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Through the lens
Photography was a new subject at LSA two years ago and students are now looking forward to choosing the next step in their careers as they approach the end of their course. 6th Former Ruby Cameron has already been accepted on to a prestigious BA (Hons) course in photography without the usual pre-requisite of a foundation year because her A level portfolio was of such an impressively high standard! With A level subjects of graphics and fine art as well as photography, Ruby is looking to a future in the fashion industry maybe. Calendars containing her work, along with fellow student Emma Whittle's, have already raised £400 for charity.
Photography students were in the news last term when they exhibited their work in a shop in St. Annes which attracted much interest. This is a subject which is now firmly embedded in the post 16 curriculum and students are well on track for record results this summer..fingers crossed! |
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Hair-raising result!
Congratulations to our U14 Hockey girls who emerged triumphant as winners of the Lancashire Emerging Schools Tournament.
Not only were they the champions but they were sporting their brand new LSA hockey shirts thanks to the generous sponsorship of our PTFA.
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Medals for all !
On Saturday 6th March 24 Gymnasts from LSA high took part in the regional floor and vault finals in Heywood. The day was extremely successful for all of the five teams, who have been practising on Thursdays after school since September.
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The teams in first place will compete in the National Finals in May.
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Under 19’s
Girls A |
Under 19’s Boys |
Under 13’s
Girls |
Under 19’s
Girls B |
Under 13’s
Mixed |
Christiana Dowds
Sarah Jackson
Kezia Richardson
Anna Jackson
Elizabeth Butterfield |
Jack Todd
Josh Cornforth
James Slack
Nick Kidd |
Katie Lees
Zoe Houghton
Naomi Richardson
Jordanna Carswell
Harleigh Tanner |
Beth Lees
Charlotte Mayor
Ellie Cutler
Ruth Edwards
Johanna Cook |
Jack Hoban
Ben Riley
Harriet Cunningham
Donna Andrews
Ellie Swindlehurst |
1st Place |
1st Place |
1st Place |
3rd Place |
2nd Place |
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Tumbling for Gold!
Brilliant results for LSA Year 7 students Jack Hoban and Ben Riley who (along with team members Jacob Richardson and Thomas Wyatt) were awarded a Gold Medal for their athletic performance in the Acrobatic & Tumbling Preliminaries 2010 in Liverpool.
This secures them a place in the National Finals in Stoke next May where they will compete with the best in the country.
A credit to their coaches at Fylde Acro Team. Jack and Ben are due to compete in the Schools Competition in Heywood, for LSA. We have very high hopes for these high flyers! |
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Diana Award Presentation
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Our Year 8 Peer Mentors have been awarded the Diana Award for their outstanding contribution to Anti-Bullying. The awarding organisation praised their brave and compassionate involvement, giving their time and expertise to their fellow students without seeking reward for themselves.
They also added that LSA mentors had the 'Wow' factor they were looking for!
Our Year 8 mentors were presented with the Diana Award trophy and their certificates at Mammas Too where their pizza and pasta meal was sponsored by the restaurant. Families were invited and the evening was a great success.
The Diana Award was presented by the Mayor of St. Annes, Cllr. Tony Ford. Certificates for the mentors were presented by Fylde Cllr. Karen Buckley, Chairperson of the Children's Trust, and Beverly Pownall representing Aegon who sponsored the Mentor Training Day.
Philip Wood, our Headteacher, said "The students are a credit to their parents and a great asset to our school community.
The help and support they give to their fellows is invaluable."
Cllr. Tony Ford said "Young people these days seem to often attract a considerable amount of unfair criticism. Tonight we have seen what an increasingly important role these young people have played already in supporting their peers and I encourage them to continue to play an important role in society and in the town of the future."
Karen Bradley said,
"I congratulate the mentors on their achievement. They are a fine example of what can be achieved.
Mentor Abigail Lawrence spoke for all the Year 8s when she said,
"It is a great feeling to help someone in this way and all of us are thrilled with the award."
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There is more....
We have also been awarded the Approved Provider Standard for Mentoring and Befriending.
We were told "The assessment confirmed the clear support your scheme has from the Senior Management within the school and the way in which you have embedded the scheme within the school through your peer mentoring policy. Your volunteers are given relevant training and guidance. On-going support is provided once the relationships have begun. The enthusiasm of the Mentors, and Peer Mentor Coordinator Mrs. Susan Strother, is also obvious throughout the application." |
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Their fame is spreading. A case study of the project is being put together to be used as a role model for other schools to show how peer mentoring can be so successful. This is to be showcased in a networking event in Manchester in March. The MBF Regional Network have also asked for some of our Year 8 and 6th Form mentors to give a presentation at that event to participating schools all over the North West...spreading 'good practice' As if that is not enough, a film is being made of interviews with the mentors which, again, will be used to help other schools to successfully set up the initiative.
