June Batley Buzz by primarysite10

The Trust at the heart of the Batley community

June 2024

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 starting point or background, receives a high quality education, including first class care, guidance and support.

Our Infant and Primary News

Exciting visitors

To end their animal topic, we had some very exciting visitors for Year 1, who came into school for an animal workshop. Animal Club UK brought a huge variety of animals for our children to handle and learn lots of facts about.

This was the perfect end to an exciting and informative half term of work. Real life experiences really bring learning to life for our young people. We couldn't believe how many of our learners were confidently handling huge snakes and lizards! We have lots of future vets in the making.

Fit, healthy and ready to learn!

On returning to school after the end of May holidays, our learners were incredibly excited to see that some new gym equipment had been built on the school field. They have really engaged with the new equipment and it has been a huge success!

A Year 2 learner said; "I love the new gym equipment, the best thing is so many of us can use it at once!"

Prehistoric adventures

Reception have been on a journey into the past! They started by exploring their own past, making memory boxes. They had fun playing with old toys, investigating how they work and what they were made from, and how they are different to toys of today. They then went into the distant past and explored the world of the dinosaurs! They loved learning about carnivores, herbivores, their size, what fossils are and how they are formed. They wowed us with some of their model-making and made some ‘roar-some’ artwork.

Well developed physical strength and gross motor skill development is key to becoming great writers. As young people grow, we have to keep creating these opportunities for them, so that we can provide our learners with the strength they need to develop.

Amazing artists

Year 2 have been getting very creative recently, stepping into the amazing world of Barbara Hepworth's artwork! They've been busy designing and making their own masterpieces using paper, blocks and even Lego, to craft beautiful sculptures that represent the special people in their lives.

The classroom has been buzzing with talent and imagination.

Year 6 residential to Caythorpe Hall

Activities such as ziplining, kayaking, archery, wood carving, and abseiling were thoroughly enjoyed by Year 6 during their weekend residential.

For many, it was their first time camping and allowed them to experience campfires as well as independence from their parents/carers. Their positive attitude, resilience, and determination were truly impressive to witness.

Father’s Day Fire Pit

After a successful Father’s Day assembly written and presented by our Year 1 learners, all the dads were encouraged to join our Father’s Day Fire Pit event. The activities included orienteering, learning to use a flint to start a fire, toasting marshmallows, and participating in campfire sing-alongs.

Lions and tigers, and bears - oh my!

Key Stage 1 learners had a wonderful experience at Yorkshire Wildlife Park, where they had the opportunity to observe the animals they have been learning about in their Africa project.

One learner, was in complete awe at the sight of a tiger up-close, stating, "That is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!"

It was a truly fantastic learning opportunity for our young people.

There were 28 participants this yearwhat a wonderful opportunity to bond!

Time for tennis - for Year 4

Year 4 have been busy working on their tennis skills at Batley Sports and Tennis Centre this term - it’s a fantastic facility less than ten minutes from our school. Learners practised their serves and volleys and persevered to improve their techniques and build their confidence. By the end of the session, the young players had not only enhanced their tennis abilities, but also developed a deeper appreciation for the sport and the value of perseverance and sportsmanship.

We may see them at Wimbledon, as future tennis champions!

Year 6 travel to Robinwood

Year 6 embarked on their annual trip to Robinwood, headed for Old School Todmorden - this year’s location. The residential was a superb chance for our young people to build their confidence and leadership abilities by taking part in a variety of experiences outside of the classroom, including rock climbing, canoeing and team-building exercises.

Nestled in a picturesque countryside setting the evenings were filled with campfires, storytelling and enabled our learners to foster deeper bonds with their classmates, whilst making memories before they leave for secondary school. Parents/carers loved seeing the photos of their young ones participating in activities, noting that, “it was like they were right there with them!”. Staff and learners had a great time, despite the rain!

Fun on the Farm

Reception classes went on a fantastic trip to Swithen’s Farm. They had lots of fun learning all about the different farm animals. They fed lots of the animals carrots; brushed and stroked rabbits and guinea pigs; gave lambs milk from a bottle and they even went on a tractor ride!

#LetGirlsPlay

We have been lucky this year to be part of the Premier League Primary School Education Programme and this half term, the Premier League brought the Premier League Trophy to our school! As part of the Communities Kit Scheme, our girls received a whole set of new kits - and don’t they look fabulous in them! It was a treat to also be visited by Kim Leadbeater MBE, who even joined in a football session with the girls!

Learning to dance in the rain!

The weather might not have been what we would have hoped for over the past few weeks, however nothing has stood in the way of us enjoying our Forest School sessions.

Learners in Year 3 and Year 5 have developed their team-building skills as well as their communications skills, working together to build dens.

In addition to this, Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed cooking cinnamon bread over an open fire, using the wood they had collected as skewers - giving them a real taste of the outdoors (no pun intended)!

Our Secondary News

First Give Final

Year 9 learners took part in the First Give Final earlier this month. Each form group selected a charity to support and carried out a range of social action activities to raise awareness. This included poems, songs, competitions, a cake stall food swap with tinned food (foodbank collection), surveys and dramas. They worked closely with their charities which included; Batley Food Bank, Fusion Food Bank, Zarach (working to provide every child with a bed), Pennine Domestic Abuse Partnership, Leeds Womens Aid, Simon on the Streets and Forget Me Not Hospice.

The assessing panel for the final had a representative from First Give, a staff governor, a parent governor and two Year 10 school council members. After reviewing the pitches, the first prize of £1000 was awarded to form group HCO for them to donate to their charity; The Children’s Society. Every form has had a positive impact on their charity to raise awareness of these worthwhile causes.

Charity run for Alzheimer’s Society

On a warm and sunny Wednesday afternoon a group of learners and staff took to the school field for a 1.5k charity run, organised by a Year 10 learner, Lola. Well done to everyone for the time and energy invested to support this worthwhile cause.

Lola said; “I am very grateful to everyone who came along to support a good cause. Especially as it was very tiring!”

Earlier this month, a group of 33 learners from Year 7 through to Year 10, embarked on an educational trip to Eureka, where they participated in an engaging Science Show focused on the digestive system and the significance of maintaining a healthy, well-balanced diet. During the show, they were able to explore how the body absorbs essential vitamins and minerals and learned about the processes involved in waste elimination. They learned about the intricacies of our amazing bodies, discovering how different systems work together to keep us healthy and functional. Through the immersive galleries at Eureka, the learners also had the opportunity to play with sound and light, gaining a deeper appreciation for these fundamental aspects of our world.

Some of our Key Stage 3 learners had a half term filled with adventure and learning. Throughout the week, they took part in a campcraft workshop where they developed survival skills and built shelters. This was followed by a ‘nightline’ activity, which honed their communication and teamwork through a blindfolded assault course. They also took part in a fun wipeout-style assault course, which involved an afternoon of high ropes and climbing.

A highlight, for one particular learner, included; “archery, mountain boarding, and kayaking - especially the campfire and marshmallow toasting at the end of the week!”

Their conduct and teamwork was exemplary, making the trip memorable for everyone, and they should be very proud of their efforts. It was an excellent opportunity to create fond memories and participate in a range of new activities and experiences.

Spen Valley Cricket Festival

Our Year 7 cricket team have played superbly in the recent Spen Valley Cricket Festival. The event took place at Leeds Road playing fields in Huddersfield and our young cricketers won all three of their group stage games. They then beat Heckmondwike Grammar School in the final to bring home the trophy!

Mr Batley, PE teacher, commented “We couldn’t be more proud of them and their achievements and they represented the school brilliantly - a fantastic result!”

Exploring Leeds Art Gallery

Our GCSE artists ventured to Leeds Art Gallery to experience the culture and exhibitions. Learners were able to enhance their knowledge and understanding of local artists, as well as learning new techniques and perspectives for completing their coursework.

Our young people began the day with a workshop conducted by one of the art historians who helped to give them a different perspective when viewing works of art. They used peer assessment techniques to assess sculptures and art pieces and considered the questions they’d each like to ask the artists.

The second half of the study was spent with the art work in the gallery, sketching them for further study for their coursework, which is based on each individual’s theme. It was an eye-opening and inspirational day and they came back with a fresh perspective, as well as some new art supplies purchased from the gift shop!

Visiting University of Leeds

Earlier this term the English department took a group of learners to the University of Leeds to show them what university life looks like. With lectures delivered by experts in the fields of English and History our young people were inspired and the lecturers were in awe of the learners' enthusiasm and answers.

There was also a fantastic tour of the campus, which included the swimming pool and sports facilities. Plus a sneak peek into the student accommodation to get a real insight into student life! It really was a day our young people will remember.

National Reading Champions Final in London

Following our victory at the Yorkshire and Humber National Reading Champions Quiz Heat in March, we headed down to London for the Grand Final at the start of June. The team were very excited, but also quite nervous about their opposition’s knowledge. We visited Waterstones in Piccadilly, which is Europe’s largest bookshop, to spend our vouchers. The final took place at the Victory Services Club, which was an incredible venue. There were eight rounds in total and it was very tense; the questions were very difficult but our team did not give up. Whilst we didn't win, our team performance was excellent and each team member’s focus was just brilliant. We are very proud of their achievements in reaching the grand final.

School Council cycle the Greenway

D-Day Memorial

Earlier this month, three of our learners took part in the D-Day Remembrance Service in Batley Memorial Gardens. Our young people read stories about local servicemen who took part in the D-Day landings, but sadly never returned. They received really positive feedback from other attendees and members of the community, who commented that they read very clearly and respectfully. One of our Year 9 learners said: "I felt very privileged to be able to speak at the event and be a representative of UBHS.”

Just before half-term a group of learners from a range of year groups, all members of the school council, took part in a bike ride on the Spen Valley Greenway to Bradford (which starts in Ravensthorpe) to raise funds for Cancer Research UK.

Our school community and wider local community were extremely generous with their sponsorship and we managed to raise over £650.

This will help to fund the work towards prevention, diagnosis and treatments for cancer; including items as small as the microscope glass slides that are used to analyse cancer cells.

-Written by a Year 8 learner

Our Sixth Form News

Financial planning with Build & Conquer

We were delighted to welcome Build & Conquer for two Financial Education workshops for our Year 12 learners. The sessions provided an introduction to budgeting, typical monthly outgoings, emergency fund tips, creating an emergency fund and budgeting templates. They also covered vital topics such as inflation and the cost of living crisis, payslips and understanding taxes. These sessions are invaluable for our young people to help them prepare for life beyond education, introducing core skills and helping to build their resilience for the future.

Exciting work experience in Medicine

Some Year 12 learners have some exciting work experience to look forward to in the field of medicine.

Mini internships are in the process of being arranged through the Social Mobility Foundation, with one learner being selected for a 5-day internship at St James' Hospital, Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust in July. Seven learners have also been selected for the AIM (Access in Medicine) work experience day based at the Mid-Yorkshire Teaching Trust.

Inspiring the next generation to climb high

Year 12 learners attended Climb24 - the UK’s only festival dedicated to innovation, investment, and collaboration. It’s an annual event that is a celebration of business, linking the founders leading the world’s innovation with the people who will be driven and inspired to become tomorrow's industry leaders. It was brilliant to see so many innovators and businesses exhibiting and seeing our learners network and build confidence.

This fantastic event was held at the magnificent Royal Armouries with some amazing guest speakers including; Gordon Bateman - CEO, Investor Ladder & CRSI, Founder of Climb24; Jake Zim - Senior Vice President of VR (virtual reality) for Sony Pictures Entertainment; Dr. Gary Crotaz, PhD- International Keynote Speaker, Executive Coach, Author and Podcaster; Mandy RidyardFinancial Director, Produmax and Business Advisor to the Mayor of West Yorkshire. Thank you to West Yorkshire Combined Authority for inviting us.

Our Curriculum Enrichment

CCF (Combined Cadet Force) - based at Batley Grammar School.

Developing leadership skills, resilience, confidence and self-esteem.

RAF Leeming visit takes a different slant

On Tuesday 21 May, cadets travelled to RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire to take part in the Air Experience Flight. Unfortunately, the weather was very poor and the cadets were unable to fly. However, the kind staff at RAF Leeming organised some station visits.

Firstly, cadets visited 11 Squadron which is a joint Squadron between the Qatari Air Force and the Royal Air Force. Cadets were shown around the jets in the hanger and were given the opportunity to speak to the pilots currently going through their fast-jet training. They then visited the Defence Fire & Rescue Service who showed the cadets the fire engines and equipment, and they were even given the opportunity to operate the hoses from the cab of the fire engines. Despite not being able to fly, the cadets had an excellent day out and experienced what military life is like for our serving personnel.

Our Staff Superheroes

Craig Johnson

Rehana Dalal

For his superb leadership at Smart Academy and transforming the lives of our most vulnerable learners.

For her commitment to her role of Literacy Coordinator at Manorfield.

She recently secured £3000 of funding to enhance the reading scheme and has also negotiated a considerable discount on the resources needed.

Angie Garside

Attendance officer at UBHS. Angie is truly brilliant each and every day and during the school's recent Ofsted inspection, inspectors could not praise Angie enough for the brilliant work she does. Well done Angie! UBHS has won FFT attendance awards every term, and every year and this is thanks to Angie's tenacious approach.

Trust

Central Team

Nominated by Aman Kang, Headteacher at Upper Batley; for the support UBHS received during the Ofsted inspection.

Curt Farrar and Jo Grogan

For the organisation and overseeing of the brilliant Great Batley Bake Off at Upper Batley High School, as part of the Great Get Together weekend 2024.

Sameeya Patel

For her exceptional performance as a quality nominee and invaluable support with BTEC entries at Batley Girls’ High School.

For the fantastic organisation of the school photo shoot; the staff and learners were brilliant and Rachel’s calm management of the day helped everything to run smoothly.

For stepping in to support others and always offering her support to the staff team at Upper Batley High School.

Debbie Redfearn

Rachel Hand

Our Community Work

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

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.

The Fields Community Spaces at Field Lane and Manorfield

The Fields Community Spaces are situated at two of our primary schools in the heart of the Batley community; Field Lane Junior, Infant and Nursery School and Manorfield Infant and Nursery School.

Both sites have fully equipped spacious professional conference rooms that can be hired out for meetings, training sessions, seminars and workshops.

We are able to host courses and workshops as well as meetings, including: ESOL, baby massage, breastfeeding support, ‘create time for wellbeing’- craft club, phonics training, menopause info-sessions, diabetes info-sessions, eat well for less - cooking course, ‘unwind with gardening’ and more!

Find us at:

Field Lane: Albion Street, Batley, WF17 5AH

Contact The Fields Community Space Administrator: Huda Khan fieldscoordinator@batleymat.co.uk 07497 512801

Manorfield: Manor Way, Batley, WF17 7DQ

Free courses for parents/carers

Are you looking to increase your knowledge and gain a qualification?

We are offering a range of fully funded (free) CACHE accredited Level 2 qualifications for parents/carers. Level 2 is GCSE Grade C equivalent.

Courses are:

● All online

● Take 10-16 weeks to complete (completed at your own pace)

● Are Q&A based

● Tutor support available

● And, you can complete as many as you would like (not more than one at once)

You need to be:

● Aged 19 or above

● Not currently on a government funded course (including Apprenticeships)

● Lived in the EU/UK for the past 3 years

To find out more:

Click the link that relates to your child’s school and fill in the form (it takes less than a minute)

You'll then receive an email with all the course details before you choose whether to enroll.

Subjects include: Understanding Autism, Counselling, Children & Young People’s Mental Health, Mental Health Awareness, Specific Learning Difficulties, Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities, Behaviour that Challenges, Special Education Needs & Disability.

Batley Girls’ High School and BG6 College

Batley Grammar School

Field Lane Junior, Infant and Nursery School

Healey Junior, Infant and Nursery School

Manorfield Infant and Nursery School

Upper Batley High School

Careers work

Huge congratulations to Iffat Ahmad - National Careers Leader

of the Year!

Iffat is Careers Lead and Staff Governor at Batley Girls' High School and BG6 College, and she has been recognised nationally for the absolutely superb work she delivers to our learners about careers and future opportunities.

Iffat was nominated and shortlisted by the Careers Development Institute and attended an awards ceremony at the Museum of Making, in Derby earlier this month. It was a highly competitive event, and Iffat was up against two other incredibly committed individuals to win UK Careers Leader of the Year.

We all know how important it is for our learners to receive information, guidance and support to help them with their future choices and Iffat has provided this for over 25 years. Huge well done, Iffat! We are incredibly fortunate to have you at BGHS, and in our Trust family of schools. Well done.

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