Summer Term Issue 1 - Abraham Darby Academy

Academy News
Summer Term - Issue 1
Page 1
Summer Term Issue 1
The first week back after the Easter
holidays saw the Performing Arts students
launch into the blockbuster hit Bugsy. The
first two performances were for students in
year 5 from our local primary feeder
schools. There was huge excitement
amongst the audience particularly when
the splurge guns were fired!
performance as a singer at the Grand Slam.
They are the very best at being bad guys,
and Fat Sam’s gang did not disappoint;
Knuckles, Louis, Angelo, Snake Eyes and
Ritsy (Tom Hall, Louis Robinson, James
Fullerton, George Irvine and Nicola Olver)
quickly endeared themselves to the
audience as they danced their way onto the
The story tells of two rival gangs: Fat Sam’s set. Decked out in ill-fitting suits and
(James Lewis) and Dandy Dan’s (Jacob
trilby's, the five-piece made you look away
Duggan) , and their fight for power over Fat in terror … . But neither gang could have
Sam’s Grand Slam speakeasy. The two
done it without their fearsome bosses, Fat
gangs fight not with conventional guns but Sam and Dandy Dan (James Lewis and
with guns that fire cream that freezes the
Jacob Duggan). Each captured his character
victim rather than killing them – these are
perfectly, with Jacob’s slick, cool
known as ‘Splurge Guns’. Nathan Garvey
demeanour complementing James nervous
was an excellent choice for the starring role frenzy masterfully.
of Bugsy Malone, the candy coated cityStudents from years 7-13 worked together
slicker. He was accompanied by no ordinary as a close knit group, supporting and
fool, Caitlin Folger, who took the role of
encouraging each other all the way. I
Blousey Brown, the love-struck, ambitious would love to mention every cast and crew
film star wannabe and Bugsy’s love interest member here but there simply isn’t room
and presented her powerful voice to the
so I would just like to say on behalf of
audience. Both of them showed great skill everyone who watched it, a massive wellin playing the leading roles. Her name is
done and thank the cast, Ms Whelan for
Tallulah, or, actually, it’s Jessica Hodgkiss,
directing, Miss Morton for conducting the
but you wouldn’t have known it whilst
music, and, of course, the musicians
watching as she gave a very convincing
themselves.
Ed
Top left the whole cast, top right James Lewis as
Fat Sam and Jessica Hodgkiss as Tallullah.
Below, Nathan Garvey as Bugsy Malone and
Caitlin Folger as Blousey Brown
For more news and photos visit the Academy web site www.abrahamdarbyacademy.org.uk
Academy News
Summer Term - Issue 1
Page 2
Chess Megafinal
What a stunning edition of our
newsletter. Music, Drama, Sport, art,
politics and chess in the same issue. The
Haberdasher ethos is to educate the
whole person and this is truly reflected
in the information in these pages. What
may not come through, because
teachers are so modest, is the incredible
amount of work that goes on to make
these things happen.
This year, the Academy fielded fifteen
players in the Megafinal stage of the
Delancey UK Schools Chess Challenge, of
which three finished as outright winners
in their age and gender category.
The first round of the Competition ran
for seven weeks during the spring term,
during which forty-five Academy
students played against each other for points to qualify for the Megafinal stage. The
fifteen qualifying players travelled to the Cathedral School in Hereford on Sunday 26
April to compete in the regional Megafinal against the best players from schools
across the West Midlands.
Our teachers and staff give willingly of
their time after school, at weekends and
during the holidays. This builds a sense
of community and forges the
relationship between teacher and pupil.
Even if they may not articulate it very
often I know that our pupils recognise
that they have staff who go the extra
mile. What is also true, of course, is that
when that relationship is brought back to
the more traditional setting of the
classroom the pursuit of good academic
grades is far more likely to be successful.
