The Link Magazine - Summer 2022

Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

The wonders of

Science British Science Week special focus

ISSUE No. 18 - JUNE 2022

THE LINK

DELTA NEWS Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Welcome

Welcome to the last edition of our staff newsletter of this academic year.

The Education Exchange is now open and being utilised by various Multi-Academy Trusts, as well as ourselves.

Education Exchange’s busy start to transforming young lives It has been an incredibly busy one for colleagues across the Trust and, at the end of term, we can allow ourselves a chance to reflect on a highly successful 12 months.

In terms of our transformative agenda for the region, the most significant event has been the opening of The Education Exchange CPD and Conferencing Centre in Knottingley.

It is home to the Teaching School Hubs designated to the Trust and our consortia, putting collaboration above competition to improve children’s outcomes.

With that in mind, it is pleasing to see the centre‘s fantastic facilities are being utilised by other Multi-Academy Trusts as well as our own.

Selby Educational Trust held its Whole Trust INSET day in May,

making full use of technical and catering facilities, with fantastic feedback.

Star Academies held their Great Science Share event in the centre this month. They used the space for exhibiting student work and enabling young people to present on stage in front of peers and teachers.

Other MATs are booking the facilities to host large-scale training and conferences.

Our Teaching Hubs are utilising the Education Exchange to host large training sessions and presentations and I am pleased to have already welcomed colleagues from across the Trust for Key Stage 1 Reading & Writing Training, Ruth Miskin training and Primary Networking Events.

Before we finish for Summer we will host over 160 secondary students for a Poetry Showcase and 180 students from Delta and

NET for a Cyber Security Event!

All of this falls under the umbrella of transforming outcomes for students across our region. That is what it is all about.

It is great to see the work of our science teams highlighted in this issue in a special look at British Science Week.

The tasks resonated with our students, particularly around the issue of climate change.

We are right to continue in our initiatives on this mammoth environmental challenge.

Finally, I would like to thank colleagues for their hard work over the last 12 months. I hope GCSE and SATs results reflect the considerable efforts made and the support given to students in the wake of the pandemic.

Enjoy your summer break.

Paul Tarn

by a wide variety of Delta staff who have kindly given their time to act as speaking assessors for this unique group of students.

The Trust also has excellent links with Doncaster’s Virtual School Language Support Service, and it has provided our academies with speaking assessors as well.

As the inspiring Nelson Mandela said: “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart”.

Chief Executive Officer

Delta MFL: Important to speak language Did you know 10 different foreign languages are spoken by our current Year 11 students?

The list is most impressive and wide ranging.

Exams have taken place this year in Arabic, French, Italian, Mandarin, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Urdu.

French and Spanish are the two main languages taught in our 16 secondary Academies.

However, another 80+ students have been given the opportunity to gain an extra GCSE in their home language.

These talented teenagers have taken a speaking exam and been examined in listening, reading, and writing.

Just as students take GCSE English, Delta believes students should be given the chance to demonstrate their proficiency across the four skills of their home language.

Should they continue into higher education, it may prove to be very beneficial to show they have achieved the GCSE benchmark.

Emma Hammond, a Delta MFL Director, has the responsibility for these additional home language students and, without her organisation, these exams simply would not have taken place.

In addition to Emma, our Academies have been supported 2

DELTA NEWS Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Strand: Katie inspires fundraising

What better way to celebrate the return to Strand Primary of Assistant Principal Katie Wheeler after breast cancer than to hold a “Walk all over Cancer” fundraiser and “Race for Life Day”?

Yeah, go Katie – you did it!

She was diagnosed in January, 2021, during the pandemic, and the school community raised a staggering £2,031.81 for Breast Cancer Research.

The whole school joined in “Walk all over Cancer” during March, with staff completing 10,000 steps every day for a month.

The children ran two laps of the playground every day, during morning play and at lunchtime.

The month ended with the school’s own Race for Life Day. On the morning, the whole school completed a carousel of activities on the field and, in the afternoon, we all came together for our own Race for Life.

PE Lead and organiser Carla Probert said: “It was fabulous to see all of us unite and run alongside our Assistant Principal, making sure we raised enough money for the Cancer Research charity, the same charity that supported her on her road to recovery.”

Cancer has affected so many at Strand, whether it be family members, children or staff who know someone who has had it or suffered themselves.

Katie said: “It was important to teach the children that we were raising money to help people like

myself, enabling people to have the lifesaving treatment that was available for me.

With our amazing fundraising, many more people in the future will also benefit from new treatments.”

Pupils enjoyed the event.

Kacey, from Year 6, said: “This was the best day ever.

As a sports leader I ran with the younger children first, then I ran with my friends, even though I was tired I kept on going because of why we were running.”

Year 2’s Ali said: “The day was fun. I came first and got a medal.

I am so proud of myself.”

Ruby said she enjoyed watching her brother Riley run as fast as he could.

Head of Academy Laura Snow said: “You can achieve anything working as a team.

The whole school came together, because cancer has such a poignant effect on every life it touches.

As a school, we wanted to raise awareness and as much money as we could so research can continue, and new treatment can be detected.

