Our termly newsletter to celebrate all that has happened across the academy.
Winter 2016
Barnes Wallis is named
the most improved secondary school
in Lincolnshire
Barnes Wallis Academy has been
named the most improved secondary
school in Lincolnshire as part of the
Department for Education’s School
Performance Tables.
After seeing GCSE results improve in
August 2016, students and staff at the
academy are celebrating this latest
accolade.
David Lancaster, Executive Principal, said:
“I am incredibly proud of all of our students
and staff for this achievement.
“Through tireless hard work and effort,
not only have we achieved the academy’s
best GCSE results in a generation, but it
is fantastic to see how far the academy
has come since joining the David Ross
Education Trust two years ago.”
The tables, which compare the GCSE
results of secondary schools and
academies across England, also saw the
academy ranked in the top five nonselective schools in the county and the
third most improved school nationwide.
Mr Lancaster continued: “This is clear
evidence of not just our academic
success, but of our ability to develop well
rounded young people in a small and
caring environment.
“We are a Personal Best school which
offers a unique blend of academic
challenge and support and I have every
confidence that we will continue to go from
strength to strength.”
Students report back from Space Camp
Three students from Barnes Wallis
Academy recently took part in the trip of
a lifetime to the NASA Space Centre in
America.
Jordan Broadbent, Bradley Davis and Luke
Busby-Smith, who were selected for the
trip through an academy competition, had
the opportunity to pilot a multi-billion dollar
space rocket in a special simulator and
experience what it is like to walk in space.
Bradley, who at age 13 was the youngest
student to participate in the trip, said: “We
had such an amazing time, it was a trip I
a fantastic opportunity for them to go
will never forget. It really helped to build my outside their comfort zone, enriching their
confidence and think about my future.”
learning experiences and inspiring them to
achieve their personal best.
Thanks to the support of the Barnes Wallis
Foundation, Woodhall Spa Rotary Club,
“They are all budding scientists and I know
that they will remember their time there
the Horncastle Health and Wellbeing
Fund and the David Ross Education Trust, and strive to work hard this year.
Barnes Wallis was the only English school
She continued: “We already have students
represented at the camp.
asking about this year’s trip, I can’t wait to
Emma Day, Vice Principal, said: “What
launch the competition again in the Spring
better way to teach our students about
Term.”
the wonders of science. This trip was
Looking for a secondary school? Find out more about what Barnes Wallis Academy has to offer.
Contact us on 01526 342 379 to arrange a visit.
www.barneswallisacademy.co.uk
Students
meet
Professor
Brian
Cox
Three lucky students from Barnes
Wallis Academy were VIP guests at
Professor Brian Cox’s recent sell out
show at The Engine Shed in Lincoln.
Thanks to the support of the Jon Egging
Trust, Mason Warren, Abbie Taylor and
Luke Heath were thrilled to be selected.
The students, who all participate in the
Trust’s Blue Skies programme, were
treated to a lecture,
which featured a
fascinating
talk on
cosmology and the Red Shift Theory, a
topic that they are currently studying at
GCSE.
They then had the chance to have a
private tutorial from Professor Cox, and
ask lots of questions about the universe.
Mason said: “This is the best day of my
whole life, I cannot believe I have had
the opportunity to meet one of my all
time heroes.”
Working together
Students from Years 8 and 9 recently took part in a
teamwork awareness session with the Jon Egging Trust.
Working together in small groups, the students created
presentations about the importance of teamwork and the
different roles that are needed within a team.
Each of the groups took a different approach to their
presentation, including a mannequin challenge and even a
song and dance routine!
Amy, one of the students taking part, said: “I loved writing the
rap about team work. I didn’t think we could make it work but
it was brilliant!”
Year 9 Students earn IT certificates
Year 9 students at Barnes Wallis
Academy have been accredited with
European Computer Driving Licence
(ECDL) certificates in Information
Technology (IT).
The certificate, which is recognised
by employers as an indication of the
ability to carry out essential tasks on a
computer, is a valuable qualification for
the students.
The ECDL is a Level 2 qualification,
which is the equivalent to a GCSE at
grade C or above.
David Lancaster, Executive Principal,
said: “The ECDL certificate will go a long
way to supporting the futures of our
students, who are now better equipped
to use IT programmes at an academic
and professional level.”
Road safety
awareness
We are pleased to announce that we have added
reflective hats and scarves to the school uniform
as part of our road safety campaign.
Barnes Wallis is the first school in Lincolnshire to
introduce reflective hats and scarves for students to
wear out and about when walking to and from the
academy.
Charlotte Dunsford, Assistant Principal, said: “As part
of our ongoing road safety campaign, we had been
looking at ways to highlight the importance of being
visible as the winter months bring the darker nights.
International
School Award
Barnes Wallis Academy has once again achieved the
coveted International School Award, in recognition of
the wide range of cultural activities that students and
staff get involved in throughout the year.
“Initially the scarves were sold to students and as they
were so popular we decided to introduce the new
‘Beanie’ hats which are just as popular!”
From exchanging recipes with schools in Europe, to
hosting an African day focusing on Fairtrade, students are
always keen to learn about other nations and cultures.
Mrs Andy, our International Coordinator, was presented
with the award at a ceremony held at the British Council
in London. She said: “The International Award is given
in recognition of the outstanding development of the
international dimension in the curriculum.
“I am very proud of the links we have made with other
countries and for these activities to have helped broaden
our students’ cultural understanding.
“As part of this programme, we are really looking forward
to our trip to Paris at Easter.”
Every penny
counts
This term the academy’s Interact
Club has been fundraising to
purchase a defibrillator.
Students, staff and governors have all
been doing their part to raise as much
money as possible for the important
cause.
David Lancaster, Executive Principal,
said: “The whole academy is behind
the campaign and we look forward to
reaching the final total.
From packing bags at Budgens in
Woodhall Spa, to our #firstfiver appeal,
so far the academy has raised over
£400 of our £700 target.
“To help the cause, please get in touch
with the academy and give whatever
you can to support the efforts of our
students.”
County Netball
call-up
This term, Barnes Wallis Academy’s Danielle Cregan
was called up to the U13 County Netball squad for
Lincolnshire.
The Year 8 netball captain and DRET All Star member
secured her place in the squad after a successful trial day.
Danielle will now go on to compete against netball teams
from across the country.
David Lancaster, Executive Principal, said: “Danielle is a
formidable talent and we are very proud of her.
“She is a great ambassador for the academy and we wish
her every success as she represents Barnes Wallis at a
county level.”
Students compete at the DRET Winter Cup
This year saw Barnes Wallis Academy
take a total of 82 students across nine
squads to compete at the DRET Winter
Cup.
Around 1,000 students from across
the Trust’s secondary academies came
together to take part in football and
netball tournaments at the University
of Nottingham’s brand new David Ross
Sports Village.
Taking on some tough opposition, we were
delighted to bring home the Plate in Year
11 Football and Netball.
Students join the Team GB
Heroes Parade
Following an inspiring summer of
sporting achievement, students from
Barnes Wallis Academy were honoured
to attend the Team GB Heroes Parade in
Trafalgar Square.
To celebrate their commitment to sport,
Ben Cerklewicz, Luke Busby-Smith,
Charlie Pogson and Emily Masters, were
selected to attend the special event, which
gave them the chance to meet inspiring
medal winners from the 2016 Olympics
and Paralympics.
KEEP IN TOUCH
Shane Ward, DRET Sports Enrichment
Manager, said: “It was a truly inspirational
trip and one I am sure the students will
never forget.
“It is events like this that really push our
students to reach their full potential,
encouraging them to believe that they
could achieve sporting excellence too.”
Don’t forget to check out our website at www.barneswallisacademy.co.uk
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Russell Collins, Sports Enrichment Officer,
said: “It was incredible to see our students
playing their part at this year’s Winter Cup.
“Particular congratulations must go to Alfie
Melton and Georgina Buglass for picking
up the BWA Player of the Day awards.
“Both students played a major role
within their Year 8 teams on the day
and deservedly collected their prizes at
our Friday Achievement Assembly the
following day.”