Festival Week 2019

21st June 2019webadmin webadmin

Festival Week 2019

From amazing trips and inspiring workshops to a wonderful lower school summer party, Students and staff across the Academy had a great time celebrating this year’s Festival Week. Festival Week is truly one of the highlights of our year.

Monday 10th June

Sports Day

This year’s sports day was the wettest on record! However, the resilience, grit and enthusiasm shown by students and staff who battled the abhorrent conditions won through. Unfortunately, the conditions curtailed events but we have collated the points won and we are thrilled to let you know that Orion house won. Huge congratulations to Orion!

Tuesday 11th June

Try Something New Day

Try Something New Day has become one of the highlights of the school year and it proved to be a great

day with the weather being on our side! It really did live up to its name as staff and students alike got stuck into activities they would never normally have the chance to  experience or enjoy ranging from exploring Artificial Intelligence, BMX to Kayaking. The fun activities continued within school with students undertaking a variety of workshops to learn and hone in new skills in textiles and personal leadership amongst many others. This year we were also thrilled to secure workshops from the world-renowned Courtauld Institute of Art through which students were able to work with an artist and textile designer for the day. The carousel sessions also allowed students to move between the activities listed on the next page.

It was great to see our students engage with a variety of activities throughout the day, highlighting their creativity and collaborative spirit. The work the students produced from these workshops will be displayed in reception in the coming weeks.

Level 2 Careers and Employability Skills Day

The Level 2 Careers and Employability Skills Day, followed up by CV writing masterclasses and ‘how to revise’ sessions gave the students the chance to really impress us with the maturity and ambition they have exhibited.  A range of exciting and important careers related workshops were held and run by Barclays Lifeskills and Transformation Trust team, Brightside Volunteers, and our school’s Career Advisor. These were designed to help focus the students mind on a range of possible career options including Post 16, Job Interview Skills with an input also on the Engineering Sector and the importance of professional networks/the value of role models and mentoring.

Lower School Summer Party

On Tuesday evening we enjoyed what was our most well attended Summer Party since the academy opened. At the heart of this evening is one of our most dedicated and supportive parents, Steve Currid. The evening raises money for local charities, supports the spirt of festival week and most importantly ensures our students have a hugely fun evening out with all their friends. Steve, as always, our deepest thanks

Wednesday 12th June

PSCHE Day

Students explored three key themes during the PSCHE day through various workshops and talks; personal safety, climate change and sex and relationship education. The delivery of the workshops, from both our own staff and eternal experts, was very high quality. Students had a great day and enjoyed getting the opportunity to reflect on personal, local and global issues:

“It was useful to learn about the reality of gangs because it taught us that at the end of the day, if you get involved in gangs, you are likely to be at the bottom of the pile, and all the bad stuff you’d do would catch up with you eventually.” Dejaahn, foundation

“I watched this video about when plastic gets into the sea… it affects the coral reef, which means it can get into our food chain because if fish eat the coral and we eat the fish it could affect humans. I also learnt that methane is even worse than CO2 and that’s why people are suggesting that we don’t eat cows because they produce a lot of methane.” Jason, foundation

Thursday 14th June

Whipsnade Zoo

Nearly a third of the Academy enjoyed a day at the Zoo on Thursday. Students and staff alike thoroughly enjoyed the day and students were excited to show those members of staff who didn’t get the chance to go videos of bears and giraffes and described an amazing dog that can jump “from here to here”, and wanted to go back because of the brilliant view of the whole of London!

Response to Recent Press Enquiries About A-Level Entries

21st May 2019webadmin webadmin

Response to Recent Press Enquiries About A-Level Entries

Please see the Academy’s response below:

“Reports around withdrawals at the Academy have in some cases been incorrect or incomplete. We are therefore setting out the school’s response, policies and processes below.

A-level completion rates for sixth forms and colleges are published annually. The Academy’s completion rate for A-level studies is consistently in line with or above national and local averages. We are set to be the same this academic year.

In reviewing our exam entry for 2019 summer exams, we can confirm that 97% of A-level exams will be sat as planned.

