LEO in the News Autumn 2023

LEO in the News

Autumn Term 2023

LEO Academy Trust are excited to bring you the latest updates on the incredible achievements and endeavours of our exceptional pupils and dedicated staff across the Autumn Term.

From innovative projects to inspiring achievements, LEO in the News aims to showcase the diverse talents and accomplishments across our academies. Join us as we celebrate the remarkable journeys of our parents, pupils, and staff; highlighting their contributions to the local and wider communities.

To keep up to date with our work, please follow us on Twitter and Facebook @LEOacademies, or on Instagram @LEOacademytrust.

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Giving every Pupil a Laptop can boost Academic Performance, new Research Reveals Giving every Pupil a Laptop can boost Academic Performance, new Research Reveals LEO Conference 2023 - The Digital Future Design4SDGs Inspires Global Action: Sustainable Workshops With LEO Academy Trust LEO prepares for the House of Lords Awards Night

Achievements at Cheam Common Junior Primary Academy

New EYFS Area at West Ashtead Primary Academy

AI In Education

Sporting Achievements at Shawley Community Primary Academy Shawley Community Primary partnering with HarperCollins Reading For Pleasure Cheam Fields Primary Academy becoming a Centre of Excellence for Financial Education

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Giving every Pupil a Laptop can boost Academic Performance, new Research Reveals

Provision of a free laptop for every pupil and staff member in primary schools can raise academic performance by up to 23 per cent above the national average, a new report launched at Google HQ unveiled this week.

Led by Dr Fiona Aubrey Smith, Founder of PedTech and Director of One Life Learning, this independent research shares unprecedented insight into the impact of digital transformation on academic performance, children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), staff wellbeing and workload, classroom and resourcing efficiencies, sustainability and staff recruitment and retention.

Shedding light on research conducted over 12 months involving 4,500 survey responses, over 600 documents, 154 observations, 65 interviews and 24 focus groups, the report shares a comprehensive analysis, data-informed narratives and future-facing recommendations for the education sector, policy makers and the ed-tech industry.

Key findings from the report, titled ‘Changing Learning. Changing Lives: What happens when EdTech becomes PedTech?’ include: Attainment: Pupils significantly outperformed against national standards. The gap between national average and LEO Academy Trust academic outcomes continues to widen each year including from 14 per cent to 23 per cent in the last three years alone.

Classroom Efficiency: Replacing repetitive, manual tasks with digital alternatives improved classroom efficiencies by 23%, increasing teachers’ capacity levels.

Improved Attendance: LEO Academy Trust’s schools bucked recent trends of persistent absences challenges with higher than national average pupil attendance rates.

Enhanced Staff Satisfaction and Retention: Staff satisfaction levels at participating schools were consistently above national benchmarks by as much as up to 20 per cent, delivering significant savings in recruitment efforts.

Environmental and Financial Savings: The reduction in worksheet printing and exercise book dependency saved approximately 400 trees per year equating to a saving of around £78 per child per year.

Greater Depth Achievements: The proportion of pupils achieving ‘greater depth’ (a DfE assessment criteria) in key subjects assessments at LEO Academy Trust was more than triple the national average.

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Giving every Pupil a Laptop can boost Academic Performance, new Research Reveals Commenting on the report, Phillip Hedger, CEO of LEO Academy Trust said: “Four years ago, before COVID had even entered our vocabulary, we realised that our ambition to support every pupil to excel could not be achieved without fully embracing digital transformation. This led our Trust to take an unprecedented leap and provide a Chromebook device to every pupil and member of staff across each of the nine schools that make up LEO Academy Trust.

“Internally, we knew our results had gone up, teachers were saving time, and the Trust was growing, but it was important to us that our personal judgement was backed up by independent evidence. We participated in this research project to gain unparalleled insight into how our Trust performs at every level, collect data to guide our future decisions and share positive solutions with the wider education sector nationally, as it grapples with serious and concurring challenges.”

Dr Fiona Aubrey-Smith, author of the report, Founder of PedTech and Director of One Life Learning, said: “The implementation of technology in the classroom is an issue of ever-growing importance.

Parliamentary sources record UK schools spending around £900 million a year on EdTech, yet impact evidence has been scant.

“This report draws upon a wealth of rigorously compiled evidence and hundreds of hours of professional reflection and discussion. It goes a long way in bridging the gap between ambitions for EdTech and how pedagogically led decision making results in impactful uses of digital technology.”

The report launch at Google HQ was attended by key leaders in education policy and school leadership, including representatives from the Department for Education, the Education Endowment Foundation, the Chartered College of Teaching and Hachette UK. Influential leaders and changemakers across regional and local authorities, as well as multi academy trust leaders and EdTech innovators were also present, hearing best practice and vital learning points from the report.

To read the full article, please click here.

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LEO Conference 2023 The Digital Future On October 30th, LEO Academy Trust hosted its annual conference, delving into the theme of "The Digital Future". The conference explored the ways in which technology is changing the world and how we can use it to better prepare our children for the future.

The conference focused on a range of topics such as: Artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for education; Developing children's 21st century skills; Using technology to personalise learning; Creating a safe and ethical digital environment; Reflecting on the past five years of the LEO Academy Trust's digital strategy and celebrating our achievements.

We were honoured to host an exceptional lineup of keynote speakers, who shared their expertise and insights with our attendees. Each speaker captivated the audience with their engaging presentations, setting the stage for a stimulating and thought-provoking conference. Our keynote speakers were: Ty Goddard Dan Fitzpatrick Dean Stokes Fiona Aubrey-Smith Baasit Siddiqui Lawrence Tijjani Jaz Ampaw-Farr We also offered a diverse range of workshops that provided attendees with hands-on opportunities to learn new skills, network with peers, and gain practical experience with emerging technologies and methodologies. These workshops were designed to empower educators to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms and prepare students for success in a rapidly evolving digital world.

To view our previous conferences, please click here.

05

Design4SDGs Inspires Global Action: Sustainable Workshops With LEO Academy 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 emphasised the value of collaboration, critical thinking, and creativity: essential skills necessary for devising innovative solutions to complex global problems. Through the tasks set, pupils devised presentations and posters dedicated to their chosen goal. With these ideas in motion, they will continue to work in groups at school to construct a final project based on one of the goals below: SDG3 - Good Health & Well-being SDG4 - Quality Education SDG5 - Gender Equality SDG11 - Sustainable Cities and Communities SDG12 - Responsible Consumption and Production SDG13 - Climate Action 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.

Congratulations to children from Cheam Common and Cheam Fields who have been shortlisted for an award and will be attending the Finals in January.

To read the full article, please click here.

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LEO at the House of Lords Awards Night LEO Academy Trust received two nominations for the prestigious National Schools Awards.

Now in their fourth year, the National School Awards recognise the achievements of the country’s leading lights in education. Selected from schools across the UK, LEO Academy Trust was nominated in the categories of Multi Academy Trust of the Year and Resource Management of the Year.

The LEO team headed to the House of Lords for a ceremony to announce the winners on 7th December. The ceremony brought together 250 school leaders and education trailblazers, for an evening celebrating achievements across the British education sector. Congratulations to our COO, Shan Moylan, on winning a National School Award.

To read the full article, please click here.

Achievements at Cheam Common Junior Primary Academy Cheam Common Junior Primary Academy has received a number of accolades this term for its remarkable achievements in various areas.

The school's exceptional commitment to safety has been recognised with an award for its outstanding efforts in maintaining high safety standards in both the workplace and learning environment.

Additionally, their dedication to providing high-quality music education has been acknowledged with silver provision under the Sutton Music Hub Schools Music Education Plan 2022-23.

Furthermore, their unwavering commitment to sustainability has been lauded with an award for successfully completing the Zero Carbon Schools 2022-23 programme.

These achievements stand as a testament to the school's devotion to providing an exceptional learning experience for its students.

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New EYFS Area at West Ashtead Primary Academy West Ashtead Primary Academy is thrilled to unveil its brand-new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) area, a vibrant and stimulating space designed to nurture and inspire young learners. The thoughtfully crafted environment caters to the development of the children, providing plenty of opportunities for play, exploration, and discovery.

Immersed in a world of colors, textures, and engaging activities, children at West Ashtead embark on a journey of learning that extends beyond traditional academic pursuits. The space encourages creativity, imagination, and social-emotional growth, laying a strong foundation for future success.

The thoughtfully designed indoor space seamlessly blends learning and play. Wooden tables adorned with chairs serve as hubs for intellectual exploration, where children are able to engage in hands-on activities, collaborate with peers, and embark on journeys of discovery.

Nearby, a dedicated creativity zone fosters the development of essential skills for the future, empowering young minds to blossom.

The outdoor space is equally captivating, featuring a natural playground with climbing structures and a water play area. Children can engage in physical activity and explore the natural world in this stimulating environment.

West Ashtead's EYFS area is more than just a physical space; it is an embodiment of the school's dedication to providing an inspiring early childhood education experience. The school is committed to ensuring that its youngest learners have the foundation they need to flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.

AI In 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.

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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 are committed to working 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. To visit the website, click here.

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Sporting Achievements at Shawley Community Primary Academy

Amongst the busy school life at Shawley Community Primary Academy, sporting success holds a special place. The academy is firmly committed to creating a passion for sports among its students, recognising the immense benefits it brings to their physical, mental, and social well-being. The academy's dedication to sports extends beyond the classroom, providing plenty of opportunities for students to showcase their talents and compete in a supportive environment.

Recent sporting triumphs at Shawley include: The U11 Boys winning the plate at the Premier League Stars Fulham FC Foundation Tournament The U11 Girls reaching the Quarter Finals of the Premier League Stars Fulham FC Foundation Tournament The U11 Boys reaching the Quarter Finals of the AFC Wimbledon EFL Kids Cup Football Tournament William Weston, Luca Howard Lanes, Henry Chandler and Ella Edwards being a part of the Reigate and Banstead Schools FA Boys’ and Girls’ squads.

We are very proud of our Shawley students for their achievements in sports this term, and we can’t wait to see them continue to display their sporting prowess.

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Shawley Community Primary Academy and HarperCollins Reading for Pleasure Shawley Community Primary Academy are excited to announce that they are partnering with HarperCollins to launch a brand-new Reading for Pleasure project across the entire school designed to ignite a passion for reading!

This exciting initiative will run from January to April 2024 and will provide a wealth of opportunities for children to engage with books, discover new authors, and foster a love of reading. HarperCollins are donating hundreds of wonderful new books to support this project.

Shawley is excited to embark on this fantastic Reading for Pleasure journey with the children. We believe that by fostering a love of reading, we can open up a world of possibilities for their learning, growth, and personal development and ignite a passion for reading that will last a lifetime!

Here's to a joyful and enriching journey into the magical world of books!

Cheam Fields Primary Academy becoming a Centre of Excellence for Financial Education Cheam Fields has become a Centre of Excellence for Financial Education and the Money Ambassadors have received the well-deserved award during the Young Enterprise Award Ceremony.

They represented the school to the highest possible standard and spoke to professionals and practitioners across the country about the importance of Financial Education and the journey of Cheam Fields to becoming a Centre of Excellence.

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JOINING US At LEO Academy Trust, we are proud to provide endless opportunities for our pupils, staff, and the local communities we are part of. With over 650 members of staff, our academies are empowered to support each other to improve both outcomes for our pupils, and to drive performance across the wider school system.

We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants.

We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community.

As a growing Multi-Academy Trust, we are always seeking to recruit talented professionals who share our vision, mission, values, and aims.

To find out more about our current vacancies, please visit our website.