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Joni hits the right note...
Sixth form student Joni Fuller is sure hitting the big time. The award winning song-writer and instrumentalist can now add her success in the national 'Make it Break It' songwriting contest run by the Sir Paul McCartney's Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, sponsored by Yamaha, EMI and HMV!
Her prize, a Yamaha voucher for £500, she has presented to our Music Department! How generous is that? Over half term we hear that Jodi recorded two new songs at EMI London Studios and performed at a music industry showcase at the exclusive Century Club in Soho.. as well as getting straight A's in her AS level exams last year.
What a star! |
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It's Cricket!
Although not exactly the cricket season, some young cricketers will be in fine shape for the summer due to taking part in a winter training programme. The newly appointed Community Cricket Development Coach for the Fylde, Jennifer Laycock, has certainly got things moving. She has put together a winter training programme for players nominated by their respective clubs and LSA sponsored the use of our indoor & outdoor facilities to help make it happen.
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So far a Cricket Trials Day in the net facilities and a fitness day on the football pitches has already taken place. Two more sessions are planned to include nutrition, team building and fielding. The winter sessions will result in a selected squad to represent the Fylde.
Girls are in the pipeline too. There is funding in place to set up something for girls separately. An u11s team will be entered into the girls District League this year.
Tuesday 6th April 12-1.30pm is the first session. Any girls in the Fylde area who are in year 6 are invited to come along, It will be at Kirkham Cricket Club. Confirm attendance to Jennifer Laycock, 07889167048
E-Mail jlaycock@lccc.co.uk. The cricketers are looking for a sponsor to provide them with a district shirts.. please!
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Art of Success
Former student, Rebecca Robinson, has much to celebrate. She has been commissioned to illustrate a children's book after she was highly commended in the prestigious Macmillan Children's Book Prize for her own book 'Two Little Mice' to be published in August. We well remember Rebecca as a very talented artist and followed her gaining of a first class degree in Scientific and Natural History Illustration in 2008. Currently she is studying for an MA in Children's Books. |
She aims to land a job in a publishing house. Do have a look at her amazing work on www.rebeccarobinson-illustration.com |
Focus on Badminton
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Students Chris Blackburn, Oliver Hives, David McCandless and Ryan Thornhill represented Wyre and Fylde in the English Schools' Badminton Championships, sponsored by Center Parks, having beaten off competition from other local schools. Inspite of being hit by injury, LSA still managed to win two of their group matches in the Lancashire finals held at Thornton Sports Centre. Rising star Oliver Hives (14) has other successes to his name.. two U15s tournaments at a Badminton England event and victory in bronze singles. Elevated from bronze to silver status he has the elite gold ranking within his sights! A Lancashire regular, he also plays open-age badminton for Fleetwood in the Blackpool & Fylde Leave (encouraged by his Dad who is also a keen player!) |
"The Zone".. Latest
We welcomed football veteran Jimmy Armfield to the Zone this week. As Chairman of LANPAC (Lancashire Partnership Against Crime) he came into school to present a wide screen TV and X Box to that 'chill out centre' the Zone.
For anyone who is unfamiliar with this facility, the Zone is open Wednesdays and Fridays after school until 5.00. It is the place to relax, have a game or two and enjoy the company!Jimmy Armfield said " To see you students here, after school hours, with all these facilities is very impressive. My advice to you is - look after it. Don't ever let anything get you down.. You have a long way to go in life..so enjoy it. This is a very good school so take care of it. You have an excellent foundation on which to build. (We agree)
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Philip Wood, Headteacher said,
"We are very grateful to the Police LANPAC for helping us with this initiative.. a place where students can enjoy themselves in a safe and friendly environment." |
Learning Excellence Award
 LSA has been awarded the prestigious Learning Excellence Award for best practice in the the setting up and running of Pyramid Clubs, which in turn highlights the school as a role model for other establishments.
The aim of the clubs is to provide support for quieter, shy childen prior to them being involved in the process of transition from primary to secondary education. 'Pyramid' is a national charity whose aim is to help children to build their confidence and self esteem in order to make the most of everything secondary school has to offer and to achieve both academically and socially.
