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Young Adventurer Award This term has seen a huge number of our primary pupils take place in the VIAT Young Adventurer Award.
Specifically designed for our Year 5 pupils, the Young Adventurer Award is inspired by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and encourages children to step outside their comfort zones, learn new skills, and make a positive impact in their communities. Pupils take part in four key areas: developing a new skill, supporting their community, working towards a physical goal, and taking part in an outdoor adventure.
Over the course of this year’s programme, pupils across our primary schools embraced the challenge with energy and enthusiasm. From cooking, gardening and calligraphy to volunteering, sports, and fundraising, the creativity and commitment shown was exceptional.
The highlight for many, as always, was the celebratory camp-out in June. Pupils from Holborough Lakes, Kings Hill and Leybourne Chase came together on 6 June at Leybourne Lakes and then camped overnight at Leybourne Chase. They enjoyed outdoor activities including paddleboarding, kayaking and pond dipping. Pupils from Aylesford and East Borough then had their overnight stay in the school grounds at East Borough on 27 June after taking part in their own jam-packed schedule of fun endeavours at Mote Park.
Well done to all those who took part!
Celebrating our volunteers As we head towards the end of Volunteers Week, I want to take a moment to recognise and celebrate the incredible contribution of our Governors, Trustees and Members across Valley Invicta Academies Trust. These individuals give their time, energy and expertise - entirely voluntarily - to help ensure our schools are the very best they can be for our pupils/students, families and communities and we could not do what we do without them.
I also want to thank every single one of our amazing school volunteers - from those who come in to read with younger pupils, to those who help with trips, events or outdoor learning. The time, care and encouragement they give helps enrich school life in so many ways, and I know I speak for all Trust staff when I say I am truly grateful for all that our volunteers do and the huge difference they make.
Governance and volunteering can often be quiet work, done behind the scenes, but it is essential.
A massive thank you - not just this week, but every week.
Richard Hayden
CEO, Valley Invicta Academies Trust
Anti-Bullying Week It’s Anti-Bullying Week across the UK and our primary schools have been busy ensuring their pupils understand and embrace the principles of this important theme.
Many VIAT primary schools have Anti-Bullying Ambassadors from Year 5 and Year 6, who work closely with teachers and their peers to be positive role models and to proactively to promote anti-bullying. These pupils are trained by The Diana Award Anti-Bullying Programme to carry out their role, which means:
They are passionate and committed about stopping bullying in their school;
They know what bullying is and what type of behaviour is and isn’t bullying;
They work with their peers and staff to stop bullying in their school;
They are someone who is kind, empathetic, a good listener and supports their peers;
They help to run days in their school that raise awareness of bullying and promote kindness;
They celebrate the things that make everyone special and unique;
They keep everyone up to date with all the brilliant Anti-Bullying work their school does.
Across the schools, these pupils support children on the playground each day and look out for children who may appear to be on their own, subsequently supporting them to find others to join up with.
At several of the schools, there are Buddy Benches, where children can go if they would like to find someone to play with or if find themselves lonely and on their own. The Anti-Bullying Ambassadors keep an eye on the bench during playtime to ensure no child is left feeling isolated and alone.
The Ambassadors also have the skills and knowledge to support children with minor disputes and disagreements. There is always a Teaching Assistant on duty and, if children are unable to support in a specific issue or if there is a more serious event, they know to seek support from an adult.
This week, some VIAT primary schools have taken part in an Anti-Bullying lessons, assemblies and even webinars. The children have developed their understanding of what bullying is and how respect can be shown within a variety of settings, for example, the classroom, the playground, with peers and at home. Many have also taken part in Odd Socks Day this week, which sees pupils wearing odd socks to celebrate diversity, encourage inclusion and that being different is something to be proud of.
11 Jul 2025
@ValleyInvictaTT - 11 Dec 2024The first VITT-led ITAP took place last week, offering trainees from VIAT and @CanterburyCCUni a rich and inspiring programme. Hosted across several VIAT schools, the week featured seminars, lesson observations, and activities focused on AfL.#TeacherTraining #VITT #ITAP pic.twitter.com/eB99O9i76a— Valley Invicta Teacher Training (VITT) (@ValleyInvictaTT) December 11, 2024
