Principal's Update
We have had a very successful week in the academy. On Thursday our rugby team beat Barnes Wallis academy 135 points to 15 and they were missing one of their regular players who is injured. We are so proud of their achievement. They have practised hard and it is a well-deserved win. The team demonstrated our CRA values as they pulled together as a team, had ambition to win and be the best version of themselves, were confident, courageous in tackles and demonstrated good sportsmanship, respecting their opponents.
We also performed exceptionally well in the New Year Cup, a Trust-wide competition requiring students and staff to run, walk, row or cycle as much as possible and submit their exercise distance to Mr Addlesee. Last year in the similar competition we completed a tour of Europe, this year we took to Route 66. We performed brilliantly coming first for the amount of kilometres travelled per head and second overall. If you consider that we are the smallest secondary school in the Trust, with the next school being more than twice our size and a number of the schools having over a thousand students, our achievement was stunning. Well done to all involved.
House competitions continue to be welcome a feature at CRA and this week we had Master Chef and Speed Stacking competitions. The House MasterChef brief was to recreate a takeaway dish – ‘Fakeaway’ using inspiration from students’ favourite take outs.
All of the entries were fantastic and students showcased a wide range of different skills to complete their products from scratch, including making their own sauces, breads, coatings etc. Well done to all but particularly Olly (Caeli 11) who won with his Mexican themed Chicken Burrito.
The Speed stacking competition took place at lunchtime today students and staff alike impressing us with their speed and agility, everyone looking as though they were having fun. Fastest staff member was Mrs Robinson in 6.89 seconds and fastest student was Vel in 6.2 seconds (slower than his PB of 4 seconds!!)
We also performed our school production of Oliver. This is the first time in a very long time that a musical has been staged at Charles Read Academy. It is a great vehicle through which to showcase talent and our students really rose to the challenge.
Students grew in confidence throughout the rehearsal process and it was a joyous occasion when it all came together for the first night. Students and staff did an excellent job. We are so proud of the students and are all looking forward to next year’s production.
As you are aware it is half-term next week. This is an important time for all to rest and recharge their batteries but also for year 11 to continue with a robust revision plan. It is important that they get an appropriate balance between rest and work to ensure they are in the best position to achieve their target grades and feel like they have achieved what they are capable of in their mock exams and finally in the summer exam season.
I hope you all have a wonderful half term.
Mrs Jones - Principal
Canteen Update
National Pizza Day
This week the Caterlink team celebrated National Pizza day with delicious handmade pizzas.
Needless to say there were no leftovers at the end of the service.
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Please click on the link below to see the new menu that will commence after the February half term, with themed menus every third Friday.
Please see the latest bulletin update from Caterlink in the link below.
Canteen Charges
In recent weeks we have seen an increase in students attempting to obtain food without having the required amount of money on their Parent Pay account or cash to cover the cost.
This has lead to some students running up deficits.
With effect from Monday 17th January, if a student doesn't have the required amount of money on their account they will need to reduce their purchase.
Those students in receipt of Free School Meals should use their allowance for their main meal at lunch. If they use the allowance for snacks at break then they will have to pay for any food taken at lunch.
The Caterlink Team
Oliver - The Musical!
This is the first time in many years that CRA have put on a full school production, and I am incredibly proud of our students. The cast have been working hard in rehearsals putting this show together since October and have demonstrated many of their school values through their commitments to the drama department.
They have been resilient in rehearsals, especially during the weeks working up towards show nights. They have shown great courage in going through an audition process and becoming their characters. They have been respectful during rehearsals taking on feedback and refining their work. They have become confident in performing to larger audiences.
A huge thank you from myself, Mrs Jones and Mrs Rathbone to all the staff that supported us back stage, our site team for building set, the lighting and sound team, the band and Reverend Buckman, our stage manager Mark, front of house staff and all the year 11 drama students who helped as runners backstage. Thank you to parents and careers too for supporting the students with two evenings of a full audience.
We look forward to our school production next year!
Cast List
- Oliver - Lewis
- Narrators - Stephanie & Lily
- Mrs Sowerberry - Rihanna
- Mr Sowerberry - Jaimee
- Noah Claypole -Dominic
- Mr Bumble - James
- Mrs Bumble and the Magistrate - Isabella
- Mr Brownlow - Max
- Mr Winston - Ashton
- Jack Dawkins (the Artful Dodger) - Bailie
- Beth - Tansy
- Nancy - Skyelett
- Bill Sykes - Connor
- Fagin - Miss King
- Fagin's Boys - Cali, Libby, Shania, Annabell, Phoebe, Rebecca, Jessica, Stephanie
- Ensemble - Grace, Kara, Francesca, Grace, Angel, Erin, Nichola, Brooke
- Stage Manager - Mark
- Lighting - Bethany
- Backstage Crew - Lily & Courtney
Miss Elsby - Lead teacher of drama and dance
Home Lateral Flow Testing
Vaccinations
Please click the link below to review the latest information we have received from the NHS regarding student vaccinations.
