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Message from Mrs mcmahon
Message from Mrs mcmahon
Dear parents/carers,
Firstly, I’m delighted to be back at Cornwallis and have thoroughly enjoyed returning to the day-to-day life of our amazing school. A personal thanks must go to Mr Sutton, who led the school brilliantly over the last four terms, whilst I was supporting our sister school.
As we come to the end of another term, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many achievements and milestones we’ve shared as a school community. This term has been particularly busy and productive across all year groups. From outstanding performances in mock exams and coursework submissions, to success in sports and extra-curricular activities– it’s been inspiring to see our students engaging so fully in school life and striving to reach their potential both inside and outside the classroom.
Our Year 11 and Year 13 students have shown great focus and maturity in their public exams, and we are proud of the dedication they have shown throughout this important time.
None of this would be possible without the commitment of our dedicated staff, who go above and beyond every day to support, challenge and encourage our young people. I also want to thank you, our families, for your continued support – your involvement plays a vital role in the success and wellbeing of our students.
As we head into a well-deserved break, I encourage all students to rest, recharge, and return ready for the final term of the year.
I hope you enjoy reading our end of term newsletter, including the individual year group sections, and I wish you all a safe and restful half term. I look forward to welcoming students back to school on Monday 2nd June.
Kind regards,
Mrs McMahon
Headteacher
Term 6 Key Dates
12th June - Year 7 Parents' Evening (3.45-7.30pm)
20th June - Year 11 Prom
24th June - Year 9 University of Kent MFL Trip
27th June - DoFE Bronze Practice Expedition
1st July - KS3 Music Concert (4.30pm)
2nd July - Year 12 Careers Day
4th July - Year 12 Reward Trip
7th July - 17th July - Year 10 Work Experience
8th July - 10th July DofE Bronze Qualifying Expedition
11th July - Sports Day
14th July - 16th July - Enrichment Activities
17th July - Early close (12.15pm)
Message from the school office
Message from the school office
As part of our updated communication plan, please be aware of the following trust guidelines: while staff will aim to respond to parents/carers as soon as they can, please allow up to 3 working days for an email response during term time. If you have an urgent enquiry, please contact the school reception on 01622 743152. This is to ensure clear, timely and manageable interactions between home and school. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
House Points
House Points
Classroom Champions
Classroom Champions
As term 5 draws to a close, we reflect on the fantastic learning that has been happening across the school. Without doubt, all exam groups have absolutely shone through the start of the exam series. Students have been revising diligently and have demonstrated their resilience in completing their external exams. We wish them the best of luck as they continue in term 6!
Elsewhere in the school, students continue to build on their previous knowledge and understanding. Students in Year 9 have been experimenting in Art and have created printed fabric designs whilst Year 7 have been discovering and researching pulley systems in DT. Languages students also had an exceptional time whilst watching Spanish and French plays in our lecture theatre. Please visit of ’Classroom Champions’ for more information.
Please see the link below which includes some fantastic work from this term's class champions:
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
This term, our cohort of year 10 Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s Award students have completed both their practice and qualifying expeditions. For the Qualifying Expedition, the students spent 3 days, and 2 nights hiking and camping between Folkestone and Dover. Their navigation skills were tested in some challenging terrain and for which all students demonstrated excellent skills. The resilience, team work and comradery shown by the students was also fantastic to witness. Next term students will be conducting presentations as part of their form assessment for the Expedition. Good luck.
Well huge done to all students involved – Sophie B, Elliot B, Alex C, Toby C, Jason C, Daniel D, Abigail D, Scarlet D, Johan E, Jaden F, Samuel, G, Katie G, Eddie P, Caiden W.
Thank you also to Mr Lee, Mrs Watts and Mrs Gollan for their exceptional job in leading the expedition.
VE Day 80th anniversary Celebrations
VE Day 80th anniversary Celebrations
A selection of 80 of the History department’s best performing students took part in a celebratory tea party for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe. A mixture of party food from the 21st century and from 1945 was available to students, with a few taking a shine to Spam, Marmite sandwiches and Dandelion and Burdock. Students were a credit and even participated in designing celebratory bunting and reading newspapers from VE day in 1945.
Leading The Way In Teacher Training
Leading The Way In Teacher Training
Cornwallis Academy is fast becoming the place to train to become a teacher, across a range of subjects. Last year, we were selected to be a Hub Training school, working in collaboration with the TES Institute and the popular training provider, Teach in Kent. As a Hub Training school, we were responsible for delivering the, ‘Intensive Training and Practice’ sessions which trainee teachers have to complete in order to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
During this academic year, we have had the pleasure of hosting four of these training events; 25-30 trainee teachers from across Medway and the Maidstone area came to Cornwallis Academy to develop their understanding of pedagogy (methods of teaching) and what it looks like in the classroom. This involved the trainees visiting a number of lessons whilst observing our wonderful students working hard across a variety of subjects – feedback about the young people in our school is always glowing and is a real reflection of the skill and dedication of our teaching and support staff.
I am delighted that all of the trainees who came to Cornwallis Academy for their ‘Intensive Training and Practice’ sessions are all about to complete their training and gain QTS!
As we continue to develop the teachers of tomorrow, we are always looking at our school community and local community for future teachers! If you, or anyone you know, is considering a career in teaching please visit www.futureschoolstrust.com and click on the ‘Routes into Teaching’ page. Alternatively, you can visit the website of our training partner, Teach in Kent, where you can watch videos featuring our current trainees and gain valuable information about different ways to train and qualify.
Mehnaz Boorman, Trust Lead for Pedagogy and Practice
UK UNIVERSITY & APPRENTICESHIP FAIR
On 30th April, our entire Year 12 cohort had the fantastic opportunity to attend the UK University & Apprenticeship Search Fair, held at the University of Kent in Canterbury. This national event brought together a wide range of universities and apprenticeship providers, under one roof, giving students direct access to valuable information to help shape their post-18 decisions.
Throughout the day, students engaged with representatives from Russell Group, red brick and modern institutions, alongside leading apprenticeship providers from across the UK.
They were able to ask questions, pick up prospectuses, and attend expert talks on topics including university life, student finance, and degree apprenticeships.
The event proved to be both inspiring and informative, sparking many conversations among students about potential courses, locations, and career paths. It also helped reinforce the importance of starting early when researching higher education and training options.
We are incredibly proud of how our students represented the school, and we hope this experience has given them a confident step forward as they begin to plan their futures.
Year 12 Art Trip to london
Year 12 Art Trip to london
Year 12 Artists and Photographers visited the Victoria and Albert Museum as well as the Tate Britain this week, exploring the collections, gathering inspiration and investigating objects and artworks within the collections to inspire their coursework.
YEAR 9 - ART BYTES
Since January, students have been taking part in an exciting initiative in collaboration with the Arts Society Mid Kent. Every member of the year group was put forward for Art Bytes, a national program to support the Arts and raise the profile of year 9s in secondary schools.
24 students were selected to be exhibited in the online gallery, Art Bytes then shortlisted 3 entries to go to the Cornwallis vote, with Jessie’s Cubist self-portrait being selected overall winner. It was with pride that we saw the interest that the voting generated amongst our staff and students and how they supported the 3 shortlisted students.
Art Bytes’ agenda is to celebrate originality and creativity. The work selected demonstrated this together with a range of Art skills across the year group.
Jessie
George
Noah
Wakehurst Geography Trip
Wakehurst Geography Trip
A wonderful day was had at Wakehurst for our KS3 geography students. We had the opportunity to visit the Millennium Seed Bank and watch the scientists at work, to walk through the botanical gardens and to investigate biodiversity and ecosystems in the ancient woodland. The sun was shining and a fabulous day was had by all.
St George's Park - Under 19 Academy Team
St George's Park - Under 19 Academy Team
On Wednesday 7th May 2025, Mr Swain, Mr Smith and myself took 48 students from across Years 7 to 9, up to St George’s Park to watch our Under 19 Academy team play in the final of the National Academies Football Cup Competition for the 2nd year running. Similarly to last year, all students from our Football Scholarship Programme were invited along with other students, who have represented Cornwallis this year so that they could not only experience seeing where our national teams train but also see some high-quality football to aspire to. Once again, the trip was popular and was fully booked after a few hours.
Many of our students came along last year but for those who did not, it was fair to say that they were impressed with the facilities.
The game itself was fast-paced and nail-biting at times, with both us and Chester F.C. having several chances throughout. However, Maidstone dominated most of the match and an early goal proved to be the winner. The atmosphere was brilliant and our students really got involved with the singing, banging on the stands and a little bit of winding the opposition up. At the end of the game, the whole Maidstone team and coaching staff came over to celebrate with our students and thank them for their amazing support.
A big thank you to our students who represented Cornwallis Academy with pride and were well behaved throughout. It was a fabulous opportunity for them to see what teamwork and dedication can bring in terms of sporting success.
The day was topped off with some celebratory songs on the journey home…for 5 hours 😊
Mr G Robinson – Football Scholarship Lead
FUNDRAISING FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
A special commendation goes to Noah, who independently organised a cake sale and raffle to raise awareness and funds for mental health. Thanks to his initiative and hard work, he raised an incredible £331.45 for the charity Mind. This is an outstanding achievement—well done, Noah!
Year 7 Bulletin
Year 7 Bulletin
Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope this message finds you well. I am pleased to write to you both as the Head of Year 7 and in my continued role as Assistant Headteacher. It has been a privilege to return to this year group, and I am proud to share how positively the students have performed throughout term 5. Firstly, I would like to commend Year 7 for their exemplary conduct around school and during lessons. Over the past few weeks, I have had the opportunity to visit a number of classrooms and have been impressed by the focus, determination, and enthusiasm shown. Our students are engaging fully in their learning, supporting one another, and showing the kind of maturity and motivation we value highly at Cornwallis.
End of Year Exams
Our students have now completed their End of Year Exams, and I want to take this opportunity to celebrate their efforts. Across the board, they conducted themselves with real maturity, resilience, and integrity. These assessments are an important milestone in their academic journey, and I am confident their hard work and dedication will be reflected in their final grades. Well done to every student for approaching these exams with such a positive attitude.
Summer Uniform Expectations
I would like to clarify our expectations around summer uniform to ensure all students are comfortable, while still upholding our standards:
Blazers and Jumpers: Students are not required to wear their blazers or jumpers during the summer term. However, if a student wishes to wear an additional layer over their shirt, this must be the blazer, not the jumper.
Shirts and Ties: Shirts must remain tucked in at all times, and ties must be worn correctly.
Ties: Please ensure your child is wearing the Year 7 Cornwallis tie. No alternative ties should be worn. Your support in helping your child meet these expectations each day is greatly appreciated.
Attendance Matters
As we move towards the end of the academic year, I would like to emphasise the continued importance of strong attendance. Every day in school provides valuable learning opportunities, and consistent attendance plays a crucial role in academic achievement, social development, and confidence-building.
While we understand that illness and emergencies can occur, we ask for your support in ensuring your child attends school every day they are well enough to do so. Missing even a small amount of time can create gaps in understanding and disrupt the learning momentum built throughout the year.
Our students of the week and attendance award for the last week of term, have been awarded to: -
Keira B and Tyler M (Students of the week)
Mia R (attendance winner)
Year 7 Parents’ Evening – Thursday 12th June
Finally, a reminder that our Year 7 Parents’ Evening will take place on Thursday 12th June. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and performance with subject teachers, as well as to reflect on the year so far and prepare for the transition into Year 8. We hope to see as many of you as possible on the evening.
Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me via the school office.
Mr King – Head of Year – tking@cornwallisacademy.com
Miss Edwards – Student Support Manager – gedwards@cornwallisacademy.com
Year 8 Bulletin
Year 8 Bulletin
Dear Year 8 parents and carers,
I write to you in the last week of a very short and busy term. We missed two Mondays, whilst enjoying the Bank Holidays, but the last five weeks have raced past. This term students have been working hard in lessons to ensure they are prepared for the upcoming exams in term 6. As a year team we have noticed so many of your children focused and hard working, during our many learning walks. It is so nice to be able to enter the class room and see them engaged in their leaning.
It is also such a pleasure spending time with the year group at lunch and break times, Now the weather is hot they are playing and burning off extra energy. Please do remind them to bring a drink bottle with them each day so they can drink water regularly and stay hydrated.
At the end of last term, some year 8 students joined a number of other year groups and staff and headed to the ski slopes of Europe. The children who went found it such a rewarding week and were a real credit to the school and to me as a head of year.
Some of our year 8 children were lucky enough to join a group of students who travelled to St Georges park to watch our Maidstone united Football Club first team play against rivals Chester. They watch the match where MUFC triumphed 1-0. Thanks to the PE department who organised and accompanied them.
This week the year 8 girls' football team will be taking part in the final at the Gallagher Stadium. Both boys and girls teams have had such a successful season. Well done to all of you who have taken part. PE is a big part of the curriculum for students in school. Some are still not bringing kit regularly, please can I remind you that this is a requirement twice a week.
The last week of term is proving to be the busiest as we also have a visit taking place this week, a geography trip, to visit Wakehurst place. Thursday and Friday nurses will be in the academy to administer vaccinations to the year group.
Next term is even busier that this one. On the week of Monday 9th June, students will be sitting their end of year exams. These take place during lesson time but will give teachers the ability to check student’s learning and track your child’s progress. Please do encourage them to revise and prepare at home leading up to exam week.
We have a theatre company coming to show a Spanish play to year 8 students and have a number of trips taking place next term, including a residential visit. There are also all the enrichment activities taking place in the last week of term. So many of the children have picked from the wide range of activities. If you have not yet helped your child to choose, please do sit with them and help them to plan their weeks activities. Time is running out, as you can imagine these activities take a lot of planning!
We also will be running the normal sports day activities. This will be on Friday 11th July. All students will again have a wide range of sports and games they can choose from and participate in, gaining points for their house.
Now we are in the summer term I want to mention uniform. Students should wear a tie each day, they may now leave blazers at home but if they get cold and need an extra layer they will not be permitted to wear just a jumper in the building. They must also be wearing shoes at all times. I understand that there are some rare cases where students are not able to wear shoes. Please send your child in with a letter if this does ever happen. There should also be no jewellery worn other than a watch and one pair of small studded earrings, anything else will unfortunately be confiscated. Can I also ask for your help to check that your child brings their books for each lesson in their school bag, with a fully equipped pencil case and a scientific calculator. Most Year 8’s come each day smartly dressed and fully prepared, so thank you, and well done to those who do. I will be running a rewards assembly when we return from the half term holiday; focusing on students who have been working hard in lessons and showing their ability in certain subjects.
Our students of the week and attendance award for the last week of term, have been awarded to: -
Jacob L and Nancy P (Students of the week)
Kiera H (attendance winner)
Over the break I hope you all find some time to rest and you manged to have fun with family and friends. As always, the year team, myself, Mrs Lawson and Mrs Ashby are at the end of the phone or email if you need any support. We look forward to the last term in year 8 and welcoming your children back on Monday 2nd June.
Best wishes,
Mrs Clark-Keen, Head of Year 8
Mrs Lawson, Student Support Manager / Mrs Ashby, Student Support Manager
Year 9 Bulletin
Year 9 Bulletin
Dear Year 9 families,
As we approach the May half-term break, I would like to remind all students of the importance of balancing rest with preparation for their upcoming End of Year Examinations, which will take place during the second week of Term 6 (Monday 9th – Friday 13th June 2025).
Details regarding the exam schedule have been sent home and shared via Microsoft Teams. Each student has been provided with a hard copy of the exam timetable. We kindly ask that you review this timetable with your child and support them in using the revision materials provided. Effective revision plays a key role in helping students build confidence ahead of their assessments. We strongly recommend that students create a revision timetable at home that incorporates regular breaks to support their well-being and focus.
Please also ensure your child returns to school on Monday, 2nd June 2025, fully equipped, including a well-stocked pencil case and a scientific calculator, to ensure they are prepared for the exam period. A copy of the exam timetable is below:
I am also pleased to share some highlights from this term that reflect the exceptional spirit of our Year 9 cohort:
Year 9 Football Scholars: Congratulations to our football scholars who once again reached the Schools’ District Cup Final at the Gallagher Stadium, facing Maplesden Oakes. Although the result didn’t go our way, the boys demonstrated tremendous effort, teamwork, and determination. Well done to all involved—we’re proud of you and look forward to building on this success next year.
Our students of the week and attendance award for the last week of term, have been awarded to: -
Archie J and Kylan M (Students of the week)
Brandon S (attendance winner)
We look forward to welcoming all students back on Monday, 2nd June 2025, refreshed and ready for the final half term of the academic year. Some key dates for Term 6 are outlined below…
Year 9 End of Year Examinations: Monday 9th – Friday 13th June 2025
Sports Day: Friday 11th July 2025
Enrichment Week: Begins Monday 14th July 2025
(Students can select activities using the QR code provided in the Enrichment Week booklet)
End of Term 6: Thursday 17th July 2025 (early finish at 12:15 PM)
Mr McMahon, Head of Year 9
Mrs Judd, Student Support Manager
Year 10 Bulletin
Year 10 Bulletin
Dear Year 10 Families,
This term, our Year 10 students completed their PPEs. This was their first time sitting examinations in the exam hall, following the GCSE protocols. Students were commended for their maturity and dedicated approach throughout the process. This was an invaluable experience in preparation for Year 11.
In order to celebrate their successes, our Year 10 students have been utilising the schools rewards system, trading in their well deserved house points for items from our EPraise shop. Items included Amazon vouchers, sports equipment and stationary. In addition to this, a number of Year 10 students chose to use their points by obtaining a ticket for our rewards Cinema Afternoon on Friday 23rd May, in the school Lecture Theatre. This was a fantastic way to end the term.
Lastly, our Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh students completed their silver expedition. All students work extremely hard and approached all challenges with maturity and dedication. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them on this fantastic achievement.
Key information for Term 6:
- Work Experience Forms: Any forms still to be completed must be returned to the year team as soon as possible.
- Year 10 Work Experience: 7th July – 16th July
- Y10 Geography Fieldwork Trip (Margate): 17th June
- Y10 Geography Fieldwork Trip (Margate): 18th June
- Y10 Geography Fieldwork Trip (Herne Bay): 2nd July
Year 10 House Points Leader board – Year to date:
1. Summer S (421)
Samuel G (339)
Hope G (335)
Katie G (316)
Scarlet D (315)
Ryan R (311)
Alex W (309)
Abigail D (303)
Jaden F (302)
Sophie M- (302)
Year 10 Form House Point Leader Board – Year to date:
10SP (6726)
10EW (6470)
10MR (5745)
10GH (5227)
10RD (4306)
10LB (3833)
10JH (2639)
Our students of the week and attendance award for the last week of term, have been awarded to: -
Jemma S and Franky R (Students of the week)
Iliyan Z (attendance winner)
We hope you have a happy and restful half term break.
The Year 10 Team
Year 11 Bulletin
Year 11 Bulletin
Dear families,
The Year 11s deserve huge praise for the excellent way in which they have conducted themselves as their GCSE examinations have got into full swing. They have also continued to attend revision sessions after school in great numbers, which will continue to have a hugely positive impact.
If any students remain concerned or unsure about their choices post 16, they can have another meeting with Mrs McIntyre, our Careers adviser. Several students have already taken her up on this generous offer. Her email address is tmcintyre@cornwallisacademy.com
As you will know by now, the Year 11 Prom will be held on Friday 20th June 2025 at the Great Danes Mercure Hotel, Hollingbourne. Full details about payment for this fantastic event can be found on the school website.
Our students of the week and attendance award for the last week of term, have been awarded to: -
Rhiannon B and Atanas M (Students of the week)
Harry S (attendance winner)
We wish all our students and their families a happy half term. The Year 11s have come so far over the last 5 years, and Miss Perry and I know they will continue the hard work as they complete their GCSEs in Term 6.
If you need to contact the year team, please do so on either jspurling@cornwallisacademy.com or sperry@cornwallisacademy.com
Kind regards,
The Year 11 Team
Sixth Form Bulletin
Sixth Form Bulletin
Dear families,
We were delighted to spend an evening of celebration with our year 13 students and a large number of my colleagues on Friday 9rd May.
This year's Prom took place at the Weald of Kent Golf Club and as was the case last year, the sun appeared just in time for us to enjoy the outside terrace overlooking to golf course before we sat down for a formal dinner followed by non stop dancing all the way until midnight.
These events are bittersweet in that it marks the beginning of our farewell to the students but also is a wonderful way to celebrate their success and all that they have achieved.
I must publicly thank this year's senior student team; Thomas, Hannah, Ashton and Lucy for all their hard work in helping put together a memorable evening which I hope the students enjoyed as much as we all did.
Our students of the week for the last week of term have been awarded to: -
Abbie C and Lee W
Mrs J Woollett, Head of Key Stage 5
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