Leigh Academies Trust
NEWS
Easter 2023 | Issue 26
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Contents
Contents
A message from the Chief Executive
A message from the Chief Executive
Staff are working extremely hard to prepare pupils for a range of assessments this summer which return in full for the first time to the same expectations in place before the pandemic. Over the Easter break, lots of additional support is being provided so that when we return after the break, pupils are in the best place possible to maximise use of the few weeks we have left before SATs, GCSE and Post-16 examinations. My thanks to everyone involved in making sure that pupils achieve results about which they can be proud this summer.
LAT academies continue to receive visits from Ofsted in the normal way. Since our last newsletter we have been especially pleased to receive Ofsted reports for Leigh Academy Blackheath and Bearsted Primary Academy which were both judged to be Outstanding in all areas. These reports are now available on the Ofsted website. We look forward to further visits across the rest of the year to showcase the many excellent features of our academies.
One further point to celebrate about Leigh Academy Blackheath is its recent accreditation to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in its new sixth form from September. Leigh Academy Blackheath will be the first LAT academy to offer the prestigious IB Diploma which it will do alongside the IB Career-related Programme already offered in five other LAT sixth forms.
As we look forward, two new senior leaders join LAT in the summer term as Principals of our secondary academies. We welcome Jon Richardson as Principal at Strood Academy straight after the Easter break. Jon is currently Senior Vice Principal of one of the largest schools in the South-East. Starting in June is Joseph Sparks who becomes the new Principal of Stationers’ Crown Woods Academy. Joseph has been Principal of Bexleyheath Academy for the past few years where his leadership has brought about considerable transformation. In relation to the LAT central team, we were delighted to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer in February to replace our existing CFO who retires later in the year. Following a national recruitment search, the successful candidate was Faye Reizopoulou who is LAT’s current Deputy CFO.
Jon Richardson
Jon Richardson
Principal
Strood Academy
Joseph Sparks
Joseph Sparks
Principal
Stationers' Crown Woods Academy
Faye Reizopoulou
Faye Reizopoulou
Chief Financial Officer
Leigh Academies Trust
Also in June, the Department for Education has now confirmed that Leigh Academy Bexley will become LAT’s 31st academy. Leigh Academy Bexley is a large secondary school serving the community of Erith and the surrounding area. LAT has been supporting the school since last September under the leadership of John Dixon and has brought about considerable improvements already. We will be investing heavily in Leigh Academy Bexley from the outset to ensure that it has a very bright future.
Whatever your plans over the next couple of weeks, I wish you a restful Easter break and look forward to staff and pupils returning later in April for what promises to be a busy summer term.
With my very best wishes,
Simon Beamish
Chief Executive
Governance
Governance
We are delighted to have welcomed a new Director, Dr. Joan Wales, to the LAT Trust Board to replace Graham Clewes who resigned in December after nine years service.
She has most recently been a governor at The Halley Academy, representing the Tallow Chandlers Livery Company, a significant sponsor of the academy’s activities.
Dr. Wales enjoyed a career spanning some thirty-eight years within British Petroleum; Joan worked across many businesses, disciplines and countries. Although entering the company as a research scientist, she gravitated toward more expansive roles and spent the second half of her career in corporate positions with centralised authority improving the quality of their operational, environmental and safety performance.
Whilst at BP Dr. Wales was a founding member of BP’s Women’s Network, where a persuasive business case was built
for diversity to augment the equality and societal arguments.
She has also held two Board positions outside of BP, as a member of the National Brownfield Association and as Chair and member of the Catalyst European Advisory Board.
Since leaving BP, Dr. Wales has become more involved with the Tallow Chandlers Livery and is Chair of the BP Liaison Committee, a member of the Finance and General Purposes Committee and has acted as a Court Assistant.
Dr. Joan Wales
Dr. Joan Wales
Kent and Medway Training
Kent and Medway Training
As the Easter break approaches, things at KMT have been incredibly busy! As an ITT provider, we are currently working alongside our DfE adviser through Stage 2 of accreditation. This is going extremely well and at the moment, we are very much focussing on curriculum developments and the introduction of Intense Training Placements (ITPs) and the development of the mentoring curriculum and training. We are also in the process of planning to introduce a Teachers Apprenticeship programme to our offer. The plan is to implement a small pilot within LAT this coming September. This is still subject to approval but we are optimistic that it will be in place for the future.
Recruitment is buoyant for 2023/24. At present we have over 110 trainees who have accepted offers and we are processing multiple applications and interviews on a weekly basis. KMT continues to buck the national trend and at the moment we are experiencing significant growth in Primary and in the East Kent area. The Assessment Only programme continues to grow, with many of our partner schools choosing us to enable their unqualified teachers to gain their QTS.
Recruitment is buoyant for 2023/24. At present we have over 110 trainees who have accepted offers and we are processing multiple applications and interviews on a weekly basis. KMT continues to buck the national trend and at the moment we are experiencing significant growth in Primary and in the East Kent area. The Assessment Only programme continues to grow, with many of our partner schools choosing us to enable their unqualified teachers to gain their QTS.
Collaboration with TGTSH continues to develop and clear plans are in place to strengthen this partnership as we move forward. On behalf of KMT, we would like to once again, say an enormous thank you to everyone in the LAT academies for your commitment to ITT. A SCITT is only as good as its trainees and its partners so thankyou! Enjoy the Easter break.
Thames Gateway Teaching School Hub
Thames Gateway Teaching School Hub
Thames Gateway TSH is now half way through its first 3 year cycle, and has much to celebrate.
We are delighted to be working in partnership with over 450 schools, with thousands of teachers investing in their own professional development, for the benefit of their learners.
Our flagship suite of National Professional Qualifications has welcomed over 1200 delegates since Autumn 2021 and we are delighted that 100% of the first cohort of colleagues to undertake reformed assessments passed their qualifications! Our new programmes in Leading Literacy and Early Years Leadership are now well underway, with our Spring programmes again seeing full cohorts, all befitting from LLSE and EDT’s superb curriculum content. An exciting addition this Spring is the start of our first International NPQSL cohort, with colleagues joining from across the globe! We are sure this will enhance the rich learning experience already shared by our participants.
Our support for Early Career Teachers is also an area of work which we prioritise and celebrate, and of which we are immensely proud.
Our ECF based development programme is continually expanding, with nearly 1500 active participants across our delivery. Currently nearly 160 primary schools, 50 secondary schools and 14 SEND provisions have ECTs undertaking their training with us. Our recent conferences for both ECTs and mentors were a real cause for celebration, with Ross Morrison McGill, the UK’s most followed educator on social media, joining us at each event. Click here to view the highlights of these events.
Alongside this training is our work as an appropriate body, approving the induction outcomes of our Early Career Teachers. We are extremely grateful to our team of Induction Moderators who are supporting all 700+ colleagues through this process. This is a strand of our work which is ever increasing as AB services move away from Local Authorities and increasingly become the sole charge of Teaching School Hubs.
Complementing these programmes, is our wider CPD offer, which this year focuses on two of the key challenges facing the South East educational landscape - the priorities of supporting learners with SEND and those who are facing disadvantage. We are currently in discussions with the DfE regarding next year’s offer and look forward to sharing this with our partners in the summer. Alongside this sits our continued, strategic partnership with KMT, completing the delivery of the ‘golden thread’ of professional development offered by the Teaching School Hub programme.
We are grateful to all our partners, and delighted to see Thames Gateway TSH grow in its scale and capacity to deliver impactful professional development opportunities.
Kent and Medway Maths Hub
Kent and Medway Maths Hub
Kent and Medway Maths Hub, as one of the DfE’s 40 regional maths Hubs, continues to support schools across the region to embed the very best research-informed practice in the teaching of mathematics.
510 schools across Kent and Medway have now worked with us across our full range of programmes, representing 77% of the region’s schools. At the heart of this programme are the 59% of primary schools and 50% of secondary schools who have begun a Teaching for Mastery journey with us, with 210 primary schools and 40 secondary schools actively involved this academic year. Evidencing the impact of this work in school is at the heart of our activity, and we are delighted to share the attached collation of the views of some of our key stakeholders. Further information about our programmes can be accessed in our upcoming events.
For Primary colleagues, we are delighted to again be welcoming Dr Debbie Morgan (CBE), to introduce the primary Teaching for Mastery programme. Further details on the Special Primary event can be found here. For Secondary colleagues, our Kent and Medway Maths Hub website contains information regarding April and May’s leadership briefing sessions.
Central to this fantastic delivery is the work of our Local Leaders of Maths Education. These colleagues work across our partner schools, investing some of their time in the wider work of the Maths Hub. Our recent conference was a real celebration of their work. I hope this video of the Kent & Medway Maths Hub conference provides a snapshot of their professional collaboration and dialogue.
We are in a crucial window as the opportunity to join our wider LLME community is currently open. Full details about the various ways in which maths specialists can work with us can be found here.
We look forward to continuing to partner with you.
LAT Careers Team
LAT Careers Team
Over the last few months, LAT Careers has been busy attracting and securing great teaching and supporting colleagues for our academies for Easter starts. We have also secured a number of inspirational school leaders who will join us in the next few months who have a strong track record in school improvement. We have also been continuing to support King Henry School ahead of them joining the Trust, and we have lots of roles still available for September.
In recent months, we've observed a surge in interest from potential staff eager to join the Leigh Academies Trust family. This can be attributed to the recognition that working within our schools not only provides a supportive environment but also fosters professional growth and career advancement. Our unwavering dedication to nurturing talent has cultivated a strong reputation, drawing in teachers and support staff who understand the value of joining a community that prioritises their development.
We would like to take the opportunity to remind you of the Refer-a-Teacher Scheme that everyone can make use of. Let us know of a great teacher, not currently working for Leigh Academies Trust, and you’ll get up to £300 as a thank you if they are appointed! We also now have a referral opportunity for teaching assistants, premises operatives and technicians. Note that terms and conditions apply which can be found on the website.
LAT Apprenticeships
LAT Apprenticeships
It has been another exciting and busy time for us here at LAT Apprenticeships.
We continue to see the growth in both learner numbers and programmes of study with lots of interest coming through about different areas of delivery.
LAT Apprenticeships has had an objective to increase the amount of external partners we are working with. In order to achieve this, the team has been attending events, to increase visibility and spread the LAT name.
Our construction arm of the department has been working hard on developing a new curriculum offer, which is based at The Halley. This is made up of property maintenance, carpentry and roofing. Please feel free to get in touch if you have any school leavers who are thinking of progressing into construction and could benefit from a taster session.
We have recently seen the success of our second cohort of property maintenance apprentices completing their apprenticeships, with brilliant progression and destination outcomes.
Our other programmes continue to thrive, and we hope to deliver plenty more successful apprenticeships moving forward.
Please visit the LAT Apprenticeships website for further information on our current offer; alternatively please feel free to email:
laura.stratton@latapprenticeships.org.uk
jo.buck@latapprenticeships.org.uk
IB
IB
In the summer of 2017 Wilmington Academy, The Leigh Academy and The Leigh UTC were authorised as LAT’s first IB World Schools, delivering the IBCP. Five years later, all three academies were successfully evaluated for the first time in November 2022.
Julia Collins, Principal at The Leigh Academy and Mike Gore, Principal at Wilmington Academy were invited by IBSCA, to present their experiences of the evaluation process to fellow headteachers and members of the IBCP community. Thus on Friday 3rd March, Julia and Mike presented their MAT and academy perspectives of the three day process, sharing ideas and good practice with colleagues from across the UK and Europe. Having both received exemplary reports with many areas of strengths, the audience benefitted from hearing top tips and advice for preparing for and succeeding in the evaluation as well as sharing resources and exemples. Julia and Mike were clear that there are many benefits of the LAT multi academies trust approach to evaluation and were proud to showcase their work from their respective successful IB World Schools and their strong collaboration as part of the LAT.
Modern Foreign Languages
Modern Foreign Languages
The pandemic prevented schools from organising all trips and visits for a long time. Since last summer our academies have started to take students abroad again in order to experience life in a different country and equally importantly to practise some of the foreign languages which they are learning at school. Here are some of the most recent highlights.
The Leigh Academy's trips to France
The Leigh Academy's trips to France
Year 10 trip
Year 10 trip
The Year 10 students who decided to choose either French or history took part in this incredible cross-curricular overseas trip, which lasted 4 days. This was, for most of these students, their first visit abroad with us at The Leigh Academy.
On their first day, they visited an authentic French bakery where they learnt about the traditional method of bread making. Several students tried, hands-on, to make their own loaf of bread!
On their second day, in the morning, they visited the Wellington Quarry, discovering the tunnels dug by the French soldiers during World War I. A World War 1 soldier's diary was played in the tunnels to immerse the students further into their visit. In the afternoon, they went to the art museum in Amiens.
On their third day, they visited the Cathedral of Amiens with two tour guides. They could see how much detail there was from the floor to the statues outside. They spent the rest of the day exploring the city, in small groups, in order to develop their independence as well as ensuring that they can become risk-takers.
Year 12 trip
Year 12 trip
The Year 12 French students went to the Wallace Collection to look at the plethora of paintings, from Velásquez to Fragonard. Afterwards, the Year 12 students had a flavoursome meal at Chez Antoinette. All the French students ordered their food and beverages in the target language.
The Leigh UTC's trip to Germany
The Leigh UTC's trip to Germany
A group of 45 students and staff spent four days in Cologne and Aachen to experience some authentic German culture.
On the first day we visited the German link school, The Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium in Aachen. The Leigh UTC students were able to experience life as a German student -wearing no uniform and attending lessons. We learned a lot about the German school system and we were able to meet up with friendship groups that were formed during the German’s school visit at The Leigh UTC in May last year.
During our stay in Germany we also visited various Christmas Markets in Aachen and Cologne where students could practise German GCSE style role-plays. Students also tried German waffles, hot chocolate drinks and bought a few Christmas presents.
We visited the Lindt Schokoladenmuseum (Chocolate Museum) in Cologne where we learned how chocolate is made. A chocolate fountain offered the perfect opportunity to sample some Lindt chocolate! A visit to the museum can definitely be recommended.
The highlight of the trip was a visit to the Phantasialand – a theme park in Cologne that put on a special Christmas show. Apart from going on the different rides, the whole group went ice-skating. (Some more successful than others! No names mentioned here!)
We are now looking forward to April 2023 when a party from the Geschwister-Scholl-Gymnasium will visit The Leigh UTC for the second time!
Mascalls Academy's trip to Spain
Mascalls Academy's trip to Spain
At the end of February half term Mascalls Academy took 37 Year 11 students for a 2 night stay in Barcelona, where they were exposed to the language and culture they have been studying at Mascalls. It was a very busy long weekend!
Visits included:
- a guided tour of the city testing their listening skills as the guide spoke in Spanish
- a shopping challenge in Las Ramblas
- churros tasting
- a visit to Camp Nou
- viewing of the Sagrada Familia
- a visit to Poble Espanyol - a tour of Spain in one place
- Tapas and a Flamenco show
- a 2 hour language lesson in which they took to the streets to practise their general conversations skills with the public
We are incredibly proud of all of the students who fully participated in all the tasks and challenges and had fun along the way.
Wilmington Academy's trips to Spain & France
Wilmington Academy's trips to Spain & France
Spanish Trip May 2022
Spanish Trip May 2022
Where: Madrid
Duration: 4 days- 3 nights
Who: Year 9 and Year 10 Spanish students
Experiences: El Retiro park; churros with hot chocolate at Chocolateria San Ginés; a visit to the Atlético de Madrid football stadium; a Flamenco show with dinner; El Prado museum; a visit to Las Ventas Bullring and Museum, a tapas evening, Círculo de Bellas Artes (one of the best rooftops in Madrid)...
French Trip May 2022
French Trip May 2022
Where: Opal Coast
Duration: 1 day
Who: Year 9 French students
Experiences: The Boulangerie Wierre Effroy; a chocolate workshop; St Omer: town trail, Becasuc sweet factory, and a snail farm.
This year we have already planned 2 residential trips, one to Paris for the Year 9 and Year 10 French students and one to Málaga/Granada for the Year 9 and Year 10 Spanish students.
Digital Learning
Digital Learning
This module, LAT undertook its annual Digital Levels Survey. The survey helps give a picture of where our academies are at in their digital journey and enables us to know how to support them further. It was encouraging to see that we continue to grow but we are also mindful of resting on our laurels. With the digital world constantly growing, we must continue at the same pace. In the past few months we have seen AI becoming a central part of the education discussion. We published some guidance on artificial intelligence in education here, but we are also excited to see some new areas of development that we aim to take advantage of in the coming months.
This month we released a series of case studies on the Read&Write toolbar that we have been using across the Trust. It has been wonderful to see how technology has been used in a variety of ways to support our students’ learning. Through this tool we have seen students growing in confidence, participating more fully in classes, improving in their literacy and overcoming barriers to learning. We look forward to how this develops further and seeing students flourishing in their learning.
Every month we publish a range of information regarding digital learning.
Back in December we had 30 staff attend a full day workshop to become Google Certified Trainers. The aim is to equip our academies and staff to use technology well and grow digitally. As a Trust we now have 17 certified trainers, with many more in the process of their application. This may just sound like a number, but it is in fact unheard of globally for one organisation to have so many certified trainers.
One key initiative that was launched recently that will support our trainers and staff was Google Workspace Skills. This is an online training portal that allows you to work through a range of skills on all the Google tools, earning badges while you go. This will be a great resource for both staff and students in developing digital skills. You can read more about Workspace Skills here, or speak to your Google Trainer or Digital Lead about getting it set up.
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