Parent Bulletin 14th February 2020 Excellence every day

Thought for the week Lent Word of the week (Any student using the word of the week correctly will receive an achievement point). Algorithm - A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. Book of the week from Mrs Bennett Can You See Me? by Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott

Dear Families, Bon voyage to Mrs Abrahams and everyone who is going on the RMS Ski Trip this evening. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable time. Well done to Mr Cain and our Engineering students who won the Fluor Challenge! There’s an article about this below.

Year 9 options interviews have been progressing well- many superb conversations have been taking place, and we can see that there is a great deal of talent in the year group. Thank you to all the parents and carers who have made time to come in and discuss their children’s exciting course choices. Discussions about future sixth form colleges, universities, degree courses and next destinations in general have been superb. We’re looking forward to the next steps.

The Chair of our Trust, Mr Reader, asked me to thank you for your responses to the single question survey that was sent out a couple of weeks ago. Trustees, with senior leaders, had a discussion and debate session on Monday night when they took the opportunity to study responses from all our stakeholders, with a view to starting to shape the future strategic direction of the school. Once we have some more concrete vision/aims statements we will start to map out the direction of travel. After that we will be consulting again and inviting parental contributions for a second time.

Coronavirus (2019 nCoV aka CoViD19) - Advice for everyone

Public Health are saying this: you should not be unduly worried about the possibility of catching the Coronavirus. A UK wide campaign has been launched to provide clear advice on how to slow the spread of Coronavirus. Please help to support the campaign which promotes basic hygiene practices, such as regularly washing hands and always sneezing/coughing into a tissue, to stem the spread of viruses.

We recognise that some families may be planning to travel during the forthcoming half term period. If so, please refer to the FCO’s latest travel advice via this link https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus. If you are planning to travel to a likely Coronavirus destination such as those listed below please follow the instructions on https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/ when you return to the UK.

● Wuhan or Hubei Province in China in the last 14 days (even if you do not have symptoms) ● other parts of China, including Macau and Hong Kong, in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it's mild) ● Thailand, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Republic of Korea or Malaysia in the last 14 days and have a cough, high temperature or shortness of breath (even if it's mild) ● in close contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus ● Do not go to a GP surgery or hospital. Call 111, stay indoors and avoid close contact with other people. ● Tell 111 about any recent travel and any symptoms you have.

RMS Challenge announcement updates! Mrs Robinson says:

We have made it 59% of the way to Siberia which is the first race that Jordan Wylie did. We are hoping to follow his path BUT at the moment he is at least one extra race ahead of us.

Stats below as of 13/2/2020

If you would like to support staff efforts and help us to run, cycle, ride, row, swim and walk further and harder, please visit our fundraising site: https://givepenny.com/round-the-world-challenge All funds will go straight to completing the building of Jordan Wylie’s School in Djibouti.

Hampshire CC proposals to make a walking route from Hook to Robert May’s School / removing free school bus service The second of three public engagement meetings took place in Hook J S on Wednesday night, concerning the walking to school route proposed by HCC officers. We are aware that many people in Hook are very grateful to Mrs S Vinten and her colleagues in PAACT (positive Action Against Transport Cuts) who have led the challenges to this scheme. If you wish to write to complain to the county council about the potential removal of free school buses from Hook to RMS, please send them to [email protected] . There is a final public exhibition of the plans which is to be held on 25th February from 3pm-8pm in Hook Community Centre.

Have a lovely break.

Joanna C West

Notices and news:

CONTACTING THE SCHOOL Robert May’s School aims to ensure that all students have access to the best possible educational experience, in order that your children - our young people -leave us as well-qualified, accomplished, rounded people who are able and willing to make a positive contribution to others’ lives, in the locality, the country and the world.

We support our aims by asking our students to follow the Robert May’s Way. The three key pillars of the Robert May’s Way are Respect, Manage and Support. We ask everyone to respect each other and respect the hard work that is going on to enable students to lead fulfilling lives in the future. We invite all to manage themselves, their work and their behaviour so that relationships are harmonious and all activities lead to fruitful outcomes for our young people. We ask everyone to support each other, so that no-one is left behind or left out.

