Winter 2016 | issue four NEWS

WOW! New Trust website launches...

www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk

Shaping lives, transforming communities

We are pleased to announce the launch of the events & • SCWA Honoured brand new Leigh Academies Trust website! by Baroness news from Neville-Rolfe & The website officially went live on Mr Fitzgerald’s Visit 23rd December. We are already seeing some around the encouraging results. Our goal with this new website is to provide visitors with • An insight into IT an easy to navigate, clear and informative platform to Trust at Mascalls learn about the Trust, what we offer and how they can • Leadership is GOOD get involved. As part of the build, we produced a video at Molehill Primary to introduce our core vision: Shaping Lives, Transforming • Leigh UTC Awards Communities. Watch students Nikola and Ryan as they Dinner (Ofsted, December 2015) explore ’s library, which has come to • Get into Teaching life with a variety of exciting careers. • LAT16, Bistro & • Which cluster do I We would like to extend our thanks to all those who helped LAT Enterprises belong to? with this exciting project. Visit the new website today at www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk.

1 A message from the Chief Executive

It was been a very successful term in LAT continues to press head with building capacity in LAT up to Christmas 2015 and 2016 has primary education. As well as Eastcote joining us soon, started just as well. Last Summer saw real we will open a brand new primary in South Maidstone success across all of our academies. Since called Langley Park Primary Academy next September then, students and staff have set out to and another new in the Ebbsfleet Valley reach new records this year. We were from September 2017. Meanwhile, we are close to finding delighted that in September, Mascalls a permanent site for our new secondary free school in Academy in joined the Greenwich which is also due to open in September 2017. LAT family of schools. Eastcote Primary in Bexley will do so from February this year. Many of you will know that we will sadly say goodbye to two much-valued principals this year. Lorraine Hollingworth This academic year, LAT has launched its new Education retires from Hartley Primary Academy at Easter and Michael Business Partnership. This will help connect our schools Murphy retires from Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy and students even more closely to the world of work. in September. We are working very hard to find excellent Meanwhile, Greenwich and Councils are pressing us successors for both. They will be tough acts to follow, but to expand our schools so that even more children across with a long line of highly effective leaders waiting to join the area can enjoy a Leigh-style education. We have agreed LAT, I am optimistic that we will appoint new principals already for Wilmington to increase to a Pupil Admission ready to take both academies to the next stage in their Number of 240 and Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy to development. 300. I wish you all a very Happy 2016 and thank you for all of Our UTC continues to impress all who visit. We were your ongoing support this term. fortunate to host Lord Baker of Dorking at our Business Dinner in November to celebrate the achievement of our students. More recently, Baroness Neville Rolfe, the Minister for the Digital Economy visited Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy to hear our exciting plans to open a Digital Media Centre next July with the great support of our friends at The Simon Beamish Stationers’ Company. Chief Executive

WILMINGTON On Tuesday 15th December, Our community Stephen Leahey, Principal of The Leigh UTC was invited by Lord Baker to take part in a presentation gets festive ACADEMY at the House of Lords where On Wednesday 9th December the Post 16 Business A Level and Hospitality Nick Boles MP and he addressed students held their annual Christmas Community Party, supported by ten Year 9 a selected audience about the students. Entertaining over 130 elderly people from the local community and the impact UTCs are having in the students from Milestone Academy, the students worked hard on the planning current education system. and cooking for the event and the party was a huge success. Over £400 was raised for the Post 16 chosen charity - Guide Dogs. Lord Baker was extremely complimentary about Leigh “Really good Academies Trust and recalled afternoon had, his most recent visit to the UTC. thanks to all the Nick Boles emphasised the students and staff government’s commitment to for their hardwork UTCs, and wanted to challenge and friendliness. UTCs to be successful and evolve. It was Great!” Mr Leahey then followed this up “Really lovely, with a detailed first hand account the students are of setting up and running a UTC. fantastic.” This was very well received and led “Great afternoon, all All in all, a fabulous afternoon was to further discussions with other the kids are brilliant had by all, building even stronger MPs and dignitaries at the event. – we take our hats links within the community. off to them!”

2 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Leigh UTC Awards Dinner

The Leigh University Technical College () held its first Awards Dinner recognising the exceptional work of 10 of its students during its first year of opening.

