Autumn Term Newsletter 2023 by LEO Academy Trust

2023 Autumn Newsletter

CONTENTS

PedTech at LEO Academy Trust

LEO Conference 2023

Qualifcations at LEO Academy Trust

Technology for Learning

Training and Professional Declopment

English at LEO Academy Trust

Sustainability at LEO Academy Trust

Maths at LEO Academy Trust

Sport at LEO Academy Trust

Music at LEO Academy Trust

Forest School

Design4SDGs

Family Support Workers Conversation Cafe

Residental Trips

PEDTECH ACADEMY

LEO

TRUST

Across LEO Academy Trust, we have spent a lot of time thinking about how we can really show the impact of digital technology on learning. This question has been debated by schools, suppliers, policymakers, and researchers for years, but despite extensive discussion, the sector still struggles to articulate its exact impact. Since 2019, we have rolled out our Chromebook programme, which revolutionises the way teachers teach and children learn. Our pioneering and pathfinding approach to embedding digital technology has earned LEO Academy Trust huge recognition within the sector. Last year, we commissioned Dr. Fiona Aubrey Smith to conduct a year-long, indepth research project on the use of technology across all schools in LEO Academy Trust. Her report, Changing Learning. Changing Lives. What happens when EdTech becomes PedTech, presents the findings on technology's role in raising standards and transforming practice.

This report delves into the ingredients that LEO has put in place, drawing upon a combination of 4,500 survey responses, 606 documents, 154 observations, 65 interviews, 24 focus groups, and hundreds of hours of professional discussion and reflection. The resulting report presents a comprehensive analysis as a narrative, a series of findings (about successes as well as how challenges have been overcome), and a set of recommendations for the future - for the benefit of both the LEO community and the wider educational landscape. This is the first fully independent research to probe into every aspect of trust provision to surface the impact of digital technology globally. To read the findings of the report, please visit: www.leoacademytrust.co.uk/PedtechImpactRe port To read an article on the launch event at Google please click here.

LEO -

CONFERENCE

THE

DIGITAL

2023

FUTURE

LEO Academy Trust's annual conference, held on 30th October at Epsom Downs Racecourse, was a resounding success, including almost 500 staff from not only LEO schools, but also a number of other partner organisations and Trusts. We came together to explore the exciting possibilities of the digital future in education. With the theme of ’The Digital Future" the conference featured a diverse range of speakers, from renowned experts to passionate school leaders and even a panel of insightful children which was inspiring for all. The conference kicked off with a pupil panel, chaired by Ty Goddard, who is a leading voice in digital education. Ty’s panel, delivered so brilliantly by LEO Pupils, highlighted the transformative power of technology in the classroom, emphasising its ability to personalise learning, enhance engagement, and foster creativity. He encouraged staff to embrace the digital landscape and harness its potential to empower their children.

Following Ty’s inspiring panel, Dan Fitzpatrick shared some of the latest thinking about, not only the use of AI, but more importantly, what it means to be human and the skills we, as school staff, need to ensure we continue to provide our children. Jazz Ampaw-Farr, an expert in wellbeing and positive leadership, delved into the challenges and opportunities of her life and the need for human first leadership always. She shared some inspiring stories and reminded everyone of why we all do what we do. She left all attendees inspired and motivated that everyone makes a huge difference to the lives of children - something none of us should ever forget.

Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a variety of workshops and breakout sessions, diving deeper into specific aspects of digital education. From exploring innovative teaching practices to harnessing the power of data workflows, the workshops offered a wealth of practical strategies and ideas for educators. The LEO Academy Trust annual conference served as a testament to the Trust's commitment to empowering staff to embrace the digital future. The conference's inspiring speakers, engaging discussions, and hands-on workshops provided staff with the tools and knowledge they need to create innovative and effective learning experiences for the children that we serve. With renewed enthusiasm and a clear vision for the future, LEO Academy Trust are ready to shape the digital learning landscape, ensuring that every staff and pupil has the opportunity to thrive in the ever-evolving world of technology.

PEDTECH CASE

STUDY

On November 6th, pupils from Cheam Common Junior, Cheam Park Farm, Cheam Fields, and Shawley collaborated with Bob Usher from LGfL and Dr. Fiona Aubrey Smith to gather their perspectives on how technology enhances their learning experiences. This case study was featured in Pedtech - The Impact Report, and can be viewed here.

DEAN

STOKES

HIGHLIGHTS LEO

DUBLIN

In October, we were honored to be recognized by Dean Stokes from Google in Dublin. He shared highlights of his visit to LEO, including discussions on the essential skill sets for the workforce, strategies for personalizing learning, approaches to enhancing learning environments, and insights into the future of education.

LEO

WINTER

SPORTS

CAMPS

Get 2024 off to an active start! Join us for a fun week of sport at Cheam Park Farm, with a wide range of activities to enjoy, from basketball to table tennis. Click here to register!

GOOGLE

FOR

EDUCATION VISITS

LEO

In the lead up to our conference we were delighted to welcome Google for Education to explore the digital future discussing; AI & implications for education, PedTech, using technology to personalise learning and more.

VISIT

CORNERSTONE ACADEMY

TRUST

In October, Mr. Hedger, Mrs. Shirley, and Mr. Macaulay visited Broadclyst Primary and Westclyst Community Primary, part of the Cornerstone Academy Trust, to explore an impressive approach that puts innovation and technology at the heart of teaching and learning. They were impressed by the schools' commitment to using technology to enhance teaching and learning and saw examples of how they are using technology to provide students with access to a wider range of learning resources.

