'Outstanding' Ofsted Report

Message Bright Futures Educational Trust from the CEO Dear Colleagues, Easter break is beckoning and we have much to celebrate across the Trust. Melland High School was the first of our schools to be ASPIRE • ACHIEVE • ACCLAIM Issue 03 | Spring Term | 2013 inspected under the new Ofsted criteria and the first in our Trust. Judy O’Kane, her senior colleagues, staff, pupils, parent and governors have done Melland community and the Trust proud. Congratulations to them all on their outstanding Ofsted; outstanding in every category which is a tremendous achievement. Another feather in our cap is the Teaching School at Altrincham Grammar School for Girls being awarded the prestigious Research Grant by UK Research Council. Many teaching schools around the country have applied but few have been chosen so congratulations to all involved. Congratulations also to Gorton Mount and Stanley Grove on their PLACES project on the built environment which culminated in a large exhibition at The Cube in Manchester City Centre. This was supported by the Royal MELLAND HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL: JUDITH O’KANE, OBE Institute of British Architects and the Manchester School of Architecture. ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted report Our fabulous Cedar Mount Academy students have been Melland High School is Futures Educational Trust, which is "Our academy is committed to leading the way on career celebrating after being rated able to implement key learnings providing the absolute best chance pathways. As part of the Bright 'Outstanding' under the new and best practice from Melland for every student to succeed, and Futures Project, Cedar Mount Ofsted framework. across its mainstream academies. it is fantastic to have our hard work students shared their One recent innovation is that the recognised." experiences and learning at a The report, which was released on Trust has appointed a dedicated Conference in Leeds hosted by Dana Ross-Wawrzynski 16 March, deemed the Special child and educational psychologist , CEO, Teaching Leaders. Their Educational Needs (SEN) academy Bright Futures Educational Trust, presentation was greatly who works across all the partner 'Outstanding' across every academies, focusing on inclusion commented: "Melland High School appreciated by the teachers inspection category. Part of the is a valued member of Bright present and many have followed and boosting attainment. Bright Futures Educational Trust, Futures Educational Trust, helping up the students’ work for use in their own schools. The students the academy was previously Judith O’Kane OBE , Principal at us to take the very best SEN put both Cedar Mount Academy inspected by Ofsted in 2004 and Melland High School, said: "We are specialist knowledge into our and Bright Futures on the map. 2007, where it was also found to be extremely delighted to have partner schools. On behalf of the 'Outstanding.' achieved an 'Outstanding' Ofsted trust I’d like to congratulate Judith The Trust held its first Annual rating yet again." and the team – their excellent work General Meeting and there was Melland's excellence in SEN is has been rewarded." much to be proud of in terms of bringing huge benefits to the Bright our schools’ successes and progress. Directors are also working hard on behalf of the Key Ofsted opportunity taken to share best a very positive difference. The Trust, sharing their expertise and comments include: practice to improve teaching academy is using its special giving much valued support to further. education needs expertise various projects such as Outstanding rating across admirably. overseeing building programmes all areas: achievement of Measures of their progress show or supporting schools directly. pupils, quality of teaching, they are doing as well as and Over the last year the proportion There is a wide acknowledge - behavior and safety of pupils, often better than students with (of teaching) that is outstanding ment that our Chair, Mr Barrie similar needs in schools else has increased further. Bernstein, has been instrumental leadership and management. where in the country. in developing a supportive Inspirational leadership and high The quality of teaching is never collegiate approach across the The work of the academy in quality management keep the less than good and is Trust, both at school and supporting other academies academy at the top of its game. most often outstanding. directorate level. in the Trust and other schools Dana Ross-Warwzynski The leadership and in Manchester is highly Chief Executive Officer, management of teaching are regarded. There is plenty of Bright Futures Educational Trust very impressive, with every evidence to show this makes

BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST page 2 Issue 03 | Spring Term | 2013

ALTRINCHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS HEADTEACHER: MARY SPEAKMAN Anti bullying Trips and visits ambassadors During February half-term, we had four exciting visits. We have recently had 30 pupils from Years 9 and 10 The History Department organ - trained as Anti Bullying ised a trip to Rome with twenty Ambassadors. The PTA Year 11 and 12 students. As well funded £550 for the group to as studying Mussolini, they were be trained by Alex Holmes also able to discover the remains from the Diana Award, which of Ancient Rome. was organised by Mrs Bond The work experience trip to and Miss Williams. The pupils Augsburg in Germany was very had to complete an successful, as were the ski trip application form stating why to Andorra and the Physics trip they would like to be an to London. Ambassador and reasons why their role would be important We also had a wonderful trip to to the school. All the pupils London for the School Council. gained practical ideas and One of the highlights was a top tips. They have many guided tour of the Houses of status in recognition of the depth responsibilities within the Parliament. The girls learned Lead school and breadth of their outreach work. school including: much about Active Citizenship status The College decided that, rather and our democratic system. • Assemblies than having Lead Schools in As a result of new Teaching • Be available for Science, the sciences would Schools being designated, the appointments be separated. The Science National College reviewed Lead • Notice Board (BOBIE) Department at AGGS requested School status for all Teaching • Have a quiet room to meet that Biology be nominated and More Art Schools, allowing a maximum of • Blog the College has agreed. success three Lead School areas for any • Pupil friendly Anti Bullying Congratulations to all three one school. We are pleased to Policy Huge congratulations go to departments. our resident, and very announce that Mathematics and successful, fine artist Jennifer Modern Foreign Languages have Jamieson (Year 13) for winning been re-awarded Lead School Challenge the first prize in the 18 and partners Research Council UK Schools/ review Universities Partnership Initiative On 12 & 13 March we had our Challenge Partners review. We are in the preparation stage co-ordinator’s post and appointed We were delighted that the of this initiative to bring research Kate Ash from a very strong field. school’s judgement of into the curriculum and This will be a permanent post Outstanding in each of the encourage the researchers of continuing beyond the three-year key areas was confirmed. the future. The project advisory funded RCUK programme and the The review was, indeed, very group led by Dr Tim O’Brien of the post holder will co-ordinate challenging and gave us an University of Manchester has met all School/University research excellent opportunity to reflect and agreed terms of reference, initiatives. On 22 March, AGGS will on our practices and key roles and responsibilities etc. host the first meeting of the core improvement areas. The team Hilary Langmead-Jones and Gail group of schools involved in the was impressed with so much Wickstead were on the interview project. and highlighted the huge range under category at The Living panel for the University project of opportunities for “Learning Edge Schools Art Exhibition outside the Classroom” which, which took place at The Lowry in turn, leads to achievement on 9 March. Jenny entered her Careers education, information, for the girls. fabulous ‘Pig’ painting which delighted the judges. It was her advice and guidance birthday too! Earlier this month AGGS joined a included representatives from Alex Li (Year 10) was also a panel to support ‘Careers various business organisations and Restorative winner scooping the Highly Solutions’ in their application for further education providers. The practice Commended prize for the 14 National recognition of their evening was well attended by girls and under category with her ‘inspiring IAG Award’. We hope to and their parents from Years Two more Senior Tutors have stunning flower painting. have this confirmed officially in the 10 – 12 and also by pupils from been trained and are now next two weeks and, as a result of other local schools. The event Restorative Practice The girls’ work is featured our submission to this panel, we underlined our commitment to Facilitators. The course is alongside all of the other entries have been asked to consider ensuring that our pupils are well offered by Trafford and is the in the March issue of The Living presenting at a National conference prepared for transition from school IIRP qualification. The aim is Edge magazine. The winners will on CEIAG. to university and employment. to ensure all Senior Tutors are feature in the April issue. trained by summer 2014. On 13 March, Kate Wright , our Careers Co-ordinator, organised a fantastic Careers Convention that

BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST page 3 Issue 03 | Spring Term | 2013 ALTRINCHAM GRAMMAR SCHOOL FOR GIRLS Teaching STANLEY GROVE school PRIMARY ACADEMY Professional Development EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL: The new and exciting NPQSL GARY HANDFORTH programme was launched in February. Working with Future Hallé – Journey Leaders, it is an excellent way Across Europe for current or aspiring Senior Our Year 3 pupils were lucky Leaders to further develop enough to be invited to The their leadership skills. Four Bridgewater Hall on Friday 8 people from across the Trust March to listen to the Hallé are enrolled on the orchestra perform, taking Evening events programme and are starting pupils on a musical journey There are always a large number music on show, including a their leading impact project across Europe. The children of evening events and recently Folk Group; Jazz Band; String back in school. Good luck! were fascinated by their the Music Department staged an Orchestra; our Choirs and both First Specialist Leaders of introduction to the many outstanding Spring Concert. and Second Orchestra. Education (SLEs) different instruments, sounds, There was a really wide range of We have now trained 60 SLEs tones and rhythms that they from across the North West, experienced. They were all including three designated by complimented on their perfect our Teaching School. These concert behaviour and their SLEs will now be deployed by impeccable manners – well their own Teaching Schools to done Year 3. support other schools. Mindfulness Sporting Heroes Mindfulness helps us to learn Huge congratulations to our to direct our attention to our Year 5 and 6 footballers who experience as it unfolds, won their local primary schools’ moment by moment, with tournament held at St Peter’s open-minded curiosity. It on 12 March. They are continues to go from strength incredibly impressed by their to strength with our pupils, trophy! Many thanks to students, staff, wider Commando Joe, Mr Rizvi and community and now across Mrs Coogan for their support. the Trust. Places are available on the staff mindfulness World Maths Day course and the teacher Stanley Grove celebrated World Drama training course next term. Please contact Diane Pullen Maths Day on 6 March with a As the examination classes wealth of mathematical ([email protected]) prepare for the Drama incredibly high with a combination if you wish to enrol on the problems, real life situations assessments, each year group of Restoration Drama, “The and activities to challenge their forthcoming QTP, ITP or has given a public dress Accrington Pals” and improvised Mindfulness courses during knowledge of calculation, rehearsal. The standard has been work. the summer term. shape, space, measure and data handling. The children Challenge Partners were joined by many of their We continue to have a strong parents who learnt about the Rocket Man to focus on electricity and Year 5 has involvement in a variety of strategies we use to support Years 4 and 5 were delighted to been to Manchester City Art Gallery projects at a national level. the children in developing a spend the day with the ‘explosive’ for a Victorian Workshop to support For example, launched this clear mathematical knowledge Rocket Man on Tuesday 5 March. their work on Victorian life. In addition month and developed with and understanding. Every pupil designed and made their to this, Year 2 and 3 have been SLEs from across the country, own rocket and with the help of the supported in their Road Safety the new NCETM toolkit for World Book Day Rocket Man, and very careful programme by our Community Mathematics SLEs offers a comprehensive range of World Book Day was supervision, they were able to launch Warden and Community Police advice, guidance, practical celebrated on 7 March by all their rockets into space. Officer. strategies and links to staff and pupils coming into resources that will help SLEs school dressed for the Educational Visits to Red Nose Day support learning In order to support the many needy as they support other schools. occasion. This involved either We are extremely proud of the The children are constantly being people across the world, and pyjamas (ready for their contribution that Simon particularly in our local area, the bedtime story) or as their exposed to a range of new and Mazumder has made to this children worked hard to raise money favourite book character or a exciting experiences to support their project. character from their class understanding. So far this term Year for Red Nose Day. Year 5 painted Prince’s Teaching Institute reader. The children had a 1 has been to MOSI to focus on faces; Mrs Coogan and Miss Our work with the PTI fabulous day exploring the homes from the past; Year 2 has Embleton sold red noses; the continues to thrive with seven many elements of how to be - been to Stockley Farm to focus on children donated cakes and biscuits subjects involved, along with animals and habitats; Year 3 has for a sale and everyone came into come a successful author and a leadership strand. Highlights visited the Chill Factor to decide school wearing something red. As a were supported by the many from this term include Julia whether or not they could cope with result of such fabulous effort across parents who came in to school Mayall, Head of Music, leading the school, we were able to send to lend a hand and become the many strange methods of travel the National School’s over £800 to Comic Relief. better writers themselves! they would need to use to be a North Programme for Music and Pole explorer (it even snowed on the Helen Cleary, Head of English, day of the visit to make it more delivering a course on authentic!); Year 4 has been to MOSI Restoration Theatre.

BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST page 4 Issue 03 | Spring Term | 2013

