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News
We are very proud to be able to share a short video to show new parents and students wishing to join us next September what we have to offer. You will see how we operate and the important key values that Plume Academy stakeholders follow daily.
Academy Celebrates Plume Student Achievements
On the very last day of the Spring term Plume Academy welcomed students past and present in Years 11,12 and 13 to our annual Awards Evening. This was the first in person event of this kind in four years. Having previously presented awards via a virtual presentation, it was great to assemble in one room again for this very prestigious event.
Led by our Chair of Trustees Mr P Nagle the awards were read out by Mr Jackson as the former Head of Year 11 and by Mr Hallam as the Head of College. In between we had introductions and closing remarks made by our Joint Heads of Academy Mrs Clark and Mr Baster.
Special thanks must as always go to our Head Boy and Girl, Jenson Bacon and Grace Salfairso who not only received awards but gave a vote of thanks to all in attendance. Indeed, Jenson also sung solo to our assembled guests in the audience.
Well done to all that won an award for all of their hard work contributions and successes throughout the preceding academic years. All thoroughly well-earned and deserved.
Plume Arts Showcase is huge success Spring term success
Students from all year groups across the academy took part in Spring Arts Performance Showcase in the last week of the Spring Term. Mrs Adams Expressive Arts faculty lead said, "The evening was absolutely brilliant, and the standard of work was extremely high". Performances were delivered from three subjects that included, Music, Dance and Drama. Mrs Adams went on to say, "The performances illustrate that the Expressive Arts Faculty is going from strength to strength as we recover from the effects of the past few years."
The students taking part on the night were extremely grateful to all members of the Expressive Arts faculty that gave up their time so willingly to make this event a huge success.
Charlotte Hasler proudly competed at the Gymnastic British Championships 2023 held in Liverpool
Year 12 College student Charlotte Hasler "did amazingly well" recently at the Gymnastic British Championships held over four days between 23rd - 26th March at the Exhibition Centre Liverpool. With a crowd of 4000 in attendance and many excellent senior girls, some of which were Team GB gymnasts. Mrs Hasler said, "Charlotte can be so proud of herself and what she achieved. She learnt a lot from competing with such high level and experienced competitors. Given that Charlotte had very little notice to prepare. "Mrs Hassler went on to say, "Charlotte has new goals for training over the next few months and is looking forward to hopefully qualifying and competing again in 2024."
Plume College Student Honey Lock Launches Limitless on Spotify
Plume students bake Pi to raise money for a school in Africa
Pi day which falls on Tuesday, March 14, is an annual event and a mathematician's favourite day devoted to celebrating the one and only true magic number: π. Pi is 3.14, a mathematical constant, never-ending, the circumference-to-diameter ratio of a circle.
To celebrate this annual event Year 7 and 8 students, brought their creations the day before to the Maths office to be judged the next day. Prizes were awarded and then at lunch on Tuesday they were sold to raise money for Maths equipment for nominated school in Vinjeru, Africa.
Ms Hopkins said, "We’re really proud of how well the student leadership team engaged in running this event and special mention to Phoebe Plummer who took first prize for her beautiful cake. Thank you for all the staff donations and cakes too".
The highest ranked judge in England visits Plume Academy
Plume Academy's 1724 students get to vote in the Young Essex Assembly elections
The Young Essex Assembly (YEA) is the elected Youth Council for Essex.
Every 2 years 75 young people representing all districts across Essex are elected on to the YEA where they review priorities, consult, campaign, and engage with other young people as well as adults, organisations, and decision makers to ensure young people are a key part of discussions and decisions made at all levels. This year is the Young Essex Assembly elections where young people take part in a democratic vote and decide which candidate they want to represent them. The candidates are young people who have applied to the Young Essex Assembly to be elected for their area.
Plume College A Level Physicists visit CERN to see Large Hadron Collider
Our Plume College A Level Physics students are pictured above in Geneva, Switzerland in readiness for their visit to CERN and the Large Hadron Collider.
Joint Head of Academy, Mr Baster said, " we wish the students and the staff accompanying them the very best of visits. Sincere thanks to Mr Robinson for his organisation and leadership of the trip, which took the best part of 4 years to plan due to the emergence of the worldwide pandemic that placed this once in a lifetime trip on hold for too long."
Tom Aldis wins Bronze at the 40th Taekwondo Association English Championships
Held in March at the Skydome in Coventry with 1300 competitors, Tom achieved a bronze medal in Patterns from an exceptionally strong group of boys up to 18 years of age, all of whom were black belt grade. Proud parent Mrs Aldis said, "his dad and I are immensely proud of Tom, and this puts him in an excellent frame of mind for the upcoming World Championships, which will be held in July this year."
As a family bonus his dad won gold in sparring too! Mrs Aldis went on to say, "both are immensely proud of each other."
Joint Head of Academy, Mr Baster commented, "sounds like congratulations are in order for the whole family."
Plume Academy continue to be very proud of the ongoing achievements of Tom as well as his father, and wish the entire family good luck for the up-and-coming World Taekwondo Championships.
Maldon Pioneers invited to improve their digital skills
Year 12 Princes Trust students along with teachers Ms Tween and Ms Baker hosted a digital skills event for the Maldon Pioneers visiting the academy. Students as part of their study programme worked one to one with nine Pioneers to support a range of digital skills questions posed by our visitors.
The Maldon Pioneers Association was set up in 1982 to provide activities for local adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities whose needs were not severe enough to be eligible for local authority resources but were not able to participate in their community activities independently.
Mr Baster Joint Head of Academy who visited the classroom during the session was very impressed with how our students worked so seamlessly with our guests. He went on to invite the Pioneers back later in the Summer term for a high tea to feedback on what they have learned and used.
Ms Tween said, "this is a fantastic experience for our students and hugely valuable for them and their course"
Carly Flain and Louisa Thorpe representing Maldon Pioneers and who worked closely with Ms Tween and Ms Baker on the plan for the "Digital Skills Workshop", were both immensely impressed with how successful the sessions turned out.
Plume Academy thrilled to join Essex Chambers of Commerce
Plume Academy is delighted to announce that we are proud members of the Essex Chambers of Commerce. Invited to join after hosting a highly successful "Big Business Network" event recently and following on the tail of an equally high-profile careers evening. Chris Barton Whole Academy Lead for Marketing, Media Communications and Community Engagement was
delighted to be approached by Nick Brown representing Essex Chambers of Commerce with a proposal to join their organisation fully funded by Maldon District Council.