QUALIFICATIONS AT LEO ACADEMY TRUST BA(Hons) in Primary Education Last year LEO Academy Trust were delighted to partner with the University of Buckingham and Anspear, to offer a BA(Hons) course in Primary Education. This three-year, part-time BA degree course has been designed for teaching assistants who do not have a first degree and work in primary schools. The course is delivered online, so participants can study alongside working in a paid TA job. Apprenticeships At LEO Academy Trust, we are proud of the range of apprenticeships we are able to offer - for those joining the Trust who are just starting out in a new (or change of) career, or supporting existing staff members by achieving qualifications in their current roles. Apprenticeships are a great way to get started in a career or build on existing skills. They offer the opportunity to combine learning on the job while earning a salary, and gaining practical, hands on experience. Apprentices at LEO are well supported due to the Trust’s focus on professional development. We are able to draw on experienced staff to provide crucial support via mentoring, and of course apprentices and mentors benefit from our Trust-wide coaching approach. This year we have welcomed 9 new apprentices across the Trust and we look forward to supporting them throughout their careers.

We are delighted to continue our work in supporting our employees with their journey on this course and wish them all the best of luck in their studies.

TRANSPORT AT LEO ACADEMY TRUST Hello, my name is Mr Stanford and I look after all of LEO Trusts minibus transport needs. My team and I have been delighted to transport more than 6,000 children from across the Trust this term. The children have travelled to various events including swimming, other sporting events and many educational visits. Safety of minibus travel is a priority of LEO Academy Trust and with this in mind I have introduced a new APP this term to help improve our daily and weekly minibus safety checks. These checks help to keep all our passengers safe and work in conjunction with our 10 weekly safety checks carried out by qualified technicians. All LEO drivers are MIDAS trained and we have in excess of 100 years driving experience between us and believe that we can make the trips safe but also enjoyable for all LEO Academy Trust children. The use of minibus transport at LEO Academy Trust has significantly improved accessibility for pupils across various locations. Through the hard work of our minibus fleet team, we have eliminated transportation barriers; fostering inclusivity and ensuring equal educational opportunities for all.

On 15 December LEO will provide transport in one of our minibuses for up to 15 local residents to enjoy a Christmas lunch and Carol service with Year 6 children.

Total Trips using minibuses this Academic Year

Average number of Children per Trip

Number of Children taken to Swimming Lessons (Including Return Journeys)

Number of Children taken on Sports / Educational Trips (Including Return Journeys)

213

3,604

2,741

DIGITAL LEADERS

SUSTAINABILITY PROGRAMME Working in partnership with Institute of Imagination, Katy Potts, Islington Council, King’s Cross Academy and Chiltern Learning Trust we have developed a new pupil-led Digital Leaders 4 Sustainability Programme. We look forward to continuing working in partnership and developing this programme. Click here to find out more!

VISIT FOREST

LEA

PRIMARY

ACADEMY VISIT

FROM

SEAX

TRUST

In September we welcomed colleagues from Seax Trust to Cheam Common as part of the Challenge Partners Trust Leaders Network. We are working collaboratively on SEND, assistive technology, digital strategy and inclusion. We look forward to working with Seax Trust this year.

In September staff had the opportunity to visit Lea Forest Primary Academy in Birmingham for the Teaching and Learning Showcase Event which was incredibly inspiring and left staff buzzing with new ideas.

LEO FOUNDATION The LEO Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing wider opportunities and education to disadvantaged pupils, has outlined a comprehensive strategy to maximise its impact and achieve its mission. This strategy focuses on diversifying fundraising channels, expanding grant-making reach, enhancing program effectiveness, and strengthening the foundation's reputation.

KEY STRATEGIES

Diversify Fundraising Channels Expand Grant-Making Reach Enhance Program Effectiveness Strengthen Reputation & Recognition

Click here to start supporting our Trust!

TECHNOLOGY FOR

LEARNING

NAVIGATING

THE

FOSTERING

DIGITAL

ONLINE

WORLD:

SAFETY

In today's interconnected world, the internet has become an indispensable tool for learning, communication, and entertainment. However, it's crucial for our children to navigate this digital landscape with safety and responsibility. This term, we've been actively equipping our children with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions online. In EYFS and KS1, children have been exploring the digital world through storytelling, games, and interactive activities, learning how to interact respectfully, stay safe from online predators, and protect their personal information. In KS2, children have been utilising Google's Be Internet Legends curriculum, a comprehensive program that teaches children about digital citizenship, online behaviour, and responsible social media use. Through interactive activities, engaging videos, and handson projects, children have been learning how to identify online risks, protect their privacy, and make wise choices when interacting with others online. As our children continue to explore the digital world, we remain committed to fostering their online safety and digital literacy. By teaching them to navigate the internet responsibly and ethically, we empower them to become confident and informed digital citizens.

EDUCATION

Across LEO Academies we are all witnessing firsthand the transformative power of technology in education. And now, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is poised to take us even further. Some of you might be hesitant about AI in the classroom. After all, we have all seen Science fiction movies where AI takes over the world. But AI is not going to replace us. Instead, AI is going to be our partner in education, helping us to do our jobs better than ever before.

