Newsletter Summer 2011

Name:…………………………………. Form:…………………………………..

ARNOLD ACADEMY PAGE 2

Dear Parents/Carers I have just finished my eighth year of headship at Arnold and I can’t quite believe all that we have managed to achieve in that time. When I first arrived at Arnold I was impressed by the work that the Governing Body had put into developing the school: they had already had the foresight to extend the school with a second science laboratory (with capacity to build above when the time was right) and moved the music room further down the corridor away from the art room (which had previously been a ‘walk through’ to music). Conversations and early plans for the extension to the school were developing and I was in the very fortunate position to be able to work with the Local Authority (LA) to see the ideas come to fruition. To start with, the LA wanted to build the administration block first and proposed a single storey building with an office and headteacher’s room.

In 2005, we had the extension to the dining room, two front Year Five classrooms and the side playgrounds with car park facilities improved. I persuaded the LA that the most important building was the classrooms and so the two-storey building rose up behind the school and replaced the very tired temporary structures that let in the rain and were baking hot in the summer months. I even came in to school to watch the destruction of these awful ‘huts’ in the

summer of 2007 so that no other school would have to put up with them! We were also able to ‘slip in’ a drama studio, which is very popular with the children. Then the cutbacks hit and we had to wait to get the funding for the administration block. Fortunately, the school building work, originally in the planning stage in 2003, is nearly finished and we can get used to the fantastic learning support facilities. Hopefully there will be no more headaches or working from a room with no window

(Mrs Lyman and I don’t know what the weather is like some days!). As a ‘spin off’ from these new buildings the music department has gained additional space for the peripatetic teachers to take lessons with the children on a plethora of instruments. The Lab Prep room is getting a much needed

increase in space (almost doubled) and the Reprographics department is moving into main school, where our fantastic assistants help produce colour and black & white resource sheets and booklets for the children.

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Thanks to the fantastic work of Relmfield Builders we will be able to take possession of the final building late in August. What has been particularly pleasing is their use of local firms for the sub-contraction works. We like to think that the ‘carbon footprint’ is being kept as low

as possible!

Particular thanks to Kevin, their Site Manager, for his attention to detail and keeping the project on track. Here he is pictured with two of his key building colleagues. They are excellent craftsmen with a smile on their faces and a pleasure to have on our school site.

We can not rest on our laurels because the school still has expansion plans: we desperately need a permanent structure for our Autistic Provision and Pastoral and Learning Mentor Centre (PALM) and so we are continuing with plans being developed and communicating with the LA, as they still retain responsibility for the ASD Provision even though we are now an Academy. What about the children and their learning? We are most fortunate to have very caring and supportive staff (both teaching and administration) and two Deputy Headteachers who provide a wide range of innovations to ensure that we are offering the best possible learning for our children. In particular I would like to note that we have improved the target setting and progress measures at Arnold; the Form Tutors keep track, with the Subject Teachers, on the children in their care to make certain that good progress is made and interventions are put in place if underachievement is seen. To enhance learning experiences further (and with the intention of helping children prepare for their ‘future learning’ and thinking skills that might be usable in the workplace) we organise highly successful Enrichment Weeks; Global Citizenship Days; Multi Activity Days; Values Days and several days for Year Four children from our main partner schools to visit and work with us (so that transfer is smooth into our Year Five). We have created a system of additional support for our children through the Pastoral & Learning Mentor Centre, where any child with a need for help and guidance can arrange to meet with one of our excellent Learning Mentors. This area of our work has been greatly admired by many other schools and has been adopted in their schools. We renewed the provision for ICT in both of our main Computer Rooms and use interactive white boards to help with learning. When I first arrived, we had ancient computers that were costing a lot of money

under a loan agreement and there were blackboards and chalk with some overhead projectors. Now the teachers are lost without their IWBs and individual laptops. The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) is really beginning to take off too.

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Improved communication and collaboration with parents has been enhanced with multi-technological advances such as ‘Keep Kids Safe’; email addresses of staff being available to parents; Parent Awareness Raising Evenings; Reports Days; half termly newsletters (also available on our website) and postcards from me, home to parents, to celebrate individual children’s successes every term.

