Dear Parents and Carers,
It has been a busy and exciting year at NUAST. We have made great progress and are proud of the developments we have made throughout the year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your ongoing support which has enabled us to give our students amazing opportunities both in and out of the classroom. We have spent time focusing on our mission, vision and values which are integral to all we do; our mission to be truly transformational means we strive to continuously improve.
Thank you to those parents/carers who have given your views in the recent survey. I was delighted that more parents/carers than ever took the time to feedback. I was encouraged to see the improvements that we have made have been appreciated by our parents/carers. There was a 32% increase in those parents/carers who felt that communication was good between home and school. The majority of those who responded felt that they were informed well about attendance, punctuality, behaviour and progress. There was improvement in all areas compared to last year and we compare favorably with national feedback, however, we will continue to seek feedback and continue to develop. The areas identified from the survey to develop are around homework and supporting parents/carers to help their child with aspects of the curriculum. Additionally, some parents/carers would like more information about the work we do within our trust, I will include this in future correspondence. To further develop communication, you will have received a letter about our move to classcharts, this replaces MCAS which will not be used from September. Please also follow us on X (formerly Twitter) @NUASTUK to keep up to date.
This year, we have worked hard to develop the great opportunities we provide our students through developing our personal development curriculum. Students have benefited from a range of inspirational speakers and exciting trips and visits with lots more planned for 2024-25. Some of the highlights are shown below. In all of these visits, feedback from members of the public and our staff has highlighted what a credit our students are to our school and their families.
During this year, the work of our student council has led to us continuing to improve. They have had significant impact on the work we are doing to develop teaching and learning, the content of PSHE lessons and developments around the site which include changes to outside space which are being developed in the summer break.
We are immensely proud of our Year 11 and 13 students who demonstrated our values impeccably during the exam period. They showed great resilience, they never gave up. They respected each other throughout through constant support to their peers. They were aspirational, always trying to get the mark they missed last time! We know that their hard work and dedication will pay off when they receive their results in the summer. Furthermore, our Year 10 students have followed along the same path, they have focused and applied themselves during their mock exams and we have already seen some amazing results.
Please take the time to look through the sections below which celebrate the excellent year we have had but also give information about the start of term. Please also find the most recent parent/carer guide on this link.
I wish you and your family a fantastic summer and look forward to working with you in the new term.
Kind Regards
Dave Thompson
Headteacher
End of Term
The end of term is busy and exciting!
Friday 19th July - Year 7 - 10 Awards Ceremony
Monday 22nd July - Sports Day
Tuesday 23rd July - Whole School Culture Day
Wednesday 24th July - Last Day (students finish at 12.20 - lunch available (pre ordered))
Results Days
For families with students in Year 11 a quick reminder that GCSE results day is Thursday August 22nd and students can collect their results from 8.30am. Parents and carers are very welcome to come into the school building to accompany their child and enjoy the moment.
For families with students in Year 13, a quick reminder that A Level results day is Thursday August 15th. Students can collect their results from 8.00am. Parents and carers are very welcome to come into the school building to accompany their child and enjoy the moment.
Start of Term
Tuesday 3rd September - All Year Groups return
Arrival times
We look forward to welcoming all students back to NUAST on 3rd September 2024 at 8:15am.
Year 7 will make their way to the hall on the 2nd floor where they will be met by their Head of Year and tutor.
All other year groups will go to their tutor rooms.
Parent/Carer events
For all parent evening dates and times, please see below:
Communication
We will continue to X (formally known as Twitter) to celebrate key events and more importantly student work and success. Please take a look at our account @NUASTUK so that you can see all the fabulous work our students produce and the experiences they have!
From September, all behaviour, rewards and attendance will be communicated through ClassCharts and therefore it is important that you access the app prior to the new academic year. Based on our Trust partner schools who have been using ClassCharts for some time, we know that this app will enhance the information you can access as well as strengthen our lines of communication as we continue our mission of developing a transformational academy.
For more information on ClassCharts and how to get started, please use this link – ClassCharts. If you have any questions relating to the ClassCharts system, please email classcharts@nuast.org
Our main points of communication
Your child’s tutor will always be the first point of contact, followed by the year leader/subject leader and then a member of SLT. Also:
Firstly, a massive thank you for helping us maintain high standards with regards to uniform – it is really appreciated. Students will continue to be given regular reminders on the run up to the break so that there is an opportunity to address any missing items prior to their return in September. We will continue our drive for excellence in all that we do at NUAST, that includes all students wearing our uniform with pride.
