Welcome to the Easter newsletter.  It is fantastic to be able to share with you some of the amazing things that have been happening this term in our academies.  The term has not been without its ups and downs, with Covid continuing to see absences of staff and students, but through a flexible approach and some remote learning we have managed to keep going in some shape form or manner.

We are working hard with all students, and especially those who are taking examinations this summer to support them in preparing for these both academically and with regards to resilience and mindset.

The news articles and stories in our newsletter are testament to the determination of everyone in the Trust not to let this virus determine our futures and of the broad and varied opportunities and achievements our young people have had.

Take care

Sarah Sprack

Firstly, a thank you for your continued support over recent months, the kind emails, letters and cards make a big difference - it is much appreciated. 

We have all faced difficulties over the last two years which have tested our patience, resolve and outlook on life. This half-term has felt like a return to normality, be it with fluctuating staffing levels; the academy has been buoyant with student laughter, lesson activities and high-quality teaching and learning.

It has been great to see students' positivity as they have put the South Axholme Mindset to action, as they come to terms with returning to normal schooling.

This newsletter contains just some of the amazing activities that have taken place within and beyond the academy - take a read.

As we move into the final term of the year, we approach formal examinations for many year groups, in particular our Year 11 and Year 13 students. I would like to wish them well in their examinations; I know they will give it their best and come out with some amazing results.

As these students leave, we start the journey of a new cohort of students who move from Year 6 to Year 7 in September.  In July, they will join us for their three day transition.  Again this year we received over 220 applications for admission in September 2022 -  it is great to report that South Axholme continues to be oversubscribed; in September we will have nearly 1,000 students on roll. 

On our return, in the first week of next term we will get to see the eagerly awaited school production - 'We Will Rock You'. For me this is one of the highlights of the year and I cannot wait to be in the front row to watch our talented students in action. Good luck in your final dress rehearsals over the Easter period. Please email the academy for tickets should you want to attend. 

Finally, as we are breaking for Easter, I would like to stress the importance of kindness and tolerance. In a very uncertain world, we see far too often aggression and unpleasant comments and actions in society. I have been overwhelmed by the response of our students in their reaction to the troubles in Ukraine, and how they came together with our community to support the families fleeing the terrible war. The warmth of feeling shown by our community is something we should all consider when working and talking with others.

I wish you a Happy Easter and look forward to the summer term commencing on Monday 25 April. 

Scott Barlow, Principal

Home Learning - Satchel One

At South Axholme Academy, Home Learning is an essential part of school life as it supports the curriculum, subject interests and develops core skills such as organisation and independent learning.  

Research from the Education Endowment Foundation shows that ‘the impact of homework on learning is consistently positive leading to on average five months’ additional progress.’ 

To help support students, all home learning at South Axhome is set on a platform called Satchel One.  We have been using this platform for 6 months, and it is proving to be very successful as it allows parents/carers to keep up-to-date with their child's homework.  As we move forward into an ever more digital way of working it provides an up-to-date way of working.

Please encourage your child to download the Satchel One app onto their devices.  Students can also access Satchel One via any computer if they are unable to download the app.  

If you have not yet got your parent information, to enable you to access Satchel One to support your child at home, please contact the academy.

We thank parents and students for their cooperation whilst we have adjusted to this new way of working.

Mrs Bullars - Vice Principal

We regularly celebrate the achievement of our students at South Axholme Academy, and this week, students have attended mindset assemblies.  Students have gained certificates for awards in: 

• 100% Attendance
• Attitude to Learning
• Most Improved Attitude to Learning
• Achievement Points

Students who received an award for 100% attendance were put into a draw to receive an Amazon voucher.  Four students out of each year group were lucky enough to receive these.

Well done to everyone!

Mr Barnes, Assistant Principal (Attendance and Behaviour)

SAX Loves Reading

Our SAX Loves Reading Programme continued this term.  On 3 March (World Book Day), students brought into the academy their pre-read books for our 'book swop'.  It was so successful we have did it again on Thursday 7 April.  This time students received a raffle ticket for the chance to be entered into the draw to win an Easter egg.  Thank you to Miss Jacklin and Mrs Bullars for helping with the organisation of this event.

Ms Rock, Vice Principal

below: Easter egg  winners

Business Studies Spanish Competition

Five of our students took part in a business Spanish competition, and were successful in getting through to the final, which took place at the University of Leeds on Wednesday 30 March.  Students travelled from Doncaster train station to the University where they gave an impeccable performance and were an absolute credit to South Axholme Academy.  Their sales pitch in the afternoon was phenomenal, and they can genuinely feel hard done by not to have won! 

Mr Atkins, Associate Assistant Principal (EBACC)

The Young Business Enterprise Company Programme at SAX

Students participating in the Young Business Enterprise Company Programme were well introduced to the world of business when they took part in: -

• a virtual exclusive Dragon's Den style event on 27 January  
• the Products Trade Fair @ St Stephens on Saturday 5 March, and
• the Products Trade Fair @ White Rose, Leeds on Sunday 12 March

Our young entrepreneurs also had a visit from the Young Enterprise Area Manager.

In KS4 our Year 12 Business Studies students had a trip to Forest Pines for coursework research of customer services and corporate standards.

Mrs Smaller, Computing Teacher

below: pictures of products sold at the trade fairs

Netball

Congratulations to our students who picked up awards at the @lborolightning academy presentation evening! Special mention to Isabelle Hanson who was awarded player of the season!

Update

There's been plenty going on in the PE department this half-term.  Dominating the fixtures have been football, rugby, netball and girls' football.  At the same time, dodgeball club, sporting practices, interform football competitions and Sport Relief activities have been taking place - we have all been extremely busy!

There have been many highlights, with the Year 9 and 10 netball teams winning the Scunthorpe Schools' competitions.  In addition, our Year 11 and Year 10 rugby teams were runners-up in the District Schools' Competition.

Year 7, 9, 10 and 11 football teams are all through to either the semi-finals or finals of the Scunthorpe Schools competitions.

Pictures are available on Insta/Twitter/FB.

Mr Spouncer, Subject Leader PE

The English Schools' National Cup 

Following the success of the Year 11 boys' football team, after they made it through to the last 32 teams of the English Schools' National Cup, the next round saw them playing a team from Whitley Bay High in the North East.

Although the team did not get through to the next round (unfortunately they lost on penalties after a 1-1 draw) we are all massively proud of them. Heads should be held high!

This result is the furthest a SAX team has ever achieved!

Very well done to you all.

Mr Dwyer, PE Teacher

The Year 11 team did not give up , as the now  traditional staff v students game was played at the end of term.  Unfortunately (or fortunately for the staff) the teaching staff emerged victorious with a 2-1 win.  Another great game of football.

The Year 7 football team also had success reaching the last 32 of the National Cup. They eventually beat five other teams before narrowly losing to Wickersley 7-5. 

Netball Makes a Comeback!

Since the return to school in September the number of students taking part in netball club has been phenomenal with attendance reaching 40 most weeks.

Well done to all of the teams involved who have trained hard and remained 'SAX' ready throughout the past few months, despite some dark and cold wintery nights!

I look forward to the 2022/23 season with them all, but would like to make a special mention to the undefeated Year 10 team who have yet to play at the next level at the Humber games in July, alongside our equally successful Year 9 netball team (both teams having won their Scunthorpe School Championship tournament).  

Congratulations also go to Year 7 and 8 who have played some excellent matches both home and away. Their commitment and dedication are a true representation of the SAX mindset and the PE department are very excited for the next few years to watch them develop.

Mrs Smith, PE Teacher
 

Year 9 Hull University Visit

As part of the Year 9 careers education offer at South Axholme Academy, students visited Hull University in early March where they took part in a range of activities which included a brief talk introducing them to the University of Hull and the concept of university.

They took part in a lecture which gave an insight into the life of a student, looking at both the academic side of university and the social opportunities available.

University staff introduced students to the range of courses available at Hull whilst also making them aware of the different universities around the country.

To highlight the importance of managing money at universe, students played The University of Hull Budget Game; this was used as an opportunity to fully explain student finance, covering areas such as tuition fee loans and maintenance loans.

Students were also given the chance to take a look around the university, including the Students’ Union and the university library.

National Careers Week, 7 - 11 March

We had a very successful Careers Week.  Businesses both local and national came to the academy to talk about their area of employment.  Students found this very insightful.

Some of the highlights were:

Day one

Rachel the operations director at Epworth based Bon Choix spoke to students.

Year 10 students had a talk on careers in the aviation industry delivered by Rob from AeroSPARX and Paul from IASTI.

Some students visited the Bradbury Group in Scunthorpe.

Day 2

We were joined by SAX alumni Eloise to discuss veterinary science.

Day 3

Was a very busy day for virtual careers talks with sessions held for digital careers, careers in sustainability and putting the A in STEM careers.

Day 4

Students were able to experience a variety of  face to face talks. We were joined by (amongts others) Helen and Stacy from North Lincs Council to talk about adult and children social care and Steve from Cognosco to discuss the food industry.

Our most popular face to face talk this week was with Damian to discuss engineering. Students were also lucky enough to speak virtually to the Haxby group about being a GP.

Day 5

Was another busy day with talks on law with @paulverrioc from @esgloballaw, psychology and education with Rachel and land based engineering with Peter.

Thank you to all of our visitors for making it such a successful week.

Miss Jacklin, Associate Assistant Principal

The SAX Performing Arts department have had a busy Spring term. Musical ensemble rehearsals have been taking place every week, KS4 students showcased their work in an evening performance and Mrs Brook has organised a trip to the theatre for students to see "School of Rock". We have also been working very hard for the past few months staging and rehearsing our upcoming production of "We Will Rock You" with a cast of students from years 7-10.

The summer term will see further showcasing of drama and dance work, and also the first music concert on Wednesday 8 June, featuring brass band, rock band, vocal group and other ensembles and solo performances.

The performances of  "We Will Rock You" are on the evenings of Wednesday 27 and Thursday 28 April. Please contact the academy if you wish to purchase tickets - we would love to see you!

Mrs Brook, Subject Lead

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