Front Page News

It was a pleasure to welcome author Jeffrey Boakye to our Academy last Friday.

He officially opened our new library but his impact was felt way beyond that relatively simple task.

Jeffrey made a lasting impression on all he met.

Students found him engaging, informative and inspirational.

He also gave staff plenty to think about when he spoke in an afternoon session.

He picked up some of the themes he writes about in his book and was forthright in his views that we shy away from debating big topics such as misogyny and racism and don’t understand what it is like for our students who are different.

Jeffrey (pictured) feels strongly teachers nationwide do not talk to children about difficult issues for fear of upsetting them.  It is a failing across the education system, Jeffrey argues. I understand what he is saying.

He had students in the palm of his hands and I loved a couple of his quotes.

He told students “whatever is holding you back can push you forward” and “we’ve all got our own superpowers.”

How right he is on both.

We are always talking to students about believing in themselves and I hope the quotes provide inspiration when they are needed in the future.

He was very generous in his assessment of the Academy, picking up how proud our young people were to study here.

It was, he said, a “truly powerful culture to cultivate” and he had had “an energising and inspiring day”.

I repeat again, I am proud to be headteacher at this Academy.

In terms of the library, it has been terrific to see children using the quiet, chill out space for 15 minutes. It is clear a significant proportion have needed it.

Today (Wednesday) it is the first chance our Combined Cadet Force students have had to wear their full uniform to school. They have waited for it to arrive and then be measured up. I know they will wear it with pride.

A total of 70 students are in the programme. When Year 11s leave next term, there will be a recruitment window for Year 7s to join in September.

I would encourage them to give it some thought and look out for the opportunity being advertised.

A Year 7 Parents’ Evening takes place tomorrow (Thursday) from 4pm.

Subject teachers will be available and it is important to attend, half way through the year, to check on your child’s progress and attainment. If you have not committed to coming already, please do so.

Next week, Year 9 will experience exams in Maths, English and Science in full exam conditions. It will give them great experience as to what is ahead. Children need to be arriving in a positive state of mind. I wish them well.

Influential author and broadcaster Jeffrey Boakye officially opened a new school library – and inspired Scunthorpe students to believe in themselves.

The Brixton-born former teacher was a guest at The St Lawrence Academy where he had had “an energising and inspiring day”.

“Meeting students and talking to them showed me how proud young people are to be here,” he said.

“This is a truly powerful culture to cultivate.

“Staff and students alike were wonderful and I felt honoured to have been asked to open the new library here. It was a special time and I’ll add it to my CV!”

Headteacher Phill Dalowsky thanked Jeffrey for visiting and his positive impact on the students.

“He’s been an absolute star and students have been inspired in his presence,” said Mr Dalowsky.

The library has involved months of planning and significant investment.

“It is now a fantastic resource in the heart of the Academy and is already proving popular with students,” said Mr Dalowsky.

“It makes a powerful statement about the importance of books and reading. We’re delighted to see the project through.

“It’s a significant investment that demonstrates our determination to invest in and improve the learning environment when we can.”

Jeffrey spoke in an assembly and engaged smaller groups in workshops.

He said: “When considering writing and how I started many years ago, I felt it important to insist upon telling students that when you start writing that you don’t do it for money and fame.

“I started writing because I had so much content in my head that I wanted to commit to writing. I get pleasure through writing.”

He proved a big hit with students.

One said: “He was so super engaging, helpful, informative and inspirational.

“Jeffrey really made us feel like opinions of all people are equally important, that it is okay to raise questions and that being passionate about life is what is important.

“He was funny, intelligent and also such an interesting person.”

Another student was felt inspired by Jeffrey.

“I had no idea that he grew up in Brixton, London.

“His story is so interesting because he is so proud of his successes but also because of how hard he has worked, that he never gave up and that his advice to all of us was to believe in ourselves and have goals.”

Jeffrey taught English to 11 to 18-year-olds for 15 years before becoming an author. His latest book, I Heard What You Said, is ground-breaking, recounting how it feels to be on the margins of the British education system as a black teacher.

He co-hosts BBC Radio 4’s double award-winning Add to Playlist and is a Senior Teaching Fellow at the Manchester Institute of Education.

Jeffrey was quizzed as to whether ability or interest made him successful.

“I have spent time over the years working through my own weakness. I have a stutter. When I talk with passion or when performing I forget about it.

“My advice would be to “read for something”. It’s not just being academic.”

Students should think about what they believe in and then decisions are made easy.

On writing a book and the motivation to continue, Jeffrey said: “A book is a journey you go on.

“Sometimes it’s hard to go forward. Trust your passion, what you like and that someone somewhere will want to read it.

“When you are fired up nothing can stop you.”

He was asked whether he thought his passion will make the world a better place.

“I believe we are good people, corrupted by the world around you. Make ripples about what you are passionate about,” he said.

