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Dear Colleagues,

Welcome to this week’s edition of the Weekly Whistle!

As we continue our journey through Term 3, it’s inspiring to see how our collective efforts are positively shaping the future of children. Our strength lies in collaboration, and this week has been a testament to the power of working together with a shared sense of aspiration and purpose.

Celebrating Collaboration in Educational Leadership

On Tuesday, I had the privilege of attending the book launch for New Domains of Educational Leadership by Leora Cruddas. This book highlights the evolving nature of leadership in education, and I was particularly proud to see a chapter that references the significant impact of collaborative working in Plymouth. The improvements in educational outcomes we’ve achieved together reflect the power of strong partnerships. Our work at WeST continues to be a beacon of what can be accomplished when schools unite with a common vision.

Maths Network Presentation: Driving School Improvement

Claire Duncan and Anthony Hutchings delivered a compelling presentation this week on responsive improvement models in mathematics. Their insights reinforced the importance of tailored approaches to school improvement, guided by research and evidence. Key takeaways included the stages of school improvement, the Education Endowment Foundation’s effective implementation strategies, and the role of subject leaders in fostering sustainable change. The session also explored how different school cultures impact growth, highlighting the importance of adaptable, evidence-based strategies to drive continuous improvement. This presentation was a fantastic reminder that our aspirations for excellence must be accompanied by thoughtful, flexible strategies that respond to each school’s unique context.

Welcoming colleagues to the WeST Family

On Wednesday, I had the honour of leading our WeST Induction for colleagues who have recently joined us. This session was a wonderful opportunity to introduce new staff to each other and the values and mission that underpin our trust. We explored WeST’s evolution from a partnership of just two schools to the 31-strong family we are today. More importantly, we reinforced our commitment to school improvement and our belief that we are Stronger Together – every child in a great school. Safeguarding, professional development, and a shared responsibility for excellence were central themes of the afternoon, setting the tone for our continued collective success.

Empowering Early Career Teachers

This week’s ECT Conference for the 2024-2025 cohort was an inspiring showcase of aspiration in action. Facilitated by Amy Pearce and Jo Turner, the conference provided Early Career Teachers with invaluable guidance on adaptive teaching. Practical sessions included designing hinge questions, reflecting on effective teaching practices, and developing strategies to meet the diverse needs of pupils. Supporting our ECTs in their professional growth is fundamental to sustaining high-quality teaching, and this conference demonstrated our commitment to empowering educators at every stage of their journey.

Year 11

Our Year 11 cohort is set to embark on their second series of mock examinations over the next two weeks. This crucial assessment opportunity will play a pivotal role in helping them prepare most effectively for their GCSE examinations in May and June. We wish them the best of luck with their revision and preparations. Let's encourage and support them as they work hard toward their ambitious goals.

Headship news

I’m writing to share that Karen Dixon has decided to retire from headship at the February half-term break. Karen joined the WeST family in January 2022 when the Beacon Federation merged with our trust. Up until that point, Karen had been the Executive Headteacher of three Devon primary schools. Prior to that role, she was the Headteacher of Manor Primary School, which she led through a significant period of change. Her leadership resulted in the school achieving an 'Outstanding' rating in every category during an Ofsted inspection in February 2016, a remarkable improvement from its previous 'Requires Improvement' status.

Karen's dedication and leadership have made a significant impact on Manor Primary School, enhancing the experience and outcomes of many children. Her contributions to the WeST family have been invaluable, and she will be greatly missed. As she steps into retirement, we wish her every happiness and fulfilment. Thank you, Karen, for your tireless commitment and the positive difference you have made to countless lives of South Hams children.

Finally

Thank you all for your dedication, collaboration, and relentless pursuit of classroom excellence. Every action you take contributes to the collective success of WeST, and together, we are making a real difference in the lives of our pupils.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!

Best wishes, 

Rob Haring

CEO

Science Workshops for Year 5

Richard Barry is working on an outreach project for the Ogden Trust: https://www.ogdentrust.com/  a body that supports Physics education.  As part of this project, designed to communicate the “STEM is for everyone” message, Richard is available to come to your school and deliver a one-hour (or longer) hands-on workshop aimed at year 5, but suitable for 4/5 or 5/6 mixed classes. The workshop builds on the KS2 curriculum (electricity), but introduces the amazing world of semiconductors. The sessions are supported by Plessey Semiconductors in Plymouth: https://www.semi.org/en/  If you would like to find out more, or book a session, please contact Richard: rbarry@ivybridge.devon.sch.uk It’s free and Richard brings all his resources.

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Book your FREE space now: Westcountry Schools Trust - Upcoming Events

The September 2025 Training Programme is open to anyone who might have an interest in becoming a teacher, has a degree or equivalent and has permission to work in the UK before their training begins. You might be:

  • A recent graduate looking for the first step in your career.
  • A teaching assistant looking to transition into teaching your own class.
  • Looking for a completely new career path.
  • We welcome candidates of all ages, from all backgrounds, and with all types of experience.

More information on the programme can be found here. Applications are now open and interviews are underway! 

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Happier January 

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Internal Vacancy: 

We are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to join us as Headteacher at Plymstock School. Someone who will uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. In doing so, you will have the full support of a committed team of enthusiastic and dedicated staff and senior leaders, and be fully supported in your role through professional development opportunities and by the Trust's Chief Executive Officer, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Director of Education and local governance.

For more information, please click on the link below: 

https://mynewterm.com/jobs/3547/EDV-2025-WST-98518

The closing date for applications is 9am Monday 10 February. 

Recruitment update:

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

Ashburton Primary School is seeking to appoint an exceptional individual with vision, energy and inspirational leadership to join their dedicated Senior Leadership Team in the role of Deputy Headteacher. The Deputy Headteacher will be required to support the Headteacher on a day-to-day basis with the leadership of the school and with the delivery of the WeST strategic direction, to optimise learning for all children and work cooperatively with colleagues in the implementation of making our school an even better place to learn and work. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 7 February 2025.    

Austin Farm Academy are looking to appoint an inspirational 0.6 EYFS/Year 1 classroom practitioner to join their EYFS/Year 1 team. The successful candidate will be expected to have excellent research-based practice in the EYFS and Year 1 curriculums and a genuine drive to achieve the highest standards for all children at Austin Farm Academy. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 3 February 2025. 

Coombe Dean School are looking to appoint a Subject Leader of Maths. The core purpose of the role is to ensure a high quality curriculum within Maths that is implemented expertly and consistently and to take an active role in the wider leadership of the school in pursuit of our key development and improvement priorities. For more information on the above vacancies, please click here. Closing date: 28 February 2025. 

Ivybridge Community College are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Assistant SENDCo – Maternity cover - To assist in managing the provision for students identified as having Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND); including promoting high quality teaching, effective use of resources, and high standards of learning and achievement for all students. Closing date: 3 February 2025. 

Casual Examinations Invigilators - Hours of work are by negotiation, to cover examination sessions throughout the year. The ability to work at least three days a week during the peak times in May and June. Full day, morning (start 8.30am) and afternoon sessions are offered. Closing date: 18 July 2025. 

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

Plymstock School are seeking to appoint a Cover Supervisor. The successful candidate will work alongside the Cover Manager, to cover lessons as needed using pre-determined materials, to ensure students are supported in their learning and progress. There is the opportunity if desired, to also support the Behaviour Lead and the Heads of Year, with a focus on supporting students who are identified as having barriers to their learning due to behavioural difficulties. For more information, please click here. Closing date: 3 February 2025. 

Westcountry Schools Trust are looking to fill the following vacancies: 

Business Administration Apprentice - The Business Administration Apprentice will report to the Business Administration Manager and will assist with providing a confidential, effective and flexible administration support service to the WeST Executive Team.  This will include general reception and administrative duties as well as providing a professional and efficient first point of contact with the Trust. Closing date: 7 February 2025. 

Hub Advisory Board (HAB) Administrator - Are looking for a flexible hybrid role? Are you passionate about education and governance? Do you have a knack for administration and a commitment to excellence? Westcountry Schools Trust is looking to add to our team of HAB Administrators to support our Hub Advisory Boards. Closing date: 3 February 2025. 

Secondary Initial Teacher Training (unpaid) - Are you passionate about teaching and ready to make a significant impact on the lives of young people? We are seeking an exceptional individual with vision, energy and passion to join us as an Aspiring Secondary School Teacher, to uphold our core values and guide our vision of Every Child in a Great School. This is a 12-month, full-time, postgraduate programme in a Secondary School environment where you’ll experience a mix of study modules, live training sessions and classroom practice. Study modules can be completed at your own pace through our online learning platform, which will provide you with a foundation of theory to build your practice on. At every stage, you'll be guided by your own personal mentor. Closing date: 20 June 2025. 

WeST Teacher of Modern Foreign Languages Vacancies - All schools teach Edexcel at GCSE and MFL is highly valued by the Trust. Our schools offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities for MFL pupils, including in-house clubs, links with partner schools, and many residential visits to France, Germany, and Spain. The teachers across our WeST MFL departments are dedicated and enthusiastic specialist linguists who work closely together both within the department and have a strong network across the trust, supported by the Executive Director of MFL. Closing date: 4 February 2025. 

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

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