Module 6 Newsletter
Module 6 Newsletter
July 2023
July 2023
Embedded Files
Dear Families,
The summer term at Snowfields has been especially joyful. We have met all of the new children who will be joining us in Year 7 in September, said goodbye to our first ever Year 11 leavers, had two very successful sports days with fantastic family support and have had our special awards events. That’s not to mention our first ever Year 11 exams, we are so proud of all of our students for taking part and eagerly look forward to their results in August. And of course Ofsted!
The Year 11 leavers family celebration was a particular highlight for me; almost all of our Year 11s came together, along with many of their families, to say goodbye to each other and to us as some move on to new destinations and others to return in our new 6th form. It was heartwarming to see so many, and hear stories from family and students themselves of the difference Snowfields has made to their lives. The true celebration lies not just in the exam outcomes, although of course these are very important to help our students reach their next destinations; but also the stories of growing confidence, life long friendships, trust, laughter and somewhere our wonderful students have felt accepted and celebrated for who they are. Almost all of our Year 11s joined us in Year 9, 10 or 11, after a challenging school experience. That they have achieved so much in their time with us brings all of the staff at Snowfields pride and joy. Whether returning to us or going onto new pastures, may they live well with their autism and aspire to a bright future.
Sports days were wonderful. An opportunity to come together as a school community and have some fun together. Huge thanks to Mike and his team of very willing helpers for leading a day which was about much more than winning and losing. We saw great effort, friendship, celebration and kindness. One of our students gave up his medal to a friend who lost the race because he had fallen. That’s what sports day is about. Thank you to everyone who was able to come along and enjoy the days.
Year 11 exams went really well. Our students had been very well prepared and had worked hard in the run up to them. They were so kind to and supportive of each other. Since the end of exams almost all of them have enjoyed two fabulous activity weeks. Thanks to Emily Stone for leading this. Our first ever Post 16, Year 12, will be at Bearsted in September 2023, then the following Year, September 2024 all of our Post 16 offer will be at Cranbrook where specialist facilities are being developed.
We have been sad to say goodbye to a few staff who are moving on. In almost all cases when staff leave us they are moving on for promotion positions, and we warmly congratulate them on their success. We have appointed some excellent new staff for September and I look forward to them joining our team.
As you know Ofsted came on 27th and 28th June. Thanks to those of you who supported us with your many lovely comments. This was an opportunity for our students and staff to shine through the two day inspection, Snowfields’ first, and they all rose to the occasion. I can’t reveal our outcome yet but look forward to sharing the report with you all in due course.
As we come to the end of the year it is a good opportunity to reflect across the year on some of the experiences had, and progress made, by your wonderful children. Thanks to all of you who have supported us this year; it is always a pleasure when home and school work so well together.
Have a wonderful summer, to quote two of our values: stay safe and be happy.
Best wishes,
Dee Pickerill
Snowfields Academy Updates
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. Inline 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.
You can view the LAT policy on Student Attendance here.
We will continue to celebrate the positive with certificates for those who achieve over 90% or made the biggest improvements.
Just a reminder that families should please 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.
At Snowfields we strive and aspire for all student attendance to be above 90% - well done to the students that have achieved this since September.
Code of conduct - September 23
We have 3 simple rules in the academy that we expect students to follow at all times. These are:
to be ready (wearing the correct uniform, ensuring chromebooks are charged and taken to lessons, have the correct equipment for lessons),
to be respectful (using polite and appropriate language to staff and peers, giving everyone the space to learn and succeed in lessons, engaging with school equipment sensibly and carefully)
and to be safe (being mindful with our words and body around others, using the strategies offered to help manage your feelings).
By doing these three things, you will then be able to show the five Snowfields core values.
When supporting pupils’ behaviour for learning, staff will look to offer regulation strategies to help themselves - and their peers - access their learning. Staff work to identify any possible antecedents and support pupils with these. This does not mean that there are no consequences for behaviours, instead we seek to identify the most appropriate consequences for the behaviour and offer our students the opportunity to learn about what is appropriate and how they could better manage themselves.
Uniform expectations - September 23
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 students also wear a Snowfields tie.
Students may also prefer cotton Snowfields T-shirts, polo shirts or shorts which are also acceptable.
Any other reasonable adjustments that need to be made need to be agreed by a member of the Senior Team.
