Children from ten primary schools across Teesside and County Durham came together recently (7 June) to demonstrate their sporting talents.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up for the day-long sports event at Middlesbrough Sports Village where they competed in a range of events including running, long jump, hurdles and distance throwing.

Pete Wiley and Helen Durnion, School Improvement Leads with Ad Astra, helped co-ordinate the event.

Pete Wiley said: “We organise regular collaborative events for our schools and the sports event was a huge success.

“All of the pupils showed their determination to succeed. They gave their all and competed in a very respectful manner.

“One of our primary schools (Ayresome) hold their annual sports day at Middlesbrough Sports Village so we modelled their programme and it worked really well.

“Performing at such a notable regional sporting venue like Middlesbrough Sports Village can only help inspire our pupils to achieve high in their chosen sports.”

Around 150 youngsters aged between 7 and 11 took part in the event and they all received a medal.

A rosette was also awarded to a child from each school who was judged to best reflect the Ad Astra Academy Trust STARS (Support, Togetherness, Achieve, Respect, Success) values.

The ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust are Sunnyside and Ayresome in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, said: “This was a wonderful event, and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to its success.

“As a Trust we encourage our pupils to participate in sport and physical activity as part of our overall approach to promote healthy lifestyles.

“Events like this are also important because they provide an opportunity for our children to meet their counterparts from other schools.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley, providing education for over 3,500 pupils and 525 employees in Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees and Hartlepool.

Youngsters from primary schools across Teesside and County Durham came together this week (22 April) to demonstrate their science knowledge.

Pupils from Ad Astra Academy Trust schools met up at AV Dawson offices in the Port of Middlesbrough for the day-long event where they showcased their talents.

Prior to the event, pupils were tasked with devising a specific project on a science theme which they then shared with fellow pupils at the event.

Topics were wide ranging and included inventions, density, biodegradables, evolution, and the human body.

At the event, pupils received a tour of AV Dawson’s 360 degree viewing platform where they learned about the vast range of local industries and businesses.

There are ten schools under the umbrella of Ad Astra Academy Trust. They are Sunnyside and Ayresome in Middlesbrough, Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees, Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Deaf Hill and Kelloe in County Durham.

Pete Wiley and Helen Durnion, School Improvement Leads with Ad Astra, helped co-ordinate the event.

Pete Wiley said: “We aim to organise a collaborative event for our schools each term and this time the topic was science.

“All of the children worked really hard to prepare for the event and it was a great way for them to demonstrate their talents and learn from each other.

“The event also provided an excellent opportunity for children to learn about the fantastic range of industries and careers that exist on their doorstep, and this can only inspire them to achieve high and reach their goals in life.”

Mr Wiley added that the event was a huge success and thanked AV Dawson for providing the venue.

Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust, added: “Science is an important part of the school curriculum and all of the children excelled at the event.

“Science is a massive sector in the jobs market, and it is important that we highlight to children at a young age that there are fantastic opportunities in their local area.”

The event was supported by Andrew Stogdale of Sparks Tees Valley who delivered a science show to children, highlighting the many opportunities in the local area.

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown to provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees.

22 April 2024

Headteacher Paul Newton (left) is welcomed by Andy Brown OBE

Two Durham primary schools have joined one of the North-East’s most successful academy trusts.

Deaf Hill Primary School in Trimdon and Kelloe Primary School joined Ad Astra Academy Trust on 1 March 2024, bringing the total number of primary schools under its umbrella to ten.

Deaf Hill and Kelloe primary schools worked closely together previously as part of a primary federation and Andy Brown OBE, Chief Executive Officer of Ad Astra Academy Trust is delighted to have them onboard.

He said: “I am delighted that we have expanded the Trust to incorporate Deaf Hill and Kelloe primary schools. Both schools have lots of qualities and they share the values of the Trust.

“It will enable us to enhance the excellent collaborative work across the Trust and embrace schools in Durham for the first time.”

Paul Newton, Headteacher of Deaf Hill and Kelloe Primary Federation said: “Our Federation is very excited to join Ad Astra Academy Trust. We are two successful schools in County Durham keen to embark on the next, exciting phase of school development.

“We are aware that Ad Astra is a Trust that is hugely supportive, while allowing schools to retain their individual characteristics that make them special – something which appeals to us greatly.

“We have chosen Ad Astra Academy Trust for many reasons. They live and breathe their ‘to the stars’ motto and it is clear that every Ad Astra school is committed to improving the experiences and standards of all children.

“We are also very excited to be part of a diverse and vibrant group of schools – to learn from their exceptional practice, but also to share our expertise and talents. Ad Astra embraces all of its schools – supporting and challenging when needed and we feel it is an organisation we will be proud to be part of.”

Ad Astra Academy Trust was formed in 2015 and over the last nine years has grown across the Tees Valley. With the two additional schools, it will provide education for over 3,500 pupils and 600 employees in Durham, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough and Stockton-on-Tees.

The other eight primary schools within Ad Astra Academy Trust are Barnard Grove, Brougham, West Park and West View in Hartlepool and Crooksbarn and Rosebrook in Stockton-on-Tees and Ayresome and Sunnyside in Middlesbrough.

For further information about Ad Astra Academy Trust, visit www.adastraschools.org

Headteacher Paul Newton (left) is welcomed by Andy Brown OBE