Blended Learning Area
Funded by The Ridge Foundation to support young people with emotional, mental health and social needs
We started the academic year with a new Hub to support students with a range of special educational and mental health needs, funded by a charitable foundation set up by entrepreneur Darren Ridge.
The Ridge Centre is a new hub area providing a quiet, calm setting where students who find classrooms challenging can learn and receive one-to-one support.
It was funded by a donation of £30,000 from The Ridge Foundation, set up by Darren to help young people from challenging backgrounds to achieve their potential.
Darren, who co-founded telecoms provider Onecom and continues to invest in telecoms and tech businesses, was a pupil at the Academy when it was known as Wakeford Comprehensive School.
The Hub is fitted with technology that allows students to listen to live lessons from their teachers on their own, while still benefiting from being in the school environment.
Headteacher Vicki Dillon-Thiselton said: ‘Our school has a high level of need, both in terms of the levels of deprivation of the children who come into the school, and their social, emotional, and mental health concerns.
“Some of those young people find it difficult to respond appropriately to situations that they find challenging, and we need provision in the school to support them on a more individualised basis. That takes time and money, and is where the Ridge Foundation has been able to help.
“In the Hub we welcome a range of young people with different levels of need, and adults working with them, so they can access education in a way they couldn’t before.
“Thanks to this donation we’ve got young people who are accessing education and are going to get qualifications that they simply wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
On a visit to his former school to see the Hub in action, Darren met students including 15-year-old Layton Outen, who uses the facilities there to help him focus. Layton has already made huge progress to overcome many of his challenges, and has set his sights on becoming an engineering apprentice.
Following the visit, Darren said: “Meeting young people like Layton brings home the challenges young people and teachers face, especially in areas affected by deprivation, but also how they can achieve extraordinary things together. I set up the Ridge Foundation to help provide resources to support work to raise aspirations among young people, and it was fantastic to see first-hand how this project is already making a difference.”
The Ridge Foundation continues to work with Havant Academy to support a range of projects, including a forthcoming awards evening to reward progress and performance.
Find out more about its work at www.theridgefoundation.com
TECH: TRUCK VISIT
Our Year 9 students had the opportunity recently to interact with a range of technologies supplied by the TECH:TRUCK a brand new mobile education and technology roadshow. Born to help engage and inspire children and young adults into the world of tech and career opportunities open to them. Following additional funding from the Local Skills Improvement Fund, the latest version of the TECH:TRUCK highlights specific career pathways within sectors that the Solent region has pinpointed for development. They include the creative industries, maritime, logistics and health & social care sectors.
Students enjoyed the experience immensely and were able to gain insight into how the technologies they usually only use for gaming can also help them in their future career aspirations.
The truck includes on board virtual and augmented reality systems, marine and flight simulation technologies, fully programmable robotic arms, drones, 3D printers and more. Fareham College led the project in collaboration with ten other local education providers, including: HSDC, Eastleigh College, City of Portsmouth College, IOW College, Brockenhurst College, HTP Apprenticeship College, Solent Partners, Southampton College.
Gallery of Excellence
We recognise the importance of showcasing examples of excellent work by our students. We feel sharing this outstanding work raises aspirations and shows all students the standard they should be aiming for.
Through our Gallery of Excellence, the student’s work creates an exciting and aspirational area with a sense of pride. The new area not only makes our school look amazing, but also showcases the student’s excellent achievements.
Each half term, we request for all teaching subjects to share examples of exemplary work, achievements and/or celebrations. The following are current recognitions within the autumn one:
Alexie-Grace Avis (Year 7) – English work looking at the difference between year 8 Football Team – Four nil victory in the Hampshire Cup.
Elise (Year 11) – Art coursework
Callum (Year 11) – Poetry comparison looking at how poets show the power of nature
Keeley (Year 11) – Catering work, evaluating cooking techniques
Keris (Year 11) – GCSE Spanish 90-word task for writing exam Cheerleading enrichment – creativity and a great routine
Priyanka (Year 11) – Maths work and exam revision simultaneous equations and percentages
Olivia (Year 9) – Art research of Sarah Graham
Maci (Year 8) – History excellent presentation skills, research and investigation of the French Revolution
Megan (Year 11) – Maths authentic sequence and cumulative frequency work, excellence.
Visit to West Cowes Activity Centre
A group of 20-30 students and staff enjoyed an inspirational programme using sailing and water sports as a catalyst for positive change. The week-long residential trip provided students with an intensive programme of activities and water-based programmes designed to increase life skills.
Students braved the Solent crossing in challenging conditions, with strong winds and choppy waters testing their resolve. Despite the weather, spirits were high as we made our way across, sharing laughter and stories on the way.
Students hopped into dinghies, learning the basics of sailing. Under the watchful eye of their instructors, everyone had a chance to take the helm and feel the wind in their hair. Wet team games meant they had to strategise in a series of fun challenges.
Students navigated the beautiful waters, honing their skills and building confidence on the water. With each activity, the students grew closer as a team, creating memories that will last a lifetime and for many this was their first experience of water-based activities.
Several students truly stood out with their exceptional effort and determination. Joe B impressed the dinghy sailing instructors so much that they offered him extra challenges to test his skills. Pixie M consistently gave 100% in every activity, inspiring those around her. Mackenzie R pushed himself out of his comfort zone, embracing new challenges with enthusiasm. Blossom brought her competitive spirit, always giving her all during competitions. Darcy R maintained a positive attitude throughout the trip, motivating her teammates to do their best. These students exemplified the spirit of teamwork and perseverance, making our adventure even more memorable!
“It was great to see how enthusiastic the young people of Havant Academy were, getting stuck in to all the activities and growing more and more confident in the water with every day they spent at UKSA. Our instructors loved being part of the memories the children made, and think some of the students could even have a future in dinghy sailing! It was our genuine pleasure to welcome Havant Academy for their first trip to UKSA, and we hope to see them again many more times in the future.” – Charlie Fairclough, Schools & Groups Manager