leigh academies trust winter 2016...
TRANSCRIPT
Leigh Academies Trust
NEWSWinter 2016 | issue four
• An insight into ITat Mascalls
• Leadership is GOODat Molehill PrimaryAcademy(Ofsted, December 2015)
events & news from around the Trust
We are pleased to announce the launch of the brand new Leigh Academies Trust website!
The website officially went live on 23rd December. We are already seeing some encouraging results.
Our goal with this new website is to provide visitors with an easy to navigate, clear and informative platform to learn about the Trust, what we offer and how they can get involved. As part of the build, we produced a video to introduce our core vision: Shaping Lives, Transforming Communities. Watch students Nikola and Ryan as they explore Wilmington Academy’s library, which has come to life with a variety of exciting careers.
We would like to extend our thanks to all those who helped with this exciting project. Visit the new website today at www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk.
WOW! New Trust website launches...
www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk
Shaping lives, transforming communities
• Which cluster do Ibelong to?
• SCWA Honouredby BaronessNeville-Rolfe &Mr Fitzgerald’s Visit
• Leigh UTC AwardsDinner
• Get into Teaching• LAT16, Bistro &
LAT Enterprises
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www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk2
A message from the Chief Executive
www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk
On Tuesday 15th December, Stephen Leahey, Principal of The Leigh UTC was invited by Lord Baker to take part in a presentation at the House of Lords where Nick Boles MP and he addressed a selected audience about the impact UTCs are having in the current education system.
Lord Baker was extremely complimentary about Leigh Academies Trust and recalled his most recent visit to the UTC. Nick Boles emphasised the government’s commitment to UTCs, and wanted to challenge UTCs to be successful and evolve. Mr Leahey then followed this up with a detailed first hand account of setting up and running a UTC.
This was very well received and led to further discussions with other MPs and dignitaries at the event.
It was been a very successful term in LAT up to Christmas 2015 and 2016 has started just as well. Last Summer saw real success across all of our academies. Since then, students and staff have set out to reach new records this year. We were delighted that in September, Mascalls Academy in Paddock Wood joined the LAT family of schools. Eastcote Primary in
Bexley will do so from February this year.
This academic year, LAT has launched its new Education Business Partnership. This will help connect our schools and students even more closely to the world of work. Meanwhile, Greenwich and Kent Councils are pressing us to expand our schools so that even more children across the area can enjoy a Leigh-style education. We have agreed already for Wilmington to increase to a Pupil Admission Number of 240 and Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy to 300.
Our UTC continues to impress all who visit. We were fortunate to host Lord Baker of Dorking at our Business Dinner in November to celebrate the achievement of our students. More recently, Baroness Neville Rolfe, the Minister for the Digital Economy visited Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy to hear our exciting plans to open a Digital Media Centre next July with the great support of our friends at The Stationers’ Company.
LAT continues to press head with building capacity in primary education. As well as Eastcote joining us soon, we will open a brand new primary in South Maidstone called Langley Park Primary Academy next September and another new primary school in the Ebbsfleet Valley from September 2017. Meanwhile, we are close to finding a permanent site for our new secondary free school in Greenwich which is also due to open in September 2017.
Many of you will know that we will sadly say goodbye to two much-valued principals this year. Lorraine Hollingworth retires from Hartley Primary Academy at Easter and Michael Murphy retires from Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy in September. We are working very hard to find excellent successors for both. They will be tough acts to follow, but with a long line of highly effective leaders waiting to join LAT, I am optimistic that we will appoint new principals ready to take both academies to the next stage in their development.
I wish you all a very Happy 2016 and thank you for all of your ongoing support this term.
Simon Beamish Chief Executive
On Wednesday 9th December the Post 16 Business A Level and Hospitality students held their annual Christmas Community Party, supported by ten Year 9 students. Entertaining over 130 elderly people from the local community and the students from Milestone Academy, the students worked hard on the planning and cooking for the event and the party was a huge success. Over £400 was raised for the Post 16 chosen charity - Guide Dogs.
“Really good afternoon had, thanks to all the students and staff for their hardwork and friendliness. It was Great!” “Really lovely, the students are fantastic.”
“Great afternoon, all the kids are brilliant – we take our hats off to them!”
WILMINGTON
A C A D E M Y
Our community gets festive
All in all, a fabulous afternoon was had by all, building even stronger
links within the community.
