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Invicta Grammar School receives national accreditation 25 Jul 2019

Invicta Grammar School receives national accreditation

Invicta Grammar School has been recognised nationally for Transforming Practice in a Variety of Teaching Approaches, which is part of the School, Students and Teachers Network’s (SSAT) Framework for Exceptional Education. The Framework for Exceptional Education is a self-review and planning tool incorporating SSAT's 30 years of experience in school improvement. Co-developed with a group of high-performing schools and reviewed by leading academics, the framework supports schools in quality-assuring their work and sharing effective practice. To achieve accreditation for transforming in practice, Invicta Grammar School was reviewed by another high-performing school and an independent moderator from SSAT. Julie Derrick, Headteacher of Invicta Grammar School and CEO of Valley Invicta Academies Trust, said: “We are thrilled to have received this award.  It is great recognition of the continued hard work of our fantastic staff to provide an exciting and innovative education for our students.  We are so proud that the strong collaboration between staff, students and parents helps enable Invicta Grammar School to be the best school in Maidstone.”
Trust delighted with primary school SATs results 15 Jul 2019

Trust delighted with primary school SATs results

Key Stage 2 SATs results for Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) primary schools have significantly bettered national targets in almost every area this year. The results, out last week, show the percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard nationally at 84% and higher, except in one category at just one of school*. At one of the VIAT primary schools at Holborough Lakes, 100% was achieved across all categories for the percentage of pupils meeting the expected standard nationally. The Key Stage 2 tests, which pupils take in Year 6, test Reading, Writing, Maths and SPAG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar).  Nationally, the target for the percentage of pupils meeting the standard was set at 73% for Reading, 78% for Writing, 79% for Maths and 78% for SPAG. Every Year 6 pupil at Holborough Lakes met these targets with a third or more also achieving ‘Greater Depth’ across all areas. At Valley Invicta Primary School at Kings Hill, over 60% of pupils achieved ‘Greater Depth’ in Reading, Maths and SPAG, and over 50% in Writing. Chief Executive of Valley Invicta Academies Trust, Julie Derrick said: “We are absolutely thrilled with these results.  They are testament to the tireless hard work of both our pupils and staff to do their very best in every challenge they are faced with.  I am so pleased all their efforts have paid off and given them the results they deserve. “There is, of course, always room for improvement, and we have already put plans in place to make sure we continue to progress and develop within the areas we have identified.”   * The school missed the target by only one per cent, and a plan is already in place to improve results.
Julie Derrick announced as VIAT CEO 15 Jul 2019

Julie Derrick announced as VIAT CEO

Valley Invicta Academies Trust (VIAT) is delighted to announce that Mrs Julie Derrick has been appointed as the sole Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Trust (with effect from 1 July 2019). Mrs Derrick has worked in a variety of educational settings spanning a 33-year career.  She is a National Leader in Education and started her career with the Trust in 2004 by leading the Business and Enterprise Specialism as Assistant Headteacher.  She has been the Headteacher of Invicta Grammar School since 2012 and will remain in that role alongside her CEO post.  Julie was the joint Chief Executive of VIAT for three years before taking on sole leadership of the Trust this month. Mrs Derrick said: “I am thrilled to have been appointed as Chief Executive of VIAT.  Our vision is to create and maintain an exceptional cluster of primary and secondary schools at the heart of our local community, and I’m looking forward to leading the Trust into an exciting future.” Dr Nick Ware, Chair of VIAT, said: “The Trust Board were unanimous in their decision to appoint Julie to this role and recognise that we are very lucky to have such an exceptional talent leading the organisation.”
Invicta Grammar School to hold Year 5 open evening 7 May 2019

Invicta Grammar School to hold Year 5 open evening

Invicta Grammar School will be holding a Year 5 open evening on Monday 20 May 2019, from 6pm to 8pm, which will provide important and practical information around the transition from primary school to secondary school. Headteacher, Mrs Julie Derrick, said: “This event is aimed at Year 5 girls and their parents who are starting to think about which secondary school might be right for them.  During the evening, we give them a practical experience of what it’s like to be in a grammar school, to help them make the right choice moving forward.  Thinking about the next stage of education can be daunting for both children and parents, so we hope this event will provide really valuable and practical information, help allay any concerns and lend a hand with the decision making process.” The open evening starts with an input from Mrs Derrick and two Invicta Grammar School students focusing on the reasons to choose a grammar school, information around the Kent Test (11+) and tips for students and parents to help them decide whether or not to take the test. The evening is finished off with a 45-minute practical lesson, across a range of subjects, to give a first-hand feel of the school. Mrs Derrick added: “The Year 5 open evening is a great way for girls and their parents to find out more about the next stage of education to ensure they make a decision that is right for them, and which will see them really enjoy their experience throughout secondary school, and achieve their full potential. “I’m looking forward to welcoming as many people as possible to Invicta Grammar School on 20 May, so they can see exactly what we have to offer our future students.”
Invicta Grammar School wins national award for performance 3 Apr 2019

