The Link - Issue 17 - Spring 2022

Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Priceless focus on reading

ISSUE No. 17 - MAR 2022

THE LINK

DELTA NEWS

DELTA NEWS

Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Welcome

Welcome to the latest edition of our staff newsletter The Link.

Education Exchange will transform lives

I begin with a preview of our Education Exchange here at Knottingley.

The building represents a significant investment by the Trust but, as impressive as the high-tech facilities are, the Education Exchange is much more significant than bricks and mortar.

The new 240-capacity conferencing centre is home to the Teaching School Hubs designated to the Trust and our consortia.

It will be a place where experts will offer high quality professional development for all those working in education, at every stage of their careers, in our Trust and beyond.

I have talked for a long time about our Trust playing its part in transforming outcomes for communities across the North of England.

The Education Exchange will enable a pooling of expertise, placing collaboration above competition, and develop teachers and leaders through the sharing of good practice.

We have the capacity, expertise and talent in our Academies and Trust to transform the region.

The Education Exchange will allow us to move forward on that key strategic aim and I’m very proud Delta is a key player.

It will feature in more detail in the next edition but, in the meantime, please take up the opportunities offered by The Education Exchange.

Its focus is on colleagues’ development – but this packed, 24-page edition reflects the difference colleagues are making on our young people daily.

World Book Day provides a focal point on the calendar and, particularly in our primaries, shows how reading can be fun and spark imagination.

Our reading strategy is making a huge difference to children’s outcomes, and I thank colleagues for their considerable efforts on

this front.

I am also delighted to see our young people benefitting from the fabulous Dallowgill Environmental and Outdoor Education Centre.

Colleagues are returning with inspirational stories about the impact a short period of time at the centre is having on children’s lives.

For many, this is the first time they have experienced the splendour of an area of outstanding natural beauty and felt the impact of life in our great outdoors under a starlit sky.

Your continuing efforts are transforming young people’s lives – thank you.

Paul Tarn

Chief Executive Officer

Success stories

Well done to some Delta students for making an amazing start on their ‘Reading Routes’ journey.

Students have really embraced the wonderful titles on the ‘crime and mystery’ route.

Lily, from De Warenne Academy, was the first student to have read all six titles.

She said: ‘‘I really enjoyed reading each of the books on the ‘crime and mystery’ route.

“I felt like I was a detective, trying to solve the crimes and mysteries scattered throughout each novel.

“My favourite book on the route was The London Eye Mystery by Siobhan Dowd.

“I enjoyed this book because it was quite challenging to solve, and it kept me hooked from the

Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

The Elland: Richly deserved award

The Elland Academy has been named as a Thrive Ambassador School for the role it plays in supporting the wellbeing of its pupils.

It has been named as an Ambassador School with Excellence in the Environment after going through a rigorous assessment process with Thrive®, an organisation which trains teachers and other education professionals to support the emotional and social development of children and young people.

The environment award recognises extraordinary schools which are making a positive impact on their pupils and on the wider community, by having a focus on emotional health and creating an environment in which children’s wellbeing thrives.

All pupils are assessed at the start of their placement.

An individual learning plan is put into place aimed at providing therapeutic interventions and building good relations between the school and family members so the young person can become emotionally ready to re-engage with learning.

The Academy has several

wellbeing and sensory areas available to support pupils to reset and regulate during the school day as well as a drama therapist and four Thrive Licensed Practitioners®.

Simone King, Assistant Principal and Thrive Lead Practitioner, said: “Everyone gave a big cheer when I told them that we were an Ambassador School.

It’s something that everyone has worked towards and feels they are part of. We work with children who have difficulties accessing mainstream classrooms.

We know that all behaviour is a communication of unmet need and we are here to get to the bottom of what’s going on for them.

We have to ensure that they feel safe, special and that they have a positive relationship with staff so that they are able to go on to learn.

We focus on that need first and Thrive® helps us to support our pupils so that they can become ready to learn.”

Thrive’s Ambassador Schools scheme was launched as a way of recognising excellence in the way schools use Thrive® to promote positive mental wellbeing.

There are five areas in which a school can evidence how they support children’s social and emotional development:

environment, leadership, righttime, reparative and relationship, with a special Ambassador School of Excellence Award for schools that achieve the highest standard across all five categories.

As well as submitting an in-depth application form, the school was visited by Thrive® staff to observe and assess the way teachers and other staff implement the Thrive Approach®.

Dominque Sagar, Thrive Relationship Manager for the North West, North East, Yorkshire

and Humber, said The Elland Academy had done a “fantastic job in embedding the Thrive Approach across the whole school.”

“Staff have a great understanding of the Approach and are able to play their part in using it to effectively support the emotional wellbeing of their pupils, helping them to return to mainstream education.

“The Academy really deserves to be recognised in this way,”

England Lane: Space transformed

very start – I couldn’t put it down.

“I like how this route has let me explore a genre that I wasn’t familiar with at first. I now love crime and mystery books. I also can’t wait to start the historical fiction route next term.”

Jack from Don Valley

“My favourite was Scavengers because it was full with unexpected twists and once you get to know the characters you feel like you are there.”

Finally, congratulations to Cara from Rossington All Saints Academy.

She was the first Year 7 student at the Academy to complete the crime and mystery reading route.

Cara’s favourite was The Hound

Congratulations also to Jack from Don Valley Academy.

He said: “When I first found out about reading routes I was very intrigued and determined to read every single one of them.

“It’s nice that school did this as people sometimes don’t like to read, but reading routes gets them to try different genres and pick what you like the most.

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Lily, from De Warenne Academy

of the Baskervilles. She enjoyed it because it had an unexpected ending and she was interested to find out how and why things happened the way that they did.

Cara is looking forward to the next reading route to start.

In the meantime, she is continuing to read a selection of crime and mystery themed books from the school library as well as starting the Twilight series.

