Olympic Swimmer visits the AcademyOlympic Swimmer visits the AcademyOlympic Swimmer visits the AcademyOlympic Swimmer visits the Academy

The Harefield Academy

Newsletter

Issue No 19 February 2008 Issue No 19 February 2008 Issue No 19 February 2008 Issue No 19 February 2008

www.theharefieldacademy.org

Achievement through Active LearningAchievement through Active LearningAchievement through Active LearningAchievement through Active Learning

On January 22nd Olympic swimmer, Sharron Davies, visited The Academy. Sharron has over 20 British titles to her name as well as Commonwealth, European, and Olympic medals. She now spends her time commentating for television and raising money for Disabled Sport England, The Sports Aid Foundation and Sports Relief. When visiting The Academy she spoke to Holly Esson (one of our talented swim-mers) in Year 7. Sharron spoke about her time as an international swimmer and they chatted about strokes

and events. Holly likes the IM (Individual Medley) for 200m and 400m. They also talked about training very early in the morning and how many hours a week they had to put in to the sport that they both love. Sharron wished Holly good luck in her next swimming event. It is with great pleasure that we welcome inspirational people like Sharron at The Academy who can inject f u r t h e r s u p p o r t , e n cou r a g emen t and enthusiasm into the students.

From the Principal …From the Principal …From the Principal …From the Principal … This has certainly been a half-term to remember! We have enjoyed a number of very interesting and inspiring visitors, a bigger than ever Presentation Evening and, of course, OFSTED. With only ten minutes notice Sharron Davies drove from the ground-breaking event at the site of the 50m pool in Hillingdon to The Harefield Academy. As our strongest swimmer, Karley Mann, was competing in Geneva the honour of meeting Sharron went to Holly Essen in Year 7. Sharron told Holly that she had been only 13 years old at her first Olympics! The Presentation Evening celebrated the qualities we value in our students: e x c e l l e n c e , e f f o r t , determination, community spirit and friendship. The event goes from strength-to-

strength and we have already received offers of further sponsorship of Awards for next year. We received the OFSTED phone call during the first morning of the staff residential (Friday/Saturday) conference. Staff returned to work on the following Monday morning quietly confident that the inspection would go well. The outcome was, indeed, well deserved and gave a real feel of the improvements enjoyed over the last two years. The Inspectors were full of praise for both staff and students and we feel sure we can build upon the positive report before the next visit of inspectors. Following an action-packed half-term everyone is ready for a week to catch up with family and friends. Enjoy the half-term break! Lynn Gadd

Sarah Owen at Presentation EveningSarah Owen at Presentation EveningSarah Owen at Presentation EveningSarah Owen at Presentation Evening

Sharron Davies and Holly EssonSharron Davies and Holly EssonSharron Davies and Holly EssonSharron Davies and Holly Esson

Cedar House SingingCedar House SingingCedar House SingingCedar House Singing Due to so many activities at The Academy last term we were unable to include this report in our last Newsletter ... A group of GCSE Music students and other keen singers went along to the Cedar House OAP home on Monday 10th December to spread some Christmas cheer! We had a really good time and sang to two different groups of residents. Every one at the home was really friendly and said how much they enjoyed the singing. Mrs. White-Hunt, Head of Music

Rotary Speech CompetitionRotary Speech CompetitionRotary Speech CompetitionRotary Speech Competition

On the 3rd of September some of The Academy students participated in the Rotary Speech Competition. Our team created a speech on Teenage Culture. Three other teams participated. Throughout the night seven teams - three seniors and four intermediate - discussed a topic of their choice. Each team consisted of three team members; a chairperson, a speaker and a vote of thanks. The night as a whole was a success, it seemed well organised. It went well and we thoroughly enjoyed it. The overall winner for the intermediate was St. Helen’s School. Their topic was “Is School Curriculum relevant?” The overall winner of the senior section was Swakeleys School. Their topic was “Why Are We Petrified of Silence?” The event has helped us overcome our fear of speaking oral skills. We will be practising throughout the year to win next year’s competition.

Rhys Thoroughgood Year 9

Karley Mann swims to more successKarley Mann swims to more successKarley Mann swims to more successKarley Mann swims to more success Karley is in Year 8 at The Academy and has recently been making massive progress in her swimming. Karley recently arrived back from Geneva where she made every single event final she entered and also medalled in two events. Last year Karley made 10 National qualifying times and made it to four finals where her top finishing place was 6th. She has already qualified for the National Finals 2008 and subsequently increased her training hours to 16 a week. Her next major competition is the Middlesex Counties in March followed by the National Finals in July. Well done Karley!

SCHOOL JOURNEY TO THE

CENTRE OF THE EARTH What happens when you have a coach full of hyperactive excitable eight and nine year olds on a school trip to Alton Towers? Madness, mayhem and a fun filled trip to the Centre of the Earth! On the evenings of 6th and 7th of February students studying Drama from Years 11, 12 and 13 performed 'School Journey To the Centre of the Earth' to a packed audience of Governors, Parents and Staff. The production was repeated to all students at The Academy during the school day before the half term break. Congratulations to all the students involved on the fantastic performances! Our thanks must also go to Mrs Davey, Miss Margan and Mrs Rennie for their hard work.

Cast:Cast:Cast:Cast: Ben HoosonBen HoosonBen HoosonBen Hooson----Jones, Adam Jones, Adam Jones, Adam Jones, Adam

Carpenter, Omar Carpenter, Omar Carpenter, Omar Carpenter, Omar Choudhry, Saba Choudhry, Saba Choudhry, Saba Choudhry, Saba

Choudhry, Sophie Searle, Choudhry, Sophie Searle, Choudhry, Sophie Searle, Choudhry, Sophie Searle, Lewis Sluman, Lewis Sluman, Lewis Sluman, Lewis Sluman,

Ellise Curtis, Daniel Ellise Curtis, Daniel Ellise Curtis, Daniel Ellise Curtis, Daniel McPherson, Gemma Knox,McPherson, Gemma Knox,McPherson, Gemma Knox,McPherson, Gemma Knox,

Chloe Bryan, Vicci Chloe Bryan, Vicci Chloe Bryan, Vicci Chloe Bryan, Vicci Roques, Dennis Bourne, Roques, Dennis Bourne, Roques, Dennis Bourne, Roques, Dennis Bourne, Samy Tahssein, Laura Samy Tahssein, Laura Samy Tahssein, Laura Samy Tahssein, Laura Harris and Jo RaymondHarris and Jo RaymondHarris and Jo RaymondHarris and Jo Raymond

On Thursday 10th January The Harefield Academy held their annual Presentation Evening. The purpose of the evening is to celebrate the achievements of the students in all aspects of their life at The Academy. So celebration was the theme for the evening and certificates, awards and trophies were presented by Aidy Boothroyd, Manager of Watford FC, to a host of talented and hard working students. Very proud parents, sponsors, staff and members of the community enjoyed an evening to remember. The programme included an item by students studying British Sign Language and a spectacular display by The Harefield Gymnastics Academy. The ten students who achieved one of the sponsored awards also received a cheque each for £50. Lynn Gadd said, “This was our second formal Presentation Evening and we go from strength to strength. The awards recognised not only the academically gifted students but those who help and support our school community. Qualities such as leadership and moral behaviour are extremely important to The Harefield Academy”. In his address Aidy Boothroyd gave “seven key tips for students for a successful life-style” and praised the exciting projects being developed by Watford Football Club and The Harefield Academy.

Aidy Boothroyd presents George Goodchild Aidy Boothroyd presents George Goodchild Aidy Boothroyd presents George Goodchild Aidy Boothroyd presents George Goodchild with The Watford Football Award 2008with The Watford Football Award 2008with The Watford Football Award 2008with The Watford Football Award 2008

For contribution to football For contribution to football For contribution to football For contribution to football

Awards for Faculties went to:Awards for Faculties went to:Awards for Faculties went to:Awards for Faculties went to: Danniyella Brook Danniyella Brook Danniyella Brook Danniyella Brook – Food Technology

Hodman Khalif Hodman Khalif Hodman Khalif Hodman Khalif – History Adam Carpenter Adam Carpenter Adam Carpenter Adam Carpenter – Drama Charlotte Leng Charlotte Leng Charlotte Leng Charlotte Leng – English David Collinswood David Collinswood David Collinswood David Collinswood - BSL Daniel McPherson Daniel McPherson Daniel McPherson Daniel McPherson – PE Kate Couzins Kate Couzins Kate Couzins Kate Couzins – Art

Connor O’Carroll Connor O’Carroll Connor O’Carroll Connor O’Carroll – Music Kim Estabilla Kim Estabilla Kim Estabilla Kim Estabilla – French

Jenisha Patel Jenisha Patel Jenisha Patel Jenisha Patel – DT Laura Harris Laura Harris Laura Harris Laura Harris – Maths Katie Payne Katie Payne Katie Payne Katie Payne – Science Kane Harrison Kane Harrison Kane Harrison Kane Harrison - Maths Sajad Shanaz Sajad Shanaz Sajad Shanaz Sajad Shanaz – ICT

Chez Isaac Chez Isaac Chez Isaac Chez Isaac – Geography Stanislav Ten Stanislav Ten Stanislav Ten Stanislav Ten - Business

Awards from Sponsors went to:Awards from Sponsors went to:Awards from Sponsors went to:Awards from Sponsors went to: SabaSabaSabaSaba ChoudhryChoudhryChoudhryChoudhry – David Meller Award 2008 – Effort and Determination MatthewMatthewMatthewMatthew RevierRevierRevierRevier – Haig Oundjian Award 2008 – Olympian Qualities

JonathanJonathanJonathanJonathan HarrisHarrisHarrisHarris – Jonathan Green Award 2008 – Overall Achievement PaulPaulPaulPaul DesaiDesaiDesaiDesai – Michael Sherwood Award 2008 – Moral and Ethical Behaviour

LaurenLaurenLaurenLauren McCormackMcCormackMcCormackMcCormack – Principals Award 2008 – Services to The Academy and the Community GeorgeGeorgeGeorgeGeorge O’NeillO’NeillO’NeillO’Neill – The Merchant Taylor Schools’ Award 2008 – A Level studies at MTS MohammedMohammedMohammedMohammed PuttarooPuttarooPuttarooPuttaroo – The Brunel University Award 2008 – University Potential

OmadamilolaOmadamilolaOmadamilolaOmadamilola FashakinFashakinFashakinFashakin – The Magdi Yacoub Institute Award 2008 – Commitment to Medicine and Health

JoeJoeJoeJoe DeanDeanDeanDean – The Grove Hotel Award 2008– Achievement in Hospitality and Catering GeorgeGeorgeGeorgeGeorge GoodchildGoodchildGoodchildGoodchild – The Watford Football Award 2008 – Contribution to football

Sponsors’ Award winnersSponsors’ Award winnersSponsors’ Award winnersSponsors’ Award winners Aidy Boothroyd presented the studentsAidy Boothroyd presented the studentsAidy Boothroyd presented the studentsAidy Boothroyd presented the students

with their certificates and awards.with their certificates and awards.with their certificates and awards.with their certificates and awards.

British Sign Language students with their teacher, Stacey StockwellBritish Sign Language students with their teacher, Stacey StockwellBritish Sign Language students with their teacher, Stacey StockwellBritish Sign Language students with their teacher, Stacey Stockwell

Harefield Academy gymnastsHarefield Academy gymnastsHarefield Academy gymnastsHarefield Academy gymnasts

Aidy BoothroydAidy BoothroydAidy BoothroydAidy Boothroyd

PRESENTATION EVENINGPRESENTATION EVENINGPRESENTATION EVENINGPRESENTATION EVENING

Parent VoiceParent VoiceParent VoiceParent Voice

Would you like to be at the next Parent Voice meeting where you will have an opportunity to share you views on the way The Harefield Academy develops? Join our next meeting on Wednesday 23rd April, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm, at The Academy . Ref re shments provided.

Spanish InterestSpanish InterestSpanish InterestSpanish Interest

The Harefield Academy recently hosted a visit from José Garcia Queveo of Valencia Football Club and Javier Perez from the Spanish Football Association. They were here on a fact finding mission to see how The Academy and Watford Football Club work in partnership to provide young talented footballers with the opportunity to excel in both their training and their education. They were very impressed with the programme and will no doubt return to Spain with one or two new ideas for producing ‘home grown’ footballing stars of the future.

Gymnasts shine againGymnasts shine againGymnasts shine againGymnasts shine again

On Sunday January 25th The Harefield Academy gymnasts accompanied by Natasha Maxwell and Grace Blacklock, ventured off to Swallows Gymnastics Club in South Ruislip to represent The Academy in the London Acrobatic Regional championships. Matthew Short did very well in the U19 Boys tumbling and won his event quite comfortably. Katie Smith came second in U19 Girls tumbling and this means that both these gymnasts can go on to represent The Academy in the National Finals in April. Ciara McGrath, Sophie Burfield, Jade Matthews and Laura Noone also took part in tumbling and did very well. We also entered two U19 women’s pairs, it was a very highly contested competition, Sophie and Laura came a very respectable 4th and Ciara and Katie came 2nd. Although both do not qualify for the National finals, they learnt a lot from the experience and the aim for next year is to win! Congratulations to Natasha and her gymnasts and thank you to Kim Blacklock for representing The Academy as our judge.

The Year 7 football team has been going from strength to strength in the English Schools Cup. They had a bye in the first round and then beat Sir John Lawes School 11-0! In the third round they played JFS, they showed excellent control and determination, final score 11-4. Their fourth round competition came from John Hampden School. They played on a very big and muddy pitch and the players found it hard work to keep their footing but they played well as a team and won 4-1. Round 5 was a local match, playing St Joan of Arc Catholic School, Rickmansworth. Joan of Arc had many chances and just couldn’t convert as Harefield slotted 4 past their keeper. Final score 4-0. Round 6 was against their toughest opponents, Queens School. Many of their shots whistled past our cross bar. We secured two goals early and missing a penalty made the boys work harder. Queens were fighting back and scored towards the middle of the second half. Final score 2-1 victory. They now advance to the 7th round where they will play either Gunnersbury School in Brentford or Raynes Park High School in Merton.

The Year 10 Football team have also been winning in the English School Cup and are now in the 6th round. It all started with a 1-0 win over Hol-land Park School. In the second round they played Rickmansworth and won convincingly 8-1. They then progressed to the third round playing Chiswick Community School. Playing really well the boys won 4-1. Their journey continued playing Tomlinscote. The Year 10 team has talent in every position and they worked the ball well setting up some fantastic goals. Unselfish football at its most beautiful led the team to a 9-1 win. Round 5 took the team away to Hampton, the boys walked away with yet another win, 5 – 0. The team then played Waingels College, Reading in the 6th round of the competition. They played superbly winning 8-0. Their next match will be at home against either Budmouth Technology College or Saltash Community College. Both teams are through to the last 16 teams in the country, an amazing achievement as over 1000 schools in each category entered. Mr. Littlewood - Assistant Director of

Sport

From left to right: Pat Cottis (Vice Principal, Director of Sport), From left to right: Pat Cottis (Vice Principal, Director of Sport), From left to right: Pat Cottis (Vice Principal, Director of Sport), From left to right: Pat Cottis (Vice Principal, Director of Sport), Javier Perez (Spanish FA), Marc Warburton (Watford FC), Javier Perez (Spanish FA), Marc Warburton (Watford FC), Javier Perez (Spanish FA), Marc Warburton (Watford FC), Javier Perez (Spanish FA), Marc Warburton (Watford FC),

José Garcia Queveo (Sporting Director of Valencia) and Nick Cox (Watford FC)José Garcia Queveo (Sporting Director of Valencia) and Nick Cox (Watford FC)José Garcia Queveo (Sporting Director of Valencia) and Nick Cox (Watford FC)José Garcia Queveo (Sporting Director of Valencia) and Nick Cox (Watford FC)

Dates for your DiaryDates for your DiaryDates for your DiaryDates for your Diary

18th—22nd February—Half Term

26th February—Year 9 Parents’ Evening/Options’ Evening

5th March—Year 8 Guided Choices Evening/World Book Day

7th—16th March—Science Week

14th March—Academic Tutoring Day

21st March—GOOD FRIDAY Academy ClosedAcademy ClosedAcademy ClosedAcademy Closed

24th March—EASTER MONDAY Academy ClosedAcademy ClosedAcademy ClosedAcademy Closed

4th April—Last day of Spring Term

21st April—First day of Summer Term

Keep in TouchKeep in TouchKeep in TouchKeep in Touch

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or write to us at: Northwood Way, Harefield, Uxbridge, Middlesex, UB9 6ET Telephone: 01895 822108

Email: info@theharefieldacademy.org

The English School CupThe English School CupThe English School CupThe English School Cup

Student VoiceStudent VoiceStudent VoiceStudent Voice

The students leading ‘Student Voice’ at The Academy are always trying to raise awareness. For their last project they organised a non-uniform day to raise money for The Teenage Cancer Trust. On the last day of the autumn term both students and staff were invited to wear Christmas colours and fancy dress for the duration of the day, paying £1 for the privilege. £500 was raised on the day and this was presented to Matthew Hams, from The Teenage Cancer Trust, who came to accept our cheque in assembly. He also spoke to the students about the Trust, his own experiences, the units that the money will go towards and how the facilities for teenagers in hospitals will be improved to make them feel better about their experience.