Our students all played very well against some pretty fierce competition – the
Cathedral School itself always fields strong players. Three of our students won their
categories – David Vellacott (U17 Boys), Amy Watson (U17 Girls), and Alex Hart (U16
Boys). We also had several second place winners (Lucas Grant, Scott Kennie, Ben
Phillips and Nathaniel Menary). Perhaps more importantly, five of our students
secured enough points during the competition to qualify for the area Gigafinal, to be
held in Manchester later this year – David Vellacott, Lucas Grant, Alex Hart, Nathaniel
Menary and Adam Hustwick. It was interesting to see David pipping Lucas for the U17
boys title, despite the fact that Lucas is the Academy Champion! Lucas was, however,
the only player to beat the overall competition winner – a very accomplished U13
student from the Cathedral School.
Indeed, we are again approaching exam
season. It goes without saying that all
pupils should revise hard and prepare
well for exams. Success breeds
confidence. Perhaps most crucially year
11s approach their GCSEs and year 12 &
13 are preparing for their AS and A Level
exams. They understand the importance
of them. There is no need to be fearful
or anxious - if they prepare well exams
are merely a way of showing off what
you know. Good Luck!
Academy Artists celebrate their talent
at Ironbridge Fine Arts and Framing
The competition ran smoothly as always thanks to the hard work of the staff at the
Cathedral School, and our students acquitted themselves admirably both in terms of
behaviour and chess.
Mr Swanson
Mr Hadley
Staff, students and parents were delighted to see the work of year 11 GSCE Artists. A
professional display at Ironbridge Fine Arts and Framing certainly showed off the
students hard work, imagination and talent to perfection.
(See page 3 (opposite) for student perspective.)
Academy News
Summer Term - Issue 1
Page 3
Technology, Engineering and Maths)!
Students wishing to study other
course would have to fund it
themselves! Next items for debate
was the current deficit crisis, with the
Conservatives blaming Labour and
Denis Allan
David Wright
Mr Bull
Lucy Allen Peter Hawkins Labour blaming the banks after the
global financial crash. All parties
UKIP
Labour
Question Master Conservative Green Party
recognised that sound financial
Academy hosts Question Time
management is a priority for the next
government but none identified how
Students in year 10, 6th form and a
Union a political hotbed with Denis Alan
they would deliver financial stability and
contingent from Adams’s Grammar School
claiming that the UK population is supposed some parties particularly the Green’s would
recently enjoyed a Political Debate in the
to be 64 million, however the food and
spend like there was no tomorrow! Housing
Hawke Auditorium. Mr Bull had invited all
catering industry says it is feeding 77
was next under the spotlight with all parties
of the candidates who are standing for
million! The Green Party felt that
agreeing that there weren't enough houses
Telford on May 7th. Each candidate
immigration had a positive impact on the
in Telford and that any more building should
introduced themselves and outlined their
economy and that we are better off in
only take place on brownfield sites, with
major policies. A number of questions had Europe, particularly with all of the trade
Labour stating that they would increase
been submitted before the debate took
benefits. Another topic really got the
availability of social housing and secure
place and the candidates all had plenty to
students sitting up straight and paying
affordable rents for tenants. A fascinating
say on the number of topics. Healthcare
attention! University fees— most parties
afternoon which certainly gave students
was top of the agenda with all parties
would keep them apart from the Green
plenty of discussion topics, a quick straw
agreeing that more money was needed and Party, Labour would reduce the current cost poll amongst those sat nearest to me,
greater efficiency's should be introduced.
and UKIP would only pay for ‘Useful
revealed students most favoured UKIP and
Next was immigration and the European
Degrees’ such as STEM subjects, (Science,
the Green Party.
Ed
LRC News Summer 2015
Title: Hetty Feather
Author: Jacqueline Wilson
Super Stationery
Review by Jessica Stevens Year 7
This book is about a little girl called Hetty and she wants to try and
find her mother she has to go to the foundling hospital at the end
she finally finds her mother after she had run away.