Why the academy route? It has come to my attention that the new parents to our school (in many years and not just Year 5) may not know about our new name. We are now Arnold Academy. It was a hard slog to get the paperwork to the Department for Education (DfE) but we managed to keep to our schedule and meet all their deadlines. So, from the 1st July 2011 we became one of the many academies that are developing in our area. We felt that the time

was right for Arnold because of the restructuring of Central Bedfordshire (lots of cuts in services to be streamlined towards the ‘truly vulnerable’). In addition, we knew that many of the things that we wanted for our children and staff could be arranged through other providers who could offer better services in a more cost effective way (for example we have Human Resources from Ellis Whittam and payroll from Bedford Borough). Finally, we knew that some of the school’s funding was ‘creamed off’ for the LA’s services (funding from the DfE used to go straight to the LA and then come to the schools) and we wanted the money to go direct to providing resources for our children. Our funding now comes direct to Arnold Academy from the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA but soon to be known as the Education Funding Agency (EFA)). The LA is still statutorily responsible for SEN statementing, admissions coordination and provision of home-to-school transport.

Every child is irreplaceable. Some of you will recall the many years that I fought for seat belts to be fitted into the school buses for our young people. The LA did listen to parents’ concerns and seat belts and CCTV are now in use on all the transport provided to Arnold Academy. It has come to my attention that there are

still some children who don’t think that they need to wear seatbelts. All parents are responsible for explaining that their child(ren) must wear the seatbelt whilst the bus is in motion. I draw your attention to the following from the Penalty Guidelines that are now part of the acceptance of home-to-school transport provided by Central Bedfordshire Council:

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Warning then a week ban • Not wearing safety belt, where provided

• Swearing at driver/escort/member of the public

• Disobeying an instruction given by the driver and/or escort • Littering the vehicle

• Misuse of bell • Refusing to remain seated whilst vehicle is in motion

For a second offence, the penalty is much higher and parents are responsible for getting their child to and from school during the ban period. CCTV is being used successfully to inform the bus owners, LA and school about children who do not follow the rules and action is being taken with a number of bans being put in place when poor behave is seen and reported. All our children’s safety must be the highest priority.

Our children have been so successful this year. Our latest success is that we are County Champions for cricket – see our P.E. Department Report later in the newsletter.

Our Key Stage Two results continue to be very pleasing: well done to all the children who worked so hard (parents and teachers too!). The maths department are celebrating very high standards at the end of Key Stage Three and the English department are increasingly seeing standards rise towards Level 7 (remember that the average child should reach Level 5/6 at the end of KS3).

Key Stage Two Results

*Provisional results as there were a number of clerical and marking errors were found in the external marking

English

4 5 4 5

87% 29%* 79% 43%*

Maths

Key Stage Three Results

English

Level 4+ Level 5+ Level 6+ Level 7

98% 93% 47% 2%

98% 90% 44% 6%

Mathematics Level 4+ Level 5+ Level 6+ Level 7+ Level 8+

Target 98% 89% 69% 31% 11%

TA 98% 88% 69% 31% 11%

Science Level 4+ Level 5+ Level 6+ Level 7+

Target 100% 98% 57% 11%

TA 100% 95% 58% 11%


I was very proud to have Arnold Academy involved in the Harlington Area of Schools’ Art Exhibition at Poplars Garden Centre, Toddington. The standard of art work was exceptional and I particularly enjoyed seeing the art work range from Early Years to Year 13. We hope that this will now be an annual event. We are currently working on a piece of art for the new school entrance hall with a theme of ‘values’ and we hope that you will enjoy visiting and seeing the finished article in the Autumn Term. I look forward to ‘judging’ the top 26 pieces of work to form the ‘big picture’.

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Please take very good note of our uniform policy and requirements for pencil cases! Parents of girls should be particularly careful when purchasing the skirts (length) and trousers (not tight fitting). The information is available on the website and in this newsletter.

I want to wish our Year Eight pupils the very best as they move on to Upper School. I know that they will be excited about the last formal stage of their education and hope that they will make the most of their opportunities.

Finally, I wish Mr Ken Saito (moving on to a Masters Degree at Warwick University); Mrs Roshnee Shah (moving to Ashton Middle School, Dunstable) and Mrs Lisa Nolan (moving to Woodland Middle School as a TA) success. Mrs Emma Jackson is taking up a new role at Wootton Lower School (to gain experience of lower school teaching following her 1.1 degree success and prior to her moving on to teacher training) but also continuing at Arnold Academy to support the Learning Support Department administration. Mrs Linda Rooke has decided to hang up her learning support boots and we wish her well. Mrs Marjorie Cushing has been a ‘visiting consultant’ for a number of years and will be leaving us this year. We wish to thank all colleagues for their dedication and support to our children. In particular I would like to congratulate four staff who this year received long service awards: Mrs Wendy Simpson, Mrs Pam Hazel, Mrs Judy Dodd and Mrs Kathy Moroney. Best wishes Ann Payne

A NOTE FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

Although it may not feel like it this newsletter is a historic first. It is the first newsletter of the new Arnold Academy. The transition from Arnold Middle School to Arnold Academy took place on an inauspicious day (Friday 1 July - a training day) and to those of you who visit the school regularly little will have changed. The expectation of the Governing Body was that this change marks the next step in the evolution of Arnold rather than a revolution. This began with us becoming a Foundation school a few years ago when we started the process of loosening Local Authority control over the direction of the school and the move to Academy status is the next logical step.

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In the short term it will give the school a small amount of additional resource for us to decide how it should best be spent, rather than funding county-wide services. However, we are very aware that this additional funding may not last forever and that there are likely to be difficult times ahead for all schools as this Government and the next reduces public sector spending. Therefore the challenge for us and other local schools who also become Academies over the next few months is to identify the opportunities where we can seamlessly work together to realise efficiencies, realise our combined buying power and work together to improve performance across all the schools in the local area.

Achieving this will take time and vision. As a first step Arnold’s Governing Body has started the process, building on the responses you as parents gave to the consultation on Academy status to identify some long term strategic objectives. At a summer term Governing Body meeting we started to discuss what these might mean in practice to pupils with the School

Council and in the Autumn term we intend to discuss them further with school staff. Depending on when the Governing Body meetings are scheduled (and of course the Governing Body agreeing them) I would expect the new objectives to be in place from Spring 2012 onwards. Once that process is complete we will have the foundations against which you as parents and of course the wider community can clearly see what our long term vision is for Arnold Academy and hold us to account for delivering it. That is for the future. Focusing on the here and now we should all take stock and recognise how far the school has come in a few years. Thanking all the staff and pupils whose hard work has made it possible. In particular I wanted to thank Mrs Payne for the exceptional amount of work she has personally put in to ensuring our bid for Academy status was successful. Without this effort we simply would not have got over the finishing line. I also wanted to thank Steph Madden who after a long and distinguished teaching career at the school was persuaded to remain on the Governing Body so her knowledge and experience was not lost. She is now stepping down from the Governing Body in the Autumn, in anticipation of relocating and her contribution will be sorely missed as we all move collectively forward. Rhys Chesters-Lewis Chair of Governors

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PUPIL PLANNER

We have once again revamped our planner (formerly known as the homework diary) to fit the needs of our pupils. The changes made over the last year to homework which includes the VLE activity has resulted in us making major changes to the homework recording pages. Many pupils were asked for their opinions on the current planner and suggestions for

improvement, many of which are now in the planner. I look forward to seeing the proud faces on the pupils as they explore the new planner and find their ideas / suggestions in print.

The cost this year will be £2.50 each, the quality is sound and are lasting pupils the full year without much in the way of wear and tear, they do represent good value. This is the first price increase we have ever had to make but due to constant rising costs the company have to pass these on to us, we never make any profit, we sell them at cost.

I would personally like to thank all those pupils who helped with the new design and will be asking for feedback during the year so we can continue to meet the needs of our pupils.

SCHOOL COUNCIL UPDATE We have been working on developing our approach to charity work following our fantastic fund raise for Japan in the spring term where we raised just over £900. Many thanks to all who en-joyed the non-uniform day, with a focus on the colour red in hon-our of the victims of the devastation in Japan.

Our chosen charities for 2011-2012 will be: Global – Shelter boxes National - Great Ormond Street Hospital Local – Keech Cottage. Our final fundraising event for 2010 – 2011 will be a straightforward non-uniform dress down day on Thursday 21st July, as this date will allow year 8 pupils to join in. The Music department have requested some funds for additional instruments and the Council are more than happy to support this request. They are also looking forward to contributing towards an update in the rewards and recognitions that we share with pupils throughout the year. We will be recruiting new school council members in September. Thank you to all current members who have worked tirelessly to help the school.

Connor Naylor & Abby Miller

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Message from Mr Saito It was a great pleasure to be a part of Arnold team these last two terms. I enjoyed working with pupils with great talents not only in the subjects I teach but also in art, dance, drama, music and sports.

The most memorable experience in the last two terms is the moment I danced ‘Funky Chicken’ at Year 6 PGL Devon Trip. Also, I am delighted that I have great members in my Japanese club who are keen to learn my language and culture. I cannot forget to say thank you again for your kind donation to my country after the earthquake and tsunami. Year 7 pupils asked various questions to me. Here are the answers to some questions.

Thank you very much, everyone. I wish you a great success in the future. Mr Saito

What is your favourite food?: Sushi, I ate 60 pieces of sushi for dinner when I was a university student.

What is your ideal job? (You cannot say a teacher): If I am not allowed to say a teacher, I would say a comedian.

Is it difficult for you to learn English?: I admit I struggled to learn English when I was at school but I keep learning because I like learning about English culture. My efforts were rewarded by a great time at Arnold!

Will you go back to Japan soon after you leave Arnold?: I will stay in England as it is an exciting to place to live and explore!

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Maths Challenges

Pupils from Arnold have taken part in some exciting maths challenges this year. Some students from Year 6 took part in the Primary Maths Challenge. They performed really well, demonstrating some real potential for the future. Year 8 pupils competed to take part in the regional finals of the UKMT Maths Team Challenge. The trials for this were very well attended and selection of our four finalists was very difficult. The event itself was held in Ashlyn Upper School in Berkhamstead and pupils from Arnold joined together with pupils from Parkfields Middle School and Harlington Upper School to form three mixed teams. This was a great day’s event and the pupils from Arnold represented our school admirably. Well done to Alex Evans, Robbie Large, Lauren Eagles and Kelsie Cummins.

Year 4 pupils visited us for the day and took part in maths, science, rounders and French activities.

Mrs Jane Hawkins Leader of Mathematics

The Maths challenge was an exciting way to team up with older kids and work together to solve maths problems. It was a fun day with lots of competition and laughter. Lauren.

The best part of the Maths challenge was when we got to work as a team in a relay. It was good that we got to work with Year 9s. It was a really good experience. Kelsie and Alex.

ACADEMY PAGE 12

SUMMER CONCERT

On Tuesday 5th July we held our Summer Concert. This was our last concert of the year and featured pupils from all years. The evening started with a rousing performance of “Themes” from Pirates of the Caribbean by the Wind Band conducted by Mr O’Malley. We then had a variety of solos and duets. Later a group of Year 5 pupils gave an enthusiastic performance of

“Swingin’ Samson”. The concert also featured items by the Recorder Groups coached by Mrs Wood and the Hand Chimes group before concluding with three pieces by the School Orchestra. Our next concert will be in the Autumn on 22nd November.

INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS

With the rapidly approaching departure of the Year 8 pupils all the instrumental teachers are looking to recruit new musicians for September. If your child would like to learn an instrument this is the time to seriously think about it. We can offer tuition on the following instruments :- Violin Viola Cello Guitar (acoustic & electric) Flute Clarinet Oboe Saxophone Trumpet Cornet Horn Trombone Piano Singing Drums We have some instruments available to loan but in most cases pupils are expected to provide their own instruments. Lessons cost £10 each week for an individual lesson and £6 for a shared lesson. We guarantee 10 lessons a term. If you would like to order lessons for your child please contact me for an application form. C D Cadd Leader of Music [email protected]

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Friends of Arnold school association would like to thank parents, teachers and businesses for donations in both their time, contributing prizes supporting us in donations. This academic year we have raised over £1675.

We have contributed towards the School Council, towards the year 8 leavers’

activities and equipment/games for the Palm centre and Chiltern class.

WANTED!

Outgrown and in good condition

• Arnold jumpers and cardigans • Arnold ties • Skirts • Trousers

All donations will be kindly received by Mrs Yates or Ms Creed in reprographics.

At Arnies we pride ourselves on good home cooked nutritious meals that children will enjoy. All for the price of £1.90. Not bad for a two course meal but we also do sandwich deals where you can get a sandwich/baguette/wrap or salad plus a dessert and drink for £1.90. Sandwiches also available from £1.00. Drinks range in price from 25p to 60p. COME ON IN AND GIVE US A TRY

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SITUATIONS VACANT

MIDDAY SUPERVISORY ASSISTANT

5 hours 25 minutes per week

12.20pm-1.25pm daily

Term time only + training days

Level 1D points 7-10

£6.63-£7.19 per hour

Please contact Mrs Wendy Simpson on 01582 616400 for an application form.

TEACHING ASSISTANT

(to cover maternity leave from October 2011) We are looking to appoint a teaching assistant to cover maternity leave in our highly regarded ASD provision (linked to a specific pupil). The post is temporary due to central funding for statements of Special Education Needs whilst the pupil is at the school. Hours: 1.15pm to 3.15pm, term-time only (plus 5 training days). Level 2A points 10 – 13 [£3,191 - £3,552] If you are flexible, with a good sense of humour, able to support in mainstream class as well as provide one to one guidance in the specialist provision we would love to hear from you. Experience of working with ASD pupils preferred but not essential.

