teacher, it is fantastic to see so many students at Clapton Girls'. Academy ... I am
sure they will go a long way in life. .... The girls are told the volcano could erupt.
Review April 2013 Message from Cheryl Day, Headteacher This Clapton Review is a very exciting read! I am always totally amazed at the incredible events our students are involved in, and the astounding range of activities on offer. Iceland stands out as an amazing trip and is definitely a place I want to visit now. I am also immensely proud of our sporting success. As an ex-PE teacher, it is fantastic to see so many students at Clapton Girls’ Academy involved in physical activity of one kind or another. We are certainly way above the national trend in that regard! Well done students and staff!
Breakfast Club – 8am – 8.40am
World Book Day The English Department organised 12 authors to come in to meet the Year 7 & 8 forms to run workshops on the books they have been studying this half term. This was part of Pop-Up Booklinks, which is a brilliant project that provides classes with a copy of a book for each student to read and then arranges a visit from the author. Year 7 Jasmine Skies by Sita Brahmachari Pegasus and the Flame by Kate O’Hearn Tall Story by Candy Gourlay Secret Breakers: The Power of Three by H.L. Dennis Soldier Dog by Sam Angus Coping with Chloe by Rosalie Warren Year 8 At Yellow Lake by Jane McLoughlin Call Down Thunder by Daniel Finn 15 Days Without a Head by Dave Cousins Far From Home by Na’ima B Roberts A Face Like Glass by Frances Hardinge Rowan the Strange by Julie Hearn
The theme for the breakfast club this past term was to make daffodils. The girls were supplied with templates and the resources and made some brilliant displays to take home for the Easter weekend; it was an enjoyable and creative way to spend time in breakfast club.
Rosalie Warren on her visit to CGA One of the authors, Rosalie Warren, wrote about her day at Clapton Girls’ Academy: I had a wonderful experience recently when I visited Clapton Girls’ Academy in London to meet some of my readers and talk about my book Coping with Chloe and the possible sequel. The girls of 7C and their teacher Miss Feltham gave me a wonderful welcome and were so kind in the things they said about Coping with Chloe. The girls asked me some very good questions, which I did my best to answer. But the best bit for me was when they showed me the work they had done. Each girl had written a review and the teacher had bound these together in a book with a beautiful cover, for me to take home. The reviews inside were really well written and very good for my morale! The best thing in the world for an author is when you discover that someone has not only enjoyed but ‘connected ‘ with your book – it has affected them and made them think. I was overwhelmed to read all of these reviews and I will treasure the book always. One of the reviews was even published in the Guardian. I would like to thank Miss Feltham and the other members of staff at Clapton Girls’ Academy – and especially the wonderful and brilliant girls of 7C for working so hard and giving me such a lovely warm welcome to their class. They are all very intelligent, capable and enthusiastic and I am sure they will go a long way in life. Meeting your readers is a truly wonderful experience and I will never forget my visit to your school. Very best wishes and good luck to all of you Rosalie xx
April Review 2013
Drama at CGA
Keep Calm and Ceili On On Friday 22nd March over 120 parents, staff and friends of Clapton Girls’ Academy (formerly CASP) joined together for an evening of dinner, live band and Irish Celtic dancing (a Ceili). The evening was a great success and a great fundraiser for the school. This was a great way for parents, staff and friends to socialise for the evening and the dancing would have warmed everyone up! Well done to all who took part and for those who organised this event. Look out for future events organised by the Friends of Clapton Girls’ Academy, their support of the school is hugely appreciated.
Metamorphosis at the Lyric, Hammersmith A-level drama students have been studying Steven Berkoff’s adaptation of Kafka’s Metamorphosis, as part of their Drama course. The story sees the unremarkable life of the Samsa family turned upside down when their son, Gregor, emerges one morning inexplicably transformed into a beetle. The students were lucky enough to attend the celebrated Icelandic company’s – Vesturport – version of the play which literally turned the set upside down (in order for us to further empathise with Gregor)! This fast-paced and humorous production was an excellent example of cutting-edge live theatre and the girls thoroughly enjoyed their trip.
