Amazing students and staff
Lockdown three has been difficult for us all with no warm weather and the opportunity to get outside.
However we have focused on the positives and looked to develop new and interesting ways of learning for staff and students.
During the six weeks of virtual learning, over 97 per cent of students logged on every week for live lessons, extra-curricular challenges and Google classroom assignments.
According to data from the National Foundation For Educational Research (NFER) this is 20 per cent more than average engagement across the country.
Nick Brown, deputy headteacher, reflected on the experience: “High quality learning experiences combined with outstanding staff and student relationships is the perfect formula for high levels of engagement.
“Our staff, students and families have continued to find a way to enjoy school even if it is from a distance.
“We have recognised our students’ hard work in a variety of ways.
“It’s amazing the motivation of a ‘well done!’.
“My highlight has been the Selsey bake off celebrating Chinese New Year.
“The winner was Katelyn Hagel, year nine, with her bull and lantern cake.”
Highlights of the halfterm away from desks have included our e-safety day in February and National Careers Week in March, our lockdown challenges and focus on the 12 Rocks supporting positive mental health and well-being.
Year eight students focused on how to trust social media and were asked to produce fake news items to illustrate that what you see and hear should be carefully considered before taking it as gospel.
Now more than ever, a focus on next steps and careers, is vital for our young people.
The Academy continues to work closely with external providers to ensure our students are ready for the next steps.
National Careers Week has been a focus on the eight essential life skills required in all vocations as part of the Skills Builder framework.
We have also taken part in virtual work experiences and a fantastic quiz based on the jobs our staff wanted to do when they were 10 and 20 years old.
This has challenged stereotypes and raised a fair few chuckles!
Did Mr Savage really want to be a rock star?!