Echoes of History, the timeless melody returns as the clock at the former Grammar School springs back to life after a decade of silence.
Published 26/03/24
A historical clock is set to chime again after a decade of silence
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Read MoreRotherham Academy timetables weekly Enrichment for all
Published 26/03/24A Rotherham Academy has timetabled Enrichment activities for all students, every week on a Wednesday afternoon; an offer often only afforded to private schools.
Starting in September 2023, on a Wednesday afternoon, following lunch, all Wath Academy students get the opportunity to participate every week, in one of over seventy Enrichment activities, ranging from Rugby to Baking, Robotics to Canoeing, and Special Effects Make-up to the Duke of Edinburgh Award. Over the year students get to choose an Enrichment activity each term, giving them exposure to a wide range of experiences, further developing their character, and creating positive school memories which will last a lifetime.
Wath Academy, part of Maltby Learning Trust, was faced with just 37.5% of students accessing after school Enrichment activities prior to September 2023. The Principal, Liam Ransome, along with the leadership team, wanted to find a way to ensure that all students could access these sessions and the new curriculum and timetable was the perfect solution.
Mr Ransome said, “We firmly believe that Enrichment activities can be transformational for our students as we recognise the significant impact that discovering new passions and opportunities can have on a young person. With sessions from Public Speaking to Chess, Drama Society to Golf, and Landscape Gardening to Rock Climbing, we wanted to find a way to ensure 100% of our students could access these activities within the weekly curriculum.
“We’d previously had a strong after school Enrichment offer, but our data showed that less than 40% of students were accessing these sessions, and these figures were reduced in lower-income families, and even lower for our SEND students.
“Research showed us that barriers to attending after school Enrichment included needing to catch a bus, having the responsibility for picking up siblings, and also a false perception around cost or sustainability that prevented some from taking part.
“We strongly believe that Enrichment sessions are a vital part of the learning experience for students, and we wanted to ensure that this opportunity was available for every student. So, we developed a totally new timetable, which has now been in place since September 2023, this includes 100 minutes of free Enrichment activity every Wednesday afternoon within the school day. The feedback we have had from students, parents, and staff has been amazing.
“The new Wednesday afternoon Enrichment for all, is still complimented by our daily after school Enrichment offer, ensuring our students have access to a wide and enhanced range of experiences and opportunities.
Parents' feedback on social media has included: ‘Amazing range of Enrichment activities and experiences, well done Wath’ and “Definitely positive memories made! Amazing range of opportunities, something to suit everyone!
Student comments on the changes include: ‘Wednesday is my favourite day of the week’, ‘I’m now a member of a gym, after doing Enrichment’, and ‘I’m going to be in the school production of Oliver, I wouldn’t have done this without Wednesday Enrichment’.
“The new timetable has been a huge success and I’m really pleased that we have found a way to build Enrichment into the school day meaning that all the barriers have been removed. We now know that 100% of our students are engaging in Enrichment sessions in which they are developing new passions, skills and friendships,” added Mr Ransome.
Read MoreROTHERHAM SCHOOLS FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CUP FINAL SET TO THRILL FANS ON SATURDAY
Published 22/03/24Football fever is set to sweep through Rotherham this weekend as the highly anticipated Rotherham Schools Football Association Cup Final kicks off on Saturday 23 March.
We have witnessed some incredible matches leading up to this moment, and spectators can expect a display of top-tier football as the finest young talents from across the region showcase their prowess on the field. The atmosphere is expected to be electric, with fans eagerly cheering on their respective teams and creating an unforgettable atmosphere of camaraderie and support.
As the final whistle blows, one team will emerge victorious, etching their name in the annals of Rotherham football history. However, win or lose, the true winners of the Cup Final are the players themselves, who have displayed dedication, perseverance, and a love for them throughout the tournament.
Elliot Flowers, Competition Secretary, said, "School football is something for each student to be proud of, and commitment to the competition does not go without hard work. Coaches across the secondaries go above and beyond to ensure weekly training sessions are delivered, fixtures are organised, and students in Rotherham are given the best chances of representing their school at football. This cannot be overlooked.
The Rotherham Schools Finals Day is always the first date any student interested in football asks their PE teacher about on their return from the summer break. ‘Has the draw been made?’, ‘When is Finals Day?’, ‘When’s our first fixture?’. It was this enigmatic school event that, seven years ago, ultimately gave me a real sense of pride at being a small part of the competition and its history. I think I speak for everyone—from past students to coaches, referees, helpers, and supporters—when I say that the Rotherham Schools Finals Day is a special date in the borough’s calendar."
Maltby Learning Trust, in partnership with Wickersley Partnership Trust, extends a warm invitation to all football enthusiasts to join in the excitement of the Cup Final and celebrate the talent and passion of our young athletes. Let's come together as a community to support our future football stars and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Order of events
- 9am - 9.15am - Arrival of teams at Wickersley School & Sports College
- 9.30 - Warm up: Players welcome to enter the field of play to commence warm up & official team photographs taken on walk to pitches
- 10am - Kick off 1st XI and 2nd XI - 40 minutes each way, penalties, no extra time
- 10.10am - Kick off for Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 - 35 minutes each way, penalties, no extra time
- 12pm - Presentation of trophies in the Sports Hall
Read MoreNew head named at Ravenfield Primary Academy
Published 13/03/24Maltby Learning Trust (MLT) has appointed a new Principal to lead Ravenfield Primary Academy.
Read MoreCall out for community groups looking for space to meet in Maltby
Published 12/03/24Maltby Learning Trust is asking for community groups who are looking for a space to meet in Maltby to get in touch.