We are asking parents, carers and all adult visitors to adhere to the Robert May’s Way when dealing with the school and its staff, and to be aware of the following points:

● All staff working at the school have the right to work in a safe and positive environment. They are expected to be good role models for our students. The same is expected of visiting adults and parents/carers. ● Staff should not be expected to deal with matters that cannot be resolved sensibly and calmly. The school will not tolerate rudeness, threats or aggression of any kind from visiting adults/parents/carers. It is not appropriate, for example, to demand to meet with a member of staff instantly without an appointment, or to remain on-site without an invitation. The school has powers to bar adults who behave unacceptably. Between 8.25am and 2.25pm our teachers, team leaders and tutors are teaching. If you need to get in touch over an academic or pastoral matter directly related to your child, the best way to begin is to email [email protected] and make sure that the name of the teacher you wish to contact is in the message heading. ● Teachers will not be able to respond during the normal school day, but they will do their best to respond as soon as they can, once students have left the site and any relevant meetings and training sessions have taken place. ● Funding for schools has been uncomfortably tight for a number of years. Staffing has been cut over the last 3 years in order to try and maintain a prudent and balanced budget each year. This means that all staff in school are working to maximum capacity and are very time-constrained. Their main focus is always going to be the learning and well-being of the children and young people who are on roll at RMS.

All staff have been directed not to answer emails between 5pm and 8am on weekdays, during weekends or designated holidays. This is in compliance with the government's initiative to reduce teachers’ workload and also to allow our staff to exercise their right to a family life.

Thank you for respecting our approach to face-to-face and online communications, and thank you for your continuing support.

MUSIC DEPARTMENT DATES

4th - 6th March - GCSE Performance Exams. All year 11 students have been given their individual date and time slot for this exam

Saturday 7th March - Mayor's concert 7pm. Chamber choir and Acapella group to meet at the Anvil backstage door at 4.30pm. Tickets available from the Anvil box office

Thursday 19th March - GCSE Concert 7pm. All year 10 GCSE music students will be performing in this concert. This is also an opportunity for the Year 11's to perform their exam pieces. Link to tickets for GCSE Concert on 19th March

Tuesday 31st March - Spring Concert 7pm. All extra curricular music groups will be showcasing their talent in this end of term concert. Link to tickets for Spring Concert on 31st March

CHAMBER CHOIR AND ACAPELLA GROUP

We will be performing at the Anvil theatre in Basingstoke on Saturday 7th March in the Mayor's concert. The concert will take place in the evening and there will be a rehearsal in the afternoon. As soon as I have more details I will pass these on to parents but please can I ask you to keep this date free.

Tickets are available from the Anvil website.

PERIOD PRODUCT SCHEME

Robert May’s have been providing free period products to students for a number of years, for example, if a student has forgotten to bring products in or if their period starts unexpectedly. These products were previously provided as free samples from commercial companies and by charities.

The Department for Education has now introduced a new scheme and will be funding this. It is available for any students, as above, or anyone who is unable to afford period products, in order that they can access education.

Students should attend the first aid room and ask for the ‘red box’ if they require products.

Please contact Tracy Brown in the First Aid Room for further information. ______

YEAR 10 - GREAT PLAGUE & BLACK DEATH

Year 10 this week have been comparing what they have learnt previously (Black Death) with what they have been looking at more recently (Great Plague) and delving into the similarities in treatments and ‘cures’.

Mr Symonds-Keates, Head of History

ANNUAL SCHOOLS’ ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

On Wednesday night, the annual schools’ engineering challenge was held at Fluor in Farnborough. The teams were all tasked with making a semi-autonomous cricket bowling machine that could remove the bails as many times as possible in three minutes. always provide sporting opposition and managed a tremendous score of 15, twice as many as all the other schools - apart from Robert May's School. Our team blew away the opposition with a score of 32 wickets.

