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Tuxford Academy News magazine summer 2012
Citation preview
TuxfordTopics
1
Staff returning to work after the MayBank Holiday were soon jolted out ofrelaxation mode by the unexpectednews of a full Ofsted inspection.Under the new inspection frameworkonly short notice is given so the teamof inspectors arrived at school on theday after the announcement. Havingbeen classified as outstanding after the2009 inspection Tuxford School wouldnot have been subjected to a routineassessment during the next three yearcycle - but that all changed in Augustwhen the school closed and TuxfordAcademy opened!
Being a high performing school - and along-established improvement partnerof other local schools - should meanthat we find an inspection is relativelystraightforward. We know that we haveexcellent systems in place, that we havetalented teachers and that our studentsare well-motivated. But none of thatprevents school leaders and staff frombecoming nervous. It is only natural towant to impress our visitors on the day.
In preparation for inspectors visitingclassrooms, teachers had to transferplans for all their lessons to officialforms. School leaders and admin staffhad to extract documentary evidenceof the school’s good work fromcomputers and filing cabinets for theinspectors’ scrutiny.
The inspection took place over twodays, Wednesday 9th and Thursday10th May. Many lessons were observedand many discussions took place.Everything progressed smoothly andMr Lloyd was pleased with the waythat everyone rose to the challenge intypical Tuxford style. At the end of thesecond day provisional findings werefed back to the academy’s LeadershipTeam. At the time of going to print theinspection report had not beenreceived - but by now it should be onthe school’s website.
Tuxford Topics is the official termly newsletter of Tuxford Academy, Marnham Road, Tuxford, NG22 0JH
www.tuxford-ac.org.uk
Tuxford Topics
Ofsted Inspection
2012
Issue No. 71 • Summer Term 2012Incorporating Essential Read
It was marvellous to see so many studentsgetting involved with the annual TuxfordDoodle competition in February, with arecord number of entries from all fourcolleges and from every year group (over70 entries in total!). Ranging from pencildrawings to collages and from graffiti art toportraits, entries truly reflected the talentwe have at Tuxford Academy.
The competition was inaugurated byPost 16 students as a showcase for extra-curricular creative arts in much the sameway that Tuxford’s Got Talent featuresstudents’ wider interest in expressive arts.It is hoped that sixth formers will continueto arrange and curate the event in future.
The winning entries this year were chosenby Mr Lloyd and other members of theLeadership Team and are now proudly ondisplay in the Ash reception.
Well done to all who took part and specialcongratulations to the winners:
First place: JadeRasche (8ODH)Second place:James Black(8WAT) and RowanRidsdale (7WAH)Third place:Tempany Johnson(9BPE) and ConnorMorrison (8ADG)
Connor gave us a littlebackground information onhis entry: “I decided toenter the Tuxford Doodlecompetition because Ididn’t last year and I reallymissed out. I drew a red kite (myfavourite bird of prey) because itrelates to my twin interests ofanimals and sketching.”
Top: Doodle competition winning entry byJade Rasche (8ODH)Above, right: Third place entry by ConnorMorrison (8ADG)
Tuxford Doodle Winners
2 Tuxford Topics
A Message from the Head of School
Welcome to Edition 71 of Tuxford
Topics. Yet again, it is full of high quality
articles which capture some of the
achievements and activities of our
students.
In this termly publication, it is
impossible to report on all that happens
at Tuxford Academy but hopefully this
publication allows us to showcase and
acknowledge at least some of the
talents, attributes and skills our
students possess. They are a credit to
the Academy. In addition to reporting
on what is happening at the Academy
now, previous publications will become
historical documents, reflecting on life
in a busy secondary school in the 21st
century. We keep copies of Tuxford
Topics in our archives and I have no
doubt they will be re-read in years to
come.
Reading this edition of Tuxford Topics, I
am yet again impressed with the
sporting achievement of our students
both past and present. We have former
student Amy Needham, gaining her first
rugby cap for the England U20’s, whilst
Year 13 student Jade Tiller captains the
Lincoln City netball team. These
activities read in conjunction with
others in past copies of Tuxford Topics,
identify how many high performing
athletes there are at the Academy, many
of them competing at regional or
national levels.
The number of educational visits and
fixtures for our students participating in
competitions is another theme which
emerges when reading this and past
copies of Tuxford Topics. In this edition
there are reports on: ‘The President’s
Challenge’, Creative Arts Jubilee
Project, ‘Shake the Dust’, Extreme
Physics, Sewhat Fashion Event, the
Drama Residential, Year 8 Gifted and
Talented competition and The Delancy
UK Schools’ Chess Challenge 2012. All
these activities allow our students to
work and compete with others and
they are always impeccable and
represent the Academy proudly.
Finally, this term, the Academy will
present the musical production “We
Will Rock You.” It will involve many
students from all key stages supported
by staff and I know it will play to packed
houses. I am eagerly looking forward to
this opportunity to showcase the many
talents of our students.
Geoff LloydPrincipal
Current Year 8 to stay on until 18
The Government has confirmed its
commitment to raising the
“participation age” to 18 by 2015 in
spite of the recession. The Education
and Skills Act 2008 which increased the
minimum age at which young people in
England can leave learning will not be
amended. Therefore from 2013
students will continue in education or
training until the end of the academic
year in which they turn 17 and from
2015 until their 18th birthday.
In some respects this is not as simple as
raising the school leaving age. Raising
the participation age (RPA) does not
mean young people must stay in school;
they will able to choose one of the
following options:
• full-time education, such as school,
college or home education
• work-based learning, such as an
Apprenticeship
• part-time education or training if
they are employed, self-employed
or volunteering for more than 20
hours a week
Tuxford Academy will continue to work
closely with both students and parents
to ensure an appropriate pathway is
found. We are working extremely hard
at broadening our current offer within
the Tuxford Post 16 Centre to ensure
suitable courses are provided for as
many young adults as possible.
If you would like any further
information on this then please contact
Mr Simpson or Mr Cotton at the
school.
For course information see theHibernia College website.
To book a place at our drop-in sessionplease email James Reid, Hub School
Manager:
stating your name, contact details(email and telephone), relevant
qualifications (degree, university andclass of degree) and probable time
of arrival.
If teaching Maths or Science is
something you can see yourself
doing, why not consider enrolling
with the Tuxford Academy and
Hibernia College partnership? We
continue to look for gifted and
motivated candidates to apply for
the programme.
