The CLF Newsletter Edition Four February 2015
SECRETARY OF STATE VISITS KING’S OAK ACADEMY The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan MP, Secretary of State for Education, visited King’s Oak Academy in Kingswood, part of the Cabot Learning Federation. Invited and accompanied on this visit by local MP Chris Skidmore, Nicky first met and was greeted by King’s Oak Academy students from years seven and eleven.
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE... Digitech Studio School
In the company of Ian Frost, Principal of King’s Oak Academy and Steve Taylor, CEO of the Cabot learning Federation, Nicky visited the site of the new £3.7 million building being constructed at King’s Oak. This building will provide Early Years and primary provision for King’s Oak, which is due to become an all-through 3-19 from September 2015. Nicky was keen to find out more about the Cabot Learning Federation, the largest Multi-Academy Trust in the South West, which is also a Teaching School and a National Maths Hub. She met with Steve and Ian and other senior leaders to discuss system leadership in the South West, ideas about effective Information Advice and Guidance in the context of a collaborative 3-19 Trust. This included learning more about the trust’s relationship with its sponsors Rolls Royce and the University of the West of England.
Maths Hub Launch
The Secretary of State then led a roundtable discussion with teachers and other school staff, before visiting lessons and talking to students about their learning. In particular the students were interested to find out more about her additional role as Minister for Women and Equalities. The Rt Hon Nicky Morgan said, “I have really enjoyed my visit, it was inspiring to talk to the students and staff at King’s Oak and to find out more about the work of the Cabot Learning Federation from Steve and Ian. The school is clearly making a big difference to the education of the students. I particularly enjoyed exchanging ideas on effective careers advice with teachers and being able to observe some of the lessons in action.” Steve Taylor, CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation said, “It was a great pleasure to host the Secretary of State today and our students and staff really appreciated her taking the time to visit us. Nicky Morgan was keen to find out more about our work and the perspective of staff students and leaders. I am of course proud that our work is being recognised at Government and national level.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
Raising Aspirations
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
DIGITECH STUDIO SCHOOL A new Studio School specialising in the high tech, creative and digital industries is to open in Bristol in September 2015 and is inviting potential pupils to apply for places. Digitech Studio School Bristol will be run by the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) which has already established an excellent reputation for school improvement in the region. It currently sponsors 12 primary and secondary academies in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and Weston-super-Mare, educating almost 7000 students between the ages of 3-19. The school will be the first in the South West to specialise in creative digital and high tech industries and will cater for 360 students aged 14 to 19. It will offer mainstream qualifications including GCSEs and A levels as well as professional and vocational qualifications, all delivered through a combination of project-based learning and work placements. This approach is unique to the Studio School system. The CLF, along with Principal Designate Martina Veale, have already begun to forge links with local businesses. Around 25 companies and sector networks including Bristol Games Hub, Bristol Media and the Bath and Bristol Science Park have already pledged support following an event for employers hosted by Digitech Studio School Bristol and held at the Engine Shed earlier this month. At the event representatives from businesses across the high-tech and creative and digital industries were introduced to the concept of Studio Schools and the benefits they offer to young people and business partners. They were also given an overview of the various ways they will be able to engage with the curriculum. Martina Veale, Principal Designate, Digitech Studio School Bristol said: “We are delighted to be opening a Studio School in Bristol, particularly one which specialises in an industry so important to the regional economy. In addition to offering pupils the opportunity to achieve mainstream qualifications our highly personalised approach to education will also enable them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to make a useful contribution to the workplace once their time in education is at an end.“Our partnership with local industry plays a vital role in this, not only now as we plan our curriculum but on an ongoing basis. The initial response from local businesses has been extremely positive and we are looking forward to working more closely with a wide range of industry partners over the coming months and years.” Steve Taylor, CEO, CLF said : “The high concentration of specialist technology firms in the area plus the fact that we are home to two prestigious universities means that the city already has a strong track record of generating its own highly skilled and educated workforce. The scope for growth within the high-tech and creative industries is huge and we need to ensure that Bristol, and the rest of the region is in a position to take advantage of this. Part of that process will be ensuring that the next generation are poised and ready to begin work. Schools like Digitech Studio School Bristol offer students a unique opportunity to integrate learning with work