Barbican Box update Year 9 and 10 Clapton drama participants developed their devised piece of theatre by visiting the Wellcome Collection in February. The girls are developing a piece, as part of the Barbican Box drama project, which looks at the development of neuroscience and the effect it has on society. The Wellcome Trust, Barbican/Guildhall Creative Learning and Complicite have worked in partnership to create the contents of this year’s ‘Barbican Box’, and the girls were invited to visit the Wellcome Collection and participate in a multi-disciplinary arts workshop. The girls also received a guided tour of the collection and were amazed by many of the unusual artefacts and instruments which have helped develop an understanding of how the brain works. Macbeth at Trafalgar Studios A2 drama students were lucky enough to secure tickets to see the much acclaimed production of Macbeth starring James McAvoy. Set in post-apocalyptic Scotland, the gruesome and bloody production realised a world where only the cunning and self-serving survive. This thought-provoking back-drop retained many of the traditional Elizabethan performance conditions: extended fight scenes, simple set, visceral special effects and performances that were rooted in the truth of the text. The girls are actually looking forward to writing about the production in their forthcoming exam! Ms Nicol – Expressive Arts/Drama Page 2
April Review 2013
Science at CGA Work Experience Day Attending a work experience day at GlaxoSmithKline on the 22nd of February gave us an insight into the development of the pharmaceutical industry. Our day began with a tour around the research and development labs, where we were able to see mice organs and tissues incubated in jars of liquid. We met a student currently completing a GSK apprenticeship and were given an insight in to the various career paths in the pharmaceutical world. A lecture on the manufacture of drugs allowed us to understand the process of making successful drugs to sell on the market. We were also surprised to find out that the average yearly profit made by GSK was a hefty 6.7 billion pounds. Along with viewing a production assembly line we were able to sample some of GSK’s Lucozade.
Maths at CGA On 7th February the Intermediate Hackney Maths Challenge took place, it is a countrywide challenge for the more able and talented students from years 9 to 11. It took place after school for one hour. The following 3 students received certificates 10T Lizzie Diggins Gold 11P Yasmin Pilbro Silver 9A Emily Armes Bronze The junior Hackney maths challenge takes place April 25th for years 7 and 8. Ms Bains – Head of Maths
Music at CGA Vocal Workout Day at the Royal Academy On 17th March at 10:30am, I and 29 other nominated training vocalists started to warm up for our long, dynamic and inspiring day at the Royal Academy of Music. Split into groups, we took part in three workshops, each designed to give us an insight into a different genre. My personal favourite was the Jazz workshop with Laka D where we were taught close harmonies to develop an unaccompanied cover of ‘Straighten up and fly right’. In the afternoon we had our masterclass, a 15 minute one-to-one with a tutor, in which we sang a song of our choice and given feedback. I sang ‘Maybe this time’ from Cabaret and was critiqued on my performance as well as my vocal technique. I found it interesting to watch the masterclass of other students my age who sing such different styles. Although it was nerve-racking and challenging I found the experience to be a positive one, I learnt a lot about what studying music would entail, practiced a lot of new techniques and really enjoyed myself
We conducted an experiment on Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics that involved the Bioanalysis of Ibuprofen. We had the opportunity to use equipment worth half a million pounds such as a high pressure liquid chromatographer and a mass spectrometer. This further developed our analytical techniques and experimental accuracy. In addition to this we met various inspirational scientists thereby allowing us to understand more about this growing industry.
Lillian Servante – 13Y (Lillian was one of only two students who were chosen from Hackney)
We would like to say a big thank you to Mr Delaney and Mr Daniel Waites for allowing us this opportunity and encourage any budding scientists to explore the variety of career opportunities available in Science. Asyma Raheel, Lakhwinder Kaur, Saima Malik – Year 13
Sciences University challenge On 11th February 25 CGA students attended the Sciences University challenge day at UCL campus. First there was a tour of the surprisingly large campus in Euston, with university ambassadors answering student questions about University life. After the tour, working teams were made and attended a taster session in either Biological Sciences, Applied Maths, Brain Sciences or Chemistry. The main challenge was then set; students were to complete tasks in their related Science and compile a report about their results. The judgement would be made by a mix of university lecturers and students. Our students were complimented for being eloquent and confident in their speech. Additionally we sported winners in every category of presentation. A well spent day showing that our students are already developing to a University standard of skills. Ms Gay – Head of Science Page 3
April Review 2013
Iceland. It’s a nice land In April 2012, a competition was held by the Geographical Association and Discover the World to award a school, whose department is taking steps to change the views of students, a £2,000 grant for a trip to Iceland. Having entered the competition, Mr Cologne was surprised and excited to find out Clapton Girls’ Academy had won! On Sunday 17th February 2013, 27 Year 9 and 10 girls and 4 members of CGA staff gathered at Linscott Road to start their journey of a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Standing between the two continents of Europe and North America
Day 1 After landing safe and sound, it was straight off to the Blue Lagoon to dip in the Geothermal heated waters and slather sulphur rich face scrub to beautify faces. It was then off to the Hotel Cabin to eat and settle in for the night.
Day 2 Pupils and staff were up early for a brief drive to our first waterfall of the trip, Seljalandsfoss, where pupils were able to also walk behind the waterfall to observe the plunge pool and overhang. It was then quickly off to the Solheimajokull glacier where pupils donned crampons to walk across the glacier to observe crevasses and moraines. After a quick visit to the south coast to observe the door hill islands it was time for settling in for the night.
Day 3 The morning started with a walk along the black sand beaches (see the Take That Patience video) followed by another waterfall, Skogafoss. Then came the walk up the 80m Stori-Dimon Volcano where all pupils (eventually) made it to the top for some impressive views over the wash plains. A quick visit to the Earthquake simulator to experience a 6.6 on the Richter scale and then we were back in Reykjavik for food and sleep.
Day 4 Day 4 involved the most stunning views in Iceland as Clapton Girls’ students took on the Golden Circle tour that many visitors to Iceland do. This involved visiting a crater lake, Europe’s version of Niagara Falls Gulfoss and the spouting geyser who is also a fan of Harry Styles! The final stop was to the National Heritage site of Thingvellir where Iceland’s parliament was established in 930AD and the rift valley between the North American and Eurasian plates.
Outside Seljalandsfoss
Day 5 Our final day involved a quick sightseeing tour of Reykjavik to take in the major sights and view the most Northern capital city from the Perlan observation decks. A quick stop for souvenir shopping and then we travelled to the boiling mudpools and Lucky Bridge that crosses the two continents at the Reykjanes Peninsula. This was a truly fantastic trip that was over all too quickly. After 10 months of planning, the activities made it feel like there was hardly any time to breathe. Iceland is a spectacular country and a Geography teachers’ heaven. Hopefully see you again sometime soon! Mr Cologne, Head of Geography Page 4
The girls are told the volcano could erupt any day...or the next 200 years!
April Review 2013
Looking at our journey on the scale map of Iceland.
Gulfoss During the February half term I went to Iceland and did many activities. For example; climbing up a waterfall and walking behind one too, feeding horses, swimming in the blue lagoon, walking on a glacier, going on many beaches and much, much more. My favourite activity was walking up the volcano! This was my favourite because we all found it really hard but we all made it to the top! I also liked it because we were all encouraging each other and we all had a hard time getting up there but we shared a lot of laughing and moments resting together. Once we got to the top you had the feeling when you have achieved something great and when you saw the view you knew it was worth climbing the tall volcano! When everyone got to the top we had a sing song. I loved that the most because we all felt like we had achieved something. Esther Korner – 9P
Thingvellir and the Oxararfoss waterfall
The girls posing at Gulfoss
Watching the Geyser
The first few steps out of Keflavik airport were unforgettable. Being able to look in one direction and see an amazing mountain range, then in another direction a volcano, and then large, barren fields behind you; unforgettable. Over the course of 4/5 days, we did at least 20 different things, from looking around a geothermal power station, to being shaken on an earthquake simulator. The walk on the tongue of the Solheimajokull (S14) glacier was amazing. Then there was Skogafoss, a 60m high waterfall, with a wide, thundering curtain of freezing cold water, which drenches you at the bottom, and amazes you at the top. Next was the Stori-Dimon volcano, which rises up approximately 80m sitting above the flat sandur outwash plain. After having reached the top, the view was worth the pain in our calves; the sea in front and the snow topped mountain behind. Finally, not forgetting, what we referred to as “EPIC DAY” where we saw things which practically explain Iceland and its geographical wonder; amazing waterfalls with mile long gorges and salmon steps, a dramatic volcanic crater lake, hot geysers that throw gallons of water 30 metres in the air, and Thingvellir; a National Park that not only has an interesting history, but is also scoured by the Mid-Atlantic ridge and rift valleys where the Eurasian and North American plates meet. Overall, the only thing that could have made the trip even more perfect would have been to see the Northern Lights. However, as I see it, it’s only an excuse to go again next year! Beatrix Webb – 10N
Morning stroll on the Black sand beaches
Page 5
April Review 2013
Sport at CGA We are very proud of the girls and staff here at CGA who together make sure that all girls at the school have the opportunity to partake in a variety of sports and sporting events. The media has recently stated that girls are not as involved in sport as they should be... they should come to CGA! According to the Women’s Sport and Fitness Foundation, just 12% of 14-year-old girls do the recommended amount of physical activity of any kind. Right now, it is still a challenge to get girls moving in this country, but here at CGA the girls are all encouraged to participate and with the support of the staff, and the school as a whole, continue to do very well indeed. Well done to them all.
Ready to hit the slopes!
Skiing in Austria On Saturday 15th February, 39 students and staff left for our annual skiing trip to spend half term on the slopes of the Austrian Alps. All the girls and staff had a fantastic time and came back to the UK with not only great memories but also with either new or improved skiing abilities!
Twelve girls from years 7 to 10 competed in the Hackney Schools Annual Swim Gala. Overall we brought home 28 gold medals, 3 silver and 1 bronze. Every single student won a medal in the event they competed in. The overall result was Clapton Girls’ Academy winning by 35 points and they are now crowned Hackney Swimming Champions for 2013!
Group photo!
On the slopes Page 6
April Review 2013
The achievements for this academic year are very impressive and the girls should be very proud of what coming to CGA has enabled them to attain: September 2012 8 Student Sports Ambassadors at the Academy 2 Students running clubs as ‘Dance Teacher Assistants’ October 2012 Student Molly Bennett Won Yr 7 Borough Cross Country Student Loula Paizi Won Yr 8 Borough Cross Country Student Ruby Christian-Muldoon 2nd Yr 8 place Borough Cross Country October-December 2012 U14 Girls Basketball Borough Winners Year 7 win the netball tournament at Haggerston. The Year 7 team remain unbeaten this year!
December 2012 U15 Girls Basketball Team beat Barking Abbey Basketball Academy (National School Games) January 2013 Yr 8 Girls Basketball Borough Winners February 2013 6 Students took part in the ‘Sky Sports Living for Sport’ project with UK Indoor Long Jump Champion JJ Jegede Clapton offer GCSE Dance as an option subject for year 10 & 11 Students 13 students gained England Basketball level 1 Referee qualifications 13 students gained England Basketball level 1 Table Officiating qualifications 39 students participate in a Skiing trip to Austria
Rehearsals are underway for the 2013 Dance showcase with performances from GCSE and A level dance groups. CGA have 2 performance pieces.
March 2013
Below: London School Games CGA Basketball team win Bronze.
U14 Girls Basketball London School Games Runner ups 3rd place
6 students gained England Netball Youth Umpire Award
4 Students selected to Table officiate the London School Games Basketball Finals U15 Girls Volleyball London School Games Runner ups 3rd place Borough Swimming Gala Champions Netball Borough Champions Yr 7 Tournament Trampolining Borough Champions Ongoing events: Current Yr 7 Girls Basketball Borough Champions Current Yr 7 Netball Borough Champions 75 Students doing Level 1 Sports Leaders Awards 6 students doing Level 2 Community Sports Leaders Award 25 students doing BTEC First Certificate 10 Students doing ‘Pass on your Passion England Netball’ Page 7
April Review 2013
Comic Relief/ Red Nose Day at CGA The girls were all very excited to be able to wear their own clothes on Friday 15th March. This was because CGA was supporting Comic Relief, or as it is more commonly known, Red Nose Day. The girls paid a £1 donation each for the privilege. The school also had a cake sale, which was very popular. The Academy is delighted that a cheque will be sent to the Comic Relief Charity for £1,689.29. .Some of the teaching and non-teaching staff also joined in with one person wearing a complete outfit of red! Comic Relief celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2013 and we were proud to play a small part in this event, especially as they also broke all previous records and the latest figure indicates an amazing £75,107,851 has been raised...so far, with over £800,000,000 being raised since it started.
Clubs and activities – Extra Curricular Clubs and activities at CGA are designed to extend, enhance and support the curriculum. The list ranges from the daily breakfast and homework club, to basketball, film, fitness, football, radio & remix, knitting, boxing, rowing, jewellery, choir, debate, tennis, athletics, public speaking, sewing, orchestra, street dance, athletics, swimming, food technology, History film club, steel pans, trampolining, recording technique, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, Turkish... to name but a few! This shows the huge range of opportunities on offer for the girls at CGA. Ideas, suggestions or requests for activities from students and their parents/carers are always welcome.
Exam Timetables 2013 The exam timetables for girls in Year’s 7, 8 & 9 and for those doing GCSE and A levels are now on the school website. SAM Learning is a revision website: www.samlearning which CGA subscribes to with exam practice, revision tools and online homework tasks. Every girl has her own login details as printed below. If your daughter has problems logging on she should speak to Mr Bradbury, the school’s examination officer. Centre ID: E5CG User ID and Password: (both the same): for girls this is their date of birth and initials. So for a student born on the 30th July 1992 called Katie Smith their User ID and password would be 300792KS.
Governors’ Corner Reminder to Parents/Carers It has come to our attention that some of the girls are now adorning their blazers with more and more badges. Please bear in mind that only authorised school badges may be worn on school blazers. Students will be asked to remove any unauthorised badges.
TERM DATES Monday 15th April to Wednesday 24th July th
May Bank Holiday: Monday 6 May – School Closed Half-term: Monday 27th May to Friday 31st May
Summer holiday Thursday 25th July to Tuesday 3rd September
Visit the website to see more calendar events
www.clapton.hackney.sch.uk
Governors are required to do regular visits with the school to take a closer look at areas for development, or areas we just need more information about. I recently did a link visit with Ms Feltham, who is behaviour lead for Clapton Girls’ Academy, to look at all the new strategies that have been put in place around pupils’ behaviour this year. I was impressed with Ms Feltham and her colleagues’ dedication and focussed approach, and was encouraged to hear that, both anecdotally and according to data gathered so far this year, behaviour continues to be outstanding. One particular area of focus for staff and governors at the moment is keeping interruption to lessons to an absolute minimum. All teachers recognise the importance of a smooth start and calm finish to lessons. To support this there are now displays in the classrooms to show pupils exactly what they need to have ready for the start of each lesson. Pupils are also dismissed from class using a traffic light system - only those pupils waiting quietly get the ‘green light’ to go. It was encouraging to hear that these simple strategies are working well, and the number of times senior staff are called out to deal with low-level disruption in class, already very low, has dropped further. Martine Gallie, Parent Governor