He battled through difficulties when younger.

“Confidence has to be worked on. Most people struggle with confidence.

“Connecting to other people is key. Humans are all about making connections.”

He left students with two inspirational quotes:

•       Whatever is holding you back can push you forward
• We’ve all got our own superpowers

From top picture:

The library’s officially opened by Jeffrey, accompanied by Mr Dalowsky and (left to right) Tanjina Akthar, Maria Calota, Phill, Jeffrey, John Veidere, and Jackson Cooke.

Jeffrey sitting down with one of his books with (left to right) Cameron Ball, Maria Calota, Jackson Cooke, John Veidere and Tanjina Akther.

Students (left to right) Cameron Ball, Dana East, John Veidere, Jackson Cooke, and Georgie Ward with Jeffrey.

Further industrial action strikes are proposed by the NEU (This is one of 4 teaching unions), on Wednesday 15th March and Thursday 16th March.  The academy will be closed to Year 7 and 9 students on Wednesday 15th March and to Year 8 and 10 students on Thursday 16th March.  For those students wishing to continue with their studies, work will be available online and shared in due course.

It is National Careers Week – and staff have gone the extra mile to ensure our students reap maximum benefit.

A comprehensive programme has been put together to celebrate and promote #NCW2023, including a range of assemblies that will be delivered to all year groups. Resources will be used in Futures lessons and at other times this week.

I would like to recommend a couple of outstanding websites.

Parents / carers should have a look at talkingfutures.org.uk  – a toolkit for career conversations at home – while students can check out the virtual careers fair on NCW 2023 Both are fantastic resources.

Talking Futures, for instance,  looks at pathway options for young people: apprenticeships, A-levels, T-levels, types of further and higher education providers, and traineeships.

Our Raising Aspirations Day tomorrow (Thursday) is one of our drop down days, with each group given a different experience to do with careers.

This week, students will be visiting a huge careers fair at Elland Road, the home of Leeds United, while others will be going to John Leggott College.

Students remaining in the Academy will look at future options and Year 11 will be working specifically on revision to ensure they are best prepared for their last stage at the Academy.

On Friday, influential author Jeffrey Boakye will spend time with students, having conversations about being a writer and discussing the reasons why education is so important.

He will officially open our new library. I’m really looking forward to showing him a terrific resource that will benefit all the young people and help them get excited about reading.

A week tomorrow (16^th), it is Year 7 Parents’ Consultation Evening from 4pm, an opportunity to meet class teachers and hear about their child’s progress to date.

Week commencing 20^th March will see Year 9s have exams in English, Maths and Science.

It will give them good experience of exam conditions across their subjects and clear guidance on how they are doing and what needs to be done.

Thank you for the support from parents with regards the industrial action taken by the teachers union the NEU last week. More strikes have been called for next Wednesday and Thursday (15^th and 16^th).

Talks are taking place between the union and Government and I shall communicate a plan with parents before the end of Friday.

That’s next week. This week, I hope our young people make the most of what’s been offered on the careers front.

Dear Parent/Carer 

Year 7 Consultation Evening – Thursday 16th March 2023 4.00pm-6:30pm

On Thursday 16th March at 4pm you and your child are invited to our Year 7 Consultation Evening, to meet all their subject teachers. This is your first opportunity to discuss your child’s progress in key stage 3. It will also allow you to identify what needs to be done to maximise their potential for achieving success in the future. We would appreciate your support and attendance for the evening.  Please confirm your attendance using the attached link

Please sign in on arrival in the Westaby Hall where you will be issued your child’s progress report and then proceed directly to the classrooms of the subjects studied by your child, to meet with your child’s teachers.  There is no individual subject appointment system so you are able to arrive at a time to suit you between 4.00pm to 6.00pm.  Prefects will be outside classrooms to facilitate your time with the teacher. The evening will finish at 6.30pm.

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely 

Mr M Cretney

Achievement Team Leader

D Ellerby

Mr D Ellerby 

Deputy Headteacher for Learning and Progress

Due to the second date approaching of the four days of industrial action strikes proposed by the NEU (This is one of 4 teaching unions), we want to communicate prior to the weekend that on Tuesday 28th February the academy will be closed to Year 9 and 10 students.  For those students wishing to continue with their studies, work will be available online and shared shortly.

Dear Parent / Carer 

I am delighted to be writing to you to offer you the opportunity to purchase a Class of 2023 Leavers’ Hoodie for your child.

We are working with Fizz, the UK’s premier supplier of Leavers’ Hoodies, and are eagerly anticipating what is sure to be a wonderful keepsake to celebrate their time at the academy.

The hoodies will have a large ‘23’ print on the back, containing the names of all students in the year group, and will also feature an embroidered logo on the front. Each student will be able to choose the colour they want from the wide selection. 

