Contents

Date: 9 December 2016
Mr Howe, Headteacher, writes:
With Christmas around the corner we can look back at another wonderful term at
Abbeywood Community School with pride. As always, this edition of our newsletter is packed
with a showcase of the many sporting, academic and personal achievements by our amazing
students. This time of year brings into focus thoughts about the more vulnerable members of
our communities and I am immensely proud of our charity work at Abbeywood—particularly
in collecting over 25 boxes for the North Bristol Food Bank. There is a myriad of events in our
last week of term including; our Celebration Evening (13 Dec), the Christmas Concert (14
Dec), and the hugely anticipated inter-faculty lip-sync battle next Monday, organised by our Year 11 Prom Committee.
While it is vitally important to unwind and recuperate after such a busy term, our Year 11 and Post 16 students will need
to spend some dedicated time over the Christmas holidays revising for their PPEs (mock exams) that begin in the New
Year. Revision and examination preparation can be a stressful time and there is a useful article on page 8 outlining how
parents and carers can help reduce students’ stress and anxiety. I would like to sign off 2016 by thanking all our parents,
carers and governors for their continued support and by paying tribute to the amazing Abbeywood staff for all they do
each and every day to build positive futures for our students. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a very happy
2017 from us all at Abbeywood Community School.
SLT Drop-in:
DATES FOR YOUR DIARIES
Term 3 : Tuesday 3 January—Friday 10 February 2017
Monday 12 December:
Tuesday 13 December:
Every Friday 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. - No Appointment Necessary
Year 11 RAISE Day
Year 7 Boys House Match vs BSCS
Celebration Awards Evening 6:45 p.m.
Wednesday 14 December: Christmas Concert 7:00 p.m.
Thursday 15 December:
Friday 16 December:
Student Christmas Lunch &
Christmas Jumper Day
End of Term 2 - Students finish @ 12:15 p.m.
Tuesday 3 January - INSET DAY
Wednesday 4 January: Students return for start of Term 3
Year 11 Pre Public Exams start
Monday 9 January:
Post 16 Pre Public Exams start
Contents
Olympus Academy Trust Update..2
Headteacher Awards………………….3
North Bristol Foodbank………………4
Progress in Y7 & 8….…………………..4
Fundraising Book Sale………………..5
Language Ambassadors……………..5
Y11 & Post 16 Pre Public Exams….6
Christmas arrangements………….…6
School Uniform…………………………..6
Concorde Book Awards……………...7
Chasing Storms using Maths……...7
Anxiety in Students…………………….8
Edge Church Christmas Services...9
Lockdown…………………………………..9
Celebrations Award Evening…….10
Biometrics………..………………………10
Proposed Curriculum changes….10
PE Faculty News…..…………..11 & 12
Creative Arts..…………………..13 & 14
Spotlight on Post 16……..….15 & 16
Community News…………….17 & 18
Abbeywood School@AbbeywoodSchool
1

The Olympus Academy Trust Update: December 2016
Funding Implications:
You may be aware that South Gloucestershire is one of the lowest funded authorities in England for education and
the figures are the same for maintained schools and academies. The government postponed the introduction of a
national fairer funding formula in the summer which was due to have been introduced in 2017. We now know that
we have to wait at least another year. In the meantime, we have much less money than schools in other areas to
try and deliver the same educational outcomes – this is clearly unfair – and we are bracing ourselves for our most
difficult budget-setting exercise ever for our schools for 2017-18.
In order to offset some of the financial challenge, there are some things we organise as a group of schools to get
better prices and value. For example, we have recently entered into contracts for catering across the Trust and
have most of our schools on the same cleaning contract now too.
You may have seen or heard in the media about our potential involvement with both Patchway Community College
and Winterbourne International Academy. Both schools are facing difficulties for different reasons and need to join
different multi-academy trusts from the ones they are currently in. Patchway has recently had a difficult Ofsted
inspection and needs lots of money to help improve its facilities as well as its educational outcomes. I have been
supporting Patchway with other Olympus colleagues but we are waiting for funding from the Department for
Education to be awarded for improvements before our Board of Directors can decide about them joining Olympus.
