Expressive and Performing Arts Update - Mrs Brook, Subject Leader - EPA

I would like to update you on all the exciting events that have been happening in our Performing Arts department this term.

Firstly, our Drama Club showcased their Halloween inspired performances. The evening was filled with spooky ghosts, haunted houses, and even a shrinking potion! It was a weird and wonderful experience for everyone involved, and I'm proud to say that the ticket sales contributed to our production fund for future showcases and our annual school performance at the Halloween performance.

In terms of the curriculum, our Year 7 Drama classes have been exploring dramatic conventions through the captivating story of Theseus and the Minotaur, as well as writing advertisement scripts.

Year 8 students began their year by mastering conventions using a script, and they recently wrote, rehearsed, and performed their own pantomimes.

Year 9 students had the pleasure of studying the script 'Teechers' by local playwright John Godber.

Years 10 and 11 students had their 12-hour examination for components 1 & 2, with Year 10 documenting their learning of Grease the Musical and Year 11 performing their chosen pieces. Our students showcased their exceptional skills, with actors impressing us with their work on John Godber's Bouncers, and dancers presenting three different professional repertoire pieces: All That Jazz by Bob Fosse, Karis Charge by Andrew Wingheart, and Rhythm Nation by Janet Jackson.

Furthermore, rehearsals for our annual whole-school production, Disney's High School Musical (Junior Edition), are well underway. The dedicated cast of forty-two students are working hard to bring this fantastic show to life. We have a talented group of performers, including Tom Harris as Troy Bolton, Raidan Gaskill as Zeke Baylor, Emily Green as Gabriella Montez, Poppy Brook as Taylor McKessie, Macie-Lou Davies as Sharpay Evans, and Archie Triandifillidis as Ryan Evans. Rehearsals take place every Monday after school, and we expect this show to be an unforgettable experience. Tickets will go on sale just before the February half-term.

To finish the term on a festive note, the Drama Club performed their own Christmas themed pieces at the EPA Christmas Showcase. We were thrilled to see so many family members in the audience supporting our talented students as they showcased their skills on stage. Special commendation goes to Kayden Anderton-Booth and Lilly-Beth Metson for their outstanding performance of a pantomime. It was truly delightful!

Once again, I want to extend my gratitude to all the students for their hard work and dedication this term. We look forward to seeing what they accomplish in 2024.

(Pictures: - Halloween showcase, school productions, Christmas showcase)

Dance Update - Mrs Needham, Dance Teacher

Year 7 students had the fabulous opportunity to visit CAST Theatre in Doncaster to watch the annual pantomime,  Beauty and the Beast. It was a first-time theatre experience for many of them, and I'm glad that we could provide such a memorable outing.

Additionally, we have two more theatre trips planned for the New Year to Sheffield Lyceum Theatre where we will be seeing  The Wizard of Oz and Everybody's Talking About Jamie.

I have seen many new faces attending our dance, cheer, and choreography club. These students have been working tirelessly to prepare for our upcoming dance showcase on Wednesday 7 February 2024.  It is  hoped to be a great event that showcases our students' talent and passion for dance.

I would like to extend a big thank you to Lizzie Graham, Hannah Snell, Mary Skelton, Evie Fairbank, and Grace Walker who have been assisting the PE department in delivering dance sessions at our local primary schools as part of their 'Wake and Shake' programme. Their dedication and enthusiasm have made a positive impact on young dancers in our community.

In our regular lessons, Year 7 students have been exploring dance styles from around the world, including the popular "Waka Waka" routine. Year 8 students have been getting creative with prop dance and have been choreographing their own routines inspired by the group 'Diversity'. Year 9 students have been studying the works of choreographer Rosie Kay and have been creating their own captivating 'Army' themed routines. Lastly, I want to give a shout-out to our incredible Year 11 dancers who recently completed their 'component 2' exam. Well done to all of them for their hard work and dedication.