I would rate it 5 stars it’s a very moving story and has now been
made into a play. I would say it’s a book for ages 9+.
Title: She is not invisible! By Marcus Sedgwick
Book review by Charlotte Smith Year 7
Laureth Peak is the main character in this story, A lot of strange
things have been happening, her dad has even gone missing!
She sets out with her younger brother to New York City, where she
faces a lot of situations. Did I tell you that she was blind? Well
anyway she’s almost abducted her brother as she did not have
permission from her mother, she stole her mum’s credit card and
five hundred dollars! Will she find her father? Read the book to find
out….
I haven’t read the full book yet but so far it’s great, it would be good
for ages 11+ as there are some tricky words.
On sale in the LRC before school,
break times and after school until
4.20pm
Price List
Pens/Pencils:
10p
Erasers:
10p
Sharpeners
10p
15cm Rulers
10p
30cm Rulers
25p
(red, green, black, white or blue)
Bendy Rulers:
65p
Glue Stick:
60p
Single Highlighter:
40p
Post-it Notes pack:
90p
Post-it Notes section:
25p
A4 Poly Pockets
5p
I think the art exhibition went well. Lots of people had turned up and were looking at all
the different types of art. We chose a black and white theme so as not to take away from
the art, but also so that the committee looked smart. Pemika and I organised the
hospitality side, including music and food. Lots of people complimented us on the
organisation and I felt very proud seeing it all come together. Leanan Gunter
I think the exhibition went very well as it was very popular. Many people turned up and
complimented us on the organisation of the event and the quality of the art displayed in
the gallery. Overall I think the exhibit worked well and was received well, everyone
seemed to be having a good time and I am proud to have been involved. Kaydi Menary
Academy News
Summer Term - Issue 1
Do Teachers
have talent?
who said about Mr Hadley, Mr Wasdell &
Mr Robins “If that was Three Tenors I
want £29.50 back in change!”
The audience voted for their favourite act
during the break and the over all winner
was Mr Savill ‘The Student Voice’.
Following Mr Savills success on the night
he performed his act to the whole school
at the end of term Assembly.
The answer is Yes they do as they showed
at “Teachers Have Talent Night” on Friday
13th March. The audience were treated to
a great night of music, dance, and
comedy. The evening was hosted by Luke
Cartwright (Year 12) and James Lewis
(Year 13) and was opened by the
Percussion Ensemble who set the tone for
the evening.
The evening Programme was:The Jeewqans – Mr Gillespie, Mr Staley
and Mr Stephens played rock (with David
Vellacott (Year 12 on drums)
‘The Student Voice’ – Mr Savill, aided by
Connor Norbury, played the guitar and
sang about the school (with David
Vellacott on drums, and backing group of
Jess Hodgkiss, Luke Cartwright and James
Lewis
Archbishop of Banterbury – Mr J Roberts
– the comedy act
The Piano Man – Mr Wust sang, played
ROMEO and JULIET: ACT 1, SCENE 1:
OWEN vs DARWIN
Page 4
the piano and mouth organ!
Boucher Boy – Mr Singh entertained with
Bhangra dancing
The Three Tenors – Mr Hadley, Mr
Wasdell, and Mr Robins “treated” us to
All money raised on the night was given
to Mr Baker towards sponsorship of his
their singing voices
bike ride from Lands End to John O’Groats
The Repercussions – Mr Ruston version of on 17th July in aid of Severn Hospice and
a “Look at me I’m Sandra Dee”
SMADA (Supporters of Music at Abraham
Darby Academy) If you would like to
After break the music teacher’s band of
sponsor Mr Baker please go to http://
“Looks like Chocolate” entertained the
www.justgiving.com/owner-email/
audience.
pleasesponsor/Ralph-Baker
The quote of the night was Miss Davies,
Mrs Collington
the thumb, swords were drawn and blows
exchanged. Mr Gillespie and Mrs Duggan
arrived on the scene but did not set a very
On Thursday 23rd April (Shakespeare's
good example. Mrs Duggan took offence
450th birthday), students from Owen and
to being described as 'old' by Mr Gillespie
Darwin houses came together to perform
and retorted that he was 'a villain'. This
this famous scene.
led to an iconic duel between the two
After trading Shakespearean insults,
Heads of House, which is destined to be
including an extremely offensive biting of firmly stopped by Mr Hadley this coming
Friday.
