Gardner's World, TSAT Trust

It has been a busy start to the new academic year for teachers and non-teaching staff across the Thinking Schools Academy Trust, but what a vibrant Term One we have seen!

Already, there have been many success stories shared. From the launch of Little Eaters at Furzeham Primary School in Devon to the celebrations taking place at Little Thinkers Portsmouth due to their recent expansion, I'm proud of all that has been achieved. Staff and students at Goodwin Academy discussed with BBC news the importance of enrichment opportunities and their support of the English Heritage Appeal, while The Victory Academy celebrated their eighth Victory Day, an annual event honouring the year the school opened its doors.

Throughout October, schools from across our Trust have come together to mark Black History Month for our first We Are One event of the year. We recognise that our Trust serves a diverse range of communities; by celebrating Black History Month, we foster an inclusive culture for all and share a deep appreciation for everyone's story. The theme for 2023 has been 'Saluting Our Sisters', which focuses on the crucial role black women have played in shaping history, inspiring change and building communities.

James has been working within The Thinking School's Academy Trust for just over one year as an Assistant Headteacher for Digital Learning at The Portsmouth Academy (TPA). James continues to work at TPA two days a week but also now works as the Trust Lead for Digital Learning.

He has a wealth of experience, which include working as Head of Sixth form at a school in Dubai, where he opened the brand new Sixth Form and used technology to enhance students' education.

James is passionate about enhancing teaching and accelerating learning through the use of technology, and since starting as Trust Lead for Digital Learning this Summer he has been working with individual schools across the Trust to do exactly that. You will have seen the monthly Digital Hints and Tips appear in your inboxes at the beginning of each month, these feature short video demonstrations of Microsoft apps and tools, and serve as ad hoc CPD for all staff.

Connecting schools and sharing good digital practice and policy is very much part of James's role and he said: "There is so much good digital practice across the Trust and many of our students are already benefiting from access to devices, digitally enhanced teaching, digital tools for support, and not to forget, learning digital skills that will benefit them long-after leaving the Trust for university or employment. My vision for Digital Learning across the Trust is to enable staff and students [with digital opportunity, equipment, knowledge and skills], improve digital equity, and enhance digital infrastructure, curricula, teaching, learning, workflow, and engagement."

School Highlights:

Maritime Academy receive prestigious Thinking School Accreditation award

The team from Maritime Academy are thrilled to have recently been accredited as a Thinking School after just one year of being open.

The report commended the school for "drawing upon years of Thinking School development across the Trust, leading to a seamless transition as the school has become established”

An outstanding effort from the Maritime team!

read full story here

Curledge Street Academy children set to benefit from cycling safety sessions

Congratulations to Curledge Street Academy, which has been selected to provide cycle training courses to its children following the donation of some new balance bikes, which will encourage pupils to learn how to cycle safely and keep active.

The school was contacted by Torbay Council to pilot the delivery of 'Bikeability', a national scheme that has already equipped more than four million children with the skills to cycle confidently and safely.

read full story here

Meon Way Federation fireworks spectacular enjoyed by hundreds of people

There was a fireworks spectacular in Portsmouth which brought families from three schools together for an evening of entertainment.

Meon Way Federation welcomed families to their Moorings Way site for entertainment, food and 10-minute fireworks show to bring the community together and raise money for their 'Trees for Cities' project.

Photos and details here