As we reach the end of another busy term, I hope you will join me, in taking pride at the huge range of achievements celebrated in this edition of our termly newsletter.

Our LEO vision & values can be seen in action across the entire Trust, as we all work towards delivering our strategic aims & objectives in 2019. In particular, many of you have been part of our trust wide reviews of Inclusion, Leadership and Integrated Curriculum Financial Planning this term. These important areas will shape the way in which we all work and the children learn in the years ahead; I look forward to sharing the outcomes with you all later this year. Our Digital Strategy continues to develop and we will be looking to technology to secure further improvements, both in and out of the classroom, as we move through 2019 and beyond. The opportunities you provide for our pupils are a central part of this term's newsletter; it will be exciting to see our new LEO Pupil Parliament, LEO KS1 & KS2 Passports to Success and our innovative LEO Junior Citizenship Programme for Year 6 pupils added to the list next term! Another exciting development this Summer, will see the launch of weekly lessons in Mandarin for Year 4 pupils, linked live to a teacher in Beijing via Skype and the opportunity for these pupils to visit China in Autumn 2020. Watch this space! As part of a 'Connecting Classrooms' project, we will welcome pupils from a school in Shanghai to Brookfield Primary this May. In Autumn 2019, we are looking forward to a range of exciting new professional development events for staff. These will include: a LEO Teach Meet, a LEO Leadership Conference and a LEO EXPO to showcase the distinctiveness of the curriculum each of our academies have designed and follow.

Congratulations to the governors, staff and pupils at Cheam Fields Primary Academy on a highly successful Ofsted inspection outcome this term. We are all very proud that Cheam Fields continues to be a Good school, where pupils achieve highly & have enthusiasm for learning and where staff are valued & develop their careers. If you haven't done so already, do have a read of the full letter from Ofsted, which was published in March. We received further good news this term with the arrival of a letter to Cheam Common Junior from Rt Hon Damian Hinds MP, Secretary of State for Education, congratulating the school for being in the top 3% of all schools nationally for the progress made by pupils between KS1 and KS2. Well done!

Phillip Hedger

World Book Day

Thursday 7th March 2019 was World Book Day. This year, schools across the LEO Academy Trust came together with the shared theme, ‘Take One Book…’ where pupils spent the day exploring a single text and expressing their understanding of ideas, themes and characters in a cross curricular way. Pupils and staff came to school dressed as their favourite book characters; some pupils even brought to school a copy of their favourite story to share with their class.

Across the trust, pupils took part in a writing competition based on their chosen World Book Day text. Lucky winners from each year group received a £5 book token to spend on a book of their choice.

Gymnastics in Year 2

Throughout the Spring Term, the children in Year 2 at Manor Park have been looking at creating different shapes, balances and travels to create short sequences in gymnastics. The children began exploring the shapes on the floor with partners, finding new creative shapes to make with their body. Once the children had mastered their shapes, they were very excited to move onto a range of low apparatus. They were able to transfer their short sequences to the low apparatus, including benches, ropes and trestles. They focused on ensuring they bent their knees to jump and landed safely creating a finish position.

Science Day at Cheam Park Farm - reported by Eshal

On Thursday 14th March, Cheam Park Farm Primary had our annual Science Day. It was a very exciting day as we love learning about Science and doing lots of fun Science activities. In the morning, we had an assembly workshop by a Science company called Mother Nature. It was really fun and the lady organising it did lots of immense experiments. We learnt all about reactions, what happens when you mix two or mire things together. One example is when we mixed baking soda and vinegar and it created lots of carbon dioxide which built up in a test tube and then blew a cork across the hall!

After that, we went back to class and it was our turn to turn into Scientists. We had all researched a Science experiment for our Home Learning the week before and we presented what we had learnt in front of the class. Some people did the actual experiment which was really fun to see, some people read out their Science write ups and others presented their work on a PowerPoint slideshow. We saw exploding coke bottles and volcanoes, balloons that wouldn't pop on sharp pins, oranges and potatoes that made clocks work and so much more, The experiments were all really cool - I wish we could do them every day!

In the afternoon it was the teachers turn to be Scientists and they showed us a range of awesome experiments. We went to different teachers classrooms to learn different things but I wish we had had more time to see more teachers experiments! Some of the teacher experiments were: using Oreo cookies to learn about phases of the moon (Yum Yum!); seeing what happens when you organise Skittles into a pattern and add water; creating lava lamps using oil, water and food colouring and making bridges out of spaghetti!

Science day was unique and the best day in school! All the children loved it so much and we can't wait for next year!

Year 5 Easter Experience

Year 5 children at Manor Park went on a trip to Sutton Trinity Church to take part in an Easter Experience; this was linked to their Christianity learning in RE. During the visit, scenes from the Easter story were acted out by volunteers, bringing the story to life through drama. The children were able to watch different scenes about the Easter story, starting from Palm Sunday through to the resurrection of Jesus. The children took part in the production by waving palm leaves to welcome Jesus to Jerusalem and some children even had the chance to speak some lines.

Our Trip to the Science Museum by Lily at Cheam Fields (Year 4)

On Wednesday 27th February, we went on a trip to the Science Museum. We had the best time ever!

We went on a bus to the train station and then we got on a train to the Science Museum in London. We saw lots of steam train engines that James Watt had built. We also saw lots of rockets and found out how engines work. There was a huge ball that showed all of the planets and information about the amazing planets. After that, we had our yummy lunch.

With excitement, we went to the Wonderlab. In the Wonderlab we explored many different things including a smoke cloud which we could play with. We went to see an explosion show, where a scientist created explosions. This was very loud! Then we saw a lightning bolt which was amazing to see.

After all of that we went home the same way we came.

Residential Trip to Juniper Hall

The Year 4 children at Manor Park had a fantastic time on their first school residential trip to Juniper Hall and took part in a wide range of activities.

The children went pond dipping and used a key to identify the invertebrate they found using criteria such as the amount of legs or type of body. They managed to find invertebrates such as water shrimp, water slaters and dragonfly larvae. Once collected, the children then investigated these creatures under the microscope and sketched their observations.

The children also had to hike up part of Box Hill, and once at the end of their walk, they had a go at building a shelter that would keep them dry and safe if a storm came. Working together, they had to decide the most effective way to create a structure strong enough to keep them sheltered. The shelters were then tested to see if they would survive the wet weather.

In the evening, all of the children came together to sit round the campfire. They listened to stories and sang songs before enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate before bed!

Before the campfire, the children set and buried their own small mammal traps in a hidden place. The next morning, after making their own lunches, the children checked the boxes to see if any mice or small mammals had wandered in during the night. The children got to see a field mouse up close before it was released back into the woods.

During the visit, the children developed their teamwork and communication skills whilst taking part in engaging learning activities outside of the classroom.

Brooklands Museum

In February, Year 2 at Cheam Common Infants' Academy visited Brooklands museum and experienced a brilliant hands on day of learning to launch their new topic ‘Journeys through the air’ Children were inspired by what they learnt during their visit and have since completed some fantastic history work this half-term.

Badger Class Visit Pizza Express

On Wednesday 20th March, the children in Badger class at Cheam Fields went on a trip to Pizza Express. They learned about the history of the pizza and that the margherita is the queen of all pizzas. The children then had the opportunity to prepare their own pizza. They pushed the dough at the edges to made the crust on the pizzas and then all got their bear claw hands out to make tiny holes in the base of the pizzas to help them to cook. Then they spread the tomato sauce, sprinkled on the cubes of cheese and put then in the oven to cook. They smelled delicious!

Science Investigations

During Science week, Year 2 at Cheam Common Infants' Academy held a science investigation day where the children participated in different activities throughout the day. Children explored what made a good bubble mixture, how to make the most effective parachute, what shapes have the least water resistance and children mixed their own potions.

LEO Year 4 Times Tables Tournament

On 26th March, Year 4 pupils from across LEO Academy Trust were warmly welcomed to Cheam Fields this week to take part in the 2nd LEO Year 4 Times Tables Tournament. Each school sent 2 teams of 4 pupils. Cheam Park Farm, handed over the trophy from last year as the room fell silent - who would the winner be this year?

The tournament consisted of 3 rounds, each involving different skills linked to multiplication and division. The teams had to work independently, in pairs and as a whole group to solve a range of problems.

• Round 1 - Multiplication and division fluency (independent)
• Round 2 - Multiples and factors(group and paired)
• Round 3 - Problem solving (group)

It was a nail biting event with only a few points separating the winners from the rest of the teams. Congratulations to Cheam Common Juniors, whose teams both came joint first! In second place was Manor Park (team 2) and in third place was Cheam Park Farm (team 2).

All the children worked extremely hard and showed great collaboration and perseverance. They even enjoyed a delicious biscuit during break time provided by LEO Catering! We look forward to next year. Who will be the next school to take home the coveted trophy?

Active School Hero Nominations

Congratulations to Mr Warner, Cheam Common Junior Academy PE teacher and Miss Bartlett, Cheam Fields PE teacher, who have both been nominated for an Active School Hero Award. Good luck ahead of next term's London Awards Ceremony.

Forest Schools

Children across the Trust have continued to enjoy taking part in Forest Schools. They have planted a variety of produce and are now eagerly waiting to see them grow! Thank you to Mrs Haddock and Mrs Joseph for all their hard work and enthusiasm with Forest Schools.

Primary Headteachers from Crawley Visit LEO Academy Trust

This term we enjoyed welcoming ten primary headteachers from Crawley to the Trust. They were exploring teaching, learning and leadership across the Trust and how our schools benefit from being part of Challenge Partners. Our visitors then visited three our our schools, where Year 6 children gave guided tours.

Basketball at Manor Park

On Monday 11th March 2019, Year 6 pupils travelled to Carshalton Boys Sports College to participate in a basketball festival. The festival gave them the opportunity to train with some Sports Leaders and learn some new skills before an upcoming competition. The children completed a skills circuit and then had some friendly 3v3 games. They showed excellent team work, communication and sportsmanship and had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

On Wednesday 20^th March 2019, Year 6 pupils travelled to Overton Grange High School to participate in a 3v3 basketball competition. After losing our first two games, we found our confidence and technique to win the following three games, scoring many baskets in the process. We showed excellent team work, sportsmanship, determination and resilience and came fourth on our side of the draw. All of the children should be extremely proud of their accomplishment and everyone had a fabulous afternoon.

Author Virginia Clay Visits Cheam Fields

On Friday 22nd March the author Virginia Clay visited Cheam Fields to talk with the children about her debut book 'Warrior Boy'. The children very much enjoyed her visit and are now feeling inspired to write their own stories.

• Congratulations to Cheam Common Juniors, who have become the first ever Sutton school to reach the English Schools' FA U11 Boys’ National Footall Final since the tournament started in 1978/79 !
• It was great to see two or our schools, Cheam Park Farm and Cheam Common Junior, competing in the Year 5 Football Cup Final. Well done to Cheam Park Farm who took the title.
• Cheam Common Junior Year 6 Football Team won the Sutton and Cheam Gilbert League.
• Cheam Common Junior enjoyed a visit to Chelsea Football Club Foundation.
• Cheam Fields girls' football team, The Pink Pearls, enjoyed an afternoon out taking part in a Sutton United game as mascots and ball girls.
• Brookfield, Cheam Common Junior, Cheam Park Farm and the current National Champions Cheam Fields have all signed up for this year’s Sutton & Cheam Korfball Championships. Our academies have received brilliant support from the fantastic @nomadskorf in 2019.
• Children competed in the London Youth Games in March, representing Sutton in a range of different sports.

This term sees the launch of the LEO Foundation, created to raise extra funds for projects across the Trust. Its aim is to to help our academies secure the ability to deliver a rich, creative and enjoyable school experience for all children. Learning, Excellence and Opportunity are at the heart of our Trust, embedded through our shared mission, values and aims; the LEO Foundation will help raise additional funds to help us support this.

The LEO Foundation aims to develop a local network of residents and academies alumni who might be willing to support our academies and will develop long term relationships with businesses both locally and nationally to seek donations and sponsorship.

We are currently looking for a few volunteers to join the committee that ideally will be made up of trustees, governors, staff and parents from across the trust. We would also welcome any introductions to businesses that may wish to discuss sponsorship opportunities. For more details, please email: foundation@leoacademytrust.co.uk

The first funding activity to take place is the launch of the LEO Lottery ...

Mandarin Lessons

After half term our academies will be offering the opportunity for two groups of children in Year 4 to learn Mandarin through innovative extra curricular clubs. The lessons will be taught by a teacher from China, via a live web link to the school classroom. Children learning Mandarin will have the opportunity when they reach Year 6 to visit China and put their new language skill into action. Yet another amazing opportunity for our children!