Special guest for the evening was Lord Kenneth Baker the Chairman of Baker Dearing Educational Trust which developed the concept of UTCs.

Business partners were invited to sponsor tables at the dinner to support each of the winners with each student bringing two family guests.

Clive Barker, Vice Chair of Governors and Master of Ceremonies for the evening said: “A key difference that defines The Leigh UTC is the great support that we have from our business partners, developing and participating in projects, work experience, mentoring and many other engagements throughout the year”.

When choosing the trophies for the winners it was decided to reflect the engineering specialism of the college by asking Keith Ellis M.D. of Kenard Engineering and Chair of Governors of The Leigh UTC if he could possibly manufacture a suitable trophy. The result was magnificent (see right). 2015 © Bresserphotos The evening’s award winners were:

• Chantelle Cornett – Award for STEM Year 10, sponsored by University of Greenwich • Casey Crowley – Award for Computer Science Year 10, sponsored by RK International • Harry Dressel – Award for Engineering Year 12, sponsored by 8 Point 3 • Thomas Dressel – Year 12 Computer Science, sponsored by DMA • Harrison Firth – Outstanding Achievement, sponsored by Eurostar • Cameron McIntosh – Enterprise Year 12, sponsored by CSB Logistics • James Mannion – Year 12 STEM Male, The award winners are pictured below with Lord Baker and Principal at The Leigh UTC, sponsored by Cucina Steve Leahey. • Charlie May – STEM Year 10 Male, sponsored by Cleantec Guest of honour, Lord Baker commented: • Callum Shepherd – Year 10 Engineering, “It was a fabulous evening with fantastic support from sponsored by SEM our business partners.” • Sophie Woodhead – Award for STEM Year 12 Female, sponsored by Kenard Engineering

shaping lives, transforming communities 3 SCWA Honoured by Baroness Neville-Rolfe & Mr Fitzgerald’s Visit

The feedback from the students was very positive about the whole experience. They enjoyed engaging with the representatives of the different bodies and found the discussions held both stimulating and informative in preparing for the final video production. The feedback from Mr Fitzgerald was that the students were ‘the Stars of the Show’.

We have been honoured to welcome young people now access material This opportunity has come about Baroness Neville Rolf, the Minister for such as computer games, books, through the Academy’s links with Intellectual Property and Mr Kevin magazines, music and films. They have The Stationers’ Company of which Fitzgerald, the Director General of also explored how these materials are Mr Fitzgerald is a member. World Intellectual Property (WIPO) at paid for and the cost and business the United Nations to the Academy on models in operation. Ms Helen Esmond the master of the Wednesday 2nd of December. Stationers’ Company, Mr Kevin Dewey The Minister was taken on a tour (Chair of Governors SCWA) and Mr The Minister and Mr Fitzgerald visited around the Academy and spoke with Simon Beamish (CEO LAT) were also in the Academy to meet a number of pupils about the facilities available attendance at the event. our Year 13 pupils who have been there. The Minister and her team preparing a video for a United Nations were then presented with a short conference in Geneva in April 2016. extract from the students’ recording The title for the conference is ‘Global and gave some very positive feedback Digital Content Market’. about the content and the production video to date. The students then had The piece that the students have the opportunity to discuss with the been working on is called the ‘The Minister the government’s views on Voice of Youth in the Global Digital intellectual property, namely copyright Content Market’. Students have been and its importance to both the creative discussing the different ways in which industries and the British economy.

Get into Teaching with Leigh Academies Trust

Do you want to be that At our information evenings teacher that inspires you will find out about Leigh Academies Trust students to think and schools and how to either the one that helps train to become a teacher or them to make sense of how to apply for September vacancies. everything? Watch our video! #bethatteacher For more information, please visit: http:// www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk/careers/get-into-teaching/

4 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Trips of a lifetime... New York Trip for Post 16 students

In October last year, Year 13 experienced a once in a lifetime visit to New York where they had the opportunity to explore the latest computer developments through a number of avenues. Students visited the Samsung Experience and had an opportunity to learn about Samsung’s new products. They could touch, feel, and learn about great products and how they work together. They also visited the Sony Technology Lab, where students could see the many wondrous exhibits on display and enhance As well as expanding their knowledge, students their own learning got to experience a live basketball game and a about technology and boxing match at Madison Square, visit a number communication. of famous landmarks and visit the 9/11 memorial.