Key information:
• The opportunity to
continue working as you
train
• Access to Subject
Knowledge Enhancement
• TDA funding available to
eligible applicants
• Course duration: 2 years
• 24 weeks of full-time school
experience in two separate
schools
• One week observation in a
primary school
• Eight onsite workshops held
locally in schools and
partner universities
Next intake: July 2012
Come to our drop-insession for full details:
Tuesday 19th June,3.30-6.00pm
Ever thoughtof becoming a
teacher?
3Tuxford Topics
Tuxford wins Teaching School status
The National College for School
Leadership has confirmed that Tuxford
Academy has been chosen to become a
national teaching school from April this
year. It is one of only about 100 schools
in England to be granted teaching
school status in the second wave of
applications. The designation gives
outstanding schools the freedom and
autonomy to lead a group of schools,
and work with other partners including
at least one university, to deliver high
quality support for teachers and
leaders at all stages in their career.
Steve Munby, Chief Executive of the
National College, said: “Teaching
schools like Tuxford Academy need to
be at the top of their game to take on
this role - outstanding in their own
performance and have a track record of
raising standards through school-to-
school support.
“We now have over 200 teaching
schools around the country who are in
a position to harness the finest
teaching talent in the profession to
drive school improvement in innovative
ways, and bring real benefits to pupils
and staff.”
Tuxford Academy was eligible to
become a Teaching School because of a
clear track record of successful
collaboration with other schools;
consistently high levels of student
performance and outstanding
performances for both teaching and
learning and leadership and
management.
As a Teaching School we have formed
an alliance with all our feeder primary
schools, six secondary schools,
Nottinghamshire County Council and
local universities to ensure that high
standards in all aspects of education
are characteristics of all schools within
the partnership.
The National College which has
responsibility for the designation and
quality of the teaching schools
programme, is working closely with the
Department for Education (DfE), to
establish a national network of 500
teaching schools by 2014.
Lottery funding for
sensory garden
We are pleased to report that a funding
application for a Jubilee Garden at
Tuxford Academy has been successful.
Extended Services Coordinator Nicola
Manning learned last month that she had
been awarded £9,505 toward the
creation of a sensory garden next to the
Memorial Garden.
Nicola’s concept for the garden is
‘Breathing Space’ - an area especially
designed to appeal to those children at
school with special needs and groups or
individuals seeking a quiet meeting
place. The space will be designed to
stimulate the five senses but will also be
a calming place for students to go to in
order to practice breathing and
meditation exercises.
Kaisha receives Courage Award
Year 7 student Kaisha Palmer was
recently awarded a Courage Award by
The Rotary Clubs of Newark and
Newark Castle on Monday 19th March
2012, at an award event to honour
young people who have shown great
courage in overcoming personal
difficulties.
Kaisha is battling Friedreich’s Ataxia, a
condition that causes damage to the
nervous system. She experiences
problems of coordination when walking,
speaking and doing all those everyday
activities that the rest of us take for
granted.
As a result, Kaisha is frequently tired
and feels stiff and sore, particularly
towards the afternoon. She has a
wheelchair for use in the school and
often needs it to ease the discomfort as
she gets around. She uses the lift to save
having to negotiate the stairs, and this
often causes longer routes to her
classrooms. This doesn’t stop her taking
part in all her lessons; and Kaisha has
the biggest smile of any student at
Tuxford.
Gardening Tips
Please confirm your place with NicolaManning, Extended Services
Co-ordinator:
Tel: 01777 870001 ext. 571
or email
Learn the basics, growyour own and have fun!
• Adults with children.
• Come and learn
how to work an
allotment and
grow your own
organic fruit
and veg!
Free - new members welcome.
After school at Tuxford Allotments,Ash Vale Road,every Tuesday3.45pm - 5.00pm
4 Tuxford Topics
Torch Relay a great success
In anticipation of the Olympic Games
coming to London, the Bassetlaw Games
“flame” is travelling on a torch relay across
the district, covering a 90 mile route and
linking up 64 schools. It started its journey
on Monday 20th February.
A former Olympic athlete was the guest of
honour as the Bassetlaw Games torch
made its way to Tuxford Academy on
Thursday 15th March. It was foggy weather
as the torch left Tuxford Primary, carried by
Myles Downing, Year 14 student. On
reaching the academy’s main entrance, the
torch was passed to Year 11 student,
Jonathan Brannan who ran around the
school bus park as students in Years 7, 8
and 9 cheered him on.
Welcoming the torch was Mr Brendan
Reilly, who took part in the Olympic
Games in Barcelona in 1992 and also in
Sydney in 2000. Mr Reilly hoped the
occasion would work as a real inspiration
to students. “This school really is a
tremendous place, the students, the
facilities - it is all geared up to producing
champions of the future,” he said.
The school choir performed a special
version of Queen’s classic ‘One Vision’,
while the school dance group put on an
Olympic themed performance before the
famous five-ringed flag was hoisted up in
front of the school.
Academy Principal, Mr Geoff Lloyd, said
“This has been a fantastic day for the
school. Thanks to the Bassetlaw Games
initiative, we have captured some of the
excitement of the Olympics. I am sure that
every student will have a personal memory
of the event and will always remember the
year the Games came to our country.”
The actual Olympic torch will pass near to
the school on Thursday 28th June this year
as it tours the length and breadth of the
country, carried by a number of nominated
torch bearers. Two of our students Kate
Louise Bagnall 12ACW and Charlotte
Peach 10OHD, have been chosen to carry
the Olympic flame.
Seven schools across Nottinghamshire
entered the Challenge which we publicised in
our last edition, to create an environmentally-
friendly viable business venture.Their entries
were judged by an expert panel at the
Newark & Nottinghamshire County Show on
12th and 13th May before a team from Toothill
School, Bingham was named as winner.
The Tuxford team was present at the
Showground. Members of the public were
able to question them and team members
were excellent ambassadors for the school.
Their display attracted a lot of interest.
Newark & Nottinghamshire Agricultural
Society President Mich Stevenson OBE, had
visited Tuxford Academy on Monday 27th
February to launch the challenge. After
students in Years 8 and 9 gave a brief but
enlightening presentation Mr Stevenson said,
“I am very impressed by their understanding
of the business of growing and saving herbs.”
Tuxford teacher Delia Higgins who
coordinated the team’s work said she had
enjoyed every minute of the Challenge: “This
has been a fabulous opportunity to share the
work we are trying to do - and it has been an
ideal way to focus our work and thoughts.”
5Tuxford Topics
How Izzy improved her French
The best way of improving fluency in a
foreign language is to practise it over an
extended period of time. That was the
reasoning that led Izzy Cawthorne of
11AZR to stay with a French family for
ten days last summer. She enjoyed it so
much that she would recommend others
to arrange a similar exchange visit.
