2020 Vision – Winter 2015

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2020Vision WINTER 2015

Determined to deliver world class education REATING a world class education system to serve the communities of Stoke-on-Trent by 2020 is the overriding aim and vision of the City Learning Trust.

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Over the last 12 months the growing partnership – which now involves seven forward-thinking schools, which are converting, or have converted, into academies – is already bearing fruit.

From investment in new school buildings and facilities to sporting and creative link up with primary schools and work-based projects with local businesses, more than 3,500 pupils are now benefitting from the partnership.

The CLT has worked to

encourage all member schools to work together, develop strategies together and create a model for outstanding teaching, which encompasses students aged three to 19-year-olds.

Trust Chief Executive Carl Ward said: “We are a family of schools sharing resources and expertise and placing children first in everything we do.

“Children in the City Learning Trust have the best opportunities to develop their education and skills and get the best start in life to help them gain employment in the future and continue to have a passion for lifelong learning.”

To help deliver its vision, the Trust has six fundamental aims:

■ Promote the skills and qualifications of pupils and students which will enable them to flourish in whatever vocational or academic setting they want to succeed in.

■ Develop in pupils and students the key skills of literacy, numeracy, resilience, resourcefulness, enterprise, technological literacy and adaptability.

■ Take care of the most vulnerable pupils and provide outstanding support.

■ Ensure that business leaders will be partners in the journey to world-class education and developing joint educational projects that inspire

entrepreneurship and promote employability skills.

■ Forge partnerships with great schools locally, nationally and internationally to develop educational practice that connects learners worldwide.

■ Develop great leaders and team workers who understand the value of co-operation and play a proactive role in public life.

■ The City Learning Trust is a registered charity and a Department for Education sponsor. It has a number of strategic partners and works closely with a range of multi-academy trusts to raise standards.

Inside

Speaker’s Corner opens at Sixth Form Academy

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Welcome for new school facilities

Reading blasts off in ‘spaceship’ library – page 8

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Pirate ship docks in playground

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Educational family put children first in everything that they do

By CARL WARD, Chief Executive of the City Learning Trust THE City Learning Trust can be likened to an educational family, which is transforming the way we teach in Stoke-on-Trent. By sharing resources and expertise, and remaining united in our values, we can place children first in everything we do.

We are confident that children starting at a school in the Trust will have the best opportunity to develop their education. They will be taught by teachers who have participated in internationally recognised leadership and training programmes.

This newspaper highlights the ongoing initiatives of the Trust and how our close network of schools are working with their students, as well as local communities and businesses, to meet our goals. These include instilling a desire for lifelong learning and equipping young people with the skills and qualifications they need to flourish in business and other aspects of life.

On the next few pages you will read about great success stories, such as the opening of our new Sixth Form Academy in Burslem town centre, which attracted great publicity in the local and regional media and a very distinguished guest in the shape of the Speaker of the House of Commons, The Right Honourable John Bercow MP. There’s also news about inspiring activities our academies are introducing both in and out of the classroom. You’ll learn more about sporting and drama initiatives and the vital link up between Haywood Academy and primary schools that helps bridge the gap to secondary education.

It is by working closely with our schools and academies that we create an environment where progression can flourish.

We believe that there are clear benefits in joining our family of schools and academies and would welcome contact from any school or business that would like to get involved with us.

Holden Lane Primary Year 2 pupils Gabriella Osborne, left, and Kyra Samali enjoy a reading class at Haywood Academy library.

Pupils James Dawson, left, and Daryan Ali, both aged six, from Holden Lane Primary take part in an ICT class at Haywood Academy.

Pupils get hands on taste of secondary school life P

RIMARY school children are getting hands-on experience of life at secondary school thanks to a link up with Haywood Academy.

Hillside Primary pupils Jessica Moss and Charlie Johnson, both aged nine, take part in a science class at the Haywood Academy.

Hundreds of Year 1 to Year 6 children take part in fun and informative educational activities at Haywood each year.

They range from PE sessions to practical science lessons in the laboratory to history-based sessions and reading time with the school’s librarian.

The subject-related activities tie into topics the pupils are studying back at primary school so boost their understanding of the subject.

It is also helping to bridge the gap between primary and secondary schools, which benefits the children when it comes time for them to move into Year 7 and above.

Jill Chadwick, Primary Liaison for the City Learning Trust, said: “We have more than 25 schools now taking part in the activities, involving hundreds of pupils.

“It is a great way to help them familiarise themselves with the secondary school environment while also learning in a fun, practical and educational way.”

Staff training workshops and networking prove invaluable HAYWOOD Academy joins forces with teachers from primary schools within the Trust to provide training workshops, helping to ensure the development of staff.

They meet every half term and five core sessions are held. These include a numeracy and literacy group, a teaching and learning group, Continued Professional Development (CPD) opportunities and peer review.

The peer review session allows both primary and secondary school teachers to

work together, focusing on determining strengths and areas for development as well as supporting each other’s continued improvements.

The Haywood Academy has also hosted three CPD conferences so far this year, where more than 300 members of City Learning Trust staff heard talks on building learning power, visible learning and research.

Smallthorne Primary School Teacher Emma Wilkes said:“Working with other schools

within the partnership has been invaluable.

“Sharing good practice, training and new initiatives have provided me with numerous opportunities to take back ideas which have enhanced the learning of pupils in my school and the development of staff.

“Incredibly positive and trusting relationships have developed between members of the groups and we now have a fantastic network of colleagues with many varied skills who we can call on.”

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Historic building is unique place for modern learning W

Mike Whittingham pictured on the top floor the new Haywood Sixth Form Academy which is housed in the historic Burslem Town Hall. of view we are offering the best academic and work-based learning in the country for sixth form students while supporting their life opportunities, whether they be progressing to university or entering the world of work.

