TVLP STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE OCTOBER 3RD 2023

 

A very successful student Leadership conference took place on Tuesday 3rd of October at Herschel Grammar.

Now in its 3rd year the conference run by Stella’s team at young Citizens still proved to be as engaging and inspiring for young student leaders across the 11 TVLP schools as ever.

10 out of the 11 schools attended totalling to 120 students.

Myriam Raja self-made film director and BAFTA winner started the event with a high standard as she delivered an inspirational key note speech.

Myriam described her journey in a tough industry to success. She was the recipient of the Pillars Artist Fellowship in 2022 and is currently directing the third season of TOP BOY on Netflix.

The students responded with a huge amount of interesting questions.

Young Citizens then began their delivery of workshops covering leadership skills and the qualities need to become a successful leader. The students were split into 16 groups across the 10 schools to allow networking and relationship building.

After lunch the workshops were geared towards preparing the students for the Dragons Den. The task was to find a charity, develop a fund raising idea and persuade the Dragons to award the 2 best teams with £100.00 to get their projects started.

My thanks goes out to the amazing 6 Dragons that gave their time and expertise to the students for the afternoon.

The Dragons were Stephen Helal, Leader and creator of the Maidenhead Book Festival, Katherine Hunter Radio presenter and DJ for the Girls Record Lounge, Alka Kharbanda Solicitor, partner and business owner, Louella Fernandez-Lempiainen chair and founder of busy buttons charity, Simon Muir, high Sheriff of Berkshire and  Iro Konstantinou head of research and impact, the Tony little Centre.

Together they heard 16 pitches from 120 students!

 

The winners were:

 Group C

A Food bank Project a mix of students from Langley Academy, Holyport College and Windsor boys.       

Group D

Restart Africa a mix of students from Slough and Eton, Windsor Girls and Eton College.

We look forward to seeing how these projects go.

Thankyou to Herschel who offered to host the event.

 

INTRODUCING THE NEW TVLP COORDINATOR 

Jeanette Kemp is delighted to be the new coordinator and is looking forward to working with all the schools across the partnership.

Posted: 12th September 2023

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POSITIVE PRESS COVERAGE FOR TVLP SCHOOL ECO CHANGES

You can read the article here: Two schools in Slough take on student-led environmental improvements – Photo 1 of 1 – Slough Express

Posted: 14th July 2023

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TVLP STUDENTS SECURE TICKETS TO PINEWOOD STUDIOS SCREEN INDUSTRY CAREERS FESTIVAL

Posted: 11th July 2023

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TVLP SCULPTURES DONATED TO CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

Students from 4 schools in the TVLP (Beechwood School – who hosted this event, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, and St Joseph’s Catholic High School) came together at Beechwood School on 6th July 2023 to create 4 sculptures made from willow.

Together, they made a dolphin (the hospice’s logo) and 3 deer, which can be decorated with fairy lights in the run up to Christmas.

Jazmin Parker, Community and Events Fundraiser at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, who attended one of the workshops said, “It is wonderful that students from across TVLP schools have made such beautiful, unique sculptures for our children’s hospice service.”

The three deer are now located at the front of their grounds, so that as supported families, staff and visitors of the hospice drive in, they are welcomed by the sculptures.

The dolphin, which was Alexander Devine’s favourite animal, has been located in their Dolphin Garden, an important space for families going through the hardest of times.

Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator, commented, “We are delighted to have linked with such an amazing and important local charity. Knowing our students’ creations will be enjoyed by hundreds of hospice users and visitors gives our pupils a real sense of pride.”

This is the second year the TVLP has run willow workshops. In 2022, the resulting kingfisher, heron, otter and butterfly sculptures were donated to Thames Hospice. These are still located on their grounds.

Posted: 6th July 2023 

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HERSCHEL & ST JOSEPH’S IMPLEMENT ECO IMPROVEMENTS

St Joseph’s Catholic High School and Herschel Grammar School have been making student-led environmental improvements to their school grounds, following their attendance at the TVLP Make a Change environmental event in May.

Changes include the introduction of water butts, compost bins, insect hotels and fruit trees at both schools, and the creation of a sensory garden and an allotment at Herschel Grammar School, complete with vegetable and fruit plants and seeds, plus edible flowers including nasturtiums, for growing this year and next spring.

Tiger worms have also been delivered to Herschel Grammar School, so they can investigate how the rate of composting from wormeries varies to traditional composting.

Clare worked with the eco staff leads at both schools, Miss L Boland and Miss Firme, and helped identify funding for these changes, which came from 3 members of the public, Laura Miller, Helen Slaney, and Jane Atherton. The insect hotels were made by Stephen Tebbutt.

Miss Boland, Geography – Subject Leader and TVLP Champion at St Joseph’s Catholic High School said, “I want to send a personal thank you to both Helen and Jane for donating items to our school. The students were so enthused by the discussions we had at the TVLP event. These changes will make a huge difference to the environment of the school and will encourage more students to be involved in sustainability and ecology at home as well.”

Miss Firma, Physics Teacher, Eco Schools and STEM Coordinator, commented, “On behalf of Herschel Grammar School, I want to say a huge thank you to Clare and Laura for their amazing support.”

Posted: 6th July 2023 

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FOOTY FEVER COMES TO SLOUGH

Thames Valley Learning Partnership held a 5-a-side football tournament on 7th June 2023 at Powerleague, Slough, hosted by Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College.

8 TVLP schools took part including Beechwood School, Holyport College, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School.

We were very lucky to have the TSI World Bees Ice Hockey Schools Programme providing entertainment, as well as medals, trophies and ice hockey game tickets for the winning boys’ and girls’ teams.

Congratulations to the winning schools; Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College (boys’ team) and Holyport College (girls’ team), who are pictured below.

Well done also to all the students that took part.

Click here for additional information and photos about this tournament on our sports competition page.

Posted: 8th June 2023.

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STUDENTS BUZZING ABOUT TVLP ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT

Over 80 students from across 6 schools in the Thames Valley Learning Partnership came together on 3rd May for the TVLP Make a Change environmental event, hosted by Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy. Listed in alphabetical order, they were Beechwood School, Eton College, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, and St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

Expert speakers from 2 national charities, Adam Flint from Keep Britain Tidy (Eco-Schools Programme), and Kate Merry from Butterfly Conservation, both gave informative and insightful presentations on environmental changes that can be made in schools, in the local community and at home.

Following a quick break, the students got into mixed school groups to brainstorm ideas. They were assisted by a Senior Wildlife Specialist, Helen Bostock, from the Royal Horticultural Society. Helen spent time speaking to the student groups, assisting them with their local biodiversity improvement ideas.

The event finished with each group delivering a presentation. Ideas covered waste minimisation, water conservation, ways to save energy, food growing, a move towards more plant-based diets, wildlife habitat improvements and more. The TVLP Coordinator will be working with the participating schools and students over the rest of this term to help progress some of these ideas.

100% of the feedback forms showed all the students learnt something new as a result of attending this event, with student comments including, “[I learnt] how schools can be more eco friendly” and “how important both butterflies and moths are to our wildlife, not just bees!”

Posted: 4th May 2023.

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TWO TVLP SCHOOLS JOIN FORCES TO RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL SLOUGH YOUTH CHARITY

Students from 2 local Thames Valley Learning Partnership schools in Slough (Beechwood School, and Herschel Grammar School) have been selling anti-knife crime badges to raise money for the youth charity, Together As One (Aik Saath).

The students, along with pupils from another Windsor based school, won a Dragons’ Den pitch at a TVLP Student Leadership Conference earlier in the academic year to use £100 to create their own badges, which were designed with the help of local graphic design company, Dunk Design Ltd. Sam and Samir (pictured above with Together As One youth workers, Ibby, Sanna and Aida, and the TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson) doubled the money they were given by asking students, staff, family and friends to make a voluntary donation for each badge they were given. In total, Sam and Samir raised £207.30.

TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson said, “Sam and Samir have done a great job raising much needed funds for Together As One, as well as showing their support for tackling knife crime in Slough and the neighbouring areas. The Dragons’ Den judges and I are impressed by how they have used their £100 prize money to double its value, thereby increasing the impact it can have.”

Rob Deeks, Together As One commented, “We are enormously grateful to all of the partners involved in this project and Thames Valley Learning Partnership in particular. Both the young people’s desire to help their community and their entrepreneurial spirit are to be highly commended – we hope they are really proud of themselves.”
 
You can read more about the TVLP Dragons’ Den pitches here tvlp.org.uk/dd, and a Slough & South Bucks Express news article here: www.sloughexpress.co.uk
 

Posted: 17th March 2023

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TVLP PHILOSOTHON HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY STUDENTS

Over 50 students from across 7 TVLP schools participated in the TVLP’s first Philosothon on Tuesday 14th March 2023, hosted at Eton College.

Pupils from Beechwood School, Eton College, Holyport College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School took part in 4 mixed school philosophical discussions, with supper included.

For 88% of students, this was their first experience of a Philosothon, with 92% of students stating they would recommend this event to a fellow student interested in philosophy. 

Congratulations to the highest scoring school team, St Mary’s School Ascot, who gained a TVLP trophy.

Congratulations also to the highest scoring student(s) from each school, who were awarded an edible prize and a TVLP certificate.

Posted: 15th March 2023

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TVLP FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS

The Windsor Boys’ School hosted the TVLP’s first cross-school music event on 8th February 2023, which involved students and staff from 8 TVLP schools; The Windsor Boys’ School, Windsor Girls’ School, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Eton College, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, and The Langley Academy.

There were instrumental and vocal performances by all of the schools, covering a range of musical genres including jazz, classical, indie and pop.

The concert was attended by students, staff, relatives and invited guests, with many of them taking the time to complete feedback forms at the end. 100% stated they enjoyed the event and would recommend it to a friend. All the students also said they would like to take part in a future TVLP music event.

Comments included:

“An inspirational event”, “great level of performances”, “positive energy”, “[I enjoyed] the different music genres”, “being with other schools”, and “I loved it.”

Posted: 9th February 2023.

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TVLP ORWELL WRITING WORKSHOP GIVEN A THUMBS UP BY STUDENTS 

Nine schools in the Thames Valley Learning Partnership attended the 2023 TVLP Orwell writing workshop, hosted by Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, on Friday 3rd February 2023. They were Eton College, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College (the host school), St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, The Langley Academy, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School.

