1
A proposal for a new 3-11 Primary School opening in 2015 – See page 5 for details
ATL Score: 1
Attendance: 100%
over 5 years.
Manpreet Kainth
wins the Arbib
Foundation Award
for 2 consecutive
years.
NEWSLETTER ISSUE 6 - JULY 2013
Buy Uniform
Online Now –
See Page 38
for details
Eton and Langley students praised by HRH The Duke of Cambridge as Sleep Out raises over £11,500 for youth homelessness charity – See Page 6 for full story
Sir Martyn Arbib, and Annabel Nicoll with Manpreet
Kainth with the Arbib Foundation Award
2
What an amazing year! I am so proud of the students and staff and their achievements. Ofsted
recognised everyone’s hard work, talents and aspirations and having been judged as a good school with
many significant strengths we are already on the trail to outstanding. Our improvement plan and self-
evaluation processes have been set up to ensure that we focus on some key areas for next year that will
support our aspiration to be the best school in the county.
I am delighted with our proposal for our new Primary School as I believe this will only enhance the
experience of all of the youngsters and importantly it will support the local parents who will not have to
worry about the secondary transition process as once the child starts at the age of 5 they can stay until
they are 19 years of age. See page 5 or click here for more details.
In our quest to become outstanding we are going to introduce the Langley Academy Diploma. As you
know I believe in developing fully rounded individuals with skills and attributes beyond just academic
qualifications. This will be a certificate that can be mapped out against various aspects of school life that
students will have to participate in, in order to achieve it. It is likely that students will be able to gain a
pass at worst, a bronze, silver and gold certificate depending on the amount of time they spend on each
activity. The activities could be sporting, perhaps representing the Academy in an event; community
service in the Academy, and community service outside of the Academy; points for attitude to learning
or points for a commitment to reading or through writing Academy newsletters; perhaps for public
speaking or completing some important research. The Duke of Edinburgh is a perfect example of a
programme that would support the Diploma.
We will not start this for another year, in September 2014, as we need to work with staff and students
to establish the finer detail and how it will be introduced, to which year groups and importantly how it
will be monitored. We are excited about it as we do know that future employers, colleges and
universities will really value it and it will certainly support student’s employability and provide each
student with something highly valuable to place in a CV, to write about on their personal statement and
discuss at a future interview.
Finally, I would like to thank all students, staff, parents and Governors for their support over the year. I
cannot wait for the results days in August because I know students will have done very well.
Enjoy the summer holidays, you have all deserved it.
Rhodri Bryant, Principal
Message from the Principal
3
The Sponsor and Governors are writing a proposal for a new school, near or on the Academy site, which is very exciting news. If we are successful this will be a new primary school opening in September 2015. The Arbib Foundation (our Sponsor) intends to set up The Langley Primary Academy as a new free school in partnership with The Langley Academy. We wish to establish a three-form entry primary (630 students) in new buildings on or next to the site of The Langley Academy. Slough Borough Council has indicated that there is an urgent need for primary places and are very supportive. Students at The Langley Primary Academy will have their own entrance and playground, but share sporting and other facilities without having to leave the safety of the school site. We will focus on the six areas that the secondary academy has at The Langley Primary Academy. This will allow us to deliver an enriching experience around Museum Learning, Science, Sustainability, Internationalism, Rowing and Cricket. These areas of focus support the development of all children so they achieve highly and come to understand the world around them and the part they can play in making it better. Our curriculum will reflect 21st century needs. We will ensure that students are happy and safe and able to develop into confident young people who believe they can achieve anything they put their mind to. We will also use a house system at The Langley Primary Academy to be consistent with the secondary. We will be placing a strong emphasis on literacy and numeracy – the vital ‘3R’s of reading, writing and arithmetic. We also know that we must provide much more than just outstanding SATs results and will give equal importance to developing children’s social skills. We will provide a stable foundation that sets our students apart from others and gives them a real sense of self-belief and confidence that is so important in the mind-set of a successful individual. We would like to be able to offer all students at The Langley Primary Academy a guaranteed place at The Langley Academy which is always over-subscribed. It is our ambition to become the best ‘all-through’ academy in the country by offering an outstanding curriculum that supports the principles of both depth and breadth. We meet children’s needs and allow them to achieve the very best they can. ‘A school of choice, a school for life’. We need your help - If you have a child aged 1-3 years please let us know and register your interest. This does not commit you to anything; it just helps us to show the government that this new school will be popular. We need your name, post code and child’s date of birth. If you have neighbours or relatives with children of this age please can you help ‘spread the word’? Do look at our web page on The Langley Academy website www.langleyacademy.org/tlpa.html Thank you and have a relaxing summer break Best wishes Valerie Bragg and Annabel Nicoll
Message from the Governors
4
The Langley Academy will have a late start on Thursday 26 September. Students will start lessons at
09:10 and Green Drive Gate will be open from 08:45.
JULY
Friday 19 End of Term 12:00
Thursday 25 Uniform Sales Day (for new Year 7s) By appointment
Sunday 28 July – Monday 5 Aug PGL France Trip to Ardeche
AUGUST
Thursday 15 ‘A’ Level Results Day 11:00 – 14:00
Thursday 22 GCSE Results Day 11:00 – 14:00
6th Form Enrolment Day 11:00 onwards
SEPTEMBER
Monday 2 Staff INSET Day – No students at the Academy
Tuesday 3 Year 7 & 12 return
Wednesday 4 All Year Groups return
Tuesday 10 Intermediate Spanish Tuition starts (See Page 25 for more details)
18:00 – 19:30
Thursday 12 Beginners Spanish Tuition starts (See Page 25 for more details)
18:00 – 19:30
Thursday 12 Year 12 Success Evening 16:30 – 19:00
Tuesday 17 Year 7 Parents Tea Arbib/Darwin/Gaia
16:00 – 18:30
Tuesday 24 Year 7 Parents Tea Globe/Grace/Henley
16:00 – 18:30
Wednesday 25 Academy Open Day 16:00 – 20:00
Thursday 26 Late Start Academy opens at 09:10 for students
OCTOBER
Tuesday 1 Open Morning 08:30 – 10:00
Wednesday 2 Open Parent Forum 18:00 – 19:00
Thursday 3 Open Morning 08:30 – 10:00
Thursday 3 Year 9 AIG Evening 16:30 – 19:00
Tuesday 8 Open Morning 08:30 – 10:00
Thursday 10 Open Morning 08:30 – 10:00
Thursday 17 6th Form Open Evening 16:30 – 19:00
Wednesday 23 Year 11 Academic Afternoon (Maths & 6th Form focus)
14:00 – 16:00
Friday 25 End of Term 13:20
NOVEMBER
Monday 4 Start of Term 08:20
Dates for your Diary
5
Proposal for a new 3-11 Primary School
The Arbib Foundation, sponsor of The Langley
Academy, is delighted to announce plans for
a new primary school with a pre-school
nursery located in Slough where there is an
urgent need for primary places. We will offer
all children a guaranteed place at The Langley
Academy which is always over-subscribed.
