South Axholme Academy - Newsletter

Autumn / Winter Term, December 2022

CEO Update

I hope this term’s newsletter finds you safe and well.  

What a year it has been.  I am truly proud of our staff and students, supported by parents and carers who have collectively made this year so successful across the trust.  It has been fantastic to see our academies return to offering trips and visits and a wealth of experiences for our children, far too many to mention here, providing them with opportunities to grow beyond the classroom, and to engage in activities that will make memories that they will have forever.

As part of my role I have the privilege to visit other schools and academies, both locally and further afield.  After any visit, it is always a pleasure to come back to base and spend time soaking up the amazing teaching and learning taking place in our academies and speaking to students - I have to agree with Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz that “there’s no place like home”.

In your home, over this holiday period, I hope that you are surrounded by friends and family and that you can enjoy time together.  

I look forward to working with you and your children in 2023.

Sarah Sprack, Chief Executive Officer

Principal Update

Term 1 is now complete, and what an amazing term it has been! I hope you enjoy our academy newsletter which highlights all the great work, experiences and achievements our young people have been involved in – simply fantastic and true South Axholme Mindset! 

As we move into the festive period and our Christmas break I have spoken to students in assemblies about being thankful and kind. In what has been another difficult year for the country with the cost of living crisis impacting on so many families, especially within our own community, I have asked everyone to think about what they can do further to help. 

You may have seen the brilliant response to our food bank appeal, our support of the local homeless charity, the Forge Project, and also our Senior Citizens' Party. Without your support and the support of our students, these events would not have happened. I would personally like to thank you for working with the academy to ensure we continue to support our community. 

The kindness and generosity of parents of the academy community never ceases to amaze me, and I hope this Christmas your children bring you great joy, as well as doing kind and thoughtful things at home to support what can be quite a stressful time for many families. 

Should any families require any support or guidance from us, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

Please enjoy the break - from all the staff and students at South Axholme Academy we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Scott Barlow, Principal

Half Term 2 - Pledges

What’s been happening?

Over the past half term, pledge leaders at SAX have been working behind the scenes to give students fantastic opportunities across the academy. Some great things have taken place and this has really showcased the skills, talents and resilience of the young people in the academy. Over the half term, students have regularly attended extracurricular events that the academy offers on a weekly basis including revision, sports and performing arts. On top of that many things have taken place including:

• Children in Need fund raising week -  Students supported through helping to run activities, engaging in donating and overall showing great support to those in need.

Pledge achieved: Helping to improve the local community and participate in a fund raising event

• Foodbank appeal - this has seen a large proportion of students donate to the bank, helping to support those most in need in our community this Christmas. This has really shown the respect students at SAX have for those in our local communities and the extra mile they will always go.

Pledge achieved: Helping to improve the local community

• Lincoln Christmas Market - 35 Key Stage 3 students visited the Lincoln markets. This trip allowed students to explore Lincoln and dive into the festive period. The students were resilient and helped one another navigate the city through the busy crowds.

Pledge achieved: Attended a sporting, cultural or academic event

• Rotary teddy bear tombola - a range of students from all year groups helped and supported the local community by wrapping teddies ready for Rotary’s festive events. Students showed creativity and helped get others ready to play their part this Christmas. The academy is continuing its work with Rotary this year to help deliver letters to local residents.

Pledge achieved: Helping to improve the local community

• Rushanje link - Year 9 students have started the first process of establishing a link between South Axholme Academy and Rushanje Girls School in Uganda. Students were introduced to a new way of life in Uganda and experienced life in Uganda by interacting with the principal by asking questions about the school and the country of Uganda, as well as watching videos of real lessons taught at Rushanje.

Pledge achieved: Be actively involved in an international experience

Message from Pledge Leaders:

It has been a great half term at SAX with many great events taking place. We look forward to seeing students gain their pledges and showcasing their abilities in the terms to come. We have been thrilled so many student have been taking part in the SAX Mindset Pledges and it has been a privilege to work with such enthusiastic young people.

