Dear Families,
I hope this update finds you and those closest to you in the best of health. We have had a week of celebration at the academy this week having learned about some additional accolades that we have received and sharing the success of our students with our community at the annual Awards Evening last night.
Awards Evening
It was an absolute joy to celebrate the Derby Moor Spencer Academy 22-23 Awards Evening with guests from our community last night, including Award winners and their families, governors, former students and staff. There was a real sense of community throughout the preparations and the event itself with so many different people pulling together in the spirit of our academy motto ‘Together we succeed’. It is always nice to recognise the achievements of our young people but hearing so many stories from our staff about dedication, resilience and exceptionality makes you realise how talented our children are. They are a credit to their families and the academy. There was also something lovely about our community coming together and sharing food during the interval – there is something unifying about this, and it felt like a special moment to me. Thank you for all the positive feedback so far, it makes the efforts our staff team put in worth it. My favourite quote came in on email from a parent who said, ‘it is so lovely to see you all so proud, as much as we are of our children.’ In addition to the celebrations, we were able to raise close to £250 through the raffle of gifts kindly donated by our sponsors.
World Class Schools
Year 10 student Tanvir Tamber received a Certificate from World Class Schools at last night’s awards evening. Earlier in the year, Tanvir was one of the students who had helped the school gain World Class status. In order to do this, the students had to complete 6 portfolios of evidence. Tanvir was awarded World Class Student of the Year Award 2023 Runner Up for her portfolio for leadership in the workplace. This is a significant achievement given the calibre of students she has been selected against from World Class Schools across the country. Congratulations Tanvir.
End of Term Arrangements
Next week is the final week before the Christmas break. We are anticipating carol singing, chocolates and maybe even an appearance from the big man in red! Families have been emailed a letter with the end of term arrangements and a further copy is attached to the email version of this update.
School Parking and Road Safety
Following our meeting last week to talk through some of the challenges and potential solutions around road use at the start and end of the school day, any concerns that you have around road use can be reported to the council using this link.
The Big Ambition Survey – Children’s Commissioner
A reminder that Dame Rachel De Souza, Children’s Commissioner for England, has launched The Big Ambition Survey. The purpose of the survey is to hear from all the children and young people in England aged between 6 and 18 years old. The survey will be used by the Children’s Commissioner to take children and young people’s views to the Government. Children or parents can complete the survey here and further resources are available on the Children’s Commissioner website. They have had an amazing response from nursery, primary and secondary schools across England so far and have therefore decided to extend the closing date of the survey to Friday 19th January 2024 to allow even more children the chance to have their say.
China Partner School Update
You may have followed Mr Hall’s trip to China on our social channels and know that he shared his experience with our staff during a recent training session and detailed how our partnership with Hefei No.8 is going to grow over the forthcoming year. Global Schools Alliance are so impressed by the development of the global partnership with Derby Moor, they have captured it as a Case study Example. You can read all about it here.
Vacancies
We have a selection of vacancies advertised at the academy at present. These include DT Technician, Inclusion manager, and Teacher of ICT and Computing (temporary). If you are interested in joining our team, please do follow the links and contact school if you require further information.
QUAD Exhibition – Year 10 Art and Textile Students
Miss Oliver and Mrs Calvert were excited to have QUAD visit again today for their 2nd workshop. Students have been working on photography pieces to be showcased at QUAD in Derby in a public exhibition titled Journey. We invite you to visit the exhibition at QUAD which will run from 25th January to the end of February 2024 in the main gallery.
Sports Update
Extra-Curricular Timetable: Please find the PE Extra-Curricular Timetable for next week attached to the email version of this update.
Careers Update
Job of the Week: This week’s job of the week is an ‘Interior Designer.’
Alumni at Awards Evening: It was great to hear from former student Sam Packham (left in 2011) as our Keynote Speaker last night. Sam who is now a Director for Newton Europe and talked about our academy values and how the skills students are developing in and out of school can all contribute to shaping their character and ensuring success in the future.
Business Breakfast: We are looking forward to next term which kicks off our inset day with a Business Breakfast. We will be welcoming over thirty visitors from local businesses who will join with our staff to share the journey so far on incorporating key employability skills into our curriculum. Not only will it be an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to date but will provide an opportunity to share the vision for the next few years and further strengthen the partnerships between our faculties and employers. The aim of this is to ensure that our students are ready to enter the world of work and to feel confident that they well prepared and able to fulfil our value of aspiration, being the best in their chosen field.
Derby Moor Dispatch: The Derby Moor Dispatch goes out every Monday to all students in Year 11, 12 and 13. The Dispatch contains a wide range of opportunities for work experience, summer schools, careers related webinars and so on. Please do have a look at the latest edition. The Dispatch is emailed to the students’ school email address so it is important that they check this regularly on a Monday.
Staff Spotlight
This week, we shine the Staff Spotlight on Mr Lehal:
Q) How long have you worked at Derby Moor Spencer Academy?
A) I have worked at DMSA for a total of 7 years, I first started as a behaviour and learning practitioner within our THRIVE unit. I then moved onto becoming a year manager, and then moved to my current role within school.
Q) What is your role and what does it entail?
A) My main role is an achievement co-ordinator where I work with all our students who are pupil premium. I ensure that they have the same experiences as every other student within the school and provide support, so they succeed in their education. Additionally, within this role I work alongside the pastoral team supporting mainly with year 8 but also provide support to other year groups when needed. Alongside my role I am in the process of converting my QTLS to QTS and teaching PE. Completion of this course this will allow me to teach in secondary education.
Q) What is your favourite thing about working here?
A) I enjoy working at DMSA as no day is the same. I enjoy working with all staff and students at Derby Moor. Over the years working at DMSA my most favourite thing is seeing the young people succeed, I am lucky enough to have the time to build a positive rapport with the students and seeing them grow throughout the years.
Final Thoughts
This update rounds off a celebratory penultimate week of the term. Next week will have a festive flavour with some Christmas related activities, including carol singing, a traditional Christmas lunch and potentially a change to our end of break/lunch music.
Wishing you a relaxing weekend.
Scott Doyle
Principal