The Boulton Summer Issue 6

TheBoulton
ISSUE 06/SUMMER 2018

compassion discipline service

honesty



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contents

1 Principal’s Message
3 Envision Winners 2018
5 Professional Musicians
6 Practice Interview Day
7 Student Leadership
9 And in other news...
11 Year 6 Induction Day
13 Boulton Gallery
15 NEW! “Get to know me...”
16 Pledge Day Highlights
17 Year 11 Exam Journey
19 Key Dates

Principal’s
Message

Another year has passed us by, as we now come to the The National Students Art Exhibition (NSAE) selected
Ateeqa Ibrahim and Maryam Ali’s artwork to be included
end of year three at Ark Boulton Academy, and what an in ‘The 16th Student Art Exhibition’ this summer. We are
eventful year it has been. absolutely delighted and proud of them both. Ateeqa and
Firstly, I would like to thank you - our parents, students, Maryam have been invited for a special viewing in
staff and the wider community for your continued London alongside a ‘Principal’s Viewing’ later on this
support. A school environment can only truly continue to month, before doors open to the public.
thrive and succeed with the support of its community.

In the past month we have welcomed our new Year 7
intake for September 2018 and said farewell to our Year
11’s as their journey at Boulton comes to an end. I am
once again immensely proud of the progression Year 11
have made, especially in their final year. They have worked
tirelessly and their efforts have not gone unnoticed. We
eagerly await results day in August to share in the success.

For our incoming Year 7, induction day was the beginning Students also took part in our second Boulton Sports Day.
of an important relationship between Ark Boulton and the The weather was amazing and the competition was
students and their family. It was a pleasure to have thriving – we have some great athletes amongst us!
hosted a day full of taster lessons, team building activities Students took part in 200 and 100 metre races, relay runs,
and fun and games arranged for students to help them the long jump, tug of war, and a classic favourite of mine
make the all-important transition from primary to the egg and spoon race!
secondary school. We hope you enjoyed the day and I do hope you enjoy this edition of The Boulton, which
cannot wait to meet you all again in September. On page only captures a snapshot of all the amazing achievements
12 of this newsletter you can find some useful ‘hints and and experiences at Ark Boulton.
tips’ for starting at a secondary school. I wish you all a great summer and enjoy your break with
Our annual Artsfest took place toward the end of the family and loved ones. It is important to look after
summer term. A time for us to celebrate and recognise yourselves and one another. Please have a read through
the arts that take place at the academy. From our drama our ‘Stay Safe this Summer’ feature opposite.We look
students, music students, and art students to the choir – forward to welcoming you all back in September.
all were celebrated and shared in an amazing gathering
of the Boulton community. This year we took part in a H K Channa JP
special collaboration between artist Leon Sparks and our Principal
GCSE Art students, painting a personalised mural for our
academy with a special unveiling at the event.
More recently, we celebrated some great news when two
of our Year 11 GCSE Art students were selected to exhibit
four pieces of artwork at a National Exhibition in London.

SUN SAFETY E - SAFETY

1. Drink plenty of water and cold fluids to keep 1. Don’t talk to strangers online.
hydrated. Avoid fizzy drinks as they can cause 2. Do not take part in cyber-bullying or spread
dehydration. mallicious messages.
2. Wear plenty of sunscreen (minimum of Factor 3. Block people who are abusive towards you or
15). Remember all skin types and shades need worrying.
protecting! 4. Remember to protect your passwords and
3. Stay out of direct sunlight during the hours of change them frequently.
12pm - 3pm when the suns rays are at their 5. Take a screen shot of anything which worries you
strongest. and tell a responsible adult.
4. Wear comfortable clothing which is breathable 6. Use the REPORT function on social media apps
and loose fitting to allow air flow. Cover your head if you are worried about what you see.
and eyes - wear sunglasses as eyes can get damaged
from the sun too!

WATER SAFETY USEFUL CONTACTS

1. Be aware of the dangers of being near open 1. NSPCC 0800 800 500 - if you are worried that a
water. Cold water can numb limbs and claim lives. child might be at risk of harm.

2. You may not see the dangers on the surface, but 2. Childline 0800 111 - if you are worried that a
underneath the water, weeds and debris can trap child might be at risk of harm.
you, parasites and animal urine can make you ill. 3. Forced Marriage Unit 020 7008 0151 or email
Swimming in a pool to swimming in open water is [email protected].
a very different experience. Be careful.

3. Seek advice - read the signs and talk to 4. Young Minds Mental Health Charity
lifeguards. If there aren’t any around, chances are 020 7089 5050.
you shouldn’t be swimming there! 5. Young Carers Birmingham 0121 227 7000 or
4. Never go swimming alone. email [email protected].

5. In an emergency: 6. FGM - Muslim Women’s Network
- Shout for HELP. 0121 236 9000 or email [email protected].
- Call 999. 7. NHS Direct for non-emergency health issues
- NEVER jump into the water to save someone, you dial 111.
will put yourself in danger.

8. Hopeline UK 0800 068 4141 or email
[email protected].

Stay 9. Brook Advisory Service for concerns about
sexual health 0121 237 5700.

Safe this 20182
Summer

Envisionhumility gratitude

ity Community Apprentice Winners

Loosely based on the TV series The Apprentice, Community-Apprentice is an inter-school competition which

requires young people to develop, and crucially demonstrate, the competencies most valued by employers. Envision
is a ten month process that is run across Birmingham, Bristol and London which includes three exciting cross-school
challenges which provide milestones throughout the process to keep teams motivated and on track.
• The Film Challenge requires pupils to work as a team to communicate why the issue they have chosen matters.
They must do it in under two minutes in a single take.
• The Pitch Challenge requires them to prepare a project plan and pitch to a panel of judges made up of senior
representatives drawn from local companies and government in a bid to win funding.
• The Boardroom Challenge takes places after teams have finished their projects. It requires teams to present the
difference they have made to their coaches to evidence the competencies they have developed. To help prepare
students for this challenge, reflection is embedded in the programme.
At Ark Boulton Academy thirteen Year 10 students were chosen to participate in this programme. Opposite is an
account of their experience.

5

We were first required as a team to choose one of the charities out of the five options that were presented to us. We chose
‘SIFA Fireside’ which helps provide shelter and free hot meals, healthcare, and hygiene necessities for the less fortunate.
Our team name was inspired by this – ‘Ark Shelter’. This charity was selected as it would enable us to
showcase our ten virtues in school which include: charity, service, and compassion.
Through a mixture of weekly coaching sessions (provided by Envision staff), we were able to develop our grit,
confidence and teamwork. We were partnered with the NEC who supported and provided us with volunteer mentors.
These mentors passed on their knowledge and experience on improving our fundraising and presentation skills.

“A team full of lively and striving
personalities, who impressed us with

creative presentation...”

The first fundraising event we organised was held at the NEC. We had to persuade visitors passing by to get involved
with our project, it was challenging but really helped boost our confidence! After this successful fundraiser we were
required to raise money within our school, so during our lunch and breaks we ran different activities such as guessing
the number of sweets in a jar.
As a school we were able to surpass our mandatory target by gathering tinned foods and clothing for the homeless
setting us out among all the other participating schools. The last event held on the 26th April gave us an opportunity to
present all the setbacks and achievements that we experienced throughout our journey with Envision. Our presentation
showcased our unique qualities, determination, commitment and the desire to make a difference.
After the ten months, the Community-Apprentice competition in Birmingham reached its end with the
announcement of the winning team: ARK BOULTON ACADEMY! We were chosen as the winning team for going
above and beyond to promote an extremely sensitive issue in a mature and measured manner within our school and out
in the wider community. Our team was said to be “a team full of lively and striving personalities, who impressed us with
their creative presentation and their dedication to help make a difference.”

We believe as a team we have developed in many ways, especially with our cooperation and communication skills.

Asmine and Haleema – Year 10 Envision Group 4

As part of our continued work with the Royal Birmingham

Conservatoire, thirty Ark Boulton students in Years 7 to 10 were
lucky enough to take part in an afternoon workshop with some of
Birmingham’s top local musicians.
The workshop began with our guests performing two numbers for
our students, and even had our students’ performing with them on
the vocal line in the second number! It was then over to our
students to compose a live ensemble piece which included key-
boards, a percussion section, brass section, woodwind, violins,
guitars, vocals and music technology. Students decided on the
content of the piece and how it would be structured. With the help
of the visiting musicians, within an hour they had finalised,

Professional
Musicians
Workshop

performed and recorded an amazing ensemble, which is a great

achievement for such a large group of students.
A huge thank you to the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire for
helping deliver such an exciting afternoon and a huge well done to
all that were involved, I hope you felt inspired!
Here’s what the students’ had to say about it:
“I thought it was really good, especially the drummers. They really
helped and were keen on developing my drumming skills. Thank
you.” Aaminah, Year 10 student

“The day was perfect. I learnt so
much about music technology!”

Saif, Year 10 student.

“Playing as an ensemble with professional musicians was inspiring!”
Lakhan, Year 10 student.

5

On Thursday 24th May, Year 10 students took part in a

Practice Interview Day delivered by Ahead Partnership and
Capsticks Employment.
The day consisted of expert workshops to prepare students
for interviews for college, university and employability. This
was then followed by a one to one mock interview facilitated
by a professional recruiter to put in to practice the skills they
learnt, receive individual feedback and interviewing tips.
Days such as these allow students to gain an appreciation of
what to expect in an interview based scenario and an
opportunity to refine their interviewing skills.
“The interview practice provided our students with an
invaluable experience by working with professionals from
industry, which has helped to develop their confidence and
interview skills for the future. This will be particularly
beneficial as our students embark on their future
educational and career paths.” Miss Crutchley,
Achievement Leader for Year 10.
Student Feedback
“I enjoyed expressing myself, talking about my future and
really challenging myself. I’m thankful for the experience as
it has widened my understanding of interviews.”
“Today I have learned that no matter what setbacks you have

Practicehad in the past, there’s always a chance to turn it around.”
Interview Day

6

At Ark Boulton Academy we believe that students should be given a wide range of opportunities to develop and

practice leadership skills in preparation for life beyond school. As part of this we have a continuous team of students
taking part in leadership roles and responsibilities such as student leaders, sports leaders and the student council.
Student Leadership Opportunities
Head Girl & Head Boy
These students are elected by staff and students of the academy in a whole school election. The Head students will over-
see the student leadership team and honour their roles in representing the academy in various projects and events.
Student Leaders
There are twenty five ‘Student Leaders’ who perform one duty per week to role model academy standards. They attend
a weekly leadership training course on participation and communication.
Sports Leaders
There are thirteen ‘Sports Leaders’ which consist of Year 10 students. They organise and are in charge of lunchtime
activities. They encourage participation in activities which helps fellow pupils to regulate their lunchtime and engage
in activities to improve their well-being.
Peer Tutoring Programme
Opportunities will be made available for groups of students to become peer tutors at different points in the year.
Students will be selected in July for a programme of study to start in September.
School Council
The aim of the school council body is to act as a working party and be the voice for students across the academy to be
represented in the wider academy community. Two members from each year group form the whole school council will
meet fortnightly to discuss items arising from their year group.
Aims of our Student Leadership
- To empower students to work in partnership with staff towards shared goals.
- To enable creativity to flourish as the school community benefits from the wealth of experiences, ideas, skills and
sense of fun that students bring.
- To provide opportunities for students to develop leadership skills through a variety of inspiring, challenging and
valued projects which impact positively on learning, teaching and well-being for both students and staff at Ark Boulton
Academy.
- To prepare students for Higher Education and for achieving personal and professional excellence in life after formal
education.

Student
Leadership

7

Head Boy & Head Girl

You voted for Saif & Deqa as your new
Head Boy & Head Girl.

4

BBC I-Reporters Woodwind Concert

On Monday 2nd July, fifty Ark students had the On Monday 9th July, fourteen Ark Boulton students
made their way to Greet Primary School for a
opportunity to participate in the BBC ireporters work- collaborative woodwind concert.
shop where they had the chance to learn about
differentiating between real news and fake news. They also
experienced digital animation using devices such as Ipads. Students from Ark Boulton performed alongside pupils
from Greet Primary School on musical numbers such
‘Eye of the Tiger’ and ‘The Water is Wide’ as well as
During the digital animation session our students learnt
how to turn images into a short animation and how to use performing in small groups.
social media such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
within the working world. This concert was a chance for students at Greet, who are
currently learning the recorder, to see what they could
achieve if they continue to practice their instruments
They had the opportunity to ask current apprentices and
industry professionals many questions about the skills and into secondary school. It also exposed the students
qualifications that are required to work in different areas to other woodwind instruments such as the flute and
of the BBC. They also heard about a variety of experiences clarinet.
that current BBC employees have had which have allowed
them to develop their work n d in ot h
place skills.

AMost importantly, our students
learnt how to differentiate
between real news and fake
news by using a 3 step guide:

1. Who wrote the article?
2. Check for any evidence.
3. Check other news sources that have the same news.

It was a fantastic day that will inspire our students to
broaden their horizons in the working world.

“I have always wanted to work in the music industry as it
is something that I am really passionate about. It was great
to find out more about the potential careers paths within
the BBC, for example music production.” Seif, Year 11
student.

“I had never really considered a career working for the
BBC and I didn’t realise how many different career
options there were within one company. I have learnt a lot
from the facilitators and it has really made me think about
my own future and the options that are available.”
Ahee, Year 11 student.

Students were praised for their great behaviour and
enthusiasm in taking part.
Well done to Ark Boulton students, Deqa, Humza,
Zahra, Rahima, Hashim, Siham, Zainab, Nimrah, Isha,

9 Madeeah, Amani, Haris and Aleemah.

Enrichment at Boulton Service Group Initiative

It is our aim at Ark Boulton Academy to provide At Ark Boulton Academy we firmly believe the
development of personal virtues are largely important to
students with the skills, qualities and qualifications that the development of a student’s ability and character, as
they need to be successful at college, university and in a
career of their choice. well as the core academic curriculum. Our virtues
curriculum has been developed to provide this alongside
the academy’s rich comprehensive enrichment
How can taking part in an enrichment activity help to programme which includes sport, cultural, creative and
achieve this? It’s simple. The world of work and further
education is constantly raising its standards, expecting other activities.

more from applicants. Joining an enrichment activity To further support our virtues curriculum, a new group
demonstrates commitment, determination, resilience
and passion. All key qualities that employers and known as ‘Service’ has been created to focus on elements
of reflection, mindfulness and resilience. This group
universities value. sees a number of students work through a six week

Other skills students develop include leadership skills, programme to help develop and nurture their attention
toward their emotional development, showing
teamwork, public speaking, performance, self- appreciation and gratitude to others. The programme
confidence, problem solving and subject specific skills.
her news...

Most importantly, enrichment activities are fun! They also has elements of mentoring, group discussions and
provide an opportunity to learn in a more relaxed using ‘music therapy’ as a form of meditation. “I liked
environment. There are a wide variety of enrichment the meditation part of the course, it helped me to relax.”
activities available at Ark Boulton. If there is something Zeshan, Ark Boulton Student.
we have missed that you would like, see Miss Akhtar
and let us know. We want the best for you.
Joining a club is easy. Come along, get involved and
see what you get out of it. I assure you it will only be
positive.

Our current group of students have embarked on an
exciting journey to survey our memorial garden on
the academy grounds. In the up and coming months,
students will be brainstorming and discussing ideas on
how to renovate and change the current garden into
something more appealing. “This a great way to give
back to the academy community by providing a service
of renovation and maintenance of the memorial garden.”
Ibrahim, Ark Boulton Student.

“The service group is something unique to Ark Boulton
and is a positive step forward in developing our virtues
curriculum. We are very proud of their progress thus far.”
Mr Bickerton, Student Support Team.
10

Year 6humility gratitude
ity Induction Day

This summer we welcomed our new Year 7 intake for

September 2018, for a transition day. Starting a new
school can be a daunting prospect. Here at Ark Boulton
we intend to make the transition as seamless as possible
for both students and their family.
Staff at the academy work hard to ensure that all our
students reach their full potential and develop into
outstanding and inspirational model citizens within the
community and beyond. We work closely with Year 6
students to ensure we have all the relevant information
required to support them and offer the very best to help
with a smooth transition into secondary school life.
On transition day our students took part in various
induction activities. The day included tasters of lessons,
assemblies, use of various ICT facilities, transitioning into
secondary school life and team building activities. It gave
students a chance to meet their peers and staff – seeing a
friendly face or two in September always helps!
“The day was amazing and the Year 6 students were
brilliant. Our student leaders who helped with the
logistics of the day were outstanding and showed true
leadership! Well done to all and we can’t wait to have you
all back in September.” Miss Farooq, Assistant Principal
at Ark Boulton Academy.

11

Advice for September 2018

Want to help your child prepare for their first term at • Work out how you’ll be paying for your lunch – at Ark
secondary school? Listed below are a few suggestions Boulton we use the fingerprint system, make sure you’re
you may find useful from ‘The School Run’ website. topped up if you don’t receive free school meals.
• Buy an alarm clock: Ark Boulton gates close at 8.15am, • Find out where the toilets are.
so if you have a long journey you may have an early • When it’s PE, time is always precious, so for boys,
start. go for adjustable waist trousers – there’s no time to be
• Always eat some breakfast, even if you feel nervous. It’s fiddling with a belt. If PE is first period, you may be
a long time until lunch. able to wear your shorts under your trousers for a quick
• Put in plenty of practice at tying your tie. You’ll need change.
to be able to do it at speed and under pressure (i.e. after • When you are given your timetable, make at least
PE). Then practice putting it on and taking it off without three copies: one for your bag, one for your pocket and a
undoing it to help speed up the process! spare for home.
• If you need to use a travel pass, make sure you apply • Get your new friends’ phone numbers – you may need
for it in plenty of time – it may take a couple of weeks to give them a call if you have a last-minute homework
to come through, so don’t leave it until the end of the panic.
holidays.
• Work out your route to school, whether you’re walking • Be organised. If you’re given a student diary or
or taking public transport. Practice until you’re planner, use it to write down your homework – when
confident and time yourself. there is so much going on, it’s easy to forget.
• Buy a very big, very strong bag. You will have loads to • Go through your timetable and pack your bag the
carry. And that’s not counting the days when you’ll have night before – there’s never time in the morning to find
your PE kit. your maths book.
• If you can, find a friend to walk with on your first • Join the library. It’s a great place to go if you want to do
day. Things won’t seem so daunting if you can go with some homework or just have some quiet time.
someone. • Never be afraid to ask for help if you’re not sure where
to go.
• Be prepared to just ‘hang out’ at playtime. • At lesson changeover, stick with someone who knows
• Don’t call it ‘playtime’ – it’s ‘break’ now. where they’re going. And don’t try to go against the flow
of traffic, you’ll only get lost!
• Relax and try to enjoy it – in no time at all, it’ll seem
like you’ve always been there, and this time next year,
you’ll be showing the new intake around the school.

162

Councillor S Hussain visits the academy Science Club - making ice cream!
Ark Music Festival London
Boulto
Ga

