EYFS and KS1 Learning Support Mentor

WELCOME TO THE SHARED LEARNING TRUST FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, CATHY BARR

The Shared Learning Trust has appointed Cathy Barr as its new Chief Executive Officer. Cathy is already part of the Shared Learning Trust's family of schools, having been Principal of the Stockwood Park Academy in Luton for the last five years. The Shared Learning Trust is a stand-alone multi academy trust, which runs a family of four schools based in Bedfordshire: Stockwood Park Academy, the Chalk Hills Academy, the Linden Academy and the Vale Academy. Cathy grew up locally, in Harpenden, and went to school in St Albans. She has almost 25 years' teaching experience under her belt, qualifying in 1993 and joining the team at Stockwood Park (then the Barnfield South Academy) in 2009.

Cathy said of her appointment: "I am thrilled to have been appointed CEO of the Shared Learning Trust. I care passionately about the students we teach and will do all I can to ensure each and every child, from the age of two to 18, gets the best possible care and education in our academies."

I am conscious that this may be your first contact with our Academy Trust and first impressions are very important. I hope what you read; coupled with anything else you discover about us, inspires you to apply for this post. 

- We recruit people for attitude and train for skills

We aim to recruit outstanding people who have the right attitude. If you have a love for teaching and are passionate about seeing children succeed, we would love to hear from you! 

Recruiting the right teachers and staff help us to achieve the goals we set for our children. We are always keen to hear from educators who are passionate about working for the schools and communities we serve. We would rather make no appointment than appoint someone who does not share the same positive ethos that runs through our Academies. For this reason, we try to articulate clearly our vision, values and expectations when putting together information for applicants.

We aim to recruit staff who: 

• are excited by their role and by the prospect of working with young people, even those who are less well motivated;
• love the processes of learning and teaching and are keen to continually develop their own skills;
• recognise that teaching can be a demanding job but react positively to those demands rather than complaining;
• will subscribe to the ethos of the Trust and ‘go the extra mile’ in terms of time and commitment to get the very best from our young people;
• see break duty as an opportunity to talk to children;
• are quick to praise and slow to criticise; and are not afraid to admit to seeing themselves as potential leaders of the future.

WELCOME TO THE LINDEN ACADEMY FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL, LESLEY WHITTLE 

Welcome to The Linden Academy! Thank you for taking the time to read this document and for showing an interest in our school.

At The Linden Academy, we are united in working towards one common aim: to provide Luton children with the best quality education we can.

We believe that this journey starts with our talented staff. That is why we pride ourselves on creating a close, supportive team where every teacher is able to excel.

Boasting small class sizes (18-24 max per class), a 34-week term (rather than 39-week term), close-knit team, state of the art facilities building from September 2016 and wonderful children, we believe that The Linden is the place to be. 

Why not arrange a visit so you can see for yourself? 

Look forward to meeting you soon!

Lesley Whittle 

THE TRUST

The Shared Learning Trust is a stand-alone multi academy trust, which runs a family of four schools based in Bedfordshire:

• The Linden Academy, Luton, ages 4-11
• The Vale Academy, Dunstable, ages 2-11
• The Stockwood Park Academy, Luton, ages 11-18
• The Chalk Hills Academy, Luton, ages 11-18
• The Sixth Form, Luton, ages 16-19

Our Academies are supported in their work by our Teaching School, based at The Chalk Hills Academy. The structure of our family of schools means that we can be with a child every step of the way, from teaching them to tie their shoe laces right through to congratulating them on their university place or their first job.

Our Trust is vibrant and friendly, supported by 3 state-of-the-art buildings. It is a learning environment where all students have the opportunity to be high achievers, make good friends, contribute to their community and take part in a wide range of extra-curricular activities. 

VISION & VALUES – ‘Strive, Achieve, Believe’

At The Shared Learning Trust, we provide opportunities for all our students and adults to be aspirational and develop a passion and excitement for learning.  Working with our communities, we ensure all students are able to achieve beyond their targets to reach the success they deserve. Our students develop a strong self-belief so that they flourish and develop into well-rounded, self-respecting young people.

Our commitment to our vision can be seen through:

• Our academies working together to provide more opportunities for all students      and staff
• A focus on the development of our staff with opportunities for clear and      dynamic career progression and high quality recruitment and retention.
• Strong Trust approaches to our key issues, for example; teaching, assessment,      attendance and curriculum development.
• Partnerships with schools outside of our Trust to maximise opportunities for all.
• Close working and communication with our families and local community.
• Care for our families beyond the school day.
• Excellent lessons and learning incorporating effective use of new technologies.
• An interesting yet challenging curriculum.
• 16-19 provision, which ensures progression, routes for all.
• A Cross-Trust focus on high achievement and high standards.
• Ensuring that every child in our Trust reaches their full potential by providing      exciting opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Exemplary behaviour and conduct at all times.
• A can-do attitude across the Trust that fosters belief and high expectation.
• Ensuring no opportunities are missed.

ABOUT THE LINDEN ACADEMY

Converting to Free School status in 2012, Moorlands Free School was previously a fee-paying independent school. Now welcoming children from across the whole of Luton under the name ‘The Linden Academy’. Many of the traditions and values of the previous preparatory school remain as we believe in traditional values in a modern context.

Our curriculum is bespoke to our children and our aim is for both teaching and learning to be exciting, relevant and enjoyable. With a healthy emphasis on the core curriculum and a commitment to learning through modern technologies, TLA children receive a broad and balanced education. A strong element of this is also our care for the children; small class sizes and highly trained staff ensure that our children are safe, happy and healthy throughout their time with us.

In 2016 we finally relocated to our new, purpose built building located in South Luton (next to Venue 360) and will expand to 504 pupils over the coming 2 years – enabling us to further enrich our curriculum offer and to serve even more Luton children and their families. 

This is such an exciting time for the school and there is no better time to join us! 

CPD and Training: Our Teaching Trust (We invest in you!)

All four Academies at The Shared Learning Trust are a part of our Teaching Trust. We aim to offer exceptional teacher training and high quality professional development programmes to new and experienced staff to support them in excelling in their career. 

Our programmes are facilitated by experienced school leaders, who have exemplary records in leadership and improving outcomes for their students. We are able to cater for specific requests and can offer custom-made support packages that focus on the quality of teaching and learning, curriculum development and aspects of Leadership and Management. 

We currently offer 'The National Award for Middle Leaders', 'The Outstanding Teacher Programme', 'The Improving Teacher Programme' and 'The National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership'. As Stockwood Park Academy is part of a Multi-Academy Trust, there are fantastic opportunities to climb the career ladder. The Shared Learning Trust are a firm believer in helping all staff reach their full potential and developing their career within our Academies. If you are willing and wanting, we will do all we can to put you on the relevant courses and give you the right opportunities so you can keep achieving more in your career. If there isn't a current opportunity at The Linden Academy for promotion, there will be opportunities to move to one of our partner Academies.