Izzy loves French. That is why she googled
“French exchange” and found a safe
website that offers genuine language
improvement opportunities for 11-18
year olds. (It is a site used by schools that
is School zone approved and funded via
PayPal.) They compare the interests of
applicants from different countries and
send photos/details of a matched person
and family for approval. If the applicant is
not happy with the selection, they will
send another for approval.
Izzy chose a girl from Paris of her age
named Constance Balland. Constance
came to stay with Izzy first and then Izzy
joined Constance and her family on their
summer holiday at Quiberon in Brittany.
Constance got to spend time at Tuxford
School whilst Izzy was on the beach every
day! The girls got on really well and they
are still in touch now. Both had plenty of
language practice as well as an insight into
a different culture. Izzy is grateful that the
Balland family only spoke to her in English
when she really struggled to understand.
The big language improvement that she
has noticed is a better accent.
In the future, Izzy would like to do voluntary
work abroad in a French speaking country.
She wants to study the language at
university and so her enthusiasm for the
subject is as strong as ever.
The President’s Challenge
Staff training recognition
Congratulations to Louise Holland-Allsopp
of the school’s support staff who has been
awarded the Student of the Term Award by
Dukeries College Adult and Community
Learning team. This award has been given
to Louise in recognition of the hard work
and determination she has shown since
she enrolled on an Advanced Business
Administration Apprenticeship course in
March 2011. Louise has achieved her
Level 3 BTEC Principles in Business
Administration, NVQ Business and
Administration, Functional Skills Maths
and English.
Louise started work at Tuxford Academy
in September 2006; she is employed as a
Faculty Support Assistant and provides
administrative and any other support
required for the 12 teaching staff of the
Humanities Faculty.
Louise is hoping to progress to Level 4
Business and Administration next
academic year. If anyone would like to
follow in Louise’s footsteps and complete
a recognised business administration
course, contact Jennie Griffiths on
01623 836796.
Jade Tiller has a placeat Leeds MetropolitanUniversity next yearto study physicaleducation. However,she already has animpressive CV thatincludes experienceas a professionallifeguard and as atap dance teacher.
Jade, who lives in Newark, attendedWilliam Robertson School, Welbournuntil the age of 16. There she learned toplay netball and found that she was goodat the game. She played for the school andin due course became the school’s netballcaptain. In her spare time she joined aNewark netball club and one day theLincoln City First team captain saw herplay and was so impressed that sheinvited Jade to a trial for the Lincoln club.Three years later Jade was made the firstteam captain for City, which is quite anhonour for an out of county player.
When asked for the secret of her success,Jade replied that she used to be a keen
6 Tuxford Topics
Tuxford
17 year old Alex MacDonald has yet topass his driver’s test, but he is now fullyqualified to fly an aeroplane. In fact his firstsolo flight was taken two weeks after hissixteenth birthday.
For as long as he remembers he has had anambition to become a commercial pilot soit comes as no surprise that he choseNetherfield Airfield near Worksop as hiswork experience placement. When heleaves Tuxford Post 16 Centre, he hopesto go to Oxford Aviation Academy to turnhis ambition into reality.
The only family connection that Alex hasto flying is that his father was in the RAFduring the Second World War - as amechanic. Alex too learned a little about
how planes worked during his work experience, but also was given theopportunity to go up for a flight as a passenger.
He made enquiries about gaining his licence and was offered a trial flight from GamstonAirfield. “It was brilliant - and I would recommend it to anyone,” he remembers. “Youget the chance to fly over your house usually - and I went all the way to the HumberBridge and back.”
Since his first flight at the controls in July 2010, Alex has logged his flying hours becauseflying experience is a major element in qualifying for the licence. He had to complete45 hours in the air, three of which had to be experience of flying solo and five of whichhad to test his navigation skills. The plane he learned in was a Cessna 152 two seater.
Alex gains Pilot’s Licence
Another busy term...
Students from Gnienzno Liceum inPoland visited Tuxford as the return legof the Polish exchange. We are alreadyplanning next year’s exchange. A week inPoland for approximately £95! (The earlierwe book flights, the cheaper it should be.)This is a fantastic opportunity to gain aninsight into a friendly country withbeautiful cities and a rich history.
In a separate trip, two students wereable to take part in the Lessons fromAuschwitz project in which they visitedthe infamous concentration camp. Thisis a scheme run by the HolocaustEducational Trust.
A group of Post 16 students produced thisyear’s excellent Tuxford’s Got Talentcontest. Weeks of planning and auditionsdemonstrated the fantastic leadershipskills of many of our students.
Many students are already receivingoffers from universities. They areworking hard to ensure they achieve therequired number of points. Severalstudents have also been successful inbeing accepted on to apprenticeships.
Head of Post 16 Paul Simpson has beenimpressed in recent weeks by thenumber of students who are clearlyworking hard on their revision. Startingearly, “little and often”, can help calmexam nerves, rather than leaving it to thelast minute. As ever, the support ofparents and carers is essential in thiscrucial time.
The ‘Share Wars’ competition open to allPost 16 students at Tuxford Academy andNational Church of England Academy inHucknall, is a brilliant opportunity to findout more about trading shares. It issponsored by Clarke Associates ofEdwinstowe. The students had to apply inwriting and shortlisted students were theninterviewed by Ian Clarke of the company.
The competition ran for eight weeks withthe students trading a ‘virtual’ £100,000 inFTSE 350 companies. We had four teams
of two students in each at Tuxford andthere were three teams of two atNational. Each week representatives fromClarke Associates went to the schools tomeet with the teams. The leaderboardswere given out each week and informationgiven about things that had happenedduring the week or were likely to happenin the coming week that would affect themarkets and share prices. Students couldmake as many trades as they wished duringthat time, although they could only buy amaximum of £15,000 shares in any onecompany.
Joe Heathcote and Charlie Eatoughfrom Tuxford, emerged as winners by a
Tuxford student plays
netball for Lincoln City
DALP ‘Share Wars’
competition success
Important Year 12 dates
Formal lessons for Year 12 students ended onFriday 18th May 2012, except for students onBTEC courses. However, lessons start againon Monday 18th June when ‘A2’ courses willstart; attendance at these lessons is one ofthe conditions for a place on the A2 coursein September. University and vocationalcareers preparation begins with a series ofsessions on Fridays. It is an expectation thatstudents attend these sessions.
School will end on Friday 13th July forstudents not on the University of East Angliatrip and on Thursday 19th July for studentswho are on the University of East Anglia trip.
We advise that all students continue tostudy all subjects until their examinationresults are known.
•
•
•
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narrow margin. Despite difficult marketconditions they managed to increase their£100,000!
