Follow us: @MerrillAcademy Autumn 2019 Issue: 2

MERRILL ACADEMY - Northworthy Trust

Newsletter

ClassCharts is changing. Merrill Academy will be

moving more towards recognising and rewarding

students who consistently ‘do the right thing’.

Please remember to create your parent/carer

account if you haven’t done so already? (How to do

this was detailed in the October 2019 Letter).

You can also contact your child’s tutor or student services for the details of

how to do this, or to reset your account.

Dates for your diary…

Date Event

18 Dec

Christmas lunch &

festive jumper day.

Winter talent showcase

5.45pm - 7.30pm

20 Dec

Non-uniform Day.

Students depart at

12.35pm

6 Jan Inset Day 4

7 Jan Merrill Re-Boot day 1

8 Jan Merrill Re-Boot day 2

22 Jan Year 7 Parents Evening

4.00 - 6.00pm

15 - 23

Feb Half term holiday

27 Feb

Options and Year 9

Parents Evening 4.00 -

6.00pm

3 Mar Year 8 parents evening

4.00 - 6.00pm

Message from the Headteacher

My first term as Merrill Academy’s new head teacher is almost over and I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas It’s been a busy term for me getting to know both staff and students and I’ve been so impressed with how welcome I’ve been made to feel. The changes I’m making have already been having a positive impact on student attitudes. It’s great to see the planners being used for homework and I know the lockers we are introducing in the spring term are creating quite a stir. All students are receiving their first report this term and these will provide you with important information about their academic potential and progress. As you read the newsletter you will come across further

changes I’m proposing to make (Page 8) and I urge you to put

your views forward next term because what you think matters

to me . Parents who I’ve spoken to this term know that I listen.

To help you contact the school I’m also extending reception

opening hours to

8.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

Wishing you all an enjoyable two week break with your

families.

Fundraising:

Congratulations to Mrs Docherty and

her daughter for raising over £760 for

YMCADerbyshire Burton. We are very

proud of you and the sacrifice of

giving up your bed, sleeping rough for

the night to raise money for others

Our New Reports format:

During this last half term we are very pleased to have introduced our new style high quality reports that have been sent home with your child.

These new reports have been designed to have a greater level of clarity that will help to improve transparency and communication around the progress that your child is making in all of their subjects in order to best support them on their journey to reach the best possible outcomes.

Introduction from our new Chair of

Governors – Jon Foster

It is with great pleasure I have taken on the role of the

Chair of LGB and I look forward to working with all

students, staff, parents, carers and anyone associated

with Merrill Academy.

I have been involved with the academy now for nearly

two years and bring to the position experience as

working as a teacher in a range of schools. The

academy is moving forward with Jo Harlow as the

Head and all the governors are fully supportive of the

progress that has been made at the academy this

year.

I know what an important part the academy plays in

the local community and continuing this is a priority for

everyone involved. I hope that over the next year I will

get to meet as many people as possible that are

involved with the academy.

We are also looking for new Parent Governors at the

academy to join us in 2020. If you are interested in

applying? Please contact the academy.

Exams Officer notices:

Week commencing 23/03/2020 – Year 11

Mock Week (Core Subjects)

11/05/2020 – Date of first Examination on

national exam timetable

23/06/2020 – Date of final examination on

national exam timetable

20/08/2020 – Release of Exam results to

candidates

Learn by Design, Year 8 Drop Down Day, 12th

November 2019.

The whole of Year 8 spent the day working through a series of workshops delivered by Learn by Design supported by Industrial Ambassadors from Rolls-Royce. This was a fantastic day with students taking part in a number or workshops including teambuilding, engineering careers, operating robots and a tower building competition. This inspirational and insightful day was enjoyed by all those who took part.

Music Department

It has been a very busy half term in the Music

Department with all Key Stage 3 students having their

performance assessments in the lead up to Christmas.

Students have now completed their first project in

music; Year 7 – ‘Pachelbel’s Canon’ (Classical), Year

8 – ‘The Races’ (Chinese) and Year 9 – The Blues.

The second project will commence in January.

Keyboard Club is packed full of budding Beethovens

every Tuesday and Thursday lunchtime and it is

fantastic to see the progress students are making by

gaining that extra bit of practise.

Key Stage 3 Drum assembly and lessons

On Monday 9th December, Key Stage 3 students

attended an assembly led by our new peripatetic drum

teacher. Students were mesmerised by his

demonstration and performance. The drum teacher is

already fully booked with students that have signed up

for drum lessons, starting on Thursday 19th December.