based application, which can only help to give them a competitive edge when they enter the world of work. The CLF is highly committed to broadening the diversity of its secondary-age education offer and we feel that this new venture will offer exciting new opportunities to both current and future CLF students.” Digitech Studio School Bristol will continue to work closely with local industry and community partners once the school is open with project-based learning and work experience a key part of the school curriculum. The small size of the school and the focus on developing the individual students through one to one coaching enables the delivery of a highly personalised experience.The aim is to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to ease transition into the workplace and to address the ongoing skills gap facing many industries across the UK. The Digitech Studio School Bristol will be based in Kingwood and will offer access to the latest technology and equipment to pupils from across Bristol. It will be funded by the Department of Education and has an open admissions policy welcoming any pupil aged 14-19. For more information about Digitech Studio School Bristol including apply for a place, contact: digitech@clf.cabot.ac.uk To visit the Digitech School website go to - http://www.digitechstudioschool.co.uk/
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
Over 150 guests and education dignitaries attended the launch of the Boolean Maths Hub at Bristol Metropolitan Academy. Led by the Cabot Learning Federation, with Ashley Down Primary School, this government initiative plans to drive up the quality of Maths teaching in schools across the country. The Boolean Maths Hub encompasses a large geographical area from the top of South Gloucestershire, down to Shepton Mallet in Somerset. In the West, the hub covers an area from the Bristol Channel all the way to the outskirts of Wiltshire in the east. After the official welcome, guests were given an insight into the forthcoming China England teacher exchange taking place in Bristol later this year.
BOOLEAN MATHS HUB LAUNCH
Next, guest speaker and Maths guru Charlie Stripp MBE, MEI Chief Executive and Director of the NCETM gave an inspirational speech around improving Maths performances from 3-19 and lessons learned from Shanghai where this whole initiative evolved.
Guests were then invited to take part in various workshops. Lisa Pollard, Maths Hub Lead from the Cabot Learning Federation said, “Having witnessed Maths first hand in Shanghai, it is extremely exciting to bring that back to the Southwest and share this knowledge with my colleagues. This launch will be the start of a wide ranging programme of working with our federated academies and our partner schools both locally and across the Southwest with the aim of improving Maths in both secondary and primary.”
OH WHAT A LOVELY WAR
Students at John Cabot Academy put on a production of 'Oh What a Lovely War' by Joan Littlewood's Theatre Workshop. This show was performed and produced by over 60 students from Year 7 through to Year 13. The critically acclaimed First World War musical, Oh What A Lovely War is a satirical masterpiece, a riot of music and colour, funny, grotesque and deeply moving, featuring some of the greatest songs from the First World War. So parents were encouraged to “pack up your troubles in your old kit bag” and book for this musical tribute to the men and women who saved our nation over 100 years ago. The show was backed by a live band, conducted by Steve Clarke Head of Music. The band featured students from all age ranges. The Show was on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd of January on the academy's main stage at 7pm and was a great success; selling out every night! Sam Bridges, Leader of Drama & Director said, “It seems an odd choice to put on a musical comedy about such a horrific moment in humanity’s history. But with the centenary having just happened and the nation’s thoughts set on what we think we know about the war it seemed right. I didn't know that all the fuses in the shells were made in Britain or that Germany bought theirs from us. I didn't know that the women who worked in the munitions factories had their hands dyed yellow, permanently from the saltpetre. I knew many lives were lost but not the incredible numbers.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
Cambodia Expedition Fundraiser
Students at Hanham Woods Academy participated in a leg waxing event in order to raise funds for an expedition to Cambodia in 2016. The event was organised by Stanley Hill, a year 11 student who used this event to kick-start the fundraising process. Stanley and Mr Philip Bevan, the Principal of Hanham Woods Academy, both bravely volunteered to have their legs partially waxed, by some of the students in the Cambodia team. So far Stanley has personally raised nearly £400 for this event alone. The Cambodia trip is being organised through Camps International, a charity organisation that helps to support various communities in some of the poorest countries. The Hanham Woods Expedition in 2016 will enable the group of 16 students from years 10, 11 and 12 to go to various locations across Cambodia and help with community projects, such as building new classrooms for local schools. One such school has 600 children in only 3 classrooms! Ian Harris, the Higher Learning Teaching Assistant for Post 16 and trip organiser said, “This is an amazing opportunity for our students. They develop so many skills during the fundraising process and get to a make a real difference to the lives of people who are less fortunate. No doubt this trip will be a life changing event and something that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The Cambodia expedition will be in the summer of 2016 for one month.
