King James I Academy magazine

New initiative puts Literacy top of the agenda!Inside: Year 6 Opening Evening, Awards win for our Sports provision, CSI comes to Science,

Experiential learning in Healthcare, International news plus much more.

Issu

e 2:

Nov

embe

r 201

1

On our cover:Jessica Littlewood, Year 7

WelcomeWelcome

It is really important for students to have arecord of their progress so that they can feel

proud of their achievements.Emma Dawson, Director of Learning for English.

‘‘

Once again, welcome to Vision,our half-termly record of life at King James I Academy.

In what has been a very busy start to the year, we have quickly moved from celebrating our success in the summer examinations, and saying our goodbyes to those heading off to University, employment or training, to supporting the arrival of our new Year 7 students.

I am very proud of our young people and their ability to surprise and amaze us. From supporting local charities, to using their scientific skills to investigate a crime scene, from greeting our Jamaican visitors, to achieving academic success, I am astounded by their energy and enthusiasm.

Another year has started, and while the nights grow cold and dark, our students light up our days. I am looking forward to another year of outstanding opportunities which will help to inspire our new learners to drive our thinking forward.

I hope you enjoy this issue of Vision and, when they arrive, have a happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Nick Grieveson, Headteacher

On our cover: Year 11 students Nyomi Ridley (left) and Megan Beel.Photograph by Year 13 Photography student, Jonathan Lithgow.

A Journey to Literacy Success!Good literacy skills are essential to success at school, at work and in everyday

life. That’s why we are launching a new initiative that focuses on making sure

our students develop exceptional skills that will help them achieve their full

potential in all subjects.

English results at King James have shown consistent improvement year on year, with the vast majority of our students gaining an A*- C grade at GCSE level in August. However, in our drive for perfection, we are constantly looking for new ways to inspire our students and improve the way that we deliver learning.

The Passport to Progress is a brand new learning initiative devised by Emma Dawson, our Director of Learning for English. The scheme is designed to give students the opportunity to consider just how valuable literacy skills can be in all subjects across the curriculum, and to help them focus on gaining a sound knowledge in a fun, incentive based way.

Initially, the scheme will be rolled out across Year 7, with students given their very own ‘passport’ in which they can collect stamps to record their progress throughout the academic

year. Students will earn stamps in all subjects as they develop skills in literacy categories such as writing, reading, spelling, speaking and listening and for their use of punctuation and word types, and prizes will be awarded to high achievers.

Mrs Dawson came up with the concept of a passport because she believes that learning is very much a personal journey. The passport style booklet links to a bespoke map of the world with seven ‘literacy continents’, which will be prominently displayed in all classrooms. She explains: “I wanted the project to have a strong theme that our students would recognise in all lessons and the idea of learning as a journey seemed very appropriate.

“I think it is really important for students to have a record of their progress so that they can reflect on how far they have come and feel proud of their achievements.

“The Passport to Progress means that as our students collect stamps, they will have their own personal record of success to celebrate and share with their family.”

All teaching and support staff at King James are fully supportive of the initiative and committed to helping our students become excellent communicators, whether

written or verbal but, as a parent or carer, there are ways that you can help too. For example, try to encourage your child to read more, as it not only increases vocabulary and improves spelling and punctuation, but reading also makes for better creative writing.

Plus, initiating discussion at home can certainly help students feel more confident about participating in class

debates and presentations and also about sharing their opinions.

The scheme will launch this term and run with our Year 7 students for the remainder of the academic year. We hope it is a ‘Journey to success in every subject!’

Coming soon...New Numeracy initiatives!

These Year 7 students got a sneak preview of the passport. From left: Cai Lindsay, Ellie Tighe and Patrick Coglan.

www.kingjames1academy.com

What?

Why?

www.kingjames1academy.com

Mrs Ashman has organised mini versions of the project for our students during King James Arts Weeks but has never incorporated the idea into lessons before. She is impressed by the enthusiasm of her students and delighted at the results.

She said: “I have noticed a definite improvement in student interest, enthusiasm and achievement already. The response has been extremely positive, with students engaged and engrossed in the project. It is good to see young people getting excited about Science again.”

The experience does not end there however. In stage three of the process, students will present their findings in a three day court scenario, as if they were taking part in an enquiry – the ultimate opportunity to develop presentation skills.

Mrs Ashman has also established a link with local business, Wessington Cryogenics – an invaluable link for our BTEC students who are also studying dewar tanks, which are built by the company for the storage of cryogenic liquids and gases.

Company Directors, Eddie Rowe and his children Gillian and Paul, have been hugely supportive in welcoming our students into their factory to learn about dewar tanks and to see for themselves how one is constructed. Students have benefited greatly from talking to specialists willing to share their knowledge

and answer questions. The company has also been kind enough to provide us with a continuing supply of protective goggles for our Science labs. This is much appreciated.

This term, Year 10 students will have the opportunity to experience the crime scene investigation process.

Students are engaged and engrossed in the project. It is good to see young people excited about Science again.

Helen Ashman, Teacher of Science

‘‘

Around our school in80minutes!

Our Year 6 Open Evening in October was a huge success, with pupils and their families visiting us from a variety of primary schools.

From interactive Maths to Music, Creative Craftsto Cooking, our visitors enjoyed a host of organisedactivities as they made their way around King James.We even had a Science demonstration from Brainiac’sProfessor, John Kilcoyne. These are just a few of ourvisitors - do you recognise anyone?

Baby Lily helps brother Dylan with

his Maths!

When?Who?

Lorne Mills and sister Neve sample Mrs Babingtons pizza with Dad.

Benjamin Thompson and Matthew Hope meet Mr Collingwood.

Professor John Kilcoyne’s Science demonstration drew a huge crowd!

Jamie-Leigh Ladd and TeeganKnighton from Crook Primary School.

Alice Hindmarch and her sister Faye visited us from Heighington Primary.

Freya Brown shows off her artistic talents.

Euan Elliott from Timothy Hackworth Primary, Shildon and his Mum.

Visitors made a ‘Happy Feet’ souvenirto take home.

Samuel Hobbs visited us fromSt. Cuthbert’s Primary in Crook.

When seven month old Lily McDougal accompanied her big brother Dylan to

our Open Evening with Mum andDad, she wasn’t going to be left out.

Here she enjoys some interactive Maths with Dylan who came to visit

us from Byers Green School in Spennymoor.

King James had it’s very own CSI scenario last term and our Year 11 ‘Crime Team’, made up of BTEC Applied Science students, handled it superbly.

The BTEC module, entitled Understanding Forensic Science and the Criminal Justice System, was brought to life for students by way of a realistic crime scene scenario, devised by Science Teacher, Helen Ashman.

The module began with students researching the process of crime scene investigation in class, from the equipment needed on site, to the various roles of specialists who come together to form a Crime Team. In working groups of ten, they then adopted a chosen role, according to their own particular strengths and interests including Photographer, Sketcher, Collector and Recorder, before venturing outside the classroom.

At a cleverly designed crime scene, students effectively drew upon their previous research to analyse the scene before them, record it and collect evidence, using the correct methods to avoid contamination that may later jeopardize their case.

During stage two, back in the laboratory, students examined fingerprints, footprints and fibres, collected from the scene, and made comparisons to find a possible match. They also looked at Blood Spatter analysis and used scientific techniques such as Chromatography and Distillation to assess dyes and liquids.

www.kingjames1academy.comwww.kingjames1academy.com

&HealthSocial Care

Our Health and Social Care students don’t just study the subject, they also experience it. Through the use of interactive teaching resources our students can experience mobility issues first hand and, with the help of babies Elliot and Zara, Infancy and Paediatrics really comes to life - almost!

Year 10 students, pictured below, have been studying infancy as part of their module on Human Lifespan Development, and Elliot and Zara, used for our Real Care Baby Programme, have been a useful teaching resource for practical demonstrations.

The dolls can be programmed to demonstrate a wide range of typical infant behaviour, from a baby that is happy and content, to one that is teething or suffering from colic. This gives students a realistic insight into baby care and, consequently, a better understanding of the

complexities of post natal health care provision.

Likewise, our Year 12 students recently enjoyed a visit to The Workplace, a simulated environment where they work with real equipment and alongside health professionals.

There, they experienced some of the issues associated with mobility problems, thanks to a range of teaching resources that restrict body movement and simulate the difficulties that some people face on a daily basis.

Jill Armstrong, ourDirector of Learningfor Health and SocialCare, pictured belowcentre, believes that experiential learning is crucial for the health care sector.

Health professionals need specialist knowledge and empathy combined.

