Edition 10 14/04/16
CLF NEWS “Embedding Excellence”
CITY ACADEMY BRISTOL JOINS THE CLF
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE......
Wheelie Great Rider
The Cabot Learning Federation, one of the most established and successful multi-academy trusts in the South West, is pleased to announce that City Academy Bristol will be joining the CLF from June 1st 2016.
TV Star At Conference
City Academy Bristol has been working in partnership with the CLF since March 2015 with a focus on wider school improvement and the development of teaching and learning. Staff, students and parents have been informed of the decision and the response has been very positive. The addition of City Academy to the CLF will further strengthen the partnership and improve the life chances for all students that attend our academies. This exciting news arrived in a letter from RT HON Nicky Morgan MP confirming the arrangement of transfer between One World Learning Trust and the CLF. Jon Angell, Principal at City Academy Bristol said, “I’m delighted for the students, parents, staff and wider community that the Academy is joining the CLF. This decision has guaranteed a sustainable future for the academy as it joins a larger group of schools. By working closely with other CLF academies in East Bristol there will be the opportunity to have a bigger impact on the education of this part of the city. Both City Academy and the CLF have benefited from working closely together and this has had an enormous contribution to the improvements that have occurred here. Now that City Academy has joined the Federation we look forward to making use of the full range of support that it can offer.”
Science Week
Steve Taylor CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation said, “Over the past months we have worked closely with One World Learning Trust and the Department for Education to coordinate the transfer of City Academy, and are delighted that this agreement has been reached by all parties. City Academy will join other local academies, notably Bristol Metropolitan, Bristol Brunel, John Cabot, Summerhill, Frome Vale, Minerva Primary and Begbrook Primary, as a fully-fledged Cabot Learning Federation academy. The Directors of One World Learning, most notably the sponsor, John Laycock, have made an important and sustained contribution to Bristol education over the past 14 years. Now, as the academy prepares to embark upon this new chapter in the CLF, there is a real sense of excitement and anticipation. We’re really keen to support learners and work closely with the local community to secure City Academy as their school of choice.”
“Embedding Excellence”
An OBE for Ron Ritchie Chair of the CLF Board Professor Ron Ritchie has been awarded an OBE in the New Year’s honours announcements for his services to education in his various roles including Chair of The Cabot Learning Federation Academies Trust and lately Pro Vice-chancellor of the University of the West of England (UWE). Professor Ron Ritchie began his working life as an apprentice in the aircraft industry and completed a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics at the University of Southampton. He was the first in his family to go to university. Whilst there, however, he decided to change direction and become a teacher. After qualifying at the University of Sussex he has had a 40-year career locally. He has taught in primary and secondary schools, worked as an advisory teacher in science and technology in the local authority and had a number of roles in higher education, initially at Bath Spa University and, since 2001, at UWE. He was Dean of the then Faculty of Education from 2003-10. He retired from UWE in August 2015 having spent the last few years as Pro Vice-chancellor with a portfolio covering partnerships, diversity and civic engagement. He has been the University's diversity champion and helped embed equality, diversity and inclusivity in the University's strategy and practices and raised UWE's profile as an inclusive organisation locally and nationally, including supporting UWE to become the leading university in the Stonewall Workplace Index. Ron is a well-regarded teacher, researcher and leader. During his career he has published eight books and many articles, and gained a PhD from the University of Bath. He has been involved in international projects across four continents. He has led initiatives and professional development for school leaders over many years and has contributed to a variety of national bodies and policy fora. UWE's partnership work with academies and trust schools has been led by Ron. He is currently the chairman of the Cabot Learning Federation, a multi-academy trust sponsored by UWE and Rolls Royce (since 2009) that is responsible for 13 local schools, many in disadvantaged areas. Steve Taylor CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation said “I am delighted that Professor Ron Ritchie, the Chair of the CLF Board, has been honoured in this way for his work over many years. On behalf of everyone at the Cabot Learning Federation I would like to congratulate Ron; he has been fundamental to the success and growth of the CLF, both as Board member and over recent years as Chair. His work and commitment to promoting the best educational experiences for countless pupils and students across the age ranges and throughout the region has been tireless. This recognition is timely and richly deserved.”
