Newsletter Summer 2017
Celebrating success at our Diploma Awards 2017
Chief Executive’s Welcome
Welcome to our latest newsletter, the first one to be published under the name of Eastern Multi-Academy Trust. I hope from the point of view of staff and students that the change in name and constitution has not affected you adversely in any way. In the central office it has been a busy time as we have worked in partnership with Academy Transformation Trust to take in 3 primary schools from the Thetford region. We are also working with Chesterton College to re-broker Downham Market Academy. On the 6th July, Queensway Infant School and West Row Community School were also approved to join the trust. I have been working really hard to strengthen the amount of support given to schools and I am pleased to say that from September we will have strong teams for primary and secondary. In the primary phase we have appointed Rachael Judd and Paul Shanks as full time regional directors. One for West Norfolk and one for Thetford. They will be supported by Peter Howard who will be working 4 days a week with a particular emphasis on Key Stage 2. In the secondary phase we have appointed Louise Sodon as our Director Of Education, she will be working two days per week. We will also be advertising for a full time Secondary Director to support the work of our secondary schools. I am also really pleased to let you know that Alan Evans has been promoted to Deputy CEO which means I will have more time to be out and about in schools. I have really enjoyed the warm welcome as I visit schools and look forward to meeting more staff and students in each of our schools. I am writing this message the day after the Primary SATS results have been published and I really pleased to say that our initial analysis shows that as a trust for the three primaries that have been with us for a year or more we have exceeded the nationally expected level in reading by 17%, in writing by 6% and in maths by 1%. (Compared to Norfolk this is +20%, +8% and +9%). We are awaiting progress scores but I am sure you will agree this is a fantastic achievement. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our staff in secondary and primary schools for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. I have been really impressed by the dedication shown by staff at our schools. One aspect that has really shone though is the considerable care that teachers and support staff have for the students in our schools. Thank you. Dr. Duncan Ramsey Chief Executive
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Introducing Eastern Multi-Academy Trust
June 2017 sees the launch of a new West Norfolk based multi academy trust organisation. The new trust will be called the Eastern Multi-Academy Trust (EMAT) and follows the decision by the College of West Anglia to withdraw from academy trust involvement. The main objective of the new academy trust is to provide excellent quality support, expertise and key services to the academies under its wing, with the aim of delivering substantially improved opportunities to each and every pupil to achieve his or her full potential. EMAT chief executive, Dr Duncan Ramsey, said: “This is an exciting time for the academy trust as we build on the growing success of our primary academies, as exemplified by the recent Ofsted ‘outstanding’ rating for Eastgate Academy - one of only seven academies in the whole country to move from an inadequate rating to outstanding in one jump. Furthermore, our Nelson Academy is not far behind having recently achieved an Ofsted ‘good’ rating, also from a previous judgement of ‘inadequate’. “In addition to building on the success of primary academies, we face an exciting opportunity with our two secondary academies, King Edward VII Academy (KES) and King’s Lynn Academy (KLA). We have made important changes to our strategies for both these high profile academies and we are already seeing the green shoots of improvement show through. There remains more work to be done but I am optimistic for the future.
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“EMAT’s professional resources will shortly benefit from the appointment of two directors of primary education. Paul Shanks will be responsible for supporting West Norfolk primary academies and Rachel Rudd will look after EMAT’s Thetford academies, which will join in September. This expansion in our primary academy responsibilities demonstrates the confidence which the regional schools commissioner has in our ability to deliver.” Derek Stringer, chair of EMAT, said: “I have enormous faith in Duncan Ramsey’s consultative and communicative management style to achieve an effective implementation of the board’s new strategies. We have a very strong board of directors, each member of which is passionate about education, and together with our central management team of specialists in education, finance and human resources, to name but three, I feel we have the ingredients of a sustainable and successful future. This academy trust has already built a successful collaborative working relationship with the regional schools commissioner’s office, the organisation which has the ultimate authority to decide which schools and academies are allocated to which trusts. I feel that the way the trust operates will help EMAT to achieve success ultimately by delivering excellent outcomes for our most important stakeholders - the pupils who attend our academies.”