At the other end of the spectrum, Winterbourne International Academy is in new buildings and is the largest school
in South Gloucestershire with 1800 learners, but the Ridings Federation has been in financial difficulty and the
decision has been taken that Winterbourne (and Yate) need to join other Trusts. We believe that a local partnership
is the best solution and have submitted a proposal to the Department for Education for Winterbourne to join
Olympus with support being provided by us in partnership with Castle School Education Trust. We will know soon
whether this can go ahead.
If Patchway and/or Winterbourne join our Trust, we will have more scope to provide school improvement support for
all OAT schools and greater partnership opportunities. We are not under-estimating the challenge but feel strongly
that it is the best solution for our local communities and will keep you updated about developments.
Learning Journeys:
As we approach the end of term and the start of the festive season, I have been reflecting on the achievements of
our learners in school. In my position, I have the privilege of visiting schools every day to see learning in action and
can see the progress of our oldest students who are preparing for their A levels and, in some cases, their university
applications. It is gratifying when we have known them and seen their development over a number of years. It is
fitting that we have awards evenings for our GCSE, BTEC and A level students in the last week of term to reflect on
their achievements.
At the other end of the learning journey, it has been wonderful to see our youngest learners in Reception performing
in their Christmas plays and musicals and to see how much they have learnt in the 3 months since they started
school. Every day is a privilege as an educator and it is good to be reminded of that when we are tired at the end of
term! Thank you for your support in 2016 for your children and for the staff who make their learning possible in
school. Have a good family break and please come back refreshed for what promises to be a busy and exciting
2017. There will be a full Olympus Academy Trust newsletter for you in January.
Thanks and best wishes,
Dave Baker
CEO, The Olympus Academy Trust
@MrDaveBaker @olympustrust www.olympustrust.co.uk
2

Headteacher Awards
Always trying your best in English lessons and displaying excellent resilience
Luis Hughes
Being incredibly resilient and supportive to the students in your Tutor group
Lewis Bailey
Being selfless to support another member of our school community
Jade Palmer & Sara Perez Cruz
Creative and perceptive IHL in English
Jose Miguel Ojeda Jirout
Designing and creating an amazing Library
Jacob Leivers
Excellent contextual research IHL in English on Romeo and Juliet
Robbie Seward
Excellent effort and contribution to the fundraising book sale
Jennifer Crossley, Georgia Dell, Liv Lewis, Aishu Putravu & Robyn Wright
Excellent effort in reading a novel in your second language
Renata Kovacs
Excellent effort in Science this week
Zoe Jones, Sheyla Morgan & Lewis Smith
Excellent effort in speech writing in English
Rachel Arberry, Maddie Bailey, Emma Curry, O'Shian Edwards, Sophie Harris, Priya Kaur,
Marcio Lopes Ferreira, Jose Miguel Ojeda Jirout, Denisa Racaceanu & Gemma Taylor
Excellent effort in writing assessment in English
Jessica Baber, Lily Bath, Macauley Brewer, Samuel Cottle, Lucy Hammond, Amelia Jeans,
Aaron Lewis, Keiran Miles, Keegan Owens, Emily Phelps, Sophie Vowles & Anna Williamson
Excellent English IHL
Jack Harris
Excellent independence in reading, analysis and contextual research in English
Jay Daniels, Madison Davidge, Sarah Preece, Aditya Putravu, Ryan Thompson &
Natalie Williams
Fantastic effort in Science
Jessica Baber & Zoe Cooper
Great team work and aspirational behaviour in the Mini-Olympics
Matthew Brenton, Jack Burt, James Carey & Elliot King
Moving up to the next Maths group and showing resilience in lessons
Kye Prenderville Clark
Outstanding independent home learning in Spanish
Jasmine Ajaz, Eva Bagatelas, James Carey, Liberty Hargreaves, William Lambern, Aaron Lewis
& Gwen Willcox
Showing resilience and independence in speech writing in English
Gemma Taylor
Speaking in staff briefing and helping teachers develop within ACS
Lucy Daniel
3

Our generous staff and students
have been collecting for the North
Bristol food bank for the last 3
weeks to support some of the
families in our local area.
Here is a picture of some of the
donations we have collected!
English independent home learning (IHL) inspired
this incredible cake by a Year 7 Student!
Thank you to everyone who
donated!
Reward Incentive
The lucky winners of the fortnightly 100% attendance draw for the fortnight
14 - 25 November 2016 were:
Year 7 - Anja Beck
Year 8 - Lara Dehaney
Year 9 - Darleen Hartmann
Congratulations to all of them!
