July 2021 www.whitefield.org.uk @WhitefieldTrust
Whitefield Academy Trust
TRUST NEWS A Message from our Chief Executive What a year it has been! I am incredibly grateful to our pupils, staff, families, Trustees, as well as our partners in the Local Authority, the NHS and Department for Education for the ongoing support they have shown us over the past year. It is only through these constructive and positive partnerships that we are able to meet the needs of all our pupils. Thanks to the commitment of our staff and the robust social distancing and hygiene measures we have put in place, our schools have been able to remain open throughout this academic year. As always, the safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff remains at the heart of everything we do and we will continue to follow the guidance and advice we receive. This term we welcomed several new members of staff to Whitefield Academy Trust. In April, Jo Conduit joined as our Chief Operating Officer and in June we welcomed Rachel Rai as our Associate Principal at Whitefield School. In addition, Chadia Filali-Moutei has taken up the role of Executive Principal across Whitefield and Joseph Clarke Schools, creating more opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of best practice. Our schools have celebrated many accomplishments this year. One standout achievement was Joseph Clarke School receiving the national Quality Mark standard in both its primary and secondary phases, recognising the quality of the school’s English and maths provision. Gaining this quality mark requires schools to demonstrate the very highest standards of teaching provision and to have achieved this whilst meeting the challenges of Covid is no mean feat. Congratulations to the entire Joseph Clarke School team on this excellent achievement! Despite the restrictions of Covid, pupils have enjoyed taking part in a range of enriching initiatives, including Green Week, the Daily Mile and many creative arts opportunities. Likewise, our staff have participated in a variety of personal and professional development opportunities, including workshops on mental health, safeguarding and wellbeing. Earlier this term, we were pleased to be re-appointed by the London Borough of Waltham Forest to deliver specialist educational outreach services to all mainstream schools and colleges across the borough. We are very proud of the role we play within Waltham Forest and we look forward to supporting more children and young people with SEND. In the new academic year, we will be embarking on some exciting new projects kindly supported by Whitefield Development Trust. At Whitefield School, we will be
developing a Post 16 learning space where our pupils will be able to strengthen their Everyday Living and World of Work knowledge and skills. At Joseph Clarke School, we will be building a special outdoor classroom giving pupils a unique learning space to develop important life skills. As you will read, Project SEARCH East London has had another excellent year. Our interns have thrived through their placements and made a significant contribution to Whipps Cross Hospital during the Covid-19 pandemic. Based on its continued success, we are delighted that from September 2022, we will start running the Project at St Bartholomew’s Hospital. This expansion will allow even more young people with SEND to gain the experience and confidence they need to enter paid employment. As we approach the summer holiday, I would again like to thank you all for your continued support this academic year. I hope you have a fantastic summer break and are able to make the most of everything our local community has to offer, whether it’s by making a visit to the Walthamstow Wetlands, taking a trip to Brooks Farm or having a look round William Morris Gallery. I look forward to welcoming you back to school in September. Best wishes, Kirstie Fulthorpe Chief Executive Officer
The Daily Mile - drawing by one of our students
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Whitefield Academy Trust - our Commitment
At Whitefield Academy Trust we are committed to fostering diverse and inclusive communities where our pupils and staff are able to thrive and fulfil their full potential. As a Trust that serves pupils with SEND, inclusion underpins everything we do. Guided by our ethos of enjoyment, achievement and wellbeing for all, we believe that every pupil deserves an education that is right for them and we pride ourselves on creating a bespoke curriculum that meets each pupils’ needs, interests and aspirations.
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Likewise, we are committed to achieving equality, diversity and inclusion amongst our staff. We offer a range of family-friendly employment policies, flexible working arrangements and staff engagement forums, alongside exceptional personal and professional development opportunities.
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We are proud to have created close-knit, supportive communities in which everyone is valued, admired and celebrated, and which champion individuality, kindness and ambition.
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All our schools are expected to: • • •
Eliminate any unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation; Advance equality of opportunity; Foster positive relations between individuals and teams.
Additionally, across the Trust we aim to meet our obligations under the Equality Act 2010. In respect of our pupils, this means we strive to: •
Provide a personalised curriculum where all pupils can make progress, whatever their starting point and whatever their disability;
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Support all pupils to feel cared for and valued and encourage them to treat other people with care and respect; Provide a range of learning activities and resources which are relevant and interesting to all pupils; Celebrate the diversity of our community and support pupils to learn about the community around them; Encourage those pupils who can do so to recognise and challenge unfairness and discrimination.