Once our excellent cameraman, Mr
Ruston, has completed the filming, the
footage will be put together to form a
short film that
will be premiered
in an upcoming
whole-school
assembly.
Mr Gillespie
Academy News
Summer Term - Issue 1
Page 5
Year 9 & 10 Netball Tour –
Disneyland Paris 2015
During the first week of the Easter holidays 24 Year 9s and 10s
went away on Netball tour along with Miss Smith, Miss Knowles
and Miss Stockdale. After a rather choppy ferry crossing the girls
arrived in Paris in time to settle in before their first day. The tour
was completely action packed, with mornings spent in
the Disneyland Park, and Disney Studios, and the
afternoon and evening spent playing their matches.
Although Netball was the main focus of our tour there
were many other team building competitions along the
way, some of which involved our team mascot ‘Abe’,
the girls were challenged to take pictures with Abe
everywhere they went, and they did. Everywhere!
Disneyland Studios were a great hit, with the majority
of the girls facing the ‘Tower of Terror’ and the ‘Rock
and Roller’! This bravery was definitely matched on the
netball court!
Netball teams came from far and wide, from the south
west, to the north east. After a first day of qualifying matches the Girls got placed into
their leagues, the U14s in the International challenger cup, the U16As in the challenger
cup in their age group, and the U16Bs in the plate tournament. They were then going to
fight it out for success in their league.
Prior to this the girls had a coaching master class led by England Netball, and Netball
super league players themselves! This gave them a chance to get to know some of the
players, feed off their knowledge and receive feedback on their skills.
It was clear that the young ladies picked up a large amount from these lessons!
Our final day in Paris saw the official tournament day! The U14s team were first up, and in a very tough tournament finished 5th
overall!! We were super impressed with the attitude, fighting spirit and conduct of the U14 team, they were a credit to the
Academy!
Finally the afternoon saw the turn of the U16A and U16B team. The A Team challenging for the Cup were in a very competitive
league, with a large amount of club players, after an extremely tough game, the girls
finished 7th overall in their league. It was clear the girls had put a large amount of
heart, and emotion into their game!
The 10B team, after an exceptional
team effort managed to finish an overall
3rd in the plate tournament! Even after
injury this team fought beyond belief to
get their hands on the bronze medal.
Well done to all teams, we were a team
to be recognised, and did a great job of
taking the ADA name worldwide. Next
stop…Barbados 2017!
Miss Knowles
Jessica Hodgkiss, Chairman of FORTE helped
by Amy Watson and Louise Cummings
Fancy Dress and Cake Sale Morning
The music pupil fundraising committee,
Forte, were busy at half term making cakes
and cookies to sell during Saturday Music
College and the 10 Hour Sponsored Play.
Well Done to the team who raised £80
which will go towards new instruments for
the band.
Mrs Collington
Academy News
Summer Term - Issue 1
Page 6
DOUBLE GOLD AWARD FOR ABRAHAM DARBY BANDS
piece ‘Dreaming of
Dreams’ , a debut,
written by a music
student Thomas Kelly at
the Royal College
especially for the event.
To conclude Showband
played James Curnow’s
‘Where Never Lark or
Eagle Flew’ again
featuring many soloists.
Competing against
th
On Saturday 11 April the final round another 7 school wind bands from
of the National Concert Band Festival across the country, Abraham Darby
took place at the Royal Northern
Academy gained a gold award for
College of Music in Manchester. Both performance from adjudicators
the Abraham Darby Academy
Matthew George & Simone Rebello.