Mr Collen who helped to organise the network event with Mrs Ingram and Mr Barton said, "this is a fantastic and unbelievable opportunity for our students to gain direct access to some of the most successful businesses operating across Essex and beyond." he went on to say "businesses are looking to work with young people more directly and at an earlier stage in their lives to prepare them better for employment in the future"
Plume Academy welcomes all of the fantastic possibilities that go with being associated with such a proactive and prestigious organisation.
Number 1 LTA Ranking for Ben Welsford
Huge congratulations to Ben Welsford, Y11 who has recently achieved the LTA Boys U16 Padel Tennis Number 1 Ranking. He is also ranked Number 3 in the U18 age group. He is so focussed, and his success is testament to his dedication and hard work. PE teacher Ms Parry said, "We are all incredibly proud of you Ben!"
The family holiday that sparked an Olympic dream
Some may remember Plume Academy student Charlie Dixon. Charlie completed his first year of competition on the foiling windsurfer this year and managed to win in all comptions he competed in!
He has now been selected by the RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and has become a professional sailor! Please see the link to the BBC news article below and if you want to see him in action Charlie was featured on the news programme BBC East at 6:30pm March 7, 2023.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-64840538
Proud teacher Mr Harris and sailing enthusiast said, "as a person who windsurfs I can't express how difficult a challenge this has been for Charlie. Just staying on the thing 70cm in the air going 20-30 knots (23-35mph) in a straight line is hard enough for me let alone competing against up to 100 others all going the same speed and turning corners!"
Mr Harris also went on to say, "It has been a long time since I have seen such a natural talent. Hopefully Olympic silverware is on the cards for him in Paris 2024"
10X - My Charm - Order books are open for your Charm Bracelet!
Our 10X team are working so hard and are now ready to take orders. Thank you to those who have already placed orders. Every order they receive means so much to them, and they are so excited.
Below is a form for you to order should you wish. This coming Friday we will be at the bottom of the spiral staircase at FRC to also take orders and to display some of our beautiful handmade bracelets.
Rotary Youth Debate
On Tuesday evening March 2, six students from Plume Academy participated in the Rotary Youth Debate regional final at Chelmsford County Hall. This included: Freddie Diddams, Joe Gray and Tyson Jewitt for the intermediate group and Archie Jones, Jasmine Stamate and Matthew Tachauer for the senior group.
Our students represented themselves, our school and Maldon Rotary Club excellently.
Although we did not go through to the national final, Joe Gray (8CAA) won the best proposer in the intermediate group and Archie Jones (9JSG) won the best opposer in the senior group.
Above is a picture of the group, along with the President of Maldon Rotary Club, Judy Smith. As well a picture that includes Joel Gray last student on the right.
Plume Academy makes games console for those living with dementia
Year 11 student Kamran Waller and Design Technology teacher Mr James Aylen Smith together with an organisation called Remap made a games console designed for those with living with dementia or with a physical disadvantage.
Remap is a charity which produces aids and equipment for people with disabilities where there are no suitable alternatives. The service is free of charge and bespoke items are produced entirely by volunteers.
With the excellent help of Peter Livingstone and Bob Richardson, Plume Academy teamed up with Remap to produce a games console with large buttons and programmed with computer games to improve memory retention or a physical impairment.
The funding is provided by Remap and the games console produced will be handed over to Sarah Troop of Maldon District Dementia Action Alliance in due course.
Executive Principal Mr C Wakefield said, "he was very proud of Kamran for taking on this complex challenge and to Mr Aylen Smith for his time and generous support for this fantastic project."
Rotary Club of Maldon Presented £500 to GB Artistic Roller Skater Ben Frost
Local Rotary Club President Mrs Judy Smith proudly presented, Ben Frost and his mother Mrs Charlotte Frost with £500 to support Ben with his artistic roller skating and his determination to continue to represent and compete for the Great Britain team at the highest level.
Ben and his mother were thrilled to receive not only the cheque but enjoyed a two-course meal courtesy of hosts Rotary Club of Maldon.
Mrs Charlotte Frost commented that "his artistic skate outfit can cost up to £500 a time and that the money is valued and gratefully received, in what at times can be a very expensive sport to compete in without the help of generous organisations such as the Rotary Club."
Mrs Smith went on to congratulate Ben for his achievements so far, and on behalf of herself and the members for the Rotary Club of Maldon and wished him "a great deal of luck for the future."
Mrs Zoe Moss Plume Academy Subject Lead for Business and keen fundraiser, recently organised a cake sale, raising £170.00 for Sarcoma UK.
What is Sarcoma?
Sarcomas are uncommon cancers that can affect any part of your body.
A key symptom of sarcoma is a lump that gets bigger quickly.
Most people get diagnosed when their sarcoma is about the size of a large tin of baked beans. Sarcoma is a rare form of cancer and Plume Academy staff were very pleased to support Sarcoma UK with a donation of £170 raised through a cake sale organised by Mrs Moss.
Mrs Moss said, "thank you to all those who have donated so generously and to Ms Ellie Booth for being my sous-chef."
Could you be the next Maldon Carnival Queen Princess Rosebud or Prince
The search has started to find the new Maldon Carnival Court 2023. We are looking for a Queen, Senior Princesses, Junior Princesses or Prince, and a Rosebud Queen to represent our town around the County.
Being part of Maldon Carnival Court is a great honour, you will be representing your town and raising money for local charities. Your official duties will begin 30th July 2023 when you will be officially crowned for the year ahead.
Carnival week which starts on the 1st of August is an exciting time for the court as well as one of the busiest parts of your year, during the week we have several fun activities for children and families where you will be able to help and sometimes even take part.
Saturday the 6th of August 2023 is our carnival day. You will be welcomed by the crowds of people lining the streets of Maldon waving to them whilst being chaperoned throughout the town on our float. After the procession, there will be an afternoon Queen and Court tea where you will be able to associate with other Carnival Courts who you will be spending lots of time with throughout the year.
The carnival court will visit different carnivals around Essex throughout the year. You will also attend several dances presentation evenings town functions and carnival activities and charitable events. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends and have fun.
Most events outside of carnival week are on a Saturday or Sunday still interested? If you want to be part of something special and be part of our town’s history, build up your confidence, visit other towns and have lots of fun along the way then do not delay apply today.