“They have access to outstanding facilities and equipment, as well as excellent staff. We are passionate about Students helping them to fulfil their Tazmin Brereton, potential and have right, and Tasha employability skills at the Hulme work in a core of everything we do. study area in the Our university, employer new Sixth Form and partner links ensure Academy. that students can make a smooth transition into either an apprenticeship, job or university.”

Speaker’s Corner is eye-catching feature ONE of the eye-catching aspects of the Sixth Form is its very own Speaker’s Corner. It will provide a crucible for debate for students as part of their studies.

The podium features Minton Hollins tiles discovered in the House of Commons and incorporated in the design by Packmoor-based artist Philip Hardaker.

Fittingly, John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, was invited to formally unveil the new facility at the Academy as the first intake of students started their studies.

Mr Bercow ordered a round of applause and hailed the opening of the Academy as “a marvellous day for Stoke-on-Trent and Burslem”.

Later, in typical House of Commons debating-style, he and other VIPs answered questions fired at them from students at schools in the Trust. They included what

SCAN PHOTO FOR VIDEO

SCAN PHOTO FOR VIDEO

John Bercow is presented with a commemorative plaque by students Aron Bourne and Katie Fone at the opening of the Speaker’s Corner. impact the Sixth Form would have on Burslem and a question from the chair of a Pupil Voice Council asking advice on debate and maintaining order. Among the pupils attending were 10-year-old Joshua Davies

from Mill Hill Primary Academy who said:“The building is very good.

There are lots of great facilities and I like the Speaker’s area.” ● Pupils praised for their question time performance – see page 11.

Welcome to Haywood Academy Augmented Reality (AR) 1 Download our free app to your smartphone or tablet and bring this publication to life using the power of a new technology called Augmented Reality (AR).

To access bonus content in this issue follow these simple instructions:

Download the Haywood AR app from the App Store (Apple) or Google Play (Android).

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2

Open the app with a simple tap.

Augmented Reality services by

Point your device at the photos where you see the AR content logo pictured above – and wait for the surprise.

Double tap for a full-screen.

Picture courtesy of The Sentinel

ITH a firm eye on the Trust’s partner businesses. future and a nod to the A-levels range from maths, past, the new Haywood English and the sciences to art and Sixth Form Academy blends what photography, and as the centre is best about Stoke-on-Trent’s expands, more subjects, such as heritage with the aim of preparing hair and beauty and government students for the modern world. and politics, will come on board.

The £2.1 million centre based at An expansion to the centre is the historic Burslem Town Hall currently under construction on gives students access to the site of the former Ceramica outstanding facilities situated in building and will be ready by the inspirational and unique August 2016 – in good time for the location of a Grade II listed next intake of students. building. It is also great news for Then over the next two to three the Mother Town with students years numbers attending the Sixth using shops and facilities in the Form Academy are expected to surrounding area bringing a very grow to around the 400 mark. welcome economic boost.

Mike Whitingham, Deputy Head More than 100 students started Leading Sixth Form Development, in September studying in a range said: “Students are coming from all of different ways. On offer are schools in the local area not just traditional A-level courses, Haywood Academy and there is a Vocational Level 3 qualifications real feel good factor in Burslem and a unique Work Based Learning because of the new footfall.

Programme.

“It is helping to stimulate the This innovative programme economy and giving a new lease of involves students spending two life to the heritage buildings that days a week at the Academy are here in abundance. For studying employability skills, example, we are already using the personal development and life School of Art as a venue to teach skills as well as Maths and English.

Art and Photography and hope to In addition, they spend three use the Wedgwood Institute as a days a week developing skills backdrop for teaching subjects in the workplace with one like History. of the City Learning “From a student point At the Speaker’s Corner podium are students Ryan Lench, left, and Zac Lewis.

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Reception class pupils Kayden Benson and Naceyah Fox take part in activities in the new school hall.

Headteacher Clare Thomas in one of the new classrooms with Year 2 pupils, left to right, Troy Lugonwa, Kallum Grainger, Lily Pheasey, Logan Barker and Alicia Herron.

Putting their mark on new building HILDREN and staff at Holden Lane Primary have started the new term in a brand new spacious school building and are already putting their stamp on it.

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Construction work began last summer and was completed in time for the start of the autumn term with more than 200 pupils moving from the adjacent old building.

A vast open space runs the length of the building which will be a ‘learning street’ where each section will be themed and will include study zones, a library, storytelling and book sharing areas, science pods and an art gallery to exhibit the children’s own works.

Pupils are being asked to help design the new space which will function as a fun-filled communal learning hub for all classes.

Holden Lane was one of a number of schools chosen by the city council to benefit from investment, as part of an improvement and development programme of schools across the

A view of the new school building.

Stoke-on-Trent. In the final phase of the Holden Lane scheme, the old school premises will be demolished and the site will be landscaped to transform it into new sports facilities, outdoor learning spaces and playgrounds.

Headteacher Clare Thomas said: “Moving into the new building is extremely exciting as both children and staff are all able to contribute to shaping the future of our school to reflect our culture and ethos of excellence and raising aspirations.”

Clare added: “This year, we

Eco-friendly car tears up tarmac HAYWOOD Rocket – the green powered kit car built by Year 7 and Year 10 engineers at Haywood Academy – tore up the tarmac during an event at the Rockingham Race Circuit and now has chance of making a national final.

Worked on by 10 students after school every Thursday, it finished second fastest kit car on the day during the 90-minute race.

Students divided up their roles to take part with some taking on driving duties while others worked as mechanics and pit crew. ● Meanwhile, pupils from Holden Lane, Smallthorne and Mill Hill Primary Schools were given a lesson in engineering at Haywood Academy when they got to grips with a battery-powered car.

The young students visited the academy to try out the vehicles, which has been designed by the secondary school pupils. They each took a turn to drive the car to see who was fastest and learned how different forms of energy can be used as a power source.

are delighted to be celebrating our best SATs results in the history of the school. We feel that the new building will motivate all members of the school community to continue to thrive and flourish on our journey from good to outstanding.

