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Head of Year 8 Blog

MISS A PINKNEY

I am very proud to be the Head of Year 8.

If you wish to contact me, please email HOY8@hessleacademy.com

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  • WEEK 24 - Friday 15 March 2024

    Published 19/03/24

    Last week I asked the students if there was anything specific they would like our assembly to be based on that they would find useful or interesting. One of the students spoke to me about Ramadan and how she would like it if we gave students a better understanding of what it was. I set the student a task of creating a powerpoint with all the details she thought would be useful and, although she was not confident in presenting it, she did an amazing job of not only creating the powerpoint but also making it clear, precise and easy for all to understand. I have used some of her information below: 

    • The exact dates of Ramadan change every year. This is because Islam uses a Calander based on the cycles of the moon. In 2024 in the UK, Ramadan will begin in the evening of Monday 11 March – Tuesday 9 April. 

    • Most Muslims fast between dawn and sunset. Fasting allows Muslims to devote themselves to their faith. It is thought to teach self-discipline and reminds them of the suffering of the poor. However, children, pregnant women, elderly people and those who are ill or travelling don't have to fast. 

    • During Ramadan, it is common to have one meal (known as the suhoor), just before dawn and another (known as the futoor), directly after sunset. 

    • Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan. It is a time for prayer and good deeds. They will try to spend time with family and friends and help people in need. 

    • Many Muslims will attempt to read the whole of the Qur'an at least once during Ramadan. They will also attend special services in Mosques during which the Qur'an is read. 

    • The end of Ramadan is marked by a big celebration called 'Eid ul-Fitr' (the Festival of the Breaking of the Fast). 

    • Muslims are not only celebrating the end of fasting, but thanking Allah for the strength he gave them throughout the previous month. 

    • Mosques hold special services, and a special meal is eaten during daytime (the first daytime meal for a month). 

    • During Eid ul-Fitr Muslims dress in their finest clothes, give gifts to children and spend time with their friends and family. Muslims will also give money to charity at Eid. 

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qa2f7gdP4vw 

    Muslims fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to God, and a way to become more compassionate to those in need. Fasting is also seen as a way to learn patience and break bad habits. 

    Compassion - feeling or showing sympathy and concern for others. 

    Patience - the ability to endure difficult circumstances. Patience may involve perseverance in the face of delay; tolerance of provocation without responding in disrespect/anger; or forbearance when under strain, especially when faced with longer-term difficulties 

    Bad habit - a negative behaviour pattern. Common examples include: over thinking things, overspending and nail-biting. 

    We may not all believe in the same god, but wouldn't it be nice if we all believed in compassion, patience and working towards breaking bad habits?  I believe that our students can and do show the willingness to try this and for that I am very grateful and proud. 

    I also spoke to 4 of the Year 8 boys who would like an assembly on online bullying and safety. The 4 boys are not only creating the powerpoint for this but will also present the assembly to the rest of the students in Year 8. I am looking forward to seeing this at the end of April. 

    Thank you for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; HOY8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney 

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

    Read More
  • WEEK 22 - Friday 1 March 2024

    Published 01/03/24

    Next week is the annual World Book Day (7 March). 

    World Book Day changes lives through a love of books and reading. The mission is to promote reading for pleasure, offering every child and young person the opportunity to have a book of their own. Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income. We want to see more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and the improved life chances this brings them.  More information on World Book Day can be found here: World Book Day About Us 

    As a parent myself I try to encourage my children to read for pleasure and they will often ask for several books as gifts for their birthday or Christmas. However, I also know that the more a child or adult reads the better their concentration and memory gets. Alongside this reading increases our vocabulary and enhances ability in creative writing. All these skills and the knowledge gained will help our children in a variety of subjects. 

    For me one of the most important aspects of reading is the ability to get lost in a book and escape from everyday worries or stresses.  

    I asked some of the staff at the school to tell me why they enjoy reading: 

    Mrs Green – AHOY 9 

    Reading is important as it helps reduce stress and helps me relax. Reading also expands your vocabulary and enhances my knowledge. 

    Miss Wheeler – Teacher of ICT 

    For me reading is important as it helps activate your imagination and broaden your usage of vocabulary and words you can use in different situations. Reading for pleasure can be a small escape after a busy day. 

