Dear Colleagues,
As we approach the final week before half term, it’s inspiring to reflect on the dedication and collaboration that continue to define our Trust community. There’s a real sense of momentum and purpose across our schools, with colleagues coming together to share expertise and drive positive change.
On Monday, staff from across the Trust participated in a focused and energising RWInc Training session on phonics delivery. The training reinforced key strategies for effective teaching and assessment, while providing practical tools to support consistency and impact in the classroom. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to the lively discussions.
Tuesday’s SENDCo Network meeting offered a valuable opportunity for colleagues to connect, share best practices, and discuss challenges and updates around SEND provision. The session encouraged thoughtful dialogue on inclusive strategies, upcoming statutory changes, and collaborative approaches to supporting learners with additional needs. Thank you to all who contributed to strengthening our collective understanding and impact.
Our ITT trainees continued their journey of professional growth on Wednesday with another enriching training session. The focus was on practical strategies for effective teaching and learning, with opportunities for reflection, collaboration, and skill-building. Their enthusiasm and commitment are truly inspiring as they prepare to make a meaningful difference in our classrooms.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended the ResearchED Cornwall event last Saturday, and to our brilliant colleagues who presented and shared their expertise. Special recognition goes to Amy Pearce, Naveed Khan, Pete Spreadborough, and Scott Davies for delivering insightful sessions that sparked meaningful conversations and showcased the depth of talent across our Trust. Your contributions highlighted best practice and reinforced our commitment to evidence-informed teaching and collaboration. We’re proud to see our team leading the way in shaping educational thinking!
This week, we were delighted to welcome Alice Harrison, MFL Subject Lead at Oak National Academy, to Coombe Dean School as part of a research visit exploring how Oak’s MFL resources are being adapted and implemented in classrooms. The day was filled with insightful conversations, classroom observations, and collaborative reflection on best practice in language teaching. It was a pleasure to showcase the creativity and commitment of our staff, and we look forward to continuing this exciting partnership.
Last week, several of our primary schools took part in an inspiring event hosted by DDMIX for Schools, Place2Be, and Theatre Royal Plymouth. The day was a resounding success, bringing together pupils and staff for a memorable celebration of movement, wellbeing, and the arts. The excitement began with Dame Darcey Bussell DBE leading a high-energy DDMIX dance workshop, followed by an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Theatre Royal Plymouth, sparking creativity and curiosity about the wide range of skills and careers in the world of theatre. With primary schools from across the Trust involved, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Pupils and staff alike left feeling inspired, energised, and grateful for the opportunity to take part. Special thanks go to Nathan Kemp for helping to facilitate this fantastic experience for our pupils—together, we are committed to giving them the very best opportunities in life.
We’re proud to celebrate that our Executive Director of Geography, Nicola Dowling, has written a dedicated chapter on assessment in the newly published book What is Geography Teaching, Now?. This comprehensive guide explores over 40 key aspects of geography education—from everyday essentials like pedagogy and resources to contemporary challenges such as environmental education and decolonising the curriculum. Co-authors Catherine Owen and Jennifer Monk have curated insights from experienced practitioners, including our own, to tackle complex topics with clarity and depth. The chapter on assessment offers practical strategies, reflective questions, and valuable resources—making this an essential read for geography teachers at every stage of their careers.
As Nicola begins her maternity leave, we’d also like to wish her all the very best. Her leadership, expertise, and commitment to geography education have been hugely appreciated across the Trust. We hope this special time brings her plenty of joy, rest, and wonderful new memories. We look forward to welcoming Nicola back soon.
If you’re interested in promoting diversity and inclusion within WeST—at Central Office or in schools—please consider joining the Diversity Reference Group launching in the New Year. To express your interest, please email admin@westst.org.uk.
As we approach the conclusion of the KS4 and KS5 data checking exercise, we eagerly anticipate the national publication of provisional results, likely next week. These results will not only validate the hard work of our Trust colleagues but also highlight our leadership in addressing educational disadvantage in the South West, evidenced by the significant improvement in our disadvantaged students' outcomes. This progress is already garnering local and national attention for all the right reasons. Most importantly, we know these achievements are enhancing life chances for our young people, aligning with our mission: "Empowering children to impact positively on society".
Wishing everyone a restful weekend as we head into the final week of Term 1!
Best wishes,
Nat Parnell
Deputy CEO
Coombe Dean School are seeking to appoint an Apprentice Teaching Assistant. 