An unused outdoor space has been transformed into a learning garden at England Lane Academy.

A sleek, natural looking classroom was once an old shipping container, used for stage.

Children can now explore nature through planting and maintaining vegetables, fruit and herbs.

This has been a very welcomed and excitable addition to a learning area and both the children and adults can’t wait to make use the of this marvellous space.

Thrive Practitioner and PE Lead Jo Simons said: “I think it is spectacular.

“I really like that we can stay dry if it is raining and I can’t wait to do some lessons in it.

This has been a very welcome and exciting addition to a learning area and both the children and adults can’t wait to make use of this marvellous space.”

Before

After 3

DELTA READING

DELTA READING

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Simpson’s Lane: World Book Day surprise A magical, fairy tale themed KS1 library was opened to children at Simpson’s Lane for the first time on World Book Day. Vice Principal Lee Colley said the Academy had worked really hard to raise the profile of reading over the last few years with a specific focus on enjoyment.

“We felt we needed to provide the children with the opportunity to access a library locally as the libraries in Knottingley have been closed down,” he said.

“As part of the plan to raise the profile of reading, we knew we had to create a library that would inspire awe and wonder from the children; making them want to read.

As a result, for many months, there has been top-secret building work taking place within Simpson’s Lane Academy right under the children’s noses.

Part of the building, that used to be the SureStart Children’s Centre, has been transformed into a magical, fairy tale themed library for our nursery, reception and KS1 children,” Lee said.

They were excited to announce the library was ready to welcome the children on World Book Day. “To celebrate the launch, we paired all the classes up so that the older children got the chance to read to and listen to a younger pupil,” said Lee. “The children were brilliant and didn’t want to leave. Both libraries had a great turn out with the new junior librarians doing a great job on their first day in the role.”

Leah, in Year 2, described the new library as amazing.

“I never wanted to leave! I can’t wait to go back,” she said.

Serenity, in reception, described it as the best school day ever.

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Year 2’s Fabian said: “I would give World Book Day Infinity out of 10 rating for today and the new library.”

“I liked the castle and inside the woods because it reminded me of different books I have read,” said Noah in Year 6, “I felt like I was in a fairy tale.”

Reception’s Scarlett said: “I want to go to the new library every Thursday because I just love reading books.”

Tyler, in Year 3 said: “I like the new changes around the school because it has changed the way we learn.”

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DELTA READING

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Southmere: Writing’s on the doors

Pheasant Bank: Fancy dressers

Classes dressed their doors to represent a favourite book or author to celebrate World Book Day at Southmere Primary Academy.

Organised by Emma Firth Rymer, the competition was judged by the office staff.

Throughout the day the children were involved in lots of activities about their favourite books and authors and visited the Star Books Café for hot chocolate and biscuits along with a story.

A book was purchased as a gift for every child in school to take home and each received a World Book Day voucher to purchase another book.

Thank you to Year 3 class teacher Emma for organising this event and Assistant Principal Steph Tempest-Mitchell and Office Manager Colette Jagger for arranging the order and delivery of so many books.

Children celebrated World Book Day by dressing up in their favourite characters.

Wybers Wood: Different class Children worked with classes from a different key stage and shared their favourite books at Wybers Wood Academy on World Book Day.

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Charlie, from EYFS, with Luke from Year 6.

Head of Academy Teresa Rouse said it was lovely to see them interacting with each other after COVID-19 had kept them apart for so long.

“It was great to see the Year 6s reading to younger children,” she said.

“They adapted their reading styles to cater for their younger audience.

Everyone was reluctant to come back to class which shows how much they enjoyed the activity.”

Jack, in Year 6, agreed.

“It was good because it helped everyone to read,” he said.

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Charlotte, also in Year 6, read with a girl from EYFS. “She brought a book called I love my mummy and she said that it was her favourite book. I loved reading with her because she was so sweet and kind,” said Charlotte.

Charlie, from EYFS, said: “I loved it when the big children read to us. It was excellent.”

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St Wilfrid’s: Staff in the spirit Staff and students at St Wilfrid’s Academy promoted World Book Day through a day full of literacy-based activities.

Don Valley: Mental health takes centre stage

Activities marked Children’s Mental Health Week at Don Valley Academy and raised awareness of the issue.

COVID-19 has had a particularly detrimental impact on young people and mental health is a huge focus for the Academy.

The week of activities allowed students to explore their feelings and provided opportunities for any concerns to be addressed.

Each curriculum leader came up with a specific activity around children’s mental health and all students participated.

Examples included Science, with lessons looking at the importance of sleep, while English covered the benefits of talking and listening.

Staff brought some of their favourite books to life, through a fancy dress contest, and spent the day delivering a range of themed lessons.

Students were invited to take part in a book cover design competition and a whole school literacy treasure hunt.

Catering lessons took on a new twist, being led by Miss Trunchbull, who provided the famous Matilda chocolate cake as a WBD reward.

Sophie said: “Students responded extremely well to the range of activities covered for Children’s Mental Health week.

“They all appreciated the hot chocolate, and a lot of issues were discussed from the walks, all things that we can now support with.”

One Year 8 said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and hot chocolate. It was nice to get out of the classroom, get some fresh air and have a nice chat.”

A Year 11 fed back: “It’s nice to get outside and have a stress-free period. It was just what I needed with all my stress of examinations.”

In Maths, memory games were shown to boost mental health while Geography looked at the benefits of living in Doncaster.

History took the subject of heraldry and students designed a shield of their positive qualities, plus hobbies and activities that make them happy.

Assistant Principal Sophie Masters organised for all students to participate in a walk with a hot chocolate.

This allowed students to get some fresh air and talk about any worries.

Staff supported and it also allowed Learning Managers to speak to their year groups during the walk.

A team-building obstacle course was tackled.

Garforth: Great effort There are some familiar characters (and faces!) here. Staff at Garforth Academy celebrate World Book Day.