Students at The Langley Primary Academy will
have their own entrance and playground, but
share sporting and other facilities without
having to leave the safety of the school site.
The Langley Academy site is 15 acres.
We intend to set up The Langley Primary Academy in partnership with The Langley Academy to make an all-
through school. The Langley Academy is a unique Academy; an establishment that makes a real difference to
students’ lives. We believe in a holistic education and through our pastoral and house system, we ensure
that students are happy, safe and able to develop into confident young people who believe they can achieve
anything they put their minds to. We will also use a house system at The Langley Primary Academy and focus
on Science, Museum Learning, Sustainability, Internationalism, Cricket and Rowing to deliver a truly
enriching experience. These areas of focus support the development of all children so they achieve highly
and come to understand the world around them and the part they can play in making it better.
It is our ambition to become the best ‘all-through’ academy in the country by offering an outstanding
curriculum that supports the principles of both depth and breadth. We will be placing a strong emphasis on
literacy and numeracy – the vital ‘3Rs’ of reading, writing and arithmetic. We also know that we must
provide much more than just outstanding SATs results and will develop your children’s social skills. We will
give them opportunities that they just do not get at a normal state school. We provide a stable foundation
that sets our students apart from others and gives them a real sense of self-belief and confidence that is so
important in the mind-set of a successful individual.
The Langley Primary Academy will offer unique opportunities for children of all abilities with a philosophy
based on providing an experience that allows them to become confident, independent and creative. We will
achieve this by having extremely high expectations of ourselves and those around us.
We wish to provide an education that enables and empowers children to live full and enriched lives
throughout their time with us, and importantly, once they have moved on to the secondary stage of
education. We will place a great emphasis on the qualities of honesty, integrity, work ethic,
selflessness, resilience, teamwork, innovation and initiative; qualities that can be better embedded at
Primary level.
***IMPORTANT NEWS***
Students with Slough MP Fiona Mactaggart
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The Langley Academy & Eton College Sleep Out for Centrepoint
Students from Eton College and The Langley Academy have
been commended by HRH The Duke of Cambridge after
raising over £11,500 for the youth homelessness charity
Centrepoint through a joint school ‘Sleep Out’ event.
Fifty pupils and six staff members from the two schools,
bedded down on the flagstones of the Eton college cloisters
to support Centrepoint, which works with 1,000 homeless
young people aged 16-25 each year.
Together they followed in the footsteps of The Duke who spent a night on the streets of London in 2009
to better understand youth homelessness – an issue faced by 80,000 young people annually across the
UK.
HRH The Duke of Cambridge said: "I would like to commend the students
across the country who have organised and participated in their own Sleep
Out. As a Patron of Centrepoint, it is an inspiration to see young people
coming together to help their peers and highlight the troublingly high rates
of homelessness among young people. Thanks to events like these, which
not only raise funds but also awareness, I am hopeful we can see an end to
youth homelessness in the UK in our lifetime.”
The pupils hope their efforts on Saturday 15 June will inspire other schools to
hold a Sleep Out of their own.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “Every young person deserves a
good start in life and that’s why I heartily congratulate the students of The
Langley Academy and Eton College who have raised a whopping £11,500 to
help support young people who find themselves homeless and without the
support that most of us take for granted.”
Elliot Perks, a student at Eton College, said: “I hugely underestimated how hard
it is for those who sleep rough, especially the younger people. The thought of
sleeping every night in conditions far colder, dirtier and less comfy than that
which we slept in has really opened my eyes to how important the work that Centrepoint does is.
“Not only did the sleep out raise a great sum of money for such a good cause, but it also created an
environment which enabled the people doing it to bond well, and was a great way to strengthen the
bond between us Etonians and the students from The Langley Academy. The sleep out for Centrepoint
was a great way of raising money for the young homeless, as it was rewarding (even enjoyable), yet also
gave a slight taste of how horrific it must be for those who are in such a position where they must sleep
rough every night, without the comfort of others around them."
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Centrepoint is holding a national Sleep Out month in June 2014 and urging pupils from schools across
the country to give up their beds for one night, so vulnerable peers can receive the support they need to
leave homelessness behind. Schools wishing to hold a Sleep Out should contact Centrepoint’s Georgia
Stride on [email protected].
John Raynham, Head of Funding at Centrepoint, said: “We owe a huge thank you to everyone from Eton
and The Langley Academy who joined the Sleep Out. Experiencing homelessness can have a huge impact
on a young person’s education - only 20 per cent of the young people arriving at Centrepoint have
between one and four GCSE passes, while many have no qualifications whatsoever. The £11,500 they
have raised will help Centrepoint provide not only a safe place to stay, but also vital support in accessing
education, or finding work.”
Centrepoint’s work is about more than just providing a safe bed for the night; Centrepoint helps young
people to turn their lives around by gaining essential life skills; tackling their physical and mental health
issues and moving into education or employment.
Through policy work, Centrepoint aims to influence public policy, campaigning on behalf of the young
people it supports and homeless young people throughout the UK. Founded in 1969, Centrepoint has
helped more than 75,000 homeless young people. HRH The Duke of Cambridge became Centrepoint’s
Patron in 2005. For more information, please visit www.centrepoint.org.uk
If you would like to support our students go to:-
http://www.justgiving.com/TheLangleyAcademy?utm_source=emailvision&utm_medium=email&utm_c
ampaign=FR_page_creation
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Maxine Donkor, 6th Form student from The Langley Academy said: “I will never forget this Sleep Out, it
has allowed me to experience first-hand being without what most of us take for granted: shelter and
warmth and comfort”
Iveta Pipavucte said “it was great meeting the guys from Eton College, they made us so welcome and
we chatted throughout the night then watched the sun come up over the cloisters”
6th
Formers Hadeeka Taj, Sainabou Njie and Maxine Donkor
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Another busy term culminated with each of the
Arbib House Tutor Group’s presenting their
Cricket stadiums that they had been working on as
a part of this term’s Cricket Focus. Six impressive
stadiums were put to a vote and Arbib 3’s
spherical futuristic design came out on top. Each
group also took part in the Cricket throwing
challenge and again Arbib 3 triumphed with
unmatched accuracy and outstanding team work.
