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10/03/25

Congratulations to Hannah Nunn in Year 8, who represented the school at the Judo British School Championships and bringing home the gold medal 🥇🥋 pic.twitter.com/3Aj3ZdRZBU

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04/03/25

The Essex Teaching Awards gives the opportunity to recognise the inspirational work of teachers and school staff within Essex. Anyone can nominate individuals or teams working or volunteering in educational establishments in the local authority area.https://t.co/lfXmFsAG3P pic.twitter.com/kLeFd0kIrQ

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12/02/25

🗣️ Drama students particiapted in an exciting competition where they were assigned monologues based on famous musical theatre songs. 🎭 Some used creative movement, while others enlisted friends to act as silent characters, enhancing their performances with dynamic interactions. pic.twitter.com/473diPYEFr

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05/02/25

💼 Year 8 & 9 students explored potential vocations at the London Careers Festival in the Guildhall. 👨‍⚕️ They spoke with professionals from the army, engineering, nursing, and more, engaging in interactive displays and learning about a variety of professions. pic.twitter.com/rn1wimXxf5

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03/02/25

💬 We believe in the power of listening as a cornerstone of communication and learning. 👨‍🎓 Our student leaders began training with tasks that encouraged listening and collaboration. 📈 This helps pupils improve their academic performance but also develop essential life skills. pic.twitter.com/WL84K8OSl1

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30/01/25

🎆 Teams from each of the six houses worked with their house leaders to bake a cake based on the theme of ‘New Year’. 🍰 There were some decorative designs and wonderful tasting cakes. ⭐️ As well as receiving House points, the winning team also received ‘Star Baker’ badges. pic.twitter.com/HjvU4G6Dsv

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27/01/25

🗳 GCSE Students were invited to sit in the public gallery of the House of Commons and listen to some of the Private Member's Bills being read. 🚆 spoke to pupils about the future of Harlow including his push for better transport links and investment for hospitals. pic.twitter.com/ssk6t4mLGm

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09/01/25

👷‍♂️ 🏫 Students were given a unique opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the school's new building project, as part of a special competition to sign the steel frames that form the structure of the upcoming facility.https://t.co/UlMT30RDI1 pic.twitter.com/lAbM0y2yue

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03/12/24

🎄 Our Christmas market was a great success! ☕️ There was a lovely atmosphere at the various stalls with Christmas carols, hot chocolate, mince pies and more. 🎁 We look forward to making this an annual event at Burnt Mill Academy. pic.twitter.com/QuM8IoFO9U

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02/12/24

📢 Our Senior Student Leadership Team are launching the 'Trade in, Trade out' initative. 📦 Items will be collected in a box placed at the main reception. 👔 PE kits, PE/school bags, ties, blazers, trousers, skirts and shoes are all welcome donations. pic.twitter.com/xgLVZUxrDl

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25/11/24

We were thrilled to welcome back former student and artist Charlie Dixon, who spent time with GCSE Art students. Through a detailed discussion of his techniques and creative process, Charlie encouraged students to push the boundaries of their artistic expression. pic.twitter.com/pzCIznOWvv

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21/11/24

👮 Children and Young People officers (CYP) met with students and offered an opportunity to ask questions or raise any concerns. 🤝 These visits will become a regular occurrence, so students see the police as part of our community and that they are approachable and here to help. pic.twitter.com/313Fxmg1gb

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18/11/24

🧑‍🎓 Year 10 students attended to give them an insight into undergraduate education and to answer any questions they had about life at university. 🗡️ Students participated in a critical thinking murder mystery task with their peers in the Old Library. pic.twitter.com/xhkxUJQEdH

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13/11/24

The Burnt Mill Academy Combined Cadets Force took part in the Lord Mayor’s Show in London. We are proud to be affiliated with The Worshipful Company of Wheelwrights which is one of the 110 Livery Companies of the City of London. pic.twitter.com/i2w7GL8pzg

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12/11/24

BMA Cadets proudly led the school in our remembrance parade yesterday on Armistice day. The whole school community joined together in an act of remembrance as we laid wreaths at the cenotaph, made by the students in Art club, and heard readings by the cadets. pic.twitter.com/1q7FTucTeO

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12/11/24

🎄 Christmas Market 2024 at Burnt Mill Academy 🎁 There will be food, crafts, music, festive treats and more! 📅 Wednesday 27th November, doors open at 4:30pm ✉ For more information, please contact: office.org.uk pic.twitter.com/bIWa8dEbWq

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11/11/24

We would like to thank for his visit to the school. Citizenship GCSE pupils were afforded the chance to ask questions about local issues in Harlow which are important to them. Students look forward to meeting Chris again when they visit Parliament in January. pic.twitter.com/BLDSWtegb1

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22/10/24

🎤 , wowed the students with her amazing voice and inspiring story. 🎓 Students listened intently to Mary Jess’ story of hard work and determination as she narrated her journey from a 13 year old teenager with a dream to becoming a world famous singer. pic.twitter.com/wgWGNjltWB

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18/10/24

🔴 Staff and students wore red socks to school today in support of ‘Wear Red Day’. ❤️ Today marks the 10th Anniversary of Wear Red Day and this year’s theme is: ‘Change Hearts. Change Minds. Change Lives’. pic.twitter.com/1bZ5w7Go0Q

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30/08/24

OPEN EVENING We're looking forward to welcoming prospective families to view our school on Tuesday 10th September 2024. This event has three slots available with a speech by the headteacher. To find out more and book a slot, please go to our website: https://t.co/5sroqj9WIX pic.twitter.com/MP2vST7XjG

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SEND children thrive through performing arts

SEND children thrive through performing arts

Posted: 7th December 2018

Children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are turning their lives around through performing arts.

Students at Burnt Mill Academy who find various parts of school life a challenge physically, mentally or emotionally are thriving through music, dance and acting.

Ben Eva, SENDCo and drama teacher, said the school is all about removing any barriers young people may have to achieve their potential.

He said: “It has always been known that children with SEND have hidden talents; to me, they are superheroes. Everyone has something, but it is knowing what works for that person. Children who are disadvantaged because of disability or need should not be limited in their ability to achieve greatness. It’s about smashing through the barriers to learning and that is what we are trying to achieve through a variety of ways.

“Students with SEND could feel different, they could feel their condition is a barrier or it could cause them anxiety. Sometimes, looking different to others could make them feel they are not included in society.

“We use performing arts in a variety of ways, through performance or independent work to build up social skills in rehearsals or learning an instrument, regardless of any barriers. We see improved attention and increased engagement in school, as a result.

“They find something they are praised for and a place they belong. It’s an opportunity to unlock a talent they may not have even known was there. It reduces social anxiety and builds resilience, self-regulation, motivation and independence.”

Success stories include –

  • Dilys Cook, Year 8, who suffers with anxiety. Mr Eva said: “Dilys is really nervous and worries about speaking to people. But, in Year 7 she took on a lead role in panto and in the summer performed in School of Rock. On stage, she has no anxiety – she takes centre stage and she owns it. She is now a performing arts lead and attends drama club and choir. The anxiety is still there, but in the performing arts environment, she is fine.”

 

  • Liza Berry, Year 7, is diagnosed with ADHD. Mr Eva said: “Liza talks a lot and likes to rap, so we are channelling that energy into performing. She turns up every week to practise and is really good at it. Being new to the school, she can find it difficult to manage, but we are confident by focusing on her rap she will continue to improve.”

 

  • Liam Cashman, Year 8, has autism and anxiety. Mr Eva said: “Liam had anxiety around school and sanctions, he was anxious about drama and about getting things wrong. We put him into a performance in drama and he started to like it. He is talented and now likes to show it and is building friendships that way. With autism, expressing your feelings can be a struggle, but he sees the performing arts department as a home and he comes to us if he needs support.”

 

  •  Emma Hua, Year 9, has a hearing impairment. Mr Eva said: “Emma started off nervous and shy, but through music and playing the piano, she has found her way and is quite sassy now. Her impairment has not stopped her ability to understand key features in music and she is on track for top grades in music. The one thing you need to be able to do to play music is hear, but Emma can feel the notes. It is magical.”

 

  • Aleena Ghani, Year 9 has Down’s syndrome. Mr Eva said: “Aleena was very shy in Year 7 and not very verbal. But, when she dances, she’s another woman! She has been in every school show and is studying GCSE dance, whereas she can’t necessarily access some other subjects. She has such a strong passion and can learn and retain a dance routine in no time. The subject has ignited the passion in her and it’s lovely to watch her on stage. It has helped with her social skills and she will now lead a warm-up session, even though she can find that difficult.”

 

  • Yoldas Soytoprak, Year 7, has Bardet Biedl syndrome which affects his liver and vision. Mr Eva said: “Despite worsening vision which means he can only see 6m in front of himself, Yoldas wanted to take up piano. He’s such a bright and happy young man and is just taking it in his stride. We have got him bright keys for the piano to make it more accessible for him as we will never allow a barrier to learning. We are making something that seems impossible, possible.”

Mr Eva said: “For us, it’s about changing the mindset from ‘I can’t’ to ‘I can’. It builds resilience and will reduce mental health and social emotional issues in the future.

“It feels lovely to see the progress they are making with us. It’s about small steps and looking at the journey from Year 7 to Year 11.”

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