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  • Holocaust Memorial Day 27th January

    Published 27/01/26

    Holocaust Memorial Day is a national day that takes place on 27 January. We commemorate the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, and the millions more murdered under Nazi persecution. Prejudice still continues today within our communities and across the UK. We also learn and commemorate where persecution led in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

    The Holocaust Memorial Day Trust has confirmed that the theme for HMD 2026 is “Bridging Generations”. This theme highlights the vital role each generation plays in carrying forward the memory of the Holocaust and more recent genocides. As survivors grow older, the responsibility to listen, learn, and share their stories becomes a collective act of remembrance and a commitment to building a safer, more compassionate future.

    It encourages communities, schools, and organisations to explore how memory is passed on, how stories shape understanding, and how we can all contribute to safeguarding truth against distortion or denial.

    It Began with Words – New Holocaust Memorial Day Film

    It Began with Words explores how the Holocaust began not with violence, but with words, with stereotypes, prejudice and silence. Through survivor testimony and historical insight, it shows how ordinary people and everyday choices allowed hatred to grow. By understanding how the Holocaust unfolded, we can recognise the warning signs of prejudice today and use our voices to stand against it. Holocaust Memorial Day Trust | It Began with Words – New Holocaust Memorial Day Film

    Helpful UK Resources

    A selection of trusted, accessible UK organisations offering guidance, educational materials, and support for commemorations:

    Light the Darkness

    Each year people from across the UK take part in our Light the Darkness national moment for Holocaust Memorial Day.

    At 8pm on 27 January people across the nation will light candles and put them safely in their windows to:

    • remember those who were murdered for who they were
    • stand against prejudice and hatred today
    • Iconic buildings and landmarks will light up in purple during this powerful national moment of commemoration and solidarity
    Read More

  • PolyMAT Conference 2026

    Published 26/01/26

    We are excited to announce the very first PolyMAT Conference, taking place on Friday 13th February 2026 at Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls.

    Our theme for this launch year is Resilience, bringing together voices, ideas, and inspiration that celebrate strength, growth, and community.

    This is more than a conference. It marks the beginning of a new tradition for PolyMAT and the wider education community.

    A limited number of complimentary places are available for colleagues working in education. To enquire, contact conference@polymat.co.uk.

    Be part of history as we launch the first ever PolyMAT Conference.

    Read More

  • Excellence Across the Trust: Both PolyMAT Secondary Schools Receive National Commendation

    Published 26/01/26

    PolyMAT is immensely proud to celebrate the national recognition awarded to both Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys and Woolwich Polytechnic School for Girls for their exceptional outcomes for disadvantaged pupils in the 2024/25 academic year. Receiving commendations from the Secretary of State for Education is an extraordinary achievement – one that reflects the unwavering commitment, expertise, and compassion demonstrated across both of our secondary schools.

    This recognition is not given lightly. It is a testament to the collective effort of our teachers, support staff, leaders, and of course, our students, whose ambition and resilience continue to inspire us. The impact you make every day is profound, and it is now being acknowledged at the highest level. 

    This national commendation shines a light on the remarkable work happening across our Trust and the life‑changing impact our schools have on young people.

    Comment from Mr T Plumb, CEO of PolyMAT

    “Congratulations and thank you. I want every member of staff across both schools to know just how significant this recognition is. To receive commendations from the Secretary of State is a rare honour, and it speaks directly to the exceptional standard of care, teaching, and support that defines our Trust.

    I am incredibly proud of and deeply grateful to all our staff and students. This achievement reflects the extraordinary difference you make to the lives of young people every single day. Your dedication ensures that our pupils, particularly those facing the greatest challenges, are given the opportunities, encouragement, and belief they need to thrive.

    This is a moment for our whole Trust to celebrate. It reinforces what we already know: that PolyMAT is a community of excellence, compassion, and ambition. Thank you for everything you do and for the impact you have on the futures of our young people.”

    Read More

  • Bett 2026: Day 3 Highlights

    Published 23/01/26

    I started the final day of Bett by heading straight to the Arena for the first keynote, Developing digital literacy and student empathy in a world of infinite media. Aidan Kelly from Into Film shared how film can be such an accessible, powerful way to build empathy and critical thinking, especially when navigating algorithms, representation and the sheer volume of online content. The live poll asking “What is the biggest issue facing young people today?” really stood out – with anxiety coming in at 41%, it was a sobering but important reminder of the pressures our students face.