    Mr Kay – Teacher of English 

    As an English teacher I try and read for pleasure every single day, even for 5 or 10 minutes. I normally read just before I go to sleep. At the risk of sounding like an English teacher I do genuinely love reading. Falling in and out of all these amazing little worlds and stories is amazing, and it helps with my imagination, creativity, vocabulary and ideas when I try and write my own stories! Obviously not every single book out there is right for everyone but if you have a look, I'm sure you'll be able to find a book that's right for you! 

    Mr Jarman – Teacher of History 

    Reading always helps to take me away from the day's problems, into whichever world the book is set in. No phones at the end of the day, just 30-40 minutes getting lost in a good book. 

    If you are looking for ideas for books to encourage your child to read, please see the list below that our Year 8 students have put together. 

    Name of books our Year 8 students would recommend 

    The Explorer by Katherine Rundell 

    Wonder by RJ Palacio 

    Holes. by Louis Sachar 

    Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney 

    Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins 

    Matilda - Roald Dahl 

    The New Boy by Paula Rawsthorne 

    Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J K Rowling 

    You Are a Champion: How to Be the Best You Can Be by Marcus Rashford 

    The Murderer's Ape by Jakob Wegelius 

    Mo Salah - Autobiography (by Matt and Tom Oldfield) 

    The Crossover by Kwame Alexander 

    The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien 

    Thankyou for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; HOY8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8 

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

    Read More
  • WEEK 18 - Friday 26 January 2024

    Published 26/01/24

    The Vision Statement of The Hessle Academy incorporates the Mission Statement, our Values and our Vision for our learners and people.  

    The Mission Statement sets out the purpose of the organisation, namely ‘Everyone can achieve the extraordinary’  

    Values: These set of six core principles underpin everything that we do. They guide our behaviour and our decision-making. They are timeless, unchanging statements of what we believe to be important. 

    One of our school values is Aspiration; We aim high; we have ambitious expectations of ourselves and others. We believe that we can make a difference to our local community. 

    This week I have asked the Year 8 tutors to speak to the students about the meaning of ‘aspiration’ and whilst they are still quite young, we all aspire and dream and there are things we want to achieve in our life. The aim was to allow the students to think about their own aspirations. Here are some examples of our students' aspirations: 

    Lilly G - After school on a Monday, I train in Street dance and Musical theatre to help me complete my exams. In the future I would love to carry on with this and eventually become a dance teacher. 

    Heather G - I want to pass all of my levels in ice-skating and learn to figure skate. 

    S.C-A -  I would like to be a beautician and go to college, but I'm not sure where I would like to study. I would like to get a 'good education' and do well at school. 

    William D - I want to work hard so I can eventually start affiliate marketing or drop shipping because you can earn high profits. 

    Scarlett M - I aspire to be a tattoo artist but want to also make sure I get good grades, especially in Art. 

    Idil S - I aspire to be a Lawyer and to do this I need to focus on doing well at school. 

    Oliver M-S - I aspire to be a pilot and to achieve that I need to do well in school. I also aspire to be a good person and be kind to others. 

    Max S - I aspire to be a F1 Mechanic or part of the pit crew. To do this I am going to get experience of car engines outside of school and work hard in Technology, Maths and Science. 

    Josh R - I aspire to get 100% attendance. When I am older, I would like to be a police officer or work in forensics. 

    Abbie C - I aspire to be a teacher and then a good mum when I’m older. I need to get good grades to do this and make sure I have good attendance.  

    M.C - I want to do well throughout my subjects and focus on my artwork to become an artist. 

    Megan O - I aspire to be good and do well in science. My aspirations are to be grateful for everything in life and my family. 

    Aspirations and dreams are a driving force and provide people with a sense of purpose and motivation. We can use aspirations and dreams to guide us to our desired goals and allow us to grow and improve resilience along the way. 

    As parents and teachers, we can encourage young people to aspire to do well, and to achieve their goals and dreams. We can create opportunities to talk about what they want in life and discuss the way in which they can achieve this. 

    For more information on our school values please click on the link below: 

    https://www.thehessleacademy.co.uk/_site/data/files/users/5D64897B84E49547021F60FB443DA6AC.pdf 

    Student opportunity 

    Bikeability is a cycle training programme. It provides students with the skills, knowledge understanding to cycle safely on the roads.  

    Bikeability will provide students with the confidence for all kinds of cycling in the future. Parents have been sent an email with more details and places are limited so please sign up asap if this is something your child would like to take part in. 

    Thank you for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; HOY8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

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  • WEEK 16 - Friday 12 January 2024

    Published 16/01/24

    Happy New Year 

    As a parent of Primary School age children, I am often trying to think of new ideas for parenting my children in a positive and rewarding way. This can be a struggle at times especially when it is my 10-year-old son who is getting a bit old for my usual strategies. This got me thinking about how this will change again as my children get older. As a teacher, I obviously use positive rewards and strategies, but can these be used from a parenting point of view? I have done a bit of research and I believe that although the strategies are not the same, there are similarities, and it doesn't matter whether we are teaching or parenting, rewards and recognitions are always a good thing. 

    Teenagers are young adults who are trying to learn the ways of the world. When they do something great at school or at home or simply make a healthy decision, parents can give them a reward. The reward does not have to be money, but it is a nice way to say "thank you" or "I'm proud of you." Teens need this positive reinforcement because it shows them that they are on the right track. It is also a good life lesson that you can pass on: good things happen to good people. 

    The following list includes a number of rewards you might want to consider. They are pretty much all the things that teenagers might want and are quite universal. Of course, if your teen is into a special hobby or has a unique interest, you might cater the reward to that from time to time. 

    A Hug: You would be surprised how much this simple gesture means. 

    Mobile Phone: If your teen does not have their own phone yet, this may be a nice reward for doing something special. Remind them that with a phone comes responsibility and you expect them to keep up the good work or the phone may have to go away. 

    Computer Time: Limiting the teenager's screen time is not a bad thing. When they do good things, give them a few extra hours to play on the computer without doing homework. 

    Friend Time: Give your teen permission to invite a few friends over for a sleepover or just a few extra hours to watch movies, play games and hang out. 

    New Book: Encourage reading and reward your teen at the same time by giving them a new book or a gift certificate so they can choose their own. 

    New Clothes: Every teen wants the latest fashions and a gift card to the mall is a fantastic idea. Give them a ride—or let them drive—and allow them to spend the afternoon with friends spending their well-earned reward. 

    Sleeping In: Allow your teen to take a morning off and sleep in a little later than normal. Of course, this shouldn't be on a school day. 

    How to Reward Your Teen for Good Behavior (verywellfamily.com) 

    Recognition – the appreciation of someone's achievements.  

    I have asked the Year 8 tutors to recognise a member of their tutor group. 

    8A1 

    Kaida.P- Aspiration. Kaida consistently aspires to do her best. From being on time, wearing correct uniform, bringing her planner and equipment every day to getting consistently one of the highest numbers of house points in tutor every week. She was more than happy to step up and take on the role of one of the house Ambassadors. All-rounder - kind, friendly and a great example to her peers.  

    8A2 

    Frankie P - Resilience. Frankie has settled in really well since starting here last term. She had adapted really well and made lots of new friends. Frankie is a pleasure to have in the group and is working really hard. 

    8A3 

    Charlie M- Respect. Charlie consistently respects those around him during tutor time. He is always prepared for the day and has a very polite attitude. He has received a high number of house points and is a valued member of 8A3! 

    8C1 

    A. P - Responsibility. Arrives on time every day, very polite, perfect uniform, full equipment and planner every day. She has 100% attendance and loads of house points too, just an all-round super star! 

    8C2 

    Freddie L - Responsibility. Is always on hand to assist in tutor to help sort out equipment/house points. Is always prepared, ready, on time and is a fantastic member of 8C2! Keep it up, Freddie! 

    8C3 

    Tilly L - Tilly has positively taken to the new behaviour system implemented in September and is the leading student for house points in 8C3 and third overall for the whole of Cassio. She also boasts a perfect attendance record in Year 8 which has continued from Year 7. She is dedicated and hardworking and sets a fantastic example to her peers. 

    8O1 

    Lily T - always positive and polite in the class. Lily is a cheerful and mature form member, never puts a foot wrong! 

    8O2 

    Lucy T - Aspiration - She has been lots of effort into our tutor activities, including entering house competitions. She always has a go at our morning puzzles as well. 

    8P1 

    Peyton W - Resilience. Peyton has tried hard to improve her attendance since returning in September and has achieved lots of praise and house points. 

    8P2 

    Leah C - Responsibility.  Leah helps us every day with daily checks, taking pride in doing so and always with a smile.  She'd be our class 'Head Prefect' if we had them. 