Showband directed by Miss Morton
The Jazz Band began with the swing
and the Jazz Band co-directed by Mr number ‘Another Look at the
Gledhill & Mr Bill, competed by
Diminished Chord’ by Bill Liston
playing a twenty minute programme followed by ‘Feather Report’ by Kris
of original wind & jazz band music
Berg.
respectively.
‘Round Midnight’ by Dave Wolpe
The Showband, which comprises 53 featured lead trumpet Ashley
band members from years 8-13
Marston in a lovely solo. To finish
began their set with Leonard
their programme the jazz band played
Bernstein’s famous Overture to
the very challenging ‘Hunting Wabbits
‘Candide’ which featured many solos 2’ by Gordon Goodwin.
from various band members. The next Many compliments were given to the
jazz band in their adjudication and all
band members were pleased to hear
that they had gained a gold award
and Ashley Marston was presented
with a special soloist award.
Yet again the Abraham Darby bands
prove that they are amongst some of
the best in the country with these
accolades. The musicians from these
bands put hours and hours of time
practising & rehearsing. A huge well
done to all band members involved.
Further good news has been received
this week as both the Showband and
the Jazz Band have been invited to
perform in the finals of the National
Festival of Music for Youth in
Symphony Hall & Town Hall,
Birmingham respectively in July. This
gives the Abraham Darby musicians a
chance to shine amongst the best
bands in the country. Tickets can be
purchased via the music for youth
website at www.mfy.org.uk if you
would like to support our youngsters
in these prestigious performances.
Miss Morton
needed our total concentration - but the
quality of our outcomes was really pleasing.
Kaiya Davey with John Dinaro
On 27th April 15 year 10 students and I
spent a day drawing with the photo realist
artist John Dinaro, on A1 pastel portraits.
We all learnt a totally new way of working
with this material. It was hard work and
Bridget Archeampong
primary pupils too. We are considering a
two day workshop for next year, perhaps
with y10 pupils learning the method on day
Working on carpet underlay paper - as it has one, so they can mentor a year 5 pupil on
a slightly soft texture, we spent a long 2
day two, so watch this space for future
hours at the start of the drawing, measuring creations, perhaps on an even larger scale!
and getting the face 'correct'. John told us it
was all about "place, shape and size". Then
the surprising blending process began. Our
charcoal under-drawings were outlined with
a dark tone pastel, then rubbed out with a
skin tone pastel, leaving only a faint shadow
behind of our first 2 hours graft!! This was
pretty alarming for me, but the following
stages blending into the mid tone; plotting
in highlights first, then bringing in the darker
tones with blending charcoal, and finally
adding pastels only for the very dark tones,
really worked!
We were all amazed by his technique, and
his ability to teach it to us, in such an
accessible way! The portraits will certainly
benefit the current portraiture project, and I
plan to use the technique in my future
teaching. John has used this technique in
workshops for 23 years now and with
Miss Moszynska proves ‘Art Teachers
Have Talent’!
Academy News
Summer Term - Issue 1
Page 7
Grey Skies to Blue Skies!
AB DAB RUGBY IN SPAIN
The Barcelona tour has taken two
years of hard work to prepare and
fundraise for. The year 11s have
made excellent progress with their
rugby skills over the last couple of
years and the Barcelona tour was an
excellent way of finishing the teams
rugby experience. The team played
two fixtures against local opposition
winning one 78-5 and loosing one 4210. The hospitality we received after
the game was fantastic. The students
also had trips to the local adventure
theme park which boasts Europe's
highest roller coaster. A Tour around
Barcelona and ‘Nou Camp Trip’.