They have each been awarded a
£5 Amazon voucher.
Year 10 - Sophie Frampton
Year 11 - Robiul Islam
Following the first set of progress checks, we would like to congratulate the following students who have
made the most progress on average, across the full range of subjects this year.
Grace Crompton
Matthew Brenton
Marianna Baker
Lucy Hammond
Kyra Taynton
Year 7
Gwen Willcox
Eva Bagatelas
Emily Phelps
Anna Arnott
Ellie-Rae Carey
Libby Charles
Eloise Smith-Ferrier
Sarah Crabtree
Charlie Chamberlain
Year 8
Samuel Jackson
Harvey Wong
Amelia Kovacs
Jennifer Crossley
Well done to you all and we look forward to seeing some more fantastic work!
Congratulations to the following students who have been highlighted as having made the most effort
across all subjects this year!
Year 7
Bethan Morris
Katie-Mae Wheeler
Michaela Barnes
Ellouise Lucas-Cockram
Eva Bagatelas
Robert Davis
Emily Phelps
Anna Arnott
Marianna Baker
James Carey
Aishu Putravu
Jennifer Crossley
Harvey Wong
Robyn Wright
Amy Barber
Sannah Bouzeghoub
Year 8
Libby Charles
Jason Cheng
Anais Elezi
Mac Elmorssy
Daniel Sweetnam
Sarah Webber
4

The Fundraising Club would like to thank everybody that donated
and supported the Used Book Sale that took place on Parents’
Evening, we managed to raise an amazing £88.35. The money
raised will be donated to Esme, a local girl who needs to go to
America for an operation that will enable her to walk. Please
click on this link for Esme’s story: https://www.justgiving.com/
campaigns/charity/darrenwrightfoundation/ezzyswishtowalk
The Fundraising club will be holding another book sale at the
Christmas concert on Wednesday 14 December, please continue
to donate your unwanted books and be ready to buy Christmas
gifts for your loved ones.
Fortnightly Accelerated Reader Star Prize Results
Each fortnight, the winners from each tutor group will receive an email home, an
Achievement point for Literacy and a chocolate from Ms Storey
Congratulations to ……..
Year 7
Bethany Willshire 7R
Year 8
Alysia Reed
8R
Adam Nolan 7R
Chanel O’Driscoll 8O
Rachel Taylor 7O
Jake Takle
8O
Jack Burt
7O
Martin Domsa
8Y
Ethan Burgess 7I
Freya Bennett
8Y
Emily Butcher 7Y
Harvey Wong
8G
Sannah Bouzeghoub 8G
Jake Heathcote 7Y
Finley Wheeler-Evans 8B
Jessica Baber 7B
Emily Hathaway
8B
Codie Smith 7B
Nina Krzywicka
8I
Cameron Wakefield 8I
……....who were the top readers in their tutor group this fortnight!
Keep up the good work, well done - Ms Storey
We have recently appointed new Language Ambassadors:
Abbeywood Community School
Language Ambassadors
Jasmine Ajaz Rhian Marsden Jovan Dhillon
Jonny Mead Denisa Racaceanu Georgia Wallington
Joshua Watkins Aishu Putravu Diana Fernandes Lopes
Anais Elezi Sophie Harris Cayleigh Williams
Harvey Wong Marcio Lopes Ferreira Robyn Wright
Their role is to:
Support the MFL Department with MFL events
Engage in school projects
Promote languages throughout the school
Lead learners in their MFL lessons
5

Any lost property will be kept in Reception for one term and
after this time, if unclaimed, will either be donated to
charity or disposed of. If your child has lost/mislaid any
items, please ask them to check at Reception.
Please name all your child’s clothing and property so we can
re-unite items with their rightful owner!
Any lost property not
collected by the
Christmas break will be
disposed of.
Progress 8 is a new measure of school performance. It
replaces the previous measure of 5A*-C including
English and Maths, and shows how well pupils of all
abilities have progressed, compared to pupils with
similar academic starting points in other schools.
For more information please click on this link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IAEgFMSGDY
PRE PUBLIC EXAMS 2017
Year 11 exams will take place during the period Wednesday 4 to Wednesday 18 January 2017.
Post 16 Pre Public Exams 2017 will take place during the period Monday 9 to Friday 13 January 2017.
Please click on the Year group to view the exam timetable: Year 11 Year 12 Year 13
These are available on our website along with other exam information (please click here to view).
The traditional Christmas lunch for students will be
held on Thursday 15 December. All students having
Christmas lunch will be entered into a raffle with
the first prize being £25 of high street vouchers
kindly donated by Aspens, our catering provider.
Please note that if your child is not having the
Christmas lunch then they will need to bring a
packed lunch as no other food will be available on
that day.
School Uniform
Please visit our website for our Uniform Policy and guidance.
As at the beginning of each term, there will be another uniform
roll call at the beginning of Term 3 on Wednesday 4 January 2017.
As mentioned in the previous newsletter, there will be an increase
in uniform prices from January. A revised price list is on the
website.
Christmas Jumper day – This
will also be on Thursday 15
December and is not a nonuniform
day. A Christmas
jumper can be worn instead of
the normal ACS school jumper/cardigan only and
all other parts of the normal school uniform should
be worn.
Friday 16 December is
the last day of Term 2.
Students will be
dismissed at
12:15 p.m.
Happy holidays from
us all at Abbeywood
Community School
6
Throughout this academic year, all students will have a
fortnightly focus in order to ‘raise the bar’.
This is in order to improve the atmosphere around the
school, which will have a positive impact on the
learning of all students.
The focus for 12 - 16 December is to:
“Be prepared - Remember essential items!
Keep banned items out of sight”
Reading book –
essential for
‘Reading Activities’

Chasing storms using Maths!
On Monday 21 November we got to school “a bit” wet
after the massive storm we all suffered. So what a
convenient occasion to talk about how meteorologists
study weather using maths! Some of our Year 9 and Year
10 students spent their Monday Maths lesson chasing a
storm thanks to an enriching activity provided by STEM
ambassadors from UWE (University of the West of
England).
Our students had to use real data to try to predict where
a storm would take place and what intensity it would
have. They discovered that their knowledge can already
be applied in real life in professions that require lots of
Maths. They also learnt how professionals work and how
to overcome the limitations they were finding for the
accuracy of their measurements during the activity.
It was indeed a great way to start the week. However,
with our Maths knowledge we can only predict, but we
cannot get rid of the storms. So unfortunately it seems
that from time to time we will still keep getting wet in
our way to school……..
Concorde Book Award 2017
The Concorde Book Award, supported by The
Bristol Post, is for anyone in Years 7 and 8 at
secondary school. A really important part of the
award is that young people are very involved all
the way through; from choosing the longlist and
the winner, to giving presentations at the award
ceremony.
This year’s six shortlisted books have been
nominated by young people across South
Gloucestershire and are available to borrow from
ACS Library and all public libraries in South
Gloucestershire. The Shortlisted books are;
Beetle Boy by M G Leonard
Car-jacked by Ali Sparkes
House of Secrets by Chris Columbus
Lies we tell Ourselves by Robin Talley
Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens
Young Sherlock: Night Break by Andrew Lane
9 of our students are already heavily involved in
shadowing the award by reading the shortlisted
books, writing on the Concorde blog and voting for
their favorite.
The students representing ACS will have the
opportunity to attend the Award Ceremony at The
Forum, Bristol and Bath Science Park, 7 March,
2017, where the winner of the Concorde Book
Award 2017 will be announced. The ceremony will
be attended by at least one of the shortlisted
authors.
Futuristic thriller ‘The Fearless’ won in 2016.
Receiving the award, author Emma Pass said:
“Thank you so much. I’m absolutely shocked – I
was not expecting it at all. Winning these awards
means so much because it’s the readers that pick
the winning author. I am absolutely honored to
have won – it has been a fantastic evening. Thank
you so much for inviting me!”
2 of our students with
their Concorde Books.
If any other students
would like to vote for
one of the Shortlisted
books then voting
slips will be available
in the LRC.
For more information please click on this link
http://concorde2017.edublogs.org/
7

What practical steps can parents/carers take to reduce the
levels of anxiety in students?
Anxiety is going to be personal to every individual, but here are some tips:
1. Homework: Make reasonable time for IHL where your child is uninterrupted, in a quiet ‘work’ space.
Although ensure that they have some time to unwind from the stresses and busy environment of school too.
Build in rewards, such as doing something they enjoy, if you like too.
2. Sleep: Teenagers need more sleep than you think – 9 hours! Sleep is hugely important for the
development of teenage brain. Caffeinated drinks or screen time before bed can increase anxiety.
3. Exercise: this doesn’t just mean physical education in school! Exercise is a key factor in keeping ourselves
physically and mentally healthy. It doesn’t need to be strenuous, it could just be a walk to the shops.
4. Relaxation: we all have different ways to relax. Mindfulness or yoga can help some people, as can
music, time with friends/family, reading, etc. Useful non-secular mindfulness apps are Stop, Breathe, Think
and HeadSpace.
5. Creativity: encouraging creative activities helps to rebalance the pressure put on academic intelligence.
There are lots of creative enrichment activities available in school, so please encourage your child to take part.
However you can also do lots of creative things at home, from simply drawing/mindful colouring books/to big
projects like painting their bedroom walls (if you dare let them loose with paint!!)
6. Diet: Eat well to feel well. Teenagers are growing fast physically and emotionally and a balanced diet is
key to this. Pupils who consume high levels of sugar will ‘crash’ later in the day and a lack of certain vitamins,
like Vitamin B, will mimic the symptoms of anxiety. Energy drinks can cause anxiety-like symptoms too.
7. Embrace failure: children and young people need to fail sometimes so they can learn by trial and error.
In order for them to have resilience and make up their own minds, they cannot see failing as the be all and
end all. What is important is what we learn from our mistakes.
8. Ask for help: as much as we encourage our children to ask for help in the classroom
if they are stuck on a piece of work, please encourage your children to ask for help with
managing emotions. If they don’t feel able, then please ask on their behalf. People who
can help are their tutor, Assistant Head of Year & Head of Year. We also have a school
counsellor. If you, or your child, feel more comfortable asking for support outside of
school, you can speak to your GP, school nurse or can contact Off The Record
(www.otrbristol.org.uk).
Bright Sparks - School Aged Work Experience Programme
Launched in 2013 our bespoke programme was developed to allow school students from a variety of backgrounds to gain
skills and experience by participating in workshops and group projects, presenting to business people as well as experiencing
life in a busy law firm. It forms part of our commitment to PRIME to offer fair access to quality work experience. Each
summer we provide 24 work experience placements, 12 students per week, aimed at Year 10 to 12. We very much welcome
applications from a wide range of schools.
Our dates for 2017 are as follows:
Week 1: 19 - 23 June 2017
Week 2: 3 - 7 July 2017
Students will be required to apply on-line via our website and applications are now open and will close on Sunday 29 January
2017. Since the launch of our programme we have received very positive feedback from the students themselves, parents
and teachers.
Further information about both programmes is available on our website at: www.burges-salmon.com/about-us/culture-andvalues/corporate-responsibility/working-with-schools/
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Sarah Hucker, CR Co-ordinator on sarah.hucker@burgessalmon.com
or Catherine Correia, CR Manager on catherine.correia@burges-salmon.com.
8

Careers Information and Guidance
Do you want to:
Know more about Apprenticeships?
Understand the different career choices and pathways young people can make?
Be able to help your child make informed choices?
Know where to go for financial information?
Find out more:
Careerpilot parent Zone - http://www.careerpilot.org.uk/parent
Careerpilot student site – information on all pathways and routes http://www.careerpilot.org.uk/
Apprenticeship Hub West - http://apprenticeshiphubwest.co.uk/for-parents-schools/
Great Expectations parents’ guide - http://www2.cipd.co.uk/binaries/great-expectations-careers-guide-parents_2015-october.pdf
Plotr - https://www.plotr.co.uk/advice/advice-for-parents/
Life skills parent Zone - https://www.barclayslifeskills.com/parents/
Skills Junction - http://www.skillsjunction.co.uk/west-of-england/
Post 16 Directories
Bristol Post 16 Directory - https://www.bristol.gov.uk/documents/20182/239525/Bristol%20Post-16%20Directory%20for%20Sept%
202016_0_0_0.pdf/62b0ebfe-cbf8-4a93-9035-886d3297d812
South Gloucestershire Post 16 Directory - http://edocs.southglos.gov.uk/post16/
Advice for parents of children with special educational needs or disability (SEND)
http://www.careersadviceforparents.org/p/sen.html
https://councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk/preparing-adulthood/resources
Local offer:
Bristol - http://www.findabilitybristol.org.uk/
B&NES - http://www.bathnes.gov.uk/services/children-young-people-and-families/send-special-educational-needsdisabilities-0-25
North Somerset - http://northsomersetonlinedirectory.n-somerset.gov.uk/kb5/northsomerset/directory/localoffer.page?localofferchannel=0
South Glos - http://www.southglos.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/care-and-support-children-families/local-offer/
Financial information for higher education - http://media.slc.co.uk/sfe/quickStartFinanceGuide/home.html
The above represents a selection of local and national information and advice available to parents
Edge Church
Christmas Celebration
17 and 18 December at 6:00 p.m.