Humanities Trip to Auschwitz A group of Year 10, 11 and and beliefs. As part of the 12 students left The Leigh museum visit, students were Students found this to be a very in the early hours of an lucky enough to meet a lady emotional experience, one saying that: October Sunday morning who, as a child, had been “All students should be made to come bound for Krakow. Despite saved from the Holocaust. here. This is something you don’t want packing for the cold, the She told her amazing story to look at, but you should. And you will weather was fabulous! though an interpreter and never forget it.” answered questions about Their first visit was the her life. For some students Old Town followed by the this was the most emotional famous Schindler Factory, and inspiring part of the where they learned about whole trip. Later that day life for the Jews of Krakow they took the long drive to before and during the Auschwitz I and Birkenau, Holocaust. the Nazi Concentration Camp where over 1 million They visited synagogues Jewish men, women and and the Jewish Museum children, along with others, in order to gain a deeper were murdered in the gas understanding of Jewish life chambers.

An insight into IT with

IT Services had the Stephane Vernoux, the IT Director said: opportunity to offer some long “This is an ideal opportunity for term work experience to a couple of IT Services to provide an insight into the students at Mascalls Academy and world of IT to two students who have Darren Stocker (Network Manager) expressed an interest in technology.” approached teaching staff to find out if there was any interest We extend a warm welcome to within the Post 16 community. Two Matthew and Luke and are sure they students, Matthew and Luke, showed will pick up some valuable experience an interest and will help provide working with Leigh Academies Trust support at the Academy for a day and which will help them in their future Mascalls Academy takes on two students for a half each week. careers. long term work experience in IT Services.

shaping lives, transforming communities 5 Post 16 L A The best two years of your life... T 16 for further information visit: http://www.lat16.org.uk

What is LAT16? Why choose LAT16? Register your interest now

Leigh Academies Trust Post 16 LAT16 students can choose from over To join us from September 2016, you comprises four campuses in Kent: 50 different academic, vocational and will need to visit our website and technical qualifications studying at complete the online form: more than one campus if necessary. http://www.lat16.org.uk/apply-now/ ■■ The No other group of local schools or ■■ The Leigh University Technical academies in Kent can offer you such Over 50 academic and College (UTC) a wide range of choices. vocational courses ■■ Longfield Academy LAT16 students have the benefits of to choose from. Take ■■ Wilmington Academy a flexible, independent, college-style education but retain the personalised your first steps towards support, advice and guidance needed university or a career... to help them succeed and achieve their goals.

The Leigh UTC Inspiring the Next Generation

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Day

• STEM car challenge: looking at The workshops were run by members the effect of different materials on of the UTC and STEM Ambassador, Year 6 and Year 4 students speed. Phil Moffitt, a consultant and lecturer from Knockhall Primary • Computer control challenge: at the Royal School of Military School attended The Leigh computer programming within Engineering. Staff collaborated across UTC to participate in a robotics. all learning areas, to form a fully integrated project based on roller • Design of a gravity racer and fantastic STEM day. coasters and motion. Students gained personalised number plate. a real insight of our STEM based Students were involved in • Creation of a team roller coaster curriculum. and train ride: students worked four different workshops collaboratively to design a roller The Leigh UTC team thoroughly which focussed on different coaster train with a theme, and enjoyed having the Knockhall aspects of STEM: then tested it on our model roller Primary students and were coaster track, which had been encouraged by how much they created by the 3D laser cutter. absorbed from the day.

6 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Joining Year 10 in September 2016: The Leigh UTC

University Technical Colleges Apply now for a year 10 (UTCs) cater for children from place if your child was born Year 10 onwards. Currently, the only UTC in Kent is The Leigh UTC between 1 September 2001 in Dartford. and 31 August 2002.

If you are applying to The Leigh UTC for current year 10 and 11 outside of the normal application dates, you must apply for an in year admission. If you are applying from outside of Kent, please contact your local authority to make an application. You will also need to complete the supplementary form.

The Leigh UTC are providing a tour STEP One: STEP Two: of their facilities every Wednesday. Visit the Kent County Council website Leigh UTC have a supplementary to apply to join year 10. You will need information form that needs to be Please contact The Leigh UTC on to complete the University Technical completed and sent directly to the t: 01322 626600 or College application form and return by school. The form is available on The e: [email protected] email. Please visit the website for full Leigh UTC website. details.

