Message from the Executive Principal and Head of School
Although this has been a really short term, it has been packed with exams, assessments, music and sports events.
We have now had 10 days of exams for the Year 11's and I am so proud of the way our students are conducting themselves and embracing the wonderful support staff are providing for them. The exam season will continue after the half term break until Friday 20th June.
We have a few trips scheduled in for next term and also our end of year celebrations. Further details of trips and arrangements will be sent out to parents in due course.
On behalf of the Senior Leadership Team I would like to wish you all a relaxing half term break
GCSEs, and Assessment Update – A Message of Pride and Progress
As we move through a very important time of the academic year, we want to take a moment to share how immensely proud we are of our students' conduct, focus, and dedication during the recent examination period.
Our Year 11 students have shown tremendous maturity and resilience as they continue their GCSE exams. Their punctuality, calm demeanour, and positive attitude have been a credit to themselves, their families, and the school. It has been genuinely heartening to see how seriously they are taking these crucial steps in their academic journeys.
Looking ahead, our Year 10 students will begin their assessment period straight after the half-term break. These assessments will also be conducted in the main hall, experiencing the discipline and routine of an official exam setting. We hope this will help to build their confidence and exam technique as they move into the final year of their GCSE courses.
Key Stage 3 students (Years 7–9) will also be undertaking assessments across all subjects in the coming weeks. These are an important part of their learning journey, giving them the opportunity to reflect on their progress and develop their revision and study skills. In core subjects, these assessments will play a key role in determining sets and teaching groups for the next academic year.
To support our students, we strongly encourage the continued use of knowledge organisers, and regular homework completion. These tools have already been proven to make a real difference in students' understanding and retention of knowledge.
Thank you for your continued support. We are incredibly proud of the determination and commitment our students are showing across all year groups, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and achieve.
UKMT Junior Mathematical Challenge
This year we have had great success with the UKMT Mathematical Challenges.
In January, the Year 10 students took part in the Intermediate challenge. This is for students in Years 9 and 10 and is taken by thousands of students across the world.
On the day 62 students took part in the challenge and our students achieved 2 Gold, 9 Silver and 14 Bronze. A brilliant achievement from our students.
The students who received gold certificates then went on to the follow-on round called the Pink Kangaroo. Just taking part is a massive achievement.
Most recently Years 7 and 8 took part in the Junior Mathematical Challenge and we will shortly announce the results with you soon. Well done to all the students who took part.
At Barnes Wallis Academy we celebrated the 80th anniversary since the end of World War 2. To celebrate this amazing milestone students were asked to colour the school with red, white and blue. We held a competition to see who dressed the most in these vibrant colours. Owing to their efforts to celebrate we have decided to interview the two winners; Emily G and Ewyn T. Both students shared their thoughts on this incredible day.
JonEgging Trust (JET )
The sky is certainly not a limit for so many of our students who have benefited this term from an abundance of JET days both in and out of school. This term we have been focusing on resilience, team work and for our year 10's leadership skills.
A big thank you to Miss Whetton and the JonEgging team for providing such wonderful opportunities for our students at Barnes Wallis Academy.
New Rewards System
Following feedback from Governors and our student council we have updated our rewards system. Teachers will now issue students with a house point card when ever they reward students in lesson. They will identify which of the Academy's core values the student has demonstrated from Aspiration, Courage, Ambition, Respect and Expression.
Staff will also now log this on Bromcom for parents to see and to allow a child's behaviour profile to reflect their achievements.
Once students have collected a house point card they can then choose their reward. Students can choose to enter one of 3 draws which take place each week in achievement assembly. Weekly prizes include a stationery bundle, a pack of Haribo or a weeks queue jump.
Trips and Visits
Halfway through the term saw BWA take 47 students to the city ground to watch Nottingham Forest take on Lyon in the Premier league international cup final. For a lot of our students this would be their first time ever watching a live football match.
Table Tennis Development Day
This term we also saw BWA take 6 talented pupils to Grantham mere for a table tennis development day. All pupils were able to learn and develop skills within the sport. The pupils were also able to take on some of the pupils that are on Charles Reed’s table tennis development pathway. The pupils did themselves proud as well as the school.
Rowing Development Day
Just before half term, we had the great opportunity for GB rowing to visit the school. Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 had the opportunity to learn and enhance skills within the sport. Arabella H and Bobby K where two names of many who impressed the coach during the event. Every pupil tried their hand to the 7-stroke challenge; this is where an individual will put their power to the test. An average reading in taken over the 7 strokes, this is then measured in Watts. Bobby K showcased his abilities during this part of the session with the highest score of the day.
SEND Update
The SEND department are super proud of how our students have taken the start of the GCSE exams in their stride. They’ve worked hard and acted as role models to our younger students. We can’t wait to see how they’ve done on results day!
We are also very pleased to announce the promotion of Jo Kingston, one of our amazing teaching assistants to the role of assistant SENCo and resource manager. She will add to the strategic direction of SEND as well as develop our library space with some exciting developments on the way!
We are also excited to be working with the local authority on a brand new inclusion project after half term. This will start with a small number of students and roll out on a larger scale next year. It will support children with SEMH needs develop their language and communication needs.
The Bridge this term welcomed visitors from other schools in the trust and we are looking forward to building relationships with other alternative provisions in the trust and sharing best practice.
Our final assess, plan, do review meetings of the year will be held w/c 14th July. Please keep an eye out for a mcas inviting you to make an appointment.
Sports Round Up
Another term gone and lots to celebrate. Although this is one of the shorter terms, we have been able to cram a lot into a short space of time. We’ve competed in a wide range of sports from mixed netball to rounders to rugby. We would like to thank our pupils for their time and effort during this term as well as our staff who have provided excellent training and opportunities yet again and finally a big thank you to everyone at home who has supported the school and its pupils in everything they do.
This term has seen us create history, compete at several DRET events as well as creating and hosting an athletics tournament for our athlete who may be competing at the DRET summer cup in early July.
Please make sure you keep an eye on our new X, (twitter) page for all BWA PE latest information. official_BWAPE
PLAYER OF THE SEASON
Every player that represented the school during the campaign gave their personal best, which is a Barnes Wallis Academy trademark. Both winners truly earnt their awards by leading by example on and off the pitch.
Year 7 Football Player of the season
O. Smith has been unbelievable this season on and off the pitch. During training he is always keen to learn and help others develop. On the pitch he has cemented his place in the centre of the year 7 side. With high quality and consistent performances, he is always ready to fill in wherever he is needed, and he personifies what this school stands for.
Year 9 Football Player of the season
R. Cartwright has been a standout player in all the fixtures this season regardless of where he’s asked to play. Chipping in with an unbelievable freekick against Skegness Academy, which allowed the year 9’s to get a point from that match. He always works hard both on and off the ball and is always wanting to better himself in the sport.
Year 7 Netball Player of the season
F. Holmes has had an outstanding season being or coming close to player of the match in every fixture. She is always keen to play and can lift her team mates when needed. Her performances and consistency have been key in the year 7’s netball side this season. She often dictates play regardless of her opponents.
Year 9 Netball Player of the season
L. Winchester has proven to herself and others what she is capable of. Her desire and vision have been two strengths that have been clear to see in all the coastal fixtures. Her awareness both in and out of possession has been outstanding. Consistence has been another key factor this season which has allowed her to earn this accolade.
Meet the Barnes Wallis Admin Team
Whether it's a forgotten PE kit, reporting a concern or a grazed knee, our Admin Team are the central hub that connects our school community.
Our reassuring team are on hand to support with parental and student queries alike from 8:15am to 4:00pm (3:30pm on a Friday).
The office is home to Main Reception and our Student Hatch where students can visit for in house support and First Aid assistance during the day.
As we move into the summer term, please ensure all contact and medical details are updated using your My Child at School app.
We also welcome you to contact us on 01526 342 379 or at enquiries@barneswallisacademy.co.uk
We would be very grateful if you could support us with any of the following:-
We are always looking for unwanted items of Barnes Wallis Academy uniform to sell in our Pre-Loved Sales which take place throughout the year. If you have any good quality items please could you drop them off to the reception during term time - thank you.
Our Head of Year 11, Mr Keeler, is asking if you have any second hand prom dresses or any suits that you can donate to our Year 11s for their prom- thank you.
We are in the process of upgrading our Library and sorting through the books into reading ages. We would be very grateful if you have any good quality books you would consider donating to the Library for the students to read.
Also if you have any spare time in the mornings (8:35 a.m. to 9:05 a.m.) on either Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and you would like to support with one to one reading with our students, please contact us on 01526 342 379 or at enquiries@barneswallisacademy.co.uk
SEXTORTION
This type of crime involves an adult offender (often from an organised crime group based overseas) threatening to release nude or semi-nude images and/or videos of a child or young person, unless they pay money, or meet another financial demand, such as purchasing a pre-paid gift card.
Victims of any age and gender can be targets, however a large proportion of cases have involved male victims aged 14-18.
The Young Minds website has lots of useful information for you to access including the meaning of the emojis children use in their messages to each other.
Exciting Changes to the School Day and Curriculum for 2025–26
We are pleased to share an important update about changes to the school day and curriculum that will take effect from the start of the next academic year. As part of our ongoing commitment to improving outcomes and enriching the learning experience for all our students, we will be moving from our current structure of five 1-hour lessons per day to six 50-minute lessons.
This adjustment will create a 30-period week and allows us to maximise learning time while offering even greater flexibility and depth within our curriculum.
At Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9), this change means we can continue to offer a broad and balanced curriculum, with even more opportunities for students to engage in a wide range of subjects and enrichment activities. We believe this is vital for sparking curiosity, developing a love of learning, and helping students discover new interests and talents.
For Key Stage 4 (GCSE) the new structure provides the space to deepen learning in core subjects, particularly English and maths, and to offer enhanced provision in the sciences, including the opportunity for more students to study separate sciences. This change is designed to strengthen our academic offer and better prepare students for further study, training, or employment.
We are also pleased to confirm that the Year 9 options process is now complete, and we are delighted to report that over 90% of students have secured their top three subject choices. This outcome reflects the careful planning that went into building a curriculum that is both broad and responsive to students’ interests and aspirations. Thank you to all parents and carers who supported students through this important stage of their journey.
We’re confident that these changes will not only improve outcomes but also provide a more enriching and inspiring experience for all students.
KING'S BIRTHDAY PROM AT NEVILL HOLT
The Nevill Holt Festival 2025 will be celebrating the King's Birthday with a series of festivals between the 30th May and 22nd June and the Trust are delighted to pass on some amazing ticket offers for family shows.
If you are interested in attending any of the shows please see the letter below on how to buy your ticket(s) and use the code on the flyer.
Choir's from some of our Trust schools will be performing on Saturday 14th June.
Dates for the diary
- 26th May to 30th May - May Half Term
- 2nd June- Year 10 Mocks Start
- 3rd June- Jet Blue Skies Trip
- 6th June-RSE Day
- 10th June - Maths Junior Kangaroo competition
- 10th June-LSP safety Day
- 11th June Dret Athletic Development Day
- 12th June- Jet Graduation
- 14th June - Concert at Nevill Holt
- 19th June- Dret Summer cup trials
- 25th June- Last GCSE Exam
- 2nd July- Year 7 Induction Evening
- 3rd July- Dret Summer Cup
- 4th July- Year 7 Induction Day
- 7th July-Work experience
- 14th July- RSE day
- 24th July- Rewards Day
Follow us on @barnes_Wallis_
Safeguarding during the May Half Term Break
When the Academy is closed there is always someone who can help you.
If you are concerned that a child is suffering, or likely to suffer significant harm, you should contact your local authority safeguarding partnership directly.
Please go to our website for the relevant contact information if you have any welfare concerns.
In an emergency, call 999.
For any other queries, please contact us via cip@dret.co.uk.
If you have a general enquiry during the half term break please contact the office on https://www.barneswallisacademy.co.uk/ There is limited access so it may take a few days to respond.