    My next session was the one I’d been most looking forward to: Growing up online: Confronting misogyny and protecting young people. Laura Bates and Samantha Booth delivered an honest, challenging and incredibly insightful conversation about the rise of harmful online narratives targeting boys, the impact of biased algorithms, and the role schools can play in responding with empathy and clarity. Laura’s suggestion that we sign up to social platforms “as a teenager” to truly understand the content our young people are exposed to was particularly powerful. This was, without question, my favourite session of the week - full of practical ideas and thought‑provoking moments.

    To round off the morning, I joined AI for all: From classrooms to careers, led by Aanya Niaz from the AWS Education Equity Initiative. The panel shared inspiring global examples of how AI is widening access to quality education, from real‑time classroom analytics to creative computing in low‑resource settings. It was an uplifting and practical look at how AI can genuinely expand opportunities for learners everywhere.

    Attending events like Bett is always such a privilege, and it reinforces how important it is for us to keep learning, questioning and exploring new ways to strengthen and improve our Trust for the communities we serve.

     

     

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  • Important Travel Update - Introduction of New Superloop SL11 Route

    Published 22/01/26

    Important Travel Update - Introduction of New Superloop SL11 Route

    We want to make you aware of upcoming changes to local bus services that may affect your child’s journey to and from school. From Saturday 24 January 2026, Transport for London (TfL) will introduce a new Superloop route, SL11, operating between North Greenwich Bus Station and Abbey Wood Station via Woolwich town centre.

    New SL11 Route

    The SL11 will run a limited‑stop service between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood. It will only stop at specific bus stops along the route, including:

    Towards Abbeywood:

    • North Greenwich Bus Station - stop A named North Greenwich Station 
    • Stop MC named Millennium Village / Oval Square located on West Parkside 
    • Stop MF named Millennium Leisure Park East at Greenwich Peninsula 
    • Stop MA named Peninsular Park Road located on Bugsbys Way 
    • Stop E at Charlton Station 
    • Stop K at Woolwich Elizabeth Line Station 
    • Stop A at Plumstead Bus Garage 
    • Stop F opposite Belmarsh Prison 
    • Stop Y on Central Way named Thamesmead / Grasshaven Way 
    • Stop J on Central Way named Thamesmead Town Centre / Watersmeet Place 
    • Stop D named Linton Mead Primary School located on Central Way 
    • Stop NG on Crossway named Thamesmead North / Eastgate Close 
    • Stop SJ named Thamesmead / Carlyle Road located on Carlyle Road 
    • Stop D opposite Abbey Wood Station on Harrow Manorway 
    • Stop F on Gayton Road named Gayton Road / Abbey Wood Station

    Towards North Greenwich Bus Station buses will only stop at the following bus stops: 

    • Stop F on Gayton Road named Gayton Road / Abbey Wood Station 
    • Stop C outside Abbey Wood Station on Harrow Manorway 
    • Stop SK named Thamesmead / Carlyle Road located on Carlyle Road 
    • Stop NC on Crossway named Thamesmead North / Manordene Road 
    • Stop E named Linton Mead Primary School located on Central Way 
    • Stop H on Central Way named Thamesmead Town Centre / Watersmeet Place 
    • Stop X on Central Way named Thamesmead / Grasshaven Way 
    • Stop G outside Belmarsh Prison 
    • Stop WL named Plumstead Road / Plumstead Station located on Plumstead Road 
    • Stop D at Woolwich Elizabeth Line Station 
    • Stop G named Anchor & Hope Lane located on Anchor & Hope Lane 
    • Stop MB named Peninsular Park Road located on Bugsbys Way 
    • Stop MH named Millennium Leisure Park East at Greenwich Peninsula 
    • Stop ML named Millennium Village / Oval Square located on West Parkside 
    • Buses set down at stop E at North Greenwich Bus Station 

    Service Frequency

    • Monday–Friday: every 12 minutes before 06:30, every 6 minutes until around 21:00, then every 10 minutes
    • Saturday: every 12 minutes before 07:30, every 6 minutes until around 20:00, then every 10 minutes
    • Sunday: every 15 minutes before 09:30, then every 12 minutes
    • First buses will depart at 04:58 from Abbey Wood and 05:00 from North Greenwich daily. Last buses will run at 00:00 (midnight) from both ends of the route.

