Pupils across Year 7 – Year 11 at The Rudheath Senior Academy are to benefit from generous donations of laptops made by local businesses, colleges and members of the public.
The school’s trust sponsor, North West Academies Trust (NWAT), is continuing to spearhead a campaign to help ensure children across Cheshire and Shropshire have access to a laptop for home-schooling.
At RSA, school leaders had identified approximately 130 pupils without access to a suitable digital device to access remote learning as teachers are work hard to maintain the highest possible standard of education during lockdown by delivering lessons online.
With over 50 donations to Rudheath, all pupils will have access to a suitable digital device to ensure they have equal access to a high standard of remote education.
NWAT appealed to fellow schools, businesses and individuals asking them to donate devices which could make a huge difference to families in the area.
The drive has been a huge success, and is well on the way to ensuring every pupil at the trust’s eight schools will soon enjoy tuition over the internet.
Now NWAT have extended the campaign with the aim of helping pupils at other local schools. They have offered to pay for used laptops to be reconditioned, and act as a distribution centre.
CEO Steve Docking said: “The majority of our pupils have been able to get access to an appropriate device, and our most vulnerable pupils received a free laptop thanks to support from the Department for Education. In addition to this, we distributed devices owned by the schools where they were needed.
“But despite all these efforts, an audit found there were still 150 families in need of additional equipment.
“It’s not always easy to ask for help, but in difficult times you have to dig deep. We couldn’t stand by and allow pupils to miss out, so we have asked people to donate any devices gathering dust at home or at work.
“We have been delighted with the response. Genuinely, I was overwhelmed by the generosity which quickly filled the void at our schools and inspired us to continue the push to help other families in similar situations.
“Our own members of staff have donated devices, and we have asked for donations from our parents too.
“We’d be extremely grateful if everyone could have a look in the back of their cupboard and see if they have an unwanted laptop, because it could make a huge difference to a child at this difficult time.”
NWAT has pledged to collect all the devices, and get them professionally wiped and new software installed. The trust will work with other local schools to distribute laptops where they are needed.
Donations can be made at all NWAT schools, between 9am-3pm. Please observe social distancing guidelines and wear a protective mask when visiting a school.
- Acresfield Academy, Acres Lane, Upton by Chester. admin@acresfield.cheshire.sch.uk 01244 257350
- Delamere Academy, Stoney Lane, Kelsall. admin@delamere.cheshire.sch.uk 01829 707979.
- Ellesmere Primary School, Elson Road, Ellesmere. admin@ellesmereprimaryschool.org.uk 01691 622288
- Grosvenor Park Academy, Union Street, Chester. admin@grosvenorparkacademy.org.uk 01244 569560
- Oak View Academy, Whitby’s Lane, Winsford. admin@oak-view-academy.co.uk 01606 288118
- Rudheath Senior Academy, Middlewich Road, Rudheath. admin@rudheathsenioracademy.org.uk 01606 42515
- St Martin’s Academy, 91 Hoole Road Hoole. admin@stmartinsacademychester.co.uk 01244 566166
- Weaverham Primary Academy, Northwich Road, Weaverham. admin@weaverhamacademy.org.uk 01606 852148
Picture: Julie-Ann Wilson, Deputy Head Teacher, and Jack Jevons, Business Manager, handover donated laptops to Year 7 pupils.
North West Academies Trust are now collecting and restoring used laptops exclusively for other local schools, thanks to a stunning response to their campaign to ensure all children have access to online lessons during lockdown.
NWAT started an appeal asking people to donate devices to help pupils who are unable to join virtual classrooms, and set an initial target of 150 to support youngsters who attend their schools across Cheshire and Shropshire.
They smashed past that mark in a matter of days, with an estimated £100,000 worth of devices handed over by generous individuals and businesses.
Now the campaign is continuing with the aim of helping other schools in the area, with NWAT pledging to collect, professionally wipe and recondition, and then deliver all devices.
CEO Steve Docking said: “We’ve been overwhelmed and heartened by the response we have received, and we’ve been able to support all our pupils already.
“But we don’t want to stop there. During these difficult times, it’s important we all come together to solve problems. It’s vital we ensure all children continue to receive the best possible education.
“We are still fully committed to collecting devices, and making sure they are immediately wiped by professionals to ensure data protection. We will liaise with other schools in the area to see where there is need, and then hand them over to make sure no child is left behind.
“I’d be very grateful if everyone could consider how something which might be gathering dust at the back of a cupboard could make a huge difference to a local child, and perhaps donating to support our appeal.”
NWAT decided to act when, despite some support from the Department for Education and also distributing all school-owned laptops to pupils, an audit revealed there were still children unable to access online lessons.
Members of staff at the trust have made significant contributions, as well as parents and other businesses.