In respect of our staff, this means we strive to: •
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Build a workforce at all levels which reflects our community; Treat all staff equally, fairly and with respect, whatever their role and whether they are temporary, part-time or full-time; Create a working environment free of bullying, harassment, victimisation and unlawful discrimination, promoting dignity and respect for all; Ensure that individual differences and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued; Provide all staff with access to high-quality continued professional development which meets their needs; Ensure that all staff have opportunities to progress in their career, with decisions based on merit; Oppose and avoid all forms of unlawful discrimination. This includes in pay and benefits, terms and conditions of employment, dealing with grievances and discipline, dismissal, redundancy, leave for parents, requests for flexible working, and selection for employment, promotion, training or other developmental opportunities.
Whitefield School
Our pupils and staff at Whitefield School have had a busy and exciting Summer Term. Taking advantage of the easing of Lockdown restrictions, pupils have enjoyed a variety of educational visits where they have had the opportunity to reacquaint themselves with our local community and outdoor spaces. In preparation for the new academic year, we have been reviewing our curriculum so that our pupils continue to receive a high-quality, knowledge-rich curriculum that not only motivates and interests them but also provides them with the skills they need to move on to the next stage of their education and lives.
school buildings. We are investing in new resources and brightening up our rooms to ensure that our pupils benefit from the best possible learning environments.
Alongside this, our site services team as well as our classroom staff have been working very hard this term to improve our learning spaces in and around our
Chadia Filali-Moutei Executive Principal of Whitefield and Joseph Clarke Schools
We look forward to continuing to share our exciting curriculum developments with you in the new academic year.
One Curriculum, Four Pathways At Whitefield Academy Trust we place our pupils at the centre of everything we do. This means taking the time to get to know each child’s ambitions, interests and needs and designing a bespoke curriculum that enables each pupil to make the progress that is right for them. Through our flexible curriculum pathways
1 Climbing Up
and our creative enrichment programmes, we seek to give pupils the skills and knowledge they need now and in the future. We want every pupil to benefit from an engaging, rewarding and enjoyable school experience which fully prepares them for the next stage of their education and lives.
1 Reaching Out
An academic curriculum with provision for specialist needs
Students in Key Stages 3 and 4 establish the skills and knowledge they need for the world of work and adulthood
A sensory curriculum for life and learning
Pupils with profound and complex needs learn through consistent routines, sensory experiences and interaction with adults
Reaching Out Achievements
Climbing Up achievements
One curriculum, four pathways
Wellbeing, Spirituality, Creativity
Personalised accredited courses as appropriate to age and individual needs ◆ Accreditation through Entry levels, Functional Skills, BTECs or GCSEs as appropriate ◆ Placement in mainstream settings based on subject strength ◆ Life skills Key Stage 3 - ASDAN Key Steps ◆ Life Skills Key Stage 4 – Personal & Social Development
Achieving a well-rounded healthy life through PHSE, RSE, Sports, D&T and Art
One curriculum, four pathways
through modules in these courses:
Creative Development
◆ Key Stage 3 - ASDAN New Horizons ◆ Key Stage 4 – ASDAN Transition Challenge ◆ All Key Stages as appropriate – Arts Award
Social & Emotional Development
Using senses to explore, create and make positive use of leisure time
Experiencing life within the school community, responding to other people and sharing activities with them
Communication & Interaction
Core Subjects
Academic success through individualised programmes in English, Maths, Science and Computing
World of Work
Developing skills and aspirations to achieve student’s potential and succeed in the world of work
Students are launched on their voyage of discovery and also accredited
Expressing feelings, making choices and building positive relationships
Everyday Living
Physical Development
Developing physical skills through which students can control and explore their environment
Developing independence skills & helping students make good decisions about their daily lives
Exploring & Ordering the World
Developing an awareness of the world through sensory exploration
1 Stepping On
1 Taking Off
An exploratory curriculum for life and learning
Learning through play and leisure, exploration, practical activities and community involvement
Equipping Post-16 students for their future.