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Celebrating secondary sucess with Diploma Awards
Staff, students and guests of the Eastern MultiAcademy Trust gathered on Tuesday 11 July, to celebrate the dedication and achievements of year 7 and 8 students. Over 200 students from the Eastern Multi-Academy Trust secondary phase academies - King’s Lynn Academy, King Edward VII Academy and Downham Market Academy - were invited to receive certificates for their hard work over the last academic year. Certificates were awarded to those who completed the Diploma Champion scheme, designed to bring out the best in young people striving to reach their full potential whilst in education. Those in receipt of certificates were joined at the Alive Corn Exchange in King’s Lynn by the Mayor of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk, Cllr Carol Bower, as well as members of the governing body and central trust for their attendance tonight. Dr. Duncan Ramsey, Chief Executive of the Eastern Multi-Academy trust, addressed the audience and congratulated them on their tremendous achievements. He said: “I am particularly impressed with your achievements because this award is given out with regard to effort and attainment over a whole year. It’s one thing to do well on an exam day but it takes resilience and determination to work at such a high level for a whole year.” Dr. Ramsey thanked all the staff and governors of the academies for their hard work during the year. One student from each year group at each academy was awarded the title of Diploma Champion 2017. This was presented by the Mayor and was a complete surprise to students on the night.
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Emneth Academy joins Eastern Multi-Academy Trust On 1st April, Emneth Academy officially opened as the sixth primary academy under Eastern MultiAcademy Trust. Emneth Academy has around 200 students and is overseen by Principal Alison Townsend. It joins the trust’s already established primary academies; Eastgate Academy in King’s Lynn, Nelson Academy in Downham Market, Upwell Academy, North Wootton Academy, and Southery Academy. Principal Alison Townsend said: “We have been working with the trust informally for several months and can already see the benefits for the children and staff at Emneth. We are delighted to become part of this family of schools and very much look forward to building on the strengths of our school as we move forward.” With a new name comes a new logo and uniform. The thought behind the logo being an apple is because Emneth is a variety of apple, grown commercially in East Anglia and originating in 1899 in Emneth itself; the logo colour follows the pale green of this cooking apple, set against a darker green of the apple tree leaves. The Emneth apple is known for each apple grown being slightly different to the other, each unique. Students will be wearing navy blue jumpers with navy blue and green striped ties from September onwards. Upon reaching year 6, they will wear a black blazer. Year 5 student Evie said: “The new uniform is really comfortable; I don’t want to take it off! I am looking forward to the changes and getting a blazer in year 6.” Her classmate Kyle, added: “I like the new clip-on ties and the apple logo is cool!” Chief executive of Eastern MultiAcademy Trust, Duncan Ramsey, said: “We are really excited to be working with Emneth on their journey towards becoming an outstanding school. Emneth is a vibrant school at the heart of its community and we hope that as Emneth joins our family of schools it will both receive from, and offer support to other schools over the forthcoming years.”
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‘Ahoy there!’ from Upwell Academy Staff and students from Upwell Academy dressed as pirates on Thursday 18th May, for their themed curriculum day linked to English and geography. Acting Principal, Haidee Norman, became Captain for the day, whilst other staff taking on new roles for the day included Jolly Roger Radford, Blackbeard Burton-White, First Mate Frammingham and Cabin Girl Cook. Each class took part in writing a new verse to a special Upwell Academy sea shanty entitled ‘What Shall We Do with the Grumpy Pirate?’ (set to the melody of ‘What Shall We Do with the Drunken Sailor?’), to cheer up a member of staff dressed as a grumpy pirate. As part of the day, pupils with outstanding attendance, behaviour and progress were invited to join Captain Norman for a celebratory pirate party at lunchtime, each child receiving an individual invite to join the Captain at her top table. Staff and pupils drank from black goblets, and the themed lunch included a fruit salad decorated into the shape of a pirate ship by the academy’s catering staff.
Nelson Academy mark National Austism Awareness Week
The children of Nelson Academy Autistic Spectrum Disorder Special Resource Base (ASD SRB) have been raising awareness of autism in the school and community. Nelson Academy’s Special Resource Base is the only autism-specific base in the area. Students from the class designed T-shirts to wear, featuring the ASD ribbon symbol and their own slogans, such as: ‘we rock autism’, ‘it’s ok to be different’, ‘it’s good to be me’, ‘let me help you understand autism’ and ‘I am just like you’. Staff and children also led a school assembly where they showcased their T-shirts and shared their messages. Lead-teacher Maggie Aitken said: “We will continue to raise awareness and money for autism research. Our penny line is growing fast!! Our children are proud to be different.” In the academy’s most recent Ofsted report, the department was highly praised by inspectors.
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KES hook the chance to represent West Norfolk
KES Academy have been taking their competitive spirit to the fishing lakes this month, finishing second in the West Norfolk Schools angling competition, at Barford Lakes near Norwich. The team will now be representing West Norfolk in the Norfolk School Games. Ross McNeil, PE teacher, said: “A huge congratulations to the team, in particular to Captain Luke Boughen who caught 27lbs worth of fish in just over two hours! This is a great achievement for the academy and we wish the team the best of luck in the finals.” The year 7-13 angling finals will take place at Barford Lakes on Friday 23 June.
KES celebrate sporting success
Staff, families, friends and students gathered at King Edward VII Academy, on 25 May 2017, for the annual KES Academy sport and leadership presentation evening, just before half term. The event was well attended and saw well over 100 students - and a handful of staff members - receive recognition for their commitment to sports throughout the last academic year. The big prize on the night went to Belinda Clark, who was awarded sportsperson of the year. This year, Belinda won a bronze medal at the southern U20s indoor athletics competition and a silver at the Scottish U20 indoor championships, knocking over a second off last year’s personal best. Her PB is now 57.53. She also has the qualifying time to go again to the England U20s in June and English Schools in July. A representative from KES Academy said: “As well as this, Belinda is an outstanding role model for our younger students, proving you can balance sport and have academic success!” She said: “I really was not expecting to win this award, I was very grateful for the nomination and so shocked when I won. I could not have achieved what I have in sport without the support of KES Academy. Thank you!”
Amongst a host of awards for sporting achievement, community coach of the year award went to PE teacher Tracy Bower. She said: “I am delighted in receiving this award, but more importantly, I am proud of the way that hockey has expanded on the back of the Rio gold medal win. We have increased the number of boys participating in hockey and even went to an emerging schools tournament for the first time. The number of girls has also increased and this has subsequently improved the academy club’s link with the Pelicans.” As schools sports coordinator, Tracy has coordinated three emerging schools tournaments, in turn increasing the overall number of schools across West Norfolk playing mixed hockey. She said a real highlight of this season was the U15 girls’ team winning the Norfolk tournament. The U16s were also the highest ranked state school at the county finals.
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Nelson Academy host Diploma Awards
Nelson Academy have been celebrating the outstanding work of their year 2 and 6 cohort over the past academic year, with two special diploma certificate ceremonies attended by staff, family and friends. The event was held on Monday 3rd July in the lecture theatre of the University Centre at the College of West Anglia. The Eastern Multi- Academy Trust aims to inspire the younger generation to start looking ahead and start dreaming big for their futures, by encouraging their academic development through praise. Duncan Ramsey, Chief Executive for the Eastern-multi Academy Trust gave the certificates to the children and addressed the audience of proud parents and guardians, saying: “It’s fantastic to see so many mums, dads and even grandparents here supporting our pupils. We hope that you [the children] will work just as hard next year and the year after and that you are really proud of your achievements.” Students received diploma certificates for achieving the good or outstanding progress in reading, writing and maths. The ceremony was a double celebration as it was also a chance to celebrate the year 6 children and say farewell before they head off to high school. Addressing the class of 2017 he said: “Your school is one of the best in Norfolk and it’s all because of you. You should be very proud of yourselves and your teachers.” Principal of the Nelson Academy Sarah Wilson said ‘The children have all worked incredibly hard this year, they have shown great determination and resilience with their learning and in return they have all made either ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ academic progress. I am incredibly proud of all the children and the staff who have worked tirelessly to support them throughout the year”.
DMA visit Norwich County Football Club
Pupils from Downham Market Academy visited Norwich County Football Club in May.
Nelson Academy visit CWA for taster day
Nelson Academy year 6 students spent the day at the College of West Anglia’s King’s Lynn campus, getting a taste of future potential learning options. Three groups took part in hair and beauty, motor vehicle and science workshops, taught by college lecturers. This event is just one of numerous annual taster days that take place at CWA, designed to inspire school children and open their eyes to new possibilities in Further Education. Nelson Academy student Carly, spent the day doing hair and beauty workshops, and said: “I loved the day and would like to come back and do more activities.” Mackenzie, who spent the day in motor vehicle classes, said: “I learnt how to take an engine apart. The staff were really helpful and caring; they were very funny.”
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Tennis star visits KES Academy Budding sports stars of the future had the chance to learn from one of the best when Team GB tennis player Jade Windley dropped in to KES Academy, on Wednesday 10 May, to coach a lesson on the courts. Lincolnshire born Windley, 27, has won three singles and 16 doubles titles on the International Tennis Federation (ITF) tour in her career. The visit was arranged through the Sky Sports Living for Sport initiative. Jade spent time coaching a group of year 10 boys, who have shown great improvements in sport over the last year. Sky Sports Living for Sport, part of Sky Academy, is a free initiative for all secondary schools that uses sports stars and the skills learnt through sport to build confidence and develop life skills in thousands of young people. The scheme develops young people’s selfesteem and self-worth, helps to increase attainment and achievement, aims to improve young people’s health and wellbeing and encourages young people to reach their full potential.
KES Academy PE teacher Danny Gay said: “These students have excelled in their sports classes this year and their attitude to improve is inspiring. Jade’s visit and any further Sports for Living work is a reward to the students for their hard work. I’d like to thank Jade for coming to King’s Lynn for the day and putting on such a fun and interesting session This is the third year that KES Academy has participated for the boys.” in Living for Sport and the benefits have once again been evident.
Emneth Academy host road safety event Emneth Academy has been reinforcing the importance of staying safe on the roads this school summer holiday. Students were given the option to complete a cycling proficiency course, which teaches the Highway Code and bike safety. Overseen by Norfolk County Council Road Safety Team, it helps young people to begin learning techniques and strategies so they can interact safely with other public road users when cycling. Teaching Assistant, Lorraine Eglen, said: “At Emneth Academy, we understand the importance of teaching our pupils the essential skills and required knowledge to keep them safe on the road. We gain great satisfaction in knowing that all our pupils have been given the opportunity to learn these potentially lifesaving skills.”
Southery Academy hold ‘race for life’
Southery Academy held their very own ‘race for life’ themed event on Friday 26 May. The school children were joined by parents and carers, who also took part in the sponsored run/walk, on the playing field, for Cancer Research UK. With the sun shining over Southery, the event was followed by refreshments, a book sale, a raffle and stalls run by the children. Principal Julian Goodrum said: “We have raised over £400 on the JustGiving fundraising page and we raised a further £405.40 on the day. We’ve yet to collect in all of the sponsor money but want to say thank you to everyone who has contributed and a big well done to all involved.”
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Emneth Acdemy raise funds for Alzheimer’s Society
Emneth Academy have raised almost £700 for the charity Alzheimer’s Society. In May, the academy children added £151 to the total from a non-school uniform day, designed to raise awareness. The total raised so far this academic year now stands at £671. Teaching assistant Kate Barnes said: “The school council came up with a list of prospective charities and got the children to vote on the one they felt they wanted to help the most this year. Alzheimer’s Society came out on top because a lot of the older children in key stage two could relate to this, as they have a family member suffering with Alzheimer’s or Dementia, or knew of someone who had it. Their fundraising efforts are a credit to the school.”
Reffley win KLA’s Junior Maths Mastermind Reffley Community Primary School has taken the title of Junior Maths Mastermind 2017, in West Norfolk’s annual nail-biting numerical competition. The event, hosted by King’s Lynn Academy, allows pupils in Years 4 and 5 to show off their maths knowledge. It saw entrants from Middleton VC Primary, Reffley Community School, West Winch Primary and St German’s Primary taking to the chair to put their mathematical skills against the clock. Each of the primary schools came along with their own supporters to make up the audience. The Year 4 individual winner was Thomas Brewer from Reffley scoring 10 points and the Year 5 individual winner was Jaden Ellis - also from Reffley - with 17 points. Organiser, Carolyn Fysh, numeracy coordinator at King’s Lynn Academy, said: “I received some great feedback after the competition. There were some very tense moments when the Year 4 competition went into a tie-break situation. The staff and students who attended said the competition was great and they couldn’t wait to do it again next year!”
Nelson Academy host NSPCC ‘den day’ The whole academy enjoyed den building in the sunshine on Friday 16 June, in honour of NSPCC’s den day! The school field was transformed as students were asked to bring in materials to create their own dens, in small groups. Glen Rossiter, Assistant Principal KS2, said: “It was lovely to spend an afternoon in the sun working together to create dens. The children really got to showcase their creativity and were immensely proud of their work.” The newsletter is designed to provide an overall team update as well as providing an insight as to what’s going on at our other academies. If you have any ideas or suggestions for future editions of the Eastern Multi-Academy Trust Newsletter, please contact lois.hyland@cwaacademytrust.co.uk
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