The Marches Academy Trust | Spring Newsletter 2024

Spring 2024 Trust Newsletter Issue

Shining a Light - Kindness as Our Guiding Light:

Our staff across our family of schools have been beacons of dedication, tirelessly guiding our students toward growth and understanding. In this edition Headteachers have shown how the classrooms have echoed with curiosity, creativity, and the sparkle of learning. Our children and young people, likewise, have brightened our days with their enthusiasm and resilience. When anyone visits our schools the visitor always leaves smiling because of the warm welcome they receive and the great learning they witness.

Families, teachers, children and young people alike have extended their hands, lighting the way for one another.

For those of you who haven’t already heard about it, OneVoice is a Trust wide, school-based event where ten children in each school have been working together on a project to make changes and improvements to their schools that they feel are needed. We are looking forward to an exciting summer term, as we will see the impact of the great projects our children and young people have been leading on, culminating in July with a showcase event. We are also looking forward to the Whole Trust Athletics Varsity which will be held at Alexander Stadium in Birmingham in June.

Thank you, to our staff, children, and families, for shining your light within our schools. Together, we create a constellation of hope and possibility.

Sport across the Trust

Sport continues to be a central focus across the Marches Academy Trust due to its multifaceted benefits for students' physical health, mental wellbeing, and personal development.

Through engaging in sports activities, students not only cultivate essential teamwork and leadership skills but also learn the value of discipline, perseverance, and resilience.

Moreover, participation in sports fosters a sense of belonging and community spirit within the Trust's schools, promoting inclusivity and camaraderie among students and staff alike. By prioritising sports programmes and initiatives, the Marches Academy Trust reinforces its commitment to holistic education, recognising the integral role of physical activity in nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of both academic and real-world environments.

Some events that have taken place this term include:

Successful Varsity competitions within Primary, Secondary and Sixth Form. These have included rowing, badminton, football, and hockey

Our annual Primary dance festival took place and saw ten local schools get involved.

Four Primary schools all achieved the Youth Sport Trust gold quality mark.

Woodlands School student painted a photo of Aston Villa star Leon Bailey. The Jamaican international has sent Woodlands a signed postcard.

Over 100 girls from across Shrewsbury took part in the Girls Biggest Day Ever event at Shrewsbury School in partnership with Shropshire FA and the Youth Sport Trust. Students from Grange Primary School recently attended a Shrewsbury Town Football Club U18 training session and got to meet the players and coaches

Longlands Primary School and Oakmeadow CE Primary School have both reached the finals of the Shropshire Schools and Colleges FA. They will play at Shrewsbury Town Football Club in July 2024.

Three schools have recently started an after school boxing club with Born Ready Boxing.

Our family of schools

#togetherwegrow

Idsall School

“ Michelle King, Headteacher

Shine Bright: Celebrating Sports for All at Idsall School

As the term draws to a close, it's time to reflect on the whirlwind of activities and achievements that have given all students the opportunity to shine bright on the field, court, or track From thrilling fixtures to impressive performances, here's a roundup of the highlights from this action-packed term:

Mr. Pargeter's Fixture Milestone

A huge congratulations to Mr. Pargeter for surpassing the 50 fixtures mark this year! His dedication and hard work have been instrumental in providing our students with opportunities to showcase their skills and sportsmanship.

Varsity Debut

Our first Varsity with the Year 7s and 8s was a learning experience, and we're eager to apply our insights to future competitions. While securing third place was a solid start, we're determined to strive for victory in upcoming events.

Celebrating Elite Athletes

Six Idsall students were honoured with John Beswick awards, showcasing their excellence in sports such as handball and ice hockey at the national level. We couldn't be prouder of their achievements and look forward to seeing them excel even further.

As we head into Easter break, our focus shifts to upcoming finals and opportunities in athletics. With warmer weather on the horizon, we're excited to see our students shine in competitions.

We're not just building athletes; we're nurturing resilient, determined individuals who embody the values of teamwork, sportsmanship and inclusivity that shines bright for all.

Here's to a successful term and continued success in all our sporting endeavours!

“

Tim

Students so many

It is great our stude

EDIBCharity g g p g teacher.

Curriculum - cross curricular links Titanic/Science and Macbeth/Drama.

World Book Day.

Mental Health Week.

Duke of Edinburgh. Varsity.

Careers Week.

British Science Week.

Above are just a small sample of the amazing things that go on Sir John Talbot’s each and every week, thanks to the efforts of brilliant staff - special mentions to Mr Hawke, Mr Calderbank, Mrs Jennings and Mrs Webb.

Thanks to our extensive offer of activities, students are given the opportunity to shine in the sphere that suits them best. For some this is on stage or on the sports pitch, and for others it’s in the classroom or behind the pages of a great book Some of our students excel raising money and awareness for worthwhile causes whilst some exhibit their leadership skills to share and ensure that their views are heard In this inclusive school everyone has space to belong and shine bright in their own individual way sirjohntalbots co uk

The Marches School

“Alison Pearson, Headteacher

Shrek Jr was a shining light to the term – one of our best shows in my 18 years, and well worth the months of rehearsal.

Our sports stars have shone in several semi-final events and came home with a win from the Trust Varsity competition. Enrichment clubs continue to be a bright light for the school with visits to Berlin and Auschwitz, willow weaving for the Eco and gardening club and a host of revision events for Year 11 who are working hard

In lessons – World Book Day was enjoyed by both students and staff, and we have enjoyed sharing some creative lesson outcomes – such as the cells module in Art.

Our charity fundraising continued with the much loved staff tug of war raising £150!

“

Shrewsbury Academy

Jim Taylor, Headteacher

Shining Bright at Shrewsbur

It is great to lead a school tha community, we will make Shre and make friends.

We have some great things I a

Oliver Booth – High Sherriff of Shropshire Recognition Award for commitment to the community and citizenship.

Whole school rewards facilitated by Teya Weaver in line with new House System. Key Stage Three have all been exercising various different drumming styles, with great effect this half term, including West African drumming, reggae, and Samba. A massive congratulations to Oscar Adams (Year 7) who won the Year 7

Shropshire Schools Cross Country. The event took place in Oswestry with a strong competitive field. Oscar won the Under 12 race by 40 seconds over a 3,000 metre course. This is an amazing achievement for Oscar and the school are extremely proud.

We have successfully hosted a visit from Action Breaks Silence, who joined a group of Year 7 and 8 girls to deliver a self-defence workshop, whilst boys engaged with an ‘Underlining Masculinity’ session This is in line with our commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging (EDIB). The sessions were thoroughly enjoyed by all those who participated and the enthusiasm continued during conversations throughout the day. The educational charity praised our students on their commitment and involvement.

Finch Mills won the Big Show art competition for this year’s production.

The Grove School

“ Mitch Allsopp, Headteacher

Shine Bright

It has been a term since I began in post as Headteacher at the G been a fantastic term too, so many positive and reflective intera and their families throughout each day. I have been struck with untapped potential there is here and I am working with our brilli and the Trust to ensure that we unpick it. There is a quiet determ make Grove School great.

Some of the many highlights this term include:

Meeting over 85 families at a range of ‘Meet the Headteacher’ events.

Over 600 students qualifying for rewards events.

Amazing extra-curricular opportunities including trips to Naples, London and our forthcoming trip to Belgium! In addition to this we have also sent many of our students out on their expeditions for the varying levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Some fantastic careers opportunities including a visit from the Big University Bus, students travelling around the UK to experience different apprenticeship routes and Higher Education opportunities – with a busy career fair which saw all of our students engage with over 30 local, regional and national employers. Students achieving some impressive personal endeavours, from charity fundraising to competing at national level in different sporting contexts – the talent within Team Grove is incredible.

Over 50 students have met with me for ‘Hot chocolate with the Headteacher’, celebrating their success and sharing their thoughts on our future.

As a token of our appreciation – all members of Team Grove have been rewarded with a chocolate egg, to begin their Easter celebrations!

After Easter our momentum continues with six new members joining us here at The Grove, across a range of our teams. We launch our smartphone app for parents, and we implement some of the much needed student-voice inspired changes around our structure of the school site An exciting time lies ahead!

Wishing all of our families a restful and reflective Easter,

Woodlands School “

Julia Taylor, Headteacher

This term Woodlands School has seen our football team shine bright winning every game they have played. Our players have come together through different age ranges of the school to succeed at winning their league.

We have seen the opening of the Woodlands Cafe, with students showcasing their catering skills, enjoying delicious pizzas and breads. Catering students have performed amazingly, taking their exams and producing some appetising delights.

This term students researched their own Discovery Days, planning and organising their own trip. Students investigated, discussed and agreed their destination and worked to a budget. They worked out their own itinerary for the day, risk assessment and booked any activities. Students shone as their plans came together and they ventured out on their Discovery Day.

Students have been learning the new game of Cornhole, and in Woodlands team spirit, enjoying friendly games with various teams within school.

We have welcomed some new students and it has been lovely to see them settle in and become part of the community

Students have been shining bright through out the school, with Taylor reading his book to the whole class and showing his skills and Aaron's outstanding electrical skills.

Lower He Primary

“Helen Reynolds

Throughout the school, various initiatives have been implemented to enrich the educational experience and foster a sense of community.

Buddy reading programs have been established, encouraging students to engage in literacy activities together. In addition, the school has welcomed author Roy Bradshaw for an inspiring visit and organized a captivating Roman workshop for immersive learning experiences.

Children have also been actively involved in community outreach, visiting Elmhurst Care home monthly to interact with residents and fostering intergenerational connections.

A family community event was organised to prepare the allotment for a new spiritual garden, showcasing the school's dedication to holistic development

Collaboration days have provided opportunities for students to explore spirituality through diverse activities and connect with nature.

Other highlights include participation in the Shrewsbury School Dance Festival, a whole school trip to Chester Zoo, and the emergence of student leaders in various domains such as wellbeing, school council, and reading advocacy. Stay and Play sessions have flourished, nurturing parental involvement in children's learning.

Special events like World Book Day saw parents joining in to share stories and create memorable gifts. Furthermore, a whole school science day featuring scientist visits, laboratory experiments, and rocket workshops has ignited curiosity and enthusiasm for STEM subjects.

As the term concludes, students organised an exhilarating color run to raise funds for courageous advocacy projects, showcasing their initiative and commitment to making a positive impact beyond the school gates.

Connectwithustofindoutmore aboutourschoolandnursery!

Visit:

lowerheath.co.uk

@lowerheathcofeprimaryschool

Oakmeadow CE Primary School

“

Samantha Hill, Headteacher

“Shine Bright”

Spring Term celebrations and achievements at Oakmeadow CE Primary School and Nursery

The spring term at Oakmeadow has been full of enrichment activities across the curriculum, enabling every child to have the opportunity to shine. Highlights of the term have been our Year 6 residential in Arthog Outdoor Education centre, which saw children engaging in rock climbing, gorge walking and raft building.

Our Reception cohort took a trip to Park Hall Farm and Year 3 took part in a Stone Age experience linked to their history topic. Workshops within school have extended the childrens’ knowledge such as our Great Fire of London experience for Year 2.

We now have a large amount of musicians in school and collaboration with Shrewsbury School led to children taking part in a Mass Orchestra event this term.

Those who shine in sport have continued to be offered the opportunity to showcase their talents in local, Trust and regional competitions.

Grange Primary School

“Charlotte Summers, Headteacher

grangeprimaryshrewsbury co uk

@grangeprimaryschoolshrewsbury

This term has been a busy one for Grange Primary School. We have had lots of events where our Grangers continue to ‘shine bright’. We started off the term with a wonderful panto performance of Robin Hood which the children thoroughly enjoyed.

Children’s Mental Health Week was marked with children creating their own tree of kindness and exploring ways we can make a positive difference to the mental health of others. Grangers were certainly thinking about ‘flying high’ in a visit from the Midlands Air Ambulance team – we explored a helipad and wore red for the day to raise awareness of the charity.

Our curiosity value was fully ignited in British Science Week. We were lucky enough to have the West End Schools’ company in to do some workshops based around the theme our planet, our future. Grangers learnt how we can reverse some of the damage already done to the planet and become better global citizens to reduce the damage for future generations.

We also began planting to restore an on site garden for use in the summer. We showed our sustainability and resourcefulness by making bird feeders for the garden.

We raised money for Comic Relief by making a donation to wear red.

Grangers across the school continue to ‘shine bright’ and try their best to improve their scores on Spelling Shed and TT Rockstars – there is fierce competition!

Longlands Prima School “

Lisa Millington, Headteacher

Connectwithustofindoutmore aboutourschoolandnursery!

Visit:

longlandsprimaryschool co uk

@LonglandsPrimarySchool

During the Spring term, Longlands Primary S y g constellation of achievements and celebrations. Some of their accomplishments include:

Art Exhibition: Esther, the winner of the Romero Britto art competition, dazzled everyone with her vibrant creativity

Educational Excellence: Ceris Todd completed her HLTA (Higher Level Teaching Assistant) qualification, demonstrating dedication and expertise

Sporting Successes:

The school clinched the YST (Youth Sport Trust) gold award, a testament to their commitment to physical activity and well-being.

The Active Marches basketball team emerged victorious, showcasing their teamwork and skill.

In the County finals, the Key Stage 2 dodgeball team secured an impressive second place a remarkable achievement!

Girls’ Empowerment:

The girls’ football team achieved a historic milestone by securing second place in the biggest-ever football event.

The newly formed Under 9 girls’ team kicked off their journey with a victorious first football match.

Longlands Primary School’s brilliance radiates through their achievements, teamwork, and unwavering spirit. They truly shine bright!

Tilstock CE Primary School

“Rowena Kaminski, Headteacher

2 Year olds will now be able to attend our school!

New community provision - The Tilstock Youth Club in association with the school, and 4All Foundation will open in April. This will provide a much needed venue and engaging activities for the children to enjoy, and continue their learning for life.

PCSO Stephen Robinson is a regular visitor to our Key Stage 2 children to teach them about positive citizenship.

Children have chosen to raise awareness for charities of their choice that have special meaning to their community- this term it was Wear it Purple for Epilepsy which affects two of our children.

One of our children, Rupert, created his own treat bags to sell for Comic Relief. Science week saw our whole school take part in investigations with support from Sir John Talbot’s School’s science teacher Mr. Mannion. Children also completed their own science projects at home to bring in and were judged by Mrs Kaminski and Stephen Mannion.

The children all won free tickets to Chester Zoo so we had a beautiful whole school day at the Zoo!

Piglets and puppies have visited the school to teach our children about community farming and the importance of our values of respect and nurture when looking after our young.

Big Bird Watch for Squirrel Class

Titanic Immersion Day

Pioneer residential

King Charles III wrote to Charlie Sambrook in reply to a letter sent to His Majesty following news of his cancer diagnosis.