We wish to congratulate our students on achieving their examination results in what has been a tumultuous time.  Nobody anticipated that when they started their current five and seven year journey with us, that the final stretch would be so challenging and occasionally surreal. Even this time last year we had hoped that we would be able to reset and restart again at the start Module 1 in the autumn term.  World events however, continued to thwart us and once again, the academic year 2020-2021 meant a return to on line lessons as well as the new testing programme.

Amidst all of this, our students rose to the challenge, displayed our values in the face of adversity, and achieved the results they deserved.  Well done to all, and we wish you all the best on your future chosen path.

Back in March some of our students were involved in the Refresh Lincoln project. This was an initiative set up by an organisation called Zest Theatre who were trying to get the voice of children and young people heard across the city of Lincoln. Our students joined with staff from Zest Theatre via video call and had an honest conversation about their hopes and thoughts about the future. The quotes of three of our students were chosen and have now been turned into big, bright and colourful pieces of artwork across the city – I’m sure if you’re heading into Lincoln you will spot them. Well done to Royalty and Millie (Year 7) and Neva (Year 9) for contributing and being chosen for this project.  

Last June we were incredibly saddened by the passing of Year 11 student Jamie Perkins. Jamie was a popular member of his year group which was no surprise given his fantastic ability to bring joy, happiness and laughter to any room and he is greatly missed.

In Jamie’s memory his family are looking to support vulnerable children in Uganda. One way in which this is being done is by collecting children’s football boots/trainers and shirts/shorts/socks that can be shipped over to the children. Many of the children do not own these and play sports without footwear. If you or your child has resources like these which you are willing to donate please can they bring these in and pass them to their Pastoral Learning Mentor or Head of Year.

There is also a fundraising page here and any donations will be gratefully received. Money received will go to the Cefovid charity and help these children in others areas to access education and basic amenities such as fresh water.  The children they aim to support are from 6 to 13 years of age and many are orphans who have not been to school for some time.

Jamie was always selfless with his fundraising, such as his 24 hour YouTube (JP24GM) broadcast for NHS earlier in 2020.

Later in the year a group of students will also be developing fundraising events to further support this cause which we will share with you as soon as possible.

Many thanks,

 The Priory Academy LSST

Well done to those of you who entered the Valentine’s Day Cupcake and / or the Pancake competition. There are house points for the winners and all participants. Results are as below.

• Pancake presentation winner, - Olivia K, 7.9 ALEX

• Pancake creativity winners - 1^st  Freya M, 7.6 ALEX (Unicorn idea)/2^nd Jack D 9.6 ALEX (Roses)/ 3^rd Poppy R 9.8 CAST.

• Participants - Oskar N 7.3 SEMP / Hattie M 7.1 SEMP / Benjamin B 7.5 AVAL / Isla-belle W 7.6 ALEX / Michael D 10.4 AVAL

• Valentine’s Day cupcake staff winner, Mrs Mellor

• Valentine’s Day cupcake student winners - 1^st Jack D 9.6 ALEX / 2^nd William M 8.9 ALEX / 3^rd Matilda H 8.6 ALEX. Participants - Lyla-Mae S 7.2 CAST / Michael D 10.4 AVAL

We are incredibly grateful to have received a delivery of laptops from Mr and Mrs Sherwood. Mr and Mrs Sherwood are parents of both a current student and a past student of the Academy.  They contacted us a couple of weeks ago to see if additional laptops would be of use, as they wanted to help others during this difficult time. We will be giving these laptops to students in need of one, in order that they can access their remote learning and are in no doubt they will be much appreciated. Thank you Mr and Mrs Sherwood for your kindness and generosity

Despite the restrictions of COVID-19 some of our students past and present have managed to achieve their Gold DofE award. Congratulations to the following students who will now expect to be invited to Buckingham Palace for their royal presentation in approximately twelve months.

Alex Lowe
Jack Foot
Tim Ho
Katy Day
Husnaa Ahmed
Daniel Copsey
Daisy Savage (4 days before her 25^th birthday cut off!)

The award requires the students to complete five sections of various lengths:

Skills: 6 or 12 months;
Physical: 6 or 12 months (one of each timescale between skills & physical;
Volunteering: 12 months (or as a direct entrant 18 months);
Expedition: Practice of 4 days & 3 nights in wild country followed by an assessment (where students will work alone) for another 4 days and 3 nights in wild country;
Residential: 5 days in a new environment with no more than two people previously known to the student.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme continues to provide students with the opportunity to challenge themselves through a variety of roles across the three award levels (Bronze, Silver & Gold). COVID-19 and the lockdown restrictions have caused some disruption, but for many it has given them opportunity to help vulnerable people in their local community with simple but essential tasks, or focus on their personal wellbeing with a fitness programmes such as couch to 5k or Joe Wicks' challenges, Many have also taken up the challenge of learning to cook, an essential life still, as well as a great help to their parents in these changing times. Well done to all.

If you are interested in understanding more about the Duke of Edinburgh Award at the Priory Academy LSST further information can be found on the Academy's website under extra-curricular – DofE.