Key Events
Snowfields Awards - Bearsted and Cranbrook
We were delighted to celebrate the annual Snowfields Awards at each college and the first one held at Cranbrook. Students were nominated by members of staff and the winners were selected by Dee and the leadership team. There were awards for:
Each of the Snowfields values:
Work Hard, Be Kind, Communicate, Stay Safe and Be HappyCore subjects English, Maths and Science
The winning class at Sports Day
The Principal’s Shield for resilience.
Congratulations to all of our winners!
Sports Day - Bearsted and Cranbrook
Sports day this year had students rotating around ten activity stations throughout the day. They had the opportunity to hone their accuracy skills throwing frisbees, wellies, bean bags and quoits, to beat the keeper in penalties and also try some new sports such as Golf and Archery. They also had a great deal of fun challenging each other (as well as the staff!) on the inflatable assault course, and the giant inflatable hungry hippos!!
Staff and students pulled together as they always do to ensure a safe but fun and active day. The afternoon heat didn't put off our families either as many arrived for the sprints, relays, ice creams and of course the very competitive tug of war!!
LAT Sports Day
We took a selection of year 7 and year 8 students to the LAT games this year to compete against all of the LAT mainstream secondary schools. We may be small in numbers but we know our students are determined, brave and ready for any challenge!
Vists and Trips - Bearsted
During Module 6 every form group has been on a tutor-organised co-curricular trip. The first tutor visit took place on 3rd July and the Year 10s went to Wildwood wildlife park. Coming up over this Module the Year 7s and Russell class will be going to Howletts Zoo, Dickens are navigating the slopes of the toboggan run at Chatham Ski Centre followed by a picnic at Capstone Park, and Austen are going to Leeds Castle, where they will be playing adventure golf, getting lost in the maze, witnessing a falconry display and travelling on boats and trains too, amongst other activities in the Castle Estate.
Our Year 11s did extremely well in managing their exams and their stress and anxiety around this. Prior to them leaving us, they took part in a fortnight of activity sessions of off-site trips. Included in these were a day of independent travel training around Maidstone, sight-seeing in London on the Clipper boats and a day of volunteering at Milestone Academy.
Personal Development
Co-curricular opportunities
Our students have thrived in their co-curricular activities this year. They have enjoyed a variety of activities which have added stretch and challenge to their days as well as a little “safe” risk to their learning. This year the activities have included Mountain bikes in the woods, Horse Riding, Forest school, Climbing, and Swimming. It has been fantastic to enable these activities to take place but even better to visibly see and hear how the students engage and grow in confidence during these sessions.
From the members of the public we come across in the woods when on bikes, the staff and lifeguards at the pools and climbing centre, and the volunteers supporting horse riding, all say how polite and well mannered with their communication and interactions our students are, and what an asset they are to Snowfields. These sessions really do highlight our core values!
Snowfields Squad
The Snowfields Squad were tasked with coming up with ideas to mark Mental Health Week within the school. The Cranbrook group developed a great idea for promoting students’ wellbeing and suggested a nature walk around the woods to support mindfulness and good mental health. This was a huge success which saw students paying special attention to the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the present moment.
Students had the opportunity to walk in their tutor groups around Angley Woods and take in the beautiful sights of their surroundings in the forest.
Careers
Students have had a range of Careers Opportunities this academic year. A range of professions have been in to talk to students including the Fire Service and Police. Year 10 students have the opportunity to attend the Gallaghers careers fair on Thursday 6th July to find out about different career opportunities and see first hand what a working quarry site looks like.
Coffee Mornings
Our next round of coffee mornings have been focused on families meeting each other and hearing from Fi Bradbrook, Vice Principal at Cranbrook. Fi discussed how Snowfields supports personal development - both what is covered in the PSHE curriculum as well as the wealth of opportunities on offer to students including co-curricular opportunities, clubs at school, trips, visits and careers. It was great to see so many families at each event and we look forward to hosting more of these in the next academic year!
Year 11s at Bearsted/ Snowfields Post 16 - Pathfinder College
Year 11s at Bearsted/ Snowfields Post 16 - Pathfinder College
Post 16 updates
Now that our first students have finished their KS4 years at Snowfields, we are looking forward to many of them returning as Sixth-formers in Pathfinder College. Our first year will be based in Bearsted, before moving to our new college on the top floor at Cranbrook.