The club has been running at LSA for the past two years under the excellent leadership of Mrs.Sue Strother, Pyramid Co-ordinator and Transition Mentor, who set up the initiative.
All our feeder schools have been involved and great care has been taken to make sure that no pupil is overlooked. Pupils, parents and teachers complete questionnaires to pinpoint eligible members.The clubs are run at for 10 weeks towards the end of the school year for 1.5 hours per week at the end of the school day. A range of activities guarantee the experience enables pupils to relax, develop friendships and feel good about themselves and become more resilient in coping with the day to day problems of transition. The clubs have been run by trained and CRB checked adult volunteers assisted by some 6th form students.
Philip Wood, Headteacher, said " This school is one of only a very small number in the North of England to be engaged in the Pyramid Project. The project has been a significant help to young people transferring to this school – it helps build their confidence and self esteem as well as being great fun. Feedback from students and their parents show that involvement in the project is really helping students cope with the transition to this large school. I am delighted that the work of Sue Strother, the coordinator of the project, and her team of adult and student volunteer helpers has been recognised by the learning Excellence Award." |
Fundraising for Haiti
When a challenge is thrown down by Mr. Wood to all the Colleges.. the response is quick!
£50 has been allocated as a starter amount to each College with the request to make money for the eathquake appeal. So far the money is pouring in...
Collecting loose change,
Guess how much is in the jar (£1 a try),
Cake & Sweet sale, (£220.50 raised)
Guess the name of the Giant Toy Dog,
Giant Steady-Hand game (50p a go),
Walk a sponsored mile,
Film Club charging £1 per viewing,
Tuck shop break & lunchtime,
Car cleaning (even in pouring rain!),
Raffle for Easter Eggs.
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More to follow - |
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 Football Boots for Africa.
Do you have any clean, laced, unwanted football boots, with studs if appropriate? Drop them off, tied in pairs, at Main Reception, and know they will be appreciated! |
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Congratulations to the U14 Netball team
They represented Lancashire in the North of England tournament on Saturday.
We are very proud of the way they played in really, really cold conditions. |
Calling former students from 1982/3 who were in the first intake of 6th Formers. A reunion is being planned for March with people jetting in from all over the world. Are you on the photo? Do you know the whereabouts of someone on the photo? Ring Mark Crompton -
mobile 07856 731589, or email mtcrompton@aol.com.
and on Facebook.. join the friends. |
Snow shifter
The beginning of the Spring Term certainly brought its problems
weather-wise but thanks to our stalwart site-staff, in their JCBs things are back to normal. What heroes they are! |
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Lytham's Got Talent...
and that is a fact! A star-studded X-Factor type parade of hopefuls lined up before the judges and a noisy audience of their peers to dazzle us with their talent. Takings on the night amounted to the amazing sum of £1117 to be donated to the charity, 'The Children of Watamu' in Kenya.
It does not stop there... if you were so unfortunate as to miss the A-List event, you can still re-live the thrills by purchasing a DVD of the evening for £7.00 from Mr. Spacey... which will add to the final total raised. |
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A very good place to start
Year 7 Students are at the start of involvement in an active project called “Welcome to my World” which involves cultural exchanges with other pupils. Plans are being formed to exchange information about English Life, to include holidays, celebrations, foods, recipes, daily school life etc.
The information will eventually be placed on the E-twinning portal in February with blogs, pictures and videos. What better place to start though as by designing and sending cards which outline how we celebrate Christmas.
The cards have now winged their way to schools in German, Turkey and Wales!. |
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Our warm-hearted students listened to the appeal by the Colleges to contribute wrapped gifts to be distributed to a variety of good causes ranging from Brian House to Animal Sanctuary with many others in between. The crates of presents by the Christmas tree in Reception proved their generous responses. As Year 8 student Vanessa Finnigan, who donated 66 presents in total, said "We hope that the people who open the presents enjoy them and know we are thinking about them at Christmas time." |
Christmas Concert
What a feast of musical treats lay in store for all tastes when musicians, singers and dancers offered a programme ranging from Mozart to Wild Cherry! The Orchestra, String Group, High School Singers, Renaissance Group, Clarinet Choir, Jazz Orchestra, Chamber Choir, Windband and Folk Group (how impressive is that?) took the stage alongside soloists, the casts of 'War Story' and 'Rock the West End'. To top off a splendid evening, the Orchestra and Choir treated us to 'Zadok the Priest'.