The likes of The King’s School and The Queen’s School, in Chester, have made generous donations, as have Chester-based telecoms firm Vivio.
Donations can be made at all NWAT schools, between 9am-3pm. Please observe social distancing guidelines and wear a protective mask when visiting a school.
- Acresfield Academy, Acres Lane, Upton by Chester. admin@acresfield.cheshire.sch.uk 01244 257350
- Delamere Academy, Stoney Lane, Kelsall. admin@delamere.cheshire.sch.uk 01829 707979.
- Ellesmere Primary School, Elson Road, Ellesmere. admin@ellesmereprimaryschool.org.uk 01691 622288
- Grosvenor Park Academy, Union Street, Chester. admin@grosvenorparkacademy.org.uk 01244 569560
- Oak View Academy, Whitby’s Lane, Winsford. admin@oak-view-academy.co.uk 01606 288118
- Rudheath Senior Academy, Middlewich Road, Rudheath. admin@rudheathsenioracademy.org.uk 01606 42515
- St Martin’s Academy, 91 Hoole Road, Hoole. admin@stmartinsacademychester.co.uk 01244 566166
- Weaverham Primary Academy, Northwich Road, Weaverham. admin@weaverhamacademy.org.uk 01606 852148
Picture: Jack Jevons, Business Manager at The Rudheath Senior Academy, accepts a donated laptop.
Head Teacher’s Welcome
With the festive season soon upon us, it is always a good time of year to start looking ahead to the new year and goals in reach for our community at RSA.
Although 2020 has been an unusual and challenging year, the prospects of resolution in the form of the well publicised vaccine trials are a positive step forward for all. We continue to follow Government guidance around safety in school, but the news provides us all with that light at the end of the tunnel.
For us at Rudheath, it still remains mandatory to wear face coverings when moving around the building, at lunch/break and other communal spaces where social distancing is difficult to maintain. This approach to personal and peer safety must be adhered to when travelling to and from school too.
In December, we still hope to bring some festive cheer and fun as we bring a close to the Autumn term. This will include the festive jumper day, seasonal lunch and other festivities at the end of the year.
Before that, year groups are taking part in summative assessments which allow us to benchmark progress and identify potential intervention strategies to support our students to be the very best version of themselves. For Year 11, these are an important milestone in preparing for public GCSE examinations due in Summer 2021 and for future destinations in September next year.
Click here to read The Rudheath Bulletin: Friday 27th November.
Welcome
Thank you to all parents/carers and students for your support in a strong start back after the half term break.
Upon our return, we have since entered a new national lockdown in England, resulting in tighter restrictions. My letter sent out on Thursday 5th November highlights the measures we are continuing to adopt at RSA. With this in mind, I would like to remind you that it is now mandatory for face coverings to be worn by all pupils and adults in communal areas, corridors and during lunch/break and lesson transition, where social distancing is difficult to maintain. Further guidance related to Covid-19 is outlined in this bulletin.
This half term we are launching our new rewards system in line with five key attributes that we aspire for all our students to develop during their time at Rudheath:
- Leadership, Organisation, Resilience, Initiative, Communication
Students will notice our new LORIC tokens which will be a physical reminder of the achievements made. I would also like to warmly welcome our new Student Leadership Team who take their posts this half term – they will be working with staff and pupils alike to ensure maximum success.
Finally this week, congratulations to Mr Davies who has started his post as Head of Year 10. He succeeds Mrs Lycett who moves to Head of English and Languages.
Click here to read the full weekly bulletin.
Dear Parent/Carer,
*Important* – School Reopening – Wednesday 4th November
Further to my letter yesterday (Monday 2nd November) regarding the emergency closure of The Rudheath Senior Academy, I am pleased to report that the leak that was discovered has been resolved today (Tuesday 3rd November).
Therefore, school will reopen to all students on Wednesday 4th November.
The circumstances presented were beyond the control of the school and, as I am sure you will understand, the safety of all our school community is always a priority.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this unforeseen circumstance.
Yours sincerely,
Lee Barber
Head Teacher
Dear Parent/Carer,
*Important* – Emergency Closure – Tuesday 3rd November
Due to an unforeseen circumstance, we have had to take the decision to close The Rudheath Senior Academy on Tuesday 3rd November for all students.
A pipe leak has been discovered within the school grounds, resulting in no water supplies to taps and limited flushing toilets. This was discovered at 16.00pm on Monday 2nd November by the site maintenance team and building contractor.
As you will appreciate, these are circumstances that are beyond the control of the school. We will review the situation throughout the next 24 hours and communicate with parents and carers about next steps.
At present, and during the current landscape of Covid-19, the priority at RSA is the safety and hygiene of all students and staff.
Tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd November, students are asked (where possible) to utilise Microsoft Teams to access online learning resources. Teachers will be available throughout the day to check in with students remotely.