Students wrote song lyrics around feelings.

A walk and hot chocolate were enjoyed by all students.

Goole: Science focus

Goole: Who’s that?

Masked readers helped Goole Academy celebrate World Book Day.

Year 9 students at Goole Academy took part in British Science Week lessons.

The theme this year was ‘Growth’ and students completed a range of activities, from designing skyscrapers to investigating how plants grow.

Alex Taylor-Lockett and Anna Lumley (lead teacher of science) produced an assembly to engage the pupils and look at how the theme for this year links to the world.

Students have thoroughly enjoyed the creative aspect of the lessons. Special thanks to Science Director Sarah Halloways for creating such engaging content. *Science Week special in The Link’s next edition.

Organised by Fae Austin and Beth Jenkinson, students had to identify which member of staff was reading behind the mask from a Powerpoint presentation in tutor time.

There was a prize for the winning tutor group in each year.

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A design of an organism that could survive on Mars by Isabel at Goole Academy.

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Melior: Gift of books

Grange Lane: Pupils win big prize

A book fair was organised at Melior Community Academy as part of its continuing efforts to encourage students to read at home for pleasure.

Organised by Learning Resource Centre Manager Allison Peden and Teaching Assistant Mollie Salmon, it was decided the best place for older books was at home with students and not in storage.

Eager students came to the book fair, many saying they did not have their own books at home.

This event has helped to ignite students’ love for books and reading and many took books home to read to their younger siblings.

Passionate Eco Warriors won a £2,000 bike shelter for Grange Lane Infant Academy in a top competition.

It gave the students a real sense of ownership and joy for picking up a book.

The book fair was a great success, and more than 100 were given away instead of gathering dust in a storeroom.

“Thanks to the success of the bookfair, I now have plenty of room for our new books and I am able to keep the library looking fresh and exciting for our learners,” said Allison.

Mollie added: “The students were so excited to take home a

Students gathering at the bookfair. gift from the Academy.

“There was a positive buzz in the air on the day as the students gathered and discussed which books they would like to take home. It was brilliant.”

Student president Benson said: “The fair was so much fun. I took a pile of books.

“I love Dr Who and I got two Dr Who books. Me and my mum are going to share them.”

They thanked Principal Graeme Levitt for all the support in the bookfair. Giving the gift of a book to a child is the best gift that can be given.

De Warenne: Top quiz

Pupils fought off strong opposition over a number of rounds to win Ikea’s Eco School’s Project.

Principal Louise Chappell said: “We are very proud of our Eco Warriors for their hard work and thank Ikea for the amazing opportunity.”

The success story began when Science Coordinator Lauren Heyes met with the Eco Warriors to discuss how the Academy could be more environmentally friendly.

It was around the time of the COP26 United Nations Climate Change Conference and there was a lot of talk about how vehicles pollute the climate.

After a long discussion and lots of ideas, it was decided a bike/scooter shelter would help encourage families to leave the car behind and opt to bike, scoot or walk to school.

Mrs Heyes and the Eco Warriors worked together and sent their presentation to Ikea.

They were shortlisted as one of only eight schools to go through to the ‘Dragon’s Den’ round at the beginning of this term.

The Eco Warriors did an amazing job at presenting their idea, so much so Ikea asked to come into school.

Four judges visited and the team did the Academy proud once again, standing up in front of them and explaining their idea.

Rewards were handed out for Years 7 to 10 pupils who had a “Fabulous February” in the De Warenne Academy’s “Super Massive Amazing Quiz of 2021”.

All pupils with good attendance and who demonstrated good behaviour in February were invited to attend the event.

The hour-long quiz in the Academy’s auditorium tested pupils’ knowledge on events from last year.

There were numerous fun rounds where pupils saw teachers “perform”. There was also a round where pupils worked as a team to build a tower from paper cups.

Sweets and refreshments were provided, and pupils could make their own teams before the event.

Molly (Year 10) balanced the cups carefully during the “technology” round.

Prizes were awarded to the winning team from each year group.

Assistant Principal Mark Storey, who organised the event, said: “We have an incredible number of pupils who always get it right at De Warenne Academy and this was a fantastic opportunity to reward them for their efforts.”

Leah, from Year 10, said: “I really enjoyed the event, it was fab!”

Amy, in the same year group, said: “It was great, unpredictable and you didn’t know what would happen next”.

Who was the masked drummer? It was Mr Quibell, Year 9 Learning Manager.

Don Valley: Lian lands role to represent young people Lead Prefect at Don Valley Academy Lian Greaves was elected to become Chairperson of Doncaster Youth Council for a 12-month term.

The election took place at the Council Chamber at the Doncaster Civic Building in Waterdale.

The Year 11 said: “It is an honour to be chosen to help voice thoughts and opinions of young people across Doncaster.

“As Chairperson I will be responsible for chairing meetings, ensuring fair and balanced

representation of young people across the borough.

“Being Lead Prefect at Don Valley Academy has given me experience in chairing meetings and helped me to develop the leadership skills necessary to be successful in this post.

“I think it is important that I thank fellow members of the Youth Council for placing their faith in 10

me, and I am keen to deliver on the promises I have made.

“Youth Voice enables young people to inform decision makers about the problems faced by under 18s and I am excited to take on such an important role in this process.”

They walked them around the school grounds to show where the bike/scooter shelter would go and how the location would suit all the children who come to Grange Lane.

Ikea asked to visit school once again to see the children in assembly, unfortunately, scaled down because of COVID-19.

They visited again last month, meeting the whole of Year 1 and the Eco Warriors and announced the Academy had won.

Mrs Heyes said “The children rose to the challenge and delivered an amazing presentation which impressed the judges so much that the children were announced winners.

They are now excitedly awaiting the bike shelters.”

Crookesbroom: RHS inspires garden growth Crookesbroom Primary Academy is participating in the Royal Horticultural Society’s Campaign for Schools.