Much use was made of all the
fantastic facilities at the hotel which
is a sports village catering for
professional sports teams, the food
which was all inclusive was amazing
with students enjoying Spanish
cuisine and making friends with local
opposition teams. Most evenings
saw the students training on state of
the art 3g pitches (artificial). The
students where a credit to the
academy, fun was had by all! Looking
forward to South Africa in July 2017!
Mr Bennett
Rugby Presentation Evening 2015
The rugby presentation evening continues
to grow in popularity year on year. This
year celebrates the third annual
presentation. With over 280 tickets sold it
was always going to be a special evening.
The night commenced with a best of
British themed meal which was chicken
and bacon pie with chips and peas. The
catering staff did a fantastic job and
served the 280 meals in just 25 minutes.
After the meal all made their way down to
the presentation in the auditorium. With
eight months of rugby fixtures there was
going to be lots to celebrate. We were
joined by the Telford rugby chairman and
representatives from Capgemini. Rhys
Crane a professional player from London
Welsh was also here to present the
awards. The evening went extremely well
and culminated in the famous rugby
video. Many thanks to all who have
helped this season. It has been one to be
proud of.
Mr Bennett
The following day student’s were
photographed proudly wearing
their rugby ties
Academy News
Summer Term - Issue 1
Page 8
Abraham Darby Netball takes Second Place at
Annual Haberdashers’ Tournament!
What a busy time for Netball at the end of last term! With the annual Haberdashers’ tournament, then our Paris Netball tour in
very quick succession, the girls were able to really brush up their netball skills and take on some difficult challenges. This year
annual Haberdashers’ tournament was held at Haberdashers’ Aske’s Knights Academy in London. Both Students and staff
travelled down to London the night before, ready for a big day on Friday 27 th March. Three teams represented Abraham Darby,
the U13 team, the U15 team and U18 Team. A glorious sunny day greeted the girls down in London, and all Girls looked
stunningly professional in their netball kit. After a series of tough games, the results finished as follows…
U13 – 2ND Place
U15 – 3rd Place
U18 – 3rd Place
Players of tournament – Chloe Fallon &
Chloe Harcourt- Poole
Players of tournament – Serena Heales
& Taisha Dawson
Players of tournament –
Jennifer Ballinger & Amy Vincent
Which led to an overall 2nd place in the tournament. This is the best result we have ever achieved as an Academy, so please join us
in congratulating the girls on their fantastic achievement at this prestigious Haberdashers’ event.
Miss Knowles
Sixth Form/Year 11 Team take Bronze in the Rosie Turner Netball Festival
Wednesday 15th April saw our Sixth Form/Year 11 team take part in the annual
Rosie Turner Netball Festival. This saw nine other teams compete for the trophy.
Our team after playing a total of nine ten minute games finished overall 3rd out
of 10 teams! This is classed as a
prestigious tournament/festival in the
Telford/Wrekin and Shrewsbury area.
Teams including Thomas Telford and
Shrewsbury Sixth Form took part.
Congratulations to the following young
ladies..
Lois Fiano
Georgia Fellows
Amy Vincent
Holly Rowland
Lyndsay Finn
Jennifer Ballinger
Alex Johnson
Suzette Yeboah
Miss Knowles
Abraham Darby Academy, Ironbridge Road, Madeley. TF7 5HX.
Tel: (01952) 386000 Email: AD.Academy@taw.org.uk
www.abrahamdarbyacademy.org.uk
Thank you to the Georgia Williams Trust
Congratulations to Lois Adams (year 11)
pictured above recently in the Shropshire
Star. Lois applied for a diving scholarship a
year ago and commented that it had been
the ‘best year of her life’ having successfully
beaten off stiff competition form dozens of
applicants to undertake a years worth of
Scuba Diving and achieve the PADI Junior
Master Scuba Diver qualification. The hunt is
now on to award another scholarship. You
can go to www.immersediving.com/thegeorgia-williams-youth-diving-programme to
apply.
With my very best wishes
Lee Hadley
Principal