ports do not only enhance the physical attributes of our students, they also develop the wider skills which prepares children for the rigours of the world. This is why I am always pleased to hear from the PE department about the success of our students when they compete. Recently our Y7 boys attained the right to be called the fastest relay team for their age group in Ipswich. This sits alongside the Y9 girls who won the Ipswich Rounders tournament, and have subsequently qualified for the County championship. Through these experiences the students learn resilience, teamwork, communication and determination, all skills which they will need going forward. To use these skills effectively they need to be honed, and this point is not lost on the PE department. Mr Barnard is launching the “Sporting Ambassadors” programme which seeks out those with these skills and utilises them for the greater good.
Sticking with the competitive theme, our team of Y8 budding Alan Sugar’s went to Copdock to compete against the other seven secondary schools within the SWISS partnership. The students had to design, manufacture, present and create objects whilst working with a range of employers. The students had a successful day finishing 3rd and only 1 point from second spot.
Collaboration is key when building strong community partnerships. At the academy, we work closely with our partner schools. Last week, some of our students went to the Willows Primary School to support their sports day. The students were a credit to the school as they officiated each event, and ensured fair play was always the highest priority.
Finally, the geography team took four field trips out to focus on the different tourist appeals of Ipswich waterfront and Walton on the Naze. This activity will be directly assessed during the final examination so it was vital that students had first hand experience of fieldwork and sampling.
As we now approach the end of the year, I would like to say goodbye to the outgoing Head Boy and Head Girl. They have served the school with determination and pride, and I wish Camryn and Blake every success in the future. I am confident they will continue to be shining examples of success.
principalchantry 