    Changes to Route 472

    • As part of these changes:
    • Route 472 will be withdrawn.
    • The SL11 will replace the 472 only at the stops it serves.
    • A new night service, N472, will operate every 30 minutes between North Greenwich and Abbey Wood, serving all current 472 stops overnight.

    If Your Child Uses Route 472

    Some stops previously served by the 472 will not be served by the SL11. 

    These stops will continue to be served by other frequent local routes, including 161, 177, 180, 244, 301 and 380.

    Families may need to plan for:

    • A change of bus during the journey
    • Slightly longer travel times
    • Adjustments to morning or afternoon routines

    Further Information

    You can check updated timetables and plan journeys using the TfL Journey Planner

    More details about the Superloop network are available here

    Read More

  • Bannockburn Primary School Fun Run - Sunday 8th March 2026!

    Published 22/01/26

    Bannockburn Primary School Fun Run – Sunday 8th March!

    PolyMAT is delighted to support Bannockburn Primary School’s annual Fun Run, taking place on Sunday 8th March at 10am at the Manor Way site.

    This fantastic community event offers 2km, 5km and 10km races, with medals and trophies awarded on the day. It’s a brilliant opportunity for families, friends, and local residents to come together, get active, and celebrate community spirit.

    How to enter:

    Bannockburn is proud to be hosting this event in partnership with Cancer Research UK, helping raise awareness and support vital work.

    We look forward to seeing our community come together for a morning of energy, positivity, and purpose. 

    Read More

  • FREE February half-term wellbeing & health-building workshops for Greenwich students

    Published 22/01/26

    This February half-term, Vibrant Health Education CIC - a not-for-profit initiative funded through the Greenwich Healthier Communities Fund, with support from Young Greenwich and Charlton Athletic Community Trust (CACT) - will be delivering a free Health-Building Workshop Series for young people aged 13–19 at The Tramshed, Woolwich.

    The sessions offer students practical, evidence-based and medically informed tools to support emotional regulation, stress management, healthy habits and cognitive focus. They are designed as an accessible, off-timetable opportunity for students, requiring no staff supervision and forming part of our wider funded wellbeing work across the borough.

    The programme is an extension of our school-based initiative and provides a supportive option for students who benefit from applied, accessible - yet not readily available - wellbeing strategies.

    Entry is free, with advance sign-up required.  Registration closes on 11 February 2026.

    For ease, the registration link is included below should there be any issues accessing the QR code on the leaflet:
    Registration Link

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  • Bett 2026: Day 1 Highlights

    Published 21/01/26

    Bett 2026: Day 1 Highlights

    I headed straight to The Arena for my first keynote of the day, a completely packed session with Professor Hannah Fry and Amol Rajan. Their conversation explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping education, touching on personalised learning, ethics, and the importance of keeping human connection at the heart of teaching. The audience were fully involved too, with several thoughtful questions that added even more depth to the discussion.

    Next up was Jason Wilmot’s keynote on how creativity and artificial intelligence are redefining what is possible in the classroom with Canva, offering fresh ways to spark curiosity and build future‑ready skills. He also introduced Canva’s Affinity, a new free design application featuring customisable Vector, Pixel, and Layout studios - essentially all the design and photo‑editing tools you need in one place. 

    Using Canva every day for our trust‑wide design projects means Affinity will slot perfectly into my workflow, and I am really looking forward to getting stuck in and exploring what it can do.

    After the session, I headed to the Canva stand for an insightful demonstration, some great conversations with their advisors, and even managed to bag myself a sketchy notebook and pencil from their free vending machine!

    Another highlight was the BBC Education stand, which once again delivered a brilliant range of resources, including their 2025/2026 year planner. It is something I have picked up in previous years because it is incredibly practical, making it easy to mark key educational dates and feed them straight into our school calendar.

    All in all, it was a day full of inspiration, useful tools, and plenty of ideas I am excited to be bringing back to our trust.

