A Year at Pool Issue 3

November 2013

Lucy’s National “Open Mic” Debut

It was a horribly wet and windy day at the

end of the half term holiday, but it didn’t

stop a group of avid supporters travelling

all the way to Bristol to cheer on our very

own Lucy Walters in the UK Open Mic

Competition. Mr Evans, Mrs Wills and 12

Year 11 students braved the elements

and a four hour drive to travel to

St George's Hall in Bristol where Lucy

had been selected to perform in front of a

huge audience and some very esteemed

judges. Lucy’s performance was truly

electrifying and the response of the

audience was amazing. So Lucy, when

you become famous……don’t forget Pool

Academy!

Carol Service at Trevenson Church, 18th December 7pm.

All invited to the service followed by mince pies

Rugby Kit Design Competition

Last month students from Pool Academy

were lucky to go on a Rugby kit designing

workshop at Camborne Rugby Club. On

the day, students were able to understand

the importance of the design of the shirt,

sponsorships, team names and logos,

colours of the shirt and how the design

links to the school and local community.

The team designed a kit that is black and

gold which are both the Pool Academy's

and the Cornish Rugby Team’s colours. On

the shoulders they cleverly placed St Pi-

ran’s flag which looks amazing. The kit de-

sign has now been sent off to Canterbury to

be made and the students will be presented

with the actual kit soon.

iPads one half term on….

We have been amazed at the various uses that the iPads

have been put to in the first half term

Computer Science: Year 9 students have produced videos, photographs

and made a verbal presentation on the insides of a computer, which the

students themselves then used to teach Year 6 students about the topic.

Drama: are using video analysis of performances and using sound effects to generate and augment dramatic impact of actions. They have also made a diary of their progress, showing what they have done well and what actions they need to take next.

Art: are using iPads to study the work of artists and research their

techniques. They are using this research to inform their own painting,

monitor the development of their projects and learn how to develop skills in

this manner. They are also developing digital art skills through an app

called ‘Brushes’ by creating layers in images and developing their skills in

colour sampling (including coming up with their own names for colour

shades!)

Languages: students are using translation software to improve their

research skills. Students can design quizzes to test each other and younger

year groups have produced posters of grammar.

Music: are using an app called ‘Garageband’ to introduce students to multi-

track compositions, effects and importing and exporting digital samples.

They are also using video feedback on performances to increase student

skills.

Maths: have introduced ‘Maths Watch’. This takes information from the

teacher and focuses on on-line tests, quizzes and questions into areas in

which the student has shown less skills. They are also using ‘Slopeslider’

dealing with gradient and Y intercepts on straight lines and ‘Geoalgebra’

which develops students’ circle theory and understanding of transfor-

mations graphs.

Geography: have used iPads to enliven a lesson on physical and

human geography by getting students to find photographic evidence

in lessons and put these into a presentation. They are also using an

app called ‘Book Creator’ to produce revision notes.

English: have used them to celebrate Roald Dahl Day by making a

digital project on one of his works, using video, sound and their own

explanations of the plot and how it makes them feel. They are also

using the iPads for students to keep track of words they are

unfamiliar with, or have had trouble spelling. They have produced a

video of the ‘super hero family’ to increase their creative writing skills.

DT: teachers have produced walkthroughs of key skills such as

how to solder, how to build a computer circuit etc. Students can

then refer to these to move ahead, or consolidate their skills.

Teachers are also marking their work by video, with instructions on

what was good and what went well, what could be improved and

how.

History: have used iPads to produce a movie on the civil rights

movement in America and an animated cartoon on the Hungarian

uprising.

RE: students have produced presentations on Genesis using their

own writing, photos and videos.

Science: has specific programmes… ‘Build a Body’ develops skills

of internal organ function and how the whole body works together as

one, another app allows students to carry out virtual heart surgery to

show the issues of what can go wrong with the structure of the heart.

Students are also using an app (WASP) to audit their use of non-

renewable and renewable energy.

Languages: students are using translation software to improve their

research skills. Students can design quizzes to test each other and younger

year groups have produced posters of grammar.

Sociology: Students are producing their own e-books for revision,

using iPads to survey and analyse graphically what people think

about a range of Sociological issues.

Music: are using an app called ‘Garageband’ to introduce students to multi-

track compositions, effects and importing and exporting digital samples.

They are also using video feedback on performances to increase student

skills.

Pool Academy, Church Road, Pool, Redruth, Cornwall TR15 3PZ

www.poolacademy.co.uk email: enquiries@poolacademy.co.uk

Telephone: 01209 712220 Attendance line: 01209 722333 (24hrs)

Dean Symons Wins Prestigious

Place in County Team

Huge congratulations to Dean Symons who has been selected for the Cornwall under 16s Rugby Team. Dean fine-tuned his rugby skills in the monthly Cornwall develop-ment days held by the Cornwall Rugby Foot-ball Union. Dean is a very fit and skilful open side flanker who has a bright future in front of him.

Last year Dean played for Cornwall under 15s and also represented Exeter Chiefs in the South West of England rugby 10s tournament. He is currently playing in the County Championships, good luck from all at Pool Academy.

Netball

The Year 7-10 netball teams played against Truro High School. The Year 10s deserve to be crowned 'team of the week.' The weather was terrible so the girls had the luxury of playing indoors in the sports hall. Their effort and attitude was fantastic. It was difficult to choose a "player of the match" but it came down to Orlah Angove or Alicja Bochnacka with Alicja walking away with the title as she played half of the match out of her normal position and continued to show determination and commitment. Well done to all the netball teams!'

In December:

Thursday 5th December - Quiz Night. 6.30pm -

8pm in Main Hall, including refreshments and

raffle. See if anyone can beat Mr S Hosking!

10th 11th 12th December - Grease School

Production Adult ticket £3.50, child £2.50, family

of 4 ticket £10.00. 7.00 pm start Come and see

it… it is a fantastic night out.

Friday 13th December - Santa Fun Run. For

students and staff, all proceeds go to charity. £3

entry fee which includes full Santa suit. If you

collect over £15 you will have free entry.

Monday 16th December - School Uniform Sale

(nearly new) by Parents and Carers Forum. 2.30

-3.30pm. Any donations to be received by 11th

December. Come and grab a bargain!

Wednesday 18th December - Pensioner Christ-

mas dinner 12.15 - 1pm. Tickets available from

reception, £3.50 per person. Will include a raffle,

entertainment from the School Choir and Grease

Production.