The day included readings and a Q&A session with our guest author, Delia Jarrett-Macauley, poetry writing, a fun quiz about George Orwell’s life, and edible prizes. In the afternoon, students then started writing an entry for the Orwell Youth Prize.

The feedback forms from the day were extremely positive. Students stated they liked “the interactive nature of the event,” “getting to speak to an author,” “sharing ideas with new people,” and “studying Orwell in more depth.”

96% enjoyed the event, 86% stated they had learnt something new, and 92% said they would recommend this event to a friend interested in writing.

Posted: 3rd February 2023.

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CHRISTMAS DONATION BY STUDENTS FROM TVLP SCHOOLS TO THE WINDSOR HOMELESSNESS PROJECT

Students from 3 TVLP schools (Eton College, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, and The Windsor Boys’ School) carried out their winning TVLP Dragons’ Den pitch on 2nd December 2022.

Using a donation wish list, Sonny, Theo & Tanaya (pictured with Chris Speakman, Windsor Homelessness Project, and Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator) delivered £100 worth of food & drink to the Windsor Homelessness Project & learnt more about the great work this local charity does.

Thanks to the Dragons’ Den judges that chose this winning pitch at the 2022 TVLP Student Leadership Conference: Dr Iro Konstantinou at The Tony Little Centre, Cindy Smulders at Swan Lifeline, and Dr Derrick Chong at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Read about the other winning TVLP Dragons’ Den pitch by clicking here.

Posted: 2nd December 2022.

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TVLP FRENCH SPELLING BEE WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Jessica, a student at Holyport College, and Prithvi, a student at Herschel Grammar School, for jointly winning the 2023 TVLP French Spelling Bee competition (pictured above with the 2 judges, Ms Martin and Ms Rubio Gonzalez.) Both have won a £30 National Book Token voucher and TVLP certificate.

Well done also to each of the 11 students that took part in the competition.

The final round took part at the TVLP French & Spanish languages event on 30th November at The Langley Academy, which was attended by 142 pupils in Years 9 and 10 from across 8 schools in the TVLP (Beechwood School, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise Academy, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, The Windsor Boys’ School, Windsor Girls’ School, and of course, The Langley Academy).

The event included a feast of French and Spanish foods (pictured above), a travel presentation highlighting some of the countries across the world that speak French and Spanish as a main language, a tourism postcard design competition (1st place going to Olive Williamson, and 2nd place going to Poppy Knowles, both students at Windsor Girls’ School), and a guest speaker, Dr Marion Joassin, a French tutor from Royal Holloway, University of London, taking about language courses at university and possible career paths.

Posted: 1st December 2022.

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STUDENTS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN TVLP SCHOOL DEBATING COMPETITION

A TVLP debating competition took place on 10th November 2022 at Eton College’s spectacular Jafar Hall. 

Students from 7 TVLP schools attended, with Eton College, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, The Langley Academy, & Windsor Girls’ School taking part in the head-to-head debates.

Topics discussed included, ‘This house would ban all production of plastics’, ‘This house would ban all zoos’, ‘This house would ban Halloween’, and ‘This house would end consumption of meat in all school meals.’

All the students did extremely well, overcoming their nerves to deliver all of their argument.

Congratulations to Amy [pictured below, right], a student at Windsor Girls’ School, for winning ‘Best Debater’, and to the team at Holyport College [pictured below, left] for winning ‘Best School Debaters’. Their arguments were professionally delivered and well thought out.

The team at The Langley Academy came a close second, with well researched arguments, so well done to them also.

Feedback from the competition was really positive, with all of the students taking part reporting they enjoyed the event and all, but one, reporting an increase in debating confidence, as a result of taking part in this event.

Posted: 11th November 2022.

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CRIME AT TVLP SCHOOL SOLVED BY STUDENTS

Windsor Girls’ School hosted two TVLP crime scene investigation workshops on 2nd November 2022, led by The Forensic Experience. 57 students from across 6 TVLP schools (Beechwood School, Holyport College, Eton College, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, The Langley Academy, and Windsor Girls’ School) learnt about forensics, got to assess a crime scene and collect evidence, and had to decide who committed the crime.

100% of students reported they enjoyed the event and they learnt something new, with comments including, “[I enjoyed] how interactive the workshop was and the anecdotes” (Holyport College student) and “I enjoyed using various equipment to discover fingerprints and many other clues to find the killer. Overall, it was great!” (The Langley Academy student.)

It was a great opportunity for our students interested in science, and/or a potential career in forensics and crime investigation.

Posted: 3rd November 2022.

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MAYOR OF SLOUGH LAUNCHES TVLP ART EXHIBITION

We were very pleased to have the Mayor and Mayoress of Slough launch the TVLP ‘love’ art competition exhibition at Wexham Park Hospital on Friday 21st October 2022.
 
Pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, and St Mary’s School Ascot met the Mayor and Mayoress and discussed their art with them, the methods they used to create their work, and what inspired them.
 
Emma Carr, Arts and Creative Health Manager at Frimley Health Charity, who helped judge the competition entries was also present, along with the TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, and Lauren Boland, the TVLP Champion for St Joseph’s Catholic High School.
 
The Mayor of Slough, Councillor Dilbagh Parmar, said “I am very thankful to everyone that took part, including the art departments at the schools, the students, the Thames Valley Learning Partnership, and Wexham Park Hospital for supporting this competition and displaying some of the student artwork.”
 
The TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, said “Art is something that can transcend boundaries and bring people together. The theme of love seems particularly relevant at the present time, when we need to come together to support each other and those in need, just as Wexham Park Hospital supports the many patients that come through their doors each year. Our students are extremely proud to have their art on display here and to help brighten up this area of the children’s ward corridor.”
 
The art will be permanently on display, enabling thousands of patients, carers, staff and visitors to view them over the coming months.
 
All the artwork on display can also be viewed online: tvlp.org.uk/love-art
 
Posted: 21st October 2022.

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WINNERS OF THE TVLP ‘LOVE’ ART COMPETITION ANNOUNCED

We are delighted to reveal the winners of the junior drawing & painting category, the senior drawing & painting category, and the photography category. 

Click here to go to the competition page.

Posted: 10th October 2022.

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BULB PLANTING AT THAMES HOSPICE

16 students from 3 TVLP schools (St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Windsor Girls’ School, and The Windsor Boys’ School) volunteered their time on Saturday 15th October to plant spring flowering bulbs at the Maidenhead charity, Thames Hospice.

The initiative aims to increase the nectar sources available to bees and other beneficial insects from January to April, with snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils being introduced. The flowers will add a boost of colour to the Hospice gardens, helping to lift the spirits of the patients and their families, staff and visitors.

Graham Stone, Thames Hospice’s Horticultural Ambassador, said: “A huge thank you and well done to all the students who volunteered this weekend. Our gardens are an integral part of the Hospice and the wellbeing of our patients and families. Many studies have proven that being close to nature can have a positive impact on our emotional wellbeing, making us feel relaxed, positive and at ease.”
 
TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, said: “I am extremely proud of our students and staff. Many are very interested in the environment and are keen to help improve local biodiversity habitats. The environment is something we all need to take more care of and our students are leading by example.”
 
This is the second time the TVLP has partnered with Thames Hospice on a cross-school project. In April (2022), students created four nature-themed sculptures out of willow, which were donated to the Hospice and are on display in their grounds.
 

Posted: 17th October 2022.

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TVLP MODEL UNITED NATIONS; STUDENTS REPORT INCREASED CONFIDENCE & KNOWLEDGE 

A TVLP Model United Nations event took place on Thursday 13th October 2022, with students from 8 TVLP schools in attendance (St Mary’s School Ascot, Beechwood School, Eton College, Holyport College, Sough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School.)

Our guest speaker, Mr Gavin Wilson, delivered a talk to students on his involvement in the creation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, before students then moved into smaller committee groups to debate their chosen resolution.

Following a crisis debate, a selection of students were then awarded certificates for their contributions during the event. A number of these students are shown below.

Feedback from the students was extremely positive, with 98% reporting they enjoyed the event and 91% stating they learnt something new.

Posted: 14th October 2022.

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OUR ANNUAL TVLP STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

St Joseph’s Catholic High School was proud to host this year’s TVLP Student Leadership Conference. 

The event brought together over 100 students from across 9 TVLP schools; Beechwood School, Eton College, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School.

The day commenced with a welcome speech from Mr Stapleton, the Headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, and was followed by a talk by our key note speaker Baroness Helena Morrissey [pictured below], who is a Member of the House of Lords and a founder of the 30% Club.

Later in the day, students got into mixed school groups to plan their Dragons’ Den pitches, which aimed to look at a local social, economic or environmental cause. Areas they chose to focus on varied and included food poverty, the environment and pot holes.
 
Our Dragons’ Den panel, which consisted of 5 business & charity leaders, chose 2 winning pitches. One addressed knife crime and one aimed to help tackle local homelessness. Each of these have been awarded £100 to put towards making their pitch a reality.
The TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, will work with them in the coming months to progress their ideas. 
 
Thanks to the TVLP Coordinator Clare Matheson, to our event partner Young Citizens UK, to our key note speaker Baroness Helena Morrissey, to our Dragons, and to Miss Boland, Mr Stapleton and the team at St Joseph’s Catholic High School for making the event really inspirational and enjoyable.
 

Posted: 29th September 2022.

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TVLP END OF YEAR VIDEO GAINS OVER 1,000 VIEWS

We created a celebratory video showcasing a selection of our competitions, events, staff networks, speakers, students and actions in 2021-2022. It was only launched recently but already it’s had more than 1,000 views!

Organisations we partnered with feature, including Thames Hospice, RHS Garden Wisley, Wexham Park Hospital, TSI World Bees Ice Hockey Schools Programme, Hillier Garden Centre Sunningdale, HMCK Charity, Orwell Youth Prize and others.

It also includes the new schools that have joined the TVLP this year: Herschel Grammar School, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, and Windsor Girls’ School.

Watch it here: TVLP 2021-22 end of year video. – YouTube

Posted: 5th September 2022.

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WINNERS OF THE TVLP SPORTS COMPETITION REVEALED

The Thames Valley Learning Partnership held a 5-a-side football tournament on 23rd May 2022 at Arbour Park Sports Stadium, hosted by St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

Taking part were teams from Beechwood School, Holyport College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, and The Windsor Boys’ School.

