Angles The Magazine of AASSH

Anglican Academy and Secondary School Heads

February 2012 2

Contributors

David Ainsworth is Headteacher at Trinity CE High School in Manchester. Dr Julie Roberts is Headteacher at Blue Coat CE School in Coventry. Curtis Johns is a Sixth Form student at David Young Academy. Revd Rosemary Lain-Priestley is Dean of Women’s Ministry in the Diocese of London. She is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4’s ‘Thought for the Day’ and the author of ‘The Courage to Connect: Becoming all we can be’. She lives in central London, and is married with three young children. Beverley Whitefoot is Director of Learning for Humanities and Social Science at Bluecoat Academy, Nottingham. Veronica Shuttleworth is a member of the Library team at Bishop Luffa School. Felicia Shebbe is a Year 11 pupil at St Saviours and St Olaves School, London. Amber Edwards is a Year 9 pupil at St Saviour & St Olaves School, London. Father Richard Peers is Headteacher At Trinity Church of England Secondary School, Lewisham, London. 3 Introduction

Where do you start when the others. Staff on outreach in courses not externally assessed path ahead is unclear and another school return refreshed may have done), she would have the landscape unstable? and re-focussed. Schools giving thrown it all in. Instead, she has a support often find their own results College route mapped out and a There is no doubt that the rising. Now that local partnerships confidence about the steps beyond. educational landscape is being - membership of vulnerable & Schools are under pressure to guide transformed. The Archbishop of challenging pupil panels. It now pupils down paths that may be Canterbury, addressing the AASSH looks likely that the “duty to co- inappropriate for the individual child. Conference in September, called operate” will appear in the Education Church schools will want to re-affirm it the most significant move since Bill and SACRE boards, for example their primary concern with the needs the 1944 Education Act. The - are less obligatory, Church schools of our young people. education agenda drives on with an have a role to play in declaring unswerving sense of direction. Some Lastly, agreement on our core our confidence in the value of have questioned Mr Gove’s map- Christian values is more important partnership. It’s a Christian rule. reading, but many have followed than conflict on the details. While his lead - almost half of secondary Next, students matter more than we - staff, parents, governments - schools are now academies. league tables. Easy to say, but may disagree about the means to the pressure is on. Jen’s Hair and achieve a better future for our young Meanwhile, as Local Authority Beauty course is for her a godsend. people, it’s worth re-asserting the services dwindle and familiar ways A bright girl but, ignored at home common ground of our beliefs. of working no longer serve, are there and disruptive in class, she felt she markers in this new landscape to aim “Posts move. Goals don’t,” says had no future and saw no point in for? Three signposts come to mind. an advert on the Tube. It’s a good school. Jen’s vocational course gave reminder to look for the opportunities To start with, partnership is more her a sense of control and purpose. to work together, place our young effective than narrow-minded It gave her hope and incentive to people first and assert the primacy of independence. Partners who share persevere with the academic side our Christian values, as we step out resources - skills, understanding, too. Pressed into a solely academic in to this new landscape. staff - bring benefits to their own routine (as the current agenda of schools in the process of supporting EBacc and the removal of vocational 4 Converting with faith by Julie Roberts

Church of England Schools are very special places and although all schools are unique and individual in character we stand together as schools that care. As church schools we care about the welfare and academic progress of our students; we care about our students’ education, their skills, their partnerships with others and about giving all children the opportunity to express their faith and grow spiritually and morally within a nurturing environment.

We care about our whole community and give a great deal of our valuable time, resources and commitment to others both through school partnerships at local, national and international level Safe-guarding our faith character and ethos and through various charities and innovative partnerships external to no school can sit still. We all what can make a difference to deal of thinking about what this our schools. look to continually build upon the lives of our students and our means for church schools. At Blue The world is constantly changing the nurturing environment that communities. When Academy Coat we looked at what Academy and the shifting sands of being a Christian school entails status for outstanding schools Status could add to our ability to educational policy means that and to extend our knowledge of was first mooted there was a great build upon our successes as a 5