“Everyone is thrilled to have a new learning space and the children have really taken to it, they’re showing great pride and enthusiasm and generating some fabulous ideas on how to put our mark on it.”

Year 6 pupil Paige Dankin works on one of the new school iPads.

Year 10 engineering students Jack Gamble, left, and Ben Dutton with the Haywood Rocket.

Engineers win gadget award AN all-female team of young engineers from Haywood Academy has scooped a top award after spending nine months developing a spelling correction pen they call Spell Scribe.

They won the Best Gadget category of the KMF Young Engineer of the Year competition, picking up their award from Channel Five Gadget Show presenter Jason Bradbury during an event at Stoke City's Britannia Stadium.

Their pen uses micro processors and kinetic sensors to correct misspelt words with organic light emitting diodes then giving the user the correct spelling.

Spell Scribe attracted the attention of the national media and the team featured in the Daily Telegraph.

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s i d n a l Wood

S L L I K S L A V I V R SU learning zone

Winter 2015

2020 Vision

Community should have a say in the way we run our schools

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UPILS at Hillside Primary School are getting the chance to learn outdoor survival skills in their very own woodland thanks to the innovative Forest Schools programme.

Groups spend one afternoon per week for around five weeks in the Baddeley Green school’s wooded area with a Forest Schools-trained member of staff, learning how to whittle, start campfires, cook food and make shelters.

Headteacher Karen Schonau said: “The programme is putting our woodland to great use and allowing the children to spend time outdoors and develop skills – they absolutely love it, especially learning to cook their own food on a campfire.

“We’re lucky to have this outdoor space and it’s something that other schools within the Trust can use for similar purposes.”

Forest Schools Education is a non-profit social enterprise whose philosophy is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through an innovative, long-term educational approach to outdoor play and learning in a woodland environment.

Meanwhile, a Friendship Buddy scheme has been launched with the aim of making playtime safe and happy. A group of Year 5 and 6 children don hi-viz vests and make themselves available on the playground Keira to support children to resolve friendship issues.

Morgan and The Friendship Buddies work McKenzie Coates, alongside Playground Leaders – both aged eight, collect children who volunteer to help wood for a fire as part facilitate play and encourage others of their outdoor skills to join in with playground games. training in woodland Karen said: “Although the at Hillside Primary Friendship Buddies scheme is in its School. early stages, it has been really well received by the children. Both initiatives, alongside football, a play trail and a scooter zone, create busy playgrounds filled with fun.”

e Greenhalgh shows Forest School Practitioner Laurenc Hughes, both aged eight, rgia Geo and klin pupils Miller Fran the school woodland. in use how to build a Celtic roundho

By DAVE JOHNSON, Chair of the Trust Board of Directors

Pupils Grace Carding, left, and Jessica Harrop are two of the Playground Leaders at Hillside Primary.

WHEN I am asked why I am involved in the governance of local schools my answer is quite straightforward – I believe that schools should sit at the heart of our communities and that all key stakeholders such as parents, carers, staff and the members of the local community should be able to contribute to and have a voice in the way they are run.

As such, it was a privilege to accept my election as Chair of the Board of Directors of the City Learning Trust.

I think that schools should also be outward facing and that the collaboration of the schools within the City Learning Trust can only enhance the education that we provide for our young people.

The City Learning Trust is a partnership and every member of that partnership – whether they are local businesses, trade unions, parents, staff or members of the local community – have a part to play in our goal to achieve educational excellence for all our young people.

It was a very proud moment for me recently when John Bercow MP, Speaker of the House of Commons, came to the new Sixth Form facility in what I, and I am sure many others still describe as the Old Town Hall, to open Speaker’s Corner.

I hope that the redevelopment of that building, not only as the home of our students in Year 12 and 13 but also as a community facility, gives a clear indication of the directors’ aspirations for everyone who is part of the City Learning Trust.

Project sets uniform education and achievement levels ALL City Learning Trust primary schools are involved in a project to set uniform education and achievement levels.

Three meetings a year are planned so consistency can be maintained for all children. Smallthorne Headteacher Chris Crook said:“With a climate of considerable change within primary education currently due to the introduction of a new curriculum and assessment requirements, being part of the City Learning Trust enables us to work

collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes for all pupils as we implement these significant changes.

“As a result of our close, respectful and forward-thinking partnerships with other CLT schools, we are able to work on a moderation project to set uniform education and achievement levels across all schools.

“This will consist of colleagues from each year group in all schools working closely

together on a very regular basis to ensure consistency and accuracy assessment, leading to focused planning and the best possible learning opportunities for all children.

“This is a very exciting time for all schools within the City Learning Trust as we forge new ground, bringing together our dedicated, motivated and passionate teams to create and develop our own world class systems.”

KEEP up with the latest news from the City Learning Trust via our social media:Twitter: @CtyLrnTrust LinkledIn: www.linkedin.com /company/city-learning-trust

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Winter 2015

Work based learning is a key step on career ladder

Jamie Carroll at work in Middleport Pottery Café with with Café Manager Tracy Thaw.

F Haywood Academy student Cerys Lancaster helps to coach netball to Mill Hill Primary pupils Sophie Sumner, left, and Ella Evas.

Sporting activities given bronze accolade MILL Hill Primary Academy’s enthusiasm for sport has been rewarded with a bronze in the Sainsbury’s School Games Mark.

The mark commends schools for their commitment to inspiring young people to take part in competitive sport by awarding them gold, silver or bronze.

A huge 41 per cent of pupils at Mill Hill take part in after-school sporting activities including football, cricket, table tennis and street dance, compared to the mark’s expected level of 20 per cent.

All school clubs take part in inter-school sporting events, with the athletics club competing at Northwood Stadium against other schools and a group of dance enthusiasts performing at Victoria Hall.

Children also took part in an activity day at Fenton Manor Sports Complex where they were led through a series of sports and team games by Year 10 and 11 student leaders from Haywood Academy.

The activity day was part of Abbey Gateley, Haywood Academy student, shows a mug with a decoration she designed.

Stoke School Sports Partnership’s ‘Fitzy’ initiative, aimed at encouraging Key Stage One children to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Participation in such events all went towards the school’s bronze Mark achievement.

Teacher Jo Leese said:“It’s great to see so many children enjoying getting stuck in to the extra curricular clubs and developing different sides to the school by taking part in inter-school competitions.”

OOT in the door vocational courses designed specifically to help students prepare for the world of work have been launched by the Haywood Sixth Form Academy in a unique partnership with more than 40 Stoke-on-Trent businesses.

The first 38 students to take advantage of the Work Based Learning Programme are already settling into three day a week placements at their chosen companies.

As part of a tailored but flexible two-year programme, they spend the rest of their week in the classroom working towards a

vocational qualification call the Employment Certificate which is assured by qualification provider Pearson.

At the end of the course students are supported directly into work or an apprenticeship.

Partner firms and organisations include pottery manufacturers Steelite International and Dudson, Virgin Trains, sheet metal fabrication firm KMF, the NHS and the Royal Air Force.

Haywood Academy Careers Development Advisor Steve Hargreaves said: “It’s fantastic to finally get these courses up and running after a year of hard work putting it all together and networking. Our partner businesses

and organisations have really got behind the programme so we can now offer students who want vocational courses exactly what they need.

“It’s a real foot in the door for our students and a great way for them to combine studies and get real work experience which can only stand then in good stead for their chosen careers.” ● An open evening for prospective students who want to take advantage of the Work Based Learning Programme is to be staged at the Haywood Sixth Form Academy on November 25.

Human Resources Officer Daniel Stone shows Sarah Baddeley some of the world-leading products made at Steelite International.

SCAN PHOTO FOR VIDEO

Kitchen experience on the menu for Jamie WOULD-BE chef Jamie Carroll is getting the kitchen experience he needs as he trains three days a week in the Middleport Pottery Café.

Alongside Maths and English functional skills courses plus three Level 2 BTECs he is studying

at the Haywood Sixth Form Academy, he will also get a Food Hygiene certificate from his work experience. Jamie said:“I really enjoy working at Middleport Pottery. I want to become a professional chef and enjoy cooking food.”

Phil Jackson is on the ball with his football coaching placement.

helped us shape the curriculum. We have weekly contact and it’s a relationship that is hugely beneficial for pupils and students. They’re able to improve their work-based skills as they plan for the future and the company benefits from its input as it gets the right skill mix from potential employees.”

Finance department working adds up SARAH Baddeley has a talent for numbers and is working in the finance department at top pottery Steelite International to further her chosen career. She is getting specialist training after choosing the firm from an

available bank of placements. Sarah, aged 16, said:“I chose Steelite because it is a well known and developing company. I want to progress from accounts assistant into accountancy.”

2020 Vision

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Young people are needed to continue the renaissance of pottery industry

Prince’s Charities initiative benefits both school and business

CLOSE links between Haywood Academy and Steelite International are reaping huge rewards for the school and the business.

Organised by the Prince’s Charities, the Business Class arrangement benefits students, teachers and school staff like caretakers but also Steelite itself.

City Learning Trust Chief Operating Officer Alan Christian said:“It’s part of the Prince of Wales’ charity Business in the Community programme and Haywood is one of seven schools in the city who have a link up.

“It’s fantastic for both sides. Our students get to learn about the world of work with placements and schemes like the on-going art enrichment project in which students’ designs for ware including mugs actually get made into the finished product.

“Steelite have offered us manual handling training for our on-site team including caretakers and, as main sponsors for the Haywood Sixth Form Academy, have

Winter 2015

Football coaching placement is a winner SPORTS mad student Phil Jackson has scored a Work Based Learning Programme placement at not for profit community interest company Engage Communities.

Training as a Football Coach, he will receive a Football Association approved Level 1 coaching badge when he has finished.

Phil said:“I have had 10 years’ experience of playing football and enjoy other sports. I want to learn the rules of all the other sports too.

“I see myself in five years working as a football coach and will be coaching younger kids. I hope to work my way up to coaching a semi or professional team.”

By KEVIN OAKES, Chief Executive Officer, Steelite International and Royal Crown Derby STEELITE International has enjoyed a long and successful association with the Haywood Academy and we are absolutely thrilled to play a part in its future, not least by sponsoring Haywood Sixth Form Academy.

As the United Kingdom’s foremost manufacturer of ceramic tableware, Steelite International needs young people to enhance our position as a world leader.

Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics industry is undergoing a renaissance and we must continue to build for the future. We are fully committed to supporting local education and will do whatever we can to foster good relationships.

From a company and industry perspective, as a world leader we need young employees coming into the organisation with the right skills, knowledge and aptitude.

A thriving Burslem town centre is vitally important to Steelite International – we are fiercely proud of the town’s famous heritage and we are excited about its future.

The Sixth Form Academy in the old town will help increase footfall in the town and, I am certain, will boost its economy.

We are committed to putting something back by supporting local initiatives which have a positive impact on our communities.

As a proud sponsor, we are absolutely thrilled to have witnessed such an incredible vision turn into such a wonderful reality. This is a great investment but it presents an even greater opportunity.

On behalf of Steelite International, I wish Haywood Sixth Form Academy every success.

2020 Vision 6&7

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Winter 2015

Work based learning is a key step on career ladder

Jamie Carroll at work in Middleport Pottery Café with with Café Manager Tracy Thaw.

F Haywood Academy student Cerys Lancaster helps to coach netball to Mill Hill Primary pupils Sophie Sumner, left, and Ella Evas.

Sporting activities given bronze accolade MILL Hill Primary Academy’s enthusiasm for sport has been rewarded with a bronze in the Sainsbury’s School Games Mark.

The mark commends schools for their commitment to inspiring young people to take part in competitive sport by awarding them gold, silver or bronze.

A huge 41 per cent of pupils at Mill Hill take part in after-school sporting activities including football, cricket, table tennis and street dance, compared to the mark’s expected level of 20 per cent.

All school clubs take part in inter-school sporting events, with the athletics club competing at Northwood Stadium against other schools and a group of dance enthusiasts performing at Victoria Hall.

Children also took part in an activity day at Fenton Manor Sports Complex where they were led through a series of sports and team games by Year 10 and 11 student leaders from Haywood Academy.

The activity day was part of Abbey Gateley, Haywood Academy student, shows a mug with a decoration she designed.

Stoke School Sports Partnership’s ‘Fitzy’ initiative, aimed at encouraging Key Stage One children to adopt a healthy lifestyle. Participation in such events all went towards the school’s bronze Mark achievement.

Teacher Jo Leese said:“It’s great to see so many children enjoying getting stuck in to the extra curricular clubs and developing different sides to the school by taking part in inter-school competitions.”

OOT in the door vocational courses designed specifically to help students prepare for the world of work have been launched by the Haywood Sixth Form Academy in a unique partnership with more than 40 Stoke-on-Trent businesses.

The first 38 students to take advantage of the Work Based Learning Programme are already settling into three day a week placements at their chosen companies.

As part of a tailored but flexible two-year programme, they spend the rest of their week in the classroom working towards a

vocational qualification call the Employment Certificate which is assured by qualification provider Pearson.

At the end of the course students are supported directly into work or an apprenticeship.

Partner firms and organisations include pottery manufacturers Steelite International and Dudson, Virgin Trains, sheet metal fabrication firm KMF, the NHS and the Royal Air Force.

Haywood Academy Careers Development Advisor Steve Hargreaves said: “It’s fantastic to finally get these courses up and running after a year of hard work putting it all together and networking. Our partner businesses

and organisations have really got behind the programme so we can now offer students who want vocational courses exactly what they need.

“It’s a real foot in the door for our students and a great way for them to combine studies and get real work experience which can only stand then in good stead for their chosen careers.” ● An open evening for prospective students who want to take advantage of the Work Based Learning Programme is to be staged at the Haywood Sixth Form Academy on November 25.

Human Resources Officer Daniel Stone shows Sarah Baddeley some of the world-leading products made at Steelite International.

SCAN PHOTO FOR VIDEO

Kitchen experience on the menu for Jamie WOULD-BE chef Jamie Carroll is getting the kitchen experience he needs as he trains three days a week in the Middleport Pottery Café.

Alongside Maths and English functional skills courses plus three Level 2 BTECs he is studying

at the Haywood Sixth Form Academy, he will also get a Food Hygiene certificate from his work experience. Jamie said:“I really enjoy working at Middleport Pottery. I want to become a professional chef and enjoy cooking food.”

Phil Jackson is on the ball with his football coaching placement.

helped us shape the curriculum. We have weekly contact and it’s a relationship that is hugely beneficial for pupils and students. They’re able to improve their work-based skills as they plan for the future and the company benefits from its input as it gets the right skill mix from potential employees.”

Finance department working adds up SARAH Baddeley has a talent for numbers and is working in the finance department at top pottery Steelite International to further her chosen career. She is getting specialist training after choosing the firm from an

available bank of placements. Sarah, aged 16, said:“I chose Steelite because it is a well known and developing company. I want to progress from accounts assistant into accountancy.”

2020 Vision

7

Young people are needed to continue the renaissance of pottery industry

Prince’s Charities initiative benefits both school and business

CLOSE links between Haywood Academy and Steelite International are reaping huge rewards for the school and the business.

Organised by the Prince’s Charities, the Business Class arrangement benefits students, teachers and school staff like caretakers but also Steelite itself.

City Learning Trust Chief Operating Officer Alan Christian said:“It’s part of the Prince of Wales’ charity Business in the Community programme and Haywood is one of seven schools in the city who have a link up.

“It’s fantastic for both sides. Our students get to learn about the world of work with placements and schemes like the on-going art enrichment project in which students’ designs for ware including mugs actually get made into the finished product.

“Steelite have offered us manual handling training for our on-site team including caretakers and, as main sponsors for the Haywood Sixth Form Academy, have

Winter 2015

Football coaching placement is a winner SPORTS mad student Phil Jackson has scored a Work Based Learning Programme placement at not for profit community interest company Engage Communities.

Training as a Football Coach, he will receive a Football Association approved Level 1 coaching badge when he has finished.

Phil said:“I have had 10 years’ experience of playing football and enjoy other sports. I want to learn the rules of all the other sports too.

“I see myself in five years working as a football coach and will be coaching younger kids. I hope to work my way up to coaching a semi or professional team.”

By KEVIN OAKES, Chief Executive Officer, Steelite International and Royal Crown Derby STEELITE International has enjoyed a long and successful association with the Haywood Academy and we are absolutely thrilled to play a part in its future, not least by sponsoring Haywood Sixth Form Academy.

As the United Kingdom’s foremost manufacturer of ceramic tableware, Steelite International needs young people to enhance our position as a world leader.

Stoke-on-Trent’s ceramics industry is undergoing a renaissance and we must continue to build for the future. We are fully committed to supporting local education and will do whatever we can to foster good relationships.

From a company and industry perspective, as a world leader we need young employees coming into the organisation with the right skills, knowledge and aptitude.

A thriving Burslem town centre is vitally important to Steelite International – we are fiercely proud of the town’s famous heritage and we are excited about its future.

The Sixth Form Academy in the old town will help increase footfall in the town and, I am certain, will boost its economy.

We are committed to putting something back by supporting local initiatives which have a positive impact on our communities.

As a proud sponsor, we are absolutely thrilled to have witnessed such an incredible vision turn into such a wonderful reality. This is a great investment but it presents an even greater opportunity.

On behalf of Steelite International, I wish Haywood Sixth Form Academy every success.

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Chance to train with working theatre actors HAYWOOD Sixth Form Academy has joined forces with Reveal Theatre Company to offer students specialist training from working actors and directors.

Students enrolling on the Performing Arts (Acting) BTEC Diploma at the new Sixth Form Academy can learn from some of the best actors and directors in the business. They include Reveal’s Creative Director Robert Marsden, Artistic Associate Dominic Meir and actor Sean O’Callaghan.

Students taking the BTEC Diploma in Performing Arts (Acting) will study practical workshops and attend performances with Reveal Theatre Company at The Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley.

Robert said:“This really is a unique opportunity for young people to get a head start on their path to a career in the theatre by working with ‘jobbing’ actors and directors.”

The first Trust awards held at Victoria Hall FIVE schools joined together at the first City Learning Trust Awards Evening to celebrate the achievements and successes of more than 200 students.

Parents joined their children as well as staff at the Victoria Hall where VIP guests also included Port Vale Chairman Norman Smuthwaite, former Stoke North MP Joan Wally and Dame Julia Cleverdon, Vice President of Business in the Community and Special Advisor to The Prince’s Charities.

CLT Chief Executive Carl Ward said the students were fantastic roles models who should be very proud of themselves.

He added that he hoped the awards evening would inspire students to strive for success, seize the opportunities they were offered and achieve their dreams.

The spaceship library that’s

out of this world

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EADING is blasting off at Glebe Academy where the library has been transformed into a spaceship with Lottery funding.

The newly named WOW room – World of Words – took its theme from the planets and now features electronic panels, wires and huge windows looking out to space. Popular

at break and lunchtimes, there are dens and tunnels too so children can read in peace.

Pupils played an active part in the design of the library and decided which book characters they wanted featured among its constellations.

School Principal Suzanne Oakes-Smith said: “Our library space is now quite literally out of this world and is already raising standards

and enjoyment of words into the stratosphere.

“We have done a lot of work over the past few years looking at ways to continue to inspire our children to read and create that love of reading in our children.

“We have developed a rich range of books but we wanted to ensure we housed them in an environment that enticed pupils to go in and explore

and pick up books that they wouldn’t have looked at before.

“As well as providing a magical place to come and discover books we have also integrated computer facilities into the room.”

The next phase of the plan is to encourage community use of the library so it not only benefits pupils but their families and the wider community.

GB sprinting ace shares inspiring experiences

Free books for reception class RECEPTION class children at Mill Hill Primary Academy have received their free Booktime packs for the second year running.

Booktime is a national free books programme aimed at children between four and five and run by independent charity Book Trust. It encourages and supports children to read for pleasure at home, at an important transition stage in their learning and development.

Parents were also invited to join their child for talks from a local librarian, who encouraged and promoted the use of libraries in the area.

Sinethemba Nkomo and Arian Kadir reading in Glebe Academy’s spaceshipthemed library.

Derek Redmond shows his World Championships gold medal to Haywood Academy students, left to right, Conrad Wilcox, Tyrone Distant and Courtney Mountford.

FORMER world-class athlete Derek Redmond visited Haywood Academy to share his inspirational experiences with students. The former British record holder, who was part of the GB team that took gold in the 4 x 400 metre relay at the 1991 World Championships, gave a motivational talk to Year 10 and 11 pupils Derek enjoyed a long and successful athletics career during the 1980s and 1990s which saw him break the British 400m record twice and challenge American dominance of the event. He also took gold in the 1986 European Championship and the Commonwealth Games of the same year.

However, he is probably best known for finishing his 400 metre semi-final heat at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics despite tearing a hamstring part way around the lap. It was voted the third greatest Olympic moment in history in a poll of viewers of the US broadcaster NBC. Even President Barack Obama referred directly to Derek’s perseverance on the day as a prime example of the Olympic ideal.

During his presentation, Derek told pupils how despite having seven operations in two years he was forced to retire from athletics but was determined to succeed.

He went on to play basketball for England and just missed out on an England Rugby 7s cap.

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Ways to contact the Heads

GLEBE ACADEMY Principal:

Suzanne Oakes-Smith Tel 01782 234868 office@glebeacademy.co.uk Courtney Cooke, aged 15, rehearses her part in Dracula as part of GCSE drama.

Courtney Jones, aged 13, plays the flute.

Working together to stage

HAYWOOD ACADEMY Head of School:

Dilesh Parmar Tel. 01782 853535 info@haywoodacademy.coop

ANNUAL SHOWS

HILLSIDE PRIMARY Headteacher:

Karen Schonau Tel 01782 235350 hillside@sgfl.org.uk

ANCE, drama and music departments at the Haywood Academy are working closely with primary schools within the Trust to put on annual productions.

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This is the first year that the collaborative productions have been trialled, allowing primary school children to visit Haywood to work alongside teachers and Year 10 and 11 student leaders.

The first joint performance was the musical Annie in July, which saw children from Smallthorne and Mill Hill primary schools take to the stage in front of an audience of more than 400 people.

Meanwhile, teachers from Haywood spent time at the primary schools where they taught dance and music classes, allowing children to experience a high school approach to the arts.

Primary schools are also having the chance to work with Haywood for the annual Haywood Dance Spectacular – an event hosted in March.

This offers them the opportunity to experience performing on the school’s large stage and see the standards of work produced.

Head of Drama Chelsea Smith said: “The production involving primary schools worked really well and it’s something we’ll definitely be doing again.

“Having primary school children come to Haywood and

HOLDEN LANE PRIMARY Headteacher: Clare Thomas Tel 01782 234890 holdenlane@sgfl.org.uk

get involved with dance, drama and music helps to bridge the gap between primary and high school, helping build their confidence.

“A lot of the children will never have performed on stage, so our collaborative performances give them this chance, as well as letting them be inspired by the standard of dance and drama work that we produce.”

Jessica Griffin, aged 14, practices her dance performance for a GCSE examination.

MILL HILL PRIMARY ACADEMY

Headteacher: Sharon Bates Tel 01782 234466 millhill@sgfl.org.uk

Student leaders help with dance and drama sessions in primary schools YEAR 10 and 11 students are acquiring a taste for teaching by helping to choreograph dance and drama sessions for primary school children.

A group of four Year 10 leaders work alongside teaching staff and younger pupils to put together dance and drama productions throughout the year.

The leaders take responsibility for small

groups of primary school children, who visit Haywood Academy over a series of days to organise and rehearse for the productions.

Their roles involve helping to put together a cast, developing and teaching the choreography as well as leading rehearsal sessions and overseeing the final performance.

Head of Drama Chelsea Smith said:“It’s

great that our Year 10 and 11 students get the responsibility of helping to choreograph the performance and then teach the younger ones.

“A lot of students are already thinking about careers in teaching, so having the opportunity to take on a mentor role within dance and drama is excellent for them and great for confidence building.”

SMALLTHORNE PRIMARY

Headteacher: Chris Crook Tel 01782 235265 smallthorne@sgfl.org.uk

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Staff focus on individual pupil needs in quieter setting of Rainbow Room AN initiative at Holden Lane Primary is helping children with emotional, social and learning difficulties by focusing on their individual needs.

Children who find the classroom environment overwhelming or need breaks to focus their learning are invited to attend morning group and one-to-one sessions.

The sessions take place in the quieter setting of what has been called the Rainbow Room because all members of

the school considered to be equally special – just like the colours of the rainbow.

Pupils can enjoy breakfast with the group before taking part in games and circle-time sessions, where support staff talk to children about how to deal with everyday situations and encourage them to discuss their emotions.

The group runs from the beginning of the school day until 10.45am and also allows children to continue their

classroom learning in the Rainbow Room.

Senior Teaching Assistant Sharon Reece, who leads the group, said:“The Rainbow Room sessions really focus on the needs of individual children – we create a learning environment specific to them and encourage them to develop.”

She also runs a Family Links service – a nurturing programme aimed at helping families develop positive parenting strategies.

Parents attend weekly sessions at the

school for 10 weeks, with each session focusing on different aspects of parenting.

They have the chance to achieve an accredited Family Links certificate at the end of the programme.

Sharon said:“The Family Links programme has greatly benefited the parents who have been involved so far, having the chance to meet and share experiences and advice with other parents is also hugely beneficial and we’ve received very positive feedback.”

CLASSES CAN ENJOY new playground and outdoor adventure area has been welcomed by pupils and staff at Mill Hill Primary Academy.

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Reception and Year 1 classes can now clamber their way around logs, tunnels and hills and enjoy a tree learning space – a decked area

for quiet time – as well as an outdoor canopy and sandpit.

The canopy is fitted with a Perspex roof and is decorated with animals and flowers, making it an ideal, all-weather learning space.

Building work took place over the summer break and the next phase of playground redevelopment includes two new

climbing zones which will be constructed over the autumn half term.

Teacher Sarah Hulme said: “Both staff and children absolutely love the new facilities – the tree learning space and canopy area allow teachers to take classes out into a fun and different environment to learn.”

Aimee Hodgson and Devon Taylor, both aged four, in a tunnel in the adventure playground.

Rosie Taylor and Thomas Rimmer, both aged four, in the new tree den learning space. They are pictured on a “superhero” fancy dress day.

Ibnah Ali and Oscar Albert, both aged four, on the new bridge feature.

Extra teaching space helps enrich curriculum

Working in the new teaching space at Hillside Primary are Year 6 pupils, left to right, Jasmine Price, Charlie Rider, Leah Edwards and Daniel Cartwright.

A new teaching space has been created at Hillside Primary through the conversion of an external toilet block.

It means a wider range of activities can be offered to help enrich the curriculum.

The new space will also allow for smaller class sizes in some Maths and English lessons, enabling students to work at a pace that is both suitable to them and challenging.

Conversion work took place over the summer break alongside the installation of new furniture in Key Stage Two classrooms and new flooring and furniture in

the hall. Intervention classes – including a English group working on a school newspaper, a friendship group and a personal, social and emotional care group – have already started using the classroom.

Headteacher Karen Schonau said:“The staff are always looking at ways of enriching the curriculum and offering support and intervention and now we have this new space to develop their ideas and make these happen.

“Both children and staff think the space is fantastic and look forward to having the opportunity to use it.”

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Pirates drop anchor in the playground HIVER me timbers – the children and staff of Fenton’s Glebe Academy have all gone Captain Hook now they have their very own pirate ship in the playground.

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It is the last piece in the Never Land-style transformation of the outdoor space at the school which now has a treehouse on stilts, tepees, toadstool seating, benches around the trees and a sports area.

To launch the ship, two parrots flew in for the day as everyone dressed up as pirates and the children enjoyed pirate-themed maths sessions.

Principal Suzanne Oakes-Smith said: “As a school in a heavily built up area we felt it was vital to

develop a safe and engaging outdoor environment with fantastic facilities for outdoor learning and play for our pupils.

“Through close working with Playforce UK over the last 12 months we have transformed our relatively small play space into a focal point of the school. We have developed opportunities for social interaction, imaginative play, and space for more structured learning like reading, circle time and small group work.

“Taking learning outside is crucial within our curriculum. We wanted to create an outdoor space that had the wow factor and be something the children are proud of. We’ve certainly achieved that.”

Year 6 pupil Elle Bain, who is

10, said: “We helped design our outdoor space. We love playing and learning outside and it makes us really proud to be the school with the ship and the tepees.”

AVAST ME HEARTIES: Year 2 Glebe pirates, left to right, Francesca Gater, Lillie O’Neale, Adea Soulaku, Sara Pinches and Dexter Kelsall on board the playground ship.

Pupils fire questions at The Speaker and panelist

Tori-Leigh Cuthbertson and James Horton with a Steelite plate commemorating the official opening of the Speaker’s Corner at the Haywood Sixth Form Academy.

IT was definitely not a case of order, order as a pupil from Smallthorne Primary School took the Speaker of the House of Commons to task over university education charges during his visit to the Haywood Sixth Form Academy.

Showing no sign of nerves and in front of an invited panel that had gathered for the launch of Speaker’s Corner, 11-year-old Tori-Leigh Cuthbertson told the Right Honourable John Bercow MP how excited everyone was about the new sixth form.

Then, as part of Haywood’s own version of Prime Minister’s Questions, she asked him:“I am looking forward to going to Haywood Sixth Form, the next step for me would be university.

Do you think that it is right that I should have to pay for a university education?”

Fellow Smallthorne Year 6 pupil

James Horton, aged 11, was not to be outdone during the question and answer session, asking panelist and local historian Fred Hughes:“As a historian, what are your thoughts on the changes to the town hall.”

Smallthorne Headteacher Chris Crook said:“I was really proud of both our pupils who represented themselves and the school brilliantly.

“Tori-Leigh came up with her question herself and I have to say the Speaker gave an interesting, if impartial, answer.

“I don’t know if it helped Tori-Leigh or James decide what they want to do in the future but I’m pretty sure they’ll both stay in education and I’m hopeful they’ll both attend the Haywood Sixth Form before going on to university.

“The event also gave them an invaluable insight into the British democracy system”

INTERNATIONAL triathlete Jacqui Slack visited Haywood Academy to inspire its students with a motivational talk.

Twenty-five pupils were given the chance to meet the world championship athlete and ask about the secrets to her success. Jacqui, who is 32, grew up in Fegg Hayes and attended James Brindley High School. Her family all still live in Stoke-on-Trent.

She said:“I started out competing very late in life, at the age of 21. I watched some triathlons as a spectator and there were these really incredible, ferocious women there. I decided I wanted to try it myself.”

In 2010 she took a sabbatical from her job with Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service to train professionally.

“I never thought I would get to this stage,” Jacqui said.

“Growing up, I never had a dream. I never thought I had that much talent, but my work ethic conquered everything.”

One of the pupils, keen footballer Monica Johnson, aged 15, of Smallthorne, said: “The advice Jacqui gave me was invaluable. She talked all about how to have the right diet to compete in sports, which really helped.

“I hope to try for a local team soon, so it’s nice to have a mentor there to show you it is possible.”

Picture courtesy of The Sentinel

International triathlete says a strong work ethic can be key to success

Stoke-on-Trent’s world-class triathlete Jacqui Slack pictured with students during her visit to the Haywood Academy.

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Sports project

Smallthorne Primary pupils Raymond Sapezaka and Kiara Wakefield take part in the mixed activity sports session delivered by Haywood Academy PE teachers.

is win,win M

ORE primary school children are enjoying the buzz of sport thanks to one-hour sessions provided by the PE team at Haywood Academy.

Delivered twice a week at their own schools,Year 1 to 6 pupils at Smallthorne Primary and Mill Hill Primary Academy were the first to benefit when the initiative was launched for City Learning Trust partners last year.

Now the PE curriculum has

been extended to Holden Lane Primary where children are also having fun while learning new skills as they take part in rounders, hockey, football and netball.

The sessions are delivered by Haywood Academy Head of PE Paul Rutter and his staff of 10. He said: “It’s great that we’re able to offer PE to our primary school partners and we took on an extra two staff so we could deliver the increase in primary hours.

“We ask the schools involved to budget for some equipment and we then provide the sessions to fill the gap in their curriculum.

“It’s great for the kids involved as they benefit from our expertise and they get to have a healthy learning experience. It’s win, win all round.”

The same can be said for pupils at Haywood Academy itself where pupils are busy taking part in football competitions, enjoying Futsal sessions and getting down to cross country.

Haywood Academy Head of PE Paul Rutter with Smallthorne Primary pupils Sophie Powell, Fletcher Roden and Armani Hammond, all aged eight.

£500,000 national funding to boost outdoor playing pitches and facilities

Jimmi Khan, left, and Jazib Kamran, both aged 11, will be among the many students to benefit from the improved outdoor playing field facilities.

HAYWOOD Academy has secured a £500,000 share of National Lottery funding from Sport England that will help improve facilities and playing fields across the country.

The proposed Haywood Academy Sports Centre includes a new, competition-approved hockey pitch, and a new under-13s size football pitch. Improvements to existing facilities will include a 200-metre track for athletics, a new cricket pitch and a football pitch with improved drainage.

The sporting facilities will complement the existing indoor sports hall, with its dance studio, gym and changing facilities that were developed in 2012.

In addition to the funding from Sport England, the City Learning Trust will also contribute approximately £250,000 to provide the outstanding sports facilities.

They will benefit 3,000 people from schools and local clubs with the aim of encouraging wider community participation in an increasing number of sports.

Carl Ward, City Learning Trust Chief Executive, said:“This is the first

competition approved hockey pitch in the city.

“It gives us the opportunity to nurture sporting talent in the city from primary school children as young as five up to sixth formers. We want to create a thriving sports hub and to provide a facility that will open up access for the community.

“Our aim is to increase the general well being of members of our local community by setting up a variety of

Codie Machin, left, and Emily Salmon, both aged 11, are looking forward to the development of competition-standard hockey pitch at Haywood Academy. activities that are fun and which either get people back into playing sport or into it for the first time.

“Many clubs and societies in the local community already make use of our existing facilities and we’re hoping that the state-of-the-art sports hub will attract even more local people and new clubs and societies.”