Boulton Sports Day Art Enrichment Club

13

Choir Performance Royal Wedding Banquet

Staff vs Students - Table Tennis! Super Ark Learning Days - Year 11

on
allery

Student Leaders

Getting ready for Induction Day Year 8 Deutsche Bank Workshop

14

ustice charity

“G ektn toow m e . . .Since 1965, International Nurses’ Day has been celebrated on the 12th of May each year
in honour of Florence Nightingale’s work and to celebrate professional nurses across the
”world. This year, Ark Boulton marked the occasion for our very own school nurse.
NAME: Mrs Haslem.
What do you find most rewarding about being a
OCCUPATION: School Nurse. nurse?
“All my encounters with my patients are
How did you find your calling as a nurse? memorable and I appreciate being able to meet so many
“I began working in domestic care and worked in many different people from different backgrounds. Making
different environments in and around care as a support them smile at the end of their journey, from the minute
worker. It wasn’t until I worked with the Marie Curie Trust I meet them and through to the end of treatment, makes
that I realised how nurses can make such a it all worthwhile.”
difference to patients’ lives and their families. The team-
work I saw between the nurses and doctors was Sum up your role in one sentence…
paramount to the care and support received by the patients. “Who else can go home and say that they saved a life
I saw just how vital the role of a nurse is in the medical today – it’s the best feeling in the world.”
field.”
Favourite past times?
What and where did you study to become a nurse? “I spend a lot of my spare time with my friends and
“I went to Solihull College to study an ‘Access to Nursing’ family. I’m a huge football fan and I’m constantly
qualification. I then went on to the University of learning more about my field because it’s always
Wolverhampton to study Dip HE in Adult Nursing, which evolving and the finds are fascinating.”
also qualified me to work with young people.”
Any words of wisdom for someone who may be
Describe a typical day at Ark Boulton. thinking of becoming a nurse in the future?
“On a daily basis I support students with medical condi- “Nursing allows you to explore so many different areas.
tions and help them to understand it better. I help provide All areas of the world and sectors need health care
medical assistance to those who need it and I’m often the professionals, including schools. Working at Ark Boulton
first point of call for any medical emergencies, alongside has been a great experience for me.”
our team of first aiders. Working closely with the pastoral
team and the community nurse is another part of my role
to ensure our students are living a healthy lifestyle.”

Do you have a funny, surprising or fascinating nursing
memory?
“Working as a Community Nurse, I realised how many
people have pet cats, which I’m not a fan of. Many house
visits have involved the awkward encounter with a furry
animal! This was something I had to overcome in order to
care for my patients. Ask me about my cat encounters next
time!”

15

. ng higher

The Shakespeare Centre Umbersalde Adventure

Weston-super-Mare

The Shakespeare Centre

Weston-super-Mare

Twycross Zoo Umbersalde Adventure

Pledge Day
16

3. Staff and student leaders gave up their own time to
create individual revision packs for each Year 11

student - what a team! The packs included practice exa
papers, revision notes, revision schedules and stationa

supplies.

together,2. Subject Teachers provided ‘Walking Talking Mocks’

to help aid our students progression and get a feel for
what the real exams would be like in the summer.
4. Students were delighted to receive their
personalised revision packs!
Growing
Year 11
y humility gratitude Exam
1. Where it all began, way back in the Autumn Term. Journey
Year 11 were dedicated to their learning attending
intervention sessions after school hours.

177

line service honesty courage

9. You made it!
The only way is up now Year 11 and we can’t wait to
compassion discip see you on Thursday 23rd August for
GCSE Results Day!
o r8. Day 1 of GCSE Exams.

am The first of many!
ary
reaching highe

7. “The harder you work for something, the
greater you will feel when you achieve it!”

Couldn’t agree more!

r
6. The revision continues....

5. With all the learning and revision taking place, Year 11 had to think 18
about their Post 16 choices for life after Ark Boulton too! College,

training, employment...where to next? We helped aid the process with
loads of guidance assemblies and attendance at open events.

commitm ty gratitude
ent justice charity humili

Key Dates

20th July - Last day of Summer Term
21st July - Summer Holidays
Academy closed to all students.

23rd August - GCSE Results Day
Please arrive via the old reception entrance

and collect results from the main hall.
3rd & 4th September - Ark INSET Days

Academy closed to all students.
5th September - First day of Autumn Term
All students to return to the academy as follows:

Year 7: Arrive between 8am - 8.15am.
Gates CLOSE at 8.15am.

Years 8, 9, 10 & 11: Arrive through main student
entrance for line up at 10am.

We’re on Facebook & Twitter
Follow us @ArkBoulton for daily updates

19



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reaching h
compassion discipline servic

igher

Golden Hillock Road | Birmingham | B11 2QG
0121 773 8156 | [email protected]
@ArkBoulton