3shaping lives, transforming communities
Leigh UTC Awards Dinner
The Leigh University Technical College (Dartford) held its first Awards Dinner recognising the exceptional work of 10 of its students during its first year of opening.
Special guest for the evening was Lord Kenneth Baker the Chairman of Baker Dearing Educational Trust which developed the concept of UTCs.
Business partners were invited to sponsor tables at the dinner to support each of the winners with each student bringing two family guests.
Clive Barker, Vice Chair of Governors and Master of Ceremonies for the evening said: “A key difference that defines The Leigh UTC is the great support that we have from our business partners, developing and participating in projects, work experience, mentoring and many other engagements throughout the year”.
When choosing the trophies for the winners it was decided to reflect the engineering specialism of the college by asking Keith Ellis M.D. of Kenard Engineering and Chair of Governors of The Leigh UTC if he could possibly manufacture a suitable trophy. The result was magnificent (see right). ©
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The award winners are pictured below with Lord Baker and Principal at The Leigh UTC, Steve Leahey.
The evening’s award winners were:
• Chantelle Cornett – Award for STEM Year 10, sponsored by University of Greenwich
• Casey Crowley – Award for Computer Science Year 10, sponsored by RK International
• Harry Dressel – Award for Engineering Year 12, sponsored by 8 Point 3
• Thomas Dressel – Year 12 Computer Science, sponsored by DMA
• Harrison Firth – Outstanding Achievement, sponsored by Eurostar
• Cameron McIntosh – Enterprise Year 12, sponsored by CSB Logistics
• James Mannion – Year 12 STEM Male, sponsored by Cucina
• Charlie May – STEM Year 10 Male, sponsored by Cleantec
• Callum Shepherd – Year 10 Engineering, sponsored by SEM
• Sophie Woodhead – Award for STEM Year 12 Female, sponsored by Kenard Engineering
Guest of honour, Lord Baker commented: “It was a fabulous evening with fantastic support from our business partners.”
www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk
We have been honoured to welcome Baroness Neville Rolf, the Minister for Intellectual Property and Mr Kevin Fitzgerald, the Director General of World Intellectual Property (WIPO) at the United Nations to the Academy on Wednesday 2nd of December.
The Minister and Mr Fitzgerald visited the Academy to meet a number of our Year 13 pupils who have been preparing a video for a United Nations conference in Geneva in April 2016. The title for the conference is ‘Global Digital Content Market’.
The piece that the students have been working on is called the ‘The Voice of Youth in the Global Digital Content Market’. Students have been discussing the different ways in which
young people now access material such as computer games, books, magazines, music and films. They have also explored how these materials are paid for and the cost and business models in operation.
The Minister was taken on a tour around the Academy and spoke with pupils about the facilities available there. The Minister and her team were then presented with a short extract from the students’ recording and gave some very positive feedback about the content and the production video to date. The students then had the opportunity to discuss with the Minister the government’s views on intellectual property, namely copyright and its importance to both the creative industries and the British economy.
This opportunity has come about through the Academy’s links with The Stationers’ Company of which Mr Fitzgerald is a member.
Ms Helen Esmond the master of the Stationers’ Company, Mr Kevin Dewey (Chair of Governors SCWA) and Mr Simon Beamish (CEO LAT) were also in attendance at the event.
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SCWA Honoured by Baroness Neville-Rolfe & Mr Fitzgerald’s Visit
www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk
The feedback from the students
was very positive about the whole
experience. They enjoyed engaging
with the representatives of the
different bodies and found the
discussions held both stimulating
and informative in preparing for the
final video production.
The feedback from Mr Fitzgerald
was that the students were
‘the Stars of the Show’.
Get into Teaching with Leigh Academies Trust
Do you want to be that teacher that inspires students to think and the one that helps them to make sense of everything? Watch our video!
At our information evenings you will find out about Leigh Academies Trust schools and how to either train to become a teacher or how to apply for September vacancies.
#bethatteacher For more information, please visit: http:// www.leighacademiestrust.org.uk/careers/get-into-teaching/
5shaping lives, transforming communities
Humanities Trip to AuschwitzA group of Year 10, 11 and 12 students left The Leigh in the early hours of an October Sunday morning bound for Krakow. Despite packing for the cold, the weather was fabulous!
Their first visit was the Old Town followed by the famous Schindler Factory, where they learned about life for the Jews of Krakow before and during the Holocaust.
