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As CEO of Mercian Educational Trust, I welcome you to our Newsletter and thank you for taking the time to discover a little more about us.
As this academic year draws to a close, I find myself being slightly nostalgic, looking back and being proud of what we have achieved together. There have been some key milestones that stand out in our continued growth and success as a family of schools.
The expansion of our provision as a Trust is certainly a milestone. Welcoming the Brookfield School into ‘the family’ has added specialist and secondary education to our offer. Additionally, Brookfield is also our first Herefordshire School, and we hope to welcome other Herefordshire schools in the future to enrich our provision.
We have also experienced some of our longer-term growth projects coming into maturity. Somers Park School will, from September, finish its planned growth to a three-form entry school, taking the school to over 600 pupils. We are also pleased to see that Honeywell School, has grown by a staggering 41% since September. This is a testament to the hard work and great environment the school provides.
There have also been moments where working together has produced some magical memories. The joint Carol Service at Christmas where children from every MET school sang together was truly magical, I don’t mind admitting a ‘slight’ lump in my throat listening to them sing! The amazing work of our sustainability group, children working together to make our schools and communities more eco-friendly. Joint sports tournaments, joint trips, joint residentials, there have been many opportunities for our pupils to get together and work together. It has been a great year and I thank all MET colleagues for making it happen!
Please enjoy the rest of the content and we look forward to showcasing our achievements again in future editions.
Mr Dafydd Lawday
This term at Northleigh CE Primary School, our community joined together to celebrate the new outdoor play and learning area, made possible by the incredible generosity of the Clive Richards Foundation, the local school community and the contributions from the Mercian Educational Trust. The vibrant and dynamic space features a new outdoor classroom, a dedicated music area, a forest school area, and interactive installations designed to inspire creativity and promote active play.
This exciting space aligns with the Mercian Educational Trust’s commitment to providing a broad range of experiences that nurture the physical, social, and emotional well-being of our pupils. We look forward to seeing the smiles on our children’s faces as they explore and enjoy this new playground.
Students from the Heart of Worcestershire College have added a special touch to Northleigh CE Primary School’s newly unveiled outdoor playground, contributing beautifully crafted benches and a unique reading throne.
FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT Sports
Following the success at the Dysons Perrins Football Tournament, Raffy from Somers Park Primary School, reports on the match.
‘On Wednesday, 20th March, 8 of the Year 6 boys went to Dysons to compete in a football tournament for the school. It lasted for about two hours, and we played three matches. In those games, we played the Wyche, then Broadway and finally Eldersfield. In the first match, it was a tight duel but after getting so close we finally found a goal through Josh who ran down the wing and slotted it into the corner. One game, one win for Somers Park. Going into our second game, we were more confident, but this was arguably our hardest opponent [Broadway]. Both teams started well, and it looked as if it was going to be a draw until Braxton ran down the wing and cut it back to Daniel who took his chance and volleyed it into the bottom corner to secure the three points. All we needed was a draw to win the whole tournament. Finally, we played Eldersfield. The game ended 3-0 after a brace from Zach and another goal from Daniel. Due to those three wins Somers Park was announced the winner of the football tournament – winning all our games. And we came back victorious!’
Sporting achievements
Leigh and Bransford
Great Malvern Primary School
Well done to our fabulous Sports Leaders on completing their Level 1 Sports Leadership Award at The Brookfield School.
The ‘Run a Mile’ club has launched at Leigh and Bransford Primary School.
Year 9 pupils at The Brookfield School enjoyed learning an introduction to contact in Rugby. All the pupils worked hard and made some fantastic progress. Well done!
Northleigh CE Primary School
Well done to Year 5 pupils took part in RGS Cricket Tournament.
Pupils took part in a Rugby tournament, congratulations!
Pupils took part in The Downs Cricket competition.
Two of our pupils won fantastic awards for being the best team player and showing good sportsmanship.
Honeywell Primary School
Somers Park Primary School
Two pupils took part in their first Street Dance competition with Oddstepperz. They took home second place for their duo dance and first place for the group dance.
Six pupils have had a fantastic football season for their team Newtown Sports
Under 10s, being crowned champions and going the entire league season unbeaten. Well done boys amazing efforts.
Well done to The Brookfield School for achieving the Gold Sports Award for 10 years in a row!
YOUNGVOICESAND NEW VISIONS
At Great Malvern Primary School pupils have used the history curriculum to inspire sculptures for the Young Voices New Visions exhibition at The Cloisters, Worcester Cathedral. I am sure you will agree, it looks fantastic.
Children at Northleigh CE Primary School have participated in two local and one national art exhibition and the Worcester trail.
Mrs N Selby
From top left: The Penguin for the Waddle of Worcester- Northleigh CE Primary School, Frottage art at Leigh and Bransford Primary School, Northleigh CE Primary School Artwork at Worcester Gallery, William Morris Prints at Somers Park Primary School and Poppy at Honeywell Primary School
Pupils at Leigh and Bransford Primary School brought the house down with their incredible performance of "Chitty ChittyBangBangJNR"!
Two sell-out shows, months of hard work, and an audience full of smiles and standing ovations. Pupils from Years 5 and 6 performed with amazing confidence at The Coach House Theatre in Malvern, with the full experience of costume, makeup, lighting, sound and props.
CHITTYCHITTY BANGBANGJNR
From the iconic car to the unforgettable songs, our talented pupils guided by amazing teachers and supported by the community, made this a night to remember. The applause raised the ceiling!
SomersParkPrimarySchoolY1pupilspreparingfor
theirperformance
Honeywell pupils in ‘The School-O-Vision Song Contest’
The end of term brings a sense of excitement with School Productions on the calendar. This year pupils have worked extremely hard to put on some incredible shows, from Somers Park Pupils taking part in a poetry showdown to Year 6 pupils putting in final Primary Performances. The shows have been a highlight of the year! Year 3 pupils at Northleigh CE Primary School have worked with a drama expert to prepare a showcase, and our Year 5 & 6 boys had the opportunity to take part in auditions for a BBC production- a fantastic experience.
Pupils from Leigh and Bransford Primary School made it to the final of the Worcestershire Primary STEM Challenge Final at Kidderminster College. Well done!
Science week
During the week of the 24th of June, Great Malvern Primary School was focused on enriching the children's learning and developing their love of science. The week began with a visit from Nick Corston of STEAM Co.
Nick engaged us all in a whole school assembly before we split into different groups to complete a range of inspiring activities: #Art of Rockets, #Art of Cardboard and #Art of Coding. The day ended with a visit from our parents to show off our learning and join us in launching the dynamite rocket.
RESIDENTIAL SCRAPBOOK
UnforgettableAdventures
The summer term provides pupils with the opportunitytotakepartinresidentialvisits.Thisyear pupils had the chance to visit places including Bude, and Boundless Outdoors. Residential trips play a crucial role in the development of our pupils by providing new learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
These trips encourage pupils to be independent and resilient as children visit new places. Trips often include activities that build teamwork, problemsolving skills, and self-confidence. They also offer a unique opportunity for pupils to form stronger relationships with their peers and teacher Additionally, residential trips can ignite an interest learning by immersing pupils in hands-o educational experiences related to nature,history, science.
Overall, these trips contribute significantly to th development of young learners, supporting the personal growth and learning in Mercian Education Trustschools.
The Big Sing
Pupils from Honeywell Primary School, Northleigh CE School and Somers Park Primary School took part in ‘The Big Sing’. Pupils gathered from across Worcestershire to sing prepared pieces as part of a huge singing workshop. It was an exciting and motivational opportunity for children and teachers alike to be part of a large-scale musical experience.
This year’s Big Sing was led by world-renowned singing leaders Ula Weber and Suzzi Vango, and accompanied by a live band, and the theme was ‘Living and Learning’. Each song had been carefully chosen and was used to improve vocal technique.
At The Brookfield School pupils in the music enrichment group in secondary love to write and perform their songs One pupil has enjoyed it so much, that he has swapped his work enrichment to the Courtyard Theatre which has been a big success. He is now looking at applying for the Hereford College of Arts next year.
Music provides new opportunities for pupils, from developing listening skills and creativity to inspiring future careers.
Schools across Mercian Educational Academy offer hands-on music lessons.
Great Malvern Primary School pupils have had IROCK working with children all year, resulting in a concert on 5th July. Children have opportunities to learn and play guitar, keyboard, drums and sing as part of a band.
At Northleigh CE Primary School pupils have enjoyed - Ocarinas, recorders, ukuleles, violins, cornets and African drums!
At Honeywell Primary School and Somers Park Primary School pupils have access to many brilliant musical instruments and experiences.
DIRECTOR OF LEARNING UPDATE
W I D E S T
R A N G E O F
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
It has been another busy term for school improvement across MET as we have continued to bring staff together and made plans for the next academic year. Highlights for me this term have been our fabulous inset day with Hannah Hall, work with our new colleagues at Brookfield and continued work with subject leaders (and their dogs!) in all our schools.
STUART BUSBY Director of Learning
In 24-25 we are looking forward to engaging with our staff in the widest range of professional development events we have provided so far. I am particularly pleased that we have responded to feedback and are now offering regular sessions for our support staff.
Our CEO and I visited all of our schools to check in on our older pupils as they worked through their Key Stage 2 SAT assessments. Without exception, these learners have demonstrated resilience, dedication, and a thirst for knowledge throughout their primary school journey, and their superb attitudes deserve to be celebrated.
Completing SATs is no small feat. It requires focus, perseverance, and a growth mindset. Our Year 6 pupils have faced these assessments with courage, demonstrating their ability to rise to the occasion. We celebrate their resilience and determination!
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to parents and guardians for their unwavering support. Your encouragement, guidance, and partnership have played a crucial role in our pupils’ achievements. We also acknowledge our dedicated teachers who have nurtured and inspired these young minds.
Let us join together in applauding all of our pupils for their hard work, determination, and achievements.
Thoughts from Thoughts from headteachers headteachers
The quality of the provision for all those in our Trust community is enhanced by being part of the MET. Opportunities to work alongside colleagues across our Trust enable us to share best practices, offer broader opportunities to our children and develop staff skills.
Celebration Picnic
On the 5th of July, an atmosphere of camaraderie and festivity enveloped Leigh and Bransford Primary School as teachers, support staff, and governors came together for the inaugural MET Celebration Picnic. This joyous occasion honored the dedication and tireless efforts of the entire school community over the past year. Amidst vibrant summertime decorations, attendees delighted in an array of delectable foods and took the time to unwind and connect. A highlight of the event was the indulgence in delicious cupcakes and the eagerly anticipated distribution of Wellbeing Gift bags, generously sponsored by Redrow Midlands. The day was a resounding success, filled with shared joy and appreciation for a year of hard work.