Please contact Mrs Wendy Simpson on 01582 616400 for an application form.

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SITUATIONS VACANT

SCIENCE TECHNICIAN

Part time position available Do you have an interest in science?

Would you like to work in your local community?

10 hours per week (Thursday & Friday)

Level 2B points 11-14 (hourly rate £7.64-£8.15)

We are looking for someone who can provide

support in our highly regarded science department for staff and pupils.

This position involves preparing resources and

materials for experiments, keeping stock safe,

secure & readily available as well as ordering

and keeping track of all science apparatus and chemicals.

In class support is also an important

aspect of this position.

Full training provided.

If you are interested

please contact Wendy Simpson at Arnold Academy for full details

and an application form on 01582 616400 or

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY 7th SEPTEMBER 7th SEPTEMBER 7th SEPTEMBER 7th SEPTEMBER

2011201120112011

IMPORTANT SCHOOL UNIFORM INFORMATION

Appearance is taken very seriously at Arnold Academy and to maintain our high standards please read the information below.

Personal Appearance

• Boys must not have hair shorter than Grade 3, with exception for

religious or ethnic reasons.

• Hair should not be cut or worn in a style that is provocative,

including shaved patterns, hair gel and other similar products is

not permitted.

• Hair should be of a natural colour for the individual not dyed.

• Children may wear a watch however highly coloured fashion

bracelet styles are not permitted.

• Earrings are permitted but only one stud in each ear lobe no other

jewellery is permitted except for the Sikh bangle where

appropriate.

• Children should not wear make up in school.

• Nail varnish should not be worn.

• Only plain hair bands/alice bands or grips are permitted.


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School Uniform GIRLS UNIFORM

GIRLS PE

Black or grey pleated or plain skirt NO MORE THAN 2” ABOVE THE KNEE NO STRETCHY FABRIC OR LYCRA NO STUDS/OVERSIZE VISIBLE ZIPS/BELTS

Tailored black or grey trousers NO STRETCHY FABRIC OR LYCRA NO STRAIGHT LEGS/DRAIN PIPES/TIGHTLY FITTED NO STUDS/OVERSIZE VISIBLE ZIPS/BELTS

Plain white blouse with plain collar or white shirt with school tie - available from ‘Trutex’

NO FASHION BLOUSES NO TIGHTLY FITTING SHIRTS/BLOUSES OR EMBROIDERED SHIRTS

Bottle green cardigan or v neck jumper with logo - available from’Trutex’

Plain black or white ankle/knee length socks or tights in bottle green, black or white

NO BRIGHT COLOURS OR PATTERNS

Black low heeled sensible shoes NO POINTED HEELS, PLATFORMS, BOOTS ,TRAINERS OR PLIMSOLLS ( boots worn for the journey must be changed or arrival)

Summer options: dark green and white checked dress of any reasonable design

NO MORE THAN 2” ABOVE THE KNEE

Gold logo embroidered polo shirt– only available through ‘Trutex’

White socks

White non marking trainers

Hockey boots/football boots (preferred for safety reasons)

Plain black shorts

Green PE skirt (optional)

Short sleeved white polo shirt

Dark coloured tracksuit (optional for winter)

Shin pads and gum shield (optional but recommended for safety reasons)

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School Uniform BOYS UNIFORM

BOYS PE

Bottle green v neck jumper with logo –available through ‘Trutex’

Plain white shirt NO FASHION SHIRTS

School tie - available through ‘Trutex’

Black or grey trousers TRADITIONAL STYLE ONLY

Black or grey socks NO BRIGHT COLOURS OR PATTERNS

Black sensible leather shoes NO BOOTS, TRAINERS OR PLIMSOLLS

Summer option: grey shorts for Years 5 & 6. Gold logo embroidered polo shirts for all years - only available through ‘Trutex’

Plain black shorts

White non marking trainers

White ankle socks

Short sleeved white polo shirt

Green and black rugby shirt– only available through ‘Trutex’

Black football socks

Football boots

Dark coloured tracksuit—optional

Shin pads and gum shield—for safety reasons

PERSISTANT UNIFORM INFRINGEMENT WILL RESULT IN YOUR CHILD BEING REMOVED FROM THE PLAYGROUND AT BREAK AND LUNCHTIME

UNTIL CORRECT UNIFORM IS WORN.

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REWARDS

Congratulations to the following pupils who have achieved 10 Merits.






Harley Smith Tom Luff

Kieran Flack Kieran Piper Joe Davis Peter Stimson

Harley Smith Tom Luff Syed Shah

Kieran Flack Connor Macmillan Peter Stimson Harley Smith

Laura Downs Izzy Martin Louise Miller Devon Wheeler

Eleanor Kevan Tom Luff

Bethany Stonier Georgia Dean Adam Foat Sam Stacey

James Wright Thomas Walker Aria Patel Louise Miller

Cameron Mockridge

Samuel Adams Neave Sheppard Amy Rowe Anson Tang

Jack Brooks

Harry Shortland Cameron Mockridge Jack Brooks Joseph Anderson

Jack Szeto Liam Abrahams Nathan Ludford


100% ATTENDANCE

Congratulations to the following pupils who achieved 100% attendance in this last academic year.

A special well done to Joe Marney who has 100% attendance over 2 years.

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

For the past few years the children in Year 5 have been supporting the Samaritan’s purse charity. It's amazing what a simple gift-filled shoebox can do for a child in need. It can

put a smile on a face. It can make a child feel loved. It can even bring lasting joy into difficult circumstances. Here is a shoebox story to show just what can happen when shoeboxes packed with love are sent to a child in need…

Lisa is eight years old and lives in a small village in the north of Crimea, an autonomous region of Ukraine. Two years ago, Lisa was diagnosed with leukaemia. Right now she's doing pretty well although her liver is not in a good condition due to a blood infection that happened while she was having chemotherapy. The OCC team actually visited Lisa at her home to deliver her shoebox, as she wasn't able to go to the shoebox distribution point in her village. She beamed a proud smile as she opened her shoebox, putting on the hat, gloves and scarf that someone in the UK had lovingly packed.

"You know, we appreciate these gifts very much," said Lisa's mum, summing up the feelings of both Lisa and her sister, who also received a shoebox. "Children only need a few things to make them happy. These gifts are more than enough to make our children happy."

Corey Andrews James Bavister Ben Brown Rebecca Brown

Kate Busby Oscar Butterworth Emma Callaghan Joshua Cox

Emma Dolling Lydia Flack Emily Fryer Charlotte Godino

Summer Hopkinson Aaron Jackson Sarah Kilby Robbie Large

Oliver Malczyk Joe Marney Lauren Neill Jessica Pitts

Andrew Round Matthew Rowe Rebekah Smith Anson Tang

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OUT OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENTS MATTHEW VALE

Matthew Vale attended a 5 day tour with Luton Town FC and his squad to take part in the Aeroscupen Cup in Sweden 2 weeks ago. They had to play other national teams and won all 8 rounds to win the cup, they were the only Luton team to do this. Matthew played as a mid field player, scoring goals and he also played as goalkeeper in the final when the other goalkeeper was injured. Congratulations to Matthew as he puts a lot of time and effort into training and practicing and it was well deserved and he has been signed again for another year, now this is his 4th year to play for them.

MRS EMMA JACKSON TEACHING ASSISTANT I have just completed a three year BA Honours degree in Educational Practice at the University of Bedfordshire, graduating with a First Class degree. The modules undertaken this year include Teaching and Learning Processes, Classroom Management, 21st Century Childhoods and I undertook a research study into Inclusion, submitting a 10,000 word dissertation. Next academic year I will be continuing to support the Learning Support team here at Arnold and will also be working at a lower school to extend my school experience before applying for a PGCE to complete my teacher training.

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PE NEWS It has once again been a hugely eventful term in the PE department, with each of the leagues coming to a close. This season has been a fantastic one for our cricket teams, with the boys training on what has effectively been a daily basis, lots of cricket has been played. The Year 6 team have had a fantastic season and started when we took an A and B team to Ampthill Cricket Club for the

league finals. The boys were excellent and the A team won both of their games, winning in particular style as they took successive wickets in a short period of time against a good Alameda team. Unfortunately the weather meant this tournament was called off but with the A team unbeaten they progressed to the County Finals. Once at the County Finals the boys played some excellent cricket and won two of their 3 games, the last game by approximately 80 runs. They were extremely unlucky in the game that they lost, losing to the eventual winners, Alban, by just 1 run. The Year 6 teams also had a fantastic tournament at the annual Bancrofts School Cricket Festival in London. The A team began by losing against a very strong Bancrofts A team, although they made a great game of it, they then went on to win their next game, with some excellent cricket played. The B team also played some excellent cricket on the day, and whilst they lost their two games, they were making progress and it was a great experience to play against such good cricketing schools. Unfortunately this festival was not completed due to the torrential rain, but everyone involved had a fantastic day. Well done to all of the following boys who have made such a great contribution to year 6 cricket this term: Ross White Will Dennis Luc Corcoran Josh Norman Jack Dreyer Max Green Bradley Bell Bradley Freeman Louis Brandham Sam Clipstone George Nicholls Adam Chambers Nathan Bryant Ciaran Corcoran Kyle McSwiggan Charlie Caulder Oliver Chesters-Lewis

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The Year 7 Cricket season has also been particularly successful. With the boys unbeaten so far and league winners, the boys are now county champions following their county final win over Linslade Middle School. An excellent team performance saw the boys score 122 runs, with Sam McClelland scoring 49 and Sam Cook 32 amongst the runs. The boys fielded excellently to take all wickets for just short of 110 runs . A fantastic achievement boys! A huge congratulations must also got to Peter Shrive who has been a fantastic captain all season. This win followed an impressive semi-final win over Westfield School. It has been great to see the boys perform so well against Parkfields and Alameda, with the team scoring over 100 runs and losing no wickets in the latter match. A great achievement boys.

Year 7 County Cricket Winners 2011

Year 7 Cricket Squad :

Peter Shrive (Captain) Sam McClelland Niall Abraham

Conner Penning Lee Houghton Darian Graham

Sam Cook Andrew Round Sonny Foulkes

Luke Charalambous Jack Keenan Kieran Norman

Niall Palmer David Harley


The Arnold Rounders teams have also been in action this term. All the teams have been training and preparing for the league since the beginning of the summer term. The first year 5 & 6 game against Henlow saw the year 6s win their game and the year 5s drew with a score of 15.5 rounders. Both teams secured victories in their second games against Parkfields. There are still two games left to play and hopefully both teams will be successful in qualifying for the Mid Bed finals.

Both the year 7&8 Rounders teams are undefeated after playing their first two games in the league. The first game against Robert Bloomfield was played at home on a very rainy afternoon, however the weather didn’t deter any of the girls and the year 7’s won 3 rounders to 1.5. The year 8’s score finished with Arnold scoring 6 rounders and Robert Bloomfield 4. The teams only played one innings during this game due to the weather conditions. The teams’ second games were played away at Woodland and again both teams were victorious. The squads are as follows:

Year 6

Shanice Marshall Aoife Mcdonagh

Emily Carter Kelsey Martin Lucy Treacher Louise Miller Sylvie Masala Sophie Arnull

Ella Cruikshank Charlotte Eagles

Year 5

Sarah McMcmenemy Holly Byron

Laura Holland Ellie Dudley Holly Luff

Sienna Taylor Megan Watts Sarah Gendi Anaya East

Year 7

Eloise Pickard Daniella D’isola

Hannah Underwood Joanna Saunders

Jessica Pitts Taylor Fowler Jessica Jones Freya Green

Chloe Bromley- Derry Michaela Finn

Rebekah James

Year 8

Kelsie Cummins Vicki Reid

Olivia Ashton Anna Savage Ruth Linney

Anna Beckett Melisa Humpfrey Anna Treacher

Amy Gillard

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Congratulations to all the girls involved and thank you to your dedication and commitment to training. All the teams have developed their skills over this term and there have been some amazing individual and team performances. The year 7&8 girl’s athletics squad were successful in qualifying for the league finals after finishing 4th in the Mid/ North Beds league. Well done to all the girls involved the girls, finishing in 4th place in the finals despite missing some runners. A special mention to Amy Gillard who won her 200m final on the night.

Girls Athletics Squad

The athletics leagues this year have also provided some enjoyable evenings for both our key stage 2 and 3 pupils. With all of our athletes putting in so much effort for the track and field events they were selected for, it was nice to see so many of our pupils involved, many of them doing events that they are new to. All your efforts have been recognised. A big well done.

A massive congratulations must also go to the girls Key Stage 3 team which qualified for the league finals at Bedford International Athletics Stadium. Other athletics news, this term also saw the highly competitive district heats take place at Sandy Upper School. Competing against many other schools, the year 6, 7 and 8 pupils selected put in vast amounts of effort in all the events that they represented the school in. A special mention must go to the following pupils who achieved the impressive feat of qualifying for the District Finals: Year 6 Boys relay team – Adam Chambers, Luc Corcoran, George Nicholls and Josh Norman. Year 6 discus thrower boys – Will Dennis High Jump – Jessica Jones 800m – Anna Savage Long Jump – Amy Gillard

Amy Gillard Evie Newton Charlotte Morriss Anna Savage

Sarah Cross Jessica Jones Jessica Pitts Freya Green

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200m – Amy Gillard 100m – Sarah Cross High Jump – Lucy Wolfe Year 8 Girls Relay team – Amy Gillard, Sarah Cross, Charlotte Morris and Anna Savage Discus – Reece Smith Before we sign off for another term, a special mention must go to Matthew Vale in Year 7, who recently represented his club, Luton Town F.C. in a tournament on tour in Sweden. Matthew was part of a team that went on to complete the excellent achievement of winning the whole competition. Well done Matthew!

We also wish our Year 8’s best wishes for the future, and congratulate all those who have shown such great commitment over the past 4 years to sport within PE lessons and extra-curricular clubs. Your efforts have been recognised and we hope you continue to be involved with and enjoy your sport in the future

Miss J Cooke Mr K Tfifha

ARNOLD ACADEMY DIARY 2011-2012

Monday 5th September Staff Training Day Tuesday 6th September Staff Training Day Wednesday 7th September Autumn Term Commences Monday 12th September Academy Photographs Tuesday 4th October Parent Meetings with Form Tutors Wednesday 5th October Harlington Upper School Open Evening Friday 7th October Fun Run Day – Arnold Academy Tuesday 18th October Parent’s Forum Evening Monday 24th October Half Term Week – return Monday 31st October Thursday 3rd November Parents’ Awareness Raising Evening - Assessment plus Numeracy and Literacy (Year 4 parents are welcome to attend) Wednesday 9th November Arnold Open Day and Prospective Parents’ Evening Tuesday 22nd November Music Concert Thursday 24th November Citizenship Day Friday 25th November Citizenship Day Thursday 8th December Staff and Student Christmas Performance Tuesday 13th December Year 7 Natural History Day Trip Wednesday 14th December Year 5 and 6 Pantomime, Milton Keynes Thursday 15th December Staff and Student Christmas Performance - afternoon Friday 16th December Autumn Term Ends (last day of term) Tuesday 3rd January Staff Training Day Wednesday 4th January Spring Term Commences Thursday 2nd February Year 6 Parents’ SATs Preparation Evening (recent changes) Tuesday 7th February Year 5 Roald Dahl Trip Thursday 9th February Drama Performance Monday 13th February Half term week – return Monday 20th February Monday 12th – Friday 16th March Science Week and Earth Hour Thursday 15th March BBC Schools’ Report Day Thursday 22nd March Curriculum Showcase Evening (Arts) Tuesday 27th March Spring Concert Wednesday 28th March Year 4 Parents of Children with Additional Needs Meeting Friday 30th March Spring Term Ends (last day of term) Friday 30th March – Saturday 7th April Ski Trip to Passo Tonale, Italian Alps Monday 16th April Reports Day - pupils not in (appointment times issued to Meet with Form Tutor) Tuesday 17th April Summer Term Commences Thursday 19th April Reports Evening Monday 7th May May Day Bank Holiday – Academy closed Monday 8th – Friday 11th May Key Stage 3 Teacher Assessments Monday 15th – Friday 18th May Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessments Monday 21st – Friday 25th May Year 6 PGL Activity Week Sunday 27th May - Saturday 2nd June Year 7 French PGL Trip Monday 4th June Half Term Week – return Monday 11th June Wednesday 13th June Year 4 Maths and Rounders Day Thursday 21st June Parents’ Awareness Raising Evening - ‘Learning Challenge’ Saturday 23rd – Sunday 24th June Grafham Water G&T Wednesday 27th June Drama Performance Thursday 28th June Drama Performance Tuesday 3rd July Music Concert Thursday 5th July Year 8 Curriculum Induction Day – Harlington Upper School Friday 6th July All Pupils Induction Day Tuesday 10th July Key Stage 2/3 Transfer Evening (current Year 6/7) Thursday 12th July Year 8 Leavers’ Disco Friday 13th July Key Stage 2 Multi Activity Day Monday 16th July Key Stage 3 Multi Activity Day Monday 16th July Year 4 Parents’ Evening Thursday 19th July Year 8 Awards Evening Friday 20th July Year 8 Day Trip Friday 20th July Summer Term Ends

Documents

Newsletter Summer 2011