Author: Joanne Evans

School News

Revd April Gold joined the children and families of Wilmcote CofE Primary School at the beginning of October to lead their first Harvest Festival Service since joining the Stour Federation Multi Academy Trust. The service took place in the beautiful and historic St Andrews Church. The children all did a wonderful job reading, reciting and even singing their own song written about Autumn. The whole school community came together to donate produce which was forwarded to Stratford Food Bank to help local families, embracing the school’s core values of Friendship and Kindness.

Year 6 were learning about Eco Churches in RE this week at St John’s CofE Academy. They wrote letters to persuade churches to work towards Eco status and designed their own eco-friendly churches as inspiration.

Year 13 PSHE students at Blue Coat CofE School took part in the Great Big Live assembly this morning as part of their celebration of Black History Month. Students had the opportunity to hear from a range of speakers focusing on racial justice and equality.

 

SIAMS

Congratulations to Ryton on Dunsmore Provost Williams CofE Primary who was inspected at the beginning at the term. The school was found to be living up to its foundation as a Church school enabling pupils and adults to flourish. Well done to all the staff and governors in those schools. Read the report here

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

School News

April Gold and Joanne Evans visited Burton Green CofE Primary Academy last Friday to join the 150 year anniversary celebrations with pupils and staff, old and new. The event also saw the official opening of new classrooms followed by an afternoon tea with a display of school records going back to 1874 when the school opened.

(If you have a significant school anniversary coming up you can order a certificate from the Church of England signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury to commemorate the occasion. See more information here.)

Congratulations to All Saints CofE Junior Warwick who have achieved Gold level in the Christian Aid Global Neighbours Award.

A huge ‘congratulations’ then to Peneli Grier at The Ferncumbe CofE Primary School who has won a Primary Science Teacher Award from the Primary ScienceTeaching Trust. The organisation gives awards for ‘innovative practice and exceptional dedication to primary science teaching’.

 

Governors’ Celebration Event

Church School governors gathered on Tuesday evening at Wellesbourne Church where their work was celebrated by a service lead by Bishop Ruth. They then had a hot meal and shared good news stories of amazing work and partnerships within our diocesan schools. Despite the dark, wet, windy evening they heard so much about the spirit and hope living within their respective communities that it truly was a joy-filled celebration.

 

The DBE is Looking for New Board Members

In advance of a new triennieum, Diocesan Synod is looking to appoint four or five members to the Diocesan Board of Education to serve a three-year term from 1 January 2025. More information about the role is here or talk to Revd April Gold. A nomination form can be found here.

Please do pass on this information to any colleagues you think might have an interest in this volunteer role.

 

New RE Resources on the DBE Website

Jen Jenkins has provided some additional resources for implementing the New Agreed Syllabus.

• Advent/Christmas-themed RE resource which shows how to approach it with a religion and worldviews approach.
• SACRE Suggested Visits and Visitors

You can find them in the resources section of the DBE website under ‘New Agreed Syllabus – CofE School Specific’ using the password that has already been issued to you.

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

School News

Emma from iSingPOP visted Alveston CofE Primary last week with new iSingPOP songs. Their concert was yesterday and the children were fantastic! Headteacher Anne Clewley reported on the school newsletter that “Listening to our children sing this week in the iSingPop rehearsals has been a shining example of awe and wonder. Honing their beautiful voices and performances has lifted all our spirits.”

 

New CPD Session Added – RE: Theology RE Subject Knowledge session on Noah and the Flood

Led by Jen Jenkins, this session will support teachers with their subject knowledge around the biblical story of Noah and the Flood. This story features in the new RE syllabus in several units and Jen will attempt to unpack some of the theology around it and shares ways you might approach it with different aged pupils.

Please do advertise this to your associaties and consortia as this is open to all schools in Coventry and Warwickshire for a nominal fee of £20.

The booking link is here.

 

Grove Booklets Education Series Now Available on the DBE Website

Grove are now offering their popular short booklets in pdf form.

We have eD 60 – Developing a Theologically-rooted Christian Vision in Schools and eD 61 – Spiritual Agents: Pupils as Leaders of Collective Worship now available to view on the DBE website under general resources.

Use the password you’ve been given for this year to access. We will let you know on Headlines when we add new ones.

 

A Reminder to Book for the Great Big Live Assembly for Black History Month – 15 October

All Church of England schools are invited to join the Sanctuary Foundation’s special Great Big Live Assembly for Black History Month. The 20 minute assemblies (one for primary and one for secondary) will be live-streamed and feature BAFTA-nominated Children’s BBC presenter Gemma Hunt, BAFTA-winning 12-year-old presenter Jeriah Kibusi, and award-winning diversity author Dr. Krish Kandiah OBE. Find out more and book here.

