Post on 18-Aug-2020
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Woodland Academy Trust
Members’ Newsletter
Summer 2016
Knockhall Academy to join our Trust Family The Trust is pleased to announce that the Department for Education has approved the Trust’s application to sponsor Knockhall
Academy in Greenhithe. This agreement is testament to the hard work and dedication of every member of staff, along with the
continued support of our parents and carers in our schools, that we have been given the opportunity to welcome Knockhall Academy
into our Trust family.
We are delighted that every one of our staff has been given the opportunity to share their expertise and excellent practices for the
benefit of the children and their families joining us.
Knockhall Academy will join our Trust on 1st January 2017 and we will be working closely with the school during the Autumn term
to ensure a smooth transition for the children’s learning.
Lime Wood Free School’s Journey continues The Department for Education approved the Trust’s application to open Lime Wood Free School, a new
primary school for Bexley, earlier this year.
Lime Wood, which is due to open in September 2018, will cater initially for a Reception cohort of children
with increasing capacity for children aged 5-11 years.
It is intended that the Lime Wood Free School curriculum will be very much based upon the
ecological and conservation principles on which the entire site is due to be developed. It will be
designed to promote children’s independence as learners and to provide them with the motivation
and skills to succeed, whatever their circumstances. Given the wonderful setting, and ecological
environment, a major part of our curriculum will be based on an outdoor and adventure theme. The
proposed site sits within an area dominated by housing, road links and industry, and is essentially an
oasis within the community.
Lime Wood will inspire all children through the use of the outdoors and strive for everyone to achieve qualifications in a wide range
of adventure pursuits; opportunities they would be unlikely to have access to otherwise. The Trust is passionate about serving the
children and their families in Bexley by ensuring outstanding provision and outstanding outcomes for every child within this community.
National Leader of Education The Trust is delighted that Mrs Angela Barry was chosen as an
inspirational leader to be a part of the celebration for the alumni
exhibition at the University of Greenwich.
Professor David Maguire, Vice-Chancellor of the university said:
“The alumni featured in this exhibition come from many walks of life
and disciplines: all are successful and inspirational. They have agreed to
share their stories so that current students can understand how to
achieve their dreams, strive for excellence and keep going in the face of
whatever challenges they may confront.”
Interim CEO, Lilac Sky Schools Academy Trust Mrs Barry, in her capacity as a National Leader of Education, was
chosen by the Regional Schools’ Commissioner to support Lilac Sky
Schools Academy Trust as their Interim CEO. Mrs Barry has been
instrumental in the rebrokering of the schools to new sponsors in the
best interests of the children and their outcomes.
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Pupil Premium Award Winners 2016 The staff and children were delighted to receive a letter from Minister Sam Gyimah
congratulating the school on winning a Pupil Premium Award 2016 for raising
aspirations and ensuring disadvantaged pupils have fulfilled their potential. The school
was selected for the award as being one of the most improved schools in the country
in terms of attainment and progress for its disadvantaged pupils since 2011.
This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of every single member of
staff, every parent and of course, every child. The school is passionate in ensuring that
every child, regardless of their background, is given the best possible opportunity to
achieve their optimum academically, socially and emotionally.
Twist and Pulse As part of the school's creative arts curriculum, BRIT school
graduates and Britain’s Got Talent runners up Twist and Pulse came
to Northumberland Heath to give a tailor-made dance experience
to our Year 5 children.
Born and bred South Londoners, they are role models for young
people in the area providing purpose and motivation.
“We love seeing children getting into dancing. We just want to
teach them everything we know and pass on our passion! We want
to show them that you can come from nothing and make it with
hard work and a dream.”
Year 6 Summer Production This year’s production “So You Think You’re a Superstar?” was produced by the Orchard Theatre. It is the story of
how Teen TV goes undercover in the most prestigious Sports Academy in the UK, where there are rumours of a
new Sporting Superhero who is unlike any other in history. With the 2016 Olympics around the corner the public
want to know more about this Sports Superhero with no name. Only Teen TV is allowed access and what they find
could damage the Academy’s chances of winning the Olympics. The children were challenged to discover the
Superhero inside themselves in this inter-galactic sports adventure comedy.
The children worked extremely hard and gave a fantastic performance. Well done Northumberland Heath!
Primary Science Quality Mark
The school is thrilled to have been awarded the Primary School Quality Mark which
is a scheme enabling schools to work together to share good practice and is
supported by professional development led by local experts. It encourages teacher
autonomy and innovation while at the same time offering a clear framework for
development in science subject leadership, teaching and learning.
The Interim Head Teacher, Ms Joanna Walkden said “Science is an important part
of our curriculum and this can even be seen in our Reception classes where they
have investigative areas. We are extremely proud to receive this award and we
thank Miss Kang for leading on this initiative in our school.”
Northumberland Heath Primary School
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Winter 2015
Peareswood Primary School Tree House Hall is officially open !
The staff and children were delighted that the Mayor of
Bexley, Mrs Eileen Pallen, officially opened the school's rock
climbing wall in June 2016. The Mayor presented certificates
to award the Year 4 pupils who had completed the NICAS
syllabus. There was also a display of our children’s newly
acquired climbing skills.
Peareswood is fortunate to be the only school in the
London Borough of Bexley to have such a spectacular
resource on the school grounds. Rock climbing is linked to
boosting brain function, whilst building muscle and
endurance.
Learning Outside of the Classroom
Peareswood has shown itself to have a strong commitment to providing excellent
learning outside the classroom (LOtC) to its pupils by achieving a national Learning
Outside the Classroom Mark (Bronze).
Awarded by the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the LOtC Mark
(Bronze) accredits those schools that have a strong awareness of the benefits of
providing frequent, continuous and progressive LOtC experiences to all pupils and
have begun to integrate LOtC into the life of the school.
Mrs Kerry Smith, Head Teacher said “Being awarded the LOtC Mark (Bronze) is a
real coup for all the staff and governors here as it shows that we are really making
strides in providing our pupils with potentially life-changing opportunities. We are
thrilled to get official recognition for our efforts and we look forward to building on
this award to integrate LOtC into the everyday life of the school.”
Lots of fairies have taken up residence in
our Forest School. Tread carefully and
you may see them fluttering by...
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Willow Bank Primary School Our newest arrivals !
Our children were absolutely thrilled to be able to watch the Willow Bank
ducklings hatch. All the children in the school could watch as there was a “duck
cam" installed. The children also watched the ducklings very first swim ! How
exciting !
Fantastic Science Week
The children enjoyed a fantastic week of forensic science and visits from dogs from Battersea, snakes, lizards and
many more furry and scaly creatures ..... here is what our children had to say ...
“I enjoyed the fingerprint person coming in to show us DNA.”
“The reptiles were thrilling and exciting. There were snakes like Anacondas and Corn snakes. I thought it was a
new experience in my life and the snakes were a
bit scary!”
Unexpected Visitors to the school …….
The children of Willow Bank Primary School had an extremely exciting day when a
swarm of bees arrived at the window of one of the classrooms!
The members of staff and a dedicated volunteer who are all qualified apiarists
moved the bees to a new home within the school's empty hive. We will let you
know how they settle in ......
Eggs—cell—ent !
Our chickens are absolutely thriving and producing dozens of
eggs which are used by our catering teams in our children’s
school meals and are also donated to our parents.
We would like to thank Ms Tania Stupples, our Teaching and Farm Assistant for her dedication to the welfare of our animals
Our Very Own Model Village
Willow Bank held a competition for the children to design a "model" house
for their model village. The winners had their drawings turned into real model
houses and heartfelt thanks goes to "Age Concern Men in Sheds" for creating
these for our children. Once painted and varnished they will be placed in a
newly created planted flower bed which will be seen by all who come into the
school.
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Spring 2016
TRUST NEWS
Working in Partnership Awards The Trust is delighted of the achievements at the “Working in
Partnership Awards” at the University of Greenwich. We are proud
to work alongside the University of Greenwich to deliver school based
initial teacher training and offer exciting and innovative professional
development days for their students. Our in-house training is provided
through our team of experienced staff, including but not exclusively by
our five Specialist Leaders of Education. Congratulations to the
following:
Willow Bank Primary School
Mrs Meena Malhi, Assistant Head Teacher, accepted the ‘Top 50
Schools in Partnership 2015/2016’ Award.
Mrs Ellen Copsey, Assistant Head Teacher, accepted the ‘Professional
Development Excellence’ Award.
Peareswood Primary School
Mrs Lauren Longhurst, Acting Assistant Head Teacher accepted
the ‘Professional Development Excellence’ Award.
This is another proud moment for our schools and our Trust in
delivering the best education to our children to ensure positive
outcomes.
A Royal Celebration “What a super afternoon tea party to
celebrate the Queen’s birthday party. We
ate cucumber and cheese sandwiches
followed by a yummy piece of cake. We
sang along to the National Anthem and
waved our flags Happy Birthday Your
Majesty.”
- Pupils of the Woodland Academy Trust
Our three schools are all top of the
class Gold Award Winners ! Following our schools' participation in the Walk to
School Awards, representatives from our Junior Road
Safety Officer pupil groups were delighted to collect the
Gold Travel Plan Award on behalf of their school at a
celebration event at the Civic Offices.
Well done to all our children, staff and parents'
commitment to the environment and helping to reduce
school-run journeys, pollution and road congestion and
for encouraging healthy lifestyles for our pupils.
Another proud moment for our schools.
School Direct The Trust’s Teacher Training has gone from strength to strength with our partnership with the University of
Greenwich truly blossoming into a strategic, systems leadership. The Trust and University have been sharing
resources that bring improvement to each organisation, influencing best practice to make a real difference to
the lives and education of our children and their future teachers. Congratulations to all of our School Direct
students who have completed their courses this year and will be teaching within the Trust from September
2016. We have successfully recruited for our student places for 2016-2017 and our applications for places for
2017–2018 placements are currently being processed. By offering Initial Teacher Training, the Trust is able to
grow skilled, experienced and successful teachers to join our Trust family from the very beginning of their
teaching career.
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Spring 2016
TRUST NEWS
Recruitment to the Trust Senior Leadership Teams
Lime Wood Free School
Miss Claire Ingrams (currently Deputy Head Teacher as Peareswood) has been appointed as the Principal
Designate and will leave Peareswood in January 2017.
Northumberland Heath Primary School
Mrs Sarah Gordon has been appointed as the Head Teacher with effect from January 2017. She has been
working closely with Ms Walkden since January 2016 and will continue to do so to ensure a smooth transition.
Peareswood Primary School
Ms Carla Ferla has been appointed as a Deputy Head Teacher with effect from September 2016. She will be
working closely with Mrs Smith and Miss Ingrams prior to her departure.
Mrs Lauren Longhurst has been appointed as Acting Assistant Head Teacher with effect from September 2016.
Willow Bank Primary School
Mr Brian Simber (the Interim Deputy Head Teacher at Northumberland Heath) will be leading Willow Bank as
temporary Head Teacher while Mrs Hayward is unwell. Ms Clare Beresford has been appointed as Assistant
Head Teacher with effect from September 2016.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our Trust staff for the commitment and loyalty
they give as we strive to make our schools the outstanding learning environments that our children
deserve. For those staff who are moving to pastures new, we wish you good fortune as you embark upon
the next phase of your career.
The Trust has appointed The Contract Dining Company
to provide healthy school meals in all of our schools from
September 2016. Two pupils from Northumberland
Heath joined the interview panel and tasting session.
Well done boys !
Thank you to all the parents/carers who have joined the
taster sessions over the past few weeks.
Join our Team, become a Champion
Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give
up on them, who will fight their corner, an individual who
understands the power of education and strives to ensure that
every child will become the best that they can possibly be.
Every single member of staff within the Woodland Academy
Trust is a champion.
http://www.woodlandacademytrust.co.uk/recruitment/
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Spring 2016
Woodland Academy Trust Pupil Outcomes By Mr Phil Powell, Executive Head Teacher for School Improvement
We celebrate the achievements and uniqueness of every one of our children every day through their
engagement with learning and they are a real credit to our schools.
Children in our Early Years’ provisions continue to thrive, with a record number of children reaching a ‘Good
Level of Development’ in relation to the Government’s attainment measure at the end of the Reception year.
Within Peareswood, 86% of children reached the standard, within Northumberland Heath we had 83%
attaining the standard and within Willow Bank, 84% reached the standard. This is the highest percentage ever
to reach this standard in Willow Bank and reflects the excellent provision that has been provided for the
children. These figures are well above the percentage of children nationally achieving a good level of
development which was 66% in 2015.
All three schools have performed well in the Year 1 phonics screening check. At Northumberland Heath, 83%
of children met the required standard, whilst at Peareswood and Willow Bank, 91% of children met the
standard. This again reflects the high quality provision that we make for our children, giving them the best start
we can in their reading.
At Key Stage 1, our children have coped well with the demands of the new, more challenging National
Curriculum. They have been studying this curriculum since the start of Year 1 and have therefore not had a
bridge to gap in terms of their skills and knowledge. At Northumberland Heath, 75%, 69% and 72% of children
met the expected standard in reading, writing and maths respectively. At Willow Bank, 77%, 72% and 81%
achieved the standard and at Peareswood, 91%, 88% and 86% achieved the standard. The focus for all three
schools must now be making sure that these figures continue to improve by the time the children reach the
end of Key Stage 2.
At the end of Key Stage 2, our children have really noticed the increased expectation in the new national
curriculum. Unlike Key Stage 1 children, who have been taught the new curriculum from the start, our Year 6
this year have had four years being taught the old, less challenging curriculum. This is reflected in their results,
with 51%, 69% and 47% of children at Northumberland Heath reaching the required standard in reading,
writing and maths respectively. At Willow Bank, 45%, 79% and 41% reached the required standard and at
Peareswood, 46%, 75% and 50% reached the standard. The challenge for each school next year will be to
increase the percentage of children meeting the requirements of the new curriculum.
Short Inspection at Northumberland Heath Primary School
Ofsted carried out a visit to the school on 10th May 2016. The Inspector noted that when Ms Walkden joined
the school as Interim Head Teacher she accurately identified what needed to be improved and set about
tackling it rapidly and firmly.
The school has established a clear, comprehensible set of core values to guide the personal development of the
children. The recruitment of senior leaders has strengthened the school’s capacity to sustain the improvements
and has introduced a more consistent, robust approach to tackling unacceptable behaviour from a small
minority of pupils. Checks on the quality of teaching are extensive and frequent.
Safeguarding is effective and Governors provide strong support and challenge. The Local Governing Body
works well with the Board of Trustees to maintain a strategic vision alongside strong local knowledge.
The school continues to be good and we look forward to working with our parents and continuing the journey
of school improvement towards outstanding. The Trust wishes to sincerely express its gratitude to Ms
Walkden for her excellent leadership during this academic year.
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What is the Trust’s Philosophy?
The core business of the Woodland Academy Trust is to ensure outstanding provision
and outstanding outcomes for every child within our community. We aim to do this
through:
Developing the whole child to enable them to become exceptional learners.
Nurturing the strengths of the local community.
Involving the extended family in the successful development of our young people.
All staff, Members, Trustees and Governors sharing a clear understanding that
excellence is required at all times.
Creating a stimulating and engaging environment which generates excitement in
coming to school.
To find out more about the Woodland Academy Trust, please do look at our website
www.woodlandacademytrust.co.uk
LET US KNOW YOUR VIEWS
As a follow up to previous surveys, we would welcome further comments from parents.
Members, Trustees and Governors will be convening their next meeting at Peareswood
Primary School on 9th November 2016. On the day there will be the opportunity for
parents and carers to come into the school to talk to us about our Trust and, in
particular because we are within Peareswood, about the successes of that school. For
any parents who are unable to stay and meet with us, we will also meet with parents in
the playground before school.
As we are keen to hear your views and opinions, please do complete and return the
form below.
As Members, we look forward to working with you in the new academic year as we
embark upon yet another fantastic year.
Parent’s Name: _____________________________________
Child’s School: ______________________________________
One thing that I really appreciate/like about my child’s school is:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
One thing that I would like explained in further detail is:
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
Would you like to share your views about our schools
with Ofsted and comment upon our many successes? If
so please follow the link below:
https://parentview.ofsted.gov.uk/login?
destination=give-your-views
The Woodland
Academy Trust prides
itself on working in
close partnership in
order to benefit our
pupils, staff and
community.
The Trust is a happy
friendly community with
a hard working, caring
staff. A child’s learning
and development makes
greater progress when
parents and staff work
closely together.
We emphasise a positive
approach to learning and
behaviour. This approach
is used consistently
throughout the schools
thus promoting a good
self-image and respect for
other people.
The school actively
promotes British Values
which we believe will
prepare pupils for life in
modern Britain. To
achieve this we use our
curriculum to enable the
pup i l s t o r e l a t e
experience to learnt
knowledge. In particular
these values are woven
into assemblies and
many more aspects of personal, social, moral
a n d c u l t u r a l
development. We
promote democracy,
the rule of law,
individual liberty, mutual
respect and tolerance of
different faiths and
beliefs.
Northumberland Heath
Primary School
Wheelock Close, Erith Kent, DA8 1JE
Tel: 01322 334638
Peareswood Primary
School Peareswood Road
Erith, Kent, DA8 3PR Tel: 01322 332379
Willow Bank Primary School
Seacourt Road,
Thamesmead, SE2 9XB
Tel: 0208 320 1900