Drum lessons will take place every Thursday, free of

charge to all students who are interested. This is

another great opportunity for students to get involved

with extra-curricular Music.

Winter Showcase

Students and staff are very excited for the upcoming

Winter Showcase on Wednesday 18th December

(5:45-7:15pm). Our performers are working very hard

to produce an excellent evening full of Christmas spirit

and are rehearsing tirelessly. Admission is free of

charge. There will be light refreshments and stalls

available plus a very warm welcome from our students

at staff at Merrill. Tickets can be collected from main

reception.

Music trip to the Halle Orchestra

I have been organising Merrill’s first ever music trip to

see ‘The Halle Orchestra’ play the works from the

Harry Potter film series at the Royal Concert Hall in

Nottingham on the 14th March 2020. Over 50 students

expressed their interest in the trip! This will be the

opportunity of a lifetime for our students – it will be my

first time seeing a live Orchestra too!

Key Stage 3 Guitar assembly and lessons

Up and coming…watch this space as we will be

offering one-to-one Guitar lessons to all Key Stage 3

students after the New Year. I shall be organising a

‘launch’ assembly to inspire our students to see a

professional guitarist at work!

Mrs E Bradbury - Teacher of Music

Merrill Academy Elections Thursday 12 December 2019

Students arrived at the Poll Clerks desk (ran by Student Ambassadors) and gave their names. They were ticked off

the list and given a voting slip. Students then went in to the voting booths, to place their vote and put the slip in the

polling box, like the real General Election that took place on Thursday 12 December.

The trip that won by a large majority was Alton Towers.

PE NEWS:

This terms sporting calendar changed to Basketball across the city, Merrill

have been represented across all age groups with some varying success

with the leagues not due to finish until February next year.

Our year 7 took part in a round robin tournament held over at Noel Baker

where they played their first competitive games. They showed

remarkable resilience and determination as a group losing the first two

game 4-0 to Littleover: 4-2 St Benedict’s

respectively. Their final game was a draw 4-4 to West Park.

They were a credit to themselves and the school, please give them lots of praise for

their commitment and efforts over this term. Well Done Boys

And a massive well done to Kyle in Year 10 who won Gold!! at the 2019 World

Taekwondo Championships

Merrill Sports Council – Sport for All!

The Sports Council was formed in October 2019 through a rigorous application process

which included mentor references. There was a strong field of 30 applicants which made the

final decision a challenging one. Since then the 16 successful applicants have been hard at

work behind the scenes to create several opportunities for Merrill students. Some of the

work done by the Council is detailed below:

Student voice – Council members are in the process of analysing data from a student survey that was distributed at the end of the Winter term. The aim is to use student’s voice to personalise provision.

Jilan A (Yr 9) and Joshua W (Yr 11) have been invited to become Youth Council Members for Derby Football Association. The pair have also secured Football refereeing qualification opportunities for students in years 9-11 to begin Summer 2020.

Daniel M (Yr 9) and Anabel O (Yr 7) have secured extra-curricular provision with Derby County in the Community Trust which will begin in January 2020. They also liaised with Derby County’s Physical Activity and Health Officer to secure FREE gym and swim for students who would like further support with nutrition and fitness. For further information please see a member of the Sports Council.

The Sports Council’s aims are

1) To encourage student participation in physical activity 2) To improve student levels of health and fitness 3) To support pathways into sport at all levels

Student feedback, information regarding sporting opportunities and suggestions regarding physical activity is

encouraged. Members of the Sports Council are happy to be approached and will highlight discussion points at

the Sports Council’s weekly meetings.

Meeting with Merrill’s Sports Council and Derby County in the Community

Trust. Left to right –

Sharon Dale - Health Manager at Derby

County Community Trust and Ben Asquith

- Physical Activity and Health Officer

Daniel M (Yr 9) – Merrill Sports Council,

Miss Barron – Teacher of PE and Proud Head of House Nightingale, Anabel O

(Yr 8) – Merrill Sports Council

Meeting with Merrill’s Sports Council and

Derbyshire FA. Left to right -

Reece Davies – Referee Development Officer,

Derbyshire FA

Adam Wing – Football Development Officer,

Derbyshire FA

Jilan A – Football Opportunities Co-ordinator, Merrill Sports Council

Joshua W – Football Opportunities Co-ordinator, Merrill Sports Council

Miss Barron – PE Teacher and Proud Head of House Nightingale

Cheerleading

Merrill Allstars Cheerleading Squad have been formally invited to perform at AFC

Chellaston’s annual Summer Fayre and so are currently hard at work on their stunts. Huge

congratulations to Merrill’s very first Cheer Captain Holly-anne M (Yr 8) and Co-Captain Lyla

K (Yr 8). Their skill sets complement each other perfectly as they prove to be excellent

leaders; delivering the warm-up each week and supporting their squad throughout.

Kit sponsorship is available. Any local companies wishing to advertise via AFC Chellaston leaflets and Merrill

Allstars kit are invited to contact Miss Barron – Squad Coach and PE teacher.

Netball Extra-Curricular

Netball has fast become a popular choice for Merrill Students of all genders, years and

abilities to get active, practice their skills, gain new friendships and b part of a team after

school.

Merrill has linked with England Netball for a fabulous opportunity to log training/playing

hours in return for a whole host of goodies such as T-shirts, hoodies, water bottles,

vouchers towards coaching officiating courses and even a trophy to be presented at the

annual Golden Globe Awards. Further information and online registration for the rewards

can be found at https://www.englandnetball.co.uk/make-the-game/volunteers/pass-on-your-passion/

Congratulations to those who through demonstrating excellent leadership qualities and commitment to extra-

curricular have been elected as Captains of their teams. Final team selections are due to happen in January 2020

as we begin to participate in local tournaments.

Year 7 – Tiffany B, Year 8 – Kayleigh C, Year 10 – Daniela A

Girl’s Football

The girls are currently enjoying their Friday after school kick-about on Merrill’s AGP.

Participation is increasing week by week and teams are beginning to form ready for some local

friendlies in the new year. All years and abilities are welcome. All are actively encouraged and

supported in beginning their grassroot journey by joining local teams.

Due to demonstrating excellent leadership qualities and a commitment to training Captains

elected for 2019/20 are as follows

Year 7 – Bayleigh-Rae W, Year 8 – Anabel O, Year 9 – Rosie-Mae S, Year 10 – Maddison G

PE Sporting Achievement Awards

The following students were awarded with free tickets to go to Derby’s Clip and Climb as a

thank you from the PE department.

Luke J (Yr 9) for his continuous commitment and hard work for the Sports Council.

Lyla K (Yr 8) and Brooklyn B (Yr 7) for their outstanding commitment to Extra-Curricular. If

there is a sports club on – they are there!

Vitality Running World Cup

Enjoy running? Own a smart phone or watch? Students (aged 13+) and families

are invited to join us in competing for the UK by signing up to the Vitality

Running World Cup. The World Cup is on track to be the world’s biggest mass

participation running event where countries compete to log the highest accumulative running distance. The

qualifiers last one week from March 5th – 00:00am to March 11th – 23:59pm. Following that the top 16 teams

will enter a knockout style tournament, going head to head over the remaining weekends in March culminating in

the grand final in early April.

All competitors must be able to run 3k in 30 minutes or less so now is a good time to start that “Couch to 5k”. All

qualifying competitors are rewarded with a Vitality World Cup goody bag worth up to £80. Students that decide

to compete can screenshot their run and e-mail it to the Sports Council in order to enter our interhouse running

competition headed up by our very own Sports Council member Raiens Speks (Yr 10). Students need permission

from their legal guardian when they sign up at www.runningworldcup.com.

Important safety considerations when running outside

Appropriate dress – reflective clothes are preferable to ensure runners are visible to road users. No dark colours!

Appropriate footwear – plimsole/pump style trainers give little support to the ankles which can cause postural injury. Poor grip will also make it more likely for a slip or trip to happen.

Avoid the use of headphones – it is easy to mishear road users and other threats to safety.

Never run alone and stick to busy main streets. Ensure an adult knows your running route and the approximate time you should return home.

Avoid running near dogs. Cross the street if possible, to avoid “spooking” a dog that may see a runner as a threat and attack.

Never assume the road is clear. Cyclists often go unheard and tend to cycle next to the path.

Do not be tempted to drink caffeinated drinks prior to running. There are increasing reports of damage to the heart and even deaths that have occurred from participating in sports after a high dose of caffeine.

Milk, water or fruit juice is the cheapest and best source of hydration.

Remember to increase your calorie intake to compensate for calories burned. Typically a ten minute run will burn 100 calories which is the equivalent of a slice of thin toast with a scraping of butter.

Remember – If you can run even a short distance, you are a runner!

If you are new to running see Miss Barron for tips on getting started.