Congratulations to our winning team. They each win a share of £500 and the Technology Department gets another £500 as well. So a big thanks to the team, who have worked their socks off over the past few weeks, firstly getting to know each other and then coming up with a workable and accurate device.

Happy Holidays.

The team:

Lilli H Neve S Charlotte S Tyra L Ben C Harry L

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YEAR 11 REVISION TIMETABLE

A MESSAGE FROM COUNTY COUNCIL:

Further to the Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services approval the consultation on the additional school playing fields adjacent to Robert May’s School, Odiham will run from 24 January to 6 March 2020 during which time comments on the proposal may be submitted. Details can be found at this website: https://www.hants.gov.uk/aboutthecouncil/haveyoursay/consultations from today including a link to a "Frequently Asked Questions" document and details of the drop-in session at the school. Please can you forward this information on to any colleagues, appropriate local members or other interested parties within your organisation.

Should you have any comments on the proposal can you please submit them by 6 March 2020 so they can be considered.

Kind regards, Strategic Planning Team Children’s Services,

______

HAMPSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL HOOK TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL CONSULTATION Hampshire County Council (HCC) have confirmed the dates when they will return to Hook to present their proposals to create a walking route between Hook and Odiham. Once this walking route is in place, they will remove school transport for children in Hook living less than 3 miles walking distance from Robert May’s School. The timings are: Public Exhibition - 25 February - 3-8pm - Hook Community Centre It is understood that feedback provided to HCC will be shared with the Executive Member before she makes her decision in March as to whether the scheme is to proceed or not. ______

PE CLUBS WEEK COMMENCING 24TH FEBRUARY 2020

Day Club Running

Monday Badminton (All Years) Yes Rugby (7+8) Yes Trampolining Club (Invite only) Yes Girls Football (all years) Yes Table Tennis (all years) Yes PE GCSE Homework support Yes Girls Hockey (9, 10 & 11) Yes

Tuesday Fitness Yes Girls Basketball (Y7, 8, 9) No Football (9,10,11) Yes Running (all years) Yes Girls Rugby Yes

Wednesday Year 7+8 Netball Club Yes Hockey Club Girls (10 & 11) No Rugby (9,10,11) Yes Boys Basketball (7,8) Yes

Cheerleading Yes PE Revision (11) Yes

Thursday Boys Hockey (All Years) No Netball (9, 10 & 11) No Girls Basketball (10 & 11) No Boys Basketball (9, 10 & 11) No Boys Football (7 & 8) No Dance (7, 8 & 9) No

Friday GCSE Theory Clinic (Y10 & 11) Yes

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FACEBOOK AND TWITTER PAGES

If you decide to “like” anything you see, please make sure your own Facebook pages/tweets are locked down. We thought it might be helpful to family members to have easy-to-access social media sites in which all letters home, piece of news and bulletins could be posted and read. They are for information broadcasting only. They are not for people to post comments or queries. If you have any queries, or comments, please email the school using [email protected] as usual.

Robert May’s School

Robert May’s School Official

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RMS PTA UNIFORM SERVICE

All our new uniform is ordered online, our website is www.rmspta.co.uk and our contact email is [email protected]. Once an order is placed you will receive an email, usually within 2-3 school days, advising you that it is ready for collection. Students can collect uniform any MORNING breaktime from the PTA office on the far left of the school, near the DT block. Please look at our website for any latest information about our service and for how to exchange or return items should you need to.

Second Hand Uniform Donations

We are happy to receive donations of good quality preloved RMS logo uniform and PE kit (no skirts or trousers please). Simply hand your donations into the school office during term time in a bag labelled "PTA 2nd hand uniform”. Please help us by donating laundered items only.

All profits from our uniform sales are used to enrich the pupils learning and experiences.

Second Hand Uniform Sales

We have a selection of second hand uniform for sale, including polo shirts for the Summer Term, on the following dates:

Monday 2nd March - 2.25pm - 3.25pm Monday 16th March - 2.25pm - 3.25pm

* please note these are weather dependent and may be postponed in heavy rain Location: Find us in the green container between the DT block and the astro pitches. Cash or cheques only please, made payable to ROBERT MAYS PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION. Many thanks for your continued support.

