Posted on: 5/03/2024Nathan Ward WorkshopMiss Burrell, Head of Art We were very lucky to have Amery Hill alumni Nathan Ward visit the department again this year to work alongside our Year 10 GCSE Fine Art and 3D Art students. Nathan is a paper and cardboard artist and began by showing the students examples of some of his recent projects which included multiple installations at the National Trust property Waddesdon Manor as part of their Christmas displays. He then did a demonstration where he taught the students different techniques on manipulating paper and how to construct 3D shapes before they were then given the opportunity to create their own artwork to be displayed as part of an underwater scene. The students really enjoyed having the opportunity to work collaboratively and create their pieces over the course of three periods and the final displays look fantastic. View Article
Posted on: 29/04/2024The DOSE Effect - TJ Power VisitThe DOSE Effect is an approach championed by Tj Power, a neuroscientist, who has been working with the school to educate our students, families and staff to help us to understand how brain chemistry affects mental health, and how the things that we do can positively influence these chemicals. We are delighted to have been awarded financial support from Waitrose Alton and Gallagher Insurance which will enable us to extend the programme to other students and families within our school community. The potential of this project is far reaching and having trialled the programme with our Year 9 students, we have already had some incredible feedback. The students have been really engaged with the programme and the workshops that Tj has run for them and the feedback suggests that it is making a positive difference for many within our community – students, primarily of course, but families too. Educating and supporting our young people to understand and further their knowledge on how to enhance their mental health will not only lead them to being more fulfilled but will help them to achieve their full potential at school and also beyond, as they turn their minds to college, perhaps university and employment. Our thanks to both Waitrose Alton and Gallagher Insurance for seeing the benefit for our students in this programme and for providing additional funds to allow us to roll out the programme to other students. What the students said... "Loved having you at my school, defo going to miss your sessions every week" "Thanks so much WE ALL miss you already" "Thank you so much for coming into our school. I have learnt a lot from you. Also my mum thought you were amazing" "Really interesting to learn about all the different chemicals and has definitely changed the small things in my life to make a big difference thanks so much" "Thank you so much for coming to my school. I have learnt so much from you over the past few weeks" What our parents said... “Just a quick note to say thanks so much for organising Tj Power's school visits and the talk last night. He was brilliant! So insightful; I think it's great that you guys have brought him into Amery to work with the kids. My child has been working harder at school, taking the dog for walks and has even set a TikTok limit on her phone - all off her own back! Really appreciate it. Thanks again.” “I just wanted to say thank you for the session with Tj yesterday. I was incredibly interesting and really gave us something to think about with the girls. I hope that other years will be able to benefit in the future- very much education for life and giving a different perspective. We are enjoying our hugs very much!” “Thank you for bringing Tj Power into school yesterday to talk to the Yr 9 parents - I found him really easy to listen to, I found his DOSE effect really resonated with this age group. My child and I chatted about it afterwards and already have planned some things to focus on doing from now on. I’d love to see this continue through and embed into the school. Many thanks.” “Thanks again for organising last night. Tj is so engaging and I can see why the kids got so much out of it too. I definitely went away with some new motivation to improve things at home.” View Article
Posted on: 26/06/2024Year 11 Prom: Sunshine, smiles, tears and mini-golfYear 11 gathered at the beautiful Audleys Wood Hotel for a magical night celebrating the proud achievements of their five years together at Amery Hill School. The arrival of police and fire service vehicles in the first few minutes turned out to be false alarms, as bevies of glamorous students emerged from both. They joined their fellow dapper Year 11 friends, who arrived on the red carpet from all manner of other transportation, both quirky and classic. After welcome drinks, attendees took advantage of some rare summer evening sun, playing the many party games which the Prom Committee had organised – including limbo and mini-golf – against the beautiful background of the hotel grounds and the golden fields beyond. They then descended on the beautifully-decorated marquee for a scrumptious barbecue and ice creams. The atmosphere on the night was utterly joyful, with everyone dancing and laughing together for hours, helped along by tunes from Year 11’s best-kept secret, the band ‘Four No More’, and a staff band into the bargain. Most people seemed to end up holding their shoes, and complaining of blisters, which is generally a sign of a good night had by all! Most were reluctant to leave the party, with final memories shared and tears shed at the end. It was an unforgettable night, and a worthy tribute to a year group that has been through so much together. But they’re ready for the next adventures in their lives now, and if they approach those with half the energy that they did this prom, they will be absolutely fine! Visit https://bit.ly/3W8Jikj to view the Prom Gallery. View Article
Posted on: 17/05/2024Mini Orchard PlantedAs part of the Unicef UK’s Outright Campaign students involved in the Rights Respecting Schools Award and Eco-Union joined forces to make Amery Hill a little bit greener and more sustainable. One of their ideas was to plant and grow apple trees within the school grounds. Our thanks to Haskins Forest Lodge Garden Centre for donating the trees. In September students will begin working on a new campaign and towards our goal to gain the Gold Award next year. We look forward to continuing to develop our skills and knowledge about all things Rights Respecting and the CRC View Article
Posted on: 17/12/2024Festive Fun!The Amery Hill Christmas Fayre took place this week with every student having an opportunity to attend with their year group friends during the school day. Completely organised and co-ordinated by the Student Parliament, with guidance from Mr Severs, the Main Hall was transformed into a festive fayre for everyone to enjoy! With home bakes, tombola stalls, karaoke, face painting, hand-made eco decorations, games and much, much more, the Events and Charity Committee, supported by the Community Committee, pulled off a fabulous day of fundraising, with the emphasis on festive fun! The origins of the Fayre go back to 2021 when the Student Parliament set themselves an aim to improve the sense of community at Amery Hill School, while at the same time, reaching out to support local charities and forge relationships with local businesses. They have certainly achieved that this week and in spectacular style! Our thanks to the many businesses who supported the event with incredibly generous prize donations. This year the majority of the money raised from the Fayre will be donated to the Salvation Army, with a small portion going towards funding the drama production of Grease. Last year the Appeal distributed more than 84,000 gifts and this year, the number of families requesting help is expected to rise yet further as a result of the cost of living crisis. Operating in over 650 communities across the UK, the Salvation Army provides support to those who are facing poverty, for struggling families and for older people in our communities seeking companionship. They provide food parcels to families and toys to children whose parents are unable to afford presents. Our students have again done us proud and reminded us how compassionate they are. A massive well done to everyone involved, and in particular our Events and Charity and Community Committees who have been busy for months to ensure the Fayre was a wonderful and successful event. View Article
Posted on: 26/06/2023Amery Hill School Announces New HeadteacherAmery Hill School in Alton is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Headteacher, Mr Rob Jeckells, who will take up the position, in September 2023, after the summer holidays. Mr Jeckells is a highly experienced Deputy Headteacher from Kings’ School in Winchester. The comprehensive recruitment process included seeking external independent advice as well as involving a broad cross-section of Trustees, staff and students in the school. One of our objectives was to find a Headteacher who understands and shares our outlook, which is rooted in strong values. Throughout our discussions it was clear that Mr Jeckells, not only shares our focus on academic excellence and high achievement for all, but will continue to develop our ethos and vision in the future. We would like to congratulate Mr Mann, our current Headteacher, who has been appointed as CEO of Wildern Academy Trust and will take up his new position in September. Rob Jeckells said: ‘It will be my honour and privilege to lead Amery Hill School. I am a strong believer in the power of education to transform lives, and I’m ambitious to build upon the work of the current Headteacher and staff. The opportunity to lead Amery Hill School and serve the whole community is hugely exciting for me and I’m looking forward to leading the school into the next phase of its history.’ Lorna Vickery, Chair of Trustees, said ‘We are very sad to see Mr Mann depart and thank him for all the hard work and dedication he has shown to ensure the very best for the students at Amery Hill School. Mr Mann has worked tirelessly with the Senior Leadership Team, staff and Trustees over the last five years to strengthen the academic excellence of our school and maintain our caring ethos, whilst steering the school through the Covid pandemic. We look forward to a bright future for the school with Mr Jeckells, whilst wishing Mr Mann every success, health and happiness with his future career.’View Article