On days of potential difficulty, we will always strive to give parents and carers as much notice as possible. Our website and social media pages will be updated during this period of emergency closure.
We will make every effort to ensure there is a quick and effective resolution to the issue, so that all students can return to school as soon as possible.
I appreciate your patience and understanding at this time.
Yours sincerely,
Lee Barber
Head Teacher
Welcome from the Head Teacher
The last half term was a tremendous success. By September, we had celebrated last year’s Year 11 GCSE results with them and showcased our new building and courtyards for the first time in several years.
Since then, the school has felt stronger and more positive; students have returned from a lengthy break with an appetite to learn and help one another. I am particularly proud of the Year 7 Hub which has started with much accomplishment and interest. The students are, rightly, nurtured and developed in their own dedicated area of the school; they have shown an exceptional tenacity towards their new surroundings and already they are accustoming to the larger secondary school environment. In the next half term, we will meet with parents and carers virtually for meetings with form tutors and other leaders to ensure children are settling in well.
Upon the return to school on Tuesday 3rd November, you may notice a few changes. The newest phase of building work to renovate existing classrooms and buildings has started during the October break. A new roof and facilities will be constructed between now and July 2021, ready for opening in September next year. However, this does mean there will be some additional noise and work for the duration of the next few months. The contractors have organised for most of their deliveries to take place outside of school operation hours, but work will take place throughout. This will not impact the current learning environment at Rudheath and I’m sure you will join me in looking forward to seeing the outcome of another renovation in due course.
The additional work on the school site does mean that we have had to rethink our operational guidance, as outlined in this bulletin and in my attached letter for parents and carers. Please take the time to read and familiarise yourself with the information and encourage your child to be safe at all times when entering and leaving school, as well as on site too.
As you will have seen in the news, Covid-19 continues to have a significant impact on daily lives. I refer you to already published guidance around how to stay safe during these challenging circumstances, including how to limit the risk of transmission. As a school, we are continuing to following national guidance, assess the local picture at RSA, and ensure that community safety is put first at all times.
One of my favourite days of the school calendar is the final day before the Christmas break. The shared sense of celebration and joy amongst students and staff is truly warming. For me, that is the goal to strive toward during the next half term. Whilst there may be challenges beyond our control and the shorter days and poorer weather, I am confident that the spirits of team work, excellence and kindness will prevail for another successful term.
Click here to read The Rudheath Bulletin – October Half Term Update
Headteacher’s Welcome
On Friday, we had the pleasure of welcoming local MP Esther McVey to Rudheath. She last visited the school during the rebuild project following the fire. She complimented the refurbished grounds and classrooms and the hard working pupils of our community. Further highlights from the visit will be outlined in the near future in this newsletter and on our website.
As you will know through our communications via Arbor email, we have confirmed our first positive Covid-19 case. We acted swiftly to ensure that all children identified as being in ‘close proximity’ were collected, informed of self-isolation and remote access to learning from home.
Next week is the end of our first Autumn half term. With the opening of the new areas of school and focus on the values of ‘excellence’ and ‘kindness’, we have made huge progress and continue to look forward to the hard work in the second half.
Click here to read The Rudheath Bulletin
Headteacher’s Welcome
One of my weekly highlights is teaching Year 11 PE. As Headteacher at RSA, building relationships with students is an enjoyable reminder of the vocation we have chosen. For Year 11, the next few months are crucial. We will await further guidance from the exams regulator about how exams will operate, however, maintaining a good routine in revising and proactively engaging in learning will pay dividends in the long term.
We will also soon begin the process of career interviews with an impartial careers advisor for all students in Year 11. Not only are these a hugely important milestone in looking ahead to the post-16 destinations, but they are also a clear investment in the future study and career paths for our learners at Rudheath.
Next week, we have a visit from local MP Esther McVey on 16th October. Following the opening of the new building and planned work which is due to begin around October half term. This is a hugely exciting time for Rudheath Senior Academy and a real testament of our future vision for the school and students.
Headteacher’s Welcome
This week has been a great demonstration of excellence and kindness; our student ambassadors provided impeccable service to future families at our socially distanced open evening this week. I was enormously proud to walk around the school and see the great work of the whole community.
The introduction of face coverings is a measure we are recommending for all students, staff and visitors to the school. This is in line with the Cheshire West and Chester local authority guidance for all local secondary schools. Please continue to maintain high standards and we will continue to review.
In a few weeks, we have a visit from a local politician and work will start on the third phase of upgrade work at Rudheath; the result will be an exciting and vibrant learning environment for all at our school. Further information will be communicated in due course, but please note that there may be some additional site activity in coming months.
Click here to read The Rudheath Bulletin – Friday 2nd October