RMS PTA UNIFORM SERVICE ______

FAMILY CONTACT DETAILS

If you have moved house recently, or changed your mobile phone number, please get in touch with us via [email protected] and send in your updated details or click on the link to our website http://www.rmays.org/parents/update-contact-details/ for our change of contact details form.

We’ve experienced some difficulties with contacting some families recently, because landlines and mobile numbers are out of date and/or unobtainable. If you do not update your latest contact details, you are risking the safety of your child. If an emergency occurs and we cannot contact you, the matter becomes a serious safeguarding concern. Please help us to keep records up to date.

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WATER MAIN REPLACEMENT/ ROAD CLOSURES IN NEWNHAM TO BEGIN IN JULY FOR 36 WEEKS

Please see link below for the schedule of works and road closures during this time: http://corporate.southeastwater.co.uk/newnham

CLUBS AND AFTER-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Please see link below to see the most up to date list of our clubs and activities: http://www.rmays.org/curriculum/extra-curricular/ ______

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

17th February - 21st February Half Term 24th February Second half of Spring Term begins 25th February RAF & RMAY's Year 5 STEM Project - Greenfields 26th February A Midsummer Night’s Dream - The Watermill Theatre 27th February Road Safety Experience - Kent RAF & RMAY's Year 5 STEM Project - Mayhill Junior School 1st March GCSE Drama Rehearsal

Please check the calendar on the school website for more information: www.rmays.org/news/calendar/ ______

RMS TERM DATES: 2019-2020

Spring Term 2020: Monday 6th Jan- first day back for all CPD day: Friday 14th Feb - School closed to students with the exception of Year 9 students with Options’ Interviews Half term break: 17-21 Feb Fri 3rd April- last day of term

Summer Term 2020 Monday 20th April- CPD Day - School closed to students Tuesday 21st April -first day back for all Half term break- 25-29 May Friday June 26th CPD Day - School closed to students Friday 17th July -last day of term (HCC finishes on 22 July)

RMS CONFIRMED TERM DATES: 2020-2021

Autumn Term 2020: Thursday 3rd September 2020 - CPD Day - School closed to students Friday 4th September 2020 - CPD Day - School closed to students Monday 7th September 2020 - First Day of Term - Years 7 and 11 only Tuesday 8th September 2020 - Whole School return Half Term Break - 26th October 2020 - 30th October 2020 Wednesday 16th December 2020 - Last Day of Term

Spring Term 2021: Monday 4th January 2021 - CPD Day - School closed to students Tuesday 5th January 2021 - First Day of Term Half Term Break - 15th February 2021 - 19th February 2021 Monday 22nd February 2021 - CPD Day - School closed to students Wednesday 31st March 2021 - Last Day of Term

Summer Term 2021: Monday 19th April 2021 - First Day of Term Half Term Break - 31st May 2021 - 4th June 2021 Friday 25th June 2021 - CPD Day - School closed to students Friday 23rd July 2021 - Last Day of Term

Please be aware that as an academy, Robert May’s School does not need to follow Hampshire term-time dates. However, we know that several of our students in each year have siblings in our neighbouring community feeder schools, and so to minimise disruption we have done our best to try and match the local arrangements. ______

HEALTH, WELLBEING ADVICE FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES

Helpful information for children or families that are in trouble:

Childline: 0800 1111 Samaritans: 116 123 NSPCC: 0808 800 5000 Online child protection: https://ceop.police.uk/safety-centre/ (also a call to ChildLine will help) Internet Safety: http://www.saferinternet.org.uk/ Hampshire Children’s Services (to report a safeguarding concern about a child) : 0300 555 1384

We repeat the information shared in recent weeks about advice and guidance for parents / carers on important child-safety and well-being topics, including cyber bullying, sexting, drugs and so-called “ legal highs”. Please read the materials in the link because they are specifically designed to support parents. https://www.safe4me.co.uk/parents/

