STAFF
Dress up for
WORLD
BOOK DAY
PRINCIPAL’S
AWARD
LAUNCHED
OUR FIRST OFSTED
INSPECTION GOES WELL
NEW
AFTER
SCHOOL
CLUBS
It’s all about our students and their achievements
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
ISSUE 05
SPRING TERM 2014
PRINCIPAL’S LETTER
Time flies at the Academy and
particularly at this time of year.
Since January we have had a full
DfE capacity visit and ten days later
a full OFSTED inspection. Many of
you will have seen the report and
subsequent press coverage – we
now have up to two years to gain
an OFSTED rating of good and
have already finished the planning
as to how we intend to achieve
this. The majority of Year 11s are
working very hard and the staff are
resolute in their efforts to ensure
every student is as well prepared
as possible for the forthcoming
exam season. As you are no doubt
aware, changes introduced by the
government mean that students
sit all their exams at the end of
Year 11. Previously students have
been able to enter and resit most
courses but there is no opportunity
to resit anything except English and
maths in the November of the year
in which a student would be in Year
12. Compared to last year when
students entered the final exam
phase with many qualifications
already under their belt, this is a
very busy and for some, a stressful
time of year. That said, there is still
plenty of talk about the forthcoming
Year 11 Prom to be held at Elm
Hall Hotel once all the exams have
finished. Over the years I have
attended many prom events but the
Thomas Clarkson Academy Prom
last year was the most spectacular
I have witnessed and I am already
looking forward to this year’s event.
At the opposite end of the
academy, 78 students have
now graduated from the Year 7
Accelerated Curriculum on Entry
(ACE) curriculum. Overall progress
across Year 7 is good and has risen
in most subjects to values greater
than national average, so well
done to Year 7s. There have been
many memorable events taking
place beyond the classroom and
I would like to mention a few. All
year groups have taken part in a
programme called Human Utopia
and the students’ feedback has
been really positive. The aim of
the programme is for students to
consider the adverse effects of
peer pressure in teenage culture
and to consider how much this can
be a barrier to individual success.
However, it is presented in a
manner that engages virtually all
students. It is a very unique skill for
two presenters to spend an entire
day in one room with 250 students
and for the vast majority to really
enjoy the experience and find it
thought provoking. Some students
volunteered to help run this
programme for younger year groups
and had to undergo ‘heroes’ training
– they were all amazing and the staff
were very proud of them.
A group of students travelled to the
O2 arena to take part in a singing
festival; there have been assemblies
demonstrating science experiments
during National Science weeks; staff
dressing up as literary characters
for World Book Day and two TCA
students were nominated for the
prestigious ‘Pride of Fenland’
Awards. Our sports teams have
taken part in numerous fixtures
and competitions and the Parkour
afterschool club is growing steadily
with students becoming ever more
skilful. By now I think most parents
know that the news section of the
TCA website highlights most of
the events we get involved as they
are too numerous to mention in
this letter. Please take the time to
view this section as it gives a good
insight into the plethora of activities
which the students get involved in.
Finally, feedback from parents
suggests you feel the way we
manage homework could be
improved and this was one of
the areas for development that
OFSTED suggested. We currently
have a vice principal from another
Brooke Weston Trust school
working with us for the next few
months and her remit is to look
at a sensible way forward. If you
have particular views, please don’t
hesitate to contact Ruth Hurcombe
at r.hurcombe@thomasclarkson.
cambs.sch.uk. However, as you
might imagine when we ask our
students about homework….well
they are not very keen on the
idea at all!
I hope you all have a pleasant
Easter break.
Clare Claxton
Principal
LAUNCH OF THE PRINCIPAL’S AWARD
At Thomas Clarkson we always like to recognise the hard work of our students and at the start of this year we launched the Principal’s Award.
Students from across the year groups are all eligible for the award and following nominations from staff, six students were awarded the accolade this
term. To celebrate their achievement, the students had tea with the Principal and other senior teachers, were given 50 VIVO reward points and were
presented with a certificate.
The winners and the reasons for their nominations follow below:
Libby Carter Year 7
• 100% attendance • Top of vivo chart for King
Arnoldas Karosas Year 7
• 100% attendance • highest vivo across all LCs
• Totally committed to his learning
Mary Walsh Year 7
• Most improved
Dawid Slesak Year 8
• Always helpful, polite, and punctual
• Strives his hardest in lessons
Nathan Mace Year 9
• 100% attendance
• Helpful in the restaurant
• Receives many Vivo rewards
Erin Bell Year 10
• Contribution to form time
• A great example of an ideal student
• Exemplary attitude and always in the top 5
Vivos
Principal with Mary Walsh
02/03
IN THE NEWS
THOMAS CLARKSON ACADEMY’S
FIRST OFSTED
INSPECTION
and staff.
“Since the academy opened in
June 2012 we have put measures
in place in all areas to bring up
standards and we are delighted
that this has been deemed by
Ofsted to be working.
“I would also like to congratulate
students, staff and members
of the many community
groups in Wisbech who have
supported TCA in achieving this
improvement.”
Areas picked out for particular
praise by inspectors, were
the leadership by senior staff,
governors and academy sponsor
the Brooke Weston Trust; the
PIONEERING
CATERING SCHEME
A pioneering scheme at Thomas Clarkson Academy made the local
news as our budding student chefs did shifts in our professional
kitchen. Catering and Hospitality GCSE students are gaining invaluable
hands on experience by working in the academy’s restaurant, helping to
prepare food and serve meals.
The scheme was the brainchild of Food Technology teacher Miss
Thorpe who is passionate about students taking the theory from the
classroom into the working environment.
She said: “We have some really fantastic young cooks here, who want
to go into a career within food and catering, and so I thought it would
be a real insight into the working world if they had some experience
within our own restaurant. The restaurant serves hundreds of meals a
day during breakfast and lunch sessions and prepares a huge amount
of food each day.
“The students have been helping prepare the meals and it has taught
them a huge amount about catering on a large scale.”
There is a rota system in place during lesson times, allowing all students
the opportunity to work in the restaurant.
Year 9 student Troy Brazil is keen to get into the professional kitchen at
every opportunity.