Church school as we believe that schools to strengthen links and presented by Academy status a church school. Our Christian in education today no-one can work with them in faith. enhance this provision and allow us ethos is an integral part of what ever sit still and complacently say, to share our worship resources and we are about and our core values, “we’ve done it”. Our intentions to Our Christian ethos isn’t just some our faith dimension in a way that achievements and partnerships improve our learning, our resources, form of divine right that comes has not been possible before. all centre on our faith. We believe our provision and our work as to us as a church school, it has it is vital that we maintain all the a Christian school demanded to be worked at and it is valued Core Christian beliefs of love, strengths of our current alliances innovative thinking, new methods, by parents, students and staff respect, forgiveness, humility, as a Church of England School new technologies, new partnerships alike because it comes from our peace, justice, reconciliation and and are adamant that built into any and access to the funding to help to conviction as a whole body that care for others creates an ethos change of status for any Christian make our dreams a reality. building an effective learning with a strong sense of moral school is the connection with the community works for us because it purpose and direction, which in turn church and Diocese thus retaining a It was important to us that Blue is underpinned by Christian values. drives achievement and personal distinctively Christian ethos. Coat would become a “Christian Blue Coat is very special because development. As an Academy we Academy”. Increased freedom and of the distinctive Christian style. are able to extend the support we The special values of our Church finance would allow us to play a We are working to spread that offer to students and families, on schools must be continued more significant role as part of a success and work with other faith their journey though childhood whatever our decisions as church wider faith community. Part of the schools, helping them to develop to adulthood by enhancing our school leaders. As an Academy mission is to strengthen links with links and Christian ethos in a way provision of extended services we have been able to support Christian schools in the city. Social that works for all. There are several and pastoral care, guidance and more activities that benefit our cohesion is strengthened because local Church of England schools support which offer the best community - improving existing of our position to resource more that benefit from this connection possible help and advice. facilities, developing our newly “outreach projects” of an innovative in the locality and although we acquired land and making a real nature, thereby taking the concept already work with some of these Academy Status is not for difference to the education of our of Leading Edge to a higher level in curriculum terms current budget everyone but this article sets students and that of other partner of engagement working even more shares haven’t always allowed us to out to demonstrate a small part Church of England schools. closely with Church of England reach out in faith. The opportunities of what it has meant for us as 6 My Journey: incredible and inspiring by Curtis Johns

Curtis Johns is a student at the David Young Community Academy in Leeds. Curtis spent his Year 7 at one of the predecessor schools for the Academy. This was a “failing” inner-city school where aspirations and performance of students was amongst the very worst in the country. The school, although out of special measures at the time of closure, had previously been in special measures for 5 years. Curtis is a gifted musician and is currently in Upper Sixth preparing for university. He has watched first-hand the difference a strong ethos rooted in Christian values makes to a community. In December this year Curtis spoke to over 200 people at the SSAT conference on the theme of achievement of working-class boys.

Throughout the last five years, is a credible representation of the I have been able to watch the academy itself. academy grow and take shape Our ethos aims to encourage a into what we today recognize as love for learning but also to actively a safe and loving professional promote solid Christian values as atmosphere. The proficiency of our part of our everyday lives. Within staff and students has developed our walls we have a distinctive positively and this is what allows atmosphere, one that boasts us to succeed in the David Young confidence in diversity amongst the Community Academy. Some may students and respect for all faiths debate the contributing factors to and its members. A dedicated success, but from my experiences worship room allows any student and many of those around me, an the support required for prayer ethos provides a model from which and private reflection. There is a we can mould ourselves. After five genuine respect and understanding years of determination our ethos of faiths and how they contribute 7

to society. We regularly pride Young, passed away in 2008, ourselves through end of term but his life and work continues to celebrations. The entire school will inspire the entire academy. We congregate to the hall and we will took a selection of students to the experience what it means to be a widely attended funeral, and some community through music, drama, of us attended as those who would dance, speeches and prayer. This actually participate in the funeral is truly a unique experience and service. I myself had the honour of embodied within the celebration singing in this service. Many other is an encouragement and students sat and listened to how appreciation for the beauty of his life work inspired all, then they creation. We leave at the end of brought this back to the academy. term recognizing the responsibility Since his passing Bishop David and care our environment requires. Young’s wife includes herself in We pride ourselves in this ethos. the ongoing encouragement of our ethos, attending the academy Throughout my educational and speaking in Graduations and journey I have witnessed and achievement ceremonies. took part in some incredible and inspiring events. Our academy Our ethos will continue to makes an active commitment to encourage and inspire all affiliated join hands with our community with our community academy in churches at Christmas time, actively promoting support and Easter, and in times of mourning understanding of what it means to and celebration. This is an active have good Christian values. It is commitment. We allow ourselves because of this support that our to be responsible for promoting academy continues to thrive in strong moral values to those who excellence. Our aspirations have need it most. The Bishop, David never been higher! 8 Admissions and the judgements we make by David Shannon, Educational trainer and Link Tutor

