Summer 2016 | issue six NEWS Fujitsu, Intel, Brocade and Kyocera launch Education Innovation Hub at The Leigh UTC

The first of the new wave of educational institutions to join Fujitsu’s Ambassador Programme

A new Education Innovation Hub opened on Wednesday 22nd June at The Leigh UTC, under the Fujitsu Education Ambassador Programme, supported by Intel, Brocade and Kyocera. The hub is situated at the centre of The Leigh UTC and follows the announcement at Bett 2016 of the growth of the Ambassador Programme and The Leigh UTC as the first educational institution to open its Innovation Hub in the second phase of the programme.

The Ambassador Programme is a national engagement initiative led by the four global IT leaders that aims to highlight the use of computing power to underpin knowledge in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects and drive forward innovation and digital skills development at The Leigh UTC as well as within its wider community.

The Innovation Hub will form the centrepiece of an on- going partnership between The Leigh UTC, Fujitsu, Intel, Brocade and Kyocera. The Hub will be equipped with a range of the latest computing technology and will be used to promote the use of technology and development of digital skills.

The Leigh UTC is committed to being actively involved in the economic, social and cultural development of the people and businesses that surround it. Once opened, one example of how the Innovation Hub will be used is to support the training of local primary students as they prepare to access the STEM-related programmes at secondary level. (continued on page 3)

from l to r: Stephen Leahey, Principal, The Leigh UTC Keith Ellis, Managing Director, Kenard Engineering Simon Beamish, Chief Executive, Leigh Academies Trust Tom Roche, Vice President, Fujitsu

Shaping lives, transforming communities A message from the Vision and values Chief Executive Trust Directors have simplified and refreshed our core mission statements. In our last newsletter, we celebrated two ‘outstanding’ Ofsted judgements at Hartley Primary Academy and Milestone Shaping lives, Academy. Since then, Leigh Academies Trust has been transforming communities recognised by Ofsted as one of the country’s top seven high-performing multi-academy trusts. In June, one of Her Majesty’s Senior What we stand for: Inspectors came to visit our head office in to meet with senior staff • High ideals, strong moral values and governors in order to research best practice. A summary of key findings on and boundless ambition to achieve the visit is given below: excellence for all; • Strong collaboration and teamwork • The overriding message from everyone was that it’s all about people. The so that we are much greater than the work of all aspects of the Trust is about making sure children, who very sum of our parts. often come from significantly-disadvantaged backgrounds, get a great start in life; What we value: • The Trust has a clear all-through vision. LAT is addressing the full • A ‘can-do’ attitude towards educational experience and this is a real strength. Our integrated continuous improvement and governance structure, with primary and secondary academies under one innovation; board, strengthens this; • Creating confident young adults with • There is a great deal going on and the Trust and its academies are doing high levels of resilience and integrity. many difficult things that others find too challenging; • Real economies of scale have been created through the structure and What makes us distinctive: operation of the Trust; • Small-school, ‘human-scale’ education • The Trust encourages businesses to play a strong role, particularly through to personalise the educational The Leigh UTC, governors and the work of the Education-Business experience; Partnership Manager; • An enterprising culture to create close • The Trust contains very passionate and convincing people; partnerships with industry and other • LAT allows academies to develop their own ethos and character, drawn educators. partly from the communities they serve, and this is a real strength within a strong, supportive trust; Did you know... • LAT provides excellent leadership development opportunities; and We have been putting lots of work into • The Trust has systems and structures which deliver very strong our staff portal! More information will be accountability. available in the staff rooms from September.

We are proud to have been recognised in this way, but do not rest on our laurels. WHAT’S INSIDE • Fujitsu, Intel, Brocade and Kyocera launch In September, we open Langley Park Primary Academy in South East Education Innovation Hub at The Leigh UTC Maidstone. Next year, building work starts on a third college at Wilmington • A message from the Chief Executive Academy, an age 11-14 extension to The Leigh UTC called Inspiration Academy, a wide-ranging rebuilding and refurbishment programme at • Vision and values Dartford Primary Academy and our new primary academy at Castle Hill in • The Inspiration Academy @ The Leigh UTC the Ebbsfleet Valley called Cherry Orchard Primary Academy. The Regional • 2016/17 sees new and expanding academies Schools’ Commissioner has given approval for the Star Centre, which is based across the Trust at Dartford Primary, to come under the leadership of Milestone. • Business breakfast mentoring • Purple Pinkie fund-raising event Our academies are forecasting excellent academic outcomes this summer. You • Leigh Academies Trust sports day 2016 will see from this newsletter that there is much else that has been going on. • Students push Lashings all the way My thanks to all staff, students, parents and governors for their tireless efforts •  named literacy over the last twelve months. I wish you all a restful summer holiday and look champions! forward to another successful year beginning in September. • Outstanding students, teachers, apprenticeships and leavers 2016 • The Leigh UTC and SEMTA apprenticeship partnership Simon Beamish • Our success at the very first Green School Awards Chief Executive • Students bloom at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show • Careers Convention hosted by Longfield Academy • Hartley Primary Academy visit Holland 2 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk ... Fujitsu, Intel, Brocade and Kyocera launch Education Innovation Hub at The Leigh UTC