Additionally, thank you for your help in ensuring that all KS3/4 students are wearing all items of uniform (ties, shoes and blazers) prior to entering the school gate, this has resulted in students being settled more quickly.
All academy staff are aware of the above expectations so that we can consistently apply these across the academy in line with policy. For more information on our uniform policy, including the standards expected for 6th form students, please see - https://www.nuast.org.uk/page.php?p=uniform
Equipment:
In order to get your child off to the best possible start, please ensure they have the following equipment for their first day back in September:
Student Council has been going from strength to strength. NUAST students have a lot of great, thoughtful ideas and we are delighted that they are embracing this opportunity to shape the future of the school. This term, the focus has been on teaching and learning: from a student's perspective, what is going well and what could be even better? Through discussions in tutor time, students have all had an opportunity to have their voice heard. Year 9 Student Council members Melody Cummings and Daniel Mughal gave an excellent presentation to SLT summarising the views of students. The final stage in the process is always a 'you said, we did' slot in Mr Thompson's Monday Assembly to tell students how their voice has shaped the future of the school.
Our breakfast club provision has continued to expand thanks to Mrs Watson's hard work and support from the learning support team. Students are now experiencing a much wider range of food, whilst socialising with their friends and playing games. A great start to each morning!
Students at NUAST have been learning about democracy and the key features of each party's manifesto over recent weeks. All were keen to have their say on which party they thought would have the biggest benefits! Students learned the importance of voting, knowing that your voice will only be heard if we exercise our right to vote.
On the morning of election day, NUAST had it's very own polling station. Led by 6th form students, there was a huge turnout with students able to make an informed choice and be able to place their vote. A results broadcast was then given live to all students to announce the winning party! #democracyinaction
Duke of Edinburgh
Our Duke of Edinburgh Programme is well established and led by an experienced team of staff. All of our expeditions (Bronze and Silver) this term have been fantastic. On each trip students have shown huge amounts of resilience whether it be due to the challenge of the route or from torrential rain. The students have demonstrated great team work. On all trips, members of the public have contacted the school to report how respectful and polite the students were. The students have been a true credit to the school and their families. We expect our D of E programme to grow even more next year!
Brilliant Club Graduates
The Brilliant Club is a programme which challenges young people through a range of experiences. These students have engaged with the programme which has involved them going to University. They all graduated, some with first class honours! #aspiration
Staff v 6th Form Football
Our staff took on the challenge from our 6th Form. The match demonstrated the talent within our 6th form and has give the staff the inspiration to train! Well Done to our 6th Form who won 4-0.
Public speaking exams
Well Done to our Year 12 students who have worked with an inspirational teacher this year and achieved qualifications in public speaking. A course which has helped them develop such an essential skill. Well Done to all involved.
BBQ
A well earned treat! A whole school BBQ
NUAST: Making a difference
Thank you to all who contributed when one of our students gave themselves a great challenge to raise money for such a great cause.
What a busy term!! Student voice asked for more trips so we kicked off the summer term with a great selection. We look forward to more next year which start when our new Year 7s go on a residential to Walesby!
Here's a selection of the many trips that our students have experienced this term.
Space Centre - Year 7
On Tuesday 4th June, 116 Year 7 pupils enjoyed a visit to the National Space Centre in Leicester. This visit enabled our pupils to explore Maths and Science in the real world, with a focus on Space. Pupils had the opportunity to navigate their way around several interactive galleries, work their way up a 42-metre-high Rocket Tower and learn about what being an astronaut entails through a full-dome show, The Astronaut, in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium. Galleries at the National Space Centre include 'The Universe', 'Space Oddities', 'Our Solar System', 'Home Planet' and 'Into Space'. Interactive activities at the National Space Centre that pupils were able to engage in ranged from touch tables, that afforded the opportunity to explore items in closer detail, to driving a Martian Rover to creating and designing their own aliens.
Pupils did an amazing job of representing the Academy and a great day was had by pupils and staff alike, exploring Maths and Science in the Real World.
Wollaton Hall - Year 8
Year 8 had a fantastic day at Wollaton Park in June. The weather was good to us and students enjoyed picnics and outdoor games in the beautiful grounds. They also got involved in some pond dipping to measure the health of the habitat, and discovered interesting natural history artifacts within the Hall itself, including ancient fossils, insects and birds.
Galleries of Justice - Year 9
Year 9 enjoyed a day learning about the history of the justice system at Nottingham's Galleries of Justice. They learned about issues around knife crime which they were then able to put into practice through a mock court-case in the Victorian courtroom to decide the fate of a defendant. The day also included a tour of the Georgian gaol and cells that date back hundreds of years. Year 9s came back to school full of stories about the challenges juries face when deciding on the guilt of a defendant.