There were opportunities for congregational involvement in a rousing rendering of 'Silent Night' and 'The First Nowell' which, for many, was the moment that our Christmas spirit really soared. Particular mention should be made of the Sixth Formers who have led and conducted particular groups, with great success. |
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Staff Panto
What a credit to our staff that at the end of a long and tiring term they still summoned up enough energy to present their own, unique, "Cinderella" to a packed audience of students....and what a show! This was a beautifully dressed & bewigged, hilarious production which gave spectacular pleasure and ended the term on a brilliant high. To see all the pics log on to
http://www.billhughesphoto.co.uk |
Starr Hills visit
For the fourth year running, Mrs. Mason took a group of students along to Starr Hills Residential Home to present spring bulbs to the residents and sing Christmas carols. A visit which gave pleasure to both parties. |
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End of Term celebrations
The Tuesday afternoon activities students had double celebrations with the Graduation of the Cookery Club cooks and the Christmas Concert!
Both really got us into the festive spirit with home-make Yule Logs and a variety show and potted pantomime! Well done to everyone involved.
Cookery pics ..
Panto pics ..
Dancers .. |
Celebration
LSA was delighted to host last year's GCSE students, who achieved the best results on record, on the occasion of the Presentation of Certificates.
The students, who ended up in the top 5% in the country for their 95% A to C, packed the hall, alongside their teachers and our governors, catching up with the latest news about each other.
Guest Speaker was Peter Taylor, former student and now Company Secretary / Commercial Manager for 'StayBlackpool', who is making a big name for himself as director and producer in the entertainment world, too.
His speech included references to his own school life. He told the students that they are at a very exciting time, which should be embraced, and that the fantastic opportunities on offer these days to access training and support will enable them to achieve their ambitions.
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Mr. Wood, our Headteacher, said "We are delighted to mark the success of our students who achieved so much by the end of Year 11. Their outstanding performance is not only the best ever achieved by students at this school but amongst the best in the whole country. I could not be more proud of every one of them and it was wonderful to see so many here, with their parents, on Presentation Evening to receive certificates and celebrate success."
...and so say all of us! |
7 deadly sins / Seven Jewish Children
Year 13 Performing Arts presented two pieces in one show. One of the final opportunities to see this exceptional group of young actors before they left us. 7 deadly sins was a devised piece of physical theatre. Seven Jewish children is Caryl Churchill’s new play in response to the Gaza conflict. |
Antigone
Yr11 Performing Arts presented an updated adaptation of the Greek classic play. Relating the politics of Ancient Greece to Nick Griffin, Abu Hamza and featuring a singalong with Bush, Blair and Saddam. The story of a woman who stands up for her beliefs and is punished by an oppressive state. |
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War Story
Year 12 BTEC Performing Arts students were stimulated by the recent death of Harry Patch, the last surviving British WW1 soldier to take a critical look at the next generation whose untold stories about the last World War are still in the heads of people who lived through the conflict. This led to students carrying out interviews and turning the information into a production. Face to face interviews, letters, photographs, even emails, provided a bitter-sweet pastiche without a dry eye in the house.
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The audience was greeted outside by a jeep, complete with 'American' drivers, before being herded ("Come along - don't you know there's a war on?") into a room to wait to take on their refugees (members of Year 7). In the theatre, huge love letters scrolled on the floor which the actors walked and danced on, pyramids of 'Spam', authentic costumes and styles, songs and dances and narrative cleverly put across the story of real people in unbelievable trauma making the best of things.
Whether it was the drama of seeing the first banana through the eyes of a young child, the heartbreaking bad news telegram or the wedding planner using sheets for the dress and a spam wedding cake, the message came through loud and clear.
This has been a learning curve in terms of style, heritage and legacy. These young men and women have responded in a way which would make their grand-parents and great grand-parents very proud. This was certainly not a High School musical!
Former Performing Arts student, Craig Burrows, has been sponsored to film the build up to the performance as part of the community links section of our Performing Arts Status, reaching out to the older local community. His edited film will be available in the New Year.
see the pics |
Enterprising
Very well done to our 'Make Your Mark Challenge' team who competed with 72,000 students to emerge as one of the top ten teams in the North West and were invited to the Regional Finals (out of 100 schools). Although their fame stopped then, it still leaves them amongst the top 50 students in the region! |
| Our Solar Panels, which have been in place and working for several months now, were officially handed over by our very generous sponsors, The Co-operative. |
Mr. Jack Croysdill and Mr. Nigel Gilliat came to do the honours. In the Reception area of the school we have a monitor which records the amount of renewable energy we are gaining from the installation and already it is official that we are saving money and helping to save the planet!
