Leadership in Action
At AKS, leadership begins with the ability to lead yourself. This half term, students have embraced opportunities to develop confidence, reflection, and resilience through the PEAKS framework, putting self-awareness and service at the heart of their growth.
- Year 9 explored self-leadership during their Lakeside Residential, inspired by Drew Dudley’s Everyday Leadership and the idea of celebrating ‘lollipop moments’, small acts t hat have a big impact on others.
- Year 10 demonstrated courage and teamwork during the Commando Experience, stepping beyond comfort zones and learning to lead with self-awareness.
- Mrs Marland visited Pembroke College, Oxford, to work with Dyedra Morrissey, an expert in the field, on the PEAKS Leadership modules.
- Acting Prefects completed a five-week development course, demonstrating dedication and readiness for formal leadership roles. Prefects have now been officially appointed and presented with their badges.
- Year 7 students have stepped into leadership confidently, making their debut as Open Day Tour Guides and Roaming Reporters. Others led activities in Science Club, a Minecraft project, and Quiz Club.
- The highlight of Thursday Takeover last half term was a lively House Bingo event for nearly 200 students, led by newly appointed House Captains and hosted by Mr Hayden.
- Mrs Grant has launched a social action project with Year 8 students as part of a United Learning initiative. Students will travel to Oxford University at the end of the academic year to present their project and share the lessons they have learned.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
At AKS, we take a proactive approach to mental health, ensuring every student feels valued, supported, and empowered.
- The term began with the Baton of Hope, marking our commitment to suicide prevention. Led by last year’s VENT leader, Casey Leeds, the event emphasised the importance of open and honest conversations about mental health.
- Our new VENT leadership team, alongside Matron, implemented a year-long plan focused on awareness and support, including ‘How to Help’ posters, weekly Reflection Sections, and assemblies led by both VENT and SHINE to ensure students know how and where to seek support.
- Students took the lead during World Mental Health Day, hosting Reflection Sections and participating in ‘check in and chat’ sessions to promote conversation, connection, and community. The VENT room was introduced as a safe, calm space for anyone seeking time out or support.
- Mr Hayden led a full school assembly for International Men’s Day, exploring the qualities of a ‘Great Man’ and challenging stereotypes. Mr Dickinson recorded a Reflection Section reminding students: “Do not Man Up, Speak Up.”
- Mr Fraser Grey delivered a Thursday Takeaway session on mental health after injury, and staff have continued to develop pastoral support with the ‘On Board’ program being delivered, and new staff have been trained.
- VENT leaders have been actively ‘Reaching In’, sending emails to students identified by staff or peers to offer support; a programme that has already shown great impact. Other initiatives include postcards for pupils and staff absent for long periods, wellbeing clubs for Year 7, and regular mental health quotes shared on Instagram.
- As a pilot school for Steer, AKS is at the forefront of embedding evidence-based mental health practice into school life.
Future-Proofing
At AKS, preparing students for the future is central to the PEAKS framework. This term, students have been developing the skills needed to thrive in an ever-changing world through inquiry, oracy, and digital literacy.
- Year 7 and Year 12 are exploring their own inquiry questions, which will culminate in the Evening of Inquiry at the end of the academic year.
- Year 8 students participated in a six-week programme with Just Good Friends, exploring the stories of War Babies from World War II and producing segments for the PEAKS Perspective Podcasting Channel.
- Year 9 students took part in competitive debating for The Great Lancashire Debate arguing that Lancashire needs an accessible Hub for people to attend since the shutting down of local libraries. They presented a strong argument, using their initiative and imagination and were selected as the winners of the Fylde category. The team were also invited to debate as finalists at County Hall in Preston.
- Students also participated in a Mock Trial of the Oscar Pistorius case, taking on both prosecution and defence roles to strengthen argumentation and critical thinking skills.
- Year 13 students led the Thursday Takeover Lecture Series, delivering talks on Peto’s Paradox and originality in music, inspiring younger students while developing their leadership and communication skills.
- Year 9 have showcased their oracy skills in assemblies linked to UN Day and World Kindness Day, highlighting confidence and leadership in public speaking.
- Year 12 students developed digital inquiry skills, starting with magazine design projects linked to their chosen inquiry questions. They learned photography, photo editing, and design, which will expand into blogging, website development, podcasting, and other digital projects.
- The school has begun the one-to-one device rollout, with a parent information evening held to introduce families to the strategic plan.
PEAKS Heritage Day
Year 7 students applied their skills in a hands-on setting during PEAKS Heritage Day. Focusing on the theme of heritage, students interviewed OAKS alumni and produced professional-style newspaper articles for the OAKS Magazine, bringing together inquiry, oracy, and digital literacy in a collaborative and reflective experience.Top of FormBottom of Form