Spring 2016 | issue five NEWS Outstanding Academies! educational and personal development Milestone’s development, overseeing of each of our 279 pupils. our work on behalf of Simon Beamish, As a school our work is concentrated CEO and Bob Findlay, Chair of the Trust on delivering our core moral Board. purpose. As Principal I was thrilled Ultimately, we are here to serve and to note that this approach left such a lead our pupils and as Dee Pickerill, our positive impression on Her Majesty’s Vice Principal rightly commented, Inspector (HMI) Matthew Barnes and is “This report validates the impact prominently noted in his report. of everyone’s daily work”. Finally, I It is also evident from the report that am thoroughly proud of all of my there have been many benefits for colleagues’ efforts to deliver the very best Milestone Milestone Academy as a result of us educational provision for each of our joining Leigh Academies Trust. This pupils. I will leave my missive with one Following Milestone Academy’s recent balance of support and challenge from line from the report that captures the Ofsted inspection on 22nd March the Trust is echoed in the work of the “tireless” work that occurs at Milestone: Local Governing Body (led by Theresa 2016, I am pleased to announce “Every moment is skilfully utilised to that Ofsted judged that “Milestone Davies) and was acknowledged in the maximise learning”. Academy remains Outstanding”. This report. Furthermore, I know that Neil report reflects the focussed day to Willis, Deputy CEO has been very active Nigel Jones, day work that all staff carry out for the in his role of being responsible for Principal of Milestone Academy

r t le approach and their excellent a y H P behaviour. The school values r y i m m a e d the partnership of committed ry Aca parents who play a huge part in the success of their children’s progress and attainment. As part of Leigh Academies Trust, Hartley Primary Academy has benefited from first-class Governance. Senior leaders benefit from highly focused support from Leigh Academies Hartley Primary Academy Trust who ensure that they will continue to be ‘relentless in their Following a recent inspection, Hartley as an ‘outstanding leader’, along with focus’ to ensure that standards Primary Academy has been judged by Vice Principal Janine Lambourne and at Hartley remain ‘exceptional’. Ofsted to be an Outstanding school in Assistant Principal Vicki Adams, has led Simon Beamish, Chief Executive of LAT every category. the team of inspirational teachers and commented: teaching assistants who work tirelessly This welcome news is the culmination to provide the best possible learning “I am thrilled for staff, students, parents of sustained focus on the delivery of opportunities resulting in ‘excellent and governors at Hartley Primary exceptional teaching and learning progress results from outstanding and is a reflection of the total Academy. This superb inspection report teaching.’ commitment and dedication of every is much deserved. It demonstrates the single member of our community. The children of Hartley Primary tremendous efforts of staff at Hartley Lorraine Hollingworth (Principal), who Academy deserve great praise for their and the benefits of working as part of was recognised by the Ofsted Team attitudes to learning, their aspirational Leigh Academies Trust”.

