Activate Learning Education Trust

It was lovely to be a guest at my last school Highdown school yesterday evening. We were celebrating the outstanding achievement of the young people in their examinations at GCSE and A level, their Duke of Edinburgh awards and prizes for endeavour, commitment to excellence and leadership. Well done to all the teachers and staff who made this come about! The guest speaker Paul Farbrace, spoke of his coaching career with England, Sri Lanka and currently at Sussex Cricket Club. He spoke to our values at Activate Learning Education Trust as he talked about knowing and valuing people. Most inspirational, though he was humble too! Thank you to Matt Grantham for inviting me back and to you and the team for taking Highdown forward. It was a wonderful occasion for students and families!

Amazing! Well done to all students involved 👏 What a fantastic opportunity.

🎄 Wishing our students, staff and community a joyful and peaceful festive break. We look forward to seeing you again in the new year. 🎅

Thank you, LMG (lmgiq.com), for your continued collaboration on the Digital Futures Programme, giving invaluable opportunities for our students. Here's to lots more in 2025!

🎄 Year 12 Chemists at UTC Oxfordshire have had some festive fun designing their own Chemis-tree. This has been entered into the annual Philip Harris competition (one of the school's scientific suppliers), so fingers crossed! 🤞

Our Year 12 and 13 engineering students had the privilege of hosting Emile de Mello and Arthur, Graduate Engineers from CBRE Data Center Solutions, for an insightful session on Energy Audits. This marks CBRE's second visit as part of their support for BTEC Level 3 Engineering Unit 58 - Energy Management. Students gained first-hand knowledge about the purpose and impact of energy audits, discussing why companies commission them, the implications of recommendations, and whether these actions are mandatory. With their own audits scheduled in the new year, this real-world perspective will be invaluable to their learning journey. A huge thank you to CBRE for their ongoing support and for inspiring our students with practical insights! #STEMEducation #ThinkUTC #FutureEngineers #BTEC #EnergyManagement #EmployerEngagement Digital Futures Programme

Last week, team ALET had the pleasure of attending the Baker Dearing Educational Trust UTC Winter Conference and the House of Lords tea party. It was an incredible opportunity to connect with colleagues across the UTC network, participate in inspiring speeches and workshops, and engage in breakout sessions. A special highlight was honouring Lord Baker, the founder and current chairman of Baker Dearing, as he prepares to step into his new role as Life President in January. His contributions to education have been transformational, and we are excited to see his legacy continue. Joanne Harper Sarah Dawson Jas Kallah Wayne Edwards Sam Knowlton Emma Reynolds #ThinkUTC #Collaboration #Education

At House of Lords for Baker Dearing Conference hosted by Lord Baker with Joanne Harper representing Activate Learning Education Trust

This morning I visited the Christmas market organised by the Ambassadors of Change at The Bicester School. It was a fabulous morning and to coin a phrase of Mandy Wilton I found a lot of joy. The Ambassadors of change spoke to me about creating an environment where all pupils felt they belonged and were safe (emotionally and physically). We discussed the Activate Learning Education Trust Attribute of resilience by reflecting on when things go wrong and how we can all take learning to be stronger in the future. The pupils were an absolute inspiration and I came away smiling for the rest of the day. I can't wait to see what they have planned next. The staff team at the school are incredible and thank you to Sarah Masterson for inviting me to the event and arranging for me to talk to the inspirational pupils. #resilience #transforminglivesthroughlearning

The ribbon was cut yesterday on a new space for sixth formers with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities in a bespoke building on the site of UTC Swindon. The Links Campus, run by Churchward School, teaches children and young people who need various levels of support. It is part of the Swindon-based Brunel Academies Trust. Churchward’s Sixth Form students now have a special place to study in a central city location, which will aid their development and transition from their rural secondary school to their next steps. Although the Links Campus is situated within UTC Swindon, they are two separate schools. Working with Brunel Academies Trust in this way fully supports our mission of Transforming Lives Through Learning and is a great example of us collaborating with other trusts for the benefit of the students. Activate Learning Education Trust Swindon Borough Council