Charity champion A Year eight student at John Cabot Academy has raised a considerable sum of money for Cancer UK. Twelve year old Lola Humphries organised and arranged an event in Hanham that raised over £1000 for the charity. Lola generated the money by making cakes, holding a raffle, a tombola and setting up various stalls at the event. Lola marketed the event herself by putting up flyers in shops and leafleting house to house. Over thirty people attended the two hour event at Tabernacle Hall. Lola decided to put on this event after family and friends had been affected by Cancer. Lola said, “I thought it would be a good thing to do, I’m very proud of the amount I raised for Cancer UK and I may even repeat this event again this year.” Emily Grainger, Head of Community at John Cabot Academy said, “Lola has shown true entrepreneurial spirit by organising and staging this event for such a worthy cause. We are very proud of Lola’s achievements.”
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Success for budding artists
Students from the Cabot Learning Federation took part in the annual Senior Schools Art Exhibition at the Cathedral in Bristol. Artwork was on show, from sixteen schools across the Bristol region. There were prizes for the best school display and the best student entry. This event was generously sponsored by Bristol Savages. Bristol Brunel Post 16 student Georgia Penney, who is in Year 12 and studying Fine Art at King’s Oak Academy, came second in the overall competition and best in school for her collaged and stitched biro drawing, Georgina won a £50 cash prize for her efforts. Ramat Cole-Akanni, King’s Oak Academy Year 11 student, was commended for her oil pastel perfume bottle and Kiannan Smith Year 9 student, also from King’s Oak Academy, was commended for her Owl lino print. They both won a £10 cash prize each.
Debi Glover, Head of Art at Kings Oak Academy said, “There was some amazing artwork on display and the competition was fierce but our students did amazingly well. For Georgina to come overall second in the competition is an incredible achievement and one which we are very proud.” Georgia said, “When they announced I was second I couldn’t believe it. There were some incredible pieces of art on display so to come second makes me feel so proud.”
Project grow South Gloucestershire Council have worked closely with Ginkgo projects to plan and deliver the Wallscourt Farm Academy Project Grow public art project. Wallscourt Farm Academy, is part of the Cabot Learning Federation. This has been running as a collaborative community project since the summer of 2014, and over the past year, Francis Thorburn, the artist leading the project, has spent time working as an artist in residence for much of the time – helping the school to develop and grow a range of multi-functional spaces to enhance outdoor learning experiences and opportunities for children, families and the wider community.
The school has worked with a wide range of partners in learning to develop different aspects of Project Grow – including UWE, Bristol, Splatts Abbey wood, local experts from the community and, most importantly, the children and families of Wallscourt Farm Academy. Over the last few months, Francis has worked alongside the children, drawing in specialist support and expertise as needed, to create a stunning outdoor learning environment, including hexagonal growing and plantings spaces in the school allotment, a honeybee hive – with a thriving community of teamwork bees, and the final instalment has been a series of hexagonal outdoor seating areas for storytelling spaces. In addition, there have been opportunities for intergenerational learning experiences, including the building of a fire pit, which was part of the UWE Community projects, and opportunities for learning with Beaufort Grange, the care home situated opposite the school. The vision for learning at Wallscourt Farm Academy focuses on learning being fun, purposeful, progressive, the curriculum is connected to the community. This project has helped the school to make links with the community and grow the outdoor learning environment to be a rich and varied space for learning. The project is being captured and documented by Francis, with support from Be Creative Studios, and there will be a shared knowledge base website established to share learning from this project. On Saturday 23rd January, the project culminated in a community wide celebration. Activities included Storytelling with Martin Maudsley and multi-instrumental musician, Fiona Barrow, there were bee and wax workshops from Jeff Davey, Steve England lead open fire and pencil making workshops, the team from Incredible Edible Bristol lead planting sessions and there was food, fire, performances, families and fun! Susie Weaver, Principal of Wallscourt Academy said, “We are delighted that Project Grow has been such a successful learning experience for our children, families and the wider community, and that the project will have a lasting legacy and will help us ensure that outdoor learning continues to be a tool for building and growing community.”
