Immersive Day: If I knew then, what I know now…
The Diocesan Department of Education were delighted to facilitate an Immersive Day on Friday 12 July. It was an opportunity for the four Catholic Education Trusts (CETs) within the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle to share what had been successful during the academisation process in addition to reflecting upon what they might have done differently. The event was well attended by executive teams from other Catholic Multi Academy Trusts, Diocesan Schools Commissioners, members of the Catholic Education Service and our own curial staff.
The day commenced with Mass celebrated by Bishop Stephen Wright and Canon Simon Lerche. This was followed by Canon Simon (Episcopal Vicar for Education) reflecting honestly and openly about the journey into academisation.
The four Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of our CETs then formed a panel and shared their thoughts about how their schools had academised. Some of the key points were the importance of common ownership by school staff in creating a new curriculum as well as enabling schools to adapt their offer to meet their school’s local context. They believed that a simple way of explaining academisation is a movement from school services provided by a non-Catholic body such as a local authority, to a Catholic body, a Catholic Education Trust.
One of the CEOs discussed how useful attendance at the governing body meetings of every school within their CET, had been worthwhile in establishing strong lines of communication. Another CEO commented upon the importance of keeping small, rural schools open to retain Catholic education in these communities. It is often the case that other schools within the CET need to financially support them. Furthermore, it was also stated that a strong focus on children at the Early Years Foundation Stage was seen as essential in reducing attainment gaps that significantly widen in later years.
During the afternoon session, each of the CET’s executive teams delivered a choice of two workshops. These included topics such as finance, staffing, curriculum and the use of a trust wide portal.
The day was a great success with attendees returning to their dioceses feeling informed, updated and optimistic. It was clear that those who had attended the event found the day extremely beneficial.