All of the students have the opportunity to purchase a hoodie. It is essential that their orders are placed in plenty of time so that they don’t miss out. There will only be one order; students will not be able to place orders after 6th April 2023.

 To place an order, please visit the following website:

https://shop.fizz-group.co.uk/

  Our School Unique ID is: 25703YR11

You must place an order before 6th April 2023. I cannot stress this deadline enough, as we do not want anyone to be disappointed. The academy will not be ordering any spare hoodies, so if your child later wishes they had ordered one once they see everyone else’s hoodies, unfortunately it will be too late! So please don’t miss out.

All orders will be delivered directly to the academy for you to collect. We will advise you when this will be in due course.

 Yours faithfully,

Andrew Murray  

Year 11 Achievement Team Leader.

I hope you enjoyed half term. I spent the first part of mine dreading a visit to the dentists.

You see I discovered, aged 14 and courtesy of a golf club to my nose, I hated the sight of blood. This was a bit of a blow as I’d set my heart on being a dentist.

I should add at this point the drawing of blood on the golf course was an accident. I just got too close.

But the incident meant I had to change my plans. I had thrown all my eggs into one basket, with the other basket empty.

From that moment, I focused on becoming a teacher not a dentist.

Anyway, off I went to the dreaded but regular appointment last week. For the first time, it was with a dental therapist. I had never heard of the role.

When my name was called out my heart was beating to excess. I went up the stairs, knocked on the door and entered.

Two young female professionals greeted me on the other side. They could tell I was nervous but soon put me at (relative) ease with their brilliant communication.

They asked about what I did for a living, talked about my plans for the week and explained what they were going to do. I knew at this point I was going to see my own blood.

I was there an hour, during which I asked what was a dental therapist?

She was not a dentist but her course had been fully funded by the NHS. She studied in Sheffield as she did not want to travel far from home.

Fully qualified and registered with the NHS, she has flexibility with the practices she can work for. It had worked out perfectly for her and she is a credit to her profession.

While I was sitting in the dentist’s chair with various implements in my mouth, I distracted myself further by thinking of my own career plan switch.

It is a lesson for our students. If something unexpected happens, you can change tack. And there are lots of opportunities out there they (or their teachers) might not have thought of or be aware of.

I tell the story as we prepare for National Careers Week, which starts on Monday, 6^th March.

To our young people I say please listen to the advice and guidance given during the week. Keep your eyes and ears open for opportunities. Prepare to be flexible.

Take advantage of all the things being planned, something we did not have in my time at school.

There might well be something that you’d not thought about, openings you never thought were possible.

Thank you to my inspirational new acquaintance at the dentist. Hopefully, I won’t dread my next appointment quite as much.

A key date for Year 11 is next Thursday, 2^nd March. The Final Push Evening is the last opportunity for parents / carers to see how their child is doing and what they can do further to support them ahead of their forthcoming exams.

Students will find out their results from the last set of mocks and see how much grades have improved since their exams last term.

The national tutoring programme, being paid for by the Academy, has been launched this week, with students committing to the subjects they will have additional online coaching sessions for, twice a week, after school.

I ask parents / careers to ensure children are fully engaged in the lessons, which will give them further support.

Our new library will be formally opened by influential author and role model Jeffrey Boakye (pictured) on Friday, 10^th March.

I am sure his talks to some of our really deserving children will be inspirational.

It is a visit I shall look forward to.

Our Ref AMY/DWA

February 2023

Dear Parent/Carer

Year 11 Final Push Consultation Evening – Thursday 2nd March 2023 at 4.00pm

Academy Exam Results will be given out at 4.00pm

On Thursday 2nd March 2023 at 4.00pm you are invited, along with your child, to our Year 11 Final Push Consultation Evening.  

There will be a presentation to parents and students in the Westaby Hall, after which the academy examination results will be issued to the students.  This will start at 4pm and you therefore need to arrive promptly for this.  

All subject teachers will be available to meet with you after the presentation until approximately 6.30pm. You will be able to find out exactly how your child is progressing with regards to their current levels of attainment and what they will need to do in order to maximise their potential for achieving success in their forthcoming GCSE examinations. We have much work to do together in the final few months which will impact directly on your child’s future success. This cadmium review evening is designed to give students and parents all the information and guidance needed at this crucial time as we prepare for ‘the final push’. In order for this programme to be successful, we would appreciate your support and attendance for the evening, which gives you the opportunity to ask as many questions as you may have in order to piece the jigsaw together. 

On arrival you will need to proceed directly to the Westaby Hall.  There is no individual subject appointment system, however prefects will be outside classrooms to organise a reservation list and help to ensure focussed timings of appointments. The evening will finish at approximately 6.30pm.  Please confirm attendance by completing this link. 

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. 

Yours sincerely 

Andy Murray

Achievement Team Leader Year 11

Dan Ellerby

Deputy Headteacher for Learning and Progress

PDY