Embedded Files
Dear Families
I can't believe how much has happened at Snowfields Academy in such a very short term! Our Year 11 students have done remarkably well with their exams so far; this is such a challenging time for them and we are impressed with how well they have all coped. Many staff have supported their journey and we are all so proud of their efforts. Our younger students have had to learn to move around the buildings in a different way, and to keep quiet during the exam period so everyone has been impacted.
It has been a busy time for recruitment. We have appointed a new Head of College at Cranbrook who will be joining us in September. Leila Winter is a very experienced SRP lead from a local secondary provision. We look forward to Leila's transition days next term when she will begin to get to know students and staff. We will be saying goodbye to Angela Munn, Office Manager at Cranbrook at the end of June. Angela joined us from the old High Weald Academy and we thank her for her long service. Angela will be replaced by Sarah Barrow who many of you know from Cranbrook's reception. We also welcome two new Student Services Managers to our teams; Becky Martin and Holly Pollard. We will have some other new staff joining us in September who I will introduce then.
The building at Minster is progressing very well; each time I visit with Mrs Edgeler-Uden, Vice Principal for Snowfields at Minster, we can see just how quickly the building and outside spaces are coming together.
Our new Year 7 students have begun their transition programme with us. We look forward to them joining us in September. We will be saying goodbye to our Year 11 students in June, many of them were our first ever Year 7s when we opened at Bearsted so have been with us for their full secondary journey. We are looking forward to our first Year 11, 12 and 13 prom in June!
I hope you all have a restful and enjoyable half term holiday. Next term is always a long and often hot one so this is a nice opportunity for families, students and staff to have a rest before then.
Best wishes,
Mrs Pickerill
Principal
Key Events & News
Exams
We are immensely proud of all of our KS4 and 5 students who have been sitting both Mocks and live exams over the course of this term.
Whilst it is a high pressure time for many, we have been told by so many of you that in the past you had been told, or not thought, you would sit them at all. We fully believe in all of you and regardless of the end results, are proud of you for sitting them - this in itself is a huge achievement!
Our Year 10 Mock data has been shared with families via MCAS and teachers are now discussing and going over papers in class with their students.
Many of the year 11s will have been receiving letters to inform them of results as they come in already and where this is possible we will continue to write to you with these results.
As the Summer series continues beyond the half term, we encourage students to reach out to their teachers and SSMs if they are worried or feeling stress. We also recommend Kooth who have some excellent resources.
Results Day for all final results is Thursday 21st August and we look forward to welcoming Year 11 and 13 families to collect results between 10-11am at the Bearsted Campus (one campus for all results).
Snowfields is delighted to receive this award from the ADHD Foundation acknowledging the work that we do to support our students. In order to obtain this award we have had training for staff, offered training opportunities for families and ensured that the environment, teaching and resources used at Snowfields support students to regulate and engage with learning.
We have had display boards up at both colleges for some time and this year we focused on putting together some videos featuring Snowfields staff and students. These were shown in all classes as part of Neurodiversity week to celebrate our students and highlight our school culture of understanding and supporting others. We are very proud of this achievement and look forward to sharing these videos with you on our website soon.
Pictures from Cranbrook Farm
Leavers’ Prom
We are delighted to be hosting our first Leavers’ Prom this year - having students leave from both campuses and both Year 11 and Year 13 for the first time. This is a momentous time for us and for those who are venturing out into either further education or the wider world.
Prom will be held at Bearsted campus on Wednesday 25th June from 18:30-21:00 and promises to be a night to remember.
We cannot wait to celebrate all our students’ achievements over their time at Snowfields and Pathfinder.
For more information, please see the two letters sent to students in April:
Subject Updates
English
As we approach the end of term, it’s a pleasure to reflect on the fantastic work happening across all year groups in English.
We’ve also seen some great successes with SparxReader, particularly Dafe (Year 8) winning the award in consecutive weeks through independent reading at home.
Across all year groups, it has been wonderful to see positive levels of engagement, effort, and progress. Well done to all our students for their hard work this term. Keep reading! Keep writing!
Year 11 students have shown maturity and determination as they prepare for their exams. This has ranged from attending lunchtime subject clubs, revising in wellbeing time or completing independent study at home. Their attitude and efforts have been impressive and we wish them well now that exam season is underway.
Year 10 have impressed us with the way they prepared for their mock exams. They took the process seriously and committed fully, demonstrating that they are more than capable of rising to the challenges ahead. They should feel proud of their achievements at this early point in their GCSE studies.
In Year 9, the focus has been on non-fiction writing, through the continuing study of Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah. Students have been exploring different styles and genres, and producing non fiction pieces. Equally impressive has been the development of academic essay writing, with students completing independent study during Easter, showcasing their hard work.
Year 8 have also been working on non-fiction, with a specific emphasis on news reporting. They’ve shown great creativity and an understanding of journalistic style while learning how to present facts clearly and effectively.
Year 7 have been introduced to the world of Shakespearean tragedy. Many have enjoyed the chance to perform outside in our amphitheatre, bringing scenes to life from plays such as Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet. Whether studying a single play more in depth or exploring a range of texts, they have shown enthusiasm and insight.
ICT
The Year 7 pupils have been exploring the fundamentals of webpage design using Google Sites. Each student is creating a website on a topic of their choice, applying design principles and tailoring their content to a specific target audience. Their creativity has truly shone through, and it’s been fantastic to see them take such pride in their digital designs.
In Year 8, students were introduced to basic coding through the use of Microbits. They were tasked with writing simple programmes to control how the Microbits respond and perform actions. The excitement was clear as students watched their code come to life through lights, sounds and movement—an excellent first step into the world of programming.
Year 9 students rolled up their sleeves for a more technical challenge: constructing and programming mBot Ranger Robots. They demonstrated fantastic focus and teamwork as they followed instructions, used tools, and assembled the robots piece by piece. Once built, they programmed the robots to navigate through obstacle courses—an impressive achievement requiring both logical thinking and persistence.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students have been busy preparing for their mock exams, showing great maturity and commitment. This important step marks the beginning of their journey toward completing formal ICT qualifications next year.
Finally, our Year 11 students have shown exceptional dedication in revising for their Digital Skills exams and completing the coursework component of the Certificate in Digital Skills. Their hard work and determination have been inspiring, and we wish them every success in their exams and beyond.
Science at Snowfields – A Term of Discovery and Growth
This term has been a busy and inspiring one for our students across all year groups, as they’ve explored fascinating areas of science, developed their practical skills, and demonstrated determination and enthusiasm throughout.
Year 7 have been diving into the natural world, with a special focus on climate change. They've explored the impact of human activity on our planet, investigated solutions for a more sustainable future, and considered the role they can play in protecting the environment. Their thoughtful discussions and curiosity have been a highlight of the term.
Year 8 have been learning all about ecology, getting hands-on by raising caterpillars and watching them transform into butterflies. This real-life example of life cycles and adaptation has sparked wonder and helped students appreciate the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Year 9 have delved into plant science, culminating in a brilliant cloning experiment with spider plants. This practical work allowed them to apply their learning about reproduction and plant growth, and many students were thrilled to make their own cloned plants.
Year 10 have shown incredible resilience in their mock exams. Their hard work and positive attitude paid off, with many achieving excellent results. It’s been a valuable experience that has helped them prepare for the challenges of next year.
Finally, Year 11 have completed their science course, and we are immensely proud of all they’ve accomplished. We wish them the very best of luck in their exams and for whatever exciting path lies ahead.
Well done to all students for their commitment and enthusiasm this term – science is truly thriving at Snowfields!
Maths
Thanks to our year 8 students, who calculated that we are now 81% of the way through the school year. It has gone quick!
Our year 7 students have been developing their understanding of fractions. We have explored the concept of ‘part’ and ‘whole’, and have applied this to comparing and calculating with proper and improper fractions.
Our year 8 students have been learning about averages and statistics in module 5. They have explored how these are used in everyday life to help us better understand the world, and improve our decision making process. They will be developing their knowledge of area and perimeter next term.
Our year 9 students have been exploring transformations: enlarging, translating, reflecting and rotating shapes. In module 6 they will be applying what they have learned in key stage 3 to real life problems, preparing them for key stage 4 study.
Our year 10 students have worked hard to prepare for and undertake their year 10 Entry Level or GCSE mock exams in Maths and (for some) GCSE Statistics. Well done to you all for your efforts. We have finished the term solving equations and inequalities, and are moving on to circle geometry next term
A big well done to our year 11 students who are midway through their examinations. They are working hard preparing for and taking GCSE exams in Maths and (for some) Statistics. Students working on the joint Entry Level and GCSE pathway have already completed their Entry Level portfolios (which look excellent, and have been sent off to the moderator).
Well done to all our students for your hard work and progress this term — we’re proud of how far you’ve come and excited to see what you’ll achieve next.
PE
Year 7 - 10 students have been experiencing Athletics. enjoying more time on the field in this module - just in time for the sun to join us! Students have explored running for speed and distance - some have used parachutes to feel wind resistance and improve their power when sprinting. Students have taken part in the high jump and learnt the fosbury flop! They have also experienced throwing both the Shot and the Javelin - some excellent distances have been measured too!
In addition at Cranbrook this module year 7 has been Horse Riding and had lessons on mountain bikes in the woods. Year 8 students have been swimming.
Next module we move to Striking and Fielding where students will experience, Cricket, Rounders, Softball, Golf (Frisbee) and some tennis too!
Art
In Year 7, students are beginning to explore abstract art, expanding their understanding of how art can exist across a continuum that spans hyper-realism all the way through to completely abstract! Students are applying their colour theory knowledge built up last term to exciting visual explorations.
In Year 8, students are exploring how technology has impacted art, travelling back in time to understand how significant a variety of early technological advancements like paint, the pencil and paper, as well as modern steps forward like photography and digital communication has impacted the art world. Students are currently taking part in photography challenges to develop their observation and framing skills.
In Year 9, students are digging in to what makes Pop Art ‘POP’, understanding that behind the bright colours and recognisable iconography, Pop Art was also a protest against perceived ‘high culture’. Students are using recognisable brands and icons to develop their own initial responses to the art movement.
KS4
Art students in year 10 continue to work on their personal portfolio projects, developing work around a theme and topic of their choosing across a range of media.
Year 11 have now concluded their art course allowing them extra time to focus on revision for other subjects. A big congratulations to all students for their hard work across the last 2 years! We wish them every success in their exams and cross our fingers for positive results in the summer.
MUSIC
In Year 7, students are diving into the world of Pop Music, building an understanding of what makes a catchy song. From hooks and riffs to structure and basic harmony, they’re learning how the genre has evolved and why it continues to dominate charts. After half term, students will be putting their knowledge into practice by creating their own pop-inspired compositions using classroom instruments and music technology.
In Year 8, students are travelling back to the roots of modern music with a focus on the Blues. They’re discovering how this powerful genre emerged from deep social and historical contexts, shaping countless styles that followed. Through listening and performance, students are developing their musical knowledge and exploring the emotional power of the 12-bar blues.
In Year 9, students are broadening their musical horizons through the study of world music, with an initial focus on traditional Gamelan from Indonesia. They’re exploring the unique textures, scales, and structures that define this ensemble-based music.
Communication
Year 7 students have enjoyed learning about different ways people communicate, passive, aggressive, and assertive. To help them understand these styles, we read a fun story about a lion, a mouse, and an owl. Each animal showed a different way of communicating. Students then created their own stories, and we were really impressed by their creativity!
In Year 8, students built on what they learned last year about passive, aggressive and assertive communication. This module, they focused more closely on assertive communication. They practised how to be clear and respectful when making suggestions, disagreeing, saying sorry, and having everyday conversations. They’ve shown great progress and are growing in confidence.
With mocks and exams taking place at both colleges, Year 9 students have been learning about stress and how to manage it. They explored helpful ways to stay calm, think positively, and support their friends. These skills will be especially useful as they move into Key Stage 4.
Life Skills- Community Project
The highlight of the Year 9 Life Skills curriculum is the MYP Community Project. 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 encourages 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.
Our students came up with a wide range of project ideas, managed themselves to plan and deliver their projects and have subsequently reflected on their projects, with some insightful responses. At Bearsted, the chess tournament proved to be a gripping and exciting event, with Dylan in Year 7 our worthy winner, and Bucko (Year 9) our able runner up. Well done to Edward for organising the tournament with the help of Ryan.
Our mini pizza sale was hugely successful, selling out quickly - which is unsurprising given how delicious the pizzas were (Well done Bucko and Tidus). A football tournament was held, and here our students really showcased the importance of teamwork - supporting and encouraging each other. They worked together to make it a hugely successful event, which was organised ably by Callum in Year 9.
Another highlight was the creativity, effort and commitment demonstrated by Zach, Year 9, who made an incredible animation (featuring dinosaurs and sound effects) with mental health as its central theme. In addition, money was raised through a sponsored walk, own clothes day and gaming event, as well as a range of artistic projects being produced. Year 9 stepped up to the challenge of their community projects and should feel very proud of what they achieved.
In other years, Year 7 has been focusing on The Importance of Leisure Time for our Wellbeing; considering the important transferable skills we gain from hobbies and activities we enjoy. And Year 8 has been exploring effective team work as part of our Working With Others topic.
The Year 9 Community Project has been a huge success, filled with energy, creativity, and community spirit. At Bearsted students organised a sponsored walk, an art competition, a bake sale, a Super Smash Bros tournament, and a non-uniform day – all to raise money for a fantastic cause. Thanks to everyone’s enthusiasm and generosity, we’ve raised enough to redecorate the sensory room with an out-of-this-world space theme. We’re so proud of what we’ve achieved together and can’t wait to see the transformation!
PSHE
Within PSHE, all year groups are covering the Relationships topic of our spiral curriculum. This is a pivotal point in the PSHE curriculum where students explored RSE (Relationships and Sex Education) topics in a stage-appropriate way. All PSHE have undertaken NSPCC "Talk Relationships" to handle these topics sensitively and formally with our students at Snowfields Academy.
Further information can be found on the RSE section of the Snowfields Academy website.
MYP
This module, our students have continued to do well in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP helps students learn by asking questions, solving problems, and building useful life skills. In all subjects, they have been learning about real-world issues and thinking about big ideas. One of the best parts of this term was the Year 9 Community Project. Students chose important issues—like mental health and raising money for charity— and took action to help. This shows how much they care about others and how well they work together. We are very proud of how our students are growing into kind, thoughtful, and confident young people.
Pathfinder Update
Students in Pathfinder have been working hard over the past term.
Our Year 13s, who will be leaving us in just a matter of weeks, have been working to complete their portfolios and we have some excellent samples of work across the board.
Many of the qualifications read in Post 16 are NEAs (Non-Examined Assessments) which means students spend two years compiling work into portfolios - this includes essays, workbooks, pictures of their practicals and witness statements. We have even had some lovely compliment cards to include in our Hospitality student’s books.
We would like to thank everyone who has attended an event in Post 16 this year - from our ‘Stay and Play’ in Childcare to the World War Tearooms or Afternoon Teas - your attendance supports students to gain their qualifications.
This term we welcomed Year 7 students to the Hospitality Suite as part of our VE day celebrations. Students were treated to a cup of tea and an Empire biscuit/flapjack. It was a lovely opportunity to show the younger years our facilities and offer them a chance to chat to the Sixthformers.
Both Year 12 and 13 students will be sitting exams just after half term and have completed Speaking and Listening assessments in the past week. We wish them the best of luck!
Snowfields Academy Updates
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.
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 (open between 08:30 and 16:30)
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
PLEASE NOTE OUR IMPORTANT SUMMER DEADLINES BELOW:
DIRECT TO SCHOOL (parents online delivery to school) – FRIDAY 13th JUNE (delivery to school before the end of term)
PARENTS DIRECT (parents online delivery to home) – FRIDAY 18th JULY (delivery before the start of term)
https://thewebsitehosters.co.uk/brigade-2025/PD
NEW! BRIGADE DISCOUNT CODE: LASTCHANCE15
Saturday 7th June - Sunday 8th June
Discount: 15%
BRIGADE CLEARANCE CORNER: up to 60% off
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 and Mrs Norman.
All of the SSMs are Safeguarding trained and support with communication between home and school.
Community Links
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:
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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