    Lois - Trust Marketing Manager 

    Read More
  • 3 images of Ms Gurney in Dubai at the Future of Education Summit

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys at the Future of Education Summit Dubai

    Published 16/01/26

    Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys at the Future of Education Summit Dubai

    A few highlights from the Future of Education Summit in Dubai, hosted by SP Jain Global. Ms S. Gurney, representing Woolwich Polytechnic School for Boys, is attending as one of 30 senior leaders invited to join the discussions alongside colleagues from the SP Jain London School of Management.

    Throughout the summit, delegates have been exploring the future of work in an AI‑driven world and examining how schools and universities can prepare students for the opportunities and challenges ahead. Ms Gurney has also been learning about SP Jain’s forward‑thinking degree programmes, designed to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global landscape.

    Across our PolyMAT community, there is a shared recognition of the importance of engaging with global partners and staying at the forefront of educational innovation. Opportunities like this summit help ensure that students and staff benefit from the latest thinking, emerging technologies, and international collaboration.

    Ms Gurney looks forward to strengthening connections with SP Jain London and SP Jain Global as they continue working together to shape the next generation of education.

    Read More
  • Decorative hands clapping

    Greenwich emerges as the highest‑performing borough in south‑east London primary results

    Published 16/01/26

    Greenwich has emerged as the strongest-performing borough in south‑east London, according to the latest Department for Education results. With 72 per cent of pupils meeting the expected standard in reading, writing and maths during the 2024–2025 academic year, Greenwich sits well ahead of Bromley, Southwark, Lewisham and Bexley.

    This year’s outcomes highlight a borough where high achievement is widespread, consistent and deeply embedded across its schools. Greenwich’s performance places it firmly at the forefront of primary education in the region.

    Bannockburn Primary School stands out within a high‑achieving borough.

    Among the many strong results across Greenwich, Bannockburn Primary School achieved 73 per cent, placing it securely within the borough’s upper-performing schools. The school’s success reflects its commitment to high‑quality teaching, strong leadership and a culture that supports every child to thrive.

    As a trust, we are incredibly proud to have Bannockburn as part of our family of schools, and its performance this year is a testament to the dedication and expertise of its staff and community.

    Why Greenwich’s results matter

    To meet the expected standard, pupils must achieve the benchmark in all three subjects, reading, writing and maths, making these figures a robust indicator of overall attainment. Greenwich’s ability to outperform every neighbouring borough demonstrates:

    • a stronger overall educational landscape
    • more schools exceeding national expectations
    • greater consistency across the borough, not just isolated high performers

    This year’s results reinforce Greenwich’s position as a borough where educational excellence is the norm.

    Read More
  • Decorative paw prints

    National Love Your Pet Day 2026

    Published 15/01/26

    Today marks the start of one of our favourite community traditions at PolyMAT. With National Love Your Pet Day approaching on 20th February, our staff members across the trust are now sending in photographs of their beloved pets for a special video that will be shared on our YouTube channel.

    Last year, our community submitted an incredible 62 pet photographs for National Pet Month, and the final video was a joyful celebration of the furry, feathered, and scaly companions who brighten our days. If you missed it, you can watch last year’s video below.

    Stay tuned - the 2026 video will be released on 20 February.
    We are very excited to share all of the friendly faces with you 🐾

    Read More
  • Winter Lights at Canary Wharf

    Discover the FREE Winter Lights Festival at Canary Wharf

    Published 13/01/26

    Winter Lights at Canary Wharf 

    If you are looking for something fun, free, and a bit different to brighten up the winter evenings, Winter Lights at Canary Wharf is the perfect half‑term escape. The festival is celebrating its tenth birthday this year and runs from Tuesday 20th January to Saturday 31st January, with the lights glowing from 5.00pm to 10.00pm every evening.

    This year’s theme, DREAMSCAPE, feels like stepping into another world. There are sixteen incredible light installations created by artists from across the globe - glowing structures, moving displays, and immersive pieces that make you stop, take photos, and just enjoy the moment.

    You can wander through colourful tunnels, explore giant illuminated sculptures, and discover interactive installations that are great fun for teenagers and adults alike. It is creative, surreal, and a brilliant way to spend an evening without spending any money.

    Whether you are heading out with friends, taking a family trip, or just looking for something inspiring to do after school, Winter Lights is a fantastic way to get out, explore, and enjoy the city. And the best part is that it is completely free.

    Read More

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