News Feed - Acle Academy News - Wensum Trust

Bright Sparks - UEA

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:29:44 GMT

Some of our students attended a Bright Spark morning session earlier this month at UEA.

Acle Academy Students Inspired by Award-Winning Author

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:21:36 GMT

Rap met poetry, when an award-winning author introduced his particular blend of creativity to students at our school.

World Book Day

Fri, 6 Mar 2026 10:14:29 GMT

Yesterday we celebrated World Book Day across the school with a range of activities designed to promote a love of reading in every subject and every classroom.

Dear England

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:12:15 GMT

We kicked off a new project with Norwich Theatre with an inspirational trip to see Dear England, followed by a thoughtful workshop with the amazing Ashley Hickson-Lovence.

Lovell's Skills Day

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 13:33:16 GMT

Our Year 9 students rolled up their sleeves and took part in an exciting carpentry workshop delivered by the fantastic Lovell team, including a former Acle Academy student. It was brilliant to see past and present students connected through industry. The group constructed a timber-framed house, bringing to life key elements of the Key Stage 4 construction course that they will soon have the opportunity to study if they choose it through the options process.

STEMPOINT Renewable Energy Workshops

Mon, 2 Feb 2026 12:04:07 GMT

Last month, our year 7 and 8 students got hands-on with renewable energy during an exciting session led by STEMPOINT, generously funded by Scottish Power.

Battlefields Trip – Day 2 Update

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:59:21 GMT

Day two was another action-packed day as we travelled to France to visit key sites of the Western Front. We journeyed to the Somme, where we explored locations connected to the largest battle in British military history.

Battlefields Trip – Day 1 Highlights

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 09:52:16 GMT

Yesterday our Year 9/10 Battlefields group experienced a truly memorable and meaningful day exploring key First World War sites. Pupils visited Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery and the Bayernwald Trench System, where they learnt about the development of trench warfare and the many challenges faced by soldiers on the Western Front.

Holocaust Memorial Day

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 09:22:39 GMT

In preparation for Holocaust Memorial Day, on Tuesday 27th January, students across Key Stage 3 took part in a virtual broadcast provided by the Jewish Museum London. The broadcast included testimony from Eva Schloss, a well-known survivor of the Holocaust who has worked tirelessly to educate young people about her experiences of antisemitism and persecution at the hands of the Nazi regime. This testimony was particularly poignant as Eva sadly died at the start of this year.

Year 10 Product Design - Chairs

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 09:25:51 GMT

Our Year 10 students have successfully completed their first GCSE Design & Technology design-and-make project.

The Pulse’s First Live Performance at Open Mic

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 09:31:45 GMT

29^th November marked a huge milestone for The Pulse as they delivered their first-ever live performance at the Open Mic event at The Drill House.

Year 11 Reunion – Class of 2025

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 10:00:17 GMT

On Thursday 4th December, we were delighted to welcome back our Year 11s, the wonderful Class of 2025, for their reunion event. It was a truly special evening and so uplifting to see how much our former pupils have grown, achieved and experienced since leaving Acle.

Careers Fair

Mon, 1 Dec 2025 12:41:25 GMT

On 14^th November, we held our annual Careers Fair, welcoming a wide range of post-16 providers, employers, and a university to speak with our students.

Royal Navy Inspires Year 10 with STEM Challenge

Fri, 28 Nov 2025 11:50:17 GMT

We were delighted to welcome representatives from the Royal Navy, who delivered engaging STEM careers sessions to our Year 10 students. Students were challenged to design and build a method of transporting medical bags - an activity that sparked some fantastic ideas.

Tender – Healthy Relationships Project

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 10:20:21 GMT

We are delighted to be working with Tender again this year.

Year 9 Computer Science Trip

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 09:46:40 GMT

The visit began with a guided tour of East Norfolk Sixth Form College, where students explored the computer suites, server rooms, lecture cinema and even an animation space. They completed a workbook activity, tried their hand at a coding game, and then enjoyed a short break before moving into group work. Each team was challenged to design a piece of technology in response to a creative brief, putting their problem-solving and collaboration skills to the test.

Reading for Pleasure and 15 by 15

Tue, 25 Nov 2025 09:08:03 GMT

Pupils who read for enjoyment daily perform significantly better in reading tests than those who rarely read — equivalent to more than a year’s additional schooling. Research has found that reading for pleasure predicts improvements in vocabulary, spelling, and even maths. Regular readers develop stronger comprehension, empathy, and problem-solving skills.

Remembrance Day at Acle Academy

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 09:33:37 GMT

Today, our school came together to honour all those who have served and sacrificed.

Construction Site Visit to Acle Co-op and Morrisons Daily

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 09:55:59 GMT

Our Year 10 and 11 Construction students recently visited Acle Co-op to deepen their understanding in preparation for their upcoming Unit 3: Construction in Design assessment.

As part of the task, students have been challenged to design a mini convenience store for a new housing estate. During the visit, they were given exclusive behind-the-scenes access to explore how the Co-op is laid out and how it incorporates sustainability features into its design.

Prefect Training

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 11:22:35 GMT

On 9^th September, we had our annual junior prefect training session. The field was so strong, with students actively demonstrating our PRIDE values through excellent communication, collaboration and problem solving.

Year 7 - Merry Wanderers Transition Project

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 09:07:24 GMT

Earlier this week, our year 7s had the opportunity to start taking part in the Merry Wanderers Transition Project, which is designed to support students in making a smooth social and academic transition to secondary school.

Open Evening - Thursday 2nd October

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 08:43:00 GMT

Year 6 Parent Open Evening Thursday 2nd October 5pm to 8.45pm. (no booking required) If you cannot make the evening event bookings for an Open Morning tour can be made for 7th, 8th & 9th October - please contact the school office to book an available slot.

Acle Academy Celebration Events – Tuesday 15th July

Fri, 5 Sep 2025 09:52:17 GMT

On Tuesday 15th July, Acle Academy was proud to host a full day of celebration events recognising the outstanding achievements, progress and contributions of our students.

Strong year for Acle Academy

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 11:26:53 GMT

Our staff and students were celebrating another year of strong academic results.

Basketball Sonnet Collaboration

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 09:22:26 GMT

Year 9 have been exploring sonnet writing in English and Micky teamed up with his visiting Chinese classmate, Zhu, to compose a sonnet about sport.

Words of Welcome: Year 8 Students Embrace Mandarin

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:36:43 GMT

As part of our efforts to make our Chinese visitors feel welcome last week, Year 8 students Charlotte Barnes and Charlotte Yassin created a PowerPoint presentation, which was shared with all students during form time.

Space Explorers

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:21:25 GMT

The students who took the Space Explorers pathway for Curriculum Enhancement Week had a fantastic time exploring the wonders of space and astronomy!

Prom 2025

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 10:48:35 GMT

We were thrilled to have Dunston Hall as the stunning venue for our long-awaited Prom this year. The Prom Committee showed incredible dedication and creativity throughout the year, working around their mock exams to carefully plan the theme, style, and evening events for the marquee.

Royal Shakespeare Company’s Playmaking Festival

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 09:07:25 GMT

During Curriculum Enhancement Week, selected students took part in this year’s 2025 Royal Shakespeare Company Playmaking Festival, as part of our role as an associate school with them.

Land and Sea

Wed, 16 Jul 2025 16:48:26 GMT

It was a busy few days for the students on this Curriculum Enhancement Week pathway, who experienced all the local area has to offer in terms of nature.

Shadows of Justice – The History Department’s Curriculum Enhancement Pathway

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 08:58:05 GMT

As part of the history department's curriculum enhancement pathway, students took part in Shadows of Justice, an immersive exploration of crime and punishment through time.

All the World's a Stage

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:26:49 GMT

For the students who chose the ‘All the World’s a Stage’ pathway for Curriculum Enhancement Week, what a treat it was to spend Monday with the wonderful playwright James Fritz.

Shadows of Justice Trip to Norwich Castle

Wed, 9 Jul 2025 09:15:39 GMT

For Day 1 of Curriculum Enhancement Week, the students who chose the Shadows of Justice pathway spent the day at Norwich Castle, where they uncovered the secrets of the castle dungeons, marvelled at its rich and varied past, and delved into the lives of those once imprisoned within its walls.

Royal Norfolk Show 2025

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 09:55:56 GMT

This year’s Royal Norfolk Show was alive with music across multiple stages and venues, showcasing a vibrant mix of talent.

Acle Academy wins ‘positive masculinity’ award

Fri, 4 Jul 2025 08:29:26 GMT

A partnership between Acle Academy and St William’s Primary has seen us win a prestigious national award for our work in promoting ‘positive masculinity’ and healthy relationships among young people.

Sailing Residential

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 11:39:38 GMT

Last week, two groups of students were lucky enough to take part in a two-night sailing expedition. The students, who had each completed their RYA Level 1 sailing course recently at Eastwood Whelpton, were aiming to improve their sailing skills: boat handling, mooring, sail setting and, because we'd be going under Ludham Bridge, demasting at St Benet's Abbey. Each of the three wooden gaff sloops from Hunters Yard was helmed by a skipper, and it was also where the students slept and did some cooking.

Brickmakers Gig

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 10:18:40 GMT

There’s nothing quite like a sunny Saturday with live music — and that's exactly what was on offer at The Brickmakers Pub in Norwich on Saturday, 21st June. The venue played host to a vibrant line-up of student musicians from Acle Academy, Hellesdon High, and Alderman Peel High School.

Year 11 Leavers' Celebration & Assembly

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:50:07 GMT

Today we said a fond farewell to our fantastic Year 11s with a wonderful celebration and assembly. What an incredible year group – full of talent, character and promise. We're so proud of all you've achieved and the way you've grown.

Romeo and Juliet at The Globe Theatre

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:16:30 GMT

On Wednesday 4th June, the English department took a group of Year 10 students to see a production of Romeo and Juliet at The Globe Theatre. After a smooth and hassle-free coach journey, the group enjoyed some fresh air and a chance to stretch their legs in the outside seating area by the Tate Modern before heading into the theatre.

Acle Academy Spring Concert

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:07:41 GMT

The St Lawrence Art Centre in South Walsham came alive with music as students from Acle Academy showcased their talents to an appreciative audience of family and friends.

Easter Fete

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:21:06 GMT

On the final day of term before the Easter break, the senior prefects hosted Acle’s first-ever Easter Fête during lunchtime. There was fantastic participation across all the stalls, but the most popular — and highly anticipated — was the "Sponge a Teacher" stall, which drew plenty of cheers and laughter.

New Benches From British Sugar

Fri, 25 Apr 2025 12:34:45 GMT

Earlier in the year, our students raised in parliament that they would like more outdoor seating for breaktime and lunchtime.

Cashless Catering Will Be Live Thursday 8th May

Thu, 3 Jul 2025 19:13:30 GMT

The School Canteen will be Cashless ONLY.

Year 10 Construction Visit - Galliford Try

Fri, 21 Mar 2025 11:46:17 GMT

Year 10 Construction students visited Galliford Try’s infrastructure development project between Blofield and North Burlingham on Wednesday 19^th March. The trip offered a unique chance to witness the real-world application of classroom learning, as students explored the complexities of road construction and infrastructure management. Galliford Try representatives provided valuable insights into the planning, engineering, and sustainability measures involved in the project.

Music Concert at Brundall Primary School

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 08:43:38 GMT

Last week a group of our talented musicians joined Mrs. Gilbert at Brundall Primary for a wonderful music event.

Music Industry Day

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 09:10:48 GMT

What an incredible day for our Music Department!

International Women's Day 2025

Thu, 6 Mar 2025 10:11:46 GMT

International Women’s Day (IWD) is marked annually on 8^th March across the globe, celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.

NEACO

Thu, 6 Mar 2025 10:17:12 GMT

Some of our year 9 and 10 students have been working with the Network for East Anglian Collaborative Outreach (NEACO) to help them to make an informed choice about their options in relation to higher education in the future.

Visit from Ashley Hickson-Lovence, Award Winning Author

Wed, 5 Mar 2025 10:09:40 GMT

We were thrilled to welcome author and poet Ashley Hickson-Lovence to school yesterday.

Acle Winter Beer Festival 2025

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 10:40:13 GMT

A huge thank you to all the parents and carers who contributed to our tombola or supported the beer festival this weekend! Thanks to your generosity, the barbecue and tombola raised over £500 for our canopy campaign - an amazing achievement!