DET Dispatch

Dear Colleague,

I am delighted to share this month's newsletter, showcasing the remarkable innovation and commitment across our Trust. It is a true testament to the exceptional work happening daily in your schools.

This month, we are pleased to see the growing national recognition for schools championing pupil engagement. Our Trust's involvement with the RCELI (Research Commission on Engagement and Lead Indicators) and our effective use of The Engagement Platform (TEP) were highlighted at an event hosted by Rt Hon. Baroness Nicky Morgan, former Secretary of State for Education at the UK House of Lords. Headteacher Toby Sutherland presented on this work, underlining our commitment to evidence-based strategies that improve outcomes and retention.

Furthermore, you will see how our schools are embracing creative approaches to learning, from the dynamic, dialogue-rich environment of Jupiter's 'No Pens Day' to the fantastic student-led initiatives at Croxley Danes School fostering inclusion and diversity. Meanwhile, the student leaders at Onslow St Audrey’s are embodying our 'Everyone Can Lead' ethos, actively participating in important decision-making.

These stories powerfully illustrate the impact of our collective effort, when we listen, lead, and work together, we truly drive positive change for our pupils.

With best wishes,

Josephine Valentine, CEO
Danes Educational Trust

Making the difference together

Trust news

Leaders from the Trust attended a celebration of schools championing pupil engagement that took place at the UK House of Lords on Monday, Hosted by the Rt Hon. Baroness Nicky Morgan, former Secretary of State for Education, the event organised by The Engagement Platform (TEP) and ImpactEd Group highlighted how engagement data is driving real change nationally.

Toby Sutherland, headteacher of St Clement Danes School presented on the work taking place within our Trust to improve engagement. Toby shared that TEP has provided our trust with “the most powerful behaviour insights and evidence-based research tool in the last three years.”

Danes Educational Trust has been a significant contributor on the importance of student engagement acting as a predictive tool for teachers and leaders to tackle attendance, wellbeing and attainment gaps with our CEO, Dr Josephine Valentine acting as a commissioner on the national RCELI (Research Commission on Engagement and Lead Indicators).

We are extremely pleased that the work and research of RCELI and TEP is gaining national momentum and recognition. Our continued partnership with TEP is a testament to our commitment to listening to and responding to our pupils and staff, ultimately improving outcomes, retention, and pupils’ life choices. This event shows what’s possible when research, leadership, and community come together.

Primary news

De Havilland

This week, our Reception class launched into the wonderful world of Drawing Club! This exciting, creative programme encourages children to imaginatively change parts of a story and invent brilliant codes to bring their narratives to vibrant life.

We kicked off the club using the beloved book, Room on the Broom. The children were absolutely thrilled to become story innovators! They enjoyed making fizzing potions and crafting secret spells. Using their newly invented codes, they turned eager friends into green frogs (all in good fun!) and even figured out how to make their hand-decorated broomsticks travel super fast.

It was fantastic to see their imaginations soar and their brilliant coding ideas take shape through drawing and play. What a magical start to this creative learning journey!

Roselands

We were absolutely delighted to welcome author Su Murley to Roselands Primary School for a day of fun, inspiration, and wonderful rhyming! Su delivered engaging, informative sessions across all school phases, sharing her fantastic book, Shirley Murley. Remember her fantastic reminder: "There's always time to rhyme!"

Children learned about the joys of creative writing and poetry. We hope this visit sparks a love for language and storytelling in all our young readers and writers. What a truly memorable and inspiring day!

Jupiter

No pens? No problem! What a fabulously successful 'No Pens Day' we had at Jupiter Primary! Our classrooms were absolutely buzzing with energy, creativity, and collaboration from start to finish.

We temporarily swapped our pencils and exercise books for a host of different skills. Students across all phases were engaged in dynamic learning activities, including movement, drama, singing, intricate memory games, and hands-on creative challenges.

This special day powerfully proved that communication, teamwork, and resourcefulness are truly our sharpest learning tools! It was a fantastic reminder that there are countless ways to learn, demonstrate understanding, and share great ideas without writing a single word. Well done to everyone for embracing the fun!

Secondary news

Chancellor's

The Lower school concert at the end of the first half term saw ten year 7 students perform solos. Year 7 classes had learned vocal techniques during lessons and saw ninety of them perform four songs. The eighty strong school choir performed 'When Love Takes Over" with a live band. The school orchestra performed themes from Dvorak's New World Symphony and Star Wars. The concert was a wonderful way to finish the first half term.

Rehearsals for School of Rock continue with our cast and crew of over 50 students ramping up the intensity towards our December show week. The recent photoshoot saw the cast and band don their costumes and it didn't take much for the polite, well heeled students to find their inner rock gods! It promises to be a high energy blast from a pre show air guitar competition to the finale of the battle of the bands.

Croxley Danes

Croxley Danes continues to demonstrate its dedication to inclusion through impactful student-led initiatives. Students William (Year 10) and Ethan (Year 8) recently showed this commitment by leading a brilliant Autism Awareness Assembly at Chater Junior School. They spoke passionately and expertly about Autism, including discussions on its meaning, its portrayal in books and what it means to them. The assembly was a great success and received high praise from both staff and pupils of the school.

Furthermore, the school's dedicated Inclusion Team organised a 'Safe Space Pride Pong' competition, drawing over 30 students to celebrate diversity. Pupils enjoyed the tournament while decorating ping pong balls in the vibrant colours of various LGBT+ identity flags. These events are prime examples of the school's commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where every student feels valued and recognised.

Onslow St Audrey's

All elected Class Speakers took part in important decision-making discussions. In line with British values, we voted on an adaptation to the summer uniform policy and selected the charity that our student body will support this year.

Another highlight of the meeting was the inspiring speeches delivered by our candidates for the Key Stage Leader positions. We are currently in the electronic voting phase and look forward to announcing the results very soon!

Our Class Speakers are also actively participating in our Everyone Can Lead programme, working towards the prestigious Gold Award. Through this initiative, students are taking on leadership roles across the school, it is wonderful to see their confidence, skills, and character continue to grow.

St Clement Danes

To mark the 25th anniversary of The Anchor Fund, we recently challenged all pupils to participate in the '£25 for 25 Year' initiative, asking each pupil to raise £25 over a six-week period. The Anchor Fund is an essential resource, dedicated to enriching the educational experience beyond standard funding. We extend our sincerest gratitude to all pupils and families for their phenomenal commitment. Through creative efforts like bake sales, sponsored walks and football challenges, the entire community demonstrated outstanding generosity.

We successfully raised a staggering total of £12,735. This monumental figure far exceeded expectations and will make an immediate and huge difference to the learning environment and opportunities we can provide. We will be engaging with the Student Council to finalise how this money will be best invested back into the school to benefit all pupils. Additionally, we look forward to presenting commemorative badges and rewards to the top fundraising form group in the coming weeks.

The Beaconsfield School

Congratulations to Jack W – Selected for the England U18 Schoolboys Squad!

We are thrilled to congratulate Year 13 student Jack W, who has been selected to represent the South East as part of the England U18 Schoolboys squad. Jack is a valued member of our Football Academy at Beaconsfield Town F.C, and we are incredibly proud of this outstanding achievement.

This is a tremendous honour and a testament to Jack’s dedication, exceptional skill, and commitment to both his academics and sport.