A student won a citywide public speaking competition with a speech about how she coped with her mother passing away.
Fifteen-year-old Matilda Kitenge, who is a student at Saint Benedict Catholic Voluntary Academy in Derby, lost her mum when she was in Year 6 at primary school.
The 15-year-old (pictured right) won Derby Schools Public Speaking Competition, which is open to secondary schools across the city.
Matilda said: “I really struggled to talk about losing my mum in Years 7 and 8 as I was angry and I was quite moody but I feel like it made me stronger and I wanted to share why I am so strong now. She’s my inspiration and I think she would be proud of me.”
Matilda is a strong advocate for youth voice and said that young people should not be afraid to speak out.
She said: “I think people are too embarrassed and scared to speak out because other’s opinions are at the back of everyone’s minds. I would tell them to let go of the fear of what other people think because we only live once.”
Matilda aims high in school and even has aspirations of becoming a future Prime Minister.
Teacher Daniel Thornhill, who is Matilda’s Head of Year, said: “Matilda is a student whom I see as one with a great future ahead of her. Without a doubt, she has lived out the message of her speech and she serves as an inspiration to others. I feel immensely privileged to have been there to witness it, and I am immensely proud to be her Head of Year.”
Derby Schools Public Speaking Competition is run by Derby City Council. Students work with the Lost Boys Theatre company who deliver workshops and offer advice ahead of the final.
Matilda and other students from across the city made it to the final after delivering speeches in front of their peers and they then performed in front a panel.
Saint Benedict CVA and Matilda’s family and friends are immensely proud of her, but the school is no stranger to taking this trophy home, as this is the 6th victory out of the 10 years that the competition has been running.
Hazel Boyce, Headteacher at Saint Benedict, said: “We are delighted that a pupil from Saint Benedict has once again won this prestigious competition.
“The bravery and confidence with which Matilda spoke was incredible she is such a force for good! We are all incredibly proud of Matilda and know she will go forward in life, setting the world on fire.”
A memorial garden created in memory of a pupil has been officially opened during a primary school’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
Daniel Rigley was eight years old when he passed away in 2021, after being diagnosed with leukaemia when he was 39 months old.
Pupils and staff at St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy, where Daniel was a pupil, raised over £6,000 to create the memorial eco-garden at the school in Church View, Ilkeston and funding from East Midlands Airport was also used.
The garden was officially opened by the Bishop of Nottingham, Patrick McKinney, as part of 50th anniversary celebrations at the school.
Pupils, staff, parents, the Diocese of Nottingham, the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust all took part in the events, along with former staff and two ex-Headteachers.
The opening of the garden was followed by Mass, speeches and a special performance from pupils at the school.
Pupils spoke about their memories of Daniel.
Brooke said: “Although is life was short, he loved it. No matter what was happening, Daniel’s happy face kept everyone smiling. I remember when he had been off for ages, when he came back I remember seeing everyone’s faces in Year 6. They were so happy like all their worries just went away.”
Willow said: “Daniel was a lovely lad. I remember when Daniel and Ayden would have a competition to see how many students and teachers we could run over in his wheelchair. Daniel was always smiling and his smile is forever in our souls.”
Finlay said: “Daniel was kind and smart. We were always laughing, I’m sure Year 6 will agree. Everyone’s faces lit up when he was in school. Daniel always had the best games at break. Daniel, everyone misses you.”
Headteacher Michael Sellors said: Although we had a lot of rain on the day of the blessing of Daniel’s Garden, when the time arrived for the opening by Bishop Patrick we were blessed with sunshine. It was a very emotional occasion for his family, his friends and the staff who knew Daniel. This beautiful garden stands as a lovely memorial to Daniel- a much missed and loved pupil.”
Deputy Headteacher Andy Gotheridge said: It was a beautiful and fitting occasion to remember and celebrate Daniel and reflect on his time with us at school. We were privileged to be able to share this moment with his parents. This garden will serve as a poignant reminder of a fantastic pupil for many years to come.”
St George’s graded Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted
St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy is one of only two primary schools in Derby to be graded Outstanding in all areas by Ofsted since a new inspection framework was introduced.
Inspectors said that “everyone thrives” at the school, in Littleover, which they visited in May and graded Outstanding overall. Ofsted introduced a new framework for inspections in 2019.
They said: “Pupils are happy and flourish at St George’s Catholic Voluntary Academy. The school is highly ambitious. Staff are dedicated and all are committed to enabling every pupil to succeed. Pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) and disadvantaged pupils receive everything they need to be successful here.”
