We’ve got a delicious and varied menu lined up for our students next week! Highlights include:
✅ Danish meatballs with mash & peas
✅ Chicken in tomato & basil sauce with rice and broccoli
✅ Traditional roast beef with Yorkshire pudding
✅ Battered cod with herby potatoes
✅ Pizza & chips on Friday
🥕 Vegetarian options available daily, including veggie meatballs, Quorn in tomato & basil sauce, cheese & potato pie, vegetable Kiev and cheese & tomato pizza.
🍰 And for something sweet… brownies, carrot cake, muffins, ginger shortbread and ice cream tubs across the week!
🍝 Plus, our popular Pasta Bar (choice of 2 sauces) and jacket potatoes with fillings are available every day.
A great mix of comfort classics and crowd‑pleasers to keep everyone fuelled for learning! 👏
Year 12 students enjoyed an inspiring and informative trip last week as they attended a University and Apprenticeship Fair, giving them the chance to speak directly with representatives from a wide range of universities, colleges and employers.
The event provided an invaluable opportunity for students to explore the many pathways available to them after sixth form. From degree options and campus life to apprenticeship routes and employer expectations, students were able to gather insights, ask important questions and begin shaping their ideas for the future.
One of the distinguishing strengths of Hive Sixth Form is the personalised support offered to help students make informed, aspirational decisions about their next steps. Experiences such as the fairs play a vital role in broadening students’ understanding of what is possible and helping them feel confident in the choices ahead.
It was a highly successful day filled with conversation, inspiration and future planning, as students took meaningful steps toward discovering the routes that excite and motivate them most.
Last week, our Year 7 students took part in an exciting and forward‑thinking project designed to spark innovation and environmental awareness. Their challenge was to design an app that encourages people to act against climate change- an issue that continues to shape conversations around the world.
After developing their ideas, over 700 LiFE MAT students had the unique opportunity to pitch their climate‑action app concepts to industry experts via live Zoom call sessions. These pitches were followed by personalised feedback, giving students valuable insight into both the strength of their ideas and the effectiveness of their presentation skills.
Many students described the experience as a significant confidence booster. The project not only encouraged critical thinking and teamwork but also allowed them to express their creativity and explore the design process in a hands‑on, meaningful way.
We are incredibly proud of the imagination, passion, and commitment shown by our young innovators. Their enthusiasm for tackling real‑world challenges is truly inspiring and highlights the power of student voice in shaping a better future.
As we reach the end of a brilliant term, we are incredibly proud to celebrate the remarkable efforts and achievements of our students across the school.
This week, we awarded our special Prize Hampers to the students who collected the highest number of Nudge Vouchers.
These vouchers are given to students in lessons and around school for displaying our Academy values and for doing the right thing, every time, first time. The number of vouchers awarded this term shows just how consistently our students embody the ethos of Countesthorpe Academy — well done to all!
A special congratulations also goes to the CREW groups who topped their year groups for the most Nudge Vouchers earned:
- Year 7 — 7TOV
- Year 8 — 8ARO
- Year 9 — 9MLE
- Year 10 — 10TKI
- Year 11 — 11JHA / 11JRO
Fantastic teamwork and commitment from all involved — you should be very proud!
And to finish the term on a sweet note, Mr Williams and Mrs Aitcheson were so impressed with the hard work and positivity shown by students across the Academy that they greeted everyone at the school gate with a chocolate Freddo as part of our Freddo Friday celebration. A well‑deserved treat to mark an exceptional term! 🍫🐸
Thank you to every student for your effort, kindness, and determination. Here’s to even more success next term! ⭐🏆
Our much‑anticipated Ski Trip to Saalbach, Austria is officially underway!
Students and staff boarded the coaches this afternoon and we’re pleased to share that both buses departed right on time.
The excitement was high, the suitcases were packed, and the energy was brilliant as we began our journey to the mountains. Over the next week, we’ll be sharing daily updates as our students take on the slopes, try new skills, and make unforgettable memories.
Stay tuned for the next instalment as we track our adventurers all the way to Austria! ❄️⛷️
🥤 Another Milkshake with the Head! 🥤
This week’s Milkshake with the Head was hosted by Mrs Aitcheson, who had the pleasure of celebrating an incredible group of students for their achievements and attitude.
Our invitees earned their spot for three brilliant reasons:
⚽ Year 7 Girls Futsal Champions!
A number of students were recognised for their fantastic performance as part of the Year 7 girls futsal team, who recently won the Harborough Championship. A superb achievement — well done, team!
⭐ Outstanding Attitude in Lessons
Several students were invited for consistently going above and beyond in their lessons, showing dedication, enthusiasm, and a brilliant work ethic. Keep it up!
💃 National Dance Competition Stars
We were also delighted to celebrate our Year 7 and 8 girls who recently took part in a national dance competition. Their commitment, creativity, and teamwork were truly impressive — a fantastic representation of the school on a national stage!
A huge well done to all the students involved. Keep shining, keep striving, and enjoy those well‑deserved milkshakes! 👏🥤
Each year, a group of talented Countesthorpe Academy students take part in the prestigious United Kingdom Mathematics Trust (UKMT) Intermediate Mathematical Challenge. The challenge is renowned for its rigorous problem‑solving questions, designed to test students’ logical reasoning, mathematical fluency and creative thinking.
Qualifying to participate is an impressive achievement in itself, as students must demonstrate a high level of mathematical ability and strong comprehension skills. The competition’s demanding rounds push even the most confident mathematicians to think critically and creatively.
Following the main challenge, high‑scoring students may be invited to take part in the exclusive Grey and Pink Kangaroo follow‑on rounds. Entry to these rounds is by invitation only, offered to those who achieve exceptional results in the Intermediate Mathematical Challenge.
This year, Countesthorpe Academy is incredibly proud of four students who have met this standard and secured invitations to the Kangaroo round. Congratulations to Sam, Evelyn, Nathan and Filip for earning this honour, a testament to their dedication, talent and hard work!
We also extend a huge well done to all students who took part, and congratulations to those who achieved a merit. To our Kangaroo qualifiers: an even bigger round of applause and a heartfelt good luck– you’ve got this!
Students Shine at The Great Big Dance Off – East Midlands Regional Heat 💃🕺✨
Our talented students delivered an outstanding performance at The Great Big Dance Off – East Midlands Regional Heat, making us incredibly proud of their achievements.
From the beginning of their journey, our dancers have embodied the Countesthorpe Academy core values of Respect, Resilience and Success. Their commitment during rehearsals was evident in the dedication, teamwork and enthusiasm they brought to every practice session. This hard work paid off, with clear progress in their dance skills and techniques shining through on the day of the event.
When they took to the stage, the students performed with confidence, energy and passion, representing the academy with pride. Their enthusiasm lit up the room and showcased the very best of what our performing arts students can achieve.
A huge well done to every student involved, your hard work and positivity have truly paid off. And thank you to all staff, families and supporters who encouraged them along the way.
We couldn’t be prouder! 👏✨
📣 Countesthorpe Academy – Week 4 Menu is Here!
🍽️ Week commencing Monday 16th March
Get ready for another delicious week in the CA Dining Hall! Here’s what’s cooking:
👉 Daily Highlights
- Monday: Southern fried chicken strips or vegan chicken strips, with crispy potato squares & veggies. Crumble and custard for dessert!
- Tuesday: Classic pork or Quorn sausages with mash & peas/beans. Finished with ginger shortbread.
- Wednesday: Roast pork or vegan pasty with roast potatoes, green beans & carrots. Ice cream tub treat!
- Thursday: Sweet & sour chicken or sweet & sour vegetables served with rice and garlic bread. Plus chocolate chip flapjack!
- Friday: Cheeseburger or veggie burger with curly fries, followed by a chocolate brownie.
🥗 Every Day
Pasta Bar with a choice of 2 sauces
Jacket potatoes with a selection of fillings
😋 Something for everyone — including vegetarian and vegan options!