Invicta Grammar School wins national award for performance

Invicta Grammar School has been recognised nationally for its excellent results in 2018 based on data from the Department for Education and Ofsted, analysed by SSAT, the Schools, Students and Teachers network.   Invicta Grammar School was found to be among the best performing secondary schools in the country, receiving an award for being in the top 10% of schools nationally for progress.    The SSAT Educational Outcomes database compares all state-funded schools in England and the highest performing schools for a range of key measures are awarded SSAT Educational Outcomes Awards. Invicta Grammar School will be presented with their award during the summer term at a ceremony attended by winners from across the region.  Sue Williamson, Chief Executive of SSAT said: “I am delighted that Invicta Grammar School has won an Educational Outcomes Awards. This recognises one important aspect of the school’s work but at SSAT we believe an outstanding school has deep social justice at the heart of its plan; it subjects that plan to constant challenge and innovation; and it liberates teachers to perform brilliantly in the classroom. SSAT is pleased to recognise the quality of leadership and the hard work of all staff to ensure the success of every child. A big thank you and well done to students, parents, staff and governors.” 
Valley Invicta Primary School at Kings Hill receives prestigious Unicef UK Award 3 Apr 2019

Valley Invicta Primary School at Kings Hill receives prestigious Unicef UK Award

Valley Invicta Primary School at Kings Hill has been awarded the Bronze Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) by Unicef UK. Unicef is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Bronze, Silver and Gold Rights Respecting Schools Awards are granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school. Head Teacher, Steph Guthrie, said: “We are so proud to have achieved the first stage of Unicef UK’s Rights Respecting Schools Award, Bronze: Rights Committed.  It is a huge achievement and recognises the effort and commitment put in by all our pupils, staff, governors and parents.  The Bronze Award will undoubtedly have a positive impact on us all moving forward as it puts the importance of children’s rights at the heart of everything we do as a school.  I would like to say a huge thank you to all of those who have contributed to this fabulous achievement.  We are now excited to be working towards the Silver Award.” Year 6 pupil, Hudson, said: “I think our Rights Respecting Team is great because we can express our feelings with the team and nobody criticises our ideas or thoughts.  I feel confident sharing all my thoughts with teachers now and being a Rights Respecting school has boosted my confidence into higher levels.” The Award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice.  A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted. The Unicef UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative is aimed at schools across the UK, including those in an early years setting. This year, the programme has received additional support from The People’s Postcode Lottery. This vital funding is helping Unicef UK continue its work with over 4500 primary schools, secondary schools, schools for children and young people with special educational needs and pupil referral units across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Schools have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, relationships and well-being by enhancing pupil’s self-esteem, leading to less truancy and bullying, better learning and improved academic standards.
Valley Invicta Primary School at Holborough Lakes receives prestigious Unicef UK Award 8 Mar 2019

Valley Invicta Primary School at Holborough Lakes receives prestigious Unicef UK Award

Valley Invicta Primary School at Holborough Lakes has been awarded the Silver Rights Respecting School Award by Unicef UK. It is one of only 11 schools in Kent to be given this award. Unicef is the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights. The Rights Respecting Schools Award is granted to schools that show commitment to promoting and realising children’s rights and encouraging adults, children and young people to respect the rights of others in school. The Silver Award is given to schools that make excellent progress towards embedding the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into its ethos and curriculum.  There are over 1000 schools across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales that have achieved Silver and over 400 schools that have been awarded Gold, the next step up and highest accolade granted by Unicef. Head Teacher, Lisa Vickers, said: “We are so proud our school has achieved the Silver Rights Respecting Award.  It is a huge achievement and recognises the incredible effort put in by all our pupils, staff, governors and parents.  The Award will undoubtedly have a positive impact on us all moving forward as it puts the importance of children’s rights at the heart of everything we do as a school.  I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of those who have contributed to this achievement.  We are now eagerly working towards the Gold Award.” Year 6 pupil, Christian, said: “Getting the silver award felt like a gargantuan achievement. It has made our school be shown as a Rights Respecting School and is a proud achievement to have. It has had a very big impact on how we behave during school because classmates look out for each other and understand the rights of the child and school. A lot of people have been putting respecting achievements in lessons, for example, if they see a pen on the floor that isn’t theirs they put it in the pot.” The Award recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child at the heart of a school’s planning, policies and practice.  A Rights Respecting School is a community where children’s rights are learned, taught, practised, respected, protected and promoted. The Unicef UK Rights Respecting Schools initiative is aimed at schools across the UK, including those in an early years setting. This year, the programme has received additional support from The People’s Postcode Lottery. This vital funding is helping Unicef UK continue its work with over 4500 primary schools, secondary schools, schools for children and young people with special educational needs and pupil referral units across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.  Schools have reported a positive impact on pupil behaviour, relationships and well-being by enhancing pupil’s self-esteem, leading to less truancy and bullying, better learning and improved academic standards.
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