It inspires and supports the Academy, providing gardening opportunities to enhance the children’s skills and improve their confidence.

David Longley, Head of Academy, said there were five levels to achieve.

“The children have completed the first level by choosing an area of the school grounds to develop into a garden, gaining knowledge of different types of plants and by learning the correct techniques to keep safe when using gardening tools,” he said.

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“We are well on our way to completing level two and are very excited to see our garden grow.”

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John Whitgift: Dallowgill puts students on track Navigation skills were developed by John Whitgift Academy students while staying at Dallowgill in preparation for their bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

Two parties made the trip to North Yorkshire and had “fantastic experiences” said organiser Matthew Mclaughlin, DofE coordinator and now Head of Science.

“Going to Dallowgill provided a great opportunity for our students to develop navigation skills in preparation for their bronze expedition, awareness of risk and health and safety issues, understanding about caring for the environment and leadership and teamwork skills,” Matthew said.

“For the navigation aspects, students reviewed route cards and plotted their route on maps using grid and magnetic bearings.

“The longest walk on the second day involved walking the Crackpots Mosaic Trail, near Kirkby Malzeard, a moderate route and a good challenge

Darton: Great trip Classroom based activities focused on wellbeing and understanding emotions when 18 Year 8 students from Darton Academy visited Dallowgill.

They stayed at the centre for two nights and during this time completed many activities which gave them the opportunity to learn educationally as well as personally.

Outdoors, the students were challenged by a 3km circular walk completing a treasure hunt along the way.

On the final night the students stargazed and enjoyed time around the fire pit celebrating

for students to apply their navigational skills and working as a team.

“Resilience, character, and determination were some of the attributes demonstrated and this was a trip students will always remember.”

A Year 10 student fed back: “Thank you sir for organising the Dallowgill trip, it was very well organised, and I had an amazing time.

“As well as that, you taught us a lot of essential skills and put lots of effort into the trails, making the experience engaging and fun.”

To celebrate the success of the trip, certificates were awarded: Dallowgill Navigator: Katy, Lily-Ann, Diana

Wybers Wood: Pupils love the outdoors Three amazing days were spent by pupils from Wybers Wood Academy at Dallowgill.

The children took part in lots of fun outdoor activities as well as attending Junior Leadership Team meetings.

Pupils from Years 1 to 6 went, so there was a huge range of ages.

Head of Academy Teresa Rouse said, in the JLT meetings, the children planned the Academy’s Easter Bingo event.

“We went on a muddy walk to Greygarth Monument,” she said.

“It was hard work but worth it when we got to see the view from the top.

“For tea on the Tuesday we had pancakes because it was Shrove

Tuesday. We also sang songs around the campfire and toasted marshmallows.”

Brody, from Year 6, enjoyed it.

“This was probably the best experience I have ever had,” he said.

“If I could, I would go five times.”

Payge, also in Year 6, said it was a really good experience.

“My favourite thing was the food.

Mrs Rouse is a good chef. The best activity was the photography competition,” she said.

And Year 2’s Noah added: “I loved taking pictures of nature.”

Rossington: Revision boosted by Dales Thirty Year 11 Geographers from Rossington All Saints Academy enjoyed a revision weekend at Dallowgill.

The aim was to create some memorable experiences, allow students to rehearse some different revision strategies and to discover the Nidderdale countryside.

This trip was the first of its kind and staff were blown away by the students’ levels of maturity and teamwork skills shown.

The sun shone brightly as the Academy minibuses twisted around the narrow countryside lanes.

Nestled within the Nidderdale countryside, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 10 miles west of the historic town of Ripon, lies Dallowgill.

Delta’s Environmental and Outdoor Education centre, which opened last May, provides stateof-the-art classroom facilities, accommodation and social spaces, including a fire pit.

Students took part in a range of revision activities, before cooking their own pizzas, stargazing under the dark skies, and toasting marshmallows and drinking hot chocolate around the fire pit.

Dallowgill Leader: Ryan Dallowgill Team Workers: Emosi, Keeley, Logan and Katie.

Kingston Park: Yorkshire fun Kingston Park Academy Year 6 pupils enjoy a residential trip to Dallowgill.

their achievements.

Their Learning Manager Katie Hall, who organised the trip, Kirsty Stephenson and James Elliott are all exceptionally proud of every student who attended.

Academy Principal Elaine Briggs said they were very much looking forward to giving other students the opportunity to visit this excellent facility in the future.

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A team photograph outside the beautiful church. Top: Sonny, Chloe, Effie, Brody; second row: Nahla, Libby, Oscar, third row: Noah, Riley, Riley, Kaiden, Bobby, Lily, Payge, Rosie; and bottom: Harry and Ava.

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The Saturday morning provided an opportunity for students to explore the rolling countryside and incredible scenery.

Taking part in a short orienteering task and river study, students practiced their fieldwork skills and worked together as a team to navigate some tricky conditions along the River Laver, following the recent Storm Eunice.

There was even time for competitive board game contests!

A huge thank you to staff, students and parents/carers who enabled this trip to successfully run.

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Pheasant Bank: Guests inspire reading

Reading for pleasure at Pheasant Bank Academy was promoted by visits from a top author and an illustrator.

Wybers Wood: Greek myths

A Greek hook day was enjoyed by children at Wybers Wood Academy.

Organised by Year 4 teacher Thomas Wakefield, and supported by Kathryn Wesley and Holly Smith, children said the day was ‘the most fun this year!’

Highlights for Years 3 and 4 were:

Thanks go to the company which provided the day: ‘Past Presents’.

They were enthusiastic, energetic and full of fun. They said that classes were ‘the best this term yet’.

• Steering the Hoplites boats to damage an enemy wall

National Apprenticeship Week proved an opportunity for Darton Academy to assist students with interest in becoming an apprentice after school.

Gavin Day, from Premdor/ Masonite, delivered an online assembly to Year 10 via Teams to talk about the requirements an employer looks for when appointing and searching for an apprentice.

• Learning to be soldiers from the battle of Marathon • Taking part in a competitive Ancient Greek Olympics between classes

In Year 11, some were given information passed on to school with regards to local apprenticeships.

• Watching the teachers face off against each other in the Olympics.

Peter J Murray led presentations of his ‘Mokee Joe’ series for Year 5 and 6 children while Simon Murray delivered illustrator workshops to Years 3 and 4.

The children really impressed Peter and Simon with their knowledge and quality of work and were in huge attendance when they returned the following day for a book signing event.

Themed book trees now line the corridors of the Academy, exciting the pupils.

Themes include mystery books (wrapped in brown paper with a tag containing the first sentences of the book) to the Trust’s recommended top reads.

The Academy also held a Harry Potter Book Evening and celebrated World Book Day.

Darton: Darton: Career push title here

Burrows Toyota, this week looking for apprenticeships in auto engineering in their search for a star quest, was involved.

An external provider came into school to set up a stand in the atrium in the shape of Berneslai Homes and interest in this from all year groups was good.

A rolling display was also set up in the atrium informing students about apprenticeships and providing them with all the relevant information.

Authors Peter J Murray, signing books, and Simon Murray visited Pheasant Bank

Ryecroft: Kaylan’s win

Strand: All ‘red’ up

A Ryecroft Academy pupil came top of a public vote to win the Reading Plus Christmas poem competition.

Montagu: All as One in literary quest

Year 5 were invited to take part in the filming of The One Show to show Montagu Academy’s partnership with The National Literacy Trust.

It took place at the Mexborough Business Centre and demonstrated how the Academy works together to develop reading for pleasure.

The event was organised Vicki Pearson, Hannah Mooney and Philip Shepperd, who works at The National Literacy Trust.

Assistant Principal Hannah said: “It was a fantastic experience and the children thoroughly enjoyed each activity.

“It was lovely to see how engaged all children were.

“When we arrived back to school, the children couldn’t wait to read their book which The National Literacy Trust team gave them.”

Kaylan wrote “What Christmas means to me” at school and was one of eight children to be shortlisted.

The poems were shared on Twitter and Facebook with likes equating to votes and Kaylan was the resounding winner.

Rachel, from Reading Plus, said: “We had so many wonderful entries from pupils across the key stages that it was impossible to choose just one.

“Subsequently, we decided to shortlist eight poems, post them on our social media channels, and ask the public to vote for their favourite.”

The children and staff at Strand Primary Academy wore red to support Children’s Heart Surgery Fund. This is a charity close to their hearts as a pupil relies on its support.

The day raised £89.21 for the fund.

Helen Wrightson, Head of Academy, said: “We are all really proud of Kaylan!”

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Support was shared on the Careers Portal for sessions running online in the evenings.

These were hosted by All About School Leavers and Festival of Apprenticeships with talks from BT, Astrazeneca, NHS, Police and JP Morgan.

Thanks Bond.

to

organiser

Dave

It was a brilliant opportunity for the children and I can’t wait to visit again.”

Year 5’s Mason said: “I really enjoyed the visit, and it was fun to do the different reading activities”.

Lexi-Mai, in the same year group, said: “I thought it was really fun and we had an interesting talk about reading and books.”

The piece was broadcast on The One Show last week and the children were excited to see themselves on the television.

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Kingston Park: Terrific to be out and about

The Vale: Media Museum ‘write’ up students’ street An enjoyable and informative day was spent at the Bradford Media Museum by all 6th form Media Studies students from The Vale Academy.

Children from Kingston Park Academy have enjoyed being back out on trips, visiting new places and enhancing their learning.

They are loving their days out and, for a lot of the KS1 children, it is the first time they have been on a trip so is a new experience.

Year 5 enjoyed a trip to The National Space Centre while Year 3 have been to the Brackenhurst Centre.

Year 6 went to Dallowgill on a residential.

Year 1 have been to Sherwood Pines and FS2 travelled to Aston Springs Farm.

The foundation unit has had a visit into school from Leanimals.

There is more to look forward to.

Year 2 are going to York Railway Museum, Year 4 to Leeds Museum and Year 5 to Dallowgill on a residential.

Strand: Pupils enjoy Yorkshire trips

Children enjoyed looking at the areas of fire, earth, air and water when Strand Primary Academy’s Years 3 and 4 went on a trip to Magna science adventure centre.

Children in Strand Primary Academy’s HMS Humber (Year 2) completed their learning about the Vikings by visiting Murton Park in York.

The historical outdoor classrooms fully immersed the children in a Viking Village.

Organised by Year 2 teacher Katy Gibbon, they discovered about the life of a Viking Settler.

In groups, they learnt about farming, food, pottery, and household tasks during the Viking age.

They took turns on guard duty and learnt how to defend their village from attack!

In the Earth Experience Year 3’s Tommy told his teachers he “really wanted to be a builder when he was grown up.”

The trip was organised by teacher Safiya Hanif.

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The Kodak Gallery highlighted how photography has evolved and students discussed the representations created in the photographs.

They identified and explored the differing exposures, light levels and framing.

The Experience TV exhibition exposed how it has evolved and was especially useful for students’ paper 2 study of long form television drama.

The Animation Gallery provided a great deal of information regarding Disney and developments from cell animation and the innovative use of multiplane through to full CG animation blending live action with animation.

This exhibition supported A Level Media Paper 2 examination where one question is on how film technology and distribution has evolved.

Highfields: Kitted out for Rovers return

Ten children who won a ‘design a kit’ competition at Highfields Primary Academy were guests at a Doncaster Rovers game.

PE lead Mr Lancashire became aware children had not had the opportunity to attend a professional sports match.

He reached out to Doncaster Rovers and they agreed to make it happen.

