BETTER Times - Autumn 2018 - Issue 1

BETTERTIMES

Bohunt Education Trust Termly Events Review

OFFICIAL OPENINGS FOR BOHUNT WOKINGHAM AND BOHUNT SIXTH FORM

Earlier this year, students and staff were privileged to welcome world-renowned scientist Professor (Lord) Robert Winston to open Bohunt Wokingham and Bohunt Sixth Form within the space of three weeks.

Lord Winston, who specialises in fertility and stem cell research, officially opened Bohunt Sixth Form in April. The Sixth Form is now in its second year, welcoming its second cohort of Y12 through the doors a couple of weeks ago and anticipating BET’s first A Level results in summer 2019.

Following a speech entitled, ‘Why Bother with Science?’ to Y10 and Y11 students from Bohunt School and TPS, Lord Winston addressed sixth form students and enjoyed an afternoon tea with invited guests, before pulling the ribbon and officially opening the Sixth Form.

BET’s newest and largest building, Bohunt Wokingham, welcomed Lord Winston in May. Bohunt Wokingham opened in temporary accommodation in 2016 and is well on its way to becoming a vibrant and exceptional seat of learning.

After an address, staff and students chatted with Lord Winston over lunch. Lord Winston and Headteacher Ben Godber officially cut the ribbon to open the School, with governors and councillors present. The whole school posed for photographs outside to mark the occasion.

CHAIR’S WELCOME

In a very short timescale, Bohunt Education Trust has grown from one single academy to our current six, and from about 1,400 pupils to over 7,000, with over 700 staff. Exam results this year are remarkable, even more so in the light of changes to the curriculum and the marking system.

Congratulations to those of you who were involved with the GCSE exams – Worthing and Wokingham have yet to have that dubious pleasure! Having six schools gives opportunities for staff development and promotion within the Trust, with several examples of successful inter-school transfers in the recent past. Although it was some years ago, all three of my children received an excellent education at Bohunt School in Liphook, and have gone on to obtain good degrees and develop successful careers. My fellow Trustees and I are passionate about providing similar opportunities to the widest possible range of young people, no matter what their background. Education is the key to the future; excellent teaching is the key to achieving full potential, whilst teachers have a lasting impact on the lives of their students. All of you can remember at least one of your teachers who continues to influence your lives. I still have issues with split infinitives, bad spelling, etc., due to Eric Burns my English teacher who taught me over 50 years ago!

Whilst we are keen to retain the individuality of each of our schools, it is important that we have a common set of values and objectives across the Trust, deriving from our common ethos and consistent standards. This leads to a stimulating and challenging pupil experience, driven by excellent teaching. Allied

to that is our desire to carry that experience and excellence through into Years 12 & 13 with the establishment of the Sixth Form in Liphook.

Since we started our extensive programme of outdoor activities, I have been amazed at how participating students become more confident and resilient, developing real life skills and leadership qualities. This is true especially for those who go on the Expeditions to far-flung and inhospitable places!

The purpose of today is to learn, to get to know your colleagues across the Trust, and to depart with a renewed sense of purpose. I am sure you will enjoy the day.

Chair of the Trust Board

DR RAY MORTON

I AM DELIGHTED TO WELCOME YOU ALL TO THIS TRUST-WIDE INSET DAY.

CEO’S WELCOME

AFRICANS, MEXICANS AND ROMANS

Dear Colleagues, Welcome to our inaugural newsletter, the first of what we hope to be a termly magazine to promote, celebrate and share the amazing things you do every day to make life better for our students.

Several African languages have an expression, which translates as, “it takes a village to raise a child.” The sentiment of this Igbo and Yoruba proverb exists in different forms in many African languages. The basic meaning is that child upbringing is a communal effort. This collective responsibility in raising children is also seen in the Sukuma proverb “One knee does not bring up a child” and in the Swahili proverb “One hand does not nurse a child.”

The parallels with BET’s approach to education are perhaps selfevident. We are a growing community of education professionals and there can be no disputing that we are stronger together as participants in a shared endeavour.

The noun education has two different, but related, Latin roots: educare to mould and educere to lead out. Education, therefore, resonates strongly with our key values encapsulated in the three simple words fundamental to our schools’ DNA: enjoy respect achieve.

It is perhaps difficult to pull together as a village if you do not know your neighbours. We will, therefore, be working hard this year to promote and celebrate BET culture. I hope you will enjoy reading the news highlights from our schools – there are many to choose from! – together with BET updates and regular interviews with BET central staff. Our hope for this magazine is to provide you with useful, interesting content which gives

a sense of the passion and commitment that permeates our schools.

As we grow we must none of us lose sight of the fact that we all have a salary slip because we are here to serve children. Equally important is that we protect and promote our key values, culture and ethos; if we become an amorphous, bureaucratic and remote machine, more at home in an Orwellian tale, then we will have failed in our core purpose.

I hope you enjoy today. In the spirit of collaboration, we invite you to take pictures of yourselves with BET colleagues from other schools, which can be sent to betinset@bohunttrust.com. We will use these pictures to create a photo-montage, to be shared with schools throughout the Trust.

There is much to be proud of as we embark on the new academic year and it is a privilege to work with you. I look forward to meeting you shortly at Bohunt School Wokinghamand look out for the green chickens!

NEIL STROWGER

CEO of BET

GCSE RESULTS – BOHUNT EDUCATION TRUST HAS ITS BEST EVER YEAR

2018 HAS BEEN A FANTASTIC YEAR FOR STUDENTS WITHIN BOHUNT EDUCATION TRUST. EARLY INDICATIONS ARE THAT 4 OF THE SCHOOLS WILL BE CELEBRATING THEIR BEST EVER PROGRESS 8 SCORE, WITH ALL SCHOOLS HAVING AN IMPROVED PROGRESS 8 SCORE FROM 2017.

This has generated a great deal of interest from media with TV crews from BBC South Today and ITV Meridian present at two of the BET schools on GCSE results day. Overall circulation/viewing figures for local media coverage totalled 3.3 million – a fantastic PR reach for our schools!

Priory School has once again achieved its best-ever GCSE results, with 60% of students getting a Grade 4 or better in English and in maths, up three percentage points from last year. This despite having a weaker cohort than last year.

At City Academy Norwich , which has received school improvement support since September 2017 and has now transferred its governance to BET, students and staff celebrated the best results in the academy’s history, with strong improvement achieved in the key measure of a grade 4 or better in English and Maths. Overall, 43% of students at the school achieved a Grade 4 or better in English and in maths. This marks a significant nine percentage-point improvement on last year’s results.

The Costello School continues to go from strength to strength with results that again surpass the good performances seen in previous years, with 65% of students getting the Grade 4 benchmark, or better, in English and in maths.

Bohunt School students (in Liphook) celebrated another record year with 80% achieving a grade 4 or better in English and Maths. One student achieved an astonishing full set of grade 9’s and A*’s being one of only 732 nationally.

Students at The Petersfield School (TPS) achieved the academy’s highest English and Maths pass rate in its 60-year history, with 83% achieving a Grade 4 or higher in both subjects, a three percentage point increase on last year’s record results. They too had a student who achieved the full suite of top grades.

THE COSTELLO SCHOOL JOINS BET

WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME THE COSTELLO SCHOOL IN BASINGSTOKE TO BET, EFFECTIVE FROM 1 SEPTEMBER 2018.

The transfer has received widespread support from parents, students, staff and the local community, following BET providing strong interim support to the school since January. BET’s work was also praised by Ofsted after an inspection of The Costello School in March.

The Costello School will benefit from the high-quality and innovative approach to education championed by BET. This summer, all BET schools celebrated achieving their most successful GCSE results in recent history, and all schools reported providing students with the greatest number of enrichment activities on record – central to BET’s ethos for providing all students with the opportunities to succeed.

The Costello School will retain its unique identity, whilst benefiting from the full support of the Trust including accessing its range of resources and expertise. Teachers and leaders at the school will have the opportunity to share best practice with others across the Trust, and students will also benefit from further enrichment and outdoor education opportunities.

There are no plans to change the length of the school day, the logo or the uniform, and the Trust will continue to work closely with the senior leadership team and Board of Governors to build on the significant improvements already made.

With the addition of The Costello School, BET now runs six successful secondary schools, alongside its sixth form, which opened in Liphook last September.

COSTELLO

9%

Date joined BET 2018

*2017/18 figures

Headteacher at The Costello School, Randall Jull:

“We are committed to ensuring that every one of our students at The Costello School has the opportunity to lead their very best life, to reach academic excellence, and to experience activities that will shape them as young people, setting them on their path to adulthood.

“The educational philosophy championed by Bohunt Education Trust is completely aligned with Costello’s, and we look forward to sharing resources, opportunities, and best practice expertise. By joining BET, Costello will build on both the historical success of the Trust, as well as its ability to add current value to our wonderful school”.

Neil Strowger, Chief Executive of Bohunt Education Trust:

“We are delighted to be officially welcoming The Costello School to Bohunt Education Trust – after working closely with the school to drive improvements and attainment since January.

“The school is well-established in the local community and we are pleased that this move has received such positive support from parents, staff, students and the wider school community. We look forward to continuing to work together in the weeks and months as the school enters this new and exciting chapter as part of our Trust.”

NEW CHAPTER FOR CITY ACADEMY NORWICH AS BET EXTENDS SUPPORT

BOHUNT EDUCATION TRUST IS TO CONTINUE AND EXTEND THE SUPPORT IT HAS PROVIDED TO CAN SINCE SEPTEMBER 2017.

Final Ministerial approval for changes to the CAN Academy Trust were granted in July 2018 and corresponding legal arrangements have also been completed. Plans to make changes to the CAN Academy Trust, which was agreed with the Regional Schools Commissioner, were first announced to students, staff and parents last September.

BET staff have been working closely with the CAN leadership team and the previous sponsor of CAN, Transforming Education in Norfolk (the TEN Group) throughout this academic year to ensure a smooth transition.

Whilst this transition was being finalised behind the scenes, the Trusts have worked together to ensure that the main priority and focus throughout this academic year has been on supporting student achievement.

BET is a strong example of a trust taking advantage of academy freedoms for the benefit of its students, using increased autonomy to introduce innovation at all levels of the Trust. Central to BET’s ethos is a commitment to using innovation that works, giving all students every opportunity to succeed in life, regardless of their background.

BET has been carefully chosen to build on the work achieved by the TEN Group since it took over control of City Academy Norwich in September 2009.

City Academy Norwich has undergone a recent major transformation, which included the opening of a new £21 million building in 2012. Exam results and behaviour at the academy improved significantly from the levels in the predecessor Earlham High School.

Whilst there will be some immediate changes in branding at the Academy, reflecting the change of sponsor, there will be no changes to the academy uniform for the coming academic year. A consultation with parents has been completed on changes to the school day from September.

Neil Strowger, Chief Executive Officer, Bohunt Education Trust:

“We are delighted that the final arrangements to change the membership of the CAN Academy Trust have taken place. This marks an important new episode, both for the School and Trust.

“From the first day BET began supporting CAN, we have worked closely with the Board of Governors and senior leaders to ensure strategies are in place to continue the transformational work that has already taken place, and to improve teaching and learning for students. It is with enormous thanks to all staff at CAN for their exceptional dedication to students’ achievement and wellbeing that we are able to make this announcement today. We look forward to working with all involved, to make the next chapter a great one for CAN.”

SPOTLIGHT ON…

RACHAEL JARRETT, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

What does a typical day look like to you and what are you currently working on?

In general, my day would start with a quick catch up with the Finance Team in the BET office – checking they are on top of things, resolving any issues they may have, and guiding them to what we need to achieve that day/week.

After that – I could be spending my day building a financial model for reporting purposes; analysing data from prior months and formulating recommendations; meeting with Heads and Governors to discuss their school’s performance; or completing a myriad of Governmental returns for statutory purposes! I love that my job is so varied – I never get bored!

What 3 words would you use to describe your role?

Fast-paced; key; rewarding

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET?

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My dog!

How would you describe your day job to a child?

I am the Finance Director, which means I assist the CEO and the Trust Board by providing financial information and analysis that helps them make decisions. I also let the Heads of each school know what money they have received, and how they have spent it each month. This allows them to make decisions to help their pupils achieve. Underpinning that, I have to make sure all transactions are processed correctly for the whole Trust. I have to adhere to a lot of rules and regulations. The auditors, to make sure I have followed those rules, inspect everything I do each year.

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

Gaining my CIMA qualification within 3 years whilst working in an incredibly demanding job role, and achieving the top mark in my region in one of my modules. Attending an award winner’s dinner at Hampton Court Palace was an incredible honour!

Standardisation! Bringing common procedures and processes across the Trust to increase efficiency and drive cost savings. Increase the use of sharing of best practice – not only within Finance but also across the support functions. I also want to ensure budget holders have the understanding of the finance system that will enable them to manage their budgets effectively, improving pupil achievement.

What is your favourite line from a film?

“They were cones!”

What do you like most about your job?

There is a lot I love about my job! My team; the variety; and the fact that the ultimate goal is not to make profit, but to assist children in developing into successful contributors to society.

What are your biggest professional challenges?

Legislation changes meaning we need to adapt and change our practices to stay compliant.

What is your personal mantra?

Aim for excellence, not perfection (and “just keep swimming!”)

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT:

TPS DIAMOND JUBILEE

Principal, Mark Marande:

“It has been a fantastic day and we should have some excellent footage and photos of everyone out on our playing field. It is not very often that we are able to bring the whole school together for an event such as this. A special thank you to our dedicated members of staff who arranged the event. We can do it all over again for our 70th Platinum anniversary!”

Some interesting facts about TPS:

Wednesday 20 June was a very special date in the TPS calendar – the school’s Diamond Jubilee, celebrating 60 years since it opened in 1958!

It was a busy day: the school bands provided musical entertainment in the band stand at break and lunchtime; there was a TPS quiz with fiendish questions about the school and its history, and the kitchen baked and donated a fabulous TPS birthday cake to be shared.

There were also thank-you cards to teachers and preparations for a time capsule, which will be buried on Friday. The school is leaving instructions for the time capsule to be opened in 60 years’ time in 2078 and it will contain letters from students about life at TPS today, photos of the past year at school, and newspapers from 20 June 2018.

To top the day off, the entire school gathered on the playing field in a “TPS” formation for an aerial drone photo and video.

TPS

Date joined BET 2016

• Mark Marande is only the fifth head of the school since 1958: Mr E C Young 1958-71; Mr Dennis Jack 1971-1990; Mrs Kathy Bell 1990-2001; Mr Nigel Poole 2001-2016.

• Mr Llewellyn was a History teacher and the youngest teacher in 1958, born in 1934.

• The TPS blazer used to be navy until Mrs Bell changed it to maroon.

• The average cost of a house in The Spain in 1958 was £2,500

Some former students commented:

“I was one of the original pupils who moved from St Peters road to the new school, it was great then, but I know it is even better now.”

“Happy Birthday TPS, I can’t believe the Golden was 10 years ago, it seems like yesterday, we had a lovely day then.”

TPS parents added:

“Love it. How lovely to have taken part in this event and be able to look back at it in years to come.”

“What a lovely idea and a great memory for the pupils to have been involved in when they look back on their time at school”

Watch the full, amazing aerial drone video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XF_aK7wjOfM

BET HIGHLIGHT:

OUTDOOR EDUCATION RESEARCH AND ROUNDTABLE

In the spring term of last year, BET harnessed its experience and expertise to host a key opinion leader roundtable, comprising some of the biggest names in outdoor learning, in an effort to address the issues surrounding students’ access to outdoor education opportunities.

Our starting point was the national headline-making survey BET commissioned in January, which revealed that the vast majority of people believe children today go on fewer school expeditions and trips than a generation ago.

The study found that only 10% of people believe that children today have more outdoor education opportunities than they had in their school years, with nearly three-quarters of people (71%) blaming cost as the biggest factor stopping children experiencing outdoor education.

Some 72% of those surveyed called for a greater focus on outdoor education in both primary and secondary schools – more than three-quarters of people (78%) said outdoor education was important for children’s self-development, and more than twothirds (68%) said it improved academic achievement.

This tallies with a study by the Education Endowment Foundation last month, which said that: “Overall, studies of adventure learning interventions consistently show positive benefits on academic learning. On average, pupils who participate in adventure learning interventions make approximately four additional months’ progress over the course of a year. There is also evidence of an impact on non-cognitive outcomes such as self-confidence. The evidence suggests that the impact is greater for more vulnerable and older learners (teenagers), longer courses (more than a week), and those in a ‘wilderness’ setting, though other types of intervention still show some positive impacts”.

As one of the country’s top-performing academy trusts, BET is a leading proponent of outdoor education. Our schools champion an extensive outdoor education and outdoor learning programme for all our students, nurturing talents and providing opportunities both inside and outside the classroom. BET sees outdoor education as crucial to building well-rounded individuals, for resilience, character and teamwork, as well as beneficial for academic attainment.

Crucially, BET also ensures that outdoor education is available for all its students, regardless of background. Better-off students are expected to fundraise, with the expeditions programme scheduled three years in advance, allowing families to plan. All students receiving the Pupil Premium are provided with bursaries, so that every student who wants to go on a trip can do so.

The roundtable attendees, who met for a morning in London to discuss how best to tackle issues of access, included representatives from the Department for Education, Duke of Edinburgh, the Council for Learning Outside the Classroom, the British Exploring Society and the Royal Geographical Society. Attendees were presented to by Neil Strowger and Philip Avery and then entered into a discussion chaired by former Education Select Committee Chair Neil Carmichael.

A consensus was reached that further collaboration in future will take place between members of the coalition, with the ultimate objective of identifying gaps in current research and improving the quality of conversations around improving students’ access to outdoor education.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT:

WORTHING DIGITAL TEAM – 1:1 IPAD, BOHUNT TIMES, APPLE COLLABORATION

Following national media coverage in the Guardian of the innovative technology teaching of Bohunt Schools in Liphook and Worthing, Bohunt School Worthing is proud to report on the success of its 1:1 iPad scheme.

This is in no small part to their team of student Digital Leaders. This group of students from years 7-10 are committed to pushing the school forward and getting value for money out of the iPads: they are an incredibly hard-working and motivated group of young people who offer help and advice to students and staff through drop-in services and in lesson support. This year, the team has met with key staff in school to identify ways to improve communication and reduce staff workload in school.

The Bohunt Times is a daily e-newspaper produced by the Digital Leader student team every morning and distributed prior to afternoon registration via the Google Classroom app. Staff send messages in to the team for communication to the entire student body. The Bohunt Times news team launched the school’s daily e-newspaper early this year. Each day any messages from staff to the students are shared via the daily issues along with jokes, updates on the weather and current news stories.

Following the success of the daily e-newspaper, the Digital Leaders expanded their brand and have recently launched The Bohunt Times Live, a newscast played via the Google Classroom app during registration time which uses the latest in green screen and video editing software to produce a professional broadcast with consistent branding apparent throughout the different media.

The Bohunt Times team continues to innovate and bring forward new ideas. In June 2018, the team broadcast their first livestream via YouTube: a live cook along event to launch the school’s Healthy Eating Week initiative that has now had almost 600 views.

WORTHING Pupils On Roll

763

Pupil Premium 19.5%

Male 62%

Female 38%

SEND 9.2%

Date joined BET 2015

Following the success of its Digital Leaders initiative, Bohunt School Worthing has also hosted a pioneering technology event, attended by a representative from Apple Education.

The event included an introduction to the senior digital leader team and a full briefing on the achievements of the digital leaders to date. The team were keen to receive professional advice and guidance regarding the quality and professionalism of their daily news articles, live broadcasts via youtube and plans for the future of The Bohunt Times. The representative from Apple then witnessed history in the making and offered advice during the editing stages of a new Bohunt Times video broadcast. The visit culminated with the digital leaders inviting him into a range of classrooms to see the iPads being used to enhance the learning experiences of our students. Innovative use through Google Expeditions in Geography highlighted how the use of technology is changing education at Bohunt Worthing.

Assistant Headteacher Mr Jones said, “We are extremely proud of our digital leaders and their innovative use of technology to inspire other students at the school”

“We pride ourselves on developing game-changers who are willing to take risks and take iPad use to a new level as an educational tool”

Louis Rowe, Senior Digital Leader said, “Niel was impressed with the amount of technology Bohunt School Worthing as a whole was using to enhance the learning experience”.

Bohunt School Worthing and Bohunt Education Trust are hugely proud of the work their students are doing to make the most of the technology available to them, and are extremely excited to see what the future holds for the team.

View the Bohunt Times’ livestream on the BET YouTube channel.

Bohunt Education Trust (BET) held their inaugural cross-trust evening of dance and drama in May at The Petersfield School (TPS). The event showcased talent in dance and preforming arts across BET’s growing network of schools. It was a great platform for students to interact with each other, explore ideas and techniques and form new friendships.

Friends and family gathered at TPS’s Studio, a modern facility that hosts a wide range of events for all ages including dance classes and weekly film showings. The bill included 40 year 9 students from four BET schools including Bohunt Priory, TPS, Bohunt School and Bohunt Worthing.

The entertaining evening began with a modern dance routine called ‘Captive’ by TPS. The schools’ performances demonstrated a range of styles and genres from tap to street dance. The evening also included performances from drama students, including extracts from Romeo & Juliet (TPS) and progressively more modern pieces such as ‘Sparkleshark by Philip Ridley (Bohunt Worthing). Overall the crowd were treated to 15 thoroughly enjoyable performances.

All in all, the evening was seen as a great success by all involved and staff and students are eager to continue the tradition.

Freya Hillman (TPS) said, ‘The evening was an amazing experience. It was really fun to create a new dance and meet new people from all the other schools across the trust’

Roux Hardcastle (Worthing) said, ‘it was really fun working towards this evening and being able to perform in front of a crowd was great preparation for my GCSE Drama course.’

‘The whole event was a great success as it allowed students across BET to express themselves and engage with a crowd. It was great to see and hear about how rewarding the students found the experience and how excited they are for future opportunities like this. It is tremendously exciting that we will be hosting many more events like this.’

Mark Marande (Headteacher of TPS):

‘We were pleased to host this evening at TPS and I am extremely proud of all the students for representing BET to such a high standard of performing arts. The whole event ran seamlessly and it’s safe to say everyone involved left with a smile on their face. We look forward to the next cross-BET evening.

Phil Avery (BET Director of Education):

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT: BOHUNT

SCHOOL EQUALITIES AWARD

The award is a national accreditation afforded to schools that demonstrate a real commitment to equality. Schools who wish to gain accreditation must supply significant evidence to show they are achieving and maintaining equality for all.

Bohunt School is an equal and diverse learning centre, evidenced by many examples including its Pupil Premium programme (PP). PP is a scheme of additional funding designed to close the attainment gap between students from low income and other disadvantaged families and their fellow students. Bohunt School’s aim is to make sure these students are making the right progress in key areas such as writing, reading and use of number. For students who enter the school with reading ages well below their chronical ages, the School delivers bespoke programs for them to catch up, based on regular intensive small group sessions, each session delivered by a specialist teacher.

In order to celebrate diversity, Bohunt School hosts a number of events throughout the year. Focus Week provides a wonderful opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and engage with businesses, corporations and people from all different backgrounds.

Bohunt also has a wide and diverse range of outstanding extracurricular opportunities, available to all years, including DofE, its Big Expeditions and a Chinese exchange. Bohunt aims to maximise all students’ opportunities and, in order to give equal opportunity, pupil premium children have trip costs subsidised and also any necessary kit they need to participate.

The School’s continued commitment to gender equality and equal opportunities creates an empowering environment for students to thrive. We believe this level playing field is key to the success of our students during their time with us. Bohunt School is proud of its open-minded attitude towards staffing and recruitment, as we firmly believe no-one should hold back from reaching the goals they set out to achieve.

BOHUNT SCHOOL

Pupils On Roll 1868

Pupil Premium 9%

Male 50%

Female 50%

SEND 7.8%

Date joined BET: 2014 when it collaborated with Priory to establish BET.

Neil Strowger, Headteacher at Bohunt School:

“We are very proud of this achievement. Bohunt is a school where children are taught to respect difference and be kind to each other. We have an inclusive environment of teaching and learning that allows every student to thrive, and we do a huge amount of work to that equal opportunity is at the forefront of what we do at all times.”

Natalie Moffatt, Assistant Head at Bohunt School:

“We are delighted that our continued commitment to equality at Bohunt School has been recognised at this national level. We are proud of the many opportunities the students create for themselves to promote equality, such as working on equality projects and speaking to their peers about a particular aspect of equality they feel passionately about. This award is a fantastic achievement and we look forward to continuing to provide a platform for all students to learn from one another in this way.”

SPOTLIGHT ON…

VICTORIA HEATH, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

I am really proud of my current COO role at BET. My career path has been extremely varied, from Marketing Manager in the Charity Sector, to Global Head of Sales in Ethical Investment research. I am acutely aware of the gender imbalance in senior roles as well as the gender pay gap. The number of women in the UK holding senior jobs in the boardrooms of Britain’s biggest companies (FTSE 250) actually fell in 2018 from 38 full time women executives to 30 (FT). I hope where possible to act as a role model for young women, to empower and encourage.

What 3 words would you use to describe your role?

Challenging, busy and a privilege

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET?

For BET to continue to provide an excellent platform for young people to learn and develop in to being the best that they can be.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

I am an extremely motivated person. Each day a new opportunity: life is an amazing thing and I want to live each day to the full

How would you describe your day job to a child?

I look after all of the BET schools in all areas non-learning related (IT, premises, grounds, contracts, buildings, health, and safety…). My goal is to ensure everything is running smoothly to act as a stable platform for learning excellence and to support the pupils and staff

What’s your favourite line from a film?

‘Get busy livin’, or get busy dyin’. The Shawshank Redemption

What do you like most about your job?

The opportunity to make a difference, engender positive change and deliver for the children

What’s your personal mantra?

‘Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever’, Mahatma Gandhi

‘If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude’, Maya Angelou

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT:

PRIORY SCHOOL DUKE OF EDINBURGH

In October 2017, Year 11 students from Priory School celebrated getting their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award and bringing the awards back for the first time in seven years. Headteacher Stewart Vaughan opened the celebration by praising the commitment, dedication and teamwork of the students as well as thanking teacher George Dean for his investment of time and enthusiasm in setting up the award at Priory.

As part of the celebration pupil Finn O’Toole spoke to his peers reflecting on the skills he had gained throughout his experience so far, calling it ‘one of the best experiences of his life’. At the time, most of the students started the silver Duke of Edinburgh award.

Fast forward to February 2018 and Priory ‘Bridge’ students’ celebration of their DofE achievements was cited as an example of exceptional practice across the whole of the South East. Later this year came a Royal visit…

PRIORY SCHOOL

Pupils On Roll 1198

EARL OF SUSSEX VISIT

Priory students were involved in demonstrating their Duke of Edinburgh Award skills to HRH the Earl of Wessex at the end of April, who was in the city at UTC learning how Portsmouth students have been embracing opportunities to study for their bronze and silver Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Priory’s students met Prince Edward and showcased the skill of knitting for both pleasure and practicality! Year 10 student Finna De Greef ‘taught’ six of her peer group to knit, with a focus on making sleeves for dementia patients to wear in hospital to prevent tubes being pulled from arms when recovering from operations. The Prince was very interested in the skill and took part himself in the knitting master class.

George Dean, Geography teacher and Priory’s DofE lead, was on hand to talk to Prince Edward, alongside The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth and the High Sheriff about how many of the school’s Year 9, 10 and 11 students are now enjoying the leadership opportunities the award gives them. Priory School is now proud to be part of the Bohunt Education Trust whose support of learning outside the curriculum has enabled more and more teenagers to get involved in outdoor education opportunities.

Photograph shows Priory students Finna De Greef, Matt Sherren, Scarlett Thomas, Imogen Thomas, Will Wrixton, Max Lycett and Grace Breton in their knitting Master Class for Prince Edward.

Date joined BET 2014

BET HIGHLIGHT:

CROSS-TRUST STATE/INDEPENDENT SCHOOL COLLABORATION

development in schools. The second was led by Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist, Katherine Williams, on strategies to support students to manage exam stress. After a vote of thanks, Louise Wilson, Senior Deputy Head at Bedales, emphasised the value of opportunities to collaborate and delegates identified future priority areas. There was then time to speak to teachers from different schools across the region, sharing experiences, good practice and ideas.

The event was the first major collaboration between BET and Bedales, and other events are in the pipeline, including a collaboration on student voice this month, to assist teachers in providing the very best education and support to students.

Neil Pittaway, Head of School at Bohunt School:

In May, Bohunt Education Trust (BET) and Bedales School embarked on their first major collaborative event – coming together to share best practice on well-being and exam management support for students. BET and Bedales have a growing tradition of working together in partnership, especially in the performing arts and in teacher training, but this event was on a much greater scale and captured a shared enthusiasm for delivering the best possible provision for students across the schools.

Over 50 leaders and staff members from across five BET schools, including Bohunt School Liphook, The Petersfield School, The Costello School and Priory School were hosted by Bedales, which provided expert speakers for a unique Continuing Professional Development workshop.

The first session was provided by Jo Petty from Children’s Society, exploring student voice and its role in well-being and

“The workshop event was a good opportunity for teachers to share best practice and experiences, whilst learning new strategies and exploring alternative methods to ensure that we provide all our students with the support and guidance they need to fulfil their potential. We are looking forward to the next event which will be another opportunity to collaborate and raise the bar once again.”

Louise Wilson, Senior Deputy at Bedales said:

“The opportunity for many teachers from several schools to train together was invaluable in enabling us to learn from each other to improve our professional practice. The sessions provided both long-term ideas for listening to students to improve their school experience as well as practical strategies for teachers to use straight away to enable students to revise more effectively, feel healthier and achieve more.”

Keith Budge, Headmaster, Bedales Schools:

“As educators in our various settings – state or independent, selective or non-selective – there is far more that unites us than divides us, and we have much to learn from each other despite our rather different governance arrangements.”

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT:

BOHUNT SCHOOL

WOKINGHAM U13 GIRLS’ TEAM WINNERS

It’s official: Bohunt School Wokingham is proud to say their Under 13 Girls’ team are national champions!

The Under-13 Girls’ side won the event at the English Schools Football Association cup final, beating Solihull’s St. Peter’s School 2-1 at the Madejski Stadium.

“I am immensely proud of the team, who stuck with the game plan throughout the match,” said coach Andy Campbell. “They have showed huge tenacity and team work throughout the season, resulting in them achieving on the national stage.”

Headteacher Ben Godber added: “The team have set the bar very high for the years to come, and I know they will be a huge inspiration for future gene rations joining Bohunt School Wokingham.

“We are looking forward to watching the students continue to achieve success as they progress through the school, and continue to develop and build on their talents. We are hugely proud.”

Read the full coverage on the Wokingham Paper’s website.

WOKINGHAM

SPOTLIGHT ON…

POLLY SHARPE, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND EA

planning and executing PR, marketing and social media strategies across our schools - for example GCSE results - writing press releases for schools transferring to BET or those opening soon, liaising with media, supporting other schools with best practice, managing reputational crises, conducting website and brand design, creating online content and marketing materials, policy writing, initiating partnerships such as the Bedales collaboration and liaising with BET stakeholders across a variety of platforms. I also organise events and visits to BET schools for prospective schools, preparing materials and presenting to senior leadership. As EA, I run the CEO’s diary, fielding calls and setting and juggling appointments to ensure all commitments are fulfilled – and arrange and set agendas for Heads’ and BET meetings.

I am currently working on the marketing plan for our Free School in Horsham and this newsletter, BETTER TIMES, which I hope will show clearly how the ethos of ‘enjoy respect achieve’ is in full evidence across all our schools.

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

The idea of a run before my husband leaves for work and the children wake up. Sadly, rarely realised.

How would you describe your day job to a child?

“I show and tell people how good BET schools are. I also make sure the person in charge of all our schools is where he needs to be!”

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

Ultimately, a combination of the two: it’s a hackneyed phrase but ‘making it work’. My career path has ranged from PR Manager for innocent drinks and Communications Director positions in the healthcare sector to secondary school English teacher – and I became an author whilst on mat. leave.

The opportunity to work in education, writing and engaging with inspirational people, whilst raising young children is tiring but is probably my perfect balance (I’m writing this on a good day, I’ll admit!)

What does a typical day look like to you and what are you currently working on?

My work is an eclectic mix! As Comms Director I can be

What 3 words would you use to describe your role?

Dynamic, integral, fulfilling

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET?

Seeing sustainable growth and playing a key role in ensuring consistency in communication of our schools’ key messages, successes and reputations. Ultimately, to help BET schools continue to provide educational excellence to students.

What’s your favourite line from a film?

Anyone who has visited my office will see the poster… “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop to look around once in a while, you could miss it.”

What do you like most about your job?

The variety and working in a sector that makes a difference to people’s lives. I feel lucky that I am never bored in my job. I love engaging with people and working in a school – I may work mainly in front of a computer but I remember the buzz of the classroom and there’s nothing like it. Getting the right messages to the right people at the right time is important and I feel privileged to be in the position I am. The holidays are nice, too.

BET HIGHLIGHT:

BET STUDENTS DISCUSS WORKFORCE FOR THE FUTURE WITH EDUCATION SECRETARY

Students from Bohunt Education Trust (BET) met Damian Hinds, the new Secretary of State for Education, to share their views on ‘Skills and Training for the 21st Century.’

The students from years 9, 10, 11 and 12 at Bohunt School in Liphook, The Petersfield School (TPS) and Bohunt Sixth Form were accompanied by Neil Strowger, CEO of Bohunt Education Trust and Headteacher of Bohunt School and Mark Marande, Principal of TPS to the event at Sheet Village Hall in Petersfield. Mixing with professionals from the area, the students debated questions pertinent to the government and designed to help influence future policy, on subjects such as boosting productivity in the UK, how jobs in the future might change with increasing use of robots and the ways in which training should continue after a student’s formal education.

about the students, praising their ‘excellent contributions’ and remarking that, ‘[the students’] composure in the groups and the way they analysed the discussion and then contributed in a meaningful way was outstanding.’

Neil Strowger, CEO of BET:

“We were delighted to offer our young people the chance to have their opinion heard and get involved in the political process. Bohunt is an innovative multi-academy trust that seeks to develop not only its students but education more generally. I am immensely proud of all the students involved in the workshop and hope it has served to inspire them for the future.”

Mark Marande, Principal of TPS:

“We are passionate about creating politically engaged students at TPS, as demonstrated by our successful student-led campaign that helped save the Petersfield Water Meadows near Tesco for the local community. I am confident that TPS students will go on to be a positive force for change in the world. Well done to all involved for being such excellent ambassadors for both their schools and their generation.”

Mr Hinds praised the students for their articulate and thoughtful contributions and said that their views would be helpful in addressing these issues at the Department for Education. Participants of the event were also extremely complimentary

SPOTLIGHT ON…

ISABEL STIRLING, DIRECTOR OF HR AND THE BET HR TEAM

What does a typical day look like to you and what are you currently working on?

My working days are very varied. They can range from activities such as planning the people aspects for new schools transferring into the Trust, working with my team to write policies or develop procedures as the number of people we look after expands, advising line managers and staff on particular issues, and keeping up to date with external developments in employment law and HR best practice.

What 3 words would you use to describe your role?

Rewarding, challenging, varied

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET?

Helping to make BET schools a great place to work. Seeing the Trust and individuals progress on their desired paths

What’s your favourite line from a film?

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

On a positive morning (i.e. it’s not raining!) the opportunity to go out for a quick run in peace!

How would you describe your day job to a child?

I tell my children that I spend my day listening and talking to people and working on the computer.

What is your biggest achievement to date, personal or professional?

I always find this question really hard because I don’t like blowing my own trumpet. It’s probably a combination of raising a family while being able to succeed in a field of work I really enjoy.

“Every family needs a marmalade day”

What do you like most about your job?

The variety, working with many different people and in different schools. When we get things right we make a difference to people.

WHO ARE THE BET HR TEAM MEMBERS?

ANGELA BLANDFORD

Having worked at Priory school since 2012, I have been in post as BET HR Officer for 15 months. My role is varied, and covers all professional areas of HR, including: BET recruitment, including support with visa applications

Employee Relations – advising and supporting schools with employee grievances, capability or disciplinary matters

USEFUL TO KNOW…

Staff policies can be found on the BET website (www. bohunttrust.co.uk/statutory-info/policies/) (Costello staff should refer to existing policies on the school frog portal)

For everyone paid by PCC (Petersfield, Worthing, Wokingham, Liphook, Priory), from September, payslips and P60s will be exclusively online (for all staff except those on casual contracts). You can access these at: https://hrss.portsmouth.gov.uk.

You can view your pension details on line via:

Teachers Pensions (My Pension Online): https://www. teacherspensions.co.uk/forms/registration.aspx

Local Government Pension Scheme:

Hampshire (Costello, Priory, Petersfield, Liphook): http://www3.hants.gov.uk/pensions/lgps.htm

West Sussex (Worthing): https://www.hartlinkonline.co.uk/ sussexlgps/hofl.chi/wui/tilepgui.html

Berkshire (Wokingham): https://www3.rbwm.gov.uk/bpf/info/9/ my_pension_online

HMRC - contact number for any tax/emergency tax queries: 0300 200 3300 or set up a Personal tax account: https://www.gov.uk/personal-tax-account

Policy writing/ updates

General advice/support for employees

BRIDGET WHILEY

I worked at The Petersfield School since 2013, and I have been in post as BET HR Assistant for a year. I am mostly busy with all things payroll related, but am usually happy to be distracted from that!

Contractual pay – hours, pay scales, paid weeks, absences and so on

External pay factors – basic advice on pensions, national insurance, student loans and tax

Parental leave processes

General advice/support for employees

BET employees can at contact any of the HR Team for confidential advice or guidance: hr@bohunt.hants.sch.uk bwhiley@bohunt.hants.sch.uk

ablandford@bohunt.hants.sch.uk istirling@bohunt.hants.sch.uk

Education Support Partnership is a UK charity offering mental health and wellbeing support to all educational staff. Areas of support include telephone/text/email/live chat support and counselling, training and development funding, Financial guidance and support, Managing workload, Behaviour management.

https://www.educationsupportpartnership.org.uk/ Free helpline number: 08000 562 561

COMING SOON…

MyRewards gives you access to a great range of discounts from cinema tickets to your day to day spending. Just some of the benefits include:

• Up to 30% off cinema tickets at chains such as Vue, Cineworld, Showcase and Empire

• Up to 10% off eating out at popular chains including Cafe Rouge, Pizza Express, Zizzi, Nando’s and Pizza Hut.

• Up to 10% off DIY at B&Q, Homebase, IKEA and Wilkinson’s.

• Up to 20% off Argos, Boots, Debenhams, Gap, and many more household brands.

• Up to 10% off package holidays through the P&MM club

Salary Sacrifice schemes:

• Cycle to Work

• Childcare Vouchers

Problems at home or at

Difficult to discuss with family or friends?

As an employee or volunteer of a Zurich Municipal policyholder you and your family are entitled to use a free, confidential telephone counselling service provided by DAS*.

If you would like to speak to a counsellor who will listen and try to help you clarify your difficulty, explore choices or provide support please call us.

Highly experienced and professionally trained counsellors.

All calls are handled in the strictest confidence.

No limit to the number of calls you or your family can make.

Available 24hours a day.

Expertise if further assistance is required.

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT:

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT: BOHUNT SIXTH FORM

Bohunt Sixth Form is still evolving in some areas but remains consistently a place that is welcoming and ambitious. Already students have a clear sense of where they want to be after A levels and most of our students have already booked or attended some university activities.

Two of our Religious Studies Students Lily Ayo and Isabelle Hauffe visited Auschwitz as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz Project with the Holocaust memorial trust. This is what they had to share about their experience:

“Having the opportunity to be part of the Lessons From Auschwitz Project has widened our thoughts and taught us lessons that we would have never learnt in the classroom. This experience will be remembered for the rest of our lives and should never be forgotten.”

A group of A level English Literature students, accompanied by some prospective Literature students from Year 11, visited the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford on 19th April to watch an acclaimed performance of The Kite Runner. The evening proved to be an excellent opportunity for the students to develop their understanding and appreciation of this superb novel.

On Wednesday 31st January students from Bohunt Sixth Form on the Aspire to Oxbridge programme visited Mansfield College Oxford. The students met current Oxford University students and were involved in an academic taster day. The absorbing day gave them an insight into the process of applying to Oxbridge and a taste of life as a student at Oxford.

Sixth Form students attended a Model United Nations debate at Gordon’s School in Surrey. Resolutions on prisoners’ rights and illicit substances were considered. It was a great opportunity to experience a ‘conference-style’ debate, and to meet some experienced and enthusiastic Gordon’s debaters.

Art students developing 3D outcomes: Alongside personal project development students have been developing skills and techniques in a variety of media. Most recently we are exploring the use of clay for three dimensional outcomes. Initial experiences in core methods such as throwing, modelling, coiling and slab construction have been fantastic. Students have already started to be ambitious and push the boundaries of what is achievable in this media.

SPOTLIGHT ON…

JOHN GALBRAITH, Y13

What gets you out of bed in the morning?

A combination of ambition and competition: doing as much as possible and being the best I can be drives me on.

Why did you choose Bohunt Sixth Form?

I knew I would be able to grow with the Sixth Form: it was a place I felt comfortable in and felt I would be able to do whatever I wanted here in terms of my future ambitions.

What is the best thing about Bohunt Sixth Form?

The community hub. It is so different from the secondary school. We know everyone and each other, like a big family. There are branches of that family, but we are all in it together here!

How do staff help you prepare for life after Bohunt Sixth Form?

There are some excellent seminars that take place in the library, discussions on interesting topics, intellectual debates, personal statement help… I have also helped with Freshers’ Fair organization which has helped with my teambuilding skills.

What advice would you give to prospective Bohunt Sixth Form students?

Know what you want and go for it. Have a clear idea about what you want from your next two years. Visit! Open Evenings are great for getting a feel for the place.

What is your favourite line from a film?

It’s from Mommie Dearest: ‘Barbara, please..!’

I’ve just watched it – it’s brilliant!