Separately any decision to withdraw a student from an exam is a difficult one for us to take and is one we make working with a student and their family. Only in individual circumstances would a decision be taken to withdraw a student from an examination, or recommend a switch to an AS exam. We make decisions based on the individual needs of students.

If a student’s assessments demonstrate over time that they are not passing the course, or if a student raises personal circumstances that mean a deferral is more appropriate then withdrawal might be considered. Not to do so could potentially restrict future university applications.  This is only done when this possibility has been flagged and discussed with the family in advance.

With any affected student, we have robust plans in place to support the best outcomes for them, even it means taking a longer time to reach their goals. Support in place is bespoke to the student to help determine their next steps and progression to university or elsewhere. In some cases this takes the form of an additional year in the sixth form to overcome whatever barriers there are. Our very experienced careers advisor and our student well-being service is core to this support. We do not believe that any school would take a decision like this lightly and for us it is only something that would take place after much thought and extended opportunities for a student to demonstrate their best work.”

In summary, any affected student has been part of the following process:

  • Regular monitoring of progress and any student at risk of not passing was identified early in the school year. This led to meetings with parents and teachers to flag the concern and agree a plan of support and action;
  • Targets were agreed and action necessary to fulfil them were put in place along with a wider discussion of any wider support needed;
  • If this did not lead to improved progress in assessments we then discussed with the student and their parent the possibility of not entering them for an A Level in that subject. We only did this if we had seen no evidence the student could achieve a pass grade;
  • If a student felt they were still in a position to achieve a pass we continued to support them to a final assessment in April. In special circumstances we agreed to extend this into the Easter holiday to give students the best chance possible. Parents were again kept informed of this;
  • Further meetings to support students were held with parents and carers at the start of the summer term, and we continue to offer support and guidance to individual students.
  • Emails are sent only to confirm in writing what has already been discussed in the meetings with students.

We feel strongly that discussing individual students is not appropriate or supportive to individuals or the whole student body who are working very hard and we are doing all we can to support them. We continue to encourage all students to come and talk to the staff here at the Academy so that we can offer the very best advice and guidance.

The UCL Academy, 20th May 2019

Debate Mate Cup – Wednesday 24th April

24th April 2019webadmin webadmin

Debate Mate Cup

On Wednesday 24th April, seven students (Lina Abdulrazzaq, Kelcie Mason, Sasha Mensah-Barnes, Younes Chanij, Rishi Mahtani, Anwar Ukurow, and Ibrahim El Hallili) braved the third and final competition of the year: the whole-day Debate Mate Cup, hosted at London Metropolitan University. The students were faced with tough motions and tough opposition: by the luck of the draw our team of Foundation and Level 1 students were matched with teams of primarily Year 10 students. In the first round they debated in favour of introducing a carbon tax in order to tackle climate change, making a passionate plea for the planet – but they narrowly lost the round to Oasis Academy Shirley Park. In the second round they tried to convince the opposition of the merits of introducing a three-day weekend, but Hornsey School for Girls were able to make more varied and well-explained points. The team effort and mutual support in our group of Academy debaters was fantastic though, and they still went into the third round with high spirits. Rightly so – for in the final round they argued against the motion that only violent crimes should warrant a prison sentence and out-debated the excellent team from London Academy.

The Academy’s team was also generously supportive to their chaperone who was “volunteered” to be part of the show debate. Sadly Ms Philipp and the two debating champions on her team were unable to convince the crowd that students should be allowed to vote for their head teachers. At the end of the day the team left with a real sense of accomplishment and a £10 Nando’s voucher. Sasha and Rishi won the “best boomerang” competition on Instagram with a card trick! 

Looking back: It was almost six months ago that a few representatives of the Academy’s Debate Club walked through Westminster in the rain to attend the official Debate Mate launch event in November. Since then our students have given the fine art of debating a thorough go: they learnt how to use PEEL (point, explain, evidence, link) effectively to convey an argument, how to rebut, how to strategically request points of information and how to defend either side of a motion. From the feedback they received from the judges at the last Debate Mate Cup, it was evident just how much progress they had made since their first competition at the end of January. A huge well done to all of the students!

 

Critchley Scholarship Visit to Royal Bank of Canada – Thursday 4th April

4th April 2019webadmin webadmin

Critchley Scholarship Visit to Royal Bank of Canada

On Thursday 4th April, a select group of 20 Level 2 and Level 2+ students, as part of the Critchley Scholarship Programme, were honoured and delighted to have a career visit to the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), located in the City. RBC’s key staff gave the students a very warm welcome and a chance to hear first-hand about the world of work and especially about the financial/investment banking sector. They met and held talks from various department within the bank such as the Head of European Investment Banking, VP from the Mining   Sector, Global Head of FX, Head of Branding & Marketing for Europe, Head of UK Credit Sale etc. Additionally, the students had a chance to see and experience the trading floor of this very successful international bank.

The key messages that the students took away from this visit were mainly about working hard, self-motivation, having the confidence to seize opportunity, and challenging stereotypes and expectations. There was another piece of advice about which Elizabeth and the RBC team were very passionate about – and that was the cultivation of networks/friends to support and empower in every step of their future careers. Many thanks to everyone at RBC for welcoming us and facilitating such a wonderful visit.

 

 

Jazz Night – Tuesday 2nd April

2nd April 2019webadmin webadmin

Jazz Night

On Tuesday 2nd April, the academy’s first ever Jazz Night took place! This highlighted the work of the Music  Department in  developing Jazz at the academy and featured a range of jazz performances from ragtime piano to cool jazz and big band.

The standard was incredibly high with not only ensemble performances but solos from both staff and students. The collaboration and mutual respect between all the performers and the warm support from the audience created a really special evening of music; a wonderful way to bring the term to a close. Huge thanks to the students who worked so hard to prepare for the event and to the Music Team of both school staff and instrumental tutors who have supported and guided the students over the years in developing their musical abilities.

 

 

STEAM Week Friday – Friday 8th March—Friday 15th March

15th March 2019webadmin webadmin

STEAM Week 2019

STEAM week seeks to provide students at the Academy with a broad and varied set of experiences beyond the classroom to further engage their creative, digital and scientific education. This year, teachers at the Academy organised over 3200 student STEAM encounters across 6 schools days. These included trips, visits, workshops, lectures and competitions. This was the first year that the Academy included the Arts in the programme. This represents the high value placed on the Arts perspectives and developing creative skills.

 

It was great to hear Professor Lucie Green reference her background training to become an Art Therapist before embarking on her physics degree – an amazing example of the blend of skills required for success, and the power of interdisciplinary learning. This year’s Star Gazing Party had students of all ages, parents and teachers fill the forum to hear Prof Lucie Green give a talk about our daytime star which was the source of her research.

 

 

 

Trips went out with students from Foundation to Level 2 to cultural institutions across London including ZSL, The Royal Observatory, The Science Museum and The Hayward Gallery. Workshops also took place looking on cyber security and coding languages. Engineering challenges included a Level 1 Make Do day where students had to create to a brief with only paper, card and self tapping screws!

While the UK economy has only grown 4.1% over the past 5 years, Camden employment in creative, digital and scientific careers has expanded by 34% (Camden STEAM commission report, 2017). We are passionate about ensuring our students have the opportunities to develop their skills and interests to prepare them for the future world of work. There were two separate events where students could meet with employers from STEAM professions – both events were designed to give students a personalised approach to careers education. The STEAM careers breakfast and a careers in Engineering evening. Students once again left with offers of work experience and internships and lots of inspiration for future career prospects.

Sarah York a Game Tester from Deep Mind had this to say to our students: “Well done, for participating in the speed networking event, your enthusiasm and ambition was apparent. Being able to put yourself out there and talk to professionals in the industry is a very useful skill to help you find work opportunities. The tech industry is a fast moving field, to increase your chances of employ-ability; make sure you are keeping up with the latest tech news in the area you are interested in. And try to motivate yourself to research and study alongside your classes. You will need to be able to self-direct your own studies when you get into the world of work. Such as, having to learn new tools on your own or learning a workflow of a company. Doing this now whilst in education is going to give you good practise, before you get into the industry. Find something you’re passionate about and put your all in and you will do great, good luck!”

