ASTON MANOR ACADEMY PART OF EQUITAS ACADEMIES TRUST
Welcome to our Summer 2025 newsletter, and we have so much to celebrate this term! Our OFSTED report highlighted the excellent practice and standards of the school and our exceptional young people, who represented themselves and the school with pride. This is a great school to be part of, not in the least because of our unique student community who teach us so much every day, and enable our teachers to support them to achieve some phenomenal outcomes. I am so proud of our outstanding young people. This year Aston Manor Academy were nominated for a teaching award for the National Teaching Awards, and although we did not win we received a commendation for “Making a Difference - Secondary School of the Year.”
2025
SUMMER NEWS
For the first time in a number of years our students were part of an unforgettable trip to France, they visited Euro-Disney as well as immersing themselves in French culture. We have this year staff have organised over 100 school trips and visits to enrich pupil’s learning experiences, and you will see some of those in this newsletter. We believe these visits are crucial to wider opportunities and improving outcomes for our students. Ms Mulhearn our HLTA is leaving Aston Manor Academy after 28 years of dedicated service and we would like to wish her a long and happy retirement. I would like to say a final thank you to all of our parents who are always so supportive of the school, and I wish you all a safe and peaceful summer break. Ms Sweeney
Madame Affane meets the King - A Royal Experience to Remember
On 14th May, I was truly honoured to be invited to Buckingham Palace for a garden party in recognition of the contributions made by those who work in education. It was an amazing experience - a day I will forever remember in my teaching career. I had the immense privilege of seeing members of the Royal Family, in particular King Charles, and I represented AMA to the best of my ability during this diplomatic event. It was a proud moment for me, and a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the important role education plays in shaping future generations.
Drawing Club WHOLE SCHOOL
MORPURGO LE
TTER
SCHOOL LIBRARY Visitors to the school library may notice some recent changes. A new floor plan that organises fiction by genre, similar to a bookshop, allows students to explore subjects that really interest them. The most popular fiction genres are comedy and manga. ‘It is so much easier picking a book by genre,’ says Siyaam Mohammed (year 8). Over 1,000 books have been weeded to make space for new materials; Student volunteers have been helping to label books, reshelve books and clean the shelves. Displays in the library encourage students to share what they are reading and make recommendations to their peers. There is a Read Together shelf to inspire book groups and future plans to add a comfortable reading nook with shelving beside the main desk. Activities continue in the library space during break and lunch times, including bookmark making, drawing, doodle art, dragon puppets, knit and crochet, and movie club.
Almost as soon as Braden Makoni (year 8) started at AMA, he asked if he could run a drawing club. He wanted to bring other students who were serious about drawing together to share tips and encourage each other in their work. He says that just like any subject, hard work and determination will get you there. The drawing club has been meeting at the library on Thursdays since January. Student work is displayed in the library and the club holds regular competitions. It has an attendance of around five to ten students. Popular subjects are manga characters and human portraits. Varsha Matta (year 7) says, ‘While I am drawing, I discover what I really want to say.’ The artists use video tutorials and books to develop their craft. ‘Every line or scribble is a masterpiece,’ says Sureha Jalil (year 7).
COMPETITION WINNERS! Numeracy day - Pupils were given the opportunity to research how numbers are used in their ideal job or their favourite hobby. We had lots of fabulous entries! Pupils demonstrated their research and creative skills to explain how numbers are used by doctors, pilots, architects, engineers and footballers. Congratulations to
the winners and well done to everyone who participated. All pupils received a 4Be for their participation and the winners have received a certificate and voucher. 1st Prize: Malak (Year 8) 2nd Prize: Abir (Year 10) 3rd Prize: Varsha (Year 7)