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Dear Colleagues,

The week commenced with the Department for Education (DfE) initiating the data verification process for GCSE results. We can now assert with confidence that 50% of our WeST Year 11 cohort achieved a 'strong' pass (grades 9-5) in both English and Maths, and 70% attained a 'standard' pass (grades 9-4) in both subjects. These percentages are anticipated to surpass the national average. 

Transitioning from attainment to progress, we are equally confident that our collective cohort will be deemed to have made greater progress compared to the national average, with a Progress 8 (P8) score estimated to exceed zero, likely around +0.07. 

On Monday, our Trust Board and HAB chairs convened for a strategic meeting to deliberate on key issues that may confront our trust in the forthcoming years. 

 

Tuesday was marked by the visit of Steve Rollett, Deputy CEO of the Confederation of School Trusts (CST), who addressed our WeST Headship team on the subject of large-scale school improvement. 

 

 

Following closely was the appearance of the inspirational Peps McCrae, who on Wednesday led a session highlighting the impact of five key themes on children’s learning. This stimulating session is expected to significantly influence our daily teaching practices and enhance the quality of instruction. 

Thursday was dedicated to addressing the critical importance of attendance at the WeST Attendance Network. It was gratifying to witness numerous colleagues from across our schools collaborating and sharing strategies with a strong commitment to improving attendance rates. 

Our WeST Training Institute continues to offer an array of activities and professional development opportunities. A notable example includes the hosting of three NPQ clinics. 

Reflecting on the achievements of our children last year, we can look forward with confidence and optimism toward our current cohorts. Our collective targets for summer 2025 are as follows: 

  • PSC: 92% 
  • KS2 SATs RWM: 72% 
  • GCSE Basics (grades 9-5): 53% 
  • KS5 Average Grade: B- 

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Flu Vaccinations                     

WeST continues to support staff wellbeing and is pleased to enhance the NHS free flu vaccination by offering staff access to flu vaccinations this winter.

Last year we issued over 350 flu jab vaccination vouchers to staff members across the WeST network!

This year we have partnered with Doctorcall to deliver a limited number of e-voucher flu vaccinations via participating pharmacies and we have also partnered with H&G Healthcare to deliver flu vaccinations at on-site clinics within the Trust.

These vaccinations are provided at no cost to staff members and we encourage all staff to take up the offer of a flu jab via one of these pathways:

Flu vaccination voucher

To be used at one of the participating pharmacies (Found here: https://doctorcall.co.uk/pharmacy-finder). You are able to book an appointment at a time and location that suits you, pharmacies include Tesco, Day Lewis, +Well and Asda.

To request you flu vaccination voucher, please visit https://forms.office.com/e/uREz7LRVma or scan this QR code:

 

 

 

 

Flu vaccination at one of our WeST sites

Plymstock School

23 October 2024

11am—5pm

Deadline to book your appointment: 21 October 2024

Coombe Dean School

6 November 2024

7am—10am

Deadline to book your appointment: 4 November 2024

Following on from last year, you also have the opportunity to receive a vaccination at one of our sites in the Trust. The clinics are located:

Please note if you wish to receive a vaccination via this method, you will need to book an appointment. Flu vaccination clinics are on a ‘first come first serve’ basis, on the specified dates and times only.

For further information please contact WeST HR via hr@westst.org.uk

Early-Career Payments for eligible teachers

Eligible chemistry, languages, mathematics and physics teachers can apply to the DFE directly for early-career payments between October and March.

You can can apply from 14 October to 31 March for the 2024 to 2025 academic year.

For more information, please visit: 

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-career-payments-guidance-for-teachers-and-schools

Optimistic October

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Recruitment update:

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

Coombe Dean School are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Cover and Behaviour Inclusion Supervisor - You will be a confident individual who can create and develop good relationships with students and who has a strong commitment to supporting student learning. The ability to work independently and as part of a team is essential. Closing date: 21 October 2024. 

Teacher of Enterprise & Design (DT, Food, Art) - The successful candidate will be an excellent classroom practitioner, passionate about their subject/s and working with young people. The ability to implement a strong curriculum, engage, enthuse and inspire young people to achieve success is key and we welcome applications from both experienced teachers and ECTs. Closing date: 4 November 2024. 

For more information on the above vacancies, please click here.

   Eggbuckland Community College are 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.