On Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 January 2019 representatives from local businesses conducted mock interviews for pupils in Year 11 at Cirencester Deer Park School and, as fellow leaders within The Corinium Education Trust, Headteachers from partner schools took part in this important personal development event.

"A massive thank you to everyone who helped and assisted Year 11 in the Mock Interviews. The two mornings were a massive success and our pupils made an excellent impression on the interviewers who were very complimentary about all of the year group." Cath Brace, Assistant Headteacher, Cirencester Deer Park School.

Both Carol Dougill, Executive Headteacher of Kemble and Siddington Church of England Primary Schools, and Karen Venner, Headteacher at Chesterton Primary School, were impressed by the interviewees they met from Cirencester Deer Park School and commended them on their presentation and aspirations.

"It was a privilege to be a part of this excellent preparation for Year 11 students. The Cirencester Deer Park pupils came well prepared and able to answer questions with ease and confidence. It was a pleasure to spend time with them, listening to them answer some very tricky questions and hearing about their aspirations and goals for the future. Well done to all!" Carol Dougill.

The pupils from Deer Park, fresh from receiving their Mock GCSE exam results on Friday 11 January, were well prepared for the challenge and, reflecting their professionalism, many dressed for the occasion. Working with the team of interviewers, the school’s Year 11 pupils gained valuable experience and many welcomed the constructive feedback and interview tips they received. It was reassuring to learn that some might even have been offered jobs had the interviews been for real!

"The mock interview went really well and gave me a great idea of what future interviews might be like. I now feel much more confident for future situations such as a job or college interview." Pupil in Year 11 at Cirencester Deer Park School.

"The Year 11 students that I met conducted themselves in a mature and professional manner. They confidentially answered a range of questions about both themselves, their successes and their future career choices. I wish them luck in the future and looking forward to being asked back again next year." Karen Venner

You can read more about the Year 11 Mock Interviews on Cirencester Deer Park School website.

On Sunday 20 January 2019, a small group of pupils from Chesterton Primary School appeared on the BBC’s popular show ‘Countryfile’ in a special feature about Lakeside Care Farm. In the closing article the pupils were seen herding pigs with one of the show’s presenters, Matt Baker, and, after having done so, they were learning new mathematical skills by taking measurements. 

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Headteacher, Karen Venner, was also seen briefly on the show as one of the pigs made a dash in the opposite direction. Still laughing from the experience, Karen, recalls the joy in seeing pupils, often ill at ease in the classroom, benefitting from being on the farm:

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‘The time the children spend at the farm is helping them to develop their resilience skills through trying new activities whilst learning to step outside of their comfort zone. The children return with a fresh air rosy glow showing they have thoroughly enjoyed learning outside the classroom’

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To aid their learning and personal development, pupils from the school’s Communication and Interaction Unit, and other pupils from the school, regularly visit the farm and, as a result of being in the fresh air, they learn to work together as a team. Kathryn Robinson, Teaching Assistant, was interviewed by Matt Baker and she reflected on the positive impact the opportunity to learn in this environment was having on the pupils she works closely with; in particular, reductions in anxiety and improvements in behaviour.  

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"Since my child has started attending the farm his confidence has grown and he looks forwards to Thursdays with a smile on his face." Parent

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"Since attending the farm my child has become a lot more talkative and is coming out of his shell. He now share his experiences and knowledge with us." Parent

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Along similar lines, in the Autumn 2018, Abbey Home Farm, also welcomed groups of pupils from Cirencester Deer Park School who, as a result of the farm’s offer, gained a deeper understanding of where food comes and through structured hands-on experiences developed a range of skills including manual dexterity and team work. Read more...

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'Learning outside a traditional classroom offers exciting and invaluable opportunities for personal development. Confidence and self-esteem grow and communication and teamwork strengthen as young people face new experiences and challenges.’  The Farm Project

 

It is through effective partnership activities like these that the Corinium Education Trust supports pupils’ development and enriches their learning. As an outward facing organisation, we are keen to engage in real life projects that stretch and challenge all of our learners.

On Monday 7 January 2019 members of staff from across The Corinium Education Trust came together for a joint in-service training day that focused exclusively on teaching and learning.

 

Our objectives were to:

• achieve a consensus about what good teaching and learning looks like across The Corinium Education Trust;

• reflect on our shared accountability for pupils’ progress and make sure support and challenge are precisely targeted;

• inform The Corinium Education Trust’s appraisal and performance management policy from September 2019.

 

While staff from three of the schools had previously met at a similar event in January 2018, it was the first official occasion at which teachers and teaching assistants/partners had the opportunity to come together from all four schools within The Corinium Education Trust since its formation in April 2018.

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It was an intensive and productive day. Following an initial ice breaker and presentation, colleagues worked together in mixed groups and engaged in productive cross-phase workshops. These were facilitated by senior and middle leaders from across The Corinium Education Trust.

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In line with our objectives, we will be using the notes from these sessions to develop our policy and practice. Drafts will be taken back to each school for feedback and revision, before ratification and implementation.

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It was reassuring to learn that members of staff from across The Corinium Education Trust share an ambition for and commitment to improving the learning and life chances of children and young people in Cirencester and the South Cotswolds. We have high expectations of each other and the pupils in our schools. Colleagues reflected on their current practice and experience. They shared ideas, challenged and supported each other.

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During our in-service training day teachers and teaching assistants/partners defined ‘good’ teaching and learning. This will form the basis of our expectations and provide the basis for future learning reviews. While teachers went on to consider their accountability and effective evaluation and professional development, teaching assistants/partners attended seminars on how to support pupils with specific special education needs.

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Our in-service training session ended with a session led by Phil Matthews, from Ace Wellbeing. He reminded everyone about the importance of looking after ourselves and encouraged us to reflect on happiness and contentment. His presentation was challenging and thought provoking. Phil Matthews also worked with members of staff directly involved in nurturing some of our children and young people and supporting their wellbeing.