Dear Families,
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the best of health. Whilst the weather may have become a little more chilly and gloomy of late, inside the academy there is a warmth of feeling and a genuine positivity amongst our community. Please do encourage your child to check the weather each day in advance of leaving for school. They do spend time outside before school, during break and lunch and after hours so warm or waterproof jackets are essential as the winter draws closer.
Space Centre Trip
This week the Innovation class visited the National Space Centre in Leicester. As part of their Geography topic ‘Exploring planet Earth’ the class discovered was life would be like living in space and experienced what it would be like to live the life of an astronaut for the day. The students had a brilliant day especially climbing 144 steps to the top of a spaceship. They also used hydroelectric power to launch a rocket and took special tests to see if they would suffer from ‘space sickness!’ After the tiring mission, they relaxed in the 4D cinema and enjoyed a virtual journey through the Milky Way.
Duke of Edinburgh
It has been great to see our Silver and Gold students assisting the Bronze group this week as they have practised putting up their tents. This is an essential skill that they need to be able to do almost autonomously before heading out on expeditions. There is still time for new starters to join the Bronze group and begin their DofE journey – they just need to come along to a Thursday night session, 3:05 to 4:05pm in HO1, or have a chat with Mrs Burrows or Miss Lancaster.
Please note that due to the Open Evening for Year 6 next Thursday that there will be no DofE on 6th October. The group will reconvene on Thursday 13th October and students will need to bring a mug with them, as they will be practising with the Trangia stoves and boiling water.
Sporting Update
Year 10 Football: Ecclesbourne 1 – 2 Derby Moor. After the disappointment of last week, the Year 10 football team bounced back with a hard fought 2-1 win away at Ecclesbourne. Derby Moor dominated the first half and deservedly went into the break 2-0 up, thanks to a brace from JB. There were many outstanding performances with the whole team pulling together and working hard. Despite a late fight back from Ecclesbourne, and a nervy last few minutes, Derby Moor held on for all three points.
More football fixtures next week. The Y8 and 9s hope to continue their good run of form and the Y7 and 6th form are also in action.
Cross Country: Today we are hosting the cross country fixture at Derby Moor with many of our students competing. It looks like it could be a wet one. Best of luck to the students taking part and thanks to our staff team for enduring the elements to make sure the event can take place.
Careers Update
As part of the tutor programme, students in all years are shown a ‘job of the week’. This is a two minute video that introduces students to a wide range of jobs, many of which they may not have known existed. The aim is to encourage our students to become inquisitive about the range of employment opportunities that exist and the employability skills and qualifications required. This week’s job of the week is a ‘Recycling Officer’.
On Tuesday many of our Year 11 students attended a presentation from Toyota about their new apprenticeships. You can imagine that this generated a lot of interest amongst our students as they looked into the variety of programmes on offer. The application process will go live on Monday 3rd October. You can find more information on the Toyota Apprenticeships Website. There are open evenings for both production and maintenance which can be found on the weblink. Each evening will be a chance to visit Toyota in person, see the facilities and talk to the apprenticeship team. Families will need to book tickets for the evenings via the weblink.
Year 6 Open Evening
You will be aware that our Year 6 Open Evening takes place on Thursday 6th October. For current students it will be a chance to help out after school and help to showcase to visitors everything that makes our school such a special place to work and to learn. Please do look out for permission slips in your child’s bag or blazer as these will need to be returned in advance of the event if your child is to take part. For prospective students and families, the evening is a chance to see our facilities, meet our students and staff and get a feel for the aspiration and community spirit that our students bring to the building each day. The evening runs from 5pm until 7.30pm with tours from our exceptional student leaders each half hour. There will be presentations at 5.30 and 6.30 in the school hall. You can read more about this on our website.
Inset Day
A reminder that school is closed to all students on Friday 7th October for out Professional Learning INSET Day.
Final thoughts
The Autumn term is well and truly underway now with our routines established, some new systems for our students, all of our young people able to navigate their way around the building, intervention sessions in full swing, sporting fixtures in the evenings, visits from other school leaders, the Year 6 and Year 12 open evenings on the horizon and a professional learning day for staff next week. We even had our first ‘wet lunch’ of the year today. There is never a dull moment being part of our community and I’m rarely able to capture in words how much of a privilege it is to be able to spend my days interacting with such inspiring students and colleagues. The positivity and aspiration across the site is palpable – this was verified during a visit of out Trust Leaders this week who saw on a tour the things I get to see each day, exceptional relationships between staff and students, a focus and intensity in classrooms, pristine uniform and a truly unique, vibrant community. Together We Succeed.
Best wishes for the weekend,
Scott Doyle
Principal
