Embedded Files
December 2025
Welcome to the December edition of the WPT Newsletter!
As the year moves on, there’s been lots going on across the Trust. In this edition, we’re sharing just some of the highlights from our schools and provisions, showing the great things our students and staff have been up to.
You’ll also find the latest Trust news and updates, giving a snapshot of the fantastic work happening right across WPT. We hope you enjoy catching up with what’s been happening in our Trust community.
Success at the National School Awards!
We are incredibly proud that Lee Rushforth, our Director of Estates, has been honoured in the National School Awards for Estates Management of the Year.
The ceremony took place at the House of Lords in London, where he and other inspiring education leaders celebrated excellence and innovation across the sector.
Lee received the award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and transformational impact across our Trust’s 13 schools and integrated resources – many of which serve communities in some of the most deprived areas of the country.
Sarah Champion MP visits Thrybergh Primary on UK Parliament Week
Y5 and Y6 students were delighted to welcome Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, as part of this year’s UK Parliament Week celebrations at the end of November.
During her visit, students took part in an engaging Q&A session, asking Sarah about some of the biggest issues facing Rotherham, how laws are made, and why democracy and voting are so important.
They were particularly interested in her work to improve opportunities for local families, her efforts to secure relationship education for all primary pupils, and how young people can make sure their voices are heard.
Yorkshire Water Lego Workshop
Year 5 and 6 were visited by Yorkshire Water, who delivered a fantastic workshop all about environmentally safe water use and disposal at home.
As part of the session, the children built a Lego robot designed to clear blockages caused by flushing the wrong items down the toilet or washing them down the sink.
Interfaith Week
During November, Clifton marked Interfaith Week with a creative stained-glass window workshop led by Ms Choudhry and the RE Ambassadors, where students expressed different worldviews through art. The celebrations concluded with a Politics Club debate organised by Mr Cadman, exploring whether schools should be required to take part in events like Interfaith Week.
WPT Wellbeing Wreath Making Event 🎄
Early in December, staff from across our Trust enjoyed one of our most popular wellbeing events: wreath-making. Over 238 colleagues from our 13 schools and Central Team came together to relax, connect and get creative, each designing a festive wreath using provided materials.
Events like this reflect our WPT Wellbeing Charter, supporting staff wellbeing, creativity and connection. Everyone had a wonderfully festive time, and the finished wreaths are sure to spread Christmas cheer across our Trust.
Rotherham Titans Visit
Recently, Y5 enjoyed an inspiring trip to Rotherham Titans Rugby Club, where scrum-half JB hosted a tour and introduced pupils to the wide range of careers involved in running a professional sports club.
The children were excellent ambassadors, showing great enthusiasm and asking thoughtful questions. Well done to Allanis and Faith for their outstanding engagement, and thank you to Rotherham Titans for a memorable and inspiring visit.
BBC Look North at TGA
Mrs Skelton, along with PHASE staff and students, featured on BBC Look North discussing the valuable support PHASE provides for students with special educational needs. As a mainstream SEND hub within Lincolnshire County Council’s strategy, the visit also gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how news reports are made.
The students spoke confidently about their experiences and did an excellent job showcasing their achievements and pride in PHASE.
WPT Staff Awards 2025!
On 28 November, colleagues from across the Trust, alongside Directors, Governors and Members, gathered at Magna Science Adventure Centre to celebrate the WPT Staff Awards 2025.
The ceremony, our most popular to date, saw 31 awards presented to colleagues who go above and beyond for our students. Guests enjoyed entertainment, a 3-course meal, a fantastic raffle and a lively disco!
As always, we’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, whose generous support makes this event possible.
Congratulations to all of this year’s award winners!
Hockey Tournament
In November, Aston Hall’s girls’ and boys’ hockey teams competed in tournaments at Rotherham Hockey Club, organised by the Rotherham School Games.
The students showed great teamwork, skill, and determination, with many playing competitive hockey for the first time. Everyone should be proud of their performance, and the experience has inspired them to take part in more sports!
Dick Whittington
A huge well done to all the students who took part in the Thrybergh Academy pantomime this year!
The energy in the hall was fantastic, and it was lovely to see so many families coming together to enjoy the show. We would especially like to thank all parents and carers for your continued support. Your encouragement means so much to our pupils and helps make events like this truly special.
Merry Christmas!
Primary Music
Here are some of the things that have been happening in Primary Music across the Trust:
EYFS: Exploring vocal, body, and instrumental sounds, learning to play instruments with control, and preparing Nativity songs and actions.
Y1/2: Learning music fundamentals like rhythm, pulse, and pitch. Y2 explored orchestra instruments. KS1 students also prepared songs for their Nativities.
Y3/4: Focus on singing Sea Shanties and Rounds, developing ensemble and harmony skills.
Y5/6: Students have started instrumental lessons on the ukulele, learned Ternary Form, and composed music using Band Lab Education. Their work has been impressive.
And finally... some of our schools performed in a Christmas concert at Rotherham Minster; they performed a range of Christmas repertoire in front of the general public as well as other schools from across Rotherham. All schools performed well and were a credit to WPT!
Replay Festival with Children’s Capital of Culture
Class 13 visited the Arc Cinema for the ‘Replay Festival’ and showcased their film on “What games do children in Rotherham love to play?”
They planned, acted, filmed, and edited it all themselves! However, nothing was as exciting as seeing their own work on the big screen. Special shout-out to Evie and Harper for confidently introducing the film to the whole audience.
RCS Student Wins Young Carers Award
Lee from RCS received a Young Carers Award at the Rotherham Safeguarding Awards for the incredible support he gives his mum and younger sister.
After the ceremony, many adults praised Lee for his inspiring dedication. Everyone at RCS and WPT is extremely proud of the young man he has become.
Aston Lodge Artist Visit
The whole of Aston Lodge had an amazing day with artist James Brunt and Henry from Children’s Capital of Culture. Pupils of all ages explored the school grounds, collecting natural materials like leaves, sticks, stones, and flowers. Together, they created a beautiful, whole-school artwork, showcasing creativity, teamwork, and a love of nature.
It was inspiring to see students experimenting with colours, textures, and shapes while learning from a professional artist. Huge thanks to James and Henry for making the day so memorable!
Christmas Hamper Competition
Students from Years 7–10 took part in the Christmas Hamper Competition, creating thoughtful gifts for the local community, including Rush House and nearby care homes. The hampers showcased creativity, kindness, and generosity, bringing extra joy to others at Christmas.
We are incredibly proud of our pupils for embracing the Wickersley Way and making a real difference in their community!
Student Council Members Meet with WPT Leaders
On 6th November, Student Council members from across the Wickersley Partnership Trust met with senior leaders at Rawmarsh Community School. They shared their experiences of learning, discussed what makes great teaching, and offered constructive suggestions on online learning, communication, and teacher recruitment.
The meeting highlighted positive school experiences and reinforced WPT’s commitment to student voice, ensuring pupils help shape their own learning and contribute to ongoing improvements across all schools.
KS2 Christmas Show
KS2 students brought festive cheer to Ashwood with a wonderful Christmas Show, performing beautifully for families. Pupils demonstrated The Ashwood Way through respect, responsibility, resilience, and enthusiasm both on stage and behind the scenes.
The grand finale was extra special, with students performing it in BSL. Well done to all for making the morning so joyful!
Sixth Form Student Speaks at House of Commons
On 6th November, Wickersley Sixth Form student Mabrookah represented Rotherham at the House of Commons as part of the UK Youth Parliament. Opening the debate on Health, she spoke passionately about the importance of early intervention and shared her own experiences to highlight its impact.
Mabrookah impressed with her confidence and eloquence, showing the power of young voices in shaping national discussions.
Equine Visits
Our weekly equine visits have started again and our students are loving being back with their horses.
Each week 5 students attend Lily Lodge Equestrian Centre for horse riding lessons and to learn the skills of animal care. Our students engage in activities such as grooming, feeding, cleaning stables, leading and riding the horses, and from this are working on a range of AQA Awards Units.
Trips
Year 6 went to Crucial Crew on a trip and thoroughly enjoyed learning life skills around how to keep safe in the home and out in the community. They have also been to watch the Thrybergh pantomine where they were left in fits of laughter with the performance.
Plus, as part of the Christmas celebrations, they went up to the church to celebrate Christingle. They used sweets, candles and a red ribbon to create their own.
Boccia Tournament
Some children from The Orchard were selected to go to compete in a Boccia Festival. Organised in partnership with School Games and Abbey School, the event celebrated teamwork and talent across both mainstream and special schools.
Our students worked with SEN pupils from around Rotherham. Throughout the event, pupils displayed impressive sportsmanship, communication, and tactical awareness, making the most of each game and supporting one another throughout the day.
What a busy term it’s been!
On behalf of Wickersley Partnership Trust, we wish all our families, students, and staff a joyful and restful holiday.
See you in 2026!
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