Bristol Met Top 3 Nationally Bristol Metropolitan Academy has once again broken all records in relation to pupil progress. Recent national statistical publications show that the students at Bristol Met significantly outperform their peers from every starting point - whether they arrived at the Academy as high fliers, whether their ability level was considered to be average or whether they had struggled prior to secondary school. All students’ exam results were taken into account when determining the school ‘Value Added’ score - a measure designed to compare nationally how good a school is not by how many students gain ‘C’ grades or higher, but by how much progress is made by every student regardless of starting point. For secondary schools, the national mean is 1000, and anything higher than 1000 signifies strong performance. In 2014, Bristol Met scored 1078.6 which is one of the highest value added scores in the country, placing the school in the top 1% for student progress. This means that Bristol Met is one of only approximately 30 schools in the country to achieve this highly. Sally Apps, Principal, said, “We are extremely proud of our students past and present, and to find that in 2014 our Year 11s made progress that puts them in the top 1% is testament to their hard work, the support of their families, and the excellent teaching they received. It was a real team effort over many years, and exemplifies what the Cabot Learning Federation stands for - collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”. Steve Taylor, previous Principal and now CEO of The Cabot Learning Federation said, “Since opening in 2009 Bristol Met has been continuously improving and is now demonstrating consistent excellence. Sally and her team have done an excellent job in taking the academy onto new successes – you can’t stress enough what an achievement it is to be in the top 1% in the country and this is a real accolade for students and staff. By the same token, I know the team are already working hard to maintain this level of performance, which is of course great news for the pupils attending Bristol Metropolitan.’
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
Raising Aspirations Careers Event Over two thousand students, within the diverse community of East Central Bristol, converged on the University of the West of England (UWE) for the bi-annual ‘Raising Aspirations Careers Event.’ This event of high quality careers information, advice and guidance was attended by Year 9 & 10 students from, Bristol Brunel Academy, Bristol Metropolitan Academy, St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School, Colston Girls’ Academy, Cathedral Choir and Cotham School. Over the two day event students had access to key note speakers including, Cameron Parker, Vishwa Wijedasa, John Savage and Steve Taylor CEO of the CLF, who joined forces with over fifty companies who had stands at the event. Rolls-Royce, Airbus, DAC Beachcroft, NHS, Bristol City Football Club were some of the companies who joined in this celebration of opportunity and aspiration. Further Education, University and Post 16 were also heavily represented at this event. The driving force behind this major event were Tim Holmes, Bristol Metropolitan Academy, Suzy Paice, Bristol Brunel Academy, Gill Carter, from the Local Enterprise Partnership and Beverly Pink Administrator. Tim Holmes, Advice and Guidance Leader said, “With this subject high on the political agenda recently, it is vitally important that we discuss with students at this stage in their educational careers their possible next steps. The response from businesses, post 16 and further education, wanting to take part in this event has been overwhelming and I would like to extend our thanks and gratitude to all those involved.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
Footlights, Action, Dance Around seventy students from Years 7-11 took part in King’s Oak Academy’s annual ‘Footlights’ production. Students in Year 11 worked with students in Years 7 and 8 on dance routines for the show then open auditions were staged for any students who wanted to perform their own dance routine. The Year 11 dancers are following a Dance Leadership Award. This is nationally recognised award that develops pupils’ organisational, choreographic and leadership skills. The dance leaders have been running lunchtime clubs twice a week since September choreographing dances for students in the lower years. It develops student’s relationships and confidence. There was a matinee performance of the show in front of Year 7 students plus two evening shows for parents and the local community. Sarah Holtby, who organised the show said, “The girls have worked extremely hard putting this production together. They have given up a huge amount of their free time to rehearse but it has certainly paid off, they did brilliantly.”
