Issue 12
Marches Academy Trust Vision and Values
A Message from the CEO We have reached the end of a fantastic term where students and staff across the Trust have worked incredibly hard. Our three new schools have settled in well to the Trust and it is exciting to see the sharing of best practice and a range of working parties all striving to ensure our students get the best from their education. Our Year 11 students have recently taken part in their mock exams and now can take the opportunity to reflect on these over the Christmas period and prepare for the final 6 months of their secondary education when they return in January. We are proud that most of our students continue their education with us in one of our Sixth Forms which offers a seamless transition from secondary to further education. The Trust’s middle leaders have recently attended a conference to enhance their knowledge on a range of key areas to share with their colleagues to ensure we are at the forefront of new developments in teaching and learning. I continue to spend a lot of time visiting our schools, interacting with our students, parents and staff. This allows me to see first-hand, the fantastic attitude to learning displayed across our family of schools. I also hear that so many of our students are hugely successful at a vast array of extracurricular activities representing our Trust at school, national and international levels. I wish you all a relaxing and restful festive break and look forward to welcoming our students back in January.
Sarah Longville CEO The Marches Academy Trust
A Message from the Chair of Trustees Our Academy Trust now comprises eight schools, additionally we have a primary school that has applied to join with a planned date of April next year. This represents very significant growth over the past eighteen months and we have needed to keep under review our management and governance structures to ensure that they meet the needs of this rapid growth in size and complexity. Consequently, significant changes have been made at executive and management level by the appointment of Sarah Longville as the dedicated Chief Executive, and by appointing David O’Toole as Deputy Chief Executive - whilst also maintaining his role as Headteacher at Sir John Talbot’s School. Of equal importance, a number of our most skilled teachers are being used to provide support and development across the Trust in their respective specialist areas. Overall the size of our Trust has reached the critical mass - which means that we have the resources to provide this very important teacher to teacher, professional to professional, support across the Trust. This was a key principle behind our establishing ourselves as a Multi Academy Trust. Thank you to all of you who are contributing to the success of our schools, and for those of you who voluntarily give your time to support our schools for the enduring benefit of the young people. On behalf of all the Trustees our best wishes to everyone, have a great Christmas.
Arthur Walpole Member and Chair of the Board of Trustees The Marches Academy Trust
Trust Members and Trustees The Marches Academy Trust is governed by the Board of Trustees. Trustees are appointed by the members.
Members
Anna Burgess
Robert Forrester
David Griffiths
Bob Pearson
Trustees
Arthur Walpole Arthur Walpole Chair Chair
Alex Fry Vice Chair
Catherine Bennett
Stuart Cowper
David Griffiths
Revd Canon Judy Hunt
Mark Liquorish
Sarah Longville CEO
Arthur Walpole
Associate Staff: Shared Services Team
Julia Hipkiss Trust HR Officer
Governance
Facilities
Human Resources
Joanne Jones Trust Business Director
Sheila Smith Personnel and Administration Assistant
Marketing
Attendance
Enrichment
Hayley Alldridge Charlotte Smith Head of Marketing Marketing & PR and Brand Assistant
Victoria Jones Director of Trust Governance/ Clerk to the Trust’s Board
Emma Swindley Paige Weetman Enrichment Enrichment Assistant Officer
Andy Lowe Family Support and Attendance Officer
Finance
Gareth Bridges Trust Finance Director
Alice Wynne Management Accountant
Karen Evans Finance Officer
Amy Gilbert Finance Assistant
Rachell Giles Beth Richards Finance Finance Assistant Assistant
Continued Professional Development Focus “I am currently studying for my CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) qualification, which involves sixteen exams progressing in difficulty as you go through each level. It is a really fantastic business qualification to have which is globally recognised. The content is varied and has touched on areas of HR, Marketing, Law, IT and Leadership to name just a few topics and not just numbers! The Marches Academy Trust have sponsored me for my last three exams which is enabling me to progress rapidly and I am currently waiting for the results from exam number twelve. I can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel now after studying for a number of years and cannot wait to become qualified!”