    8P3 

    Ethan H - Aspiration - Ethan consistently demonstrates high standards with whatever he is asked to. He is always repaired for the day; he is always polite and respectful and in tutor he is always taking part in discussion. 

    Thank you for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; HOY8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

    Read More
  • WEEK 14 - Friday 15 December 2023

    Published 20/12/23

    This is my final blog before Christmas, the magical time of year and a special time to show others you care. Families come together and show one another love and how they value each other. We all try to make the most of this quality time with family and friends. 

    As a parent myself I often hear the words ‘mummy can you play a game with me’. The truth is that although I try to find the time for this it isn't always possible and for me this is what Christmas is all about. This Christmas I will be mostly eating, drinking, playing games and watching movies. Why? Because this is the time of year, I make sure I can. 

    So - from one parent to another - please do the same, spend time with your children talking, playing games, watching movies. Enjoy every moment, enjoy opening your gifts and we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 

    In February 2024 our Academy trust are running a Sustainability learner conference in which, we have 6 of our Year 8 students taking part and representing our school; Reuben Kanwar–Gaddu, Paisleigh Hilton, Harrison Colby-Brinkley, Mary Cousins, Eva Williams and Paris McDonald. I look forward to updating you on their progress and the amazing work I know they will achieve. 

     

    Responsibility award: Mary Cousins  

    Integrity award: Kaida Parker  

    Resilience award: Tym Krotik 

     

    Competition winners: 8P3 have won our hot chocolate and waffle award. They have the highest number of students with 100% attendance for this half term. A huge well done and congratulations. We are looking forward to sharing a hot chocolate with you and your tutor on Wednesday this week. 

    I will finish my blog with an extract of a poem written by Clement Clarke Moore that always inspires the magical Christmas warm feeling and I hope it has the same effect for you: 

     

    ‘Twas the night before christmas, when all through the house 

    Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; 

    The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, 

    In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there; 

     

    The children were nestled all snug in their beds, 

    While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; 

    And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, 

    Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap 

     

    https://www.teachervision.com/christmas/twas-the-night-before-christmas-full-text-of-the-classic-poem 

    Merry Christmas 

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

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  • WEEK 12 - Friday 1 December 2023

    Published 06/12/23

    This week the Year 8 students watched a performance called ‘Smashed Live’ which aims to educate students about alcohol. 

    Smashed is a powerful and realistic story of young people and alcohol. Learners stop and ask, ‘What if that was me?’ 

    Learning Objectives: 

    Smashed doesn’t tell. We enable learning. Students observe, explore and reflect on vital underage drinking themes including: 

    • The social and emotional causes 

    • The impact on young lives 

    • Social influence and decision making 

    • Where and how to help yourself and others 

    This is what Mary Cousins (8Oo2) had to say about it: “On Monday at school, we had a company called Smashed come in. Smashed was telling us about drinking at a young age and the dangers it can lead to. I found it very interactive and fun, and I liked how it was comedic but still brought to life the dangers. Also, the show, I felt, was much more interactive and better than watching a video or being given a speech. I felt that people concentrated more and took more information from it because they could relate to it. Overall, I would like to see more things like it, and I really enjoyed it’. 

    As part of the Smashed performance the students were asked to take part in workshop activities answering questions based on what they had learnt. There were 18 students who received house points and a HOY rewards postcard for their participation in the workshops: Harrison Colby Brinkly, Robert Fordham, Riley Gray, Finley Hatton, William Heslop, Paisley Hilton, Saffie Hudson, Samanta Kalugunaite, Scarlett McCoy, Brandon Minns, Seb Minns, Tawfiw Mustafa, Harry Oliver-Smith, Abigail Palmer, Ava Parker, Ryan Pattison, Lacey Platten, Peyton Weaver. A huge well done to these students for having the confidence and excellent attitude to learning to share their views and answer questions. 

    Meanwhile, the Year 8 football team played brilliantly this week winning 7-0. The boys showed an exceptional attitude and effort put into the game. Goal scorers: Riley-Joe Chamberlain (2), Frankie Sizer, Harlee Fox, Ash Leaming, Asa Taylor and Matthew White. 