“Embedding Excellence”
Major Maths conference adding value
The Maths Hubs programme, funded by the DfE and supported by the NCETM, brings together mathematics education professionals in a collaborative national network of 35 hubs, each locally led by an outstanding school or college in an effort to develop and spread excellent practice, for the benefit of all pupils and students. Lisa Pollard, Boolean Maths Hub Lead said “This conference both shared the work of the Maths Hub from over the last year and provided a fantastic learning and networking opportunity for all phases of maths education professionals. Exposing teachers to local and national experts in maths education through engaging with the Boolean Maths Hub can only improve maths education and raise both attainment and the love of the subject.”
Television personality Johnny Ball delivered workshops at the Boolean Maths Conference at UWE. Nearly 200 delegates attended this inaugural event for maths education practitioners from schools across the South West.
For more information or to get involved with the Boolean Maths Hub, please email rhian.skinner@clf.cabot.ac.uk.
Johnny is a promoter of science and maths, writing and presenting television series including ‘Think of a Number’, ‘Think Again’, (BBC), and ‘Johnny Ball Reveals All’ (ITV). His TV shows and videos won many awards, including a BAFTA, a New York International Emmy nomination, and the ITV ‘Presenter of the Year’ Craft Award. In 2012 he was also the oldest ever contestant on the BBC's ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. During the day delegates heard keynotes from leading mathematicians and educationalists and attended a range of valuable workshops covering a varied menu of mathematical education topics. At lunch time delegates perused an exhibition and attended a booking signing with authors Rob Eastaway and Dr Alf Coles.
Science week off with a bang!
Science week literally kicked off with a bang at Minerva Primary Academy. All 304 students attended a whole school assembly where ChemLabs put on a range of experiments that included loud bangs, flashes and mini explosions! After the assembly, Year 4 and Year 6 students were grouped together to experience a science lab setting and took part in various hands on activities throughout the day. Each group received about an hour and a half of practical science experiments and activities with ChemLabs. The rest of the academy took part in planned science lessons linked to literacy. Later that week all students held an assembly for parents and carers to showcase what they had experienced and learnt during their science week of activities. ChemLabs seek to engage with teachers, schools and students of all ages to provide excellent teaching and learning opportunities in chemistry. Sarah Cox, Science subject leader said, “The students really enjoyed their week of science investigations. By working with ChemLabs and bringing science to life back in the classrooms we have made science fun and interesting and hopefully inspired some students to become a next generation scientist!"
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Aspirations raised! Over two thousand students, within the diverse community of East Central Bristol, will converge on the University of the West of England (UWE) for the annual ‘Raising Aspirations Careers Event.’ This event of high quality careers information, advice and guidance, will see Year 9 students from, Bristol Brunel Academy, Bristol Metropolitan Academy, The City Academy, Hans Price, St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School, St Matthias, Colston Girls’ Academy, Cathedral Choir and Cotham School take part. Tony Cherry, DAC Beachcroft left centre, Tim Holmes, Advice and Guidance Leader CLF centre right, and students from Bristol Brunel Academy.
Over this two day event students will have access to key note speakers including Steve Taylor CEO of the CLF & Tony Cherry Senior Regional Partner of DAC Beachcroft who will join forces with over fifty companies exhibiting at the event. Medstart Bristol University Medical Students, HSBC, On-Site Construction, DAC Beachcroft, Bristol City Football Club are some of the companies joining in this celebration of opportunity and aspiration. There will also be organisations on hand to talk to students about further education, university and post 16 opportunities. Over 80 Civil Service volunteers will deliver employability skills workshops led by Richard Hill, to students who will make the links between careers and employment. The driving force behind this major event is Tim Holmes, Bristol Metropolitan Academy, Suzy Paice, Bristol Brunel Academy, Gill Carter, from the Local Enterprise Partnership. Tim Holmes, Advice and Guidance Leader said, “With this subject high on the political agenda 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.”
HPA appoint first prefects
The first prefects at a Weston academy have started in their new roles.
Hans Price Academy, has chosen 12 year 10 students to form its very first student leadership team. Tony Searle, Principal of Hans Price Academy said, “Hans Price Academy is delighted to have appointed its first cohort of Prefects. Students have been drawn from Year 10 and have already begun undertaking some duties of their role. Selection has been made by staff at the Academy and is in recognition of their excellent approach to learning, their contribution to the culture and ethos of the academy, their willingness to support other students and their ability and willingness to act as ambassadors for the Academy. We had a very tough choice with so many that could have been appointed. The initial group of 12 will form the basis of our student leadership team and will perform their role until Easter of Year 11. Their willingness to step-up and their commitment to their studies and our Academy will undoubtedly ensure they make the most of the role and support us in continuing our drive to move the Academy forward. I look forward to working with them in the future and will update you when we appoint the next cohort.”
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WORLD BOOK DAY ACROSS THE FEDERATION
Bristol Brunel Academy
King’s Oak Academy
Bath Community Academy
Hanham Woods Academy
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WORLD BOOK DAY ACROSS THE FEDERATION
Begbrook Primary Academy
Begbrook Primary Academy
Frome Vale Academy
Wallscourt Farm Academy
Hans Price Academy “Embedding Excellence”
Students encouraged to read aloud
Begbrook Primary Academy took part in Save the Children’s ‘Read Aloud’ initiative. Reading Recovery Read Aloud supports the ‘Read On Get On’ campaign to get every child in the UK reading well. Read On Get On is the national campaign to get all our children reading well by the age of 11.
During a week of events over 80 students were involved. A host of invited guests visited the academy to listen to students read, many of these students have previously received the Reading Recovery intervention, an intense daily course of reading and writing aimed at enabling pupils to reach the level of their peers. Visitors included Jack Challoner, a local author and ex-parent, Su Coombes Begbrook Primary Academy Council Chair, players from Bristol Metropolitan Basketball team, two players from Bristol Flyers Basketball team, Daniel Edozie and Cardell McFarland, and Ben Mosses and Nick Koster from Bristol Rugby club
Cardell McFarland Bristol Flyers Basketball Team
who listened to students read and then took part in a Q&A session with Year 5 students. Year 9 and 10 English students from Bristol Metropolitan Academy, who previously attended Begbrook, also took part in a ‘Read Aloud’ session with students and talked to Begbrook students about life in secondary school. In addition to this Begbrook will be linking up with Sir Allen McNab a school in Canada. The aim of this project will be to swap films of students reading aloud and students will also talk about what reading means to them. Rachael Symons Reading Recovery teacher said, “Firstly I would like to thank all our visitors for helping out with this excellent literacy initiative. We take literacy extremely seriously here at Begbrook but it is also important for us to make this a fun, enjoyable experience for all our students which will hopefully encourage them to read more and engage pro-actively with literacy.”
Ben Moses Bristol Rugby
VOCAL GROUP IN HARMONY AT FESTIVAL On Mother's Day, a small group of students from John Cabot Academy (JCA) took to the stage in Cheltenham town hall to sing their hearts out for a place in Music For Youth National Festival. Aged 12-16, the ten students opened the festival with an upbeat programme of pop songs and gospel music, including an acapella vocal piece. They rehearsed tirelessly running up to the event and saw this as an opportunity to showcase the tight vocal harmonies of the JCA Harmony Group. The judges gave fantastic feedback saying, "They had an energetic and strong gospel sound which was performed with energy and enthusiasm.” The students commented, "It was great to perform in a different venue and to be the only school from Bristol represented at the event. We really enjoyed performing with each other and we can't wait to hear if we get through to the National Final at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham!" Wish them luck! Miss Charlotte Grierson, JCA music teacher said, “I am very proud of their hard work and commitment and for giving such a vibrant performance. Any suggestions for future public performances welcome.” Contact Charlotte: charlotte.grierson@jca.cabot.ac.uk
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Holocaust suvivor visits BMA Joanna Millan a Holocaust survivor gave a talk at Bristol Metropolitan Academy to 340 Year Nine and Year Ten students about her time at Theresienstadt, a concentration camp 50 miles outside of Prague. Joanna was born Bela Rosenthal in August 1942 in Berlin. At the beginning of March 1943, Bela’s father was taken from the streets of Berlin and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau where he was killed on arrival. Later that year in June, Bela and her mother were taken from their home and sent to Theresienstadt. In 1944, when Bela was 18 months old, her mother died of TB leaving Bela orphaned.
Some of the women working in the kitchens would take food to the orphans. One woman, Litska Shallinger, knowing that the food in the camp was contaminated and working in the vegetable patch, would bring back fresh, clean vegetables hidden under her clothes, some of which she would give to Bela. Bela was one of 140,936 Jews deported to Theresienstadt, which saw up to 50,000 Jews present at one time, seven times the amount the camp was designed for. They lived in filthy and cramped conditions. Surviving on a meagre diet of watery soup, potatoes and bread, one in four died. Perhaps the darkest picture was how 190 bodies were cremated daily in four ovens, which were originally designed for one body, but could fit four due to how thin they had become. On 3rd May 1945, the Red Cross took over control of the camp and Bela was liberated by the Russians. On 15th August along with 299 other surviving orphans, Bela was flown to England. When they arrived there were in fact 301 children including a little boy who had stowed away. After living in two children’s home with other Child Survivors, Bela was adopted by a childless Jewish couple from London. Her name was changed to Joanna, and she was told to forget her past and forbidden to contact the other child survivors. Her adopted parents pretended that she was their natural daughter and told her to keep her identity secret. For the past 25 years, Joanna has told her family’s story throughout schools and universities in the UK and latterly in China. Helen Barnes, programme leader of History said, “I think it is incredibly important that students have met and spoken to a Holocaust survivor. For them it is a truly unique experience to meet somebody like Joanna and share that experience particularly in the current political climate.” 'Joanna was so inspiring; it was a privilege to meet her' Tom Bennett Year 10 student. 'I had no idea how big the Holocaust was. Joanna has really opened my eyes.' Ritwan Bupal Year 9 student.
VARIETY SHOW FUNDRAISER AT KOA Over fifty musicians and dancers performed at a major variety show at King’s Oak Academy in their Hexagon Theatre. This sell-out show featured a wide variety of musical genres and dances. Acts included steel bands, soloists, bands and dancers. The show was organised by a group of twenty one BTEC music students and involved performing arts students from Year 7-11 both front and backstage. BTEC music students had to organise, audition, produce, promote and direct an event such as this as part of their BTEC coursework. As a charity fundraising event, ticket sales were donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust. There was also a raffle and refreshment sales with these proceeds going to Kalalu School in Kenya to support students with their education. Tim Warren, Team Leader of Performance & Participation said, “In addition to this variety show being part of Year 11 BTEC music coursework, it was also a chance to showcase the brilliant performing art students we have here at King’s Oak. It also allowed us to continue our fundraising efforts for these very worthwhile causes. All the students who took part worked extremely hard and I am very proud of their efforts.”
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Post 16 students at the Bristol Old Vic
Twenty one Post 16 performing arts students from across the Cabot Learning Federation, performed at this year’s National Theatre Connections, their entry was 'Bedbug' the musical, written by Snoo Wilson and with music by Guy Pratt, Pink Floyd and Gary Kemp, Spandau ballet. Connections is the National Theatre’s annual festival of new plays for youth theatres and schools.
The musical was performed at John Cabot Academy on the 9th & 10th of March before it moved on to the critically acclaimed stage of The Bristol Old Vic Theatre for a performance on the 22nd March. This production also featured a live student band. The musical is based on Vladimir Mayakovsky’s 1929 satire on the distrust of authority and the threat of the independent voice to the socialist system during a time of growing disillusion with the Soviet Union. Ivan Varlet is making a class change. As he prepares to marry his bourgeois bride, the former mechanic casts off his socialist acquaintances and re-invents himself as ‘Ivor Violet’. Before he can embark on his new life, however, a fire at the wedding kills all the guests, and sees Ivan trapped in the ice cellar, frozen into a state of cryogenesis. Fifty years later, after the creation of a global socialist state following a world war, Ivan is unfrozen into an unrecognisable Russia. Sam Bridges, Leader of Drama at John Cabot Academy said, “Students have worked extremely hard on this production and I am extremely proud of their efforts. It was an amazing opportunity for them to tread the boards at the world famous Bristol Old Vic Theatre, many actors never get the chance and this experience will undoubtedly stay with them for a lifetime.”
HRH The Duke of Cambridge Award launches in Minerva
An award scheme backed by His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge to help schoolchildren become self confident and resilient has officially launched in Bristol today. The SkillForce Junior Prince’s Award equips nine to 14-year-olds with the skills they need to succeed in education, life and future employment. Aimed at primary and secondary schoolchildren, the award scheme is being rolled out at schools across Great Britain. National education and veterans charity SkillForce runs the programme, which develops character, resilience, confidence, teamwork and problem solving skills. More than 3,000 school pupils nationally have taken part in it so far. Students at Minerva Primary Academy, demonstrated some of the first aid skills they learnt as part of the award scheme.
Their demonstration included working in small groups on resuscitation manikins and practising the recovery position. The lesson, which involved 15 pupils, coincided with the official launch of the award scheme with speeches from SkillForce and Minerva Primary Academy staff. Peter Hallam, Principal, Minerva Primary Academy, said: “We are thrilled to be the first school in Bristol to launch the SkillForce Junior Prince’s Award, which is enabling our pupils to develop qualities and skills that will support them for the rest of their lives. These include self reliance, independence and persistence as well as valuable team working and problem solving skills.” The award scheme, which comprises 40 hours of activities, is delivered in schools by SkillForce instructors, who are predominantly ex-Services personnel, and receives funding from Standard Life Charitable Trust. Activities include teamwork challenges, community projects and first aid award. .
“We are thrilled.” Pete Hallam, Principal, Minerva Primary Academy.
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Science week extravaganza There were bangs, whizzes, and flashes at Begbrook Primary Academy when they took part in National Science Week. National Science Week is a celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths - featuring fascinating, entertaining and engaging events and activities across the UK for people of all ages. This whole school event involved the 540 children aged 4-11 who attend Begbrook Primary academy. Mad Science put on an assembly to kick-start the week where students took part in sparking imaginative learning involving interactive science activities that inform, educate and entertain. Students learnt about careers in science through assemblies and hands-on practical investigations. It is hoped that this week will assist students to develop their critical-thinking, team-working and problem-solving skills through a range of activities designed to excite and inspire a future generation of scientists. Sessions were led by class teachers, including Rachel Wellington, the school’s Science Coordinator, who organised this event. Rachel said, “The students really engaged with this event and thoroughly enjoyed the practical experiments they participated in. It is important that we engage students with science at an early age to hopefully inspire and excite them to study science further in their educational careers.” Children in Reception and Year 1 were chemists; observing chemical changes when melting chocolate and researching healthy diets through cooking soup. Children in Year 2 and Year 5 were ecologists for the week; surveying habitats and identifying and classifying mini-beasts. Children in Year 3 were geologists; learning about soils, rocks and fossils. They even created their own volcanic eruptions! Children in Year 4 were engineers for the week; designing, testing and adapting their own inventions to solve the problem of transporting water. A Year 4 pupil said, “We really enjoyed researching Leonardo da Vinci and Rube Goldberg to plan and make our own machines. We were proud of our design and were really happy that our pulleys and levers worked!”
FEDERATION SPORT Student in top twenty five in the world for trial biking
King’s Oak Academy Post 16 student Victoria Payne has been ranked seventh in the UK and 22nd in the world for trial bike riding. The seventeen year old student has ridden since the age of six when her father bought her first bike. Victoria rides for the Malcolm Rathmell Sport team and competes in races across the country and Europe. Victoria also rides for the Great Britain Youth Squad dedicating over ten hours per week to practising plus gym work. Victoria’s most notable achievement to date was winning 2014 British Championship youth class. Victoria said, “I think its brilliant to be seventh in the UK, I have trained and worked hard for this. I would like to thank my family and my sponsors for their endless support and encouragement.” Thomas Taylor, Victoria’s tutor said, “Staff and students at King’s Oak are immensely proud of Victoria’s achievements and wish her continued success with her trial bike riding career.”
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