Complimentary food and festivities
for all the family afterwards.
25 December at 10:00 a.m. for an hour
Plenty of parking available
Edge Church
1160 Aztec West Business Park
Aztec West Business Park
Bristol
BS324TF
Governor News
Following the notice in a recent Newsletter, we received 4
nominations for the 5 Parent Governor positions so did not need to
hold a ballot. Three of our current Parent Governors, Isabel
Marsden, Nicki Mead and Scot Butcher have been re-elected for
another 4 year term and we are pleased to welcome Matthew Nolan
- one of Year 7 Parents - as a new Parent Governor.
We still have one Parent Governor vacancy left to fill and will
re-advertise this in the New Year.
Lockdown
As part of every school’s annual review of Health and Safety processes, the Lockdown procedure will be explained to all
students and staff in the New Year to ensure all are aware what action should be taken in the event of an unauthorised
dangerous intruder in the school. Once all students and staff have been briefed, there will be an exercise. The date will be
announced in advance. It is a particularly sensitive incident to prepare for however it is important to have plans in place and
practiced in the hope that it will never need to be done for ‘real’.
9

This event is for last year’s Year 11, 12 and Year 13 students to
collect their exam certificates and other awards.
Please join us from 6:45 p.m. for refreshments before the presentation starts promptly at 7:00 p.m.
We are limited for seating for this event as we anticipate that all students will wish to receive their certificates.
Tickets will be limited to a maximum of 3 (1 for the student and 2 guests).
However, once we have a clear idea of ticket demand, we may be able to release additional tickets.
Please click here to book tickets if you haven’t already done so.
Biometrics for Cashless Catering
As mentioned in our previous newsletter, the new cashless catering
system will be effective from the start of term in January. This will
use the biometric data from fingerprints instead of the need for the
current iTAG cards which often get lost, forgotten or broken. This
week we have been collecting the biometrics from each student or
allocating a PIN number where consent has not been given or
received from the parent. Should you still wish your child to use
their biometrics rather than remember a PIN number, please send
an email to finance@abbeywoodschool.com stating your child’s
name and that you agree to the school collecting the biometrics for
your child.
As part of this new system, you will also be able to credit lunch
account on line rather than send money in with your child. In order
to do this you will shortly be receiving a letter giving you full
instructions together with login details so that you will be able to do
this.
Please note that your child’s account will not be ‘live’
until the New Year when any credits on the current
system will be carried over.
Proposed changes to next year’s
Year 9 curriculum
In the New Year, students in Year 8
will be asked to complete a poll on
their preferences for some of the
subjects that they will study in Year
9. The poll will include those
subjects that are optional at GCSE
level. The results of the poll will
help us to consider our subject
provision for our Year 9 students
and will allow us to design our
curriculum model based on
student preference. This will help
us to ensure that our students are
well prepared for their GCSE
studies in Year 10. There will be
more information available about
our 2017/18 curriculum in the New
Year.
10

Abbeywood PE Faculty
Girls under 14s football
On Wednesday 23 November, the girl’s football team
were on the road again travelling to Tewksbury for
the next round in the National Cup.
The girls braved the cold conditions and engaged
enthusiastically into an evenly matched game. For the
first fifteen minutes neither team looked like scoring
but eventually the Abbeywood team rallied a forward
drive up the pitch and Zoe Jones found the back of the
net. This then drove our girls on and a quick couple of
goals followed from Captain Daisy Ackerman and
Kiera Beck. The home team did bring one back to
end the first half 3-1 to Abbeywood. In the second
half the Tewksbury team dominated from the off and
put a lot of pressure on our defence and goal
keeper, however, our girls persevered and kept the
goals out. The game ended with another goal from
Kiera Beck to solidify the win. Final score 4-1 to
Abbeywood. Player of the match went to Annabelle
Thomas who was in goal. She did a superb job of
controlling the defence, keeping her cool and making
excellent saves.
Basketball
On Wednesday 23 November the U16 ACS
students played in an English Schools
Basketball game against Bristol Met. Bristol
Met are one of the best basketball schools in
England so it was a great opportunity for our
students to play against other high ability
players. Despite Bristol Met winning
comfortably, ACS were leading in the first
quarter which should give our students
confidence in moving forward. Mr Doyle is
very proud of all the players who are working
hard to try and beat Bristol Met next time!
The girls now progress to the next round and are
now one of the top 16 teams in the country for
the second year running!!
On Monday 28 November ACS hosted an OAT Year 6
football tournament. The two teams who took part
were Stoke Lodge and Callicroft. All the boys played
brilliantly and it was a great opportunity for Mr Doyle to
meet potential ACS Year 7 students for the first time.
The winning team were Stoke Lodge A (pictured). This
football tournament was the first of a fortnightly
timetable of primary sports being offered by ACS this
year. Well done to all Stoke Lodge and Callicroft
students who took part.
The PE dept is now on Instagram! If you would like to keep updated with fixture results and pictures please
follow acs.pe.
11

Abbeywood PE Faculty
Under 14s Basketball Team
On Monday 5 December the Abbeywood under 14s
basketball team put in a strong performance against
Bristol Met. A tough opposition, we knew a difficult
game was ahead. Some great shooting from Dayzee
Holmes and Zoe Jones and an outstanding performance
from Molly James helped get us some points on the
board early on. Bristol Met continued to put pressure on
us and we had to be at our best. Saffron, Jasmine and
Megan played consistently and marked well. Some
good defensive play from all and some brilliant steals
from Daisy Ackerman meant Abbeywood put pressure
on Bristol Met and challenged them right up to the final
buzzer. Well played girls! Despite the score, a
performance to be proud of. Final score Bristol Met 74 -
Abbeywood 34.
Year 9 ESFA Cup 4th Round Match against Cirencester Deer Park School
Our Year 9 boys made it through to the 4th round and they played against Cirencester Deer Park School. The boys
started well, with Kinsly Murray having a couple of chances at goal. After running in behind the Cirencester
defence, Kinsly went round the keeper and placed it in the net for a 1-0 lead. This woke up Cirencester and they
pressed hard on our midfield and defence, they equalised from a nice move down the right of their midfield. With
that goal, the opposition grew in confidence and they saw their hard work pay off again after an Abbeywood mistake
in defence.
Half time came, with the boys 2-1 down. This was a situation the boys were not used to but they knew what they
needed to do. The whistle started the second half and Cirencester boys soon realised that Abbeywood weren’t
finished. With the pressure mounting on the opposition, Abbeywood attacked once again. After switching the ball
across to the right hand side, Kinsly Murray put Ryan Jefferies through and after getting to the line he crossed the
ball in for Spencer Hulands to get the equaliser. This now become a very tense game, with both teams not
wanting to make a mistake but football can be cruel at any level. With 10 minutes to go, the opposition attacked
down the right with one of their stand out players on the ball. He went to cross the ball into the box but with all
the luck in the world, the ball dropped in the far side of the net. 3-2 to Cirencester!
At the end of the match, they boys were upset but they put themselves on the line to make it through to the next
round and I couldn’t be more proud of them!
Our Man of the Match: Kinsly Murray – he did everything he could to get Abbeywood through to the next round.
Mr Muranda
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Spotlight on Post 16:
Key Dates & Reminders..
Inspiration:
Food Bank donations and ‘Find a person who…’ Christmas Challenges
due in ASAP!
Students are all expected to be in school for Independent Study when
they don’t have lessons.
Christmas Holidays — 16 December - 4 January 2017
Y12 Work Experience— 10 -21 July 2017
9 - 20 January—PPE Exams (see timetables!)
23 January—Core Day—Employability—Mock Interviews with Carillion
and other Business mentors.
