The CLF Newsletter edition 19

Edition 19 03/04/19

CLF NEWS “Empowering Learning”

Rt Hon MP Nick Gibb visits John Cabot Academy

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

The Cricket World Cup

National Apprenticeship week

The Rt Hon MP Nick Gibb, who is the Minister of State for Schools, visited John Cabot Academy. The Minister spent an hour meeting staff and students and touring the Academy escorted by two John Cabot Academy students.

Nick Gibb was appointed Minister of State at the Department for Education on 15 July 2014. He was elected Conservative MP for Bognor Regis and Littlehampton in 1997.

First Aiders

During the tour of the academy he observed a science lesson in the super lab and various Post 16 lessons.

At the end of the tour the minister watched a five minute segment of the spectacular musical production Hairspray, produced by John Cabot students and staff. He was then introduced to the cast and crew.

Kate Willis, Associate Principal said, “It was a proud moment for our school to be able to showcase some of the excellent work undertaken across and beyond the taught curriculum. Our school is in its 25th year and this visit from the Minister of State is recognition of the excellent work that continues to characterise our school.”

Metro Mayor visits Digitech

The cast of John Cabot’s musical production Hairspray, more inside....

“Empowering Learning”

CLF SCITT officially ‘Good’ Ofsted The CLF School Centered Initial Teacher Training partnership (SCITT) is celebrating after being rated Good in all areas by the education watchdog Ofsted.

Ofsted reported that, “The partnership is quickly developing as a provider of high-quality teacher training that is contributing significantly to the need for qualified teachers in the South West region.”

They said, “The quality of leadership and management is good. Senior leaders are fully committed to ensuring that the quality of training and pastoral care is strong. Their clear purpose, to meet local and regional need for high-quality teachers, permeates all aspects of their work.

“Leaders have designed a course which ensures that trainees have a comprehensive understanding of different types of school in a range of diverse communities. Leaders show a deep commitment to improving the quality of education in and around the city of Bristol.”

On training Ofsted noted, “The quality of training is strong. Trainees show a good understanding of their subject and develop a repertoire of pedagogical approaches during their training year.The professionalism of trainees and NQTs is a consistent feature of the partnership. They are deeply committed to their ongoing development through the training year and in the first few years of their career.”

They went on to say, “Trainees and former trainees demonstrate good and often excellent practice in most of the Teachers’ Standards. Primary trainees, especially those following the School Direct route, achieve particularly strong outcomes. They show a deep understanding of the special educational needs and/or disabilities that their pupils have.”

On pupil behaviour Ofsted remarked, “Trainees and NQTs model the conduct they expect of their pupils. They have high expectations of pupils’ behaviour and manage learning environments well to instil positive attitudes to learning.

This is a result of the wide experience they have of observing teachers managing pupils’ behaviour, the diversity and quality of placements, the centre-based training they receive and the focus that mentors give to this aspect of training.”

“The ongoing support from the provider during the training and NQT year is a strength. The regular Federation Network Nights and other professional development opportunities are valued highly by trainees and former trainees.”

On the understanding of safeguarding they said, “Trainees and former trainees demonstrate a secure knowledge and understanding of the safeguarding risks pupils may face. Supplementary training in schools raises trainees’ awareness of the specific risks that are more prevalent in certain communities. Trainees and former trainees are well versed in their responsibilities under the government’s anti-radicalisation ‘Prevent’ duty.”

On employability inspectors said, “Employment rates are exceptionally high. All the trainees who have successfully completed their training year have secured employment in teaching. Almost all took up teaching posts in the south-west region and many remain in or around the city of Bristol.”

“Local headteachers value the contribution the partnership makes to meeting local teaching supply needs. They find former trainees to have a realistic understanding of the demands of the teaching roles they are recruited to. As one headteacher, typical of many, reported of former trainees, ‘They hit the ground running.’ They comment that the trainees they receive show strong professional and personal attributes. Many headteachers have appointed former trainees and are pleased with the effectiveness of their new employees.”

Alison Fletcher, Director of CLF Institute said, “This outcome is a significant milestone for our initial teacher training provision and acknowledges the contribution of the many staff and settings that make up the SCITT partnership. Our trainees and NQTs were an absolute credit to us in both stages of the inspection! The impact of the training and professional development provided by the Boolean Maths Hub was also commended.”

“Empowering Learning”

Our family grows........

The CLF welcomes Herons’ Moor Academy The Cabot Learning Federation (CLF), one of the most established and mature multi-academy trusts in the South West, is extremely pleased to announce that Herons’ Moor Academy, formally joined the CLF on 1st January 2019.

Based in North Somerset, Herons’ Moor will be the eighth primary school to join the CLF and will be part of our North Somerset hub which includes Hans Price Academy and Haywood Village Academy.

The addition of Herons’ Moor Academy to the CLF family of schools was approved by the South West Regional Schools Commissioner (RSC) Lisa Mannall late last year.

Principal of Herons’ Moor, Julie Fox said, “We are delighted to have joined Cabot Learning Federation’s family of schools. We researched very carefully which local Multi-Academy Trust to join. We chose the Cabot Learning Federation as we felt the values they hold complement Herons' Moor’s vision, values and ethos.”

CEO of the Cabot Learning Federation, Steve Taylor said, “It’s very exciting that Herons’ Moor is joining us at this time. We’ve already been working closely together and this move now cements the relationship between Herons’ Moor, the CLF and our other schools – in particular Haywood Village and Hans Price.”

The CLF welcomes Bristol Futures Academy The Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) is extremely pleased to announce that Bristol Futures Academy (BFA), based in Barton Hill, officially joined the Cabot Learning Federation on March 1st.

BFA and the CLF have been working closely together since the summer of 2018, with the CLF providing support for the academy, an alternative provision for pupils aged 14-16 in East Central Bristol. It is great that colleagues from BFA will now be fully integrated into all our networks and collaborative practices; we feel sure that the benefits for learning about best practice in diverse settings will be mutually beneficial as our relationship deepens and grows.

More broadly the academy now joins the CLF’s Bristol cluster, as well as the emerging ‘Snowdon Village’ suite of provisions, which also includes our existing internal alternative provisions The Nest (primary) and Engage (secondary). More news on the development of Snowdon Village will follow in the coming months.

Alex Davies, Interim Head of Bristol Futures Academy said, “We are very happy to have joined such a well-established trust and excited about the possibilities it brings with it. We've been working closely with CLF for some time now and have really valued working with a trust which shares the same vision as us - equality of opportunity. I am also very pleased for the students at Bristol Futures Academy as this partnership will enable us to work in close collaboration with other mainstream schools and help us to raise standards for some of Bristol's most vulnerable children.”

Sally Apps Executive Principal of the Cabot Learning Federation said, “I would like to thank colleagues at BFA for their patience and commitment during the period in which we have been preparing for this transfer and I would like to extend a warm welcome to Alex Davies and her team to our family of schools.”

“Empowering Learning”

No stormy reception for ITV weatherman & reporter Alex Beresford

Alex Beresford, ITV West’s reporter and weatherman visited City Academy Bristol to read out loud to a group of City Academy students. He read chapters from his favourite, book Of Mice and Men, before students had a chance to read to Alex. This visit is part of a month long series of events being staged across Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) to celebrate world Read Aloud Day. The CLF is committed to ensuring that all of our students have access to a varied, interesting and aspirational curriculum. To this end we have recently embarked on a six month Reading Project across the CLF. This national initiative is being led by one of our experienced Reading Recovery Teachers, Rachael Symons.

Rachael is now working with several of our CLF academies and is also working across phases from KS1 to KS3. The main aim is to make maximum use of the Reading Recovery and Every Child a Reader principles to enable all of our students to make as much progress as

possible with their reading across the whole curriculum.

Read Aloud month is an important part of this project.

The benefits of students reading aloud and being read aloud to are huge. Reading self-confidence increases, knowledge and awareness of new vocabulary grows.

Students are exposed to a range of texts that they might not otherwise experience and when they read aloud to others, it gives them the opportunity to show off what they can do in terms of text difficulty, fluency, expression and reading stamina.

Rachael Symons, Reading Recovery Teacher from Begbrook Academy said, “We are really grateful to all of the people who come in to our academies to listen to our pupils read. It is a vital part of our students’ education.”

First response pupil First Aiders Teaching staff at Frome Vale Academy have introduced a novel way for pupils to look after and care about their local environment and themselves. One way that pupils can achieve this is by applying for the positions of First Aiders.