shaping lives, transforming communities A message from the Chief Executive

Some parents may be aware of the Trust’s credentials, Mrs Sarah Goosani, started at Hartley straight latest announcement to expand The Leigh after the Easter break. UTC. We are working with the Department of Education and County Council to Milestone Academy was also inspected by Ofsted recently. provide more places Like Hartley, it was judged ‘Outstanding’ in all categories. in Dartford. It is proposed to expand The Milestone joined the Trust in 2012 and has continued to Leigh UTC to admit students in Year 7 improve in every year since then. I am very proud of staff from September 2017 in the brand new and students in both of these schools who have achieved Inspiration Centre. Following The UTC’s such impressive inspection reports. early success, central and local government are investing Plans are progressing very well for the Trust to open upwards of a further £10m to provide access to even Langley Park Primary Academy in South East Maidstone more students to this excellent academy which specialises from September, starting with Reception, Year 1 and Year in engineering and computer science. The Leigh UTC is 2. We have appointed Mrs Libby Fidock as the Academy’s recruiting now for places in Years 10 and 12. To register inaugural Principal. Mrs Fidock is currently Principal of interest for a place, please go directly to their website. Tree Tops Primary Academy, also within LAT, where Ofsted Our students are making excellent progress in their judged leadership to be ‘Good’ last Spring. She will be studies. Academies are forecasting exceptionally strong replaced by Mrs Stephanie Guthrie who was previously academic outcomes again for this year. At the same time, Headteacher of the ‘Outstanding’ Madginford Infants’ they are providing a very wide range of extra-curricular School, also in Maidstone. opportunities for our students. We hope that you will enjoy Meanwhile in South East London, we were delighted to see reading about many of these in this newsletter. Over the Eastcote Primary in Bexley join the Trust from February this last few weeks, the Trust has been busy strengthening its year becoming LAT’s thirteenth school. We were also very staff teams with a range of new appointments to key roles, pleased to find a strong successor for Principal of Stationers’ some of which can be found underneath. Crown Woods Academy, Mr Michael Murphy, who retires We said goodbye at Easter to a much-respected Principal, in the Summer. His replacement is Mr David Millar who Mrs Lorraine Hollingworth, who has led Hartley Primary will become the Academy’s new Executive Principal from Academy for the last decade or so. Ofsted visited in September. Mr Millar is a very experienced senior leader early March and rated the Academy ‘Outstanding’ in all having held two headships already in Oasis Community categories. The Academy was last inspected in November Learning. We look forward to him joining us in due course. 2012 and has been a member of Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) for the last three years. The Trust is delighted by this inspection report and wishes Mrs Hollingworth a long and happy retirement. This is what is known as, ‘going out Simon Beamish on a high’! Her successor who joins us with very strong Chief Executive

WHAT’S ON Eastcote Primary Academy: • We have Outstanding Academies: our philosophy Hartley Primary Academy and Milestone Academy For two years, children at Eastcote Primary Academy have had the benefit of • Proposed Expansion of The Leigh regular philosophy sessions, led by Andy West, from the Philosophy Foundation. UTC Andy himself points to the very powerful effect philosophy has had upon his own life which explains the passion he brings to the subject. • Lashings Charity Cricket Gala Day • Core Maths at The Leigh UTC The sessions are tailored for the pupils to cover important issues such as keeping • Trips of a Lifetime themselves safe, including e-safe and safety from radicalisation. Children might • ’s student’s be asked to justify an opinion or develop a thought. Andy skilfully ensures that fundraising achievements virtually every child will contribute publicly to the discussion and no contribution • Leeds Castle Revision Conference is dismissed. • Visit from the Leader of Dartford What is clear to the school is that the longer children have had philosophy, the Borough Council more sophisticated their thinking is capable of being. This impacts across the • A Celebration of The curriculum now and in the future and further, potentially equips children for Commonwealth handling all kinds of situations that can arise in life. • Investor in Careers Award Successes across the Trust We would recommend philosophy become a part of every school’s curriculum.

2 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk Proposed expansion of The Leigh UTC

The Leigh UTC, specialising in engineering and computer The Leigh UTC will continue to recruit directly to Year 10 science, currently admits students in Year 10 and Year 12. until all Key Stage 3 places are full. From this point, a further Following its early success, the Trust is proposing to extend 30 places will be made available in Year 10 each year on top the age range of The UTC to admit students from Year 7 of the 120 admitted to Year 7, taking the size of each year onwards. group from age 14 upwards to 150. Under plans being developed with KCC and the DfE, vacant In a joint statement Principal, Steve Leahey, and Managing land directly opposite the current building will be used Director of Kenard Engineering and Chair of Governors, to construct a brand new age 11-14 facility called The Keith Ellis, said: Inspiration Centre @ The Leigh UTC. It will contain its own “Plans to expand The Leigh UTC are tremendously exciting. classrooms to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum as They represent a serious vote of confidence by KCC and DfE well as a state-of-the-art sports hall. in the early success of The UTC. They will also ensure that The new Inspiration Centre will house students in Years 7, even more students have access to our successful model 8 and 9, admitting 120 students annually from September of education which is allowing students to gain places at 2017. Meanwhile, the Trust is also working with Dartford selective universities and advanced apprenticeships in areas Borough Council to provide an outdoor sports complex for that our nation’s economy so badly needs. all students on fields next door to The Leigh UTC. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our Embracing the Trust’s small school approach to education, committed business and university sponsors for their ongoing students from Year 10 onwards will continue to be housed strong support and encouragement.” in the existing building. In future, students belonging to Years 7-9 will occupy the proposed new building creating a second college on the same campus. At Key Stage 3, students will enjoy the full range of subject teaching before embracing The Leigh UTC’s specialist ethos with an increased focus on engineering and computer science from Year 10 onwards.

Lashings and Core maths at The Leigh UTC Leigh Academies Trust All Stars Charity Cricket At The Leigh UTC, with our engineering and computer science specialisms and working closely with business Gala Day - partners we are only too aware of the impact on Fri 1st July 2016 employers of a shortage of potential employees who are confident in applying and communicating maths. This is particularly acute among those in the STEM field. Held at the exclusive Bexley Cricket Club, this has to be So all our students in year 12 and 13 are required to one of the highlights in Kent’s calendar this summer - a study maths at level 3. spectacular opportunity to see a team of ex international cricketers take on the finest of our Trust young players. In addition to this, students can then use core maths as the maths component of the Tech Bacc. This is aimed We will be offering a pre-match gourmet lunch with wine at ambitious, talented students that want to pursue a served by our Cucina award winning chef, Ian Morgan. With technical career, and gives them the opportunity to be an impressive charity auction and raffle, BBQ and all day stretched through high quality, alternative to the more bar, you will also have the opportunity to rub shoulders traditional A-level route, ensuring candidates have the with international sporting stars. technical ability employers want. Above all, these proceeds contribute to the promotion of As an early developer, The Leigh UTC is one of the greater cultural understanding for our students through few centres in the local area delivering the core international sporting opportunities they otherwise would maths qualification. We have also begun to share not have. Seats, or tables of 10 available from £65+vat per expertise with other centres that are either considering place, includes the gourmet lunch. Match entry on the day delivering it or have started to teach it this year. The at £6 (£4 concessions) at the gate. staff delivering core maths are rejuvenated by the fresh For further details on this spectacular event, please contact approach to the subjects, which has had a positive e: [email protected] m: 07803 147062. effect on their teaching in other courses. Harroop Sandhu, The Leigh UTC

shaping lives, transforming communities 3 Trips of a lifetime... STATIONERS’ CROWN WOODS ACADEMY Holocaust survivor visit

On Tuesday 12th January 2016, year 9 students from all three home schools heard a testimony from Holocaust survivor, Harry Olmer, as part of a visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust (HET).

The testimony was followed by a question and answer session to enable students to better understand the nature of the Holocaust and to Ski Trip to Pila, Italy explore its lessons in more depth. The visit is part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s extensive all year round Outreach Programme, which is On Saturday 13 February, at the local ice cream shop. available to schools across the UK. 36 students from The Leigh From the 36 students involved, 24 Academy, ranging from were first time skiers. Due to their Years 9 to 13, boarded the attitude and desire to learn, all coach to Pila, Italy for the students were skiing down some 2016 ski trip. During the visit, students very difficult red (intermediate) runs had 6 days of skiing and lots of by the end of the week and our evening entertainment, with a disco, advanced group were taking on one pizza night and ten pin bowling. of the most difficult black (difficult) Students also experienced the Italian runs in Europe. All four of the interski culture with walks and a guided tour instructors commented on the huge around the Aosta Valley, stopping off progress made by all of our students.

Denmark exchange trip

Denmark have again been rated as the happiest nation in the world! No surprise then that the year 8 students who visited Denmark in March had a wonderful trip and are already asking if they can go again next year!

This is the sixth year we have linked A day in Copenhagen including time with Soholmskolen in Jystrup and the at Experimentation, the interactive students have been communicating science museum; a run up the Round with their penpals since November. Tower; a canal trip and time for The students eventually met, initially shopping was enjoyed by all especially all shy, but by the end of the trip as the sun shone all day! strong friendships had been formed. Students also spent time in their penpals’ homes, sampling family life The group spent one day in school, and enjoying Danish home cooking. which is much smaller than Longfield The highlight was undoubtedly the with a total of 180 students and took evening at the youth centre including part in lessons, activities and cultural the football competition, dancing and events in the local area. The new air hockey! furniture and resources in their library and around the school attracted much We look forward to the Danes visiting attention, great places to read and to us in June and share with them an chat with friends! insight into our world!

4 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk first hand the outstanding school of design and development of products now known as design classics.

Whilst taking in the city’s world renowned architecture, students and staff visited the Berlin Wall at the famous East Side gallery, The Royal Porcelain Factory, Holocaust Memorial, Reichstag building and the Brandenburg Gate. Students and staff enjoyed the chimney cakes at the Bavarian market, sailing down the River Spree and a trip to the Design & Engineering in Berlin top of Berlin’s highest building the Fernsehturm TV tower. Product Design and Engineering These included visiting the BMW Students from The Leigh UTC and The Motorbike factory, where students A Truly excellent cross Trust visit that visited the wonderful were able to see the production line promoted real world learning for city of Berlin in April. Students had and personalisation of each motorbike examination revision, opened our eyes the honour of visiting some amazing as well as learn about the history of the to the world of design and engineering places of interest that related to their company. The world famous Bauhaus as well as our understanding for the A level revision. museum, where students got to see complexities of Germany’s history.

Joint ventures across the Trust...

Football and Cricket in Antigua We visited English Harbour and During Easter half term, students from the match display. We also played the Nelson’s Dockyard, enjoyed Longfield Academy and The Leigh under 16 Antiguan national boys side music from a steel band and Academy travelled to Antigua for a in the Antigua Recreation Ground - the attended a BBQ at Shirley Heights. football and cricket tour. famous stadium where Brian Lara Visiting Stingray City, we had the scored his 400 runs against opportunity to feed, swim and We were lucky to play at the Sir Viv back in 2004. It was a tough game and have our photos taken with the Richards stadium, the international we conceded a goal just before half stingrays - an experience that our ground for the West Indies. We got time after our keeper was injured on students will never forget. off to a brilliant start, taking our first the edge of the box. The boys then wicket in the first over of the game. regrouped at half time and made within the Trust as they showed The Antigua selectional side, after an a tremendous effort in the second their determination, passion and early collapse, put on a fine display half. Unfortunately as we pushed cooperation even when things weren’t of batting and managed to post an forward looking for an equaliser we going their way. Sean Powley was man impressive 175 runs. Charlie Birchmore was the pick of the bowlers, picking up lost possession and conceded another of the match, doing a fantastic job at 2 wickets. But our batting wasn’t quite goal on the counter attack. This was right back whilst being the youngest as strong as our fielding and bowling a fantastic display from the students player on the side. as we were all out for 110 runs. Caiden Lomas was eventually bowled out after top scoring with 37 runs.

Our first game of football was against a local selection side at English Harbour. This was the first test for the students as they would be playing in 30 degree heat on a hard dusty pitch. We took a 1-0 lead just before half time and, after rehydrating, we eventually emerged 3-0 winners. Charlie Edmeades captained the side and put in a man of

shaping lives, transforming communities 5 Wilmington Academy student’s Wilmington Academy fundraising achievements

his efforts. Jonjo has crossed three won Volunteer of the Year Award at the counties in Ireland on foot, walked Kent Charity Awards. from Wembley to West Ham United, dribbled a football 50 miles over On 1st April Jonjo set off to complete 5 days and cycled and walked the a 450-mile cycle and walk carrying Premier League clubs. the World Cup from Dortmund to Wembley Stadium, to mark the 50th Jonjo attended the local Try Angle Anniversary of England’s 1966 World Awards back in September. These Cup win. He gave up his entire school awards were introduced by Kent holiday and faced the challenge of a County Council’s Youth Service to physically-demanding ten days. Jonjo recognise the accomplishments of is very passionate about fundraising young people aged between 10 and and already has three other major events 18. We were delighted when Jonjo planned for later in the year, including Jonjo Heuerman, Year 9, Apollo received the award for Community a 32-nation junior world cup, a world College, spends his spare time Action. Since then Jonjo has gone cup banquet and a charity dog walk. completing challenges to raise funds on to win the regional award. In the for The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer New Year’s Honours 2015, Jonjo was Wilmington Academy are all Research UK. Jonjo began fundraising awarded the British Empire Medal incredibly proud of Jonjo’s hard in memory of his nan, who died for his services to cancer research. work and achievements. If you from bowel cancer, and his hero, the He is one of the youngest ever to would like to show your support football star Bobby Moore. So far, Jonjo be given the accolade and David for Jonjo, more information can be has raised over £235,000 and he has Cameron called him ‘inspiring’. Jonjo’s found via his website: http://www. supporters worldwide who follow accomplishments continue: he has just fornannyandbobby.com/.

Some 38 talented English students from five of our Leigh Academies Leeds Castle English Revision Trust Academies, were selected to Conference participate in a truly unique and invaluable GCSE English Revision The conference was fully funded by ‘It was a great way of getting Conference held over February half the Trust, as a means of supporting term at the impressive Leeds Castle. students out of their some of our most academically comfort zone…’ promising students and encouraging them to aspire to achieving the very top A/A* grades.

Some of our most gifted and dedicated English specialists led the revision sessions. Each student had the opportunity to attend five sessions, in very small groups of no more than 14; in addition they experienced the thrilling, ancient art of falconry, led by the Head Falconer at Leeds Castle.

Some of ’s Year 11 students gave up their own time during the half term to participate in a day of challenging revision sessions targeting the skills they need to gain those A/A* GCSE grades in the summer. Despite the cold, the students also joined in with a professional falconry session which was a ‘hoot’!

6 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk r t le a y H P What does he need to do? Mr Kite told us that his favourite part r y i m m a e of being a councillor was looking at Our visit ry Acad Mr Kite needs to have respect for the people in his community and listen to something he had done working really from Councillor their ideas and to come up with the well in the community and feeling best way to make something the very proud of something he has made Jeremy Kite, MBE best it could be. possible. Everyone in School Council really enjoyed his visit and we learnt a Our School Council got a visit from His MBE lot about being a councillor. Jeremy Kite MBE. We got to interview Jeremy Kite was awarded his MBE him and we found out about being a for his work as a councillor by Prince councillor. Jeremy Kite is the leader Charles and has met the Queen twice. of Dartford Borough Council. He has been a councillor for 16 years and His childhood became leader of his council 10 years Mr Kite never really considered ago. When he was elected, Mr Kite was being a councillor. At his primary given a badge to show his leadership. and secondary school, there wasn’t We were all lucky enough to try it on. a school council, so he never got the experience at a young age. His What does his job entitle? ambition was to do something in Mr Kite’s job as Leader of Dartford English, or, like every child would Borough Council is to make good dream of, being a footballer or decisions that will benefit Dartford. astronaut.

Investor in Careers Award Successes across the Trust

Milestone Academy are pleased to announce that they have A celebration of recently been assessed for Stage 2 of the Investor in Careers The Commonwealth Award and have been successful. They now join the other Academies that have recently been successful with the award. The assessor was exceptionally complimentary of the bespoke Careers Education Programme that takes place at Milestone Academy. The Careers Education Programme continues to flourish at The Leigh Academy. In January 2016, The Leigh Academy was successful in achieving Stage 2 of Investor in Careers. To successfully achieve the award an Academy has to offer a comprehensive Careers Education Programme that includes work related learning. This could include visits to employers, work experience or inviting employers in to talk to the students. The Assessor remarked positively on how much the students receive in relation to careers and work related learning activities. The Leigh Academy will be assessed for Stage 3 Investor in Careers in June 2016. ‘The Commonwealth Service: A Celebration of the Commonwealth’ took place at Westminster Abbey on Monday 14th March, in the presence of Her Majesty The A quick update on the IIC process Queen, Head of the Commonwealth. Her Majesty was • Leigh Academies Trust are pleased that both Mascalls accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh, Their Royal and Longfield Academy have the full Investor in Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Careers Award. Harry and The Duke of York. • Wilmington Academy, Stationers’ Crown Woods Milestone Academy was well represented by seven Academy, The Leigh Academy and now Milestone students and three members of staff. The seven students Academy have all now achieved Stage 2 of the award. selected for the trip have all made a significant contribution • The Leigh UTC has Stage 1 of the Investors in Careers to school life, through their academic achievements or their award. activities outside of the classroom.

shaping lives, transforming communities 7 Refer-a-Teacher and earn £300

Leigh Academies Trust is today launching our refer-a-teacher scheme as part of our mission to find and LAT Alumni recruit the best teachers to join our academies as part of the LAT family. Leigh Academies Trust has partnered with Future First, a registered charity, Research shows that one of the most to bring the LAT Alumni community successful routes of finding high quality talent is through referrals from existing to life. The Trust is keen to foster a members of staff. The reason these referrals are so successful is that employees thriving community of ex-students tend to only refer friends and ex-colleagues that they feel will do a good job. who can bring their expertise back into academies as they progress with Richard Taylor, HR Director for the Trust their careers. said, “Our staff are better at finding great

teachers than all the recruitment agencies Dartford Primary Academy The LAT Alumni website, newly- put together as they not only have the Star Centre: launched in August 2015, designed network of contacts but they also know as our shop window for prospective the personalities of the individuals being Secondary alumni members, provides the referred and a good understanding of how gateway to joining the alumni they will perform in the classroom. As an Transfer communities for The Leigh Academy, organisation we would prefer to reward Longfield Academy, Wilmington our own staff for a successful referral rather showcase Academy, Stationers’ Crown Woods than paying a recruitment fee to a private This year Dartford Primary Academy and Mascalls Academy. sector recruitment business.” Academy held a Secondary For more information on the scheme Transfer Showcase, which was Among our alumni members we contact the HR team - organised by Chantelle Wood (SEN are sure there is a whole range of [email protected]. Administrator), for the parents inspiring career and education role of Year 4 & 5 pupils in the Star models, volunteers, work experience Centre. This was an opportunity providers, governors, and mentors. for parents to gather information from secondary schools, regarding We greatly value your time and your Wilmington entry criteria, set-up of provision, support in guiding those following in Academy staffing and travel arrangements. your footsteps today. Great news We have received positive for Oracy at feedback from parents who expressed that they feel more Wilmington! confident already about the secondary transfer process. It is with great pleasure that we can We would like to thank the announce that Wilmington Academy following schools for participating are one of only 12 schools selected to in this event and look forward to take part in the Voice 21 Programme. © 2016 next year’s Showcase: Leigh Academies Trust The programme aims to support Green Street Green Road schools to develop a comprehensive • The Leigh Academy Dartford, Kent DA1 1QE and embedded approach to oracy • Milestone Academy t: 01322 620 586 e: [email protected] across their Year 7 curriculum based • Longfield Academy w: www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk on an oracy framework developed by • Wilmington Academy • Broomhill Bank North Leigh Academies Trust is a registered company, School21 and Cambridge University, company no 2336587. An exempt charity. supported by the Education • School Endowment Foundation. Harriet Carter This project will prove to be an SENCo Dartford Primary Academy enormous benefit to our students as Please contact us: t: 01322 626 609 they develop their oracy skills. e: [email protected]

8 www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk