Big Move 3: Civic Leadership

At WAT, it matters to us deeply that all children thrive, not just those in the WAT family. We understand that schools and students thrive best when communities do and that is why we place great importance on establishing our schools as anchors in their communities.

In 2022, we embarked on a trust-wide project to get to know our communities better. We carried out ‘tear downs’ of each of our school communities to identify where our communities’ needs and strengths are - and who the key civic partners are. We held listening groups with members of our local communities to gather their views and insights - and we asked every child in our schools, KS2 and above, where they spend their time when they’re not in school. This powerful research is now shaping our approach. to civic leadership across our family.

Our 2022 ‘Civic’ Highlights:

• Colley Lane Primary Academy pupils were proud to take part in their local Remembrance Day Parade in November

• Children at Tenterfields Primary Academy took part in Barnardo’s Big Toddle raising almost £250 of much-needed funds for the charity

• Cheslyn Hay Academy students raised a massive £2,428 for Comic Relief and The British Red Cross Humanitarian Fund through non-school uniform donations, bake sales and a tombola organised by our Aspire Sixth Form students

• Students at Kingswinford Academy made a record-breaking donation to the Black Country Food Bank equating to 1,722 meals, providing a family of four up to three meals a day for nearly six months

• At Christmas, pupils at Manor Way Primary Academy dressed up as elves for National Elf Service Day to support the Black Country

We’re an Armed Forces Friendly Employer

In March 2022, we pledged our support to the armed forces community by signing the Armed Forces Covenant. This commitment ensures that those who serve or who have served in the armed forces, and their families, are treated with fairness and respect.

We employ a number of armed forces veterans and reservists and support the armed forces through various activities, including national events and cadet organisations. Our commitment to the armed forces community is making a positive difference for the communities we serve.