Careers/University:
UCAS— Applications…
A large number of students have already
completed and submitted their UCAS
applications and are already seeing their offers coming through.
The final deadline for UCAS applications is 15 January 2017
18:00 (UK time) – however we encourage students to complete
their application much earlier than this date. If you want to send
off their UCAS application before Christmas you will need to
complete and send off your forms by Friday December. This will
allow time for their form, personal statement, qualifications and
reference to be carefully checked and any changes to be made,
prior to it being sent to UCAS.
Apprenticeships
https://www.getingofar.gov.uk
Filton Food Bank Collection
Please being your donations in ASAP so they can be sent to the Food
Bank. Thanks to the Y12 students for organising
the Post 16 students, and staff, to bring in food. A
particularly important time of year!
Y12 and Y13 students visited Airbus last week, for business
mentoring, as part of their work with Envision. This is part of
their ongoing employability work and Community
Apprentice programme. They are pitching their plans to
Business leaders at the
Bristol Hotel on the 7 December!
Apprenticeships Opportunities
Airbus Apprenticeships
In the UK, apprenticeships are available at Airbus, Airbus
Helicopters and Airbus Defence and Space. All their
programmes last 3 years or 5 years and combine college or
university studies with practical training. These programmes
provide a clear route for progression and applicants can
choose between different entry options according to their level
of educational achievement and abilities. The closing date for
Craft Apprenticeships is 17th February 2017, 10th March
2017 for Airbus Defence and Space apprenticeships and 31st
March 2017 for all the other Airbus apprenticeship
programmes.
Further details are available at: http://www.airbusgroup.com/
int/en/people-careers/apprentices.
MOD Higher Apprenticeships
The Ministry of Defence are currently advertising higher
apprenticeship vacancies in Bristol for 2017 Year 13 school
leavers. There are both Project Management and Engineering
opportunities. The closing date for applications is 6th January
2017. Further details are available at: http://careers.rollsroyce.co.uk/united-kingdom/job-search-results/job-details?
jobID=44777#/
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Spotlight on Post 16:
Y7—Your Future Is This Way
As part of our Y7s seven year journey, they are currently
being shown around the Post 16 Centre by our Student
Leadership Team. They seem to be loving the chance to
visit the second floor, there have been lots of smiley faces
and positivity!
Alps—Targets and Progress
Students will be finding out where they sit
on the Alps thermometer this week. This is
a really important time to reflect on your
efforts during Terms 1 and 2. The
challenge for you now is to get out of the
BLUE and move towards the RED. If you
are already RED the challenge is to stay
there. Continuous improvement is the
underlying theme.
#DreamBig #BeAmazing
Social Mobility Foundation—Opportunities for Y12 students
The Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) is a charity that runs a range of completely free of
charge programmes for high-achieving year 12 students from low-income backgrounds. The
SMF run a programme called the Aspiring Professional Programme for young people who
are interested in Accountancy, Banking & Finance, Engineering, Law and Medicine
Successful applicants will receive an internship, normally in London, in summer 2017
alongside fun evening activities, a mentor from the profession they’re interested in, as well
as university application advice and skills sessions. SMF programmes are aimed at motivated students from less privileged backgrounds.
Therefore applicants must meet the following academic and background eligibility criteria:
Have at least 5 A grades at GCSE
Be predicted at least ABB at A level
Be currently, or previously, eligible for Free School Meals
Further details and the application form is available on the SMF website – www.socialmobility.org.uk . The deadline for applications is 9am
on Monday 19th December 2016.
Please contact Mr Bendry (richard.bendry@abbeywoodschool.com) if you are interested in applying for one of these opportunities and think
that you may meet the eligibility criteria. Schools are required to write a reference and confirm student’s eligibility.
Leading Learners
Your personal statements will look great if you can talk about
getting into lessons. Please make sure that you speak with your
teachers, and the Heads of Subject about becoming a Leading
Learner/Subject Ambassador. It’s great experience for you, and
also gives the students in Y7-Y9 something to aspire to. I will be
collating final numbers and creating a display soon!
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award
Current Y13s—make sure that you are updating your evidence
to complete and then sign off your Silver Award.
Y12s—See Mr Bendry . We
need to get you signed up to
DofE!!
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Community News and Events
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Community News and Events
These leaflets can also be viewed by clicking here
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