Alice Wynne Management Accountant
Alliance of Leading Learning New Partnership Announcement The Alliance of Leading Learning is proud to announce their new partnership with The British School Netherlands – producing an international national professional qualification for Headteachers. The i NPQH is globally unique as it brings the National Professional Qualification, authorised by the DfE in the UK, to an extensive leadership programme that firmly weaves the “I” for international throughout. Delegates are already signing up from across Europe bearing testament to the established reputations of the Alliance of Leading Learning and The International Leadership Academy (part of The British School Netherlands). Liz Free, Director of the ILA, commented, “Core to our mission and approach in the International Leadership Academy, is that we believe professional learning and development should be purposefully designed to meet the specific needs of international school staff and impactful for the students in our care. For this reason, we take an approach where we identify world-leading programmes that we then adapt for our contexts. We are pleased to have selected the UK Department for Education recognised National Professional Qualification delivered through an extended programme to firmly weave the international dimension throughout. We are delighted to partner with the Alliance of Leading Learning to co-design this provision as we look to fully support existing and aspiring Headteachers across the world.” Cavelle Priestley-Bird, Executive Director for ALL, “The Alliance of Leading Learning is excited to be working in partnership with The International Leadership Academy, The British School Netherlands – co-writing and delivering an exclusive new international leadership programme for Headteachers. This new venture crafting the iNPQH is globally unique and combines the established reputations of the Alliance of Leading Learning and the International Leadership Academy. This powerful partnership will provide the gold standard professional learning we provide in the UK to our European School leaders ensuring positive impact back in their schools.”
Agents of Change Conference The recent Agents of Change Conference was held over two days to enable delegates to work together as a team to drive a shared vision and consistency across The Marches Academy Trust, whilst more importantly giving them the opportunity to meet each other, network and share best practice. Investing in our leaders who are ‘The Engine Room of Change’ is important as we want to support them in professional learning, acquiring skills and becoming change agents that confidently drive our schools forward. There has been 100% positive feedback from the two days - attendee Hugh Jackson, MAT Literacy Coordinator commented, “It was a really positive experience to see the Marches Academy Trust investing in its staff to drive effective school development forward. The opportunity to meet and support colleagues from other schools was a highlight of the conference and proved beyond doubt the breadth of knowledge and passion for learning that our staff at The Marches Academy Trust have for our communities”.
Spotlight On Learning - Marking a Change Traditional marking within pupil books can give pupils, teachers and parents a tangible view of the learning journey but is this marking pivotal, transformational or motivational? Working collaboratively across The Marches Academy Trust we researched how students learn most effectively and changed our approach to marking in order to increase student engagement and maximise potential. We believe that pupils need to be exposed to a variety of feedback methods that promote thinking skills, independence and resilience in the classroom; that actively engage pupils in learning journeys. Effective marking is an essential component of the education process. ‘At its heart, it is an interaction between teacher and pupil: a way of acknowledging pupils’ work, checking the outcomes and making decisions about what teachers and pupils need to do next, with the primary aim of driving pupil progress.’ Dawn Copping (independent marking policy review group DfE). At Marches Academy Trust we believe this can be achieved effectively without extensive written dialogue or commentary. We have developed a toolkit of ten live marking strategies that enable pupils and teachers to work together to increase engagement in the learning process and maximise learning opportunities within the classroom. These strategies will not always be evident in pupil books but are used extensively and skilfully by teachers, access leaders and pupils in our classrooms.
Marking and feedback is consistent with our school and trust policy, which caters for different subjects and different age groups of pupils in different ways, in order to be effective and efficient in promoting learning. Deep marking is a generic term used to describe a process whereby teachers provide written feedback to pupils offering guidance with a view to improving or enhancing the future performance of pupils. We use Yellow Box Marking as a form of deep marking. Pupils are expected to respond in writing to the guidance which in turn is verified by the teacher. A learning dialogue is in evidence.
Spotlight On Learning - Marking a Change
Accepting work that pupils have not checked sufficiently and then providing extensive feedback detracts from pupils’ responsibility for their own learning, particularly in editing and drafting skills. Pupils should be taught and encouraged to check their own work by understanding the success criteria, presented in an age appropriate way, so that they complete work to the highest standard.