Rachael Snowdon-Poole, Headteacher at St George’s, said: “Following a rigorous inspection, we were overwhelmed by the feedback from the inspection team. To receive the highest grade in every category of the Ofsted inspection framework is an amazing achievement. It is testament to the expertise of our wonderful staff, the support given by the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust and of course, the dedication of our pupils and families. The results of our recent inspection fill me with immense pride and appreciation for the hard work, commitment and ambition of our entire school community. I would like to thank everyone for their exceptional contributions and the roles they have played. We are excited about the future and will do all that we can to ensure that our pupils continue to thrive.’
The report said that school invests considerable time and thought into the character traits they want pupils to develop, such as perseverance, respect and acceptance.
“Pupils demonstrate these traits by being friendly, polite and by greeting visitors with confidence and warmth. Pupils consistently spoke about the fact that ‘we all respect each other and respect each other’s differences’,” inspectors said.
Behaviour was described as “exemplary” and inspectors said that every moment of lesson time is devoted to learning.
The report noted that one parent, whose comments were typical of many, said: “St George’s has gone above my expectations. I am impressed with how much my child has learned and developed at this school and how much the school cares about every child.”
Inspectors said that the curriculum was meticulously planned and delivered by skilled staff. It is enriched with visits and talks from experts including a virtual meeting with a marine biologist from the Maldives to learn about pollution in the sea.
“Pupils engage well in their learning because their teachers enthuse them and make lessons interesting,” the report said.
Teachers expertly adapt the curriculum for SEND pupils. Inspectors said that pupils with SEND feel well supported and spoke about how “we are blessed by all the wonderful teachers here.”
All pupils develop a love for reading at this school and pupils who struggle to learn to read get extra support and practice, according to the report.
Provision for children in the early years was also praised, inspectors said: “Children in the early years settle quickly and develop a passion for learning. Teachers plan activities to bring the curriculum to life. The environment is fun, stimulating and carefully constructed so that learning opportunities are everywhere.”
The vast array of opportunities on offer to pupils was also highlighted.
Inspectors said: “The curriculum for personal, social and health education (PSHE) is exceptionally well
planned. Themes of equality and diversity are thoughtfully embedded across the curriculum. Pupils from different backgrounds learn about each other. They celebrate differences. This curriculum goes beyond the expected. For example, pupils’ talents and interests are nurtured through the enrichment offer.
Pupils get opportunities to play their violin with an orchestra, visit Parliament, participate in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) workshops and career talks.”
Inspectors said that leaders, governors and the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust have a shared vision for the school based on success for all. High quality professional development, including masterclasses and coaching, play a key role in the school’s success.
“Leaders listen to staff and work with them to ensure that workload is manageable. Staff feel incredibly well led and are proud and happy to work at this school,” the report said.
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Trust, said: “Congratulations to everyone at St George’s on the outcome of their recent Ofsted inspection which reflects all of the hard work that is being done to ensure that pupils receive the very best Catholic education and care. Well done to staff, governors, pupils, parents, carers and the wider school community.”
Pupils from three Glossop primary schools were given a taste of Crown Green Bowling as part of a pilot intergenerational project.
Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, All Saints and St Margaret’s pupils signed up to take part in the High Peak Schools Sports Partnership initiative.
Children from Years 3 to 5 attended training sessions at Manor Park Bowling Club before competing in pairs, earning points for their team.
The winning team was Saint Mary’s, on Gladstone Street, and the children were awarded stickers for showing honesty, teamwork, respect and determination.
Neal Linsky, chair of Manor Park Bowling Club, said they were keen to show that bowling is for people of all ages.
He said: “We wanted to involve primary schools at the club because Crown Green Bowls is a sport which can be accessed by all ages and abilities and the project with High Peak Schools Sports Partnership offered us the chance to make a start. The children responded really well to our volunteers who all really enjoyed the challenge. We are already looking forward to something more ambitious next year
Sarah Rudd, Head of School at Saint Mary’s, said: “This has been a fantastic project and our children thoroughly enjoyed taking part. They were asked to come along to the club’s Sunday Social Session and one very keen Year 3 pupil went along with her grandad as a result.”
Dawn Richardson, from High Peak Schools Sports Partnership, said: “What a great example of intergenerational working at its best. This was a pilot between local schools and Manor Park Bowling Club. The bowling club is keen to show that bowling can be for people of any age and this has been demonstrated though the programme.