They visited synagogues and the Jewish Museum in order to gain a deeper understanding of Jewish life
and beliefs. As part of the museum visit, students were lucky enough to meet a lady who, as a child, had been saved from the Holocaust. She told her amazing story though an interpreter and answered questions about her life. For some students this was the most emotional and inspiring part of the whole trip. Later that day they took the long drive to Auschwitz I and Birkenau, the Nazi Concentration Camp where over 1 million Jewish men, women and children, along with others, were murdered in the gas chambers.
In October last year, Year 13 experienced a once in a lifetime visit to New York where they had the opportunity to explore the latest computer developments through a number of avenues. Students visited the Samsung Experience and had an opportunity to learn about Samsung’s new products. They could touch, feel, and learn about great products and how they work together. They also visited the Sony Technology Lab, where students could see the many wondrous exhibits on display and enhance their own learning about technology and communication.
As well as expanding their knowledge, students got to experience a live basketball game and a boxing match at Madison Square, visit a number of famous landmarks and visit the 9/11 memorial.
Trips of a lifetime... New York Trip for Post 16 students
Students found this to be a very emotional experience, one saying that: “All students should be made to come here. This is something you don’t want to look at, but you should. And you will never forget it.”
IT Services had the opportunity to offer some long term work experience to a couple of students at Mascalls Academy and Darren Stocker (Network Manager) approached teaching staff to find out if there was any interest within the Post 16 community. Two students, Matthew and Luke, showed an interest and will help provide support at the Academy for a day and a half each week.
Stephane Vernoux, the IT Director said: “This is an ideal opportunity for IT Services to provide an insight into the world of IT to two students who have expressed an interest in technology.”
We extend a warm welcome to Matthew and Luke and are sure they will pick up some valuable experience working with Leigh Academies Trust which will help them in their future careers.
Mascalls Academy takes on two students for long term work experience in IT Services.
An insight into IT with Mascalls Academy
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L AT 16
Post 16The best two years of your life...for further information visit: http://www.lat16.org.uk
What is LAT16?
Leigh Academies Trust Post 16 comprises four campuses in Kent:
■ The Leigh Academy
■ The Leigh University Technical College (UTC)
■ Longfield Academy
■ Wilmington Academy
Why choose LAT16?
LAT16 students can choose from over 50 different academic, vocational and technical qualifications studying at more than one campus if necessary.
No other group of local schools or academies in Kent can offer you such a wide range of choices.
LAT16 students have the benefits of a flexible, independent, college-style education but retain the personalised support, advice and guidance needed to help them succeed and achieve their goals.
Register your interest now
To join us from September 2016, you will need to visit our website and complete the online form:http://www.lat16.org.uk/apply-now/
Year 6 and Year 4 students from Knockhall Primary School attended The Leigh UTC to participate in a fantastic STEM day.
Students were involved in four different workshops which focussed on different aspects of STEM:
• STEM car challenge: looking at the effect of different materials on speed.
• Computer control challenge: computer programming within robotics.
• Design of a gravity racer and personalised number plate.
• Creation of a team roller coaster and train ride: students worked collaboratively to design a roller coaster train with a theme, and then tested it on our model roller coaster track, which had been created by the 3D laser cutter.
The workshops were run by members of the UTC and STEM Ambassador, Phil Moffitt, a consultant and lecturer at the Royal School of Military Engineering. Staff collaborated across all learning areas, to form a fully integrated project based on roller coasters and motion. Students gained a real insight of our STEM based curriculum.
The Leigh UTC team thoroughly enjoyed having the Knockhall Primary students and were encouraged by how much they absorbed from the day.
The Leigh UTC Inspiring the Next Generation
Over 50 academic and
vocational courses
to choose from. Take
your first steps towards
university or a career...
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Day
7shaping lives, transforming communities
Joining Year 10 in September 2016: The Leigh UTC
Focus on:
The Telescope Bistro, Longfield Academy
A superb versatile indoor courtyard dining area offering a unique ambiance for catered events.
On the 12th November both the A2 Business Double Award students, Performing Arts students, and the Professional Cookery students hosted an event in honour of the Mayor’s Charity meal. We were successful in raising £745 which was donated to the Lollypop Fund for Darenth Valley Hospital (Mayor’s selected charity).
Not only did we host an event out of goodwill, but we also learnt how to prepare a successful 5* evening dining event which will benefit the Telescope Bistro in future events that will follow.
University Technical Colleges (UTCs) cater for children from Year 10 onwards. Currently, the only UTC in Kent is The Leigh UTC in Dartford.
Apply now for a year 10 place if your child was born between 1 September 2001 and 31 August 2002.
If you are applying to The Leigh UTC for current year 10 and 11 outside of the normal application dates, you must apply for an in year admission. If you are applying from outside of Kent, please contact your local authority to make an application. You will also need to complete the supplementary form.
The Leigh UTC are providing a tour of their facilities every Wednesday.STEP One:
Visit the Kent County Council website to apply to join year 10. You will need to complete the University Technical College application form and return by email. Please visit the website for full details.
STEP Two:Leigh UTC have a supplementary information form that needs to be completed and sent directly to the school. The form is available on The Leigh UTC website.
Please contact The Leigh UTC on t: 01322 626600 or e: [email protected]
The Bistro is open every Tuesday and Friday lunchtime, term-time only, 12.00pm-2.00pm. 4 courses for £12.95 (excluding special events). To book a table, please contact Sharon Ross: t: 01474 700780 e: [email protected] online bookings please visit: https://www.longfieldacademy.org/bistro/reservation-form
www.leighacademiestrust.org.ukwww.leighacademiestrust.org.uk
Secondary Academies ■ The Leigh Academy ■ Longfield Academy ■ Wilmington Academy ■ The Leigh UTC ■ Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy ■ Mascalls Academy
Primary Academies ■ Molehill Primary Academy ■ Oaks Primary Academy ■ Tree Tops Primary Academy ■ Dartford Primary Academy ■ Hartley Primary Academy
Special Academies ■ Milestone Academy
Future Academies ■ Cherry Orchard Primary Academy,
Ebbsfleet Valley ■ Langley Park Primary Academy,
South Maidstone
where we belong ■ North West Kent Cluster ■ South East London Cluster ■ Central Kent Cluster
Leigh Academies Trust: Our Academies
Please contact us: t: 01322 626 609e: [email protected]
© 2016 Leigh Academies Trust Green Street Green Road, Dartford, Kent DA1 1QE Leigh Academies Trust is a registered company, registration no. 2336587
Ofsted Inspection of Molehill Primary Academy
Venues to inspireWe provide facilities for entrepreneurs, strategic thinkers, lifelong learners and community participation. Our venues offer state-of-the-art facilities for corporate hire, sports events, conferences and fairs. Our vast range of spaces for hire, in Dartford, Longfield, Wilmington and Paddock Wood will ensure your event is held in an ideal location at an affordable price.
Don’t take our word for it, visit our website, or contact us to arrange a visit.
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“The rapid and highly effective action of the Executive Principal since September, and her work as Lead Principal of the three cluster schools prior to this, have brought about significant improvements in teaching, pupils’ progress, attendance, safety and behaviour.”
“The Executive Principal has, with the Board of Governors and Leigh Academies Trust’s Development Group, secured the confidence of staff and pupils in the leadership of the Academy. There is now a shared sense of purpose, drive, enthusiasm and determination to continue and increase the pace of improvement. Staff morale is high. One member of staff expressed a view shared by many with the comment, ‘The atmosphere in this school has changed enormously. The children and staff have a greater sense of purpose and there is a general calmness in the school.’”
“The collaborative working culture across the three primary schools in the cluster ensures that leaders of subjects and those with other key areas of responsibility at all levels are
increasingly effective and influential. One leader commented, ‘The Executive Principal is inspirational and allows us to thrive as leaders. We are empowered to make changes.’ In addition, leaders with proven track records of skills and expertise support all staff across the cluster and at Molehill have had a significant impact in securing improvement, for example in teaching and learning.”
“Pupils conduct themselves well around the Academy and they are polite, friendly and respectful.”
Molehill’s rapid improvement follows on from Tree Tops Primary Academy’s removal from Special Measures last Spring. Tree Tops joined LAT at the same time as Molehill. Both primary academies have benefitted enormously from the challenge and support offered by LAT. We would like to thank both schools’ dedicated staff team who should take most of the credit for the transformation work that has undoubtedly been central to this success.
Just before Christmas Ofsted visited Molehill Primary Academy in Maidstone for a planned inspection. The Academy joined Leigh Academies Trust (LAT) last March and had been in Special Measures or thereabouts for the best part of a decade. We were delighted that Ofsted have now withdrawn the Academy from ‘Category’ and judged Leadership & Management to be ‘Good’. Some quotations from the report are listed below:
MolehillPrimary Academy
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