E-Newsletter 7th May 2021

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Friday 7th May 2021
Update from the Principal
Dear parents, carers and families,
 
I have now been Principal at Farnborough for around three weeks. During this time, I have been so grateful for the welcome from staff, students, families and other members of the community.  I am determined to continue our journey of improvement together so that we have an Academy of which our whole community can be proud.
 
At the moment, I am taking the time to get to know the Academy community, and am enjoying consulting with staff and students about the Academy’s identity and what we stand for. As we become Farnborough Spencer Academy in September, this gives us the chance to reset and reflect on where we have been, and where we are going.
 
I am also looking forward to meeting with parents at the planned “Meet the Principal” events later in May. I do hope that the covid restrictions will allow us to hold these meetings, and it will give me a chance to meet with you in person. As the nationwide restrictions relax, we will set up a strong plan of meetings and engagement with parents – your views do matter.
 
Please enjoy this newsletter which fills you in on some of the activities that the school has carried out over the first few weeks of term. We look forward to extending the opportunities for your children over the next few weeks and months.
 
With very best wishes,
 
Graeme Smith
Principal
News



Year 11 Mock Exams
Well done to Year 11 whose mock exams finished last Friday. They approached these exams with mature, responsible and determined attitudes and we are very proud of them all. 



Duke of Edinburgh Grant
The year 10 Duke of Edinburgh Bronze participants got to help unpack some of our new expedition kit last week. They were all very excited! Rucksacks, roll mats, waterproofs, compasses and a water container were all funded by the Sylvia Waddilove Foundation UK.

Year 8 Poetry Anthology 
We invite you to read our poetry anthology inspired by the work of Shakespeare using the natural world around us as inspiration. This was released during National Poetry Month and includes the works  of Year 8 pupils to celebrate Shakespeare's birthday. Read it here.



Virtual Music Lessons
This term we began brass, woodwind and guitar lessons which were delivered remotely by tutors provided by Nottingham Music Hub. We have really enjoyed seeing our students' musical talents flourish!  

Esports Basketball Competition
Jack Bell took part in a Esports basketball competition on the Xbox, he made into the last 4 where he unfortunately lost to a professional gamer in the final seconds of the Semi-Final
 
Important Dates
  • Please click here to view our future term dates. 
  • Year 8 Parents Evening - Wednesday 12th May 4-7pm
  • Year 9 Parents Evening - Wednesday 26th May 4-7pm 
Upcoming Events



Meet the Principal
We would like to invite you to meet Mr Graeme Smith, the new Principal at The Farnborough Academy.

The next set of COVID-19 restrictions are due to be eased on 17th May 2021. From this date, most restrictions on meeting outdoors will be lifted and gatherings of 30 people or less will be legal again. Accordingly, this means that The Farnborough Academy should be able to re-commence organising meetings with current parents and carers outdoors.

Dates for our ‘Meet the Principal’ events are yet to be confirmed, however, if you would like to register your interest, please click here. 
 

Wellbeing



Year 7 Wellbeing Champions
Welcome to our new year 7 Wellbeing Champions! These pupils have been successful in applying for this new role to help promote wellbeing within the school. Pupils will be working with outside agencies such as CAMHS to help reduce stigma and support other pupils. Well done to Savannah, Lilly-May, Srindhi, Braydon and Layce!

YoungMinds Crisis Messenger
The YoungMinds Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to 85258. Click here for further information.

Social Media and Cyber Advice
Police Digital Security Centre (PDSC) is a not-for-profit organisation, owned by the police, who believe that the majority of cyber-crime can be prevented by taking a few simple steps. PDSC partners, ChildsafeVPN has created a set of useful infographics about cyber-safety aspects of the main apps and sites that young people may come across. 
Careers



Year 7 Unifrog
This half term our year 7 tutor groups have logged in to their Unifrog accounts to take a quiz in order to find out which careers would match their personality. They will be able to look back on the results in years to come to see if they followed the suggested pathways. 

Capital One Employability Workshops
We were very lucky to secure virtual workshops, delivered by employees from Capital One, for years 7, 8, 9 and 10 this term. Our students were given an insight into the world of work as they had encounters with employers and employees at Capital One and asked lots of questions! Owain Ford, the lead facilitator said 'it was great to see the chat filling with answers and questions throughout the sessions.' The workshops included employability tasks and the opportunity to ask Capital One Associates (employees) about their career journeys and their day-to-day life.




Brilliant Club - Certificates
Following on from their virtual graduation ceremony, hosted by Newham College, our Y9 scholars received their certificates this morning for their amazing achievements on the Brilliant Club scholars' programme. Jack and Sam commented that the programme had really helped develop their understanding of how to effectively structure an essay. Congratulations to all the pupils who took part! 



Year 11 NCS Opportunities
Year 11 were given the opportunity to sign up for the brilliant NCS programme today. Over the long summer break, the NCS experience gives pupils a chance to take part in a range of awesome activities, meet new friends and develop several important life skills.
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7th May 2021