News Blog
Posted on: 14/02/2020 Head of School Blog - Week 21 During this last two weeks of this half term we have had some wonderful events and trips happening in the Academy which I am pleased to share with you.
On Monday a group of weary travellers arrived back from the trip of a lifetime to Iceland. The trip was organised by Mr McGeown who supplied the following commentary.
Year 9 students visited Iceland from 6th-10th February, when we landed our first stop was the Blue Lagoon, this was a magical experience, sitting in the lagoon as the sun went down.
Over the duration of our trip, we explored the land of fire and ice, we visited Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss and Gullfoss Waterfall. Students learnt about the formation of these natural wonders and also admired their beauty.
We also visited the Black Beach, here the waves travel all the way from the South Pole uninterrupted and when the break on the beach at Reynisfjara Beach, they are incredibly powerful.
We also spent the day exploring Reykjavik, we had a walk along the coast, visited the Cathedral and has some free time to buy souvenirs and Icelandic chocolate. We also went swimming each evening in an outdoor geothermal swimming pool with slides, hot tubs and a steam room. It was particularly invigorating when it is -2 degrees and snowing and students are sitting in the outdoor hot tubs. Also as part of the Icelandic Winter Festival students enjoyed a pool party on our last night.
Iceland is a spectacular trip and I would like to thank our amazing students, they were a credit to Hope Academy and their families. This trip is also open to any student currently in Year 8 for February 2021, the letters are available from Mr McGeown or on the school website.
On Tuesday and Thursday this week we made our annual visit to The University of Liverpool organised by the University’s Widening Participation and Outreach team. The visits are the final part of the transition programme for our year 7 students and aims to raise awareness of higher education and to inspire young people to achieve and elevate their aspiration to study at this level. Getting a taste of university life can have a big impact on a young person and their motivation for study. Students attended workshops dealing with student finance and budgeting as well as enjoying a tour of the campus. The trips were led by Mr Robinson, Head of Year 7 who praised the engagement and behaviour of our students. We look forward to the final visit on 25th February.
Our year 11 students were under the spotlight on Thursday 13th February as they practised their interview skills in front of a host of local employers. Over 15 employers from several organisation spent the day at the Academy as part of our first ever Mock Interview Day in association with The EY Foundation. The idea of the experience is that students are given the opportunity to practice their interview technique and etiquette with representatives from the world of work. This was a great opportunity for our students who each experienced an individual real-life interview.
Feedback from students, employers, volunteers and staff was incredibly positive. For many of our students this was the first time they had taken part in a formal interview – quite a daunting experience. All in all the mock interviews were a resounding success and we are incredibly proud of all our year 11 students.
The year 11 Mock Interview event will now form part of our annual academic calendar as we continue to help prepare students for future interviews whether this be at our Sixth Form Centre, alternative further education, for an apprenticeship, or employment.
Today, we have welcomed staff from The University of Cambridge’s Widening Participation Team who delivered a workshop to year 10 and 11 students. The workshop covered all aspects of the admissions process, course information and entry requirements. They also shared stories about life and studying at this prestigious University.
We also hosted a session for current year 12 students from colleges in the local area who are interested in applying for a place at the University of Cambridge.
This week we have been confirmed as one of the NCS Silver Award Champion Schools for 2019! This award is in recognition of our outstanding engagement with the NCS Trust (National Citizen Service) who are a not-for-profit social enterprise providing voluntary personal and social development programmes for 15-17 year olds. The programme is funded largely by the government and our certificate was signed by Rt Hon Boris Johnson, Prime Minister. For further information on the NCS programme please see Mr Harrison, Head of Year 11 or NCS website www.wearencs.com
As you are aware, the Academy attendance target is 97%. I would like to thank parents/carers for their co-operation during the recent meetings which are aimed at supporting families to improve their children’s attendance and address any barriers that may exist. A child’s attendance is directly linked to their academic achievement. Higher overall absence leads to lower attainment at KS4. If you are struggling with any issues relating to your child attending school please get in touch with their Head of Year who will be happy to support you. I have added a letter, which was originally issued in October 2019 at the end of my blog. Can I take this opportunity to congratulate all of those students who achieved their ‘Perfect 30’ Certificate for successfully completing 30 consecutive days of 100%, 0 late marks, above average achievement points and 0 behaviour points! This is an outstanding achievement and we are looking forward to launching this again next half term.
