Leigh Academy Milestone Newsletter

December 2024 - Term 2

Principal's Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to our final newsletter of 2024! It has been a very busy term and excitement is palpable as we reach the crescendo of the festive season. But before that, there is much to celebrate about our achievements here over the past few weeks.

During this module Milestone has played host to multiple very successful events, with each phase wowing parents/carers with fantastic Christmas plays and concerts. While our older students in Phases 3 and 4 have meticulously planned and executed impressive Christmas markets as part of their business pathways. These are great projects that stretch and challenge our young people to research, plan, work together and communicate. To see them grow in confidence as they interact with their ‘customers’ is just brilliant.

Our teams have worked hard to provide students with more and more opportunities to access extra activities, whether it be through additional extra-curricular clubs at school, more trips and visits out in the community; or inviting visitors into school to share their specialist knowledge. These opportunities to enhance ‘cultural capital’ are essential for our students. Just a few examples this term have been Phase 1 visiting Buzy Bees soft play, members of Phase 2 going wheelchair ice-skating, and students from secondary visiting local care homes to sing Christmas songs. Find out more here: https://www.leighacademymilestone.org.uk/curriculum/

We are very fortunate here at Milestone to have a very strong Performing Arts team with a focus on empowering students with an emphasis on communication and development of self-confidence. As a result, our young people are excelling in this area. Through drama, music, and dance, students explore and enhance both verbal and non-verbal communication skills. This is also supported by our Total Communication approach in school. Please see our new Performing Arts page here: https://www.leighacademymilestone.org.uk/provision/performing-arts/

Please enjoy this newsletter and be sure to visit your child's class pages for more insight into what they have been doing this term.

It remains for me to wish you all a wonderful break and festive season. I hope the new year brings you all peace and joy. We look forward to welcoming you back on Tuesday 7th January 2025!

Sarah Goosani

Principal

Phase 1

Phase 1 has had an exciting and busy term, filled with inquiry-based learning and plenty of hands-on experiences! The children have been exploring the concept of belonging and delving into traditional tales like Little Red Riding Hood and The Three Little Pigs, sparking their imaginations and creativity. They also joined in the fun for World Nursery Rhyme Week, celebrating classic rhymes through singing and activities. A highlight of the term was taking part in the Christmas production, where they shone on stage with confidence and joy.

Phase 1 also enjoyed a fantastic trip to Buzy Bees soft play, walking there together and having a wonderful time playing with friends.

The children have absolutely loved their time with the forest school teacher! They've embraced the outdoors, exploring the natural world with curiosity and wonder. Through hands-on activities and problem-solving challenges,they are developing essential skills like creativity, and resilience. The forest school has provided a unique and enriching learning experience, fostering a deep connection with nature and a lifelong love of learning.

It’s been a term full of learning, laughter, and adventure! We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and look forward to seeing the children in 2025.

Please take a look at our class pages: https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-academy-phase-1/home

Catherine McHugh-Moss - Phase 1 Leader

Claire Woolmer - Assistant Principal Phase 1

Phase 2

This term, pupils have been diving into inquiry-based learning with a focus on local history in London, exploring how Christmas was celebrated in the past and comparing it with modern traditions. In science, students have been investigating electrical circuits, experimenting with switches, and learning about the importance of electrical safety. Their creativity has shone through as they engaged in junk modelling and created textured paintings and collages using natural resources. These activities have inspired curiosity, critical thinking, and artistic expression, making Module 2 a truly enriching experience for everyone.

As we approached the festive season, children explored the true meaning of Christmas, learning about its significance for Christians and how it is traditionally celebrated. This learning journey culminated in joyous singing of a mix of traditional and pop Christmas songs. Coast Class had the wonderful experience of wheelchair ice skating where pupils embraced the wind in their hair and the cold chill on their faces as they were whizzed around the ice rink. The trip was made more magical by the giant Christmas tree centrepiece and festive decorations.

The season was made even more special with various events, including a sensory workshop led by Embracing Arts, where pupils discovered a magical winter wonderland through all of their senses. Our inquiry morning was another highlight, with parents joining us to engage in hands-on learning activities, creating a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere that showcased the pupils' enthusiasm and creativity.

We hope all pupils and their families have a wonderful Christmas time celebrating with loved ones, and we are looking forward to seeing them in the New Year.

Please take a look at our class pages: https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-academy-phase-2/home

Lucy Sparks- Phase 2 Leader

Michelle Hilton - Assistant Principal Phase 2

Milestone @ Dartford Primary Academy

As we head into the festive season, we are excited to share the many enriching experiences our students have been involved in during Module 2. This Module has been filled with exploration, learning, and growth, and we are proud of the progress each class has made. Here’s an overview of what your child has been up to:

Community Participation

Comet Class Swimming: Comet class has been enjoying their weekly swimming lessons, where they have been developing their water confidence and improving their swimming techniques.
Nova Class Budgeting and Buying Snacks: Nova class has been practicing valuable life skills by budgeting and purchasing snacks with their own money. This hands-on approach helps them understand the importance of managing money and making thoughtful spending decisions.
Moonbeam Class - Forest Schools: Moonbeam class visited Forest Schools, where they had the opportunity to connect with nature, engage in outdoor learning, and develop problem-solving skills through team activities and environmental exploration.

Our current lines of inquiry have sparked many exciting lessons and discussions:

Cultures and Local Areas: Students have been learning about different cultures, the significance of local areas, and how the communities we belong to shape our identities. This is being explored through the lens of local history, with a particular focus on London and the East End at Christmas time, allowing children to connect with their own surroundings.
Architecture and Buildings: We have been exploring the world of architecture and buildings, looking at the ways structures reflect the culture and history of the places where they are found. In art, we have taken inspiration from famous sculptor Tony Cragg, creating works influenced by the shapes, textures, and materials of buildings.
Influences on Self-Expression: Our work this term also examines how architecture, culture, and history influence self-expression. This theme allows students to explore how individuals express themselves through their environment in their preferred methods of communication.

Curriculum Highlights

What is Christmas?: In RE, we have explored the story of Christmas and its importance within Christianity. Students have learned about the traditions and meanings behind Christmas celebrations, linking these teachings to the broader theme of faith.
Electricity: Science lessons have been buzzing with excitement as students investigate the fascinating world of electricity. From building circuits to learning about health and safety, students have been gaining practical knowledge about how electricity powers our daily lives.

We enjoyed sharing our Christmas production, 'A Christmas Carol Concert', where students showcased their talents in music and drama. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate the season and share the festive spirit with you.

Additionally, we were thrilled to partake in a whole Satellite trip to The Orchard Theatre to watch the pantomime Sleeping Beauty. It was a magical experience, filled with fun and laughter, and a lovely way to end the module.

Please take a look at our class pages:

https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-academy-phase-2/home

Jessica Street - Interim Satellite Director

Phase 3

2024 has been a year of significant progress for students across all pathways. Their dedication and enthusiasm for learning have been truly inspiring. It is important to acknowledge and celebrate their achievements as they continue to grow and develop.

The transdisciplinary theme of 'How we express ourselves' is a fascinating area of study. It has provided students in Brook and Stream the opportunity to explore the diverse ways in which people communicate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas. Through this theme, students can develop their own creative expression and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. The students' exploration of their interests within the Brook and Stream pathways, along with their collaborative sharing and branching out into other learning activities, demonstrates a well-rounded and engaging learning experience to support individual growth and teamwork.

In Brook, a highlight has been in History, learning about the invention of radio broadcasting. We used talking tiles to record our own 'broadcasts' of our vocalisations and then played them back. We listened to our own and then swapped with peers and listened to their broadcasts! In Horticulture, Romans have been exploring compost in wet and dry forms. We have worked on our motor skills by scooping the soil and then used chatting sheets to communicate if we like or don't like the feeling of the soil.

In the Stream pathway, students have been exploring different cultures' festivals during this time of year to broaden students' perspectives and understanding of the world. This has allowed them to learn about diverse traditions, customs, and celebrations, fostering a sense of global interconnectedness and appreciation for different cultures. Exploring our Sensory Story this term, about the amazing Amelia Earhart, helped us to find out that she was an inspirational explorer and her famous motto was: "If you want to do it, do it!" As we delved into her story, we have developed our IB Learner Profile attributes, becoming Thinkers, taking Risks, finding Balance, and Communicating our ideas in our own unique way.

In the River pathway, learning took two routes; one was this module, where we are continuing with our lines of inquiry into special places. We are going to be learning more about what makes a place special, how the special place and its associated culture has changed over time, and the uses of that place. This will show the students how expression is shaped by history and culture. And what could be more special than...Disneyland!

The other two classes have continued their exploration of how self-expression is shaped by culture and history. Building further on our previous focus on the Seven Wonders of the World, we will now turn our attention to places. We'll delve into how people make places special, how culture is reflected in the spaces we inhabit, and the significant role that places play in shaping our identities

The Waterfall pathway's focus on John F. Kennedy and his impact on 20th-century America is a valuable exploration of history and its connection to social and economic change. By examining how popular culture can impact policy and reform, students gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between individuals, society, and government.

The collaborative enterprise and community outreach initiatives have demonstrated a strong sense of purpose and social responsibility. The students' participation in the Christmas Market and their performances at the Memory Clinic and local residential homes not only showcase their talents but also highlight their compassion and desire to make a positive impact on the lives of others. These experiences are invaluable in fostering a sense of community and promoting personal growth.

Please take a look at our class pages: https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-academy-phase-3/home

Maria Steer - Phase 3 Leader

Kyle Marsh - Assistant Principal Phase 3

Milestone @ The Sir Geoffrey Leigh Academy

As we approach the festive season, it’s a wonderful time to reflect on a term filled with growth, resilience, and achievement. This term has provided our pupils with enriching experiences and opportunities for both personal and academic development. They have embraced challenges with determination, making it a truly successful term.

A special mention goes to our Year 11 pupils, who have been working hard in preparation for their upcoming Functional Skills exams in Maths and English, scheduled for January. Their commitment to their studies is impressive as they focus on achieving their goals and preparing for the next steps in their academic journey. Additionally, some of our pupils attending mainstream lessons participated in their mock GCSE exams this term, further developing their exam techniques and gaining valuable experience. The effort and focus they have shown in their preparation are inspiring and demonstrate their commitment to success.

This term, our learning journey was guided by the Transdisciplinary Theme 'How We Express Ourselves', with the Central Idea that Nature shapes our culture, art, and identity. We explored how different cultures communicate in unique ways and examined how rivers and coasts connect people to their history and culture. Our pupils explored the idea of how people are inspired by nature, deepening their understanding of how the environment influences creativity and identity. Through these explorations, our pupils have made connections with key aspects of the IB programme, particularly focusing on the development of international-mindedness and a deeper understanding of the world around them.

Throughout the term, we celebrated several important events that reflect our commitment to fostering an inclusive and compassionate school community. Our observance of Remembrance Day honoured those who have served in the armed forces, while Children in Need allowed us to come together to support those in need. During Anti-Bullying Week, we emphasised the importance of kindness, empathy, and standing up against bullying, which aligns closely with our focus on equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). These events provided our pupils with opportunities to reflect on significant social issues and engage in meaningful discussions about respect, empathy, and our shared responsibility to make a positive impact in our communities.

This term, we hosted a Kooth session focused on online safety and mental wellbeing for both pupils and their families. The session offered valuable insights into maintaining healthy online habits and recognising the importance of mental health in the digital age. Participants also learned how to access Kooth, a valuable tool that can support their mental health and wellbeing. We are grateful for the participation of both pupils and parents/carers, as this session provided essential support and guidance for all.

We were also thrilled to welcome Emmanuel Asuquo, author of The Ultimate Guide to Money, for a virtual visit. Emmanuel shared his expertise on financial literacy, offering practical advice on money management and the importance of financial planning. This session aligned with our broader goals of developing pupils' life skills and enhancing their understanding of the world beyond the classroom, in line with the IB’s focus on inquiry and real-world connections.

One of the highlights of the term was our Christmas Market, which was a resounding success! Our pupils worked tirelessly to prepare for the market, demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit and teamwork as they showcased their creativity and business skills. The market was made possible thanks to the generous support of our school community, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all the families who attended and contributed to making the event such a success. The Christmas Market not only highlighted our pupils' hard work but also reinforced our commitment to developing a sense of responsibility and community engagement through practical, hands-on activities.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and, most importantly, our amazing pupils. Your collective efforts have made this term a resounding success. As we look forward to the new year, I'm excited about the opportunities and challenges that await us. Together, we'll continue to nurture an environment where every pupil can thrive, express themselves, and reach their full potential.

Please take a look at our class pages: https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-academy-phase-3/home

Wishing you all a restful and joyous holiday season.

Sofia Pinto - Satellite Director

Phase 4

The students in the castle have had an extremely busy term, working hard to make a wide range of wonderful products to sell at the Christmas Fair as part of their business enterprise. The students in Canterbury class used a graphic design app to create some posters to advertise the sale, and they all looked extremely professional! The students were fantastic on the day interacting with customers and members of the public to sell their items they had made. The students have continued to work on their communication skills as part of their ASDAN accreditation, with many new friendships blossoming, as students communicate which of their friends they would like to spend time with! The students have continued to enjoy visiting Bore Place farm on a Thursday where they have engaged in a range of work related activities such as clearing the paths, refilling the bird feeders and making some delicious cakes! As part of our art carousel on a Monday afternoon, the students across Phase 4 have had the opportunity to participate in some dance sessions with an external dance teacher which they have thoroughly enjoyed! Well done to all the students for all their hard work this term. We hope you have a wonderful Christmas break and a happy new year. We look forward to seeing you back in January!

Please take a look at our class pages. https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-academy-phase-4/home

Katy Morez Stephens, Phase 4 Leader

Noleen Donaghy-Parkhouse - Assistant Principal Phase 4

Milestone @ Wilmington Academy

This term has been incredibly busy and rewarding for everyone involved. A standout moment was our participation in three hugely successful Christmas markets, where students really showed their entrepreneurial spirit. Our stalls were nearly completely sold out, and we made some fantastic profits, which meant we had to order extra products to keep up with the demand!

Alongside these ventures, students worked hard on their accreditations, ensuring their hard work was officially recognised. We also held an important event called 'The Impact of Social Media', which brought families in to school for some engaging discussions on how social media shapes our lives today. It was a great way to further develop our community and keep everyone connected.

To add to the festive spirit, we organised a department trip to see the pantomime 'Jack and the Beanstalk', which was a real treat and offered a lovely break for our hard working students. Finally, our students outdid themselves by planning and preparing a Christmas dinner for 50 people, which turned out to be a huge success and showcased their teamwork and cooking skills. All in all, Module 2 has been filled with memorable achievements that have enhanced our learning experience.

We wish you all a wonderful festive period and look forward to welcoming the students back on Tuesday 7th January 2025.

Please take a look at our class pages: https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-academy-phase-4/home

Nicky McCarthy - Satellite Director

PE News

Students in Phase 4 have enjoyed taking part in dance sessions each Monday afternoon led by dance coach Rosie from Christina Marks School of Performing Arts. The sessions have been very engaging and students have explored using and moving their bodies in different ways to the music and using all the different types of equipment and resources. Students from Milestone @ Wilmington will be having sessions with her next term. Phase 3 students have been having regular coaching sessions with a coach from Olympia Boxing every Monday and they have also been learning football skills with Dartford FC each Wednesday. Next term we will be taking part in extra-curricular sports sessions with Hartley Tennis Club, British Judo and Kent Cricket giving students the experience to try some new sports and activities and learn associated skills.

Steve Devereux - Head of PE

Horticulture News

Module 2 has been another busy term in the garden. Year 11 students are completing ASDAN Life Skills Challenges and have already compiled a lot of evidence. They have explored sensory materials when gardening and grown and taken care of plants. A second group has identified the correct equipment to use, and safety rules when completing their growing. They have cleared and prepared beds for their plants. Phase 4 have also been working in the garden and the Phase 4 allotment. They have produced lavender bags, twig reindeers and wreaths using natural materials. We have a limited number still available for sale - buy now in time for your festive gatherings!

Please take a look at our website for further updates: https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-academy-phase-3/phase-3-202425/horticulture-202425?authuser=0

Kirsty Wiseman - Horticulture Teacher

Online Safety

The digital world offers countless opportunities for learning and fun, but it's important to be aware of the potential risks. As a parent or carer, you can play a crucial role in keeping your child safe online. Start by having open and honest conversations about online safety, tailored to your child's age and understanding. Encourage them to think critically about the information they encounter online and to be mindful of who they interact with. Set clear boundaries and expectations for their online activities, and consider using parental controls to help manage their screen time and access to certain content.

I recommend watching one of these friendly and informative videos for easy-to-follow instructions on how to set these up.

Set up Parental Controls (Apple/iOS)

Set up Parental Controls (Android)

I also want to draw your attention to two important guides for families, which provide general safety advice and recommended settings for WhatsApp and Snapchat.

WhatsApp (Internet Matters)

Snapchat (Internet Matters)

As daunting as it might be, keeping our young people safe online means staying one step ahead of them! I hope that these easy-to-use videos and guides will help you.

Remember, online safety is an ongoing journey, and it's important to stay informed about the latest trends and risks. Resources like the UK Safer Internet Centre (saferinternet.org.uk) and the NSPCC (nspcc.org.uk) offer valuable advice and support for parents and carers. By working together, we can help our children navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Kyle Marsh

Phase 3 Director and Digital Lead

Dates for Your Diary

Monday 6th January - Inset day (school closed to pupils)

Tuesday 7th January - First day of module 3

Wednesday 12th February - Last day of module 3

Please note Thursday 13th and Friday 14th February are Inset days (school closed to pupils)

Monday 24th February - First day of module 4

The Dog Mentor Programme

Toffee, Fudge, Betty and Harper have enjoyed regular visits to classes this term. It is wonderful to see how caring and responsible the children are towards them. It is wonderful also to see friendships developing between some of the children and the dogs. The children have really shown an interest and are getting to know each of the dogs individually. We are noticing the impact the dogs are having on children’s language development and how they are asking about the dogs, sharing news, naming body parts and counting treats. It is great to see children who were and still are unsure of dogs, how their confidence around dogs is growing. Above all we are noticing the positive and calming influence the dogs are having on children’s emotional regulation. Each of the dogs has their own personality and is able to respond to different children exactly as they need in the moment and children are motivated to work well and try their best in order to spend time with the dogs.

Friends of Milestone - Charity No: 278677

Thank you to all who came and supported the Friends of Milestone at our family disco and our Christmas wrap. Everyone seemed to have a great time. We raised £516 at the disco and a further £890 at our Christmas wrap, which will go towards more activities and resources for the students at Milestone.

Well done to our winning raffle ticket holders! The winning tickets are

1st - Nintendo Switch 00033

2nd - Liz Earle gift set, kindly donated by a parent, 00803

3rd - Bluewater voucher 00754

4th - Car valet, kindly donated by local business Shine and Ride 00234

5th - 1 month gym membership, kindly donated by Ash Sports Centre 01326

6th - Restaurant voucher, kindly donated by Efes Turkish Restaurant 00290

7th- Happiness box,kindly donated by a local small business The Happiness Box 01286

8th - Fruit hamper, kindly donated from Polehill Garden centre 01005

9th - Sweet Hamper, kindly donated by an individual nurse of a former pupil 00998

Thank you all once again for your continued support to the Friends of Milestone. If you are interested in supporting us further we always welcome new volunteers, please look out for our meeting dates in the new year. Please contact friendsofmilestoneacademy@gmail.com if you would like to find out more.

Wishing all of our families a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from the Friends of Milestone.

Once again thank you for your continued support.

Faye Warman – Chair

Sarah Spiers – Co-Chair and Treasurer

Lyn French – Secretary

Friends of Milestone

Therapy and Health News

We aim to work closely with families so you have the information and resources you need to support your child at home. It was great to meet so many families at our recent coffee morning which focussed on Supporting Total Communication at Home. It was a fun and interactive sharing of ideas. We hope you found it useful. Do let us know if you need any visual support or communication resources for home. Future Therapy & Medical Coffee Mornings include Supporting Sensory Needs at Home and Toileting and Continence. We will also be offering a Makaton course for families. Letters will be sent home in the new year with more details of these events.

It has been great to see the staff and pupils signing lots across the school. All phases and satellites have used key word signs in their Christmas performances and out in the community. Pupils have shown real confidence with using signs when they perform and we are really proud of them. This has added to their understanding and use of the words within songs and added something a little extra special for families to see.

In Sign Club Phase 1 have been learning signs to go with nursery rhymes including 'Five Currant Buns' and 'Old MacDonald'. Phase 3 and 4 have been learning Christmas songs to help with their performances in the community. Follow the link below to enjoy the signed songs and a story on the website that you may like to enjoy with your children at home.

https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-health-therapy/therapy-at-milestone/signing

Do take a look at the Therapy & Health pages on the website. Here you will find information about how we support children’s SLCN, physical, sensory and health needs. You will also find a list of specialist clinic dates including Paediatrician, ADHD Nurse, Dietitian, Continence and Immunisation. https://sites.google.com/latrust.org.uk/milestone-health-therapy/home

Christmas wishes to you all.

From Liz Skilton and all in the Therapy & Medical Teams

Useful Websites

Useful websites with information and resources for schools and parents to support toileting are:

ERIC at www.eric.org.uk

Bladder and Bowel UK www.bbuk.org.uk

Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust

Also look at the Facebook page for Kent Community Health as they also have information of sessions offered for parents on various topics.

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