The unsung hero of the moment too is Mr. Peter Webster, our Business Manager, who has spent so much time in securing this bid to secure the £20,000 needed to install the panels.Some technical details - 24 photovoltaic panels generating 3,300 kWh of electricity each year.. enough to power a computer for 33,000 hours! |
photo courtesy of LSA Express |
Foul!
Sports leaders move into Netball Umpiring, as part of their JSLA course. |
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Our Year 11 Football Team are looking more handsome than ever as they show off their brand new AFC Fylde Wembley shirts, hoping they will bring them as much success as their triumph in the FAC Vase Final.
Presenting the strip at a recent assembly, Martin Booker, Business Development Manager for the club said “As a club we are keen to develop our links with local schools and have a keen interest in promoting the club in Lytham to raise our profile in the area. Plans are in place to develop a community programme and LSA Technology & Performing Arts College has a number of young up and coming footballers who may, one day, have the opportunity to play for AFC Fylde. I know our Head of Football Development, Andy Clarkson, is keen to attract local talent to our club in the future”.
Already plans are in place for a College trip to support the team at Kellamergh Park later this season, following on from last year's visit to the club as part of the AFC Fylde's Soccer PM promotion, and hopes are high for future initiatives to further strengthen these local community links. |
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Stargazer
Whilst some people were soaking up the sun on sandy beaches during the holidays, Year 10 student, Georgina Coughlin, had her sights set much higher.. space high infact. She was attending lectures at Leicester University at a Summer School.
Her itinerary included a trip to the National Space Centre, scuba diving to experience weightlessness and a constellation-spotting night.
Finally when faced with the task of building a rocket, her group 'The Turdies' became the winners in the Space School competition 2009. Her career aspirations - obviously astrophysics! She is now looking forward to next year and a more advanced course. |
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Netball Lancashire Tournament
Our Under 14 team (above, with coach Miss Salthouse) were second in the group stages after beating some excellent teams and playing in some awful weather conditions. Their best result was beating Upholland 7-0. In the semi finals they played Penwortham Girls team in very close semi. Some fantastic interceptions from Courtney Rawcliffe and Siobhan Cartmell. The game went to extra time with equal scores and then golden goal with neither team scoring after an extra 4 minutes. Captain Sophie Gunston who was fantastic throughout all games scored to take the team through to the final. In that final Lytham took an early lead eventually losing out 8-4. Despite their defeat, the under 14’s will go through to the Regional Rounds in Blackpool at the end of January.
LSA took 2 teams for a Lancashire tournament this weekend. The under 16 team (below) beat local rivals St Mary’s 6-3, with best result beating Upholland 14-0. The team, which included two Lancashire players-Natasha Scott and Grace Dalgleish, played well as a team, narrowly missing out on the semi finals. |
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Get Fit!
LSA has been successful in securing £10,000 from 'Awards for All', a Government initiative which aims to support local projects by awarding small grants thanks to our PTFA.
They applied for funding to install a Fitness Suite for students, staff and members of the local community.
Equipment includes treadmills, cross trainers, spin bike, stepper, weights & benches, boxing equipment, rowing machines. The setting is much improved with the addition of wall mirrors and safety flooring.
The Fitness Suite is now operational and is certainly attracting 'keep-fitters' of all ages. It is used in PE lessons and, as part of our Extended School Day, it is available before and after school, at break and lunchtimes.
This has meant a lot of work by Mrs. Boulton who, as PTFA treasurer, handled all the paper-work. A big pat on the back to our wonderful supporters.
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Kelly Dixon (Year 11) said, "What I like about the new Fitness Suite is that apart from obviously learning new skills and keeping healthy, it enables every individual to try it out and build up their own programme."
More pictures..
Two relevant links :-
www.FitnessWarehouseUK.com and
www.awardsforall.org.uk |
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Strictly Gone..
The fans went Craig Crazy when former student, Craig Kelly, of Coronation Street fame, managed to reach the Tower in the latest heat of 'Strictly Come Dancing'. BBC North West TV dropped in on some of our drama students, interviewed Mrs. Priestley, Mr. Salthouse and Mr. Mudie and captured the banner-waving and chanting of the fans.
Unfortunately for Craig he was knocked out of the competition the following day. although he was 'our favourite'. Anyway, in the words of the Brucie and Tess Daley, we will 'keep dancing!' |
One World Week
The School Reception area started to look like the corner shop when generous students turned out their cupboards at home to share the contents with less fortunate members of the community.
As part of 'One World Week' a substantial amount of food and toiletries was donated to Harbour House, a charity based residence in Lytham St. Annes for 16 - 25 year old people who are without a home.
Organised by Mrs. Member (Head of Citizenship) the students throughout the school gave generously, filling crates with donations. She said '‘Our students should be proud of their achievements. They have proved themselves to be responsible, generous and caring individuals who
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recognise that they are part of a larger community, where some people do not always have access to the same luxuries as themselves.’
Special praise to Holmes College who were particularly generous.
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Social Enterprise
A set of activities designed to spark an interest in social enterprise certainly worked for 30 of our Year 12 students when a group of ambassadors from Lancaster University worked with them on the project of money-making for good causes. The day was presented by ambassadors Heather and Sidone from Lancaster University Volunteering Unit and was designed to present the ‘Voltage’ programme to students from our Sixth Form who had shown an interest in volunteering. The Voltage Scheme allows students to develop a social enterprise e.g. a money making business that is run along ethical and moral grounds like "The Big Issue" and "Innocent Smoothies." Students carried out a range of fun activities including an ‘Angel Delight Making competition’ before presenting their own social enterprise ideas to the rest of the group.
Next step will be the Full Voltage programme, beginning with a couple of days at the University, scheduled to commence in February 2010 for those students who wish to continue the good works. |
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Formula 1 raffle
For some lucky person, half term started very promisingly, as Ansdell Primary F1
team organised a raffle to raise funds with a first prize of 4 wrist band
vouchers for Blackpool Pleasure Beach. The team members came into school with
their Headteacher, Mr. R. Redcliffe, to draw the winning ticket (who donated the
tickets!) The proceeds of the raffle will be used to raise funds for the
team.
Mr. Redcliffe said "I am really grateful that LSA has given our children
the opportunity to get involved in this technological challenge." |
Cookery Club
Hot on the heels of Master Chef, members of the Cookery Club, run as part of the Tuesday activities, decided it was time to take the test.. to invite their parents to come into school to taste their products.
The result was a resounding thumbs-up! The students do have the benefit though of former cook in our restaurant, Cathy Burke, who is a catering expert producing 800 cookies a day for the last five years. Now as Food & Textile technician she is sharing her expertise and skills with delicious results. Bradley Robertson (Year 7), whose father attended Catering College, said, |
"The course has been great fun as we learned to cook all kinds of food. It was great to have our parents in the classroom to see what we have been up to." |
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The Zone does Halloween
Every Friday, Sixth Former Owain Jones (Yr.13) swaps his studies to spend two hours after school in The Zone, an activities room open to students as part of our Extended Day. He is employed by Fylde Borough Council to help supervise the students to make sure they enjoy themselves.
There is never a dull moment with all kinds of board and computer games, crafts and parties. Owain is studying maths, chemistry and performing arts and hopes to become a teacher via Leeds University.
With all this written on his c.v. he is already well on the path to his chosen career.
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School of Rock
It was Rock & Roll time for Year 8 students when music lessons were taken over by members of the School of Rock & Pop. In no time the budding student musicians were up on their feet playing guitars and singing like true professionals.
All enquiries for further lessons outside of the timetable just
call
0845 234 0195 or email andrew@schoolofrockandpop.com
to arrange a free taster!
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Taylor Clews (Yr. 8) said "It was fun and really exciting to play the instruments. Mine was a base guitar. Just picked it all up and learned how to play it in a lesson. Cool!" |
F1 Girls
Giving a technological presentation to members of Lytham Rotary, after lunching with them, was just in a day's work for Year 10 students Georgia Boyle and Hannah Ben-Halim.
As representatives of the school's all-girls Formula 1 Team, 'Tickled Pink' they outlined the construction of their car from its CAD/CAM design to the finished racing prototype to the businessmen, many of whom were engineers, ending with fielding questions from the floor! So impressed was their audience that the girls came back with a £100 contribution to their F1 fund after hearing very complimentary comments about their grasp of the technology and their charming enthusiasm. |
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Singing Star
Yr. 11 student Niamh Boadle is certainly hitting the big time. She has made it to the finals of the Radio 2 Young Folk Awards on 4th December. Her performance was recorded and broadcast on Mike Harding's Folk Programme on BBC2 when she sang her own composition.