Focus on: The Telescope Bistro, Longfield Academy A superb versatile indoor courtyard dining area offering a unique ambiance for catered events.

On the 12th November both the A2 Not only did we host an event out of The Bistro is open every Tuesday and Business Double Award students, goodwill, but we also learnt how to Friday lunchtime, term-time only, Performing Arts students, and the prepare a successful 5* evening dining 12.00pm-2.00pm. 4 courses for £12.95 Professional Cookery students hosted event which will benefit the Telescope (excluding special events). To book a an event in honour of the Mayor’s Bistro in future events that will follow. table, please contact Sharon Ross: Charity meal. We were successful in t: 01474 700780 raising £745 which was donated to e: [email protected] the Lollypop Fund for Darenth Valley For online bookings please visit: Hospital (Mayor’s selected charity). https://www.longfieldacademy.org/ bistro/reservation-form

shaping lives, transforming communities 7 Molehill Ofsted Inspection of Primary Academy Molehill Primary Academy

Just before Christmas Ofsted visited Molehill Primary Academy in Maidstone Venues to inspire for a planned inspection. The Academy joined Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) last March and had been in Special Measures or thereabouts for the best We provide facilities for part of a decade. We were delighted that Ofsted have now withdrawn the entrepreneurs, strategic Academy from ‘Category’ and judged Leadership & Management to be ‘Good’. thinkers, lifelong learners and Some quotations from the report are listed below: community participation. “The rapid and highly effective action of increasingly effective and influential. Our venues offer state-of-the-art the Executive Principal since September, One leader commented, ‘The Executive facilities for corporate hire, sports and her work as Lead Principal of the Principal is inspirational and allows us events, conferences and fairs. Our three cluster schools prior to this, have to thrive as leaders. We are empowered vast range of spaces for hire, in brought about significant improvements to make changes.’ In addition, leaders Dartford, Longfield, Wilmington in teaching, pupils’ progress, attendance, with proven track records of skills and Paddock Wood will ensure your safety and behaviour.” and expertise support all staff across event is held in an ideal location at the cluster and at Molehill have “The Executive Principal has, with an affordable price. had a significant impact in securing the Board of Governors and Leigh improvement, for example in teaching Academies Trust’s Development Group, Don’t take our word for it, and learning.” visit our website, or contact us to secured the confidence of staff and arrange a visit. pupils in the leadership of the Academy. “Pupils conduct themselves well around There is now a shared sense of purpose, the Academy and they are polite, friendly w: www.latenterprises.org.uk drive, enthusiasm and determination and respectful.” e: [email protected] to continue and increase the pace of Molehill’s rapid improvement follows t: 01474 700719 improvement. Staff morale is high. on from Tree Tops Primary Academy’s One member of staff expressed a view removal from Special Measures shared by many with the comment, ‘The last Spring. Tree Tops joined LAT atmosphere in this school has changed at the same time as Molehill. Both enormously. The children and staff have primary academies have benefitted a greater sense of purpose and there is a enormously from the challenge and general calmness in the school.’” support offered by LAT. We would like “The collaborative working culture to thank both schools’ dedicated staff across the three primary schools in team who should take most of the the cluster ensures that leaders of credit for the transformation work that subjects and those with other key has undoubtedly been central to this areas of responsibility at all levels are success.

Leigh Academies Trust: Our Academies Secondary Academies Special Academies ■■ The Leigh Academy ■■ Milestone Academy ■■ Longfield Academy ■■ Wilmington Academy Future Academies ■■ The Leigh UTC ■ ■■ Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy ■ Cherry Orchard Primary Academy, ■■ Mascalls Academy Ebbsfleet Valley ■ © 2016 ■ Langley Park Primary Academy, Leigh Academies Trust South Maidstone Green Street Green Road, Primary Academies Dartford, Kent DA1 1QE ■■ Molehill Primary Academy Leigh Academies Trust is a registered where we belong ■■ Oaks Primary Academy company, registration no. 2336587 ■ ■■ Tree Tops Primary Academy ■ North West Kent Cluster ■ ■■ Dartford Primary Academy ■ South East London Cluster ■ ■■ Hartley Primary Academy ■ Central Kent Cluster

Please contact us: t: 01322 626 609 e: [email protected]

8 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk