BETTER Times Issue 11 - Spring 2022

BETTERTIMES Bohunt Education Trust Termly Events Review ISSUE 11 – SPRING 2022 – ENJOY

The Costello School Armistice Day and Remembrance Day Parade 2021

Bohunt School under-13 hockey crowned champions!

E D U C AT I O N T RU S T

Showcasing budding photographer Rowan, Bohunt Wokingham

Read more inside STEYNING GRAMMAR SCHOOL’S NEW HEADTEACHER | STUDENTS TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE BOHUNT HORSHAM NAMING CEREMONY | OUTDOOR LITERACY COMPETITION | FUNDRAISING ACROSS BET BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW… | SCHOOL HIGHLIGHTS | AND MORE

HARD WORK PAYS OFF: COSTELLO RECEIVES ‘GOOD WITH OUTSTANDING FEATURES’ FROM OFSTED In December 2021, The Costello School was delighted to receive a judgement of ‘Good with outstanding features’, an impressive improvement from its rating in 2018. The Costello School joined BET in 2018 and since then has gone from strength to strength – a testament to the hard work and dedication of staff and pupils under the leadership of Headteacher Randall Jull.

This is more so the case given recent Ofsted announcements about a harder and more robust framework, which makes the top judgements harder to achieve.

The report recognises many of the aspects of school life that staff work hard for to ensure the student’s education is enjoyable, successful, and fulfilling. This was particularly highlighted by the judgement for personal development, which was Outstanding.

The report also highlighted: •

Pupils enjoy school and feel happy and proud to be here.

•

Leaders and teachers help pupils to develop their own unique talents beyond their chosen subjects. Learning is enriched and extended through the huge array of interesting clubs, trips and visits on offer. There is something for everyone here.

•

Pupils’ wellbeing and their pastoral care are at the heart of how leaders provide education.

•

Good relationships between staff and pupils ensure typically calm, respectful behaviour.

•

Leaders, teachers and support staff work together as a tightknit team to meet these pupils’ pastoral and academic needs very well.

•

The provision for pupils’ personal development is exceptional at Costello.

•

Leaders, staff and governors give top priority to pupils’ safety, welfare and well-being. Pupils say they feel safe and happy here, and parents confirm this.

Headteacher, Randall Jull, said: “It is our ambition to be the very best school so that our students are able to go on and be successful in life; this is a great milestone in our journey to achieving this, and I am immensely grateful to my wonderful staff and Governors, for the support of the Bohunt Education Trust, to our supportive and committed parents, and most of all to our simply remarkable students who make the school the place that it is.

What is most pleasing is the judgement for personal development because we are, after all, responsible for shaping the young people into the adults they become, and to receive recognition that our provision in this regard is exceptional is testament to the work we do – especially in a pandemic where our remote learning, home support, food bank, and donations to the NHS have shown just how far we go to support our community.”

CONTENTS Chair and Trust Leader Welcomes

4

Trust News

6

SCHOOL NEWS City Academy Norwich

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The Costello School

21

Bohunt Horsham

23

Bohunt School, Liphook

24

Priory School

27

Steyning Grammar School

29

Bohunt Wokingham

32

Bohunt School Worthing

35

BET SEND Update

37

BET HR

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Game-changers at Priory School - p28

Meet Issy Cox, Bohunt Horsham - p23

Reception dream team, Bohunt Wokingham – p32

Divine dogs, CAN – p20

FUTURE ISSUES OF BETTER TIMES

Visit from the RSC, BET News – p10

BETTERTIMES Bohunt Education

BETTERTIMES Bohunt Education

Trust Termly Event

s Review ISSUE 7 – AUTU MN 2020 – THE ACHIE VE ISSUE!

We want to ensure you enjoy BETTER Times and find it a useful and engaging platform. If you have any suggestions for future content, please email Polly Sharpe, BET Director of Communications at: psharpe@bohunt.hants.sch.uk Many thanks to all this issue’s contributors.

BOHUNT EDUC ACHIEVEMENTS ATION TRUST CELEBRAT ES

BETTERTIMES Bohunt Education

Trust Termly Event

s Review ISSUE 6 – SUMM ER 2020 – THE GAME -CHAN GER ISSUE! E D U C AT I ON TRUS T

STUDENTS’ GCSE

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BOHUNT SCHO NATIONAL COROLS PROUDLY SUPPORT ONAVIRUS RESP ONSE

On Thursday 20 August, students across Bohunt Trust (BET) collected their Education Ray Morton, Chair GCSE examinat before embarkin of Trustees said, ion results g on the next Schools across stage of their Bohunt Education “Students, staff, education.

In what has been supported the Trust (BET) governors and an extraordinary national response proudly the whole Bohunt Trust communit year, with students sit examinations, The initiatives to combat the crisis by providing Education y have pulled taking place across unable yet demonstr ating COVID-19 together with personal protectiv efforts during BET schools compleme hard work, successes enormous dedication to game-changing to frontline NHS awe-inspir ing the last few months. e equipment initiative launched across BET schools nt the and workers and (PPE) their response I by the Trust at March, calling on included: getting food and • Bohunt School to those who to such a challenging am immensely proud of the end of local communit need it most. resources in set which has been ies to donate unused devices to help achieved ten gradeLiphook, whose student Mary of courage, resilience of circumstances - one computer students from Staff at Bohunt Skuodas 9s and one (top) and positivity.”

Maths less advantage School in Liphook access to home grade A in Additiona Neil Strowger, d families gain learning. helped and The Costello Trust Leader l ensure that the • Bohunt School said, “We are School celebrating the most vulnerable The scheme, which in delighted to be to food through hard work of children had access achieved ten gradeWorthing, whose student Tom has so far received food drops and our students today as they Sellens 9s from across deliveries, numerous donations Worthing individuals and collect the and Bohunt School Trust their examinatio staff delivered • The Petersfield local businesses will help them n results – results iPads to elderly School (TPS), , is helping children online so that they care homes to to embark on whose students which people in and Charlie Offen can continue to to get help them stay the next stage Lucy Powell We are inordinate secured a jaw-dropp access education engaged and connected isolated of their education Horsham each ly Neil proud . ing eleven grade opened its car Strowger, Trust . of our 2020 cohort . Bohunt the very best park to Horsham 9s Leader of Bohunt and wish them of TPS’ science with their next • The Costello Hospital and one Education Trust teachers, who steps, whether School in Basingstok “Our schools are with us at Bohunt said: is lab qualified, that be studying Holland achieved deeply rooted expertise for vital e, whose student Sixth Form – which volunteered his within their local nine grade 9s work being undertake We see it as our Sam A*/A for A level achieved a record communities. duty to do what n at the local hospital. entries this year Since the start Press interest we can to protect at this time and of lockdown, BET – colleges or embarking50% apprenticeships.” was high, given our NHS so it is apposite schools to provide the the game-chan on PPE and communit for us to do our the heroes on very best in education have worked tirelessly ging provision y support across bit to help the frontline, as See pages 14 and of including an appeal and care to students, all of our schools, Radio 4, ITV Meridian well as those 15 for a fantastic vulnerable.” to ensure all the with BBC who are more and local press double page celebratio results across Trust’s young people access to home covering schools’ the Trust! learning devices, n of have efforts. a food bank, and of PPE to the staff the provision and local NHS providers.

IN THIS I SSUE...

STUDENTS WELCOM ED BACK AFTER VE DAY CELEBRA LOCKDOWN | TIONS | BET HEADS BOHUNT SIXTH IN THE MEDIA | FORM’S A LEVEL TEACHER OF NHS FUNDRA RESULTS THE YEAR AWARD ISING | GAME-C S | VERA AND HANGER ACTIVIT BOB | ‘LOCKDO IES | SUSSEX WN LOWDO WN’ INTERVIE WS | AND MORE…

IN THIS I SSUE...

GAME-C

HANGER EVENT | PPE PROVISION | BET AWARDS | TO LOCAL COMMU HOW WE NITIES | FARADAY CHALLE COPED WITH CORONAVIRUS | STEYNIN | DEVICE DONATION CAMPAIG N NGE | ‘BET YOU G TAKES NEXT DIDN’T KNOW’ STEPS TO JOINING INTERVIE WS | BET HR SUPPORT | AND MORE…

Trust Termly Event

s Review ISSUE 5 – SPRING 2 020 – THE RESPECT I SSUE

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GIRL POWER: BET STUDENTS MAKE UP 50% OF MARITIME ROAD ATTENDEES AT SHOW FOR GIRLS !

Last October, students from three BET schools the annual Maritime attended Trust at the home Roadshow for Girls, run by the 1851 of Britain’s America’ INEOS, in Old s Cup Team, Team Portsmouth.

Of the 180 girls, from BET (Priory half were School, TPS Liphook). and Bohunt School in Students took part in a rotation of inspiring activities, growth mind-set workshops, which such as demonstr ated positive thinking. the power of Networking was also a strong feature event, with several of the ambassadors from to students about local businesses leadership skills talking and how to improve strengths. It was also a superb their opportunity for women who work girls to talk to in STEM (Science, and Maths) careers Technolog y, Engineerin and discover how g paths. they forged their career In the afternoon , students moved down to the Tech try hands-on exhibits, Deck to such as writing making sails to code to steer test in the wind boats and tunnel. They also tried temporary

challenges

provided by as coding the spherical the Royal Navy STEM ambassado rs such rolling robots to and identifying land on aircraft how STEM skills carriers, are used in the across a variety armed forces of jobs.

The trip was an overwhelming success. An increasing of women are pursuing careers number opportunities in STEM industries such as the and break down misconcep Maritime Roadshow for Girls help to tions that girls may Student comments have about the sector. included: “I’ve learned my only myself,” and “I limitation is really enjoyed the day – it showed so many career me there are choices within STEM.” We look forward to taking more brilliant BET girls roadshow in March. to the next

IN THIS I SSUE...

BET AWARDS

LAUNCH |

SWEDISH VISITORS | MOCK ELECTIO COVERAGE | SIXTH FORM N RESULTS | NATION SLEEP OUT | DUKE SEND CO-ORD AL AND INTERNA OF EDINBURGH INATOR AND TIONAL INSIGHTS EVENT GOVERNANCE | STUDENT LEADERS SPOTLIGHTS | ‘BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW’ INTERVIE WS | AND MORE…

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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

As I write, it is somewhat depressing to look back to this time last year, when we were battling the Covid-19 pandemic, but hopeful that all the UK population would be fully-vaccinated by the summer. Nationally, we have done extremely well with the vaccination programme, despite the threatening efforts of a very small number of ill-informed Anti-Vaxers.

However, the pandemic is with us still, and there is a real possibility that yet another lockdown may be on the cards. The rapid spread of this virulent variant is causing significant numbers of absences in both pupils and staff, thereby creating further strain on colleagues and leadership teams. I am very proud of how you have responded to this national crisis, and on behalf of the Trustees I extend a huge THANK YOU. Many of you have not had any proper vacation for over 18 months, yet your amazing resilience is an example to all, and I know that this has not been achieved easily. Trust and School Leaders continue their enormous and exhausting efforts to facilitate safe teaching and learning, whilst keeping both students and staff safe. Well done! A consequence of this is that I have been unable to visit any of our schools, which in normal times is hugely enjoyable. Maybe in the New Year!

During the last term, there were several significant events for the Trust.

Costello School received “Good with Outstanding features” in its Ofsted inspection in October. This is a fantastic achievement, considering that the school was Requires Improvement when it joined BET only three years ago. Coming only a few weeks after Headteacher Randall Jull was named as winner of the Leadership Award in the Hampshire Education Awards 2021, he and all the staff deserve many congratulations for this double achievement.

A few weeks later, Wokingham also had an Ofsted inspection, this time focused on Safeguarding. This concluded that Safeguarding is Effective, and that unsurprisingly, “pupils find the support they receive from staff, especially the pastoral team, helpful and reassuring”. All schools within the Trust are now rated as “Good” or better.

In October, we appointed a new Headteacher for SGS, from a strong external and internal field. It is pleasing that the successful candidate is Adam Whitehead, the current (and founding) Head of School at Bohunt Worthing, who takes over the reins from the capable hands of Interim Head, Nat Nicol, in April 2022. Many congratulations to Adam, who no doubt will take SGS to new heights.

As in all our schools, Priory continues to expand pupils’ horizons with gamechanger opportunities. Notable amongst these was when Year 10 met Jasmine Whitbread, Chair of Travis Perkins and former CEO of Save the Children International. They were fascinated to learn about her career path, and the choices she had made on that journey. Then in November, a group of Year 10 art students were selected to represent Priory, as one of only four UK schools, and of eight internationally, to participate in a project created by the artist Grayson Perry, in which they will cooperate closely with a school in The Netherlands.

Emma and Annika, two Wokingham pupils have joined the local Youth Council, which has presented them with amazing opportunities. They have interviewed former Prime Minister Theresa May about what she regards as her legacy, and presented a climate change project for schools to the local Borough Council, resulting in an appearance on Meridian TV! In September, CAN welcomed two new members of staff, Bucky and Freddie, who are trainee Assisted Learning Dogs. They have settled in well, and their calming presence is proving very helpful with children who struggle with social, emotional and behavioural issues.

Students from Liphook and TPS attended COP26 East Hampshire, sharing their schools’ initiatives and future plans. Chaired by local MP Damian Hinds, the 400 attendees learned about local actions to reduce carbon emissions, and how individuals and organisations can help save the planet. Finally, well done to Liphook’s hockey team who beat 17 other schools to win the county round of the national In2Hockey U13s Championship, despite being the only state school team.

DR RAY MORTON

Chair of the Trust Board

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BETTER TIMES

E D U C AT I O N T RU S T

MESSAGE FROM THE TRUST LEADER Colleagues.

Happy New Year! I hope that you enjoyed a peaceful Christmas period with your friends and family and have returned to 2022 refreshed and invigorated for the road ahead. I always look forward to the return to school after the Christmas break, if for no other reason than to give my liver a break from the punishment of Prometheus - too much rich food and pleasures of the grape, rather than an eagle to blame!

I am sure I was not alone in my dismay at the advent of the Omicron virus which appears to be the epidemiological equivalent of ‘ground hog day’ and has necessitated our re-introduction of enhanced Covid controls.

I hope that early reports that this variant may be the one which changes Covid-19 from being pandemic to endemic are proven to be correct. In the meantime, please may I ask you to make renewed efforts not to succumb to ‘Covid fatigue’ and maintain your individual vigilance and adherence to our Covid security protocol. It is so important we protect the vulnerable and keep our children and colleagues in school.

It was with enormous pride that I looked back at 2021; the pandemic has demonstrated the exceptional strength of our family of schools, the selflessness of our community and the spirit of collaboration. The line that differentiates between trust and schools has become less distinct as our culture continues to develop and deepen. The Ofsted inspection team who recently visited The Costello School opined, “The School is the Trust and the Trust is the School.” I offer my congratulations to the whole Costello Community, not just for the fabulous report and judgements earned, but for embracing and embodying our core values.

Traditionally, the start of a new calendar year is a time when we resolve to make changes for the better to our lives; change has certainly been the key feature of recent times as we have lived through unprecedented times. Further, many of these external changes to our lives have been forced upon us, rather than chosen, which increases stress due to a sense of impotence and lack of control. An old Chinese proverb reminds us, ‘When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.’

As we head into 2022 – as you will read from this bumper 11th issue – there is much to celebrate and many reasons to be confident that 2022 will be the year of recovery of growth.

Better Times indeed!

Let us go forth and build windmills, or failing that an outdoor centre.

Happy New Year.

NEIL STROWGER

Trust Leader of BET

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STEYNING GRAMMAR SCHOOL ANNOUNCES NEW HEADTEACHER STEYNING GRAMMAR SCHOOL (SGS) IN WEST SUSSEX IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE THE APPOINTMENT OF A NEW HEADTEACHER, ENHANCING THE SCHOOL’S LEADERSHIP CAPACITY AS IT CONTINUES ITS PROGRESS AS PART OF THE BOHUNT EDUCATION TRUST (BET) FAMILY OF SCHOOLS. Adam Whitehead, who will take up the position as Headteacher at the four-site, state boarding school after the Easter holidays in April 2022, is a highly experienced education leader, having worked in Sussex schools for 25 years. He is currently the founding Headteacher at Bohunt School Worthing, before which he was Deputy Headteacher of The Weald School in Billingshurst. He has also worked at St. Paul’s in Burgess Hill and Oathill Community College in Haywards Heath.

As Headteacher at SGS, Mr Whitehead will be working alongside SGS’ senior leadership team and Board of Governors, as well as with senior leaders at BET and its Trustees. The appointment of Mr Whitehead follows the school’s announcement in December 2020 that it had formally joined BET, which sponsors eight highperforming schools in Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire.

Adam Whitehead, Headteacher at Bohunt School Worthing, said: “It is a real honour to be joining the brilliant team at Steyning Grammar School. The post represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for me, given the school’s long and revered history, boarding provision and sixth form. I have high expectations for the school, and I am looking forward to working closely with staff, students, parents and carers and the whole Steyning community, to ensure that SGS continues to provide the best possible education for every student.”

Dr Graham Parr, Chair of Governors at Steyning Grammar School, said: “We are delighted that Adam Whitehead will be joining Steyning Grammar School as Headteacher. We are confident that Mr Whitehead is the right appointment for the role – he shares our values and vision for the school, has a wealth of leadership experience and is committed to seeing all students achieve their full potential.”

Neil Strowger, Trust Leader at Bohunt Education Trust, commented: “It is wonderful news that Adam Whitehead has been appointed as Headteacher. Adam brings with him a wealth of experience and at BET, in his role as Headteacher at Bohunt School Worthing, we have seen first-hand his vision, passion and commitment to ensuring that all students have the opportunity and confidence to succeed. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Adam as he joins Steyning Grammar School, and we are delighted that he will be supporting SGS’ students to enjoy, respect and achieve highly.”

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BETTER TIMES

BOHUNT HORSHAM NAMING CEREMONY BOHUNT HORSHAM’S BRAND NEW, PURPOSE-BUILT SCHOOL BUILDING WAS OFFICIALLY NAMED IN OCTOBER, IN A CEREMONY BRINGING TOGETHER SENIOR REPRESENTATIVES FROM GOVERNMENT, CONSTRUCTION AND BOHUNT EDUCATION TRUST (BET).

The School, which will provide places for 1,620 students aged from 4-16 years old, including a nursery for 50 young children, has been built as part of a new 2,750-home estate on land off the A264, north of Horsham.

Bohunt Horsham opened its doors to 120 Year 7 students in 2019 and, since then, has established an excellent reputation, grown to 440 students across three year groups and is set to deliver another 240 secondary school places in September 2022.

Bohunt Horsham is currently sited on Hurst Road, in temporary accommodation. The new, purpose-built site on Rusper Road, which will boast state-of-the-art facilities and large playing fields, was due to open last year. Delays due in part to the Covid-19 pandemic mean that the School is scheduled to open in January 2022.

When complete, the new school will grow to provide 1,200 secondary school places and a nursery for 50 young children. In due course, the school will deliver up to 420 primary places.

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Neil Strowger, Trust Leader of Bohunt Education Trust and Georgette Ayling, Headteacher at Bohunt Horsham, were joined on 7 October by Chair of Horsham District Council, David Skipp; MP for Horsham, Jeremy Quin, and Paul Mustow, Divisional Director from the Department for Education at the naming ceremony together with around 30 other guests, including architects, engineers and planners and two of Bohunt Horsham’s founding students.

Chairman of Horsham District Council, Mr. David Skipp said: “The goal of Horsham District Council as part of our Local Plan was to provide a school that not only served the new North Horsham development, but also the existing residents of the town who were in crucial need of school places for their children.

I hope that this school will continue to accept children from the wider community of Horsham, so that as a result of the bridge and other access points, this development will be integrated into Horsham town, and all residents will have the opportunity to enjoy the proposed facilities on offer.”

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Neil Strowger, Trust Leader at Bohunt Education Trust said: “I feel exceptionally proud to be here today. Our aim is to offer as many young people as possible the opportunity to receive the outstanding education that they deserve, and this building will provide our Horsham students with a truly first-class environment and facilities. Thanks must go to the DfE, Wates Group, and the entire Horsham community for their support in the School’s journey so far, and for their tireless commitment to progress.

Bohunt Horsham Headteacher Georgette Ayling said: “Our students are some of the best young people in the world, embodying BET’s vision and values of enjoy, respect and achieve – whilst developing resilience, curiosity and empathy.

Any challenges ahead will, I hope, be overcome with students’ safety and education always front of mind. I can’t wait to see our amazing young people and staff take residence in the new building, to embark on the next stage of their Bohunt Horsham journey.”

Jeremy Quin, MP said: “I am delighted to see the huge progress being made on the new school building. It will be a great asset to our community and I know students and staff are hugely looking forward to completing the move.”

Paul Mustow, Divisional Director from the Department for Education, said: “It is fantastic to see Bohunt Horsham’s new facilities nearing completion, which is a real testament to the many talented people that work across the Free Schools programme.

The school is already thriving in its temporary accommodation and I’m certain that the move across to the new facilities will enable their pupils to reach their potential, and maybe inspire some budding construction professionals for the future.”

Chairman of Horsham District Council, Mr David Skipp

Nigel Jupp, Cabinet Member for Education and Learning at West Sussex County Council, said: “After such strong collaboration work between the County Council, Horsham District Council, the DfE and Bohunt it is so pleasing to see the school is now completed. It is an exciting time for the whole school and wider Horsham community that pupils and staff are now so close to moving to their impressive new permanent home.”

Alec Jackman, Regional Director, Wates Construction South, said: “We’re delighted to have seen the Bohunt Horsham school building officially named. At Wates, we understand how learning environments have a direct impact on the development of young people and are proud to have been involved in what will be an asset to the community.”

LSI Architects said: “Of the over 300 education projects that we have worked on, this is perhaps one of the most rewarding and enjoyable. The Trust has been so receptive to the input from everybody involved in the project team which is testament to their commitment to achieving excellence in design and creating an outstanding educational environment that pupils and staff will enjoy for many years to come.”

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BETTER TIMES

COP26: BET STUDENTS JOIN FIGHT TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE FIVE STUDENTS FROM BOHUNT EDUCATION TRUST JOINED THE FIGHT TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE BY TAKING PART IN THE COP26 EAST HAMPSHIRE, ON 8 OCTOBER. Organised by EHDC in partnership with Damian Hinds MP, COP26 East Hampshire was an environmental event to help local residents and businesses do more to combat climate change.

Students from The Petersfield School (TPS) and Bohunt School Liphook were invited to join the event to share their schools’ initiatives and future plans.

The Petersfield School Year 11 student, Eco Ambassador, Maja Ostersen joined Year 11 students from Bohunt School, Emma Berry and Lewis Naylor and Sixth Formers Lilly StreetWoodward and Mihai Rosca at the event held at Alton Maltings.

approach, and commitment to themselves being part of the solution.”

The East Hampshire COP26 event comes shortly before the global COP26 in Glasgow which will see world leaders and partners gather to take forward action on protecting and restoring forests and critical ecosystems, as well as champion the transition towards sustainable, resilient and nature positive agriculture.

BET students had the opportunity to speak about what their schools are doing including biodiversity projects, plastic and food waste reduction and recycling. TPS also focused on fast fashion – encouraging the reusing and upcycling of uniforms and sharing their “Let’s go zero” campaign to be carbon zero by 2030.

Suz Lambert, Teaching Assistant and Eco Club Leader at TPS said: “We could not be prouder of our Eco Ambassador, Maja Ostersen, who spoke alone on stage, explaining what TPS does to be more sustainable. Her eloquence and enthusiasm was contagious and by adding her voice to the call for change, she embodied all of TPS’ values in the fight for environmental justice.”

A Bohunt Sixth Former said: “It was great to get the opportunity to show what we have been doing at Bohunt Sixth Form to help fight climate change. It is crucial that we are able to share the message across the local area, as we all need to do our part to save the planet for future generations.”

Around 400 people attended the event which hoped to raise awareness across the district of what is being done locally to reduce carbon emissions and the steps local people and organisations can take for themselves. It aims to help households, businesses, community groups and individuals take action in reducing their own carbon footprint.

The event was also live-streamed and covered on social media, local papers and local radio including a slot on BBC South Today.

Damian Hinds MP said: “In this most critical of matters, it is vital for young people’s voices to be heard – the leaders of tomorrow, and who will be dealing with the results of action or inaction longer than us. Local policy makers, businesses and community groups will have been struck by the urgency and importance attached to climate action by East Hampshire’s young people; but they will also have been struck and impressed by their practical

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REGIONAL SCHOOLS COMMISSIONER VISITS BET ON THURSDAY 2 DECEMBER, BET WELCOMED CLAIRE BURTON, REGIONAL SCHOOLS COMMISSIONER FOR THE SOUTH EAST AND SOUTH LONDON AND SANDRA WILLIAMS, PROJECT LEAD FOR HAMPSHIRE AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TEACHING AND LEARNING AT BOHUNT SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM AND THE PETERSFIELD SCHOOL (TPS).

Claire and Sandra had a tour of the school sites, meeting children and staff. They observed lessons and discussed the current curriculum with Trust Leader of BET and Headteacher of Bohunt School, Neil Strowger.

Following their tour, they met students and staff, including a panel of sixth form students who spoke about BET’s ‘Aspire’ Oxbridge Programme, which assists students who wish to apply to Oxford and Cambridge; BET’s Head of Virtual School who spoke about BET’s commitment to improving the life chances of every student in the BET family, and Director of Education, Phil Avery, to learn more about learning and teaching and the school environment.

At TPS, Claire and Sandra met NQTs and learned more about BET’s reading culture and science curriculum.

Claire Burton said: “It was great to visit two of Bohunt Education Trust’s schools and see the progress and enjoyment that students experience daily.”

Neil Strowger said: “It was a pleasure to be able to share first-hand just some of the breadth and depth of the excellent education being provided within our schools, and to have the opportunity to highlight the quality of teaching of our amazing staff.”

E D U C AT I O N T RU S T

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BETTER TIMES

RANDALL JULL WINS LEADERSHIP AWARD IN HAMPSHIRE EDUCATION AWARDS WE ARE INCREDIBLY PROUD OF OUR VERY OWN RANDALL JULL, WINNER OF THE LEADERSHIP AWARD IN THE HAMPSHIRE EDUCATION AWARDS 2021.

Randall, Headteacher at The Costello School, has also been shortlisted previously for the TES Maths Teacher of the Year Award.

Randall said: “This was a really humbling and welcome accolade accepted on behalf of the entire Leadership Team here at Costello.

“None of this could be achieved without our amazing staff and the unwavering support of our families.”

Read the full article in the Basingstoke Gazette below. www.basingstokegazette.co.uk/news/19776871.personaldevelopment-outstanding-basingstoke-school/

“Like leaders across all Bohunt Schools and up and down the country, we have strived to ensure that our students and their families have coped as best they can through testing times and are still able to be the brilliant individuals that we know they are.

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BET OUTDOOR LITERACY COMPETITION LAST TERM SAW THE INAUGURAL BET OUTDOORS LITERACY COMPETITION, WITH OVER 350 ENTRIES FROM STUDENTS ACROSS BET SCHOOLS. SUBMISSIONS INCLUDED POEMS AND CREATIVE WRITING. THE STANDARD WAS VERY HIGH, AND IT IS WITH GREAT PRIDE THAT WE PUBLISH THE FOUR SHORTLISTED PIECES AND THE WINNER’S WORK IN THIS ISSUE - SELECTED BY A GROUP OF BET LEADERS. Look out for photographs of the winners enjoying their prize - a day of bushcraft and survival skills with BET’s Director of Outdoors, Todd Raetzke - in the next issue of BETTER Times!

Many thanks to English teachers Mrs Weeks, Mr Attrell, Mrs Tillman, Miss Wykes, Miss Harvey, Ms Ney and Mrs Poole for their support and encouragement of the first ever BET Outdoors Literacy competition.

Winner Rain is a Mysterious Thing

by Athena Boyt, Steyning Grammar School Rain is a mysterious thing.

With its heavy tears crying down on us, Blocking out all surrounding sounds, Giving us a false sense of security.

We have been taken hostage by this storm.

There is nothing we can do but wait, Wait for the worst, Wait for it to happen, Wait for the storm’s tears to engulf us back into the real world.

With one last breath...darkness.

And then...a small light.

We can gradually hear the adults laughing, Children playing, And dogs barking.

We can see the park filled with people and dogs, With cars occasionally zooming past.

We can feel the grass against our skin.

We can finally taste the fresh air,

It leaves us on our own, Trapped inside our mind, With nothing but our thoughts and imagination to keep us company.

We can finally smell that ‘freshly-cut-grass’ scent again, We can finally breathe again.

We are isolated, trapped…alone.

It causes struggle and suffering, But after, it makes us cherish the little things more.

It drowns us, With the storm’s tears creeping up around us, Surrounding us, Suffocating us.

We are sinking, Sinking like a pebble thrown into a pond, With no control, No choice, And no way out but down.

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Rain is a funny thing.

But rain is a mysterious thing.

With its tears crying down on us, Blocking out all the surrounding sounds, Giving us a false sense of security...

BETTER TIMES

Shortlisted Plant, grow, weep.

by Amelia Jarvis, Bohunt School I plant you.

I dig up the soil around you and I shape a well to the sound.

The sound sings of sorrow bird calls.

Do the birds cry to you?

Or do they serenade to you? A fair few Of flowers surround you, as I plant you, I plant you look so vulnerable now.

How will you ever grow your colours?

And now you grow.

Oh you grew!

With leaves and petals, you sit in my garden so subdued.

And my little flower, Did you know?

That your petals are blue now that you have grown.

So big and strong, you smile at me now With towering height, You seem so proud!

But oh my little flower, Now you seem to be weeping, Did the other ones hurt you or hit you?

Was it the change of the season?

No more sun For you to smile in, And now more blue petals For you to grow in.

I’ve loved you and nursed you, But the cycle must turn.

Oh my little flower, What joy you burn!

I S S U E 11

Dead Dreams

by Lara Blake, The Costello School The Earth is in mournful silence now, But for the shaking of a brittle tree bought.

The faint, sad trickling of a river, And a figure crying tears of silver.

The pale face tilts up to the crown, Watching the leaves as they fall silently down.

Fluttering flame-like, as golden dreams, Twirling and dancing through bright sunlight beams.

Till they land, dry as bone.

Left to shrivel. Alone.

Dreams are often left to die, When there’s no one to care, but the clouds in the sky.

In sympathy, the heavens pour forth rain.

But it does little to ease the pain, Of seeing such a shattered thing, Remembering the joy it used to bring.

Standing there among the ferns, A final hope breaks. And burns.

Worlds make barely a sound as they shatter, But for the rustle of crushed leaf matter.

Branches once adorned in emerald and gold, Robbed of their finery, now bent and old.

Reflect a life left in the dust, What was shining, turned to rust.

A delicate leaf with decay now marred.

A golden heart left bruised and scarred.

Beginning without a trace of fear, And ending in a single, lonely tear.

Remaining for always. Day after day.

Bent and broken, forever they’ll stay.

Smiling sadly, they will never heal.

Thinking of the days when the smile was real.

Leaves and dreams are bittersweet.

Burn bright, but soon succumb to heat.

Both beautiful, but not for long, For all are soon dead. And gone.

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MonXXIIJul

by Marijona Minkus, Priory School

Untitled

by Willem Teale, Bohunt School Wokingham

The generator shut down.

Walking through the boundless maze of trees in the forest, my feet defeating old twigs and small branches, it felt like I was in an oasis. The sun was warm and shimmering pleasantly through the gaps of leaves, creating astonishing patterns and shapes on the ground. I kept trekking through the labyrinth, weaving around the overgrowth and crossing small streams carrying crystal clear water that dazzled in the sunlight.

“What, again?” the one in the blue jacket said, looking up from their PCD Manual, “That’s the second time today!” And it was.

The Donas infestation was getting more serious recently, and it was reflecting on the remaining human habitats.

“Remind me why we’re just staying in here, not doing anything while the Center grows?” the one in red groaned. And they were right, too. The Center was expanding rapidly from where it started. At this point, the HLT Labs building was barely there, the Center largening like a tumour.

“Because it’s dangerous out there,” the colourless one explained, “and if we were caught out there, we would turn into one of them. And lord knows that we don’t need any more of those things.”

The blue one sighed. “He’s right, you know.”

The year was 2042. The population; 11 billion individual people, and 974 million merged. The merged people were created to cut down the population after mass overcrowding, and it worked to some extent. Of course, the merged were miserable lumps of flesh, with what looked like a severe case of bipolar disorder, but was, infact, the 10 separate brains in the body fighting over control of the mass. The first ones did not have this, for the simple fact that they were dead. Alas, one of the sacrifices made to fix the mass problem at hand. Of course, this didn’t go well.

Cliches were based around real things, you know.

As I walked on, I found many forms of wildlife, on the ground and up high. I’d never seen a forest so alive and so extensively populated with various wildlife. The trunks of the behemoth trees surrounding me grew larger and larger the further I went. I could smell the fresh air, I could feel the force of nature, the way it had taken over this landscape with ease. I saw the deep green moss infesting the stone, and all of the different species of plant growing and filling the void that is left in between the pillar-like trees.

Eventually, I stopped and sat down on a nice rock surveying a valley, it was nice to be somewhere so tranquil and so far from civilization that all you could hear was wildlife, I laid back and shut my eyes, listening intently to all of the different birds chirping and the movement of animals rustling in the bushes. Before I knew it, I was asleep. I was as calm as could be, with no worries.

Eventually, something snapped in the merged, all of them at once.

They started attacking each other, and most of all, the normal ones. Somehow, whenever they killed a normal they turned into an augmented version of one of them, a more... fast version, a stronger one. This accelerated the spread, and eventually the population was 16 billion of the merged, and 103 million individuals.

The Augmented Merged, which were being referred to as the Donas by the human survivors, mostly had the goal of fighting and murder. However, the Donas in Japan seemed to have slightly different goals. They were all going to the original birthplace of the merged HLT Labs. There, they simply... collapsed. Then, something crawled out of them, and united into one, large mass; the Center. This Center seemed to be at the core of the planetwide hivemind, and more and more Donas slowly started turning towards Japan to join. The tables had turned, and the solution to the problem had almost exterminated humanity.

Nature was fighting back.

E D U C AT I O N T RU S T

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BETTER TIMES

BET CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION WE WERE OVERWHELMED BY THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES TO OUR BET CHRISTMAS CARD COMPETITION. The winner received £20 in ‘Protect our Planet’ vouchers, and saw their card sent to over 200 dignitaries and leaders in education, as well as all our schools’ communities.

Congratulations to Olive, the winner - and runners-up Stanley, Imi, Skyler, Amber and Tim.

Olive, The Petersfield School

Imi, Bohunt School Worthing

Skyler, Bohunt School Worthing

Tim, The Petersfield School

Stanley, Bohunt Worthing

I S S U E 11

Amber, Bohunt Horsham

E D U C AT I O N T RU S T

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JOINING BET SCHOOLS YEAR 7 STUDENT ARTICLES JOINING COSTELLO – LILY

JOINING CAN

Before I joined Costello I was nervous at the idea of a bigger school, going from being one of the oldest to one of the youngest.

Because of Covid, we were not able to visit the school and meet our tutor face to face so it was useful to have the Teams meeting with our tutor group, Mrs Joy and Mr Jull to introduce us to each other and talk to us about life at Costello and the school values.

I was excited to learn more about Costello and how the values help people achieve their goals.

Year 7 students Thandie, Jazmine and McKenzie give us their thoughts on their first term at City Academy Norwich

In August, Costello held a Summer School where the new Year 7s took part in a range of activities to introduce us to the school, make new friends and meet a few other teachers. Some of my favourite activities were Taekwondo, silly races, codebreaking and making bird feeders, but the very best part was meeting someone who has become my best friend.

Now, I find myself a lot more familiar with my way around the school and find it comforting to know the teachers that are available to help if I need it. At break and lunch I find that my friendship group is a mixed one of old and new friends from my tutor group which makes walking to lessons more enjoyable. Two of my favourite aspects of secondary school are having different teachers for each subject because they have a deeper understanding of their subject and the extra-curricular activities. I have already joined drama, football and Taekwondo clubs and I’m really looking forward to the school production of The Lion King.

SPEAKING AT OPEN EVENING – JARED When I was first called to give a speech at Open Evening I was a little bit nervous, excited and I didn’t really know what to say, but then I managed to gather my thoughts and put together a minute-long speech. My job was to talk to the Year 6 children about what life is like as a starter at Costello. I also had to do it twice because there were two groups of people and delivered a speech to two full rooms. When I did the speech everyone was watching me and I felt a bit nervous, but I also felt happy to be representing my school. Afterwards people kept coming up to my mum for a week and telling her what a good job I had done!

How did you feel on your first day in September?

Thandie: I was nervous but also excited. The Base Camp in August helped calm my nerves, and I also got to meet people who I would see on my first day.

Jazmine: Worried; about how big the school is and how many people – it’s so much bigger than primary school.

McKenzie: Very excited to start secondary school but a little nervous as well.

What was your first impression of City Academy Norwich?

Thandie: Everyone was kind and helpful. The school is the perfect size, and it was easy to find my way around.

Jazmine: Wow – it’s SO big!

McKenzie: It was daunting.

Has your impression of the school changed since your first day?

Thandie: Yes. I thought people would be unkind and there would be a lot of trouble, but it has been a very pleasant experience so far.

Jazmine: It’s okay now, because I know loads of people – everyone in Year 7!

McKenzie: Yes, I don’t feel worried.

Did you already know some of the other students in your form group or year group?

Thandie: Most of the people from my primary school came to the school, and I met a few new people at Base Camp. I have 2 of my friends from primary school in my form group.

Jazmine: I knew Thandie from primary school, and others. I’ve made lots of new friends.

McKenzie: Yes, but I’ve made new friends I didn’t know before.

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BETTER TIMES

What are the new subjects you are learning now, compared to your primary school?

JOINING BOHUNT HORSHAM

Thandie: Spanish, Design and Tech.

When I first started at Bohunt Horsham, I was quite nervous as well as excited. Before my first term even began, I attended the Bohunt summer camp. It was an exciting week full of team building activities and getting to know the school site a bit better.

This helped me feel ready and less nervous to start at school.

The first two days I spent at Bohunt were induction days which we spent in our tutor base. We didn’t have any lessons on those two days – instead we spent the days getting to know our form group and finding our way around. After a few weeks, I soon felt confident enough to even show others around!

Jazmine: Drama and Food Tech, and Science – we dissected chickens in Science, I nearly puked!

McKenzie: Drama and Food Tech.

What do you like most about City Academy Norwich so far?

Thandie: The opportunity to experience UCAN. It’s fun, and a way to explore other topics. I’m doing fashion design this term.

Jazmine: The dogs – Bucky and Freddie, and the chickens.

McKenzie: I like all my lessons

If you could change one thing about school, what would it be?

Thandie: Nothing so far Jazmine: More break times!

McKenzie: I don’t think I would change anything.

What is your favourite subject, and why?

Thandie: Art. I love art, and the lessons have given me the opportunity to explore the topic more and help improve my skills.

Jazmine: I like UCAN McKenzie: English – because I love literature.

What is your favourite book?

Thandie: “Look for JJ” by Anne Cassidy Jazmine: Harry Potter McKenzie: Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, lots more – I love books.

What would you like to do when you leave school?

Year 7 student Susannah, from Bohunt Horsham shares her story

Touring other people around was definitely a new experience for me. I had never done it before and I was a bit afraid of getting it wrong. Whilst on the tour, I was paired up with another student and we were responsible for showing people around the site and introducing them to the teachers. It turned out that it was actually quite fun and I had gained a lot of confidence by doing it.

I have had lots of new opportunities in just the first term alone. I have made new friends, joined new clubs and actually tried things that I had never done before. The main new experience I have had is using an iPad in lessons. This not only made learning more fun, but it allowed me to progress further and do extra challenges if I had already finished the work in the lesson.

My favourite club that I have joined is drama club as we learn lots of fun skills, for example, improvisation and characterisation.

However, the subject I find most interesting is English because I have the chance to be creative and write stories – which I love.

Looking into the future, I am excited for all of the amazing trips Bohunt has to offer, such as Florida and China.

My funniest moment so far was when we were learning about the digestive system in biology. Our science teacher demonstrated what went on inside your body using food, liquid and a pair of tights. I liked watching everyone else’s disgusted faces when we saw the end product of digestion – half the class were out of the room!

The best thing about Bohunt is they allow you to make new friends and constantly make sure that you are happy.

Thandie: I’ve thought about something in the medical field like a paramedic or a 999 operator. Just something where I can help people.

Jazmine: Work with animals, at a sanctuary.

McKenzie: I want to go to university, maybe do science.

What is the school motto?

All: Enjoy, Respect, Achieve.

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CHARITY ACROSS BET FROM HELPING OUT AT THE BRIGHTON MARATHON TO HOSTING A PINK DAY, OUR SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN BUSY GIVING UP THEIR TIME FOR CHARITY. BOHUNT WORTHING MARATHON RUNNERS

SUPPORTS

BRIGHTON

Bohunt Worthing is now firmly established as the volunteers for the 19-mile water station, a critical time for any marathon runner.

Once again we had a fabulous group of students and staff volunteers, and for the first time were able to track runners’ progress on a device. Having the device meant we were able to shout out personalised motivational messages to Bohunt parents and staff members running as we saw them digitally approaching the mile marker for the water station.

The experience of taking part is offered to all students in Year 8 - Year 11 as we believe this is a great opportunity to give back to the community, represent the school, cheer on the public and even some friends and family!

It is a full day’s work — when you take the setting up, the race itself and then the clear up into account — but it is well worth it.

Volunteering is an inspirational and rewarding experience, helping to bring the event to life for thousands of runners and spectators.

Without all the volunteers including our Bohunt students, the marathon couldn’t deliver the event, with the incredible amounts raised for charity.

How did students at Bohunt find the Brighton Marathon mile-19 water station?

Emily - Year 11 On the day of the marathon, we had to be at school at 7am!

At first, I thought that I was going to struggle to get up that early, but once I saw my friends my mood was lifted! We also got our hoodies when we arrived at the water station. Setting up the station took two hours. We had to lay out rows upon rows of cups and fill them up halfway. At around 11:20am, the first runner arrived and I had the honour of handing him a cup - but I got absolutely soaked! When the big wave of runners came by, we were struggling to keep the cups filled. By the end of the day I was so tired, but I had a lovely day with my friends and peers!

Luc - Year 10 The day was fun and very hot. It was very enjoyable and I would do it again. I had a fun time shouting encouragement to the runners on the megaphone such as “Let’s go”, “Well done!”, “Welcome to mile 19, seven more miles to go!” I would definitely recommend it to other students, it’s such a fun thing to do.

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Malavika and Lillie - Year 9 We had so much fun helping with the marathon, it was a really fun experience and inspiring environment to be in. We would love to do it again next year as we found it a highly valuable event and we are proud to represent our school doing this.

We also got really comfortable hoodies so the tiring day was worth it!

How did staff at Bohunt find the Brighton Marathon?

Mr Attrell - English “I feel really proud but in a lot of pain afterwards. I started running about two years ago and I just started running further and further and I thought: ‘You know what, maybe I’ll run a marathon?’ Coming into school the next day I was in a lot of pain. I had to wear my trainers (I did get a note from my mum!) I couldn’t even walk up the stairs easily. Overall it was a really fun day, the atmosphere was great.”

Ms Message - Business and Interactive Media “I am not a runner but I like to run. Having never run a marathon before I needed to set myself a challenge. A friend and I set about training and managed to get up to 30km, which involved lots of hard miles and then the pandemic hit.

Training for the second time was much harder. One particular training session, my friends who were faster than me went ahead and then got lost! I found myself running 35km on my own. This was really hard and I needed to have a “word” with myself and tell myself I could do it. I did manage it!

On the day of the marathon, I was nervous. Twenty-six miles really is a long way! However, the atmosphere on the day was fabulous. I managed half the marathon well, but the second half was the bit I knew would be the hardest. But I knew Bohunt Worthing would be waiting for me along the way!

Mile-19 was such a high point of my journey and it was so fantastic to see members of my tutor group and staff. I picked up supplies and asked Mr Whitehead to tip lots of water over my head and headed out to mile 22, where Mr Cochlin and Miss Paterson hugged me despite me being very sweaty!

Although my run was slow, I am so proud to complete it and it will always be on my list of the best achievements. I can now say I have completed a marathon!”

Mr Pope - Maths “I had a great time. The atmosphere is always amazing. It was great to see so many Bohunt students at mile 19 and it definitely gave me a bit more motivation just when I was really starting to struggle.

BETTER TIMES

The marathon itself was tough. It was a hot day and a few injuries meant I hadn’t been able to prepare properly and it was probably the toughest marathon I’ve done. The lack of preparation really hampered my performance. That being said, the feeling of crossing the finish line is unrivalled and I can’t wait for my next one.

I love running, so getting the opportunity to run around a city that I’ve called home for the past 10 years with so many people cheering you on is incredibly enjoyable. I finished a long way off my personal best of 3hrs 38mins. I knew I was going to struggle to get anywhere near that time, and finished with a time of 4hrs 20mins.

If you’ve ever considered running a marathon but don’t think you can, I was in that position five years ago. Now I’ve run six marathons and more than 25 half marathons. I’ve travelled all around the UK to different events and even run a marathon along the French Riviera. Running has been so good for me physically and mentally and I’m always looking for the next running challenge!”

SGS PINK DAY RAISES MORE THAN £2,300 On Friday 22 October, Steyning Grammar School Sixth Form raised more than £2,300 at its annual fundraising event in aid of Breast Cancer Research, part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month introduced 17 years ago and now a Worldwide Campaign to help support people affected by the disease, raise funds for research and to increase awareness.

This charity fundraising day was coordinated by the Sixth Form College student body and involved all Year 9 to Year 13 students and staff, who have joined together to wear as many items of pink clothing as possible.

The day of fundraising was launched with a ‘Pink Day Dance Spectacular’ where the Sixth Form College Year 13 sports teams performed a special dance routine in, never seen before, in pink clad outfits performing a dance medley. This event, now an annual tradition, was the highlight of the day, enhanced this year by the appearance of PE teachers, Mr Talbot, Mr Hegarty, Mr East and Mr Brookes.

I S S U E 11

Mr Hegarty, Head of Faculty PE, said he was extremely proud of the commitment and zest shown by the sports team students in giving their time to such an important cause.

The dance spectacular was specially choreographed by a team of A Level dance students and their teacher Mrs Morris who have dedicated much of their time to the many dance rehearsals.

Further performances were given at lunch time for Year 9 - Year 11 pupils.

Mrs Monahan, Steyning Grammar School Assistant Head and Director of the Sixth Form College said: “Our admiration and thanks goes to all of our performers who have worked willingly over the last month at lunch times to rehearse. Our students are a huge force for good in the wider community, promoting so many of the social skills that are central to our values at Steyning.”

All Sixth Form students were given a presentation delivered as part of the Personal Health & Social Education Programme by their peers on breast cancer awareness. The presentations covered current facts on risk factors, symptoms, detection, diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer as well as details of the Breast Cancer Campaign. This all forms a valuable part of encouraging Steyning students to ‘Be part of the Cure’ with the aim that by acting now, “by 2050 everybody who develops will live –and live well”.

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… PUPPY LOVE HITS CITY ACADEMY NORWICH In September, two special students joined City Academy Norwich (CAN)! Ten-week old canine cuties, brothers Bucky and Freddie, trainee Assisted Learning Dogs.

Having dogs in school can make a hugely positive impact on students. Not only can they be a sensitive, listening companion, but they can also be that calming influence, used as both a distraction and a source of comfort. They can help develop students’ reading skills, improve behaviour, attendance and academic confidence, as well as increasing student understanding of responsibility, and the development of empathy and nurturing skills.

Dogs are being used in therapy around the world, and are recognised as being especially helpful with children who struggle with social, emotional and behavioural issues. Creating a therapeutic bond with Canine Assisted Learning dogs can help many young people to be able to open up, trust others and to make a step to challenge negative thoughts and feelings.

Bucky and Freddie have established their presence at CAN and are having a positive impact on students, calming them when they are stressed, and greeting them on arrival in the morning.

Freddie lives with Mrs Kitson-Cook, Assistant Headteacher (SENDCo and Alternative Provision), and her family. Bucky lives with Mr Collin, Headteacher, and his family. Both dogs are in school every day, and our students have readily accepted them.

Their training to be fully ‘qualified’ Assisted Learning Dogs will take approximately two years, as they have a lot to learn! It’s a combination of independence with their owners, and joint training with specialists from the Canine Assisted Wellbeing Group.

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BETTER TIMES

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… THE COSTELLO SCHOOL ARMISTICE DAY AND REMEMBRANCE DAY PARADE 2021 At 10.58 on 11 November, staff and students at The Costello School held a two-minute silence at our own memorial point in school. This was to mark the day World War One ended, at 11am on the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918.

The two-minute silence was held to remember the people who have died in wars around the world.

Mr Jull was joined by Mr Holmes and members of our Combined Cadet Force together with representatives from the scouts and students from Years 7 to Year 10. In addition, we were delighted to see dozens of cadets, scouts and guides who came into school that day in uniform to pay their respects for Armistice Day. Mr Page kindly took members of our Combined Cadet Force to take part in the Mayor’s Remembrance Day Parade in Basingstoke on Sunday 14 November.

Our Head Students, Evie and Gregor also attended and laid a poppy wreath on behalf of our school at the base of the Basingstoke War Memorial. There were many of our students past and present involved in the event through their links with Scouts, Guides, Sea and other cadets together with a number of our students lining the route.

I S S U E 11

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… THE COSTELLO SCHOOL: POP THE POD! In the summer term The Costello School ran a competition inviting all students and staff to submit an artwork design that would be used to decorate its new catering pod.

The response was overwhelming and around 50 pieces of student work were chosen.

Costello Head of Art, Mrs Lee and Art teacher, Miss Mullender had been working with their Year 7 and 8 students on artwork by artists Roy Lichtenstein, Julian Opie and Claes Oldenburg and if you are familiar with these styles, you will see that this has been represented at a high standard by the winning pieces.

In the week leading up to Autumn half term, Costello held a VIP winners’ event for each winning artist. A section of the new canopy seating area was taped off, tables were reserved and winners were greeted and given a special art pack as a prize together with free food from the pod. The art teacher said, “We would like to congratulate our winners once again, their artwork will remain within the school a long time after they have left us as students, therefore adding another aspect to our school’s extensive history which we are incredibly proud of.”

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BETTER TIMES

BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW… ISSY COX, EMOTIONAL LITERACY LSA, BOHUNT HORSHAM What gets you out of bed in the morning?

My cat, patting my face.

What are you most excited about now that you have joined Bohunt Horsham?

I am excited about giving students support to express themselves and be able to ask for what they need. This is such an empowering tool and I wish I had been able to do that when I was a teenager.

How would you describe your job to a child?

I would say that I help students with their emotions and help them understand work in lessons.

What is your biggest ‘game-changing’ achievement, personal or professional?

I think just continuing to move forward when things have been really tough. Being a game changer is about shifting things and making a change for the better. I think sometimes just showing up when you’re struggling is something to be really proud of.

What three words would you use to describe your job?

Rewarding, challenging, inspiring.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

I would LOVE emotional literacy to be part of the curriculum and hopefully I will have more training in mental health in young people.

What’s your favourite song lyric or line from a film?

“That don’t impress me much” - Shania Twain.

What famous person inspires you most?

Frida Kahlo. She is a Mexican painter who stood up against unrealistic expectations of womanhood and was never afraid to do what she loved even through immense adversity.

Tell us about something you’ve done that scared you?

I moved to a different country on my own for a year when I was 21. It was really scary and one of the hardest things I’ve ever done but it taught me so much about myself.

What two things would you take to a desert island?

My cat and pasta.

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… BOHUNT SCHOOL UNDER-13 HOCKEY CROWNED CHAMPIONS On Tuesday 9 November, despite being the only team from a state school, Bohunt Liphook’s hockey team beat 17 other schools to win the county round of the national In2Hockey Under 13s Championship.

The competition, which took place at Southampton Sports Park, was an all-day event. Showing their prowess, the team, captained

by Elodie P, were able go through the group stages undefeated, taking on four other teams without a loss.

The quarter-finals were a sweep, with Bohunt Liphook defeating Walhampton an impressive 6-0!

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The team did an amazing job in a tricky semi-final against Farleigh, which ended in a draw of 1-1. The match ended up going to nail biting penalties where Bohunt Liphook’s goalie, Martha R, did a phenomenal job and managed to save all three shots taken against her. Vice-Captain Tess W then secured the victory by scoring the winning penalty.

Bohunt were then able to bring it home with a slam-dunk victory against King Edward’s School Southampton, winning their final match with a score of 2-0.

BETTER TIMES

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… BOHUNT SIXTH FORM PEER EDUCATION PROJECT – BY DANA (BOHUNT SIXTH FORM STUDENT) What is the Peer Education Project?

What do you think of the Peer Education project?

The Peer Education Project is a voluntary project in which my peers and I in Upper Sixth have the opportunity to teach Year 8 students in the secondary school about how to manage and take care of their mental wellbeing.

Overall, the Peer Education Project has given me the opportunity to learn more about mental health. It has also given my group and me the skills necessary to effectively organise material as well as present to and engage with large groups. I have enjoyed being able to participate in this project; both the tutor group and their tutor have been welcoming. The tutor group have been well engaged through answering our questions and contributing to group discussions.

For us to deliver these lessons efficiently we were trained by the course lead, Sarah, on engaging the attention of the Year 8 students and effectively delivering the important information from each lesson; passing on the overarching message about mental health being just as important as physical health and how we can take care of our mental wellbeing.

What have you been able to achieve via this project?

The lessons I have taught have been in collaboration with two other Peer Educators; we have worked closely every other week to plan our lessons, discussing what we are talking about, how we will approach it, and how we can encourage group discussion - this has at times included tailoring the PowerPoint slides to our assigned group. Icebreakers at the beginning of each lesson have been one of the many highlights and these activities have been great at starting off class discussions.

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… BOHUNT SIXTH FORM OPENS ITS DOORS TO PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS Bohunt Sixth Form Open Evening on 7 October was a fantastic success, attended by almost 700 people.

Students and parents had the opportunity to talk to A Level subject leaders and teachers as well as tour the facility, which is located on the site of Bohunt School as a separate, bespoke building. They also had the chance to see the new outdoor gym that was added to the facility this year.

The current students of the Sixth Form were amazing ambassadors, with many parents and attendees reflecting this in their overwhelmingly positive feedback to the school. The students went above and beyond and really engaged with the occasion, with some students guiding, performing or creating artwork live at the event.

The staff did a phenomenal job of exhibiting the outstanding facilities. Their dedication and enthusiasm gave onlookers a real insight into the diversity of subjects offered. Currently, the Sixth Form offers more than 30 exciting courses ranging from the sciences and core maths, through to humanities and performing arts and even extending as far as law and languages.

Clare Hodgson, Head of Sixth Form said: “After finally being able to welcome visitors again, I am delighted to see that our students are still our greatest ambassadors and an absolute credit to our school. Throughout our hugely attended open evening, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback, which reflects the effort and commitment that both our staff and students have to our community.”

Neil Strowger, Headteacher, added: “It was a pleasure to be able to welcome students and parents to our Sixth Form again after so many months of Covid restrictions. Our Sixth Form open events are always a highlight, but this year, more than ever, we were delighted to meet the potential new members of our community.”

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BETTER TIMES

SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… PRIORY SCHOOL SOURCE TO SEA – ENVIRONMENTAL WORKSHOP FOR YEAR 7 On 4 November, the Year 7 cohort at Priory School was invited to take part in a hands-on workshop delivered

by Creative Harbour and The Environment Agency, in association with Portsmouth Climate Festival. Preventing Plastic Pollution, from source to sea is designed to educate and engage young adults on the subject of plastic pollution, and the issues that make it one of the greatest challenges of our age. Students learnt about how plastic is made, where it ends up, and how to actively reduce future pollution. The workshops harness digital technology and STEM and were interactive and fun, led by specialists from The Environment Agency.

As a round-up to the workshop students were introduced to the app jetsam.tech working with University of Portsmouth www. port.ac.uk/news-events-and-blogs/news/new-app-to-tacklesources-of-plastic-pollution-in-portsmouth Students were also encouraged to form an environmental pledge to reduce their plastic usage.

Students listened to a talk from specialist scientists on the impacts of plastic pollution in our oceans, and waterways and following this, took part in a discussion regarding the pollution found on our local beaches, waterways and the surrounding nature reserves.

Having considered local impacts, students then expanded their thinking towards plastic as a global issue and were coming up with Ideas and solutions as to how we can tackle this.

In small groups the students took part in activities and experiments, such as looking at the difference between how regular and biodegradable wet wipes break down in water, the different properties of various plastic items and their sources, all the while coming up with ideas to reduce the amount of plastic we use. They all took part in ‘Beach Detectives’, ‘Plastics and Sustainability’, and ‘Impacts of Plastic Pollution’ group activities.

“From the activities, I realised that I should check things at home to make sure we buy eco-friendly as much as possible,” said student Daniel.

Dr Kelly Haynes - STEM Engagement Officer - Preventing Plastic Pollution Project Environment Agency South West said: “Thank you for allowing us to come in to work with your lovely Year 7 cohort, they are a real credit to you. Your young people were so well behaved, interested and really seemed to engage with the topic giving us anecdotes of plastic pollution they have come across and different suggestions to reduce it and reduce their own plastic use, which was brilliant!”

The last task involved using the app Slido.com on their iPads to take part in a “Plastic Health check”. Students were asked to go through a questionnaire as a group and identify as many items they had on them either in their bag or their clothes that contained plastic. It was certainly an eye opener for most of them and they were shocked that so many of their everyday items contained plastic!

“During the tasks we identified plastic that appears on our coastline. There was a shocking amount of it and we shouldn’t accept this!” commented student Libby.

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… BACK TO BUSINESS - GAME-CHANGING EXPERIENCES FOR PRIORY STUDENTS We all know how much the students have missed out on so many things over the past 18 months. The limitations on trips, visits and events have made it especially hard to facilitate the wide range of opportunities our students would normally engage with. The Autumn term, however, has seen an exciting resurgence of not only regular extracurricular activities, but also those highly impactful unique experiences that we all try to secure for our students.

Over the last half-term, Priory students took part in talks, workshops, competitions and visits from a range of highprofile individuals and inspirational speakers.

drawing blood, conducting retina scans, ultrasounds and ECGs using genuine medical equipment and simulators.

Through the School’s affiliate programme, which creates interactions between students and local businesses and organisations to find out about careers and opportunities after school, students met representatives from The Kings Theatre, the Army and The Holy Spirit Church of Southsea.

Priory School is incredibly fortunate and was selected in the summer to be one of the eight schools internationally to engage with this project, and we have selected a group of Year 10 Art students to complete this special task.

Students were also very lucky to have Jasmine Whitbread, Chair of Travis Perkins speak. Jasmine has had an illustrious career taking up roles of Chief Executive of London First, non-executive director of BT Group and of Standard Chartered Bank and CEO of Save the Children.

Jasmine spoke to Priory Year 10 students about her experience bringing together all 30 members of the federation to create Save the Children International, aligning 25,000 staff in 120 countries behind a single mission, strategy and campaigning voice, growing the global budget to more than $2bn. The focus of her talk was her career path and the choices she had made to get where she is now. Jasmine’s open and frank insights paved the way for a wave of questions from the students. She said she was extremely impressed by the mature and thought-provoking questions; to the point where she remarked she had never even asked one of the questions herself!

In November, following on from an application made earlier in the year, Priory became one of only four school chosen across the UK to take part in a project created by the contemporary artist, writer and broadcaster Grayson Perry – this year’s recipient of the Erasmus Prize on the theme of ‘The power of the image in the digital era’. The project’s objective is for students to explore the work of Grayson Perry, as well as their own unique identities, in a programme designed by the artist, the British Arts Council and Erasmus Group.

The students were introduced to the project through a unique personal video sent from Grayson Perry himself, and have also taken part in a lecture by an artist historian. Students have explored and responded to the artist’s work, and have been connected to a school based in the Netherlands with which to collaborate. The artist Grayson Perry will receive the student’s outcomes, and will consider them for recognition. More on this in the near future!

It has been an exciting term for many of Priory’s students who have taken part in these unique and memorable projects.

In October, Priory welcomed Medical Mavericks, a Careers, STEM & Sports Science Enrichment Experience for schools for an inspirational set of workshops for the students studying Health and Social Care. Medical Mavericks inspire the next generation of medics and scientists by taking real medical equipment into schools. Their mission is to inspire and raise aspirations, and to show students the opportunities available in a broad range of medical and health professions.

It was extremely interesting to hear about technology used within healthcare and some of the unique jobs available in the sector. This includes some of the lesser-known careers such as biomedical science, healthcare science, medical engineering, medical physics, physiology, bioinformatics and many more. It was exciting for students to have a go at collecting first hand data regarding health and wellbeing by learning to use a variety of medical equipment for procedures such as keyhole surgery,

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… SGS ECO COUNCIL SETS ITS SIGHTS HIGH Eco Council Directors Chloé Barron and Michael Shirley set out their agenda for Steyning Grammar School (SGS) The Eco Council at SGS has had a busy few weeks in preparing to run our six topics for the remainder of the academic year. To start this process off, a strong foundation of Eco leaders at every SGS campus and year group is required in order to drive forward the changes we are making to our school.

To establish such a team, we have been selecting students in the Eco Council for the positions of Deputy Directors, Topic Leaders and Deputy Topic Leaders through an interview process.

All of the interviews went incredibly well and we are immensely proud of the passion, commitment and leadership traits shown by all of the candidates.

Thank you to all students who applied and congratulations to those successful in becoming one of the members of our Board of Leaders.

Following the election of our Board of Leaders, we held a meeting with the newly established team to discuss how we will go about tackling our six topics - energy, marine, litter, waste, biodiversity and global climate.

These topics have been identified by students as consisting of monumental importance in the pursuit to transform our school’s environment. These climate focus points will enable us to centre our actions around specific environmental aims for each of the topics, leading to the achievement of consistent environmental successes across all school campuses and all topic areas.

That’s the vision for this academic year - something which we hope to get all students, staff, parents and members of our school community on board with.

The Eco Council has also been on a large student-driven recruitment drive to encourage more students to join our Eco Council and be on our side in the fight against the climate and ecological emergency. This was done through 14 collective workshops which were carried out across all of the year groups at our school and were led by student leaders in the Eco Council.

Not only this, but during the assemblies we have been asking students to ensure they take responsibility for their actions - ultimately, it is our future’s at stake. If all students can make small changes to their lifestyles, as a school, we can make a large difference.

These assemblies have been a great success, with more than 60 applications to join the council.

Finally, we would like to say thank you to John Lewis & Partners who have made a generous donation to the Eco Council - a box of goodies full of eco-friendly products. We plan to put these items to a raffle at our school’s Winter Fayre.

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… TPS NATIVITY WALL During break times throughout last term, Teaching Assistant Miss Kattenhorn at TPS illustrated this stunning Nativity scene in the Literacy Lab for students.

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… TPS RECEPTIONIST FINALIST AT HAMPSHIRE EDUCATION AWARDS The Petersfield School’s very own Sue Bloor from Reception was a finalist in this year’s Hampshire Education Awards in the Wider Support Contribution category.

The category was for staff undertaking wider support roles, such as office, site, community, home/school liaison, welfare, looking at the impact their work has on the relationships, culture, environment and engagement that positively influence individual students or groups in the school community.

Sue has worked at TPS since 1995, starting in reprographics but moved quickly to Reception where she has been the welcoming face of our school ever since. Sue’s kind, empathic manner has had a significant influence on improving and enhancing the school experience for so many cohorts of students and their families.

She is the consummate professional, unfailingly cheerful, positive and polite, and always goes the extra mile to help anyone. As a result, Reception has been widely praised for its welcoming and efficient manner.

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Sue took on many responsibilities beyond Reception over the years, including being Secretary of the school fundraising Appeal Trust, which has raised significant funds towards school projects and facilities, and producing ToPicS, an excellent half-termly school newsletter which is highly rated by students and parents. She has been a DofE Bronze team leader; Staff Association secretary; and organiser of the annual Macmillan Coffee Mornings.

Sue is the “go to” for nearly everything after so many years’ experience - and if she doesn’t know the answer, she knows someone who does! She is a team player and very much the “mum” of the Reception admin team.

As Sue enters her final few months before retirement, she continues to offer exemplary front of house service to visitors, students and staff. She is training her successor, who, if she proves to be even half as good as Sue, will be excellent! We will miss Sue and her wonderful smile but wish her every happiness in her retirement.

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… BOHUNT STUDENTS REPRESENT SCHOOL AT WOKINGHAM YOUTH COUNCIL Hi everyone! We are Emma and Anika and we want to tell you about the Wokingham Youth Council.

Over the past month, Wokingham Borough Council has developed a group called the Wokingham Youth Council. It consists of two student representatives from each school in the area coming together to discuss and tackle issues that are important to the young people of Wokingham. This can be anything from climate change to mental wellbeing and the broader the ideas, the better.

We both applied for this role and were delighted to find out that we were successful — meaning that we would represent Bohunt Wokingham within the council.

The council also consists of some champion members which help to promote their social action of interest (such as cultural diversity, climate change, mental health etc.). Anika achieved the Climate Change champion member position.

On 6 July, our first ever Youth Council meeting was held over Microsoft Teams and it was a great experience for all of us. It was especially nice to meet all of our fellow council members as well as having the brilliant opportunity to talk to our guests, former Prime Minister Theresa May and MP Matt Rodda.

progress with you.

On 25 October, we were also very privileged to participate in the ITV News Meridian interview about COP26 and climate change. We were asked to discuss a huge range of topics surrounding climate change including our own experiences and personal changes as well as politician’s actions that affect local and global impacts. See the interview here: www.itv.com/news/ meridian/2021-04-19/catch-up-itv-news-meridian-thamesvalley-for-berkshire - oxfordshire -north-hampshire - andbuckinghamshire Overall, the Youth Council is a wonderful experience for everyone, helping develop our leadership and communication skills. We really look forward to our upcoming meetings and projects and really look forward to sharing our work with you!

Social injustice and equality, climate change and poor mental health are topics that we are all very passionate about and the Youth Council plans to address these issues in future meetings.

We hope to take action in these areas later in the school year, and help make the Borough of Wokingham a better and more inclusive place.

It was an honour to hear about their views and advice on leadership and their own stories on how they became involved with politics.

We also had some interesting Q&A sessions with our guest speakers. Our question for Theresa May was: “What legacy did you hope to have left behind as former prime minister?” She shared with us her dedicated work towards improving societal issues and resolving to cut carbon emissions by 50% by the year 2030. We also learnt that, despite the disagreements between parties, politics is eventually about people — it’s about what they have, what they need and what they want.

Our most recent meeting on 20 September (again, over Teams) we had a particular focus on climate change. Many game changers presented how they are tackling climate change in their community — from amazing aquaponics projects to vertical farming systems to even hearing from our local council about their plans for climate action in our area.

Anika was also invited as a guest speaker within the council to present a climate change spotlight project for all the schools in the council to participate in. The Climate Action Project is a sixweek programme (starting from 27 September) which unites millions of students and teachers worldwide in understanding climate change and steps we can take to mitigate its effects.

Bohunt Wokingham is currently working on this now, involving a variety of students from different year groups and we hope to complete it just after half term and can’t wait to share our

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SCHOOL HIGHLIGHT… SHOWCASING BUDDING PHOTOGRAPHER ROWAN – BOHUNT WOKINGHAM Hi, I’m Rowan and I’ve been a photographer since Year 9.

I’ve been interested in photography since 2017, but started taking it more seriously just before the first lockdown in 2020 when I went to do photography with my friend George.

I purchased the Nikon d3500 and watched a lot of videos on YouTube to better understand what I could do with the camera.

For me, the best part of photography is being in nature and taking pictures of nature such as animals. I’m inspired by many photographs of nature that I see online on sites like Instagram.

I like going on walks and I normally go to my local woods to take photos. For photography I use manual mode but I don’t have a style in editing but I try other styles lots to see what works ok and what works better, at the moment dark edit works well for me.

I don’t have a favourite picture, I just like taking pictures. But I am particularly happy with the wildlife images I have taken. I use the Nikon d3500 with a kit and zoom lens and the Snapseed app for editing on the iPad. I hope to study photography after I leave Bohunt and eventually become a professional photographer.

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BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW… BOHUNT SCHOOL WOKINGHAM RECEPTION TEAM Laura Brooks catches up with Sarah Aspell-Beaumont, Kat Palmer, Hayley Neale, Kim Boehm, Amy Rodgers. (Team member Liz Tuhy is currently on maternity leave).

Tell us about a typical day in the life of a Reception/ Admin team member.

SBT: We start our day early taking calls and arranging cover for the day should it be required. Our doors open at 8am.

From this moment we work together as a team to input student absence onto SIMS, answer incoming calls, manage our student reception and manage our front reception. As soon as registration is complete we are checking registers and following up on missing students. Once all students are accounted for we will split as a team into managing our different work areas. One of the team will be located down in our medical room carrying out first aid and caring for students that are unwell.

Between the five of us we will cover a number of work areas.

Sending out school communication which includes writing a weekly bulletin and half termly newsletter. As a digital school we arrange and process insurance claims for iPads purchased through the school. One of us is a point of contact for PPG students. They will process Free School Meal applications and ensure queries regarding PPG are answered. Over the summer we allocate lockers to new students and ensure they receive their key on the first day of school. We log and manage all student files. Each one of us is linked to a subject and will carry out any photocopying or printing requirements for that department. We will all carry out any administration tasks for any events or trips happening at school.

Tell us more about your weekly motivation HNE: We are all very motivated in the office but to give us that extra push we set ourselves little rewards throughout the day, like a nice coffee after the fire registers are completed or a biscuit after the PM tutor. We also have a different theme for each day, for example we have ‘Positive post it’ Wednesday and ‘Disney tunes’ on Thursday’s. But I think the thing we look forward to most is a team social event, where we can relax, laugh more than normal and reflect on how well the past few weeks have been.

Some consider you to be the superheroes of the school, what would you say to that?

KPR: That puts a smile on our face and makes us want to order our own Bohunt superhero capes! Our daily goal is to make sure that we support the students, parents and staff the best we can and in any way possible even if it’s outside of our daily routine job, we like to wear multiple hats!

What makes you such a great team?

KBM: We like to think of our team as the ‘engine room’ of the school. The place where a student, a parent or one of our fellow colleagues will always receive empathy, warmth and understanding.

Our communication skills between ourselves and with the greater school are second to none and we feel this really does make us a great cohesive team.

We work brilliantly together as we truly believe team work makes the dream work!

Our most dreaded job of the day is managing the lost property left behind by students. There is always so much!

We make an effort to return named items back to the owner to ensure our office is not overflowing with these lost items.

Overall the day is very fast paced and varied. We must expect the unexpected and try our best to support the school any way we can.

What is the most bizarre question a student has ever asked you?

KBM: The absolute strangest question has to be ‘Do we have bolt cutters?’

Describe your job in three words ARS: Organisational, fast-paced, instrumental

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BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW… KAREN GORDON - SENIOR SCIENCE TECHNICIAN, BOHUNT SCHOOL WORTHING What gets you out of bed in the morning?

What are your biggest professional challenges?

My alarm clock. I like to get up early and get on with the day, and to spend some time with my cat too!

How would you describe your day job to a child?

Getting teachers to get their lesson requisitions in on time.

Some practical lessons take a lot of prior preparation so the more notice we get, the better the lesson will be for the students.

We prepare everything needed for the science experiments and try them out to make sure they work.

What’s your personal mantra?

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

Life is precious. Cherish every moment and hold your loved one close.

Alternatively… The impossible I can do, miracles take a little longer!

I have two work achievements that I am most proud of. The first was when I gained a University qualification for my role as a Science Technician. The other is having been a school Science Technician for more than 26 years. Away from school, my latest achievement was becoming a grandparent at the start of this year.

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

We spend our days getting experiments ready for lessons, which may involve preparing bacterial agar plates, purchasing dissection materials from the butcher or setting up a physics demonstration. We put out the equipment into the labs, making sure there is enough apparatus for the lesson then we clear away and wash up the used glassware. We currently have lots of chemistry taking place so I am busy making up fresh solutions.

What three words would you use to describe your role?

Varied, challenging, rewarding

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET? Continuing to make sure that students get the best possible experience from their practical Science lessons.

What’s your favourite line from a film?

“May the force be with you” from Star Wars and “Nobody puts baby in the corner” from Dirty Dancing.

What do you like most about your job?

I like the diversity of the job. No two days are ever the same as the curriculum changes during the year and we are preparing experiments for all year groups. Getting positive feedback about a practical that we have spent ages working on is really gratifying.

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BET YOU DIDN’T KNOW… WENDY DOYLE - SCIENCE TECHNICIAN AT BOHUNT SCHOOL WORTHING What gets you out of bed in the morning?

What are your biggest professional challenges?

My husband generally, I am not a morning person! Karen is the early riser, so I get to school later but stay to clear-up at the end of the day.

Getting some ‘easy’ experiments to play ball and keeping on top of the never-ending washing up! More recently, because of Covid, the need for quarantine between year groups meant we had equipment everywhere!

How would you describe your day job to a child?

We prepare all the equipment and chemicals needed for a practical to happen in a science lesson. This includes checking to make sure that everything is working and trouble-shooting if necessary.

What’s your personal mantra?

Try to be kind.

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

Professional - obtaining a DPhil in biochemistry from the University of Sussex in 1989. I was also the first person from my immediate family to go to university; personal - staying married to the same man for 31 years!

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

Days can be very different depending on the topics being taught at the time. But, generally getting practicals ready to go into the classroom, checking that they work okay and then clearing up the classrooms afterwards. More interestingly, some days might include trialling a brand new experiment, discussing with a teacher a practical they would like for a particular lesson or looking up new equipment to buy. At the moment I am looking for fun experiments for this week’s Halloween science club.

What three words would you use to describe your role?

Varied, challenging and rewarding.

What is on your wish list for the next five years at BET? Purchasing interesting new equipment for the department that makes science fun

What’s your favourite line from a film?

“It’s dark and we’re wearing sunglasses. Hit it.” Blues Brothers.

What do you like most about your job?

Helping students to become passionate about science.

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SEND UPDATE SEND UPDATE Whilst the percentage of students with SEND differs from school to school, what is consistent is that the numbers of students being identified is rising.

The national figure for students with an EHCP remained consistent for many years; however, it has been rising since 2017.

The same can be said for SEN support as well.

Covid has undoubtedly brought about many challenges for students with SEND, but the impact varies significantly. Some have liked the opportunity to work within their own learning environment with limited distractions and a clear timetable of what to follow, whilst others found it even harder than the classroom to engage with teachers, this time via the chat function.

The difference between the two lockdowns did highlight where students possibly had an unidentified need, either within school or by parents supporting at home. SENDCos across BET have reported an increase in requests for referrals because of this and I suspect that in the coming years, the above figures will rise considerably.

Whilst the need is rising, the expectations to meet students with SEND needs within the classroom grows. Through quality first teaching and making reasonable adjustments, the majority of needs can be met through high quality teaching and learning, engaging topics and opportunities for different styles of learning.

You will have most likely heard me discussing the importance of building those relationships with students. Finding out their strengths and interests and focusing on these to try and maximise their self-esteem and confidence within your lessons. Now, more than ever, this is needed and not just for those students with SEND. At present, 4,092 students (students could be counted more than once) have been in receipt of a form of special education provision across the last academic year. That is a huge testament to the work that goes on in Support for Learning departments across BET. The vast majority of these interventions provide a positive impact on the students who complete them. However, no intervention is a replacement for high quality teaching. Using guidance circulated by the SEND departments within the classroom has never been so crucial as we continue to support our students.

Simon Tanner, Director of SEND

E D U C AT I O N T RU S T

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BET PEOPLE: MEET THE BET HR TEAM THE PURPOSE OF THE BET HR TEAM IS TO CHAMPION BEST PRACTICE FOR OUR PEOPLE AND OUR ORGANISATION, SO THAT OUR STUDENTS GET THE BEST EDUCATION THEY CAN AND BECOME THE GAME-CHANGERS WE WOULD LIKE THEM TO BE. We are involved at all points of the employee journey, from recruitment through to retirement. All but one member of the central BET HR team are based in the office behind reception at Bohunt School in Liphook. In addition to all BET staff, we provide an HR service to our colleagues in City Academy Norwich, which we share amongst the team.

Our newest member, Helen Leworthy, is the HR Officer responsible for and based at Steyning Grammar School. Angela Blandford and Elizabeth Plumb are HR Officers responsible for Liphook, Petersfield, Horsham and Wokingham (Angela), and Priory, Costello and Worthing (Elizabeth). All our HR Officers hold qualifications from the CIPD, our professional body, and have varied roles covering all professional areas of HR, including BET recruitment, support with visa applications, Employee Relations (advising and supporting schools with employee grievances, absence, capability or disciplinary matters), pregnancy risk assessments, policy writing/updates, and general advice/ support for employees.

You can access the BET People site via a link on the BET website www.bohunttrust.co.uk/ You can access any forms and policies/procedures that you might need as a BET employee. The aim of this is to have all information that would go in a Staff Handbook in one accessible place, online.

The password, which will change (so look out for updates), is currently B0huntHR. https://sites.google.com/bohunt.hants.sch.uk/bet-people/home

Bridget Whiley and Aurelija Stobbart are our central administrators, primarily responsible for payroll, and are also busy with a number of other activities including HR data reports, producing contracts, salary statements, updating procedures, organising School Direct recruitment, and providing general advice and support to everyone on pay, benefits, pensions, national insurance, student loans and tax, and parental leave processes, to name but a few. They work very closely with the people at each school who work hard to keep HR administration up to date.

Isabel Stirling is our Director of HR, responsible for working with Trust Leadership to develop and implement HR strategy, in addition to leading the team.

Do contact any one of us with any query – the easiest way is via hr@bohunt.hants.sch.uk.

NEW FOR 2022! BET PEOPLE… Everyone should have already completed their annual refresher training (Data Protection, Equalities, Safeguarding, Compliance and Health and Safety) on our new internal site called “BET People”.

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2022

#BETawards2022

Deadline for nominations 17:00 on Friday 18 February 2022 Enjoy Respect Achieve (ERA)

Innovation

Game-Changer

COVID Hero

Trust First

Teacher of the Year

Green Chicken School

Teaching Team of the Year

Outstanding Leadership

Support Team of the Year

Long Service

Chair’s Award

Awards ceremony Friday 1 April 2022 at The Studio, TPS Dress code: black tie

Entry and criteria information available at: www.bohunttrust.co.uk/bet-awards-2022/

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Back cover design by Rowan, Bohunt Wokingham

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