Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to this week’s edition of the ‘Whistle’. 

As you read this week’s digest, our Year 11 cohort has just completed their Autumn series of mock examinations. This significant milestone could not have been achieved without the colossal support and meticulous attention to detail from everyone involved. Ensuring these crucial assessments operated in ‘clockwork’ fashion was a major organisational undertaking, the complexity of which is mostly unseen and truly commendable. 

Another huge thanks to those teachers of Year 11 who are now acting as a ‘collective army of examination paper markers’. Their dedication in the quest to provide vital diagnostic and assessment information immediately after the Christmas break is inspiring. This information is crucial for informing future planning and ensuring our Year 11 cohort achieve and thrive. The attention to detail and resolve to ‘get things right’ will go a long way in supporting our pupils' success. 

Collaboration and shared expertise are the bedrock of our educational philosophy. This was exemplified last week with the first cohort of NPQH. It was wonderful to host prospective Headteachers at Morley Meadow as they engaged in their first face-to-face training session of the programme. The session was expertly facilitated by Jen Veal and Lucy French, showcasing the importance of collaborative learning and professional growth. 

Early Reading Network

The recent Early Reading Network session this week, focused on strengthening early reading strategies across the trust. It covered topics such as phonics data analysis, strategies for supporting the lowest performing 20% of learners, and effective assessment methods like Little Wandle and Read Write Inc. Leaders shared successes and challenges, emphasising consistency, staff collaboration, and targeted interventions to ensure all children achieve reading fluency. Key updates included CPD opportunities, new assessment tools, and planning future actions to sustain progress. 

KS1 RS Primary Network 

A great afternoon of collaboration across our KS1 RS primary colleagues. They were exploring the new local agreed syllabus, using AI in the creation of story and resources and how we can use the opening worlds pedagogies to benefit our KS1 students too. On top of this there was some amazing collaborative curriculum planning. 

Sensory & Physical Training 

This training provided participants with an engaging and informative session aimed at enhancing inclusive practices for learners with visual impairments. Attendees left equipped with tools to enhance inclusivity, understanding how to use pupil voice and collaboration to meet the needs of visually impaired learners effectively. The session reinforced the commitment to creating supportive, engaging environments for all students. 

Teaching & Learning Leads

Tuesday afternoon saw our secondary Teaching & Learning leads come together to share and develop excellent classroom practices. This session, facilitated by Naveed Khan and our Executive Directors of Subjects, was a testament to the power of collaborative effort in enhancing educational standards. By working together, we can innovate and implement strategies that benefit all our students. 

In an exciting update from the WeST Training Institute, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our new secondary teacher training programme for our September 2025 cohort. This programme, developed in partnership with Ambition Institute, positions us as the sole provider in the Southwest. Applicants are now able to register their interest to train with us, marking a significant step forward in our commitment to nurturing the next generation of educators. 

We will be open to applicants for the following subjects: 

• English 
• Mathematics 
• Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physics 
• Geography 
• History 
• MFL: French, Spanish 

If there is anyone in your network who wishes to find out more, please do forward this link to receive further information:?ITT Registration Form 

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

New Ways November