He said: “I love getting involved in the work within the kitchen. I have
been taught things by the staff and picked up new skills. I think it is a
great idea as it has reinforced my plans to have a career in food.”
steady improvement of teaching
along with the tailored training
programmed for staff and the
academy’s support for students
with special educational needs
and for Year 7 students who join
with limited English and maths
skills.
The report said: “The governing
body, the academy sponsor
and the senior leaders have a
clear and consistent vision for
improving the quality of education
in the academy and the wider
community.
“Recent improvements to the
quality of teaching, achievement
and behaviour, show that the
senior team have the capacity to
continue to have an impact on
improving the academy.”
Improving attendance and
behaviour; students’ pride in their
school and positive relationships
between staff and students were
also commended.
Areas that were deemed to
need improvement, were all
recognised as having measures
in place to do so.
The academy now has two years
to improve to a ‘good’ rating.
The full report can be found on
our website under the About Us
section.
TOUR DE FRANCE’S
GRAND DEPART
TROPHY
One of the most iconic trophies from the world of Cycling arrived at the
academy this term.
Students and staff were given the rare opportunity of holding The Tour
De France’s Grand Depart Trophy when it arrived in school on Tuesday,
March 4th.
Head of PE Barry Delve said: “The Grand Depart Tour De France
Trophy is touring the country promoting that stages of the Tour are
again being held in Britain.
“Our Academy was lucky enough to be invited to host the trophy. This
was a real privilege and an extremely exciting opportunity for staff and
students alike both to have their photograph taken with the trophy and
to further raise the profile of the Tour and cycling in this country”.
The Tour De France has 21 stages and Stage 3 is from Cambridge to
London finishing at The Mall on July 7th. The race finishes in Paris on
July 27th.
On the day students were also given the chance to speak to two
members of the Wisbech Wheelers Cycling Club who brought their
road race bikes into the school. The students were amazed how light
the bikes were and took an avid interest in the sport.
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
The leadership of our academy
has been praised as good by
Ofsted.
School inspectors visited in
January and found the school
to be making progress across
the board.
Principal Clare Claxton said:
“The findings of the inspection
show the academy is firmly on
the pathway to an Ofsted grading
of ‘good’.
“Improvements in teaching,
behaviour and attendance were
all recognised by the inspectors
who saw the incredible hard
work that is going on at Thomas
Clarkson Academy by students
ACHIEVEMENT
02 ARENA IS THE
STAGE FOR OUR CHOIR
Our talented singers became part of the world’s largest school choir when they took to the stage at the O2.
The academy’s 45 students became part of the Young Voices Choir and performed to thousands on January 30th.
A highlight was the opportunity to sing the classic Son of a Preacher Man with X Factor finalist Stacey Solomon.
The choir belted out a number of songs, including Pop Medley and Living on a Prayer, along with 7,600 other
students from hundreds of schools across the country.
Teacher Gayna O’Rourke who organized the academy choir’s participation in the event said:
“The students learned a huge amount about how to perform in front of a large audience. As a result their
self-confidence and enjoyment of singing has improved immeasurably.
“It was a really electric atmosphere and the students loved it.”
The academy hopes that this will become an annual event in the choir’s calendar.
Ruta Pakatilyte
Lizzie- Ann Bryant
Diana Rubene
ARTICLE
PUBLISHED FOR
FOOTBALL FAN LIAM
TALENTED MUSICIANS TAKE PART IN
ROTARY YOUNG
MUSICIAN COMPETITION
Three TCA students pitted their musical talents against other young musicians from across
Cambridgeshire in the district finals of the Rotary Young Musician competition.
Ruta Pakatilyte (Year 10) Diana Rubene ((Year 10) and Lizzie-Ann Bryant (Year 7) all performed
at the event on March 2nd at the Leys School in Cambridge.
The talented three made it through to the event after an in-school competition and were then
sponsored by the Rotary Club of Wisbech.
In the competition Lizzie sang a classical piece and the popular I Could Have Danced All Night;
Diane sang Lighthouse by Lucy Spraggan plus a piece she wrote herself and Ruta played two
piano pieces.
Unfortunately the trio did not make it through to the regional stage of the final but did hugely
impress the judges with their musicianship and performance skills.
Music teacher Gayna O’Rourke said: I am delighted with the high standards of musicianship
demonstrated by Diana, Lizzie and Ruta. All students are a credit to TCA and are a real asset to
musical life at the school. I am so proud of their achievements.”
A budding sports writer has had an article published on a
Premiership Football club’s website.
Year 11 student Liam Newman’s write up so impressed
bosses at the Spurs fan website, that he has now been
asked to write a weekly article.
Liam, who is a lifelong Tottenham Hotspurs fan, wrote to the
website’s editor to ask whether he could write a piece for
publication. It was printed on the fan website the very next
day and then even made it onto the Spurs official website.
The student, who hopes to study media studies next year,
said: “It feels amazing to have something published. When
I first saw it I could not believe it. There have been 15
comments posted on line so far about it – some saying that
it was a nice write up and others not agreeing with
my opinion.”
Titled ‘Tottenham Hotspur – Where we are going wrong’,
the article was a critical appraisal of the team’s recent
performance. He wrote about how the hopes of Champions
League football for next season are slipping out of the
team’s grasp and questioned the ability of the club’s
summer signings.
Liam said: “Hopefully this is the first step to my hopes of
having a career in sports journalism.”
PRIDE IN FENLAND AWARDS
Two of our students were recognized for their good deed at the Pride in Fenland Awards.
Sixth form student Sam Johnson and Year 10 student Jacob Gowler were nominated in the Young
Citizen category at the awards held at the Boathouse Business Centre in Wisbech on March 13th.
Organised by the Fenland Citizen and Fenland District Council the annual awards give special
recognition to those who go that extra mile.
Both students were nominated by TCA staff for their charity and volunteering efforts.
Sam was nominated for his fundraising efforts for the Glenfield Care Centre where his granddad has
been cared for and Jacob was nominated for the role he takes in the technical production of the TCA
Act Theatre. He sets up the theatre for all school assemblies and also helps out with charity concerts.
Jacob
Sam
04/05
PROGRESSION AND CAREERS
STUDENTS BEGIN HORTICULTURE COURSE
opportunities of apprenticeships
and further education.
The course – which lasts until the
end of the academic year in July
– aims to see the student learn
the gardening basics, such as
sowing, potting and planting and
then progress to growing their own
plants and produce that they can
sell or use within the academy’s
kitchen. The students spend one
day per week at the horticultural
centre, with access to the state of
the art learning facilities.
great that we will get a qualification
and if we progress onto the Level 2
qualification it will be equivalent to
a GCSE.”
Alan Mitch from Manea, who along
with colleague Mary Larham has
been teaching students the green
skills, said: “The students have
progressed well – from very little
knowledge to now sowing and
planting.
Year 10 student Paige McDarby,
who is part of the first cohort along
with 13 other TCA students, said:
“I have really enjoyed it, particularly
the practical side of things. It is
“You can really see the satisfaction
that they get out of doing the
practical tasks. This is a great
opportunity for the students and
they could well be on the first steps
towards a career.”
REAL LIFE
WORK EXPERIENCE
A group of Year 10 GCSE
students gained some hands
on experience within a real life
work setting when they visited a
Chatteris engineering firm to take
part in a technical workshop.
Metalcraft – which was involved
in the manufacture of the
world’s first MI scanner – hosted
the event in conjunction with
Cambridge University and the
Fenland Partnership.
The group of students, who all
have a passion for engineering,
were tasked with designing and
building crane structures and
then testing them to destruction.
They had to make their
structures out of paper, screws
and masking tape and then
loaded the structure with weights
until it collapsed.
The winning team was made up
of Aaron Bennington, Anthony
LEARNING
ABOUT FORENSICS
Year 9 students with an aptitude for science got a taste of
university life when they took part in a forensic workshop.
19 students went along to Anglia Ruskin University (January
22nd) and were given an insight into the world of forensics
with some exciting experiments.
They learned how drugs are tested for and also carried out
some experiments with propellants. Four of the university’s
science lecturers led the workshop, which was run in
conjunction with the Royal Society of Chemistry.
UNIVERSITY
LIFE EXPERIENCED
A group of Year 10 students were given an insight into uni
life this term when they had an overnight stay at the University
of East Anglia.
The students were given a room in the halls and took part in a
number of team building activities.
Brazil , Callum Skeels and
Cameron Green, whose structure
carried 22.95 times its weight.
Aaron said: “I think the reason
why our crane won was because
we reinforced the paper tubes.
We found that the key was not to
have any creases in the tubes as
this made them weak.”
The students tested the crane
structures by attaching a bucket
to the end, which was then filled
with tins of baked beans. They
were led in the task by tutors
from Cambridge University.
Design teacher Marcus
Loosemore said: “This is the
fourth year running that our
students have attended a
workshop at Metalcraft and it
is a great way for the students
to learn more about a Fenland
company that is a leader in what
it does.”
ADVICE FOR
YEAR 8 STUDENTS
CHOOSING
THEIR OPTIONS
Why do I have to choose?
• This is your opportunity to have a
say in your education
• During Year 9-11 the work
gets harder so it is important to
concentrate on subjects you enjoy
most, are good at or have an
interest in.
• There is not enough time to fit
every subject in
• You have an opportunity to
explore new subjects too
Getting the balance right:
It is important to think about your
future plans; however it is probable
that you will change your mind a
number of times over the next few
years. The main thing to consider
when choosing your options is
thinking about what you enjoy, but
also selecting from a broad range
of subjects and skills. This will keep
your options open for your future
beyond the classroom.
How do I choose?
Firstly, ask yourself:
• What am I good at? What are my
talents?
• What are my strengths and
weaknesses?
• What interests me?
• What subjects will support my
future plans?
Then gather as much information as
possible:
• Talk to subject teachers – they
know exactly what you will study!
• How is the course assessed?
(Exams or controlled assessment?)
• What does the course involve?
• How does it differ from what I am
studying now?
• What qualification will I receive?
Completed option forms need
to be handed into form tutors on
Tuesday, April 22nd
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
The first crop of Thomas Clarkson
Academy students begun their
‘green studies’ at a pioneering
horticultural centre.
The Delamore Fenland Horticultural
Academy opened in Wisbech
St Mary last summer and at the
start of this year the first batch of
academy students picked up their
trowels and began their practical
lessons.
They are studying for the Royal
Horticultural Society’s Level 1
qualification under the tutelage
of experts from Manea School of
Gardening.
The aim of the centre is to train
and inspire a new generation
of horticulturalists, with further
SIXTH FORM
TAKING TIME
OUT FOR SPORT
Sixth form students are making sure they take some time out from the pressure of study
by playing sport.
Student Jack Whyatt set up a sixth form football team at the start of the academic year
and a number of the sixth formers are taking part. Jack has been approaching other
sixth form teams across the region to play against, with the next match against Ely.
The team trains on a Thursday evening and plays a game against staff on a Friday
after school.
Team member Daniel Oakley said: “It is good to have something to look forward to
at the end of the week after a lot of study.
“Playing the staff is good but we have decided to mix it up with staff and students
playing together to make it more competitive.”
Students Daniel Oakley (left) and
Thomas Carter with the 6th form kit
SIXTH FORM STUDENTS GIVE
SUPPORT TO GCSE MATHS STUDENTS
A new scheme has been set up which has
seen Year 12 and 13 students become
involved with helping and mentoring Year 11
students as they approach exam time.
The program devised by Lead Teacher
Steve Blades and Curriculum Leader Andry
Joannou has paired Year 11s with Year
12s and Year 12s with Year 13s to offer
intensive 1-2-1 support during tutor time.
The students targeted were C/D borderline
GCSE pupils due to sit their exam in
June 2014.
Mr Blades said: “The experience of the Year
12 who sat the exam last year has been
invaluable and mock results have seen the
target students make excellent progress.
The sessions have been held in the
restaurant for 25 minutes each day and Year
12 students who have offered support have
received intervention sessions from the Year
13s in return for their hard work.
“We think the sessions have been fantastic
both in terms of the work covered and
the environment of learning the students
have created”.
SIXTH FORM
BENEFIT FROM
RAF OUTREACH
PROJECT
Sixth form students were given some personal
development training by RAF personnel this term.
All students were involved in the practical session
which aimed to actively encourage them to think about
their futures and gain additional skills to help them
succeed.
The half-day session involved exercises based on
improving confidence, teamwork, and communication.
Student Holly Beresford said: “The session was
good, as it taught new skills about how to work as
a team and how important it is to use other peoples
experience and talk to others.”
TALENTED KICKBOXER
QUALIFIES FOR WORLD CHAMPS
Sixth former Chelsea Munday is now preparing for the World Championships after a success at the
WKC (World Kickboxing and Karate Council) World Qualifiers in February.
The talented student, who is studying AS level psychology, biology, sociology and maths, won her
category in two styles of kickboxing (points and continuous) and also achieved a silver and bronze in the
categories above.
She will now compete in the World Championships in Albufeira, Portugal in November.
Sports mad Chelsea has also been appointed as a sports letting assistant at TCA. She works after
school, dealing with bookings and setting up equipment.
She said:
“During the half terms I work at the kids clubs that Thomas Clarkson
runs, which includes being a coach, teaching them to play certain
sports such as football or gymnastics and just generally keeping
them entertained.”
06/07
INNOVATION
YOUNG INTERPRETERS
SCHEME MAKING A
DIFFERENCE
More students are being signed up to our Young Interpreters
scheme.
The scheme sees students help new arrivals to the school by
buddying up students of the same nationality.
The Young Interpreters have a variety of roles, from showing
the new arrivals around on their first day, to sitting in on
lessons, translating pieces of writing for staff and students
and welcoming visitors to the school in their native language.
Languages represented by our Young Interpreters include
Lithuania, Russian, Latvian, Portuguese and Polish.
Student Evelina Nipave said: “I really enjoy helping out
students who are new to the school and the country. I wish
when I moved to England there was a similar scheme for me,
as it can be lonely when you do not speak the language.”
STUDENTS
LEARN FROM
INVENTOR
YEAR 7 ACE
CURRICULUM
78 Year 7 students have graduated from our Accelerated Curriculum
on Entry (ACE) curriculum.
Students who take part in the programme work under a tailored
curriculum programme designed to improve their literacy and
numeracy levels.
Students take part in full day blocks of lessons and are measured
by an ongoing assessment. As soon as they reach level 4 they move
into the normal Year 7 timetable.
Of the 118 students who started the ACE curriculum in September
almost two thirds have now graduated, showing the success of
the initiative.
ONLINE
REVISION
PROGRAMME
Maths teacher Mr Blades has set up an online revision program
for pupils at www.m4ths.com . Five minute videos are posted daily
and tweeted out (@m4thsdotcom) to students who have to spot the
mistakes made on GCSE Foundation and Higher exam questions.
The videos and additional support has proved popular with
students and all resources have been uploaded to the school
system for students, parents and teachers to use.
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
An animatronics workshop was run this term by Philip
Lowndes, the inventor of the RODNI project.
This Microsoft sponsored project is designed to inspire
students to investigate the world of software programming
and micro controllers. The aim is to teach them how to
code in ’C’. This is a computer language used to control
programmable integrated circuits, known as peripheral
interface controllers (PICs). The workshop was run over
two hours, giving students the opportunity to program an
Arduino micro controller to get a LED to flash at different
rates. The students programmed the RODNI to move its
head, using servo motors.
Teacher Clinton Delport said: “This was a very interesting
course and was well received by the students who were
inspired and were keen to try out new ideas.”
FRENCH TRIP
TASTE OF
FRENCH LIFE
Students were able to practice their
French Speaking skills when they
went across the channel for a fun
filled half term week.
Disneyland Paris, a Sea-life Centre,
outdoor sports, visits to historical
sites, shopping, coach tours and
cooking lessons were all on the
menu for the Year 8, 9 and 10
students who visited Boulogne and
Paris at the February half term.
Despite the wet weather the group
of 30 students from Years 9-11,
made the most of their five days in
France, viewing historic landmarks
in the Capital city as well as a day
trip to the famous amusement park.
Teacher Clarisse Njikang said: “The
students had a fantastic time and
were able to immerse themselves
in French Culture for the week. For
many it was the first time that they
had visited France and it was great
to see their enjoyment of
the country.
“We did lots of activities – from
visits to markets, where students
could practice their conversational
skills, to a croissant cooking lesson,
where the instructors spoke only in
French.
“We also took part in some outdoor
activities at the Chateau where we
stayed – some of the students still
have not forgiven me for getting
covered in mud!”
Student Eleanor Carr said: “I had
always wanted to go to France and
just had a great time. My favourite
day was the Tuesday, as we went
to the market and then had some
outdoor activities, such as Zip Wire
and archery in the afternoon.
“This trip is going to help me within
lesson and it was really useful to
practice our speaking skills with
French people.”
See more pictures from the Visit at
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org click on ‘Photo Galleries’ under the ‘About Us’ tab
STAFF GET ON
THEIR BIKE FOR
SPORT RELIEF
A sponsored cycle relay saw staff cycle 270km in 12 hours.
In total £150 was raised for Sport Relief as sporting activities
took over the academy on March 21st.
Organised by Amy Anderson, the events involved the cycle relay, a sports quiz (in which students had to correctly name staff
involved in sporting activities during their younger days) and
there were sporting challenges in Eden throughout the day.
Luke Wilson (Year 11) – won the penalty shootout. Jess Cooper and Gareth Cole won the Hula Hoop competition.
The cycle team rode the equivalent of Wisbech to Newcastle
during their 12 hour effort. The team was made up of: Miss
Knowles, Miss Smith, Miss Anderson, Mrs Bulpit, Mr Crossley, Mr Smith, Mr Moore and class M10, Mrs Salmon, Will
Boreham & Emily Cooper (Sports Captains), Mr Hooper, Miss
Humphrey, Mr Arrowsmith, Mrs Beedham, Mr Bliss
Miss Anderson said: “The generosity of the students and staff
was phenomenal.
“Thank you to Shapers Gym Wisbech for donating the bike
for the event.”
08/09
NEWS
STAFF TRANSFORM
INTO LITERARY
CHARACTERS
The literary world was represented in all its glory as staff
took inspiration from their favourite characters for World
Book Day on March 6th.
Almost 40 members of staff replaced their usual work dress
with fancy costumes to celebrate and promote reading.
