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Anti-Bullying Week 14 Nov 2024

Anti-Bullying Week

It’s Anti-Bullying Week across the UK and our primary schools have been busy ensuring their pupils understand and embrace the principles of this important theme. Many VIAT primary schools have Anti-Bullying Ambassadors from Year 5 and Year 6, who work closely with teachers and their peers to be positive role models and to proactively to promote anti-bullying. These pupils are trained by The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme to carry out their role, which means: They are passionate and committed about stopping bullying in their school; They know what bullying is and what type of behaviour is and isn’t bullying; They work with their peers and staff to stop bullying in their school; They are someone who is kind, empathetic, a good listener and supports their peers; They help to run days in their school that raise awareness of bullying and promote kindness; They celebrate the things that make everyone special and unique; They keep everyone up to date with all the brilliant Anti-Bullying work their school does. Across the schools, these pupils support children on the playground each day and look out for children who may appear to be on their own, subsequently supporting them to find others to join up with. At several of the schools, there are Buddy Benches, where children can go if they would like to find someone to play with or if find themselves lonely and on their own. The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors keep an eye on the bench during playtime to ensure no child is left feeling isolated and alone. The Ambassadors also have the skills and knowledge to support children with minor disputes and disagreements. There is always a Teaching Assistant on duty and, if children are unable to support in a specific issue or if  there is a more serious event, they know to seek support from an adult. This week, some VIAT primary schools have taken part in an Anti-Bullying lessons, assemblies and even webinars. The children have developed their understanding of what bullying is and how respect can be shown within a variety of settings, for example, the classroom, the playground, with peers and at home. Many have also taken part in Odd Socks Day this week, which sees pupils wearing odd socks to celebrate diversity, encourage inclusion and that being different is something to be proud of.
Remembrance Day 12 Nov 2024

Remembrance Day

All nine schools within Valley Invicta Academies Trust took part in Remembrance Services this week, with some holding additional events and lessons to commemorate this important day. The primary schools engaged in a number of activities, including assemblies, writing poems, making their own poppies and creating a wreath. Secondary students at Valley Park School studied Paul Cummins and his ceramic poppies display at the Tower of London, and made their own clay poppies. The other secondary schools held poignant services, with students reading poetry and observing the two-minutes silence.
VIAT event with Maidstone LitFest 14 Oct 2024

VIAT event with Maidstone LitFest

The Trust was delighted to team up with Maidstone Literary Festival to host a major event at All Saints Church on 10 October, with Children’s Laureate 2022-2024 Joseph Coelho. Joseph is a well-known, award-winning performance poet, playwright and children's author. His books include the critically acclaimed Luna Loves... series, If All The World Were, and the CLiPPA-shortlisted collection of poems, Overheard in a Tower Block. He spoke at two sessions, attended by around 500 primary and secondary pupils/students, about his life and journey as an author. He also performed some of his work. Both events were fantastic and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Additionally, six of our nine schools were lucky enough to receive a free author visit as part of the Literary Festival, after registering their interest. Our primary schools at Aylesford, East Borough and Leybourne Chase all had visits from KS1 or KS2 authors, while Invicta, SST and Lenham all hosted authors who gave talks to KS3 students. With reading as one of the Trust priorities for the next year, these visits and events have been fantastic in helping us to be proactive and interactive in the way we engage our pupils and students. We are hoping to work with Maidstone Literary Festival again in the future to continue this positive and inspiring approach to reading. You can watch our video of the event here:  
Major projects now complete 23 Sep 2024

Major projects now complete

With both our major new building projects complete and in full use by students, we'd like to say a huge thank you to OSG Architecture Limited for their architectural vision, advice and support. The new classroom block at Invicta Grammar School and the new Sports Hall on the main VIAT campus were designed to make the most out of the space and environment, so we can continue to provide students across our schools with the best possible facilities. We are delighted with the end results and look forward to continuing to enhance our buildings and outside spaces over the coming years, to benefit not only students, staff and visitors, but also the local community. VIAT CEO, Richard Hayden said, ‘It has been a pleasure working with OSG Architecture again on these two significant construction projects. They understand the high standards VIAT always looks to achieve and have helped us to do that within our budget. Both buildings are fantastic new assets for our main campus.’ 
A great start to the new academic year 30 Aug 2024

A great start to the new academic year

It was a pleasure to welcome Baroness Floella Benjamin and Cally Beaton to Valley Invicta Academies Trust today, as key note speakers at our staff development day. Hundreds of staff took the opportunity to listen to Baroness Benjamin and Cally talk about their personal and professional experiences, as well as their journeys to get where they are today. Many members of staff left both speeches feeling moved, motivated and ready for the academic year ahead. It was a fantastic morning which started off the new academic year on a positive and inspiring note.
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