Our students have both.Jill Armstrong, Director of Learning for Health and Social Care

‘‘She said: “We all want excellent patient care but this can only be achieved if our health professionals have both specialist knowledge and empathy combined. A

real understanding of patient needs means that students are better equipped to think of new ideas to help. We work hard to make sure our students have both qualities.”

www.kingjames1academy.com

From left: Lauren Sample, Chloe Stirling, Shannon Mackie, Charlie Baynham, Mrs Armstrong, Chloe Fodden, Caitlin Lee Francis, Adrienne Cowan and Leah Weston. Holding Babies: Sheldon Fletcher and Ashleigh Kean.

The Teenage Cancer Trust has received a cheque for £400 thanks to Year 10 student Shaunnie Tonge, and donations from our students.

Initially, Shaunnie approached our Health and WellbeingCo-ordinator, Dawn Hindmarch, with an idea to raise awareness of Testicular Cancer by way of a presentation in assembly.

Dawn said: “I was so impressed by Shaunnie’s caring attitude and level of commitment, I was only too pleased to help. Together we researched and presented a session for students, and organised a non-uniform day to raise funds.”

Dawn, Shaunnie and Peter Collins.

Peter Collins accepted the cheque on behalf of the charity. He said: “Raising awareness among young people is a major part of our work, so it is good to know that there are students like Shaunnie who really want to make a difference.”

The Teenage Cancer Trust website is full of information and guidance: www.teenagecancertrust.org

Sixth Form students visit London universities

At the end of October we took all Year 12 Drama and Performing Arts students on a two day trip to visit some of the capital’s universities.

Students visited a number of Performing Arts and Drama university sites, including the Central School of Speech and Drama where we met with Michael Webstell, one of our former pupils who is now studying there. This trip was an opportunity to consider options for higher education and to get a taste of university life in the Arts capital of England.

CRASH,BANG,BOOM!

Last term some of our Year 11’s attended Durham

Constabulary’s Wise Drive programme to

learn about a range of road safety issues.

Wise Drive – Drive for Life was launched after research showed those aged 17-25 were involved in 40 per cent of

all road collisions and, since our Year 11’s can apply for a licence within 18 months, this is good preparation. The programme involves a mix of practical workshops including driving and brake reaction simulators and a demonstration by firefighters of how they deal with crashes.

Our Main Hall was filled with the sounds of explosions and laughter recently, courtesy of Sunderland University Professor, and star of TVs Brainiac, John Kilcoyne and his

Science show, Crash, Bang, Boom!

The Scientist, had all year groups fascinated with his unique style of presentation.

In his hilarious yet educational show, Professor Kilcoyne uses a variety of experiments to demonstrate the changes brought about by chemical reactions and to prove just how much fun science can be. He most definitely succeeded!

Wise Drive - Drive for Life

£400 for Teenage Cancer Trust

www.kingjames1academy.com

Each Half Term, two students from every year group will be chosen by our Art team to recieve a new award for hard work and creativity - Artist of the Half Term.

Congratulations to the following students who have been chosen this term: Declan Longstaff, Charlie Anne Davies, Bradley Coglan, Harriet Mason, Ryan Minns, Meghan Heslop, Shaunnie Tonge, Sophie Humphrey, Adam Boughey, Natalie Simpson, Josh Cotton, Joe Thompson, Calum Nelson, Katherine Shaw, Jonathan Lithgow and Sophie Teasdale.We appreciate their efforts.

King James Heroes

Each year, an election process takes place across all year groups to appoint our Academy Council, resulting in two students from each tutor group being elected by their peers to represent them for the year ahead.

Part of their role is to act as King James Heroes, a school initiative that works alongside our student support network. Mrs Jennings, Assistant Headteacher, who oversees the initiative explains: “We have an excellent team of fully trained staff to help our students with any issues or worries they may have, but sometimes students just need a friend and that’s where King James Heroes have a special role in school.

“Our Heroes look out for any students who appear lonely or upset and approach them with an offer of friendship or an invitation to join activities and socialise – this can make a real difference.”

In addition to this, the Academy Council plan a programme of fundraising events throughout the year. Look out for details of the forthcoming Cake Bake, Car Wash, Sponsored Cycle Ride and Mini Olympics event, all raising money for a variety of charity organisations. Your support would be much appreciated.

The first event will be a Non-Uniform Day on Friday 16 December, with all money raised donated to the Children’s Foundation and Cancer Research.

Just some of our Academy Council members.

Student spotlight...