Alton Towers - Year 10 and Year 12 Physics!
We had an exhilarating and educational day at Alton Towers, diving into the Physics of motion through the thrilling experience of rollercoasters. Armed with the knowledge of concepts like velocity, acceleration, and gravitational forces from their classroom studies, the students eagerly embarked on their adventure.
The first stop was the iconic, recently reopened, Nemesis, where they felt the intense G-forces firsthand, understanding how centripetal force keeps them in their seats during the high-speed loops. Next, they experienced the breathtaking drops of Oblivion, gaining a practical understanding of free fall and the effects of gravity.
Throughout the day, the students engaged in hands-on activities and discussions, linking their rollercoaster experiences to classroom theories. Some students even measured speeds, calculated accelerations, and observed the conservation of energy in action through the use of a motion tracking app. The Smiler, with its record-breaking inversions, provided a perfect example of kinetic and potential energy transformations.
By the end of the day, the students were not only thrilled by the rides but also enriched with a deeper understanding of the Physics of motion. The combination of fun and learning made this day at Alton Towers an unforgettable educational experience.
NUAST students were treated to a Spanish lesson with a twist on 17th July , experiencing loads of Spanish food by cooking it for themselves!
Dr Stuart Lawrence
Nottingham University Academy of Science and Technology (NUAST) welcomed Dr Stuart Lawrence for a jam-packed day of inspirational talks to students and staff.
Stuart is the brother of Stephen Lawrence who was killed in a racist attack by a gang of white men in 1993.
He has since become a consultant, youth engagement specialist, coach and public speaker and is driven to teach young people to help make their communities a better place.
Pupils at NUAST - which is part of Nova Education Trust - started their day listening and talking about how they as individuals can make the world a better place.
Stuart said: “I do these talks in hope of developing change with the end goal of making the world a better place.
"If we teach our children the importance of integrity, empathy, effective communication, hope and the importance to represent yourself and to help each other reach their goals, then we can achieve a better community.
"But it’s not just children who need to learn this, it starts with having role models in their lives who they can reflect with and support each other through the journey.”
One key message throughout the day was “life is 10% what happens to you and 90% of how you react to it” and this formed one of many important parts of Stuart’s presentation.
With topics covering language behaviour, actions, peer accountability, voice and understanding, it was clear to everyone why it is essential for these discussions to take part in schools.
Deputy Head Teacher, Carl Atkin, said, “This school is in a diverse catchment area and we pride ourselves on celebrating different cultures and promoting inclusivity.
"Stuart’s words are a solid example of our school ethos. His presentation showed our students how their decisions can have a huge impact on yourself, your friends and the wider community.
“Our students participated throughout the day and it was positive to witness the enthusiasm and interaction with such an inspirational role model.”
If anyone understands the impact individuals’ decisions can have on a family’s life and journey, it is Stuart and his family.
Since losing his brother in April 1993, Stuart has dedicated his life to give children and adults the skills to reach their potential and change society regardless of socioeconomically disadvantages.
Rt Hon Baroness Stowell
Baroness Tina Stowell was Chair of the Charity Commission from February 2018 to February 2021.
She joined the House of Lords as a backbencher in January 2011 and was promoted to the government front bench in September the same year. She was Leader of the House of Lords and Lord Privy Seal from July 2014 until July 2016.
Severn Trent
A really inspiring talk from Seven Trent about our water system and how we can all do our bit to prevent fatbergs!
Year 10 - Year 11 Ready conference
Baasit Siddiqui (TV personality and educationalist!)
Year 10 had a fantastic motivational assembly followed by an hour- long workshop consisting of four motivational ‘Ted Talk’ inspired stories. Between each talk students were encouraged to reflect on the key messages which focus on:
Recognising opportunity
Valuing your island
The power in recognising your biases
Having a GREAT mindset
A really useful session with the perfect blend of humility, humour and thought-provoking messages!
Year 11 and 13 Proms
It's been a term of celebrations as we gave our Year 11 and 13 students the best send off! With students looking their very best and arriving in style, they were able to share the best times with their peers and teachers whilst saying their last goodbyes before the summer results days. We wish every one of them the very best for the future and look forward to celebrating with them one more time on the August result days.
Year 10 and 12 Mock exams
Our Year 10 and 12 students were an absolute credit during the mock exams. So many of them arrived early to have breakfast and get into some last minute revision before the exam. A fabulous atmosphere and a real sense of support for each other.