CEDAR MOUNT ACADEMY PRINCIPAL: SAM SWEENEY Poetry games competition Critical thinking master class Last half-term several students were entered into During the first week of January, The Poetry Games writing ten Year 7 students had competition. This week we the fantastic opportunity to were informed that 10 participate in an extension students were successful in activity provided by Oxford progressing to the final round. University. “Is this the right room Each of the poets will be for an argument” was an online, invited to submit a video of five day master class designed themselves performing their to develop the critical thinking poem, which will be uploaded skills of argument, reasoning, to the Young Writers website communication and debate. and their YouTube channel for visitors to vote. All the finalists The students had to register on an Students were invited to help with will have their work published on-line learning platform from research into students’ study in an anthology and the win - 6:00 – 8:00 pm each evening from habits by giving permission for their They were able to access the views ner will be given the title of 1 – 5 January. The theoretical course achievements to be of other students in their group. The Poetry Games Champion, components of the course included analysed. Martha and Emmanuel both along with £1,000 for the the development of motivation, achieved an A distinction overall Some of the topics discussed school. thinking skills and metacognitive and an A* distinction in some of the were: awareness. The learning activities aspects. CMA finalists were: • Badger culling included critical thinking tasks • Camelia Constantin • Is homework good or bad? Congratulations to Martha, Ria, which focused on the development • Usman Siddiqui • Should Oliver Pistorius be Jade, Charlotte, Chloe, Emmanuel, of reasoning and argument, a • Michael Cartwright allowed to compete in the Jimmy, Taimoor, Ryan and Ellis. learning journal and tutor led • Naima Moalim Olympics? debate on ethical dilemmas. • Ayuub Sheikh • Angelique Heslop • Intisar Aden • Scarlette MacGregor BBC News • Alexandra Codrianu report practice • Zahra Mukadam On Thursday 24 January, ten Year 10 students took part in the BBC School News Report Aristotle practice at MediaCity UK. recruiters As part of their BTEC Media, During the last few weeks, a students will create and broadcast group of Aristotle students a news bulletin, working as a team has been actively involved in to a deadline. The students had the the recruitment process for unique opportunity to quiz various roles and they have Newsround presenter Hayley Cutts been fantastic ambassadors and a number of BBC Sport and for the Academy. They have 5Live producers. All the students The highlight had to be the the students did Cedar Mount enjoyed being on the student generated some great questions opportunity to sit in the news chair proud with their professionalism panel and showing candidates that produced some fantastic in the BBC Sports Studio where and maturity. around the building. Quotes answers. they saw the news go out live. All from the students include “we feel that we have a say in Digital citizen her blog about school dinners she of entries and the quality and decisions which will affect our has enabled students from all originality of the ideas. They were learning” and “we get to meet week around the world to discuss school particularly impressed with the our future teachers, it’s like a food issues and has raised over whole form entry from Da Vinci 8 taster session!” Tuesday 5 February was this £100,000 for charity to enable who had clearly worked effectively year’s International Safer Inter - The candidates who survived students in developing countries to as a team to develop their net Day. To mark this occasion, the student panel were just as have access to nutritious meals. collective idea. and to raise awareness across the enthused: “What great, Form time activities supported Academy, all students took part in The winners have been selected fantastic students you are!” students in developing their own Digital Citizen Week. and they will be using the latest “How professional you are – online activities and to identify how technology and editing facilities to are you sure you are only Year The week encouraged students to they can make a difference. create the Academy film, which will 7.” “What tough questions.” not only remember the importance A main focus for the week was the then be used to promote of staying safe online, but required Well done and thank you to film competition. Cedar Mount is to the continuing development of them to think deeper about Taimoor and Rebecca for the produce their own film to promote students as online ambassadors their conduct, reputation and Academy tours. Thank you also the importance of being a good for themselves and the Academy opportunities to make positive to Martha, Ryan, Lacey, digital citizen. To enter, students as effective digital citizens. contributions in the online world. Catalin, Malika, Ria, Chloe and had to design a storyboard Emmanuel for their questioning Assemblies focussed on a young outlining their film idea. The judges on the student panel. blogger from Scotland. Through were amazed by the high number

BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST page 5 Issue 03 | Spring Term | 2013 Teaching CEDAR MOUNT ACADEMY leaders Guest speaker conference inspires students On Saturday 9 February, three On Friday 1 February, Cedar Year 10 students, Rochelle Mount Academy was honoured Holness, Fardowsa Moalim to welcome Matthew King OBE and Clareece Lewis attended as an inspirational guest speaker a Teaching Leaders for our Year 11 students. Conference at the Marriott Matthew, an ex-professional rugby Hotel in Leeds. They had been player, broke his neck in an invited to present to over 90 accident whilst playing a rugby Middle Level Leaders about match in Halifax. He was just 17 their experiences of the Bright years old and had planned a life Futures Project. and career as a professional rugby The Bright Futures Project player. This dream sadly disap - requires students to attend a peared when he realised that he one day work placement would never move any part of his throughout Year 10. The girls body from the neck down and presented to the delegates would only be able to breathe with It has not been easy for Matt, about their experiences, the use of a ventilator for the rest of but he has achieved so much. where they were working, their his life. He carried the Olympic torch and “Undoubtedly one of the best role and what they felt they Matthew talked about how he felt completed the New York Marathon modern day heroes” were achieving by being on after the accident and how he has by using his mouth to operate his – Adam Cranston the project. They absolutely managed to turn his life around by wheel chair. He is a fantastic charity 'blew the staff away' with how “Matt has never let his disability going to university to study Law. He fundraiser and recently received an eloquent and articulate they get in his way. In my eyes he is is now a trainee solicitor. He shared OBE at Buckingham Palace. presented themselves. the definition of inspiration” his experiences and achievements Matt’s speech was truly awe-inspir - – Rayem Scrivner It was a wonderful opportunity and talked about the decision ing, the students listened to him for to tell other professionals he took after the accident. over an hour and you could have “Your story really touched my about our academy and the He explained how he could quite heard a pin drop! heart and I think its important work we do. However, more easily have given up and was even people appreciate what they importantly, it was a proud laughed at by other students at “I thought it was inspirational have in life” – Deborah Mpata moment to celebrate the best college, but with the support of his and touching. Parts of it made thing about our academy… family and friends, he decided he me want to cry” – Nicole Lewis our students! had to make something of his life.

CONNELL SIXTH FORM COLLEGE PRINCIPAL: GILIAN WINTER

Finally everyone can see what Manchester Evening News and I Connell Sixth Form College is have also been interviewed by the going to look like! It is the green BBC for School Report. This was building, very calming, at the top followed by an invitation to left hand corner of the page. broadcast on ‘Blue Radio’ from Planning permission should be Manchester City Football Club. granted in April and the builders will then ‘break ground’ – just some We had a most useful visit to the of the interesting new terminology East Manchester Academy for 45 that I am fast learning! With the potential Connell students form build, I am indebted to the Trust Cedar Mount Academy. They Directors who have been a seemed reassured about the tremendous source of hard work, temporary accommodation, which advice and support. is much better than that which a lot of other Free Schools start with. In other areas we have also made I enjoyed meeting these young much progress. Connell now has people again and so did the TEMA 145 applicants and, once again, staff, who were very impressed thank you so much to all of my with the Cedar students. Trust colleagues who continue to help with student recruitment. Connell has started staff recruiting I have met a lot of really articulate and I was delighted to welcome and focussed young people during Chris Butterfield as the first official recent weeks. A number are from employee of the Connell Team as Cedar Mount Academy and a my much needed PA. On Saturday significant number are from other 23 March we will be holding a schools within Manchester. They Connell Teachers’ Recruitment We have been ‘tweeting’ and are all very excited about the Information Morning at TEMA. I am ‘facebooking’ regularly and it advent of the new college. We have hoping there will be a lot of interest seems as if there is a lot of interest had some excellent publicity, in the roles we have available for out there! courtesy of an article in the the first year of this exciting new project.

BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST page 6 Issue 03 | Spring Term | 2013

GORTON MOUNT PRIMARY ACADEMY PRINCIPAL: CAROL POWELL • EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL: GARY HANDFORTH

Forensic Halleluya! Science As part of our drive to widen our curriculum and raise aspirations, Years 4, 5 and 6 spent the day we have enjoyed visits and as forensic scientists solving visitors during this spring term. crime and learning about The Hallé Orchestra started March forensic analysis. off for us with a visit of string instruments to our Nursery children and their parents. The musicians What is in accompanied a story that was read that egg? to the children. The children were mesmerised… and so were the Reception children visited parents! Pets at Home and collected two guinea pigs, now named Other musicians from the Hallé Marmalade and Orio, as their began a longer project with our class pets. As part of their Year 4 and 5 pupils and some of their parents. This involved listening to a whole programme of music at The Bridgewater Hall and then working in small groups on Hungarian and Romanian folk music. The composer, Bella Bartok, was the inspiration for Hallé on the Orient Express and is the starting point for the project which culminates in group compositions work on life cycles, children and performances by the children. have also watched chicks hatch from eggs in their classrooms. It isn’t just the Reception children who have enjoyed this!

THE TRUST SCHOOLS BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST

Gorton Education Village | 50 Wembley Road | Gorton | Manchester | M18 7DT T: 0161 248 7009 | F: 0161 231 1831 | E: [email protected] Principal: Sam Sweeney Congratulations! www.cedarmount.manchester.sch.uk Congratulations to Aaminah Afzal in Year 6 who has just T: 0161 941 1124 | E: [email protected] secured a place at Principal Designate: Gillian Winter Manchester High School for www.connellsixthformcollege.com Girls. We have watched Aaminah since she was four years old and, not only has Mount Road | Gorton | Manchester | M18 7GR Telephone: 0161 224 5526 | Fax: 0161 257 3792 | Email: [email protected] she fulfilled her academic Principal: Carol Powell | Executive Principal: Gary Handforth potential, she has also grown www.gortonmount.manchester.sch.uk into a natural leader with sophisticated social skills that Gorton Education Village | 50 Wembley Road | Gorton | Manchester | M18 7DT allow her to work and Tel: 0161 223 9915 | Fax: 0161 230 6919 | Email: [email protected] communicate with anyone. Principal: Judith O’Kane, OBE www.melland.manchester.sch.uk

BRIGHT FUTURES EDUCATIONAL TRUST