{item_alt_tag}

I open this penultimate edition of the ‘Whistle’ to celebrate your achievements with our primary aged children. 

At the start of the year, we set ourselves ambitious goals of ensuring that 92% of our Year 1 pupils met the expected standard in the Phonics Screening Check (PSC) and 72% of our Year 6 pupils achieved the expected standard in KS2 SAT’s in Reading, Writing and Mathematics. These goals were aligned with our vision of providing high-quality education for all our learners and enabling them to progress with confidence and competence to the next stage of their education and beyond. 

I am delighted to announce that we have met our PSC goal and achieved 71% of our collective Year 6 cohort meeting the KS2 expected combined RWM standard. This is a phenomenal achievement, especially in light of the challenges and uncertainties that we have faced throughout the year. The national average for 2024 is 61%, so our outcomes are 10% above the national, which is fantastic. This reflects the hard work, resilience, and excellence of our children and staff. 

Last week I was privileged to meet with Sir Kevan Collins who has become a non-executive board member at the Department for Education, to fulfil his new role as school standards adviser. Sir Kevan spoke of the government’s desire to further raise standards and create a bright future for all children.  

We are also pleased to announce an exciting new collaborative project between WeST and two other high-performing trusts in the South West, aimed at enhancing the quality of education across our secondary schools. This initiative focuses on the development of Vice Principals (VPs) who will oversee the critical Quality of Education strand. This groundbreaking programme promises to be a significant step forward in our commitment to educational excellence and leadership development.

On 10 July, we successfully launched the Quality of Education Deputy Development Partnership at WeST HQ. The launch day was filled with keynote presentations from our CEO, Rob Haring, Deputy CEO, Nat Parnell, Lucy Gambier, Executive Principal at CELT and Doug O'Brien, Vice Principal at Penrice Academy. The day began with engaging introductions and a reflective leadership task that allowed delegates to assess their strengths and areas for development. The excitement was palpable as participants began their journey on this pioneering programme.

A core element of this initiative is the opportunity for delegates to visit and learn from each other's schools, witnessing excellence in action. The programme includes six conference days spread over the year, each hosted by a different high-performing school within the partner trusts. These visits are designed to provide real-world insights into effective curriculum development, learning behaviours, and rapid school improvement. Highlights include sessions on curriculum strategy at Penrice Academy, behaviour systems at Ivybridge Community College, and outcome improvement at Uffculme School.

This collaborative effort not only aims to develop the leadership skills of our aspiring VPs but also to foster a professional network amongst educators. The delegates will work closely together, sharing best practices and building relationships that will strengthen their professional support systems. The importance of these connections cannot be overstated, as they provide a valuable resource for ongoing professional development and collective problem-solving.

As we embark on the first year of the course, the enthusiasm amongst delegates and leaders alike is a testament to the potential of this programme. We are confident that the experiences and insights gained will significantly enhance the quality of education in our schools. Watch this space as this exciting project unfolds, and our future leaders emerge, equipped with the skills and knowledge to drive excellence in education.

Best wishes,

Rob Haring

CEO

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Surfs up for WeST Schools! 

All primary schools at WeST were invited to take part in a watersports' celebration event at Bigbury beach. Pupils from Woodford, Woodlands Park, Sherford, Stowford, Yealmpton and Glen Park took part in this exciting event. On arrival at the beach, the children were placed into two groups. One group was beach based, while the second group were required to get into wetsuits and collect their boards.

The beach-based group took part in beach football, a competitive game on the sand. The teams were 5 a side and were able to show off their skills and adapt to this sand-based version of the game.

The children were also challenged to build the highest tower they could out of sand. This led to a highly competitive event with all children participating in a sand race to see who could get the highest point first.

Finally, the children were required to put their strength to the test in a tug of war competition. This was a competition that was fiercely fought by both groups of children.

The children who were water based were able to take part in a surf lesson which was enjoyed by all. Children were kitted out with the latest equipment and were able to put their core skills to the test. Many developed in confidence as the session progressed. By the end of the session, many of the children were able to stand up and catch a wave.

A big thank you to all schools who made the time and effort to take part. The children and staff had an amazing time and developed their confidence alongside new skills. We hope to see more of you next year at this inspirational event.

Supportive Attendance Training

We had a fantastic session on Supportive Attendance Meetings delivered by one of our Education Welfare Officers here at WeST this week.

'We all have a responsibility to raise the profile of attendance to ensure we improve the life chances of all our children.'

{item_alt_tag}
{item_alt_tag}

Jump Back Up July 2024

{item_alt_tag}

Recruitment update:

We are delighted to inform you of the following exciting career opportunities within our Trust:

   Eggbuckland Community College is looking to appoint Casual Exam Invigilators - As an invigilator, you will assist examination staff with their examination processes. This activity may include setting up examination venues by laying out stationery, equipment and examination papers in accordance with strict procedures. For more information on the above vacancy please click here. Closing date: 9 January 2025.

Plymstock School is looking to fill the following vacancies:

Senior IT Technician - As Senior Technician, you will support the use of ICT within the school environment through maintenance of ICT software, hardware and related equipment, and providing support to staff and pupils to ensure administration and learning outcomes are maximised. Closing date: 12 July 2024.

Behaviour Leader - The post holder will lead and manage the school’s day-to-day behaviour processes, practices and resources, which includes; the behaviour team, the behaviour rooms, behaviour systems, and the preparation of behaviour management information and monitoring data to identify trends. Closing date: 15 July 2024.

Assistant Head of Year - The Assistant Head will effectively manage the day to day pastoral provision with the aim of every child fulfilling their potential.  The successful candidate will support a Head of Year, promoting a positive ethos which sets high standards and expectations with regards to learning, behaviour, welfare, attendance, personal development and achievement. Closing date: 15 July 2024.

Receptionist - To act as the first point of call for all school visitors and callers. To welcome visitors and direct as appropriate and to manage all telephone calls and queries, re-directing as appropriate. Provide a caring and efficient first aid service to students who are unwell or injured whilst at school. Closing Date: 15 July 2024.

IT Technician (Level 2) - The successful candidate will respond and resolve problems relating to hardware and software and be the first point of contact between system users and the Network Team.  A good working knowledge of Office 2016 and Office 365 is essential. Closing Date: 15 July 2024. 

SEND Team Leader - In addition to the role of Teaching Assistant, the Team Leader will hold weekly team meetings with their year group team to monitor and track the progress of SEND students.  The Team Leader will work collaboratively with the SENDCo and Teaching staff in the management and preparation of resources and will provide support for students, encouraging them to become independent learners. Closing Date: 15 July 2024. 

Design & Technology Technician - The successful candidate will prepare all equipment and resources for lessons across the curriculum and contribute to the development of prep room practice.  They will maintain and check equipment, keeping record checks of any necessary maintenance required and provide teachers with a range of technical support to deliver the Design and Technology curriculum. Closing Date: 15 July 2024. 

Cover & Behaviour Inclusion Supervisor - The successful candidate will work alongside the Cover Manager, Behaviour Lead and the Heads of Year, with a focus on supporting students, particularly those who are identified as having barriers to their learning and progress.  Closing Date: 15 July 2024. 

For more information on the above vacancies please click here.

 Westcountry Schools Trust is looking to appoint an HR Advisor- As an advisor you will provide high quality, competitive, commercially aware and cost-effective HR advisory and support services across a portfolio of schools, contributing to the continuous improvement of people-related practices, which support the delivery of Trust strategic aims. For more information on the above vacancy please click here. Closing date: 22 July 2024.