    Thank you for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; HOY8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

    Read More
  • WEEK 10 - Friday 17 November 2023

    Published 20/11/23

    Anti-Bullying Week took place from Monday 13th-Friday 17th November and the theme this year is Make a Noise About Bullying, which reminds us of the importance to speak up about bullying. 

    During tutor time this week the students have been discussing the difference between ‘teasing’, ‘conflict’, ‘a mean moment’ and ‘bullying’.  

    Teasing is when: 

    • Everyone is having fun 

    • No one is getting hurt 

    • Everyone is participating 

    Conflict is when: 

    • No one is having fun 

    • There is a possible solution to the disagreement 

    • There is an equal balance of power 

    A mean moment is when: 

    • Someone is being hurt on purpose 

    • Reaction to a strong feeling or emotion 

    • An isolated event (it does not regularly happen) 

    Bullying is when: 

    • Someone is being hurt on purpose 

    • It is repetitive (happens regularly) 

    • There is an imbalance of power 

    We have focused not only on students gaining a clear understanding of the difference between ‘teasing’, ‘conflict’, ‘a mean moment’ and ‘bullying’ but most importantly on how to deal with this type of behaviour and the importance of reporting things to a trusted adult; parent, tutor, teacher or the pastoral team. 

    Additional information: 

    New extra curricula opportunity: Japanese club (Thursday after school Y7 - Y11).  This is a unique opportunity to have a go at learning a very different language. 

    Monday 20 November – Dr Bike. Students can bring their bikes to school to be serviced for free. Please ask your child to bring their bike into school and leave it in the designated area which will be signposted. 

    COMPETITION TIME – As mentioned in my last blog; we are running a Year 8 attendance competition and the tutor group with the highest number of students with 100% attendance at the end of this half term will win the Hot Chocolate and Waffle Award before the Christmas break. The tutor group currently in first place is Cassio 3, but there is plenty of time for this to change. Please continue to encourage your child to attend school every day and contact us if you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance etc. 

    Thank you for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; HOY8@hessleacademy.com

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

    Read More
  • WEEK 8 - Thursday 26 October 2023

    Published 07/11/23

    Achievement 

    Noun 

    1. something accomplished, especially by superior ability, special effort, great courage, etc.; a great or heroic deed: his remarkable achievements in art. 

    1. the act of achieving; attainment or accomplishment: the achievement of one's object. 

    https://www.dictionary.com/browse/achievement

    This is a logo created by Logan Clark in 7U in ICT. He has created the whole thing from scratch including tracing the transformer and rollercoaster. 

    HOY postcards received this half term: 

    • Improved attendance award – based on a significant improvement since Year 7: Ben Barratt, Ruby Carrison, Renas Dogan, Harry Edgar, Millie Hinds, Reuben Kanwar-Gaddu, Max Lindley, Rhys McCallister, Tawfiq Mustafa, Jacob-Reeves Grantham, Peyton Weaver, Alanna Young. 

    • Resilience award: Megan Thomas 

    • Responsibility award: Corley Fletcher 

    • Kindness award: Riley Gray 

    Hot Chocolate and Waffle Awards 1 – The following students were nominated by the tutors based on their great start to Year 8. Some students have shown an improvement in their behaviour, improved attendance, kindness to others, responsibility within tutor time and others have continued to show an excellent attitude to learning.  

    8A1  

    8A2  

    8A3 

    Harry Oliver- Smith 

    Riley Gray 

    Layla Hewitt 

    8C1 

    8C2 

    8C3 

    Logan Clark 

    Jack Stamp 

    Charlie Wilcockson 

    8O1 

    8O2 

    8O3 

    Kieron Oldridge 

    Lucy Thompson 

    Jamie Chambers 

    8P1 

    8P2 

    8P3 

    Leo Woodhouse 

    Ethan Wilson 

    Isaac Pratt 

    The following students have also been nominated for the Hot Chocolate and Waffle Awards by Mrs Briggs and myself for achieving 100% attendance as well as high numbers of house points and low numbers of negative points: 

    Delves, Finn 

    8C2 

    Leeman, Tilly 

    8C3 

    Swingler, Amber 

    8P3 

    Naylor, Elijah 

    8C1 

    Pearce, Kasey 

    8O2 

    Turner, Daisy 

    8P2 

    Marshall, Lewis 

    8A1 

    Ghaffouri, Kurdo 

    8C3 

    Eland, Oliver 

    8P3 

    Carter, Jay 

    8A2 

    Sporting Achievement 

    There are many benefits of sport participation for children, which include: 