Camden Secondary schools were challenged to enter 6th form students into a Titration competition. The competition was judged by UCL Chemistry Faculty’s Dr Victoria Hillborne. The competition was won by our very own L3 Gabriella Randall and Jimena Benedetto.

It is always wonderful to close the event with UCL Academy’s own Operating theatre live. Students were treated to the theatrical talents of the Science Faculty’s Rafael Alleyne and Tom Morgan. This interactive display saw a (willing!) student volunteer undergo complete  dissection as students learned about the systems of the body.

Student feedback about the week was incredibly positive with many students  recognising the huge efforts that their teachers put into organising the events. Thank you to all staff involved in the week both leading the events and supporting them to take place and to all the students who were so engaged throughout the week.

 

 

 

Level 1+ Justice Evening – Thursday 28th February

28th February 2019webadmin webadmin

Level 1+ Justice Evening

We are very proud of the wonderful speeches that our Level 1+ students gave last night (Thursday 28th February) at the Justice evening. This event, hosted by the humanities team, is a key part of our termly celebration of learning events that we hold at the Academy.


There were some brilliant speeches covering subjects including LGBTQ issues and some of the challenges and opportunities that this generation faces. Students have been working hard all term on these speeches as part of their unit on Justice and this truly came across in their compassionate, mature and wise presentations. Many thanks to all of the parents who came along to support them.

 

 

Critchley Scholarship Breakfast Meeting

1st February 2019webadmin webadmin

Critchley Scholarship Breakfast Meeting

A select group of 23 high achieving year L2 and L2+ girls had the amazing opportunity to attend a two hour breakfast meeting at Elizabeth Critchley’s home today (Friday 1st February). Elizabeth is a highly successful businesswoman, a Partner of Ripplewood Advisors Limited and the lady behind our wonderful Critchley Scholarship programme.

Ms Critchley gave the students a very warm welcome and a chance to hear first-hand about her upbringing and   professional experiences. She spoke about self-motivation and having the confidence to seize opportunities and challenge stereotypes and expectations. The message of not having a fear of failure and always asking for support was consistent throughout her speech.

This is the second cohort of students to be part of the programme and Elizabeth continues to inspire a generation of women  to think broadly and ambitiously about their long-term aims, goals ideas and opportunities. We are very grateful for her ongoing support and inspiration.

 

The UCL Academy Careers Fair – Thursday 24th January

24th January 2019webadmin webadmin

The UCL Academy Careers Fair – Thursday 24th January

We were delighted to hold our first ever Careers Fair last night (Thursday 24th January). Over 45 high profile organisations joined over 400 students and parents for what was a wonderful, inspiring evening.

 

The Academy’s Chair of Governors, Professor Lucie Green, opened the Fair, urging students to be open to new ideas and to think creatively about their future. With a range of organisations exhibiting, including The Francis Crick Institute, KPMG and the Academy’s sponsor, UCL, among many others, students were blown away by of the wonderful career opportunities that were open to them. Exhibitors were also very complimentary about the Academy students and the quality of dialogue and conversations that they had.

Mr Robin Street, Co-Principal, was thrilled with the number of students and parents that attended, saying that ‘it gave a real insight into the appetite and interest our student population has in broadening their horizons and thinking deeply about their futures’.

 

Guest Lecture by Tim Marshall, British Journalist, Author and Broadcaster

17th January 2019webadmin webadmin

Guest Lecture by Tim Marshall, British Journalist, Author and Broadcaster

We were delighted to welcome Tim Marshall, British journalist, author and broadcaster to the Academy for a guest lecture. We were treated to an engaging, thought provoking, and humorous talk about the current global climate of wall building and division which sparked a lively Q&A session at the end. Many thanks to Tim Marshall for taking the time to visit us!