Katherine ShawAs part of AS Level Art, students must experiment with media linked to individually chosen artists. Katherine’s work,inspired by artists ArnulfRainer and Francis Bacon,has earned her the titleof Year 12 Artistof the Half Term.Well done.

of the Half Term

WANTED - YOUR OLD BATTERIES!As part of the Recharging the Earth project, we will becollecting old household batteries for recycling by Valpak.They will be awarding prizes to those schools who collectthe most batteries by weight so please send them to us!

Standing ovation for BATHBishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans (BATH) and our Jamaican visitors received a standing ovation when they performed to a sell-out audience at Bishop Auckland Town Hall last term.

The acclaimed, thought provoking play, ‘Behind My Eyes’, which was written by our Director of Learning for Drama, Stephen Elliott, was nothing less than outstanding, with moving performances from the cast, an infectious dance routine that had the audience itching to join in, and a truly bewitching vocal performance from Yvonne O’Sullivan, pictured here with Amy Park and Andre Mowatt.

International School AwardIn recognition of the international ethos wehave created at King James, we have received the International School Award from theBritish Council.

The accreditation scheme for curriculum-basedinternational work in schools, provides recognition for those that are striving to instill a global dimension into learning. We have successful links with partner schools in Jamaica, Ireland and France and have recently initiated a brand new link with Bishoftu Secondary School in Ethiopia. Our students are involved in international projects across a range of subjects - an invaluable learning opportunity for young people as our society grows increasingly mobile.

Above: The award winningJamaican marching band.Main picture: Dancing Jamaican stylewith our friend, Collin Farquharson.

Alas, our international friends have left us following another fantastic visit to our school. As usual, they threw themselves into life at King James and delighted us with music, dance, acting and friendship. They also took part in the Youth Democracy Project, pictured left, with representatives from BATH/King James, Bishop Auckland Youth Forum, Montego Bay Boys and Girls Club in Jamaica, and Glengarriff Youth Theatre and Colaiste Pobail Bheantrai Debating Club, both from Ireland. We look forward to their return.

spans the globe

Our Academy Council has an important role within King James. Members represent student opinion, suggest ideas for activities, organise charity events and offer support to their peers as King James Heroes.

www.kingjames1academy.com

Last year, we made a commitment to drive forward our sports provision and now, we have been presented with an award in recognition of our contribution to Physical Education and School Sport. This accolade shows that we are well on the way to achieving our goal.

Organised by Durham County Leisure, in conjunction with the Durham County Sports Partnership, the Sport and Physical Activity Awards recognise schools, local clubs, athletes and volunteers for their achievements in encouraging activity and increasing participation.

Peter Ramsey, our Sports Development Officer, pictured above, accepted the Best Secondary School Award for the Durham Dales area on behalf of King James, despite stiff competition from

previous winners St John’s RC School

and Parkside Comprehensive.

Peter explains what makes King James special: “We believe that there is an activity to suit everyone but recognise that not all students enjoy the traditional school sports.

“By introducing Fencing,Pistol Shooting, Golf and Cycling, we have given students the opportunity to have fun, try something different and perhaps discover hidden talents.

“Most importantly, they enjoy taking part and are enthusiastic about trying new things.”

This year we have added Archery and Biathlon to the curriculum and are continuing to build links with local clubs such as Bangs and Blades and Bishop Auckland Golf Club.

We have also launched a full timetable of lunchtime and after school sports clubs to encourage our students to get active.

www.kingjames1academy.com

Taking their best shot

Students are enjoying the variety of sports on offer and are enthusiastic

about trying new things.

Lunchtime12.35pm-1.05pm

MondayYear 7 Dodgeball

FootballTable TennisRehearsals

TuesdayYears 7 and 8 Dodgeball

FootballTable Tennis

WednesdayBasketballFootball

Table TennisGCSE Rehearsal

ThursdayDodgeball

FootballTable TennisStreet Dance

FridayTrampoliningTable Tennis

Get Active!Clubs at King James

After School3.15pm onwards

MondayYears 7, 8 and 9 Netball

Year 8 Football

TuesdayFootsalFitness

WednesdayDance

Year 7 RugbyGolf

Table Tennis

ThursdayGirls Football

Sixth Form FitnessKickboxing

Boys Football matches

FridayGym/Dance Festival

Year 11 and Sixth FormBasketball

Wanted... Year 7 Rugby players

Two of our Year 10 students with a natural talent for Pistol Shooting will soon be representing King James in competitions.

Although Simon Pickering and Shaunnie Tonge were only recently introduced to the sport, coach John Richardson from Bangs and Blades, is confident that they are ready for competitions. We wish them luck.

We are looking for Year 7 students interested in learning how to play Rugby and joining our Academy team, pictured here.

Peter Ramsey, an experienced coach and player himself, will be coaching the sessions after school on Wednesdays with the aim of competing against other schools across the county. Contact our PE Department to find out more or to register your interest.

‘‘On your bike!

We’re top of our

This month, twelve students will be following in the tyre tracksof Olympic and World Champion Track Cyclist, Chris Hoy, on a visit to The Velodrome.

In a two hour coached session, our students will experience the thrills of competitive cycling at the British Cycling Centre in Manchester, which is used as a training facility by the British Olympic team.

We will be showing many more students the benefits of cycling at our after school club, due to be launched soon. Thanks to our work with the Primary Care Trust, we will be taking delivery of

twenty bikes, on loan for students in Years7, 8 and 9.

Coming soon...Wear it with Pride

Our uniforml A black blazer with the

school badgel A King James I Academy

tie (appropriately tied)l Plain smart black

trousers or knee length

skirtl A white shirt that can be

buttoned up to the neck

l Plain black leather or leather style shoesNeed help with uniform? Please contact our Student Support office.

Student: .........................................................................................................

Tutor: ..............................................................................................................

Date: .................................................................................................................

Uniform issue: ........................................................................................................

Uniform shows who we are:Wear it with PrideOur uniform

is hugely important. It shows the community who we are and is representative of our standards as a school.

That’s why we are launching the Wear it with Pride scheme, to inform parents and carers of any issues as they arise. If you receive one of these slips regarding your child’s uniform, please show your support and encourage your child to address it. We value our school and our students - help us show County Durham that we have a right to be proud.

Business in MexicoSixth Form Business Studies students have been hard at work earning money to support their planned trip to Mexico next year.

Following a successful ‘Bag Pack’ at Morrison’s in October, another is scheduled for Monday 19 December so, if you see our students while out doing your weekly shopping, please put them to work! Students are also arranging penalty competitions, fundraising parties, raffles and tombolas.

If you have anything you could donate as a raffle prize or, you would like to make a donation to the Puerta Vallarta Orphanage in Mexico, please contact David Longstaff, Director of Learning for Business Studies.

Look out for a feature on this project in the next issue of Vision magazine.

Post

er co

urte

sy o

f Kin

g Ja

mes

Art

Dep

artm

ent.

Phot

o: L

into

n an

d Le

on H

ollin

gs.

Peter Ramsey, Sports Development Officer

"Cu

t out

and

kee

p

This magazine is available in large print on request. Call 01388 603 388 for your copy.Designed and produced by Vision Creative, The Lodge, King James I Academy, South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 7JZ. Email: KJ1visioncreative@live.co.uk

www.kingjames1academy.com

7-18 Nov

10 Nov

23 Nov

23 Nov

28 Nov-2 Dec

30 Nov

3 Dec

7-10 Dec

8 Dec

12 Dec

14 Dec

16 Dec

16 Dec

19 Dec

3 Jan

Exams

Years 7 and 8 CrossCountry, Parkside

Diary Dates

Giovanni Ferrari’s Ricerca del Paradiso

A battle between two families of betrayal, love, murder and a curious trip to Heaven’s door ~ Giovanni Ferrari’s Quest for Heaven! Four nights only from Wednesday 7th untilSaturday 10th December at King James I Academy. 7.00pm

Tickets: £5 Adults, £3 Concessions, available from theAcademy Library and Drama Department.

Bishop Auckland Theatre Hooligans are proud to present

Above: Tyler Thompson as Giovanni Ferrari and Liam Gill as the Angel Gobriel - the ‘gobby’ angel!

Choir performance High House Methodist Chapel, Weardale

Parents’ Forum. 6.00pm

Anti-Bullying Week

Christmas Carol Concert6.00pm

Festive Fair10.00am-2.30pm

BATH Christmas Show

SW Durham CrossCountry Championship

Christmas activities

King James 1 AcademyPrize Evening. 6.00pm

Fundraising non-uniformday

School closes

Fundraising Bag Packat Morrisons.

School re-opens.

Don’t

forget...

Christmas

Carol Concert

Wednesday 30th

November. 6.00pm

Join theParents’ ForumWednesday 23 November. 6.00pmEveryone welcome.