Niamh had a great weekend of workshops and sessions and made friends with other young singers and musicians (all expenses paid!) Then an invitation to appear on Radio Lancashire's tea-time programme ensued.You can listen to the programme on http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006wrmz
Finalists are about half way through the programme; Niamh is 2nd extract playing her own song. |
Lamda Success Story
There never seem to be enough hours in the day, especially one as packed as the school day in LSA Technology & Performing Arts College but seven students have managed to pick up amazing examination results by using their lunchtime!
Drama Teacher, Stephanie Heney, has been coming into school for one lunchtime each week to coach the students for the LAMDA Exams who all achieved the highest grade pass of DISTINCTION. Six of the girls entered Acting Duologues Grade 5 and Vicky Collins and Tabitha Riley, new to LAMDA this year, entered Acting Grade 4.
She said "This, to date, is our best exam result ever. We are delighted with the achievement of these students . A just reward for giving up their lunch-time and working so enthusiastically."
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Hup - 2 - 3 - 4 !
We have a Running Club at school!
It is open to all years and abilities. So far it has been a great success having students from years
7-12 which is brilliant.
Also several members of staff are giving up their time to take part to supervise and motivate the students. |
Lancashire Netball Squad
We are delighted to report that two of our students have been selected for the Lancashire Netball Squad. Natasha Scott (Year 11) and Grace Dalgleish (Year 10) will now be playing against other counties. Selection was highly competitive so the girls are really delighted to be chosen. Both netballers have played in a team since Primary School, moving on to represent Blackpool and now Lancashire. This means training every night at Stanley Park to which they must add Chorley to train for Lancashire. Grace Dalgleish said "Combining training with studies is a balancing act but so far it's working out nicely." Their sports teacher Catherine Salthouse said "We are so proud of their achievements. There were so many girls trialled across the county and for them to get into this squad is fantastic."
Natasha Scott has even more to celebrate. She was selected to join the North West Development Talent Squad. This puts her in the position of being one of the best players across the North West. It also means that she will attend training sessions in Manchester to ensure that she maintains her participation and continues to improve. She will be rubbing shoulders with other North West players and coached by an ex-England player. Natasha said "My sights are set on joining the 'North Thunder' team and who knows.. trials to represent England? " |
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Very Jolly Hockey sticks!
LSA Under 14's hockey squad made it three wins out of three in the Wyre & Fylde Hockey Development League. A first half goal by Courtney Rawcliffe was enough to defeat a resilient Hodgson side at Stanley Park. Abigail Eagles and Sarah Coe also had strong games. Upwards and onwards. |
"So, what did you do in the hols, Sir?"
In the case of one of our Performing Arts teachers, Mr. Mal Smith, it was a three day rehearsal in London on the play 'Woyzeck' ( which he directed and re-scripted last year before it went on to acclaimed 130 date National tour.) This time he had to learn five different roles as he stepped in to replace one of the actors to travel north with the play to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. A two week stint resulted in what was widely accepted as both a creative and critical success. As a result of the run, the cast were invited to audition for the world famous Cirque Du Soleil after a talent scout had seen them perform.
(The show received some rave reviews including a four star write up from the prestigious British Theatre Guide and a A five star review from publicreviews.co.uk.) The busy August then continued as the company returned to London to begin rehearsals for Dr. Faustus – again directed by Mr. Smith - which began its 120 + date tour in the second week of September with a proposed visit to LSA students on November 19th.
The company also found time to release their first three publications – adaptations of Woyzeck and Antigone and a guide to their working methods and first five years touring called Splendid Style.
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The latter is specifically aimed at teachers and students across the UK who are using the company as their chosen practitioner for the AQA Theatre studies exam.
Heather Kennedy (Year 13) summed up the feelings of the Performing Arts students when she said "It’s fantastic having a professional actor & director as a teacher and learn first hand the difficulties and rewards acting can bring as a career. His experiences in the real world of theatre are reflected in the way we are taught and how we bring pieces of work to production." |
Badges for Beavers
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It was an exciting and technological experience for the 7th Lytham St. Annes Parish Beavers group when LSA opened the doors to its facilities so that the boys could gain their badge in Information Computer Technology. Already with a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities under their belt, the youngsters, aged 6 and 7 tackled Microsoft Publisher with very creditable results.
The task was to create a poster using text and image which could have daunted some much older pupils but the Beavers, under the expert eye of Lisa Fitzpatrick, Head of ICT, everyone was a winner.
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| Red Beaver (Julie Butterworth), Assistant Beaver Leader said " It was such an exciting evening for all the Beavers who were very excited about going in to 'big school' knowing that one day they might be students there. Without the generous help of LSA letting us use their teacher and equipment we would not have been able to keep up with the rapid demands of technological advancements. Tasks like these help the children to reach their potential and be well equipped to cope with the ever changing face of communication within our society." |
Strikers
Things are hotting up for Ansdell Primary F1 Team as they face the biggest challenge of their lives at the end of October when they compete in the Regional Final for their age-group. The team have been attending weekly sessions at LSA to master the technicalities of racing.
Using CAD to design cars, testing in the wind tunnel and actually creating the finished vehicle is all in their grasp having developed their knowledge as Year 5 and now as Year 6. Their team is 'Green Lightening', their ethos is 'recycling' and their fund-raising techniques have involved using left-over materials to make saleable goods.
more F1 news.. |
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Visit of the Gladiator
PE Assembly certainly caused a stir when members of sports teams and nominated Gifted and Talented students were introduced to their guest speaker, Spartan the Gladiator.
He is visiting schools in the area to promote 'Playerlayer' sportswear but was able to talk about his career both as a Gladiator and an American football player. Infact he loves all sports so went on to tell about being a rugby player and the camaraderie in playing for a team. The response from the invited audience was very enthusiastic to the extent of mobbing him (in a very orderly fashion, of course,) as he signed autographs and posed for photographs.
A very memorable assembly indeed! more pics.. |
European Day of Languages
Foreign talk was the order of the day when the school took on 23 official EU languages. Students had briefed the school community well in advance with posters showing short phrases to be practised. The Assembly Hall became a source of fun-learning as students made greeting cards in different languages, took part in quizzes and entered competitions like the "Design a European Languages Flag'. |
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Sports Leader
6th former, James Slack, (17) worked hard for his success in being chosen to attend Young Leaders Camp at Rugby School. He completed 200 hours of community & school volunteering through the 'Step into Sport' scheme and built up a list of sporting achievements which enabled him to be selected to the course only open to the top 50 rugby leaders in the country at the presigious Rugby School.
The vast array of skills imparted to him, including coaching, refereeing, and business management of sport has helped James, by linking up with fellow student Tim Slater, to organise a new basketball team, 'Fairhaven Lakers' which is already playing league matches. Multi-talented James has his sights set on a sports based career in the long term but his immediate goal is to be chosen to play for the Lancashire Basketball team.
James still finds time to be involved in charity work. He recently went to Kenya to work with the Children of Watamu with other 6th formers. |
We have won the 2009 Good Schools Guide - A Level Award for Boys taking Speech & Drama
at BTEC National Award in an English School.
The award is made on the basis of the data underlying post 16 performance table results for the three years 2006, 2007 and 2008 combined, in particular on the basis of the popularity of each subject relative to similar schools and of the success that pupils achieve relative to the other examinations they take. The aim of the award is to highlight EXCELLENT TEACHING.
Check us out on www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/?103720 |
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Working with the professionals
Great about a bunch of our sports leaders working as volunteers at the International Beach Volleyball Competition in Blackpool.
A golden opportunity for students to get involved in something exciting like this. |
A Level Results
Students achieved a very high overall pass rate with 38% at grades A+B
Year 12 students also achieved excellent results with some gaining 4 and 5 A grades at AS level.
see the other photos..
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GCSE Results
95% 5+ A*-C, (23% increase).
67% 5+ A*-C including English and Maths, (5% increase).
100%
A*-G.
93% of Year 9 achieved the equivalent of 4 A*-C GCSE, and 97% the equivalent of 2 A*-C GCSE via BTEC
see the other photos..
This year we achieved the best Year 11 GCSE examination results ever - 95% *A - C and, additionally, 93% our Year 9 students gained BTEC in Performing Arts and in ICT (equivalent to four GCSEs at *A - C). We are the only school in the country to offer this.
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Race for Life 2009
What a brilliant effort from staff and students who joined together to raise money for Cancer Research. The runners entered into the spirit of things by getting fit in pre-event training sessions. My! Didn't they look pretty in pink.. with tailor-made outfits and accessories? They said the experience was fun, healthy and team building and it raised loads of money for the cancer charity.
Plans are being made for next year's run already!
see the pics here. |
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LAMDA
F.A.M.E.!
Former Student Anna Cross has much to celebrate.. like .. LAMDA grade 8 Gold Medal and Distinction and, having just completed the teaching exam a Distinction in that too. She is now a qualified teacher! How good is that?
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