ACADEMY NEWS
28th MARCH 2014
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Principal’s Report
This week’s newsletter is absolutely packed with some fantastic stories of the learning we
have been experiencing this week in the Academy.
We are always looking at exciting ways of learning outside the classroom and once again
there has been an amazing range of activities both during curriculum time and outside of
school.
The week started with the return of our largest ever
DofE expedition with some very tired but happy staff
and students regaling us with their exploits.
Our "GCSE Masterclasses" programme has also been
an enormous success with almost every Year 11
student opting to attend the support on offer every day
and due to popular demand we will continue to run it
whilst it is providing such valuable support.
I have been lucky enough to witness students taking
part in some brilliant extra curricular events this week
with one of the most packed Thursdays ever seen at
Mounts Bay. Firstly we spent the day producing a 1
hour live news broadcast for the BBC School News
Report from our own TV Studio which you can see on
our website. Next I attended the Postcards to
Penzance event at the Exchange Gallery where there
were some great postcards from students on display
and videos from our young citizens airing their views
about growing up in Penzance and what they expect
and hope for in the future, using our video booth to
capture their thoughts.
Finally, I had a great night out at the theatre when I watched the production of Grease by
Stagestruck at St Johns Hall. The show contained some outstanding performances by
many of our students and I am sure we witnessed some stars of the future once again. It is
always a great pleasure to see such talented students both past and present performing at
such a high level.
Next week we will be welcoming over 40 students and teachers from Denmark, France,
Germany and Spain as part of our Comenius international collaboration with Learning
Outside the Classroom as a focus. Our guests will have the opportunity to experience what
life is like in Penzance by staying with local families and taking part in school life here in the
Academy. If you see them on campus, please give them our customary warm Mounts Bay
welcome.
Best wishes
Sara Davey
Academy Principal
BE
INSPIRED
Postcards To Penzance Exhibition
This evening I went along to The Exchange Gallery to see the work of our students on
display.
The first exhibit to catch my eye was a short
film by Lisa -Mae Evans in Year 11. It was
quirky and had a really nostalgic feel. Shot
at Mousehole, it captures three generations
on the beach and uses music and montage
to evoke the feel-good factor.
A still from Lisa Mae Evans’ film
Next was a great little short film of our
students discussing their best memories
of Penzance and their hopes for its
future interspersed with shots of their
artwork and their postcards. Daniel
Reece Evans and Christopher Dodd
reminisced about their skating days as if
they were old men- to great comic
effect!
It was wonderful to see so many
postcards on display. The students' ideas
are presented in a variety of ways from
heart-felt messages to Penzance as if it
were an old friend, artful collages and
carefully considered ideas for future
improvements.
Some of the postcards displayed
Do drop in to The Exchange Gallery and see the exhibition for yourselves. You will enjoy
spotting your postcards and looking out for yourself on the big screen.
Report by Mrs Marsden
BE
INSPIRED
Athlete Mentor
Students and Cassie in the new Mounts Bay changing rooms
On Thursday twenty five Mounts Bay Academy students worked alongside our athlete
mentor (Cassie Patten) from the Youth Sports Trust.
Cassie has had many successes in swimming: Silver Medal in the Open Water Swimming
in Australia; World Championships in 2007 and Bronze Medal at the Bejing Olympics in
2008 to name just a few.
The students were so inspired and worked on goal setting, aspirations, role models and
physical fitness. Cassie put them through their paces in a skill-specific fitness circuit
designed to improve strength and streamlining for swimming.
A massive thank you to Cassie for a great day and to everyone else involved. We look
forward to another visit soon.
Report by Miss Rooth
BE
INSPIRED
Buddies
For many new Year 7 students the Buddies are the first student leaders they are introduced
to. This year's Buddies team consists of 30 Year 8s who all hold the responsibility of acting
as a role model to the Year 7s. Their duties rotate daily, as they take turns to assist the
Senior Leadership Management Team in monitoring and keeping an eye out in the new
students’ area. The duty is a step towards the ABC+ role offered in Year 9, and gives the
students experience in dealing with issues such as bullying, keeping up with school work,
and setting a good example to younger years. It is not only ABC+ that being a Buddy can
contribute towards, but also leadership roles later on in the Academy. For example,
becoming a prefect.