We were very lucky to have the TSI World Bees Ice Hockey Schools Programme providing entertainment, as well as medals, trophies and ice hockey game tickets for the winning boys’ and girls’ teams.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING TEAMS FOR WINNING THE TOURNAMENT:

Boys: The Windsor Boys’ School (pictured below with the Bees mascot, Buzz).

Girls: Beechwood School (pictured below with the Bees mascot, Buzz).

You can view a selection of photos from the day, and student feedback, here: tvlp.org.uk/sports-competition

Posted: 23rd May 2022.

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TVLP QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE MINI GARDENS

Picture top left: The Mayor of Windsor officially launching the mini gardens in late May 2022, with students from 6 TVLP schools present.

Congratulations to the winners of the TVLP Queen’s Platinum Jubilee mini garden design competition: Charley West, a student at Holyport College (design used to create the mini garden to the left), and Kitkin T & Milly H, students at St Mary’s School Ascot (design used to create the mini garden to the right).

Well done also to runners up Anbarasi R & Ayah H, both students at The Langley Academy. Both Anbarasi and Ayah helped to plant the mini gardens.

Thanks to Chris & his team at Hillier Garden Centre in Sunningdale for their time and expertise judging the entries from 5 schools within the TVLP, to staff and students at Eton College for building the wooden raised beds and for creating the horse shoe sculptures, and to students at The Windsor Boys’ School for helping to fill a raised bed with top soil.

Both mini gardens are located at The Gowells public park in Windsor and can be viewed during the park’s opening hours.

You can can read more information, and view more photos, here: tvlp.org.uk/jubilee-competition

Posted: 28th May 2022.

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TVLP SCHOOL SCULPTURES HOMED AT THAMES HOSPICE IN MAIDENHEAD

The Thames Valley Learning Partnership (TVLP) unveiled four stunning sculptures on 9th May, made out of willow in the gardens at Thames Hospice.

A willow sculpture making workshop took place at Beechwood School in Slough on 26th April 2022 for 30 art students from four local schools: Beechwood School, Eton College, Holyport College, and The Langley Academy. 

It was an especially important event for one student from Beechwood School, Harvey, whose mother was cared for at Thames Hospice. He said: “I wanted to show respect for the Hospice and how they treated my mum in her last moments. It was a really fun event that I enjoyed taking part in.”

Sara Holmes, Natural Artist from Willowtwisters, commented: “It was a great pleasure to work with TVLP, showing students from different schools and colleges how to sculpt using willow. Willow is such a wonderful, natural material to use creatively and the beautiful sculptures the students created in this community inspired project will not only give pleasure to the people at Thames Hospice but they will also provide valuable habitat for a myriad of insects and wildlife. I have even had a Jenny Wren nest in one of my willow sculptures before! Well done to all involved.”

Debbie Raven, Thames Hospice Chief Executive, added: “A huge thank you to TVLP and all the students who took part in this wonderful initiative. The sculptures are beautiful and very befitting for our aquatic location.” “We look forward to welcoming our community to pop in at admire our new willow creatures, whilst enjoying some refreshments in our café and taking in the spectacular view across Bray Lake.”

Click here to read a news article by the Maidenhead Advertiser.

Posted: 9th May 2022.

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TVLP STUDENT SCULPTURES CREATED FOR THAMES HOSPICE

The sculptures at the half way point during the event.

Students from 4 schools in the Thames Valley Learning Partnership came together on Tuesday 26th April 2022 to create 4 wonderful sculptures made from willow. They were Beechwood School (who hosted this event), Eton College, Holyport College, and The Langley Academy.

Each participating student volunteered 90 minutes of their time to help make designs based upon the three inpatient wings at Thames Hospice in Maidenhead, which are named after aquatic creatures: Kingfisher, Heron and Otter (a nod to the hospice’s location next to Bray Lake). A fourth sculpture of a butterfly was designed to complement the nature garden being launched by them in the summer.

The TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson said, “This event has been a great opportunity for our students to work together, with a professional willow artist, to try their hand at a new skill.”

“By partnering with Thames Hospice, we have been able to locate these wonderful student works of art on the beautiful grounds of the hospice, so they can be enjoyed by patients, staff and visitors for years to come. It gives our students a great sense of achievement and pride.”

All 4 sculptures will be visible from the hospice’s Cafe by the Lake, which is open to the public, from mid-May 2022 so students and their parents/guardians can visit them. 

Posted: 26th April 2022.

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WE’RE NOW ON INSTAGRAM

Our students spoke and we listened. Thanks to members of the TVLP Student Committee for this social media suggestion.

You can go to our Instagram account by clicking here.

Posted: 28th March 2022.

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TVLP LEADERSHIP SKILLS COURSE A SUCCESS

Congratulations to the pupils at Eton College, Holyport College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, The Windsor Boys’ School, and The Windsor Girls’ School who completed the online TVLP Leadership Skills Course. Each have gained a certificate from The Tony Little Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning (CIRL) at Eton College.

There were some great discussions around what makes an effective leader and leadership behaviours, the changing style of leadership over the years, identifying and resolving team issues, supporting your team and leadership role models.

100% of student feedback forms received stated they’d learnt something new as a result of attending and they would recommend it to a fellow student interested in leadership.

Thanks to Dr Iro Konstantinou for delivering this course.

Posted: 25th March 2022.

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TVLP BIODIVERSITY PROJECT BULBS PROVIDING NECTAR FOR POLLINATORS

The daffodils at Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, planted by pupils last autumn as part of the TVLP Biodiversity Project, are in bloom. They are 1 of 6 TVLP schools providing additional nectar sources due to the funding received by HMCK Charity.

Thanks to Deborah Lombard for the photos.

tvlp.org.uk/biodiversity

Posted: 21st March 2022.

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TVLP SHORTLISTED AT THE GREAT BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS, 2022

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in 2 categories at this year’s Great British Business & Community Awards: Charity of the Year, and Networker of the Year for the TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson.

The winners will be announced at The Black-Tie Award Ceremony on Thursday 7th of April at The Hilton Reading, where 360+ businesses are expected to be present.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll win.

Posted: 9th March 2022.

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TVLP WORLD BOOK DAY POSTER AND AUTHOR SPEAKER

This TVLP World Book Day poster, created as a result of the TVLP Libraries Network, is finished and is on display across TVLP schools.

Thanks to network colleagues, and the pupils and staff featured, for their assistance creating this.

A recording of the TVLP’s World Book Day author talk with Matt Whyman, held live on 1st March, is available to watch on-demand. To gain the link and password, email info@tvlp.org.uk 

Posted: 2nd March 2022.

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NEW WEBINAR RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

We have a number of new webinar recordings available to watch on our YouTube channel. These include our social media expert speaker talks below. Click on one of the images below to be taken to the relevant video.

Posted: 14th February 2022.

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2022 TVLP FRENCH SPELLING BEE RESULTS

Congratulations to our winner, Emilia Augustyn-Sharma (Year 9) from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, for gaining 100% in rounds 1 & 2 and for gaining an extremely high score in the final to win the 2022 TVLP French Spelling Bee competition. She has won a £30 National Book Token voucher and a TVLP certificate.

Pictured above from left to right: Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator; Sara Berber, MFL Teacher at St Joseph’s Catholic High School; the winning student, Emilia Augustyn-Sharma; Ciran Stapleton, Headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

Well done also to George and Arabella at Holyport College who secured 2nd and 3rd place. Both also scored 100% in rounds 1 & 2. George just missed coming joint 1st in the final by half a point!

Pictured above from left to right: Mr Boyle, MFL Teacher and Founding Head Master at Holyport College; Arabella; George; Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator.

All the students that took part in each round should be very proud of themselves for all their hard work.

Posted: 25th January 2022.

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TVLP STUDENT MAGAZINE

The 2022 edition of the TVLP student magazine is now available to view online.

All the content comes from 14 students across 8 TVLP schools, 4 staff members and 3 guest contributors. It features articles written by pupils, career advice, art and book reviews, a new year’s resolution feature, sports personality Matthew Pinsent and much, much more.

View an electronic copy by clicking here: tvlp.org.uk/magazine

Posted: 5th January 2022.

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TVLP BIODIVERSITY PROJECT

The idea for the TVLP Biodiversity Project resulted from last year’s Pupil Premium staff network

Earlier in the year, we linked up with the Royal Horticultural Society to organise fact-finding TVLP school visits to RHS Garden Wisley. Students used these trips, and additional information gained from a TVLP World Environment Day webinar, to suggest changes they would like made on their school grounds. Thanks to funding from HMCK Charity, we are currently implementing a number of these biodiversity improvements across 6 of our schools. 

  1. Beechwood School – Planting of muscari bulbs and installation of a bird nest box and an insect hotel.
  2. Holyport College – Planting of snowdrop and English bluebell bulbs, pond improvements including the introduction of a water lily for dragonflies to lay their eggs, and the installation of 2 bird nest boxes.
  3. Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College – Planting of English bluebell, cyclamen and daffodil bulbs, and the introduction of a 4/5ft apple tree (pictured below).
  4. St Joseph’s Catholic High School – Planting of 550 crocus, daffodil and snowdrop bulbs.
  5. The Windsor Boys’ School – Planting of English bluebell and snowdrop bulbs (pictured below), and the introduction of an insect hotel and 2 bird nest boxes.
  6. The Langley Academy – Summer flowering bulbs and compost for pot planting.

The TVLP Biodiversity Booklet can be viewed here: tvlp.org.uk/biodiversity

Pictured above (left image): Bulb planting with The Windsor Boys’ School Teacher, Mrs Fettes; students Joe, Achilles and Ben. (Right image): Peter Collins, Headteacher at Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, receiving their first apple tree.

Posted: 1st November 2021

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RESULTS OF THE TVLP NATURE ART COMPETITION ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to our winner, the commended entries and to all the students whose art work was shortlisted. These will be on display at Wexham Park Hospital and can be viewed here too: tvlp.org.uk/nature-art

Posted: 28th October 2021.

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TVLP WATER SPORTS FESTIVAL

Students from Beechwood School, Holyport College, The Langley Academy and St Joseph’s Catholic High School mixed to undertake bell-boating, Cornish gig rowing & and an indoor rowing competition at Dorney Lake.

