Page 2 - Spring Newsletter 2015
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Federation News — the voice of Mr Heuston
Our mission has always been to improve outcomes for our
students across both schools, and we believe the best way we can
do this is to embrace change and seek continuous improvement.
Consultation Information
The South Newcastle Federation currently comprises of 2 foundation schools linked by a Trust. From September
2015 the governors of the South Newcastle Federation who have responsibility for Clayton Hall Business and
Language College and NCHS – The Science College, are proposing to become a Multi Academy Trust. Each
school would become an academy and together work with a Trust Board.
At a governors’ meeting in January 2015, the Federation governors decided to seek permission to consult on the 2
schools becoming academies and the creation of a Multi Academy Trust. As part of this process we are seeking the
views of our community about this change to become 2 academies.
The reasons the governors feel this is the right time to seek academy status and then create a Multi Academy are:
It allows both schools the opportunity to continue working together to raise standards.
It gives us greater control over our future direction and organisation of both schools.
It will give both extra freedoms and flexibility when making decisions regarding resources.
It secures our long term financial viability because the school gets extra resources directly into its budget. It
can carry forward its balances and use them for future expenditure.
It will provide an ideal structure to improve our links with other schools in the area.
It will help us plan better for longer term projects and capital expenditure.
It will allow the Federation to seek extra expert advice/consultancy on a wide range of areas including
achievement and leadership and governance.
It offers us greater flexibility and freedom. The Academy Board will become responsible for raising standards
and are directly charged with all aspects of achievement.
Your views are greatly appreciated. If you would like to respond to the governors’ proposal you are more than
welcome to attend the 2 public meetings;
Clayton Hall Business and Language College: 21st April 2015 at 6pm
Knutton St Mary’s: 22nd April 2015 at 6pm Mark Heuston, Executive Headteacher
Seabridge and Langdale Yr 4 at Clayton Masterclass
Once again Primary Masterclasses have been taking place at Clayton Hall. This Year 9 Mentors enjoy helping and
time Yr 4 pupils from Seabridge and Langdale were invited at the beginning of reassuring the primary pupils
March to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a ring belonging to Mrs
Adamson (Headteacher of NCHS), using forensic techniques of fingerprinting,
chromatography, soil analysis and fibre identification.
The children enjoyed working in the science laboratory, using the
equipment and experimenting with new techniques.
They were also introduced to the language department’s ‘Bistro
Chateauneuf’, where they practised French numbers, foodstuffs and
conversational skills, followed by role play in the ‘café’.
Yr 9 mentors helped and guided the younger pupils during the day to
allay their fears about high school being a ‘large, scary place’, and
everyone found it an interesting, educational and fun-filled experience.
Clayton Hall staff believe that offering this opportunity benefits both
primary and secondary schools by removing barriers, sharing
information and good practice, and the repeated visits help to support
a successful transition between primary and high school.
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