Arbib 4 and 5 delivered superb assemblies on
‘Integrity’ and ‘Conflict’ respectively.
As the academic year draws to an end, it gives us a
chance to reflect on what has been a busy and
successful year for both Arbib House and the
Academy. I would like to take this opportunity to
thank the students for all of their contributions
towards the House and Academy.
The House Tutors do an outstanding job and put in lots of hours to ensure the students are progressing
and attaining all around the Academy. I would finally like to thank the Parents and Carers who have
supported our students on Academic Afternoon’s and Parents Evenings, with this support is drives our
students forward and ensures they have the help they need to succeed.
I wish everyone a fantastic and safe summer.
Ms Whelan
ARBIB HOUSE
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Yasmin Edwards and Umer Hussain have assumed the
responsibility connected with the role of Darwin House
Captains. This is a huge and a well-deserved honour for
both of them and we are sure that they will do a
wonderful job. The Darwin House Vice captains were
again selected from an outstanding array of Darwin
House talent. Decisions were again very tough and the
Darwin students who achieved the position are Callum
Schurer, Navjot Kaur, Aston Sharma and Chloe Evans.
Congratulations to all and the House tutors and I look
forward to working closely with you next year.
All six of the students mentioned above are academically
secure, with excellent behavioural and attendance
records. The House tutor team are utterly confident that
Yasmin, Umer, Aston, Callum, Chloe and Navjot will do a
wonderful job of service to the House and the Academy
until they, in turn, pass the responsibility to others next
year.
We have welcomed the new Year 6 Darwin intake into our Academy Taster Days. So many new faces,
albeit some with older brothers and sisters in the academy, with so many wonderful opportunities to
grow and develop into fine young people. At the other end we said goodbye to many of the current Year
11 students at the Prom. A wonderful event for a wonderful year: We look forward to seeing the GCSE
results in August and plot their progress as they move through life: Once a Darwinner, always a
Darwinner.
Speaking of which, we say goodbye to Jack Perkins from Year 8 (left),
who is leaving us this term. Jack has been an exemplary member of
Darwin House and Darwin 5 in particular. We shall miss his quick and
easy smile, his impeccable and unfailing politeness and his disposition
to help anyone at every opportunity. We hope that Jack will be happy
at Chalfont and he will always be remembered with much affection.
We wish everyone a great holiday and a well-deserved rest.
Mr Bott
DARWIN HOUSE
Umer Hussain and Yasmin Edwards
11
As the academic year draws to a close, it gives everyone involved with Gaia House the opportunity to
look back and reflect on yet again, another very successful year. Gaia House students have worked
tirelessly to achieve both their potential and their dreams and everyone involved has contributed to the
positive climate and ‘togetherness’ that the House is developing.
Our Year 11 students have completed their GCSE exams and have now begun the nervous but exciting
wait to receive their results in August while our new Year 7 students completed their final induction
earlier this month. Our Year 10s have now taken on the responsibility of leading the House onto even
bigger and better things across the Academy with two being chosen to become House Captains; Ashlie
Donnelly Gaia 4 BCH and Rochelle Bristol Gaia 2 JMU. Both students have done a wonderful job
working with younger students, completing their Duke of Edinburgh Qualification (Rochelle) and
receiving a House Tutor Award (Ashlie) in the Academy’s Presentation Evening last week –
congratulations to both girls.
Term 6 has seen the Vertical Tutor Programme (VTP) focus on Cricket and it was led by Grace House and
Ms Decosemo. During this term there were two challenges set for the students; the first one being the
Cricket Challenge to see which house could hit the stumps the most (below). Gaia 1 GGR were our
successful House Tutor Group hitting the stumps 5 times in the time allocation with George Hunt in Year
7 Gaia 1 GGR throwing the winning ball is a play-off round to secure top spot for the House.
GAIA HOUSE
Rico Power attempts to hit the stumps during the challenge
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The Project Design Challenge for the term was to develop a futuristic Cricket Stadium/Pitch. As usual, competition
amongst the House Tutor Groups was fierce with four contenders in the mix to be chosen to be put forward to
represent the House and compete against the other five Houses.
In the end, it was Gaia 6’s design that was submitted as our best design and I am delighted to announce
that we beat every other house to claim victory in the challenge – congratulations to Ms Carron and to
all of the students who contributed to the final design.
Term 6 has again seen Gaia House go from strength to strength with regards to House Points and with
our Attendance and Punctuality. As mentioned in last term’s newsletter, Jessica Davis in Gaia 1 GGR led
the way with 151 individual House Points for the year, and she was awarded with the prize of ‘The
Langley Academy Governor’s Award ’ during The Presentation Awards’ Evening last week after she
received a total of 340 House Points. This is an amazing achievement and it just goes to show that
everyone can make a positive contribution to Academy life, and work towards achieving their full
potential – well done Jessica!
Like most years, there are staff and students leaving us again this year and I would like to wish Jaedyn
Orange in Gaia 5 NCO, Khrystyna Lyubinets and Courtney Callus in Gaia 4 BCH the very best of luck in
the future as they leave us this summer. All three have been brilliant students and have worked
extremely hard to develop their knowledge and understanding. Also leaving us from the staff is Ms
Cooke who after 3 years at The Academy is moving onto a new job in London. Ms Cooke has been an
amazing member of staff and everyone associated with the house will miss her dearly and we all wish
her well – good luck.
As we approach the end of the year, I think back to September and ask myself, “Have we achieved what
we set out to achieve this academic year?”, the answer is simply better than I expected and I am very
proud of the students and staff involved with Gaia House. I hope that everyone enjoys their summer
holidays and I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to maximise the opportunities that
the new academic year will bring.
“All our dreams can come true – if we have the courage to pursue them!” - Walt Disney
Mr Spilsbury
Gaia 3 Ms Robinson’s entry Gaia 6 Ms Carron’s winning entry
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A new appointment has been made to the role of
Globe House Captain. The honour goes to
Tatenda Munzara. I wish to congratulate him on
his success and his submission of a brilliant letter
of application. He also recently addressed our
assembly and did so with confidence, ease and an
impressive manner.
He will now work closely with our other House
Captain, Alyssa Meacock. Together they will be
involved in all projects that Globe House
undertakes in the coming year. They will also
offer support to the House Tutors and students of
Globe House in various capacities. Well done
Tatenda.
The Key Focus of this term was Cricket and Globe
House participated well in the two competitions
during cricket week. Firstly, Globe 4 was successful
in creating the best futuristic pitch design. Their
product is now on display in the Academy
museum. Congratulations to Ms Keener and her
Tutor Group. Secondly, while Globe House did not
emerge as the overall winners of the bowling
competition, they won their first round heat. Globe
2 proved to be the best bowlers in their heat- great
work Globe 2. You have made Globe House proud.
Ms Keener’s winning pitch
Special mention must be made of the following students who have represented Globe House in an
exemplary manner throughout the year. They are: Alyssa Meacock, Tia Boland, Josh Leonard, Sasha
Scattergood, Nuno DiasConcalves, Aya Said, Olusola Sola, Tamana Begum and Teodora Roman.
I would like thank all of Globe students for their continuous dedication and commitment to maintaining
high standards in terms of attendance, behaviour, attainment and achievement. I hope you all have a
fantastic summer and enjoy your well-earned break.
Ms Pereira
GLOBE HOUSE
Tatenda Munzara and Alyssa Meacock
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Cricket Week was held during the week of Monday 24
to Friday 28 June and was a great success. Lessons
were held with a Cricket theme or link; an Inter-House
Cricket competition was held and results will be
announced soon. The Vertical Tutor Programme
focused on different aspects and key words to do with
Cricket; the House Tutor Group Bowling competition
was held. Arbib 3, Darwin 5, Gaia 1, Globe 2, Grace 6
and Henley 5 all reached the final. Henley 5 won the
competition. Very well done!
Year 10 students were asked to send in a letter of
application for the role of Grace House Captain. They
were interviewed and had to give a presentation to the
Grace House assembly. The Grace House students then
voted for the two students, who they felt would make
the best House Captains. The five students who applied
were Keerit Devgon, Jessika Dhanoa, John Jentsch, Jade
Kempster and Conor Taggart. The successful candidates
were Keerit Devgon and Jessika Dhanoa. Well done to
both of them. They will be the two Grace House Captains
until next May, when the Year 11 students leave.
We now look forward to CAS week at the end of term. Grace House students have signed up for all the
events and I wish all participants luck in their chosen events. Go Grace!
All that remains is for me to wish all members of Grace House and their families a lovely summer
holiday. Stay safe and I look forward to seeing you all back refreshed and ready, for the opportunities
and challenges of a new academic year.
Ms Decosemo
GRACE HOUSE
Keerit Devgon and Jessika Dhanoa
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Appointments have been made for the House
Captains for 2013 / 2014. It gives me great
pleasure to announce that Sam Shilton and
Kelsey Edwards will now have the honour of
taking on this prestigious role within
Henley. They were successful despite the
excellence of the other candidates that they were
up against. Indeed, all of the candidates were so
impressive that Chloe Jacobs, Ina Hajrullahi,
Georgia Watty and Karan Thapa will be working
with Assistant Head of House, Miss Vernon, on a
number of activities over the coming year and will
also be supporting Sam and Kelsey when needed.
Henley students participated in the recent Cricket Week activities and their endeavours have reaped
rewards. Firstly, He5 were triumphant in the Bowling competition winning both their House Heat and
the overall final. Hammaad Hussain of Year 10 reports that he hit the stumps with all five of his efforts,
providing his Tutor Group with the platform they required for victory.
In addition to the bowling, Tutor Groups were tasked with designing and creating model Cricket
stadiums. At the time of writing no overall winner had been announced, but He4 are in contention after
creating a stunning stadium out of food. As you can see from the picture, it genuinely looks good
enough to eat! He2 were second in the House competition, which shows lots of hard work and
enthusiasm.
HENLEY HOUSE
Kelsey Edwards and Sam Shilton
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Once again I shall be using the Henley Awards Assembly to present vouchers and certificates to the
students in each year group with the best Attitude to Learning average across all of their subjects. The
latest recipients will be: Anpreet Brar of Year 7 whose AtL was 1.15; Jaiya Sidhu, Madihah Rashid and
Danielle Deadman of Year 8 whose AtL was 1.08; Maarukh Nasir of Year 9 whose AtL was 1.1; Jasleen
Rehal and Kelsey Edwards of Year 10 whose AtL was 1.1. These students have really pushed themselves
and Henley House is proud of them. I look forward to rewarding excellent attitudes to learning again
next year.
Finally I’d like to say well done to the whole of Henley House. Over the course of the year there have
been lots for us to celebrate both individually and collectively. I’d like to wish the students a wonderful
summer and I anticipate many more successes in the coming academic year.
Mr Goodchild
This term Year 12 students have been focussing on their UCAS applications. I am pleased with the
amount of students who are taking their futures into their own hands and independently researching
courses/universities and attending open days – this is really great to witness. The first drafts of personal
statements have in some cases been completed and others will be finished by the end of the year
thanks to a Drop Down Day during CAS week. The summer holidays provides students the opportunity
to gain any required work experience or voluntary work needed to enhance their personal statements
and I really encourage that they do this to make them stand out from the competition.
Year 12 students were given the chance to go out on work
experience during the week of 17 June and 97 students took
advantage of this opportunity, with several arranging their own
placements.
One of these was Assam Ghulam who was placed with a 'museum
blogger' Julie Reynolds in order to write an article for on-line
publication about digital/new media and museums. Assam met with
Julie at the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum which
led to him deciding on a research question for his blog based on the
participatory concepts of the Open Culture 2013 conference. He
attended the conference as a freelance journalist where he
interviewed museum people and he will follow this up by
interviewing staff at other museums.
