Lionheart News 2025 Issue 11

LI NHEART NEWS NEWS AND UPDATES FROM LIONHEART EDUCATIONAL TRUST

ISSUE #11

DECEMBER 2025

FEATURED IN THIS ISSUE

SCHOOL ROUNDUP Updates from the term

SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT Art & Design

TRUST UPDATES Our latest news

NEWS UPDATE CEO WELCOME

Welcome Dear parents and carers As we approach the end of another successful term, and look ahead to 2026, I am delighted to share a range of fantastic achievements and updates from across our schools.

First, I would like to congratulate all our pupils on their outstanding summer examination results – what now feels like a long time ago! From Key Stage 2 SATs to GCSEs and A-levels, our learners collectively surpassed national averages in several key areas once again. These results reflect the hard work and determination of our young people, the dedication of our staff and the unwavering support of families. We are proud of every pupil and look forward to seeing their continued success.

The autumn term has been filled with more exciting opportunities, both within and beyond the classroom. Schools have hosted intriguing guest speakers, organised memorable trips and delivered a wide range of extracurricular activities, including thrilling performing arts productions and competitive sporting fixtures.

These experiences have complemented classroom learning and helped our pupils develop confidence and ambition.

Our own Careers in Sport and Performance Day gave a number of students from across Lionheart secondary schools the chance to try new sports and discover careers available

within the industry, with a guest appearance from an ex-professional footballer.

We were honoured that our partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club earned national recognition in November, as a finalist in the English Cricket Board’s Business of Cricket Awards. This fantastic collaboration with the cricket club has provided Lionheart pupils with wonderful opportunities over the last three years, and we look forward to continuing this in 2026.

As always, the festive season brings opportunities to give back. Our schools have supported their local communities through fundraising and/ or food bank contributions. These wonderful efforts have been beautifully captured in our very own festive video; a reminder of the compassion and creativity that define our Trust.

We will continue to provide exceptional educational and holistic opportunities for every young person in our schools, together with your support.

Wishing you a joyful festive season and a successful year ahead.

Kath Kelly CEO of Lionheart Educational Trust

Key dates AUTUMN TERM Derbyshire

Leicestershire

Friday 19 December 2025

Friday 19th December 2025

Training day

Monday 5th January 2026

Monday 5th January 2026

Term begins

Tuesday 6th January 2026

Tuesday 6th January 2026

Half term break

Monday 16th to Friday 20th February 2026

Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February 2026

Term ends

Friday 27th March 2026

Friday 27th March 2026

Term begins

Tuesday 14th April 2026

Monday 13th April 2026

Bank holiday

Monday 4th May 2026

Monday 4th May 2026

Half term break

Monday 25th to Friday 29th May 2026

Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May 2026

Year ends

Thursday 23rd July 2026

Friday 10th July 2026

Term ends

th

SPRING TERM

SUMMER TERM

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Lionheart's festive fundraising With the festive season upon us, pupils and staff across Lionheart schools pulled on their Santa hats and novelty jumpers to take part in the annual Lionheart video, showcasing both their fundraising efforts and general camaraderie.

Celebrating the charities and organisations our incredible pupils have supported through fundraising this term, the video highlights the generosity and kindness of our school communities with helping those in need.

Alongside the fundraising and festive activities, schools were full of energy, while singing and dancing along to Christmas classics. Featuring the likes of ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town,’ and ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, there was something for everyone to enjoy – and all was captured on camera!

Watch the festive fun for yourself and see how many familiar faces you can spot! https://vimeo.com/lionhearttrustmedia/festive2025

WATCH VID

EO

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NEWS UPDATE

Celebrating academic achievement We take great pride in recognising both the hard work and achievements of Lionheart pupils; from our youngest learners in primary to those completing their sixth form studies.

Commitment and determination shone through once again this summer, resulting in fantastic outcomes across formal tests and examinations.

Key Stage 2 SATs Our Year 6 pupils excelled in their Key Stage 2 Standardised Assessment Tests (SATs), with a higher percentage of Lionheart pupils achieving or surpassing the national average for AgeRelated Expectations (ARE+) in Reading, Writing and Mathematics, when compared to pupils nationally. These results show strong educational foundations have been achieved, enabling pupils to transition well to secondary school education. A real highlight came from Brocks Hill Primary School in Oadby, Leicestershire, where the entire Year 6 cohort achieved ARE+ in Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling.

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69.8%

OF LIONHEART PUPILS

Vs

62%

OF STUDENTS NATIONALLY Met or exceeded Age-Related Expectations

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GCSEs In August, departing Year 11 students proudly collected their GCSE results; the culmination of years of hard work, and marking the start of exciting onward journeys. Many continued their academic studies at one of our sixth forms, while others embarked on apprenticeships or vocational Level 3 courses, gaining valuable experience and skills for future careers.

A couple of notable highlights included Sir Jonathan North Girls' College, where students celebrated a 100% pass rate at Grades 9–5 in Physics and Biology, while Humphrey Perkins School achieved its best ever GCSE outcomes since joining Lionheart, with standout results in both academic and creative subjects.

57.9%

OF LIONHEART GCSE ENTRIES

Vs

55%

OF ALL GCSE ENTRIES NATIONALLY Achieved Grades 9-5

A-levels Sixth form students celebrated another year of outstanding A-level and Level 3 course success.

Many secured places at top universities, including the University of Cambridge, Cardiff University and University of Warwick. Others opted for competitive higher-level apprenticeships or planned rewarding gap years. Over 75% of Oadby Beauchamp College students secured a place to continue their studies at a top university, including Russell Group and Oxbridge Beauchamp City Sixth Form students achieved exceptional results, exceeding the East Midlands average by nearly 12% for the percentage of grades awarded at A*–A, while The Castle Rock School Sixth Form saw 81% of all their students’ A-level and Level 3 course grades awarded at A*–C. These results not only reflect the incredible efforts of pupils, but also the unwavering commitment of our dedicated staff and the support of pupils’ families. By working together, we ensured that every learner was given the tools to do their very best.

Congratulations to the class of 2025!

81.9% OF ALL LIONHEART A-LEVEL ENTRIES

Vs

76.4%

OF ALL ENTRIES NATIONALLY Achieved Grades A*-C

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NEWS UPDATE

CAREERS IN SPORT DAY Students from across our secondary schools swapped the classroom for the sports pitch in October, trying out new sports and getting a glimpse into roles within the sporting industry, at Lionheart’s Sports Performance and Careers Day. Enthusiastic students engaged in three different physical activity stations, with each designed to challenge and excite. They tried their hand at boxing, enjoyed fast-paced cricket drills and discovered pickleball, which quickly became a surprise favourite. Every session aimed to build confidence and inspire a love of sport.

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However, the day – which took place at Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College’s tennis centre - wasn’t all about playing sport. Students met former professional footballer, Andy Morell, who shared stories from his time on the pitch and highlighted the many roles within the elite sporting world, including physiotherapy and working in sports media.

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Andy, who played for Wrexham, Coventry City and Blackpool during his career, encouraged students to channel their passion, work hard and to grab opportunities when they arise.

Students departed the day with news skills and ambitions, as well as friendships made from a shared love of sport.

“ The feedback from staff and students was very positive and the students loved all the sessions. All students were an absolute pleasure to have in attendance and represented their schools, and the Trust, very well in all activities.”

Rebecca Ardley Lionheart’s PE Lead

INSPIRING THE NEXT

GENERATION! 7

NEWS UPDATE

Cricket partnership shortlisted for national award Our exclusive partnership with Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) earned national recognition in November when it was named one of three finalists at the English Cricket Board’s Business of Cricket Awards.

Recognised in the ‘Unifying the Game – Recreational and Community Initiative of the Year’ category, this honour reflected the impact of our four-year collaboration with LCCC, which has supported pupils’ physical and mental wellbeing by creating opportunities beyond the classroom. Learners have enjoyed coaching sessions with professional players, matchday roles on the pitch and the chance to watch the Leicestershire Foxes in action with discounted family memberships.

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A highlight of the partnership was the kit competition, where pupils from every Lionheart school submitted designs for the Foxes’ 2025 season T20 jersey. From over one thousand colourful entries, Vaneesha from Broom Leys Primary School saw her design chosen and proudly worn by players and fans alike throughout the summer.

While we may not have taken home the award, it was an honour to have our holistic offer recognised nationally, and beyond the education industry. We look forward to continuing our partnership with LCCC and creating even more brilliant opportunities for pupils.

REVISION support

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Success comes from teamwork, and we know that families supporting pupils’ revision at home can make a real difference to confidence and academic outcomes.

With GCSE and A-level mocks underway and summer exams on the horizon, now is the perfect time to explore the resources available on our website. These materials have been created by Lionheart experts to help pupils prepare effectively and reduce stress.

On our Family Support Revision page, you’ll find:

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A family reflection activity to start conversations about learning

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Practical tips on proven revision techniques

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A parent revision guide to support your child’s study routine

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A comprehensive revision directory

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Helpful how-to videos

Thank you for your continued support in helping pupils prepare for success, it really makes a difference.

Scan here or visit:

lionhearttrust.org.uk/revisionsupport

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NEWS UPDATE

Lionheart share expertise on a national scale We were proud to share our expertise at a national level recently, when speaking at the Multi Academy Trust Summit Conference in late November.

Having accepted an invitation from the conference producers to share our tried and tested strategies with education industry leaders, our CEO Kath Kelly, and Director of Curriculum Alex Petrie, took to the stage to speak about school improvement.

They outlined how planned structures and targeted interventions have driven measurable impact across our schools, delving into key data-driven actions and reflecting on the lessons learned along the way to further improve practice.

Practical strategies were offered to support other schools and trusts, giving them the tools to implement sustainable change too.

This was a fantastic opportunity for Lionheart to support improving outcomes for a wider group of learners, while highlighting the collaborative, evidence-based approach that underpins everything we do.

GET INTO TEACHING Are you considering a career change or supporting a graduate ready to take the next step? Join our Train to Teach Event to explore routes into teaching, meet experts, and get advice from Programme Lead, Emma Lowe.

Saturday 7th February | 10AM–12PM Beauchamp City Sixth Form Within our 17 East Midlands schools, you can experience a variety of school communities during your teaching placements, while supported by trusted university partners.

Scan the QR code or visit: www.lionheartteach.org.uk Lionheart Teach is an Initial Teacher Training programme run by the Lionheart Educational Trust.

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Government recognises Lionheart school’s success With a government drive to tackle absence and improve behaviour in schools, to help break down barriers to opportunity for children and their futures, the Department for Education (DfE) recently announced lead schools across the UK to work with other schools in need of support. We’re pleased to announce that – as a result of their proven successes in these areas – Lionheart's Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College has recently been appointed as a lead school for the East Midlands.

Leicester’s Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College is one of 24 secondary schools and 12 primaries that have recently been added to the programme nationally, which the DfE said will “offer direct one-toone support reaching tens of thousands of pupils across hundreds of schools” through sharing best practice with other schools to improve their approach.

“ In selecting the new lead schools, we have considered how they create a safe, supportive culture that fosters a sense of belonging for staff and pupils ” DfE spokeperson

James McKenna, Executive Principal at Sir Jonathan North Girls' College, commented: “We're proud to have been selected by the DfE, to share our expertise in improving pupil attendance and behaviour across other East Midlands schools. Our evidence-informed practice has seen real impact at Sir Jonathan North Girls' College and we look forward to helping others achieve similarly, knowing the positive effect that good attendance and behaviour can have on attainment.”

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SCHOOL ROUNDUP NEWS UPDATE

School Roundup

Sumo at the Royal Albert Hall BROOM LEYS PRIMARY SCHOOL

In October, 90 pupils enjoyed a memorable – and very different – experience at London’s Royal Albert Hall, where they watched a special Schools’ Sumo Presentation as part of the Grand Sumo Tournament.

Led by Hiro Morito – host of Japan Sumo’s YouTube channel – and former Blue Peter presenter Konnie Huq, the session gave pupils a fascinating insight into the world of sumo wrestling.

They learned about the wrestlers’ training routines, the rituals that make the sport unique – including using salt to purify the ring and performing a powerful foot stomp to ward off evil spirits – and even saw live bouts up close.

The day was packed with drama and excitement, with one pupil aptly summing it all up: “It was amazing!”

Inquiring minds think about future careers BROCKS HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Pupils from Year 5 and 6 enjoyed a Careers and Aspiration Day in October, giving them the chance to link their learning to real-world opportunities.

Children spent the day meeting professionals from a wide range of industries, with each visitor explaining what their job involves, the skills they need and what they enjoy most about their work.

Visiting businesses included Amazon, the UK Government, Leicestershire County Council, a local law firm, De Montfort University and the NHS. Pupils asked thoughtful questions, explored different career paths and even handled props – including a gavel brought in by a solicitor. The experience helped children see how classroom learning connects to future careers and encouraged them to think about their own ambitions.

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A huge thank you to the parents, governors and local businesses who gave up their time to support this event.

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Exploring future pathways THE CEDARS ACADEMY

In November, Year 9 and Year 11 students enjoyed the chance to discover the different routes available for further education and future careers, at a Careers Fair featuring local colleges, sixth forms, public services and employers.

From engineering and childcare, to the Armed Forces and football education programmes, the fair showcased a wide range of options. Students were able to ask questions, learn about post-16 choices and understand the skills and qualifications needed for each sector, allowing them to make informed decisions and feel confident about their next steps.

With fantastic engagement from both year groups, the event was a huge success and left students excited about the opportunities ahead.

MP praises impressive student Q&A HUMPHREY PERKINS SCHOOL

Students and staff were thrilled to welcome Dr Jeevun Sandher – the Member of Parliament for Loughborough – for a visit to Humphrey Perkins in late October.

Upon arrival, Dr Sandher was warmly greeted by Associate Principal Della Bartram and the school’s Head Boy and Head Girl, who gave him a guided tour that offered a glimpse of life at the school.

The visit continued in the school’s much-loved Hogwarts-styled library, where Dr Sandher joined the Junior Leadership Team for an in-depth Q&A session.

Topics ranged from his journey into politics to local issues such as flooding, as well as ways young people can make a difference in their communities.

The session encouraged students to find their voice and aim high, with Dr Sandher praising them for their sharp questions and bright ideas.

Poetry comes alive HALLAM FIELDS PRIMARY SCHOOL HUMPHREY PERKINS

Pupils celebrated National Poetry Day with a visit from acclaimed children’s poet Attie Lime, who began her day of literary inspiration for pupils with a lively assembly.

She shared her journey as a writer and gave the children a sneak peek at her new book, A Welly Full of Christmas. There was even an engaging True/False quiz, complete with flying paper aeroplanes, that caused much amusement in the Hall!

The excitement didn’t stop there, with Attie then leading creative

workshops for all year groups where she got pupils’ imaginations fired up. She tasked them with dreaming up innovative ideas to get to school and clever ways to defeat a dragon.

Showcasing her wonderful skills further, Attie combined all the pupils’ suggestions to create a brilliant class poem.

Attie’s energy and love for words inspired everyone and, by the end of the day, the school was buzzing with ideas and laughter. A brilliant celebration of creativity that pupils will remember.

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SCHOOL ROUNDUP NEWS UPDATE

Learning with the Lords BEAUCHAMP CITY SIXTH FORM

Year 12 students welcomed Lord Mann of Holbeck Moor to their city sixth form for an inspiring session where they gained an insight into his role and how he helps shape national policy.

made at the highest level.

The session encouraged students to think critically, engage with real-world issues and consider how they might contribute to public life in the future.

The two-hour visit was part of the ‘Learn with the Lords in School’ programme and included a Q&A where students explored topics including the government, legislation and how decisions are

This fantastic opportunity supported with bridging the gap between classroom learning and the world beyond, offering students a clearer view of the pathways available to them.

Students champion positive change THE NEWBRIDGE SCHOOL

Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) - a nationally recognised initiative - has been introduced at Newbridge School to empower students to create a safe and respectful school environment.

The programme uses a “no bystander” approach, giving young people the confidence and skills to challenge bullying, unkind behaviour and violence.

To launch the initiative, all students attended an assembly outlining MVP’s aims and values, so they understood the aims and its importance for them all. A group of Year 10 students then volunteered as MVP Mentors and began their training in November. After Christmas, they will lead sessions with Year 7 students, promoting positive relationships and tackling unwanted behaviours.

The mentors have shown maturity and enthusiasm, and their leadership will play a key role in shaping an even more inclusive school community.

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Community roadshow brings families together NEWHALL JUNIOR SCHOOL

Newhall Junior School’s recent family-friendly Community Roadshow was a huge success, connecting parents and carers with local services, charities and businesses.

Families explored stalls offering wellbeing activities, SEND support and enrichment opportunities, while enjoying tours of the school’s new temporary building and previewing plans for the permanent site.

Pupils acted as enthusiastic tour guides, proudly showing visitors around and joining in activities in the library, art room and classrooms. The event featured a wide range of stalls, including Wraparound Care and Year 6 SATs information, alongside special guests such as Magical Mayhem children’s entertainer, the local police and South Derbyshire Active Sports Partnership.

The Book Fair proved very popular with all, as did the delicious cakes generously provided by the school’s catering team!

The event was a great success, and it was wonderful to see the school and wider community collaborate.

Year 6 embrace adventure RIVERSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL

It was an unforgettable week at The Pioneer Activity Centre in Shropshire for Year 6 pupils on their residential trip, as they took part in a range of exciting challenges designed to build confidence and teamwork.

From scaling climbing walls and soaring down zip wires, to tackling high ropes and mastering archery, the children pushed themselves to try new experiences.

Away from the sporting action, they explored forests, built shelters and spent evenings around campfires, singing songs and sharing stories.

Those who were brave enough even handled exotic wildlife, including a large snake that needed seven pupils and the Head of School to carry it!

Demonstrating all of their 6Rs, the trip supported pupils to overcome fears, develop resilience and learn the value of working together. A key milestone in the Year 6 calendar, this residential trip helped children gain independence as they prepare for the move to secondary school.

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SCHOOL ROUNDUP NEWS UPDATE

Young mathematicians rise to the challenge JUDGEMEADOW COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Forging purposeful links with the local community, Judgemeadow recently hosted the Primary Maths Challenge, welcoming talented pupils from nearby Linden Primary School and Whitehall Primary School.

The event was designed as a fun and engaging workshop where children worked alongside Judgemeadow students and staff to develop and test their mathematical skills.

Throughout the day, the pupils showed impressive problem-solving abilities and a positive attitude, tackling each challenge with enthusiasm. They explored strategies, solved tricky tasks and stretched their thinking in creative ways.

The workshop ended with the official Primary Maths Challenge assessment, giving participants the chance to showcase their learning and resilience. It was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate mathematical talent, provide primary pupils with a taste of secondary school life and develop further collaboration between the schools.

Robotics sparks creativity MARTIN HIGH SCHOOL

Year 8 learners took part in a hands-on EKO STEMbotics workshop, designed to bring coding and robotics to life, at the end of November.

Led by experts from Hyett Education, students designed and built robots, learned how algorithms work and wrote simple programs to make their creations move and respond using sensors.

Along the way, they explored how gears, pulleys and levers play a vital role in creating functional designs. The workshop encouraged teamwork, problem-solving and creativity; all essential skills for future innovators.

Embracing the opportunity, the enthusiastic young scientists impressed workshop leaders with their curiosity and excellent learning behaviours. Martin High Science Teacher, Mrs Patel, enjoyed watching the learners use scientific enquiry to solve realworld problems.

One student reflected: “It was fun to participate but it was challenging too!”

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Iceland expedition MERCIA ACADEMY

From steaming geysers to towering glaciers, GCSE geography students had an unforgettable time on their residential trip to Iceland, where they explored the country’s stunning landscape and rich history.

One of the biggest highlights was a glacial hike and a visit to the Secret Lagoon, where students relaxed in warm geothermal waters surrounded by volcanic scenery. There was also time to explore Reykjavik, the country’s capital city; students had fun soaking up its vibrant culture and sampling some traditional Icelandic cuisine.

Throughout the trip, students learned about Iceland’s unique geology and discovered how the country is leading the way in sustainable energy. A visit to the Hellisheiði Geothermal Power Plant gave them a fascinating insight into how renewable energy is harnessed, showcasing Iceland’s commitment to green solutions.

The memorable experience allowed students to see real-life geography in action and deepened their appreciation for nature and global environmental responsibility.

Meeting community heroes GREENSTONE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Acorn Class had an unforgettable experience this term, meeting real-life heroes from the fire service, police and ambulance teams as part of their topic ‘People in the Community Who Help Keep Us Safe.’

The fire brigade wowed pupils with a tour of the fire engine, a look at their life-saving equipment and even a chance to spray the water hose!

Police officers brought the world of law and order to life, while the ambulance team gave pupils a peek inside an ambulance, shared simple first aid tips and showed how paramedics respond in emergencies.

These hands-on visits brought learning to life, sparking curiosity and respect for the people who protect us every day.

A huge thank you to the local emergency services for inspiring the young learners!

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SCHOOL ROUNDUP NEWS UPDATE

Inspiring eco excellence SIR JONATHAN NORTH GIRLS' SCHOOL

The school proudly hosted the Leicester City Sustainable Schools Eco Roadshow this term, welcoming five local primary schools for a day dedicated to the environment.

Pupils took part in three hands-on workshops ran by Plastic Clever Schools, Walk Wheel Cycle Trust and the Leicester Sustainable Schools team. These sessions explored plastic waste, encouraged greener travel and included a ‘bioblitz’ around the school grounds to identify plants and wildlife.

The Sir Jonathan North Eco Club also played a starring role, supporting activities and delivering a presentation all about their work. In addition, they facilitated a litter pick of the school grounds, demonstrating how small actions can make a big difference.

The day was a brilliant opportunity for younger pupils to learn about sustainability and share ideas for positive change.

Staying safe with the NSPCC HIGHCLIFFE PRIMARY SCHOOL

Pupils enjoyed taking part in the NSPCC’s Speak out.

Stay safe programme; a national initiative designed to help children understand how to stay safe and speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Through assemblies and interactive workshops, pupils learned about trusted adults, the importance of sharing worries and how to contact Childline if they ever need support.

The sessions were delivered in a friendly, reassuring way, giving children the confidence to recognise

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unsafe situations and know what to do. Pupils were fully engaged throughout and understood why the programme matters.

The school’s participation in the programme also reinforced Highcliffe’s commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing, ensuring every child feels safe, valued and heard.

A big thank you to the NSPCC team for their time and expertise.

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A slam-dunk day to remember BEAUCHAMP COLLEGE

When the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters basketball team asked if they could visit Beauchamp College - as the ONLY school - during their UK visit, of course they jumped at the chance. Two stars from the exhibition team, and their coach ‘Sweet Lou’, hosted an interactive basketball session for 200 students, including those studying A-level PE. Known for their theatrics and entertainment, players ‘Torch’ and ‘Bulldog’ wowed the crowd with lightning-fast tricks and dazzling ball control before inviting students to showcase their own skills. The brave volunteers each had 10 seconds to impress their peers, followed by a fun spin-off challenge where two students tried to balance a spinning ball on their finger with help from the pros.

Before leaving, 'Torch' and 'Bulldog' shared inspiring words, encouraging students to follow their dreams and reminding them that mistakes are all part of learning. There was just enough time for autographs before the illustrious trio hit the road. A magical day that will live long in the memory!

Careers workshop inspires students THE CASTLE ROCK SCHOOL

Year 8 students gained an insight into the world of work, and explored how technology is transforming industries, as part of the Opening Doors careers workshop.

Delivered by The Talent Foundry - a charity committed to ensuring young people are not limited by circumstances such as family income, postcode or school background - students learned about the skills needed for future

industry, and were encouraged to think ambitiously about their career paths and how they can shape their own onwards journeys.

“The Opening Doors workshop was a fantastic opportunity for our Year 8 students. It really opened their eyes to the wide range of careers available and showed them how technology is shaping the future of work,” said Kerry Mace, Vice Principal.

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SUBJECT SPOTLIGHT

Subject Spotlight:

Art and Design We recognise and value our creative subjects, ensuring all our pupils can thrive within them.

We are keen to instill a passion for creativity in our pupils and regularly collaborate across our schools, exploring new ideas and research to design and deliver projects that are both engaging and relevant to our creative industries and advancing technologies.

Pupils learn foundational knowledge and skills which we believe underpins the development of confident art and design practitioners and those all-important skills within design of independent exploration and reflection.

Specialist areas taught across our schools include Fine Art, Food Technology, Graphic Design, Textiles and Product Design (woods, metals, plastics). This suite of subjects allows our pupils to experience a breadth of practical skills and gain knowledge of designing for users, understanding formal elements of art and much more.

We use the principles of EXPLORE, DEVELOP, CREATE and EVALUATE as our iterative process ensuring our pupils understand the cycle of design and how important each step is to reach a successful outcome.

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When pupils join our schools in Year 7, having experienced a variety of creative processes throughout primary school, they are introduced to challenging, fast-paced briefs that demand them to think carefully about the creative decisions they make. They learn the fundamentals of working with the materials and different mediums in each area whilst also gaining knowledge of their origins and potential. Our pupils learn about the responsibilities of being a designer, chef and artist through the research of existing practitioners, engaging them in different contexts - both historical and cultural. Pupils are encouraged to take pride in their work, which in turn impacts their studies across all subjects.

We celebrate our pupils' achievements, their individuality and their resilience through both the curriculum and extra-curricular opportunities.

Lionheart subject experts believe in developing inquisitive learners by giving them a range of practical experiences that allow them to improve, and effect change in the world around them.

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NEWS IN THEUPDATE MEDIA

INTHEMEDIA

Lionheart schools made the headlines across the term, with the local media sharing their stories with the wider community

East Midlands Today | Radio Leicester

Emmys inspiration at Castle Rock BBC East Midlands Today and BBC Radio Leicester visited The Castle Rock School in September to speak with performing arts students about Adolescence, the popular Netflix series that had just won six Emmys.

Students told reporters how actor Owen Cooper – who became the youngest ever Emmy winner at 15-years-old – has inspired them to pursue their own acting ambitions, as well as the influence of the show’s writer, Stephen Graham, who lives near to the school.

East Midlands Today

A stomping success Highcliffe Primary School hit the headlines in October, with two pupils speaking on BBC East Midlands Today about the school’s creative contribution to, and fundraising for, the LOROS ‘Stomp Around Leicester’ Elephant Trail.

Lia and Florence introduced the cameras to ‘Daisy’ – the beautifully decorated baby elephant sculpture which was designed by Highcliffe pupils for the trail and displayed in Leicester Cathedral during the trail.

Evington Echo

Young maths stars shine Judgemeadow Community College’s Primary Maths Challenge which welcomed pupils from nearby Linden Primary and Whitehall Primary, made headlines in the Evington Echo. The coverage celebrated the success of the workshop and the strong links between local schools.

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READ THE FULL ARTICL E HERE

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Radio Leicester

Students speak out on scam safety Sixth form students from Beauchamp College featured on BBC Radio Leicester during Scam Safe Week, sharing their experiences of online scams and the warning signs that help them spot a potential scam.

Burton Mail

New era for Newhall Junior After October half-term, pupils at Newhall Junior School moved into their brand-new temporary building; a milestone moment which was proudly featured in the Burton Mail, celebrating the completion of this important project.

News Central

Students’ reaction to Chancellor’s Budget ITV Central News filmed Year 12 A-level Politics students at Beauchamp College watch the Chancellor deliver the Autumn Budget live, then capturing their immediate reactions to matters most important to them.

MP visit to Humphrey Perkins Dr Jeevun Sandher MP’s visit to Humphrey Perkins School and Q&A with students in October, made the pages in a recent issue of the Loughborough Echo.

Coalville Times

Music Mark recognition This term, Broom Leys Primary appeared in the Coalville, Ashby and Swadlincote Times after being awarded the Music Mark of Recognition by the national association Music Mark, an accolade achieved by only around 10% of schools nationwide.

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TRUST UPDATE UPDATE NEWS

Venue spotlight: Knighton Tennis Centre Knighton Tennis Centre, tucked away to the rear of Sir Jonathan North Girls’ College in Leicester, is a fantastic facility that’s open to the public outside of school hours. In fact, it’s Leicestershire’s only indoor tennis centre for public use without membership!

Boasting four indoor tennis courts with top-level acrylic playing surfaces, they can be booked for occasional pay-and-play, coaching sessions, or for club group bookings. Regular courses are also run by the tennis centre, including tots' tennis and holiday clubs.

Information on membership prices and activity timetables, as well as booking online, can be found at: clubspark.lta.org.uk/KnightonTennisClub

Lionheart venue hire Across our schools, we offer a wide range of facilities for hire. From sports tournaments to dance shows and wedding celebrations to religious gatherings, our versatile school venues can bring events to life at affordable prices. Profit from school venue hire enables us to further support the education of pupils.

Learn more at: lionhearttrust.org.uk/venuehire

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Investing in our Trust

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Our dedicated IT and Estates teams work tirelessly to identify and deliver upgrades to facilities, creating outstanding environments across our schools, for both pupils and staff.

Here’s a look at the significant projects undertaken this term:

Newhall Junior School temporary building Marking the first step towards a brand-new permanent building, pupils at Newhall Junior School moved into a temporary building following October half-term.

The temporary complex has ensured continuity of learning and provides bright, spacious classrooms alongside excellent facilities for both staff and pupils to enjoy.

The move was completed on time thanks to fantastic collaboration between the Lionheart Estates Team, the Department for Education and Reds10, the appointed contractor.

Demolition of the existing school building will begin soon, with a brand-new facility scheduled for completion in the 2027-28 academic year.

The Old House Work began this term to restore a historic Grade II listed building – The Old House – on The Castle Rock School site in Coalville.

In collaboration with YMB Boon and Olivetti Construction, our Estates Team are renovating both the interior and exterior

while preserving the building’s heritage.

Scheduled for completion in 2026, it will provide space for staff training and offices, with plans to open it up for community hire too.

Other improvements

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Alongside these major projects, several smaller upgrades were completed across the Trust this term. These included:

Expansion of the Elmfield Avenue car park at Highcliffe Primary

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Audio Visual refreshes with 75" interactive screens across multiple school sites

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New signage and fencing at Greenstone Primary

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New teaching screens at Highcliffe and Riverside Primary

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A refurbished classroom at Broom Leys Primary

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Roofing works at The Castle Rock School and Beauchamp College

Chromebooks were provided for Year 7 and 10 students at Martin High School and Beauchamp College

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An enhanced Design Technology workshop with six new machines and improved safety features at The Castle Rock School

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iPads were refreshed at Highcliffe Primary and Newhall Junior

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Contact us If you’d like to contact us, offer any feedback about this newsletter, or tell us what you’d like to see in future issues, please email info@lionhearttrust.org.uk

Lionheart Educational Trust South Albion Street, Leicester LE1 6JL 0116 497 9330 www.lionhearttrust.org.uk LHTrustLeics Lionheart Educational Trust LionheartTrust Lionheart_trust