The Halley's Comment

Issue 24 - Module 3

“Our Academy values - respect, achievement, collaboration, integrity and resilience - permeate everything we do"

A message from Mr Russell, Principal

In my assembly at the start of this module, I encouraged students to reflect on the end of the calendar year just past, including the achievements, changes and challenges within it, to consider where they would like to be in 12 months, looking back on 2024.

Whether images from the James Webb telescope to the Hawaiian wildfires, the Women's Football World Cup Final to the coronation of King Charles III, the prompts for these discussions embody the challenges we as humans face, reveal the complexities of the human character and condition, and remind us of the increasingly interconnected, fast-paced, unpredictable world in which we live.

For me, these images and events are a powerful reminder of why we do what we do every day at the Academy. They remind us of the importance of equipping students with the knowledge, values, and experiences to successfully navigate the world, and play an active and positive role within it, as they progress into adulthood.

The developments and events in the Academy over the last 6 weeks, showcased in this edition of Halley's Comment, exemplify our daily commitment to this important mission: launching our new interdisciplinary units as part of our IB MYP curriculum, expanding the range of enriching extra-curricular opportunities, and providing an excellent education so that students can achieve their potential in their final Year 11 and 13 exams that begin in a few months time.

Thank you for all your continued support of the Academy, and the work we do with your child to have the best possible experience of secondary education.

I wish you and your families a wonderful and well-deserved half-term break, and we look forward to welcoming students back to the Academy on Monday 19th February.

Mr Russell

Principal

“Those who can imagine anything can create the impossible”

Turing School

Turing School students continue to flourish at the Academy, playing an ever increasing role in being ambassadors and modelling excellent behaviour and engagement in lessons. We as a Turing senior team have looked to harness this, with all students receiving a number of assemblies tracing back to our roots as a small school on why students should be proud to have the blue stripe on their tie. As we approach the summer modules and the benefits this brings, it is more important than ever that our students continue to recognise and reflect on what makes them special.

The celebration of our students is something that we are always keen to promote, so I would like to recognise students who have exemplified our values around the Academy.

Djeissey (8T1), Praashna (8T1), Omar (8T2), Olly (8T2), Patricia (8T2) and Eliana (10T2) have all consistently shown respect and modelled collaboration to their peers around the Academy.

Pratham (8T1), Inioluwa (8T1), Dareck (8T1) and Callia (8T1) represented the Academy in their respective football teams.

Nahum (7T1), Lucas (7T1), Baris (7T2) and Freida (7T2) for achieving the highest number of award cards in Turing School.

Marina (7T1), Freida (7T2), Levent (7T2), Kristina (7T2), Enzo (7T2), Aiden (8T1) and Djeissy (8T1) who have been awarded over 4 cards this academic year, demonstrating their excellent commitment to Academy life.

Attendance is a significant contributing factor to a students engagement and progress at the Academy, so it is fantastic to have Turing School leading the way in their attendance this year.

The theme of contribution and celebration was continued when a number of students attended Tea with the Principal. This is a space and opportunity for them to share their ideas with Mr Russell on how we can support the continued growth and development of the Academy. I am delighted that Leo (8T1) and Daniela (10T1) were nominated as outstanding ambassadors to the Academy.

I would like to conclude by thanking you for your support and communication throughout this calendar year. We rely on your openness and willingness to support us and your child during their school lives, with those firmly rooted relationships enabling each child to prosper. As always, we are here to support your child and will keep you, the families, updated as we travel through the course of this academic year.

If you would like to contact someone from Turing School at any point, please email us at turing@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.

Mr Kamya

Head of Turing School

Easley School

Easley students continue to be a source of pride across the Academy and most certainly in the Small School. Their outstanding commitment to excellence, engagement in activities and learning and their fantastic behaviour is always a pleasure to see.

We have had more opportunities this module to come together as a community in our small school assemblies. Mr Russell explored the values of the Academy with a review of 2023, as we look forward to 2024 and students warmly received our new rewards programme, which was launched in an assembly by Mr Godina.

As always, there are many things to celebrate. Easley students have been fantastic ambassadors for the Academy through touring new families, welcoming new students and participating in workshops, as well as taking up leadership opportunities.

We continue to celebrate the great achievements of our students. Our attendance is currently above national figures. Attending school every day is critical to our students achieving their target grades, making significant progress and enjoying school life.

Since the start of the academic year, Easley parents have received over 5,000 ‘Praise Home’ emails for exceptional effort in lessons and demonstrating kindness to others. This is a significant increase on last year, so well done Easley! Our students have also completed almost 50 award cards this academic year. I am sure it is a source of pride for families when you are able to celebrate successes with your children.

It was a pleasure to see so many parents and carers of our Year 11 students at parents’ evening last week. The conversations with individual subject staff focussed on progress and provided an opportunity to celebrate the efforts and commitment to learning of our students, as well as receiving specific feedback to enable students to secure the very best grades in their fast approaching GCSE examinations.

This module, four of our students have had the pleasure of joining Mr Russell for ‘Tea with the Principal’. The Easley Small School team nominates two students, to celebrate their efforts, achievements and improvements. This is also an opportunity to feedback their experiences of the Academy and share suggestions for even further improvements. The students who have attended are Jane 9E1, Daniel 9E1, Jesse 10E2 and Esther 10E2.

Felicia, 7E1 and Istabya, 7E1 achieved Gold Medal Awards in module 2 and to celebrate this wonderful achievement, an invitation was extended to these students and their parents/carers to Breakfast with the Principal on Friday 8th December. Congratulations for such a wonderful achievement!

I would like to thank the Easley team; Mr Godina, the Deputy Head of School, Ms Taylor, the Director of Progress, Ms Stratford and Ms Allen, the Small School Managers, Ms Harrington, the Small School Administrator and of course the team of Easley tutors for their care and support of every child in Easley Small School. They carry out their work every day with pride. Finally, I would like to offer thanks to our families for the continued support and communication throughout the year. Success of young people is built on a firm partnership between school and home.

If you would like to contact the Easley Small School then please do so by emailing easleyschool@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.

Mrs Cronin

Head of Easley School

“You can do anything you want to, but you have to work at it”

“All that is necessary is the belief that by doing our best we shall come nearer to success and that success ..... is worth attaining”

Franklin School

The start of 2024 has provided all of our Franklin learning community with a chance to reflect upon achievements of the past and to set aspirational academic and personal goals for the future. This was demonstrated within the first week of this module in tutor time, when all students reviewed their commitment to learning report cards, setting themselves academic and personal aims. This reflection process is a cornerstone in preparing students for success and is an essential component of the IB learner profile. Self-management, demonstrated through the reflection process, is also the approach to learning we have explored within our tutor programme during this module.

We have had several students who have embodied the MYP learner profile in this module and their achievements have been recognised with Tea with the Principal. Students who have received this accolade have been: Wyndlyn 8F2, Chris 7F1, Naomi 9F2, Emmanuella 9F1, Omokorede 10F2, Kahye 7F1 and Zainab 8F2. Congratulations also to the following students for their outstanding academic success and contributions to academic life throughout this module; this was acknowledged with a Principal’s Breakfast: Taylor 7F2, Ola 7F1 and Leo 7F1.

As always, it has also been a pleasure to see so many Franklin students acting as ambassadors and tour guides within the Academy. Special mentions go to Naomi 9F2, Shucayb 9F2, Mariam 8F2 and Hayley-M Prudence. In the last couple of weeks of the module, Jack 10F1 also visited all tutor groups across the Academy, highly visible in his racing gear, promoting the great work of the E-Car, which it is hoped will be racing against other schools within the very near future.

We have also had the recent news that Isla 11F1, is currently on standby for the England Women’s Under 16 Squad which will be playing a tournament in Turkey next month. This is a truly incredible achievement for Isla, who continues to make superb progress in the preparation for her GCSEs as well.