Our children are determined and passionate individuals.

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They showed self-belief in completing their challenges and through perseverance they helped staff too, asking us every day, how many steps do you have today?

Come on, you can do it come out to play and you will reach your goal. Teamwork certainly and most definitely is the key.

Life can be short, and you have to live every day to the fullest.

Live your dash!”

DELTA NEWS Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Grange Lane: Royal smiles are picture Wonderful portraits of the Queen were painted by nursery children at Grange Lane Infant Academy to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.

With help from Stacey Long, they certainly captured a likeness of her, with her smiling face and golden crown.

Proud pupils (left to right) Luna, Kory, Dominic, Ezra, Rose and Henley with their portraits of the Queen.

Southmere: International Day and the Jubilee A fantastic week of events at Southmere Primary celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and the school’s many different cultures.

They had afternoon tea parties and wore red, white and blue, as well as learning about the different countries of the world, wearing traditional clothes and trying foods.

Organised by The Academy Council, Lead Yasmin Jina said: “I am so proud of how the children have organised this event.”

Head of Academy Rachael Binns said the children wanted to celebrate the rich diversity of their community during the Jubilee Celebrations and how the UK has changed over the past 70 years.

“The day was a huge success with children learning so much about each other’s backgrounds,” she said.

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DELTA NEWS Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Strand: Celebrations fit for a Queen

A big old knees up was held by Strand Primary Academy to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Children had a party on the playground followed by fun on the field, with the whole school involved.

All children and staff wore red, white and blue. There was a crown and tiara competition and lots of party food and games.

Head of Academy Laura Snow said: “What a way to end a term!

The children had a busy week designing posters of the Queen and making their own flags.

We celebrated the Queen’s 70 years of service and marked her reign with a party our children will never forget.”

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Mia, from FS2, said: “I had my picture taken with the real Queen who was in our hall!”

“This is the best party ever, I got to sit next to my little brother and eat cake!” said Falecio, from Year 2.

Year 6’s Jessica commented: “I liked everyone playing on the field together, I showed the girls how to do cartwheels and I let the little kids run under my flag.”

DELTA BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Science Science Director Sarah Halloways coordinated a huge effort to raise the profile, popularity, and importance of her subject during British Science Week.

Don Valley: Group focus

Each year group had a specific project focus during British Science Week at Don Valley Academy. identifying and solving problems for supporting life on another planet e.g. food production, water production and adaptations required for animals and plants.

Lily and Efe busy at work.

All lessons were planned as a series around the overall theme of growth.

The sessions were held in each Key Stage 3 science lesson across the week organised by Alys Randall (ECT 1) for Year 7, Kieran Quinn (ITT), Year 8, and Sara Pates (ECT 1), Year 9.

Year 7 spent a week in the life of a microbiologist, including planning and analysing experiments, and sampling and culturing microorganisms from around the Academy.

Experiments were completed using aseptic technique. They then went on to plan a follow up experiment based on the results of their first.

This was designed to mimic the roles and responsibilities of a scientist, giving first-hand experience of the job.

Extra-terrestrial life was the project for Year 8, looking at things like surface conditions on Mars, and

Callum, Ben, Leon and Wes work on their skyscraper.

Year 9 looked at different types of growth on Earth.

They looked at lifecycles of animals, growth of plants and the impact of population growth, both in terms of physical practicality and climate change.

They solved the problem of overcrowding by designing a sky scraper made from marshmallows and spaghetti.

Alys said she wanted students to have first-hand experience of what it is like to work in a lab and have a career in STEM. “This is particularly pertinent following the pandemic, when people are far more aware of microorganisms and their place in our world,” she said.

Sara said the year’s theme of growth provided a great opportunity for Year 9s to explore

Lucas and Cole (above)

Izzy, Lily and Sheri focused on their structure.

population growth and its impact on lives and the environment.

“They had great fun exploring the physics of building up vertically using spaghetti and marshmallows, then explored the relationship between population growth and climate change by analysing 6

The overall aim we held as organisers for the BSW lessons was not only to bring a love of STEM to the classroom but to increase independence in the learners through increasing their engagement. The feedback from the department supports that we achieved this. graphs and using these to develop a local strategy for reducing private road transport,” she said.

British Science Week special focus

learning journey Here, in a special feature, The Link celebrates what those colleagues across our 16 secondaries achieved, and students learned.

The starting point was the learning journey (see left).

Whitgift: It’s lift off

Rockets were built and launched by John Whitgift Academy as part of a busy British Science Week.

Sheffield Hallam University hosted the event at the school.

Rocket JWA 1 flew the highest in the live launch, winning the competition.

John Whitgift organiser Louise Mead said: “It flew so high that the rocket went off radar, losing the altimeter and couldn’t even be found by the drone!

“Congratulations to team members Elise, Dyllan, Jessica, Connor, Jared, Jasmine, Laila, Keane and Mason.”

Rocket Whitgift Willie ran into technical difficulties, flying horizontally rather than vertically while Team Rocket had the “cleanest flight”.

Students also travelled to nearby Franklin Sixth Form College for a careers fair.