Applications are open to boys and girls from the age of 8 to 17 Rosebud 5 to 7 you must be able to attend a selection evening with parent or guardian at Maldon Town Hall on Saturday.13th May 2023 7pm
All applicants must reside within the CM9 Postcode
If you would like to apply, please contact Carol on 077 911 23 612. Or Email c.banks@maldoncarnival.co.uk
Jack Petchey Foundation Celebration Awards Evening January 2023
We never tire of the enthusiasm, high spirits, and inspiration that this evening unfailingly presents! Returning ( in person!) after nearly three years we were once again delighted to take part in this evening of celebration of our award winners from last year. This was alongside many other schools and voluntary organisations from Chelmsford and Maldon. At the end of January, Abigail Wilkins, Ben Parker, Isabella Olenka, Henry Crates, Imogen Morris, Honey Lock, Lewis Bridgeman along with Plume Academy staff and lots of very proud parents were all in attendance at the Jack Petchey Achievement Awards Evening at the Civic Theatre Chelmsford. Our students are pictured above alongside the Mayor Of Chelmsford.
As has been well documented in Plume News, our Jack Petchey Achievement Award scheme has been running for several years now and continues to do so. The Award recognises those young people who make “ a wholehearted, unselfish and dedicated commitment to their school, club or community” and indeed each of our pictured winners for this year ( including Ellie Janes and Amy Cross who unfortunately was unable to attend) certainly fulfilled this criteria. To see exactly why please visit our previous editions of Plume News. In addition, they also win £300 which can go towards their club, community or school. In each case the funds have been generously donated and used in various initiatives in the Academy; from Dance workshops to sports equipment to specialist Science, Drama and English resources! This year’s round of award winners is now underway. Please look out for the nomination forms on the website or contact b.collen@plume.essex.sch.uk
Congratulations to all!!
Scarlett Davis Talent Spotted by Colchester United
Scarlett Davis Y7 has been selected to train with Emerging Talent Centre at Colchester United on a permanent basis. Scarlett is pictured on the far left of the standing back row.
Scarlett has been selected to train within the Emerging Talent Centre for the following reasons: portraying a strength in/out of possession and showing a great attitude within training.
Plume Academy are so proud of Scarlett and her very promising future in football.
Important School Contract Bus Information
The following information contained within this letter is very important for all students who use the school buses to travel to the Academy.
Please read carefully.
Give A Child a Christmas campaign
Plume Academy warmly thanks Mrs Hart and the customers of
The Victoria Inn for their generosity
Mrs Lorna Hart the proprietor of The Victoria Inn, which is situated on Belvedere Road, Burnham on Crouch, Essex, kindly organises the 'Give A Child a Christmas campaign'. She uses her contacts with local businesses to collect presents for disadvantaged children and struggling families. The Business's donate a huge array of all different items, from games, chocolate, make up sets, science games, slippers, hats, gloves etc. This is an amazing achievement for a local pub, to help their community and is very much appreciated by us at the Academy. Lorna has contacted Jo Frost our Pupil Premium coordinator two years running now to help us support our families who may need this extra support. The families are so grateful, as many are struggling with the cost of their fuel prices. The Academy would like to thank Lorna and her customers who kindly donate these gifts and wish them a very happy Christmas and a healthy new year.
Plume Academy and Maldon District Council host Christmas Party for Children and Families from Ukraine
Executive Principal Carl Wakefield and the Chairman of Maldon District Council Bob Boyce MBE issued an invitation to parents and children from Ukraine; along with their UK host families living in Maldon, to come to Plume Academy and meet Father Christmas.
They were met with a very warm welcome not only from Mr Wakefield and Mr Boyce but from Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst (His Lord Lieutenant of Essex) who represents His Majesty The King at public engagements he is unable to attend.
With over 80 guests in attendance all of the children and adults were treated to seasonal refreshments, cakes, sandwiches, various nibbles as well individual presents for all of the children; presented to them by Father Christmas (spoiler alert Rotary Club member Mr Alan Smith) with Mrs Tolhurst and Mr Boyce alongside.
It was the first time that all of the families had seen each other since their arrival from war torn Ukraine. The entire evening saw the room filled with children's laughter and lots of warm conversations to a backdrop of Christmas music favourites and entertainment provided by the Head Boy, Jenson Button, Head Girl Grace Salfairso, and the excellent College leadership team.
Here at Last - Cancel Plume Academy Live Performance
Here at Last are Pedro, Tommy, Zach, Ryan & James and they are the UK's biggest and newest boy band sensation. They have over 2.8 million followers on TikTok and recently sold out their first UK tour.
Due to perform to years 7, 8 and 10 they have now sadly had to pull out of their live performance scheduled for the last day of term, December 16 2022.
Shane Saggs and Mrs Bush Campaign for the Homeless in Essex
Year 10 student Shane Saggs is very determined that our CHESS Christmas appeal for the homeless on our streets in Essex, is a huge success. Pictured here with his Head of Year Mrs Bush and with the support of Dad, Rob Saggs Chief Executive Officer of CHESS Homeless. Shane launched our Christmas appeal with a brilliant assembly to his fellow students in Year 10. He spoke clearly and with feeling about what it means to be homeless in Essex and why help is very much needed.
Shane hopes the stakeholders of the Plume Academy family and community will, if they are in a position to consider doing so, support our chosen charity this Christmas, especially with the following items:
Hats, gloves, scarves, chocolate, cereal bars, pop-up tents, sleeping bags and toiletries such as shower gel, deodorant, shampoo.
Donations can be made at our Fambridge Road and Mill Road Campuses.
Shane would like to take this opportunity to thank you in advance of any donations you are able to make.
Club of the year 2023 - Please vote for Blackwater Sailing Club
Blackwater Sailing Club, a Maldon based sailing and watersports centre is proud and honoured to have been chosen as the RYA East region finalist for the prestigious UK wide Royal Yachting Association and Sailing Today with Yachts and Yachting Magazine club of the year 2023 award. Their selection is testament to the commitment and dedication of the many volunteers who help make Blackwater Sailing Club such a successful, friendly place where all are welcomed to enjoy sailing and watersports.
There are over 1000 sailing clubs in the UK, 136 in the East region and 12 finalists, but only one can be crowned Club of the Year 2023! The finalists now go through to the public vote with the winner announced at the RYA Dinghy & watersports show on Saturday 25 February 2023.
The club is at the heart of the community with over 1000 members including over 200 young people from surrounding schools and colleges. Members can enjoy learning to sail, social sailing, cruising, dinghy and cruiser racing and other watersports like standup paddleboarding and kayaking on the beautiful Blackwater Estuary or the 7 acre freshwater training lake. Sailing provides many health benefits, in particular for mental health with friendship and companionship at a welcoming club out in the fresh sea air away from the screens which dominate daily lives.