I hope you are as proud as I am of the achievements and progress made by our students in the dance department. We are fortunate to have such talented and dedicated dancers amongst us.
 

(Pictures: -  Students at the CAST Theatre production and the Wake and Shake Leaders and students enjoying their extra-curricular dance lessons)

Music Update - Mrs Sheppard, Music Teacher

Thank you to the parents/carers and friends of the academy who attended our fantastic Christmas concert on Wednesday 6 December 2023. Our talented students from the music department showcased their skills and brought the spirit of the season to life through their outstanding performances.

The evening was filled with various musical acts, including impressive solo performances and captivating ensemble pieces. Students displayed their talents on various instruments, including the tuba and guitar. I am thrilled to announce that three of our exceptional students, James Thompson (tuba), Jake Brough and Archie Triandafillidis (both on guitars), were awarded trophies for their musical excellence.  Their achievements are testament to their talent and passion for music.

We are incredibly proud of all our musicians and the progress they have made throughout the year. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off, and we are grateful for their commitment to the arts.

If you were not able to attend the concert, I encourage you to look out for further communications about future performances. I assure you that it will be a treat for the eyes and ears!

Thank you for your continued support of our music department. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful community that values and appreciates the arts.

(Pictures: - A selection of pictures from the Christmas Music Concert)

Our catering team at South Axholme have provided students at the academy with an array of amazing and varied lunches this term.  The menus provided have been nutritious and wholesome, and sometimes based on a theme depending on the time of year, which has been good fun.  

In addition to the great food that we offer, our Catering Manager and Head of Food Operations have started a cooking food group on Thursdays, where students cook for pleasure - it is slightly competitive though, as each week someone is awarded 'Star Baker'.

(Pictures below of examples of the fantastic food our students have been making including two of our star bakers).

What have our Senior Student Leadership Team been doing?

Year 11 Prom - Venue Confirmed

The Senior Student Leadership Team agreed that the Garden Hilton Hotel in Doncaster would be the venue for the 2024 Year 11 Prom again next year.

The Prom will take place on Friday 21 June 2024.  The 2023 Year 11 leavers enjoyed their prom at this venue and everyone agreed that it was the best choice.

Students are now working towards gaining 30 prom points each to receive an invite.

Prom Points Information

Home Learning - Satchel One

At South Axholme Academy, home learning is an essential part of school life as it supports the curriculum, subject interests and develops core skills such as organisation and independent learning.  

Research from the Education Endowment Foundation shows that ‘the impact of homework on learning is consistently positive leading to on average five months’ additional progress.’ 

To help support students, all home learning at South Axholme is set on a platform called Satchel One.  We have been using this platform for a year, and it is proving to be very successful, allowing parents/carers to keep track of their child's homework.  As we embrace an increasingly digital approach to work, this provides an up-to-date way of working for all of our community.

Please encourage your child to download the Satchel One app onto their devices.  Students can also access Satchel One via any computer if they are unable to download the app.  

If you have not yet got your parent information to enable you to access Satchel One to support your child at home, please contact the academy.

We thank parents and students for their cooperation with this.

Mrs Bullars - Vice Principal

If your child is on the SEND register you will now have received their updated APDR Plan (support plan) for this academic year. There will be an opportunity to review this plan at your child's parents' evening. If you would like an additional review meeting, please contact our admin team who will be able to arrange this for you. 

If you believe your child should be on the SEND register please also contact the admin team and we can arrange for the SEND team to contact you to discuss this further.  You can do this using our dedicated email address send@southaxholme-iet.co.uk

We wish you all a fabulous Christmas and a very happy New Year. 

Kind Regards 

Mrs Marsh - Assistant Principal and SENDCo

On Wednesday 16 November 2023 we welcomed students back to the academy for our Year 11 Presentation Evening.  

Awards evening is a key event in the South Axholme calendar.  It allows staff and students to pause and reflect upon their successes from their five years at the academy.

It is more than an evening celebrating academic success, reflecting as it does the contributions made to life at the academy both inside and outside the classroom, showcasing our young people at their very best.

South Axholme has much to be proud of and we are privileged to work with such generous, talented and committed students.

Success is much more than a good set of examination results.  Success at South Axholme is ensuring that all learners, regardless of background or ability progress on to appropriate next steps in order that ultimately they can contribute fully to society as well-rounded, successful and happy individuals.

Whatever aspirations you have and wherever you are studying now, we sincerely hope that the experiences and support you received at South Axholme have enabled you to be the person you want to be in the setting you wanted to be.

We wish each one of you continued success and good luck in all of your future endeavours.

(Photos: Trophy / awards winners)

Online Library

We have relaunched the SAX online library. This is something that all students can access for FREE.

Students just need to download the app or go onto a computer and use their school login and password details.

For further details please use this link to the  On Line Library Presentation

Happy reading!

Mrs Bullars - Vice Principal

We were delighted when Mr Brooks  agreed to lead and take responsibility for the DofE Award Scheme at the academy this term, following the departure of Mr Dwyer.

Students have been continuing to learn about the skills they need to fulfil their    DofE Bronze Award, by practising putting up tents.

Pictures: - (Students practising the art of putting up tents for their DofE, Bronze Award)

Hospitality Students Competition Success

On 5 December 2023, two of our Hospitality students participated in the Northern Regional heat of the Hospitality competition.

Edward Noonan, Year 10 and Elodie Maloigne, Year 11 showcased their outstanding skills and professionalism at the competition held at Sheffield College. Both students worked incredibly hard and impressed all three judges with their attitude, mindset, and culinary talent.

I am thrilled to announce that Edward Noonan was awarded first place in the competition! His extraordinary culinary skills and dedication have earned him a spot in the upcoming national final in London, which will take place in February. This is an incredible achievement, and we couldn't be more proud of Edward's success.

Both students have achieved their results through the hard work and the support received from our dedicated staff. 

Once again, congratulations to both Edward and Elodie for their outstanding performance in the competition. We wish Edward the best of luck as he prepares for the national final in London.  We know he will represent the academy and himself admirably.

Mr Bellamy - Subject Leader, Food Technology

Pictures: - Edward and Elodie at the Regional Finals and their end results)

PE Department

Our sports teams are very active at the academy and our PE staff continue to attend many sports and team games after school throughout the year competing against other schools.

Follow us on facebook and Instagram for the most up to date results.

Mr Spouncer, Subject Leader - PE

(Photos:  SAX Sports Teams)

SAX Mindset days play a key part in the personal development of Ready, Resilient and Responsible students.  Throughout the academic year the days include spiritual, moral, social and cultural (SMSC) development, understanding of fundamental British values, age-appropriate sex and relationship education alongside coverage of personal, social, health and economic (PSHE) education.

A very successful SAX Mindset Day was held  on 12 December 2023, with the following themes

Year 7 - Building a Confident and Safe Me

Year 8 - Careers

Year 9 - Democracy and the Law

Year 10 - Realities of Becoming an Adult

Year 11 - Wellbeing and Mindfulness Day

Picture: - (Year 8 students taking part in the careers event, speed interviewing)

Trips and Visits

We have seen a wide array of trips and visits this term, ranging from theatre trips to the ever popular football stadium visits. It is great to see the enthusiasm and excitement of our students on these trips, that play an important part of their learning and development.

In 2024 we have further theatre trips planned and various overseas visits.

Pictures: (Manchester United Stadium Workshop and Manchester City Game Trip, and Netball Trip, England vs South Africa)

Arbor

We now have 80% of our parents/carers registered with the Arbor App. 

Don't miss out! 

If you have not activated your account, please contact the academy and we will send you the information that you will need to register.

This is an excellent way to view your child's dashboard which includes attendance data and achievements.

In addition, you can update your personal information without needing to contact the academy.  Please see the link below to access your account.

https://login.arbor.sc/