6th FORM
17
For more information on Assam's work placement, click here:
http://www.collectionslink.org.uk/blog/1965-whats-this-with-weve-been-hearing-about-
Two other students had museum placements at King's College London Archives Library Services, and
Windsor museum. Students had a more active responsibility in choosing their placements this year and
final places were as diverse as residential care to sports coaching, retail to admin and schools to hotels.
Our students have received some fantastic employer reports which will stand them in good stead for
their future applications for university or work.
At the end of June, we wished our Year 13 students well at the Prom. It was a really good night and fun
was had by all (including the teachers, with some, not leaving the dancefloor all night!). Guled Omar
was voted Prom King and Neha Parkash was voted Prom Queen. Thank you to Mr Rider, Ms Hewitt and
Ms Benford for all their time and efforts decorating the venue and organising the Prom.
I am very pleased with the amount of students (TLA and external students from other schools) who
attended our Induction Week. We had over 95 students each day, attending 6th Form lessons and study
skills sessions with the aim of bridging the gap between studying GCSEs and A Levels/Level Three BTECs.
The behaviour, attitude and business dress of all students were exemplary and I am certain that when
they all arrive in September they will make a fantastic Year 12. Well done to all the students who
showed commitment to their post-16 education during this week and a big thank you to all staff who
delivered sessions and helped organise the event. A reminder that the Summer Work will be due in on
Monday 16 September.
Enrolment into Year 12 will happen on GCSE Results Day following the schedule below. If you cannot
attend please could you let Ms Chana know on 01753 214 473.
GCSE Results Day Thursday 22 August
11:00 – 14:00
Collection of GCSE results from 11:00
Enrolment into Year 12 from 11:30
Students will need to bring their enrolment pack with them on GCSE results day
Students are not automatically enrolled into Year 13. We will take into consideration student
attendance, behaviour and AS results/BTEC progress. Every student will be considered on an individual
basis. Enrolment will happen on AS/A2 Results day and will follow the program below:
AS Results Day Thursday 15 August
11:00 – 14:00
Collection of AS results from 11:00
Enrolment into Year 13 from 11:00
If students know that they will be absent, they will need to make an appointment to meet with me
before the start of the new term during the summer holidays via Ms Chana on 01753 214 473.
18
The first day for Year 12 will be on Tuesday 3 September and all students who have been successfully
enrolled into our 6th Form must attend. They must arrive at The Langley Academy via Green Drive gate
by 08:20 and meet 6th Form staff in the Atrium. Students must be wearing Business Dress. A jam-packed
day has been planned including team-building activities and leadership training to become Prefects.
Lunch and snacks will be provided for students. Please note that all students will need to bring PE kit
on this day. The day will end at 15:40.
The first day for Year 13 will be on Wednesday 4 September and all students must attend. They must
arrive at The Langley Academy via Green Drive gate by 08:15 and meet 6th Form staff in the Atrium.
After an assembly, students will follow their normal timetable which will be given to them on this
morning. As per the normal Wednesday timetable, the day will end at 13:20.
I wish you all a fantastic summer holiday and I look forward to celebrating your success with you on the
results days in the summer.
Ms Humber
In Ms Lin's Year 8 English class students had the opportunity to dress in authentic Elizabethan costumes,
courtesy of Reading Museum. Amnah Elsayed and Harry Turner bravely volunteered to be runway
models and parade around the Academy in the heavy woollen clothing. The two outfits are authentically
made reproductions of the fashions of Shakespeare's day.
English
Amnah Elsayed, Ms Lin and Harry Turner
19
This term has wrapped up a great year of Mathematics here at The Langley Academy. At the end of this
year all the students’ hard work has been put to the test. Year 11 have finished their GCSE and some
students have had the opportunity to sit Further Mathematics GCSE and Paired Mathematics GCSE. The
year 10s have sat their GCSE and the 12s and 13s have finished their A-Level courses. After completing
their progress tests, the year 7s got a taster lesson from each year 7 Maths teacher and the year 8s have
had an opportunity to explore the works of Pythagoras of Samos and his famous theorem.
Maths
20
Cambridge Chemistry Challenge 2013
The Science Department is proud to announce that our students have been extremely successful in our
first ever entry as a school to the Cambridge Chemistry Challenge. The results are as follows: Salman
Manzoor (Copper Award), Archibald Nhlangano (Silver Award), Jade Scammell (Silver Award),
Gurgundeep Singh (Silver Award), Shiva Vanukuru (Silver Award) and Matthew Roberts (Roentgenium
Award).
The Copper Award is presented to the top 60% in the country, Silver is for the top 20% and Gold is for
the top 10%. The Roentgenium Award is one award level above Gold, and was presented this year to
students who scored in the top 0.8% in the country (top 48 students out of 6220 entries).
Matthew and the other Roentgenium Award winners have been invited to attend a Residential
Chemistry Camp at Cambridge University this summer in order to sharpen their Chemistry skills and
work with the Chemistry professors. We are incredibly proud of all of our Chemistry students. They truly
are an exceptional group of young scientists.
Science
Archibald Nhlangano, Shiva Vanukuru and Matthew Roberts
21
Year 7 Trip to Henley River and Rowing Museum
The Year 7 End of Year Ecology project has involved the students taking measurements and observing
flora and fauna in the TLA Organic Garden and the Henley River and Rowing Museum. Students have
enjoyed using the data loggers to take measurements of temperature, humidity and light intensity in
various areas to determine how these variables attract different plant and animal wildlife. Their project
will end by gathering all of their evidence together for a final presentation back in their science
classroom.
Year 7 have been examining what can be done about Global Warming and Climate change and have
been assessing different religious responses to the problem we all face. Some students came up with
some very interesting ideas and showed a good understanding of why most faiths put forward the idea
that we should look after the natural environment.
Year 8 have been investigating racism and discrimination in society and have looked into the lives of
famous people such as Martin Luther King, Mahatma Ghandi, and Nelson Mandela. People who have
dedicated their lives fighting for the principles of justice and fairness. Towards the end of this term
several groups of students have produced some very thoughtful and reflective articles about these
famous lives which led to some lively and interesting discussions in class.
RPS
Students by the river in Henley
22
Year 9 students have been studying religious responses to relationships. As part of their SRE programme
Gary Stanton gave each Year 9 class a very interesting talk about relationships and the importance of
staying safe online. One Year 9 class were also lucky enough to discuss the reasons for Christian
marriage with the local vicar from St Mary’s Church Rev Grayson. Rev Grayson commented on how well
behaved the students were and how much he enjoyed meeting them. Well done Year 9!
Year 10 have been grappling with the difficult questions raised by science and religion about the origin
of the universe and life on earth. We have looked at both the Christian and Scientific accounts in equal
measure and have encouraged the students to make up their own minds about what at times raised
many perplexing and difficult questions in class. One Year 10 class were given a special lesson on
evolution by Mr Thiessen. They were all very interested especially when Mr Thiessen explained why
some fish with red spots in his fish tank had an evolutionary edge over the other less colourful fish! The
session certainly helped improve everybody’s understanding of how evolution works and got all
students actively thinking about the possible religious responses to this theory.
Unfortunately both Ms Mazhar and Ms Goraj are leaving the Academy at the end of the term. I should
just like to say a very big ‘thank you’ to them for all their hard work and dedication over the years. We
all wish you well for the future and hope your new posts are just as successful.
.
Spotlight on Product Design
Product Design is the new option on the block.
Students this term have been working on some
amazing projects using plastic to good effect.
The Pacman inspired light designed and made
by Sehanna Dev in Year 9, has been the subject
of many ‘wows’ and glowing comments from
students catching a glance of it. I am sure that
she is looking forward to taking it home at the
end of term.
Students will be embarking on Product Design projects from Year 7 as we introduce Product Design into
our DT rotation to complement Textiles and Food Technology from September.
Design & Technology
23
DT Logo
Thank you for all your entries into the DT Logo competition, Your
House Points have been awarded and logged onto the system.
The winner(s) will be selected and announced by the DT team by
the end of term.
We have a tough decision to make as many of your designs were
outstanding. Thank you for your interest and enthusiasm. Keep a
look out for future DT events and competitions starting in
September.
What Wozzit?
Chloe Donnelly (Year 10) was the winner of our first ‘What Izzit– DT curiosity’ correctly identifying the
image of the chuck of a pillar drill. Thank you for your entries; Hope you enjoyed your sweets Chloe!
Enter the half termly ‘What Izzit? competition and get involved. Look out for posters in the South Wing.
CURIOSITY- WHAT IZZIT??
Competition time Year 7-13. Correctly identify this object
from DT for a chance to win a prize.
To enter: Find Mrs Stacey for a competition slip and post
your entries in the competition box in SO12 by 16 July.
Get Involved!
24
Thanks to loans from the Reading Museum and the Oxford Museum of the History of Science, Year 9
students discovered and researched a variety of objects used to tell the time throughout the centuries:
Buttterfield dials, equatorial dials, pocket watches and much more! In collaboration with our Museum
Learning Curator, the students wrote labels in French and in English for our very own exhibition.
If your child can speak another
language other than English
fluently, they can be given the
opportunity to take their GCSE/A
LEVEL in that language. By doing so
they gain an additional qualification
and gain extra UCAS points for their
University application!
The teaching of the language is not provided by TLA but we have enrichment clubs in place, in a variety
of Community Languages. Students are encouraged to attend these clubs which will prepare them for
the examination.
So far, we have Panjabi, Urdu, Arabic, Polish and Portuguese clubs running next academic year but more
can be put in place depending on demand.
If you are interested in giving your child the opportunity to take a qualification in another language,
he/she should collect a form from Mrs Lorgeoux (HOF MFL) in S2.09.
MFL
25
The MFL Faculty organised the viewing of the film “Joyeux Noël” on 25
June 2013 in the theatre for the students who took part in the trip to
Northern France last April and for selected Y9 students who have been
studying the First World War in their history lessons. During their day in
Ypres, the students visited various museums depicting the lives in the
trenches during World War I and the film gave them a further insight.
The students enjoyed the movie which followed the lives and stories of
the Scottish, the German and the French troops who, on the Christmas
Eve of 1914, in the Western Front in France, had a truce and shared
moments of peace and friendship.
Community Outreach
The Langley Academy will be offering Spanish lessons for adults. The lessons will be delivered by a native
Spanish Native. 2 groups will be running:
Tuesdays – Intermediate/Advanced (possibility of sitting GCSE)
Thursdays – Beginners (more conversation based)
The timings for both lessons will be 18:00-19:30 and the price is £180 for the year (payable at the start
of the course, in September)
The intermediate group will start on 10 September 2013 and the beginners group will start on 12
September 2013.
These courses are open to the community so do let me know if you would like to join by emailing me
directly at [email protected]. In your email please indicate what your current
level of Spanish is: beginner/intermediate/advanced. Also, please note that the price may vary slightly
depending on numbers of participants.
Looking forward to hearing from all you Spanish enthusiasts!
26
On 12 June, 12 Gifted and Talented Year 7 Art students were given the opportunity to work with Mixed
Media Textile Artist Michael Brennand-Wood. Inspired by Michael Brennand-Woods work students
decorated the elephant with symbols related to their House Focus and Academy colours.
Who is Michael Brennand Wood?
Michael Brennand Wood is internationally regarded as one of the most
innovative and inspiring artists working textiles. A defining characteristic of
his work has been a sustained commitment to the conceptual synthesis of
contemporary and historical sources, in particular the exploration of three-
dimensional line, structure and pattern. He has persistently worked within
contested areas of textile practice, embroidery, pattern, lace and recently
floral imagery. Sites, which offer unbroken traditions, cross cultural
interventions and a freedom to work outside the mainstream. He believes
that the most innovative contemporary textiles emanate from an assured
understanding of both textile technique and history. (http://brennand-
wood.com/michael.html)
CAPA
Joshua Mold, Kenisha Nedrick, Milo Quinton, Ruby Kahlon, Alhena Chohan, Abbi Griffin, Tazeel Mirza, Harjeet Bal, Paige Murray,
Alex Poole, Amreece Gill, and Komal Choudhrey.
27
Colour, Symbols, Pattern and Paint
Students initially identified 6 key symbols related to the House Foci (Arbib – The Dinosaur, Darwin –
Science Test Tubes, Gaia – Recycling symbols, Globe – International Pattern, Grace – Cricket Bats, Henley
– Rowing Boats and Oars); they also chose a recurring symbol of a jigsaw piece. Using paint, patterned
papers and fabric students worked together to decorate the elephant. The hardest part was decorating
the underside of the Elephant. Once the Elephant was dry he was decorated with wrapped cardboard
pieces (gifts and offerings from each of the houses) and knotted and plaited fabric and string which
represent the different houses interlocking and working together.
The Elephant Family
Gaia’s House Charity is ‘The Elephant Family’. The cardboard elephant was donated to the Academy last
year from Decopatch as part of the Academy’s Elephant Parade. The TLA Elephant is currently on display
in the Academy’s Museum. Mini Elephants will be on sale at the TLA Fair later this year. All proceeds will
go towards ‘The Elephant Family’ Charity.
28
Bank of England Experience
During the trip to the Bank of England many of us were intrigued by the Gold bar in the exhibit. After the
lovely presentation in the cinema room many of us thought of money in a different prospective. Most of
us are now aware of ways to detect whether the money that is being passed to us is real or fake- i.e
using a UV light, aluminium sticker and line, watermark of the queen’s face, print quality and micro
lettering. The students were amazed when they used the UV light in the computer room to find the
aluminous number on the notes. Overall our experience at the Bank of England was mind blowing and
encouraged many of us to take money more seriously and how to treat/use it effectively in life. We
enjoyed learning all of the skills we gained and bringing them to The Langley Academy to influence
others and to use in the future.
By Jaya Ralhan and Ellie Long (Gaia 6)
Year 8 Cricket v Hershel Grammar School
The Year 8 team won their first game of the season on Monday 10 June as they beat Hershel Grammar
by 3 wickets. The team reduced Hershel to 98 for 2 in their 20 overs with Rhys Willis and Harminder
Bhinder both taking one wicket. Anish Patel finished with figures of 0-10 off his 4 overs and bowled
superbly throughout. Chasing 99 to win opener Fateh Khan scored a career best of 22 and was
supported well by Harminder Bhinder (14) and Aaron Barolia (8) to guide the team to victory. Barolia
won the game with a majestic 4 off over mid-wicket and was the hero at the end! Man of the match was
Fateh Khan for his brilliant batting display.
PE
Business
Year 9 students outside the Bank of England
29
Year 8 Cricket v Wexham
The Year 8 team won their final game of the season on Monday 1 July as they beat Wexham by 7
wickets. Wexham scored 101 off of their 16 overs with Rupinder Hayer the pick of the Academy bowlers
with 1-19 off of his 4 overs. Openers Fateh Khan (7) and Harminder Bhinder (14) gave us a good
start then skipper Jamal Chaudry scored a fantastic 33 not out to move us towards the total needed.
After Chaudry had retired Anish Patel (16no) came to crease with Yousef Javed (3no) and scored the
runs needed to win the game with one ball to spare! Man of the match was Jamal Chaudry for his
stunning batting performance.
Well done to all of the Year 8 students involved in the cricket team this year!
Jamal Chaudry, Year 8
30
Wheelchair Basketball
A number of students have had a fantastic opportunity to play wheelchair basketball at Arbourvale
School. The boys that attended the match have been involved in the road to Rio club that has been
running each term at the Academy. The boys were fantastic at the fixture and managed to adapt to the
rules of the game quickly. The team was led by both the Young Ambassadors Matthew Ensby and
Bradley Powell. The game was evenly matched for the first two quarters with some good shooting from
Tommy Dunstall and Delroy Rose. As the game progressed the Academy managed a final push to win
the game 22-14. A huge thank you to Kevin Hughes who helped organise the event.
Matthew Ensby, Bradley Powell, Tommy Dunstall, Delroy Rose, Delwyn Rose, Jamal Chaudry and Manny Harlow
31
Tri Golf Tournament
The Langley Academy Golf leaders were asked to help run the Tri golf tournament at the The South
Buckinghamshire Academy. The boys involved thoroughly enjoyed the day and were a credit to the
Academy.
Ryan George, Liam Condon, Liam Davies, Asad Rehman, Tommy Dunstall Darnell Scadding Ryan Butcher, Stefan Peverill, Troy
Peverill, Arjun Sandhra, Jay Dhami, Harry Bennett, Mathew Cargin. Tyrell Miller, Ryan Freeland and Talia Dolman
32
As Zakhia Hussain moves on to pastures new, the SRB bid her
farewell in style, with afternoon tea (albeit in the morning!)
Zakhia demonstrated her outstanding attitude to learning yet
again by coming into the Academy after the official Year 11
leaving date, to complete her ICT course work to Distinction
level. Well done Zakhia!
To celebrate her success, we shared a convivial morning,
together with all of Zakhia’s tutors and enjoyed the delicious
cakes she had home baked.
We are extremely proud of Zakhia’s achievements and wish her
the best of luck at East Berkshire College as she continues to
develop her artistic flare.
SRB
Zakhia Hussain
Ms Sharma, Ms Whitehead, Ms Clegg, Zakhia Hussain, Ms Beaton and Ms Naeem
33
Goodbye Ms Parr
The Langley Academy bids a sad farewell to Ms Suzie Parr, our
marvellous Museum Learning Officer. Suzie worked at the Academy
for four years and is off on an exciting adventure. She will be the
Head of DT at a school in Nepal.
In her time with us Suzie worked with many staff and students and
will be much missed. The Museum Council and club students
described Suzie as “fun, bubbly and stress free.” “She always
listened to us.” “She always gave everyone a role.”
We hope to welcome a new Museum Learning Officer to the
Academy soon.
Reaching for the skies with Museum Learning
You may know the aeroplane that
hangs in the Academy, the Flying Flea.
This is on loan from Brooklands
Museum. Next year the museum is
going to loan us a working 1930s
sports car and some classic
motorcycles. Unfortunately we can’t
have them for long, just a day, but the
Museum Council have big plans for
them.
This term the club and council visited
Brooklands to look at the choice of
cars. As you can see, the photograph is
of another plane, rather than a car.
The students all rather fancied this Hawker Hurricane, currently being restored by the museum.
Hurricanes were test flown at Langley during the Second World War. It is a bit big for the atrium – but
perhaps one day it will visit Langley again.
Museum Learning
34
Out and About
This term Year 7 students visited the River and Rowing Museum looking at plants and animals that live
in and around water. This was part of a project they are doing create ideas for our organic garden.
Buisness students visited the Bank of England Museum and CAPA students visited the Globe Theatre on
their London theatre trip.
In school, year 12 psychology students were visited by Caroline Smith from Bethlem Hopsital Museum
and Archive.
The rhythm of the language is a mystery in itself
Students were specially chosen to take part in a project with a performance poet over the last term.
Working with Ms El-Mamoun and Ms Parr students learning English were encouraged to explore the
English language and create resources for themselves and other students.
Ina Marie- Ecogo, Olivia Rolle, Abdalla Said, Aleksandra Wieteska, Anila Zahoor and Abdullah
Ahmed devised sessions with Yaw Asiyama a performance poet and playwright. Yaw then delivered this
session in local primary schools. Foxborough, Ryvers and Marish Primary hosted the Academy students
and the poet, spending the day devising poetry to a musical track created by academy students. Each
group of students focused on a different word which was translated into many languages with a poem
weaved around the key words.
The final track will include all students and we hope to make it available on-line so you can experience
the rhythm of language for yourself.
Ina Marie-Ecogo, Olivia Rolle, Abdalla Said, Aleksandra Wieteska, Anila Zahoor, Abdullah Ahmed, Ms Parr
and Ms El-Mamoun with Yaw Asiyama
35
Watch this space…
Over the summer we will re-hang some of the objects in the atrium space. This includes an air
deployable car, a 5 m high DNA structure and a sailing dinghy.
Next year we will be looking at the
life of war artist Paul Nash. He is
famous for his work in the firist
world war and is buried in st
Mary’s churchyard in langley. This
is part of a proejct with Slough
Museum, supported by the
Heritage Lottery Fund.
We are very excited about our
forthcoming exhibition with the
V&A Museum. The museum is
going to loan the Acdemy some
beautiful ceramic pieces.
The earliest dates from 1620 and the latest is a contemporay Wedgewood plate. The ceramics are from
all over the world and will look fantastic in our museum cases to celebrate Internationalism next
September.
Hadeeka Taj, a 6th Form student with a talent for creative writing wrote a poem which was included in a poetry anthology. It was part of a collaboration between First Story and the Eton, Slough, Windsor and Hounslow Independent and State School Partnership (ISSP). The Unwritten Rules I’ve been told you should switch on the lights before it gets dark, I’ve been told that everything in the fridge has a specific place, I’ve been told that wearing hats indoors is an offence regardless of the weather, I’ve been told that the conversing with strangers on the Tube is a crime, Laughing in public places is illegal, I’ve been told that drinking juice from the carton is immoral, I’ve been told that articulating your political views on the Tube is a sin, I’ve been told so many things, the list is endless … never ending.
Curator Rowan Bains from the V&A showing a Ms Blay, Ms Turner and some of
the students some of the objects the Academy will be borrowing.
Gifted & Talented
36
Students choice: Book promotions in the Library
Charlaine Harris a New York Times bestselling author and Agatha Award winner, who
has been writing for over twenty five years. After publishing two stand-alone
mysteries, Harris launched the lighthearted Aurora Teagarden books with Real
Murders, followed by the Sookie Stackhouse urban fantasy series about a telepathic
waitress. Her latest book in the ‘Dead’ series, Dead Ever After, was published this
year and is already on the US Best Seller list. Alan Ball, creator of the HBO television
series Six Feet Under, announced he would undertake the production of a
new HBO series based upon the books. He wrote and directed the pilot
episode for that series, True Blood. It was an instant success and is now
filming its fourth season. Professionally, Harris is a member of the Mystery
Writers of America, the American Crime Writers League, Sisters in Crime, and
the International Crime Writers Association. She is a past member of the
boards of Sisters in Crime and MWA. She is also a member of Science Fiction
Writers of America and the Horror Writers Association. Personally, Harris is
married and the mother of three. She lives in a small town in Southern
Arkansas and her house is full of rescue dogs.
Great interactive web site. http://www.charlaineharris.com/
Emma L. Young is an award winning science journalist and writer, who currently works in Sydney as the Editor for
New Scientist magazine. She has the chance to find out about the latest science and technology because of this
job, and she uses this knowledge in her novels.
The series follows a group of highly intelligent teenagers who band together to form STORM (Science
and Technology to Over-Rule Misery) a covert organisation who use their brainpower to rid the world of
various evil threats.
The books incorporate a large
element of high-tech gadgetry and
science. These plot elements are
based in fact, as the author states at
the end of each book, along with a
summary of the genuine research
and inventions which inspire her
writing.
Library
37
We were delighted to welcome Year 6 students to the Science Conferences at the beginning of June. 169
of the 184 who will be joining us as Academy students in Year 7 in September were able to attend. As
well as getting to meet each other albeit briefly they spent the afternoon making gunge with the Science
staff. Thank you also to the current Year 7 students who volunteered to help as meet and greet guides
at the gate.
Organic Garden
Year 6 Induction – Science Conferences
Ms Malama with some of the Year 6 boys Ms Singo with some of the Year 6 girls
3 newcomers to the organic garden team. We look forward to another year of organic growth.
38
Potato growing primary pupils produced a bumper harvest in
Langley.
Pupils from Ryvers, Pippins, St Mary's, Parlaunt Park and White
Waltham primary school's took part in the Potato Challenge,
which is run by the Newbury & District Agricultural Society.
On Tuesday, the final weigh-in was held at Langley Academy in
Langley Road after a fun session in which the youngsters made
and ate their own potato salads.
Prizes were awarded to the school with the heaviest yield for
each of the two potato varieties grown and it was St Mary's
Primary School in Yew Tree Road who came out on top in both
categories.
Julia Garrett, from St Mary's, said: "The children have really
enjoyed this project and it has been very effective in helping
them to understand how their food is produced."
Pupils from the five participating schools planted their
potatoes in compost bags in March and have been tending
their crops with care ever since.
Any items not collected before the end of term will be donated to charity over the summer holidays.
You can now purchase uniform items through our Uniform Shop. You will find the link to it when you
logon to your ParentPay account and there’s also a link on the homepage of our Website.
Simply click and pay for the items you wish to purchase and collect from the Academy.
Lost Property
Potato Challenge
ParentPay Uniform Shop
39
Students We Need You!!! Did you help out with the TLA Fair?
Do you like volunteering? Do you like fundraising?
If you answered yes to any of the above email Ms Brock about being a Charities Council House Rep.
TLACHARITIESCOUNCIL