The Tenterden Rural Alliance is a collaboration of twelve local schools who work closely together to bring about improved learning experiences for children in the Tenterden area.

 Vision statement

Giving all learners in our community the best opportunity to realise everything they can be.

 The TRA was formally launched in October 2012 with a celebration event at St Mildred’s Church in Tenterden. So far in our work together John Mayne School has benefited from:

 Projects for children

• Ceramics art workshops
• Regional book award project
• French ‘pique-nique’ for Y4 children to promote French speaking skills
• German Market for Y5 children to promote German speaking skills
• Drama workshops based on our topic- Wind in the Willows
• Transition work for all Year 6 children
• Tailored transition programmes for pupils transferring to Homewood School
• Shared music events
• Shared events for school councils

 Projects for the staff

• Visits between Y6 and Y7 teachers to share expectations of pupils
• Training for our literacy leaders in the introduction of Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar tests
• Training for Maths leaders on calculation strategies for children
• Training for middle leaders within the school to achieve NPQML qualifications
• Shared training days to share best current educational initiatives
• Student placements
• Joint headteacher training
• Shared moderation of writing to ensure consistent levels are awarded
• Shared moderation of Early Years to ensure consistency in judgements and reporting
• Training for governors on Ofsted requirements

 Events 

German Market at Homewood 

Over the past few years, as part of the Tenterden Rural Alliance, Year 5 pupils have attended a German day at Homewood School. This is a great opportunity for our children to experience a German-style Christmas, learn some German, sing songs, watch a drama and attend a traditional German market where they could buy gifts and things to eat. It was a great introduction to a new language and culture.