“We hope that more young people from the schools will now feel confident to access a great opportunity locally. Well done to Manor Park Bowling Club for the initial idea and All Saints, St Margaret’s and Saint Mary’s who were keen to be involved. After the success from this year we’re sure we’ll be rolling this forward in the future.”
Pupils from Saint Mary’s said they enjoyed taking part.
Sebastian, nine, said: “I went to two training sessions and then we had the finals and we won against All Saints. It was fun and I liked being able to try a new sport and compete against other schools.
Evie, eight, said: “We took it in turns to try the bowling and my grandad came to watch the competition. The club said we could go back so I went along with my grandad. It was fun.”
Arria, nine, said: “I’ve never played bowls before but I really enjoyed it and it was nice to make new friends.”
A spectacular Foam Fest Fun Run and Family Day in aid of Willow Wood Hospice is being held at St Margaret’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Glossop.
The school, on Glossop Road, has teamed up with the hospice to hold the fundraising event on Saturday, June 29th from 11am until 4pm.
The main event of the day will be a sponsored run through a course filled with foam which is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.
There will also be entertainment, stalls, games, food and refreshments available.
All proceeds will go towards supporting patients from the local community who are receiving care from Willow Wood Hospice.
The hospice, in Ashton-under-Lyne, provides specialist palliative care for adults with life limiting illnesses, both cancer and non-cancer diagnosis.
Samantha Kitch, Fundraising Manager at Willow Wood Hospice, said: “We are excited to team up with St Margaret’s School to put on a day of activities for everyone to enjoy at our Big Foam Fest Fun Run & Family Fun Day.
“We are grateful for the school’s support and hope the day is a great success so we can raise as much money as possible towards supporting patients from the local community in our care at the hospice.”
Grainne Beaumont, Headteacher at St Margaret’s Catholic Voluntary Academy, said the school was delighted to be teaming up with Willow Wood.
She said: “Our pupils have taken part in events in school to raise money for Willow Wood in the past because we know what important work is being done by the hospice for members of our local community.
“We thought it would be a great idea to host an event for all of the family which will also benefit the hospice and involve the whole Glossop community. A massive thank you to Chloe who works in our office who is working with Willow Wood to organise the event. We are looking forward to welcoming everyone to St Margaret’s for what promises to be a fantastic day out.”
The school is hoping to repeat the success of its colour run events that have been held for the past two years and attracted hundreds of people.
To sign up, visit https://willowwood.org.uk/events/foam-fest/
It costs £5 for each participant to enter the fun run. Under 18s must be accompanied by a responsible adult, who is also registered for and is participating in the fun run. One adult can accompany to children under the age of 16. For more information about the event, please contact the Willow Wood fundraising team on 0161 330 7788 or email fundraising@willowwood.org.uk
More than 200 messages and images of positivity from pupils are part of a new Kindness Path that has been installed at St Anne’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Buxton.
During anti-bullying week the school asked all 220 children to decorate a stone with either a positive message or image.
The stones have now been cemented into a path which leads from the school entrance to the front door and can be seen by pupils, parents and staff as they make their way into school.
Julia Wiggins, Headteacher at St Anne’s, said: “The Kindness Path is a very visual way to welcome everyone to our school, whether they be pupils, parents or visitors. It’s wonderful to look at or read the messages on the stones and is a permanent reminder of the positive attributes our children learn at St Anne’s, both now and as they journey through life.”
Stephanie Clarke, Assistant Headteacher at St Anne’s, said that everyone was thrilled with the new Kindness Path.
She said: “One of the themes of anti-bullying week was around being positive and showing kindness. Stones were donated by parents and our Friends of St Anne’s group and we asked every child to decorate one with a picture or a positive affirmation.
“We’ve had to wait for the weather to get better before we were able to have the stones cemented into the path. It was lovely to have it in place during the week that pupils sat their SATs tests as that was a nice way to welcome children into school, it helped them to feel a bit calmer. We think the path looks great and it’s a nice way to welcome everyone to our wonderful school.”
Hattie, five, said: “It’s important to be kind and everyone at St Anne’s is kind to each other. I saw the path and I think it looks nice.”
Archie, nine, said: “My pebble had a sunset theme. I think we should always show love because the world needs more love. I like the path because it reminds me of what St Anne’s represents.”
Ten-year-old Darcie said: “I put the words stay kind on my pebble. The path is really nice. It was good to see the path when we were doing our SATs tests. We were reading the messages on the pebbles as we walked into school.”
Lily, 11, said: “I put the word positivity on my pebble because a positive attitude changes everything. It brightens up my day when I walk past the path.”
