Academic Update – October 2020

The Academy has returned to life and it is wonderful to have the students and staff back in classrooms doing what we know at Chelsea Academy we do best, teaching and learning. The return to school life has been excellent and the students are the embodiment of our Christian values celebrating joy, perseverance and forgiveness as they thrive in their learning. Key Stage 3: Year 7 have had a strong start to their academic journey at Chelsea Academy. It was a great pleasure to see that despite missing out on their SATs in Year 6, they had a really positive attitude to sitting their CAT Tests and Reading Assessments. The outcomes of these tests will help ensure that the Year…

The Academy has returned to life and it is wonderful to have the students and staff back in classrooms doing what we know at Chelsea Academy we do best, teaching and learning. The return to school life has been excellent and the students are the embodiment of our Christian values celebrating joy, perseverance and forgiveness as they thrive in their learning.

Key Stage 3:
Year 7 have had a strong start to their academic journey at Chelsea Academy. It was a great pleasure to see that despite missing out on their SATs in Year 6, they had a really positive attitude to sitting their CAT Tests and Reading Assessments. The outcomes of these tests will help ensure that the Year 7 students are challenged and supported as necessary in their learning as they begin their secondary education. 

All Independent Learning is accessible for students and guardians through their Google Classroom accounts. Guidance and support on using this platform effectively can be accessed through the parents section of the Chelsea Academy website. 

Year 8 have returned with a great sense of maturity and motivation to learn. They have made positive gains in making up for the missed learning opportunities during the Academy closure. Year 8 teachers have been working in lessons to identify and address gaps, supporting student progress in a variety of low stakes assessments aimed at engaging and motivating students as they make up for missed learning. Year 8 engagement in Google Classroom has been excellent. It is a great platform in developing student responsibility and independence. Any missed learning due to unplanned absence is easily accessed via their own Google Classroom accounts. The expectation for all our students to ‘work hard and no excuses’ is stronger than ever!

Key Stage 4:
GCSE studies have started for Year 9 and they have engaged positively in their new classes. Years 10 and 11 continue to demonstrate great perseverance in their attitude toward their studies. Year 11s, in particular, know how important every lesson is in the build up to their future exams. We continue to work with them and help them prepare for any eventuality. We are committed to our vision for a broad and balanced curriculum that enables students to be successful whatever they choose to do after Year 11. This continues despite the uncertainty of the 2021 exams. 

Although restricted by the limitations of the zoning required to ensure a Covid safe environment,  the students have been very mature in their approach to their learning. Attitudes are positive and in regular conversations with students they display a determination to do well. They understand that it’s not possible to fully enjoy certain subjects, for example the Performing Arts due to limited access to the drama studio or subjects that need specialist equipment of which we have an incredible array. It is a credit to them that in true Chelsea Academy style they continue to persevere finding joy in learning regardless, whilst showing kindness and charity to their peers and teachers. 

Regular assessment is ongoing for all KS4 students in all subjects. Teachers are using lesson time to identify and address immediate gaps in student knowledge and skills. Formal assessments will take place towards the end of HT2.  In order to ensure that all students are effectively supported and challenged we will be carrying out standardised Reading Assessments after the HT break.  

KS4 Independent Learning
At home it is incredibly important, now more than ever, that students continue to build on their Independent Learning skills. Google Classroom is a powerful platform that ensures that students have access to learning at home. All IL is assigned through Google Classroom and students can manage their IL through the individual classes, the calendar overview and/or by using the ‘To Do’ list. Guidance for parents/cares on the effective use of Google Classroom is available via the Chelsea Academy website.

Ms N McGuinness
Vice Principal – Quality of Education