Academic Update

Dear Parents / Carers,   As we near the end of another action-packed term at Chelsea Academy, the students have their busiest time ahead of them in the shape of their end of term exams. This can be a stressful time, however, students should approach it with a positive mindset. They should view these key assessments as an opportunity to show off how much they have learned over the course of the term and to reach a new level in terms of the certificates or grades they are achieving. The advantage with end of term exams is that even if things have not been plain sailing all term, if you put the necessary hours of revision in using the resources…

Dear Parents / Carers,

 

As we near the end of another action-packed term at Chelsea Academy, the students have their busiest time ahead of them in the shape of their end of term exams. This can be a stressful time, however, students should approach it with a positive mindset. They should view these key assessments as an opportunity to show off how much they have learned over the course of the term and to reach a new level in terms of the certificates or grades they are achieving. The advantage with end of term exams is that even if things have not been plain sailing all term, if you put the necessary hours of revision in using the resources provided, you can still do really well.

 

Revision guides and end of term assessment fortnight

Here is a very brief summary to clarify what revision resources have been given to which year groups:

  • All Year 11 students were given free revision guides (an on-going initiative that Year 11 students have really appreciated in the past) on Wednesday 22nd November, so these should be appearing in your households from now on, especially in the run-up to the mock exams.
  • Year 10 students have also been given free RE revision guides to help them to prepare for their mock exam, which will take place on Friday 8th November. Students should focus on revising Christian and Islamic beliefs only for that particular exam.
  • As previously mentioned, revision materials will be provided for all students in Years 7-10 by their teachers at least one week in advance of these key assessments.

 

Full details of exactly when Year 7-10 end of term exams will take place will be shared on the website by the end of next week. Many thanks to Ms Dhawan for putting all of that information together.

 

The key questions students should be asking to support them with their revision are:

  • Exactly what do I need to revise?
  • What resources do I need to revise?
  • What strategies will help me to revise each subject (these may differ)?

 

The value of competition

If you are aiming to be the best, it is important to see what ‘the best’ looks like, which is why this year at Chelsea Academy, we are entering students for more competitions than ever before, both internally and externally. There are many differing opinions around the value of competition, some positive and some negative, but I strongly believe that it can be a force for good if approached in the right way. Here are the views of Jennifer Veale, founder and Executive Director of TrueCompetition.org, which resonate strongly with our approach:

 

“Healthy competition inspires kids to do their best – not just good enough. When students compete they will become more inquisitive, research independently, and learn to work with others. They will strive to do more than is required. These abilities prepare children for future situations of all kinds. Whether it’s applying to college, seeking a promotion, or finding a cure for cancer, the ability to be competitive will give them an important edge.”

 

The great news is that our students have not only been involved in, but also won some very high profile awards over the past few weeks. Here are the details:

 

The Grocer’s Award

What a performance our Year 12 and 13 Grocer’s team put together!

Their idea of “Not Done Yet”, a social media app geared towards increasing face to face interactions amongst retirees, went on to win this years Grocer’s Award.

The team’s stellar performance in front quite an impressive panel including; Cath Kidston, Ozwald Boateng (Savile Row designer), Jenny Dawson (Rubies in the Rubble) and Tristram Mayhew (Co founder of Go Ape) meant they won the coveted Grocer’s Award and are now competing in the final of the Livery Awards on the 31st January.

 

If students want to get involved in any competitions, here is what we currently offer, so please do encourage your sons / daughters to go and speak to the relevant Curriculum Leaders, and look out for details of additional competitions that will be added at the start of each term, along with the updated extended curriculum offer.

 

Competition Years Date Description House Olympics Cup
CISCO LittleBIG Award 7 – 9 Nov – Feb The Little BIG Awards is a rewarding and exciting way to improve your business and life skills, while also being a fun way to cover some academic topics that will help towards your formal qualifications. You will work as a team with assistance from one or more industry ambassadors to solve a problem; design, develop and prototype a solution; and build a business plan around your idea. Technology
Gas Works 7-13 (Most Able) Sep-Jan Contractors developing Lots Road Gas Works site have commissioned Chelsea Academy students to create paintings to be displayed on shuttering of the demolition site. Arts
Christmas Card 7-13 Oct-Nov Academy Christmas Card Design Competition 2017; final design plus highly commended selected by SLT. Arts
UKMT Senior Team Maths Challenge 12/13 Nov-Dec The STMC is a competition testing mathematical, communication and teamwork skills, and students compete against teams from other schools and colleges from their region. Science and Maths
UKMT Individual Challenges 8/10/12/13 Throughout The UKMT Individual Maths Challenges are lively, intriguing multiple choice question papers, which are designed to stimulate interest in maths in large numbers of pupils. The three levels cover the secondary school range 11-18 and together they attract over 600,000 entries from over 4,000 schools and colleges. Science and Maths