Thankfully, the sun came out for us and the students enjoyed the day, with many of them doing water sports they’d never tried before.

Posted: 4th October 2022.

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TVLP SCHOOLS MEET FOR OUR STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Our first Student Leadership Conference took place on 29th September with Future Foundations, at Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College. Over 120 pupils from across all 8 TVLP schools were present.

The event launched with a welcome speech by Peter Collins, Headteacher, and included getting to know you activities, a spaghetti bridge building challenge, discussions around leadership skills and a Dragons’ Den event, featuring 6 experts across different fields.

Students had time to discuss serious issues and solutions, and prepare their pitches before delivering these to 3 of the Dragons. The 2 winning teams are pictured below, standing alongside their Dragons.

One pupil described their attendance at the event as “a positive & constructive experience that has had an influential impact on my leadership skills”. Another stated it was “very inspiring”. Lots said it was great to share ideas with pupils from other schools.

Posted: 1st October 2021.

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TVLP EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES POSTER 

The TVLP MFL Network created this great poster to celebrate #europeandayoflanguages, showcasing some of the languages spoken across their schools.

It features pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Mary’s School Ascot, and The Windsor Boys’ School. 

Which language will you learn?

Posted: 24th September 2021.

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CELEBRATING 2020-2021

We can’t believe another year has passed already, and what a year it’s been.

As well as producing our Annual Report, we’ve also created an end of year film to celebrate our many events, speakers, competitions, staff networks, and initiatives.

Click here to read our Annual Report.

Posted: 12th July 2021.

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TVLP SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD

We’re delighted to announce that the TVLP was shortlisted for the ‘New Start Up of the Year’ at the Thames Valley Awards.

This was due to the successful programme of events, competitions, networks and activities we’ve delivered since we launched in September 2019.

The ceremony took place virtually on 29th April. Unfortunately we didn’t win, but it was great to spread the news about our wonderful cross-school activities.

Posted: 30th April 2021.

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WINNER OF THE TVLP FRENCH SPELLING BEE ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Vaishnavi Vatsavai, a student at Holyport College, for winning the TVLP French Spelling Bee, scoring 100%.

Round 3 was very close, with students Varnika Burle at The Langley Academy, Ivan Grygorov at The Windsor Boys’ School, & Maryam Nothhelfer at Holyport College also doing exceptionally well.

Thanks to our judges Elise Martin and Stephanie Lorgeoux.

Posted: 16th March 2021.

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WORLD BOOK DAY TVLP BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY

Posted: 11th March 2021.

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TVLP GREAT BERKSHIRE BAKE OFF WINNER ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Aiza Rashid, a student at The Langley Academy, for winning the TVLP Great Berkshire Bake Off competition. 

tvlp.org.uk/gbbo

Posted: 10th March 2021

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BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Holyport College, The Langley Academy, and The Windsor Boys’ School who have all gained multiple copies of this book for their students.

Posted: 23rd February 2021.

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OSITIVE PRESS COVERAGE FOR TVLP SCHOOL ECO CHANGES

You can read the article here: Two schools in Slough take on student-led environmental improvements – Photo 1 of 1 – Slough Express

Posted: 14th July 2023

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TVLP STUDENTS SECURE TICKETS TO PINEWOOD STUDIOS SCREEN INDUSTRY CAREERS FESTIVAL

Posted: 11th July 2023

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TVLP SCULPTURES DONATED TO CHILDREN’S HOSPICE

Students from 4 schools in the TVLP (Beechwood School – who hosted this event, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, and St Joseph’s Catholic High School) came together at Beechwood School on 6th July 2023 to create 4 sculptures made from willow.

Together, they made a dolphin (the hospice’s logo) and 3 deer, which can be decorated with fairy lights in the run up to Christmas.

Jazmin Parker, Community and Events Fundraiser at Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service, who attended one of the workshops said, “It is wonderful that students from across TVLP schools have made such beautiful, unique sculptures for our children’s hospice service.”

The three deer are now located at the front of their grounds, so that as supported families, staff and visitors of the hospice drive in, they are welcomed by the sculptures.

The dolphin, which was Alexander Devine’s favourite animal, has been located in their Dolphin Garden, an important space for families going through the hardest of times.

Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator, commented, “We are delighted to have linked with such an amazing and important local charity. Knowing our students’ creations will be enjoyed by hundreds of hospice users and visitors gives our pupils a real sense of pride.”

This is the second year the TVLP has run willow workshops. In 2022, the resulting kingfisher, heron, otter and butterfly sculptures were donated to Thames Hospice. These are still located on their grounds.

Posted: 6th July 2023 

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HERSCHEL & ST JOSEPH’S IMPLEMENT ECO IMPROVEMENTS

St Joseph’s Catholic High School and Herschel Grammar School have been making student-led environmental improvements to their school grounds, following their attendance at the TVLP Make a Change environmental event in May.

Changes include the introduction of water butts, compost bins, insect hotels and fruit trees at both schools, and the creation of a sensory garden and an allotment at Herschel Grammar School, complete with vegetable and fruit plants and seeds, plus edible flowers including nasturtiums, for growing this year and next spring.

Tiger worms have also been delivered to Herschel Grammar School, so they can investigate how the rate of composting from wormeries varies to traditional composting.

Clare worked with the eco staff leads at both schools, Miss L Boland and Miss Firme, and helped identify funding for these changes, which came from 3 members of the public, Laura Miller, Helen Slaney, and Jane Atherton. The insect hotels were made by Stephen Tebbutt.

Miss Boland, Geography – Subject Leader and TVLP Champion at St Joseph’s Catholic High School said, “I want to send a personal thank you to both Helen and Jane for donating items to our school. The students were so enthused by the discussions we had at the TVLP event. These changes will make a huge difference to the environment of the school and will encourage more students to be involved in sustainability and ecology at home as well.”

Miss Firma, Physics Teacher, Eco Schools and STEM Coordinator, commented, “On behalf of Herschel Grammar School, I want to say a huge thank you to Clare and Laura for their amazing support.”

Posted: 6th July 2023 

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FOOTY FEVER COMES TO SLOUGH

Thames Valley Learning Partnership held a 5-a-side football tournament on 7th June 2023 at Powerleague, Slough, hosted by Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College.

8 TVLP schools took part including Beechwood School, Holyport College, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School.

We were very lucky to have the TSI World Bees Ice Hockey Schools Programme providing entertainment, as well as medals, trophies and ice hockey game tickets for the winning boys’ and girls’ teams.

Congratulations to the winning schools; Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College (boys’ team) and Holyport College (girls’ team), who are pictured below.

Well done also to all the students that took part.

Click here for additional information and photos about this tournament on our sports competition page.

Posted: 8th June 2023.

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STUDENTS BUZZING ABOUT TVLP ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT

Over 80 students from across 6 schools in the Thames Valley Learning Partnership came together on 3rd May for the TVLP Make a Change environmental event, hosted by Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy. Listed in alphabetical order, they were Beechwood School, Eton College, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, and St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

Expert speakers from 2 national charities, Adam Flint from Keep Britain Tidy (Eco-Schools Programme), and Kate Merry from Butterfly Conservation, both gave informative and insightful presentations on environmental changes that can be made in schools, in the local community and at home.

Following a quick break, the students got into mixed school groups to brainstorm ideas. They were assisted by a Senior Wildlife Specialist, Helen Bostock, from the Royal Horticultural Society. Helen spent time speaking to the student groups, assisting them with their local biodiversity improvement ideas.

The event finished with each group delivering a presentation. Ideas covered waste minimisation, water conservation, ways to save energy, food growing, a move towards more plant-based diets, wildlife habitat improvements and more. The TVLP Coordinator will be working with the participating schools and students over the rest of this term to help progress some of these ideas.

100% of the feedback forms showed all the students learnt something new as a result of attending this event, with student comments including, “[I learnt] how schools can be more eco friendly” and “how important both butterflies and moths are to our wildlife, not just bees!”

Posted: 4th May 2023.

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TWO TVLP SCHOOLS JOIN FORCES TO RAISE MONEY FOR LOCAL SLOUGH YOUTH CHARITY

Students from 2 local Thames Valley Learning Partnership schools in Slough (Beechwood School, and Herschel Grammar School) have been selling anti-knife crime badges to raise money for the youth charity, Together As One (Aik Saath).

The students, along with pupils from another Windsor based school, won a Dragons’ Den pitch at a TVLP Student Leadership Conference earlier in the academic year to use £100 to create their own badges, which were designed with the help of local graphic design company, Dunk Design Ltd. Sam and Samir (pictured above with Together As One youth workers, Ibby, Sanna and Aida, and the TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson) doubled the money they were given by asking students, staff, family and friends to make a voluntary donation for each badge they were given. In total, Sam and Samir raised £207.30.

TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson said, “Sam and Samir have done a great job raising much needed funds for Together As One, as well as showing their support for tackling knife crime in Slough and the neighbouring areas. The Dragons’ Den judges and I are impressed by how they have used their £100 prize money to double its value, thereby increasing the impact it can have.”

Rob Deeks, Together As One commented, “We are enormously grateful to all of the partners involved in this project and Thames Valley Learning Partnership in particular. Both the young people’s desire to help their community and their entrepreneurial spirit are to be highly commended – we hope they are really proud of themselves.”
 
You can read more about the TVLP Dragons’ Den pitches here tvlp.org.uk/dd, and a Slough & South Bucks Express news article here: www.sloughexpress.co.uk
 
Posted: 17th March 2023
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TVLP PHILOSOTHON HIGHLY RECOMMENDED BY STUDENTS

Over 50 students from across 7 TVLP schools participated in the TVLP’s first Philosothon on Tuesday 14th March 2023, hosted at Eton College.

Pupils from Beechwood School, Eton College, Holyport College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School took part in 4 mixed school philosophical discussions, with supper included.

For 88% of students, this was their first experience of a Philosothon, with 92% of students stating they would recommend this event to a fellow student interested in philosophy. 

Congratulations to the highest scoring school team, St Mary’s School Ascot, who gained a TVLP trophy.

Congratulations also to the highest scoring student(s) from each school, who were awarded an edible prize and a TVLP certificate.

Posted: 15th March 2023

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TVLP FESTIVAL OF MUSIC AN OVERWHELMING SUCCESS

The Windsor Boys’ School hosted the TVLP’s first cross-school music event on 8th February 2023, which involved students and staff from 8 TVLP schools; The Windsor Boys’ School, Windsor Girls’ School, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Eton College, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, and The Langley Academy.

There were instrumental and vocal performances by all of the schools, covering a range of musical genres including jazz, classical, indie and pop.

The concert was attended by students, staff, relatives and invited guests, with many of them taking the time to complete feedback forms at the end. 100% stated they enjoyed the event and would recommend it to a friend. All the students also said they would like to take part in a future TVLP music event.

Comments included:

“An inspirational event”, “great level of performances”, “positive energy”, “[I enjoyed] the different music genres”, “being with other schools”, and “I loved it.”

Posted: 9th February 2023.

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TVLP ORWELL WRITING WORKSHOP GIVEN A THUMBS UP BY STUDENTS 

Nine schools in the Thames Valley Learning Partnership attended the 2023 TVLP Orwell writing workshop, hosted by Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, on Friday 3rd February 2023. They were Eton College, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College (the host school), St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, The Langley Academy, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School.

The day included readings and a Q&A session with our guest author, Delia Jarrett-Macauley, poetry writing, a fun quiz about George Orwell’s life, and edible prizes. In the afternoon, students then started writing an entry for the Orwell Youth Prize.

The feedback forms from the day were extremely positive. Students stated they liked “the interactive nature of the event,” “getting to speak to an author,” “sharing ideas with new people,” and “studying Orwell in more depth.”

96% enjoyed the event, 86% stated they had learnt something new, and 92% said they would recommend this event to a friend interested in writing.

Posted: 3rd February 2023.

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CHRISTMAS DONATION BY STUDENTS FROM TVLP SCHOOLS TO THE WINDSOR HOMELESSNESS PROJECT

Students from 3 TVLP schools (Eton College, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, and The Windsor Boys’ School) carried out their winning TVLP Dragons’ Den pitch on 2nd December 2022.

Using a donation wish list, Sonny, Theo & Tanaya (pictured with Chris Speakman, Windsor Homelessness Project, and Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator) delivered £100 worth of food & drink to the Windsor Homelessness Project & learnt more about the great work this local charity does.

Thanks to the Dragons’ Den judges that chose this winning pitch at the 2022 TVLP Student Leadership Conference: Dr Iro Konstantinou at The Tony Little Centre, Cindy Smulders at Swan Lifeline, and Dr Derrick Chong at Royal Holloway, University of London.

Read about the other winning TVLP Dragons’ Den pitch by clicking here.

Posted: 2nd December 2022.

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TVLP FRENCH SPELLING BEE WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Jessica, a student at Holyport College, and Prithvi, a student at Herschel Grammar School, for jointly winning the 2023 TVLP French Spelling Bee competition (pictured above with the 2 judges, Ms Martin and Ms Rubio Gonzalez.) Both have won a £30 National Book Token voucher and TVLP certificate.

Well done also to each of the 11 students that took part in the competition.

The final round took part at the TVLP French & Spanish languages event on 30th November at The Langley Academy, which was attended by 142 pupils in Years 9 and 10 from across 8 schools in the TVLP (Beechwood School, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise Academy, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, The Windsor Boys’ School, Windsor Girls’ School, and of course, The Langley Academy).

The event included a feast of French and Spanish foods (pictured above), a travel presentation highlighting some of the countries across the world that speak French and Spanish as a main language, a tourism postcard design competition (1st place going to Olive Williamson, and 2nd place going to Poppy Knowles, both students at Windsor Girls’ School), and a guest speaker, Dr Marion Joassin, a French tutor from Royal Holloway, University of London, taking about language courses at university and possible career paths.

Posted: 1st December 2022.

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STUDENTS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD IN TVLP SCHOOL DEBATING COMPETITION

A TVLP debating competition took place on 10th November 2022 at Eton College’s spectacular Jafar Hall. 

Students from 7 TVLP schools attended, with Eton College, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, The Langley Academy, & Windsor Girls’ School taking part in the head-to-head debates.

Topics discussed included, ‘This house would ban all production of plastics’, ‘This house would ban all zoos’, ‘This house would ban Halloween’, and ‘This house would end consumption of meat in all school meals.’

All the students did extremely well, overcoming their nerves to deliver all of their argument.

Congratulations to Amy [pictured below, right], a student at Windsor Girls’ School, for winning ‘Best Debater’, and to the team at Holyport College [pictured below, left] for winning ‘Best School Debaters’. Their arguments were professionally delivered and well thought out.

The team at The Langley Academy came a close second, with well researched arguments, so well done to them also.

Feedback from the competition was really positive, with all of the students taking part reporting they enjoyed the event and all, but one, reporting an increase in debating confidence, as a result of taking part in this event.

Posted: 11th November 2022.

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CRIME AT TVLP SCHOOL SOLVED BY STUDENTS

Windsor Girls’ School hosted two TVLP crime scene investigation workshops on 2nd November 2022, led by The Forensic Experience. 57 students from across 6 TVLP schools (Beechwood School, Holyport College, Eton College, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, The Langley Academy, and Windsor Girls’ School) learnt about forensics, got to assess a crime scene and collect evidence, and had to decide who committed the crime.

100% of students reported they enjoyed the event and they learnt something new, with comments including, “[I enjoyed] how interactive the workshop was and the anecdotes” (Holyport College student) and “I enjoyed using various equipment to discover fingerprints and many other clues to find the killer. Overall, it was great!” (The Langley Academy student.)

It was a great opportunity for our students interested in science, and/or a potential career in forensics and crime investigation.

Posted: 3rd November 2022.

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MAYOR OF SLOUGH LAUNCHES TVLP ART EXHIBITION

We were very pleased to have the Mayor and Mayoress of Slough launch the TVLP ‘love’ art competition exhibition at Wexham Park Hospital on Friday 21st October 2022.
 
Pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, and St Mary’s School Ascot met the Mayor and Mayoress and discussed their art with them, the methods they used to create their work, and what inspired them.
 
Emma Carr, Arts and Creative Health Manager at Frimley Health Charity, who helped judge the competition entries was also present, along with the TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, and Lauren Boland, the TVLP Champion for St Joseph’s Catholic High School.
 
The Mayor of Slough, Councillor Dilbagh Parmar, said “I am very thankful to everyone that took part, including the art departments at the schools, the students, the Thames Valley Learning Partnership, and Wexham Park Hospital for supporting this competition and displaying some of the student artwork.”
 
The TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, said “Art is something that can transcend boundaries and bring people together. The theme of love seems particularly relevant at the present time, when we need to come together to support each other and those in need, just as Wexham Park Hospital supports the many patients that come through their doors each year. Our students are extremely proud to have their art on display here and to help brighten up this area of the children’s ward corridor.”
 
The art will be permanently on display, enabling thousands of patients, carers, staff and visitors to view them over the coming months.
 
All the artwork on display can also be viewed online: tvlp.org.uk/love-art
 
Posted: 21st October 2022.

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WINNERS OF THE TVLP ‘LOVE’ ART COMPETITION ANNOUNCED

We are delighted to reveal the winners of the junior drawing & painting category, the senior drawing & painting category, and the photography category. 

Click here to go to the competition page.

Posted: 10th October 2022.

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BULB PLANTING AT THAMES HOSPICE

16 students from 3 TVLP schools (St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Windsor Girls’ School, and The Windsor Boys’ School) volunteered their time on Saturday 15th October to plant spring flowering bulbs at the Maidenhead charity, Thames Hospice.

The initiative aims to increase the nectar sources available to bees and other beneficial insects from January to April, with snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils being introduced. The flowers will add a boost of colour to the Hospice gardens, helping to lift the spirits of the patients and their families, staff and visitors.

Graham Stone, Thames Hospice’s Horticultural Ambassador, said: “A huge thank you and well done to all the students who volunteered this weekend. Our gardens are an integral part of the Hospice and the wellbeing of our patients and families. Many studies have proven that being close to nature can have a positive impact on our emotional wellbeing, making us feel relaxed, positive and at ease.”
 
TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, said: “I am extremely proud of our students and staff. Many are very interested in the environment and are keen to help improve local biodiversity habitats. The environment is something we all need to take more care of and our students are leading by example.”
 
This is the second time the TVLP has partnered with Thames Hospice on a cross-school project. In April (2022), students created four nature-themed sculptures out of willow, which were donated to the Hospice and are on display in their grounds.
 

Posted: 17th October 2022.

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TVLP MODEL UNITED NATIONS; STUDENTS REPORT INCREASED CONFIDENCE & KNOWLEDGE 

A TVLP Model United Nations event took place on Thursday 13th October 2022, with students from 8 TVLP schools in attendance (St Mary’s School Ascot, Beechwood School, Eton College, Holyport College, Sough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School.)

Our guest speaker, Mr Gavin Wilson, delivered a talk to students on his involvement in the creation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, before students then moved into smaller committee groups to debate their chosen resolution.

Following a crisis debate, a selection of students were then awarded certificates for their contributions during the event. A number of these students are shown below.

Feedback from the students was extremely positive, with 98% reporting they enjoyed the event and 91% stating they learnt something new.

Posted: 14th October 2022.

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OUR ANNUAL TVLP STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

St Joseph’s Catholic High School was proud to host this year’s TVLP Student Leadership Conference. 

The event brought together over 100 students from across 9 TVLP schools; Beechwood School, Eton College, Herschel Grammar School, Holyport College, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, The Windsor Boys’ School, and Windsor Girls’ School.

The day commenced with a welcome speech from Mr Stapleton, the Headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, and was followed by a talk by our key note speaker Baroness Helena Morrissey [pictured below], who is a Member of the House of Lords and a founder of the 30% Club.

Later in the day, students got into mixed school groups to plan their Dragons’ Den pitches, which aimed to look at a local social, economic or environmental cause. Areas they chose to focus on varied and included food poverty, the environment and pot holes.
 
Our Dragons’ Den panel, which consisted of 5 business & charity leaders, chose 2 winning pitches. One addressed knife crime and one aimed to help tackle local homelessness. Each of these have been awarded £100 to put towards making their pitch a reality.
The TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, will work with them in the coming months to progress their ideas. 
 