Ash Merchant, Director of Education Tracey Rawling Church, Head of time and were given a guided tour at Fujitsu, said: “The Leigh UTC Corporate Social Responsibility at by some of the students. Councillor is passionate towards digital KYOCERA Document Solutions UK, Burrell commented that he had not transformation and the role of digital said: “We’re proud to have been realised that such a fabulous facility media in supporting its students – and selected by Fujitsu as one of only existed in Dartford and that it was we’re excited to be a part of that with three partners for this initiative and working so closely with not only local the launch of the Innovation Hub. A to support it in meeting its goal to but also international businesses. recent survey by Fujitsu revealed that establish 20 new hubs in Ambassador around a fifth (22%) of consumers organisations this year to inspire Steve Leahey, Principal of The Leigh believe that digital education should students and equip them with the UTC, said: “The students are extremely be part of the modern education practical skills and knowledge for the excited by the opportunities this curriculum, which points towards digital future ahead.” programme will provide; development a real need to see educational of their digital skills is fundamental establishments focusing on the digital Amit Samani, Education Manager at to their future career pathways. This journey. Educational institutions Brocade, said: “Brocade is dedicated to partnership will be central to our like The Leigh UTC will play a crucial cultivating innovation and harvesting future plans in igniting a STEM passion role in making this happen – and creative potential within students as amongst the younger students across Fujitsu, supported by our partners, a conduit to the changing network the area”. is committed to supporting them in requirements and the new IOT era. bringing their vision to life.” Through this programme we look forward to creating a platform for The main objectives of the students to continue their journey Ambassador Programme are to through technology while creating support greater collaboration ambassadors for the digital future.” between industry and education, aid career skills development and provide Councillor John Burrell, Mayor of expertise in personalised technology Dartford, and Mrs Eija Burrell were in teaching and learning. inspiration guests at The Leigh UTC for the first academy T L

Leigh Academies Trust has been The Inspiration Academy @ The Leigh UTC granted approval to extend the current age range of The Leigh UTC to The Inspiration Academy @ The Leigh • Significantly increase access to admit students aged between 11 and UTC will: STEM-based education at age 14, by developing a provision known 11 and the proportion of female as The Inspiration Academy @ The • Provide additional secondary students choosing to take up such Leigh UTC. school places within areas of high population growth in Dartford to programmes; The first students will be admitted in meet rapidly-increasing demand; • With employer engagement September 2017, to follow a broad and • Extend access to a unique already at The Leigh UTC, increase balanced curriculum, with enhanced educational environment, thereby awareness at a younger age of provision for science, technology, increasing educational choice for apprenticeships and work-related engineering and maths (STEM)-based young people at age 11 and their education beyond 16, as well as subjects. parents; higher-education opportunities.

Shaping lives, transforming communities 3 2016/17 sees new and expanding academies across the Trust

Opening - September 2016 for children in Years R, 1 and 2, building each year until we are fully open in 2020. Opening in Seedlings nursery

Seedlings Nursery, based at Langley Park Primary Academy September... will open in September 2016 for those children 3 years+. We Langley Park o ers you and your family outstanding facilities and o er funded hours (15 hours extended schools (7:30am Breakfast Club and until 6pm After-school Club). per week) and full daycare.

• creating an environment of We want to become your local communication and aspiration community hub and with our • an enjoyment of learning community centre are well placed • ur rates are competitive. Cherry Orchard Primary Academy, • a curriculum which is exciting, to o er classes and groups for all • eedlings will open :0am active and meaningful age groups, adults and children. pm daily for weeks of The scaffolding is down and the paint is the year. situated in Ebbsfleet Garden For further information please email us on: nearly dry, ready for the children to arrive [email protected] City, will provide an outstanding

on Wednesday 7th September, when or further information please email us on: contactuslangleyparkprimaryacademy.org.uk educational facility to support the Langley Park Primary Academy opens its doors to our nurturing little ones at pre-school... Ebbsfleet development. first pupils - our little VIPs. The staff are very excited to see the children in their new learning environment and have been The Academy will have capacity busy planning the topics for the first term, with lots of exciting opportunities for 420 pupils and will feature and activities. a new community centre. Once completed, the Academy will Once the academy is fully open, we will be able to offer two multi-use provide 26 nursery places as well games areas, one PE court, a multi-surfaced playground, an extensive grass as 15 for special-needs pupils. area and a nature trail for the children to explore. We’ll have allotments, an The Trust’s plans include a special outdoor classroom and the highest-quality IT inside the building, as well as a centre for children with speech, sprunghall floor and our community centre. communication and language needs. We want to nurture and develop well-rounded, capable and caring individuals, with the skills, knowledge and attitudes to lead a rich and fulfilling The building life. In order to achieve our aims, we need to ensure children: will open out Opening in September 2017 onto a new A new academy in the heart of the Ebbsfleet Valley

Cherry Orchard Primary Academy village square will open on a purpose built site in • have firm foundations in terms of basic skills that they can use and apply; September 2017. It will be part of the family of academies within the highly successful Leigh Academies Trust that delivers the very best educational and the school outcomes though collaboration, • have a broad range of exciting, creative opportunities; for every young person. will have green

The Academy will: • Provide a caring, healthy The Academy will open • understand the disciplines that enable an individual to become a environment where the initially with places available • Promote and achieve excellence by inspiring success of every child is in Years R, 1 and 2, and will credentials, with celebrated. develop into older year the joy of learning in all children. • Be an essential part of the groups until it is fully open in 2020. • Encourage creativity Castle Hill Community, and innovation between linked in particular specialist in a particular area - e.g. an artist or historian; through the adjacent children and teachers. a grassed roof community centre. To find out more, please visit: www.cherryorchardprimaryacademy.org.uk

SHAPING LIVES • develop a set of core human values that underpin their spiritual, moral, studded with TRANSFORMING COMMUNITIES social and cultural (SMSC) development and their sense of uniqueness wildflowers. and self-worth as individuals; • have access and opportunity to achieve their potential; and Cherry Orchard Primary Academy will open in September 2017. • develop their thinking and questioning skills.

We know that Langley Park Primary Academy will be a truly outstanding facility for children, parents and the local community and we invite visitors to come and see what we have to offer.

Wilmington Academy The expansion of the Academy, which Rebecca Roberts, Assistant Principal, involves a new building funded by has been promoted to Head of creates third college Kent County Council, has prompted us College. The college colour is red, its to create a third college – Jupiter – to symbol is the eagle and the college In September 2016, Wilmington join the existing Minerva and Apollo motto is: Academy will welcome 240 students colleges. “Don’t just fly – soar!” into Year 7. This has increased from 150 in 2010, when we first joined the Notes

This drawing is copyright and owned by Bailey Partnership, and is for use on this project 2. 9. 20. 5. 19. 4 15. 4. 5 14. 3. 10. 20. 8. and site only unless contractually stated otherwise. 050013 050013 DO NOT SCALE this drawing (printed or electronic versions). Contractors must check Trust, and is a huge vote of confidence all dimensions from site. All other design team elements, where indicated, have been imported from the consultant's drawings and reference should be made to the individual consultant's drawings for exact setting out, size and type of component.

Discrepancies and / or ambiguities within this drawing, between it and information given elsewhere, must be reported immediately to the architect for clarification before in the education we provide. proceeding. All works are to be carried out in accordance with the latest British Standards and Codes of Practice unless specifically directed otherwise in the specification.

Responsibility for the reproduction of this drawing in paper form, or if issued in electronic format, lies with the recipient to check that all information has been replicated in full and is correct when compared to the original paper or electronic image. Graphical representations of equipment on this drawing have been co-ordinated, but are approximations only. Please refer to the Specifications and / or Details for actual sizes and / or specific contractor construction information. Ordnance Survey Paper Map Copying License number: 40006119

This original document is issued for the purpose indicated below and contains We believe in the Trust model of information of confidential nature. Further copies and circulation will be strictly in accordance with the confidentiality agreement under the contract. SAFETY, HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION Refer to the relevant Construction (Design and Management) documentation where applicable.