Student Thomas said: “I enjoyed the Franklin trip as it helped me view different routes I might take for a career in engineering in the military.”

Callum thought the trip “very engaging”.

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“The talks were also quite fun with an example being the British Steel talk which allowed us to solve puzzles and compete against each other,” he said.

Paige said: “I think the trip was good. I enjoyed the workshops and the careers fair.”

The week also included: • A visit to University of Hull • Mars Day 2022 seminars on Zoom • Venomous and poisonous animals on Zoom (host Sheffield Hallam University) • An assembly to every year group • Delta BSW lessons Students were positive in their feedback.

Ben and Tahya said: “When we were planting seeds in different types of soil, it was good fun and can’t wait to see the result when they grow”.

Lily commented: “I have learned that if everyone was vegan about 1 million deaths could be avoided by 2050”.

Madison said: “I learnt how to make my own plant.”

Amelia said: “I learnt that if everyone in the world went vegan, the levels of greenhouse gas would be reduced dramatically.”

And Ruby added: “I liked our learning during BSW lessons about growth because it taught me about plants and animals and the good and bad effects of growth in plants and animals.”

DELTA BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

De Lacy: Lesson’s bacteria surprise Mobile phones were swabbed to check for bacteria during British Science Week at De Lacy Academy – with some shocking results!

The agar plates told their own story after Mrs Hannon’s class had transferred the bacteria to see it grow.

Year 9 really enjoyed building spaghetti towers, a lesson that looked at how the planet can house an ever-growing global population.

The best one built in Mr Hirst’s class was by Vida and Vidita.

They also received an Amazon voucher for the best BSW week posters in a competition.

One of the lessons looked at the growth of plants. Students investigated using soils that had varying compositions.

Miss Michie’s class was delighted to take plants home at the end of half term.

Kenzie, in Year 9, said: “I swabbed my hands to grow bacteria. It was awful when I saw the results. I’m washing my hands from now on!”

Phones were swabbed (above) with some unpleasant results (right)

Work gets underway to build a tower.

Vida and Vidita, who designed the best poster, also had success with their spaghetti tower.

Plants were grown and taken home.

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British Science Week special focus

Manor Croft: Gardens float ideas

It was Manor ‘Cropped’ Academy when students designed floating gardens as part of British Science Week.

Year 8 students Aleks and Max with their work.

Alek, Charlotte, Libby, Kacey and Ruby by the paddling pool.

Organised by science teacher Sophie Norman, students investigated how the human population is set to grow by 2050, and how this may result in climate change, a problem that affects everyone.

With the potential of rising sea levels, and flooding becoming more frequent, students collaborated their efforts to design and construct a miniature garden that could be placed in water and withstand heavy rainfall.

The keen scientists built confidence in their presentation skills by explaining their designs to others in the class.

The best designed constructions and their creators, in Years 7 to 9, were taken out of one of their other lessons to test their structures.

During this treat, students used a paddling pool to represent the sea and a watering can to represent rainfall and found out whose garden stood the test of time.

Students in Year 10 battled it out for who would design and make the sturdiest skyscraper to home the growing population, using nothing but pipe cleaners!

A British Science Week assembly was held, Trust science week lessons delivered to Years 7 to 9, and the whole school engaged in a growth competition.

Sophie said: “It was great to see so many getting involved and the whole event created a buzz in the department for students and teachers alike.

“Students were able to have fun, learn, communicate ideas, and overcome barriers that made teamwork difficult, which was an

Kaicie in Year 10, trying to build the sturdiest skyscraper out of pipe cleaners.

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Harvey and Adrian in Year 7 with their skyscrapers.

amazing thing to see and be part of.”

She thanked all at Delta, the Academy’s Science department, and those at British Science Week, who provided funding, to create lessons that will be remembered by students for many years.

DELTA BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Garforth: Crucial teamwork Activities at Garforth Academy to mark British Science Week included the skyscraper building task and seed germination experiments.

Across the academy, students explored a wide range of aspects of growth to better understand the planet, its prospects and potential.

Students investigated spaghetti structures and different planting surfaces for seeds to germinate, all under this year’s overarching theme of growth.

Goole: Towering effort Skyscraper designs and plant growth were among the topics investigated at Goole Academy as part of British Science Week.

Students designed creatures able to survive on Mars and took part in competitions within school to win a range of prizes from chocolates to Amazon vouchers.

Some even had the opportunity to create flower bombs which have been distributed in the school garden.

The activities enabled students to creatively think about applying the theme of BSW to careers and possible future opportunities. This lesson was loved by students.

They also had the opportunity to enter a national competition and submit a poster on the theme of ‘growth’. Some great entries were submitted.

Alex Taylor-Lockett and Anna Lumley (Lead Teacher of Science) produced an assembly that engaged students and looked at how the growth theme linked to the world they lived in.

Students thoroughly enjoyed the creative aspect of the lessons.

A special thanks to Director of Science Sarah Halloways for creating such engaging content again.

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British Science Week special focus The Vale: Garden relaunch

Darton: Design challenge

A competition was launched at Darton Academy to design an irrigation system for plants to grow on Mars as part of British Science Week.

Organiser James Elliott, second in science, was very impressed with the uptake and the standard of the entries from Key Stage 3.

Winners collected a solar-powered science kit to build vehicles of their own.

James said: “Science Week was fantastic!

We looked at buildings for the future and created some fantastic models.

“We also led thought-provoking sessions on science careers and what is important to the students in the future.

“The competition entries came in thick and fast. Some were designed on paper, some 3D models, some as a comic strip and there was a fantastic entry as a video diary.”

A selection of deserved winners.

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Volunteers from Year 7 helped relaunch The Vale Academy’s eco-garden to help mark British Science Week.

They were led by science teacher Caroline Hicks and transformed the garden to make it a focus of biodiversity, encouraging the growth of an ecosystem within the school grounds.

Caroline said: “Renovating the eco-garden has helped promote environmental awareness and responsibility amongst our students.”

The Year 7s agreed.

“Developing the eco-garden was an excellent opportunity and experience for me,” said Ellie.

Maddison had also had “an amazing experience” renovating the garden.

“It is also helping the planet to reduce global warming and climate change,” she Maddison.

For Annabell, it was “a chance to bring the beauty back to the eco-garden” and it had been “fun and interesting”.

Izzy said: “It was a welcoming community that I could take part in without the fear of crowds and help the world at the same time.”

Thank you to the British Science Week for supporting the project.

DELTA BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

The winners of the Year 7 spaghetti towers competition George, Ruby, Lily, Shae and Molly.

De Warenne: Spaghetti junction Spaghetti towers, the growth of nutrients and growing bacteria were the sessions used by De Warenne Academy in Key Stage 3 during British Science Week.

Subject teachers Jayde Emerson-Thompson, Stefan Hines, Francesca Carr and trainee teacher Mark Rowe organised the activities.

Students loved growing bacteria and looked forward to viewing their colonies.

They also enjoyed the growing nutrients lesson as they liked the responsibility of watering their clover / radish plants subsequently.

Students in 7D loved the spaghetti towers lesson as they are very competitive.

Rossington: High Growth A host of activities took place at Rossington All Saints Academy to mark British Science Week.

Students covered the growth of plants, measuring growth, increasing population, surviving on Mars, seed bombs, STEM careers and took part in a poster competition.

The events were organised by Science Technician Chloe Akery and Science Director Sarah Halloways with five lessons around the theme of growth.

In lesson one, students investigated which soil seeds would grow best in. Students concentrated on variables and the importance of keeping control variables the same.

The second lesson gave the students freedom to do practical work, measuring each other’s height.

The focus then concentrated on graphs and, to finish, students looked at sharks and shark growth.

Designing and constructing a skyscraper to solve the issue of the growing population formed lesson three.

Students worked in teams and overcame problems to try and build a strong skyscraper from straws and sticky tape.

However, it was a group in 7A who won the competition with an 83cm tall tower which they were extremely proud of.

Jayde said: “Students loved taking part in British Science Week.

“They loved the growing bacteria lesson in particular, as it gave them an insight into how dirty their teachers’ classrooms were!”

Reaction from students was positive and she thanked British Science Week for providing the resources.

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Mrs Wilson and Year 8’s Kellen build a spaghetti tower.

Lesson four focused on surviving on Mars. Students looked at adaptations and had a chance to be creative by using their knowledge to design an organism to survive on Mars.

Finally, the last lesson looked at STEM careers.

Chloe said: “It was great to see so many students participating in so many fun and engaging practicals after an extended period without them.”

British Science Week special focus

Ash Hill: Problem-solvers Practical and problem-solving skills were gained by Key Stage 3 students at Ash Hill Academy during British Science Week.

They completed multiple lessons on the growth theme.

The challenge was on to build the tallest and strongest skyscraper from art straws.

Students grew bacteria samples from different areas of the classroom on agar plates, then analysed which had the most bacteria.

Plants were grown in different compositions of soil to determine which type was best for growth.

They linked this to practical skills in method writing and identifying variables.

Different growth stages of various animals were looked at and linked to their own growth by measuring their height and plotting graphs against their age.

Teacher of Science and organiser Daniel Kennell said students had really enjoyed taking part in the British Science Week lessons.

“They gained practical and problem-solving skills and many thrived when pushed outside of their comfort zone,” he said.

The height measurements were used to plot a graph.

Summer from Daniel’s science group created an impressive poster looking at growth and stem cells.

Assistant Principal Alex Smith’s and Second in Science Claire Kelly’s Year 8 students said they most enjoyed measuring each other’s height. They plotted a graph to see if there was a relationship between the month they were born and height.

Head of Science Tom Hodson’s Year 9 students particularly enjoyed the hands-on approach and problem solving making the skyscrapers.

One Year 9 pupil said: “The British Science Week lessons were really fun. The practicals were really enjoyable and help me to understand the topic more.”

Another said: “Growing the plants was very interesting. Many of the seeds in the compost grew to a great height.”

Students and staff thoroughly enjoyed British Science Week and are looking forward to next year’s theme.

Hull Trinity: Life on Mars Hull Trinity House Academy carried out the British Science week lessons with all Year 7, 8 and 9 classes.

Kim Adams, second in science, organised the Year 7 competition and Science Director Sarah Halloways judged the winners.

All Year 7 classes were excited to take part in the designing life on Mars lesson and this was run as a competition across the year group.

The best four designs from each class were selected based on creativity and adaptations to surviving on Mars and winners received a certificate and an Easter egg in a special celebration assembly.

Miss Hamshaw-Hart’s Year 7 class particularly enjoyed going into the lab to investigate how seeds would grow in different types of soil.

Carrying out this investigation has inspired some of the class to start growing some of their own plants at home.

The students loved doing the Life on Mars sheets. Years 7 and 8 really liked the challenge of adapting new life forms.

Many asked extra questions about the atmosphere on Mars and resources that were available in the soils.

There were lots of plant / animal hybrids and the annotation on the work was super.

The Year 8 towers were particularly good with one outstanding entry.

One of the winning designs.

Hard at work on a design.

The outstanding Year 8 towers’ entry.

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Pupils in the lab planting their seeds.

DELTA BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Serlby Park: Growth comes under focus Growth was looked at as a topic at Serlby Park Academy in Science and Technology over two weeks to mark British Science Week.

Spaghetti and marshmallow structures take shape for Ray, Roxy, Ronnie and Isobella.

Organised by Lois Haigh, Head of Faculty: Science and Technology, they followed a STEM approach to Key Stage 3.

Microbe growth was looked at by Year 9s.

Students looked at the growth of crystals (Epsom Salt /Magnesium Sulphate) and, in technology, skyscrapers came under scrutiny.

Years 7 and 8 looked at the growth of seeds, making seed bombs ready to sow wildflowers in their gardens.

Leon, Soraiya, Reed and Katie concentrate on building a large skyscraper.

Melior: Positive feedback Students took part in various themed lessons around the British Science Week theme of growth at the Melior Community Academy.

Increasing populations, metal extraction, surviving on Mars and growing bacteria were topics covered by class teachers in the science department.

The students’ feedback was very positive.

Lilly said: “This is ace!”

Harley wanted to do similar lessons every day while Oscar said: “My skyscraper would help with over population.”

Year 7s designed aliens to survive on Mars with Thomas Purbrick, Deputy Faculty Lead for Science, with the class voting on the one most likely to survive.

Students designing their aliens.

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British Science Week special focus

The Laurel: Collaboration pays dividends

A series of lessons based on the theme of growth were taught to Key Stage 3 at The Laurel Academy.

Students were pre-loaded with information on conditions on Mars.

They applied it to their knowledge from the origins strand, working collaboratively to create a novel organism, well adapted to survive on the Martian planet.

The lessons were organised by Katherine Clay, Mr Owen, Miss Stainrod and Mrs Taylor.

Katherine said: “It was great to get students thinking about views to colonising other planets in the future.”

Stuart, from Year 7, said: “It was really interesting and different to think about what it would be like to live on a different

Ingleby manor: Lessons inspire strong classwork Examples of work from students at Ingleby Manor School during British Science Week:

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planet and how we could grow different things to eat, such as the vegetables we have been growing in science club.”

DELTA BRITISH SCIENCE WEEK Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Wybers: Sssssssso nice to meet you

Brave children handled some special visitors to help celebrate British Science Week at Wybers Wood Academy.

Lee Stainford from Captivating Creatures brought in a selection of animals for EYFS and Key Stage 1 to handle.

The children had snakes around their necks and tarantulas on their heads!

They learned about the animals’ habitats and what they needed to survive.

In Key Stage 2, the Science Boffins delivered two days of exciting experiments.

In Years 3 and 4, the children had a states of matter workshop which linked to their topic for the term.

Year 3 with the Science Boffins.

They were amazed by some of the experiments carried out.

The Year 5’s workshop was called ‘Space-Tacular’ where the children conducted experiments about space.

‘Fabulous Flames’ was the Year 6’s workshop, with children learning the importance about being safe around fire.

They were blown away by the experiments.

Science Lead Courtney Fear said: “During British Science Week all the children got to have

Year 2 with Lee from Captivating Creatures.

a hands-on practical experience, which was transferable to their science topic for the term.”

Parent feedback was positive.

Tina said: “Harry burst back in the door tonight, saying that he had the best day at school today.

“The science workshop was amazing.”

While another parent Claire commented: “Ethan really enjoyed having the snake around his neck and handling the other animals.”

Lower Fields: Little explorers

Parents and carers were invited into Lower Fields Primary Academy to take part in science activities in the classroom and school grounds.

They identified plants and trees, measured tree trunks, looked for and identified wildflowers, made bark rubbings, and planted seeds in the science stay and learn session.

Wendy Allatt, EYFS Leader, who organised the event, said: “It was wonderful to have grownups back in school again on such a large scale.

“There was a fantastic atmosphere and the children were very excited.”

Cyra said: “It’s the best day ever!”

Nanna Tracy and mum Danielle helping their children identify the trees in the school grounds.

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DELTA NEWS Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Ingleby Manor: Charity in a heartbeat Successful fundraising has put Ingleby Manor School at the heart of its community – and delivered life-saving equipment.

The ribbon pins, modelled by Year 11.

It has been involved with Ingleby Barwick Community Access Defibrillators (CPAD), raising money to have them placed around the estate.

The result has been one being hosted by the school on the front of the building.

It can be used by any member of the public in the event of an emergency.

They would be directed to it by the 999 operator and given instructions on how to access it and use the device.

A coffee morning was held in conjunction with CPAD to raise money.

Parents, carers, friends and the wider community were invited to the school, for refreshments and cake for a small donation.

It was lovely to see so many support the cause and raise an amazing £841.

Mrs Chapman and Mrs Gow took part in a cycling fundraiser at a Ingleby Barwick CPAD community fayre to raise funds at the local leisure centre while more money was raised at a ‘staff versus students’ volleyball event.

Ingleby Barwick CPAD, a small number of residents, aims to increase public awareness of the importance of early defibrillation in the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, when the heart stops beating.

It is supported by Northeast Ambulance Service, London Hearts and The British Heart Foundation National Defibrillator Circuit.

In addition to the CPAD fundraising, cake stalls and dressing down raised £644.70 at Ingleby Manor for Red Nose Day.

Students and staff at Ingleby Manor School showed support for the people of Ukraine with a number of initiatives.

A Parent Pay donation page raised £671 and students made ribbon pins in tutor time to show support.

The Enterprise Club ran a Sunflower Challenge to raise more money.

It is the traditional flower of the Ukraine and students had an opportunity to purchase a bag of seeds to grow at home.

The student who grew the tallest sunflower won a prize.

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DELTA TRAVEL Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Wybers: Wonderful London trip Two packed days in London created many special memories for Year 5 from Wybers Wood Academy.

They visited the Tower of London, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Place, the Natural History Museum and watched Matilda the Musical.

The trip supported the Reading Enhanced Curriculum (REC) for their summer term unit on Politics.

Organised by teacher Zoe Baxter, she was supported by colleagues Sarah Green and Eleanor Genney.

Zoe described it as an “incredible” experience for the children.

Children meet a Yeoman at the Tower of London.

“We arrived at the Tower of London where we had a closeup view of the Crown Jewels and Traitors’ Gate where they brought the prisoners in to be beheaded.”

One of the groups had a surprise, bumping into singer Sam Smith, having a day out with an entourage. The children were very complimentary about their music and Sam was happy to answer their questions and encouraged the children to take photographs.

They had a tea at Pizza Express, then settled down to a wonderful evening’s entertainment watching Matilda at the Cambridge Theatre.

After the show, it was bed in a local Youth Hostel.

After a 6.30am breakfast, the group was taken on a fantastic, guided tour of the Houses of Parliament.

“We stood where Boris Johnson stands to deliver his speeches in the House of Commons and we marvelled at the beautiful ornate gold throne where Her Majesty the Queen sits when she opens Parliament in the House of Lords,” said Zoe. “Following that, we had a wet walk down to Buckingham Palace where we saw a regiment of Gurkhas parading and practising for the Platinum Jubilee.

“Our last stop was the Natural History Museum to see the dinosaur and the blue whale, and of course, visit the gift shop.”

They were shattered on the journey home and lots of children fell asleep, especially after their McDonald’s tea!

Zoe said: “All the children were extremely well behaved and we are so proud of them for their independence on this trip.

“A big well done and thank you to all who helped to make it so successful.”

Year 5 from Wybers Wood Academy in the mighty Westminster Hall during their guided tour of the Houses of Parliament with teachers Zoe Baxter and Sarah Green, accompanied by Eleanor Genney.

Popular singer Sam Smith is happy to pose for a picture at the Tower of London.

Children who did not go to London experienced it instead by using nearby Willows Academy’s Immersive Space.

Wybers Wood Year 5 teacher Kathryn Travis thanked Willows for being so accommodating and helpful.

“There were many images and interactive activities the children had access to,” she said.

“It was an amazing experience, and we intend to use it again for ‘Hook Days’.”

The children enjoyed it.

“Wow! This is amazing,” said Sophie.

Charlie said: “This is better than going to London.”

Harrison thought it “really good” while Ashley said it was amazing and really creative.

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DELTA TRAVEL Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Highfields: Fabulous memories Memories that will be treasured forever were experienced by Year 6 Explorer Class from Highfields Primary Academy when they visited London.

Classroom Teacher Clair Bonner and Head of Academy, Ben Williams thanked Lesley Bailey for organising their fabulous day.

The children loved their visit, with many not having had the opportunity to visit the capital before.

Harry said: “I can’t wait to go home and tell my mum all about London.

“Our village could fit into the Houses of Parliament. It’s amazing, Big Ben is huge!”

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Maddie said: “I have loved going to London.

“The changing of the guard was so good. They do not move at all and then, when they finally did change positions, it frightened us all to death!

It was so funny.”

One student Jonas made his famous debut by tripping and falling into the Speaker’s chair in the House of Commons! He will always have a story to tell when he sees it on the television.

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Garforth: Vicki’s marathon steps It’s a marathon effort – literally – this year for Garforth Academy’s Vicki Parkinson.

The Teaching Assistant is halfway through her ambition to complete four marathons in 12 months in memory of her father.

He died from cancer in the summer of 2019 and she’s using him as the inspiration for her money-raising exploits for Cancer Research.

She had planned to run the four marathons in 2020 but Covid had other plans.

Vicki says it was never going to be easy but, after two years of staying at home (and eating a lot of cake!) her task was made more difficult.

However, the plan remained the same, even if the fitness levels didn’t, and she’s half way through, crossing the finishing lines in Manchester on 3rd April and Milton Keynes on 2nd May. Her next marathon is Richmond on 11th September and the final one, the Yorkshire Marathon on 16th October.

All at the Academy are proud of her amazing efforts and encouraging her every step of the way.

So far, she’s raised more than £1,000 of her £1,500 target.

To support Vicki, please go to her JustGiving page: Vicki Parkinson is fundraising for Cancer Research UK

During the pandemic, Garforth Academy Year 10 Eleanor taught herself how to crochet and is now a member of the Crochet Society.

She can crochet toys, blankets, teddy bears, jumpers, cardigans, and baskets. Some of these she makes for family and friends.

Eleanor has created a shop on Etsy called HandmadebyEleanorT. She has recently been busy making a crocheted Queen for the Jubilee.

These are a few examples of her incredible work.

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DELTA NEWS Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Grange Lane: Pupils serve treat

Following a very successful classroom kitchen stay and make session where reception children and their parents made delicious treats, reception children at Grange Lane entered Classroom Kitchen’s cook off competition to show off their new skills.

A group of five children had to create a special dish of their own while James, the Judge of Classroom Kitchen Cookoff, watched through Zoom.

Using the skills learned during the stay and make, the children created a fruit ladybird and a fruit butterfly.

Carmen Drury said the children managed do the chopping mainly by themselves using a safe method called the bridge and the claw.

Pupils (left to right) Hannah, Amie-Lea, Alice, Hugo, Charlie with their beautiful and tasty butterfly and ladybirds. They could not wait to share what they had made with their class.

Whetley: Case study

Phone cases were designed and produced by Year 5 at Whetley Academy as part of their DT lessons.

Organised by the class teachers, Assistant Principal and Maths Lead Jonny Townend said: “The students’ engagement and creativity was incredible.

“They spent time planning, designing and researching what they would like the end product to look like.

“The students loved the lessons and were so proud of their work at the end of it.”

Year 5 in the DT lesson and (left to right): Jawdat, Ian and Shoib are happy with their new phone cases.

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DELTA NEWS Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Montagu: Top books Pupils have been at the forefront of a Book of the Week launched at Montagu Academy.

School Council, supported by Hannah Mooney and Jessica Rayfield, is behind the initiative to promote reading for pleasure.

School Council, in a statement to the school community distributed via Class Dojo and Twitter, said: “As part of our Junior Managers’ role, one of our aims is to showcase our recommended books.

“As a team we are launching ‘Book of the Week’ and we will be looking for children each week who have read and would like to share something interesting, so keep an eye out!”

Wybers: Merci Claire

A Modern Foreign Languages After-School Club at Wybers Wood had a special visitor – a French Assistant from the neighbouring secondary.

Claire, over from France for a term at John Whitgift Academy, supported the primary.

Kathryn Travis from Wybers said: “It was a wonderful experience for the children.

“Having the link with the secondary school is advantageous to the children’s learning and created a wonderful opportunity whereby a French Assistant was prepared to come over and teach French to KS2 children after school.

“The outcome was amazing and the children felt more confident by the end of the sessions.”

Sophie said: “It was good because you got to speak French with a real French person.”

“It was nice to hear the proper pronunciation of the French language,” commented Alana while Jamie said: “It helped me improve my confidence and allowed me to do extra work.”

The Laurel: Wellbeing Award

Principal Katy Taylor-Clarke with the WAS certificate.

The Laurel Academy has achieved the Wellbeing Award for Schools (WAS).

Valid for 3 years, it confirms a commitment to wellbeing for staff, students, and parents.

The assessor said strengths identified during the verification were many but chief among them were: • The clear philosophy and modelling of the leadership of the Academy regarding emotional health. There was no doubting the conviction and sincerity of this.

• The fabric of the building which is exceptionally well-designed and supportive of wellbeing • The very low, arguably non-existent, staff turnover – which both supports coherence and is indicative of a fulfilled and content staff • The excellent relationships between staff in the 22

Academy which was characterised by mutual respect and goodwill.

The Academy feels the work on the Award has had the following impact: • It gives a very useful structure and process to take forward their work in this aspect of the Academy’s work • It has helped to re-focus the Academy’s work in this area • The growing reputation of the Academy as a good, welcoming, inclusive school has resulted in a growing number of in-year transfers from other schools, and rising rolls.

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Garforth: Emily medals in national event

East Garforth: League winners

The Year 5 football team at East Garforth have had an amazing and outstanding year of achievements.

Their support for each other, mature attitude on the pitch, together with their determination, team spirit and love of the game has led to their great successes this year.

With all these attributes from each player the team were able to bring home to East Garforth the Leeds School League Trophy and qualify for the Leeds School Cup. Even though the team was beaten in the cup final, the boys have placed East Garforth firmly on the map as the one of the best teams in Leeds.

The season started in September and only ended last month, with games played across Leeds. The staff are looking forward to more success next season.

Helen Armitage (HLTA-PE Lead), Karen Brownbill (HLTA-PE Lead) , and teacher Steve Wales said: “We are all very proud at what the children have achieved this year.

“A huge thank you to our parents who continue to support and ferry the children to all events and a big thank you to Debbie Atack (Admin Assistant at EGPA) for all her admin support.”

A Garforth Academy student was the youngest to compete at the Swim England Artistic Swimming National Junior and Senior Championships in Nottingham – helping her team to two bronzes.

Emily (Year 10) competed at an event which was the highest level of domestic competition for English artistic swimmers.

It was known as the British Synchronised Swimming Championships and some of Swim England’s most prestigious trophies – including the Redwood Trophy – have been awarded at the Championships for decades.

Emily’s team achieved a bronze medal for their combo routine and another bronze for their free team routine, which was amazing, as they were competing against 15 other squads from across the UK. To have competed at this level at 14 years old is a great achievement for Emily.

Congratulations to the whole team, but especially Emily. The Academy’s very proud and expecting even greater things from her in the future.

Southmere: Elite team

Cricketers from Key Stage 2 at Southmere Primary attended the Delta elite striking and fielding event – and came first.

There were some stunning performances, with Itisham and Rebeka receiving awards for Outstanding Performance at the Sports UK-organised event. Thank you to Jane 23

Hague (Inclusion Lead) and Zohaib Pasha (Schools Direct Student) for supporting the children at this event and Danielle Parker (Sports UK Coach) for training them.

DELTA SPORT Delta Academies Trust Newsletter

Green Lane: We are the champions

Triumphant pupils from Green Lane Primary Academy won the first Delta Games in three years at the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield.

Their athletes beat off competition from 27 other Trust primaries at the prestigious venue in the event organised by the Trust and Active Fusion.

Last won by Wybers Wood Primary in 2019, the event felt extra special that everybody could meet up and compete against each other again after the events of the last two years.

Jo Sercombe, Head of Academy at Green Lane, said: “It was an inspirational venue for our children to compete in and one used to train at in the past by former British Olympic stars such as Jessica Ennis.”

During the course of the day children from across the Trust put in some phenomenal track and field performances.

Track events included the 60m and 200m sprint, the 600m and 4 x 200m relay.

Field events were speed bounce, standing long jump and chest push.

The winners of the Delta Games 2022, Green Lane Primary Academy.

Points were awarded in this competition based on times and distances achieved rather than whether competitors came first, second or third in a race.

Green Lane Primary Academy was led by team captain Holly.

Jon said: “We were delighted that many members of our boys and girls’ teams put in some great performances in their events.

At the end of the competition, we were thrilled to find out we had won the overall competition and were the Delta Games Champions 2022.

The children had put lots of effort into training at morning and afternoon breaktimes prior to the event and fully deserved their success based on their performances on the day.”

Holly said: “It was a great day - the atmosphere was amazing!”

Ella commented: “It was the best day of the school year!”

Zac felt it was the best day of his life and Sophia said “The atmosphere was amazing - the moment we won we screamed!”

PE Leader Dan Bright said: “It’s been a fantastic day for everyone.

We can’t wait to come back again next year. There have been so many great performances by children from different primaries across the Trust.”

Jo went on: “Sport and PE are just one part of the curriculum, but it is important in terms of health, building confidence and teamworking skills.

We were really pleased to win, but actually the taking part really was the best bit.

The children came back with all sorts of stories about who they had met and what had happened.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the day.”

Team Strand also enjoyed the Delta Games It felt good to be back competing against other Academies and enjoying the experience of sprinting on a professional running track.

Elise-Mae, in Year 6, said: “I only wanted to compete in the track events as I don’t like running, but when I saw my friends run around the track I wanted to have a go.

I ran as fast as my legs would go.

It felt so good when I crossed the finish line and my friends cheered.

Everyone was so proud of me!”

Year 5’s Lacey loved running in the relay race with friends.

“When Hana passed me that baton, I gripped it so tight and ran to Jessica. We were such a great team!”

Staff Lucy Patterson and Carla Probert said: “It was lovely to see our children chatting with pupils from different schools.

Team Strand at the Sheffield event – Amber, Minh, Harlen, Lewis, Hana, Rosie, Jessica, Sonny, Lacey, Rojan, Colby, Alfie, Nikolas, Jayden, Elise, Kacey, Alyssa, Liam and Decklyn.

It was great to see such kind and friendly socialising. We were so proud how they encouraged others on the day.”

Jessica, Rosie, Hana and Alyssa, from Year 5 and 6, at the impressive facility.

They thanked Active Fusion for bringing everyone together and making it possible to compete in a well organised event.

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