CLF NEWS “Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
The Cabot Learning Federation Newsletter / Summer 2014
CEO TO BECOME SOUTH WEST SCHOOLS RSC Dear Colleagues, July 11 will be my last day as CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation. The CLF has been a wonderful experience. At times challenging and certainly demanding of my leadership skills but fulfilment beyond expectation. Together, we have built something very special that many others around the country want to emulate and learn from. Collaboration is the oxygen of school improvement and it is the way we have been able to change the life chances for young people in our 11 Academies that is so significant. We deliver better outcomes than before, create better progression routes from primary school to secondary school and help more young people find their place in university or the workplace. This is possible because of the work that takes place in our academies every day and for that you have my thanks and respect.
ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE... ART SHOW
PANTO TIME
Our students need us to be outstanding and we should not rest until that happens every day in all of our settings. Many of the 6000 children we educate cannot take for granted that they will achieve success and prosperity in life. Sometimes they react against us because they see this to be true. Sometimes our expectations are higher for them than they are for themselves. However because we are leading and teaching better than ever, and because our support staff and administration staff are so capable, we can and do make a massive difference to the majority. On September 1 2014 I will begin life as the Regional Schools Commissioner for the South West. The CLF will be on my “patch” and I will continue to support, champion and challenge the great work that you do. I want to help more children across our region to be successful, to go to great schools and to use their talent to make a contribution to the community in which they will live as an adult. My aim is to make the South West the best place to educate a child. If I achieve that, then the experience of leading the CLF will have been integral to that success. Thank you for believing in me, the CLF, and the children in your academy.
NEW PRIMARY
SIR MICHAEL WILSHAW VISITS CLF Sir Michael Wilshaw Chief Inspector of schools for England visited the Cabot Learning Federation recently. Welcomed by Chief Executive Officer of the Cabot Learning Federation Sir David Carter, Sir Michael spent time talking with staff, parents and students from Bristol Brunel Academy and John Cabot Academy. During the visit he also toured the academy visiting lessons and was keen to discuss a wide range of educational topics with those he met.
Academy and see the hard work of students and staff first hand. I particularly enjoyed hearing the views of students, finding out about school life and meeting parents. I know that in schools across this region, the Cabot Learning Federation is working hard to give every child a good education and I wish them every success.”
Sir David Carter said, “Sir Michael is a leading educational figure who has made a fantastic contribution to the improvement in the education system. It was a pleasure to tell him about our work in the Cabot Learning Federation and also to hear our staff, parents and students engage so enthusiastically in a debate about education in this country.” Sir Michael Wilshaw, Chief Inspector of Schools in England said, “It was a pleasure to visit Bristol Brunel
BRISTOL METROPOLITAN ACADEMY, ONE OF THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY FOR STUDENT PROGRESS AT GCSE Bristol Metropolitan Academy has received national recognition for the value it adds to students’ achievements at GCSE.
Sally Apps, Principal of Bristol Metropolitan Academy said, “I am extremely proud of the Bristol Met team; our parents, our staff and most of all our fantastic students who have once again demonstrated that ambition matched with hard work can lead to extraordinary success. We are rightly respected in our community for working in the interests of every student regardless of starting point. This award is further recognition of what can be achieved by a dedicated team who believe in high standards, high expectations and high aspirations for all. It is a privilege to accept this award on behalf of the Bristol Met community.”
A recent in-depth analysis of official Department for Education data on all state-funded schools in England by SSAT, the national schools’ membership organisation for improvement and collaboration, identified Bristol Metropolitan Academy’s success. The school has qualified for an SSAT Educational Outcomes Award by being in the top 20% of schools nationally for progress made by pupils between their key stage 2 results at primary school and their GCSE results at age 16. The school received their award at a regional celebration hosted by the SSAT at Waverley School Birmingham.
2 “Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
NEW PRIMARY AT KING’S OAK ACADEMY South Gloucestershire Council has given the go ahead for a £4 million brand new state of the art two form entry primary school. The school is to be built on the grounds of King’s Oak Academy, in order to make provision for the large number of young children requiring primary places from September 2015 King’s Oak Academy will become an all through 4 - 18 school. Work will start on site, subject to planning, September 2014 with completion planned for September 2015. This will be the sixth primary academy to join the Cabot Learning Federation which has eleven academies in total in Bristol, Bath, South Gloucestershire and Weston super Mare. This single storey building is still in the early stages of planning but it will incorporate eight classrooms, two halls, a wet room and a library. The academy has been working with architects and quantity surveyors over the last few months to get this project initiated and shortly the project will move into the stakeholder consultation phase before the procurement of the contractor is announced.
ACADEMY STUDENTS ON STAGE AT BOV Fourteen Post 16 students from the Cabot Learning Federation took to the stage of a world renowned national theatre to perform in a play. Students performed ‘A letter to Lacey’, a new musical written by Catherine Johnson (Mamma Mia) as part of the National Theatre Connections competition at the Bristol Old Vic (BOV) theatre. The musical tells the story
Ian Frost, Principal of King’s Oak Academy said, “The partnership with King’s Oak Academy and the physical proximity of the new primary is a truly exciting opportunity. This will allow students to have leadership opportunities to support Reception and Year 4/5 readers, it will also allow teachers and support staff to work across phases or age-ranges, and it will offer a cross-phase school leadership centred around student progress.” Sir David Carter, CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation said, “We are delighted that following the successful launch of Wallscourt Primary Academy we have been given this opportunity to open another new primary school in the CLF. To have this opportunity at King’s Oak Academy is even better as it means we have the chance to develop a provision from reception age through to Year 11 on the same site. This is a fantastic chance to build another outstanding school for the community we serve.” of Kara’s abusive relationship with her boyfriend Reece from their first meeting to the dramatic climax at the end. Director and Head of Drama at John Cabot Academy Sam Bridges said, “One in four women will be a victim of partner abuse in the UK, that’s a horrific statistic. I think we all knew about it before we began working on this play, we had all seen it on television, heard about things happening in other people’s homes, knew a friend or in some cases had seen it for ourselves. It struck me as we rehearsed and researched how prevalent partner abuse seemed to be in our lives, the statistics horrified us as did the stories we discovered.” The young performers who have attempted this script have bravely taken on challenging roles, helped shape the songs and the choreography and most importantly learned how important the theatre is in opening eyes and minds to subjects that are most often brushed under the carpet. **STOP PRESS** the students won the competition and will be performing at the national final in London at the National Theatre.
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
37
SCHOOL DOG ASSISTS WITH PUPILS LEARNING Noodle the Spoodle, a cross between a spaniel and poodle is proving to be a major hit in the learning zones at Wallscourt Farm Academy, Stoke Gifford. The dog was born and trained over last summer and he ‘boards’ with Susie Weaver, Principal of Wallscourt Farm. Noodle assists with a range of learning opportunities across the academy. Noodle is a key part of the welcome greeting each morning and the farewells at the end of each school day.
the Family Dining in the Community Café - much to his disappointment. Noodle has met the local MP, and many other visitors to Wallscourt Farm. Such was the interest in this story three students from Bath Community Academy Jacob Evans, Aiden Washbourne and Brandon Messer recorded a news piece for BBC Radio 4 which aired on the BBC’s School Report day. Susie Weaver, Principal of Wallscourt Farm Academy said, “We are creating a new school at the heart of a new community here at Wallscourt Farm. Noodle plays a key part in establishing the family and community feel and the impact on children’s social and emotional awareness has been huge. He gives them a tangible example to begin to understand how we create a community of learners who understand rights, responsibilities and a can create a shared sense of respect. He is also very fluffy, fun and the children and adults love him!”
Noodle is able to support with other learning conversations; it may be that a child is shy of speaking or reading in front of class, so that child will read in front of a teacher and Noodle to start building their confidence and raising their self-esteem. Noodle also assists with minor first aid, being on hand to cheer children up. He has taken part in the Adventures of Stickman Outdoor Learning Day at UWE, and has visited Beaufort Grange Care home with the children on several occasions. The only part of the school day at Wallscourt Farm that Noodle does not join in with is
IT’S PANTO TIME AT BEGBROOK ACADEMY It was Panto time for ninety Year Two pupils at Begbrook Primary Academy who acted and sang in their version of Aladdin. The six and seven year old pupils have adapted parts of this production themselves.
show and they are really looking forward to performing in front of a live audience. Taking part in this show has really had a positive impact on pupils both on stage and in the classroom.”
With costumes provided by parents this Arabian tale featured a magical cave, smoke machine, bubble machine and glow in the dark effects. Although an academy production this Panto is linked to the children’s literacy, speaking and listening in class. Money for this production has been raised by cake sells and the two performances were sold out. It was a real hit with parents and carers. Abi McManus, Year Two teacher and producer said, “The children have spent all term working really hard on this
4 “Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
STUDENTS EMBARK ON INTERNATIONAL PROJECT topics to include, academy way of life, what is traditional English culture and famous Bristol landmarks to describe what it is like to live in Bristol. The project kicked off with students filming a short greeting for their Chinese counterparts. Later in the project the Minerva students will work with Bristol Brunel students to cook and prepare a traditional British dish making a film of the process to share. Two academies within the Cabot Learning Federation have embarked on a ground breaking international project. Bristol Brunel Academy, secondary and Minerva Academy, primary are working together on a BristolChina Cultural and Technological project with Yuexi Yucai Experimental School and Xiehe Primary School, both in Guangzhou, China. The overall objective of this project is for students to learn and discover the difference in cultures between the two countries in a variety of ways. Over the rest of the academic year students will film and blog on a variety of
MUSIC & MATHS COLLABORATION Students from King’s Oak Academy and Summerhill Academy have been working on a ground breaking collaborative project involving Maths and Music. One hundred and ninety students from Years Five and Six from Summerhill Academy spent a morning at King’s Oak Academy working with seven King’s Oak rock band musicians from Year Twelve.
A highlight of this project will be the visit of 40-50 students and teachers from Yuexi Yucai Experimental School in July to experience British culture first-hand and visit both Bristol schools. Ms Domini Choudhury, Assistant Principal at Bristol Brunel Academy said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for the Cabot Learning Federation to develop international links and foster lasting working relationships with the education sector in Guangzhou, which is Bristol’s twin city. The students and staff involved are all very excited about the project.”
The aim of this event was to assist Summerhill Academy students with their Maths lessons and to give them the experience of working in a music recording studio. Tim Warren, Team Leader of Performance & Participation, from King’s Oak, who helped organise this event with Jon Gore from Summerhill said, “All students have worked extremely hard on this project in their home academies, so to see this in action with students working collaboratively was amazing. This is just part of our outreach work with academies and primaries both inside and outside the Cabot Learning Federation, work that is extremely important to us here at King’s Oak.”
Summerhill students have written lyrics for the times tables in place of the original lyrics for a number of famous pop songs including Mamma Mia, Happy, What Does The Fox Say, Don’t Stop Believing, and Rather Be. Musicians at King’s Oak Academy accompanied these songs in a recording session that was held during the morning. The CD that was produced will be used at Summerhill and other primary academies and schools as a resource to teach the times table.
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
57
TWO THOUSAND STUDENTS ATTEND CAREERS FAIR Raising Aspirations was an event to highlight future career or further higher education opportunities to around 2000 students from the local enterprise partnership. The partnership consists of seven schools four from the Cabot Learning Federation, John Cabot, Bristol Brunel, King’s Oak and Bristol Metropolitan. Also in attendance were City Academy, St Mary Redcliffe & Temple School and Colston Girls.
information, advice and guidance (IAG). Today will be a combination of raising aspirations and a celebration of the opportunities that are available to our students. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisations that took part in this fantastic event.”
This two day event saw all students from Years 9 & 10 given access to quality speakers and a range of higher education and businesses to discuss their future pathways. With over fifty stands for students to visit they talked to representatives who have a myriad of knowledge, experience and understanding of their organisations, which included, Easy Jet Training, Airbus, Marks & Spencer, NHS and the armed forces to name but a few. Bristol University, UWE and Bath Spa University were also on hand to discuss degree courses. BCFM Radio, Bristol’s community radio station run by volunteers, also broadcasted live from the event on both days via their ‘One Love Breakfast Show’ which also airs on Ujima Radio. Tim Holmes, Lead Learning Mentor at Bristol Metropolitan Academy said, “With the demands young people face in a changing and complex world there is a need for quality
CLF ARTS COMPETITION
The artwork was on display at Bristol Brunel’s Frame Gallery and the competition was judged by Jez HattoshNemeth, Senior Lecturer in Graphic Design at UWE and Alastair Lawrence, Producer and Journalist at the BBC. Parents of exhibitors had a private viewing before the exhibition was opened to the public and they had the chance to see some amazing pieces of work that included drawing, mixed-media, textiles, photography, film as well as three-dimensional work.
Thirty six secondary students from across the Cabot Learning Federation Academies took part in an art competition. Year 7 to Year 13 students from Bristol Metropolitan, Bristol Brunel, John Cabot and King’s Oak Academy showcased the best of their work in the hope of winning art material vouchers.
6
Teacher of Art Mr Donat Willenz at Bristol Brunel said, “We decided to put on this exhibition/competition to celebrate the achievements of students in Art and promote the positive impact the Expressive Arts have across the federation. Students have worked really hard on their pieces and we are really proud of their brilliant efforts.”
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
STRICTLY COME DANCING AT BRISTOL ACADEMY Ninety students from across Year Three at Summerhill Academy took part in their version of Strictly Come Dancing. Initially coached by a dance instructor from Kingswood Dance Factory, teachers taught students in their PE lessons. Students danced the Cha Cha and the Waltz and were dressed in their best party frocks, shirts, ties and trousers for this special occasion. Parents were invited to the academy to watch and support this exciting initiative. Mrs McLeod, Head Of Year Three said, “The students have worked really hard and have looked very impressive during rehearsals. We are always looking at new ways for our students to keep fit and healthy and also to make it fun. This project has certainly done that!”
CLF DESIGNATED MATHS HUB FOR THE SOUTH WEST Education Minister Elizabeth Truss announced £11 million for new Maths hubs to drive up the quality of Maths teachers - as international test results showed England’s performance had stagnated. The Cabot Learning Federation has been successful in its bid to become a regional hub for the South West and is delighted to be working with Ashley Down Federation School and other strategic partners in developing the work of the hub. The money will allow the development of a national network of around 30 ‘mathematics education strategic hubs’ (MESH). Each will be led by a teaching school and will provide support to all schools in the area, across all areas of Maths education, including:
· co-ordinating and delivering a wide range of Maths · ·
continuing professional development (CPD) and schoolto-school support ensuring Maths leadership is developed, eg running a programme for aspiring heads of Maths departments helping Maths enrichment programmes to reach a large number of pupils from primary school onwards
This collaboration will not only involve schools from the federation but schools across the South West both secondary and primary and also primary schools in Shanghai. Claire Carter, Leader of the Cabot Learning Federation Teaching School Improvement Team said, “This is an amazing opportunity for schools within and outside the federation to have a major impact on the teaching of Maths across the South West. We are very proud and privileged to have been given this opportunity and we look forward to improving and raising standards in Maths teaching across our region.”
· recruitment of Maths specialists into teaching · initial training of Maths teachers and converting existing teachers into Maths
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”
7
FEDERATION NETBALL TOURNAMENT Bristol Brunel Academy hosted a Year Seven Cabot Learning Federation netball tournament. Students from Hans Price Academy, John Cabot Academy, Bristol Brunel Academy, King’s Oak Academy, Bristol Metropolitan Academy, Bath Community Academy and invited guests Hanham High School took part in this competitively fought event.
this event and really played well for their respective academies. This tournament is part of a series of sporting events and fixtures that bring students together from across the Federation to compete against each other throughout the academic year.”
After a series of round robin matches Hanham High School came out top winning the competition with King’s Oak and Bristol Met tied for second place. Bristol Brunel Academy achieved a respectable third place. Jenny Cusack, PE teacher at Bristol Brunel who organised this event said, “The students really enjoyed
CLF POST 16 FOOTBALL ACADEMY The season started strongly for the Cabot Learning Federation football team with good wins over a number of teams, which very temporarily saw the team almost top the British colleges (South West) table. The team was led by a group of Year 13 senior players, Adam Thurston, Harry Parker, Sam Pine, O’Shane West and Ash Cox, who provided a strong spine to the team. They were joined later in the season by Year 12 students Alex BennettFord and Connor Kerr, who will continue this role into next season. However a couple of injuries affected the balance of the team, and some disappointing results in the later part of the season saw the team end up 5th in the final South West table. Overall it was a very good first season, in which the team won 8, drew 2 and lost 6.
www.cabotlearningfederation.net www.facebook.com/cabotlearningfederation
8
www.twitter.com/cabotfederation
“Collaboration for Outstanding Achievement”