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A Message from Principal, Mr Martin
The exams are now in full swing with Art and Textiles GCSEs this week, along with several BTEC Music assessments for Sixth Form. The Year 10 mock exams are also underway and the students have been excellent in both their attitude and conduct.
Last Friday, we had our first ever 12-hour continuous sponsored Performing Arts-a-thon. Over 50 students took part in the event, which raised funds for new resources in Performing Arts. During the day they worked together in groups to write, choreograph and rehearse five short plays based on well-known musicals. At the end of the day, they performed the musicals for each other in the theatre to well-deserved applause. It was a fantastic initiative, and I'm sure it will become an annual event in the school calendar.
Finally, I have been incredibly proud of the student leadership team this term, who have organised a whole programme of events to raise funds for Aaron in Year 13, including a sports-themed non-uniform day, cake sale, raffle and a silent auction. The week will end with a charity rugby match between our 1st XV and Ampthill at the rugby club, who have been incredibly supportive of the whole fundraising campaign. The support from the community, including parents, students, staff, sports clubs, local companies, the police commissioner and our local MP has been truly heartwarming! We have been touched by the contributions to the online appeal, which has exceeded the £40k target and have gratefully received generous donations to the raffle and silent auction.
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Messages From Heads of Year
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Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce Mrs Stanford as the new tutor for 9G. I am sure that the students will benefit greatly from having her as their form tutor.
We have decided to remove the morning welcome for Year 9 students to allow more time in the mornings. Students are required to line up outside their form class by 8.20 am, ready to start the day.
I have seen several students choosing to wear a plain black jumper instead of the school blazer. Please note that the school blazer is compulsory. We will be reviewing the wearing of a plain back jumper during the warmer months.
In the next few weeks, students will have confirmation of their GCSE options.
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Support for Aaron
 In April 2024, Sixth Form student Aaron was diagnosed with high-grade Glioma, a diagnosis that has turned his and his family's lives upside down. Unfortunately, the treatment that is required is not provided by the NHS, so Aaron has had to travel to Germany to receive Dendritic cell therapy, a treatment which has been used for several years and has proven to be successful. Aaron's family set up a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the treatment, which has seen such an amazing level of support and continues each day.
In response to this news, the Student Leadership team has taken action by organising a week of fundraising to raise extra awareness and funds to go towards Aaron's treatment and well-being. The events will start from Monday the 29th of April. The Student Leadership team and staff have also organised a fantastic raffle and silent auction, with lots of prizes from local businesses, sports memorabilia and food and drink. Tickets for the raffle can be purchased at reception, ParentMail and on the day of the rugby match. To enter into the silent auction, please use the link below -
https://forms.gle/xAe6c6BWctWcTbCV6
It has been incredible to see the community come together and donate these prizes for the fundraising raffle, so we thank all who have donated.
On Monday the 29th of April there will be a bake sale in the courtyard during break and lunch. Wednesday the 1st of May will see a BBQ at lunchtime, with delicious burgers, hot dogs and drinks. Friday the 3rd of May will be a non-uniform day with a £1.50 donation. It is encouraged to wear sports clothing, but it's not compulsory. On Saturday the 4th of May there will be a charity rugby match between Ampthill and Whitbread, hosted at Ampthill Rugby Club from 12 pm onwards. Due to the expected high turnout, we encourage you to please purchase tickets in advance using the link below -
https://ampthillrufc.ticketco.events/uk/en/m/e/ampthill_v_whitbread_charity_match
We would like to acknowledge the heart-warming and inspiring response we have seen to this extremely difficult news. It fills our hearts with immense pride to be a part of such a supportive and caring community.
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Izzy Runs the London Marathon
 
Sixth Former Izzy ran the iconic London Marathon last Sunday, completing the mammoth task in just over 6 hours! Izzy has been raising money for mental health Charity “Mind” and has successfully raised just over £3,600.
Izzy's unwavering commitment towards this cause is truly inspiring. She has sent a powerful message of hope and encouragement to those who struggle with their mental health.
Well done Izzy, on your incredible achievement and for raising money and awareness for such an important cause.
If you wish to contribute towards Izzy's fundraising efforts for Mind, please use the link below -
https://2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/izzy-byers?fbclid=PAAaZ7qOGfxAnmXIvTnAHwujrzrrlSy-TMcEg_ruRZeQYi9G-_OcVK6NIVD0E_aem_AYCF6cNYS4umIIe33VAgWnJF7Dfb84YCEDTnQWFUxwvijGANJNq4mm8Pgmp5i1AjSDE
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Performing Arts-A-Thon
The Perform-A-Thon event held last Friday was a huge success! The students displayed incredible energy and enthusiasm throughout the day, taking on the hourly challenges and attending engaging workshops led by guest artists from Hot House Dance in Hitchin and Arts 1 in Milton Keynes.
If you wish to donate, there is still time left, please use the link provided below -
https://gofund.me/df59f0f8
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SWA Racing Fundraiser & Team Update
Last week, the SWA Racing team held a bake sale to raise funds for the Firefighters Charity. The team managed to raise an impressive £177 by selling their delicious baked goods, and have split the donations to also give to Aaron’s GoFundMe page. Congratulations to the team and everyone who supported them!
In an update on their progress, unfortunately, the team did not make it through the Red Bull clearing process, which means that they will not be able to compete in this year's Soap Box Race. However, the team remains optimistic and has stated that they will be applying again next year, depending on who will take over the team. We are all proud of the hard work the SWA Racing team has put in to get this far.
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A-level Trip to CERN
A group of A-level Physics students recently had the incredible opportunity to visit the European Council for Nuclear Research (CERN) in Geneva, Switzerland. During their visit, they were given a comprehensive tour of the facilities and had the chance to witness first-hand the groundbreaking work being done at the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator, the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). The students were able to explore various sections of the LHC, including the particle beam tube, and were even treated to a glimpse of one of the control rooms, where they learnt about the intricate processes involved in particle physics research.
Additionally, they had the opportunity to explore new museum exhibits that showcased cutting-edge advancements and discoveries in the field of nuclear research. This visit provided the students with a unique and enlightening experience that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression as they continue their studies in the field of Physics.
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World Earth Day 2024
Mrs Mills has curated a fantastic Wakelet collection to celebrate World Earth Day. Please use the link below to view -
https://wakelet.com/wake/LcDF-2X2ICj50KhjZqq_s
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National Poetry Month
Let's celebrate all things verse! The library has collated an insightful and inspiring Wakelet collection to celebrate National Poetry Month. Please use the link below to get inspired! -
https://wakelet.com/wake/ZIw8sM-g5Ay_iYvjO-v6o
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Biodiversity Improvement Project
We are working with Charles Whitbread on a very exciting biodiversity project. He is rewilding a huge part of his land and, as an ongoing project over many years, he requires specialists to help with the sampling. Is anyone harbouring a specialist interest or talent in taxonomy? Birds, invertebrates, flora, pond life, bats – absolutely anything that you may be a specialist in spotting or identifying – we need you!
Maybe a family member or friend in the local community has these special abilities. Even if you don’t have a specialist ability, but you are interested in being a part of this community project, please let me, Ms Ambrose, know. There are many techniques and sampling that can be undertaken by non-specialists and those with an interest in learning. I look forward to hearing from you!
Jambrose@bestacademies.org.uk
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Missing Coat
Please can you look out for a black, waist-length, North Face coat. It is of a deep sentimental value.
Parents/carers, can you please check just in case a student has come home in the wrong coat by mistake. If found, please hand it to reception.
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Attendance Reminders
Reporting an Absence / Appointments - Students in Years 9, 10 and 11
Morning Registration
Please report absences from morning registration by using one of the following methods, preferably before 8.20 am:
Telephone the school on 01462 629900 (option 1) or 01462 628041 and follow the instructions for 'reporting a student absence' or via the Edulink website or Edulink App by selecting the absence reporting icon.
Please do not send notifications directly to tutors, teaching staff, pastoral teams or via the school contact link on our website, as this can delay the reporting process and, as a result, absence calls may be sent out unnecessarily.
Please be aware that the software used to contact you if your child is absent will alert the person who is listed as Contact 1 on your child’s records. The external number that you will be called from is 0114 303 4042 (Sheffield area code). To respond and stop automated calls, please leave a message when called, followed by pressing the # key.
Leaving during the school day
If your child needs to leave during the school day, please provide them with a note on the day. This note can be shown to teaching staff/reception, and it will enable them to sign out. If they have a note, you will not need to confirm via email, telephone or report via Edulink.
If you have any medical appointment slips/letters that you are happy to share with us, they can be handed in at reception at the time of signing out, or you can send them (amartin@bestacademies.org.uk) if that is easier.
Please feel free to contact the attendance office, 01462 628041 if you require any further information.
Term Dates
Term dates are published on our website and may differ from those published by Central Bedfordshire.
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Ending Period Poverty
As a school, we have signed up for the Government period product scheme which provides free period products for girls and women in their place of study. It is available to state-maintained schools and the Department for Education (DfE) funded 16 to 19 education organisations in England.
With this in mind, please remind your child that they can come down to the FIRST AID ROOM and pick up free period products at break or lunchtime. Students can choose from a wide range of products, including period pants.
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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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