Dear families,
It’s been another brilliant week at Astrea Academy Dearne. Thank you to everyone who joined us online for our hugely successful Year 9 Scholar Review Evening – your support makes such a difference.
Across the school, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing some truly fantastic lessons this week – my favourite part of every day! Our scholars continue to impress us with their focus and ambition.
A huge well done to Year 7, whose attendance is flying high at the moment. This strong, consistent attendance really matters, and we are grateful for the encouragement you provide at home.
We also want to extend a warm welcome to our new Year 7 families who have been allocated places this week. We’re very much looking forward to meeting you at our welcome event next week.
Today as always, we’ve also celebrated our weekly Hot Chocolate Friday – a lovely chance to recognise scholars who consistently go above and beyond. And for Year 11, preparations for their upcoming mock results event continue, with a special celebration breakfast today to recognise their hard work so far.
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
Warm regards,
Emma Glover
Executive Principal
Key Dates
- Wednesday 11th March – Year 6 Welcome Evening
- Friday 20th March – INSET Day
- Monday 23rd March – Y11 Mock Results Celebration
- Wednesday 25th March – Year 9 Options Event
- Monday 30th March – Friday 10th April – Easter break
- Tuesday 21st April – Wednesday 22nd April – Y9 Vaccinations
- Wednesday 29th April – Year 8 Scholar Review Evening
Lunch Menu
A Meal Deal consists of the following:
- A meal meal and either a pudding or water
- A sandwich and either a cookie or water
- A pasta pot and either a cookie or water
Barnsley Parent Power Survey
We would be grateful if you could take a few minutes to complete the survey below from The Brilliant Club. The Brilliant Club has recently launched Barnsley Parent Power, a new initiative designed to empower parents and carers to support their children by tackling barriers to education, especially around accessing higher education.
Your views will help us understand what makes it easier or harder for young people in Barnsley to think about going to university, and will shape the support offered to families.
The survey can be accessed here and should take between 5 and 10 minutes to complete:
Barnsley Parent Power Survey – Fill in form
You can read more about Barnsley Parent Power in this recent Yorkshire Bylines article.
Thank you in advance for your time and support.
Local “Dragon’s Den” investment
Our local “Dragon’s Den” judges invested £2.7k in our young people’s proposal to expand the ‘Game on Barnsley’ e-gaming tournaments across the borough. We are so proud of all the scholars who worked so hard to develop the pitch and in some cases really stepped outside of their comfort zone. The dragons asked some difficult questions! They were so accomplished, professional and confident and a real credit to the school.
The “Dragons” were very impressed by the professionalism of the young people and recognised the strong connection of their proposal to Tech Town. There will be an educational element to the tournament giving young participants a chance to develop skills in game design as well as the chance to meet professionals in the local digital sector.
The judges were:
Councillor Ashley Peace, Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services.
David Sinclair, Centre Manager for The Glass Works and Alhambra Shopping Centre.
Joada Allen, Managing Director at Visualised It and member of the Barnsley 2030 Board.
Leonie Briggs, founder of Amazelab.
Rafaela Costa, Youth Board member with YMCA Barnsley.
Please see here for further details
SEND Parental form
Please use the form here to report any SEND concerns/queries to the academy:
https://forms.office.com/e/P9Kp7F7h50
Nut free school
A reminder that Astrea Academy Dearne is a nut free zone. We have scholars and members of staff in school who have severe nut allergies. Please do not allow children to bring in any products containing nuts.
Booster Vaccinations (Year 9 only)
Outdoor Skills Programme – Fully Funded Opportunity for Y10 scholars
There is an opportunity to take part in a fully funded 4-day outdoor activities programme focused on developing key employability skills such as teamwork, leadership and problem-solving with Endeavour.
Activities may include canoeing, climbing, abseiling, outdoor climbing in the Peak District, cooking and orienteering. Please see attached flyer for more information.
Spaces are limited to around 12 students per week. Please register your interest here as soon as possible.
For any questions or more information, please contact Katy at k.raynor@shu.ac.uk.
The Big Barnsley Baby Shower
Family Hubs What’s On Guide
Please see the link below for the Family Hubs Spring Term Digital “What’s On” Guide. This is full of great activities and support for families in our communities across the Barnsley area.
Kids Plant Trees
Try your hand a tree planting! Kids Plant Trees is leading a community event this Saturday (7th March) at 11am or 1pm. Come along to plant whips (baby trees) and fruit trees at the land next to Lacewood School, Carr Head Lane, Barnsley. Book your free ticket here:
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/kidsplanttrees/2096307
Potty Training Drop In
📅 Date: Friday 20th March
⏰ Time: 12:00pm – 3:00pm
📍 Location: Dearne Family Hub Thurnscoe
This drop‑in style session will offer families:
- Free advice and guidance on toilet training
- Practical resources to take home (toilet seat, step, or potty)
- Opportunities to speak with Family Hub staff and other partners
- A prize draw – The first 30 attendees will be entered in to a prize draw to win Love2Shop vouchers