Students had their first taster days at the start of July and made their academic choices for the next two years. It is a really exciting time for us to open another new Key Stage and we look forward to all of the opportunities that will afford our students, as they prepare to be more independent and work towards entering employment.
Year 11 activity fortnight
Year 11 spent their last two weeks as KS4 completing various activities that gave them the opportunity to gain some independence, travel around the local area and begin to consider the transition to their next education placement - whether that be at Pathfinder or at a local college. Students have built bridges with an Engineer, had a bake off, volunteered their time at Milestone Academy and have been orienteering around Maidstone and to London.
The highlight of the activity week was their Celebration Brunch - in the igloos at Oad Street.
First Year of exams
We would like to say a huge congratulations to all of our students who have sat exams in this summer series. Students have submitted coursework and sat both functional and GCSE certificated exams.
Our staff have done an amazing job preparing students for these important exams - from invigilation, teaching exam material, to the admin needed to set up and send off the papers - their dedication has allowed our students to have the best chance possible and we are thankful to them.
We now await their results, which the students are invited to collect on 24th August from 10am. We can’t wait to celebrate with them.
English
English
Year 7 - Shakespeare and Poetry Galore!
As the Year 7s come to the end of their first academic year here at Snowfields we look back at the progress they have made this year. Our students have looked at a range of different topics and developed a full range of skills this module. This module, Year 7 looked at poetry from around the world and read their first full Shakespeare text. We have even seen students acting out the Bard's most famous lines in classrooms across the school. Well done Year 7!
Year 8 - Around the World in a range of Short Stories…
This module, Year 8 have been looking at a range of short stories and stories from around the world. Students have developed their reading skills as well as their cultural awareness. They have worked really hard developing these skills and we are really proud of the work the have produced.
Year 9 - Plays, Plays and Plays…
Year 9 have been busy preparing for their transition to Key Stage 4, by studying a modern play during module 6. They have shown their textual analysis skills by breaking down texts and linking ideas to the context in which they were written. This module has also seen Year 9 produce some really high quality essays around their chosen plays. Keep up the hard work Year 9!
Year 10 - The Halfway Point
This module has seen our Year 10 come to the halfway point in their Key Stage 4 journey. They have studied a range of texts from ‘An Inspector Calls’ to ‘A Christmas Carol’. Some students have also spent this module developing their presentation skills and have been showing off these skills in their spoken language assessments. We are looking forward to moving on to our poetry module in the next academic year. Watch this space.
Year 11 - Good Luck!
As we say a fond farewell to our Year 11 students we look back at the journey they have had since starting with us back in 2020. They have worked so very hard especially in these last few modules,in the run up to their exams. The English department are extremely proud of them and wish them all the luck for their results this Summer!
Physical Education
Finally the sun has come out and summer has arrived. Students have moved from the sports hall to utilise our fantastic sports fields.
Students in module 5 worked on their Athletics skills, running, jumping and throwing. They were all looking forward to and preparing for Sports day events.
Module 6 has been all about striking and fielding. Students have enjoyed Cricket, Rounders and some of the older students Softball. They have also had the opportunity to try some Tennis as well as a little “Frisbee” Golf and “normal” Golf too!
In giving students the opportunity to try new activities and sports, our hope is they may discover or become interested enough to create lifelong healthy habits and realise all of the physical and social and emotional benefits from sport (and have fun!!).
Maths
Maths
**Snowfields Mathematicians Shine in Module 6!**
As the academic year comes to a close, let's take a moment to celebrate the incredible achievements of our Snowfields Mathematicians during Module 6. From Year 7 to Year 11, we have been conquering fractions, ratios, circles, composite shapes, volume and surface area of prisms, quadratic equations, ratio and proportion, factors, powers, roots and putting their all into preparing for exams.
**Year 7: Fractions and Ratio**
Year 7 cracked the code of fractions and ratios, proving themselves as true Fraction Fanatics! From dividing pizzas to sharing chocolates equally with friends, they applied their newfound fraction skills in everyday scenarios. Now, these budding mathematicians can handle fractions like pros and they deserve a round of applause for their impressive achievements!
**Year 8: Circles and Composite Shapes**
Year 8 donned their mathematical hard hats and transformed into architects of geometry during Module 6. Armed with compasses and protractors, they explored the captivating world of circles and composite shapes. From calculating the circumference of donut rings to designing intricate patterns with polygons, our young mathematicians embraced the challenges with creative flair.
