Case Study
Merging MATs with support from Sumdog
In September 2022, Forward As One welcomed 3 new schools to the family, growing to a total of 12. Integrating established communities into the existing group was no overnight task. As a trust that prioritises collaboration, they were aware of the value of connections built across all schools. They wanted to support their new children, parents and staff in becoming a part of the FA1 community, and requested a trust-wide contest from Sumdog to help them do this.
Creating a collective purpose
In July 2022, Sumdog held a week-long maths contest for all schools in the FA1 family, which was promoted across the trust. As agreed with the maths leads, the ultimate goal of the contest was to build community and encourage some friendly competition, with new and existing schools coming together to join in a shared experience. Questions were personalised so pupils of all ages and abilities could compete together and pupils and teachers battled it out to get to the top of the trust leaderboard.
"[The contest] enabled new schools to feel part of the FA1 family. It wasa lovely way for the children to be introduced to one another and createa collective purpose across the trust."
Elliot Costas-Walker
Director of Learning andPartnerships, Forward as One CE Academy Trust
About Forward As One Academy Trust
Forward As One Academy Trust is made up of 12 primary schools across the North West of England.
The results:
Classes entered the contest
Maths questions answered during 1 week
Worked together across the trust
"It was important to work closely with Forward As One to ensure the contest aligned with the vision of collaboration across the trust"
Euan Kennedy
Sumdog Growth Manager