Please follow the link and vote now! https://awards.yachtsandyachting.co.uk/rya/ Voting closes 22 January 2023.
This has been a brilliant year for the club, but we need to get more votes than all the worthy finalists to win this fantastic award which would be an amazing accolade to recognise our achievements.
For more information about Blackwater Sailing Club please visit our:
Website: https://blackwatersailingclub.org.uk/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackwaterSC
Nigel Butler
Commodore (2020-2022)
The Power To Change Is Right Under Your Nose
Our fantastic Plume Academy staff have shown some serious dedication to raising awareness of men’s health over the course of November. Well done and thank you to all that participated! We’ve raised £250 so far.
Movember is an annual event involving the growing of moustaches during the month of November to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and men's suicide.
A HUGE congratulations to Ms Booth and Ms Moss, who together raised £200 in their Move-ember. They ran 60km throughout the month in recognition of the 60 men we lose each hour, every hour across the world. Well done ladies!
Elliot Rose on set with Hollywood legends in The Northman
As you may have seen in the cinemas and more recently, on Sky, one of the big recent movie releases is a film called ‘The Northman’. It has a whole host of Hollywood stars in it however, one of the film’s biggest stars is our very own Elliott Rose from Year 9!
Mr Wakefield commented, "If you speak to Elliott about the film , he is so humble and measured about it, it’s quite astonishing really. Nevertheless, it only provides yet further evidence of what an absolutely tremendous young man he is".
Elliott has also recently finished a short film on knife crime and secured the lead role in a short horror film which he's due to start filming during the Christmas break. Furthermore, he’s also just secured another role in a short comedy which he’s waiting to hear a start date for. Very excitingly, Elliott’s also just had a meeting with a well-known director regarding a lead role in a big upcoming feature film. He’s waiting to hear back about the final decision as he’s down to the last three actors. Therefore, fingers crossed for him!
Mr Wakefield also went on to say, "Elliot continues to do the academy, his family and above all, himself proud!"
GBR Powerlifter Ella Smallcombe (76 kg Category)
Wins Three Bronze Medals
Women European Open, Sub-Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships 2022
Year 13 Plume College student Ella Smallcombe representing GBR has successfully secured three bronze medals at the European Powerlifting Championships 2022 in Poland today. She said she is ‘over the moon’ with her performances as she has been struggling with a back injury which fortunately did not hinder her fantastic performance in these championships. Below are the three bronze medal lifts that she made.
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Squat 127.5 Third place
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Deadlift 152.5 Third place
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Overall 342.5 Third place
Year 13 - Snowdonia/Eryri Thank You!
After two years of planning and adapting to the external challenges we faced, it was brilliant to be back outside doing geography fieldwork. The students were a credit to the academy and were grateful for the time and planning everyone put in behind the scenes.
Images of Remembrance as Plume Academy Pays Tribute
Plume Academy pays tribute to those brave men and women past and present with its own acts of tribute on Friday 11 November 2022 and on Remembrance Sunday.
The laying of wreaths here at both of our campuses and again on Sunday at the cenotaph in Maldon Town. Our students represented proudly the academy in an exemplary fashion on this important day in our national calendar.
Exam Certificates
Express Your Interest Voluntary Plume Academy Trustees
Plume Academy’s vision is to deliver outstanding learning outcomes, employ and develop outstanding staff and develop and sustain an outstanding learning community.
We are currently looking to strengthen our Board of Trustees by recruiting new Trustees, who can also provide strategic oversight, challenge and support the smooth and effective running of the academy, and who feel they have the time to provide robust governance and enthusiastic support to the academy, its leadership and its ongoing development.
Trustees come from all backgrounds with differing skill sets and experience and we are particularly looking for new Trustees with professional or business skills in finance, HR, education and communications.
Anyone with the willingness to commit time, energy and expertise to support the academy, students and staff achieve our vision can become a Trustee. It is a challenging role but is also very rewarding at the same time.
Training and support will be provided to new Trustees. Further details of the work of the Trustees can be found on the academy’s website (https://www.plume.essex.sch.uk/trustees).
It is an exciting time to join the Plume Board of Trustees with ambitious plans to expand and develop the academy in the growing Maldon community area.
For more information, please contact the Clerk to the Board of Trustees, Mrs Karen Redmond via: clerk-trustee@plume.essex.sch.uk.
Plume Academy is a Dementia Friendly Community
Plume Academy was officially recognised recently by the Alzheimer Society for our work in working to become a dementia friendly community. Sarah Troop Director for Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service proudly presented the certificate to Ms Tween and Ms Baker together with Mark Neville who is the Alzheimer’s Society Dementia Friendly Communities Coordinator and Pan Essex Dementia Action Alliance (DAA) Co-chair for Essex Community Dementia Support Service.
Ms Tween and Ms Baker devised with the support of Maldon District Dementia Action Alliance a brilliant action plan and programme to raise awareness and support amongst students of this all too familiar condition. They have devised projects within the taught curriculum aimed solely to promote action in our united fight against dementia.
Mr Wakefield Executive Principal and Mr Barton who leads on community engagement both commented on the exceptional work that had been undertaken by our students and the staff involved. In particular noting the work that was completed during the height of Covid and the corresponding lock down periods.
Abigail Wilkins Is Taking On The World
Plume Academy are delighted to share some fantastic news regarding Plume College student Abigail Wilkins aged 17. Abby recently travelled to Wolverhampton to try-out for the England Jazz Dance Team. Following a very successful trail, Abby has been selected for Team England to travel to Florida in April next year to compete at The Dance Worlds 2023. Abby will attend an intensive training camp in Wolverhampton once a month to train and prepare for the competition, while remaining determined to study successfully for her A levels.
Proud Dance teacher, Mrs Markham - Lee said, "this is an amazing achievement, that will be a fantastic opportunity and experience for Abby."
Abby is confident she can become a World Jazz Dance Champion in 2023 and went on to say, "I am delighted with this chance to compete at the highest level for my country."
GB Artistic Skate Coaching Team Praise Ben Frost
Plume Academy student Benjamin Frost aged just 15, recently competed in Italy for Great Britain in the Artistic Skate Cup of Europe. He achieved a personal best in his short programme. Unfortunately, he fell twice in his long programme and ended finishing 7th. Charlotte and Will Frost said, "We are incredibly proud parents and absolutely delighted for Ben, he has worked so hard to get to this point." The GB coaching team commented, "that the routines and performances were very good from Ben, you would never know it was his first time competing at this level."
Ben gained lots of confidence working with the GB team and he is now looking forward with great anticipation to competing this weekend at the British Autumn Nationals, before going on to France to take part in the Interland Cup.
Plume Academy secures Investors in People Award Again
Last week Sarah Freeman our Director of Human Resources attended the Investors in People celebratory event in Milton Keynes where she accepted the Silver award on behalf of Plume Academy. In addition, she was asked to be a guest speaker at the event talking about our journey through the process.
Ms Freeman commented, "I was thrilled to be able to collect this prestigious award on behalf of our academy. It reflects perfectly our values and ethos"
Paul Devoy who presented the award to Ms Freeman explains via the Investors of People website what this award means and goes on to describe the scale of work involved.
"As the world of work evolves, and when the pace of change is so rapid, then employee connection, engagement, wellbeing and organisational culture becomes even more important. Not only because of their impact on staff retention, attraction and development, but also as the critical foundations contributing to organisational stability, security and success".
Plume Academy Officially Recognised by the Alzheimer's Society
Our academy continues to do a lot of work with students through the taught curriculum for the Alzheimer's Society via the Maldon District Dementia Action Alliance.
The work is led brilliantly by Neamh Tween - Teacher of Flexible Learning and Leanne Baker Teacher of Social Science with the groups of students that they specifically teach.
Shortly we hope to be presented with a certificate from Maldon District Dementia Action Alliance on behalf of the Alzheimer's Society for our really important and ongoing community work.
We are proud to be recognised with this award from such a fantastic organisation.
Plume Academy Celebrates Black History Month - October 2022
First, I would like to thank our Plume Academy stakeholders for your generous support going forward, for what I hope will be a fascinating and important point in our calendar.
October 1st saw the start of Black History Month.
The Academy will distribute quality assured and approved material to be shared and used with our students. The aim is to provide resources that are accessible, straight forward and comfortable to deliver, view and respond to.
With that in mind over the course of this month, the BLM student group will raise the profile for our students of what Black History Month represents. As well as other associated events throughout the year.
Many thanks to all those wishing to support this important and vital strategy during this month and beyond.
Art Teacher Exhibits Never Before Seen Images at His Latest Exhibition.
Mr Flower our much loved and well-respected Art teacher would like to take this opportunity to warmly invite you all to view his new Exhibition of Paintings and Mixed Media Art in a one man show at the Whimbrel gallery over the next two weeks in the "exotic" village of Tollesbury.
Many of the images have never been exhibited before. Mr Flower went on to say," I hope to share with you my aesthetic views of the world and a love of drawing". Times are attached on the poster, and "you are all welcome along with any friends and family to enjoy my art!"
World’s Biggest Coffee Morning Supported by Plume Staff
A coffee morning that Ms Thorn organised to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support last week, saw Plume staff easily exceeded the £250 target set, by an amazing £35. It was a hugely successful event that many staff supported across both campuses. Cakes on offer for sale were baked by several staff, keen to raise as much money as possible.
Ms Thorn Subject Leader for Food Preparation and Nutrition and Textiles commented.
“People all over the UK host their own Coffee Morning and donations raised on the day are made to Macmillan. One in two of us will face cancer, and the money we raised at our Coffee Morning will help everyone with cancer to live life as fully as they can. I just wanted to say a huge thank you for taking part in our coffee morning last week. We have raised an amazing £285 in both cash and online donations.
Thank you so much to all my wonderful bakers today – Ms Pennock, Ms Wills, Ms Yorsten, Mr Lane and everyone that generously donated at Mill Road Campus.”
GCSE Press Release - Thursday 25 August 2022
Another Week of Excellent Student Outcomes!
As was the case with our post 16 students last week, we are delighted to announce that the GCSE class of 2022 have also secured an excellent set of examination results. The year group were awarded an incredible 439 9-7 (formerly A*-A) grades with an equally impressive 19 students securing 8 or more 9-7 (A*-A) grades. Furthermore, the year group also secured a superb 69.4% of all grades awarded being 9-4 grades, and a 100% pass rate in 20 subjects.
All of these headline figures are actual new records for the academy I am incredibly proud to announce!
A significant number of Plume Academy’s students secured outstanding results including:
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Sam Glover who achieved a superb 9 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s and 1 grade 7.
Upon receiving his results, Sam said, "I feel elated and I’m really pleased to get the results. It’s what I hoped for.”
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Lily Simpson achieved an exceptional 6 grade 9s, 3 grade 8s and 2 grade 7s.
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Lizzie Mills who achieved a fantastic 3 grade 9s and 8 grade 8s.
Upon receiving her results, Lizzie said,“I feel relieved but also proud and happy.”
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Harry Tear who achieved 4 grade 9s, 4 grade 8s and 3 grade 7s. Upon receiving his results, Harry said, “It’s amazing really and I was chuffed to bits when I opened the letter and saw all 7s, 8s and 9s. It’s everything I hoped for and a little bit more really.”
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Lewis Bridgeman who achieved 4 grade 9s, 2 grade 8s, 2 grade 7s, and 1 grade 6. Upon receiving his results, Lewis said, “It’s fantastic although I was quite nervous to open this envelope I’m holding this morning. I’m quite surprised but I feel the hard work paid off and I’m really happy. I can’t quite believe it and it’s still sinking in.”
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Jonny Willis who achieved 4 grade 9, 4 grade 8s, 2 grade 7s, and 1 grade 6.
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Freddie Fry who achieved 4 grade 9, 3 grade 8s, 3 grade 7s and 1 grade 5. Upon receiving his results, Freddie said, “Incredible! It’s really great! I was hoping for good grades and I got what I wanted to move onto A levels and so can now continue with my learning and achievement. My hard work has also paid off and I’ve actually enjoyed working so hard to get what I achieved today.”
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“To our younger students, just put in the work and revise. Don’t over revise though as it will just flood your brain with too much and you’ll just panic during the exam. Just revise with a constant plan and it’s never too late to actually start revising.”
Our vocational and resit students also achieved extremely good outcomes once again this year with almost all of the cohort securing the required grades to move onto the next stage of their education, employment or training.
An Absolutely Outstanding set of Examinations Results!
Plume, Maldon’s Community Academy, is, once again, celebrating superb post 16 examination results which very much reflect the hard work and tremendous commitment shown by our students’ and staff over the course of the past two years. This is especially the case given the fact that they had to endure such a disruptive period caused by the COVID-19 pandemic – a period that saw them last complete a regular school year in 2018-19.