Learning and consolidating skills to prepare for work and purposeful occupation in their adult lives
Stepping On Achieveme
One curriculum, four pathways Social & Emotional Development
◆ Children in Key Stage 1 and 2 will complete SATs and the National Phonics Test if appropriate ◆ Key Stage 3 - ASDAN New Horizons ◆ Key Stage 4 – ASDAN Transition Challenge ◆ All Key Stages as appropriate – Arts Award
Taking Off Achievements
One curriculum, four pathways
Accredited qualifications through these courses:
Creative Development
Understanding place, time & community to make sense of the world around them
Developing emotional literacy to help students cope with the everchanging world
Communication Language & Literacy
Using speech, sign, symbols and print and to enjoy Science interacting with Computing Developing curiosity other people Using technology in and learning about the a safe and positive way natural world by observing, within leisure and investigating and learning activities experimenting
Core Subjects
Understanding the World
Social, Emotional & Mental Wellbeing
Expressing themselves and developing their identities through individual and group activities
Respecting diversity and playing an active role as members of the school community and as citizens
Expressing themselves and developing skills through the creative arts
◆ ASDAN Towards Independence Certificates ◆ Edexcel BTEC Unit Awards ◆ GCSE subjects ◆ ASDAN Employability Level 1 Qualifications
Creativity and Spirituality
Building the foundations of academic achievement
Physical Development
Developing fine and gross motor skills and establishing a sense of health and wellbeing
World of Work
Developing work skills in the classroom, around the school or in the community.
Language Literacy & Numeracy
Every Day Living
Maths
Exploring the world, problem solving and gaining mathematical understanding to use inside the classroom and beyond
Supporting students to live at home and in the community, taking as much control of their adult lives as they can
Expanding functional skills in class and community settings
Margaret Brearley
Peter Turner Primary
LEARNING ABOUT THE NATURAL WORLD
PUPILS SHOWCASE THEIR CREATIVITY AND IMAGINATION
School
At Margaret Brearley School, our learning topic this term has been ‘Growing and Changing’ which has given our pupils the opportunity to learn more about the environment around them.
School
Since national restrictions have eased, our pupils have been enjoying trips to the park as well as to our school allotment – there is so much to learn in nature!
It has been great to hear and see the classrooms in Margaret Brearley School fill with a range of fun, educational activities. Some classes have explored the sensory aspects of the natural world through sensory stories and art activities. Other classes have participated in exciting outdoor activities, including visits to the allotment and sensory garden to explore and plant new seedlings.
This term, pupils have enjoyed our focus on reading; they have been engaging with books, stories and have even been re-enacting scenes involving their favourite characters. They have also been producing some fantastic work and secured some incredible achievements, which we have celebrated around the school on our colourful and artistic wall displays.
Pupils have proudly shared their achievements and learning on our wall displays, showcasing their artwork, early writing skills and shared engagement.
I am hugely grateful to everyone in our teams at Peter Turner Primary and their ongoing commitment to delivering the very best education to our pupils.
Marize Lawson Headteacher
Dr Evelina Dimopoulou Vice Principal
Niels Chapman Niels Chapman School Secondary School
Joseph Clarke School
SUMMER OF ACHIEVEMENT
KEEPING ACTIVE
Our Summer Term got off to a busy start with pupils working hard at their Entry Levels in English and maths. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing S9’s excellent presentations for their speaking and listening components.
This term, our pupils have been taking part in a range of activities to get them moving and encouraging them to lead an active lifestyle.
Each pupil chose an interesting place from around the world to research and answer questions about. I found Alvin’s presentation about Ghana particularly fascinating. Our pupils in Years 9, 11 and 14 have also been working hard on their ASDAN qualifications which they have now successfully completed. Well done to all on the dedication they have shown to their learning! Another highlight of our Summer Term was Green Week. Pupils from across the school took part in virtual falconry sessions, made bug hotels and planted herbs, seeds and flowers around the school site. Green Week also launched the start of our exciting work towards becoming an Eco School. Our Student Council has been particularly involved in our ecoactivities. Here, Year 9 pupil and Student Council member Feyza Zorlu tells us about the work they have been doing: “This term, Student Council has been working hard on the Eco Award with our class teacher, Hollie. We have been looking at how to make our school a greener, more environmentally friendly place. “Secondly, we have been discussing how to upgrade the playground with new equipment such as benches and tables, scooters, footballs and gym equipment. We think the playground will get better. Jaden from S5 is really pleased to be working with senior leaders to make improvements. “Finally, we have been talking about lunchtime clubs, such as learning an instrument or a new language, because we know how important it is to learn new skills.” As we prepare to say goodbye to our Year 14 leavers, I would like to take this opportunity to wish them all the very best as they transition to their new colleges and social care placements. I am looking forward to seeing them continue to go from strength to strength – just as they have during their time with us! Kayleigh Hardy Acting Vice Principal
Most of our classes have been taking part in our “Daily Dash”. As part of this, pupils have been completing short outdoor circuits everyday which has helped to raise their activity levels and allow them to benefit from the fresh air. The sessions have been a huge success and pupils have enjoyed having these movement breaks between lessons – it helps when sunshine enhances the fun too! This Daily Dash initiative follows our participation in the Daily Mile at the start of the term, where we joined pupils at Whitefield School in walking one mile around the local community. It was fantastic to see pupils across Whitefield Academy Trust join together and show support for one another. Our pupils have also had the opportunity to take part in some dance and movement sessions. These sessions are linked to the school’s work towards the Artsmark Award and are part of a mini project to develop creative expression in our pupils. At the end of term, we welcomed MBilla Arts to Joseph Clarke School – a local organisation which promotes African art forms as a means of developing positive health and well-being. They led some exciting drumming workshops and drama sessions for our pupils. Lorraine Boyse Deputy Headteacher
Whitefield
Professional Development Centre WHITEFIELD ACADEMY TRUST RE-APPOINTED TO DELIVER SPECIALIST OUTREACH SERVICES IN WALTHAM FOREST Earlier this term, we were delighted to announce that Whitefield Academy Trust has been re-appointed by the London Borough of Waltham Forest to deliver specialist educational outreach services to mainstream schools across the borough. Through these services, we will continue to work with pupils in mainstream schools giving them the strategies and tools they need to access the curriculum. We will also be advising school leaders on their whole-school SEND strategies and will give tailored advice and support to families. Our ICT Specialists will work with schools and families to recommend any assistive technology that will help pupils with their learning both at school and home.
service. We look forward to building on this relationship over the coming years as we continue to open up the world for children and young people across the borough and give them the opportunity to thrive within a mainstream environment.
With a similar approach to SEND provision, we have built a strong and constructive relationship with colleagues in Waltham Forest’s Education Department and SEND
Alex Stainton Manager, SENDsuccess
Jo Fitzsimons Acting Head of the Professional Development Centre
MORE EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROJECT SEARCH INTERNS Over the past few months, our interns have been enjoying their third rotation at Whipps Cross Hospital. During this rotation, interns have focused on their individual employment pathways, with two interns having already secured paid employment working in Ultrasound and GP X-ray! Likewise, as testament to his hard work and commitment, one of our interns, Padraic, got the opportunity to spend a month in the Main Stores Department at Newham University Hospital. There he was able to experience an entirely new environment, workplace and team. As our programme continues to go from strength to strength, the number of placement options we can offer our interns continues to grow. New placements include in Orthotics, Deceased Holding Unit, Eye Treatment Centre, Groundsmen, Endoscopy, Pharmacy and Ultrasound. From September 2022 we will also be extending our programme to St Bartholomew’s Hospital, giving even more young people with SEND the opportunity to benefit from all Project SEARCH has to offer.
“Project SEARCH has taught me so many new skills such as team work, problem solving and multi-tasking and I am so much more confident and independent. I also find it much easier to adapt to new situations.”
If you wish to learn more about Project SEARCH or how to join our cohort beginning in September 2021, please visit our website www.projectsearch.org.uk.
“My job coaches have been fantastic and have given me so much support and encouragement throughout the year. They are with me every step of the way and I know I can always go to them with any problem – however big or small.”
Janet Wingate-Whyte Project Manager at Project SEARCH
Nishat Islam Project SEARCH Intern
The Sound of Painting Arts continue to flourish at Whitefield School with various projects completing successfully and some upcoming events to look out for. This term, the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO) provided some excellent virtual music workshops for our schools. Pupils were delighted to meet the musicians over a four-week period and learn about a range of instruments, including violins, trombones and clarinets. Staff were very positive about the LSO project and eager to invite them back again. We have also continued to work closely with the Barbican who provided some sensory resources called ‘Blocks on the move’. In addition, pupils enjoyed watching and discussing the special poetry film ‘Dream Fragments’ by artist Natasia Patel which formed part of the Barbican’s ‘Subject to Change: New Horizons’ commission. At the end of June, we held a successful Virtual Arts Week to coincide with International Week. As well as taking part in many culturally diverse arts workshops online, pupils completed a Process Art and Music project. Taking inspiration from the music they were listening to, pupils employed their creativity and imagination to create some brilliant pieces of artwork. These pieces were shared at the school entrance on Hale End Road. As we approach the end of term we will sadly be saying goodbye to this year’s Music therapy Trainees from Anglia Ruskin University. Despite the complexities of Covid-19 restrictions, Syirona, Froso and Peter have done an excellent job working in Niels Chapman School and Peter Turner Primary to ensure all pupils continue to have access to music therapy. We are very grateful for their hard work and wish them the best of luck with the remainder of their studies. Next term, our arts calendar is already starting to fill up with activities. One particularly exciting opportunity is the work we will be doing with Drake Music, a renowned music technology organisation who work with adults with special needs. Pupils will get the chance to take part in their new music and ecology project, Planted Symphony. As part of this, Highams Park will become a musical installation space and will feature music composed by celebrated artists with special needs. Peter Whelan Senior Music Therapist/Expressive Arts Co-ordinator
Early Years Pupils Move on to Their Next Stage In what has been a very different year for us all, our Early Years pupils have continued to smile, work hard and enjoy their play throughout. We are also working very hard on our independent and learning skills in preparation for Year 1. Alongside this we are working through our transition programme which will see our pupils spending time in the Key Stage 1 learning spaces such as the adventure playground, sports hall and classrooms so that they can spend time with familiar faces whilst getting to know new teachers and friends in a relaxed atmosphere. A lot of work has also been going on behind the scenes working on the curriculum development for now and September when the new EYFS framework will become statutory. The new framework will continue with the seven areas of learning whilst the revised content in these areas will be enriched and more specific to ensure improved outcomes for all children. There will also be a strong focus on strengthening language and vocabulary development and improving literacy and numeracy outcomes. It has been wonderful to work so closely with Caron Keeley, who is the EYFS lead at Joseph Clarke School, to develop the curriculum consistently across the Trust. It has also been very exciting to be making plans for development in the garden and playground in PTP Early Years. The site services team have been working very closely with us to ensure that our pupils have a fun, stimulating and safe environment in which to explore and learn. Watch this space and we will share some photographs of our new and improved learning areas! It has been a pleasure to see them progress over the past year and, although we will be very sad to see them go, we know that they will all continue to enjoy, achieve and settle well within their new class in Key Stage 1. We wish them all the best of luck! Angeline Evans EYFS and Family Support Manager
Post 16 ‘Taking Off’ Once More This term, our Post 16 teams have been working hard to review and revise the Taking Off curriculum. Through this, our aim has been to ensure the curriculum has a renewed focus on everyday living and work skills and considers how our learning spaces can better reflect functional learning. At Niels Chapman School, the Summer Term ASDAN module has appropriately been Business Enterprise. Classes have taken on a wide range of projects, including car washing and soap-making, with all proceeds shared between Friends of Whitefield and our nominated charities. This term also marks the completion of our first preinternships in partnership with Mencap. 13 students based in the college class have benefitted from one-to-one and group support to help them prepare for work.
Some students have also enjoyed work experience including at OrganicLea. With this early support from Mencap, our aim is to ensure more of our students are able to take up internships with Mencap or with Project SEARCH. Melanie Hall Post 16 Leader
Summer Term 2021
Autumn Term 2021
Term ends: 22nd July 2021
Inset Day: 2nd Sep 2021 Inset Day: 3rd Sep 2021 First Day of Term: 6th Sep 2021 Inset Day: 22nd Oct 2021 Half Term: 25th Oct 2021 - 29th Oct 2021 Last Day of Term: 17th Dec 2021 Winter Holidays: 20th Dec 2021 - 4th Jan 2022
Contacts Whitefield School Macdonald Road, Walthamstow London E17 4AZ Tel no. 020 8531 3426 Email: enquiries@whitefield.waltham.sch.uk Safeguarding Concerns Email: safeguarding@whitefield.waltham.sch.uk
Joseph Clarke School Vincent Road, Highams Park, London E4 9PP Tel no. 020 8523 4833 Email: school@josephclarke.waltham.sch.uk