“Middle class to lose stranglehold on places may give way to “tick boxes”, which • Ensure the children of non- seem more acceptable according to Anglican Christians are also at top church schools”. The Sunday Telegraph the guidelines! accommodated, but it is recognized that the previous was reacting last year to the Archbishop’s Some principles for all church guideline of “churches affiliated schools do however emerge: Council’s new guidelines on admissions. to Churches together in England” • Check your admissions policy is now inadequate. There are The truth of course is elsewhere. silent about how such a situation frequently for legality, since the helpful examples of approaching There is no attempt in these would be resolved. laws on diversity and inclusivity the flourishing house-based and guidelines to remove from are still evolving. community-based churches. governors of VA primary VA schools face problems when and secondary schools the turning away the children of church • Give priority to “looked after” (and • When making decisions between requirement to frame their own families would leave those children “previously looked after”) children children of Christian families, “the admissions policies. with no suitable alternative for and those with “special social only criterion to be taken into “Christian nurture”. It is hard to circumstances or exceptional account should be attendance at The guidelines state that policies limit church-based admissions medical need”. worship”. It is left to governors must be fair and legal, approved in the name of diversity and to decide if a ten-minute by the school’s governing body, inclusivity when you know, as • Ensure your admissions policy epilogue after a mid-week games and have regard to guidance from sometimes occurs, that your local offers a balance between evening for children constitutes their Diocesan Board of Education community schools may offer little foundation and open places, “attendance at worship” or not. (DBE), which must be consulted. or no quality RE and collective but this is for your governing The guidelines mischievously worship programmes. body to decide, taking note of In short, there are as many comment that “an important role local factors. Hence the existing issues raised as are resolved conferred on the DBEs by the The guidelines discourage the use pattern may well continue, with by these guidelines, but AASSH government is that of objecting to of points systems to allocate places, many secondary schools offering committee members are always admission arrangements in Church but offer no clear alternatives. Points between 50% and 89% of places available to give practical schools in the Diocese”. This systems at least can offer a fair and through foundation preference. examples of how to make the The 11 secondaries taking only scenario is likely to be as rare as it transparent way for places to be “judgement of Solomon” as best foundation places are likely to be is alarming. And the guidelines are allocated, provided they are not over as you can for your community! elaborate. In reality points systems asked by their DBEs to reconsider. 9 10 Deep and Wide 2: who for?

In the first of her three articles, So far so good. This is what makes deep and wide can go together – The Revd Rosemary Lain-Priestley us distinctive. This is what makes even in this thorny area of Church explored the ‘deep’ experience that us deep. But what makes us wide? and national politics. Several things Church schools offer young people. I have a few questions about the have led me to this view. In this article, she tackles the ‘wide’ offer that I’ve just described. ‘Who – the people for whom our schools do we want to do this for? To whom Firstly, I believe that deep and wide should cater. These articles come are we making this offer of a learning can go together because one of from a talk Rosemary gave to the environment that nurtures, awakens the striking things I’ve heard in AASSH Conference 2010 in response and encourages the spiritual depths my time as Chair of Governors to the Conference’s title. in young people? To which children of a Church School with a 60:40 should we extend this gift? And split – 60% church places, 40% As institutions with a faith what do we require of them before community places - is girls from foundation our schools and we give them the opportunity to agnostic backgrounds talking academies provide a context where engage with it?’ about how being with people of it’s still okay to say in the public faith has changed their view of sphere ‘This is our faith and we’re Well, governing bodies all make Christian believers, some children of religion and what it might be about, quite proud of it actually. We think their choices about admissions other faiths and some from homes and of people who take religion it’s a good thing and we offer it to policies in complex and nuanced that have little or no engagement seriously – and I wonder what you as a possibility’. That’s what social contexts. Some characterise with religion at all. Or perhaps better contribution to our world and makes us distinctive and that’s those decisions as being a choice a community based entirely on national and local milieu there might the opportunity that we must not between ‘deep’ or ‘wide’. This view geographical proximity to school. be at this moment in time? screw up either by ducking the considers that ‘deep’ demands a difficult questions about religion, or school community wholly made You will all have your different Secondly, I believe that deep and by failing to present it as exciting up of church-going young people. views on this issue and you wide go hand in hand because it and accessible and life-changing, A place where everyone buys into represent schools with very is often through our encounters or by making the naïve mistake of the specifically Christian ethos. different admissions policies. It with difference that we learn the thinking that to preach the Christian Or as one primary school local to would be uncanny and unnatural if most. Either because they open gospel is to disrespect other faiths me puts it: ‘Whilst recognising the everybody’s coincided with mine! up new ways of looking at things or by avoiding serious engagement needs of the community around I’m not here to campaign for a which broaden our understanding with other ideas and perspectives us we have chosen to continue to change in your admissions policies or because we are prompted to look from the false premise that serve our main priority, church-going and in any event I ought to be more deeply into our own beliefs. children will be spiritually damaged children’. In contrast, ‘wide’ by this talking to governors if that were my So there is an argument to say that by exposure to difference and definition would mean a diverse primary mission. However, I have if young people are not directly disagreement. school community made up of some come to believe, passionately, that exposed to the contributions of people who have a perspective 11 other than their own, they find it perception of the Church and their to be girls (the school in question And I would also ask: why would very hard when they emerge from genuine thirst for God and a spiritual is a girls’ school) – we are doing we want to offer this gift – this the education system and find dimension to life when we ask them what we are required to do. The gift of the possibility of God and themselves in a world where many, to express that by jumping through parents sitting around me in the the possibility of the life-giving many people think differently to how the very specific hoop of weekly pews seem to feel variously about potential of spirituality and religious they think and believe differently to church attendance for two years their situation – some are genuinely faith – only or predominantly to how they believe. prior to their child’s application - or enjoying the experience, some seem children of families who are already fortnightly attendance for three resigned to it, and a few, I would doing something to expose their In Mark’s Gospel a Syro-Phoenician years, or whatever our requirements hazard a guess, are a little resentful. children to it? Why do we not want woman asks Jesus to heal her might be? What do we achieve in to open the hearts and minds of daughter. He tells her, essentially, terms of their spiritual growth? children who have not had that that his mission is to the Jews, not experience or opportunity and give the Gentiles. That it wouldn’t be right In the spirit of honesty and by way them the chance to explore the to give the children’s food to the little of illustration I’m happy to share adventure of faith? dogs. But she courageously replies with you that my family is currently ‘Even the dogs get the scraps from jumping through that hoop. My role We don’t have to be either deep or under the table’. Jesus changes his as Dean of Women’s Ministry in wide. We can be deep and wide. mind and heals her child because central London doesn’t require me And perhaps we can be deeper this woman from a different culture to attend any one particular church, because we’re wider and have faced and religion makes him think so since - four years ago - I left a the challenges that breadth brings. differently. He isn’t threatened by decade of parish ministry, the girls her perspective, just challenged in and myself have floated around Anyway I’ll sail back into calmer a good way and he changes as a various local places of worship. and less controversial waters by consequence. Deep and wide. suggesting that it’s not surprising As of this new academic year these issues aren’t easy to resolve Then there is a third issue that however, we are attending the or simple to unravel because at the has led me to think that in order local church that will ensure our These are not simple issues. They heart of the Christian gospel there to go deep we might have to go compliance with the relevant are messy and complicated and is much that is subtle and nuanced wide. For four years I have been admissions policy. It’s not the church different local situations will bring and that needs gently unfolding if we part of the cohort at the school that either of my daughters would different appropriate responses are to engage with it in a way that gate who anguish endlessly over have chosen because it probably from those who shape admissions really connects with the complexity the question of Secondary School isn’t the one that best engages with policies. I would simply suggest that and uncertainty that we experience admissions in a context where their unfolding spirituality - and the neatest answer, the one that’s in our own lives. the best educational option for I worry about that because their easiest to monitor and simplest to our daughters is undoubtedly the unfolding spirituality is something defend in the context of admissions In the last of three articles on the local Church school. Being party that I would rather nurture than risk. appeals is not always the right title ‘Deep and Wide’, Rosemary to those conversations I have often But along with approximately 80 one or the most courageous or explores the meaning of the thought: what [do] we do to people’s other children – most of whom seem potentially fruitful. Eucharist in a church school context. 12 Westminster and Woodard, Bishops and Bibles, Carols and Christmas – it’s been a busy year so far… Pupils at St Saviour’s and St Olave’s School, Southwark have this year been involved in some memorable events.

November brought a service in singing. The conference took place Westminster Abbey to celebrate 200 at the Mint Hotel, London. My role years since the birth of Nathanial was to sing and direct the choir. We sang an Anglican anthem called “Day Woodard. As a Woodard affiliated by Day” and a Gospel song called school we provided choristers in two “True Praises”. It was evident that our choirs, as well as banner bearers, to singing had a great impact on the this magnificent setting and event. audience, as some reacted through tears of happiness! The school’s new banner was proudly displayed at the Woodard Service of It was an honour and a privilege Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. not just to be representing SSSO, It was produced by Y9 students but also to be sharing the beautiful experience with so many of the head under the guidance of our Artist in teachers from different schools from Residence, Bruce Ingram. around the country. AASSH Eucharist Service Just seeing so many head teachers together showed me how important A number of girls continued to the power of unity is. That’s what show this natural warmth for made the service special for me – others by leading a Eucharist bringing everyone together made service with our outgoing Chaplain, such a warm atmosphere. Rev Kes, at the annual Anglican It was so valuable taking part in a Academy Secondary School Head Cao (11R) commented, “there was students and how they made the Eucharist with so many different (AASSH Conference). All aspects a real sense of community, even service so special. people. It showed the schools were of the service - music, drama and when we were in a room full of head Girls from the SSSO choir had the all unified by Christ. The service felt spoken word - created a wonderful teachers!” All present were genuinely opportunity to grace the AASSH so pure, loving and genuine. atmosphere of loving worship. Alice moved by the involvement of the conference Eucharist service with our Felicia Bhebhe, Chorister 11Yellow 13

Woodard Service excited to be selected to sing in the massed Woodard Choir of Thanksgiving at the service to celebrate the Very well done to all girls involved in 200th anniversary of Nathaniel the Woodard Corporation Service Woodard’s birth, held at of Thanksgiving in November. Westminster Abbey in November. Nathaniel Woodard, born 200 years I had seen the Abbey on television ago, founded a number of church when HRH Prince William married schools. SSSO is an affiliated school Kate Middleton last April, so I of the corporation. The service, was knew it was an important place. to give thanks for Nathaniel’s life and When I first went inside, I thought work. It was a truly inspiring service the building was really big and and wonderful place to worship. grand. There was lots of detail on As a chorister at my school, St the ceilings and floor tiling. It made Saviour’s & St Olave’s, I was very me feel tiny!

My favourite piece that we sang in friendly and I got to know a few the choir was Hubert Parry’s anthem people from other schools. “I was glad”. This was the piece that I thought it was incredible that one Kate Middleton had walked down man - Nathaniel Woodard - some the aisle to, so it felt really special. 200 years later could still have such I sang one of the soprano parts. It an impact, bringing so many different sounded great in the Abbey, because schools together for a united purpose. the ceiling was so high, creating a His legacy was clear to see. beautiful echo. After the service I learnt a lot about I felt the service had a really the history of the building through harmonising effect. Bringing all the a tour. Seeing the tomb of Mary different Woodard Schools together Queen of Scots was particularly to sing and worship was like a family exciting. gathering. It felt like we were all neighbours - everyone was really Amber Edwards 9 Orange 14 Trinity, Taizé and School Improvement by Fr Richard Peers SCP