Routine weekly testing
When you complete lateral flow tests at home on a Sunday and Wednesday evening, please report the results via these links to both the NHS and also CRA.
The academy no longer has stocks of test kits, therefore, families should order these directly from the NHS by completing the form below:
Did you know that parents and support bubbles of school children, as well as anyone who has to leave home to go to work, can now get rapid Covid-19 tests twice a week. Order yours now here.
Further guidance from the Government and Department of Education in respect of home testing can be found below:
A copy of the risk assessment and privacy policy relating to Lateral Flow Testing can be found on the CRA website.
Mr Linforth - Academy Operations Manager
Homework
Unfortunately there were some issues with dates in the last newsletter regarding homework. Please see here for most up to date corrections:
KS3 and Yr10 Prep homework will finish on Sunday 13th February and recommence Monday 21st February. This means that Tutors will expect to see Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th homework during Roll Call on Monday 21st February. Yr10 Additional homework will also finish on Sunday 13th February and recommence on Monday 21st February. Subject staff will give more instructions regarding the Yr10 Additional homework to students in lessons.
Yr11 Prep homework will finish on Sunday 13th February and recommence Monday 14th March. This means that Tutors will expect to see Friday 11th, Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th February homework during Roll Call on Monday 14th March. The reason for this delayed start is so that students can prepare for their mock exams which begin on Monday 28th February for two weeks. Students have been creating their revision timetables during tutor time. Yr11 Additional homework may still take place during mocks and subject staff will give more instructions regarding Yr11 additional homework in lessons.
Mrs Cooper - School Teaching & Learning Lead
Humanities
Yr11 Geography and History students should be revising for their mock exams which begin on Monday 28th February. For both subject students will sit 3 papers. Students have their revision guides which they use for Prep homework and may use for personal revision. Useful strategies include; flash cards of key terms and definitions/ key dates and events, mind maps of topics, answering the questions in the revision guides etc. Other useful revision time can be spent exploring; Seneca Learning AQA, BBC Bitesize AQA, Geography Hawks, Planet Lacey and Tutor2U.
Tutor2U release a live interactive revision lesson each Thursday at 6:30pm for GCSE Geography AQA. This is recorded and can be watched anytime via YouTube.
Finally, we wish all our students and their families a restful and enjoyable half-term.
Mrs Cooper - Head of Humanities
Food and Nutrition
What’s cooking the first week back.
- Year 7 Caeli: Scones (Monday)
- Year 8 Caeli: Chicken (or alternative) Stirfry (Thursday)
- Year 9 Terra: Macaroni Cheese (Thursday)
- GCSE Year 10 No cooking
Year 7 & 9 - Product Design
Year 7 and Year 9 Product Design Groups have been getting to grips with what it takes to get a new product on the supermarket shelves.
The groups have been developing lunchtime offering for a supermarket: they have researched the market, worked out the nutritional value of their product, made sure the product was costed to make money for both the supermarket and the manufacturer, and designed the packaging.
Mrs Moore - Teacher of Food
CRA Values
This week in whole school assembly we continued our theme of Respect and linked it to Safer Internet day 2022, with the theme of exploring respect and relationships online.
We talked to students about how they show respect online when they are gaming and how people show disrespect and what to do if someone does not show us respect.
Parent Governor Vacancies
Charles Read Academy are now looking for two parent governors.
The role of parent governor is an important one. School governors play an important role in supporting the school. They can influence the strategic vision and direction and hold the senior leadership team to account.
Why become a school governor?
Benefits include:
- Developing your professional skills and experience such as strategic planning, and team working, both of which are valued by employers and can assist your own career development
- Building relationships and networks in your locality
- Supporting children and young people in your community.
There is one meeting every half term. The meetings usually last approximately an hour and a half and can be accessed via Teams if coming into school is too difficult due to transport or child care issues.
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in this role by completing your declaration of interest in the Governor election procedure below:
Thinking Ahead – My Future, My Choice
Attention Year 8 & Year 9!
- What are your future plans & career possibilities?
- What plans to do you have after you have completed your GCSEs?
- Do you plan to go on to further/higher education? If so what courses might you study?
- What career ideas do you have for the future at the moment?
In year 7, 8 and 9 you will be learning new skills and knowledge that will give you the confidence to help you plan your next steps. This process starts with your careers education in school which will encourage you to think about your strengths and weaknesses, likes and dislikes. You will also start to make some important decisions that could influence your future career path as you will be choosing your subjects to study for GCSE. This process will begin for all Year 9 students early next year.
Each week we will show you examples of the various careers linked to the subject you are studying. This week’s career idea is ‘Jobs related to Media Studies'
Mr Rees - Career's Support
Attendance
This week we have been celebrating some excellent attendance within our tutor groups, Caeli 10 achieving a whopping 99.3%, fantastic!!
Terra and Caeli are jointly leading the attendance percentage overall this week with a fantastic 92.4%, well done Terra and Caeli. Year 9 & 11 jointly have topped the year groups with a super 94% attendance overall!
Covid and Student Attendance
Please see the link below for up to date NHS guidance for COVID related illness and subsequent isolation procedures.
It has just been announced on the news that the self-isolation period for people with Covid has been reduced to a minimum of 5 full days from Monday.
This means that a negative LFT test would now be required on day 5 and day 6, with a return to school on day 6 instead of days 6 and 7.
Please do not hesitate to contact me on 01476 550333 ext 502 or kcoleman@charlesreadacademy.co.uk to discuss ways to support your child's attendance.
CRA - Lets work together to make every day count!
Mrs Coleman - Attendance Manager
House News
CRA Top ‘New Year Cup’ Leader board
We have done it. Charles Read Academy have been crowned champions of the DRET New Year Cup for the most Km’s covered per head, out performing 32 other academies across the DRET Network. In addition to this we also finished 2nd overall for the total distance covered overall which is a fantastic achievement.
This is a real display of togetherness which shows the impact our community can have when we come together as 3 houses but 1 united community. Thank you to students and staff who participated throughout January, contributing to the 250+ submissions we entered.
A big shout out to Mr Addlesee and Mrs Garton who submitted an entry every day, becoming prestigious members of the ‘New Year Cup’ 31 club (number of days in January).
Caeli Crowned MasterChef Champions
On Tuesday this week 6 students went head to head in the House MasterChef competition. This year’s brief was to create a Takeaway dish using inspiration from their favourite take-outs. Students had 1 hour to cook and present their final dishes before being judged on difficulty, skill, presentation and overall taste. Students did a fantastic job producing a variety of food favourites from around the world including Mexican themed Burrito’s, American inspired KFC and Burgers and an Asian themed Chicken Curry & Naan bread.
Following a tough round of judging Aqua finished in 3rd place, Emily and Daisy’s Chicken Curry was awarded 2nd place and Olly represented Caeli was crowned MasterChef champion with his Mexican themed Chicken and Chipotle Burrito. Olly made his own sauces and fillings using fresh ingredients before bringing them altogether to produce his winning product.
Well done to all participants representing their house, you all did a fantastic job!
Short Story Writing Competition
Charles Read Academy are excited to share details of a short story writing competition. The Cedars Care Home in Bourne are running a competition in the community to encourage their residents to take up reading where they will be judging entries. Students have till Thursday 17th February to send their entries to rthurlby@charlesreadacademy.co.uk where they will be entered into the school house competition worth 125 house points before being forwarded on to the care home directly.
Stories must not exceed 500 words and must be positive, inspiring and uplifting. If any entries finish in the top 3 in the care home prizes will be awarded – check out the image for more details.
Rocket League coming to CRA soon…
The first ever ‘Gaming’ House Competition is coming to CRA next term as the Games Master prepares to host a Rocket League competition on both Xbox and PlayStation, worth 250 house points. Find your duo partner now and get practicing!
This is hugely popular competition creating lots of interest among students in all year groups, therefore if you are interested in representing your house then you must notify either the Games Master, your head of house or form tutor as soon as possible. Spaces are limited. More information to follow soon!
Please keep an eye on our social media platforms (Twitter and Instagram) - for updates @CRA_HouseChamp
Mr Webb - Games Master
Table Talk
This week we have been looking at the topic of online safety in whole school and house assemblies.
We would love you to discuss as a family what is meant by this quote, if we have regretted posting something online and how we keep ourselves safe and our accounts private online. Here are some 'smart' tips to staying safe online.
Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF)
The Holiday Activity and Food Programme (HAF) is a government funded initiative which will be available until March 2025 to provide holiday clubs for benefits-related free school meals and vulnerable children/young people so that they can access clubs during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays. The programme can spend up to 15% of their budget on children/young people who are not free school meal eligible but are within the vulnerable, deprivation, low attendance, risk of exclusion and many other categories.
Each club must offer physical activity, enriching activities, food/nutrition education and a hot healthy meal. See link below for more information.
The video below only shows a tiny snapshot of the amazing activities which took place over Christmas. It is an amazing programme.
The Easter HAF will provide a minimum of 4 hours x 4 days from 1-19th April. As soon as we know the location of the clubs, activities and contact details, these will be put on the LCC website and parents will be able to book on.
For more information in the meantime, please contact the team at haf@linolnshire.gov.uk
Year 11 Focus
Mock exams start on the week beginning the 28th of February, these will last for two weeks where students will experience a full suite of exams. All students have been issued with a timetable and have been asked to check through this to ensure that all of their subjects have been included.
Revision Timetable - Students have been working on devising revision timetables to support revision over half term and the first week back. Please can parents speak with students about their revisions and make sure that they are managin their time effectively over the half term break.
Formal Exam Information - Exam boards have released advanced information on exam content, staff will be working with students to make sure they have all the information they need to be best prepared to sit their formal examinations.
Have a fantastic half term and come back refreshed and ready to put maximum effort into mock examinations.
Mr Lovatt - Assistant Principal
Year 10 Work Experience Day
Time for all year 10 students to be finding and confirming a placement for their Work Experience Day coming up soon on the 25th March! A reminder that all reply slips need to be returned before half term (11th February) – less than a month away!
This is a great opportunity to taste the world of work, as well as give you an insight into a job/career you may be interested in following. When thinking about who to approach for work experience not only should you focus on your interests but aim to be practical, for instance what personal/family connections you can utilize to help find a suitable placement.
Work experience is also a time to impress potential employers with your enthusiasm, abilities and your responsible approach to work. Who knows where it may lead? Some students have previously found their work experience has translated into part-time work while at school, and even a future career.
Please do come and talk to the careers team for further information, or for instance you are finding difficulty in finding a placement.
Mr Otchere - Career's Lead
Library News
The Library continues to be really busy at break and lunchtimes - please remember to check for any overdue books!
We are excited to be running a Short Story Competition to support World Book Day on 3rd March - entries will be forwarded to The Cedars Care Home in Bourne who will be awarding Book Vouchers for The Bourne Bookshop. The top 3 stories received will also be awarded House Points - this is a great opportunity for our students to really show their creative flair and support their House.
Stories should be positive, uplifting and inspiring and no longer than 500 words and entries are open to all year groups - please email entries to rthurlby@charlesreadacademy by Wednesday 17th February: Half Term is a great opportunity to enter!
Mrs Thurlby - LSA & Librarian
Teen Support
Please see the link for Healthy Minds and supporting your child if they are experiencing low self-esteem or low confidence
Times Tables
At the end of all lessons students stand behind their chairs in silence to prepare for themselves for the next lesson. From September, on a weekly rota, Years 7 and 8 will be reciting their timetables to help embed them in their long term memory.
Week commencing 21st February - 12 times table
Accelerated Reader
Week commencing 21st February during period 5
The Sporting Post
Afterschool Clubs
Our club timetable has changed. On Monday and Tuesday our students will be taking part in rugby, hockey and dance. On Wednesday and Thursday we have made some changes to the sports clubs we are offering.
On Wednesdays it is table tennis and rowing club. On Thursday it is football and netball. If students attend afterschool football or netball it will increase their chances of being selected to attend the DRET Winter Cup. If they wish to stay on a Wednesday or Thursday students must report to the PE department at 3.15pm and get changed into their kit. They must then be collected by parents/carers at 4.15pm.
Students also have the opportunity to take part in sport at lunchtimes.
Mr Addlesee - Sports Enrichment Officer
Credits:
Created with images by congerdesign - "board slate blackboard" • Hans - "tables chairs sitting area" • KlausHausmann - "hand disinfection disinfection mouth guard" • mohamed_hassan - "writing hand write" • maciej326 - "globus earth world" • luckyhand2010 - "food eastern sweets" • Peggy_Marco - "refugees economic refugees financial equalization" • ringsfoto - "stationery clip cooperation" • geralt - "bulletin board stickies post-it" • anncapictures - "pocket watch time sand" • sakulich - "light lamp warm" • White77 - "zip line children kids" • josephredfield - "people friends together" • geralt - "skills can startup" • Hermann - "books literature knowledge" • geralt - "integration volunteer hands" • geralt - "to learn a notice information sign" • guisdesouza - "rugby ball water" • tigerlily713 - "calendar date time"