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E-NEWSLETTER  •  ISSUE 182

A Message from Principal, Mr Martin

This half-term has been packed full of events and activities.

The exam season is now well underway, with GCSE papers in English, Maths, Biology and Physics already sat this week, as well as several A Level papers. Students have been fantastic and are no doubt looking forward to the half-term break, before embarking on the next tranche of exams.

This week we received the final figure from the Finance team for the recent fundraising campaign, led by the students, to help fund Aaron’s treatment in Germany. We are delighted to be able to share with you that the silent auction, raffle, non-uniform day, BBQ and cake sale resulted in a donation total of over £21k. This is an incredible achievement, with half of the funds coming from the charity match and fundraising organised by Ampthill Rugby Club. The atmosphere at Ampthill was truly overwhelming and a wonderful example of what a community can achieve when it all comes together. 

On Friday, we held interviews for an Associate Principal to join our Senior Leadership Team. We were delighted with the response to the advert, with so many experienced leaders applying to join Samuel Whitbread. The newly appointed Associate Principal will be announced after the half-term break.

We have had several Duke of Edinburgh expeditions out this month, including the Gold practice expedition, which entails four days walking and three nights under canvas, with students carrying everything they need on their backs: tents, sleeping bags, food and cooking stoves. As I'm sure you can imagine, this takes a considerable amount of time and preparation by staff, students and parents alike, and I would like to thank all the staff for their continued commitment. 

I hope you all have a restful half-term and I look forward to our return on Monday 3rd June.

Messages From Heads of Year 

Head of Year 11, Mr R Nicholl

 

I write this last newsletter entry with an enormous amount of pride. Our Year 11 students’ 3-year journey at SWA has come to an end. Although there are still many exams to sit, our Year 11 students have closed a chapter in their lives which we hope has given them some great memories. We understand that not every day is easy and there have been trials and tribulations, but once the students have the opportunity to reflect, I am sure that they will remember many of the amazing experiences they have had at SWA. 

We do not have enough space to mention all the unbelievable accolades, achievements and successes that have taken place over the last three years. It is safe to say that all staff will look back at this year group with such pride and many are looking forward to celebrating at the prom on Tuesday 9th July and on results day in August. 

On behalf of the students, I would like to thank all subject teachers, tutors and pastoral staff (past and present) for their support and guidance. Additionally, on behalf of the staff, I would like to thank you as parents for your support over the 3 years. It has been greatly appreciated. 

We had the chance to thank the students on our last day, but I want to emphasise our pride in them and remind them that their grades on results day do not define them. They are all capable of making a difference in the community and beyond, no matter what happens.

Year 11s – it has been a pleasure and as a year team, we wholeheartedly wish you all the very best in the next chapter of your life.

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Fundraiser for Aaron 

It has been incredible to see the power of community in the last month and the funds raised to support Aaron and his family with the costs of his treatment. There has been an overwhelming amount of support and action from staff, students, parents/carers, local businesses, and the community. Everyone has shown up, and for that, we are truly honoured. 

This week, our finance team has calculated the final amount of money raised, and we are proud to announce that in collaboration with Ampthill Rugby Club, we have raised a phenomenal just over £21k. This wouldn't have been possible without all the support from the community, so we greatly thank you all.

Year 13 & Year 11 Leavers 

This half-term, we bid farewell to both Year 13 and Year 11 students. Year 13 left on May 10th, and they celebrated with a themed dress-up day featuring a 70s/80s/90s decades theme. They looked fantastic and spent the afternoon signing each other's yearbooks before enjoying various activities in the local area. Their behaviour in local establishments was commendable, and we are proud of them. We wish them all the best in their future endeavours after leaving Samuel Whitbread Academy. 

The last day activities for Year 11 students took place this past Monday, and it was a joyous occasion. The students gathered on the field for an afternoon of fun in amazing weather. Laughter and happiness filled the air as students signed each other's shirts and enjoyed the sunshine. The Year 11 team organised exciting activities, including sack races, an obstacle course that led to a lively water fight, and the classic tug of war. An ice cream truck provided delicious treats for everyone, adding to the enjoyment of the afternoon. The day ended with heartfelt congratulations exchanged between staff and students, creating a truly heartwarming scene. 

We wish both year groups the best of luck as they continue their exams and hope they have a wonderful summer!

Congratulations Caitlin!

Our Year 11 student, Caitlin Doody, has secured a spot to pursue full-time dance studies at the Northern School of Contemporary Dance in Leeds. She will be studying for a CertHE in Contemporary Dance, an outstanding achievement at the age of 16. Caitlin has already received training at Rambert Dance and has worked with Richard Alston. We are excited to see what the future holds for her. Massive congratulations to Caitlin!

Duke of Edinburgh Expeditions

On the 18th and 19th of May, our Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh participants undertook their Assessed Expedition with great enthusiasm and determination. Despite a week of uncertainty regarding the weather, the rain held off, and the sun shone, providing the perfect backdrop for their adventure. The students eagerly embraced the challenges presented by Dunstable Downs, demonstrating exceptional resolve, determination, and teamwork throughout the expedition. An Expedition Group Leader from another school commended the high standards and positive behaviour exhibited by our students during their overnight stay at the campsite. Their accomplishments reflect the values of the Duke of Edinburgh program and serve as a testament to their individual and collective growth. Well done to all participants.

Oliver! The Musical

Get ready for an unforgettable summer musical experience! The Performing Arts Department is buzzing with excitement as they prepare to present "Oliver!" This classic musical promises to be a showstopper, and our talented students are working tirelessly to bring it to life. From singing and dancing to acting and stagecraft, every aspect of the production is being carefully crafted to deliver a truly spectacular show. "Oliver!" is a timeless tale that will captivate audiences of all ages, and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the incredible talent of our students. 

The performance will showcase from Wednesday, July 10th to Friday 12th July. Tickets for this much-anticipated event are now available, and we encourage everyone to secure their seats early. This is an opportunity to witness the magic of live theatre and support the next generation of performing artists. Join us for an evening of entertainment, emotion, and pure joy as we bring "Oliver!" to life on stage. 

Link to purchase tickets - https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/swaconcert

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Lost Jewellery

Have you lost any jewellery at SWA? Our wonderful receptionists have gathered all the lost items and are eager to help reunite them with their owners. Just drop by with a description of your item, and hopefully, we can get it back to you!

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, and we are unaware of the reason, 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 could you 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 to me via email (amartin@bestacademies.org.uk) if that is easier.  

Please feel free to contact the attendance office, 01462 628041, if you require any further information.

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Samuel Whitbread Academy
Shefford Road, Clifton, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5QS
Tel: 01462 629900  •  Fax: 01462 629901
Email: swa-info@bestacademies.org.uk