Swaffham Newsletter

The Nicholas Hammond Academy
Keeping Busy During ‘Lockdown’
Whilst on ‘lockdown’ with the rest of
the country we have of course been
open to children of key workers and
vulnerable students. More recently
we have welcomed back our Year 10s, albeit to an
academy with a very ‘different look’ taking into
account government guidelines. We have been
astounded at some of the amazing things our
students have been involved with whilst at home
alongside their studies, taking part in our charity
project, hobbies and other interesting activities.
Here are just a few of the projects on which we are
proud to report:-
Firstly, we were delighted at the response to our
‘Hope, Happiness & Thanks’ project involving
students in Years 7 & 8. Students concerned
about the wellbeing of those vulnerable members
of our community having to shield, teamed up
with Swaffham Town Council & The Swaffham
Emergency Action Group. They worked on posters
and took photographs of what made them feel
happy, to share with those whose spirits needed
a ‘lift’ and to let them know they have not been
forgotten - bringing a little hope and happiness!
As a demonstration of ‘thanks’ to our key workers,
students added their own posters to the ‘Thank You’
wall outside the White Hart Pub which acted as the
hub of the town’s efforts. You will have also have
seen our own tribute being a ‘window of thanks’ as
you have passed our academy.
we are sure must have been very pleased to shed
that heavy coat in the recent hot weather!
We know that our students take great pride in
their work and this has not changed just because
they have not been able to attend school. Staff
and students have kept in touch regularly via
phone calls and on-line. Some of the art work has
been truly excellent with one student even setting
up her own small business taking commissions.
It has become clear that our students also have
found other talents during their time at home (for
example we have some fine carpenters and cooks).
One of our students did not simply defer to ‘Amazon
shopping’ for a present for his grandmother’s
birthday, he set to work making her a bird table with
his own fair hands. Another adventurous young
lady spent the afternoon shearing an alpaca, who
Others have been proud to share the results of
science experiments, with adult supervision where
indicated, in their own homes.
On the subject of pride - we are delighted to share
in the success of Jack, part of a group of volunteers
from the Norfolk Charity, Nelson’s Journey, who
have been given The Queen’s Award for Voluntary
Service, being the highest award a voluntary group
can receive in the UK. The charity supports children
aged from 11 to 17 years who have experienced
the death of a significant loved one. TNHA are very
proud of his amazing achievement!
Finally, we say a fond farewell to our ‘leavers’ in
Year 11 & 13, who will move on to the next stage
of their lives with our best wishes for their future.
We also take the opportunity to wish all students,
parents/carers, supporters of the academy and
those children who will join TNHA in September - a
summer filled with fun.
Stay safe and well!
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