Bonnie Graham, one of Mounts Bay's
2014 Buddies, said "Being a Buddy isn't
only just a way to help Year 7s it is also
a way to make new friends both in our
own Year and in Year 7." Ella Leiworthy,
a fellow Buddy said "I enjoy being a
Buddy because I know that I am
keeping Year 7s happy."
Report by Jonny Shapland
Year 8 Buddies Sophie Elkin, Lucie Kemp, Tegan Harris.
The Eyes Have it
On Friday 21st March we dissected sheeps
eyes in our Science lesson. It was really fun
and we learnt a lot. Miss Page showed us the
optic nerve, the lens, the vitreous humour and
the pupil. We found it really interesting event
though a few of us were feeling a bit sick.
It was really fun holding the parts of the eye in
our hands and looking really closely at them. I
hope we can do it again.
Report by Charlie Hornby
BE
INSPIRED
Viking Invasions
We have been studying the Vikings this semester,
learning about the invasion of Vikings to Britain from
Scandinavia as one example. We are looking at the
reasons they were drawn to Britain. We had gold in our
monasteries and fertile land and this is something the
Vikings didn't have. They approached our lands in their
longboats and we have created longboats in class. We
looked at the designs and the fact that they weren't
spotted easily because they were long and thin.
Students have designed and built a model of a
longboat. It was created by Conor Moseley (pictured),
Kyle Daley and Tom Rowlands. Last week it was
possible to complete it outside in the sun. Who would believe it this week!
Report by Mrs Forster
Congratulations to Zoe Pyne of 8 Yellow
who is this week's Accelerated Raffle
Winner. Zoe has chosen an iTunes
voucher for her prize. She is pictured in
front of some of the new Sophie
McKenzie books which we bought after
recommendations from Sophia last week.
This week we have just received brand
new copies of Jacqueline Wilson's Hetty
Feather, Emerald Star and Sapphire
Battersea. You will find these in the Red
section.
In the Yellow section you will find our brand new copies of
David Walliams's The Boy in a Dress, Ratburger and
Gangsta Granny.
If you are the student who asked us to buy The Host by
Stephenie Meyer, it has arrived and we have put it to one
side for you. Please come in and collect it.
BE
CREATIVE
In the News
On Thursday 27th March Mounts Bay took part in the annual BBC News School Report
day.
The day started with a production meeting in which students decided on the news stories
they would cover. An immense list of over 40 possible stories was quickly and
democratically reduced to a manageable number. These were researched and written up
with students carefully checking their facts and figures.
A script linking pre-recorded packages, news headlines, news reports, weather, sport and a
review of the papers was assembled and the 14 presenters then dispersed to various
corners of the Cube to hone their script reading skills. Meanwhile the technical crew,
responsible for camera, sound, autocue, vision mixing, playback, floor managing and
production and direction roles, collaborated to make sure everything was working smoothly.
As 2 o’clock approached there was just enough time for a quick run through before we were
on air.
It was a magnificent team effort, with students confidently running the studio and presenting
on camera. Miss Fisher said, “Everyone involved had a role and and they carried them
out with incredible skill and professionalism. The whole day went extremely well and
I was hugely proud of all the students who took part and made it such a success.”
Students have worked hard not just on the news day but for many weeks leading up to it.
They have learnt and practised key skills and pre-recorded packages that were included in
the live broadcast.
To watch the broadcast click here.
BE
CREATIVE
Music Assemblies
This week has seen the Music MixX assembly performances in the main hall.
Every term we have a showcase of the music that has been happening throughout the
Music MixX clubs, events and Arts Award programme. Students from every year group in
the Academy have been performing as solo artists, rock bands, choirs and string
ensembles.
We now have so many musical
performers within the Academy and only
three slots in each assembly so it was
necessary to have as many students
performing together as possible. This
resulted in one performance in the Year 8
assembly having two cellos, three violins,
piano, guitar, lead vocal and 15 backing
singers all on stage at the same time.
Through the week over 35 students were
involved in the event, either as
performers, technical crew or
photographers.
