Dear Parent/Carer,

Here we are at the end of another exciting term at Stone Soup Academy. The changes to the two sites are positive, with year 9, 10, and 11 operating on both sites, Milbie House and  High Pavement. Also, it is our first cohort launch of 6th form students who are based at High Pavement with a school section that is dedicated to them that is equipped with new facilities.

The exam results from last year were again excellent. 100% of our year 11 students achieved Level 1 qualifications in English and Maths, and 91% achieved 7+ qualifications including English and Maths. 91% went on to education, work, and training.

I would like to welcome you to our new members  of staff Helen Lovell (Parent Engagement and Attendance Manager), Kian Phillips (Engagement team).

In preparation for their future, our young people (years 9-11) completed their mock exams this term at Milbie House and year 12 at High Pavement. 

This term we also took 67 of our young people to Alton Towers for the day. It is something that we do each year at the start of term as a team-building activity. 

We are also taking students from the winning form on an attendance reward trip to their chosen venue as a recognition for their high attendance. This is something that we do every term. Thank you for your encouragement and for supporting us in getting your child into school for 9 a.m. each morning. Please remember if your child arrives after 9.15 they will be marked as late and after 9.45 they will be U coded and marked as absent. 

Helen, our attendance manager, is keen to work with you all to support you to get your child into school on time.You can get in touch with Helen’s via email or phone.

email: hlovell@stonesoupacademy.org.uk 

Phone: 07512329484

It is black history month throughout October, and we have been commemorating this important month with the theme of “What Does Your Culture or Heritage mean to you?”. This theme has been reflected in our word of the week, staff focus videos, curriculum lessons and in assemblies. Our canteen has also will cook an African and Caribbean meal, to allow all our young people to experience this cuisine, which we hope that all students will enjoy. 

Stone Soup Academy entered students into the UK Mathematics Challenge, celebrating problem-solving, resilience, and ambition while inspiring excellence across mathematics.

Staff and students wore yellow for World Mental Health Day on the 10th October to show young people they’re not alone with their mental health.

On 17th October 6th form went on a trip to Toby Carvery restaurants to enjoy their “home of the roast” carvery, where you can select from a variety of roasted meats, and unlimited seasonal vegetables and sides, including roast potatoes, Yorkshire puddings, and gravy.

The 6th form students will be resitting their GCSE Maths and English in November

As part of our Careers programme, we held a Balfour Beatty workshop, linked to the Nottingham Footbridge project. During the session, students had the opportunity to learn about Balfour Beatty as a company and gain insight into a real, ongoing infrastructure project. The workshop was interactive and engaging, and students were set a hands-on challenge to design and build their own model bridges using only straws and tape, helping students to understand the scale and complexity of engineering projects.

Next term, we will have the support from the mental health and wellbeing team and our students will have an opportunity to speak to professionals if they feel anxious or worried. Parents will be contacted and spoken to individually if their child is concerned about their mental health. 

They will also be supporting students with SEN needs and helping with exam worries. 

It is important that we hear from our parents and that you are given an opportunity to let us know how we are doing. To this end, Helen Lovell (Parent Engagement and Attendance Manager) is arranging a coffee morning on the 12th December at 11-12:30 to meet those of you who would like to join us and share your views. Also, at this event you will have the chance to meet the principal.

We break up for this term on Friday 17th October at 12.45 p.m. and we will return on Monday 3rd November at 9 a.m. 

I hope that you have a lovely holiday. If you are struggling over this period please reach out and we will always try to help.

We will also send you a link to various agencies that you can contact should you need anything during the half term break. If you are unsure, please contact your child’s personal coach and they will help you and support you as much as possible. 

The link is: https://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/information-for-residents/asklion/ 

Of course if you feel that you or your child is in danger, please contact the police.  If you have any concerns or queries please do not hesitate to contact me.

Kind regards,

Younes Henini

Principal