Pupils at a Derbyshire primary school are fundraising to ‘make a difference’ to the lives of children in Gambia.
Year 6 pupils at St Thomas’ Catholic Voluntary Academy, in Ilkeston, are raising money to buy desks and chairs for classrooms at Sir Dembo School.
The fundraising drive was launched in line with a pledge that Year 6 pupils took, which was linked to children’s rights and responsibilities, particularly the right to an education.
Staff then thought that this would be a good opportunity to rejuvenate an historic link that St Thomas’ has with Sir Dembo.
The first step saw pupils write to the President of Gambia about making sure that children’s rights are being upheld and that children there have the same opportunities as children in this country.
Then St Thomas’ pupils wrote to pupils at Sir Dembo, telling them about their lives, hobbies, families and what they do at school.
Daniel Conlon, Year 6 teacher, said the pupils were thrilled when they received replies from pupils at Sir Dembo.
He said: “We watched a video of the children receiving our letters and our pupils couldn’t believe it. Some of them could spot their own letters on the video and it really brought everything to life for them.
“We asked the school what they needed and what we are looking to raise money for is some desks and chairs. The children are planning cake sales to help raise the money and we want to raise as much as we can. It would be great to see photos of the desks and chairs we’ve raised being used by the children at Sir Dembo. That would help our children to see that they have really made a difference. We are hoping to write to the children there again and when our Year 6 pupils leave, hopefully our current Year 5 can pick this up and the link between the two schools can continue.”
Pupil Leo, 11, said: “In our letters we asked how old the children were and we told them what our hobbies are. I was so happy when I saw them reading our letters and when we got our replies. I think it’s good because it gives us a different perspective.”
Pupil Willow, 11, said: “I think it’s good that we sent letters as so many people do everything on their phones now. I think what the children at Sir Dembo sit on now at school doesn’t look very comfortable so that’s why we decided to fundraise for some new desks and chairs. Hopefully we can make it happen and make a difference. It makes us realise how fortunate we are to have everything that we have.”
A new Headteacher has been appointed at St Philip Howard Catholic Voluntary Academy in Glossop.
Mike Kays has been Acting Headteacher since the departure of Louisa Morris in September 2023 and has now been appointed to the post of Headteacher permanently.
Mr Kays has a long history with St Philip Howard having joined the school in 2003 as a PE teacher.
Since then he has held various roles including Schools Sport Co-ordinator, working across Glossop primary schools, along with various department and pastoral roles. These include Head of Year, Acting Head of PE, Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher, two spells as Acting Headteacher and Head of School.
Mr Kays said he was thrilled to secure the role of Headteacher at St Philip Howard, which is part of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust.
“Our pupils and families are fantastic and they are so supportive of our school. We’ve got a lot to look forward to at St Philip Howard, especially as we are part of the Government’s school rebuilding programme and we are all excited to see what that brings” he said.
Maintaining strong links with the local community and ensuring that all pupils thrive are two of Mr Kays’ key aims.
He said: “I want to ensure that all pupils have access to the same opportunities I had growing up, in terms of developing them as the whole child and ensuring that they have the skills and knowledge to succeed once they leave SPH.
“Being Headteacher allows me to work with my team to impact each pupil across the whole school and not just in one subject.
“We pride ourselves on our motto of TEAMSPH which is about being together on the journey. We want to build a strong sense of togetherness between teacher, pupil, parent and the community, to ensure everyone in our community reaches their potential.”
Mr Kays said it was a pleasure to work at St Philip Howard which he described as ‘one big family.’
He said: “It is a pleasure to work with such outstanding pupils, they really make the school. We ask the pupils to be the best versions of themselves and this is what they do each and every day. We are one big family where the whole school community knows and supports each other. We also have a fantastic team of staff who go above and beyond every day to ensure that every child has the best opportunities.”
There has been a continuous journey of improvement at St Philip Howard over the past eight years, Mr Kays said, and he is looking forward to taking the school from strength to strength.
He said: “There has been a collective drive by the whole school community to ensure that the pupils and the local community have a school that they deserve and we are continuing that work to drive improvements for future generations.”
Mr Kays cited the school’s relationship with the local community as being vital.
He said: “We sit in the heart of the Glossop community and are proud to be part of it. We are creating future employees for local businesses and we all need to work together effectively to ensure that the fantastic community we have in Glossop continues to flourish and thrive.”
St Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in Marple Bridge is a ‘welcoming and nurturing school which cares about its pupils’, according to the school’s latest Ofsted report.
The school has been rated Good overall, with Outstanding features, following a two-day inspection by Ofsted in December 2023.
The quality of education, leadership and management and early years provision were rated Good and behaviour and attitudes and personal development were graded Outstanding.
In their report, inspectors said: “St Mary’s is a welcoming and nurturing school, which cares about its pupils. Pupils are polite and well mannered. They are articulate and have a thirst for learning.
“Pupils learn the ‘St Mary’s Way’. This helps them to understand how to behave in lessons and around school. Pupils behave very well and are a credit to the school. Pupils are well supported to develop valuable skills for life. They understand that their three ‘pocket principles’ help to guide their behaviour. As a result, the school is a place of calm.”
The school has high expectations of pupils, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, the report said.
“The curriculum for pupils in Years 1 to 6 and for children in the early years is ambitious. Thoughtful links are made between the subject content and the local area,” inspectors said.
The report said that pupils enjoy their lessons and they achieve well, pupils enjoy supporting one another.
Behaviour among pupils was also praised by inspectors, who said: “The school expects pupils to behave well and they do. From the early years, routines are quickly established. Pupils across the rest of the school also have positive attitudes to learning. They listen attentively to their teachers and they are respectful to staff and to one another. Pupils who need extra help to behave well are nurtured by staff and supported by their friends.”
The school prioritises pupils’ personal development and parents and carers hold the school in high regard, according to the report.
Inspectors said that the school was well supported by its local governing body and the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust. They also said that arrangements for safeguarding are effective.
John Nish, Headteacher, said “Our vision of ‘living and learning by journeying with Mary to Jesus for the greater glory of God’ focuses on a relentless drive to continue to improve and excel in all areas. This report recognises this drive that leads to excellent academic outcomes, while developing the pupils’ character as part of a supportive and nurturing school family. I would like to thank all pupils, staff, parents/carers, trustees and governors for their ongoing hard work, support and dedication.
“To be rated Outstanding in two areas under the new, more rigorous framework is a fantastic achievement. Our school family is extremely proud of the feedback provided by Ofsted. This result reflects a significant, whole team effort to improve the education of each and every one of our pupils. All of our staff, families and children have played a central role in ensuring that the academy continues to provide an excellent education based on Gospel values that prepares pupils for an ambitious future of learning, regardless of difference and challenge.”
Kevin Gritton, Chief Executive of the St Ralph Sherwin Catholic Multi Academy Trust, said: “We are delighted for the community at St Mary’s and would like to thank the staff and governors for everything they do, every day, to give the pupils there the very best education and care.”
A 14-year-old student at St Thomas More Catholic Voluntary Academy who has a ‘remarkable talent’ is studying for a GCSE in Music two years early.
Ben Giliker, who is in Year 9, will be joining Year 11 students on GCSE results day in August to find out his result.
The teenager plays violin and has just achieved a Distinction in his Grade 8 ABRSM exam – a qualification usually achieved by students at least two years older than him – scoring 145 out of a possible 150 marks.
Ben started playing the violin when he was six years old and aspires to be a soloist or join an orchestra when he is older.
He said: “I listened to lots of different types of music from a very young age, my mum played trumpet and my did play the violin when he was younger. I practice for an hour a day and I have lessons once a week. I also go to a local orchestra once a week.
“I love playing the violin as I think it’s a way of expressing yourself. I’m studying for my GCSE in Music which I’m taking two years early. I would like to get a grade 8 if I can. My lessons are with Year 11 students and I really enjoy them.”
Ben has also performed as part of the Derby & Derbyshire Schools Orchestra, when he was lead violin, and the National Children’s Orchestra. He is also a member of the City & County Youth Orchestra and the National Youth Orchestra as well as being a joint leader of the Peak District Strings Orchestra.
He was one of six violinists of school age from across the world to take part in a masterclass with the Benedetti Foundation with internationally acclaimed baroque violinist Rachael Podger.
Shelley Gray, Head of Expressive Arts at St Thomas More, said: “It’s been such a pleasure working with Ben these past few years. He has a remarkable talent for music and I’m thrilled that as a school we’ve been able to provide him with the opportunity to sit his GCSE Music early. We’ll all be watching his progress closely in the years to come and enjoying his role on the electric guitar in our jazz band!”
David Redfern, Headteacher at St Thomas More in Buxton, said: “Ben’s exceptional talent is truly remarkable, and I couldn’t be more proud of his outstanding achievements in music. As he nears his GCSE in Music this summer, I extend my sincere wishes for his success. I am confident that he will shine brightly and excel in his endeavours.”