It is assumed that all works on this drawing will be carried out by a competent human-scale education and small contractor, working where appropriate to an approved method statement.

schools within a school to ensure that Materials Key for Elevations & Plans 1). Ibstock Holbrook Smooth Red, stretcher bond with raked joints. 2). Pre-fabricated PPC aluminium coping with preformed corners - Finish : RAL 7004 3). Proprietary PPC aluminium thermally broken curtain wall system with sealed double every student has the opportunity to glazed units, outer leaf heat soaked toughened, inner leaf laminated with solar coating to cavity face to meet M&E engineers requirements, with fixed lights and opening lights/glass louvres operated via BMS or manually, Note: any window opening within 0-1500mm from FFL to have restrictors limiting the opening to 100mm.Spandrel glass panels to be light grey ceramic backed insulated glass unit. Finish : RAL 7004 flourish and succeed. 4). Proprietary thermally broken PPC aluminium windows, with fixed and opening lights with sealed double glazing, outer leaf heat-soaked toughened, inner leaf laminated with solar coating to cavity face to meet M&E engineers requirements. South elevation windows are to be able to be cleaned from the inside. Note: any window opening within 0-1500mm from FFL North East Elevation to have restrictors limiting the opening to 100mm. Spandrel glass panels to be light grey 1 1 : 100 ceramic backed insulated glass unit. Finish : RAL 7004 3 5). Proprietary PPC aluminium louvre panel, within window framing system with insulated 3 actuator and rear low level 'mixed mode' input unit to provide secure night time purge 10. 17. 14. 050013 3. 15. 2. 9. 20. 7. 7. 1. 20. 3. 15. 14. 2. 9. 10. 050013 ventilation and cooling. Finish : RAL 7004 6). Proprietary PPC aluminium pressed metal flashing to window reveals and matching coloured PPC aluminium ventilation grill above window heads to the rainscreen cladding. Finish: Red RAL 3028 7). Variable micro fin PPC aluminium brise-soleil with frame on PPC aluminium bracket fixed back to the window framing system. Bespoke design product by Contrasol or similar approved. Aluminium framework, brackets and fins to be: RAL 7004 8). Proprietary external doorset with PPC aluminium thermally broken frame and sealed double-glazed unit, outer leaf heat-soaked toughened, inner leaf laminated with solar coating to cavity face to meet M&E engineers requirements; stainless steel ironmongery; film-applied manifestation to comply with Building Regulations Part M. PPC to the same colour as curtain walling system it is integrated with or with the adjacent windows. www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk 9). PPC aluminium hopper and rainwater pipe. RAL 7004 4 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk 10). External non maintained circular bulkhead light to meet the required luminance levels for entry and exits. 11). Bauder Pro F System - warm roof construction minimum fall 1:60. Thermal performance to meet M&E engineers requirements. Natural slate cap sheet colour. 12). Double glazed openable rooflight, outer leaf heat-soaked toughened, inner leaf laminated with low-E coating to cavity face and fitted solar control, in polyester powder coated thermally broken aluminium frame with integrated rainsensors. 13). Proprietary thermally-enhanced roof access hatch 915 x 915mm with handhold extensions as continuation of roof access ladder below. 14). Proprietary hot dipped galvanised steel double-line ball-type balustrade and handrail as surround to roof; handrail height 1100mm. 15). Natural ventilation cowls - PPC to RAL 7004 16). Ventilation cowls / pipes. 17). PV panels, final number to be confirmed by M&E Engineer. 18). Proprietary thermally broken PPC aluminium windows, with fixed and opening lights with sealed double glazing, outer leaf heat-soaked toughened, inner leaf laminated with solar coating to cavity face to meet M&E engineers requirements. Satin glass to fixed and opening lights to allow natural daylight as well as privacy. Note: any window opening within 0-1500mm from FFL to have restrictors limiting the opening to 100mm. Spandrel glass panels to be light grey ceramic backed insulated glass unit. Finish : RAL 7004 19). Smoke vents connected to fire alarm system. Exact size and operation TBC by Fire Officer 20). Rockpanel Woods Xtreme cladding panels in three heights (150mm, 200mm & 250mm) using a combination of Rhinestone Oak, Ceramic Oak and Carbon Oak effect panels. Panels to be secret fixed with matching corner trims. Panels are to be ’Xtreme’ grade for greater robustness with ProtectPlus finish to assist with cleaning, graffiti removal and reduced North West Elevation South East Elevation maintenance costs. 2 1 : 100 3 1 : 100

2 1. 15. 14. 1 5 7. 4 5. 20. 9. 2. 050013 050013 050013 050013

1 Planning Issue CRH/DV/MAF 01/04/2016

Rev Description / By / Chk'd / App'd Date

Lyster Court, Queen Alexandra square. The Millfields, Plymouth, Devon. PL1 3JB www.baileypartnership.co.uk Reply to : Bristol 01179 474380 Exeter 01392 433241 Plymouth 01752 229259 Sevenoaks 01732 885835 Truro 01872 561686 Client Wilmington Academy Common Lane, Wilmington Kent DA2 7DR Project New 3 Storey Science Block

Drawing Title Planning Application - Elevations

Purpose of Issue Status PLANNING S2

Project No. Scale @ A1 Date 26000 1 : 100 Revision Drawn Checked Approved 1 CRH DF MAF 01/04/2016 17:17:59 South West Elevation A1 Drawing Identifier BS1192:2007 / Avanti Compliant project origin zone level file type role number Print Date: 4 1 : 100 © Bailey Partnership WA BP 01 XX DR A 050012 The Leigh UTC Brunel Way, The Bridge, Dartford, Kent DA1 5TF Business-breakfast (for sat nav purposes use DA1 5FW) mentoring Wed 6 July 2016 8.00-10.00am Business Breakfast

Hear about our Enjoy the Having excellent links with opportunity to students’ successes. network with businesses underpins Leigh your peers.

Exclusively for Academies Trust’s aim to equip engineering and technology based every student with an enhanced businesses. range of skills and awareness of by invitation... Come and Spaces allocated on an celebrate with us... apply-to-attend basis RSVP: the world of work that will prepare [email protected] them for a successful transition Open to the business sector and offered at no cost, Breakfast Briefings Series is held six times during the academic year. into employment. Our valued business partnerships can take many forms... Purple Pinkie fund-raising event

Longfield Academy were presented with a national Rotary Award in April Longfield Academy hosts its first 2016, in recognition of the fundraising mentoring business breakfast activities the Academy has led in support of the Purple Pinkie Fund. On Tuesday, 10th May, Longfield Academy was pleased All monies raised at the Academy over the last five years to host its first mentoring business breakfast. The for Purple Pinkie have been donated to the Rotarians in business-mentoring scheme at the Academy has been their bid to eradicate polio from the world. running, with great success, for four years now and the event was held to enlighten guests from the business The award was presented to Rotarian Stewart Grainger community on the value of becoming a business mentor. of the Darenth Rotary Club at the national conference in Bournemouth. Stewart kindly presented it to our principal Businesses were given a full overview of the logistics students at Longfield and praised everyone within our of how this worthwhile scheme operates and listened Academy community for their efforts and support. to reflections from a current business mentor and two We are delighted to continue working with the Darenth current mentees. Guests were also given a guided tour Rotarians. We do this in a variety of ways, including of the Academy. several competitions that they organise for students and collaboration through the business-mentor programme.

Leigh Academies Trust sports day 2016

For the first time in the history of Leigh Academies Trust’s There was a sea of yellow at every event, reflecting the sports day, DaVinci were crowned champions. The Trust’s College’s amazing team effort. Many records were broken sports day encompassed six academies within the Trust, all on the day, some by DaVinci College. The most outstanding of which had their own colleges, 12 in total on the day, with athletes (pictured below) were Ethan Brown (Chaucer) and over 400 students competing. It was a fantastic effort by Debbie Osivaya (Brunel). A huge thank you must go to the DaVinci College from The , who consistently PE learning team from The Leigh Academy, who organised performed to a high standard. this fantastic event.

Shaping lives, transforming communities 5 Students push Lashings all the way

On Friday 1st July, Leigh Academies Chelsey Rowson, the first female Trust hosted the Lashings All Stars for player to appear in Leigh Academies the 10th consecutive annual charity Trust XI and a Year 10 student at The cricket match. A crowd in excess of Leigh Academy, started proceedings 1,000 people at Bexley Cricket Club with a very tight first over, which set were once again royally entertained the tone for the rest of the innings. and the students came remarkably close to becoming the first team in There was some really dynamic history to win back-to-back victories fielding and accurate bowling from against the All Stars. the students.