Pupils often use mini white boards to record their responses. They hold these up and the teacher can not only very quickly gauge understanding but also the pace necessary to move the lesson on. It provides a highly effective tool for a whole class check.
#togetherwegrow
Spotlight On Learning - Marking a Change
Students are given the opportunity in lessons to judge the quality of work being produced by themselves or their peers. The teacher establishes a climate whereby students are able to recognise good quality processes and progress. This strategy works effectively in pairs and provides opportunities for students to reflect on HOW they learn. ‘Student-engaged assessment involves students in understanding and investing in their own growth. It builds the independence, critical thinking skills, perseverance and selfreflective understanding students need for college and careers’ Ron Berger In The Marches Academy Trust we are aiming to grow successful creative lifelong learners who participate in a journey of self discovery. They know how to learn, acquire skills and feel safe to take risks with confidence and courage. Our most recent developments in independent study, curriculum design and marking approaches all contribute to our high aspirations for all pupils in the Trust.
#togetherwegrow
Guest British Army speaker Students from The Marches School, Sir John Talbot’s School and The Grove School, were fortunate enough to welcome Lieutenant Colonel Sulle Alhaji into each of their schools on Thursday 7th November. Lieutenant Colonel Sulle Alhaji talked to the students about his life and career in the British Army. He shared his interesting story of overcoming adversity, social mobility, bullying, dealing with dyslexia and more. Having travelled all the way from Surrey that morning, he delivered an inspirational, engaging, energetic and often humorous presentation, which was well received by all students. At the end of the presentation the students had plenty of opportunity to ask various questions and gain information about careers in the British Army.
Sixth Form provision Our Sixth form provision across the Trust is one that is becoming more popular with students as they embrace the challenging, inspiring, hard work, educational, extra-curricular, rewarding and fun elements. Having the opportunity to learn independently but with experts on hand to support is a benefit students are really attracted to when applying for the next step in their education after GCSEs. Our 360 degree approach to education means students benefit from excellent academic and pastoral support plus an exciting range of extra-curricular activities designed to help each individual flourish. As a Trust, our Sixth Form provision is stronger, more collaborative and delivers more for the students than ever as we share experts and resources across the family of Sixth Forms. For two years, our students become part of the friendly community and have support from professionals to develop transferable skills including interview techniques, employability and teamwork. Alongside this they have help with exploring the next steps after Sixth Form with careers advice, apprenticeship guidance and university application support. Extensive extra-curricular activities are a huge attraction for students as they get to take part in some incredible experiences whilst interacting with students from Sixth Forms across the Trust building lifelong friendships.
Psychology Conference On Thursday 21st November, over 100 Students from Thomas Adams School, Sir John Talbot’s School, Oswestry School, The Grove School, Moreton Hall and The Marches School attended a Psychology Conference at The Marches School. Representatives from Aberystwyth University, Wrexham Glyndwr University, University of Chester, University of Chester in Shrewsbury and Liverpool Hope University were also in attendance to deliver a wide range of psychology based workshops and presentations. The sessions were focused on the theme of ‘Well-being’ as The Marches School recognises how important this is for learning and thriving. The thought provoking sessions allowed students to not only further their psychology subject knowledge, but to find out more about the many excellent universities locally. Workshops included ‘Exploring resilience: what does it really mean?’, 'A balanced approach to well-being', ‘Superstitions and stress as a coping mechanism’, ‘Mindfulness and well-being’, 'It gets better: Life beyond A-levels' and ‘How humour can enhance well-being’. Each student attended four workshops and also had chance to network with workshop leaders. A huge well done to Dr Julie Leoni, Psychology Teacher at The Marches School for organising such a fantastic event, she comments, “Our vision for the conference was to create a centre of excellence for psychology in Oswestry. The Marches school is lucky enough to have outstanding training facilities and it is a pleasure to bring together staff and students from local schools to develop their knowledge of psychology. We want to develop a community of psychology professionals and enthusiasts as we believe that psychology is not only an A Level subject, but a tool which can help us all develop our relationships, our mental health and our potential as human beings and nothing can be more important than that”.
Transition event for Tilstock School pupils This term, Tilstock CE Primary School pupils visited Sir John Talbot’s School for a transition event where they baked up a storm! The Tilstock pupils had a fun time with Sir John Talbot’s Design and Technology Teacher Mrs Barlow. The pupils split into two groups, working through the recipes to create savoury Egyptian flat breads and sweet Egyptian cookies. They then proceeded to complete a hieroglyphic word puzzle to round off the Egyptian theme. To conclude the morning the pupils got the chance to eat their delicious creations! This was a great opportunity for Talbot Class to experience secondary school in preparation for next year.
Tilstock CE Primary School receive funds Tilstock CE Primary School have recently received a number of generous donations from local community organisations. The primary school received £500 from the Tilstock PCC and a further £500 from the Rotary Club in Whitchurch. This has enabled staff to develop the grounds of the Forest School area and purchase much needed resources to deliver weekly Forest School sessions. As well as teaching children about the natural world, Forest School will enrich the pupils’ curriculum, through the development of fine motor skills, problem solving skills, teamwork and communication. On Wednesday 20th November, Tilstock welcomed Peggy Mullock, President of Whitchurch Rotary Club into school, who said, “It was fantastic to visit today and see the pupils enjoying the newly developed Forest School area. Whitchurch Rotary are pleased to be able to help Tilstock CE Primary School enhance their Forest School, which will provide not only enrichment and incentive to the children, but act as a useful learning tool in which the pupils can develop their motor skills.” The Horseshoes Pub in Tilstock, also kindly donated £100 for the development of a Nurture Room. This is accessed by all pupils in the school to promote the use of the school’s ‘Rest Easy’ programme, which focuses on well-being and mindfulness by providing pupils with a relaxing and quiet space. Tilstock CE Primary School would like to say a big thank you to all their donors. Their generosity has allowed Tilstock to fund these fantastic new facilities which will be a real benefit to their pupils going forwards.
Sir John Talbot’s Site Manager awarded ‘Whitchurch Citizen of the Year’ Assistant site manager Keith Robinson at Sir John Talbot’s School has been named as the 2019 ‘Whitchurch Citizen of the Year’. Whilst on holiday during the summer, Keith came across a young child who needed his help. The child had stopped breathing and required immediate first aid. Keith immediately took control of the situation and revived the lifeless child whose parents were understandably very distraught. Due to the extensive training that Keith had due to being part of the Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, it is safe to say, he saved this young child’s life. As a Trust, we are extremely proud of Keith and the actions he took – an incredible role model to the school and the Fire Service. Keith himself says it is a honour to receive the award and that he had a great time switching on the Christmas lights in Whitchurch. “I am obviously really pleased; it is an honour to be recognised. I’ve done a lot of work for the community but saving this child’s life is something you look back on to realise how important the actions I took that day were”.
Grange Primary School pupils sing on the radio The Grange Primary School were contacted to take part in an initiative by BBC Radio Shropshire. Pupils from across Shropshire took part in performing parts of George Ezra’s song ‘Shotgun’. The team from the radio station visited a number of schools in order to compile footage to make a Shropshire schools video of pupils performing the song. Pupils sang and danced to the song whilst the team from BBC Radio Shropshire filmed and recorded their efforts. A video was then compiled showing all of the schools that took part and The Grange Primary School took a lead role in the video with lots of coverage throughout. The Breakfast Show played the audio of the children singing along, which got a great reception from the radio listeners. The pupils were all fantastic and had really great fun; we definitely have little stars in the making! Mrs Summers, Headteacher comments, “I am so proud of the pupils and their engaging effort. They all performed really well after learning the words to the song. It was great to see The Grange Primary School feature on the radio”.
New enrichment facilities prove a hit at Longlands Longlands Community Primary School has developed its allotment and social farm area this year with some great new additions. The chickens and guinea pigs join the resident dog at the school providing the pupils with the experience of having pets. The pupils care for the animals which includes feeding them and looking after the area they live in. Pupils use the time in the social farm area to enhance parts of the curriculum as well as taking some time out to relax and sit with the animals. The sensory element has enabled the school to create time and space for pupils when they need some reflection time. This enhancement to the curriculum has proved hugely successful with not just the pupils but parents, carers and members of the community who all play an active role in the upkeep of the social farm.
The Marches School educate on County Lines This term The Marches School addressed the issue of County Lines and the risks to young people in Oswestry and the surrounding areas head on, with performances on raising awareness of child criminal exploitation. AlterEgo Creative Solutions performed a ‘County Lines’ production, based on real life, that proved highly effective in raising awareness of child criminal exploitation in young people. The show was shown to all year groups, which was a first for the production cast. They commented, “We normally perform to one or two year groups, it was amazing that we got to perform to the whole school and a community showing for parents, carers and member of the public”. The performance demonstrated a real life scenario on how young people are recruited for County Lines. It showed how the gangs and organised criminal groups work to ‘recruit’ young people and how to recognise the signs then what to do. Following sponsorship from STAR Housing and The Walker Trust, The Marches School was able to host a free performance for the public to show them how County Lines gangs work and what they can do to help protect young people.
Shrewsbury Academy students impress at School Games Shrewsbury Academy Year 9 leaders took part in delivering a variety of activities to primary school pupils as part of a recent School Games Day. The students demonstrated a positive attitude throughout and were very mature in their approach. All of the leaders were responsible for setting up the events, as well as playing a vital role in delivering the different activities such as Dodgeball and Indoor Athletics throughout the day. They took charge of the primary school pupils in Key Stage 2 and assisted the children in order to help them develop their skills. The students also helped with stewarding the event, by monitoring and recording the goings on of the competition. All of the students were a credit to Shrewsbury Academy and demonstrated a positive influence to all. Building on this, they will now go onto their next leadership event planned in January. All of the leadership that they do, is completely voluntary and has required dedication, perseverance and willingness to work under pressure.
Remembrance Day All the schools within The Marches Academy Trust paid their respects to the fallen on Remembrance Day through a variety of activities. Students from The Marches School walked with many other local organisations and members of the community through Oswestry Town Centre. The school designed a wreath formed from individual poppies, which were created by every KS3 student. The Head Boy and Head Girl from the Year 11 Leadership Team then set down the wreath to mark the school’s respect. Sir John Talbot’s students who are in the Army Cadets, Air Cadets, Scouts and Guides along with ex-military staff were invited to gather around the Cenotaph in the School Hall. Outfitted in full uniform they laid a wreath in commemoration to the fallen whilst names of fallen students who participated in the wars were recited. The Grove School marked Remembrance Day with students participating in a 2-minute silence to reflect on those who courageously lost their lives both in conflicts from the past and the present. Students from Year 7 contributed to a wonderful display of artwork, poems and letters of thanks to honour the occasion. Shrewsbury Academy put on a fantastic poppy remembrance exhibition and students Josh Jones, Shay Harris and Dillon Hodge were joined by Gnr Tudor from 26th Regiment Royal Artillery. Tilstock CE Primary School visited Tilstock War Memorial where readings of prayer took place before listening to ‘The Last Post’. The children laid a remembrance wreath and took part in a 2-minute silence to remember local soldiers, before proceeding to Christ Church in Tilstock to listen to readings from staff and prayers from the children. Lower Heath CE Primary School held a Remembrance Service for pupils, parents and school governors. They were honoured to welcome special guest veteran Harry West into school, who kindly gave up his time to tell his courageous story and answer questions from the pupils. Pupils in Owl Class also read a beautiful poem they wrote about a fallen soldier. Longlands Community Primary School held a Remembrance Assembly with special guests David Smith and members of the Royal Navy. Students participated in laying the school wreath at Market Drayton Remembrance Parade and paying their respects along with members of the local community. The Grange Primary School held a Remembrance Service outside which featured a 2-minute silence, which all pupils participated in. The school sold British Legion items in the school reception and raised a fantastic £149.25! The pupils also crafted poppies, creating a wonderful display to mark the occasion.
T. 01691 664400 | E. trustadmin@mmat.co.uk W. www.marchesacademytrust.co.uk