Winter 2018 | issue 13 NEWS

The Trust’s inaugural Christmas Ball took place on Friday, 7th December 2018, following the organisation’s tenth anniversary. Approximately 100 guests, resplendent in seasonal finery, flocked to enjoy the glittering celebrations. After a sumptuous three- course meal provided by Cucina, guests danced the night away to the sounds of Joshua Reeve. Santa Claus kindly loaned us his sleigh for photo opportunities, but had to send his apologies for the event! Plans are already in place for next year.

Merry Christmas!

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities A message from the Chief Executive

In September all of our secondary in the early 1990s, it is difficult to argue including those related to poverty, academies began introducing the that the world is now a safer and less- inequality, climate, environmental International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle divided place. IB programmes resonate degradation, prosperity, and peace and Years Programme (MYP). At the same as powerfully today, therefore, as justice.” time, most of our primaries started they ever did. Their prime objective their introduction of the IB Primary is captured best in the IB mission I hope we can all support our young Years Programme (PYP). It has been my statement: people to become active global great pleasure over the last few weeks citizens. Part of LAT’s mission is to to observe this in action. I have seen “....to develop inquiring, knowledgeable “transform communities”. With teachers revitalised by opportunities and caring young people who help to our pupils’ help, we should aim for to collaborate more closely with create a better and more peaceful world nothing short of this. The greatest and colleagues on curriculum design and through intercultural understanding and most noble function of any school lesson planning. I have seen pupils respect…..[IB] programmes encourage is to create young people with the delighted at the chance to take students across the world to become knowledge, skills and characters greater ownership of their learning. I active, compassionate and lifelong to make the world a better place have sat through various governors’ learners who understand that other for future generations. Whether meetings this autumn where the main people, with their differences, can also that involves helping to prevent topic of discussion for secondaries be right.” the poisoning of our oceans with has been year 7 rather than the more plastic, reducing unnecessary energy typical focus on year 11 and year Recently, I reminded leaders across consumption or calling out hatred 13 outcomes. This concerted, cross- the Trust about the vital role of ‘action’ and prejudice in all its forms, these are Trust effort by everyone to ensure in all IB programmes. As an important motivational aspirations behind which that all of our pupils receive a broad, upshot of being involved much more our young people can mobilise. With balanced and creative curriculum closely in deciding what they learn and nearly 16,000 young people in LAT has been tremendously uplifting. The how they learn it, pupils are motivated from January 2019, that is a formidable IB is providing the catalyst for a real to take action on a local, national or force to be reckoned with. Targeted step change in standards across Leigh international level to change the world at the right goals and with the right Academies Trust (LAT). for the better. A useful way of helping momentum behind us, we can truly our pupils to structure their actions is change the world. But great ideas are worth little the United Nations (UN) Sustainable without action. Fundamental to all IB Development Goals. The UN defines programmes is creating young people these goals thus: who want to make the world a better place. The IB Organisation was born “....the blueprint to achieve a better and fifty years ago at the height of the Cold more sustainable future for all. They Simon Beamish, War. Whilst that war might have ended address the global challenges we face, Chief Executive

2 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Merger with The Williamson Trust Contents • A message from the Chief Executive ...... 2 The merger between Leigh Academies Simon Beamish, Chief Executive Trust (LAT) and The Williamson Trust of LAT, said: • Merger with The Williamson Trust...... 3 (TWT) has been approved following “The last few tremendously • Trust Performance Agreement 2018/19 rigorous due diligence, subject to rewarding months have built and Excellence Charter...... 4 successful completion of the Transfer strong and positive relationships • Medway Teaching School Alliance - of Undertakings (Protection of with new colleagues in TWT. The a new partner for LAT...... 5 Employment) Regulations 2016 (TUPE) future is very bright indeed as we process. become one of the largest and • Paddock Wood and Horsmonden primary schools choose LAT...... 5 most successful multi- Directors of both trusts and the trusts anywhere in the region. • Ofsted news: Tree Tops, Oaks primaries, Regional Schools’ Commissioner have Together we believe in the KMT...... 6-7 agreed that Sir Joseph Williamson’s transformative power of a broad • Appointment of new Director of Mathematical School, The Hundred of and balanced education for all our Improvement (Primary)...... 7 Hoo Academy, High Halstow Primary young people, to shape their lives • Free schools - present and future...... 8 Academy, Allhallows Primary Academy and transform their communities.” and Stoke Primary Academy can join • Mayor of Greenwich opens the brand- LAT from January 2019. Eliot Hodges, Interim Chief new restaurant at THA...... 9 Executive of TWT and Headteacher • Leader of the Royal Borough of At a series of consultation events of Sir Joseph Williamson’s Greenwich visits LAB & THA...... 9 involving staff, parents and governors Mathematical School, added: • Inspiration Academy opens for over the last few months, LAT and business...... 10-11 TWT have addressed concerns raised “This is an extremely exciting and identified the opportunities venture for all of the schools in • Project Hoot...... 12 The Williamson Trust and we this partnership will create. Key • Remembering the fallen across advantages for students and staff look forward to the opportunities the Trust...... 13 include: that this new collaboration will bring. The chance to work more • A glittering evening at The Leigh UTC awards dinner 2018...... 14 • combining the best practices of efficiently will be of great benefit both trusts; for all our current pupils and the • Leigh Aspire programme...... 15 chance to develop our practice • achieving economies to redirect • #LeighIdeas 18 final at LAT...... 16 with a wider group of schools more money to teaching and will benefit both organisations whilst • Christmas arrives at The Inspiration learning; continuing to make the most of our Academy...... 17 • ensuring strong and effective existing strengths.” • The Leigh UTC Lego league central services; tournament...... 17 • sharing an expanding school •  Primary Academy wins improvement team; Buster's Book Clubs' top prize...... 17 • linking and Medway Training •  Blackheath - a very and Medway Teaching Schools promising start...... 18 Alliance to provide professional development for staff at all levels; • Michael Rosen addresses students at the inaugural LAT professional seminar...... 18 and • creating a powerful network of • Army STEM challenge trip...... 19 23 open academies and assuring • SCWA brings Christmas cheer to their long-term future. young people in Greenwich...... 19 • Dinosaurs at Dartford & Cherry Orchard Primary Academies...... 20 • student wins award....20 • Kent Dementia Action Alliance awards...... 20