The aim of the performances and Music MixX clubs is to offer opportunities to develop,
have fun and perform. The clear success in development this week was including our
classical string players to add an extra level to our acoustic performers, and offer them a
performance outlet. Special thanks go to Darren Roberts, a local musician and music
leader, who works with students at MBA Music MixX clubs and helped every morning with
the music assemblies.
Report by Luke New
BE
CREATIVE
Primary Art
Pilgrim Primary School has been visiting
Mounts Bay Academy and have created
some fantastic work over the past two
month.
The students have been experimenting with
a range of techniques and processes such
as creating sculptures made from paper and
clay, which were inspired by Frank Stella
and Richard Deacon.
Report by Miss Potier
Technology in Action
The Technology department is a busy place to be.
Students are creating their final pieces. We have
Product Design, where students are creating a variety
of innovative products, ranging from docking stations
using twisted pink acrylic, steam punk cupboard using
cogs, outrageous jewellery using old, redundant inner
tubes, funky jungle children's table and recycling old
wood to making a long board that will double up as a
table. Students are working extremely hard to meet
looming deadlines, so not only are they working hard
in class but showing huge commitment by giving up
any spare time they have.
Textiles too is busy with students creating their final pieces. Sewing machines are purring,
scissors are snipping. Students are sticking, drawing and designing.
At the end of the day, threads of a variety of colours are left on the empty classrooms as
are shavings of wood and colourful acrylics. Another busy day in Technology. Soon we will
be able to share our amazing creations!
Report by Mrs Forster
Music Medal
Congratulations to Annie Badjan who was awarded her ABRSM
Copper Medal on the flute this week.
BE
COMPETITIVE
County Rugby Tournament
On Tuesday a squad of eight Year 8
players travelled to Penair School to
compete in the Rugby 7s
tournament. It consisted of a range
of schools from around the county.
We were placed in a pool with
Camborne, Hayle, Cape Cornwall
and St Ives. Our first game was
against Camborne which we
unluckily lost by 2 points. Next we
faced Hayle. We won this by 17-5.
After a short break we were up
against Cape Cornwall. After good
teamwork throughout the game we
went on to win 21-5. Our last game
of the group stages was against St
Ives. With good scrummaging and
interplay, we went on to win
comfortably by 24-0.
After coming second in our group we went on to face a strong Truro School side. Some
good runners for Truro meant they went on to win by 28-5. This meant we ended up being
knocked out in the quarter finals. Well done to everyone involved and thanks to Mr Strong
and to the Cornish Pirates players who volunteered to come and coach us.
Report by Mawgan Osborne.
Squad:
Will Trenoweth,
Mackenzie Oliver,
Mawgan Osborne,
Morgan Harvey,
Josh Storey,
Jordan Church,
Ben Chapman
Ali Stacey.
BE
COMPETITIVE
County Swimming Championships
Penzance Swimming Club again featured Mounts Bay Academy students during the recent
County Championships. Some of the swimmers involved are pictured. They are from left
Shannon O'Connell, Iona O'Connell, Tegen Snell, Renae Caddy, Rosie Tonkin, Harris Eddy
and Tyler Kearey.
Renae achieved an incredible 11 Championship best times, two Junior Championship
records, Regional and National qualification times and was first in her age group.Shannon's
medal haul included 6 gold and she qualified for Regional Age Groups again and also
qualified for County finals, she was 3rd overall in her age group. Harris won gold for all
three backstroke events (50, 100 and 200 metres) plus won 7 others medals and qualified
for Regional Age Groups, he was 2nd overall in his age group. Tegan won the bronze
medal in her age group for 100 fly. Rosie received an award for finishing in the top 8 in her
age group overall and is chasing Regional qualification. Iona had some fantastic personal
best times in multiple events. Tyler swam in one event due to previous rugby commitments
and produced a personal best time.
Other Mounts Bay Academy swimmers were unavailable for the photograph (Mawgan
Osborne, Archie Vingoe, Matt Peters, Josh May, Toby Osborne, Ellie Ringwood, Thomas
Morice, Erin Neal, Katie Walker).
Well done to all students involved.
Report by Mr B Eddy
BE
COMPETITIVE
Girls Football
Mounts Bay Academy hosted yet another Girls Football Festival. This was the first festival
for the Team 14 girls (U14s) which is part of the NEW and EXCITING West Cornwall
Schools FA Girls Football competition that is now operating through the West Cornwall
district.
Each age band will have two festivals whereby points from each will be accumulated, there
are two regionalised leagues and the top two from each will progress through to a finals day
competition competing for the Team 12, 14, 16 girls cup.
The Penwith league is based at Mounts Bay and the more central District league being
hosted at Penryn College. This is an exciting new opportunity for school girls as it
guarantees the players an array of games on the best facilities. Local community clubs are
also involved looking to recruit any girls wishing to take part in regular Football outside of
school hours.
Well done to everyone who took part. Many thanks to our Sports Leaders for, yet again,
officiating the festival and doing an exemplary job, these were Dom Angove, Thomas
Jacobson and Matt Pereira (Year 10 Work Experience student from Penryn College).
Mounts Bay Academy and Pool took part in the
Team 14 event on Friday 21st March as these
were the only two teams that took part. They
now look forward to the finals day on Friday 9th
May where they will face the top two teams
from the other group. The score of the match
was 1-1, Alice Richards scoring for Mounts
Bay.
Good luck girls!
Report by Mr Lawrence
BE
ADVENTUROUS
DofE Expedition
We have just completed the first training
expedition for this year’s Bronze DofE cohort.
Forty five students walked from school to St
Buryan, camped the night and walked back by a
different route on the second day. On the way they
practised their map reading skills, looked after
themselves as a team, were given incident
management scenarios and enjoyed the Penwith
countryside and weather.
Luckily, the weather was a lot
better than forecast! They all
camped and cooked their own
food each day. Every student
behaved impeccably and returned
on Sunday tired but happy with
their success. One group even
grew in number as they managed
to come back to school with a dog!
There is another expedition coming up
this weekend and then all 80 students
will be out together on the first
weekend back after the holidays. For
many the expedition will be the final
stage of their Bronze award, so they
should receive their certificate and
badge shortly after.
Report by Mr Fish
BE
A WINNER
Maths Quiz
House Competition
This Week’s Puzzle:
Green: 126 Points
Purple: 41 Points
Yellow: 17 Points
Blue: 15 Points
Red: 11 Points
Orange: 6 Points
In an emergency the NHS use the following formulae for
estimating the mass in kg of a child.
- Less than 1 year old: (age in month x 0.5) + 4
- 1 to 5 years old: (age in years x 2) + 8
- 6 to 12 years old: (age in year x 3) + 7
What would they estimate to be the mass of a 2 year old?
Extension for Bonus Points:
A seven year old needs 2mg of antibiotics for each kg
of their mass. If they use the method above how much
antibiotics would they administer?
Last week’s solution:
The 64th square would have approximately
9223372036854800000 grains of sand on it.
Extension: These would have a mass
of approximately 184467440737 Tonne.
Click here to submit
your answer
Win an iTunes voucher
For each correct answer
throughout this semester we will
put your name in the hat for a
chance to win an iTunes
voucher – the more correct
answers, the more chance of
winning.
Could you write next week’s puzzle?
If you would like to set the numeracy puzzle for a future week click here.
MFL Word of the Week!
vacances
vacaciones
Last week's answer was ‘soap’.
vacanze
Ferien
The winner was Charlotte Hornby.
Well done!
Translate the word of the week from either French, German, Spanish or Italian and send
your answer to [email protected] to be entered into the weekly competition.
Use the word of the week in your Language lesson and get a credit from your teacher!
BE
A WINNER
This week’s word is: Meander
Definition: verb: meander; past tense: meandered;
(of a river or road) follow a winding course."A river that meandered
gently through a meadow."
Synonyms: zigzag, wind, twist, turn, curve, curl, bend, snake
Wander at random."Kids meandered in and out."
Synonyms: stroll, saunter, amble, wander, roam, ramble, rove drift,
maunder, stray, straggle. straggle
Etymology: Late 16th cent. (as a noun): from Latin maeander, from Greek Maiandros,
the name of a river.
Competition
Congratulations to
Charlotte Hornby who wins a
WH Smith Voucher.
Charlotte receives her prize.
To enter, simply write an original sentence correctly using the word meander. Send in your
sentence using the link below.
Click Here to enter the competition
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