Thanks to the TVLP Coordinator Clare Matheson, to our event partner Young Citizens UK, to our key note speaker Baroness Helena Morrissey, to our Dragons, and to Miss Boland, Mr Stapleton and the team at St Joseph’s Catholic High School for making the event really inspirational and enjoyable.
 

Posted: 29th September 2022.

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TVLP END OF YEAR VIDEO GAINS OVER 1,000 VIEWS

We created a celebratory video showcasing a selection of our competitions, events, staff networks, speakers, students and actions in 2021-2022. It was only launched recently but already it’s had more than 1,000 views!

Organisations we partnered with feature, including Thames Hospice, RHS Garden Wisley, Wexham Park Hospital, TSI World Bees Ice Hockey Schools Programme, Hillier Garden Centre Sunningdale, HMCK Charity, Orwell Youth Prize and others.

It also includes the new schools that have joined the TVLP this year: Herschel Grammar School, Lynch Hill Enterprise Academy, and Windsor Girls’ School.

Watch it here: TVLP 2021-22 end of year video. – YouTube

Posted: 5th September 2022.

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WINNERS OF THE TVLP SPORTS COMPETITION REVEALED

The Thames Valley Learning Partnership held a 5-a-side football tournament on 23rd May 2022 at Arbour Park Sports Stadium, hosted by St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

Taking part were teams from Beechwood School, Holyport College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, and The Windsor Boys’ School.

We were very lucky to have the TSI World Bees Ice Hockey Schools Programme providing entertainment, as well as medals, trophies and ice hockey game tickets for the winning boys’ and girls’ teams.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FOLLOWING TEAMS FOR WINNING THE TOURNAMENT:

Boys: The Windsor Boys’ School (pictured below with the Bees mascot, Buzz).

Girls: Beechwood School (pictured below with the Bees mascot, Buzz).

You can view a selection of photos from the day, and student feedback, here: tvlp.org.uk/sports-competition

Posted: 23rd May 2022.

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TVLP QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE MINI GARDENS

Picture top left: The Mayor of Windsor officially launching the mini gardens in late May 2022, with students from 6 TVLP schools present.

Congratulations to the winners of the TVLP Queen’s Platinum Jubilee mini garden design competition: Charley West, a student at Holyport College (design used to create the mini garden to the left), and Kitkin T & Milly H, students at St Mary’s School Ascot (design used to create the mini garden to the right).

Well done also to runners up Anbarasi R & Ayah H, both students at The Langley Academy. Both Anbarasi and Ayah helped to plant the mini gardens.

Thanks to Chris & his team at Hillier Garden Centre in Sunningdale for their time and expertise judging the entries from 5 schools within the TVLP, to staff and students at Eton College for building the wooden raised beds and for creating the horse shoe sculptures, and to students at The Windsor Boys’ School for helping to fill a raised bed with top soil.

Both mini gardens are located at The Gowells public park in Windsor and can be viewed during the park’s opening hours.

You can can read more information, and view more photos, here: tvlp.org.uk/jubilee-competition

Posted: 28th May 2022.

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TVLP SCHOOL SCULPTURES HOMED AT THAMES HOSPICE IN MAIDENHEAD

The Thames Valley Learning Partnership (TVLP) unveiled four stunning sculptures on 9th May, made out of willow in the gardens at Thames Hospice.

A willow sculpture making workshop took place at Beechwood School in Slough on 26th April 2022 for 30 art students from four local schools: Beechwood School, Eton College, Holyport College, and The Langley Academy. 

It was an especially important event for one student from Beechwood School, Harvey, whose mother was cared for at Thames Hospice. He said: “I wanted to show respect for the Hospice and how they treated my mum in her last moments. It was a really fun event that I enjoyed taking part in.”

Sara Holmes, Natural Artist from Willowtwisters, commented: “It was a great pleasure to work with TVLP, showing students from different schools and colleges how to sculpt using willow. Willow is such a wonderful, natural material to use creatively and the beautiful sculptures the students created in this community inspired project will not only give pleasure to the people at Thames Hospice but they will also provide valuable habitat for a myriad of insects and wildlife. I have even had a Jenny Wren nest in one of my willow sculptures before! Well done to all involved.”

Debbie Raven, Thames Hospice Chief Executive, added: “A huge thank you to TVLP and all the students who took part in this wonderful initiative. The sculptures are beautiful and very befitting for our aquatic location.” “We look forward to welcoming our community to pop in at admire our new willow creatures, whilst enjoying some refreshments in our café and taking in the spectacular view across Bray Lake.”

Click here to read a news article by the Maidenhead Advertiser.

Posted: 9th May 2022.

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TVLP STUDENT SCULPTURES CREATED FOR THAMES HOSPICE

The sculptures at the half way point during the event.

Students from 4 schools in the Thames Valley Learning Partnership came together on Tuesday 26th April 2022 to create 4 wonderful sculptures made from willow. They were Beechwood School (who hosted this event), Eton College, Holyport College, and The Langley Academy.

Each participating student volunteered 90 minutes of their time to help make designs based upon the three inpatient wings at Thames Hospice in Maidenhead, which are named after aquatic creatures: Kingfisher, Heron and Otter (a nod to the hospice’s location next to Bray Lake). A fourth sculpture of a butterfly was designed to complement the nature garden being launched by them in the summer.

The TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson said, “This event has been a great opportunity for our students to work together, with a professional willow artist, to try their hand at a new skill.”

“By partnering with Thames Hospice, we have been able to locate these wonderful student works of art on the beautiful grounds of the hospice, so they can be enjoyed by patients, staff and visitors for years to come. It gives our students a great sense of achievement and pride.”

All 4 sculptures will be visible from the hospice’s Cafe by the Lake, which is open to the public, from mid-May 2022 so students and their parents/guardians can visit them. 

Posted: 26th April 2022.

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WE’RE NOW ON INSTAGRAM

Our students spoke and we listened. Thanks to members of the TVLP Student Committee for this social media suggestion.

You can go to our Instagram account by clicking here.

Posted: 28th March 2022.

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TVLP LEADERSHIP SKILLS COURSE A SUCCESS

Congratulations to the pupils at Eton College, Holyport College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, St Mary’s School Ascot, The Windsor Boys’ School, and The Windsor Girls’ School who completed the online TVLP Leadership Skills Course. Each have gained a certificate from The Tony Little Centre for Innovation and Research in Learning (CIRL) at Eton College.

There were some great discussions around what makes an effective leader and leadership behaviours, the changing style of leadership over the years, identifying and resolving team issues, supporting your team and leadership role models.

100% of student feedback forms received stated they’d learnt something new as a result of attending and they would recommend it to a fellow student interested in leadership.

Thanks to Dr Iro Konstantinou for delivering this course.

Posted: 25th March 2022.

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TVLP BIODIVERSITY PROJECT BULBS PROVIDING NECTAR FOR POLLINATORS

The daffodils at Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, planted by pupils last autumn as part of the TVLP Biodiversity Project, are in bloom. They are 1 of 6 TVLP schools providing additional nectar sources due to the funding received by HMCK Charity.

Thanks to Deborah Lombard for the photos.

tvlp.org.uk/biodiversity

Posted: 21st March 2022.

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TVLP SHORTLISTED AT THE GREAT BRITISH BUSINESS AWARDS, 2022

We are delighted to have been shortlisted in 2 categories at this year’s Great British Business & Community Awards: Charity of the Year, and Networker of the Year for the TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson.

The winners will be announced at The Black-Tie Award Ceremony on Thursday 7th of April at The Hilton Reading, where 360+ businesses are expected to be present.

We’re keeping our fingers crossed that we’ll win.

Posted: 9th March 2022.

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TVLP WORLD BOOK DAY POSTER AND AUTHOR SPEAKER

This TVLP World Book Day poster, created as a result of the TVLP Libraries Network, is finished and is on display across TVLP schools.

Thanks to network colleagues, and the pupils and staff featured, for their assistance creating this.

A recording of the TVLP’s World Book Day author talk with Matt Whyman, held live on 1st March, is available to watch on-demand. To gain the link and password, email info@tvlp.org.uk 

Posted: 2nd March 2022.

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NEW WEBINAR RECORDINGS AVAILABLE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL

We have a number of new webinar recordings available to watch on our YouTube channel. These include our social media expert speaker talks below. Click on one of the images below to be taken to the relevant video.

Posted: 14th February 2022.

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2022 TVLP FRENCH SPELLING BEE RESULTS

Congratulations to our winner, Emilia Augustyn-Sharma (Year 9) from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, for gaining 100% in rounds 1 & 2 and for gaining an extremely high score in the final to win the 2022 TVLP French Spelling Bee competition. She has won a £30 National Book Token voucher and a TVLP certificate.

Pictured above from left to right: Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator; Sara Berber, MFL Teacher at St Joseph’s Catholic High School; the winning student, Emilia Augustyn-Sharma; Ciran Stapleton, Headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

Well done also to George and Arabella at Holyport College who secured 2nd and 3rd place. Both also scored 100% in rounds 1 & 2. George just missed coming joint 1st in the final by half a point!

Pictured above from left to right: Mr Boyle, MFL Teacher and Founding Head Master at Holyport College; Arabella; George; Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator.

All the students that took part in each round should be very proud of themselves for all their hard work.

Posted: 25th January 2022.

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TVLP STUDENT MAGAZINE

The 2022 edition of the TVLP student magazine is now available to view online.

All the content comes from 14 students across 8 TVLP schools, 4 staff members and 3 guest contributors. It features articles written by pupils, career advice, art and book reviews, a new year’s resolution feature, sports personality Matthew Pinsent and much, much more.

View an electronic copy by clicking here: tvlp.org.uk/magazine

Posted: 5th January 2022.

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TVLP BIODIVERSITY PROJECT

The idea for the TVLP Biodiversity Project resulted from last year’s Pupil Premium staff network

Earlier in the year, we linked up with the Royal Horticultural Society to organise fact-finding TVLP school visits to RHS Garden Wisley. Students used these trips, and additional information gained from a TVLP World Environment Day webinar, to suggest changes they would like made on their school grounds. Thanks to funding from HMCK Charity, we are currently implementing a number of these biodiversity improvements across 6 of our schools. 

  1. Beechwood School – Planting of muscari bulbs and installation of a bird nest box and an insect hotel.
  2. Holyport College – Planting of snowdrop and English bluebell bulbs, pond improvements including the introduction of a water lily for dragonflies to lay their eggs, and the installation of 2 bird nest boxes.
  3. Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College – Planting of English bluebell, cyclamen and daffodil bulbs, and the introduction of a 4/5ft apple tree (pictured below).
  4. St Joseph’s Catholic High School – Planting of 550 crocus, daffodil and snowdrop bulbs.
  5. The Windsor Boys’ School – Planting of English bluebell and snowdrop bulbs (pictured below), and the introduction of an insect hotel and 2 bird nest boxes.
  6. The Langley Academy – Summer flowering bulbs and compost for pot planting.

The TVLP Biodiversity Booklet can be viewed here: tvlp.org.uk/biodiversity

Pictured above (left image): Bulb planting with The Windsor Boys’ School Teacher, Mrs Fettes; students Joe, Achilles and Ben. (Right image): Peter Collins, Headteacher at Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, receiving their first apple tree.

Posted: 1st November 2021

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RESULTS OF THE TVLP NATURE ART COMPETITION ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to our winner, the commended entries and to all the students whose art work was shortlisted. These will be on display at Wexham Park Hospital and can be viewed here too: tvlp.org.uk/nature-art

Posted: 28th October 2021.

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TVLP WATER SPORTS FESTIVAL

Students from Beechwood School, Holyport College, The Langley Academy and St Joseph’s Catholic High School mixed to undertake bell-boating, Cornish gig rowing & and an indoor rowing competition at Dorney Lake.

Thankfully, the sun came out for us and the students enjoyed the day, with many of them doing water sports they’d never tried before.

Posted: 4th October 2022.

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TVLP SCHOOLS MEET FOR OUR STUDENT LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

Our first Student Leadership Conference took place on 29th September with Future Foundations, at Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College. Over 120 pupils from across all 8 TVLP schools were present.

The event launched with a welcome speech by Peter Collins, Headteacher, and included getting to know you activities, a spaghetti bridge building challenge, discussions around leadership skills and a Dragons’ Den event, featuring 6 experts across different fields.

Students had time to discuss serious issues and solutions, and prepare their pitches before delivering these to 3 of the Dragons. The 2 winning teams are pictured below, standing alongside their Dragons.

One pupil described their attendance at the event as “a positive & constructive experience that has had an influential impact on my leadership skills”. Another stated it was “very inspiring”. Lots said it was great to share ideas with pupils from other schools.

Posted: 1st October 2021.

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TVLP EUROPEAN DAY OF LANGUAGES POSTER 

The TVLP MFL Network created this great poster to celebrate #europeandayoflanguages, showcasing some of the languages spoken across their schools.

It features pupils from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, St Mary’s School Ascot, and The Windsor Boys’ School. 

Which language will you learn?

Posted: 24th September 2021.

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CELEBRATING 2020-2021

We can’t believe another year has passed already, and what a year it’s been.

As well as producing our Annual Report, we’ve also created an end of year film to celebrate our many events, speakers, competitions, staff networks, and initiatives.

Click here to read our Annual Report.

Posted: 12th July 2021.

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TVLP SHORTLISTED FOR AWARD

We’re delighted to announce that the TVLP was shortlisted for the ‘New Start Up of the Year’ at the Thames Valley Awards.

This was due to the successful programme of events, competitions, networks and activities we’ve delivered since we launched in September 2019.

The ceremony took place virtually on 29th April. Unfortunately we didn’t win, but it was great to spread the news about our wonderful cross-school activities.

Posted: 30th April 2021.

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WINNER OF THE TVLP FRENCH SPELLING BEE ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Vaishnavi Vatsavai, a student at Holyport College, for winning the TVLP French Spelling Bee, scoring 100%.

Round 3 was very close, with students Varnika Burle at The Langley Academy, Ivan Grygorov at The Windsor Boys’ School, & Maryam Nothhelfer at Holyport College also doing exceptionally well.

Thanks to our judges Elise Martin and Stephanie Lorgeoux.

Posted: 16th March 2021.

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WORLD BOOK DAY TVLP BOOK BUNDLE GIVEAWAY

Posted: 11th March 2021.

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TVLP GREAT BERKSHIRE BAKE OFF WINNER ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to Aiza Rashid, a student at The Langley Academy, for winning the TVLP Great Berkshire Bake Off competition. 

tvlp.org.uk/gbbo

Posted: 10th March 2021

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BOOK GIVEAWAY WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Holyport College, The Langley Academy, and The Windsor Boys’ School who have all gained multiple copies of this book for their students.

Posted: 23rd February 2021.

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TVLP STUDENT MAGAZINE

We are delighted to announce that our student magazine is now available to read on our website.

Planned in conjunction with the TVLP Student Committee, it contains articles and features from students and staff across all 8 TVLP schools, as well as simple recipe ideas, book recommendations, and a GCSE quiz.

To read the magazine, click here.

Posted: 1st February 2021.

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TVLP ARTICLE FEATURES IN THE TONY LITTLE CENTRE’S LATEST JOURNAL

An article, written by TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson, features in the latest journal published by The Tony Little Centre at Eton College.

You can read this, plus 26 other articles on education after Covid-19 here: https://cirl.etoncollege.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2020/11/issue-4.pdf

Posted: 27th November 2020.

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TVLP STUDENT COMMITTEE

Earlier this month, the TVLP Coordinator set up the TVLP Student Committee. This comprises of 17 pupils including school prefects, Head Boys, and Head Girls from across our schools.

The Student Committee met with the TVLP Coordinator this week to discuss the ways they would like to get more involved in the TVLP. In this academic year, the pupils have decided this will include organising events, speakers and competitions, and leading on the creation of a TVLP student magazine.

The next committee meetings are scheduled for December.

Posted: 20th November 2020.

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GCSE ART COMPETITION FEATURED IN THE SLOUGH & WINDSOR EXPRESS

We are delighted for our talented students that the TVLP GCSE art competition is featured in this week’s edition of the Slough & Windsor Express newspaper.

To view the online exhibition, go to tvlp.org.uk/art-competition

Posted: 30th October 2020.

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TVLP THEATRE TICKETS COMPETITION WINNER

Zainab has won two tickets for Alan Bennett’s ‘The Lady in the Van’ live performance, worth £60.00, on Wednesday 28th October 2020 at The Theatre Royal Windsor.

For information on upcoming competitions and events, add us on Twitter (@ThamesValleyLP).

Posted: 19th October 2020

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INSPIRING & EDUCATIONAL TALKS ARE NOW AVAILABLE ACROSS TVLP SCHOOLS

Following partnership cooperation, we are delighted to offer all TVLP schools instant access to a range of Eton College’s recorded speaker talks, including those outlined below.

Login details have been sent to each TVLP school. For further details and/or login information, email info@tvlp.org.uk

Posted: 8th October 2020.

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TVLP’S 2020-21 CAREER SERIES

We are pleased to announce that the first videos in our 2020-21 Career Series are now available to view on our website and YouTube channel.

Speakers ranging from officer level, to senior managers and Directors, have opened up about their jobs, their career paths, and advice they have for students.

We’ve also included links to external career videos and information produced by the BBC, Prospects, the National Career Service, and other relevant organisations, ensuring students can find information that is of interest to them.

Thanks to partnership working across our schools, we will be opening up further talks in additional career areas as the academic year progresses.

tvlp.org.uk/careers

Posted: 1st October 2020.

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CELEBRATING 2019-20: TVLP FILM

We’ve produced a film, highlighting some of our guest speakers, events, competitions, staff networks, and initiatives in this academic year.

Posted: 30th June 2020.

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MY DEAR NEW FRIEND SCHEME

http://tvlp.org.uk/mdnf

Posted: 28th May 2020

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TVLP HOPE COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Each of the winners will receive a £30 National Book Token gift card.

To view the Hope competition book, containing all the winning and commended entries, click here.

Posted: 29th April 2020

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TVLP YOUTUBE CHANNEL LAUNCHED

In response to the coronavirus lockdown, and the resulting school closures, we are proud to announce that we now have our own YouTube channel.

There are a number of events which would have taken part at one of our schools, however these can be delivered online through a mixture of live streaming events and pre-recorded videos.

Our first YouTube addition is by Natalie Packer for the TVLP’s SEN staff network, with a Q&A video to follow in 2 weeks time.

You can access our YouTube videos by clicking here

Posted: 22nd April 2020

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TVLP ‘MAKE A CHANGE’ ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT INSPIRATIONAL FOR STUDENTS.

TVLP students with Catherine Conway, Founder of Unpackaged.

Students from Beechwood School, Eton College, The Langley Academy, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, and The Windsor Boys’ School had an amazing opportunity to hear from, and talk directly to, a number of environmental experts at the TVLP’s ‘Make A Change’ event on 6th March.

They included Catherine Conway, Founder of Unpackaged. She set up the first zero waste shop in the UK over a decade ago and has since advised companies including Waitrose, M&S, & Asda, on their zero waste products and aisles.

TVLP students with Nicola Davidson and Leah Robson from MaidEnergy.

Next were 2 Directors from MaidEnergy, a local solar panel co-operative based in Maidenhead. Nicola Davidson and Leah Robson, gave a thought provoking talk on renewable energy, which included potential careers in the industry.

Students then had the opportunity to mix with pupils from different schools to brainstorm ideas about environmental changes they could make within their own school grounds, canteens etc. They were assisted by knowledgeable volunteers from Plastic Free Windsor, a group set up to encourage people to become plastic free, as well as Catherine, Nicola and Leah.

TVLP students with volunteers from Plastic Free Windsor.

Towards the end of the event, each school then re-grouped to choose 2 potential changes they wanted to investigate making.

Some of the great student ideas.

They will be supported by TVLP Coordinator, Clare Matheson. Her previous work in the environmental sector has included advising businesses and third sector organisations on changes they could make in areas including waste, water, travel, and purchasing.

The feedback forms from pupils was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% stating they had learnt something new, and comments including:

“I enjoyed the vast amount of opinions and ideas from everyone in every school. It’s good to think some of these will go into action” – The Windsor Boys’ School student.

“[I liked] collaborating with different schools to solve collective problems” – Eton College student.

“It was very interactive and it helped me understand more about the environment” – Beechwood School student.

“I learnt that people can really make a different with just an idea” – The Langley Academy student.

Posted: 6th March 2020

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TVLP WORLD BOOK DAY COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED.