The team of pupil First Aiders patrol the playground at break and lunchtimes and will be the initial response if another pupil is hurt or upset. One First Aider will stay with the pupil and take them to the sick room while the other pupil will find a member of staff to deal with the incident. It is hoped that in the near future pupils will attend First Aid courses specifically designed for children.

This initiative is part of Frome Vale’s values of which there are twelve values in total.

This term’s value is ‘responsibility’, and this is undertaken by pupils applying for various jobs advertised throughout the school. Students are put through an application process, including an interview with the Principal and then pupils are appointed to various posts. As well as First Aiders, jobs advertised included, dining hall monitors, litter pickers, library monitors and recyclers.

Jan Saunders, Principal of Frome Vale said, “This initiative really demonstrates to us that our children are what we call Frome Vale citizens. The children have excitedly engaged with this and we have received numerous applications for these posts. Our pupils are really proud of their school and environment and this project has given them a real voice in how this and other aspects of school life are managed.”

“Empowering Learning”

CLF Post 16 rated Good by Ofsted The Cabot Learning Federation is celebrating after its Post 16 provision was rated Good in all areas by the education watchdog Ofsted.

They said, “Post 16 is a strength of the school. It successfully caters for a large number of students with a range of abilities and from diverse backgrounds. Leaders and teachers ensure that students are well supported, make good progress and go on to positive education or training destinations.”

Lead inspector Andrew Lovett said in his report, “The quality of leadership of the Post 16 is strong and effective in meeting the needs of a broad range of students’ differing needs. Leaders have a clear vision of ensuring that all students can be successful, regardless of ability or circumstance. They have implemented a curriculum and support programme that ensure that many students, including those that are vulnerable or have additional barriers to success, can achieve their goals. In 2018, every student achieved a university place or an apprenticeship, or equivalent high-quality employment with a training opportunity.”

Leaders ensure that students benefit from a comprehensive and well-planned programme of careers education and independent advice and guidance. This is having a significant effect in raising students’ aspirations. Every student who left Year 13 in 2018 went on to a positive higher education or training destination.

On safeguarding they said, “The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Leaders make sure that keeping students safe is given the highest priority. There is a well-established culture of vigilance that extends across the main school and into Post 16. Teachers and non-teaching staff are well trained and know what to do should a student report a concern to them.”

Post 16 students benefit from being taught by skilled subject specialists who know them well and set appropriate tasks and challenges. Students in Post 16 have very positive attitudes. They are keen to learn, they take heed of the advice teachers give them to improve their work and respond well to mentoring.

The report said, “Students studying A levels make broadly similar progress to students in other sixth forms. Over the last few years, results have slowly improved, although in 2018 they remained broadly static. Disadvantaged students made good progress and pupils who speak English as an additional language also achieved well. Students studying applied subjects achieved a little less well in 2018 than in the previous year. Leaders and teachers have acted quickly to address this and students currently studying in school are making appropriate progress.”

Those students who retake GCSE English and mathematics make strong progress in English and similar progress to students in other schools in mathematics. Students are making good progress because the quality of teaching is consistently well matched to their needs. Students are also well supported by teachers through a well- organised academic mentoring system. Students value this level of individual attention. Teachers are quick to provide additional help when they see students struggling to keep up with their studies.

Leaders have ensured that the programme of study includes appropriate opportunities for work experience and PSHE. The quality of careers advice and guidance is good and highly valued by students.

Kath Cooper Head of Post 16 said, “I am delighted with the outcome from the recent Ofsted visit in finding –“the Post 16 is a strength of the school”. This is a true representation of the journey Post 16 has been on over the last 3 years. I am thrilled to be recognised as an inclusive and purposeful Post 16 that continues to provide excellent care and strong guidance for all students.”

News in brief........

King’s Oak Christmas charity fundraiser King’s Oak Academy’s Christmas concert raised the considerable sum of £728.60 for the South Gloucestershire Young Carers.

The cheque was presented by a group of performers from the concert and students from King’s Oak who are part of the young carers group. Well done!

“Empowering Learning”

Bristol Met stages National Apprenticeship Week event Bristol Metropolitan Academy hosted an event organised by the charity, Education and Employers and supported by Bristol City Council and the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Asher Craig. As part of National Apprenticeship Week (4 – 8 March), the event was designed to introduce more than 300 students to the opportunities available as an apprentice in the Bristol area.

Bristol was chosen as the destination for this showcase event as it is part of the 5 Cities Project. Launched last year by the Department for Education, the aim is to promote the take-up of apprenticeships among under-represented groups, including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The event takes place in two parts to cater for as many students as possible. Deputy Mayor, Councillor Asher Craig delivered the first of two key note speeches on apprenticeships followed by a presentation on the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools (ASK). The keynote speaker for the afternoon session was Babbasa founder and Chief Executive, Poku Osei.

His mission is to bridge the gap for disadvantaged youngsters across the city who have professional ambitions but need some help in realising them, hence his interest in apprenticeships.

Thirty volunteers, either an Inspiring the Future or YAAN volunteer, gave up their Friday to talk about their experiences as an apprentice. They represent organisations as diverse as Bristol City Council and the Crown Prosecution Service, North Bristol NHS Trust and Roman Baths.

Tim Holmes, Careers Lead for the Cabot Learning Federation – whose two schools benefitted from the event. “Bristol Metropolitan Academy is delighted to host the ASK Inspiring Futures Apprenticeship roadshow during National Careers and Apprenticeship week. This has been an excellent event bringing together a diverse and engaging work force to share the important messages about apprenticeships. The Cabot Learning Federation takes seriously the guidance in the Baker Clause and I know our Year 10 students have learnt much from today, brilliant to see students from our sister academy Bristol Brunel Academy also. On behalf of 300 students, thank you to the ASK team for putting on such an excellent event”.

Charlotte Thurston, Head of Schools Education and Employers, reflected on the day, “it was fantastic to see so many engaged students and volunteers. We have been working with Bristol City Council since 2016 to deliver the ASK project and have been delighted with how the momentum around apprenticeships as grown in that time. It is testament to the benefits of taking an apprenticeship that so many current and qualified apprentices were so keen to share their career journey today.”

Tree planting project takes root A Bristol City Council run initiative, One Tree Per Child, visited City Academy to plant trees with the help of student volunteers.

Volunteers from the environmentally driven organisation planted 150 trees with the assistance of 14 Year nine students. Trees planted on site included, Alder, Elder, Maypole and Hawthorn.

One Tree Per Child are planting 24,000 trees in schools, parks and open spaces across Bristol. They are covering the costs of the trees and tools used for planting them. One Tree Per Child have planted 39,000 trees since 2014 and they will go onto plant another 24,000 by 2020.

David Williams, Science teacher said, “I think it is fantastic for our students to give something back to our local community and environment, with the aid of One Tree Per Child. We are hoping that once the trees have established they will attract local wildlife that we can then study from a distance and up close. This project also allows us the opportunity to talk to students about the environment and the importance of it.”

“Empowering Learning”

Raising Aspirations 2019

Over two thousand students, within the diverse community of East Central Bristol, Bath and Weston-super-Mare converged on the University of the West of England (UWE) for the annual ‘Raising Aspirations Careers Event.’

This event, now in its sixth year, is a combination of high quality careers information, advice and guidance that Year 9 students from fifteen different schools within and outside the Cabot Learning Federation (CLF) attended.

The aim of this conference is to raise the aspirations of students and to highlight future pathways available to them at the end of Year 11.This event is also part of an intensive careers programme in schools and sits perfectly under the national agenda, including the Baker Clause and five standards of the Gatsby 8 benchmarks. Ofsted also holds the opinion that, this type of information is an absolute priority in preparing students for the next stage of their education and employment.

Bristol City Community Sports, Coach Makers, Avon & Somerset Police, Bristol Army Careers, RAF Careers, On Site, Bristol Medical University, North Bristol Trust, University Hospital, Bristol Reflections, SGS College, Boomsatsuma Film, Access Creative College, Hargreaves Landsdown, DAC Beachcroft, Burges Salmon, HMRC and HSBC were some of the organisations joining in this celebration of opportunity, inspitation and aspiration.

Susie Weaver, Executive Principal, CLF Strategic Lead for Careers and Employability said, “We are delighted to welcome a host of young people from across the South West to this key event. Raising Aspirations provides a great opportunity to build links between our children, their community and a range of organisations and businesses. The event supports young people to have real experiences which inform their hopes and aspirations and helps develop their understanding of the world of learning and work, empowering their decision making and supporting them in their choice of destination.”

Metro Mayor visits Digitech

The West of England Mayor and Deputy Mayor visited schools this week to support young people’s career opportunities, as part of National Careers Week.

Regional Mayor Tim Bowles visited Bristol’s Digitech Studio School on Tuesday. They joined the schools’ staff to learn more about how the West of England Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership’s Careers Hub and Enterprise Adviser Network are helping improve career opportunities for young people.

Tim Bowles, West of England Mayor, said: “We’re working with schools, colleges and businesses to make sure that young people are aware of all the opportunities available to them in our region.”

Young adults who recall four or more encounters with employers while at school are likely to earn around 18 per cent more during their career than their peers who did not have the same opportunities. They are also 86 per cent less likely to become what is known as NEETs (not in employment, education or training).

The Enterprise Adviser Network, managed by the West of England Combined Authority and Local Enterprise Partnership, aims to ensure school leavers are ready for the world of work. There are currently 48 Enterprise Advisers linked with schools across Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire but more are needed.

Lis Jolley, Principal at Digitech Studio School, said: “We’re grateful to the West of England Mayor Tim Bowles for visiting us. We place careers as a very high priority at Digitech Studio School, for example, we are very proud of our Year 10 students who have just returned from a work experience placement week. We offer two work experience placements in Year 10 to give our students the best possible start to their future careers. The impact on students’ confidence and the development of employability skills is a pleasure to see when they return, and I would like to thank all the employers who offer placements to young people.”

“Empowering Learning”

Hanham Woods stage spectacular Mary Poppins Junior

Students at Hanham Woods Academy have been pulling out the stops to create this year’s spectacular musical production of Mary Poppins Jr, a much loved family musical.

Based on one of the most popular Disney movies of all time, the jack-of-all trades, Bert, played by Year 8 student Ellie Scott-Hodder introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael, played by Year 8 & 9 students Lilian Seddon and Heidi Green have sent many a nanny packing, before Mary Poppins, played by Year 9 student Isabelle Shanahan arrives on their doorstep.

Using a combination of magic and common sense, Mary must teach the family members how to value each other again. Mary Poppins takes the children on many magical and memorable adventures, but Jane and Michael aren’t the only ones upon whom she has a profound effect.

Even grown-ups can learn a lesson or two from the nanny who advises that “Anything can happen if you let it.”

Recycled Jellyfish

Over 30 students from Years 7-11 have played an integral part in this production, not only have they performed but students have choreographed, acted as assistant directors, and given technical and design support to this musical.

Many Academy staff have also been involved in leading key aspects of this year’s production, including Mrs Marsh and Mr Joinson, who have worked with a number of students to create the set and props; and Miss David, a Science teacher who stepped in to Musically Direct this production.

Mrs Hurrell, Director & Drama teacher said, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all staff who have been involved in this show, all parents and guardians who have provided their support to our students, but most of all I would like to thank the students who have worked extremely hard and tirelessly over the last three terms on this production, well done and ‘break a leg!’ as they say in show business!”

A group of 25 students from across all age groups have made a Jellyfish out of recycled materials. The jellyfish hanging from the atrium at John Cabot Academy, was constructed during the students enrichment programme.

They started this eco-friendly project by studying plastics in the world’s oceans.

They all feel very passionate about the impact that used plastic is having on their local environment so they constructed the model out of used plastic bottles to show the impact non reusable single use plastics have.

The bottles were collected at the Academy and some were brought from home, the Jellyfish took two terms to construct during their 50 minute lessons.

During this time the group also led a campaign to highlight these issues to other students across their Academy.

Emma Dennehy, Textiles and Food Technician said, “I think it is really important to enrich students’ education about our fragile eco system alongside traditional educational subjects. It is really important to give them an understanding of the damage plastic can have on their local and national environment. The students have not only educated their peers on this environmental issue but have been able to develop their skills in team work, research and problem solving. By using this creative project to create a powerful sculpture combined with their knowledge of environmental issues it is a powerful tool in educating their peers.

I would also like to thank Lorene Archibald, Student Support Lead who assisted with this project.”

Laura Kerswell, JCA student involved in the project said, “In the enrichment activity ‘Plastics of the ocean’, we hoped to raise awareness about how much our ocean is in danger. What the problem is with our oceans is there is too much rubbish, not just plastic effecting our ecosystem. Bioaccumulation is where plastic breaks down into little particles which is mistaken for food by small fish and therefore it gets into our food chain leading to us consuming plastic.”

“Empowering Learning”

John Cabot Academy stages the hit musical Hairspray

Students at John Cabot Academy have worked extremely hard and staged a production of the hit Broadway musical, ‘Hairspray’. The 50 strong cast, crew and live band, from across all age ranges have rehearsed and performed three live sell out shows to packed audiences of family, friends, parents and carers.

The massively acclaimed Tony Award winning Hairspray continues to be one of the most widely produced musicals today, not only because of its wit and charm, but also because of the beautiful message of acceptance and progress that it portrays. The bright, energetic story of Tracy Turnblad teaches us all to look past the colour of one’s skin and fight for every human being’s equal rights.

Audience members who watched the show have praised the production as being “Energetic and full of fun” and “The students giving fantastic performances, bringing the story to life.”

Miss Grainger & Miss Grierson, who produced and directed the show said, “It has been a brilliant production to put on and we have really seen it come to life with costume, make up and a great live band! This show is a testament to all the hard work, effort and commitment of students, support staff and parents too. Well done for a great week of productions, it was brilliant! And you received a standing ovation too!

King’s Oak got talent Year 11 students at King’s Oak Academy produced a whole school talent show as part of their BTEC music coursework.

The twenty eight BTEC students planned, promoted, stage managed and sold tickets for the event.

In excess of 40 students from across all age ranges took part in this musical extravaganza which featured solo musicians, group performers and dancers. Performing and dancing to a wide spectrum of music genres that included Classical, Pop, Rock and songs from the KOA forthcoming musical, The Rocky Monster Show.

The show was performed in front of a sellout audience to parents, carers, family and friends, with all proceeds donated to The Kelsey Smart Forever Fund (Meningitis NOW) and Cancer Research, very worthy causes indeed. This show raised more than £550 on the night.

Mr Tim Warren, Team Leader of Performance and Participation, and coordinator said, “All students who took part in this show performed at an extremely high standard, whether they were backstage or onstage. I am extremely proud of their efforts, hard work and commitment, the show was a great success and enjoyed by all.”

“Empowering Learning”

World Book Day across the Federation

Begbrook Primary Academy

Frome Vale Academy

City Academy

Bristol Metropolitan Academy

Hans Price Academy

Summerhill Academy

John Cabot Academy Haywood Village Academy

Hans Price Academy

John Cabot Academy

Begbrook Academy

Hans Price Academy

Bristol Brunel Academy

John Cabot Academy

“Empowering Learning”

CLF SPORT

Cricket World Cup Trophy Tour 2019 provides a wonderfully exciting year for cricket with the World Cup being hosted in England and Wales. To raise the profile of cricket in Bristol Gloucester Cricket Club will be running multi skill cricket festivals/introduction to cricket for Key stage 1 that will be linked to the World Cup. One of these festivals will be staged at City Academy, Bristol.

Not only will this festival be an amazing experience for young people but they will also have the actual Cricket World Cup trophy. The ‘ICC Trophy Tour’ is coming to Bristol during this weekend meaning school children will have the opportunity to see the actual trophy up close!

The primary school Key Stage 1 World Cup Challenge Festivals are new for 2018/19 and only being run in Bristol and Gloucestershire.

Pic: City Academy student Sports Leaders with the trophy

Once schools sign up and the 24 teams are confirmed, each school will be allocated one of the countries that are competing in the World Cup. Once each school has their country, there will be cricketing challenges set for each school and ideas around classroom based lessons linked to that country.

James Mooney, Specialist Leader in Education for the Cabot Learning Federation - Physical Education, said, “I think it is a fantastic opportunity for our students to be involved in something not only nationally recognised but internationally recognised. Having been selected to host this visit by Gloucester Cricket Club means they understand the passion we have here, not only for cricket but also for sport outside of school, in the local community.”

Sports news in brief........

Fencing success Hubert Zagorzycki, a Year 10 student from John Cabot Academy, fenced at the South West Regional Fencing Championship at Millfield. This was Hubert's first major tournament after only two and a half years of training at Bristol Metropolitan Academy (BMA) and more recently at White Eagle Fencing Club.

Hubert did brilliantly against fierce opposition and reached the semi final to win joint Bronze in the South West. This makes him eligible for the national finals early in May. This is the fifth person in five years to qualify for the National Sabre finals from the BMA/Cabot Learning Federation Fencing Academy.

Hubert Zagorzycki pic 2nd from left.

Nigel Cooley, leader of the CLF fencing Academy said, “We are extremely proud of Hubert’s performance, he fenced exceptionally well under tough conditions. We wish him great success with the national finals in May.”

Hans Price Ski trip Over 30 staff and students from Hans Price Academy took to the fabulous slopes of Serre Chevalier, in France for a week of Skiing, on the Academy’s annual Ski trip. After lunchtime of day three all students were off the nursery slopes and further up the mountain to hone their skills further.

With wondrously wide nursery slopes and excellent ski schools, Serre Chevalier offers groups the perfect introduction to winter sports within a truly picturesque location. With two swooping bowls in Villeneuve and Chantemerle there is plenty of opportunities to practise.

An amazing trip, with memories that will stay with students for a lifetime!

“Empowering Learning”

Paralympian inspires pupils at Summerhill Academy Inspirational Paralympian runner Katrina Hart, who competes in the T37 category, spent a morning at Summerhill Academy. This initiative was started from an invitation from Sports for Schools, who very kindly offered a visit from a Paralympian.

The event was launched, a few weeks prior, by pupils watching a DVD in assembly informing them how the day would unfold and what pupils could expect.

Katrina who won Commonwealth Gold in 2010, World Championship Gold in 2011 and a Bronze medal at London 2012 in the relay said, “To visit schools is amazing, I like to inspire children as I was inspired by my PE teacher to get involved in sport. Through my sport I have experienced so many amazing and wonderful things, so to be able to talk to children about my experiences will hopefully be an inspiration to them.”

Katrina spent the morning putting all 350 pupils from across the Academy, through a series of exercises and activities. The morning was rounded off with a whole school assembly involving a question and answer session with pupils exploring with Katrina, what life is like being an international Paralympic athlete.

Children have been sponsored for this event by parents, carers, and their wider families. Over £570.00 raised by the pupil’s efforts, is a truly significant amount! The monies were roughly divided between the Academy and Sports for Schools 60% 40% in favour of the Academy. The Academy will reinvest the monies back into brand new sports equipment for pupils to use.

Sally Goodridge, PE Co-ordinator at Summerhill Academy said, “This is an excellent way to motivate our pupils and can show them what can be achieved with a lot of hard work and effort. It also shows that no matter what obstacles are put in their way they can still achieve their dreams, ambitions and aspirations.”

Twitter sports roundup....

A brilliant effort, but eventually commiserations to Hanham Woods Academy Year 11 boy’s football team. Narrowly losing their semi-final 4-3 AET to a decent Abbeywood side. Unfortunately a few injuries led to our undoing. Well done boys, a brilliant season. ___________________________________________________________________________ Hanham Wood Academy under 14 girl’s on a winning streak! 5-0 against King’s Oak Academy. Well done all. ___________________________________________________________________________ Two great performances from Hans Price Academy Year 7 and Year 8 Football teams today both beating Broadoak 3-0 and 4-2 respectively. ___________________________________________________________________________ Well done to Hanham Woods Academy Year 10 boy’s Handball team. A brilliant performance against a strong Downend side, but we eventually lost 14-11. A good effort & lots of learning! Well done boys. ___________________________________________________________________________ Thank you to all of the schools that attended the Hans Price Academy annual girl’s football tournament. The rain eased for a few hours to allow some great football to be played. Both age groups were won impressively by Worle School. Well done girls. ___________________________________________________________________________ Bristol Brunel Academy Year 8 boy’s football team moved into the semi-finals of the Bristol cup with a win against Ashton Park. Congratulations to those involved.

@cabotfederation

Cabot Learning Federation

www.cabotlearningfederation.net

Cabot Learning Federation

“Empowering Learning”