There is a new texting support service in our area. It is called ChatHealth and is run by the NHS. If your child is aged 11-19 and wants confidential advice from a ChatHealth nurse on anything to do with relationships, depression, weight, body matters, drugs, anxiety, self harm, smoking, please give them this number to text: 07507 332160

Internet use and social media concerns: please keep an eye on your child’s/children’s internet and social media use over the long holiday. If you have any concerns about any of their contacts or activities, you can use the information in the link above. Alternatively, excellent advice, guidance and numbers to call can be found on: https://www.saferinternet.org.uk/advice-centre/parents-and-carers

Information from the East Hampshire School Nurse Team: We are also seeing an increase in the need for emotional support for children and young people. A useful website for young people and parents is Young Minds: https://youngminds.org.uk/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIm5OAisOh3gIVx7DtCh1qgQfuEAAYASAAEgKd8fD_BwE

Hampshire CAMHs have also recently released their new and very comprehensive website:

https://www.acamh.org/topic/camhs/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhOqdycOh3gIVy7ftCh2_NQVpEAAYASAAEgL bkPD_BwE

Tel: 02382 311221 Email: [email protected]

Hart Counselling CIC is a social enterprise offering affordable counselling and psychotherapy to young people aged over 11, adults and couples in Hook who are looking for mental health support. Please contact us at: [email protected] or visit our website www.hartcounsellingcic.org.uk for more information or if you have any questions.

FACILITY HIRE AT ROBERT MAY’S SCHOOL

If you are interested in booking our facilities please email [email protected] or phone 01256 393140

Local College Open Evenings 2019-20

College Phone number Web / email address Date of Open Evening Time Alton College (01420) 592 200 www.altoncollege.ac.uk Thursday 2nd July (Open Evening) 5pm – 8.30pm [email protected] Basingstoke College of Technology (01256) 354 141 www.bcot.ac.uk Monday 10th February 2020 (Open Evening) 4.30pm – 7.00pm (BCOT) [email protected] Monday 11th May 2020 (Open Evening) 4.30pm – 7.00pm Apprenticeship Event Monday 3rd February 2020 (Recruitment 4.30pm – 7.00pm (over 40 employers looking for Fair) apprentices will attend) Monday 15th June 2020 (Recruitment Fair) 4.30pm – 7.00pm Farnborough College of Technology (FCOT) (01252) 405 555 www.farn-ct.ac.uk Wednesday 26th February 2020 (School 4pm – 7.30pm [email protected] leavers open event) Wednesday 25th March 2020 (A levels Open 4pm – 7:30pm event – The difference between 6th forms Aldershot Construction College and colleges) (contact through FCoT) (01252) 405 555 www.farn-ct.ac.uk Wednesday 4th March 2020 (Construction 4pm – 7.30pm [email protected] Courses)

Farnborough Sixth Form College (01252) 688 200 www.farnborough.ac.uk Friday 14th February 2020 (Open 1.45pm – 3.30pm [email protected] Afternoon) Wednesday 25th March 2020 (Information 5.30pm – 8.30pm Evening) (01252) 71 69 88 www.farnham.ac.uk Wednesday 12th February 2020 (Open 4pm – 7pm [email protected] Evening) Saturday 13th June 2020 (Open Day) 9.30am – 12.30pm (01483) 44 85 85 www.guildford.ac.uk Wednesday 5th February 2020 (Open 4pm – 7pm [email protected] Evening) Saturday 6th June 2020 (Open Day) 9.30am – 12.30pm Merrist Wood (01483) 88 4000 www.merristwood.ac.uk Wednesday 26th February 2020 (Open 5.30pm – 8pm [email protected] Evening) 9.30 – 12.30pm Saturday 20th June 2020 (Open Day (01962) 857 500 www.psc.ac.uk Thursday 25th June 2020 (Welcome Days [email protected] Friday 26th June 2020 (Welcome Days) Friday 3rd July 2020 (Enrolment after welcome day) Wednesday 8th July 2020 (Open Evening) 5.30pm – 8.30pm Thursday 9th July 2020 (Open Evening) 5.30pm – 8.30pm Queen Mary’s College (01256) 417 500 www.qmc.ac.uk Thursday 23rd April 2020 (Open Evening) 5.30pm – 8.30pm [email protected] (01962) 776 441 www.sparsholt.ac.uk Saturday 1st February 2020 (Open Day) 10am – 2pm (01962) 797 213 [email protected] Saturday 7th March 2020 (Open Day) 10am – 2pm Wednesday 1st April 2020 (Open Evening) 4pm – 7pm Thursday 18th June 2020 (Open Evening) 4pm – 7pm Yateley VI Form College (01252) 879 222 [email protected] N/A N/A

Year 11, if you want to finalise your decision about the college or the courses to take in September then please take the opportunity to visit our local colleges again. If you wish to start an apprenticeship, then please attend the Apprenticeship Event at BCoT on the 3rd February - dress smartly and bring copies of your CV to give to the employers who will be attending. They will be looking to recruit new apprentices from this event. Details of the employers who will be attending can be found on the BCoT website nearer the time. Events are usually very well attended; please check for details about parking. Some colleges use public car parks and run shuttle buses. N.B. We recommend that you check with the college before visiting to make sure the event is still happening.

Trustee /Non – executive director

(Voluntary Position)

Robert May’s School (RMS) is an Academy Trust located in Odiham, Hampshire providing secondary education to 1260 students. Our vision is for all our students to have the highest academic, social and practical skills necessary for them to lead fulfilling lives. Further information can be found on our website at www.rmays.org. RMS are currently recruiting a Trustee/(Non-Executive Director). Trustees are both charity trustees and company directors of the Academy Trust. The Trust Board meets six times a year at the school and Trustees are also expected to serve on one or more committees, working with the other Trustees to:

 ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

 hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its students, and the performance management of staff;

 oversee the financial performance of the school making sure that public funds are used effectively and appropriately.

RMS is seeking talented individuals who have the ability to work strategically, with experience of leadership at senior management or director level who are used to working in a highly collaborative way. Applications are welcomed from individuals with business, education or public sector backgrounds; but particularly from individuals with the following areas of expertise:

 Accounting, Finance and Business  HR  Fundraising  Education management;  Digital Technology, particularly innovation in Curriculum delivery  Legal, governance and compliance  Property and Estate management;  Project / Programme Management

Whilst Executive Board, Trustee, or Non-Executive Director experience is not a prerequisite, individuals who have held any of these positions would bring essential skills to the Trust Board.

What are the benefits of becoming a Trustee? RMS Trustees find the role challenging, interesting and deeply rewarding because they can see how their work contributes to the well-being and prospects of students and the local community. Trustees gain board level experience and influence strategy and decisions that will create better educational outcomes for children and gives Trustees a real opportunity to make a difference.

How to apply: Please click here http://www.rmays.org/trustee-vacancies/ for an application form to be completed by 28th Feb 2020

Trustee /Non – executive director

(Voluntary Position) RMS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. These posts are conditional on verified references and an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

Role of a Trustee

Introduction The purpose of governance is to provide confident, strategic leadership and to create robust accountability, oversight and assurance for educational and financial performance. Effective governance is based on six key features: • Strategic leadership that sets and champions vision, ethos and strategy • Accountability that drives up educational standards and financial performance • People with the right skills, experience, qualities and capacity • Structures that reinforce clearly defined roles and responsibilities • Compliance with statutory and contractual requirements • Evaluation to monitor and improve the quality and impact of governance The role of a school trustee at Robert May’s School (RMS) is to contribute to the work of the Trust Board (TB) so as to secure high standards of achievement for all members of the school community by:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction The school seeks to provide an outstanding all round education provision with high academic achievement at its heart. Working with senior leaders, the TB sets strategic objectives to help the school reach its goals.

• Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff The TB creates robust accountability for the Headteacher through rigorous analysis of performance data and financial information.

• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the school operates with regularity, propriety and value for money, using only the resources it has available

The Trust Board’s function is strategic, rather than operational. Trustees should not be involved in the day to day running of the school or operational tasks such as writing school policies, auditing of accounts or health and safety procedures or undertaking classroom observations to make judgments on quality of teaching.

Activities As part of the Trust Board, a trustee is expected to:

Contribute to all strategic discussions at Trust meetings, the functions of which are to: • Determine and shape the vision and ethos of the school, setting clear and ambitious strategic priorities and targets within the context of enhancing social mobility and diversity • Oversee the school’s financial performance by approving the annual budget, agreeing resource allocation and monitoring expenditure • Ensure that all students have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, ensuring that resources (including the pupil premium) are used to overcome any barriers to learning • Oversee staffing and personnel matters including the staff structure and key staff policies • Provide support and challenge to the Headteacher and senior leadership team Trustee Role Description Sept 2019 v1.0 Page 1

Role of a Trustee

• Ensure that safeguarding requirements are fully met • Ensure the Academy Trust is compliant with legal requirements, including that all statutory policies and documents are in place • Approve and review school policies, and hold staff to account for their implementation • Carry out the appointment and performance management of the Headteacher • Monitor health and safety in the school

Hold the senior leaders to account by monitoring the school’s performance. This includes: • Agreeing the outcomes from the school’s self-evaluation form (SEF) and ensuring they are used to inform the priorities in the school improvement plan (SIP) • Considering all relevant data and feedback provided on request by school leaders and external sources on all aspects of school performance • Asking challenging questions of the Headteacher and senior leadership team • Ensuring that senior leaders have arranged for any required audits to be carried out and receiving the results of those audits

Ensure that staff have the resources and support they require to do their jobs well, including the necessary expertise on business management, external advice where necessary, effective appraisal and Continuing Professional Development, and suitable premises, and that the way in which those resources are used has impact. Listen to and reporting to the school’s stakeholders: pupils, parents, staff, and the wider community.

Contribute to the Trust Board’s evaluation of its own functions and performance; including annual completion of a skills audit and governor questionnaire.

RMS governance structure The size and composition of the TB is set out in the Articles of Association. Trustees of an Academy Trust are both Trustees for the purposes of the Charities Act 2011 and Directors of the company limited by guarantee for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006. The school’s liability insurance policy provides the necessary cover for trustees acting in good faith.

Trustees are required to sign the Trustee code of conduct and declaration of interests at the first TB meeting of each academic year. Trustees are required to respect the confidentiality of items of business which are deemed confidential and support a decision under collective responsibility.

All trustees are required to complete safeguarding training and other training as appropriate to any specific TB responsibilities. All training is evaluated and reported to the TB.

The TB meets two times per term (six times a year) and currently has four committees (Resources; Teaching, Learning and Wellbeing, Pay and Performance, Strategy and Nominations) as well as the Headteacher performance review panel. Committees meet formally once a term except for Pay and Performance which meets once per year.

Trustee Role Description Sept 2019 v1.0 Page 2

Role of a Trustee

Trustees may be asked to contribute to the work of one or more of these committees or panels. Trustees may also be asked to take on the role of “link trustee” on a specific issue of importance, reporting to the TB on progress in relation to that issue. Current designated roles include Pupil Premium, Behaviour & Attendance, Student Experience, Looked After Children, Quality of Teaching and Learning, Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Special educational needs or disabilities (SEND), Personal Development, British Values, Post 16 Pathways and Careers .

Trustees may be asked to be members of the appeals committee, trustee nominations panel or of a working group set up to look in depth at an issue of strategic importance and report back to the TB.

Detailed information on the role of trustees of Academy Trust can be found in the following documents:

Department for Education Governance Handbook and Competency Framework: www.gov.uk/government/publications/governance-handbook

Education and Skills Funding Agency Academies Financial Handbook: www.gov.uk/government/publications/academies-financial-handbook

Charity Commission guidance on the role of charity trustees: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you- need-to-know-cc3

Trustee Role Description Sept 2019 v1.0 Page 3