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 3 • 90% deployment of apprentice levy to enhance professional development for staff. Trust • Successful launch of performance development policy. Performance Agreement • Effective launch of Workplace as a communications and collaboration platform. 2018/19 Trust Excellence Our targets for the year ahead have been agreed by Extend apprenticeship opportunities for students Directors and are set out in out latest Trust performance • across LAT at two more academies. agreement. • All LAT academies to achieve digital level 3 (secure). Pupil Excellence • Implement IB programmes in all academies to ensure that the learner profile is fully embedded. • 80% of pupils to achieve a good level of development Successful launch of LAT Teach. in reception and in year 1 phonics screening. • • Achieve “outstanding” judgements at two more • 70% of pupils to achieve the combined national academies. standard at KS2, with positive progress scores of at least +1 across all subjects. • Generate at least £500k income through LAT Enterprises. • 40% of pupils to achieve grades 9-5 in English and maths at GCSE. Extending Excellence • A positive Progress 8 average across the Trust at GCSE. • Complete successful merger with The Williamson Trust. • Post-16 value added for academic and applied courses of +0.2 across the Trust. • Continue to progress strongly towards opening , Bearsted Primary Academy and A positive value-added score of +0.2 for the IB Career- • Snowfields Academy. related programme. • Link more of our secondary academies to primaries Staff Excellence outside the Trust. • By September 2019, open outdoor sports facilities at • 90% of teachers to be effective and 40% The Leigh UTC and Inspiration Academy. • highly effective across LAT. • Complete phases 1 and 2 of Priority Schools Building • 80% teacher retention. Programme (PSBP) at Dartford Primary. • 90% successful completion rate for all NPQ leadership Complete construction of third college new build at programmes. • .

EXCELLENCE CHARTER

1. We will provide outstanding 4. We will develop pupils’ characters 7. Through our “Business leadership and governance at and attributes in line with the Promise” we will guarantee every level so that all pupils International Baccalaureate strong engagement for all pupils attend an academy judged to be Learner Profile so that all LAT with industry and employers. at least good overall by Ofsted. alumni obtain a collection of desirable qualities before they 8. We will provide all pupils with 2. We will ensure a rich, engaging leave school. a high-quality careers learning and inclusive curriculum with programme. effective teaching and high- 5. We will ensure that pupils are quality learning resources across well-behaved, confident and 9. We will grow to support more all subjects and year groups. respectful in a safe and secure schools in the region so that our environment. pupils and theirs benefit and that 3. Regardless of their ability or standards improve across the personal circumstances we will 6. We will ensure a high-quality board. ensure that all groups of pupils workforce and prioritise make at least good progress staff retention, professional 10. We will work with our own and and diminish differences in their development and well-being. other primaries to ensure smooth attainment. transition to our secondary academies.

4 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Medway Teaching School Alliance - A teaching-school alliance is required to deliver the following services: a new partner for LAT • Initial teacher training (ITT) - MTSA currently offers School Direct places, both salaried and non-salaried, Sir Joseph Williamson's Mathematical School (SJWMS) with CCCU. SJWMS has joined KMT and will become a was one of the first 100 schools to be designated as a KMT lead school this academic year; teaching school nationally, establishing the Medway Teaching School Alliance (MTSA) in September 2011. Over • School-to-school support - MTSA works with a 90 Medway schools are part of MTSA, including primary, number of National, Local and Specialist Leaders of secondary, special, faith, selective and independent schools Education (SLE), providing excellent support to the and academies. All schools subscribe to the overarching schools it serves. MTSA currently supports three LAT ambition that every child in Medway should receive an Improvement Co-ordinators, who have applied to outstanding education. become SLEs. Further opportunities will arise for LAT colleagues in the next round in June; The partnership between LAT and the MTSA is already • Continuing professional and leadership development underway, with LAT staff now taking advantage of the (CPLD) - MTSA currently runs National Professional numerous professional-development opportunities provide Qualifications for Middle Leaders (NPQML) and Senior by this outstanding TSA and MTSA extending its reach into Leaders (NPQSL) and works with LLSE to deliver the Kent and southeast London. In addition to its constituent National Professional Qualifications for Headteachers schools, MTSA enjoys the support of a number of other (NPQH) and Executive Leadership (NPQEL). In addition, strategic partners, including Canterbury Christ Church it provides the Aspiring Middle and Aspiring Senior University (CCCU), the Rochester Diocese, Leadership Leaders programme and runs a variety of networking Learning South East (LLSE) and the Kent and Medway groups, including a primary maths hub and a special- Teaching School Network. educational needs (SEN) and inclusion forum. Taken together, these programmes represent a very detailed and comprehensive CPLD offer that LAT academies are now able to access.

Sharon Waterman, LAT’s Education Director, is delighted Paddock Wood and Horsmonden to be working with the MTSA Director, Esther Cooke, Primary Schools choose Leigh to develop closer links. We look forward to sharing the benefits of working with MTSA in due course. Academies Trust

Headteacher Scott Opstad and From January 2019, LAT will comprise Simon Beamish, Chief Executive of LAT, the governing bodies of Paddock 11 primary schools, 11 secondary said: “This exciting partnership gives us Wood (PWPS) and schools and a large special school, and the chance to strengthen community Horsmonden Primary School (HPS) will open three additional new free links in Paddock Wood and surrounding have agreed that, subject to due schools in 2020. All LAT academies villages. PWPS, HPS and Mascalls will be diligence, both schools wish to are geographically clustered in Kent, working closely together for the same become academies within Leigh Medway, Bexley and Greenwich. LAT families so that their children receive Academies Trust (LAT). also manages Kent and Medway the best possible joined-up education. Training, a large initial teacher training We look forward to developing positive Most PWPS year six pupils progress provider serving over 60 primary professional relationships with new into LAT’s nearby high-performing and secondary schools, plus Medway colleagues over the next few months and comprise a Teaching School Alliance, assisting while we explore the many benefits that quarter of Mascalls’ annual intake. This 70 schools to provide professional this partnership can bring”. makes formal alliance a logical next development for teachers and leaders. step to create integrated, all-through Scott Opstad, Headteacher of PWPS education for the community. Due diligence and consultation and HPS, said: “This is the right decision with stakeholders on the proposed for both schools, taken at the right time. Nearby HPS has also identified LAT inclusion of PWPS and HPS within LAT We have long focused on the breadth, as its preferred multi-academy trust. will be undertaken early next year depth and quality of education we offer. PWPS and HPS are both judged good before making a final decision. Further From September this will become a by Ofsted, respectively providing information will be provided in due defining measure for all schools. We are 90 and 30 places for reception-age course. very excited to cement our relationship children each year and for almost with Mascalls and LAT, through which 1,000 children in total. we can together drive a new era of even greater ambition and opportunity for Paddock Wood and Horsmonden”.

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 5 Ofsted news

Oaks

P y r i m m a e ry Acad Tree Tops Primary Academy Oaks Primary Academy

Following a section 8 monitoring visit on Tuesday 9th Following the section 8 inspection at Oaks Primary October 2018, Ofsted has judged that senior leaders and Academy on Tuesday, 16th October 2018, we are delighted governors at Tree Tops Primary Academy and LAT are taking to confirm that the academy has been judged a ‘good’ effective action to tackle the areas requiring improvement school once again by Ofsted. The Ofsted inspector in order for the school to become a good school. recognised the hard work and contribution of all concerned to this success. In her words, ‘highly-skilled staff’ and leaders We are thrilled that the inspector agreed with our the ‘have a passionate commitment to securing the very best academy’s self-evaluation. Historically, the school has provision for the pupils of Oaks Primary Academy’ and not achieved a positive judgement in over a decade and everyone shares these very high aspirations. The inspector receiving recognition that the school is well on track for a noted how ‘initiatives…are sharply focussed on what pupils ‘good’ judgement validates the continuing, tireless work need to be happy, successful learners’. of all of those involved with the academy: children, staff, governors and parents. But the undoubted stars of the show were Oaks’ wonderful pupils, who never cease to astonish the staff with their Ofsted declared: boundless energy, enthusiasm, imagination and creativity. The inspector remarked on how they are ‘proud of their ‘You are uncompromising in your expectations for high work and keen to demonstrate their well-developed standards in all areas of the school’s work…You have understanding of complex issues’. As one student informed established an appropriate sense of urgency and there inspectors: ‘Teachers push us to the furthest limit, but not are clear signs of improvement. Improving outcomes for so much that you have a hard time’. pupils and their well-being are rightly at the heart of all developments.’ Parents and carers also deserve gratitude for their unstinting support. As one remarked, ‘It’s getting better and An enormous ‘thank you’ must go to the fantastic Tree Tops better’. pupils who were, and always are, a credit to their parents and to the academy. The inspector noted that pupils Perhaps best of all, the inspector commended the academy listened attentively in lessons and that the atmosphere as having ‘demonstrated strong practice and marked across the academy was calm and purposeful. improvement in specific areas. This may indicate that the school has improved significantly overall’. The inspector has Principal Denise White said: “As therefore recommended that the next inspection should the Principal I am privileged to work take place under section 5 of the relevant legislation. alongside the dedicated staff team and our Trust colleagues. I know we will Jane Tipple, Principal, said: ‘I would continue to drive improvements and like to thank all academy staff, Trust standards up with a clear and focused colleagues, governors, pupils and their vision”. families, both past and present, for all they have done and continue to do to ensure the academy’s ongoing success. Their support is crucial to ensure that the academy continues to prosper as a happy, safe learning community, in which our pupils can thrive and achieve to the very best of their abilities.’

6 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Kent and Medway Training (KMT) Appointment of new Director of

The recent Ofsted inspection of KMT, which followed a Improvement (Primary) very different framework from that applied to schools, was Due to the steady growth of LAT, we have been able to extremely positive. extend the academy improvement team, welcoming Stewart Dearsley as Director of Improvement for Modern The inspection was conducted in two stages, with the Foreign Languages in September. Faye McGill, former team visiting over three days in the summer term and Principal at The Leigh Academy, has also joined the team returning for a second visit the following autumn. The as part-time secondary Director of Improvement for first stage identified six key areas for improvement, which English on her return from maternity leave in October. were addressed over the summer term and reviewed by the team when they returned to KMT in November. As the merger with The Williamson Trust approaches, we Ofsted commended KMT’s swift, positive response to the recognise the need to appoint a new Director of Learning recommendations, noting that there was clear evidence of for Key Stage 2 (KS2) to enable the team to provide support improvement. for the The Williamson Trust’s primary academies. Following a rigorous recruitment process that attracted a very strong During the second stage, the inspection team visited 11 field of applicants, we are pleased to announce that Lorna schools, observing teaching by 22 newly-qualified teachers Rimmer will be joining LAT in this new role from January. (NQTs) and hearing feedback from their mentor schools, three of them LAT academies. During each visit, the Lorna is a excellent practitioner and leader, with over 11 inspection team met all Principals, NQT induction tutors, years’ experience. She is currently working at a school in other NQTs and former trainees. Medway and will bring to the team strong expertise in primary mathematics. Lorna has delivered the We look forward to sharing Ofsted’s feedback with all Maths Mastery programme in her current school and, stakeholders once it has been published and would like to in recognition of her work, was appointed as the school- thank everyone who supported us in this six-day process. based development lead for Maths Mastery, providing support to other schools participating in the programme.

We look forward to welcoming Lorna, who will support our primary academies in Medway and Dartford in their efforts to raise standards and outcomes in KS2.

Stewart Dearsley Faye McGill Lorna Rimmer

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 7 Free schools present and future

eigh cadem Leigh Academy Blackheath opened its doors at Victoria House, on Shooters Hill Road, in Eltham on 3rd September to 172 Year 7 students. This is a temporary location for the first year of operation before the academy moves to its permanent site on Old Dover Road.