They each received £300 as a prize:£150 in cash and £150 as shares ina company of their choice. CharlieEatough commented, “I thoroughlyenjoyed my time during ShareWars and I am very interested inpursuing a career in the sharemarket after taking part in thecompetition.”
Joe Heathcote also valued theexperience. He said, “I wouldlike to use the knowledge learnt
in carrying out future transactions in thestock market”.
A voice of distinction
Reaching Grade 8standard in musicis, roughly speaking,the practical skillsequivalent of anA level for anyonestudying an instrumentor singing. You don’tgain Grade 8 unlessyou are both talentedand dedicated. That iswhy we are delighted
to record that Olivia Caputa of Year 13 hasjust gained Grade 8 recognition forsinging. In fact she did better than thatbecause it was awarded with Distinction.This is an incredible achievement by
Olivia so everyone at school isimmensely proud of her.
Olivia started having singinglessons in school at the age of 12and she has just completed her ALevel course which included a finalrecital as well as a large element ofperformance throughout.
At 13 she auditioned for the famousCantamus Girls Choir that is basedin Mansfield and was accepted intothe training choir. She is now seniorgirl in the main choir and so everyFriday and Sunday she has a threehour rehearsal and in addition shehas an hour lesson with a singingteacher. There are just under 40 girlsin the choir and Olivia has a few solospots in a repertoire that is alwayschanging.
The Cantamus Girls Choir has aninternational reputation so during her
time with it Olivia has performed inMalaysia, Singapore, Germany and Ireland.The performance venues are invariablylarge concert halls.
Olivia is a mezzo soprano at present, buther voice won’t set until the age ofapproximately 25 so it could change. Thatis one of the reasons why she intends totake a gap year before progressing tohigher education. She hopes to join aLondon music conservatoire, such as theRoyal Academy of Music, rather than goingto university, and her voice will havematured a little further by the time shestarts her course. She will audition formusic colleges in the autumn.
At the end of her studies, Olivia hopes tobecome a professional opera singer. Sheis taking A Levels in Drama and English aswell as Music to help prepare her for theacting side of the job. You will get yourchance to hear Olivia sing on 12th, 13thand 14th July when she takes part in theTuxford Academy summer production‘We Will Rock You’.
7Tuxford Topics
Alex says he will alwaysremember his first solo flight. “I was excited yetshaking with fear at the same time,” he recalls. His instructor had advised himthat he was ready to take this big step, but Alex wasn’t so sure. However everythingwent well and Alex’s confidence grew. “I hadn’t expected the plane to handle sodifferently when I was alone,” he says. “With less weight on board it was much fasteroff the ground and the controls were more responsive.”
To gain his licence Alex has taken and passed seven theory exams. His average scorewas an impressive 93%. The pass score is 75%.
gymnast so she has built her strength,speed and stamina. She needs all threebecause she plays as a centre and so doesmuch of the running during games.
As team captain Jade has to arrange matchesand umpires because netball is a fiercelyamateur sport. The training sessions arenow held at Priory Witham Academy. Allplayers are under 20 but there is never ashortage of players and many LincolnUniversity undergraduates apply to join.
At Tuxford Jade is one of the school’ssports leaders so she coaches Year 7students as part of her work for HSLA(Higher Sports Leader Award). She is
committed to coaching disabled and olderpeople to give her a breadth ofexperience. Thanks to placements at StGiles School, Retford, and the CharlotteHamilton Dance School, Balderton she ismaking good progress towards thequalification.
As paid employment, Jade is a lifeguard atGrove Leisure Centre, Balderton. Shecurrently works all day on Sundays andTuesday evenings. If everything goesaccording to plan, Jade will be teachingPE in a secondary school in future.Netball will continue to have a place inthe curriculum if she has anything to dowith it.
On Wednesday 28th March a group of
Year 9 and 10 girls attended the North
Notts Community Arena in Worksop in
order to take part in the ‘Sewhat’ fashion
show. This is the ninth year of the show
organised by Focus on Young People in
Bassetlaw and Tuxford has been
represented at each one. Young people
from twelve different schools, colleges,
and other young people’s organisations
from all over Bassetlaw showed off
garments and creations they have
produced.
The Tuxford group arrived at about
4.00pm in time to have a practice on
the catwalk aided by professional
choreographer Jay Pollit. After much
straightening and curling of hair and
applying of makeup, everyone was ready.
The show began at 7.30pm and was
presented by students from North Notts
College.
Tuxford students gave two performances.
The first showcased garments made by
Year 10 and Year 11 students and the
second featured a mixture of Year 11
GCSE and Year 13 GCE coursework. The
show was watched by an audience of
around 300 people and was well received
by all who attended.
The girls involved were Meghan Dyer,Jemma Whitby, Chloe Gresswell,Kayleigh Lowe, Tempany Johnson,Roberta Harness, Hannah Slack,Olivia Timms, Elisia Seaward,Amelia Wood, Georgie Pilkingtonand Charlotte Allen.
8 Tuxford Topics
Sewhat Fashion Event
PTA annual quiz gets great results
On Saturday 28th January, 16 teams with
almost 80 participants took part in
Tuxford Academy’s annual Quiz evening
organised by the PTA. The quiz was held
in the school hall with Quiz Master
Mr Philip Baker, Assistant Principal,
assisted on the scoreboard by Paul
Creighton, the school’s Data Manager.
A tasty supper was provided by Julie
Hethershaw and a team of willing PTA
helpers.
The evening was a great success and
raised £590 which goes into PTA funds
and staff and students can apply for
funding for projects. The main objectives
of the PTA are to give practical support
for school events, to undertake
fundraising to improve school resources
and to organise social events to bring
parents, staff and governors together.
Please see the school website in the
‘Parent Portal’ section for PTA news,
forthcoming events, etc.
9Tuxford Topics
Jubilee Arts Project
The latest collaboration between Tuxford
Academy and Rufford Craft Centre has
been themed on the Queen’s Diamond
Jubilee. Gifted and talented Year 9 students
have been given the opportunity to work
alongside James Sutton, the local sculptor
and practitioner, to create works in a 3D
media.
In order to generate initial responses
Tuxford students and teachers met
Mr Sutton to delve into a range of ideas
for the topic. Over the following ten
weeks project the students gained
valuable knowledge from the artist and
improved their ability to work in a team.
Their journey from initial ideas to
completion enabled them to be more
ambitious with the scale of their work and
also knocked down fears and barriers
about working in a 3D medium.
The Jubilee Arts Project exhibition
showcases a range of different ideas
ranging from the traditional to the kitsch.
It runs at Rufford Arts and Craft Centre
to Sunday 10th June.
In school Beth Platford enjoys Maths
and Science. She would love to go into
science research and help to develop
medicines for a big multi-national
pharmaceutical company.
Out of school Beth is a dancer, performer
and athlete. She is a member of Worksop
Light Operatic Society and has appeared in
its pantomimes since she was 8. In January
this year, she played Maid Marion in the
Society’s production of Babes in the Wood.
Beth attends Rebecca’s Dance Studio in
Carlton-in-Lindrick four times a week. On
Saturdays she is a student dance teacher
there working with juniors and toddlers.
Among the venues where Beth has
performed are Buxton Opera House and
Blackpool Opera House.
In 2010 Beth was chosen by Adidas to
appear in its launch show for Worksop
Adizone, one of several outdoor gyms
being sponsored by the company all over
the country. Climbing walls, parallel bars
and all kinds of non-powered fitness
equipment are provided to encourage
more people to become fit so the
company hired a top choreographer to
work with local dancers for the launch.
Beth is developing her athletics skills as a
member of Worksop Harriers. Last year
she was ranked as 8th in the country for
her age group in triple jump, but she also
competes in long jump, hurdles and running
events to 400m. In March of this year, she
competed in the East Midlands Area Indoor
Athletics Championship and was placed
2nd overall in the Under 15 girls age range.
Beth dances for Adidas
Beth pictured (above, at front) with fellowdancers
Contact Tuxford Academy PTA on: Email:
[email protected] Tel: 01777 870001
By popular
demand...
TuxfordAcademy
PTA
Wine TastingEvening
Over 18’s onlyTickets£12.50
Saturday6th
October
7.00pm
10 Tuxford Topics
Olivia wins Tuxford’s Got Talent
Following a heartfelt and powerfulperformance of the Jessie J song ‘Who YouAre’ Year 8 student Olivia Bennett wasvoted the winner of Tuxford’s Got Talent2012 at the Final held on Tuesday 27th March.
This year, the annual talent competition wasorganised by Year 13 student Grace Cookand a small group of Post 16 helpers. The
competition, based on the popular televisionformat, began in October last year withopen auditions, in which surprising talentwas discovered from all year groups. At thesemi finals in February, the acts performed infront of their peers before the final 12 werechosen. This year the finalists were allmusicians, singers or dancers. A trickunicyclist experienced technical difficultiesso didn’t go through and there was anoticeable lack of comedians and jugglers.Singers mostly had taped backing tracks.
The audience attending the Final had alarge student presence. The panel ofjudges comprised Nick Cox Head ofDrama, Year 12 student Harlee Howarthand former student, Oscar Conlon-Morrey. Each judge gave the finalistsfeedback on their performance and at theend, the audience members were able tocast three votes by completing votingslips. The slips were then counted toreveal the winner. Some of the audience
came with banners, stickers and badges insupport of a performer. They booed MrCox’s bad jokes but otherwise, everyoneon stage felt encouraged and supported.
The evening was compèred by charismaticPost 16 students Andrew Newell and RuthColclough, a fabulous combination, talentedenough to challenge Ant n Dec themselves!
During the counting of votes, performanceswere given by compère Ruth Colclough, whosang a wonderful rendition of ‘Somebody ToLove’ from the musical ‘We Will Rock You’which the school will be performing inJuly, and Harlee Howarth, one of thecompetition’s judges, played her guitar andsang ‘Stronger Than Me’ by Amy Winehouse.Tuxford members of the Global StudentForum also sold refreshments during the
interval to raise money for the White RibbonAlliance, a charity helping with maternalmortality in the third world.
Olivia had no idea she was going to win. Shewas not confident at all and she was soimpressed by the others that she was certainthey would do better than her. Before shewent on stage, she was really nervous andtearing paper cups to stay occupied. As shewalked on and saw all the faces, she wastrembling but when the introduction musicstarted, the confidence returned and shewas relaxed enough to notice hersurroundings. Olivia saw someone eating anapple. At the end someone winked at her toindicate she had done well. Halfway throughthe song she had stomach pains and heldherself but no-one seemed to notice.
Olivia was given £100 for winning plus£100 to give to her chosen charity,‘Leukaemia Research, Sheffield.’ Runnersup were Year 8 student Theo Drabble who
sang ‘Soul Sister’ by Train and in third placewas Year 12 student Cameron Ashley, whoplayed his guitar and sang a montage ofsongs including the classic ‘Ain’t NoSunshine’. Jack Bennett, Olivia’s brotheralso entered and also got to the final.
Nick Cox, school’s head of Drama, praised allthe finalists. “It was a truly amazing night andeveryone deserved a place in the spotlight.”
“It was a brilliant night - well worth the £5”commented Emily Dutton, Y8 student.
Councillor Kath Sutton was in the audienceand gave us her impression:
“Tuesday 27th March saw a lively and packedaudience waiting with some anticipation forTuxford’s Got Talent to begin. We were not
disappointed! Senior students had organiseda smooth running and well balanced eveningwith two most able compères, three trulyentertaining judges - with Simon Cowell ‘badguy’ counteracting the comments of the twomore discerning judges.
“Talent ranged from singers to a dancer,to body popping, a flautist and guitars. Attimes it was magical with a hushedaudience enthralled by the artist. At timesthe audience showed its sensitivity inencouraging a student whose confidenceappeared to wane. There was a delightfulatmosphere full of fun and laughter - areal feel good factor evening.
“Voting was hectic but finally three mostworthy winners were chosen, though intruth all the students were winners withtheir sincerity, commitment and with thepleasure they gave everyone.
“I look forward to the next such evening!”
Above, left to right: Winner of Tuxford’s Got Talent: Olivia Bennett, Year 8; runner up Theo Drabble, Year 8; and third place Cameron Ashley,Year 12. Inset, top right: the panel of judges.
For two days during February half termthe Drama department took 50 GCSEand A Level students to London.However, there was no time forsightseeing as we had so much to cram in!The trip was designed to offer students
the opportunity not only to experienceprofessional live theatre, but also to workwith professional actors and gain afurther insight into how a West Endproduction is staged. As always, Tuxfordstudents were impeccable and represented
the Academy proudly.
We travelled to London on Wednesday15th February and in no time at all wefound ourselves at the world famousPineapple Dance Studios for a practicalworkshop with some real West Endactors! Students and staff worked withthree actors currently playing the leadroles in the hit musical ‘Blood Brothers’. Itwas a fantastic experience and studentscan now say they have worked withprofessional actors! After an evening mealat Planet Hollywood we made our way tothe Phoenix Theatre to watch the long-running musical ‘Blood Brothers’.
The following day after a good old full-English, we made our way to the NationalTheatre for a back-stage tour. Studentsgained an invaluable insight into how aproduction is created and were also able togo into workshops and prop stores to see allthe elements required to bring a show to life.
After some shopping time and lunch inCovent Garden we went to see thetheatrical version of ‘War Horse’. Bothstaff and students were in awe of thespecial effects and staging of the show andwould thoroughly recommend it!
11Tuxford Topics
On the Tuesday 28thFebruary DermotGascoyne visited theschool to talk to Year11 students. As aformer internationalheavyweight boxerhe made rapidprogress winningnumerous titles asan amateur before
signing as a professional fighter with thecountry’s leading manager and promoterFrank Warren. Although he never won aprofessional title he holds victories overBritish, Commonwealth and EuropeanChampions, the most prestigious of which
was his victory over the British Championthat took just 70 seconds!
In his five year career as a professionalDermot boxed in some of the world’smost prestigious venues and was regularlyemployed as a sparring partner byamongst others Frank Bruno and LennoxLewis. Following his retirement from thesport he spent some time as a bodyguardworking with some of the world’s mostfamous pop stars!
Dermot now works as a mentor and visitssecondary schools. In Tuxford he gave amotivational talk to some of our Year 11students in preparation for their
upcoming exams. His motto is ‘It is betterto try and fail, than to fail to try’. Thestudents thoroughly enjoyed listening toDermot and had plenty of questions forhim at the end! Miss Leathem-Pugh,Head of Beech College, said of thepresentation, “Dermot gave a veryinspiring talk to the Year 11 students. Hisdrive and encouragement will help to spurthe students on to achieve their fullpotential over the next couple of months.”
Making the most of his time at the schoolDermot also gave a short presentation tosome of the Support Staff covering topicssuch as ways to engage students and howto deal with challenging behaviour.
Drama Residential 2012
Former International Boxer talks to Year 11 students
Three days of physics during the Easterbreak? Most students probably wouldn’tthink of this as fun, but four Tuxfordstudents had a good time taking part inthe 2012 Extreme Physics Competitionrun by the Institute of Physics.
William Chapman, Isaac Higgs, JosephWatson and Declan Williams competedagainst rival schools from across theregion in Rugby. Highlights of the threedays residential included an indoor skydiving experience and climbing walls!
Talks in the evenings from top physicistsoutlined current university research inastrophysics as well as the developmentof non-lethal weapons such as Tasers.
Our team was marked during its series ofchallenges and awards were given at theend of each. Achieving a total of eightrosettes, our team’s most notableattributes were their superb teamworkand creativity in tackling problems. Thiswas clearly demonstrated in the climax ofthe event, where teams delivered a four
minute presentation on a physics topicassigned to them. Not only did they worksuperbly together but also produced oneof the best presentations on the day. Thiswas even more impressive consideringthat our team contained three Year 9swho had one year less physics educationthan most competitors.
Overall, the team of 2012 representedtheir school well. They were fantasticexamples of all the students here andcame back with awards to be proud of.
Extreme Physics Residential
12 Tuxford Topics
Elle Hawley 9BTT, spent six days of her
Easter holiday walking the West Highland
Way in Scotland to raise money for
charity. Twenty eight
members of her family or
their friends walked at
least part of the route,
but only six including Elle
completed the full
distance.
The walk was organised
by Elle’s grandfather,
Geoff Supple, in support
of a cancer charity
because his brother
died from cancer. A
remarkable total of
£6,000 was raised.
The walkers stayed overnight in local
B and Bs and whenever possible, they
enjoyed pub lunches, but in between
there was some serious trekking. They
averaged 16 miles per day although actual
distances varied between 13 and 23 miles.
“It rained most days,”
recalled Elle, “and on the
day it didn’t rain, it
snowed!”
The route is clearly
marked and is dry
underfoot but the snow
made the route much
harder to follow. It was
also deep in places so the
effort of walking was
much harder.
Elle is justly proud of
her achievement in
completing the trek - and she is proud of
the family for making a significant
contribution to its chosen charity.
On Thursday 23rd February Year 8 “gifted
and talented” students took part in team
tasks including bridge building at
Gainsborough. One of the students,
Thomas Boulby, wrote this report for
Tuxford Topics:
All in all it was fun and a worthwhile
educational trip out for us all. We got a chance
to socialise with the students from different
schools as well taking part in the events.
Our first task was to create an invention
that would change the world. Different
groups came up with great ideas. Our
invention was a 3D printer. After making
it we had to present it to our audience.
After this we were told about our next
task... bridge building! It sounded difficult
but after lunch we started building our
model bridge. I am pleased to report that
within half an hour it was made!
Gifted and Talented
Challenge
We were very pleased to receive the followingmessage from four Polish students whoattend our partner school, Gniezno Lyceum:
We are members of English exchange.
Our English friends came to Poland on
13th October 2011 and everybody here
was very excited. Their first day was on
our official National Day of Education. In
the evening, we all went to Gebarzewo to
get to know everyone better and eat
some good sausages.
During their time here, we showed our
English friends a few interesting places in
our country. We saw a museum and
churches in Poznań. We were in Toruń and
there we baked gingerbreads and saw a big
part of this town. We went to Inowroclaw
too and there we had good fun. Our
friends also came to our school and were
taking part with us in Polish lessons.
It was really good fun having guests in
Poland and we have a lot of memories
connected with this visit.
On 5th March we came to England. In
Newark, we saw a horror film called ‘The
Woman in Black’. We saw the old town hall
and a great museum where we got to know
a lot about the history of this town. Next
day we went to London. The capital of
England is really beautiful. We visited the
Natural History Museum and Science
Museum. It was a really long day, but we saw
a big part of this old city. In Tuxford School
we went to a few lessons. They were very
interesting and we enjoyed it a lot.
For us this exchange is a really good
opportunity to improve our English and it
busts myths. It is good to get to know a
new culture. We were trying new tastes,
learning new words and just having fun
being in the United Kingdom. Best wishes
to you all.
Katarzyna Kabzińska, ZuzannaLukaszewska, Pauline Kabzińska andFabian Barszcz
A Polish Perspective
Elle walks 95 miles!
13Tuxford Topics
For further information, please visit theFutures website: www.futuresnn.co.uk
or contact: 0115 960 1571
If your son/daughter would like todo a work placement during theschool holidays, then Futures will
be able to offer this provision.
