Issuu

The Trust at the heart of the Batley community

February 2025

Edition 6

Our children deserve the best. No child left behind - ever. Every school a great school. Creating remarkable people.

Our Trust Vision

Every young person, regardless of their background or starting point, receives a first-class education, coupled with high-quality care, guidance and support.

Our Infant and Primary News

Making a difference in our Community

This week, our learners have been thinking about ways to make our school and local area safer and cleaner. They identified important issues such as cars driving too fast and littering, then designed eye-catching posters to raise awareness.

In a special assembly, we were joined by Councillor Gwen Lowe and Ashley Fothergill to celebrate their hard work. Thanks to their generous funding, two talented learners were awarded scooters for their winning designs, and many of the fantastic posters will be printed on banners and displayed outside the school, which is very exciting! We are so proud of our learners for taking action to make a positive difference.

Sporting Success at Batley Sports Centre

Some of our learners had an incredible time attending a sports competition at Batley Sports Centre, where they took part in a variety of exciting activities. They showed fantastic resilience and determination, giving their best effort in every challenge. It was a great opportunity to work alongside children from other local schools, and they represented our school brilliantlyespecially with their enthusiasm and teamwork. Well done to everyone who took part!

Thank you Frankster’s!

We would like to say a huge thank you to Frankster’s in Batley for their kind and generous donation.

The money is being put to great use, and so far, we have purchased a wobble board and some soft cushions - both of which are already being enjoyed by our learners.

Their support is truly appreciated, and we are so grateful for their generosity.

Modeshift STARS

We are delighted to have been awarded the Good Modeshift STARS accreditation. Our Year 6 Junior Travel Ambassadors have been working with Toni Wood (School Travel Plan Coordinator) on ways to encourage learners and families to travel to and from school by being more active. They have also organised a 'Park Safe Park Smart' campaign to raise the importance of parking safely outside of school and to not park on the zig zag lines.

ChatBooth Project with Leeds Beckett University

A group of Year 5 and 6 learners visited Leeds Beckett University, as part of the ChatBooth project, which Healey and other BBEST schools are also taking part in. Our learners had the opportunity to further develop their public speaking skills, working with young people from different schools and take part in a variety of workshops, which were delivered by the university lecturers. The workshops included tips on speech writing, debating skills and delivering speeches with the use of voice and hand gestures. Our learners also had the opportunity to go on a tour of the university and speak to first year students.

Out and about in Batley

Early Years have been out and about in Batley! Thank you to Batley Girls’ High School for lending us their minibus and taking us on a tour to the bus station. Star Coaches provided us with a real treat - have you ever been through a coach wash? Well, we have! The children were also excited to go on their first train ride to Huddersfield.

Animal Adventures

Primary phase learners had quite an adventure one afternoon!

We have been for a walk around school on a hunt to find groups of six, seven and eight objects in nature. Whilst we were out, we also spotted some sheep and early lambs!

Helpful Habitats

Reception class have been creating habitats for farm animals as part of their project work.

The children have explored what animals need to survive and thrive considering basic needs for all living creatures. One learner’s habitat even has water “for sheep to drink and wash themselves in”.

Top that! Exploring pancake toppings…

Year 1 had a fun time decorating pancakes with Miss Porter. There was plenty of choice with honey, chocolate spread and fresh fruit.

Miss Porter explained to the learners how honey is made and its many uses, such as for medicinal purposes. They each had the chance to try the delicious pancakes, including all the toppings.

One learner said that, “it was the best day of his life!”.

Wonderful Maths Workshop

Our hall was full of Year 3 and 4 parents/carers for the session and we were thrilled to receive such positive feedback from everyone who attended.

“The teachers present were really helpful and happy to answer any queries the parents/carers had. The educational resources we saw helped us understand how simply yet effectively Maths is being taught at Healey.”

“Ms Maxwell-Strutt is an absolute gem and parents/careers and learners love her alike.”

“Mr Black has been a wonderful addition to the staff this academic year and he is a brilliant teacher. He has a really good rapport with his learners - Year 3 is making good progress under him. I know because my younger son is eager to learn Maths!”

ChatBooth Project

Our Year 5 and Year 6 learners are taking part in the ChatBooth project with Leeds Beckett University, along with Field Lane. They visited the Headingley campus, together with other BBEST schools and took part in drama and oracy workshops to improve their public speaking abilities. What a fantastic day they had! Their three minute speeches were developed and they look forward to the next stage in speaking publicly, with confidence and pride in their abilities. Many are also now inspired to continue working hard, with the hope of attending university one day.

Blue and White for Breakfast Club

We were pleased to support Huddersfield Town Football Association (HTAFC) by wearing blue and white to raise funds for the continued sponsorship of our Breakfast Club. Huddersfield Town enable us to provide a FREE breakfast club to anyone who wishes to attend. Running from 7.45–8.30am each morning, our breakfast club benefits learners by providing a healthy breakfast; being at school on time; supporting daily attendance and it helps working parents.We would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to HTAFC for their continued support.

The Great Winter

Get Together

This annual event, unites our community. It was a great success with residents from Charles Jones Court, parents/carers and learners all enjoying the afternoon tea celebration.What a brilliant way for everyone to spend a cold Thursday afternoon!

Our Secondary News

Inspiring historical events bring research to life

Year 9 history learners have been conducting research in groups about a significant event from the past. The learners selected their own topics so an interesting variety of events were chosen, across a wide time span, from the building of the Pyramids to the 1995 Srebrenica genocide.

As well as independent research each group created a model, or diorama, to showcase their event. As you can see from the photographs a great amount of time and effort went into their production. All the groups then presented their findings to their class and winners were selected from each. Well done to all learners involved, your attitude to your learning and effort has been fantastic.

Year 10 trip to the House of Commons

A group of Year 10 learners had a very early start to travel down to London to experience a tour of parliament.

Those interested in attending had to write a speech about an issue that was important to them and the standard was very high to gain a place on the trip. Learners received a tour of both the House of Commons and House of Lords.

There was also a little time to some of the famous London landmarks, including Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.

Employer visit with Arup

Year 10 learners (along with Year 12 BG6 learners) interested in civil and structural engineering, design and architecture, visited Arup to hear from Structural Engineers, Civil Engineers. They also learned about Apprenticeship opportunities with BAM UK & Ireland.

It was fantastic for them to see an onsite project in Huddersfield and learn about the roles involved as well as the career journeys and pathways to get there - you can’t be what you can’t see.

BAE Systems School Roadshow

BAE Systems, along with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, visited Batley Grammar School to deliver their STEM Roadshow to our Year 8 learners. The roadshow is an interactive experience designed to inspire and engage learners in STEM subjects by demonstrating the practical application of technological and scientific concepts into real life scenarios. This year the focus of the roadshow was Artificial Intelligence (AI). With the help of a robot called Lexi, learners created songs and music videos. It was an excellent workshop and the feedback was very positive from both learners and colleagues.

Year 8 and 9 talk about communication

A group of Year 8 and 9 learners took part in an oracy workshop focused on developing confidence and skills to be able to deliver a speech to their peer group.

Run by Talk the Talk, learners engaged in a range of activities to help them step out of their comfort zone and develop the skills needed for public speaking. Then, at the end of the session, each learner delivered a short speech on a subject they are passionate about.

Progression in both year groups was evident and it was wonderful to see so many learners, who had initially said they did not have the confidence to speak publicly, speak with confidence and pride.

Bank of England Workshop for Year 10

Before half term we welcomed a special guest, Ralph Cooke, from the Bank of England who came in to speak to our Year 10 Business Studies group. The workshop was very informative providing learners with great detail about the roles and responsibilities of the Bank of England.

Learner behaviour was exemplary and they asked many questions related to different roles, career pathways and apprenticeships. The really riveting questions from learners began when Ralph revealed that the Bank of England currently stores 400,000 gold bars in their nine underground vaults!

Ralph was very impressed with our learners and has promised to visit us again. Hopefully we will also be able to arrange a visit for the learners to see the different departments of the Bank of England, but not the vaults, as they are always protected under heavy security!

Badminton Tournament

Our Year 7 learners have competed in their first badminton tournament at Appleton Academy. They were true role models for the school. All eight learners displayed their advanced skills, resilience and team spirit.

Introducing Creative Careers

We recently took a group of 60 Year 9 and 10 learners to visit the Academy of Live Technology, a world-renowned Creative Industries Specialist University, who offer courses in Live Events Production, Live Visual Design and Production, and Stage Production and Management.

Learners spent the day exploring the campus, which is located at Production Park, Wakefield, including the two stadium sized studios where bands, touring theatre shows and TV productions come to create, innovate, experiment and rehearse. Our young people really enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk to designers, artists, technicians, producers and managers.

Many said they didn’t realise the opportunities and careers available in the creative sector, especially within Yorkshire itself, and a few commented how it was a pathway they could see themselves taking.

It's vital that we show our young people as many options as possible for their futures as we know; you can't be what you can't see.

Our Sixth Form News

Year 13 wellbeing session

Year 13s experienced an enrichment session focussed on wellbeing and coping with exam stress. The session helped them to look at different ways of learning, tips for coping with exam stress, looking after yourself, where to access support, and wellbeing and exercise.

All learners left with a wellbeing and exam care bag containing: BG6 stress ball, inspirational keyring, mindfulness colouring book and coloured pencils. Plus, stationery including: notebook, pen, highlighters, post-it notes and flash cards for revision purposes.

RAISED in Yorkshire Conference

Dentistry project that supports mentoring and Oral health promotion activities RAISED In Yorkshire (RiY) has been codesigned with young people from BGHS, academics, dental students, and teaching staff to give Year 12 learners have the opportunity to act as ‘peer mentors’ delivering oral health workshops to younger learners. Our Year 12 recently graduated from this prestigious programme.

They shared the brilliant story of Sarah al Amiri, from the United Arab Emirates, who is now one of the world’s leading figures in space exploration. Showcasing how she represents that women have a well deserved role in aspiration science and space careers, and that ultimately, every girl can achieve if they believe and work hard. They were so impressed with our learners they have offered to come back to do further work on personal statements and interview techniques.

Our BG6 Enrichment Programme has been an exciting and valuable experience for our learners. We are currently finishing our British Sign Language course, which has helped us develop essential communication skills and a greater understanding of the Deaf community. Next, we will be focusing on key life skills, including effective communication, budgeting, and overall wellbeing. These sessions are designed to equip learners with practical knowledge that will support them in both their personal and professional lives, ensuring they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Applications now open! Apply to BG6 here

Our Staff Superheroes

Anna Bradnum, Joanne Chamberlain, Katie Spence, Kiara Laher, Matthew Parkin and Nusrat Laher

Jane Jackson

Lindsay McLean

Olivia Fluck

Huge congratulations to colleagues from Batley Girls’ High School, Batley Grammar School, Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School and Upper Batley High School for successfully completing their NPQs (National Professional Qualifications).

Your hard work, dedication and commitment is superb, and developing evidence-informed practice is so important in our schools as we provide a great education for all our young people.

Well done and congratulations on your success!

For her work at Healey. Jane and the brilliant Anna Bradnum are embedding PiXL strategies, assessments and therapies to close learning gaps and ensure every learner achieves great outcomes.

Lindsay is the Trust's Director of People and Talent and she always works hard to help and support others. Lindsay gives her time generously, she has a big smile, a warm heart, and is full of kindness and compassion. Thank you Lindsay for all you do to help and support others.

Olivia is Head of RE at UBHS, but her work doesn’t stop there. She is consistently supporting others and delivering brilliant work on RE across West Yorkshire.

At Manorfield, we are incredibly lucky to have Nasima in our team. Teaching in Year 1, she is dedicated to giving our learners the best possible start. Nasima is a true team player who is always willing to try new ideas, adapt to different ways of thinking, and support those around her. Her passion and commitment shine through in everything she does. She really is one in a million!

Michelle Barker Michelle deserves recognition for her outstanding ability to effectively manage various responsibilities, including the seamless coordination of trips, cover, and data management.

Nasima Karolia

Our Community Work …

really means a lot to us, and we see our Trust and our schools at the very heart of our community. Community Makes Us and it is the unity in community that matters.

Support for trainee teachers across Yorkshire

Brilliant Batley Breakfast at Field Lane

Field Lane School hosted the Batley Breakfast event and what a great morning it was!

Learners opened the event with a cardio workout courtesy of Mr Hamilton's Desktop Drumming. We then heard why Field Lane is so special and how our learners flourish and develop during their time there. The Headteacher, Ms Towers-Islam talked about the importance of being a good and kind human being and, for those that know Field Lane School, know just how embedded this is within the school's culture. What a truly fabulous place!

We also had a tour of the site and saw some fantastic Spaces for our young people including; The Sensory Room, The Blossoms room, The Hive, The Busy Bees and The Den.

We ended the tour in Early Years where we saw a number of keen vets attending to poorly animals, wrapping bandages and issuing prescriptions! The class are eagerly awaiting the arrival of new chicks who are due to hatch any day now. Spring is definitely on the way!

We have a team of experts within our staff teams across our Trust family of schools who deliver training and provide support for trainee teachers across Yorkshire. This includes leading subject-specific days for Geography, History and Art, which we were selected to lead on.

All three high schools in our Trust family are also involved in the new Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) days reaching over 30 other trainee teachers with vital support.

Batley Girls’ raise money for Batley Food Bank

Following discussions with learners, as part of learner voice, Batley Girls’ held a themed non-uniform day on Friday 14 February. Staff and learners wore something red to reflect a day that celebrates community, respect and belonging, and raised over £250 for Batley Food Bank.

The Fields Community Spaces at Field Lane and Manorfield

Coming soon…

From Tuesday 4 March 2025

Outdoor activities group

We are excited to announce a new community project in collaboration with S2R, which will take place at Manorfield School weekly at 2:00-3:45 pm.

This initiative will involve activities such as creating clay coasters, weaving, preparing our own jerk seasoning, and engaging in gardening. If any participants are parents/carers, they can bring their little ones along for them to join in the sessions.

Tiny Readers

On Tuesdays 9-10am, we will be offering storytime with a range of books including; Peace At Last by Jill Murphy, The Tiger Who Came to Tea - Judith Kerr, We're Going On A Bear Hunt - Michael Rosen, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle and Jasper's BeanstalkNick Butterworth.

Contact The Fields Community Space Administrator for more information or to let us know what you’d like to see: Huda Khan

fieldscoordinator@batleymat.co.uk

07497 512801

Find us at:

Field Lane: Albion Street, Batley, WF17 5AH

Manorfield: Manor Way, Batley, WF17 7DQ

Careers: the golden thread

Essential Skills

Spotlight on: Speaking

Speaking can sometimes be an undervalued skill, but in a digital age speaking isn’t as commonplace as we might think.

This is why it’s important for all the schools in our Trust family to provide platforms and opportunities for our young people to develop their oracy and speaking skills in a range of ways.

Including; speaking at events in front of their peers and adults at events and with external partners, taking part in mock interviews and various group activities as part of the curriculum and extracurricular activities such as performances.

Developing speaking skills is vital for the futures of all our young people and in addition it builds confidence in their abilities, and themselves.

Great Governance

Our Trust is governed by three key layers: Members, Trustees and Governors

Members are custodians of the Trust. They have a hands-off role in terms of managing the Trust and act as a ‘check and balance’ on the performance of the Multi Academy Trust.

Batley Multi Academy Trust is a legal entity and our Board of Trustees have collective accountability and responsibility for the Trust, assuring themselves that there is compliance with regulatory, contractual and statutory requirements. The Board of Trustees provide:

● Strategic leadership of the Trust

● Accountability and assurance

● Engagement

Trustees must apply the highest standards of conduct, adhering to the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan Principles), ensure robust governance and effective financial management.

All of the schools in our Trust family have Local Governing Boards - these boards are made up of Co-opted Governors, Parent/Carer Governors and Staff Governors.

Our Governors play a key role, alongside our Board of Trustees, and act as the ‘custodians of culture’ and the ‘caretakers of promoting and celebrating their school’s uniqueness’. There are no formal qualifications required for a role in Governance, simply a passion and desire to support the young people of Batley and the wider school community. We are looking for great team players, and people with a forward thinking, solution-focused approach.

Are you interested in finding out more about governance?

Across our Trust family of schools, we currently have the following vacancies:

5 Co-opted Governors

3 Trustees

1 Member

If you are interested or know of anyone who is, please contact Laura Bland on:

governance.professional@batleymat.co.uk

Our family of schools Works closely with the BBEST Hub.

Take a look at their website for details of local services, support and activities.

Our wider links

We are proud to lead the Yorkshire Rose Teaching Partnership - providing high quality primary and secondary teacher training in West Yorkshire. This consortium includes 15 local schools, Exceed SCITT and local Higher Education Institutions.

Our schools play a key role in the Calderdale & Kirklees Teaching School Hub. This Hub offers support to over 400 schools across our region. The purpose of the hub is to provide high-quality professional development for teachers and

We are proud to partner with the Global Equality Collective. We are working with them to support our approach to inclusion for staff and learners, driven by our belief that no child should be left behind, ever.

Support & advice for parents/carers and families

Childnet International has produced a very informative resource for parents/carers to help you keep your child safe online: www.childnet.com/resources/parent-and-carer-toolkit/ For young people;

Childline

Providing help & support for under 18s.

0800 11 11 www.childline.org.uk