12th September 2022
Remembering Her Majesty the Queen
The DBE have already sent out resources for you to use in school over the coming days following the sad death of Her Majesty the Queen. This has subsequently been added to with further resources so please do check on the DBE website https://dev.solsqd.com/resources/ under ‘collective worship’.
There are additional resources for schools on the Church of England website and some superb material from the Queen’s reign on the website of the National Archives.
And finally, just a reminder of the marmalade sandwich video from this year’s Jubilee as beautiful and child-friendly legacy: https://youtu.be/7UfiCa244XE
We would love to see the many ways you choose to mark this sad occasion. Do also get in touch if you need further support.
Headteacher Termly Briefing 20 September 2022
Don’t forget to join us for the Heads’ Briefing on Tuesday afternoon 20 September 2-3.30pm on Zoom. Book a place here.
Agenda
- Opening Reflection and DBE Update – April Gold
- God and the Big Bang – Sarah Moring
- Feedback from HTRAG – Chair of HTRAG
- Faith in the Nexus Resources – Jen Jenkins
- SIAMS Update – Jen Jenkins
- CPD and DSA Update – Joanne Evans
- Closing Comments and Prayer
Headteacher Reference and Advisory Group
You will know from the Headteacher Briefings that a small group of Headteachers who represent your deaneries meet in the morning prior to the briefing to discuss and advise the DBE on its strategic work with schools.
They are keen to hear feedback from colleague Headteachers to bring to the meetings. This could be issues in your deanery that you think the DBE should be aware of, CPD you would like us to offer, areas of support you and your colleagues feel the DBE could help with, news to be celebrated or anything else you feel is relevant.
Here is a list of the Deanery Reps and links directly to their email addresses – please do take the opportunity to contact your representative to feedback to the DBE.
- Alcester Deanery – Andy Simms – Headteacher of Bidford upon Avon CofE Primary
- Coventry Deanery – Allison Underhill – Headteacher of St Andrew’s CofE Infants
- Fosse Deanery – Lindsey Oscroft – Executive Headteacher of Wellesbourne and Tysoe
- Kenilworth Deanery – Tracy Drew – Headteacher of Berkswell CofE Primary and Sarah Rayson – Headteacher of St Nicholas CofE Primary
- Nuneaton Deanery – Hannah Carvell – Headteacher of Queen’s CofE Academy
- Rugby Deanery – Jill Vavasour – Headteacher of Knightlow CofE Primary
- Shipston Deanery – Sam Welsby – Headteacher of Newbold and Tredington CofE Primary
- Southam Deanery – John Brine – Headteacher of St Lawrence CofE Primary
- Warwick and Leamington Deanery – Suki Owers – Executive Headteacher of St Margaret’s CofE Junior Warwick
Note from Jen Jenkins about SIAMS
Following some SIAMS enquiries, this is to clarifiy that unless Jen has been in touch with you already, your school will not be on the list for inspection this academic year. The list of schools to be inspected this academic year is here: https://www.churchofengland.org/about/education-and-schools/church-schools-and-academies/siams-inspections
Jen will talk more about SIAMS at the Heads’ Briefing on 20 September.
Upcoming CPD This Term….
All CPD, unless otherwise stated, is free for schools who subscribe to the Diocesan Service Agreement (DSA). Click on the links below to book a place.
Christian Distinctiveness Deep Dive Short – Attendance
Monday 12 September 16.30-17.30 on Zoom
What keeps adults and pupils wanting to come to school? Led by Jen Jenkins, this session will focus on ensuring your Church school distinctiveness creates an environment nobody wants to miss out on.
Induction for Heads and Senior Leaders New to a Church School
Thursday 15 September 16.00 to 17.00 on Zoom
Enjoy an afternoon tea (delivered to your school if your places is booked by 12 noon on 6th Sept) with the DBE and take part in this online event which will bring you up to date with the essential and distinctive elements of life in a Church of England school in Coventry Diocese. We will cover mission, vision and values, SIAMS, collective worship, requirements for RE and answer any of the questions you might have about preparing for success in your new role.
The Six Core Theological Concepts and Courageous Advocacy
Weds 21 September 16.00 to 17.30 on Zoom
In all of our work on courageous advocacy and social action, we join in with God’s redemptive work in the world as we hold fast to a hopeful vision for the future. Along with the prophet Micah we ask, ‘What does the Lord require of you?’ And hear the reply: ‘To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’ (Micah 6:8). These themed sessions will equip you with tools and resources to further your understanding and will also support the work with your pupils.
Reading Christianity Forwards: A Provocation for Black History Month
Tuesday 27th September 16.00 to 17.00 on Zoom
In readiness for Black History Month, we are offering a one hour Zoom to explore the telling of Christianity forwards, so that the impact of Black Theologians and African saints can be fully appreciated and perhaps incorporated into your classroom work or collective worship for October and beyond. Join Jen Jenkins for this thought-provoking and important session.
Christian Distinctiveness Deep Dive Short – Behaviour
Monday 03 October 16.30 to 17.30 on Zoom
What roles do dignity, respect and reconciliation play in managing behaviour in your church school? Led by Jen Jenkins, this session will explore behaviour management systems that focus on relationships and not just rules.
Flourishing Through Leading: A Two-Year Programme for Middle Leaders – new cohort for 22/23
Tuesday 04 October – 16.00 to 17.30 on Zoom. Cost: £275 plus VAT per academic year
This two-year programme is suitable for anybody with a role as a middle leader for subject development or pastoral care. It includes twelve sessions; one 1.5-hour session per half term, conducted remotely on Zoom. The programme assumes that particulars around subject leadership, monitoring and curriculum development are already being covered through other CPD or in-school support and so will focus on developing middle leaders as people – nurturing them as leaders with a distinctively Christian focus, with Christian values recognisable through their leadership. There will be a mixture of input and reflective discussion at each session. (see further information on the course booking link above).
Tuesday 11 October 16.30 to 17.30 on Zoom
This group looks at how educational research can positively impact RE teaching in our schools. Joining this group will involve committing to read one research article/paper per half term and to join a half termly Zoom meeting to discuss the research’s merit and implications for teaching. Research will be focused on RE teaching or may be more broadly educational but applicable to RE teaching.
Deanery Briefing Autumn term – for Clergy and Laity in Coventry Diocese
Wednesday 19 October 19.00 to 20.30 on Zoom
These sessions will help Deaneries to understand how they can best support their Church of England schools. The sessions will provide an overview of multi academy trusts and maintained schools. We will consider the role of directors and foundation governors in developing and monitoring Christian distinctiveness, and how to identify volunteers with the appropriate skills and passion for this vital ministry. We will provide resources and training in how to lead excellent Collective Worship and provide chaplaincy support in schools. We will help deaneries to consider how they can strengthen their relationships with the staff, children and families to draw them into the diocese’s purpose to worship God, make new disciples and transform communities.
Teaching in Rwanda?
Sonrise School in the North West of Rwanda is owned and run by the Shyira Anglican Diocese and provides education from nursery through to High School. Bishop Sam Mugisha is keen to develop the school and would be interested in hearing from experienced Christian Headteachers who might be willing to go out to Rwanda for up to 2 years to establish the Cambridge Syllabus in the school. Do contact us for further details and feel free to pass this on to Christian colleagues who might be interested.
National Lottery Climate Action Funding
Funding is available for projects that focus on the link between nature and climate and particularly projects that use nature to encourage more community-led climate action. It is expected that these projects will bring other important social and economic benefits. Like the creation of strong, resilient and healthy communities or the development of ‘green’ skills and jobs. For schools the project needs to strengthen the community outside of the school too. It should benefit and involve more than just teachers, pupils or parents of pupils.
For more information about eligibility and how to apply go to: https://www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/funding/programmes/climate-action-fund-programme#section-2
60 Free Songs Available Through the PopUK Free Song Bank
Catchy melodies & life affirming lyrics – Written to support the new plan for music education (NPME) PSHE, SMSC, RE. An easy-to-use cross-curricular resource for all primary school teachers. You don’t need to be a music specialist to teach their songs. The videos load instantly, providing synchronised track and lyrics as well as backing tracks. Sign up here.
Picture News – Free September Trial
Picture News are very excited to launch a free-of-charge 4-week trial for new teachers and schools who would like to give Picture News a try for the new academic year ahead! For 4-weeks, each Friday our successful schools will receive:
- A poster with our famous ‘big question’ exploring a current story;
- A ready-to-go whole school news assembly plan;
- KS1 and KS2 class-based resources;
- Classroom discussion/debate club and display materials.
Register here: https://bit.ly/3QSm0eB
Understanding Emotionally-Based School Avoidance: Free Seminar
In this free seminar the Mentally Healthy Schools team at the Anna Freud Centre will introduce and explore the topic of emotionally-based school avoidance. With education and mental health experts, they’ll look at the current national picture for school-aged children and explore the role of schools and parents and carers in supporting those who are affected. This free online seminar will be on 29 September 16.30-18.00 Find out more and book your place here.