KS2 children could win the tickets by designing a kit.

Mr Lancashire and Miss Duckitt took the children to the game against Plymouth Argyle.

Doncaster Rovers were amazing

throughout and did not charge for tickets or activities.

Like the Academy, they placed the children at the centre and wanted to give them an experience.

They were flag bearers on the pitch before the game, took penalties at half time and met Donny the Dog (Rovers’ mascot).

The children and staff loved every minute, and it was a day that will not be forgotten. Not even a 3-1 defeat could dampen their enthusiasm!

Highfields Primary Academy students on the pitch with Donny. They are Mason, Ansarali, Harry, Mia, Katie, Ruby, Savannah, George, Jonas, and Kristers.

The Academy would like to thank Doncaster Rovers for their generosity and kindness.

Willoughby: Children visit Holocaust Centre

To tie in with the Year 6 REC and the whole class reading book this term, Willoughby Road Primary Academy’s Year 6 ventured to the National Holocaust Centre.

Upon arrival, the party was ushered into the main auditorium where the children were introduced, via Zoom, to Holocaust survivor Eve Kugler.

She told her story and answered the children’s questions.

It was a great honour to meet Eve and hear about her life. The children asked some extremely interesting questions.

The afternoon was spent on a guided tour through ‘The Journey’, following the story of a Jewish boy called Leo through 1938.

The children learnt about life for Jewish children in school, what

happened during Kristallnacht and how some were sent on Kindertransport to safety in England.

The children had an extraordinary day, showed impeccable behaviour, and treated the Centre and the stories they heard with the utmost respect. Staff were very proud of them.

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Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Don Valley: Prefect storm

Tutor time saw Don Valley Academy’s Year 11 Prefects reading with Year 7 students every Monday and Friday during the Spring term.

Eight members of the Prefect Team, led by Year 11 Reading Prefect Poppy, organised small group sessions with a total of 43 Year 7 students.

During these sessions they either read collaboratively with individual students or facilitated group reading activities.

Poppy said: “Reading with Year 7 students has been thoroughly enjoyable as it is nice to see their confidence improve.

“At the start of the process these students were very shy and reluctant readers, but now they are confident readers and much more ambitious with the texts they are choosing.

“Myself and the other Prefects also enjoyed reading the books ourselves – my favourite was Scavengers.”

Rossington: Team flies high

Research and engineering skills were developed by Rossington All Saints Academy students in a competition to design a display stand for a Vulcan bomber fuel tank.

Organised by the Vulcan to the Sky charity – which aims to keep the iconic aircraft based at the former RAF Finningley (Doncaster Sheffield Airport) airborne – 14 schools participated.

Team members Ayo, Lily (both Year 8) Amy, Daisy, Lucy, Robin, and Oliver (all Year 9) brainstormed ideas for two hours a week after school over nine weeks to make the stand as effective and innovative as possible.

The judging criteria was to create an engaging, sustainable, and eye-catching display stand which would be attractive to different visitors.

The hard work was rewarded by positive comments and compliments from the five judges and student competitors.

The team created a 3D model and focussed on a sustainable project which did not require the use of electricity.

They developed educational resources for different age groups including information booklets, also available in Braille, jigsaw puzzles, colouring sheets and crosswords.

Older visitors were challenged to create their own app game.

The team wanted to support all visitors and ensured the design was fully accessible to disabled visitors.

To support the Vulcan charity, they proposed, for every 100 leaflets taken away from the stand, a tree from the Wildlife Trust would be planted.

They suggested jigsaws and role play outfits be sold in the charity shop to create a small income.

Lucy said: “I enjoyed creating the tank model and sharing our ideas with the judges. My biggest challenge was costing the project realistically.”

Ayo liked working as part of a team and hearing the positive comments from the judges.

The presenting was Robin’s favourite task.

“My biggest challenge was overcoming the design hurdles,” he said.

Oliver said: “I really enjoyed working on ‘Blender’ which is a 3D mode4lling software programme.”

Daisy liked working as a team and developing technical skills.

“My biggest challenge was having the courage to present to different judges,” she said.

Kerry Noble, Lead Teacher of KS3 Technology and Engineering, said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed working with this team of outstanding students.

“They have developed an idea from a very vague situation to a finished prototype.

“They have they dedicated hours of their own time to the project, and worked as an amazing team who should be extremely proud of themselves.

“It has been a pleasure to work alongside them.”

Teaching staff at De Warenne Academy linked part of their lessons to LGBTQ+ themes, ideas, and people for one day as part of LGBTQ+ History Month.

In art, pupils learnt about LGBTQ+ artists, their work, and the challenges they faced.

Teachers looked at statistics relating to LGBTQ+ issues in maths.

In geography, pupils learnt about LGBTQ+ rights in different countries.

The day was a success because all subject areas contributed, and pupils were keen to learn about the history of LGBTQ+ people.

Organiser Catherine Shires, Associate Assistant Principal, said,

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Grange Lane: Events raise vital funds

Bright yellow clothes were worn by children at Grange Lane Infant Academy to raise money for a charity which supports one of their friends in nursery.

Big Yellow Friday is the annual awareness raising and fundraising day for children’s liver disease and the child’s parent approached the Academy about fundraising for the great cause.

Her son has a rare liver disease called Biliary Atresia. This means the bile ducts

in the liver can become inflamed or obstructed, causing serious issues with regards to digestion and malnutrition.

The day raised £153.50.

For more information, go to

www.childliverdisease.org

Children wore a splash of blue on Big Yellow Friday to support the disaster fund for the crisis in Ukraine.

De Warenne: : LGBTQ+ month celebrated

Pupils learnt about LGBTQ+ history in maths by looking at key dates, statistics and data.

Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

“It was great to see our pupils learn about the achievements of LGBTQ+ people and celebrate their lives.

“Pupils enjoyed the day and improved their understanding of LGBTQ+ history”.

Year 11’s Scarlett agreed.

“I loved the enthusiasm from the teachers, it made me feel safe,” she said.

Nicole, also in Year 11, added: “It was a great day and I learnt so much about LGTBQ+ History”.

An AAB member and local Pastor has ties through the church with the country and the Academy has families from those neighbouring countries, doing their best to support the thousands of refugees.

As children and staff were already wearing yellow for the fundraising day, they asked if families could also add a splash of blue to represent Ukraine’s flag and support the Red Cross Appeal.

The Academy was delighted to raise £170 for the appeal.

Manor Croft: Heroes help

The Manor Croft Calligraphy Club organised a Valentine’s Day handmade card stall and raised £50 for Help for Heroes.

Evie-Mae in Year 8 said it was a dream to join the Armed Forces.

“I have a brother who is in the Army who I look up to a lot,” she said.

“Raising money for Help for Heroes is something that I feel passionate about.

“Staff and pupils were really happy to be able to give their loved ones something that comes from the heart and is handmade.

“Staff and teachers were lovely and supportive. They were really encouraging.”

Imogen, also in Year 8, said: “I think it was amazing because the money we raised was for a good cause and to help veterans who have sacrificed a lot to protect our country.

“They deserve our help. I’m proud because, instead of just letting other people help, we’ve gone out

Around £180 was raised at a cake stall organised by two Manor Croft Academy students in aid of the Children’s Air Ambulance.

and done something ourselves.”

English teacher Reema Begum said: “I am incredibly proud of the club.”

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Student leader Bhaiyat and Head Girl Ajmal had contributions from 10PP and set it up outside the hall.

They had some nice feedback.

Hussain said: “Thank you for supporting this charity”.

Chopdat said the cake tasted delicious while the caretaker added: “Thank you for saving this cake for me!”

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Pheasant Bank: Young conservationists

Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

The Vale: Theo’s Far East dream

A scout from The Vale Academy has set his compass on a dream trip to South Korea.

It is the destination for the 25th World Scout Jamboree, with up to 50,000 expected to participate in a host of activities.

Theo, in Year 10, is hoping to join thousands of scouts from the UK aged between 14 and 17 taking the trip. He is fundraising to enable him to go.

His Dad is a scout leader. He remembers attending a camp at Lincolnshire showground aged three and chaperoned by the older scout leaders.

Theo’s favourite scouting activities are water based and include windsurfing, sailing and paddleboarding, which take place at Barton ponds, not far from his home.

Another fun event is Monopoly around London. It involves about 40,000 steps but is well worth it for another badge.

Poacher, another regular meet, splits into sub-camps with each group learning different skills needed for specific badges.

The hardest to achieve was the Chief Scout gold award where he had to complete seven set badges to get it. He wears it with pride.

Theo earned a rare County Commissioner’s badge for an act of good without being prompted. He helped an elderly gentleman who had fallen and badly hurt his nose.

Conservationists are being encouraged at Pheasant Bank Academy by a weekly club.

Children have been extremely busy considering how to improve the Academy’s culture and environment in the weekly Conservation Club, run by Miss Oh and Miss Mettam.

As part of their work to raise the profile of recycling across the Academy, the children have purchased several recycling bins and combined their Oracy skills to create an informative video, shared during assembly.

During February, the club was supported by site supervisor Mr Young to take part in the RSPB’s Big School Birdwatch.

After children had surveyed the site, they submitted their results, contributing to a national database used by scientists to support the future of native and visiting species of birds.

With Spring on the horizon, the club had been considering how

Montagu: Help bank

Saemangeun, hosting the 25th World Scout Jamboree

Theo is now a young leader which means he is often in charge of guiding some of the younger boys and girls.

Theo’s regularly travelled with scouts. He has camped in Scotland and Whitby and, if not for Covid, had the opportunity to go to Poland and Austria.

The World Scout Jamboree happens once every four years, hosted by a different country. It is being held at Saemangeun in South Korea on a site 6-8km wide.

Theo has come up with a novel way of raising money for the trip. He has taken a variety of well-known Lego figures, stuck them together with industrial glue and screwed them securely to the woggle that is worn to hold the scarf/necker together.

He will then sell them.

Don Valley: CPD boost A total of 70 CPD books were given out to all teachers as part of the Don Valley Academy INSET day.

A partnership has been formed between Montagu Academy and The Hygiene Bank Doncaster to help families with toiletries and cleaning items. to support the wildlife that visits the academy and local area.

They have been planting a new hedgerow and orchard to create habitats and food sources for the future.

The club has also created environmentally-friendly bird food and feeders which will be placed around the academy.

The nesting season for birds is 20

well underway with some species and others are on the lookout for a place to nest.

Last year, 13 nest boxes were erected with the capacity to add cameras to each so pupils can watch the whole process of nest building, egg laying and hatching, if any of the seven target species choose to make themselves comfortable at Pheasant Bank.

Theo, raising funds to take him to South Korea. On the left hand side of his shirt is his Chief Scout gold award.

Staff were challenged to read their book over half term and bring ideas to share with colleagues.

Staff were thrilled with their half term present and well up for the challenge and keen to share practice with colleagues.

Assistant Principal Tom Gray said: “We tweeted on the Academy’s Twitter account that this was what we were doing as part of the INSET day and had a number of very positive responses from a number of the authors of the books.”

Bennie Kara replied: “This is wonderful way to treat your staff! Love how generous this is.”

Emma McCrea tweeted: “What a treat for them” while Kat Stearn posted: “I wish my previous schools had been this generous.”

The Academy had a pallet delivered with a variety of products, distributed to those within the school community.

It is hoped the partnership, organised by Jessica Rayfield, Lindsay Williams and Karen Palmer, can be developed in the future.

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Don Valley: Huge praise Efforts by the Year 11 Prefect Team at Don Valley from last term have not been forgotten.

They wanted to help local, elderly residents and explained COVID-19 would have made an already difficult time for some, unthinkable.

The team found the b:Friend charity and asked SLT to support a hamper collection and hand-made Christmas cards.

With the support of Assistant Principal Sophie Masters, they organised a tutor group collection.

Each form tutor and form were responsible for creating a hamper and card for an elderly individual.

Mike, the founder of b:Friend, was overwhelmed and could not believe it when the hampers would not fit in his car. The school minibus transported them to a central location.

He contacted the school last month to explain the hampers and cards had been distributed, and how much they meant to each individual.

Mike, from b:Friend, said: “The hampers and cards resulted in lots of happy tears, which was lovely.

“One lady in particular, Elaine, hadn’t left the house in nearly two years due to illness and anxiety but, when she received the hamper and we spoke, she built the confidence to attend one of our social groups.”

The school received a handwritten card from Elaine, thanking the students.

Sophie said: “I couldn’t believe the contributions made by our students at Don Valley Academy.

“I was absolutely blown away by their efforts to ensure the elderly have something nice for Christmas.”

Goole: Top nosh dished up Hospitality and catering students had to create dishes suitable for sale in a top London restaurant.

Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Garforth: Arthur hits new heights

Garforth Academy student Arthur has been moved into the Regional performance squad at the City of Leeds Swimming Club.

He will now train 10 hours a week, including two 5am starts.

Last year, Arthur qualified to race in the Yorkshire championships and the North East regional championships.

He qualified to compete in the Yorkshire championships again last month.

Other students in KS3 that race in various squads for City of Leeds and have also qualified include Ava, Rory (both Year 7) and Joe (Year 8).

Well done to them all.

The Goole Academy Year 10s showed a wide range of culinary and presentation skills.

This involved designing and presenting the dishes using a detailed plan and step-by-step instructions independently, within a set time period.

Mrs A Isle, Hospitality and Catering Teacher, said: “Fantastic effort, skill and confidence was shown from all students involved. Well done!”

De Lacy: Canteen culture Broadening students’ horizons is at the forefront of everything De Lacy Academy does - and that does not stop when a lesson has finished.

The canteen, led by Catering Manager Mrs Collins, has helped with students’ experiences of different cultures, religions and events.

This last half term, the Academy’s celebrated St David’s Day, the Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day.

Arthur at Ponds Forge international pool in Sheffield after a race in December

The Vale: Taking lead

Two leadership camps were attended by Year 9 and 10 students from The Vale Academy at Grimsby Leisure Centre.

Whetley: Victors A group of Year 4 and 5 students represented Whetley Academy in the Artistic Gymnastics competition at Bradford University, organised by Sports UK. The coaches said the Academy’s pupils performed fantastically well and showed brilliant team work and creativity.

Assistant Principal Jonathan Townend said: “We are really proud of them for taking part and giving their best efforts, which saw them coming in first place.”

The first was the Young Activators Inclusive workshop, directly aimed for SEND students. They were given the opportunity to show their passion for sports by delivering physical activity to young people.

The second workshop was Step into Sports, in which a selection of Year 10 GCSE PE students participated.

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During the day, they looked at characteristics of leaders and the importance of them in a range of sports.

Both workshops included theory and practical elements.

Students had to deliver activities to others from different schools with the skills they had learnt.

DELTA SPORT Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Wybers: Title retained An inter-school indoor athletics crown was retained by Wybers Wood Academy’s Year 5 and 6 after a pulsating three-hour slog against five quality local schools.

The team, who have been training for the finals since November, ran out winners – beating their secondplaced opponents by just two points.

With time running out, Wybers needed a positive result in the 4x100m finals.

The boys finished second which put the squad one point behind the leaders with one race to go, the Girls 4x100m.

Leyla, Daisy, Kaila and Maisie were ready for the challenge and it was the race of the day.

With two lengths left to run, it came to Maisie, who slipped as she kicked the board.

The baton fell from her hand and, after two bounces, she regained control and pushed on to achieve second (a lesson in never giving up!)

With their nearest rivals finishing third, Wybers retained the crown for another year.

Dan Brown and Wendy Bradley, who helped train the children, said: “This is the best way to achieve something special.

“We were so close with the final races ahead of us and to grab the win at the end was amazing.

“The children were brilliant and we’re so proud of all their efforts.’

Well done to all the athletics teams.

They are looking forward to Delta Games in the summer where they will be aiming to retain their Delta crown too.

Lower Fields: Top racers

Garforth: Top effort

Two pupils from Lower Fields Primary Academy qualified to race in the Yorkshire Cross Country finals at Temple Newsome.

Rothwell parkrun in minus two degrees was the culmination of Garforth Academy’s couch to 5k programme.

Evie and Michael were among a group of Year 4 and Year 6 children taken by James Lewsley to the Bradford Cross Country heats at Thornton Grammar School.

Both qualified for the city final and, from there, the Yorkshire event. Evie won medals in both performances at Bradford.

Michael (above) in action during the Bradford race and Evie celebrates with a medal.

The course was run over an alternative cross-country route due to the weather and, rather cruelly, had an extra 0.2k added on for good measure.

The Monday sessions were very enjoyable and staff were thanked by organiser Tom O’Reilly for joining when available. A special mention to the following: • Debbie Wills - top for regular attendance and an impressive machine-like attitude to training • Debs Quinn - great progress over the course of the programme • Daljit Sehmi - completed the course despite recent injury Richard Herrington came in first place a minute-and-a-half ahead of second, made all the more impressive by the fact he wore a vest in -2 degrees.

This newsletter is produced by Delta Academies Trust, Education House, Spawd Bone Lane, Knottingley, WF 11 0EP. Telephone: 0345 1960033; email: info@deltatrust.org.uk

Jesse Kreig looked like he was floating on air at some points.

However, it might have just been the shorts!

A top effort, well done to all.