Book Club

Book Club was formed in November 2019. The Club’s first choice of book has

been Refugee Boy by Benjamin Zephaniah. Students are leant books from

Merrill’s very generous English Department. After an agreed time period

having read the book, meet to discuss their likes, dislikes, suggestions for a

prequel/sequel and general enjoyment of the authors writing. Each member is

encouraged to speak but are welcome to take a book and just come and listen to others club members thoughts.

Open to all students.

BOOK REPORT

‘Alem lived with his Mother and Father. His Mother was from Eritrea and his

Father was from Ethiopia. Both these countries are at war and are not safe to live

in. As a result of both Countries being at war Alem and his Father travel all the

way down to London to spend four nights in The Paloe Hotel. During their time in

London, Alem had to improve his English. After

the four nights had passed Alem woke up in the

hotel to find his Father gone. He was then

greeted by two ladies called Mariam and

Pamela who took him to a refugee council to

help him.’

(Blurb by Phoebe S, Yr 10)

Calling all Budding Athletes

Compete in a Sport? We want to know! If you compete in sport from local level and up, bring in a photo of you

competing with a short description of what you do and we will celebrate your efforts with you on our new Sporting

Achievements display board in the PE corridor. Submissions to the PE office

Congratulations to the Year 9 Football team who are

currently unbeaten in the league this year. Captain Issac B et

al., have managed to score an impressive ten goals so far

which has put them top of the league; MVP goes to

newcomer Maros C strengthening the back line. Well done to

all students who have represented the Academy this year:

Nathan W, Archie F, Christian J, Daniel M, Abel O,

Mohammed D, Kasper L, Vishavdeep S, Issac B, Tyler W,

Denva S-L, Abdullahi A, Maros C and Milan D, Haydn McD and

Adam B.

Thank you, from Mr New.

Message from the Headteacher cont…

Uniform Expectations for January 2020

I expect students to be ambassadors for the school and to wear our uniform with a sense of pride and purpose. I am proud to

share my high expectations and standards with the community and believe it is important that this is reflected in how our

students present themselves. Wearing our uniform instils a strong sense of belonging. It also reduces bullying and stereotyping

by preventing the wearing of expensive branded items. In representing Merrill Academy, I expect students to wear full Academy

uniform correctly on the way to the Academy, throughout the Academy day, and on the journey home. In choosing to send your

child to Merrill, I know you will fully support this because your child is an ambassador for the school.

Our uniform policy is

- Black Blazer with Academy badge (unless obtained before 2017 )

- Plain black V neck long sleeved jumper

- Plain white shirt with collar

- Plain black tailored trousers or knee length skirt

- Academy tie

- Black tights if wearing a skirt

- Sensible leather look shoes in black only. No BOOTS of any description

All school trousers need to be the correct length and fall at the shoe.

A ‘hoodie’ is not an appropriate coat as it is not waterproof and is not part of our uniform at all.

We will the starting the new term in January checking that all students are in full uniform as they arrive. Reminders about correct

uniform have gone out to parents regularly throughout the autumn term. Students not in uniform risk not being admitted into

school and being sent home to change. In addition, items of clothing worn in school, that are not part of our uniform will be

handed to a member of staff who will keep them until the end of the day when they can be collected by the student.

Proposed changes to Merrill School Uniform

The spring term will be used as a period of consultation with students and parents over proposed changes to our school uniform.

Merrill Academy is like any other school and needs to come into line with other schools in Derby. I will be putting forward my

proposals to governors in January.

From the start of the summer term we are intending to introduce much stricter rules on jewellery, make- up and hairstyles. I am

also seeking to make the wearing of black socks with school trousers compulsory.

From the start of the autumn term, September 2020 we are looking to introduce a new school skirt, V neck school jumper, and PE

kit, all with the Academy badge on.

Please be aware that staff at Merrill Academy have a business dress code which is different to the students.

Proposed Changes to the School Day

The spring term will also be used as a period of consultation with the community over proposed changes to the school day from

September 2020. These changes have been put to governors to consider and are an 8.45 am start to the school day and a 2.10pm

finish for students on one day of the week. This will enable further student enrichment, student interventions and staff training to

take place and will not affect your child’s learning time.

Further details on how you can put forward your views will be issued to students and parents at the start of the new term in

January.

I want the best for the students at Merrill Academy and having high expectations and standards is at the heart of this. Many of

the students I talk to are also keen to see the school grow and further improve.

Mobile Phones At Merrill Academy, just as in other schools across Derby, students are not permitted to use their mobile phones. From January, confiscated phones will now be kept in reception to be collected by a parent/carer at the end of the school day. Please do not compromise your child by contacting them on their phone during the school day. In an emergency, please phone reception first. Thank you for your support with this.