CLF BATTLE OF THE BANDS
The Cabot Learning Federation staged its annual Battle of the Bands competition at Bristol Brunel Academy. All seven secondary academies took part in the competition Bristol Metropolitan, Bristol Brunel, Hans Price, Bath Community, John Cabot, Hanham Woods, King’s Oak and this year they were joined by The Grange School. With students from Year Seven to Post 16 taking part the line-up of acts included solo artists and groups. The acts performed music from different genres in front of a packed main hall, at Bristol Brunel. This competition has been set up to showcase the best acts across the Federation with the winning act hosting next year’s competition. While the judges deliberated over the winning act last year’s winners, ‘Only My Alibi’ performed for the large audience of supporters and fans. Gareth Williams, Teacher of Music from Bristol Brunel said, “There was an amazing amount of talent on stage, all the acts were brilliant and did their academies proud. This is just one of many events where our federated academies compete against each other.” BATTLE OF THE BANDS RESULTS; Overall winners ; TYPE band from Hans Price Academy Best instrumental performance Paul Willmott (Guitar- KOA) Best Vocal performance Ruby Donadel The Grange
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
Prize winners pictured with on far left Steve Taylor CEO of the CLF and far right Lee Bailey from Bath Community Academy
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
East Asia Teachers’ Study Tour The Cabot Learning Federation welcomed a party of teachers from East Asia recently. The delegation of twenty teachers visited Wallscourt Farm academy and Bristol Brunel Academy. The visit set up by the British Council focused on curriculum design and pedagogy in school education. The study tour provided delegates with an insight into England’s approaches to designing and delivering the school curriculum at a national and individual school level, as well as some of the latest developments in teaching and learning to ensure that school education meets the changing needs of society. The Study Tour provided the opportunity to hear from the experience of sector experts, as well as outstanding teaching professionals who are implementing this agenda in their schools. The study tour also offers delegates a unique opportunity to network and share their own experiences and identify opportunities and good practice among participating East Asian countries. The overarching objectives for the participants were to benchmark best practices in UK school education and implement/cascade positive changes, to be better skilled at raising aspirations and support young people to live and work in an increasingly globalised world.
Former Engand Head Coach At Bristol Brunel Academy Former England Rugby Head Coach and current Director of Rugby at Bristol, Andy Robinson OBE gave an inspirational talk to teachers at Bristol Brunel Academy. Invited by Matt Leek, PE teacher and Director of the CLF Elite Rugby programme, Andy gave a talk at a recent LeadershipMeet which are regularly staged at Bristol Brunel Academy. LeaderShipMeet is a forum where teachers share the latest thinking and best practice in regard to leadership and teaching strategies. Andy discussed how he manages ‘big personalities' in elite sport and being a former teacher how he’s able to make clear connections with school leadership.
Pictured left to right Jon Jones BBA, Andy Robinson OBE, Matt Leek BBA, Steve Taylor CEO.