Attendance continues to be a key priority for all students in Franklin School. Research shows that every 5% of school missed is, at a minimum, at least an entire GCSE/BTEC grade lost across every subject by Year 11. Our weekly Tutor hot chocolate programme, celebrating the achievement of the tutor group with the highest weekly attendance, has helped to drive forward standards in this area. It has been a delight to see the winning tutor groups enjoying this treat on Tuesdays. So far, 7F2, 10F2, 7F1 and 9F2 have all seen their collective efforts rewarded. Meanwhile, a number of Franklin students have also relished the opportunity to skip the queues at lunchtime and break time due to their high attendance record. There is still work to be done in this area for some students, and we look forward to continually celebrating the progress of students in this regard.

We are excited to see how the same positive start to 2024 continues throughout the remainder of this academic year and in particular to see the achievements of our students as we head into module 4 and the launch of our new achievement and reward system.

If you would like to contact the Franklin Small School then please do so by emailing franklin@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.

Mrs Parsons

Head of Franklin School

Hawking School

As we delve into the highlights of module 3, we are thrilled to share the latest achievements and events that have shaped the first half term this year for Hawking School.

Exceptional UCAS Round: Nearly 75% of Year 13s Aiming High for University

We are delighted to report a triumphant UCAS application round, with nearly 75% of our Year 13 students submitting applications to various universities both in and out of London! This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work, dedication, and ambitions of our students, who are eagerly awaiting the outcomes and preparing for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Diverse Pathways Ahead: Students Embrace Apprenticeship Opportunities

In addition to pursuing university routes, we're thrilled to share that many students have chosen the apprenticeship pathway for their post-Hawking School journey. This diversified approach reflects our commitment to supporting students in exploring a range of opportunities that align with their individual goals and aspirations.

Year 13 Parents' Evening: A Collaborative Community Spirit

The Year 13 Parents' Evening witnessed an impressive turnout, providing an invaluable opportunity for parents and teachers to engage in meaningful conversations about the academic progress and future plans of our senior students. Such collaborative efforts contribute significantly to the holistic development of our students, fostering a supportive and communicative community.

Empowering Year 12 with their second round of ‘Positivity You’ Sessions: Integrating Study Skills for Personal and Academic Growth

Year 12 students actively participated in the 'Positivity You' sessions, with the focus being in study skills delivery. These sessions, designed to foster personal development and resilience, also include valuable lessons in effective study techniques.

Year 12 University Outreach from Greenwich University and Oxford Brookes University

Towards the end of this module, our Year 12 students had the privilege of engaging in insightful university outreach sessions conducted by representatives from Greenwich University and Oxford Brookes University. These interactions provided valuable information about various academic programs, admission criteria and campus life, empowering students to make informed decisions about their higher education journey. These universities have committed to providing ongoing support throughout the year as we build on these relationships to help guide our students.

Careers Platform: Unifrog Returns Better Than Ever

We are excited to announce the relaunch of our excellent careers platform, Unifrog. This comprehensive tool offers enhanced features, empowering students to explore diverse career paths, access information about universities, and plan their futures effectively. As we prioritise equipping our students with the tools for success, Unifrog continues to be a pivotal resource in shaping their career aspirations.

Half Term Sessions: Opportunities for catching up and getting ahead

Looking ahead, we are excited to offer coursework sessions for our Year 13 students in Art, Engineering, IT, and Business throughout February half term. These sessions provide an opportunity for students to complete any outstanding coursework, to work closely with their teachers to get bespoke feedback to improve and achieve. We encourage all eligible students to take advantage of these offerings and make the most of their half term break- please consult the letter sent out for relevant date and timing information.

Tea with the Principal

Four of our students were invited for Tea with the Principal on Thursday 8th February. These students were nominated to celebrate their work ethic, diligence, resilience, punctuality, excellent attendance and being all-around wonderful ambassadors for Hawking School. Congratulations to Georgia 12H2, Logan 12H1, Zoya 13H4 and Christian 13H2.

We hope you have an excellent and safe break over half term and we look forward to seeing you for a busy and productive module 4.

If you would like to contact the Hawking Small School then please do so by emailing hawking@thehalleyacademy.org.uk.

Mr Cowie

Head of Hawking School

"Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet"

Baker McKenzie Insight Day

At the end of January, five of our Year 12 students had the opportunity to participate in the Baker McKenzie Insight Day. This event provided an introduction to a leading global law firm, and their new Social Mobility Programme for Year 12 students: Beginnings at Baker McKenzie.

In addition, the Insight Day provided students with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in the legal system, learn about career opportunities in law, and improve students’ employability skills. It also gave insights into how to submit an outstanding application for Beginnings at Baker McKenzie - a programme that supports students by providing regular, engaging events including skills sessions, networking opportunities, mentorship, and a summer work experience placement.

Positively You

Year 11 and 13 students attended a study skills workshop facilitated by Positively You, an external organisation that delivers transformative school workshops, providing students with the tools needed to become effective, lifelong learners while enjoying their education journey. The focus of these workshops uses Mind Mapping as a study skill to unlock creativity, effective planning, and high-order thinking. The feedback from the students was very positive and many of them are now applying the skills as they prepare for the respective examinations in the Summer. The next Positively You session will take place in module 4 after the forthcoming Year 11 and 13 second set of mock examinations.

Year 10 Work Experience Information Evening

This module, we were excited to launch our Year 10 work experience week which will take place Monday 15th to Friday 19th of July. To launch the initiative, all Year 10 students attended an assembly introducing them to work experience, giving them the key information so they could begin researching for work experience placements. Students were shown how to use our careers platform, Unifrog, to help them research industries of interest and potential employers. A parental workshop was held to inform families of the exciting opportunity work experience provides, and how they can support their child throughout the process. Students will be supported in the coming weeks with researching and contacting employers as they secure their placements.

Year 11 Parents' Evening

On the 1st February the Year 11 Parents’ Evening was held. We were excited to welcome over 75% of families, where we were able to have positive and productive conversations about how parents can best support their child with their Key Stage 4 studies. We are looking forward to hosting future Parents' Evening events for other year groups, details for which can be found here.

Smart Building Challenge

At the start of February, 50 year 8 students were selected to take part in the Smart Building Challenge offered by the Smallpeice Trust. In this challenge, students worked in small teams to design and build a system to recycle rainwater into freshwater, as part of an integrated system on a new smart-technology building. The teams had to design and construct a waterproof water tank with a built-in filter. Students were then able to develop their soldering skills, as they built an electronic water-detector; this was connected in an electric circuit to operate an automatic pump, which was able to detect and pump collected rainwater. Each group created a logo and marketing campaign for their design, to pitch for funding once their prototype was built. Students were required to work as a team to overcome the challenges in constructing their systems, and showcase their presenting skills when pitching for investment. All students who took part in the challenge will receive a Crest Discovery Award.

Parental Teaching and Learning Workshop

Our Module 3 Parental Teaching and Learning Workshop held on the 8th February focused on Digital Technology and in particular, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within our classrooms. Parents were introduced to a number of platforms that are readily accessible to our students and demonstrated the learning power of these tools. The session also provided tips on how to support students outside of the classroom, when using these tools. This was a fitting end to our CPD module which has focused on the use of technology within teaching and learning.

Breakfast with the Principal

Felicia 7E1, Istabya 7E1, Taylor 7F2, Arsen 7F1, Ola 7F1, Baris 7T2 and Leo 7F1, achieved Gold Medal Awards in module 3 and to celebrate this wonderful achievement, an invitation was extended to the students and parents to Breakfast with the Principal on at the start of February. A Gold Medal Award is a culmination of award marks, given by teachers and support staff where students produce work of a high standard, demonstrate a positive commitment to learning, contribute significantly to the Academy community through acts of kindness, or demonstrate The Halley Academy values and characteristics. When a student completes their 6th award card in the academic year they are invited, with their family to breakfast with the Principal.

Congratulations to you all for such fantastic achievements!

Royal Literacy Fund - Year 12 Workshop

We were delighted that our IB English class were invited to a workshop organised by the Royal Literacy Fund, which took place on Thursday 8th February. This enriching one-day program was hosted at Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy, a fellow Leigh Academies Trust Academy, providing an exceptional opportunity for learning and skill development. The schedule for the day was thoughtfully crafted to cover various aspects of writing skills, emphasising communication, practice, planning, and the writing process.

Greenwich Apprenticeship Summit

Over a dozen of our Year 12 students attended the first ever Greenwich Apprenticeship Summit on the 5th February organised by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. This day provided valuable insights into apprenticeships for our students; students gained knowledge and insight on the apprenticeship pathway to allow them to explore apprenticeships potential routes after Year 13. There was a diverse selection of apprenticeship providers and employers at the event, allowing students to hear valuable perspectives and information that can guide them towards successful and fulfilling career choices.

Library Re-opening

Students were abuzz with excitement when the library welcomed them back through its doors in January. Since then, students have been back to loan and return books, play a quiet game of cards or chess with friends or find a place to study. The Library is open in the mornings from 8am and at break and lunchtimes for students who wish to read, work or play a game during their personal time. There is also a new silent study area with individual study booths for those who require time in the library to get work done without distraction. Whilst we already have library regulars, we always welcome new visitors and are here when any student needs a quiet and calm atmosphere

Interdisciplinary Units

This module has seen the launch of our Interdisciplinary Units in Years 7 to 9. As part of the Middle Years Programme, students are introduced to assessed projects that are taught across subject disciplines. Interdisciplinary units offer a rich and varied educational experience that goes beyond traditional subject silos. They provide students with the tools and perspectives needed to thrive in a complex, interconnected world while fostering essential skills for lifelong learning.

Our Year 7s have been creating autobiographies combining their learning from their Language Acquisition and Language and Literature lessons.

Year 8s engaged in activities that combine their skills and knowledge in both Physical Health Education as well as the Sciences to assess the impact of diet on physical health.

Meanwhile, our Year 9 students have been assessing the impact of Artificial Intelligence in their Design, Maths and Science lessons.

Infinity Hub

We are delighted to welcome Ms Mason to the Infinity Hub who joined the team in January. Ms Mason will help to guide and teach our students within the hub.

Preparation for Cooking Lessons

In preparation for cooking lessons in the upcoming module 4, students practised knife skills at Roots4Life (a charity set up to equip people with the tools to live healthier). Students tasted lots of different foods and planted the seeds of those foods and will now experience them growing over some time. Our students also learned how to compost the food that they did not eat.

Recycling

We recycled plastic bottles to make labels and planted bulbs ready for Spring.

The Greenwich Wildlife Centre

On Wednesday 10th January we had a visit from The Greenwich Wildlife Centre who brought with them tame ferrets. We learned what they ferrets like to eat, their habitat, and how they make great pets! The ferrets behaved impeccably well and our students were calm, gentle and respectful - they enjoyed handling the ferrets as well as learning about them. The Greenwich Wildlife Centre said “It was an absolute joy to see a young person’s face light up when they touch or hold an animal for the first time. A big thank you to Ms Taylor who organised this event.

Mary Poppins

On Monday 5th February, we went to see the matinee performance of Mary Poppins at Eltham Hill School. We thoroughly enjoyed the show and were very impressed, especially with the amazing singing and tap dancing numbers!

Tea with the Principal

Five of our students were invited for ‘Tea with the Principal’ on the final day of term. These students were nominated to celebrate their excellent commitment, work ethic and achieving well in lessons. It is also an opportunity for them to share their opinions and give valuable input to the Principal. We are very proud of them and their excellent representation of the Infinity Hub. Congratulations to the following Year 7 students: Rishi, Jonjo, Lateef, Rayyan and Willyam, Year 8.

Sporting Fixtures

As the football season continued throughout module 3, players across Key Stage 3 & Key Stage 4 showcased their skills and sportsmanship across a variety of fixtures, including "friendlies", The LAT 5-a-side tournament, and the highly anticipated Blackheath Cup tournament. Below is a roundup of the standout fixtures and the attributes demonstrated by our teams:

The term kicked off with a series of friendly matches that set the stage for the upcoming competitions. Teams used these encounters to fine-tune their strategies, build chemistry, and give new players valuable game time. Throughout these matches, many of our core Academy values were demonstrated throughout. On top of these other attributes that were demonstrated were:

Teamwork: Several squads demonstrated exceptional teamwork, with quick passing sequences and coordinated movements on and off the ball.
Adaptability: Teams showcased their ability to adapt to different playing styles, adjusting strategies mid-match in attempts to counter opponents effectively.
Sportsmanship: The friendly fixtures emphasised fair play, with teams displaying commendable sportsmanship and respect for their opponents.

At the end of January schools from across Leigh Academies Trust gathered to compete in the annual 5-a-side tournament. The fast-paced 5-a-side matches brought a different dynamic to the term, focusing on individual skills and quick decision-making.

Key attributes observed in this fixture were:

Dribbling Skills: A select few demonstrated exceptional dribbling skills, manoeuvring through tight spaces and taking on opponents with confidence.
Quick Thinking: The smaller pitch size demanded rapid decision-making, and teams showcased their ability to think on their feet, both offensively and defensively.

The pinnacle of the module for our Year 8 team was Their Blackheath Cup. The team battled for supremacy. This prestigious competition brought out the best in the players, highlighting:

Strategic Play: The group demonstrated strategic prowess, with effective game management, and strategic substitutions.
Resilience: As the intensity of the match increased, teams displayed resilience in the face of adversity, attempting to bounce back from setbacks and maintaining composure in high-pressure situations.
Passion and Team Spirit: The Blackheath Cup was a celebration of the passion for the sport, with players exhibiting unwavering dedication and a strong sense of team spirit.

In conclusion, the modules football fixtures provided a diverse and thrilling display of skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We look forward to seeing what teams can produce in their remaining matches of the year in module 4.

STEM Club

Our STEM club continues to run weekly, with our regular members investigating new ideas and conducting experiments with both crafts and technology. This module, STEM students have looked at how our digestive systems work and made a model to mimic the digestive processes. They have created robots that produce drawings, made ‘hologram’ projectors, created high-calorie bird cakes for the Halley wild bird population to enjoy, and made balloon-powered hovercrafts from old CDs.

Girls in STEM

The Girls in STEM (GiSTEM) group has gone from strength-to-strength this module, with over 20 girls now in regular attendance. The girls have designed their GiSTEM logo and have been working through a curriculum of practical experiments to enhance their scientific knowledge and skills. Students have made ‘elephant’s toothpaste’, created invisible ink and designed and produced lip balm; more exciting activities are planned for the next module, including making bath bombs. There are also a series of female speakers lined up to speak to the group to promote science and technology industries, including careers in surgery and website design.

Greenpower Racing Club

The GreenPower Racing club continues to recruit more members and prepare to enter our first official race, which we hope will take place in module 5 this year. The race is officially on! The club has been working hard to recruit members to the racing team; Ms Milligan and Jack 10F1, the racing team captain, visited all Year 7 tutor groups to explain more about the Greenpower Racing Project. Due to Jack’s enthusiastic descriptions, we had 10 new members at our last session who are all excited to get the race car on the road. We will be bringing updates about the first race very soon.

Bee Club

As we move towards Spring, we are getting closer to the time when the bees will become active again. The Bee Club will soon be able to start inspections and work directly with the hives. Meanwhile, the Bee Club have been working to create a new logo (designed by Antoni Marczak in year 7) and plant bee-friendly flower bulbs in the greenhouse (a visiting mouse in our greenhouse decided that the narcissus bulbs we had planted previously were there as a tasty snack for him to enjoy). Most recently, club members made honey oat biscuits and have started working on a storyboard for a video explaining the importance of bees.

EcoSchools

New EcoSchools committee members are currently being recruited from each tutor group. Next module we will commence official committee meetings and get some eco projects up and running, starting with finishing planting trees along the fence line between the outer quad and the field. Several sixth-form students are also going to help out as part of their service learning, and we are looking forward to their input. Hopefully this summer we will be in a position to apply for our Green Flag award as proof of our commitment to improving our environment.

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