Our Year 13 A level results show that the academy secured improved outcomes in a number of areas including a virtually perfect overall A*-E pass rate and a superb A*-C pass rate, including 19 A*s. Of the 21 A Level subjects we currently offer at post 16, only three did not achieve a 100% pass rate, and in all seven non-A Level subjects, the pass rate was 100%.
Our Year 12 AS level results also portray a tremendously positive picture with again, a near perfect A-E pass rate, and just like the A level, an excellent A-C pass rate.
Understandably, we are immensely proud in terms of how well our College students have performed, especially when taking into consideration the resilience they had to show throughout their entire examination courses. This is also whilst noting that Plume Academy continued to offer a rich variety and choice of courses with the bespoke needs of every student at the forefront of the ongoing high-quality information, advice and guidance provided to them.
As a direct result, and despite the aforementioned challenges, many of our students have surpassed their set target grades and the increases highlighted above provide direct evidence to support this.
Furthermore, the usual high number of students have applied for a place at university, with significant numbers applying for, and subsequently securing places at, the highly sought after and prestigious ‘Russell Group’ universities.
We are also absolutely delighted that every single student who applied to go to university has secured a place with the vast majority being at their preferred choice.
Our top year 13 achievers were:
Martha Carlin Art and Design: Photography A*
English Literature A*
French A*
Extended Project A
Post 18 Destination: University of the Arts, London, Central St. Martins to study Art & Design
Kian Tozer Geography A*
Mathematics A*
Physics A*
Post 18 Destination: University of Nottingham to study Physics with Theoretical Physics
Ellie Dobson Business A*
Media Studies A*
Geography A
Post 18 Destination: University of Leeds to study Business Management with Marketing
Samuel Bagridge Extended Project A*
Law A*
Media Studies A
English Literature B
Post 18 Destination: University of Warwick to study Film and Literature
Lily Peace Law A*
Extended Project A
Mathematics A
English Literature B
Post-18 Destination: University of Exeter to study Law
Lamiaa Rassasse Law A*
Psychology A
English Literature A
Post-18 Destination: Kings College, London to study Politics and International Relations
Carl Wakefield, Executive Principal of Plume Academy, said, “I am exceptionally proud of the results achieved by our College students this year, particularly given the massively disruptive period they had to work through and the unrelenting resilience they had to show.
I am also extremely pleased that virtually all of our Year 13 students have secured their first choice university place, with a number also securing high quality apprenticeships at reputable organisations both locally as well as in the city of London.
The results achieved by our Year 12 cohort were also excellent and only bodes well for next summer.”
He added “The bottom line is that all of this cannot happen without a huge amount of hard work being put in by our students themselves, and whilst working in collaboration with a fully committed and highly skilled team of staff, who have also been phenomenal throughout the pandemic period. When combined with the support and input shown throughout from our students’ parents and carers, it is clear to see as to why we have achieved such an outstanding set of outcomes.
It has been an absolute privilege to work alongside them all and I am immensely proud as to what they have secured as a collective.”
Ruth Clark, Joint Head of Academy and the academy’s current post 16 lead added, “As an academy, we are exceptionally proud of the achievements of our post-16 students and as the senior lead for Plume College, it continues to be an absolute privilege to work alongside staff, parents and carers to ensure that all our students achieve their very best. Our students have indeed shown real commitment to their studies and resilience in sitting their formal exams and assessments after the disruption of the pandemic.
In addition to congratulating our fantastic students, I would also like to thank our parents and carers for their support, and our teachers for their unstinting dedication. It has been wonderful to witness so many delighted students collecting results at the academy this morning”.
Mrs Clark concluded by saying, “On a final note, I would like to wish all of our Year 13 leavers well as they progress to university, college, apprenticeships or employment and thank them for their hard work during their time at Plume Academy. We look forward to hearing about their continued success via our Alumni Programme.”
Powerlifter Ella Smallcombe wants to be a World Junior Champion
Plume Academy College student Ella Smallcombe has been officially invited to join Team GB at the up-and-coming World Junior Classic Powerlifting Championships to be held in Istanbul, Turkey. Ella and her coach Adam Fosbrook are excited by what this opportunity could mean for her early career in the sport. Ella left competitive swimming in 2021 to take up powerlifting at the Alpha Core Academy. Ella quickly established her place in the sport, by winning at the British Championships in October 2021, claiming all the under 18 Regional and English records. She successfully retained her title again this year and while doing so extended her records further.
Ella and her coach are now raising money to travel and prepare for the World Junior Classic Championships to be held this September. They are currently looking for sponsorship to cover the £2,500 she needs to compete successfully.
Please see https://www.facebook.com/AlphaCoreAcademy for more about Ella and her achievements.
Powerlifter Ella Smallcombe wants to be a World Junior Champion
Plume College student Ella Smallcombe who is a very talented GB powerlifter is competing in her first World Championship competition today
(Friday, 2 September) at 3pm.
Watch her via this live stream.
Ella Smallcombe Top 5 Powerlifter in the World in Her Weight Class
Eighteen-Year-Old Plume College student and GB Powerlifter Ella Smallcombe finished 5th in the World Junior Powerlifting Championships held in Turkey. Mr Wakefield Executive Principal said: "We are absolutely delighted and proud of what Ella has achieved. She is a fantastic and inspirational role model for all our students. Her hard work and dedication to her sport points to a fantastic future ahead."
Ella achieved an almost perfect day hitting 8 from 9 lifts. PBs across the board and regional records in the squat, bench, deadlift and total in the U18 and U23s.
Squat-115 kg
Bench -57.5 kg
Deadlift 147.5 kg
You can see her lifts on the following clips however fast forward to:
3 mins 28 seconds
25 mins 50 seconds
1 hr 09 minutes 19 seconds
2 hrs 08 minutes 28 seconds
Plume Academy collaborates with Joseph Henry Unwin Sick Poor Fund to help benefit students’ mental health
Councillor Mark Heard, Chairman of The Joseph Henry Unwin Sick Poor Fund, explains how the charity has been working with Plume Academy to benefit young people's mental health.
Joseph Henry Unwin was a Maldon-born man who worked as a commercial clerk at the Maldon Iron Works. He lived at 81 High Street (currently Bluebell Boutique) and died in 1919.
Joseph felt that, after the First World War, the 'Land fit for heroes' wasn't helping the returning sick and wounded heroes enough. He left some money in his will for the establishment of a local charity to "assist the sick and needy of Maldon with Medical Provision, holidays and other aids to make life more bearable".
This became the Joseph Henry Unwin Sick Poor Fund.
Following the pandemic, the charity has seen calls to mental health departments rocket.
The committee felt the need for investment in mental health facilities, particularly for young people struggling to cope with all the changes.
11 to 13-year-olds are educated at the Lower Plume School in Mill Road, Maldon. There is a large garden at the rear of the playground that has been out of use and become overgrown over the last nine years.
Plume Academy was keen to develop this 'dead space' into something both members of the school and the wider Maldon community can benefit from.
The committee felt this project would really benefit young people's mental health as a place to find peace and social inclusion. We are working with the school to make this great project happen, thanks to donations from Maldon Rotary Club and the Beeleigh Abbey Lodge Masons.
Carl Wakefield, Executive Principal at Plume Academy, said: "I sincerely thank this fantastic, long-established charity for their tremendous support.
"This current 'dead-space' will be turned into something quite special - by replacing the old, rotting shed with a new one, replacing the plastic on the poly-tunnel frame, and creating a 'reflection corner' with some beautiful garden objects."
The school also proposes to add some vegetable and wildflower plots to create a community project and garden
Hot in the Dragon’s Den….but ice cream helps!
As part of a recent series of workshops on employability skills for our Year 12 students, we were delighted to host a Dragon’s Den competition in Plume College…fitting- as it coincided with one of the hottest days of the year.
Students had the challenging task of creating a new ice cream product associated with Maldon reflecting the traditions, the history, or the distinctiveness of the district.
We were delighted to welcome our Dragons, who generously gave up their time to spend time with our students and share advice, practical considerations and the business realities of developing and getting a new product to market.
Many thanks must go to Paul Wormald and Vicky Broomfield (Berry Global), Rhiain Oakley (Tesco Community Champion), Jack Ellum ( Maldon District Council) and “Dragon-in-Chief” Nigel Richardson. Nigel, representing Rossi Ice Cream, introduced the task to the students…along with the added bonus of ice cream sampling at the end of the challenge!
What a group of budding entrepreneurs and inventive minds we have at Plume Academy!
Each group presented their “pitch” to the Dragons and then faced the customary close questioning.
Ideas ranged from ice cream linked to our maritime heritage right through to a space themed ice cream paying homage to Sam Ryder, our local Eurovision Song Contest entrant.
The winning group presented an ingenious product based around healthy eating, referencing Byrhtnoth and the history of Maldon. (You may see it for sale at Maldon Prom one day!).
This competition is part of Plume Academy’s “Made in Maldon” project. This is a community employer engagement programme, designed to link potential employers with our students through various platforms, including this type of challenge, careers fairs and other business forums that we run locally throughout the year.
For further details of this project please contact:
Chris Barton c.barton@plume.essex.sch.uk
Brian Collen b.collen@plume.essex.sch.uk
The winners shared a substantial prize and received an invitation to spend a day at Rossi’s ice cream factory.
As all cooled down with ice cream generously supplied by Nigel Richardson, the judges complimented our students on their team work, preparation, research, presentation and their ability to speak confidently – all highly valued skills.
Plume Academy Art Students Exhibit Work Via The Essex Schools Showcase 2022
Please click on the link here http://www.essexschoolsarts.org/
Fashion Show Competition
Plume Cheer!
On Friday 1 July, 36 of our students from years 7-10 represented Plume Academy at the 'Future Cheer' National Schools Cheerleading Competition. This is the largest and only schools cheerleading competition that takes place and features all school cheerleading teams across the country.
I am delighted to share with you that our level 2 team achieved an outstanding 3rd place in their division. This is the highest level we currently compete at and the highest place we have ever gained in this category, so a huge achievement. For our level 1 team, despite scoring a very impressive 80.54%, they finished 13th in an extremely difficult category.
Miss Meltzer said: "All students gave their best performance to date and should be very proud of their achievement."
Super talented, skillful Food Preparation and Nutrition students could work professionally
Year 10 Food Preparation and Nutrition pupils were asked to produce two high skilled dishes within two hours, in their first ever GCSE practical examination experience.
The groups demonstrated a wide range of skills, from pasta and pastry making to jointing whole chickens and filleting fish. All pupils put in their best efforts, and presented their final dishes to an incredible standard.
The groups will take this knowledge into their final year of GCSE, where they will produce three dishes in the space of three hours, within a context provided by the exam board. In the past we have produced three course meals for people with cardiovascular disease, European cuisine, street food and meals for young children.
Miss Thorn Subject Leader: Food Preparation & Nutrition & Textiles said: "A huge well done to year 10 Food pupils, who all put in the effort to plan, make and present their best work".
Plume Academy Proudly Supports The Maldon Festival 2022
Year 9 and 10 pupils at Plume were delighted to welcome Professor Nancy Hills to their classroom this week, where they had a unique opportunity to listen to an industry expert discuss their work.
Professor Hills, a costume designer from Utah State University, is currently exhibiting at the Museum of Power. She specialises in reconstructing 18th Century gowns, and has recently worked to reconstruct 11 dresses from the Charles Paget Wade Collection. These are on display during the Maldon Festival, and Professor Hills has extended the invite to Plume Textiles pupils to view the collection.
Plume Academy Proudly Supports The Maldon Festival 2022
Colin Baldy with Carl Wakefield at St Mary's Church
The Director of Maldon Festival Colin Baldy is delighted that Plume Academy could assist and sponsor a key event this year. Mr Wakefield, Executive Principal seen here with Mr Baldy at St Mary's Church, will host an open-air opera and picnic double bill that includes Une éducation manquée and Cox and box performed by Handmade Opera at 7.30 pm, Saturday 25 June.
The open-air opera was a new addition to the 2020 Festival and is back by popular demand. Held in St Mary’s churchyard with the Blackwater Estuary providing a spectacular backdrop, this is the perfect opera for a summer’s evening. It offers the classic combination of wonderful music and a ditsy story of an innocent young couple investigating the dynamics of relationships, facilitated by no-less innocent but more elderly advisors.
Behind the scenes a number of Plume Academy students will gain unprecedented access and a unique opportunity to watch, assist and observe the build-up to the final performances on the evening.
Mr Wakefield Executive Principal for Plume Maldon's Community Academy said: "The Maldon Festival is a show piece cultural event for the town, and we are delighted as an academy to be associated with this prestigious opportunity, to work with Festival Director Colin Baldy."
