ISSUE GOVERNOR6 The Magazine for Brooke Weston Trust GOVERNORs NEWS

❝ Dear Governor, BWA Chair of Another academic year has passed at Brooke Weston Trust which Governors has, again, seen its fair share of inspections, audits, is designated as a examinations and extra-curricular National Leader of activities – all of which, in one way or another, have required the Governance support, challenge and aspiration to improve that characterises our local governing bodies. I would also like to congratulate Brooke Weston ’s Chair of Governors, Phil Harris-Bridge those who have been elected as has been designated a National Leader of Governance Chairs of Governors for four of This new role, which has been really effective Local Governing our governing bodies: Michelle accredited by the National College for Bodies, we need a mechanism, not Duffy (CBA), Mark Gilding (Oakley Teaching and Leadership, means he will just to train governors but to help be called upon to advise and support them to be effective.” Vale), David Bailey (TCA) and his opposite number in other schools The NLG scheme was introduced Stephen Prati (Beanfield). I look across the region. forward to working with them in the four years ago, with the aim to help forthcoming academic year. Mr Harris-Bridge has been a school schools that either feel they need some governor for 24 years, a governor at assistance or for those instructed to Whilst we await responses from the Brooke Weston for the past eight years have some support. and a member of the Brooke Weston DfE on our proposals to expand CTS Mr Harris-Bridge added: “I relish the Trust Board. and split KSA into two standalone opportunity to be able to observe and schools, work continues to support He also sits as a non-executive director suggest improvements, whether it is the the bid submitted by Kingsley on other boards, including at way the agenda of the governing body is Special School and the Maplefields General Hospital, therefore has extensive structured, being effective as a chair, the Teaching School Alliance for the experience of strategic leadership and relationship between the Principal and working as part of a senior team. governing body, the performance data, proposed Special Free School in the degree of challenge and support He said: “Over recent years, the need . We will keep you updated on expected during a meeting. progress with the bid. for improved governance has been a growing requirement, concerning the “The opportunity is there to go into Lastly, I would like to thank you all responsibilities and roles of governing other schools and academies and again for the support you continue bodies, how they conduct their see what they do, identify things that to provide to our senior leaders. I business and hold the Principal and need improving and also pick up the hope you all have a well-deserved senior leadership team to account, things that are great but which we don’t summer break. not only for the performance, but necessarily do at the moment and share ❞ also the strategy of the school. The them back here for the benefit of the National Leaders in Governance Trust. It is part of the opportunity that DR ANDREW CAMPBELL Scheme recognises that if we want being a NLG represents.” BROOKE WESTON TRUST

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New Ofsted inspection framework to come Mark Gilding, new chair of governors into effect from September Following its consultation earlier this year, Ofsted has released its new at Oakley Vale inspection handbook and framework which will come into effect from Why did you choose to take on a September 2015. governors role? I have three children at the school ranging from reception to year six and I have always had an interest in their education and education in general. I also feel that a school is much stronger and can perform at its best when there is committed involvement from all areas of the community that the school is in.

What do you see as your main role as chair of governors? I understand that governors play a significant role in school improvement and leading the governing body in this is my main role. Developing the strengths and skills of our governing body is important so that we can act as a critical friend. The role of chair is often pivotal in the relationship between the governors and the principal and there are obviously statutory requirements and regulations to ensure that we meet.

What skills do you think are needed The significant changes are: to become an effective governor? It is important to ask the obvious Common inspection framework: The headings under which question. Running my own business the change aligns inspection Ofsted will report are: in the art world meant that when I first 1 across early years settings, 4 • Overall effectiveness became a governor I was often lost maintained schools and academies, amongst acronyms and data sheets. non-association independent schools and • Effectiveness of leadership and Effective governors can openly discuss further education and skills providers. management both positive and negative issues when • Quality of teaching, learning and While each remit will continue to have they have the ability to interpret the assessment an individual inspection handbook which information and reports provided. It is applies the principles of the common • Personal development, behaviour and not really a skill but governors need time framework, the change is designed to welfare available - there is no better way to get provide consistency and comparability to know your school than visiting and • Outcomes for pupils across Ofsted’s education inspections. seeing what is happening. Ofsted has produced a short guide to the Short inspections for ‘good’ new framework: The Future of Education What work have you undertaken schools: from September, schools Inspection: Understanding the changes. so far? 2 that were judged ‘good’ at their This will be available under the Governor’s As a recently appointed chair of most recent inspection will receive a short Area of the BWT website. governors I am just embarking on inspection approximately every three completing the governor skills audit years. At an event launching the new handbook which will be particularly useful in and framework, HMCI Sir Michael Wilshaw appointing governors in the near future. Inspectors carrying out short inspections said that: ‘short inspections will reduce We have recently held an Ofsted will start from the assumption that the the burden of inspection without losing the feedback evening for the school to school or provider remains good, and will rigour which parents and the public rightly include everyone in what is happening. only make judgements on whether this expect of Ofsted.’ Sir Michael said that he Along with the principal we are creating is the case and whether safeguarding is thought there should be more ‘maverick’ a community forum, including parents effective. Where the inspectors believe the headteachers who are willing to try new and other community members which school may no longer be ‘good’ (either approaches in the best interests of the will meet regularly to discuss ideas and due to improvement or decline), these will children. He outlined plans to recognise feedback to the school. be converted into full inspections. ‘exceptional leaders’; from September, when inspectors identify a headteacher What ways can governors help Changes to the inspector who has played a key role in turning around shape a school? workforce: Ofsted will contract other institutions, Ofsted will send a letter I think that a school is at its strongest 3 directly with inspectors (rather to them acknowledging their leadership as when it involves all members of the than outsourcing) and bring training and exceptional. A copy of this letter will go to community and governors can be quality assurance in-house. The majority the Secretary of State and Ofsted’s Annual directly involved in the ethos and of Ofsted Inspectors will be current Report will also feature those leaders who direction of the school. leaders of ‘good’ and ‘outstanding’ have been recognised in this way. education providers. 3 www.brookewestontrust.org

Historic Day for the Brooke Weston Trust July 15th was a historic day for the Our CCF was set up as part of the Commander and been supported by other Trust with two fantastic events taking government’s Cadet Expansion Programme, staff volunteers. place for the first time. which aims to create an additional 100 CCFs within state schools. Second Lieutenant Isherwood said: “My The day saw the inaugural BWT Combined fellow officers and I are extremely proud of Cadet Force Passing Out Parade, with Throughout the academic year the 20 students, the progress that our Cadets have made 20 students being given their BWT CCF from , Corby Business since September last year. The last week of berets to mark our independence and in Academy, and our term provided the perfect opportunity the evening 150 musical students from Kettering Science Academy, have been involved for this inaugural generation of Brooke across our secondary schools performed at in drill, field craft and navigation activities. The Weston Cadets, to hold their first formal a professional theatre in the first ever BWT year was rounded off with an annual camp at independent parade. The finale to the Music Concert. the British Army’s Barry Buddon Training Camp parade included a ‘passing out’ ceremony, in Carnoustie, Scotland, with cadets taking part The BWT CCF was formed in September where the Cadets returned their in a 36-hour field exercise. 2014 and throughout the academic year we School CCF beret in exchange for the beret have been working in partnership with the Estates and Facilities Director Matt Isherwood and cap badge of our affiliated regiment, long established CCF. has set the BWT CCF up as Contingent The Royal Anglian Regiment.”

Kirsty Smith appointed as Music Concert the Trust’s Director of Sport Miss Smith, who is a PE teacher at Thomas Clarkson Academy, takes up this new role for the Trust from September. The position has been created to help take the PE departments across the Trust to ‘outstanding’. The Trust also intends to create a bespoke, inclusive BWT physical activity and sport offering for all pupils to develop positive skills, attitudes and attributes. Chief Executive Officer Andrew A sell out theatre of 450 people was Campbell said: “We have an ambition that BWT becomes known nationally for wowed by our young student musicians the quality of its PE and sport vision and at the first ever BWT Music Concert. provision. The post is a new position Talented musicians from all five of our and our hope is that it will evolve as the secondary schools gathered together strategy starts to show impact.” to form a combined band and choir as Miss Smith will lead the development of part of the Music for Stage and Screen a new BWT PE and Sport strategy. Concert. The teacher has much experience, They performed classic songs such as currently acting as School Sports Putting On the Ritz and I’ve Got Rhythm Coordinator for the Thomas Clarkson as well as some more recent songs from CEO Andrew Campbell said: “At a Academy School Sports Programme, Disney shows and popular culture. time when the curriculum offer in many which delivers training and coaching to some primary schools in Wisbech There were also solo performances from secondary schools is under so much as part of a drive to increase sports four students and professional cornet pressure, events like this provide a participation at primary level. player Ben Godfrey was the Guest Soloist. strong reminder of the vital place for the arts in education. A place that must be This spring she also organised an The event was coordinated by Clive protected and nurtured, both for the event with the Rugby Football Union Wears, Music Director from Corby which saw 200 girls from across Business Academy, along with music good of the spirit and as a powerful force Wisbech gather together to be staff from the other Trust schools. for community.” coached and play rugby.

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Top Apprenticeship for Lauren Lauren Leer, a Year 13 student from She said: ‘I saw details of the apprenticeship Brooke Weston, has been offered her when I was at an Engineering Fair in Year 11 dream apprenticeship at Jaguar Land and, since then, it has been my goal to work Rover, two years after setting her sights there. They will pay for my tuition fees and a salary as well. I will be based at Warwick on the opportunity. As well as studying for University where I will do my applied an Engineering degree and a higher level engineering degree and in the holidays I will NVQ she will work at the company’s sites work onsite in the West Midlands. I will also learning about the design and manufacture work towards an NVQ level 4 in Engineering process. The six-year apprenticeship as well and will be studying at the same could lead to a lifetime’s career with the time as getting hands-on experience. It is a prestigious car company. really exciting opportunity.’

Staff Win Top Education Awards Three staff members from CBA have been always go the extra mile and it’s fantastic recognised as heroes of education. to know that is appreciated.” Librarian Amy McKay and Assistant Librarian Christina Mangin won the Unsung Christina added: “We are in a school that Hero Award at the 2015 supports libraries and we have supportive Education Awards and Learning Support students and staff.” Assistant Richard White was a finalist in the Northamptonshire Newspapers’ Inspirational Teaching of the Year category. Communities Content Editor Neil Pickford All three received certificates and Amy and hosted the event. He said: “Amy and Christina were also presented with glass trophies at a special presentation evening Christina are true unsung heroes. at Wicksteed Pavilion in Kettering. “Just some of the things they have Amy said: “The Education Awards was a achieved are launching an international celebration of all the fantastic things that book club, running an annual chess happen in schools around the county and it tournament and setting up an online library was lovely to be there representing CBA. catalogue. Their ongoing commitment to CBA Assistant Librarian Christina Mangin and Librarian Amy McKay with their trophies and award sponsor Steve Borondy of “We never expected to win but we try to the students is incredible.” Western Power Distribution. Picture by Northants Telegraph

History Week History was bought to life at Beanfield Careers Day at Peckover Primary Primary Academy during History Week, which took place from June 22nd to Peckover Primary School held a career needed; writing CVs and learning June 26th. Local entrepreneur Charles day for Year 6 students. Every Year 6 about body language, eye contact and Wicksteed was studied as well as child had a timetable of interviews for a suitable interview wear. As part of the Charlie Chaplin, Princess Diana and wide spectrum of jobs ranging from dog interviews punctuality was noted and pupils learned all about the local witch groomers to cake decorators, emergency professionalism and confidence were trials in Northampton. All classes charge nurses and head teachers. observed. All interviewers selected just completed beautiful floor books, which Pupils had to prepare for the day by one candidate for the job and gave showed the breadth of work completed researching the jobs and the qualifications feedback. over the week.

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Diary Dates Governor Meeting dates for the 2015-16 academic year are listed in the table below:

Brooke Weston 6th October 2015, 4pm Peckover Primary 15th September 2015, 5.30-7.30pm Academy 26th January 2016, 4pm 8th December 2015, 5.30-7.30pm 3rd May 2016, 4pm 9th February 2016, 5.30-7.30pm 26th April 2016, 5.30-7.30pm Corby Technical 1st October 2015, 4-6pm 12th July 2016, 5.30-7.30pm School 21st January 2016, 4-6pm 26th May 2016, 4-6pm Beanfield Primary 14th September 2015, 5.00-7.00pm 7th December 2015, 5.00-7.00pm Kettering Science 15th September 2015 , 4-6pm 29th February 2016, 5.00-7.00pm Academy (secondary) 10th November 2015 , 4-6pm 23rd May 2016, 5.00-7.00pm 2nd February 2016, 4-6pm Thomas Clarkson 25th September, 6-8pm 26th April 2016, 4-6pm Academy 28th January, 6-8pm Kettering Science 22nd September 2015, 4-6pm 24th March, 6-8pm Academy (primary) 12th November 2015, 4-6pm 22th June, 6-8pm 28th January 2016, 4-6pm Gretton Primary 20th October 2015, 4.30-6.30pm 28th April 2016, 4-6pm 26th January 2016, 4.30-6.30pm Oakley Vale Primary 23rd September 2015, 5.30-7.30pm 26th April 2016, 4.30-6.30pm 18th November 2015, 5.30-7.30pm 12th July 2016, 4.30-6.30pm 16th March 2016, 5.30-7.30pm Corby Business TBC 8th June 2016, 5.30-7.30pm Academy

Chairs Forum meeting dates:

Venue TBC 21st September 2015, 6.00-8.00pm Venue TBC 9th February 2016, 6.00-8.00pm Venue TBC 16th May 2016, 6.00-8.00pm

GOVERNOR NEWS / SUMMER 2014