    • reduced risk of obesity 

    • increased cardiovascular fitness 

    • healthy growth of bones, muscles, ligaments and tendons 

    • improved coordination and balance 

    • a greater ability to physically relax and, therefore, avoid the complications of chronic muscular tension (such as headache or back ache) 

    • improved sleep 

    • mental health benefits, such as greater confidence 

    • improved social skills 

    • improved personal skills, including cooperation and leadership. 

    https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/sport-and-children 

    But let's not forget the great sense of achievement a child gets when they do well in a sport, as seen by the following students in a range of sports: 

    • Rugby - Harlee Fox and Trent Scott have done exceptionally well to step up into the Year 9 Rugby team as starting and integral players within the success of the team having beaten South Hunsley, Withernsea and Hornsea this half-term. 

    • Football - The Year 8 team comfortably beat Driffield, 5-0, in their East Riding Cup first round fixture and will now play Holderness Academy in the next round. Harlee Fox and Asa Taylor have particularly impressed playing in the Year 9 Football team as well. Other students involved include Ben Barratt, Flynn Hedges, Jack Stamp, Leo Hall, Trent Scott, Harlee Fox, Riley-Joe Chamberlain, Haydn Wood, Ashley Leaming, Asa Taylor, Frankie Sizer, Charlie Creighton, Harrison Moosa, Liam Bradley and Freddie Leake. 

    • Cross-Country - Flynn Hedges, Jack Stamp, Connor Atkinson, Freya Temple, Larissa Petrie, Grace Hemingway, Mischa Daykin and Peyton Weaver all competed at the at the East Riding County Cross Country Championships at Cottingham performing amazingly well in poor conditions and represented the school with an excellent attitude and exemplary behaviour. Results of their placings are yet to be confirmed. 

    • The Year 7 and 8 netball team beat South Hunsley and included the following Year 8 students: Rosie Donner (player of the match), Mischa Daykin, Ava Sharp, Lilly Grantham, Ruby Carrison, Maisy Birtwhistle, Katie Lee Parish, Amber Swingler, Connie Ibbotson. 

    All these amazing achievements will also be celebrated as part of my HOY celebration assembly on the first week after half term. 

    COMPETITION  TIME – We have a Year 8 attendance competition taking place. The tutor group with the highest number of students with 100% attendance next half term will win the Hot Chocolate and Waffle Award before the Christmas break. Please continue to encourage your child to attend school every day and contact us if you have any concerns regarding your child’s attendance etc, 

    Enjoy the half-term break with your children and we look forward to seeing them when they return. 

    Thank you for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; HOY8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

    Read More
  • WEEK 6 - Friday 13 October 2023

    Published 13/10/23

    Sport is a big part of my family life, and both of my children take part in a variety of different sports; swimming, karate, football, rugby and that's without the different extra curricula clubs they have signed up for. I, myself, play hockey on a weekend and I feel so much better both physically and mentally when I have played a game. Taking part in this type of activity help young people to become independent, build their self-esteem and help with their emotional well-being too. Sports clubs not only help in terms of increasing physical fitness but are also character-building, raise self-confidence and allow students to improve their leadership and time management. Below are the different extra curricula sports clubs available for Year 8 students. Please encourage your child to participate in the many clubs available, they can speak to their tutor for more details or just turn up. 

     

    Attendance is a priority at Hessle Academy as we see the impact it can have on students both academically and socially and like you, we want the very best for our students. We need to work together to ensure your child gets the best from school and avoid any absences from school unless necessary. 

    How does attendance affect outcomes for pupils/students?   

    Being in school is important to your child’s achievement, wellbeing, and wider development. Evidence shows that the students with the highest attendance throughout their time in school gain the best GCSE and A Level results.  

    Research has found that students who performed better both at the end of primary and secondary school missed fewer days than those who didn’t perform as well.   

    The data also shows that in 2019, secondary school pupils/students who didn’t achieve grade 9 to 4 in English and maths missed on 10 more days on average over the key stage than those who achieved grade 9 to 5 in both English and maths.   

    https://www.viat.org.uk/267/news/post/108/why-is-school-attendance-so-important-a-blog 

    Thank you for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; hoy8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

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  • WEEK 4 - Friday 29 September 2023

    Published 02/10/23

    During tutor time this week students have been focusing on the European Day of Languages (EDL) which was celebrated on 26 September. The EDL is a means of promoting awareness among the general public of the importance of language learning and protecting linguistic heritage. 

