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A Message from Principal, Mr Martin
Over the weekend, students and staff from the academy attended local Remembrance ceremonies, showing our gratitude by laying poppy wreaths and reading poetry at services held in Shefford and Henlow, in honour of those who served and those who made the ultimate sacrifice. On Monday, we conducted our own online service in collaboration with Robert Bloomfield Academy and Shefford Lower, with pupils from both schools reading poignant poems. Freya, in Year 9, and the winner of our Remembrance poem competition, delivered her powerful piece “Rows of Red.” I extend my sincere gratitude to all community members and the 2000 staff and pupils who joined us in this solemn occasion of remembrance and reflection.
Following our successful Year 8 Open Evenings last term, we hosted over 400 prospective students at our Sixth Form Open Evening this week. This provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage with our staff and gain insights into our Sixth Form. On the same evening, we also held our Careers Fair, where local businesses and organisations interacted with both internal and external students across all year groups, discussing future opportunities, pathways, and career options. I would like to thank everyone who contributed, from universities, colleges, police, army and a host of different local companies, who gave their time and expertise to enhance the students' understanding of their potential futures.
As we approach the mock exams commencing on Monday 18th November, I wish to remind our students that these assessments represent a vital opportunity for self-evaluation and improvement. I encourage them to continue their preparations for this important period. A variety of resources are readily available on our school website and Google Drive to support students during this time. I wish them all the best in their preparations.
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Year 9 Poetry Competition: Commemorating Remembrance Day
In tribute to Remembrance Day, our Year 9 students participated in a poetry competition that highlighted their creativity and commitment. Each student crafted a poem that honoured those who had fallen.
We are delighted to announce that Freya emerged as the overall winner for her outstanding poem, "Rows of Red." Her remarkable talent and passion truly stood out, earning her this distinguished title. Congratulations Freya! Your poignant and impactful work reflects your hard work and creativity. We also commend all participants for their meaningful contributions to this heartfelt competition.
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Messages From Heads of Year
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We’re delighted to share an update on what has been a busy but incredibly productive start to this half-term! Our students have shown enthusiasm and engagement, embodying our core school values of respect, empathy, and equality in their day-to-day actions.
In our PSHE lessons, we have been focusing on developing decision-making skills, an important step in helping students plan thoughtfully for their futures. This aligns with our ongoing theme in form time sessions, where we’ve emphasised the importance of punctuality and personal responsibility—skills that are essential for success both in and out of school.
One of the highlights of this term was our Remembrance Service. The Year 9 cohort demonstrated a profound sense of respect and empathy throughout the service, both during the event and in follow-up classroom discussions. Their thoughtfulness and reflective approach were commendable and truly aligned with the spirit of the day.
Special congratulations to our Year 9 Poem Winner, Freya H (9D), whose poem was beautifully crafted and thought-provoking. We also want to recognise the following students who received SLT Commendations for their exceptional efforts and contributions:
- Diya A, 9A
- Nathan F, 9K
- Jenson R, 9A
- Miya R, 9E
- Lily H, 9H
- Charlie, 9A
- Benji V, 9A
Our students have also been making us proud with their extracurricular achievements. The U14 Netball Teams performed outstandingly at the recent County Championships! The A team won the competition, earning a place in the regional championships, and our B team took 3rd place in the plate competition—an incredible achievement. Additionally, the Year 9 Football Team triumphed over a strong Lincroft side to progress in the National Cup; we eagerly await news of their next opponents.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to even more success as the year continues.
What an opening to the term! Congratulations to our stars in both the Netball and Football teams for proving the power of SWA, and embodying the teamwork and resilience we work to instil. Also, a massive well done to students for their uniform check on the courts this past week; the vast majority a gleaming example of presentability. Please remind students that their Blazer is an essential piece of uniform, regardless of the weather or accompanying coat. This is especially poignant as we head into the first round of Mocks for the school year next week.
Students will now have access to their specific exam timetable, and be able to prepare their equipment and revision accordingly. We will be performing equipment checks throughout the fortnight, and the list of expectations is clear:
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Pencil case (Clear if used in exams)
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Black pens
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Green pens
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Pencils
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Rubber
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Ruler
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Pencil sharpener
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(Coloured pencils)- if a student studies art.
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Protractor
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Compass
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Scientific calculator
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Water Bottle (Clear if used in exams)
Any students who require any support in obtaining these should please pop up to the year office, and we will check-in.
There is some growing concern about a small number of students avoiding classes, resulting in lateness. This is not something we wish to promote, and are working to prove to students that the best place to overcome the anxiety of a subject is the classroom. We appreciate that the challenge is ever-present, with reminders about deadlines and expectations, but this is a short window of time, and we need to make full use of it.
As we head into this week of challenge and focus, it is important to continue to celebrate our success and see this series of mocks as an opportunity to do just that. Though there will be some anxiety and doubt from students, as this is a natural part of assessment and challenge, and we have faith that our students will bring their all come next week.
We will continue our after school subject revision sessions, and some staff members are running more independent work groups, so please take up all opportunities. Once the Mocks are completed, staff will have time to mark and collate feedback, and then we will formally send the results home.
I look forward to a studious and productive cycle ahead of us and hope all students get the rest and respite they need this weekend.
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Sixth Form Open Evening and Careers Fair
We are pleased to share the success of our recent Sixth Form Open Evening and Careers Fair held this week. These events provided a fantastic platform for internal and external students to explore their future options and engage directly with our dedicated staff.
During the Open Evening, prospective Sixth Form students had the chance to discover the diverse range of courses and opportunities available. Our teachers were on hand to provide insights into the curriculum, support services, and extracurricular activities that make our Sixth Form a unique and enriching environment.
On the same evening, our Careers Fair brought together local businesses and organisations eager to share their expertise and insights with students from all year groups. The event featured guest speakers from various industries who offered valuable advice on career pathways, internships, and job opportunities. Students had the opportunity to network with representatives, ask questions, and learn about potential career options that align with their interests and aspirations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the staff, businesses, and participants who took the time to contribute to these events. Your support plays a vital role in enhancing our student's understanding of their potential futures and the myriad of opportunities available to them.
If you would like to stay informed about future opportunities, pathways, and careers, please click here for more resources.
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MTS Electrical & Renewables Halloween Fundraiser for Aaron
This Halloween, MTS Electrical & Renewables transformed their front drive into a festive display to raise funds for Aaron's cancer treatment. Healey, a member of their team, was inspired to support Aaron after hearing his story from his sister and at the Ampthill Rugby Club last April.
We’re thrilled to share that the Halloween event was a great success! The local community turned out in full force, and together they raised an impressive £183.60 in cash. Additionally, MTS Electrical & Renewables LTD gave £116.40, resulting in a total of £300 donated. We believe that more than £200 was contributed directly to Aaron's GoFundMe page by those who saw the posters or attended the event. A heartfelt thank-you goes out to MTS Electrical & Renewables LTD and the entire community for your incredible support for Aaron and his family.
If you wish to donate, please click here
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Science Club
Our students are diligently creating content and projects for the Imperial College London’s Natural Science & Innovation Competition. This year, teams are tasked with developing a new and innovative scientific solution aimed at achieving one or more of the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development. To participate, teams must produce a 5-minute film that highlights their projects and explains how they contribute to these shared goals.
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Science Fair March 2025
The Science Club is excited to host a science fair during Science Week centred around the theme of “Adapt and Change.” All students are invited to create a project in one of the following categories:
1. Poster Competition: Develop a poster showcasing a remarkable discovery made by women or ethnic minorities, celebrating their contributions.
2. Eco Project: Create an eco-friendly project that proposes improvements for the future, which may include models, experiments, or investigations.
3. Sports Science Project: Focus on the science behind sports, particularly on how we adapt equipment, clothing, or techniques for the future.
4. Mobile App Design: Utilise a provided template to design an app that promotes sustainability. Each category will provide students the opportunity to display their projects, with awards for the best submissions!
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Duck Egg Hatch (March 2025)
The Science Department will also run a duck hatching project where we will hatch and raise ducklings while live-streaming the entire process! This initiative will allow students, parents, and staff to observe how the ducklings adapt and change over time. Students will have the opportunity to help care for and interact with the ducklings during their stay at Samuel Whitbread.
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Intaglio Print workshop
This week, Bedford-based illustrator Katie Allen conducted an engaging intaglio printing workshop for Art students across all year groups. The intaglio technique involves cutting or scratching a design into a metal or plastic plate, followed by inking and pressing, which results in impressive relief prints. The students produced an array of beautiful artwork, showcasing their creativity and skill development. We extend our gratitude to Katie for providing an inspiring and enjoyable learning experience for our students.
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PANTOMIME & PERFORMING ARTS SHOWCASE
Rehearsals are underway for our Pantomime – Alice in Wonderland and Christmas Performing Arts Showcase. Tickets for both events are available to buy online.
BOOK NOW
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To secure a place for wreath making, please email -
SWA-Communications@bestacademies.org.uk
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Central Bedfordshire Council Family Bulletin
Would you like to know what support is available in your community for you and your family?
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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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