Tickets are on sale for Une éducation manquée and Cox and box performed by Handmade Opera starting from £22.00 at http://www.maldonfestival.co.uk/
Head Girl and Boy along with Mr Wakefield attend HRH The Duke of Kent Event
Friday June 10th will live long in the memories of Grace Salfairso and Jenson Bacon who accompanied Mr Wakefield at the invitation of ex Plume student Mr Colin Trowels, to the service of dedication for a very special former Lifeboat Sir William Arnold. Read more here about this fantastic project at https://www.lifeboat5202.com/resoration
Mr Wakefield said: "It was a real honour for us to attend the ‘Service of Dedication for the Lifeboat Sir William Arnold’ today at St. Katharine Docks, London. HRH The Duke of Kent was the Guest of Honour and this whole amazing project was led and driven by ex-Plume student, Mr Colin Trowles."
Visit from Alfie Gosling and ‘Baloo’ (Retired Essex Police Dog)
We were delighted to see Alfie Gosling today less than two weeks after a significant back operation to address his scoliosis. The operation was a great success and Alfie is now 5 inches taller! As I am sure you all agree, he is remarkable young man, and it was wonderful to see him back in the academy.
We also welcomed Baloo, a retired Essex Police dog, to FRC period 5 today.
The Belgian Malinois was retired from duty after being hit by a car. Sadly, she broke her pelvis and leg, and her leg had to be amputated. Baloo had been responding to an incident with her handler PC Ross Ashcroft in October 2018 when she was only two years old. Baloo moved in with retired police dog handler Mandy Chapman, her partner and their Jack Russell Titch, and she now 'works' as a OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dog.
UFest is Coming to Maldon District!
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To celebrate the arrival of the Queen's Baton Relay to Maldon on Friday 8 July, Maldon District are hosting UFest, a free and accessible community festival in Promenade Park, funded by the National Lottery.
An exciting day of events is being planned, running from 11am to 8pm, with activities, stalls, and events for the whole community, focusing on health, wellbeing, and fun. There will be live music, street food from around the world and a fantastic selection of games, sports, and activities to take part in throughout the day.
And, of course, the highlight will be watching the 10 official Baton bearers carrying the Queen's Baton, with its message for the Commonwealth, around the lake, out to the statue of Byrhtnoth and ending on the UFest stage!
Plume Music Staff talk to BBC News Easts' Lawrence Cawley about Eurovision and Sam Ryder
Plume Academy music staff and students talk to BBC News East about their connection and hopes for Maldon born social media sensation Sam Ryder, whom this year brilliantly finished second with his entry Space Man in the Eurovision Song contest.
Click on the link below
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-essex-61443812
Photography by Lawrence Crawley
Plume Academy Principal speaks out against County Councillor’s 'exclusion' remarks
Reduce, Reuse, RePlume
We are the RePlume Club, our primary goal is to help reduce waste throughout the school, whether it be energy or physical waste. Currently many goals are still in the works but you may have noticed the new signs by the lights. In the future we aim to achieve even more significant change.
As part of Replume club one of our goals is to reduce paper waste. We are trying to introduce this by adding paper-waste bins to classrooms. We also would like to decrease the amount of electricity that we use within the school. We will also add signs to most classrooms to show where the light switches are located. This will be a reminder to turn off the light if you are the last person in a room. This will allow us to help reduce the amount of energy used.
We’re working on sourcing a crisp-packet recycling bin as the type of packaging requires special methods of recycling. Also, we’re working on having an eco-badge implemented to the satchel-one rewards system. Physical badges have been made from scrap plywood in an effort to reduce waste as much as possible.
Textiles club is on every Monday and Friday lunchtime. At the moment we are working on recycling projects for a competition at the end of the summer term. Their aim being to use commonly wasted products such as plastic bags, crisps packets, bottle tops and fabric scraps to create beautiful clothing items that are sustainable and fashionable.
In conclusion even though it’s just a start we as Replume are trying our best to play our role in the academy to cut down usage of plastics and waste that is harder to recycle and could be harmful to the world. And benefit both campuses not just from the side-lines but in ways that will benefit everyone, not just plume. If you would like to help us, then feel free to join us on Thursday lunchtimes in room 017 (FRC) or 006 on a Tuesday lunchtime (MRC) and join the big plastic count.
Year 7 and 8 Students Proud of Their Progress Review Report Achievement Badges
Plume Academy have introduced Achievement Badges for students in year 7 and 8 based on their attainment grades in their last Progress Review report. Students are awarded either bronze, silver or gold badges based on their attainment in relation to their expected grades.
Please can you offer your congratulations to students who are wearing them at Mill Road Campus. Mrs Pretty who leads in this initiative and strategy said: "I know students at MRC are keen to receive their badges in recognition of all of their hard work leading up to the release of the report".
Talented Mathematicians Recognised by The UK Mathematics Trust
The UK Mathematics Trust was founded in 1996 and its charitable aim is to advance the education of young people in mathematics. The maths challenges set encourage students to work collaboratively on a range of intriguing mathematical problems. Mrs Puleston who led the organisation of the Maths Challenge worked very hard organising encouraging and supporting a group of Year 9, 10 & 11 students to complete the UK Maths Challenge and lots of them received certificates for their achievements. These were awarded by the United Kingdom Mathematics Trust. Mr Wakefield and Miss Maciver - Drummond our KS4 Maths Coordinator were both pleased and honoured to award the certificates to a very deserving group of young and very talented mathematicians.
Leo Weller to Compete in the East Essex Regional Final for the Jack Petchey "Speak Out" Challenge
Leo Weller fended off very strong competition to reach the East Essex Regional Final for the Jack Petchey "Speak Out" Challenge taking place at Colchester Academy on Wednesday 4th May. Doors will open at 6:oopm and the event will start at 6:30pm. The results of the competitors that Leo had to compete against speak volumes for the demands of the competition and can be viewed here. However, Ms Theobald who organised the competition said, "It was very hard to choose a winner the standards set by everyone were amazingly good."
Results of the "Speak Out" Challenge
1st place - Leo Weller
In joint 2nd place - Molly Welsted and Paddy O'Brien
In joint 3rd place - Scarlett Chapman and Benjamin Frost
Finalists - Becca Palmer, Oliver Copper and Ella Mansfield
Mr Wakefield pictured with the challenge group as well as with Leo, could not have been prouder of everyone that was awarded a certificate for their participation in this important event.
He was absolutely delighted to award the certificates personally and to offer praise, encouragement, and his thanks.
Good luck Leo, we know you will be fantastic on the day.
British Championship Flat Track Competitor Cooper Rushen is a Winner
Motorcycle Grass track is a form of track racing which typically, in its current form, takes place on a flat track consisting of two straights and two bends usually constructed in a field. It is one of the oldest types of motorcycle sports in the UK. Our very own Cooper Rushen has a natural talent for this type of sport and competes successfully in the British Championships.