Leigh Academies Trust’s guest player for the day was Aryan Jain, and, supported by James Fox from The Leigh Academy among others, the students reached 176-3 after 22 overs and the match was on a knife-edge.

It took a moment of magic from West Indies’ international Kirk Edwards to tip the match in Lashings’ favour, with a superb running catch on the boundary to dismiss Aryan for an excellent 89 runs. Lashings kept their bowling and A rather overcast morning soon gave At the end of their 30 overs, Lashings fielding tight for the next eight overs way to glorious Kent sunshine, and had amassed a score of 226. An and Leigh Academies Trust finished the afternoon began with 400 people, excellent spin-bowling spell from their innings on 198-6, just 28 runs mostly from local businesses, enjoying Thomas Glass-Burgess of Longfield short of their victory target. a fabulous three-course lunch Academy provided the highlight of the prepared by the Trust’s catering team, innings. This was 60 runs fewer than Despite the result, the event once Cucina. last year, so we knew we had a chance. again proved to be a huge success and continues to be the major sport A charity auction helped raise The Lashings All Stars opened the and charity event hosted by Leigh thousands of pounds to support the bowling with legends Devon Academies Trust. many charities involved in the event Malcolm and Martin Bicknell – a and a thoroughly enjoyable few hours formidable partnership with over 1,000 Thanks go to our sponsors, David was had in the company of cricketing first-class wickets between them! Mewes Plant and Building Services, greats such as Gordon Greenidge, However, this didn’t faze the students, Charlotte Brandon and the team at Adam Hollioake, Owais Shah and who slowly but surely started to chip Central Hire and Cucina, our caterers, Monty Panesar. away at the 226 target. for a world-class three-course meal.

Wilmington Academy named Kent literacy champions!

On Tuesday, 21st June, Wilmington Book Week Theme for the Tri-Wizard Academy was represented at the Tournament that took place at the Kent Literacy Awards at Hempstead Academy for World Book Day 2016. House Hotel in Sittingbourne. This was the Academy’s second year at the With over 27 district winners, ceremony, after winning the District Wilmington Academy was further Award for Best Book Week Theme last rewarded with the Kent Literacy year for the Hunger Games Festival. Book Week Champion Award. Thank you to all members of our Academy Head of Apollo, Pete Devlin, Director of community who voted for the Tri- Literacy, Nadia Marken, and Librarian, Wizard Tournament. We can’t wait Debbie Kennedy, were there to receive to see what exciting theme will be the Dartford Area Award for Best chosen next year for World Book Day!

6 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk The ​L​eigh UTC and SEMTA Outstanding students, apprenticeship partnership teachers, apprenticeships and leavers 2016... Starting in September 2016, SEMTA Principal, Steve Leahey, and Director and The Leigh UTC are pleased of Apprenticeships, Jay Wright, spoke to announce a partnership to about the technical qualifications and Teacher of the year 2016 offer advanced apprenticeship added pastoral support that trainees Paul Blake, programmes, including HNC at Level 4 would receive at the UTC. Malcolm nominated for manufacturing engineering. Healy from SEMTA explained how the partnership would work and the by his Year 12 A number of local SMEs attended active roles that each party would play. students at a briefing at the UTC, where we SEMTA are visiting all businesses that The Leigh UTC, discussed Trailblazers, the proposed have expressed an interest to discuss was awarded apprenticeship levy and the associated their specific requirements. the prestigious benefits to business of taking on an title of apprentice. There is a real appetite We are very excited by this Science, IT and from our business partners to be opportunity, which will provide our Technology part of this programme, ideally by students with through routes into Teacher of the recruiting UTC students to take up the employment across the North Kent Year, Dartford and Gravesham, at the vacancies. area. Kent Teacher of the Year Awards 2016.

Principal of The Leigh UTC, Steve Anne Davis, Leahey, commented: “A deserved Co-Principal award for Paul’s outstanding contribution during his first year at of Longfield The Leigh UTC. It’s encouraging for all Wilmington student Academy of us to receive teacher recognition receives British Empire as we strive to deliver student career- Medal Sadly, this season will be my last at defining pathways.” Longfield. Whilst not the longest- On the 12th serving member of staff, I am certainly Paul commented: “I worked as a May, Jonjo one of the veterans and so, after 24 computer engineer for over 20 years Heuerman, years, I have many fond memories before I even considered teaching, so a student at that I will take with me. It has been an to say I’m an older NQT would be an Wilmington honour and privilege to have worked understatement!” Academy, with so many outstanding individuals received within Longfield and the Trust and I the British now move on from Longfield to be Empire Principal of Dartford Science and Medal Technology College from September. from the Lord Lieutenant of Kent at Penshurst Place. I wish everyone the very best going forward and I do hope our paths will Jonjo has become the youngest cross again. recipient of this honour in recognition of his outstanding Michael Murphy, efforts in raising more that £250,000 Principal of for Cancer Research UK’s Bobby Moore Fund with a series of walks Stationers’ and bike rides. He received the Crown Woods award while wearing a waistcoat Academy covered in the names of family, Our success at the very first friends and supporters who had Michael Murphy also retires this died from cancer. summer, having spent 15 years at Green School Awards Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy. Michael has been instrumental in Thirteen schools from Kent, Medway and Bexley were recognised for the development of the small-school their commitment to eco-friendly behaviour at the very first Green structure at the Academy, overseeing School Awards. the new building and leading it to Maidstone champions, Tree Tops Primary Academy, celebrated their become part of Leigh Academies Trust. success with Richard Langshaw of LoopCR at the inaugural KM Green School Awards, staged at Rowhill Grange Hotel and Spa on Thursday, 16th June. We wish him a very happy retirement!

Shaping lives, transforming communities 7 Students bloom at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show

a competition run by company Oscar Shell commented: Miracle-Gro. They planted carrot “My visit to the Chelsea Flower show seeds in ordinary garden soil, peat- was definitely a memorable and free compost and Miracle-Gro multi- exciting day out. I had heard that it purpose compost. Over the next three was a big place but never expected months, the carrots were monitored it to be as big as it was. The crowds and photographed as they grew. were friendly, which made my job of explaining our Miracle-Gro experiment Beth Carter-Hart said: a lot less daunting. It was definitely “Our visit to the Chelsea Flower Show worth getting through the crowds of was an incredible experience. The people on the train and in London.” flowers were beautifully displayed, Year 10 students at Wilmington with such a large variety of vibrant Academy are celebrating another colours. The members of the public successful year at the Royal Careers Convention were so polite and friendly; I enjoyed Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower talking to them about the work that Show by winning a silver gilt award. hosted by Longfield we have done and we were so lucky to Horticulture students, Beth Carter- have won another silver gilt award for Academy Year 10 hosted by Hart and Oscar Shell, took part in our Miracle-Gro display.” Careers Convention 15th July 2016 This event was put together to help students gain a better understanding of what they might like to Shaping Lives, Lives, Transforming transforming Communities communities consider for their future careers, whether they intend to leave us at 16 or 18, are looking to go on to university or to undertake an apprenticeship.

We were fortunate enough to have a number of businesses, service providers, universities and other r t le organisations gathered under one a y H P roof to give students the benefit of r y i m m a e ry Acad their advice and expertise.

Hartley Primary Academy visit Holland In May, Hartley Primary Academy’s Year 20 million flowers are traded daily. 6 students travelled to the beautiful Students visited Amsterdam, with its coastal resort of Noordwijk, in the historic canals, and took in the cultural Netherlands, for their residential trip, experience of the Rijksmuseum, © 2016 where they were given the chance with famous works of art including Leigh Academies Trust Green Street Green Road, to experience a different culture, Rembrandt’s ‘Night Watch’. They also Dartford, Kent DA1 1QE landscape and language. visited Delft, the beautiful, historic t: 01322 620 586 home of the famous blue and white e: [email protected] The students visited the Clara Maria pottery artist, Johannes Vermeer. w: www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Cheese and Clog Farm, where they Leigh Academies Trust is a registered company, made cheese, saw how clogs are made It was the most fantastic trip, with company no 2336587. An exempt charity. and let off some energy in the hay 53 extremely well-behaved, polite barn. children, praised by the public, the Rijksmuseum, the manager of the A visit to the Aalsmeer flower auction Hollandica Ferry and many more. They Please contact us: enabled them to see the busiest floral were a credit to the Academy, to their t: 01322 626 609 market in the world, where about parents and to themselves. e: [email protected]

8 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk