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A Message from Principal, Mr Martin
The exams are nearly at an end and the students have been absolutely amazing. Several of our exam invigilators have mentioned how impressed they have been with the behaviour and attitude of our students. Praise is always nice to hear, but this is particularly special when it is from the very people who have seen our students every day over the past eight weeks. We are extremely grateful to our fantastic exams team and all of our invigilators, who each year help to administer over 19,000 examination papers!
This Thursday was our annual Summer Arts festival, which is always a highlight of the year, including performances in drama, music, dance and art exhibits. There were pupils of all ages performing at the festival, including those from Campton Lower and Etonbury Academy. Newspapers regularly report that The Arts are in decline in schools across the country, but from what I saw on Thursday evening, the Arts at Samuel Whitbread are thriving! Our Les Mis production is fast approaching and looks amazing, so please get your tickets soon. See below for more details.
This week we celebrated Pride Week at SWA. Supported by Mx Campbell and Mr Rich, the students organised several events, assemblies and tutor time activities, as well as a cake sale and a non-uniform day, which raised nearly £1000. This event has grown each year and has become an important part of the school calendar. I would like to thank all of the staff and students involved in organising such a successful week of events.
There have been a multitude of trips this month including: geography, film, art, Oxbridge and visits to London, as well as bronze, silver and gold DofE expeditions. Trips take an enormous amount of time to organise and I would like to thank all of the teachers and support staff who give up their time to run all these.
This week Samuel Whitbread secured their 4th football district title, meaning we are champions in Y9, 10, 11 & Sixth Form. This is a fantastic achievement and I would like to congratulate all involved. Next week (Monday 26th) is our House Olympics. This is always a great community event and the whole school takes to the track to support and celebrate the talent of our amazing athletes and most importantly - have some fun.
Finally, the first-ever SWA Summer Fete is on Saturday 8th July, 11-2pm, so please come along. We will be running a BBQ, as well as selling sweets and ice cream; there will be inflatables and games stalls, including our pre-loved uniform stall. And so much more! We look forward to welcoming you.
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Messages From Heads of Year
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Year 10s have had a busy few weeks, so it has been great to see our students being challenged in different ways such as trips, visits and experiences to develop soft skills and build on their knowledge. I’m proud to be part of a year group that thrives on being challenged and understands the importance of stepping out of their comfort zone.
This week, a group of our students visited the Peak District to complete their Silver Duke of Edinburgh award. The group hiked, read maps and solved various problems on a three-day expedition. I’ve been told by students that the hard graft was worth it because of the breath-taking views! To achieve their silver award, they have to complete six months of volunteering and three to six physical or skill-related elements. This award requires a great deal of determination, perseverance and ingenuity, so we’re proud of the students who have dedicated their time to the award.
Our fabulous geographers visited Walton-on-the-Naze to complete their physical fieldwork and demonstrate our school values outside of our local community. DT students visited the Design Museum to learn more about the subject that inspires them. I was lucky enough to be part of the Food Technology trip to BBC Good Food. Students had the opportunity to visit a range of stalls, try various types of food and watch/be part of amazing workshops to inspire the next generation of culinary experts. A massive thank you to all the members of staff who have organised our recent educational trips and events. I know that we have more to come and we tell you all about them in the next newsletter. Please see below for more.
Coming up is House Olympics on Monday 26th June; it’s an amazing day in which our students can get involved. Next is Year 10 Sports Day on Wednesday 12th July; please ask your child to get involved and speak to their tutors for more information.
The Year 10s also have an opportunity to take part in ‘work shadowing’ day on Friday 30th June, where students spend a day at their parents/carers’ place of work to gain an understanding of what the world of work entails. This has been emailed to you all, please speak to the careers team if you have any questions. Those students who do not have a placement are expected to attend school as normal.
We have been celebrating Pride month and our Equality & Diversity team have devised a week filled with excellent tasks, workshops, assemblies and events for all students. Form time has been dedicated to educating our young adults on the importance of inclusivity. The tasks have been devised by our team which includes students and staff. Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to create the resources and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
We continue to push high standards and challenge those who fall short of our expectations in terms of behaviour and uniform. Equipment and uniform checks will continue to take place in form time and members of staff will continue to recognise positive behaviour and offer praise when necessary.
There is nothing better than celebrating the success of our students. Please do let us know of any achievements that are taking place outside of school as we would love to share them.
We have had a very busy fortnight preparing for the upcoming IPEs (Internal Progression Exams) and Next Step day, which took place on Friday 23rd June. During this day students watched and interacted with presentations about university, apprenticeships and personal statements. All the presentations and resources from the day will be on the students’ Google Classroom and sent to parents via Edulink. We encourage students to go through these resources at their own pace and ask plenty of questions to their tutors over the coming months. We do understand that thinking about the next steps post Sixth Form can be a worrying time for some, and support and guidance is available through our independent career adviser Miss L Feeman, from tutors, and our pastoral support officer Mrs Bonham.
The next two weeks bring exams, and then work experience (week beginning 10th July). Some students have not yet organised work experience placements and we would urge them to seek help from room 902 – or via email (lfreeman@bestacademies.org.uk) as soon as possible. Several online virtual opportunities have gone out to them via email or Google Classroom.
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FILM STUDIES TRIP
This half-term, our Year 10 Film Studies students are undertaking their GCSE coursework. For this, the students are required to make their own individual short films, which counts for 30% of their overall GCSE grade.
As a department, our students have been filming in a variety of locations around Shefford, which has allowed them to be more creative with their ideas. The majority of students have opted to utilise the woodland area in Millennium Green, to create some effective horror films. Whilst others explored the industrial estate, to produce their Action films. Over the course of the week, the students have directed, filmed and performed in each other's short films, showing a real sense of team work.
The students have acted with a sense of maturity and have been highly professional on this trip. We look forward to the editing process, and to seeing their productions come together, in the coming weeks!
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DANCE WORKSHOP
To kick-start the half-term, our Year 10 GCSE dance students had a visit from The Hot House of Dance.
Studio representatives, Damo and Kate, delivered a workshop to our students, teaching them new ideas and steps to use in their choreography.
It was an excellent afternoon; all students had a brilliant time. Well done to all involved.
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NATIONAL THANK A TEACHER DAY
Wednesday was National Thank a Teacher Day, and we would like to thank all the parents/carers who completed our Parental Staff Praise Nominations Google Form and wrote a lovely message to a member of staff or a department.
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DESIGN TRIP
A group of Year 10 and 12 students visited the Design Museum, London, to see a range of products on display. Students were exposed to a vast range of items, from the first automobile produced on a production line to the latest manufacturing techniques that are available today. Other displays showed how products have evolved, highlighting the progress of materials and the technological advances in manufacturing.
Students also took part in a workshop delivered by one of the museum experts, discussing the implications that certain materials and manufacturing techniques have on our environment. Students undertook a variety of tasks relating to environmental issues, from rating the impact of certain products on our planet to redesigning a particular product to become more sustainable. These topics are important for any potential designer to consider hence why it was such a valuable experience for our students, as they continue their journey to become designers or manufacturers of the future.
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WALTON-ON-THE-NAZE
This half-term saw the return of our annual physical field trip to Walton-on-the-Naze. This year, four groups of Year 10 geographers travelled to the sunny Essex coastline to complete their physical fieldwork, which contributes to 8% of our students’ grades in their GCSE exams.
Students completed EQS surveys at each point, measured longshore drift using oranges, completed a field sketch and measured the effectiveness of sea groynes.
The geography department hoped all students enjoyed the day out and learnt a lot. For some of our students, it was their first time on the beach, so we were proud to provide this opportunity to them.
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THE GOOD FOOD SHOW
We’re thrilled to share the exciting experience our GCSE Year 10 food students had at the BBC Good Food Show last Friday.
The students had the opportunity to broaden their culinary horizons as they indulged in an array of new and tantalizing foods. The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the captivating cooking demonstration by the renowned chef, Ching-He Huang. The students were captivated by her culinary skills and one lucky student even had the honour of being invited up onto the stage! Adding to the excitement, a group of our students also showcased their team work and dedication by assisting one of the Caribbean food stands, serving up delicious dishes.
The day left everyone feeling inspired, fulfilled, and brimming with a passion for the culinary arts.
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SUMMER ARTS FESTIVAL
Thursday saw our annual Summer Arts Festival, an evening to celebrate our talented music, dance, drama, and art departments as well as support the other schools in the area.
It was a fantastic evening and we are truly proud of our students. For some of our students, this would be their last Summer Arts Festival, so we would like to wish them the best of luck in their future endeavours.
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LES MISERABLES
Don’t miss the opportunity to watch Samuel Whitbread Academy’s final production of the Year, Les Misérables.
Tickets can be bought by clicking on the button below, hurry before they sell out.
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A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM
This week our Year 9 and 10 students had the opportunity to watch a live production of A Midsummer Night's Dream. Thank you to Quantum Theatre for putting on the show, an excellent afternoon.
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HIGH ATTAINERS TRIP TO LONDON
At the start of half-term, a group of Year 9 high attainers visited the Museum of London Docklands as a reward for their excellent independent learning skills in completing the Higher Project Qualification, on Black British History.
The trip included visiting galleries in the museum, seeing information on the history of the East London docklands, and how it links to the long-term black presence in Britain. The museum had galleries which gave information on the Empire, the slave trade, migration and World War 2.
This visit not only enriched their understanding of British Black History, but also provided useful context for the Migration Unit that they are currently studying in their History lessons.
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EPQ
On Thursday, the majority of our Extended Project Qualification classes completed their assessed presentations. The EPQ is an independent project where students must select a topic and form a question, research it thoroughly using academic sources and then complete a dissertation style essay. They must do all of this by themselves and are not allowed any proofreading or teacher direction.
At the end, they must complete a presentation evaluating their project management abilities and presenting their findings. We had a complete range of ideas from the correlation between violence in pornography and society, food poverty in Yemen, to the perception of witches in the modern day. The students did fantastically and they really impressed the assessors with their level of subject knowledge, thorough academic research and their analytical and evaluative skills.
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WADHAM COLLEGE
This week saw a group of our Year 10 students travel to Wadham College in Oxford as part of the Bedfordshire Wadham Project, to participate in a highly competitive chemistry challenge which was supervised by undergraduate students from the faculty of Chemistry. Samuel Whitbread emerged victorious, performing superbly against some very challenging problems.
Our students were then invited to a tour of the grounds, a lunch with staff, and a visit to the nearby Science Museum within Oxford to explore the history of science at Oxford University.
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SWA READING NEWS
Samuel Whitbread Academy is an inclusive environment that values diversity. We aim to equip all of our students with the tools they need to thrive academically, emotionally and socially.
We hope these reading recommendations will empower our students and help them navigate the challenges faced in today's society.
Click the images to read.
 
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WHITBREAD SPORT OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES
Every week, our PE department nominates a student for performer of the week for extra-curricular and in the classroom. The department will also pick a result of the week.
Please see the names below for the last three weeks of nominated students, well done to all!
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QUEEN’S TENNIS TRIP
A group of Year 10 students travelled to London to watch the Queen’s Tennis. An excellent afternoon filled with sunshine and fun.
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YEAR 9 ROUNDERS
Well done to our Year 9 rounders team who made a huge impact to start off this half-term winning their first game to Stratton.
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ATHLETICS
As Athletics season comes to a close, we look back on team successes as well as individual performances that the students should be proud of. Both of our Girls’ teams in Years 9 and 10 were crowned district team champions, and both of our boys’ teams finished 2nd place.
Individually we have a selection of County champions: Taylon B was crowned County Long Jump and 100m champion; Brinley G 1500m steeplechase champion; Amellie S 1500m champion, Pixie D Javelin champion; Benedict Mercado in the Shot Putt.
An additional congratulation to Taylon and Benedict who have both been selected to represent Bedfordshire at the National English Schools Athletics event in July.
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U16 DISTRICT CHAMPIONS
On Thursday evening, our U16 A team was crowned District Champions to complete a clean sweep of district titles across all age groups.
A massive well done is owed to this team!
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CRICKET TRIP
A group of students across the year group visited Essex Cricket Club to watch the Vitality Blast game against Kent.
Students were offered a once in a lifetime opportunity to be mascots and welcome the players onto the pitch.
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EQUESTRIAN TEAM
Congratulations to Harriet W (Year 12) and Star who won the combined training at Bury Farm on Saturday and came second in the 1m Show Jumping class. The duo has qualified for the National finals! A huge well done to Harriet, we’re very proud.
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MEDICAL REMINDERS - WHAT CAUSES HAY FEVER?
Hay fever is a common allergic reaction which occurs at particular times of the year. It is known as seasonal rhinitis, sharing symptoms with perennial (year-round) allergic rhinitis, but occurring as a reaction to pollen from grass, trees and weeds during the early spring and summer months. It can affect both adults and children.
Many of our students unfortunately suffer from some form of hay fever and with the pollen so high at the moment they are really struggling in lessons.
Up to 49% of UK population report suffering from hay fever symptoms
If you know that your child suffers with any of the symptoms related to hay fever, giving them an antihistamine in the morning before they come to school may help to relieve some of these.
We do hold a few emergency antihistamines in school but with the weather so warm and many students coming to the medical room to ask for them, we are running out on a daily basis and this is proving to be quite costly.
For more information on how you can avoid/ prepare for the day when the pollen count is high...
Click Here
Paracetamol and Ibuprofen - Can I also remind you that students are permitted to carry a small blister pack of pain relief to school in their bags. This will allow students to take their own medication as and when needed and not have to walk down to the medical room.
Water bottles - are a must at this time of year – our brilliant water fountains in school are designed so the students can refill their bottles in seconds. Please try and remind your child to bring a refillable bottle with them on a daily basis.
Inhalers - Could you make sure that if your child needs an inhaler or an auto-injector for their allergies that it is in their bag or on their person – this makes it much quicker for them to administer these rather than waiting for a first aider to arrive and deliver.
Many thanks,
The First Aid team
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SWA SUMMER FETE
Samuel Whitbread Academy is very excited to host its first Summer Fete! The day is designed to be an excellent family day out, so why not join us?
- 8th July, 11am – 2pm
- Anyone is welcome to attend, £1 entry fee for adults and U18 entry is free
We look forward to seeing you there.
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SWA SUMMER FETE – RAFFLE DONATIONS
Samuel Whitbread Academy Summer Fete is less than three weeks away and we need your support! Much like our Christmas Market, we would love to raffle off a number of items including a large summer hamper. Therefore, we are asking our local community, if possible, to make any donations. Suggested items: sweat treats, dry food and summer family games.
Please can any donations be dropped off at reception before the 30th of June.
Thank you in advance.
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CAMPTON SUMMER FAYRE
Campton Academy, under the same trust as Samuel Whitbread BEST, is hosting its own summer fete! Please see the poster for more details.
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 Follow us on social media to keep up to date...
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Samuel Whitbread Academy invites you to our first-ever Summer Fete!
☀ï¸The fete will run from 11am to 2pm on Saturday 8th July
☀ï¸Members of the community are welcome to join
☀ï¸Â£1 entry fee and U16s are free
Watch this space for more details. https://t.co/7NAiZwLypk
1 week ago
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Samuel Whitbread Academy E-Newsletter
You are receiving this because you are a Student,
Parent, Carer, Governor or Member of Staff at SWA.
Samuel Whitbread Academy
Shefford Road, Clifton, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5QS
Tel: 01462 629900 • Fax: 01462 629901
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