The session ended with a Q&A involving Andy, Mike Hall and Gary Townsend from Bristol Rugby Academy. Matt Leek said, “I would like to thank Andy for taking the time out of his busy schedule to come and talk at this event. Andy truly is an inspirational leader and coach. He certainly made an impression with teachers at this event and gave them some excellent strategies to use both at leadership level and in the classroom.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
Hans Price Charity Fundraiser All students at Hans Price Academy competed in a challenge to raise money for their chosen charities. Charity committees were set up to decide how students could best fundraise. The four internal colleges at Hans Price Academy Acer, Clarus, Fortis and Mando took part in various activities which included a firework display where 20% of the catering proceeds were donated, selling goods such as glow sticks, raffles and tombolas. Further proceeds were also raised at Halloween and Christmas discos and a sweet bag delivery in the academy. The idea is that they compete annually for the Hans Price Charity Cup. Clarus College won the challenge, but between them and Fortis, they raised over £1000. This money was donated to South West Scorpions Wheelchair basketball team. Kevin Ogbourne the Scorpions Manager/Coach received a cheque along with Ashton Bovingdon who is their youngest player at 5 years of age. Sandra Cox, College Mentor said, “Our students really entered into the spirit of this event and worked tirelessly to raise funds. I think it is a fantastic achievement the impact our fundraising can have on our local and wider communities.”
‘Our House’ The Musical Year 7-13 Students at Hanham Woods Academy have been pulling out the stops to create this year’s fantastic performance of Our House, a musical created by Tim Firth which was inspired by songs from the 1980’s Scar band Madness. In rehearsal since last September, the musical follows the story of Joe Casey and his journey making either the right or wrong decisions. A scene from ‘Our House’ at Hanham Woods Academy
Over 50 students have been involved with the production, from actors, dancers and musicians to the technical and make-up teams, set and costume designers. Many staff have also been involved in supporting the show, including Mr Jonson who has worked with a number of students to create the set, Mrs Rhodes who once a week has helped students plan and design costumes for the cast and Mr Smith who has worked endlessly with the technical team on the lighting and sound requirements. Furthermore, Mrs Curtis has worked with a small group of students to get funding for the show. Special thanks also go to Ingrid McClean Subject Leader for Music, Louisa Carter Music Teacher and Head of Year 7 and Sally Morgan-Head of Dance for their tireless work on this production. Mrs Nicola Andrews, Subject Leader for Drama said, “The students have shown huge commitment to the show by attending regular weekly rehearsals and meetings, as well as committing to weekend rehearsals. The Performing Arts Team are extremely proud of the effort and commitment made by all of the students involved and believe ‘Our House’ will be one of Hanham Woods Academy’s best production yet!”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
FEDERATION SPORT
HANHAM WOODS GIRLS THROUGH TO SEMI FINAL OF NATIONAL CUP On Monday 26th February, Hanham Woods Academy Under 13 girls played against South London's Alleyns School in the English Schools’ Football Association quarter final match a national competition. The girls stormed into a 2-0 half time lead! The first goal was scored by Robyn Carpenter, following a great cross from Olivia Allen. The second goal was a low drive to the bottom corner by Georgia Tomlin, after a great run. Robyn Carpenter scored the third (and her second) with a bullet after an excellent passing move! The fourth goal was scored by Molly Silsbury, with a nice finish over the keeper. Alleyn School, mounted a good comeback though, and led by their no10 who scored all their goals, got it back to 4-3. Our girls were tired, due to a big league game they played the day before, but battled through for a famous victory! The game was played in a great spirit by both teams and schools, a wonderful occasion. Hanham Woods Academy march on into the Semi-finals of this national competition, making them one of the top four teams in the country! Hanham Woods Academy will be home to St Ivo School, Huntingdon, the game will be played on Thursday 12th February kick off 2.00PM. Well done girls for your continuing hard work and fantastic team work. Phil Arnold, Hanham Woods Academy.
@cabotfederation
Cabot Learning Federation www.cabotlearningfederation.net
Written, produced and photographs by Dean Blake.
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”