The project achieved a major landmark on 6th November when planning permission for the new academy building was granted by the Royal Borough of Greenwich. From January 2019 old buildings on the site will be demolished and the frame of the new structure erected on a new site in the following months. By September 2019, when the academy moves into temporary buildings on the same site, all of the heavy construction work will be complete and the building will be made watertight, enabling internal fitting-out to take place. The project remains firmly on schedule to open in September 2020.

Snowfields Academy and construction will start in early summer academy at the eastern end of the Bearsted Primary Academy 2019, allowing both academies to Medway towns. Design work has admit pupils from September 2020. recently started and will conclude in Development of both Snowfields January 2019. As with the previous Academy, an 11–18 special school for As part of the DfE-led tender process, two academies, opening is scheduled students whose primary need is autism Bowmer and Kirkland were also to take place in September 2020, with spectrum disorder (ASD), and Bearsted appointed to develop Leigh Academy the academy admitting 180 students Primary Academy continues. In the Rainham, an 11-18 secondary into Year 7. autumn, Bowmer and Kirkland were appointed to design and construct the academies. Recently there have been a number of consultation meetings with local residents prior to the main planning application being submitted in mid-December.

Each academy will have distinct and discrete areas on the site, but will be linked by shared kitchen and administrative areas. Snowfields Academy will have its own sports hall and horticultural area, to which the primary children will also have access. We expect that local sports teams and clubs will also be able to use the facilities when the academies are not in operation. It is hoped that

Snowfields Academy

Bearsted rimar cadem

8 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Mayor of Greenwich opens the brand-new restaurant visitors enjoyed a tour of the academy with Tracey Trusler, Interim Principal, at and were joined by John Dixon, Principal of The Halley Academy, Staff and students at The Halley The Mayor met with Simon Beamish, returning to work following a short Academy were delighted to welcome LAT CEO, Sue Crocker, LAT Business absence. the Mayor of Greenwich, Councillor Director, and representatives from Christine May, on Monday 3 December the companies involved in the Local-authority funding has been to open the new restaurant officially. construction of the new facility. The used to upgrade the catering facilities and to increase the seating capacity of the restaurant to benefit the entire academy. The Mayor met student representatives from each of the small schools within the academy and officially marked the opening of the restaurant by cutting a commemorative cake.

During the visit, the Mayor showed great interest in the ‘Reach for the Stars’ Year 11 rewards and incentives programme, which is an integral part of the strategy to drive up standards and outcomes. It was a pleasure to share the academy’s improvement journey with the Mayor and we look forward to meeting her again on future visits to the academy.

Leader of the Royal Borough of We were delighted to welcome Greenwich visits Leigh Academy Danny Thorpe to Blackheath and The Halley Academy Leigh Academy Blackheath (LAB) LAT was delighted to welcome Danny Thorpe, Leader of The and to have the Royal Borough of Greenwich, to Leigh Academy Blackheath opportunity to and The Halley Academy, accompanied by LAT’s CEO, Simon show him around Beamish. the newest LAT and Royal Borough Danny, himself a former teacher, engaged in an informed of Greenwich conversation about the strategic developments and academy. Danny took the opportunity to visit every significant improvements that have already taken place classroom, meet staff and talk to students about what at The Halley Academy since it joined LAT six months life is like as a member of the founding cohort of LAB. He ago and was impressed by the calm, purposeful learning witnessed our passion for digital learning and saw students environment as he toured the school and visited lessons. using their Chromebooks to access the virtual library Danny witnessed first-hand the fruits of the £1.5m Royal during their five-minute silent reading session at the start Borough of Greenwich investment in the brand-new of every lesson. A tour of the campus included a visit to dining room and catering facilities due for completion the playground to see our basketball court and lawn, and in November, as well as the major refurbishment of Danny also had a chance to visit English, music and science classrooms and IT infrastructure that are transforming The lessons, commenting on the positive learning environment Halley Academy into a stimulating, vibrant place to learn and on the examples of outstanding teaching and learning and work. We are looking forward to developing an even seen in lessons. closer working relationship with Danny and the Royal Borough of Greenwich for the benefit of our wonderful We take great pleasure in celebrating success and in students and staff. recognising the many, diverse achievements of our students. Before Danny’s arrival our top merit-earners Tracey Trusler – Interim Principal, The Halley Academy enjoyed a healthy celebratory breakfast and afterwards, some of them shared their success stories with Danny and eigh cadem showed him the all-important merit board in reception! Emma Smith – Principal, Leigh Academy Blackheath

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 9 Strood Academy, and The Leigh UTC accessible to all involved, raising governors Keith Ellis, Clive Barker, awareness of science, technology, Dan Brown, Janet Robinson, Michael engineering and maths (STEM) Laming and Sophie Dickinson. subjects, promoting collaboration and developing social and digital All of our guests enjoyed a welcome transferable skills among students. lunch before touring the brand-new Project Hoot underpins the globally- academy building, which opened in esteemed International Baccalaureate September 2018, and chatted with by encouraging students to share students working on their various and discuss topics within its Primary projects. and Middle Years’ Programmes. LAT is Inspiration Academy currently exploring opportunities to opens for business The Leigh UTC Principal, Steve Leahey, expand Project Hoot to other schools opened the speeches before handing around the world, further enhancing the socio-cultural understanding of The official opening of Inspiration over to Carina Lindars, Head of College learners. Academy @ The Leigh UTC took place at Inspiration Academy, who explained this term. Students and staff were the exciting new Project Hoot. This is a digital-communication project Simon Beamish, Chief Executive of delighted to welcome over 50 guests designed to connect LAT’s primary LAT, offered a warm welcome to all to the occasion, including Charles academies remotely with The Leigh guests and speakers. He thanked the Parker, Chief Executive of The Baker UTC and Inspiration Academy using Education and Skills Funding Agency Dearing Educational Trust, The Mayor new video-conferencing technology. and Kent County Council for providing and Lady Mayor of Dartford, Jeremy It is intended to be ‘human’ and the investment to construct the new Kite, Leader of Dartford Borough academy; architects Jestico+Whiles Council, Ash Merchant of Fujitsu, and contractors BAM, who have made Stuart Walker of Intel, Leonard Sim our vision a reality. He expressed of Kyocera and Lord Baker, who did gratitude to LAT colleagues and, in us the great honour of unveiling particular, Neil Willis, Deputy Chief the official opening plaque. Other Executive, who have worked tirelessly guests included Greg Baker of on this project, proving yet again the Thames Water, Heinz Richardson of tremendous strength of The Leigh Jestico+Whiles, Alan Newland of BAM, UTC’s efforts within a strong multi- Dana Woodmansey of the ESFA, Karen academy trust. He spoke of how Major, Principal of Dartford Primary honoured he was that Lord Baker had Academy, Kim Gunn, Principal of agreed to join us for the occasion.

10 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk and Steve Woodhead, who had scant idea what they were signing up for as governors but who have safely steered the school and engaged local businesses in ways completely new to education.”

He continued: “The central Trust has given essential, steadfast support to The Leigh UTC, allowing the leadership team to get on with the massive task of guiding 14-year-olds, many let down by their previous schools, through to success in GCSE, BTEC and, subsequently, into sponsored apprenticeships, universities and good jobs. There are still a few years to go in this process but enormous progress has been made.”

The brand-new facility was built by BAM Construction on a site adjacent to Finally, he acknowledged the superb those involved in bringing to fruition The Leigh UTC’s 14-18 academy, within work of staff at The Leigh UTC and this UTC feeder school for students The Bridge Community in Dartford. Inspiration Academy, led by Principal aged 11 to 14, the first of its kind. It boasts a state-of-the-art Fujitsu Steve Leahey. Speaking to Steve, They spoke about the importance innovation hub and outstanding STEM he said: “Everybody who knows you of technology in the workplace, facilities, which the staff and students recognises your hard work, commitment explaining to students that many of were able to showcase to the visitors. and remarkable skill in providing young the jobs they will do in the future do people who attend this academy with not even exist yet. Bob Findlay, LAT’s To conclude the event and mark an inspiring education: inspiration by Chairman, said: “Thank you to Neil the formal opening of the Fujitsu name and inspiration by nature! They Willis, Deputy CEO, who has been first innovation hub within the academy, and generations to come owe you a out of the trench in every battle; Steve Lord Baker cut a ribbon. He great deal.” Leahey, who wanted to be Principal right congratulated LAT and The Leigh UTC from the start and has toiled endlessly on the new academy which, he said, Guest speakers talked about the to deliver success despite successive would benefit students in years to tremendous work undertaken by all of hurdles; and Keith Ellis, Clive Barker come.

Finally, our thanks go to all the students who supported the opening and who were outstanding ambassadors for the Academy.

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 11 Students use the technology to create Thus far, the Project Hoot team has and develop different aspects of their encompassed The Leigh UTC and projects, meeting weekly online via Inspiration Academy, plus Hartley, Google Meet to share progress and Langley Park and Tree Tops Primary to work through ideas as a group. Academies. There are plans to expand After completing the project, all the the project over the coming months academies engage in a Hoot Meet to include additional academies from Project Hoot in which they share and learn from across LAT, and partnerships with one another, developing digital and other schools, both nationally and Project Hoot is a digital real work skills, and embedding a real internationally. We look forward to communication project designed to sense of community within LAT, as all seeing the project develop, and would connect LAT’s primary and secondary students engage with one another on be eager to hear from other academies academies remotely, enabling them a regular basis. who may wish to participate in the to share knowledge and develop project in 2019. transferable skills. It utilises video- conferencing technologies to build the collaborative and communication skills The LAT creative team have developed an engaging narrative around the of students of different age groups idea of Project Hoot, in which each academy is represented by an illustrated and geographical areas. Academies are character, providing a child-friendly context for the project. This has been grouped into project teams and meet developed into a fully illustrated storybook, thus capturing an together to generate ideas and work entirely modern project in a very traditional way. This particular on a project plan, the focus of which means of information sharing was carefully selected so as to explores and builds upon themes reflect LAT’s values, embracing both the old and the new in order from the IB Primary and Middle-Years to achieve the best possible outcome. The children’s books Programmes. will be sent to prospective students and their families to grow student numbers for the primary academies.

12 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk SCWA

Remembering the fallen across the Trust

Students, staff and governors of academies within LAT, together with members of the Royal British Legion, The Stationers’ Company and other distinguished guests, gathered on Friday 8th November to remember the fallen servicemen and women of the two World Wars as well as the 12,000 A two-minute silence was observed killed or injured in other conflicts since across the whole academy at 11am. 1945. David Millar, Executive Principal, said: “The service was extremely moving and Students across the Trust gave moving I am very proud of the respect shown by performances, observed a two- all the students today as we remember minute silence and laid wreaths to all those who died in service for their commemorate the centenary of the country.” signing of the armistice between the Allies and Germany at 11am on 11th LAB November 1918. UTC/Inspiration

Oaks Primary Academy held a poppy While the morning was appropriately workshop, in which children and their reflective, it was also a very proud families created poppies to be used in occasion for staff, who witnessed the the academy’s remembrance display. academy’s founding students respond This enjoyable and meaningful event to this poignant event with great was supported by a huge number of maturity, integrity and respect. families. All students and staff across The Leigh UTC and Inspiration Academy took Oaks Leigh Academy Blackheath (LAB) part in a service and two-minute was proud to welcome two active- silence, along with special guests Clive duty members of the armed Barker, Vice-Chair of Governors, and forces as part of its remembrance World War II veterans Bill Gladden commemoration. Assemblies were of the Airborne Reconnaissance held at which the servicemen helped Regiment, Ted Pieri of the Royal Army students appreciate the context of Service Corps AB and Frank Pendergast Remembrance Day, before answering of the Parachute Regiment. Students their questions. A number of brave Callum Leahey , Charlie Parker , LAB volunteers then had fun trying on Robbie White, Hannah Stonehouse, ceremonial military uniforms, bearskin Joseph Simmonds, Jessica Uwadiae caps and all, before attempting to play and Patricia Antunes read poetry, laid A service of remembrance was held in military marching drums and the bugle. wreaths and read the exhortation on the quadrangle of Stationers’ Crown behalf of the student body. Students Woods Academy, where students, then asked guests what it was like to staff, governors and members of the serve our country in the war. Royal British Legion and The Stationers’ Company gathered to remember all At Langley Park Primary Academy those who died in service to their pupils learned why we observe country. The service was organised by Remembrance Day, participating cadets of the Combined Cadet Force, in a remembrance assembly, class under the leadership of staff member discussions, making poppies and Major Jeremy Wilson TD. writing about what this experience meant to them. At 11am, Langley Park Langley Park Primary Academy fell silent in memory of the fallen.

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 13 As a college specialising in science, Parents who attended the event technology, engineering and were full of praise, as exemplified by mathematics (STEM) subjects, this was the following statement: “Please can the UTC’s opportunity to recognise we offer our sincere thanks for a truly the outstanding achievements of its amazing and inspirational evening students and showcase their talents. last night at the Awards Dinner. We Our thanks go to Kenard Engineering were very proud of our son for his STEM for manufacturing twelve superb award and it will be a night we will all trophies for the award winners. remember for many years to come.

The Leigh UTC values the participation The hospitality, food and atmosphere A glittering evening at of its many business partners; in fact, made the evening so very special. To links to industry are very much at the have so many sponsors there was a true The Leigh UTC awards heart of every aspect of education at eye-opener and it is so reassuring as a dinner 2018 the college. The winner of this year’s parent knowing that so many businesses Business Partner of the Year Award was have invested time and interest in your presented to Temple Brown Consulting college and the students, encouraging Located at The Bridge Development, Director, Dan Brown, by Steve the potential they can achieve. Dartford, The Leigh UTC recently Leahey, Principal of The Leigh UTC hosted its fourth Awards Evening. and Inspiration Academy. This award We spoke with many members of your This annual event has become a real was sponsored by Leigh Academies staffing team and its truly admirable highlight in the calendar, attracting Trust in recognition of this company’s that they love their jobs with such a a growing number of business outstanding contribution to The Leigh passion and want to do everything participants eager to contribute to UTC’s students. possible to change these young people’s students’ educational achievement. lives to help them to excel. Proceedings were chaired jointly by The evening featured a silent auction Vice-Chair of Governors Clive Barker to raise funds for various projects that Many thanks again.” (also Chairman of CSB Logistics) and will enhance students’ education, Mr & Mrs C UTC Principal Steve Leahey. resulting in over £17,500 being raised for such projects as new library This year’s keynote speeches were books, a green-power car kit project, eloquently delivered by four former sponsorship of the college minibus, UTC students: Sophie Woodhead, a Duke of Edinburgh Award equipment, founding student of the UTC who is STEM research and development currently at Ravensbourne University, projects and Duke of York Awards London, studying Product Design; for Technical Education. This is a Huw Prosser, who has developed stupendous amount that will make a passion for computer science a real difference to our students’ by establishing his own company, educational experience. Blooware, which works with local businesses to create a range of digital The 2018 award winners were: solutions; Will Fifield, a computer Sponsor Award Student Recipient science student who secured a Level 3 Technical Apprenticeship with Cleantec STEM Year 10 Male William Groves Microsoft as a Front-Line Support Temple Brown Consulting Computer Science Year 10 Bradley Gillies Engineer; and Amelia Cockran, a former UTC engineering student Temple Brown Consulting STEM Year 10 Female Molly Webb recruited by Coca Cola to take BAM STEM Year 12 Male Tom Mason part in a Level 4 Apprenticeship in CSB Logistics Enterprise Year 12 Ryan Dell Manufacturing Engineering. SEM Engineering Year 10 Kai Busfield Fujitsu Computer Science Year 12 Reece Buttery Cucina Outstanding Achievement Year 10 Callum Leahey Coca Cola Engineering Year 12 Carter Collins Alumni Ambassador Award Jeril Joseph Staff table Outstanding Achievement Year 12 Joseph Howe Trust Table Business of the Year Award Temple Brown

Kenard STEM Year 12 Male Alistair Carter

14 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Leigh Aspire Programme It has been an extremely busy quarter for Leigh Aspire, engaging with its students and providing them with Leigh Aspire is a programme designed transformative experiences to them. to enrich students' characters and prepare them for university, created Raising aspirations The final transformative experience in collaboration with each secondary through transformative experiences for Year 12 students this quarter is a academy. The new onsite-workshop confidence-building drama workshop format of the Leigh Aspire programme KaMCOP consists of a group of higher at The Mousetrap Theatre Company’s was launched on 4th September 2018. and further-education institutions, studios, in London on 12 December. working together to deliver targeted This will be followed by a trip to see Leigh Aspire delivers transformative outreach across Kent and Medway. the matinee performance of the experiences, which inspire and They aim to provide social mobility by popular production, Everybody’s motivate students to achieve their full improving access to higher Talking About Jamie, at the Apollo potential. It supplements traditional education for young people. Theatre, London, offering students an academic teaching and helps students opportunity to sample a new cultural to focus fully on achieving their KaMCOP’s university partners are experience. academic aspirations and securing Canterbury Christ Church University, their future success. the University of Kent, the University of Greenwich and the University for In order to develop aspirations to the Creative Arts, which now enable progress to university, students need the Leigh Aspire programme to deliver as many opportunities as possible a variety of different workshops. to engage with universities and participate in the type of teaching Activities delivered by these partner and learning delivered by these universities include: institutions. LAT's partnership with Kent and Medway Collaborative • Confidence in the classroom Outreach Programme (KaMCOP), has workshop - discussion; secured a wide range of benefits and • Time management workshop - opportunities for the programme and with an emphasis on revision skills; Leigh Aspire students. • University masterclass - based on sociology and social sciences; • Goal setting workshop - what happens next at Post-16; • Skills and strengths workshop - a holistic view; and • Communication and presentation skills - enhancing public speaking skills.

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 15 #LeighIdeas18 final at Leigh Academies Trust

Having launched #LeighIdeas18 in • Hartley Primary Academy- URO early October with the company 7 healthy/helpful ice-skate (years 4 Billion Ideas, www.7billionideas.com, and 5); the climax of this exciting intra-Trust • Milestone Academy- magnetic ball competition finally arrived on Monday (year 6); 3rd December. Hosted by Strood • Dartford Primary Academy - Academy, teams from all LAT primary heated plate/change the world and special academies gathered to (year 4); showcase their work. • Cherry Orchard Primary Academy- Every participant was presented 2,500 pupils from the nine academies freeze helmet/shark harvester with a finalist’s medal and certificate had been working in small teams on (year 3); and the excitement mounted as the their potentially world-changing ideas, • Eastcote Primary Academy - toasty final results loomed. Judges had a expressing their creativity through a tootsies/b-bus (years 3 and 6). hard time selecting the winners from prototype, a jingle and posters. One or among so many excellent ideas. two teams from each academy were then selected to compete in the final. And the winners are….. Challenge The winning teams, who were To spark their imaginations, students presented with their awards by Mrs were first shown a video on how a Waterman, are as follows: rubbish-bin with the ability to emit Best poster - Toasty Tootsies , Eastcote sounds had succeeded in prompting Primary Academy; more people to dispose of litter Best prototype - Helpful Ice-Skate, properly. They were then given a Judging Hartley Primary Academy; challenge and urged to think of Pupils were eager to set up their stalls creative solutions. With only tape, Best stall - Shark Harvester, Cherry and showcase their inventions. Judges string, spaghetti and a marshmallow Orchard Primary Academy. offered the following advice: at their disposal, they were given the task of building the highest possible • Introduce yourself and present The overall winners were: structure, topped by the marshmallow. your work neatly; 3rd place - Magnetic Ball, Milestone • Big smiles! Get your passion Academy; Three teams from Langley Park across; 2nd place - B-Bus, Eastcote Primary Primary Academy, Milestone Academy • When you are not talking, you are Academy; and Dartford Primary Academy shared still presenting. the winning honours with structures And finally……. towering to over 40cm. Judges included Sharon Waterman (LAT Education Director), Louisa Finalists 1st place - ‘Phone-Charging Jacket, Felstead (LAT Engagement Oaks Primary Academy. The students were then given free rein Development Manager) and Lucinda to conceive and develop their own Quigley (7 Billion Ideas, Head of Well done to all who took part! ingenious ideas. Partnerships), who viewed and marked Finalists included: each team’s invention separately. To succeed, each invention had to feature • Langley Park Primary Academy- teamwork, a prototype, a stall, a poster pencil maker/water scooter (years and originality. 3 and 4); • Molehill Primary Academy- aquasorb/ dog dispenser (years 5 and 6); • Tree Tops Primary Academy- thumb purse/going up in the world ( years 5 and 6); • Oaks Primary Academy- phone- charging jacket/crumb-catcher (years 4 and 5);

16 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Christmas arrives at the Dartford Primary Inspiration Academy Academy wins Buster’s courtesy of VJA Book Club’s top prize Consultancy Dartford Primary Academy were The Inspiration Academy’s Christmas extremely proud to win a top tree was kindly donated by John prize in a recent Buster’s Book Ashton of VJA Consultancy, which Club competition. provides mechanical and electrical support to the Business Services All pupils at DPA really enjoy Department. John has supported their activities at Buster’s Book LAT for ten years in this role and Club, which are helping them regularly goes above and beyond the develop a passion for reading call of duty, supporting our annual and literacy skills. Every week, Professional Cricketers’ Association class competition winners are (PCA)-sponsored event and recently announced in assembly and it donating a defibrillator to The Halley is lovely to see the children’s Academy. He also mentors our excitement as they find out who students at Longfield Academy. has completed the most reading. When they discovered one of DPA’s classes had won a top prize, they were over the moon.

The prize was a visit from the KD Theatre Company, who arranged a workshop for the winning class and presented an assembly to all The Leigh UTC Lego KS2 students. league tournament Karen Major, Executive Principal, said: “I would thoroughly On Wednesday, 5th December 2018, recommend Buster’s Book Club to students from across the Inspiration any of our primary academies as it Academy and The Leigh UTC joined really helps pupils develop a love of schools from elsewhere in Kent to reading.” compete in the first Lego challenge tournament. The competition required students to collaborate in a quest for solutions to spatial engineering issues, Dartford Primary including construction challenges Academy and robotic programming, as well as to deliver presentations and solve problems confronting astronauts living in space.

Despite being relative newcomers to the tournament, the students performed admirably and were excellent ambassadors for The Leigh UTC. All received medals and will be presented with certificates in future assemblies. KS4 and KS5 students also received plaudits from the organisers and main sponsors BCS (the chartered institute for IT) for guiding and supporting their younger peers, even finding time to network with the higher-education lecturers attending the event.

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 17 eigh cadem Leigh Academy Blackheath - a very promising start

As Leigh Academy Blackheath showing visitors around and inviting (LAB) approaches the end of its first them into their lessons to see how term, staff and students have been they learn. Very positive feedback has reflecting on their many and varied been received from all visitors, many experiences since the academy’s of whom have been heard to express a opening in September. Within just desire to stay longer. a few months, the academy has welcomed many visitors to the school: The school community’s many hopes parents, carers and governors; Danny for the future were shared with each Thorpe, the Leader of the Royal other on a Christmas wish tree. The Borough of Greenwich Council; and photograph below shows Lily and representatives from the Department Zavion adding their wishes to the tree, for Education and LAT’s Executive joined by LAT CEO Simon Beamish on team. Students and staff have enjoyed his most recent visit to LAB.

Michael Rosen addresses perspectives transformed the evening from a valuable professional students at the inaugural development opportunity into a lively, LAT professional seminar entertaining event.

On Friday 23rd November, Leigh Delegates were effusive about this Academies Trust was delighted to exciting new format for professional welcome children’s author Michael development and participation Rosen to The Leigh Academy for the by the local community. “It was a first-ever LAT professional seminar. fantastic way of providing professional The event was open to LAT staff and development and celebrating poetry. the local community and over 100 Michael was inspirational with his people enjoyed a keynote speech by practical tips on how to bring poetry the former Children’s Laureate and to life for our young people,” said Faye participated in a workshop on reading McGill, one of the Trust’s Directors of poetry for pleasure. Improvement for English. Lisa Bodle, Director of Learning for English at The “His session was just as funny as I had Leigh Academy, also commended the been led to expect. When he spoke about event as “...a wonderful opportunity poetry, it was as if the poems had lifted for us as teachers to reflect on up their petticoats and were running why we do what we do, and around in riotous joy. Poetry for those to enjoy Michael’s stories couple of hours was a living, breathing and humour“. organism, alive and kicking. He was inspiring. He reminded us all why we Karina O’Malley, another Director of love literature.” Improvement for English, said: The event also offered the opportunity “On Friday, I had the absolute delight to explore Michael’s vast collection of meeting Michael Rosen. I felt I knew of work and the author was very Michael prompted a thought- him, of course, as I had often listened to generous with his time when signing provoking discussion on how to his melodic voice on Radio 4. When he books and answering questions on encourage and support reading for stepped into my car wearing his Arsenal his much-loved poems and stories. pleasure. He reflected on the central hat, it was as if the doors of Narnia had Thanks also to all those who delivered role played by school lessons and opened: a world where Saki’s tapestry workshop sessions with such energy teachers in inspiring students to be had come to life and bounded out of and enthusiasm. creative writers and voracious readers ‘The Lumber Room’. He chatted all the of literature, thus developing the way, memories were evoked and shared This event was the first of four similar poets and authors of the future. His and he was as engaging as he was events to be organised by LAT this humorous anecdotes and personal interesting. academic year.

18 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Army STEM challenge trip

On Thursday 22 November 17 Y13 UTC students were constantly praised Students took part in an engineering for their effective interaction with STEM event hosted by the Royal activity providers and ability to ask Engineers at Brompton Barracks, and answer sophisticated technical Chatham, Kent. questions, and were told on several occasions that they were the best The event was part of the Year group at the event so far. of Engineering 2018, a national campaign to increase awareness and understanding of what engineers do among young people aged 17-24. 300 young people between the ages The Army is keen to inspire, attract of 14 and 18 had the opportunity to and inform young people about come and see why STEM skills are so the technical and engineering skills important in a modern army. Specialist utilised on a day-to-day basis across technical teams were on hand to the military. explain and demonstrate equipment and to allow students to try their hand at using various items, with lots of Students taking part in bridge- hands-on time and the chance to see building activities were told that the some of the latest military equipment organisers had never seen a group in action. with such good teamwork skills in all the years that they had run the event. Activities included a model bridge- building challenge, participating in It was an eye-opening and most army building trades, climbing into a enjoyable day for students, some of full-size tank and the chance to use a whom are now seriously considering a range of specialist military equipment. career in the army.

STATIONERS’ CROWN WOODS ACADEMY

Stationers’ Crown Each tutor group was challenged to raise £20 to buy an age-appropriate Woods Academy brings gift for either a boy or girl and the Christmas cheer to young academy set itself a target to donate 150 gift bags. people in Greenwich But, in a demonstration of the true Stationers' Crown Woods Academy spirit of Christmas, the academy’s students, parents/carers and staff students did not stop there! Hundreds pulled out all the stops to support of presents poured into the academy: the Metropolitan Police Force’s 2018 board games, footballs, headphones, Greenwich who might not otherwise Christmas tree campaign, which jewellery, books, T-shirts, cushions, receive a Christmas present. provides a Christmas present to each musical instruments, soft toys and disadvantaged child in Greenwich. more, all beautifully presented in David Millar, Executive Principal, said: brightly-coloured Christmas bags. "I am immensely proud of our students In total, 168 presents were donated, and would also like to thank the staff smashing the original target by a mile! and the many parents and carers who donated presents. We sincerely hope our The police who collected the gifts gifts will bring some Christmas cheer to were completely overwhelmed, only young people in Greenwich. Next year just managing to fit all the bags into we have set ourselves an even bigger the police van. They will now work target - to donate 200 gift bags - and with Greenwich Social Services to I know our students will rise to the distribute the gifts to young people in challenge".

Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities 19 Dinosaurs walk the Earth again at Dartford and Kent Dementia Action Cherry Orchard primary Alliance awards academies On the 5th of October, Mrs At the beginning of term, the Mulholland of Longfield Academy Education Group visited Dartford was delighted to be invited to the Primary Academy, accompanied by Kent Dementia Action Alliance dinosaurs and a workshop introducing Awards ceremony for Dementia- children to what life was like long Friendly Kent. ago. The children were very excited to meet a baby dinosaur and Milly, are formed, who finds them and what The event was hosted by actor a seven-year-old Tyrannosaurus rex! we can learn from them; and even Shaun Williamson at The Great enjoyed an opportunity to go hunting Danes Hotel, Maidstone. The for fossils. academy was nominated for the community and partnership During the first week of December, project award by Jackie West, Years 1, 2 and 3 from Cherry Kent County Council’s Community Orchard Primary Academy met baby Warden from the Sevenoaks Tyrannosaurus rex Jack and his big and Tunbridge Wells team, who sister Sophie. Despite her attempts works with students and staff to take a few bites out of them, to deliver intergenerational the children were very brave and events to local residents. To the everybody had a 'roarsome' time! community’s delight, they won the award, which recognised community initiatives undertaken After meeting the dinosaurs, the in Hartley and local areas involving collaboration between Longfield children took part in a workshop on Dartford Primary fossils: where they are found, how they Academy Academy students and local residents.

These initiatives have included Dementia Friends sessions at the academy, the making Strood Academy student of sensory blankets for those wins award at Kent Dance living with dementia, a sensory garden project, an art project and and Vocal Challenge afternoon tea. Students have also visited Hartley to support events Strood Academy student Eloise provided for lonely and isolated Kemlo recently won the Anita members of the community. Thompson Special Recognition Award for singing and dance Well done to everyone who has at the Kent Dance and Vocal taken part in many projects over Challenge. the last two years.

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