both colleges have completed the unit on computer components, hardware, and software. They were focused during the end-of-unit test and demonstrated their learning effectively.
Year 8: Students completed the 3D Design project with incredible designs. They are now using their creative skills to create an animation about regulation spaces at Snowfields for the new Year 7 students.
Year 9: Students are learning about online safety, including cyber security, online bullying, and safe online relationships. They will receive a certificate for completing this course.
KS4
Year 10: Students are learning about AI and how to use it responsibly in school. Upon completing the course, they will receive a certificate titled "OSA Certified AI User. Students have also been reflecting on their mock results and preparing for their upcoming Entry Level 3 Functional skills exams.
Year 11: Students have been finalising their coursework portfolios for the level 1 digital skills certificate and have sat their Level 1 functional skills exams.
The focus for the next module for all year groups will be online safety. This module will cover key topics such as cybercrime, responsible use of AI, and staying safe online.
Communication
Year 7s have enjoyed learning about the differences in passive, aggressive and assertive communication. We read a story about a lion, mouse and owl so that students could learn about what each communication style looks and sounds like. They then had the opportunity to create their own stories and we have seen some amazing creativity!
Following on from when they learnt about passive, aggressive and assertive Communication in Year 7, the Year 8 students have focused on assertive communication and what this looks like when suggesting, disagreeing, apologising and discussing in a conversation.
With mocks and exams happening at both colleges, the Year 9 students have focused on stress management this term so that they can support their peers and are better equipped to manage their own stress as they enter Key stage 4.
Snowfields Post 16 - Pathfinder College
Snowfields Post 16 - Pathfinder College
Pathfinder students have been working on a number of extra- curricular activities this module.
They have begun the preparation for the Duke of Edinburgh expedition; practising map reading skills, road safety, outdoor cooking and tent erecting.
They will be be taking part in a practice walk during the last week of term in order to be ready for the Expedition during the first week back.
We also welcomed The Anne Frank Trust into Bearsted, sixth-form students took part in their History for Today programme in which they learned about the rise of anti-semitism in the lead up to the Second World War and the Holocaust.
Students guided visitors around a pop up exhibition on Anne Frank's life - her early childhood to life in the secret annex.
Students from Cranbrook, all of the Bearsted Key Stage 3 and students from Milestone Academy visited and we would like to thank them all for being so receptive to our project
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.
Place your order before 2nd August for delivery before the start of September module.
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.
If you haven't already signed up then please follow the instructions below:
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.
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, Natalie Giles 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 5 & 6
27th June - Sports Day Bearsted - all day - families 11am - 1pm
28th June - Sports Day Cranbrook - all day - families in 1.45pm-3.30pm
5th July - Design Day (Years 7,8,9) - both colleges - all day
9th July - Pathfinder Open Day - 2pm - 6pm
11th July - Award Ceremony Bearsted - 11am - 1pm (Invite only)
11th July - Design Day Cranbrook - all day (Years 7,8,9)
12th July - Award Ceremony Cranbrook - 1.45pm - 3.30pm (Invite only)
12th July - Design Day Bearsted - all day (Years 7,8,9)
18th July - Lessons 4 and 5 - activity afternoon - LAST DAY of term for students
19th July - Staff INSET Day - End of Term
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
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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