There were characters from many different genres as staff
really got into the spirit of the day. The most popular books
were The Wizard of Oz (the Humanities department dressed
as many of the central characters) and there
were a number of Harry Potter characters – with Vice
Principal Lisa Ling dressing as Hogwarts Headmistress
Dolores Umbridge.
Librarian Debbie Trafford, who organised the event said:
“There have been some fantastic costumes, with some
staff even making their own creations.
“My particular favourites were Dolores Umbridge and Mr
Dollis also looked great as Mr Darcy – complete
with cravat.”
As part of the day, students took part in a quiz to guess
all of the characters. All students were also given a book
token which they could exchange in school for one of
World Book Day’s reads.
Science fever took over the academy
to mark the national week of science
and engineering.
There were experiments in
assemblies and during lunch times,
students were challenged to quizzes
and took part in competitions and
there was a visit from a science
writer, as the whole academy became
involved.
The week was launched with an
assembly by teacher Gary Crossley
who gave students a playful
insight into science, with practical
demonstrations and questions such
as ‘How much toothpaste do you
need to clean an elephant’s teeth?’
There were also lunchtime
experiments by science staff and
sixth form students.
Author John Townsend visited and
led workshops for students.
Librarian Debbie Trafford said: “At
the start of the day Year 9 enjoyed
a presentation by John Townsend
where he entertained us to tales such
as the boy who was nearly eaten
alive by a python and the headless
chicken who survived for over 18
months! He then ran workshops for
some of our Year 8 and 9 science
classes, where he encouraged
students to find ways to present facts
in interesting ways. The students
produced some funny raps and
hilarious plays as well as storyboards
and more.”
curious students gather to
watch and experiment.
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
SCIENCE AND
ENGINEERING WEEK
LITERACY
KEEN READERS
START CARNEGIE
SHADOWING
The avid reading has begun, as a
group of book-mad students have
started turning the pages of the
stories on the Carnegie shortlist.
The books in the running to be
crowned the Carnegie Medal winner
2014 were announced in mid March
and already our group members
have begun to work their way
through the list.
A total of eight books make up
the shortlist and the winner will be
announced on June 23rd.
Our students will read each book and
then meet once a week to discuss
their opinions. They can also post
reviews and blog about the books.
On the day the winner is announced
the students will join forces with a
neighbouring school for a Carnegie
themed event.
Librarian Debbie Trafford said:
“The titles named on the shortlist are
usually not popular authors known
to young people, so it introduces
them to new writers. It is also a
great way to learn how to have a
critical appreciation of books as the
students really have to think about
and judge what they are reading.”
Olivia Follen (Year 8) has started
reading Rooftops by Katherine
Rundell. She said: “I love reading
and was part of the Carnegie
Shadowing group last year.
“I like having to think about what
I am reading and also enjoy the
group discussions.”
CREATIVE STUDENTS
WIN THEATRE TICKETS
Five talented writers who imagined
themselves at the front line of war won
tickets to a theatre production.
Year 8 students Aiga Zelve, Oliver Betts,
Archie Lyall, Sarah Madsen, Jordan
Canham will be watching the stage version
of Michael Morpurgo’s Private Peaceful at
the Theatre Royal, Norwich in May.
They won the prize for a piece of creative
writing in which they had to imagine
themselves as a soldier penning a letter
home to a relative.
English Teacher Lisa Lockyer said:
“We were really impressed by the entries
and it was something that was completed
in the students own time.”
Year 8 students have been reading Private
Peaceful and looking at War poetry and it
was really evident in their language.”
The winners will join a trip on May 2nd
to see the popular play. Students who
attended intervention sessions have also
been awarded tickets to the play.
HOLCAUST
MEMORIAL DAY
To mark Holocaust Memorial Day local
history author Michael Rouse paid a visit.
The author talked to the Year 10 history
group about the Jewish evacuation from
the East End of London to Ely. He also
spoke to Miss Lockyer’s writing group about
the process of novel writing.
FENLAND’S POET LAUREATE
GIVES TALENTED STUDENTS
SOME WRITING TIPS
Leanne Moden held a workshop with a group of
Gifted and Talented students and taught them
about the art of short story writing. The celebrated
poet gave the students the benefit of her writing
experience and took them through their creative
paces when she visited on February 25th.
The students were given a series of activities to do
during the workshop which concentrated on plot
and description and how to build characterisation.
Leanne said: “I was incredibly impressed by the
ideas that students came up with. They were very
enthusiastic and had a real passion for writing.”
The poet, who comes from Wisbech, has only
been writing and performing poetry since 2010,
although has written since she was a teenager.
English Teacher Lisa Lockyer said:
“The students who attended the workshop
really excelled.”
10/11
TCA NEWS
ZOO INSPIRE
ART STUDENTS
A group of 13 students from the cooper centre
and BTEC art students went on a trip to Banham
Zoo in Norfolk this term.
Art teacher Miss Guppy said: “A current
project is based around various employment
opportunities for artists and designers in the zoo
industry. We are therefore, organised a trip to
Banham Zoo.
“While at the zoo, students used the time to
photograph the animals and their enclosures,
to explore areas that use artwork and sculpture
and examine the use of design in promotional
materials. They were also issued with a
worksheet to help them gather the necessary
resources to help them with their project.”
LEARNING
FROM THE BEST
More than 40 students took part in a training session with a premiership
football club this term.
The students travelled down to Stoke City to have some expert
coaching from the club’s backroom staff.
They then stayed on to watch the Stoke side take on Manchester
United and saw the home side beat the big northern club.
Mr Hooper, who organised the trip said: “We had a fantastic experience
especially as Stoke won 2-1. “We will be looking to run other trips in the future. This provides the
students with an excellent opportunity to watch top flight football and
be involved in a professional training session.”
Students are practising their walk down the
yellow brick road as this year’s musical is
the Wizard of Oz.
Year 9 student Chloe Browne has won the
role of Dorothy with Mark Lailder as the tin
man, Ewan McConnachie taking on the part
of the Lion and Carl Ward as the scarecrow.
The wizard will be played by Lewis Barnard
and departing from the usual cast there
will be two good witches and three wicked
witches.
Drama teacher Mrs Wilcox said: “We have
made an adaption of the screen play and
novel and made our own version, so the
audience should expect some surprises.”
Students are now busy rehearsing and
the musical will be staged during the first
week in July.
NEW
GARDEN PLANS
A patch of ground behind the King learning
community will soon be a green delight.
Jane Mackie, with the help of a teaching assistant,
are leading the initiative to help students grow
their own fruit, vegetables and flowers.
They organised a raffle and raised £200 which they
will use to buy tools. A local firm has agreed to
plough the land, so planting will soon start.
Mrs Mackie, who has worked as a gardener,
said: “We are hoping that students will get really
involved. They will have the opportunity to get
involved with all aspects and it is hoped that we
can start an after school club.”
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
FOLLOW
THE YELLOW
BRICK ROAD
TCA NEWS
THE GREAT BROOKE WESTON BAKE-OFF
Budding bakers have begun their
quest to win The Great BWT Bake
Off. Our enthusiastic student
bakers will be given six baking
masterclasses and take part in six
baking challenges over 12 weeks.
The competition began at the start
of the month (March) with the first
baking masterclass on making
basic shortbread biscuits.
Throughout the weeks a baker will
be eliminated until at the end of
week 12 the TCA bake off winner
is crowned. They will then go
through to the grand final and
compete against the winners from
other schools within the Brooke
Weston Trust group.
TCA Restaurant Manager Maddy
Austen, who is running the
masterclasses, said: “Our first
masterclass for our students
went really well. All students who
are taking part have an interest
in cooking, although some have
more experience than others
“The masterclass gives them the
base to work from but if they want
to win they have to enhance the
recipe and do more with it.
“I was really impressed with their
creations and there were some
excellent presentation ideas.”
The remaining masterclasses will
show the students how to make
scones, a tray bake, cupcakes,
mini tarts or pies with sweet or
savoury pastry or fillings and
miniature bread rolls.
The competition is for students
in Years 7 to 10 and during
each baking challenge they
will be judged in three areas –
presentation, taste and hygiene.
Students can win up to 10
points in each area during each
challenge.
During the grand final they
will take part in a whole day
of challenges when they will
make everything they have
learned during the course of the
competition to create an afternoon
tea. They will be judged by a panel
of independent judges from the
catering industry.
VISIT FROM
CAMBRIDGE PROFESSOR
A leading educationalist visited Thomas
Clarkson Academy to assist his report on
inclusion in schools.
Cambridge University’s Professor John
MacBeath met with staff and students as
part of a research project which will be
published before the summer.
It is a follow up to the Cost of
Inclusion which he co-wrote with Maurice
Gaulton in 2006.
As part of the project the professor
emeritus will be visiting a number of
schools around the country and will then
write up his findings.
He said: “I have come here with no
preconceived ideas, just a fresh pair of eyes
and keen to talk to staff and students.”
Professor MacBeath has had a long and
distinguished career in the education,
spending many years as a teacher before
beginning research into education. He has
written many books on self-evaluation
within schools and worked with national
governments, education authorities and
schools on the subject.
COMBINED CADET
FORCE LAUNCHES
TCA students will soon be joining the new
Brooke Weston Trust Combined Cadet.
Interviews have been going on with interested
Year 9 students and the first recruits will be
appointed shortly.
They will begin their training at Oundle School
in September. They will take part in weekly
operational training and the scheme will also take part in a military
skills weekend and a week-long summer camp.
Maths teacher Anne Rose is the CCF officer for Thomas Clarkson
Academy. Having served in the Royal Air Force for 13 years as an
Engineering Technician and now acting as a Flying Officer with the
Holbeach Air Cadets, she is well qualified to put students through
their paces.
Ms Rose has been training with other BWT staff at Oundle
School since September 2013 and will lead the sessions from
September 2014.
She said: “This is an exciting opportunity for our students as
there will be opportunities to gain qualifications as well as
leadership skills.
“Also it will give any students who are considering a career
within the forces a head start.”
The BWT CCF has been paid for by the Government and the MoD,
who are aiming to widen the CCF scheme within state schools.
STREET DANCER TEACHERS
STUDENTS HER MOVES
A professional dancer who has appeared in big name pop videos has been
teaching our students some street moves. Yuki Masui from the Cathy Waller
Company led classes for GCE and BTEC students. They have been shown some
classic moves from the Street and Hip Hop dance genres and taught sequences.
Dance teacher Angela King said: “The students have really enjoyed it and the Year
10 students will be developing what Yuki has taught them to create a piece for our
annual dance show.”
Yuki, who was one of the dancers in the Coldplay Charlie Brown video and
appeared in the BBC One show ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, has been a dancer
since she was 16 and inspired to dance after copying some dance moves from a
Japanese boy band.
12/13
TCA NEWS
STUDENT SLAM
After two months of working with
professional rapper Xidus Pain and
beat boxer Skilly Skillz a group of
talented students performed their
original pieces at the event on
March 17th.
have made over the course of
the project. They have not only
developed their musical talents
but also their self-confidence and
teamwork skills. The performances
at the Student Slam were fantastic.”
The Student Slam was organised
by ADeC as part of Phonic, a Youth
Music funded project that gives
young people the opportunity to
take part in music workshops and
performances.
Helping to organise and run the event
were another group of students who
have been attending event training
sessions with ADeC. The group
learnt about all the jobs involved
with staging and event and the
terminology used. They designed
and distributed posters, operated the
lighting and set up the venue.
Arts development manager Nathan
Jones said: “It has been wonderful
to see the progress the students
On the same day as the Slam
there will be free workshops given
by Skillz and Xidus during the
afternoon. The workshops run
from 2.30 – 4pm and 4.30 – 6pm to
book a free place please contact at
ADeCNathan.jones@adec.org.uk
During eight weekly sessions the
students developed their skills and
devised pieces. Also delivering
fantastic performances at the Slam
were a number of talented dancers,
singers and musicians from TCA.
The event was brought to a close
with a special freestyles rap and
beat box performance by Xidus
and Skillz.
There will be another Wisbech Slam
event held at the Oasis Community
Centre (St. Michaels Avenue,
Wisbech, PE13 3NR) on Saturday
5th April. The event will run from
7 – 8pm and entrance is £3.
HUMAN UTOPIA
Year 10 Heroes pictured underneath some of the
Human Utopia icons on display
Left to right : Klaidas Salickas, Heather Paterson,
Ella Chadney, Gemma Trower, Brianna Neale
An inspirational whole
school project that helps
students to understand who
they are and to engage in
school and community life,
has continued this term.
The academy has been
working with Human Utopia
since last September and
now every year group has
taken part in the ‘Who are
You?’ days.
The Human Utopia team
have led workshops in
which students have been
challenged to face any
barriers they have to unlock
their personal potential.
Teacher Sarah Loosemore
said: “The ‘Who Are You?’
days with the Humanutopia
leaders have been fun,
thought provoking,
challenging and emotional.
The most memorable
moments in each year
group have been when
pupils were asked, “What
fills your bin”. The concept
of the bin is that we all
carry a metaphorical bin
around with us every day,
and every day rubbish is
thrown in our bin by friends,
family, classmates, teachers
and sometimes strangers.
Pupils who have had
their bins filled raised the
courage to stand up and
say how, and even more
miraculously some pupils
stood up and apologised
for filling the bins of others.
The day also looks at
students and how they like
their comfort zone and how
they can be pushed into the
stretch zone and then the
panic zone in order to grow
as a person.”
Human Utopia also has
a nationally recognised
volunteer programme,
which 80 of our Year 10
students have now signed
BRINGING NEW LIFE TO OLD BOOKS
Students showed their creative sides in a fantastic Book Arts competition.
Art teacher Miss Guppy tasked students with creating an artwork out of an old book. Students attended
workshops showing them three different book art forms and they then had a month to create their artworks.
She said: “The competition ran for four weeks and we had a huge uptake from Year 7 and stunning results
from Year 12. I have been literally bowled over by the quality from these two year groups and all entries have
been better than I could have wished for.”
There were prizes awarded for each key stage. The winners were: Lizzie-Ann Bryant (Key Stage 3), Shaney
Sloan (Key Stage 4) and Ryan Clarke (Key stage 5).
The best entries were selected to go on display in the library and Eden spaces.
up to. The students have
volunteered to take part in
the Heroes journey, which
involves becoming mentors
to younger students and
taking part in activities with
primary schools.
They also helped out with
the Year 7 and 8 ‘Who are
you?’ days.
Year 10 student Kaylin
Roach said: ‘I enjoyed that
Year 7 were all confident
and not afraid to stand
up and talk and they
contributed to everything.
Human Utopia will be
returning to work with Year
6 students in a HARmony
Summer Camp which
Heroes will be heavily
involved in as well as
returning to do further work
with other Year groups.
Exciting times are ahead as
we work with our students
to ‘Be the Change’.
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
Students showed off their rapping
and beat box skills at the first ever
TCA Student Slam.
SPORTS NEWS
TCA JOINS WITH WISBECH PRIMARIES TO
PROMOTE SPORT TO THEIR PUPILS
A School Sports Programme
has been launched to raise the
participation in sports at primary
level. Pupils from three Wisbech
primaries have signed up for
the programme and have been
receiving five hours of sport per
week from TCA staff and specialist
coaches. The scheme is part of a
government drive to boost sport
for younger pupils. As part of the
Olympic legacy a £150 million
funding package was set up with
money available to primary head
teachers to spend on sporting
activities.
Peckover Primary School,
Elm COE Primary School and
Wisbech St. Mary CE(A) Primary
School have all put their funding
towards the TCA School Sports
Programme.
TCA PE Teacher Kirstie Smith, who
created the tailored programme
and has been delivering sessions
into the three primaries on a
weekly basis, said: “The scheme
is proving to be a great success,
with both staff and pupils at the
primary schools enjoying taking
part.
“We tailor the scheme to what
the individual school wants, for
example some have wanted
specialist gymnastic and dance
training as perhaps they do not
have staff trained in this area.”
As part of the programme, the
schools have also taken part in
sporting tournaments held at
TCA. A Hockey tournament for
Year 3 and Year 4 pupils was
held in February and a Dodgeball
tournament in March.
Principal Clare Claxton said:
“Kirstie Smith, an experienced
PE teacher from TCA is doing a
great job working with some of the
Wisbech partner primary schools.
They value her subject expertise,
particularly in more technical
aspects of PE such as gymnastics.”
TCA also provides sports coaches
to work alongside primary
teachers. The idea is not just to
deliver high quality PE sessions
but also to help up skill our nonspecialist primary colleagues.
“All the primary head teachers
in Wisbech value the teaching
of physical education to our
young people and this is part of
our endeavours to work together
to raise standards in all Wisbech
schools.’
It is hoped that the scheme will
run again next academic year, with
more Wisbech primaries becoming
involved. Pictured : Klaudia Gnitecka,
Kelly McManus , Rachel Stimpson,
Anna Ivaskevisa, Weronika
Czechawska, Adeana Reeve
YEAR 7 GIRLS IMPRESS
The Year 7 girls football team travelled to
Ely on 6th March to face their first 7-a-side
tournament. Led very ably by captain Klaudia
Gnitecka, the girls showed they meant
business from the first whistle. Some excellent
passing between Weronika Czechowska and
Rachael Stimpson led to a fantastic goal by
Stimpson to take the first match, against Neale
Wade 1-0.
Thomas Clarkson were in high spirits going
into their next match against Witchford, the
two defenders Kelly McManus and Anna
Ivaskevica were solid at the back; rarely
did the Witchford forwards break their line.
Gnitecka made some very good saves to keep
the score at 0-0 for the majority of the match.
Unfortunately a very powerful strike from one
of the Witchford forwards left the score 1-0 to
Witchford at the end of the match.
Thomas Clarkson’s final match of the
tournament was against hosts Ely College,
Clarkson dominated throughout the match,
going 1-0 up very quickly, from a fantastic
cross by Czechowska, slotted in on the back
post by Stimpson. Adeana Reeve and Kayligh
Goude worked tirelessly in the midfield, their
effort clearly made an impact, as Clarkson
were on the attack for the majority of the
game. In the last 2 minutes of the game,
the Ely forwards broke free and scored the
equaliser, the final result 1-1.
Thomas Clarkson came second overall with a
fantastic team performance by all players, they
were an absolute pleasure to take, and were a
credit to the Academy.
OLYMPIAN INSPIRES
STUDENTS TO REACH FOR
THE SPORTING SKIES
Badminton champion Anthony Clark gave students
tips towards sporting success when he visited the
school at the end of March.
The former Great Britain number 1 came into the
school as part of the celebrated Sky Sport for
Living programme, which has David Beckham as its
ambassador.
The badminton player gave a motivational speech to
GCSE and BTEC students before working with the
girls’ rugby team.
He held a practical session in which he taught them
teambuilding skills.
Student Cree Howlett, who is part of the school’s
fledgling rugby team, said: “It has been really
enjoyable working with Anthony and he team
building exercises will be really useful.”
The sportsman will return to TCA later in the year for
a follow up session.
14/15
AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS
FREE RUNNING
IN THE THEATRE
Students who are taking part in the parkour afterschool club put on an excellent display in
the theatre this term.
The group of students showed off what they have been learning in the acrobatic club which
is coached by PE teacher Piotr Krawczyck.
The club takes place after school on Fridays and is open to new members.
Whittlesey salon Boome Hair and Beauty is running an on-site programme at TCA
on a Wednesday.
Since January, Year 9s have completed the six-week course and this half-term it
is Year 10 who are learning new skills.
The classes of 12 have been learning the techniques of shampooing, blowdrying, colouring and styling hair as well as observing hair being cut. The beauty
element of the course covers many areas including applying make-up, manicures
and pedicures.
Students create a moodboard and plan a hair/make-up style for a model to
showcase in the last week – parents are invited to attend this event. The students
all receive a certificate on completion of the 6 week programme.
STAFF SLAM
DUNK STUDENTS
A staff versus students basketball game this term was won
by staff, with a score of 45 against 16.
Students have vowed to settle the score in a re-match.
A new rugby after school club for girls has proved to be
the thing to try. 16 students from across the years have
signed up to the club which is being taught my sport
teacher Kirstie Smith on a Wednesday from 3.30pm.
This is the first time girls rugby has been trialled at the
school and it is proving to be very popular.
Ms Smith, who plays for Fakenham Foxes, said :
“We have had a good interest in the sport and the
aim is to be able to get a team together and have a
competitive match before the end of the season.
I wanted to change the perception of women’s rugby
and to show female students that it is a great sport to
enjoy and that it is not violent. We teach how to tackle
properly and how to prepare to be tackled – which is the
key to not getting hurt or injured.
“I have been really impressed by the students so far
and we have a few that have shown great promise.”
Year 10 student Eleanor Carr said: I have always loved
sport – particularly strength sports and so I was really
keen to learn how to play rugby.
“I have found it so enjoyable and have learned a lot
of skills and a few ways to tackle.
“I am really looking forward to having a competitive
match.”
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
HAIR AND BEAUTY
COURSES AFTER SCHOOL
GIRLS
TRY RUGBY
TCA INFORMATION
SUMMER TERM 2014
Bank Holiday
Monday 21st April 2014
Term opens to students
Tuesday 22nd April 2014
Last day before Half-Term
Friday 23rd May 2014
Half-term
Monday 26th May to Friday 30th May 2014
Last day before summer break
Friday 18th July 2014
Post 16 Results
Thursday 14th August 2014
GCSE Results Day
Thursday 21st August 2014
PARENTS IN
PARTNERSHIP HAS
POSITIVE EFFECT
Our Parents in Partnership group has been making
a difference to life within the academy.
The group, which is open to all parents, meets
every two months and looks at matters across the
academy, from learning to parent communication
and behaviour.
Since February, this active group has made a really
positive contribution to academy life and as a
result a number of changes will be made.
Following matters raised by PIP we are currently
revising the student planners, and a new
homework policy will be launched in July 2014.
We will also be introducing a new year specific
calendar for students and parents to access on
our website.
The next meeting on Wednesday, 21st May, will
be looking at the Academy VIVO system.
Progress Leader, Mrs Alex Salmon coordinates the
PIP meetings and takes back the requests to the
staff and students who then investigate possible
solutions to any issues raised. Mrs Salmon
said: “The PIP groups gives all our parents the
opportunity to have a voice and play an active role
in their child’s education.
“If any parents have ideas about the Academy,
we would like to hear what they are..….your
contribution to the PIP group is more than
welcome.”
Any parent can attend the PIP meetings, which are
start at 5.30pm.
If any parent who cannot make the next meeting but would like to contribute to the discussion on the
VIVO system then please email: asalmon@thomasclarkson.cambs.sch.uk
EASTER
HOLIDAY
PLAY SCHEME
AT TCA
We have a programme of sports activities
for children over the Easter holiday.
Children from 5 to 13 can take part and
sports on offer include Tennis, Basketball,
Cheerleading, Athletics, Dodge Ball
Visit the community lettings page on our
website (in the community section) for all
the information.
PARKING
All parents are now being asked to drop
off their children in the designated drop off
zones in the main car park.
The visitor car park (at the front of the
school) is not to be used for drop offs and
the gates will be closed from 8am to 9am
and 2.45pm to 3.45pm each day.
We have imposed these guidelines to
ensure the safety of our students.
EMAIL NEWSLETTER
An email newsletter was launched for parents this term.
The newsletter has been created to
make sure parents can easily keep
up to date with the latest news
from the academy.
It also provides a calendar of
upcoming events for the following
two weeks.
Principal Clare Claxton said: “This
is a great way for our parents to
find out all the latest news from the
academy.
“There are so many fantastic things
happening during our lessons and
in our after school clubs which we
want our parents to know about.
“We hope they find the email
newsletter a very useful and
interesting resource.”
The email will be sent every two
weeks on a Thursday morning.
All parents who have provided TCA
with a current email address have
been automatically subscribed to
the newsletter.
Parents who do not wish to
continue receiving the email
newsletter can click on the
unsubscribe link at the bottom of
the newsletter.
Members of the wider community
or parents who have not provided
a current email address and who
want to subscribe can do so in the
news section of our website.
Corporation Road, Wisbech, PE13 2SE
t: 01945 585 237
www.thomasclarksonacademy.org
You can keep up to date with our latest school news on Twitter by following @TCAwisbech