Watch a 2 minute Promo Video here

Also don’t forget to use your Picture News free Black History Month pack and collective worship resources that were emailed to you last week.

 

Inter-Faith Week – 10 – 17 November 2024

Inter-Faith Week is a great opportunity for pupils to explore inter faith issues and for schools to build relationships with faith, belief and inter faith groups in their community. Find out more about how to mark this week in your classroom here. You could also invite a SACRE member to your school to talk about their faith. Email sacre@warwickshire.gov.uk if you would like to make contact.

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

School News

Diocesan Director of Education, Revd April Gold, visited St Oswald’s CofE Primary Academy in Rugby to open the school’s new prayer garden.  The weather meant that the ceremony happened indoors, with pictures of the prayer garden as a backdrop, but the ribbon was duly cut!

The prayer garden has been a collaborative project between St Oswald’s church and school and consists of eleven interactive prayer stations. Children can explore issues including forgiveness, love, thankfulness, trust, and the beauty of creation in a peaceful wooded area of the school grounds.

Project leader, Revd Jane Hulme, said, “Our hope for the prayer garden is that children will enjoy exploring the activities and encounter God as they do so.”

 

Book Now with Your Parish Partner for the DBE’s Upcoming Conference- Journeying Together for Inclusion – ‘The Last will be First’

Join us at Ardencote Hotel on Thursday, 14th November 9.15am – 2.30pm for a day of inspiration and joint working/visioning with your parish partners.

• How can school and parish work together to enhance community, belonging and inclusion?
• How might resources be shared to the benefit of both communities?
• How can we make sure everyone feels included and that they are valued in our communities?
• How can churches meaningfully and generously support their church school for ‘life in all its fullness’?
• How can schools lean into church support in innovative ways you may have not tried or thought about previously?

Speakers include:

• Sir John Timpson – Keynote on the Timpson approach to ‘Upside Down Management’.
• Elizabeth Olulari – Church of England Education Racial Justice Lead, discussing ‘Cultural Competency, Sensitivity & Humility’.
• Anna Shaw – CPAS, faciliting joint working on ‘Journeying Together – Power in Community’.
• The Bishop of Coventry – Leading us in worship and reflection.

Book your place here

 

Flourishing for All: Anti-Bullying Guidance (2024)

Following the consultation on a draft publication in July 2024, Flourishing for All has been updated and this final version of the document is the new recommended guidance for Church of England schools.

Please find the guidance here: Anti-bullying guidance for Church of England schools | The Church of England

Parts C to G will follow over the course of the next year. These parts will address bullying on the basis of: race, SEND, faith and belief, sexism and socio-economic disadvantage.

Leaders and governors need to be aware of this as it forms part of the responsibilites for dignity and respect in the life of church schools and in the impact of this will be inspected as part of the SIAMS framework.

 

Spirituality Short – Recording and Resources Now Available

Jen Jenkins started the first of the ‘Spritiuality Shorts’ this week. These are one-hour sessions designed to support you in embedding a holistic and authentic whole school approach to spiritual development.

This session introduced two models for spirituality and explored how to link these with your vision and to consider how the curriculum offers opportunities for spiritual development.

You can find the recording, slides and accompanying resources on the DBE website resources page under course resources. Access them with passcode you have alredy been given.

If you wish to book a place for the upcoming sessions click here.

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

 

School News

At the beginning of the term Revd April Gold attended a Comissioning Service at St Nicolas Church for Ian Meikle the newly appointed Headteacher of St Nicolas CofE Primary, Nuneaton.

Pictured here with Revd Chris Routledge and Dawn Beasley (Chair of Governors).

 

Wilmcote CofE Primary has joined The Stour Federation Multi Academy Trust.

The Stour Federation has been actively supporting Wilmcote since November 2023, making this partnership a natural next step.

Headteacher Anita Twyman said: “This is an exciting new chapter for our school. Under the umbrella of The Stour Federation, we will be able to retain what makes our school special and unique, while also being able to increase the academic rigour for our students, and the resources and expertise of colleagues and leaders. We already feel that we belong.”

Christian Hilton, Chief Executive of The Stour Federation Multi Academy Trust, added: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Wilmcote into our Trust, come September. The strength of The Stour Federation lies in its ability to provide focused support and foster collaboration among like-minded schools. Having supported the school since November, we are really excited to be taking our partnership to the next level, with Wilmcote officially set to join The Stour Federation family.”

 

At St. Paul’s CofE Primary Nuneaton, they have made a decision to replace their weekly newsletter with a weekly podcast, in an effort at engage more families. Last Friday was Episode One and it featured their vicar, Revd Kate Massey.

The link to listen to it is here. The discuss the highlights of the first week back; things to look forward to and how school and church are working together.

The podcast has already been reached by 1400 people!

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing – Wed 18 September 2024

Don’t forget to join us for the Heads’ Briefing on Wednesday afternoon 18 September 14.00-15.30 on Zoom.

Book a place here.

Agenda

Opening Reflection and DBE Update – April Gold

Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award Update – Elizabeth Howat, Head of AYLA

Heads’ Reference Group (HTRAG) Update – HTRAG Rep

DBE Services, Resources and Support now available – Joanne Evans

SIAMS and RE Update – Jen Jenkins

‘Best practise and top tips’ session – focus on SEND – Tracy McEwan SENDco at St Margaret’s CofE Junior, Whitnash

Closing comments

 

For Those New to Leading in a Church School…

 See the Church of England Website for Core Key Documents

See the Coventry Diocesan Board of Education Website for Resources, Governance, Training and Events.

See the Cathedral Schools Team contact page for Coventry Cathedral Visits

Email any members of the DBE Team on church school matters and we’ll be happy to help!

 

Upcoming CPD for this Term…(Including Newly Added Events!)

Click on the links below to find out more and to book a place.

Spirituality Short – 17/09/24

Led by Jen Jenkins, This session will introduce you to two models for spirituality that will work well in church schools. It will help you to link your spirituality model to your vision and to consider how the curriculum offers opportunities for spiritual development.

 

Small Schools Network Start Up – 23/09/24

Facilitated initially by Jen Jenkins, but with a view to this group being self-supporting, this builds on the response and engagement in the ‘mixed-age classes’ meeting that was held to discuss potential challenges around the New Agreed Syllabus in April 2024. Participants found it helpful to discuss the common areas of experience in small schools and share solutions and good practice. The DBE hope this will be a helpful model to continue into this new academic year, especially around delivering the New Agreed Syllabus for RE and Worldviews.

RE CPD – 01/10/24

Led by Jen Jenkins, DBE RE and Spirituality Officer, these termly RE CPD sessions will focus on areas of the New Agreed Syllabus that respond to the needs of teachers as they emerge.

Termly SIAMS update – 09/10/24

Led by Jen Jenkins, DBE RE and Spirituality Officer, these termly sessions are intended to support those schools who are due for inspection within the next two academic years. The session will guide delegates responsively depending on what schools need, and there will be an update on any local and national information on good practice.

Half termly RE Clinic – Support for Delivering the New Agreed Syllabus -15/10/24

From September 2024 schools will be using the new RE Agreed Syllabus for Coventry and Warwickshire. This syllabus marks a significant shift in the way in which RE is taught and these half-termly RE Clinics, facilitated by Jen Jenkins, will allow RE teachers to get to grips with any challenges or questions in implementing this new approach in order to maintain high standards of provision.

Spirituality Short – 06/11/24

Annual Headteacher Conference – 14/11/24

Global Christianity within ‘Understanding Christianity’ – New Materials – 20/11/24

Half termly RE Clinic – Support for Delivering the New Agreed Syllabus – 25/11/24

For the rest of the academic year – see the CPD programme here

 

Church School Leadership Training for Middle Leaders

It’s not too late to sign up your middle leaders to sign up for the DBE’s ‘Flourishing Through Leading: A Two-Year Online Programme for Middle Leaders’ – a self-directed online course with ‘touching base’ network meetings.

This programme, starting this term, is designed to explore the formation and develoment of the middle leadership role specifically in a church school context. It is free to DSA subscribing schools. Send them this link to find out more.

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joanne.evans@coventrydbe.org

 

School News

April Gold visited Clifton upon Dunsmore CofE Primary School for the opening of their new pre-school provision on 30th August. The new class will cater for children aged 3 and 4 years old mirroring the school day. The school’s intent is that children attending pre-school will develop a love of learning, foster lasting friendships and flourish in an enviornment where they feel safe and secure. Christian ethos ‘With open minds and loving hearts, we will achieve’ will be woven through all areas in order that children and their families feel that they are part of the whole school community and an integral part of the Early Years Provision.

The pre-school classroom is situated right in the heart of the old Victorian school building which dates from 1850, occupying the old hall and classroom space and part of the ground floor of the old headteacher’s house. Almost 175 years from opening, Clifton CofE primary school is continuing to provide a loving and nurturing space for the children of the village.

SIAMS Reports

Congratulations to both Leigh CofE Academy and Hampton Lucy CofE Primary who had their SIAMS inspections late in the summer term. They were both found to be living up to their foundation as a Church schools enabling pupils and adults to flourish. Well done to all the staff and governors in those schools. Read the reports by clicking on the links below:

Leigh CofE Academy

Hampton Lucy CofE Primary

 

DBE News – New Deputy Diocesan Director of Education

The DBE is delighted to announce the appointment of Georgina Newton, an experienced teacher of over 30 years, who joins the DBE team as Deputy Diocesan Director of Education.

 

Headteacher Termly Briefing – Wed 18 September 2024

Don’t forget to join us for the Heads’ Briefing on Wednesday afternoon 18 September 14.00-15.30 on Zoom.

Book a place here.

Agenda

Opening Reflection and DBE Update – April Gold

Archbishops’ Young Leaders Award Update – Elizabeth Howat, Head of AYLA

Heads’ Reference Group (HTRAG) Update – HTRAG Rep

DBE Services, Resources and Support now available – Joanne Evans

SIAMS and RE Update – Jen Jenkins

‘Best practise and top tips’ session – focus on SEND – Tracy McEwan SENDco at St Margaret’s CofE Junior, Whitnash

Closing comments

 

Password for DBE Website Resources

Please note that the Password for the resources on the DBE wesbite will be changing from the end of business on 6th Sept and the new password issued to DSA subscribing schools and MATs by email.

 

Upcoming CPD for this Term…

Click on the links below to find out more and to book a place.

Induction Event for Senior Leaders – 11/09/24

Spirituality Short – 17/09/24

Termly Headteacher Briefing – 18/09/24

Small Schools Network Start Up – 23/09/24

RE CPD – 01/10/24

Celebration of Governance Event – 08/10/24

Termly SIAMS update – 09/10/24

Half termly RE Clinic – Support for Delivering the New Agreed Syllabus -15/10/24

Spirituality Short – 06/11/24

Annual Headteacher Conference – 14/11/24

Half termly RE Clinic – Support for Delivering the New Agreed Syllabus – 25/11/24

 

Leadership in Church Schools

Induction Event for Headteachers and Senior Leaders New to Church Schools – Please Pass on to Colleagues who might be interested…

If you are a new Head or senior leader, please book or encourage new colleagues to book for this session by clicking this link.

11 September 2024

16.00 to 17.00 – online via Teams

Free for newly appointed senior leaders in Coventry diocesan schools

In this this online event you will meet the DBE team and learn about the distinctive elements of life in a Church of England school in Coventry Diocese. We will cover mission, vision and values, SIAMS, collective worship, requirements for RE and answer any of the questions you might have about preparing for success in your new role.

Have You Got Great Middle Leaders?

Do signpost them to sign up for the DBE’s ‘Flourishing Through Leading: A Two-Year Online Programme for Middle Leaders’ – a self-directed online course with ‘touching base’ network meetings.

This programme, starting in the autumn term, is designed to explore the formation and develoment of the middle leadership role specifically in a church school context. It is free to DSA subscribing schools. Send them this link to find out more.

 

Headteacher Conference – “Journeying Together for Inclusion – ‘The Last will be First”

Please do put Thursday 14 November 2024 in your diary for a day for Headteachers to be inspired along with their parish partners. There will be more information about this event at the Heads’ Briefing on 18^th September.

 

News from the Church of England National Society

The Church of England’s National Society for Education has published its latest annual SIAMS inspection report for Church schools, revealing a smooth transition away from single-word inspection grades to a new framework that emphasises a more compassionate, contextual approach to accountability.

This month’s edition of ‘Called, Connected, Committed’ has a theme of ‘Responding to the Summer Riots – Educating for Community and Living Well Together’. This includes collective worship for primary and secondary, and a number of useful resources for church schools on diversity and anti-racism.

 

iSingPOP

Headteachers should now have received the autumn term Classroom Worship log on details. If you haven’t received it please do let us know.

You should have also received your Pop Box – ‘Heroes of the Old Testament’. Do liaise with your vicar or parish partner on how to best use them for your collective worship.

Emma Kenyon, the DBE’s iSingPOP leader still has dates available to book for in-school workshops up to the end of the year. Do get in quick and book direct with Emma for dates still available – Emma.Kenyon@isingpop.com

 

For Own Admission Authorities – Action This Term

Just a reminder that own admission authorities (MATs and VA schools) should be in the process of reviewing and determining their admission policies for 2026/27 this term. This needs to be done by 28 February.

If you are making any changes to this policy you need to publicly consult on this. The consultation window is 6 weeks between 1 October – 31 January. If you require any further support in this process or just a chat about the options do contact Joanne Evans.

It is a statutory requirement to send your policy to the DBE so please do email it to us once governors have formally agreed it as well as notifying the LA and publishing it on the school website.

 

National Younger Leadership Groups from the Church of England Education Office

National Younger Leadership Groups are starting this year facilitated by the Archbishops Youth Leadership Award team. Sign up your school by Friday 18^th October

 

For the full Headlines newsletter contact joannee.evans@coventrydbe.org