Issue 4 December 2023
Trust Newsletter
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A message from our Chief Executive Welcome back to everyone after what I hope was a really restful break. Last term had a lot of highlights for me: I particularly enjoyed doing some Drama teaching with a lovely Yr 7 class at Eastlea. But the most valuable and interesting experience for me personally was being able to talk to staff in each of our schools about the Equalities initiative. A range of staff agreed to meet me for an informal discussion about their different perspectives of what we are doing, and what more we can do, to ensure equality of opportunity for all our staff, how that relates to the experience and curriculum we offer our students, and what more support or encouragement we can give to all staff, whatever their roles, to develop in their careers. A range of staff then participated together with Trustees and governors in a stimulating workshop at Sarah Bonnell, with input from Lando du Plooy (Head of Dersingham and a founder of Newham’s Education4Change charity), and Hana Malik, a senior leader at Sarah Bonnell, for discussion on how we can take this forward. We will move on this term to establish a Trust Equalities Working Group to ensure that we are taking concrete steps to address the issues that staff were most interested in, and I look forward to sharing further updates on this in subsequent bulletins. I am determined that this is something we build into the long term culture of the Trust, rather than just something we focus on for a one-off event. Best wishes Anthony Wilson, CEO of NCL
Update on Safeguarding across the Trust It has been a huge privilege to work with all our schools this term, to further develop cross Trust collaboration and to strengthen relationships, especially with the Designated Safeguarding Leads and Safeguarding Link Governors. A personal highlight has been visiting the schools and having the opportunity to meet many of you. A particular thank you to all stakeholders who participated in reviews and staff interviews this term. These interactions have not only strengthened relationships, but have also paved the way for further collaboration as we start the new year in January. Feedback and engagement has been invaluable, driving us to constantly improve and innovate. With this in mind, I am pleased to share the new Trust Safeguarding email account with you: ncl.safeguarding@ncltrust.net this is for everyone in the school community to share their suggestions, thoughts or concerns. A heartfelt thank you for your continued support and unwavering dedication to keeping children and young people safe. Best wishes Claire Stewart, Interim Trust Director of Safeguarding
NCL Learning Day On Friday 24th November, we held our annual Learning Day for all members of staff across our schools. The learning day was held across two school sites, and allowed staff the opportunity to network and to share knowledge. The main objective of the day is not only to provide high-quality CPD, but to bring the entire trust together. It is an inspiring day; seeing us all together in one place, getting to know each other better and making new connections that will facilitate inter-school collaboration.
NCL Learning Day for non-classroom based staff It was wonderful to witness a significant turnout of NCL staff at our annual Learning Day. The theme, 'Thrive,' was designed to empower our team to enhance mental health and well-being while also fostering opportunities for staff training and career development. The morning began with Matt Lindley, our keynote speaker, centering his discussion on resilience, focus, and the importance of working relationships. With a diverse array of 11 workshops available, there was something tailored for every attendee. Additionally, individuals had the chance to enroll in personalised one-on-one coaching sessions to enhance their career development. If you would like to get access to the free app from the workshops please use the links below to give you feedback wish will then give you access to the free app. ● Mindset and Motivation ● Managing Stress and Enhancing Resilience ● Managing Stress with Nutrition Free discounts for staff is available here. Please sign up benefits using the NCL link.
A big thank you to all colleagues from across the six schools who have supported with: ● Arrangements and set up of our NCL Professional Learning Day ● Planning & facilitation of the programmes for the Collaborative Team Time ● The workshop programme ● Our Site and IT teams for supporting the smooth running of the day
NCL Learning Day for classroom based staff Theme: Meeting the needs of SEND and EAL learners ‘To a great extent, good teaching for pupils with SEND is good teaching for all.’ The aim of the day: To enhance the capacity of classroom-based staff to provide high-quality, inclusive education and support that meets the diverse needs of all students, ensuring they can reach their full potential in the classroom and beyond. What a fantastic day at Lister! We welcomed over 450 colleagues from across our trust. The day began with an excellent keynote speech from David Bartram. Staff then had the opportunity to attend workshops based on the EEF report, Special Educational Needs in Mainstream Schools. There were 43 workshops on offer, expertly facilitated by our own staff and colleagues from South East Psychology, East London NHS Foundation Trust, LiHT, Hounslow Language Services, Canopy Education, and HFL Education. The afternoon was spent in departments, so individual teams had an opportunity to discuss and start implementing strategies learnt.
Staff feedback ● ● ●
90% of staff felt the aims of the day were met 89% of staff rated the workshops as excellent, very useful, or useful 92% of staff rated the afternoon session as excellent, very useful, or useful
I thought that the day was planned really well. High quality workshops and speakers and brilliantly inclusive for all staff with lots of relevance to everyone in the school.
CPD sessions on offer and programme for the day was perfectly balanced including time to implement learning into the curriculum planning and general reflections on classroom practise. The range and quality of sessions on offer is impressive.
Very grateful to be given the afternoon time to plan together in curriculums is SO beneficial and really appreciated as it's a rarity for us
Great variety of workshops to suit different levels of need. Already looking forward to the next one. Time for quality CPD like this is very important.
We would like to express gratitude to all staff for their participation and active contribution to the day. Your valuable feedback is appreciated as it will contribute to enhancing over CPD offer for all staff across the trust.
Professional Development across the Trust Coaching Leaders programme
30 members of staff from across our primary and secondary schools have been taking part in the Coaching Leaders Programme facilitated by Mary Phillips. Across six structured training sessions, Mary is imparting a systematic framework for coaching conversations. This framework ensures that discussions are not only focused and goal-oriented but also action-oriented, cultivating a collaborative and supportive relationship between the coach and coachee. The programme, serves as a catalyst for both personal and professional development.
We are delighted to work with Mary Phillips. She is a highly experienced educational and leadership coach, consultant and trainer. She is also a Master Practitioner of NLP, which enables her to draw on a variety of techniques and skills in her work. She has worked within NCL schools for many years, collaborating with individuals and groups to improve outcomes for students, teachers, and leaders.
Herts for Learning collaboration We are excited to be working with Herts for Learning who have run excellent workshops at the Learning Days. They are also supporting the NCL Literacy Group with the development of reading fluency including a whole day’s training on the 7th February which will focus on the implementation of cross curricular reading strategies.
Maths hub collaboration Our math leaders across the trust are working in partnership with the London North East Maths Hub to develop curriculum and pedagogical continuity over Years 5 to 8. Participants have been collaborating with colleagues from across KS2 and KS3, working on mathematical tasks together, and reflecting on the resulting activity and learning. We are very excited to see where this project takes us!
Governance spotlight - the role of a Trustee
Christina Parry, NCL Trustee My working life was spent in various Government departments, usually running large operational teams. I was a school governor and chair for many years. Since retiring from paid work I have been a volunteer teacher in colleges in China and Tanzania, acted as a complaints consultant, and held other voluntary posts in local charities and activities. I am currently completing an MA in Mediterranean history. I have been married for over 50 years, have two adult sons, and three grandchildren - the youngest one month old. Sadly I don't see much of them as they live in Hong Kong, and covid was a game-changer for regular visits.
What do you feel is the most important aspect of your role as a trustee? I am a passionate advocate for the Trust and try and champion NCL schools whenever I can. I am keen that we become a pillar of educational best practice in Newham, for the benefit of everyone in the trust and the community. This means aiming to be 'best in class'. As a Trustee I need to know enough about each school, the people and set-up, so that I can act as a critical friend. My job is to support as well as observe the way the Trust is operating, raising questions when things seem to be going adrift. Trustees are unpaid volunteers, so finding time can be difficult, to fit in round other commitments.
Snippets of some of our other activity this term: Sarah Bonnell hosted a NCL Trustee and Governor Workshop on Equalities, Diversity, and Inclusion for staff. The workshop gave participants the opportunity to reflect on the scope of the initiative and discuss next steps. The CPD team have been busy planning our next trust-wide twilight based on standardising and moderating assessments in both primary and secondary settings. The twilight is an opportunity for our staff to ● ● ●
share excellent practice. establish a common standard of marking. reinforce the importance of consistency and fairness in judgements and decisions.
We had a fantastic afternoon with year 5 students from Star Primary and Stratford Manor Primary. Our exceptional Y11 citizenship students planned and delivered a lesson from Amnesty UK Write for Rights. Students learned about political prisoners around the world and made some beautiful cards to send to them. Thank you, Star Primary and Stratford Manor Primary, for being fantastic learners.
Write for Rights
Winter concert On Wednesday afternoon, Eastlea Music Department welcomed staff, families and friends to the theatre for the biggest musical event of the year so far, The Winter Concert. The packed hall was treated to some wonderful musical items including The Hot Wires - year 7's biggest and baddest rock band, Eastlea Vocal Collective - the school's soulful and pitch-perfect choir, and Eastlea Rising Stars to name but a few. The Keyboard club made their debut, there were some wonderful soloists, and the evening ended with the traditional massed ensemble, led by the Guitar Club, of Billie Jean. It was a night to remember for all participants and the audience alike.
Debating competition Six Year 10 students recently showcased their debating prowess at Pinsent Masons law firm, taking on the challenging topic of whether teachers should be paid based on their results. In front of a distinguished panel of judges, including a senior partner at Pinsent Masons and chaired by Lord Justice Peter Jackson, a Judge in the Court of Appeal, the students delivered an exceptional performance. Despite facing tough questions from the esteemed judges, our students emerged victorious, earning commendation for their outstanding argumentation skills.
Careers at Lister Our wonderful year 10 were given a fantastic opportunity to visit the offices of KPMG. Based in Canada Square, the London offices of the international company were opened up to year 10 so that they could gain the king of insight they need to make career decisions in life after Lister. The group were accompanied by Lister’s careers’ advisor who described the visit as the means to truly educate students with making decisions about their future. “They’ve got to see it to be it!” KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. Year 10 students who had an interest in a career based in these areas were given a chance to visit the company.
Lister Students Hitting the High Notes As a specialist music and science school, we always look forward to the Christmas Concert with a sense of anticipation. This year was no exception! Students from the year 7 choir unleashed their vocal talents in perfect harmony bringing many a tear to the eye of parents who were so very proud of the fantastic performance from year 7. This was followed by orchestral students from year 8 and 9 showing the talent they have sharpened with team music at Lister. The whole hall was stunned to silence by the precocious talent of our year 11 pianist Vanesa Vileikyte, From the first note, she held the hall spellbound as she weaved a magical rendition of Chopin’s Waltz in A minor. The spell was only broken by new levels of delight from the year 10 band with the angelic voice of Ike Machie (pictured to the left).
Lister Climbing to New Heights Do not adjust your screens (or turn over this newsletter!). You are seeing Lister GCSE PE students climbing along near vertical walls. Do you remember the days of being stuck out in cold winter winds when the PE department could offer only football or basketball as winter sport alternatives? At Lister, GCSE PE students are given a wide range of interesting and challenging sports to develop their full potential. Here the GCSE PE students are making their way to the top of a climbing wall in…………. Where will the steps take them?!
Farms for City Children - Nethercott house Devon
Year 5 and 6 children embarked on the 7 hour journey to south Devon this half term to visit Nethercott Farm (Michael Morpurgo’s estate for city children). Children became young farmers throughout the week long residential. Rising before the sun (to the sound of cockerels), children fed the animals before sitting down for their own breakfast. Throughout the day, children completed authentic farm tasks such as: mucking out stables; spreading manure on vegetable patches; grooming equine animals and feeding cattle. Children developed a better understanding of the ‘farm to fork’ journey and what actions they can take to contribute to a sustainable future.
Fairytale staircase
Portway’s latest art installation - in collaboration with Tom Berry from Bow Arts - depicts characters from traditional tales. Children planned, constructed and evaluated their characters to ensure maximum enjoyment for gallery visitors.
Art Matters Online Exhibition Some of the amazing artwork from Portway students has been featured by The Art Matters online exhibition! Click on the following link to take a look: https://bit.ly/PortwayArt2023
Students digging deep at Aberdovey Centre 24 year 9 students had the most incredible time on our annual “Dig Deep” visit. Students loved the outdoor classroom, developing their physical and mental resilience, building their own confidence, and working as part of a team. And what a location to do it!
Canning Town and Custom House Neighbourhood Intergenerational Christmas Event Rokeby students recently visited the Canning Town and Custom House residents’ tea party. Students made delicious Christmas cakes, biscuits, mince pies and served Christmas treats to over sixty people at their afternoon Christmas Tea Party. Everyone had a fantastic time, stories were shared across the generations and the positive impact was visible for everyone involved. We are already looking forward to the next event.
STEM Exploration Takes Flight at City Airport Event In November, Y10 students gathered at Excel for a STEM (Science, Technology,Engineering and Mathematics) session organised by London City Airport and the East London Business Alliance (ELBA). The students delved into a series of hands-on activities and workshops designed to ignite their passion for science and technology. They learnt about cutting-edge technology and gained valuable insight into the pivotal role they could play in shaping a sustainable future. The highlight of the day came when students were tasked with designing a sustainable airport for the future. From building structures to engineering aspects, our students immersed themselves in the creative process. They presented their project to a panel of judges, providing them with a real-world taste of project management and presentation skills.
Future First Film Awards Nomination Future First’s film 'Someone Like Me' which features students from Sarah Bonnell, has been nominated for a Charity Film Award hosted by Smiley News! In order to get through to the next round, we need as many votes as possible. Voting is free and takes just a few moments. Please follow the link to watch our fantastic students in action before voting for us. https://smileycharityfilmawards.com/films/someone-like-me
An Evening of Gothic Tales What a wonderful evening and brilliant way to end a very busy and very successful term. Our girls performed a fantastic play called An Evening Of Gothic Tales. Congratulations to all cast & crew for a truly fantastic production.
East London CITIZENS Organisation 25th Anniversary Assembly Students had a wonderful evening at the The East London CITIZENS Organisation 25th Anniversary Assembly. The evening was filled with powerful stories, performances and pledges. The atmosphere in the room was electric! The impact of citizens is immense. We are so proud of our Youth Safety Champions for winning the engagement award at the assembly!
Enhanced Learning Day 2 What a terrific Enhanced Learning Day we have had this term. Our girls took part in activities to promote positive mental health and wellbeing with a focus on being kind, healthy relationships and staying safe online.
The Big, Wide World! This half term, our children have been experiencing life beyond the playground gates. Children from Y4,5,6 spent the week on a farm in Wales; Y3 went on the C2C to Southend; Y4,5,6 all enjoyed a trip to the cinema and Y4 also went to the British museum for the day.
Purposeful, Planned Play Children in Nursery, Reception, Y1 & LSP have all been busy learning through a wide range of play and ‘hands on’ activities. They’ve made story characters, baked Gingerbread and made papier mache planet!
Green Fingers - visits from our resident gardener Classes from across the school have experienced sessions with our gardener this half term. They have made twine from flax grown in our garden; studied the leaves found in our school grounds and planted seeds.
Community wellbeing and support Well Newham
Ambition Aspire Achieve
Supporting you with your health and wellbeing
Ambition Aspire Achieve is a Newham based charity which works to provide opportunities for families across Newham. Our work includes after school clubs, holiday play and youth activities, youth clubs, disability specific activities, detached youth projects, information advice and support for vulnerable young people, mentoring and personal development programmes, doorstep inclusive sports clubs and outward-bound activities and experiences. Click on the link below to find out more. https://www.theaaazone.com
Many of us need a little help to be Healthier. For some of us, it’s about doing a bit more exercise or giving up smoking. For others, it’s about connecting with our community or getting help with things that can cause stress, like money. Whatever it is, Well Newham is here to help you achieve your goals, in a way that works for you.
Visit the Well Newham website Visit www.wellnewham.org.uk today to find out more about health and wellbeing and access the support you need.
Visit a Well Newham hub If you would to talk to someone face-to-face or get some guidance on how to use the website, you can go to a Well Newham Hub. To find out more, visit www.wellnewham.org.uk.
Family Hubs Network Survey Newham are developing new Family Hubs sites which will act as a ‘One Stop Shop’, making it easier for families to get the help and support that they need as soon as possible. Services will be available for parents-to-be, babies, children and young people right up to 18 (and up to 25 years of age where the young person has additional needs). Some of the services that will be available are breastfeeding support, parenting programmes, activities for children, family support, youth activities, SEND support and much more. To help the local authority to create services that you would like to see, please can you take a couple of minutes to complete this short survey. This information will be used to help plan effectively and meet local needs. Survey link - www.newham.gov.uk/survey. The closing date for the survey is 12th January 2024 The next Youth and Family Hub is due to open February 2024 in Custom House. Family Hub Network locations due to be announced in Stratford and West Ham and Manor Park and Little Ilford.
SPRING TERM KEY DATES School
Event
Date and time
Whole school production
Thursday, January 18 4 – 6pm
Eastlea
Lister
Spring Concert
Wednesday, March 27 4 – 6pm
Oliver! Production
Thursday, February 1 and Friday February 2 4 – 5.30pm
Spring Concert
Wednesday, March 20 5.30 - 7pm
Contact
sandra.corbyn@eastlea.ncltrust.net Sandra Corbyn Head’s PA
enquiries@lister.ncltrust.net