Last week in Inspire time the theme was Respecting Ourselves and Others. It was also Children’s Mental Health Week, so we looked at how we can take care of our mental health in order to respect ourselves and what value this adds to our life.
The theme for Children’s Mental Health week this year is ‘Find Your Brave’ and we explored how we can do this through our Year Group Collective Worship. Being brave builds our confidence, and we saw how it is brave to be able to reach out to others when we need help. https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/
This week in Inspire time the theme has been LGBT+ History Month. We have looked at the importance of treating everyone with respect and being mindful of people’s feelings and relationships.
It was also Safer Internet Day on Tuesday 11th February, so we spent time in ‘Inspire’ learning about how to make sure our time online was spent safely.
We prayed this week that all people are recognised for their worth:
Dear Lord,
We believe that all people are created with sacred worth.
Therefore, we recognize the importance of caring for each other, whatever our differences.
Help us to be free of discrimination.
It is with love and in celebration of our unity, in the middle of our wonderful diversity, that we offer up this prayer today.
Amen
I would like to wish all students an enjoyable and restful half term.
Regards,
Mrs Adams
Important diary dates
Monday 24th February
Young Chef Competition
Tuesday 25th February
Year 7 Liverpool University Visit
Year 8 Confirmation Talk 1.20-2.20pm (Main Hall)
Monday 2nd – 6th March
National Careers Week and Curriculum Day
Wednesday 4th March
Train to Teach Taster Day
Thursday 5th March
Hope Academy Sixth Form Centre Option Evening 6.00pm-7.00pm
Monday 9th – 13th March
Year 11 Mock Examinations
Tuesday 10th March
Journey of Hope – Teenage Health and Wellbeing 6.00-7.00pm
Monday 16th March
Year 12 Mock Examinations
Dance Showcase 6.00pm
Tuesday 17th March
Year 10 HA Trip to Carmel College/Liverpool University
Friday 20th – 22nd March
Year 7/8 Netball Tour
Tuesday 24th March
Year 11 Drama Practical Examination 10.00-1.00pm
Wednesday 25th March
Year 10 Parents Evening 3.00-6.00pm
Wednesday 1st – 3rd April
Year 10 Rock and River Trip
Wednesday 1st April
Year 11 Preparing to Perform Event 2 6.00pm
Thursday 2nd April
Friends of Hope Academy Easter Bingo 6.00pm
Posted on: 7/02/2020 Head of School Blog - Week 19 Students experienced another week of exciting and informative events at the Academy which I am very happy to share with you.
We had an excellent turnout for our Year 9 Options Evening on Wednesday. Students and parents/carers had the opportunity to visit all subject areas and speak with specialist staff. On Wednesday 5th February each student will have a coaching meeting with a member of staff to support them during this important stage in their education. You can view the 2020 Options Booklet and timeline on our website. /521/options-timeline-and-booklets-for-2020. The link to the Option Selection forms can be found as follows /1314/link-to-year-9-option-selection-forms. The closing date for submission of option choices is WEDNESDAY 12th FEBRUARY.
On Friday we hosted our first Justice and Peace Day in collaboration with the Liverpool Archdiocese.
Twelve other schools came to Hope Academy bringing over 50 Y9 and 10 pupils to take part in workshops themed on ‘The Environment’. The workshops were hosted by the charities Oxfam, Mary’s Meals’ Nugent and Cafod.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the day, and feedback from students included:
- ‘we discovered that by helping a charity you can also be helping to reduce climate change’.
-‘I enjoyed socialising with others and finding out their opinions on climate change. We swapped ideas about what we are going to do about it’.
Last week in Inspire time the theme has been The Holocaust, as on the 27th January 2020 it was 75 years since Auschwitz was liberated. We have used this year’s theme ‘Stand Together’ to discover more about those who did what they could to help the Jews who were being persecuted.
During Inspire time we have found out about people like Sir Nicholas Winton, who helped to save nearly 700 Jewish children, and in Year Group Collective Worship we discovered the amazing story of StanisÅawa LeszczyÅska - a Polish midwife who was imprisoned at Auschwitz where she delivered over 3,000 children.
A group of Year 8 students also represented Hope Academy at St. Helens Town Hall for the Annual Holocaust Commemoration Service on Monday, where they saw performances, heard readings, and prayed together with fellow Christians and Jews on this year’s theme of Stand Together.
A quote we have reflected on this week comes from Sir. Nicholas Winton:
‘Don’t be content in your life to just do no wrong; be prepared every day to try and do some good’.
Important diary dates
Tuesday 11th,Thursday 13th and Tuesday 25th February
Year 7 Liverpool University Visit
Wednesday 12th February
Year 8/12/13 Parents’ Evening 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Thursday 13th February
Year 11 Mock interviews
I would just like to reiterate a message that was sent to parents last week and shared with all students during Inspire regarding children who ride their bikes to the Academy. Can you please remind your child that they must lock their bike in the secured Hope Academy area within our car park. Students should be reminded that the bike area opposite the Leisure Centre is not a secured area as this is accessible to the public. We have invested in the secured bike enclosure to prevent bikes being stolen or damaged.
Please see the following message from the Department for Education: The government is closely monitoring the spread of the Coronavirus and is taking action at home and abroad. The overall risk of Coronavirus to the UK remains moderate. However we understand that people may be concerned where there are children, students or staff returning from or visiting China.
Public Health England and the Foreign Office have issued advice for anyone travelling to the area. This can be found at
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/china
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-and-avian-flu-advice-for-travel-to-china
Latest information and advice can also be found at:
https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
Advice for parents/carers
You should not be unduly worried about the possibility of your children catching the Coronavirus.
There is no reason why your children should not continue to attend school or further education setting as normal.
What action you can take
A UK wide campaign has been launched to provide clear advice on how to slow the spread of Coronavirus.
Please help to support the campaign which promotes basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses. Please see the information poster at the end of my blog.
e Young People’s Drug and Alcohol Team (YPDAAT) will be hosting a workshop to be held at St Helens College for parents/carers and young people on Tuesday 11th February at 6.30pm. If you are interested in attending or would like more information please call 01744 675605 or e-mail ypdaat@sthelens.gov.uk.
Kindest regards
Mrs Adams - Head of School
Posted on: 24/01/2020 Head of School Blog - Week 18 Students have experienced another week of exciting and informative events at the Academy which I am very happy to share with you.
On Tuesday, Tempest Photography arrived at the Academy bright and early to set up for year 11 photographs. They photographed the whole year group together as well as taking individual photographs of students. Further information regarding the procedure for placing orders will be sent to you by the pastoral team.
Two year 7 students took part in the second round of The Rotary Young Chef competition at Bolton High School on Wednesday. Holly prepared a Rack of Lamb and Tiramisu, whilst Keira’s menu consisted of Prosecco Chicken with fresh pasta and a Mango Cheesecake to follow. The girls were accompanied by an extremely proud Miss Sargent and were an absolute credit to the Academy. After each contestants menu had been tasted by the judges, the eagerly awaited results were announced. Holly came in 2nd place and Keira was runner up – Holly will now go through to the regional final which will be held at Hope Academy. Well done to both girls, we are extremely proud of you. Good luck to Holly in the regional final; I will keep you all informed of her progress.
One of the most popular events in the calendar is our annual Career Fair for students from years 9-13. We welcomed over 25 providers to the Academy on Thursday. Students had the opportunity to spend 30 minutes in the hall gathering information and advice that will help to support them in the future. I am aware of a number of students who found career opportunities that they had not previously considered or even been aware existed! We would like to thank all the organisations who attended and look forward to continuing to grow this event and supporting our students in the extremely important area of CEIAG (Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance).
We have reached a very important point in the academic year for year 9 students as they prepare to choose their GCSE options. Curriculum Option Recommendation letters have been posted home and are also available via the SIMs Parent app. You can view the 2020 Options Booklet and timeline on our website. /521/options-timeline-and-booklets-for-2020. The Academy is looking forward to welcoming both parents/carers and students to our Options Information Evening on Wednesday 29th January at 6pm. You will have the opportunity to speak with teaching staff and visit each subject area. It is our expectation that all students attend this important event.
As you are aware Halton Travel, operators of the 725 school bus service have been experiencing difficulties. We have received the following update from Merseytravel this afternoon:
Halton Transport have ceased to operate bus services. Merseytravel has secured emergency provision and school services previously operated by Halton Transport on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will now be operated by Stagecoach from Monday 27th January 2020. This is an interim measure whilst we secure more long term provision. We would ask schools, students and parents to work with us during this transition period as there may be some initial teething problems. For up-to-date information on affected services visit www.merseytravel.gov.uk/travel-updates. For alternative ways to make your journey visit www.jp.merseytravel.gov.uk.
This week in Inspire time the theme has been Unusual Kindness – Christian Unity. From the 18-25th January the whole of the Christian World joined together in prayer for Christian Unity.
We are in the privileged position of being a joint Catholic and Church of England Academy, which spearheads the work of Christian Unity to develop closer relationships and better understandings of all Christian faiths.
We prayed for our Christian family around the world and for peace and understanding between faiths, so that we may always try to show ‘unusual kindness’ to everyone around us.
God of unity and peace,
Your Son Jesus prayed that his followers might be one.
Make all Christians one with Him as He is one with You.
Amen
Important diary dates
Wednesday 29th January
Year 9 Options Information Evening – 6.00pm
Wednesday 5th February
Year 11 Parents’ Evening 3.00pm-6.00pm
Tuesday 11th,Thursday 13th and Tuesday 25thFebruary
Year 7 Liverpool University Visit
Wednesday 12th February
Year 8/12/13 Parents’ Evening 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Thursday 13th February
Year 11 Mock interviews
Kindest regards
Mrs Adams - Head of School
Posted on: 17/01/2020 Head of school Blog - Week 17 Students have experienced an exciting week of events at the Academy which I am very happy to share with you.
Our year 11 students have continued with their mock examinations this week and have been absolutely fantastic. A large number of students have been arriving at the Academy from 7.30am to enjoy breakfast in the LRC whilst doing their final preparations before their exams. We look forward to sharing the results with both students and parents during the Parents’ Evening on Wednesday 5th February.
On Tuesday we hosted the latest presentation in our Journey of Hope programme. ‘Helping your Child to make the Correct Career Choices’ was supported by presentations from Carmel College, Hope Academy Sixth Form Centre and St Helens Chamber regarding apprenticeships. Further information for future Journey of Hope presentations can be found on our website. /1012/journey-of-hope-workshops-2019-20
Twelve year 9 girls travelled down to Oxford earlier in the week, supported by Mrs Crean and Mr Wignall, for the ‘It all adds up’ maths conference for girls at The University of Oxford. They spent Tuesday afternoon shopping and exploring the historical sights of the city. On Wednesday, they spent the day at the university exploring probability through Bayes Theorem, looking at career options involving maths, and learning what being a student at Oxford is all about. The girls’ attitude and behaviour throughout the two days was exceptional and they represented themselves and the Academy with pride. I would like to thank Miss Brophy for organising this amazing opportunity for our students and also Mrs Crean and Mr Wignall for their support.
We have reached a very important point in the academic year for year 9 students as they prepare to choose their GCSE options. I explained the options process to students on Wednesday and shared more detailed information regarding the timeline of events. The Academy is looking forward to welcoming both parents/carers and students to our Options Information Evening on Wednesday 29th January at 6pm. You will have the opportunity to speak with teaching staff and visit each subject area. It is our expectation that all students attend this important event. You can view the 2020 Options Booklet and timeline on our website. /521/options-timeline-and-booklets-for-2020
This week in Inspire time the theme has been Media and Democracy (Brexit). Students have reflected upon the impact the media and our government have on our lives, and how Parliament is run. We looked at the democratic voting system and then used it in a classroom vote after discovering facts about Brexit. We learnt about the danger of Fake News and how important it is to look for the real facts behind the opinions we are given. Finally, students read this week’s news stories to find out about what is happening around the world today.
We prayed for our politicians and media to strive for justice and truth, and we prayed for peace in our world:
If there is to be peace in the home, there must be peace in the heart.
Amen
Important diary dates
Monday 20th January
Year 13 Mock Exams begin
Tuesday 21st January
Year 11 Photographs (am)
Tuesday 21st January
Ski Meeting – 6.00pm
Thursday 23rd January
Careers Fair 10.00am – 2.20pm (Yr9-13)
Wednesday 29th January
Year 9 Options Information Evening – 6.00pm
Wednesday 5th February
Year 11 Parents’ Evening 3.00pm-6.00pm
Tuesday 11th,Thursday 13th and Tuesday 25th February
Year 7 Liverpool University Visit
Wednesday 12th February
Year 8 Parents’ Evening 3.00pm – 6.00pm
I sure that you are all aware of the important work carried out in the local area by N.E.C.G (Newton and Earlestown Community Group). Please click on the following link to find out their wonderful calendar of events for 2020. tinyurl.com/NECG2020 #community
Kindest regards
Mrs Adams - Head of School
Posted on: 19/12/2019 Head of School blog - week 15 As we come to the end of this term I would like to share news of events from the last week with you.
Once again this year, the Christmas Markets did not disappoint. The Academy had a wonderful seasonal buzz about it and was crammed full with 45 stalls, all selling a range of items from Christmas baubles to hand-knitted baby cloths and blankets. Father Christmas welcomed children into his grotto before rushing back to Lapland. Thank you to everyone who attended this magnificent evening, we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!
On Monday 16th December, we hosted our Carols by Candlelight service. We enjoyed a number of carols led by our Hope Choir with a solo of ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ by Grace Fisher (Year 8), and Bible verses telling the story of Christmas, read beautifully by our students. The evening closed with a lively performance of Jingle Bell Rock from the choir!
Every Christmas Hope Academy donates food hampers to the local community. Our staff, local Parishes and Primary Schools nominate families they believe would benefit most from receiving the hampers. Kasia and her chaplaincy team have spent this week delivering the hampers to families within our community. I would like to thank you all for your amazing generosity, we delivered over 30 hampers in total which were gratefully received.
Year group celebration lunches have taken place every day last week. Two students from each form were invited to lunch with their Head of Year – this is a reward for students who have been outstanding in a particular area eg attendance, positive attitude or LORIC skills. The celebrations take place each half term and this time included students who have taken part in recent events and helped during the Christmas markets. Well done to the students who went above and beyond this half term.
Years 7-9 students attended Advent services at St Peter’s Church, where staff and students enjoyed a time of carols, readings and prayer. It was a beautiful time spent reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas. Thank you to Dr Rev. Chris Stafford for leading our time of worship, and to St. Peter’s for allowing us to use your beautiful church for the day.
Our year 11 students have been developing revision skills to help them prepare for their mock exams starting on 6th January. During Inspire time we have been showing them a number of revision techniques which can be found in the protected area on our website. The login and password details have been given to students and also posted home. Students have been introduced a new teaching and learning software programme called Century Tech. Century Tech is a powerful resource which uses artificial intelligence and neuroscience. The programme allows students to learn on a bespoke pathway and can be used as a home learning tool so that students can work independently to fill their gaps in knowledge.
Century Tech is a great resource for our students to use over the Christmas break in preparation for their mock exams.
Christmas is an exciting time, with a whole lot going on in the world, so it’s all too easy to let our fascination with the online world distract us from what’s really important – spending time with our families. National Online Safety provides parents with advice and support (and hopefully a few laughs) with a new song for parents all about not spending Christmas glued to our phones!
Please click on the links below to watch the video on various social platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/NationalOnlineSafety/videos/618627542214453/
https://twitter.com/natonlinesafety/status/1205497016379465729
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edc08Jlm1MA&feature=youtu.be
Important diary dates January
Monday 6th January 2020
Year 11 Mock Exams commence (6th Jan-17th Jan)
Tuesday 7th January
Chill Factore – 3.45pm
Wednesday 8th January
Year 9 Parents’ Evening – 3.00pm
Year 10 Sports Science/Sports Studies Exam – 9.00am
Monday 20th January
Year 13 Mock Exams – all week
Tuesday 21st January
Ski Meeting – 6.00pm
Thursday 23rd January
Careers Fair
Wednesday 29th January
Year 9 Options Evening – 6.00pm
Finally, I would like to wish you all a merry and restful Christmas and look forward to welcoming our students back to school on Monday 6th January 2020!
Season’s Greetings
Mrs Adams - Head of School
Lord,
When we celebrate the day when you came among us,
help us to remember that life isn’t about status or power or wealth,
but about being with the people we love.
Help us to serve others in humility and generosity.
Amen