How AI Can Benefit Teachers - AI can help us in so many ways. For example, AI can automate many of the administrative tasks that take up so much time, such as marking, planning and tracking attendance. This will free staff up to spend more time with our children, providing individualised instruction and support. AI can also provide us with real-time insights into our children’s learning. By analysing data, AI can identify children who are struggling and those who are excelling. This information can help us to tailor our teaching to meet the needs of each child. How AI Can Benefit Children - AI-powered tutoring systems can provide targeted instruction and support, addressing specific gaps in knowledge and skills. Additionally, AI can create engaging and interactive learning environments, fostering a love of learning and promoting deeper understanding. Addressing the Risks of AI - Of course, there are also some risks associated with AI in education. One major concern is data privacy and security. AI systems collect and analyse vast amounts of student data, raising concerns about potential data breaches and unauthorised access so it is important not to include any sensitive data into generative AI sources.

We also need to be mindful of the potential for bias in AI algorithms. AI systems are only as good as the data they are trained on. If the data is biased, the AI system will be biased. This could lead to unfair or discriminatory outcomes for certain students. We are excited to see how AI will continue to evolve and LEO Academy Trust committed to working with you to use AI to its full potential in our classrooms. AI In Education Website - AI in Education is a cross-sector initiative conceived by Sir Anthony Seldon, who has a long interest in AI. It was announced at a conference on AI in education held at Epsom College on 18 May 2023, and in a letter signed by 60 school leader signatories to The Times on 20 May. The story made front page news. The initiative was instigated by Bourne Education Trust (BET), a multi academy trust, and Epsom College. It brings together senior and experienced figures who have worked in both the state and independent sectors. It is motivated by a belief that if schools and colleges are to optimise the benefits of AI they will need to supplement guidance from the government and tech industry to provide real-time, specific and informed advice to the sector. LEO Academy Trust is proud to be providing case studies as part of this fantastic initiative. The website includes many different ways of utilising AI in the classroom. Visit the website here. I’m new - Where can I start finding out more? Get started on our digital package website

LEO AT THE 2023 ICF CANOE SLALOM WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

Students from our schools had the pleasure of attending the 2023 Canoe Slalom World Championships at the Lee Valley White Water Centre this week. The event was a thrilling spectacle, with athletes from around the world competing in this challenging and exciting sport. In addition to watching the competition, students had the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including; kayaking on the training area alongside the athletes, a water safety demonstration, virtual reality canoe experience and more! Some students were also lucky enough to meet Etienne Stott, a gold-medal-winning canoeist at the 2012 London Olympics, and hold his medal. Great Britain had a successful opening day, winning 3 gold, 3 silver, and 2 bronze medals. The children cheered on the British athletes as they made their way down the course, and were excited to see them perform so well. The students had a wonderful time at the Canoe Slalom World Championships, and learned a great deal about the sport. The event was a valuable educational experience, and it also provided them with the opportunity to participate in some fun and challenging activities.

VISIT

STANLEY LEARNING TRUST

In September, staff at LEO visited Greenland Community Primary, Burnhope Primary and Annfield Plain Infants, part of Stanley Learning Partnership. We look forward to continue working in collaboration throughout this year & beyond.

THE

POWER

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY

In November, Cheam Common Junior had the opportunity to take part in the filming for The Power of Assistive Technology documentary with the British Assistive Technology Association (BATA). We look forward to watching the final documentary! Click here to download the series & resources!

TRAINING

AND

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

@LEOTraining5 has once again been a hive of activity throughout the autumn term, providing a wealth of professional learning opportunities for staff from across LEO Academy Trust. This term has seen staff engaged in a range of fantastic learning experiences, including training programmes, twilight sessions, Network Learning Community (NLC) meetings, and more. First-year Early Career Teachers (ECTs) across the Trust have had a range of professional learning opportunities available to them during the start of their induction. LEO Academy Trust has continued its partnership with Harris Teaching School Hub to provide training for ECTs, both within the Trust and at other schools in the Sutton area. The Sutton cluster training sessions are facilitated by Mrs A Carlile, Assistant Director of Education and Miss F Gibney, Trust Vice Principal. The Croydon ECT Cluster sessions are led by Mr G Macuaulay, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Mr C Perrott, Director of English. This term's sessions have focused on creating effective learning environments and understanding how pupils learn. It has been inspiring to witness the confidence and willingness of this group of new teachers to share their ideas within the cohort. The ECT induction programme also includes training sessions for mentors, ensuring that they are well-equipped to support their mentees' professional development.

In addition to the Harris ECT sessions, we have continued our work with colleagues from the Sutton Education Trust (SET) to provide ECTs with face-toface, subject-specific training sessions every half term. During Autumn 1, ECTs benefited from an English-focused session led by Mr C Perrott, Director of English and Mrs J Watson, Senior Leader at High View Primary School, as well as a Maths session led by Mrs N Dolling, Director of Maths and Miss N Smith, Deputy Headteacher at Beddington Infants School. Both sessions were met with enthusiastic feedback, and ECTs appreciated the opportunity to network with their peers from both within and outside the Trust and to see teaching and learning in action. Additionally, Miss C Sinclair - Smith from Sutton Sports Partnership led a practical PE training session for ECTs across the Trust which provided them with the opportunity to try out new skills firsthand. Training opportunities have also continued for our second year ECTs. They have engaged in two online training sessions facilitated and have covered the focus area of: ‘Enquiry into Engaging Pupils in Learning’. They have also benefited from a further subject specific session from Mrs C Shirley this year on Computing and Digital Skills where they again worked alongside ECTs from Sutton Education Trust. Our Year 2 Mentors have also had a busy term supporting their ECTs with their practitioner inquiries and attended a training session focused on Educative Mentoring to support them in their mentoring role this year. We can’t wait to find out more about these as the year progresses.

This term also saw new cohorts of colleagues from across the Trust benefiting from the suite of Olevi Alliance Training Programmes including: Power of Coaching, Outstanding Teaching Assistant Programme, Outstanding Teacher Programme, Creative Teacher Programme, Outstanding Leadership Programme and the Senior Outstanding Leadership in Education Programme. All programmes are led by Senior Leaders at LEO Schools and also members of the LEO Executive Team. All programmes have been very well received by staff from across the Trust and we can’t wait to welcome more colleagues to further Olevi programmes across this academic year. Colleagues have also had the opportunity to join both the Google Level 1 and the Google Level 2 training programme this term. These sessions have provided staff with the opportunity to learn new skills and also to best prepare them for the Level 1 and Level 2 Google exams. We have also hosted a huge range of Network Learning Community meetings in the following areas: Curriculum, Inclusion, Safeguarding.

A wonderful group of Teaching Assistants (TAs) across the trust have also started studying for a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with The University of Buckingham. This three-year BA degree course has been designed for those working as teaching assistants in schools. This course offers TAs the opportunity to embark on further academic study and work-based practice to develop their knowledge, skills, professional expertise, and qualification level. The Autumn term of the course has focused on school organisation and regulation and successful primary schools. The feedback from the BA Hons colleagues has been positive and we are looking forward to hearing more about the course as it progresses this year. Well done to all on a fantastic start to the course! Thank you to all those who have led training sessions and NLC meetings this term and to those who have taken part in those sessions. Look out for more exciting training opportunities coming up next academic year on the @LEOtraining5 Twitter page.

TAIWAN

VISIT

CHEAM

COMMON

Cheam Common were delighted to welcome Professor Tzu-Bin Lin and his team from National Taiwan Normal University. The group engaged in stimulating discussions on technology, pedagogy, and curriculum. Professor Lin and his team observed computing lessons at Cheam Common. They were particularly impressed by the Year 5 program, where students were engaged in programming and coding Picoh robots. This hands-on experience highlighted the school's commitment to using technology to enhance learning and engagement. The visit exemplifies the commitment LEO has to fostering collaboration and learning across borders. By welcoming visitors from diverse backgrounds and institutions, the Trust promotes a global perspective on education and prepares students to thrive in an interconnected world.

FUTURE

EDUCATION SUMMIT,

MADRID

In October LEO Academy Trust got the privilege to attend Googles Future of Education Summit in Madrid. Staff collaborated with across Europe to explore:

leaders

from

Potential of AI to transform teaching & learning Making learning more personal Accessibility & sustainability Progress & learning tools

SCHOOL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT OF

THE

YEAR

AWARD

We are thrilled to announce that our COO, Shan Moylan, has been awarded the National Schools Award in School Resource Management of the Year. This prestigious award recognises individuals, teams, or schools for their excellent management of resources throughout the year. As a result of Shan’s work, our Trust has been able to make the most of its existing resources and create a more efficient and effective school environment. This has had a positive impact on pupil outcomes, and we are confident that it will continue to do so in the years to come.

MAT

THE

YEAR

AWARD

We are proud to have been shortlisted for the MAT of the Year Award at this year's National Schools Award. The award celebrates MATs which have used innovation & imagination to improve their schools. We are delighted to be recognised for our work in transforming our schools and creating a culture of high expectations and achievement for all our pupils. We are committed to providing a world-class education for all our pupils, regardless of their background or ability. We are proud of the work we have done to improve our schools and we are committed to continuing to do so. We are grateful for the support of our staff, pupils, parents, and sponsors.

ENGLISH

ACADEMY

LEO

TRUST

The Autumn term at LEO Academy Primary School has been abuzz with engaging activities and enriching experiences. The school's literary spirit soared during National Poetry Day, as pupils delved into the world of verse, exploring the power of words to evoke emotions and inspire creativity. Dom Traynor brought the digital realm to life for Year 5, conducting an online workshop introducing them to the world of Adobe software. Pupils from various schools across the Trust had the exciting opportunity to attend the Wimbledon Bookfest event, where they were spellbound by the magician extraordinaire Stephen Mulhern, who helped ignite their imaginations with his enchanting performances. Pupils also had the opportunity to explore a range of new and exciting texts, hearing various extracts and listening to author workshops. Through each of the exciting reading books chosen to help stimulate pupils’ creativity and develop writing outcomes, teachers continue to provide a range of exciting opportunities to extend their learning further. Once incredible example this term, came when Year 5 pupils studying the text, "The London Eye Mystery," had the privilege of embarking on a captivating journey to the iconic London Eye, where they unravelled the secrets of the city's beloved Ferris wheel.

And finally, Library Club is a wonderful opportunity for enthusiastic pupils as they continue to explore new and exciting texts together. This term, library Club has continued to grow through the inclusion of the ‘Graphic Novel Club’, nurturing a love for reading and storytelling among the school's enthusiastic participants through a range of ‘comic-book-style’ books. ‘Read Aloud’ Cross-Curricular Reading Books This term, the inclusion of a range of crosscurricular and culturally diverse ‘ReadAloud’ books continue to serve as a powerful tool for exposing pupils to a wealth of knowledge, expanding their vocabulary, and enriching their cultural understanding. By immersing themselves in well-crafted narratives, pupils are introduced to diverse perspectives, historical events, scientific concepts, and a myriad of other topics. These books provide a platform for discussing complex ideas in an engaging and accessible manner, fostering critical thinking and problemsolving skills.

20 Here are six top tip strategies to enhance the educational benefits of ReadAloud books: 1. Choose books with rich language and engaging storylines: Select books that utilise a variety of vocabulary and present narratives that captivate pupils' attention. 2. Pause and discuss key concepts: During the reading, pause to discuss unfamiliar vocabulary and concepts, ensuring pupils grasp the underlying ideas. 3. Encourage active participation: Facilitate discussions, ask questions, and encourage pupils to share their thoughts and interpretations of the text. 4. Connect to the curriculum: Be explicit and identify connections between the ReadAloud book and specific concepts being taught in various subjects. 5. Extend learning beyond the book: Engage pupils in activities that extend their knowledge and understanding of the book's themes and concepts. 6. Encourage independent reading: Promote a love of reading by encouraging pupils to read on their own, selecting books that align and match with what is being read in class to deepen their knowledge and understanding.

The Power of Assistive Technology across Reading and Writing This term, LEO Academy Trust are gearing up to share their incredible report on the role technology has played in raising standards and transforming practice. Led by Dr Fiona Aubrey Smith with various teaching staff from across the Trust, this year-long, in depth research project highlights the use of technology and the impact it has had. Based on the research, here are five of the most pertinent assistive technology tools currently being used across various LEO classrooms and how they are improving the outcomes of Reading and Writing for all pupils. ReadWrite & Orbitnote Both pupils and teachers across LEO Academy Primary Schools are embracing ReadWrite and Orbitnote, two assistive technology tools that empower all learners to access texts online and enhance their fluency and comprehension. Through these tools, pupils can break down words into smaller units, highlight key concepts, and adjust text settings to suit their individual needs. This personalised approach ensures that all pupils can engage with a variety of texts, regardless of their reading levels or learning styles. As a result, pupils are consistently demonstrating improved reading skills, including increased accuracy, fluency, and comprehension. Google Jamboard Writing outcomes for all pupils continues to grow through the power of collaboration. One tool that continues to prove effective in this field, is Google Jamboard, which provides pupils with collaborative learning spaces to brainstorm ideas, share their writing, and receive real-time, instant feedback from their peers. The use of Jamboard has also helped to foster a sense of community among the pupils, as they have been working together on projects and sharing ideas, which in turn has helped to improve their social skills and their ability to work collaboratively.

21 Nearpod In order to help improve pupil outcomes in Reading and Writing, Nearpod has emerged as a transformative assistive technology tool, promoting a dynamic and inclusive learning environment, empowering all pupils to excel in reading and writing. Engaging interactive slides, captivating multimedia content, and real-time formative assessment features have revolutionised the way English Reading, Writing and Grammar skills are taught and honed. Through Nearpod's versatile platform, teachers are able to seamlessly integrate personalised instruction, catering to the diverse learning needs of their pupils. Struggling readers can enhance their comprehension through embedded text-to-speech narration, while budding writers can refine their grammar and sentence structure with interactive writing tools. The platform's ‘low-stake’ retrieval based tools, such as polls, quizzes, and collaborative activities, further ignite enthusiasm and motivation, keeping pupils engaged and actively participating in the learning process. ThingLink In order to empower all learners to excel in their writing, ThingLink is paving the way as an interactive ‘Working Wall’ . This innovative platform integrates multimedia content, such as images, videos, and audio clips, into interactive learning experiences, fostering engagement and comprehension among pupils of varying abilities. The incorporation of ThingLink into the writing curriculum has shown remarkable results, evident in the enhanced written outcomes of pupils this term, whether they are demonstrating improved sentence structure, vocabulary usage, and overall coherence in their writing. Mote Through the use of Mote, an assistive technology tool, teachers from across the Trust have seen an improvement to both pupils’ writing skills and outcomes. Mote provides real-time feedback on grammar, punctuation, and word choice, helping pupils identify and correct errors while writing. It also offers adaptive learning features, tailoring instructions to each pupils’ individual needs and pace. This personalised support enables all learners to improve their writing outcomes and gain confidence in their writing abilities.

SUSTAINABILITY AT LEO ACADEMY TRUST At LEO Academy Trust, we recognise the critical role education plays in shaping a sustainable future. We firmly integrate environmental awareness and responsibility into our curriculum, empowering our pupils to become informed advocates for a healthier planet. During the Autumn term, we embarked on a mission to continue to amplify our sustainability initiatives, encompassing all aspects of our educational approach and professional services teams. Our commitment to sustainability extends to all staff across the Trust, including our Sustainability Network Learning Community who are championing sustainability initiatives in each school. Our schools have undertaken a comprehensive approach to eco-friendliness, adopting new technologies to streamline operations and minimise environmental impact. Solar panels, electric car charging stations, recycling points, and other sustainable measures underscore our dedication to reaching our ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2030. Our commitment to the National Education Nature Park has been incredibly useful in guiding our sustainable vision. This initiative provides valuable support and resources to help schools effectively address the climate and ecological crisis. We are proud to leverage this partnership to introduce innovative practices and initiatives that prioritise sustainability across our Trust. The Autumn term at LEO Academy Trust served as a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability. Through a combination of education, innovative initiatives, and community engagement, we worked towards instilling in our pupils a deep sense of environmental responsibility, empowering them to become active participants in creating a greener future. Our efforts to cultivate green spaces and implement sustainable practices demonstrated the power of collaboration and collective action in fostering a sustainable community. As we move forward, LEO Academy Trust remains determined in its mission to nurture a generation of sustainability champions. By embedding environmental consciousness into every aspect of our learning environment, we aspire to shape a future where environmental responsibility is the norm, not the exception.

MATHS

ACADEMY

LEO TRUST

It has been a busy start to mathematics learning at LEO Academies! All schools have been busy tackling their new maths units with a range of physical resources and digital manipulatives. We have warmly welcomed Hurst Park and West Ashstead to our maths community. Hurst Park have been enjoying their new chromebooks in maths lessons to enhance their learning and clearly assess their understanding. The use of polypad has been a huge success and teachers have been embracing the many different functions it provides - such as the ‘splitting’ and ‘merging’ of dienes. Video explanations have been recorded, children have been turning in their maths questions on google classroom and virtual worksheets have been a great success!

Not only have West Ashtead received their new chromebooks, they have embraced the Maths - No Problem! Scheme and are so far loving it. The textbooks and workbooks that combine decades of research with painstaking craftsmanship to help pupils develop a deep, secure and long-lasting understanding of maths have been put to great use in classrooms. Alongside the use of manipulatives, partner talk and use of technology to support, they have been thriving in their maths lessons. Teachers have worked really hard to ensure that they are adapting the scheme for their pupils to ensure that they allow every child to make the most progress possible. We are really pleased with the impact of the introduction of the scheme and look forward to working towards our shared vision of everyone being a confident mathematician. “I think that Maths No Problem is very good for the school and I really enjoy it.” Year 6 Pupil “I really like Maths No Problem. I would rate it a 9.5/10.” Year 5 Pupil “I enjoy teaching with it, and I see a great response from the children, both with their level of engagement during the lesson and seeing the learning transfer into written work.” WA Teacher

24 The NCETM Mastering Number programme has been flourishing across LEO Academies. It aims to secure firm foundations in the development of good number sense for all children from Reception through to Year 1 and Year 2. The project has this year been extended to Years 4 and 5 so that the successes can be shared in KS2. The teacher guides, rekenreks and numberblock videos have been seen in a variety of classes and academies supporting children to be very articulate mathematicians. Thinking hard about the mathematics rather than merely always calculating helps build confidence and support fluency. Try this question that was observed in a Year 5 Mastering Number session: What does a product in a multiplication equation become in a division equation? The dividend! As well as the children, LEO Maths leaders have also been very busy this term networking, collaborating and discussing mathematics research together. Maths Leaders have been fortunate enough to meet multiple times this term as well as at the first LEO Maths Leaders training afternoon before the termly NLC. During this meeting, the Maths Leaders assessed their maths curriculum subject knowledge, clarified the expectations of a LEO Maths leader, wrote the maths curriculum intent, implementation and impact for their school website and assessed their schools against the Ofsted Maths Guidance.

LEO Academies continue to work closely with London South West Maths Hub and are part of the Sustaining for Mastery workgroup alongside Cirrus Trust. A Work Group is the model of professional and school development used in many Maths Hubs projects. Implicit in the Work Group’s timeline is also the space and opportunity for participant teachers to influence and lead change in their own schools or departments. So far this term, participants have discussed the role of maths leadership, engaged with the latest Ofsted mathematics report: coordinating mathematical success, considered how fluency sessions develop understanding and automaticity, examined how school structures enable high quality mathematics teaching and learning, all in collaboration with one another and maths leaders from a different trust. The latest TRG even had a camera crew from London South West Maths Hub to capture the essence of a workgroup to promote them even further. A number of participants and the workgroup lead were interviewed to give their insight into how being part of a workgroup has helped them and the impact in their schools. Watch this space for the final video! Coming up this year is the NEW Wondermaths challenge- a pan London maths enrichment programme and tournament for primary pupils in Years 4 and 5. Cheam Park Farm hosted the training session where Maths Leaders got to try out some of the games from the programme, problem-based maths activities, fast paced mental arithmetic tasks and lots of maths fun! We can’t wait to see the maths clubs that will happen ahead of the tournament in Summer. We are looking forward to the next term where we have TRG 3 at different schools across Sutton for Maths Leaders, TRG 4 involving Senior Leaders, the start of Wondermaths clubs, and subject specific training available to all- watch this space!

SPORT

ACADEMY ANOTHER

BUSY

TERM

LEO TRUST OF

SPORTING

ACTION The Autumn term has been a remarkable season for LEO pupils, brimming with sporting opportunities, achievements, and experiences. Our pupils have demonstrated their passion, dedication, and talent across a diverse range of disciplines, from showcasing their footballing prowess at Crystal Palace Football Club's world-class facilities to conquering the challenging course at the Sutton Borough Cross Country. Our schools have competed in hundreds of sports events this term including some of our very own LEO Sports events, below is a highlight of some of the best events we competed in this term.

26 Premier League Primary Starts: Our young footballers shone brightly at the Premier League Primary Starts competitions held at Crystal Palace FC & Fulham FC Training grounds Indoor Athletics: Our athletically inclined pupils took to the track and field, competing in a variety of events. Borough Tag Rugby Championships: The Borough Tag Rugby Championships saw our pupils embrace the competitive spirit of tag rugby. Pokemon National Cup Surrey Finalists: Good luck to our teams that will be competing at our regional finals next month West Surrey Dodgeball Champions: Our dodgeball prowess was on full display at the West Surrey Dodgeball Championships. World Slalom Canoe World Championships: We had the exciting opportunity to witness the World Slalom Canoe World Championships at Lee Valley. LEO Panathlon: Inclusion for all, LEO pupils had a fantastic time showing some brilliant perseverance, taking part in lots of fun & challenging activities! Borough Cross Country: Our pupils showcased their running skills and endurance as they participated in the Sutton & Surrey competitions.

The Autumn term has been an enriching and rewarding experience for our LEO pupils. We are committed to providing them with a diverse range of sporting opportunities that foster their passion, develop their skills, and promote a healthy lifestyle. We look forward to an equally inspiring Spring term filled with exciting competitions and sporting achievements.

MUSIC

ACADEMY

LEO TRUST

The end of the Autumn term is always a busy time and this year has been no exception. Over the past term every school choir from across the Trust has been busy rehearsing repertoire for the Young Voices concert at the O2 stadium in January 2023. We have over 200 pupils attending this event which promises to be bigger and better than ever. What an exciting way to start the Spring Term! During classroom music lessons, Year 6 pupils have enjoyed composing their own Protest Songs. They then arranged these using Songmaker from Chrome Music Lab. Year 5 pupils from every school across the Trust have had a great time learning about sea shanties during their music lessons. Their favourite activity was learning a cup game to the song ‘What Shall we do with a Drunken Sailor’. Here are children from Cheam Common Junior in action! Since half term many of our choirs and ensembles have been rehearsing for a variety of Christmas performances. Brookfield’s KS1 and KS2 choir gave a great performance at their ‘ Lighting up the Christmas Tree’ event where they delighted the audience with a selection of traditional and non-traditional carols. The Brookfield carol concert on the 13th december was also a great success. As a Trust we are always looking for ways to support our local community and local charities. On 5th December pupils from Manor Park Choir visited Holy Trinity Church in Sutton to perform at a concert organised by Age Concern. Pupils wowed the audience with their renditions of Feliz Navidad, Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree and Mary Had a Baby.

On the afternoon of the 6th December pupils from Cheam Fields and Brookfield attended Maggie’s (at The Royal Marsden) Christmas Fayre to sing a selection of carols. Later on that day, pupils from Cheam Common Junior choir took part in the Maggie’s Carol Concert. The pupils involved sang with such confidence and joy, helping to raise vital funds for this incredibly worthwhile charity. Shawley Community Primary School choir gave a wonderful performance at Toyota UK on 6th December. The staff thoroughly enjoyed the Christmas songs rewarding the pupils with drinks and biscuits! The choir also wowed Christmas shoppers at the Ashley Centre, Epsom with their fantastic singing! On the 12th and 13th December Year 1 & 2 pupils from Cheam Common Infants performed 10 songs, with percussion, to an appreciative audience at Christ Church with St Philip. The Year 2 choir also performed at the local nursing home in Worcester Park bringing a little festive cheer to the elderly residents. Likewise, the KS2 choir from Cheam Park Farm brightened up a local senior citizens’s tea party on 15th December with their beautiful singing. All of these performances are great examples of LEO schools supporting local communities. Every year the Royal Opera House offers schools the chance to attend a matinee performance free of charge. Thousands of schools apply for these but this year Shawley Community Primary School have been lucky enough to have been given 99 tickets to see Hansel and Gretel! This is a fantastic opportunity to see a world class performance in a wonderful venue. We look forward to hearing all about it! During the last week of term, numerous pupils from across the Trust will take part in a variety of Christmas performances such as the Cheam Common Junior orchestra and choir concert and Manor Park’s floodlit carol concert.

FOREST

SCHOOL

As the vibrant colours of autumn exploded, our Forest Schools at LEO embraced a season of learning, exploration, and meaningful activities. Here's a glimpse of the enriching experiences your children had during the Autumn term. RHS Wisley School Trip: Some of our schools embarked on an inspiring trip to RHS Wisley, delving into the wonders of autumn. Students immersed themselves in a workshop then after lunch we explored the beautiful gardens. Remembrance Day: In honour of Remembrance Day, we engaged in a heartfelt activity by creating natural poppies out of leaves to remember the fallen. This thoughtful and artistic gesture allowed our students to reflect on the significance of this important day. Garden Maintenance: Our young gardeners took pride in nurturing the garden spaces. Through garden maintenance sessions, they learned the importance of caring for the environment and contributing to the beauty of our school surroundings.

Fire and Cooking: The crackling warmth of fires illuminated our Forest School as students experienced the joy of cooking popcorn and toasting marshmallows. Exploring fire safety, they used flint and steels, deepening their understanding of the fire triangle. These activities not only provided practical skills but also helped them work on their perseverance and patience. Diverse Learning Experiences: Beyond these highlights, our students engaged in lots of fun and exciting activities, expanding their knowledge and skills. From using tools to building shelters, every Forest School session was an opportunity for growth.

DESIGN4SDGS GLOBAL

INSPIRES

ACTION:

SUSTAINABLE WORKSHOPS ACADEMY In a dynamic effort to foster global citizenship and motivate the next generation of change-makers, Design4SDGs hosted a day of fun and inspiring workshops for pupils across LEO Academy Trust; surrounding the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. These SDGs constitute a vital framework designed to address pressing global issues, ranging from poverty and inequality to climate change and environmental sustainability. Design4SDGs recognizes the pivotal role education plays in shaping a sustainable future, and is actively engaged in inspiring young people to be proactive participants in achieving these goals.

WITH

LEO

TRUST

On 10th October, LEO Academy Trust pupils gathered at Cheam Park Farm Primary Academy for the opportunity to explore the Sustainable Development Goals in a range of engaging and educational activities organised by Design4SDGs. The workshops emphasized the value of collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity: essential skills necessary for devising innovative solutions to complex global problems.

After developing their final campaign, their entries will be submitted for judging. Successful groups will then be given the exciting opportunity to present their ideas on stage at Bett 2024! Design4SDGs was developed to promote big thinking and innovative ideas on a large scale to generate new, dynamic solutions for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In addition to the workshops, Design4SDGs orchestrated a captivating livestream event, connecting with primary schools worldwide. This live broadcast offered a unique opportunity for schools from various corners of the world to virtually unite and engage in dialogues concerning the SDGs. LEO Academy Trust is proud to see so many of our pupils getting stuck in with these challenges, and can’t wait to see the final entries! Congratulations to children from Cheam Common and Cheam Fields who have been shortlisted for an award and will be attending the Finals in January.

Please click here to watch the full session.

LEO FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICE CONVERSATION CAFE The LEO Family Support Service has been evolving in response to the growing Trust and the changing needs of the school community. Last year our aim was to: To monitor parental engagement across the Trust - Last year we had over 150 referrals. To ensure each school has enough Family Support as LEO expands - Each school has an allocated Family Support Worker (FSW) based on the needs of the school. We now have a total of 5 FSWs working across the Trust. To challenge unconscious bias and make FS accessible for all families -We have changed the referral process so that teachers can make a referral and parents can self-refer. FSW Referral Form To increase FS visibility - We run regular FS drop ins across the Trust, add to the school newsletters and we now have set up a Family Support website so families and professionals can learn more about the service. Family Support Website One of our continued projects has been the Conversation Cafe that started at the beginning of 2023. We wanted to address the needs of EAL parents in the LEO Academy community; a way for isolated parents or parents new to the country to build a network of support, an opportunity to practice English, to find out about relevant local services and connect with other parents from different LEO schools. Two Family Support Workers work together to facilitate the Conversation Cafe and provide support as well as signpost families to relevant services in the community. With 75 EAL parents accessing Family Support across the Trust last year, the Cafe has grown in popularity and families across the Trust have connected, formed friendships and have delivered support networks for each other. The Conversation Cafe has been a great success. It runs on a Friday, once every half term in the Family Hub in Sutton Library and all EAL LEO families are welcome.

What parents have said about the Conversation Cafe:

“It is nice to socialise. It’s been a long time since I have been around other people” S

“A warm atmosphere for us to talk with other people” W

“I enjoy the Conversation Cafe because I can practise my English and make some friends.” M

“I encouraged my friends to join the Conversation Cafe today so i bought 6 of my friends. We enjoyed it so much…..I met new parents and one of them was actually parent of my son’s friend at school and I had a chance to meet her at the cafe which made me happy.” H

This year, we continue to increase the engagement of families across the Trust and we are working more collaboratively with external agencies by providing a wider range of opportunities for parents to access the LEO Family Support Service. Whether it's via monthly coffee mornings or more themed school drop ins, one to one parent support, parenting workshops, telephone support or through a digital platform via our website, video or email, the LEO Family Support Service aims to engage, enrich and empower all families across the Trust.

RESIDENTIAL In October, Year 6 pupils at Manor Park spent an exciting few days away from home and school on their residential trip to Kingswood, Stafforshire. The trip was action packed and fun filled, with children enjoying many of the incredible activities which the centre had to offer. Some of these activities included: abseiling, climbing, Jacob’s ladder, crate stack, archery, aeroball and zipwire! It was amazing to see the children experience activities outside of the classroom which helped them grow in confidence, develop character and independence and become more resilient. For many of the children, these activities were ‘first’ time experiences and really stretched and pushed the children out of their comfort zones. The three main learning outcomes achieved by the children were to develop coincidences and demonstrate self-confidence in themselves and show trust and support for others; be able to demonstrate resilience through exposure to failures and overcoming difficult challenges and develop life skills by achieving goals, adapt positively to change and see setbacks as opportunities to learn. Seeing all of the children try their best and set themselves personal goals and challenges made all the Manor Park staff feel extremely proud. The children were able to combine a variety of activity sessions including aerial adventures and problem solving initiatives which encouraged the children to bond with others across the year group and really focus on working together as a team. The activities were both mentally and physically challenging which provided the children with an exciting and memorable outdoor adventure.

TRIPS

Pupils from Hurst Park embarked on an exhilarating journey during their residential trip to Bowles this October, immersing themselves in a myriad of thrilling experiences. From mastering the intricate art of dry slope skiing to conquering formidable rock climbing walls, their days were filled with moments of triumph and camaraderie. The children showcased their teamwork by constructing and navigating their own rafts, honed their focus with precision in archery, and fearlessly embraced heights on high ropes courses. Their resilience and spirit of exploration shone brightly throughout this unforgettable trip, fostering bonds and fostering a deep appreciation for the great outdoors.

Thank you for reading! We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas Break. We look forward to seeing you all for the start of the Spring Term! Click our logos to keep up to date with all the latest news: