At Westbourne Academy, we have linear tutor groups and a programme of weekly assemblies by year group.
The focus of assemblies is based on the principles of STAR.
S – Be safe
T – Be thoughtful
A – Be accountable
R – Be responsible
Year Group assemblies take place during tutor time at 8:35-8:55.
Other themes that have been featured in assemblies include national HATE crime awareness week, anti-bullying week, Young Carers Day and National Road Safety Week. To mark Armistice Day in November, History teacher Mr Archer, shares an outstanding assembly with us on the facts behind the Great War and its impact on the nation and on Ipswich in particular.
At the beginning of every term, the Principal delivers an assembly to each year group where they take a moment to outline any developments, expectations or areas of focus. We learn about STAR and LORIC and the ways in which their ethos can be applied every day, by everyone, in small but meaningful ways. We learn about kindness and how this may be shown to those around us, at home and at school and how it should be expected in return.
At the end of every term, Heads of Year recognise the achievements of their students and Houses as as whole and a range of certificates are presented. Every year in September, the academy Houses hold a huge cake and bake sale in aid of MacMillan.
At the end of the autumn and summer terms, the academy community of staff and students assembles together in the sports hall or virtually for a whole school assembly. In the summer term, there is a palpable sense of excitement, when the winning House for sports day is announced.