The overwhelming majority of students really applied themselves and went all out to prepare themselves for each exam. They were well supported on the run up to the mocks too. The hard work has paid off - some excellent results, including a good amount of Grade 9s in Maths already! An excellent starting point for them as they approach their final year. We look forward to seeing the results for our Year 12s too who are well ready for the challenges of Year 13.
Enrichment Activities
The past term has been very busy for our Year 12. We have visited Nottingham University where students were given the opportunity to experience a lecture, have a tour of the campus and participate in a Personal Statement Workshop to support students in their preparations for their applications to Universities or for Apprenticeships. We also took a group of students to visit the University of Cambridge. Students were given a tour of the university and then were able to attend lectures of their choice.
We have also had a number of external speakers in school to talk about their personal experiences and give guidance to students on a wide range of topics including building business links, overcoming personal challenges and developing a positive mindset. Baasit Siddiqui, a motivational speaker for education and business (also a regular feature on Gogglebox!) spoke to the Sixth Form in April about his own experience of growing a business. The Right Honorable Dr. Stuart Lawrence, consultant and youth engagement specialist has visited NUAST this month. During his session with year 12 he talked about how he dealt with the murder of his older brother Stephen Lawrence, his career, and how he has overcome challenges to reach out and have a positive impact on the lives of young people. Lisa Avery, the Positive Psychologist has also delivered a workshop on how to overcome a negative mindset, embrace challenges and coaching techniques to be used in both an individual and group settings.
Farewell Year 13
We said our farewells to the current year 13 at our leavers Prom on the 27th June. The students looked amazing and we are very proud of all they have achieved this year.
Summer working
While we want students to enjoy their summer holiday and recharge, we would also urge them to not switch off completely this summer and consider a plan of revision and working to fit with their holidays and leisure time. In addition to the work set by their teachers, students have access to Uplearn ( https://uplearn.co.uk/)
This is an excellent online tool which can aid revision and support with identifying and overcoming gaps in learning. Our past experiences tell us that students who have been diligent in working steadily over the summer at addressing their academic weaknesses can make enormous progress, in some cases transforming where they could realistically apply for university. Students in Year13 should remember also that next summer will be around four months long because of the early finish after exams, and they will have plenty of time to make up for any sacrifices they make this summer.
Careers preparation
We would like all students to spend some time on their future planning this summer. Whether to apply to university or for an apprenticeship is a decision, which some students have made and others are still considering carefully.
We would urge students to book on to any open days still running in the summer and we are happy to support with authorising time in the autumn term for open days as well. Some universities record attendance to these and do factor it into offers.
We have a number of tools available to guide students through their decision making and also support with their application process. Unifrog is a powerful tool that students have had access to all year. Not only does it allow them to write their personal statements (and apprenticeship application letters) on a shared platform that their tutors can access and use to leave comments, but it is also a powerful search tool. It allows students to search for courses (and suggests similar courses) from all those available, tailored to their potential grades. These searches can be filtered according to location and university teaching quality. This same service is also available for students seeking apprenticeships. The web address of Unifrog is www.unifrog.org.
The early entry deadline for Universities is the 15th October. The deadline for all other university courses is the 29th January 2025. I want all students to aim to have their first personal statement draft completed by return to school in September. This will enable the Sixth Form team to review and suggest improvements. Mrs Ryce and I will be running UCAS drop in sessions Thursday after school in the Autumn term. We will also be offering mock interviews following the early entry deadline.
NUAST Super-Curricular
Students have continued to be very pro-active in widening their experience beyond the academic, developing key skills which will be of benefit as they embark on their post 18 journeys. We hope to celebrate their success with an awards ceremony in the Autumn term. I also encourage students to access Springpod https://www.springpod.com/ which allows free access to Virtual Work Experience with a range of employers and universities. This gives students the opportunity to try out a range of careers which can also be referenced in job applications and personal statements. In addition, students have access to EtonX and Furturelearn. These sites offer online courses which students can pursue specific areas of interest.
The Sixth Form Student Leadership Team
We have now completed the first stage of interviews for our new student Sixth Form leadership team.
In the first half term interviews took place for our Sixth Form leadership team. The leadership team 2024-25 consists of:
We have a programme of building and facilities improvements which will enhance the learning environment for all our students. These improvements include:
Join our X (formally known as Twitter) community for content and the latest news and announcements! We have had much to celebrate so far and our students should be proud of their achievements - click the image below to learn more of what has been going on in and out of NUAST! @NUASTUK
NUAST
Train to teach with the Nottinghamshire Torch SCITT