Their offer of a 10 day Work Experience
placement at a cost of £150 will include:
• A full Health and Safety and
safeguarding risk assessment of
the placement
• A risk assessment of the young
person undertaking the
placement
• Ensuring that the necessary
insurance is in place
• Monitoring of welfare and
progress during the placement
• A Certificate of Achievement,
endorsed by the employer
A new peer mentoring scheme starts at
Tuxford Academy in September. This will
involve students in Years 10 and 11 acting as
mentors to some of the new Year 7 students
- to support them with issues such as bullying,
arguments with friends or other things that
may be troubling them. Some research into
the peer mentoring is going to be carried out
by Caroline Haynes as part of her training to
be an educational psychologist.
As part of this research students in Years
9 and 10 may be asked to complete a
short online survey about their personal
qualities during ICT lessons. Caroline may
also look at some data the school has
about individual children, such as their
predicted grades and whether they are
eligible for free school meals.
The data will be used by Caroline to identify
students to take part in the research
project. You will be contacted if your child is
selected to take part. If for any reason you
do not wish Caroline to use the information
from the survey, or if you have any questions
about the research, please contact Mrs
Nichol or Mrs Burton at school.
New mentoring
scheme Work Experience as an educational
entitlement for all older (Key Stage 4)
students has now ended due to changes in
the national education strategy.
Consequently Year 11 work experience will
not be taking place next year (2012/13).
At Tuxford we have always valued work
experience as preparation for working
life. There is little doubt that at its best a
work placement helped students to clarify
their thoughts of career prospects and
contributed significantly to the maturing
process. We will continue to offer a small
number of placements to selected
students only but the re-branded careers
service is also offering parents the
opportunity to purchase work
experience during school holidays too.
Please see the advert in this edition of
Tuxford Topics if you are interested.
Michelle Lee of the school support staff
deserves some recognition at this point.
She has done a tremendous job over the
last eight years in arranging placements,
completing all the administration (to
satisfy health and safety regulations to
name but one aspect) and coordinating
staff supervision.
Work week goes
In February we ran an English Curriculum
Day where students across KS3 worked
with their learning group on a variety of
activities with a media focus. Groups
became publishing houses for the day,
editing and creating their own magazines,
writing features, conducting interviews
and designing their publications. Special
guest was former Tuxford student, Sam
Kirk who now hosts the breakfast show
on Lincs FM. He visited classes and helped
Charlie Ferris, Georgina MacPhail and
Annie O’Connell (pictured, above, with
him here) to prepare and record a radio-
style piece on the day’s events. You can
listen to their piece on the school
website.
Last term too, we entered a team in the 2012
Times Spelling Bee; an activity now in its third
year. The Year 7 students competed against
other schools in the Midlands in March and
they met once a week to practise. Anyone
interested in improving core skills can visit
www.timesspellingbee.co.uk to practise
online.
Students from Years 8, 9 and 10 have been
working in a series of workshops in
preparation for the regional heat of
‘Shake the Dust’, a national ‘poetry slam’
competition. A core group of 20 students
completed 6 workshops last term with
professional poets Michelle Hubbard and
Ioney Smallhorne. They created their own
unique poems with an Olympic theme.
The final team of 8 has now been
selected; on Saturday 9th June it will
compete against other groups from the
East Midlands at Nottingham Playhouse
for a spot in the final in London. They will
present three original poems. Michelle
Hubbard, the lead poet at the workshops
was impressed by the Tuxford students:
“We have been amazed at the students’
creativity, enthusiasm and commitment!”
The photo (above, right) shows poet Ioney
Smallhorne with some members of the team
(left to right) Martha Raymer, Charlotte
Brindley,Amy Chambers, Oliver Baker, Michelle
Hubbard, Isaac Higgs, and Charlie Ferris.
Work Experience
Offer
English Faculty News
Across the country over 63,000 students
were entered for the Delancy Challenge
in 2012. They represented 1900 primary
schools, secondary schools or clubs.
Several players were entered by Tuxford
and there were some notable successes.
In the first round of the competition
players from within the school were
matched against each other. They had to
play seven games in seven weeks to decide
their rankings. Elliot Lewis (pictured
here) was awarded a trophy after
emerging as winner of the first round. He
and Dominic Eng of Year 8 won all seven
of their matches.
Since the report in the last edition the
Extended Services team has helped to
raise more money for our feeder primary
schools.
• East Markham Primary has
received £7,800 from Big Lottery
for 10 laptops and the setting up of
an ICT Homework club.
• Muskham Primary has received
£500 towards new playground
equipment from Lincolnshire Co-op.
The team is currently working on a bid for
ICT equipment for North Clifton School.
The family of schools is finalising a plan
for celebrating the Queen’s Jubilee in
June. Activities will be different for each
school, but ideas include red, white and
blue non-uniform days, and Jubilee badges
or t-shirts to be given out to the children.
14 Tuxford Topics
TFC Update
Delancy Chess
Challenge
Have you visited the Tuxford Family
Collaboration website recently?
The Extended Services Team based at
Tuxford Academy is responsible for
keeping it up to date. You will discover
lots of information on our Family of
Schools, activities/clubs, parenting
support, community information and
childcare.
The website address is:
www.tuxfordfamily.co.uk
For further information call Nicola
Manning, Extended Services Coordinator
on 01777 870001, Ext 571.
TFC Website
Matt Riley, Year 12 and Emma Wray,Year 13 visited Auschwitz-Birkenau, the
infamous concentration camp, in
February. Alongside students from other
East Midlands’ schools they were taking
part in the Holocaust Educational
Trust’s Lesson’s From Auschwitz project.
Prior to the trip they attended an
orientation seminar where Holocaust
survivor Ziggy Fisher spoke to
them about overwhelming personal
experiences so very different from their
own.
“The vast camp where 10,000 people
were methodically killed each day was
almost impossible to take in,” Emma told
us. “Stark chimneys from burnt out
barracks, standing like a lifeless forest,
somehow emphasised the unfathomable
crimes that took place.”
Both students remarked on the paradox
that their complete lack of
comprehension of events somehow
increased their understanding of how
horrific the holocaust was. Being there
made it not only more real, but also
more personal. Emma explained that
she was more aware that systematic
killings have continued to occur in the
modern world - in Bosnia and in Darfur
to name just two. She felt that she now
had a firm conviction to speak out: “We
should endeavour to help those,
who, like Ziggy, have had to endure
oppression.”
Lessons from
Auschwitz Golf Charity Day
Contact Tuxford Academy PTA on: Email:
[email protected] Tel: 01777 870001
18 holes of golf•
Prize Presentation•
Tea/coffee & bacon rolls•
Executive Buffet
Wednesday 11th July2012 at
Rufford Golf andCountry Club
£40 per player
4 players per team
One hundred competitors from each of the
three schools in DALP will take part in the
first joint Sports Day on Tuesday 17th July.
Retford Oaks Academy is to host the event
this year. Athletics competitions will take
place in the afternoon whilst the morning
will be devoted to fun competitions such as
tug of war, rounders and boccia.
The Diverse Academies Learning
Partnership aims not only to promote an
enjoyment of sport across member schools,
but also to give the students an opportunity
to build a sense of community and to
celebrate being part of the same innovative
educational enterprise.
15Tuxford Topics
Diary Dates
JUNE 2012
04 - 08 Half term holiday
11 Y8 residential to Paris
15 Y7 Trip to Lincoln
18 - 22 Y10 Academic Tutorials
18 Y12 ‘A2’ courses start
19 PTA meeting in school - 6.30pm
28 Y11 Prom/P16 Prom
29 Sports Day
29 Tuxford Academy PTA Summer Ball in school: 7.30pm - 11.30pm
30 P16 Reunion
JULY 2012
02 - 06 Y6 Transition week
02 Y6 parents meeting
05 P16 Induction day
06 Year 8 Trip to Lincoln
11 PTA Charity Golf Tournament at Rufford Park Golf Club
12 - 14 School show‘We will Rock You’
15 - 18 Y7 camp
17 DALP Sports Festival
16 - 19 Y12 UEA residential
20 Last day of term
SEPTEMBER 2012
03 Admin day - no students in school
04 Yrs 7, 11 & 12 in school first day of new term (Y12 course sign up)
05 All students in school (Y13 course sign up)
14 School photos
19 Friendship photos
27 Open Evening
28 Inset day - all DALP schools
Tuxford Academy’s 2012 musical
production is the West End hit show ‘We
Will Rock You’. The musical, now in its
10th successful year, has recently enjoyed
an extensive UK tour as well as gaining a
number of theatrical awards.
Written by Ben Elton and based on the
music of the rock band Queen, it is set in the
future. Globalisation is complete, everywhere
the kids watch the same movies, wear the
same fashions and think the same thoughts.
It’s a safe, happy, Ga Ga world. Unless you’re
a rebel. Unless you want to Rock.
Students across all three key stages are
involved in the production and staff from
all areas of the Academy. Rehearsals are
currently underway and ‘We Will Rock
You’ promises to be our biggest and most
spectacular production to date!
Tickets are available now. To reserve tickets
complete the booking form from the school
website and email it to boxoffice@tuxford-
comp.notts.sch.uk. Payment can be made by
personal callers to main reception or by
post to Box Office, Tuxford Academy (at
the usual address) or by students leaving
sealed envelopes in trips boxes at college
receptions. Cheques should be payable to
Tuxford Academy.
Tuxford Academy Production 2012:
‘We Will Rock You!’
DALP Sports Day
Contact:[email protected]
Tel: 01777 870001
Tuxford Academy
SUMMER
BALLFri 29th June 2012
7.30pm until 11.30pm
held at Tuxford Academy
Tickets - £22.50
Dining
Dancing
BarRaffle
Marquee
In February Year
8 and Year 9
members of the
STEM (science,
technology,
eng ineer ing
and maths) Club
used a Curriculum
Day to make monster
versions of snack food. It
was a genuinely educational challenge to
scale up familiar products successfully to
several times their normal sizes - but
retaining the appearance and solving all
the associated technical issues.
In addition to the jammy dodger shown
here the members produced a gigantic
Jaffa cake and an enormous Wagon
Wheel. Food Technology teacher Mel
Hogan was very pleased with the
results: “What an achievement to
produce such authentic looking pieces
of outsize edible art! It was a very
enjoyable project and real technology
problems were solved using maths skills
and food science knowledge.”
A month later the jam biscuit was
featured on ‘Pimp That Snack’ website.
Mrs Hogan commented, “This is a huge
honour to those in the know.”
Visitors to the site were able to vote for
the snacks that impressed and there
was a lot of interest in Tuxford’s
‘jammiesaurus’.
Unfortunately we have no record of
how the jammy dodger tasted. Perhaps
the makers were so proud of it that they
couldn’t bear to try it.
What a biscuit!
Former Tuxford student Amy Needhamis making a name for herself in
women’s rugby. Amy, who was a
student here between 2005-2010, went
on to Moulton College, Northampton
for an AASE (Advanced Apprenticeship
in Sport Excellence) course and helped
Moulton to win the HSBC National
Sevens competition for schools and
colleges at Rosslyn Park - beating a
Welsh team.
Amy, who is about to embark on a
Sports degree course, was spotted at
the age of 14 by a community coach at
Tuxford School whilst playing tag
rugby and recommended to join a
rugby club. She briefly joined Retford
Rugby Club and then went on to join
Paviors Rugby Club in Arnold. She
soon received her Three Counties
call-up and went on to be chosen
for the Midlands division. In
April 2011, she was asked
to trial for England U20’s
squad so her big break
had arrived.
Unfortunately, in a
friendly match, she
broke her fibula,
dislocated her
ankle and tore a
ligament in her
leg which meant
two operations
so it wasn’t the
break she
wanted! She
was determined
to get back
playing and by
October she was.
In January this
year, she was
selected for England
U20’s squad for a
match in Paris on Sunday
11th March. Amy went on
the pitch 5 minutes into the
second half and played for 35 minutes
getting her first cap for the England
U20’s.
On Saturday 12th May, she went to the
England trials for 2012-2013 and
hopefully she will play for England for
the whole year. She is the only girl
this year from Three Counties, only
one of two from the Midlands division,
to be selected for the England U20’s
squad.
Amy loved her time at Tuxford School
and would like to thank everyone who
taught and supported her during this
time. It was her dream to play rugby
and that dream is coming true.
16 Tuxford Topics designed and produced by dactyl publishing tel: 01427 884998 www.dactylpublishing.com
Former student plays for England
JANUARY
04 Inset Professional Development Day
09 Curriculum Day
25 A2 Progress Evening
28 Year 13 students Bag Pack at Asda
28 PTA Annual Quiz Evening
FEBRUARY
06 Year 9 Academic Tutorial Week
07 Student Forum Conference
09 Post 16 Curriculum Pathways Evening
09 Valentine Disco
23 Curriculum Day
23 Year 8 Gifted & Talented Trip
24 Primary Dance Festival
27 Year 11 Academic Tutorial Week
28 Dermot Gascoyne (former heavy weight boxer) speaks to Year 11 students
MARCH
01 World Book Day
05 Polish Exchange return
13 Year 11 Support Evening
28 Sewhat Fashion Event
Last Term in Brief
TuxfordAcademyExcellence Through
Teamwork
It is now possible to follow TuxfordAcademy on Twitter. The link is:
www.twitter.com/tuxfordacademy
Tuxford AcademyPresents...
12th - 14th July 2012