• Mr. Clamp – Year 7 Pledge Leader
• Mr. Dwyer – Year  8 Pledge Leader
• Mr. Brooks – Year 9 Pledge Leader
• Miss. Naylor – Year 10 Pledge Leader
• Mr. Parkin – Year 11 Pledge Leader

(Photos: Students completing there local community and fundraising pledge and Lincoln market - cultural event)

Our catering team at South Axholme has provided the students at the academy with an array of 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.  

Our catering team would like to hear your voice, therefore we are asking for your feedback.  Please could you complete a short questionnaire about your child's experience at lunchtimes - follow the link to share you views 

 

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

Our catering team would like to hear your voice, therefore we are asking for your feedback.  Please could you complete a short questionnaire about your child's experience at lunchtimes - follow the link to share you views HERE.

(Pictures below of examples of the great food IET provide - Halloween themed food, Christmas dinner, the Catering team and confirmation that the catering facilities have gained 5*)

What have our Senior Student Leadership Team and Student Voice been doing?

Year 11 Prom - Venue Confirmed

The Senior Student Leadership Team visited prom venues on 30 September 2022 and agreed that the Garden Hilton Hotel in Doncaster would be the venue for the 2023 Year 11 Prom.

The Prom will take place on Friday 23 June 2023.  The 2022 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 to receive an invite.

Prom Points Information

Throughout November the History Department ran a competition to mark the significance of the 5 November and the Gunpowder Plot.

We had lots of great entries, and it has been fantastic to see the effort put in by students.

Entries included models, posters, PowerPoints and leaflets as students were able to choose how they presented their challenge. The History Department had difficulty deciding the winners but in the end it was agreed that Charlie Dobson (Year 7) would take 3rd place, Macie Davies (Year 8) gained 2nd place and Alanna Peters (Year 9 ) was our star winner in 1st place.

Students received a range of prizes such as an Amazon gift voucher, chocolate gift boxes and queue-jump passes as well as SAX Loves Excellence achievement points for all who entered.

Well done to everyone who took part, we look forward to running our next History challenge!

Mrs Wright, Subject Leader - History

(Photo: winners of the History challenge)

On 1 November, the Year 10 photography students went on a visit around Epworth town centre and the Holmes & Gardens garden centre to take photos for their projects.

Students had a choice of whether to complete a 'Natural' project or a 'Buildings' project so they had the opportunity to photograph for either option.  These themes resulted in photographs of the Wesley Memorial Methodist Church, St Andrew's Church and a selection of  plants and flowers at Holmes & Gardens.

Students will now edit and manipulate these photos as part of the GCSE Photography coursework. 

Mrs Fenton, Subject Leader - Art

(Photos: Taken by students for their photography work. Epworth churches and the plants at Holmes and Gardens)

Creating links with other countries and cultures is so important in the world we live in and some of Mrs Anderson's classes have sent their first pen pal letters off to a school in Cordoba in the south of Spain. They are very excited about receiving a reply before Christmas.

Mrs Anderson, Subject Leader - Modern Foreign Languages

(Photo: Letter sent by student prepared in Spanish lessons)

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 whilst we have introduced this new way of working.

Mrs Bullars - Vice Principal

Lincoln University Visit

On 9 November students in Years 10 and 11 visited Lincoln University, as they were holding a Careers Fair.  The fair was predominately to look at careers in the NHS - students were able to find out more about the health and social care professions both locally and nationally, helping them to be Ready for their future career paths. 

Miss Jacklin - Associate Assistant Principal

(Photos: Careers Fair)

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. 

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

Kind Regards 

Mrs Marsh - Assistant Principal and SENDCo

The SEND Team 

On Wednesday 17 November 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 leavers, 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)

It has been great to see such an amazing work ethic from our students.  The atmosphere has been buzzing, and students have been able to get help and support from teachers as well as each other.

There is no doubt that those students who attend are benefitting from the camaraderie and realisation that they are not alone. Working together is making revision fun!

Year 10 students will get the opportunity to stay after school for study support later in the year when they start to prepare for their end of year exams.

They can stay and study (or come back in the evening), have dinner and watch the SAX production of SIX featuring many of our very talented Year 11s.

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

Happy reading!

Mrs Bullars - Vice Principal

Mr Barlow and representatives of South Axholme Academy netball teams received their new kit on Thursday 8 December 2022.  Thank you to Epworth Lions for their kind donation of 20 netball dresses!

Our netball teams will wear these with absolute pride!

Mrs Smith - PE Teacher

(Photo - Mr Barlow and South Axholme netball team receiving their new netball dresses)

We were delighted when Mr Dwyer agreed to lead and take responsibility for the D of E Award Scheme at the academy this term. 

Students have been learning key life skills including how to put up a tent!

Mr Dwyer - PE Teacher and D of E Coordinator

(Photos: Tent construction and students learning how to use camping equipment)

50 SAX students went to the Scunthorpe District Cross Country competition on Wednesday 7 December 2022.

There were lots of fantastic performances, however one notable performance was from Year 8, Beth Lewis who finished first in the Year 8/9 race.

Well done to everyone!

Mr Spouncer - Subject Leader, PE

Well done to all students who represented South Axholme at the North Lincolnshire Cross Country Championships!!

We have had a very busy term in the department, with lots on offer for students, as always!

Performances

Expressive Arts Evening - Wednesday 7 December 2022

What a fantastic night this was with so many talented students performing.

Our Dance and Cheerleading Club have been working extremely hard preparing their pieces which were performed at The Expressive Arts Evening. We have also had performances from Street Beat (a local dance group), delivering community funded sessions on Monday evenings, giving students the opportunity to further enhance their dance skills. 

Our Drama Club had also written their own scripts inspired by the festive season.  They performed these along with the Year 10 and 11 Dance and Drama classes who showcased the repertoire they have been rehearsing in class.

A section of the running order was dedicated to a preview of our TWO upcoming productions - SIX and Aladdin. 

SIX - Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 January 2023

This is a show not to be missed with the cast of eleven, Year 11 students who are working tirelessly alongside revising and sitting their mock exams to put on the very best performance possible. It will be one of the best productions we have put on here at South Axholme Academy!

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased via Parentmail or by contacting the Academy via the admin email address. Mrs Hamer is organising pizza and a ticket for any Year 11 students who want to watch this after their revision session on Thursday 19 January 2023.  To our historian's - this production tells the story of the SIX wives of Henry VIII, so is perfect for enhancing your subject knowledge -  and remember that all students who come to watch this performance will complete their SAX Pledge 'attend a sporting, cultural or academic event'.

Aladdin - Wednesday 7 and Thursday 8 June 2023

Rehearsals are well underway now for the whole school production of Aladdin. Over forty students are involved and worked hard to get the first preview ready for the Expressive Arts Evening, which was a huge success. This promises to be a feel-good event for the whole family - tickets will go on sale in May but put the dates in your diary now! 

Trips and Visits

We have lots in store for our students in the next term, including the South Bank Dance Festival and a theatre trip to watch the West End production of Sister Act.

The Nutcracker

On Thursday 1 December we took 40 students to Hull New Theatre to watch Northern Ballet's performance of 'The Nutcracker'. For some of our students this was the first time they had been to a theatre and for many their first time watching a ballet. The performance was spectacular and really got us in the Christmas spirit. Northern Ballet are currently touring with 'The Nutcracker' and one of our Year 7 students Sofia-Rose Beltran, will be performing in some of their shows over the Christmas period at Leeds Grand Theatre.  We wish her the best of luck.

London Theatre Trip July 2023

All Year 8 and 9 students have been invited to attend the annual London Theatre Trip which takes place on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 July 2023. This year students will have the opportunity to go backstage at the Royal Albert Hall, have an acting workshop with a West End performer and to watch a performance of Mamma Mia and The Play that goes Wrong; as well as shopping in Covent Garden and the Westfield Centre. There are only forty places which will be decided on ATL scores and then names drawn from a hat.  Students will find out before the end of term if they have been successful in securing a place!

Wake up and Shake Up!

Some of our dancers have been involved in learning and delivering 'Wake and Shake' sessions to local primary school children. The festival is due to be held at South Axholme Academy next year.

Update from the Music Department

On Wednesday 7 December the South Axholme Academy wind band performed two carol concerts for Year 7 and 8 students as the Wesley Memorial Church, and Mr Hopwood performed for the community carol concert in the evening. Well done to Fenella Williams and Leo Maloigne who performed solo performances at this event.

We were also looking forward to the SAX Christmas Concert that took place in school on Wednesday 14 December, featuring performances from the choir, wind band and rock band as well as lots of solo performances. As part of this event, we also welcomed the pupils of Epworth Primary Academy to perform their carol concert supported by Mrs Sheppard in the SAX academy hall, alongside the choir. On Thursday 15 December the choir performed again for the Senior Citizens party.  Local senior citizens  were entertained with carols, bingo and a free raffle.

Instrumental lessons continue to thrive in the academy, with some of our teachers being at full capacity.  If you are interested in lessons on vocals, piano, guitar, drums, brass, woodwind or strings for your child please get in touch with us.

(Photos: SIX costumes and performers, EPA performance, Aladdin and visit to the theatre to see the Nutcracker)

 CONGRATULATIONS!

Jocelyn Pepper - Year 7

In September, Jocelyn competed in the British National Taekwondo Championships (cadets advanced category - 29kg) and went on to  achieve a gold award.  The event took place at the English Institute for Sport in Sheffield.

Jocelyn has also competed in local competitions and will be fighting in the international German championships in December 2022.   

Jasmine Orrell

In September, Jasmine  was awarded Female Skills Diver of the Year by Sheffield Diving Club.  This achievement came about due to her performance in regional and national competitions this year, but also due to her effort, hard work and attitude at training sessions.

More recently in her latest competition in October Jasmine came 1st in the UK for ‘Skills’ divers out of 29 participants. 

(Photos: Jasmine receiving female skills diving award)

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)

Huge congratulations to former SAX student, Hugo Nikhata, on signing a pro contract with Castleford Tigers Rugby Club.  

Well done, you have worked extremely hard to get to where you are.

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 1 December 2022, with the following themes

Year 7 - Building a confident and safe me

Year 8 - Careers

Year 9 - Crime and safety awareness

Year 10 - Geography and History field trips

Year 11 - Wellbeing and mindfulness day

Rememberance Day 11.11.22

Mr Barlow took the Senior Student Leadership team to the War Memorial in Epworth on Friday 11 November 2022 to place a wreath at the memorial.

Meanwhile, at the academy, students observed a 2 minute silence whilst listening to the Last Post.

Return of Trips and Visits

As we see the return of trips and visits at the academy, and students venturing out in to the world again, 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 January 2023, 40 students will be visiting Madrid with Mr Atkins.  We also see the return of the much loved out of bounds centre trip to Low Mill during the week of Monday 27 March and Monday 12 June 2023.

So far this year, students have already enjoyed various sporting events, such as the Rugby World Cup Final on 19 November 2022 and the England Netball Team on 5 October 2022.

Join Mrs Marsh and fellow students on Friday breaktimes, in the 6th Form area at Pride Society. 

"We are all different and that's beautiful"

Year 11 Summary Progress Reports                                                       09 January 

England vs Jamaica Netball Trip (Years 10 and 11)                            11 January

Manchester Arena

Flu Vaccinations (Years 7, 8 and 9)                                                          12 &13                                                                                                                                       January

SAX Mindset Day                                                                                          17 January

Hull University Visit (Year 9)                                                                      17 January

HPV Vaccinations (Year 8)                                                                           24 January

HPV Vaccinations 2nd dose (Year 9)                                                          25 January

Restart a Heart (Year 7)                                                                                27 January

National Storytelling Week                                                                         30 January

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/