    “Everybody deserves the chance to benefit from the cultural and economic advantages language skills can bring. Learning languages also helps to develop tolerance and understanding between people from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds” 

    https://www.coe.int/en/web/language-policy/european-day-of-languages 

    Did you know we have approximately 33 languages spoken within our school community? In Year 8 alone, there are 12 different languages spoken including English, Arabic, Chinese, Kurdish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Romanian, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian and Urdu. 

    This week’s assembly was presented by our career’s leader, Miss Lawes, and I asked her to write a brief outline of what she spoke about: 

    This week I delivered an assembly to Year 8 students, focusing on their careers journey and how their time at school is an important stepping-stone towards their plans for the future. After asking for a ‘raise of hands’ I was delighted to see that many students already had an idea of what career they would like to pursue! I spoke about the Careers Programme we deliver at Hessle High School, which is made up of a variety of events and activities to prepare students for the world of work and upcoming milestones including KS4 Options, Post-16 destinations and post-18. Students will continue to explore all their subjects this year before the decision-making process begins during Year 9 as they choose their subjects to study at KS4. This is a key transition for the students and there is a lot of support in place to help and guide students. Year 8 students will be involved in the Ambition Day during the spring term where we invite various employers from a wide range of sectors to deliver workshops, this is always a great opportunity for the students and gives them a real insight into the world of work and different job roles that exist – more information to follow on this!   

    Students have a copy of the Careers Programme within their planners, this can also be accessed here. For more information about careers and updates, please visit the careers section of the website here.  

    Thank you for your continued support and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; hoy8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs

    Assistant Head of Year 8

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  • WEEK 2 - Friday 15 September 2023

    Published 15/09/23

    I will start my blog as I started my first assembly of the year by saying Welcome to Year 8 and I hope you have had a lovely summer. 

    At the end of Year 7 I would usually write a final blog to the parents to wish them well and confirm who their child’s new Head of Year would be in Year 8. This year I am pleased to inform you that I will continue as your child’s Head of Year.  

    One of the focusses during tutor time this week has been self-care and the students discussing the following: 

    • Why is self-care important?  

    • What might be the benefits of self-care? 

    • What might make self-care difficult for some people? 

    This got me thinking about the pressures on young people and how important it is for not only them to think about their self-care but also for us as adults in their lives to be aware of this and their mental health. 

    There are many ways in which we can support children and give them the best chance to stay mentally healthy. It is important that we encourage and guide them to think about their own mental health and wellbeing and pass on vital skills that we can teach them from an early age.  

    • Be there to listen – Speaking to children about what they have been doing and how they are feeling and making them aware that you are always there to listen. 

    • Support them through difficulties – Talk to them about difficulties and help them to work their way through them. 

    • Stay involved in their life – Show an interest in their life and pay attention to what is important to them. 

    • Encourage their interests – Support and encourage your child’s interest. 

    • Take what they say seriously – Listen to and value what they say and help them to work through their emotions. 

    • Build positives routines – Encourage clear structures and routines especially around exercise and healthy eating. 

    Useful websites: 

    Children's mental health - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk) 

    https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/how-to-talk-to-your-child-about-mental-health/ 

    https://maudsleycharity.org/familiesunderpressure/ 

    https://www.annafreud.org/schools-and-colleges/resources/7-ways-to-support-children-and-young-people-who-are-worried/ 

    https://thesleepcharity.org.uk/information-support/children/relaxation-tips/ 

    The students have had a great start to Year 8, showing a great attitude to learning and responding well to the new behaviour consequence system. We have also had an incredibly positive start with attendance; achieving 96% or above and I would like to thank parents for their continued support with this. As discussed in previous blogs attendance can have a significant impact on a child’s education and the better the attendance the more opportunity a child has to reach their academic potential. 

    Thank you for your continued support, and please do contact us with any questions or concerns; hoy8@hessleacademy.com 

    Miss Pinkney 

    Head of Year 8

    Miss Briggs 

    Assistant Head of Year 8 

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  • Head of Year Blogs 2022/2023

    Published 04/09/23

    To view Year 8 Blogs from 2022/2023 please click here.

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