**Year 9: Quadratic Equations**
Year 9 ventured into uncharted territory during Module 6, becoming fearless Equation Explorers on their quest to master quadratic equations. Armed with quadratic formulas and an unwavering determination, they fearlessly solved equations and unravelled the mysteries of parabolas.
**Year 10: Ratio and Proportion, Factors, Powers, and Roots**
In Module 6, Year 10 took on the challenges of ratio and proportion, factors, powers and roots. They bravely faced questions like "If Bob has 10 apples and Sarah has 15, what is the ratio of their apple collection?" Their minds were sharper than ever as they tackled complex problems, finding solutions with superhero-like precision.
**Year 11: Exams**
And finally, a huge round of applause for our Year 11 students! This module was all about preparing for exams, and boy, did they take it seriously. Their commitment, hard work, and revision sessions were truly commendable. They tackled practice papers, revised diligently and faced each exam with unwavering focus. Snowfields Academy is bursting with pride for our Year 11 students and we know that all their dedication will pay off!
As Summer approaches, we wish each and every one of you a safe and enjoyable break. Take time to relax, have fun and recharge those mathematical batteries. We can't wait to see you back next academic year!
The Snowfields Academy Mathematics Department
The Arts
Music -KS3
Students across years 7, 8 and 9 have experienced a varied year of music. Taking inspiration from a range of starting points, students in Key Stage 3 have explored classical music, blues music, the history of rock and roll, pop music, and much more! Developing contextual understanding, theoretical music knowledge, as well as some basic performance skills, we hope that some students will continue to harbour and expand a love of music outside of Snowfields whether that be through picking up a musical instrument, or just curating a killer Spotify playlist!
Art - KS3
Students have taken part in a range of arts activities and been exposed to the work of practitioners the world over.
Year 7 were introduced to the ‘formal elements’ of art, and spent multiple terms building and then refining their skills across topics like ‘line’, ‘shape’, ‘tone’ and ‘texture’. In the final module of the year, they learnt about abstract artists like Bridget Riley, Joan Miró and Jackson Pollock so as to begin to understand how modern artists innovated and rebelled against established art rules.
Year 8 spent much of their year developing their understanding of hybrids and fusions, through personal explorations of creature and objects fused together in weird and wonderful ways. The year group took some of these initial experiments and used them to build an understanding of the surrealist art movement, before going back in time to understand how characters from folklore such as the Green Man could be considered early examples of surreal art. The year concluded with students exploring how technology has and continues to influence the art world, exploring digital tools and cameras.
Year 9 explored a range of starting points this year, beginning with a deep dive into the traditions and Calavera art associated with the Mexican Day of the Dead, going on to learn a little about the history of portraiture, and finally creating pop art work inspired both by the masters of the art movement as well as modern popular culture. The independence that students have gained in Year 9 will put them in a great position to continue art into Key Stage 4 if they have chosen this option for Year 10.
GCSE
Snowfields’ first ever GCSE cohort have now completed their art course, and we couldn’t be more proud of what they’ve accomplished and produced.
Exploring artists as varied as René Magritte, Libby Simpson, David Miller, Kyffin Williams and Caravaggio, students have created fantastic outcomes that explore the themes set by the exam board such as ‘Our World’, ‘Aged’ and ‘Objects.
We wish them every success for their summer results!
Science
We are thrilled to share with you the incredible scientific journey that your children have embarked on this year. It has been a year filled with excitement, discovery, and hands-on exploration and we couldn't be prouder of their achievements. So, let's take a moment to celebrate their remarkable scientific accomplishments together.
Our young Scientists began their exploration by diving into the intricate world of the human body. With great curiosity and respect, they participated in a rat dissection, where they learned about teamwork, precision and the marvels of the human anatomy. It was an opportunity for them to deepen their understanding of the human body while fostering values of empathy and appreciation for life.
From there, they ventured into the captivating realm of energy. Through engaging experiments and interactive lessons, they discovered the diverse forms and applications of energy in our daily lives. In an exciting project, they built balloon helicopters, applying their newfound knowledge of flight and aerodynamics. Their creativity and problem-solving skills truly shone through as they designed and engineered their own flying contraptions.