The London Borough of Lewisham As priest-headmaster Taizé has families have established a Time can enter into at whatever level and the vine laden hills of Burgundy been part of my vision for what a for Trinity group; we are hugely feels appropriate to them. Although may not appear to have a lot in church school could be like almost oversubscribed and 64% of pupils the community life is firmly based common. The small village of Taizé since I first visited the community left last year with the required on Christian truth, it allows young a few miles to the east of historic a year before I began teacher qualifications. people space to enter into the training as a teenager in the early practice without demanding more Cluny might seem particularly The transformation of the school 1980s. Taizé provides an intense from them than they can give. It far from the busy streets of a has been achieved by seeking and unapologetic experience of accepts people as they are. Our south east London school. But the to live an intense unapologetic Christian living but is does so by Muslim students, for whom we ecumenical monastic community of Christian life now with the help allowing people to be themselves. provided a prayer tent, were as at and assistance of our full time Taizé has been one of the models The lengthy silence that is part home at Taizé as our Pentecostalist School Priest-Chaplain. From the we have followed as we have of each act of worship at Taizé Christians and our agnostic first authentic Christian worship worked to improve our school and is a symbol of the space that is teenagers. with singing, praying and reading to ensure that our pupils leave provided for each person to enter from scripture has been the forum We took the first group of pupils equipped for the challenging world into themselves and experience the where children learn how to be part from the school in the summer of work and adult life. presence of God. of the community. The Eucharist of 2010; a video of interviews is Every year many thousands of Northbrook as the school then is celebrated for the whole school available on our website (www. young people travel to Taizé to was had a poor reputation was every half term as well as regularly trinitylewisham.org). They were spend time with the brothers of the undersubscribed and in 2008 for tutor and House groups and is most impressed by the lengthy community sharing in the life of only 27% of pupils left with five celebrated daily in School Chapel silences. On returning to the prayer (three times a day), eating A*-C grade GCSEs including of the Holy Angels. school they talked to the School together, working and enjoying English and Maths. The school council and to the whole school in As priest-headteacher Taizé has meeting people of other cultures had moved off its original site assembly about their experience. been a significant influence on my and languages. For the past two to allow a rebuild but there was They asked us to find ways of life. I first visited when I was 17 and years they have been joined by a vocal campaign among the building silence into our school I made lifelong friends on that and groups of pupils from what is neighbours for the land to be used day. A meditation teacher has subsequent visits. For schools it now Trinity CE School, Lewisham for housing development – ‘No to helped us learn mindfulness shows a way of giving children an (formerly Northbrook) an 11-16 Northbrook’ posters dominated techniques (observation of experience of Christian community. church comprehensive. the local streets. Now in 2012 local breathing, posture and loving It offers living practice that they 15

kindness) taught to every teaching group in the School.

This has led to a culture of calmness and concentration which all our visitors comment on. Three minute breathing spaces are taken in lessons, worship and as a form of conflict resolution.

Last summer sixty children and adults travelled to Taizé including the Chair and other members of the Governing body. Many of those pupils will return as group leaders this summer.

Brother Paolo of the community visited Trinity last year and will be meeting with all the heads from the diocese of Southwark at our residential conference in March. This year the community has designated two schools weeks (see the community website www.taize. fr) to encourage groups to attend.

At Trinity we firmly believe that it is our Christian character that drives up standards for children. Taizé provides a model of Christian living that engages and energises young people and changes lives. That, after all, is why most of us are in education. 16 South Africa 2011: sparkling, wonderful, life-changing Beverley Whitefoot, writes of a memorable trip last August:

build self-esteem and learn how to look after themselves. The students were so impressed that they elected to donate their remaining money to this project at the end of the trip. The students were also able to visit and help support at the Bernard Mizeki Primary School in Richmond, where our visit created something of a stir among the younger pupils. For me especially it was wonderful to see how the school has improved since my last visit four years ago thanks to the inspirational leadership and hard work of Jeanine Collett and her team.

Tired but in great spirits, 24 students We were humbled by the work of During the weekends we explored some amazing individuals, whose some of this beautiful country; we and 3 members of staff walked and education. We also took part in faith and purpose was clear for saw a demonstration of survival through the arrivals lounge at ‘the big walk’, raising funds to help all to see. We met the sparkling skills by a San bushman, enjoyed Birmingham Airport after this year’s students come to Bluecoat on the Mama Frankie who provides care a guided tour of Isandlwana and Post 16 trip to South Africa. The trip return visit. and support for the disadvantaged Rorke’s Drift, watched a female affords students a wide variety of in local townships. And the warm cheetah and her four cubs at The trip left us all with so many opportunities, from undertaking and wonderful Daphnie, who Imfolozi Game Reserve, took photos memories from so many experiences; charitable work in the community, runs eSemphiwe orphanage for of hippos and crocs in St Lucia many students have committed to learning about the history and abandoned children from one week Wetland Park, and watched a rugby run charitable activities from school culture of this interesting and to five years old. match between the Sharks and the during this year to help support the diverse country as well as building Cheetahs in Durban… worthwhile projects we saw on our Before the trip students had raised relationships with students from our trip. If you would like to support these money for the ‘Butterfly Project’ In the last week students spent more host School, St Nicholas’ diocesan projects, please contact me at the which helps disadvantaged children time with St Nicholas’ students and school for further details. school in Pietermaritzburg. to understand more about their lives 17 Chair’s Charity: raring to go Veronica Shuttleworth, a librarian at Bishop Luffa School, is leading a trip to Mbeya in Tanzania to support the work of Grassroots, the Chair’s Charity

In January 2011, a group of Bishop team meetings to plan fundraising Luffa students began planning an strategies, their journey from Dar es expedition to Tanzania. This July, Salaam to Mbeya, and have had a 18 months later, they will be joining training weekend where they had the charity organisation, Grassroots, the opportunity to learn camping and will be assisting them with skills, and what they can expect project work for communities in when they arrive in Tanzania. Mbeya. Students are raring to When the team arrives in go. In between raising money to Mbeya, we will work with several pay for the trip, they have regular

communities offering their help in who will be attending secondary different ways. The team will be school, giving them the opportunity building and delivering water filters to interact with the community. to provide clean water to homes, The trip will allow these students helping students in homework the opportunity to see how life is clubs, and they will hold a football in a different country. It will be an match with one of the schools. They exciting, life-changing experience. will be spend time interviewing and To see the work of Grassroots, see working with some of the children www.grassroots.org.uk 18 Excellence At The Heart Of Manchester by David S. Ainsworth

The centre of education and leading figures from the political, research in Manchester can civic and ecclesiastical life of the city be found east of Oxford Road, and beyond. Brief presentations by comprising such distinguished Manchester’s BSF Project Manager, institutions as the University the Managing Director of Willmott of Manchester, Manchester Dixon Builders and Trinity’s Head Metropolitan University, Manchester were followed by accomplished Business School, the School of performances of drama, dance and music by the students. Dentistry and the Science Park. Amongst these celebrated The Trinity of 2011 is an 80% centres of excellence, and housed rebuild, funded by Building Schools in brand new state of the art for the Future, providing learning accommodation, lies another spaces, study areas, classrooms During the 2011-12 school year, excellent sports facilities and suite seat of learning: Trinity Church of and IT facilities for music, drama, the second phase of the Trinity BSF of whole school IT rooms. The England High School. English, mathematics, design work will be a 15% modernisation total BSF investment into Trinity, technology, history, geography, The ‘new’ Trinity was officially of an existing block, demolition including IT, is £21.5million. religious education and science. opened on 12 September, 2011, of two remaining blocks and the In his address to a packed by the Archbishop of York, Dr John development of the school campus audience in the school’s new Sentamu, in a special service held into different social areas for Drama Hall, the Archbishop at the school. The Archbishop’s first students: tennis courts, basketball supported and saw the relevance role was to lead the school’s 1200 courts, an amphitheatre, sheltered of the school’s original motto of students in worship, after which he areas and, for the school’s ‘Faith in the City, Value in People, was the main guest at the Opening youngest students and our Y5-6 Excellence in Education’, but Ceremony, attended also by friends visitors, a traditional children’s added a suggestion for the future: of the school, staff, parents, student playground. The remaining 5% ‘Building Humanity’. representatives, governors and comprises the school’s existing

AASSH CONFERENCE 2012 “Communicating hope in a changing world”

Fellowship, Reflection and Challenge Speakers: • Bishop of Bristol • Sir Michael Wilshaw • Dr Priscilla Chadwick • Dr Ruth Deakin Crick • Rev’d Jan Ainsworth

19-21 September 2012 THE BRISTOL CONFERENCE @ Bristol Marriott Royal Hotel, Bristol

For any further information please contact: Mr A D Coates, AASSH Treasurer St Christopher’s CE High School Queen’s Rd West, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 4AY Tel: 01254 355214 • Influential speakers • Stimulating programme • Thoughtful worship • Valuable fellowship • Quality accommodation 22 Committee Members

Elisabeth Gilpin Dr Irene Bishop Alasdair Coates Treasurer Secretary St Saviour’s and St Mary Redcliffe and St Olave’s School St Christopher’s C.E. Temple School at the High School Heart of Bristol

Dr Irene Bishop has been a teacher in inner London Having taught English for 15 years, Alasdair was Elisabeth Gilpin is Headteacher at St Mary Redcliffe comprehensive schools for 38 years, the last fifteen appointed Head of St Christopher’s C.E. High School and Temple School at the Heart of Bristol. She was as the head of St Saviour’s and St Olave’s Church of 19 years ago. His Scottish roots led to the hills, Headteacher of St Augustine of Canterbury Joint England Girls, a comprehensive school in Southwark. rebuilding a 300 year old cottage, off-roading and Roman Catholic and Church of England school in Our most recent Ofsted report and SIAS 2009 walking, hence the vibrant DofE Award programme. Oxford. She has taught Science in six other schools declared the school to be “outstanding”. He believes high achievement flows from happiness, in Oxford, Bath and West Sussex. She worked for high self-esteem and a sense of spiritual purpose. Oxfordshire Local Authority between Headships as leader of the ‘Unlocking Potential’ project jointly supported by a Farmington Fellowship at Harris Manchester College, Oxford. She loves salsa dancing.

Lesley Morrison Ros McMullen CBE Fr Richard Peers David Young Community Trinity C.E. School Academy St. Martin-in-the-Fields High School

Ros McMullen is Principal of David Young Community Lesley Morrison has been teaching for over 30 years Father Richard Peers is an Anglican priest and Academy in Leeds which is highly successful, and the Headteacher of St Martin-in-the-Fields headmaster of Trinity C.E. School, Lewisham. adding significant value to the achievement of its High School for Girls since 1998. St Martin’s is an Originally trained as a Primary teacher Richard served students. DYCA opened in 2006 replacing 2 of the ‘Outstanding’ school, based in South London just full time in two parishes has been a school chaplain lowest performing schools in Leeds and it has the outside of Brixton, in a vibrant, multi-ethnic community. twice; deputy head of a Primary school and later of highest deprivation indices in Leeds. The Academy is The school has a 60/40% admissions criteria and so a VA school in Richmond. Richard led section 48 sponsored by the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds. Ros is a there is a significant number of other Faiths who make inspections of Primary and Secondary schools before catholic and is married with 3 young children. She can’t a valuable contribution to the strong inclusive ethos. becoming head at Trinity. remember what spare time is, but loves family holidays. 23

Julie Roberts Nicola Sylvester David Shannon Head of School Associate Blue Coat Church of Effectiveness England School & Music Members’ for The National Society / College Education Division Representative

Dr Julie Roberts is Head of Blue Coat Church As Head of School Effectiveness Nicola will be David has been working since 2008 as an of England School, Coventry, a mixed 11 – 18 responsible for building school improvement capacity Independent Educational Consultant. His experience comprehensive of over 1,400 students. Having across the Church of England sector, including in education includes teaching in schools in Essex, achieved an ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report in February strengthening the role of denominational inspection Deputy Head of the Blackheath Bluecoat School 2010, the school converted to Academy status in July, work of education that puts spiritual development in London and Head of the National Technology 2011. Julie is willing to share her experiences of the and the life of faith at its heart; and, transforms lives College, Hucknall, Nottinghamshire. David now works conversion process as a Church of England school. and communities through the living out of Christian as a SIAS inspector, is a member of the Southwell commitment. Minster Cathedral Council and is a magistrate for Nottinghamshire. He still works part-time supporting PGCE students from Nottingham Trent University in a variety of teaching subjects. Two days a week he cares for two pre-school grand-daughters! Nick Taunt Andrew Wilcock Chairman Vice-Chairman Editor of Angles Bishop Ramsey C.E. Bishop Luffa C.E. School High School

Nick’s first 20 years of teaching, from 1980, were in Andrew’s career in teaching has taken him round the large community comprehensives. In 2000 he became M25, starting in Croydon, then Crawley, Leatherhead, Head of Bishop Luffa C.E. School in Chichester and Guildford and now Ruislip, North West London where National Leader of Education in 2010. Three grown-up He has been Headteacher of Bishop Ramsey School children now in primary teaching, health and post-grad in Ruislip, since 2002. biochemistry. He has no idea where the science came from: he enjoys music, walking and the allotment. He has a wife who writes about food and nutrition, two teenage children and two dogs. CHAIR VICE CHAIR SECRETARY Mr Nick Taunt, M.A. Mr Andrew Wilcock, M.A. Mrs Elisabeth Gilpin, M.A.

Bishop Luffa C.E. School Bishop Ramsey C.E. High School St Mary Redcliffe&Temple CE School Bishop Luffa Close Hume Way, Ruislip Somerset Square, Redcliffe Chichester Middlesex Bristol West Sussex PO19 3LT HA4 8EE BS1 6RT [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] 01243 787 741 01895 671 051 0117 377 2103