Posted: 5th March 2020

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AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR, MUHAMMAD KHAN, SPEAKS TO STUDENTS AT THE TVLP’S WORLD BOOK DAY EVENT.

99 students and staff from TVLP schools, including Eton College, Slough & Eton Church of England Business & Enterprise College, St Joseph’s Catholic High School, and The Windsor Boys’ School, attended the TVLP World Book Day speaker event with award-winning author Muhammad Khan, held at Beechwood School in Slough.

Muhammad talked about a number of relevant and challenging topics including Islamophobia, toxic masculinity and femininity, and identity, as well as discussing his path to becoming a published author.

Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive with comments including:

“I liked hearing about the issues experienced by different groups of people” – Beechwood School student

“I learnt that it is vital to be open minded” – The Windsor Boys’ School student

“It inspired me a lot to follow my dreams” – Beechwood School student.

A student from Beechwood School, and a student from The Windsor Boys’ School, won a signed copy of his book ‘Split’ plus a copy of his previous book ‘Kick the Moon’.

A number of pupils took the chance at the end of the event to get photographs with Muhammad, who was very obliging.

Muhammad is an engineer, a secondary-school maths teacher, and a YA author. He takes his inspiration from the children he teaches, as well as his own upbringing as a British-born Pakistani. His debut novel I Am Thunder was shortlisted for the YA Book Prize, won the Branford Boase First Novel Award, the 2018 Great Reads Award and a number of regional awards.

His latest book, Split, is available for free at mainstream book retailers through the National Book Token scheme.

To find out more about upcoming TVLP events, click here.

Posted: 2nd March 2020

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TVLP SPEAKER EVENT WITH LORD BIRD IS A BIG SUCCESS

Over 150 students, staff and parents from our schools, including Beechwood School and Eton College, attended the TVLP’s speaker event with Lord Bird at St Joseph’s Catholic High School in Slough.

They were all keen to hear about Lord Bird’s unique life story from poverty, homelessness at the age of 5, crime and exclusion from school, to establishing The Big Issue and now being a Member of the House of Lords, working to get his Future Generations Bill through parliament. 

During the event question & answer session, a student asked Lord Bird whether he had any advice for them. His response was “never give up”.

Feedback from his unique and unorthodox style of speech was overwhelmingly positive, with student comments including:

“Lord Bird’s life story from a rough upbringing shows how determination and a vision can alter things, both for him and for millions of others”

“Lord Bird gave a very different outlook on how to think outside the box but also how the box could be changed” 

“I enjoyed the jokes because they engaged my attention”

“This truly brought back my faith in humanity” 

A number of pupils took the chance at the end of the event to get photographs with Lord Bird, who was very obliging.

Pictured: Lord Bird with 5 students from St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

Pictured left to right: 4 students from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Ciran Stapleton, Headteacher at St Joseph’s Catholic High School, Lord Bird, a student at Eton College, Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator, a student from Eton College, Misha Mehta, Eton’s Social Action Mentor.

A signed copy of Lord Bird’s book ‘How to Change your Life in 7 Steps’ was won by event attendee, Vimbai Chunga, a student at St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

Pictured above: The Slough & South Bucks Express article covering the event.

To read the story, see our external articles page by clicking here.

To find out more about upcoming TVLP events, click here.

Posted: 28th January 2020.

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THE MAYOR OF SLOUGH LAUNCHES THE TVLP STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR EXHIBITION.

Pictured left to right: Natalia Malczewska (commended) from St Joseph’s Catholic High School, TVLP Coordinator Clare Matheson, The Mayor of Slough Councillor Avtar Kaur Cheema, Aoife Brennan (competition winner), Deimante Montvilaite (highly commended), & Joshua Dewing, all from The Langley Academy

The TVLP Student Environmental Photographer of the Year competition was a huge success. We had entries from students at 7 of our schools, with 1 winner being selected and 4 runner up entries.

The competition exhibition was launched by the Mayor of Slough, Councillor Avtar Kaur Cheema, on 2nd December.

All 45 images will be on display at The Curve (1st floor) until 31st January 2020 www.thecurveslough.com

Posted: 3rd December 2019

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TVLP STUDENT ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR COMPETITION – WINNER ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to the WINNER of the TVLP Student Environmental Photographer of the Year competition.

Winner: Aoife Brennan from The Langley Academy. Age: 17.

Aoife’s decision to capture this well-known brand in a stylised way, ‘littering’ the environment, was very relevant to the competition brief, especially given that Coca-Cola was named the world’s most polluting brand in a plastic waste audit. The photo demonstrates how much humans are impacting our planet, while also being an excellent photograph in its own right.

We had a lot of entries from across 7 of our schools so it was a difficult decision choosing from the shortlisted images. Four others stood out to our judges so we chose those as runners up. They are as follows:

Highly Commended: Deimante Montvilaite, The Langley Academy. Age: 18

Commended: Francesca White, St Mary’s School Ascot. Age: 17

Commended: Natalia Malczewska, St Joseph’s Catholic High School. Age: 13

Commended: Hayden Newell, The Windsor Boys’ School. Age: 14

All the shortlisted images will be on display at The Curve in Slough throughout December 2019 and January 2020. www.thecurveslough.com

Thank you to the judges from Rhubarb & Custard Photography, Salli (left, in the photo above), Rosie (right, in the photo above), and Kirsty. Rhubarb & Custard also donated the winning prize: a DSLR photography 1 day Workshop worth £125 www.rhubarbandcustard.com

Posted: 30th November 2019

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HEAD TEACHERS MEETING

Back row, left to right: Ben McCarey, Head Master, Holyport College; Alison Lusuardi, Head Teacher, The Langley Academy; Simon Henderson, Head Master, Eton College; Danuta Staunton, Headmistress, St Mary’s School Ascot; Gavin Henderson, Head Teacher, The Windsor Boys’ School. Front row, left to right: Peter Collins, Head Teacher, Slough & Eton Church of England Business & Enterprise College; Kathleen Higgins, Head Teacher, Beechwood School; Ciran Stapleton, Head Teacher, St Joseph’s Catholic High School.

The Head Teachers from the Thames Valley Learning Partnership held their first meeting, since the appointment of the TVLP Coordinator, on Wednesday 20th November.

They agreed on the positive progress made by the TVLP Coordinator, and on the TVLP Events Programme for the 2019-20 academic year, which was drafted following ideas and feedback from various teachers, support staff, students and the Heads themselves.

Upcoming events, which are open to students and/or staff from every TVLP school, can be found on our Events page

Posted: 21st November 2019

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TVLP STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHER COMPETITION EXHIBITION

As well as a fabulous prize, we now have a great venue, The Curve in Slough, where shortlisted student photographs will be displayed in December & January.

For information on how to enter the competition, go to www.tvlp.org.uk/competitions

For information on The Curve, go to www.thecurveslough.com

Posted: 25th October 2019

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TVLP LOGO DESIGN WINNER PRIZE PRESENTATION

Congratulations to student Haashim Bukhari, aged 17, from Slough & Eton C of E Business & Enterprise College, pictured here receiving the £70 arts hamper (donated by Hobbycraft, Staines store) and certificate for his winning TVLP logo design entry.

Posted: October 2019

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LOGO COMPETITION WINNER ANNOUNCED

Congratulations to the WINNER of the TVLP student logo design competition:

Haashim Bukhari from Slough & Eton Business & Enterprise College.

It was a difficult decision choosing from the shortlisted entries so we also chose two worthy runner up designs. They were created by:

Thomas Barry from Eton College, and Pey Ying Tsang from The Langley Academy.

Logo design can be challenging so what impressed us was that the finalists’ designs were all quite different and used disciplines which, as designers, we see all the time when tackling a brief. Overall, the standard of the students’ entries was very high.

Winner: Haashim Bukhari. We really liked the simplicity of this design – less is more after all – and especially the use of the abstract pattern to evoke water. But what nudged this entry slightly higher and made it the winner was that it is really current – it would really stand out in a noisy graphic environment and especially in social media – good design is strong communication after all, and Haashim really nails it!

Highly Commended: Pey Ying Tsang. We love the way that Pey has thought about concept here. Ideas and partnerships are key to what the Thames Valley Learning Partnership is all about so a visual device which represents this will always say more than a logo which just looks aesthetically pleasing but doesn’t actually say anything! Well done Pey.

Highly Commended: Thomas Barry. Again, another strong concept here – the River Thames device which weaves through the letters pulling the typography together in partnership is a cool and bold idea. And lower case is always a nice option when you want a logo to look understated and confident. Great work Thomas!

Thank you to the judges from Dunk Design, Duncan Gordon (Managing Director), Leigh Hammans (Client Services Director), and Chris Prior (Graphic Designer), all seen in the above photo www.dunkdesign.co.uk

Posted: September 2019

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TVLP LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION

A design competition has been launched across our partner schools, aimed at getting students to submit designs for the Thames Valley Learning Partnership’s logo.

With no current branding guidelines, pupils are free to fully use their imaginations and creativity.

The chosen logo will be used on our website, on our Twitter and LinkedIn profiles, and on our promotional materials.

Hand drawn entries are welcome.

JUDGING

Helping to judge the entries will be Dunk Design, a creative design, print and digital solutions company based in Windsor.

To view some of their work, see their website www.dunkdesign.co.uk

WINNER’S PRIZE

 

The competition prize, pictured here with Hobbycraft, Staines Manager, Kiran.

A special thank you to Hobbycraft, Staines branch, who have kindly donated a prize for the winning student. It includes Daler Rowney, Derwent & Reeves products and is worth £70.00 (retail value).

The closing date for entries is Tuesday 24th September.

For further details contact Clare Matheson, TVLP Coordinator, by emailing c.matheson@tvlp.org.uk

Posted: September 2019

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APPOINTMENT OF A TVLP COORDINATOR

The Thames Valley Learning Partnership has appointed a Coordinator this month, Clare Matheson.

Clare has had a successful career in project management in the third sector. She has relevant experience across a range of skills including events, communication and marketing.

Outside of her TVLP role, she also plays an active part in her childrens’ school PTA.

Clare stated, “I’m really excited by the prospect of state and independent school collaboration. Opening up the different facilities, resources and contacts in each school will help increase the opportunities, experience and knowledge available to students, teachers and support staff across the partnership.”

Posted: September 2019