Nature's wonders awaited them in the enchanting Angley Woods, where they delved into the marvels of biodiversity. Guided by expert naturalists, your children immersed themselves in the rich tapestry of life, observing and identifying various species of plants, insects and animals. This experience nurtured a deep appreciation for the delicate balance of nature and the interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Finally, their scientific explorations led them to investigate the forces at play in the movement of vehicles. Through hands-on experiments and investigations, they uncovered the physics behind transportation. From analysing cars to experimenting with magnets, they developed a deeper understanding of how vehicles conquer different terrains.
Thank you for supporting your children's scientific endeavours. Together, let's continue to encourage them to nurture their curiosity, stay curious, and keep exploring the wonders of the world.
Individuals and Societies
Students in Year 7 have been completing two new topics: Incredible Iceland and Beliefs around the world! Students have learnt about Iceland. The topic zooms in on Iceland and links back to the previous topic on tectonic plates, but introduces the idea of sustainable energy and working with natural resources without depleting them. This final assessment also allows students to compare the UK's use of renewable energy to Iceland's use of it.
The topic of beliefs allows pupils to explore the key similarities and differences between religions as well as to understand the importance of these beliefs to key communities in the UK and elsewhere.
In Year 8, students have continued with their topics from Module 5: China and Industrial Britain.
The topic of China allows students to investigate and evaluate the process of demographic change and urbanisation which creates challenges and opportunities for people and places.
Industrial Britain enables pupils to build on their understanding of the role of the Empire in the industrialisation of Britain. They are furthering their understanding of the declining power of the monarchy and the growth of the middle class. The plight of the working class and the reforms to working conditions as a result of the efforts of protest groups and MPs will feed into their Year 9 module on democracy.
In Year 9, students have also continued with their topics from Module 5, The End of the Empire and the development of Africa. This topic of the End of the Empire allows pupils to develop their understanding of the evolution and establishment of modern Britain, drawing on their knowledge of exploration and colonisation in the Elizabethan and Stuart eras. They will build on this by exploring the reasons for, nature of and impact of the British Empire, and focus on case studies in India and Australia. They will deepen their understanding of the nature of colonialism as well as use sources to explore the attitudes towards race and Empire that were prevalent at the time.
For the year 9 topic, it is important to show pupils how the world has developed very differently across regions and by continent. The consequences of uneven development can be observed clearly by examining different regions and countries of the world. The reason for choosing the development of Africa as the area for our case study teaches students how environmental, economic and political challenges have restricted Africa’s development. You are going to think about some of the challenges that Africa has faced which have affected development.
Food Tech
Bearsted
This year in Food Tech Bearsted have covered a variety of different cooking skills and put these to use by cooking recipes such as: a couscous salad, smoothies and apple pie. Year 10 have completed a variety of recipes which have covered a range of cultures whilst also allowing students the opportunity to try a myriad of techniques such as frying, grilling, boiling and baking. Through the recipes the students have also developed their knife skills and developed both their practical and theoretical skills. Some of the recipes they have successfully completed include tacos, enchiladas, shish kebabs, spaghetti carbonara, homemade pizza, chicken tikka masala, chocolate chip cookies and brownies. It has been wonderful to see all their confidence in the kitchen grow and hear about them completing some of the recipes at home with family. It has also been lovely to have some of the students request to complete certain recipes as it is something they are personally interested in and passionate about.
Cranbrook
This was our first year at Cranbrook and the students were a little apprehensive about Food Tech, as the year has gone on the confidence and independence shown by all is amazing to see. This year we have covered different basic skills and enabled students to experience following recipes that they can hopefully recreate at home. Students have also had the opportunity to make items for fundraising events. Students have covered a range of skills and learned how to keep themselves and others safe while cooking. Recipes we have covered this year include cupcakes, chocolate tiffin, pasta, folded wraps and learning how to prepare eggs in different ways.
Life Skills
Students have been working hard in Life Skills focusing on units looking at the Importance of Leisure Time on our Wellbeing, Working Together and Study Skills. Some highlights from these modules have been challenging ourselves to build the tallest towers from marshmallows and spaghetti and challenging ourselves through various Circus Skills!!
Module 6 sees our students learning about British Values, developing their money management skills and taking part in group projects ready for the next academic year where our Year 9s undertake the MYP Community Project.
Library
Accelerated reader, Bookopoly
As this year comes to a close, we can’t help but appreciate how much both libraries have grown. In September, Cranbrook only had empty shelves and boxes full of books, but now it is a colourful and lively hub of the school! Bearsted library has continued to expand its resources. Over the course of the year we have ordered roughly 700 new books for the libraries, often based on students’ requests, to encourage reading for pleasure.
Accelerated Reader has been a big success at Cranbrook College. Students have read 3.8 million words since September and taken 276 Accelerated Reader quizzes! This module, Key Stage Three students at Bearsted have had the opportunity to engage in Library lessons as part of their English curriculum with a focus on utilising Accelerated Reader, reading for pleasure and positive library behaviours. Hopefully both colleges will be confident in using Accelerated Reader to test their reading comprehension on the books they enjoy! Some staff members have now also got their own Accelerated Reader accounts and have been taking part in Bookopoly alongside the students!
So far in Module Six we have been celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month across both libraries. Both libraries have colourful display boards and lots of complementary books on offer. Bearsted College even has Pride bunting decorated by some of the students! In July we will be celebrating the importance of poetry. The display boards, book displays and library activities will all focus on celebrating great poets and poetry. The library will also be running a poetry competition for students to submit their own work.
I am incredibly proud of all of the Snowfields Academy students for taking ownership of their reading this year. I hope all staff, students and families have a very happy and restful summer break- I cannot wait to return in September and hear about the books students’ have read over the holidays!
Farm
As we reach the end of our first year, I can hardly believe all that we have achieved. We have planted bulbs and trees, sown grass and wildflower seeds, made Christmas wreaths and moved tonnes of soil and manure. We have also worked with the animals, lambed, fed and cleaned. We have had some triumphs and disasters but we have always tried our best. To see the confidence and joy that our students get from the farm and outside environment makes it worth coming to work! I feel that they have all reached our values of “Work Hard, Be Safe, Be Kind, Communicate and Be Happy”!
Our next litters of piglets will be born at the end of July, our beef heifer Astra will give birth in October and the rams will go in so that we can host another Lambing Weekend next year. We are always looking forward and the future looks pretty good!
Thank you to everyone who has supported the farm in any way this year, enjoy what is left of the summer and stay healthy and happy.
Best wishes
Mr C, Farm Manager
Horticulture
We have been harvesting peas, broad beans, lettuces and other salad crops this term. We are pleased to announce we were also awarded a Wilder Kent award from the Kent Wildlife Trust.
The Kent show was our final competition of the year, where we won GOLD exhibiting a small container garden. Well done Helen and our Horticulture Students - an amazing result!
Communication
For the final module we have covered a range of topics in Communication. The Year 7's have explored how their communication style might change across different environments, the differences between formal and informal communication and how they can apply this to real life situations.
Meanwhile, the Year 8's have furthered their understanding about communicating in the community. They have learnt about communicating whilst shopping, travelling and in the workplace, which will support their growing independence.
The Year 9’s have now completed their final module of Communication and have produced some excellent presentations. They learnt skills about planning a good presentation, before applying these skills to present to the class. Many students presented excellent work about Snowfields and future careers, a huge well done!
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!
Lunch Time Clubs
Switch Club
Switch club takes place every break and lunch time for both KS3 & KS4. The students enjoy playing team type games such as Minecraft, FIFA23 and Super Smash Bros. They have enjoyed some new games this term which has kept things fresh and has encouraged teamwork.
Craft Club
At Craft club we have loved painting stones this module with empowering and uplifting words on, to be made into part of a Sensory Garden display. Students have learnt how to make intricate scoubidos, mainly to give out as friendship bracelets. We have sewed, stuck and sequined butterflies, and the favourite Magic painting books enjoyed outside in the shade on hot days.
There have been some amazing Lego Star Wars models taking shape but also a wide variety of free building from our students imaginations, resulting in some very inventive animals, buildings & vehicles. It is great to see students working on their projects together sharing the experience.
Rowing Club
At Snowfields Cranbrook, we have excitedly linked up with London Youth Rowing and Active Row Kent. This gives us access to external coaches who come into school and assist with the coaching of our young people. We have also been invited out to different events in the upcoming future. The ambition of us and the London Youth Rowing is to take the students out on water and complete some rowing lessons with us. We have also secured an invitation to the National Schools Rowing Competition in London’s Copper Box Arena next March.
Students participated in a district competition for Year 8 and 9. Although these competitions took place in the evenings, the students’ showed flexibility to record the students’ entries and send them off. We have seen students really improve their times and they have thoroughly enjoyed the competitive nature of taking on their old times and improving. We have even seen staff giving it a go and challenging each other.
We have had all of our students do particularly well with them only being introduced to the sport in the last few months. Snowfields Bearsted are currently on the top of LYR’s waiting list to get rowing machines so we hope to expand across both colleges in September.
Young Farmers
The young Farmers have been busy moving livestock to new cooler pens. Cleaning out hutches and pens. Providing fresh water for the pigs and other animals. They have weighed, groomed and got the Dairy calves used to being led on a halter to be turned out, on a regular basis. Students assisted with the clearing of the trailer used to take the pigs to be sold at the Livestock Market. Mr Cooper has explained about the process and how the pigs reached Top selling price as they had been so well cared for.
Schools Team Officers and Safeguarding
Student friendly safeguarding policy
Wellbeing & Therapy
Mental Health updates
Mental Health is always a big focus at Snowfields but in May, we put additional focus on this during Mental Health Awareness week. During this time we had a range of activities and events to create opportunities for discussion around Mental Health. Displays were up in both libraries and students looked at resources during wellbeing time each day.
Students designed postcards which were professionally printed and then used to write uplifting messages to each other. The Snowfields Squad were involved and voted to host a nature walk at Cranbrook and at Bearsted and they chose to show videos of Footballers dealing with Mental Health issues.
For our Year 11s, messages written by staff were stuck up around Bearsted to support students in mentally preparing for their exams. Staff and Students wore green one day to fundraise for the Mental Health Foundation and Students were able to purchase green ribbons throughout the week.
Our wellbeing dogs, Willow, Otis and Max now have an email address that students can use if they wish to book time with them: dogs@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk
Otis & Max - intervention updates
Max has loved being in School this year. He has made friends, gone to Forest School, been out on school trips and spent time with students who need a cuddle and some comfort. Max continues in his training and over the Summer holidays he will be going in and out of shops and on public transport, as part of his travel training and in preparation for supporting the Sixth Form.
Don’t forget you can email Max and Otis on their official email address dogs@snowfieldsacademy.org.uk. Why not let them know what you’ve been up to over the Summer?
Advertising Mental Health Agencies
A reminder about accessing Kooth, if students need support with their Mental Health over the Summer break. Kooth has a range of free online resources and ideas available online and students can also type directly to a counsellor if they need support.
Autism Show
Some of our staff who went to the Autism Show in London met the owner of Sam Sensory, a clothing company that produces items with sensory needs in mind. The items avoid seams, labels and itchy materials. There are loops in trouser pockets where you can attach fidgets and the fidgets are available on the website too. Hoodies and jackets have different chewy attachment options. Please have a look at the website if this is something that is of interest.
Community Links
Maidstone Community centre has lots of information about local charities and organisations - Click here
Community support.pdf
Celebrating The Great (feedback from families)
“X is like a different child since moving from primary school, he is much happier and enjoys school. X benefits from the relaxed environment, small numbers in class and level of TA support.”
“He’s grown and flourished so much in 8 months, it really is unbelievable. He had a great day, thank you again for everything”
“X has settled into Snowfields well and enjoys coming to school. X struggled in his previous school and was often regarded as behaving badly especially on days when he wouldn’t take his medication. We have seen a huge improvement in X since attending Snowfields.”
“Transitions were always a challenge previously which was a big concern. X has joined Snowfields as though he was always here, he has gone from being a boy to being a man now. There isn't a great need for interventions offered at primary, as the setting helps him to succeed and meet his needs.”
“Snowfields has really enabled X to embrace his Autism and truly be himself without judgement or ridicule. Although mainstream does its best to work around students like X it just cannot compare to the support and guidance provided by Snowfields. It’s a wonderful school and we all feel blessed that X has been lucky enough to be supported by fantastic teachers and the academy in general. He loved his recent trip out which was a perfect example of a trip that was arranged truly with the students in mind. As well as the recent swimming that has been arranged. I only wish that other children were as lucky as X to be able to join in with this experience. Before Snowfields, X had very negative feelings towards school, but I do believe if you asked him today that it would be a completely different story!... We are astounded by how X behaviour has improved in these last few months particularly, and this is in part due to maturity but definitely because he feels comfortable and supported in the Snowfields’ environment.”
“We are so proud of X and all the staff. I know it’s taken time but what a difference since September. No more tears in the morning either. Thanks to all of you continuing to be patient with X and respecting her as a person, by putting in place strategies to help her. “
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