In the bustling corridors of Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School, where academic rigour meets youthful exuberance, there lies a silent, transformative force — the Langton Family Association (LFA).
Reflecting on the achievements so far, there is a palpable sense of pride. “We’ve come a long way. But this is just the beginning." says Trudy Goldsack, Chair of the LFA, and a founding member. "We need more hands and hearts, to keep up the momentum, continue to benefit all students, and take us all into the future."
The LFA is more than a mere group of staff, parents, and alumni; it is the lifeblood of a community striving to enrich every student's experience. It began with a simple idea in 2021: to create a cohesive support system for the school, pooling resources, and energy, to benefit students. "We wanted to make a tangible difference," says Sara Wade, an LFA founding member. "Not just through funding, but by creating a sense of belonging and support."
A Community Crusade
The LFA's approach is refreshingly hands-on. Picture this: parents and teachers, sleeves rolled up, selling refreshments, organising raffles, and managing the 100 Club Lottery. Their efforts are not just about raising money; they are about building a community. "It's amazing to see everyone come together," says Christina Starte, a parent volunteer. "We’re not just funding projects; our contributions affect every single student, whatever their area of interest."
Impact Beyond Numbers
£13,000 in LFA donations to school so far are a testament to the LFA’s dedication, but the real impact is seen in the myriad of projects these funds support across all parts of the curriculum and beyond, now, and long into the future.
Creative Flourish: The arts have seen a great deal of support for super curricular activities from digital cameras and synthesizers, to stage combat workshops, a digital theatre subscription, textiles workshop and fashion day, and the 'Blood Brothers' workshop. "Drama at this school is outstanding in its creative, ambitious vision and we offer an exciting range of opportunities, so many of which would not be possible without the generous LFA support.” enthused Dr Passfield, Head of Drama. “Without funding from the LFA, our students would not be as confident and creative as they are now!”
Athletic and physical activity enrichment: The LFA funded new KS3 football kit and netball dresses, as old kit was too big for the younger teams to wear at fixtures and tournaments. Proudly weaing the new kit, the Year 7 football team went onto victory at the 2024 Kent Cup – see winners story. Worn out rucksacks were renewed for Duke of Edinburgh expeditions, allowing the loan of them to those who may have been struggling with the costs involed in taking part in the D of E program.
STEM Advancements: Highlighting the LFA's forward-thinking approach, funding was provided for the Lunar Design Project – see story, a 3D printer, a pewter casting machine and Lego Club robot upgrade, enabling the school's Lego team to compete in the FIRST Kent Lego League. "We’re preparing our students for the future," says Mr Smith from the Design and Technology team. "These tools are essential for modern education."
Cultural and Educational Enrichment: Italian lessons, subsidised travel for a Classics trip and a ‘Maths in Action’ trip, and a careers creative pathway playwright visit have broadened students' horizons. The purchase of IVE textbooks ‘Sapiens’ and support for a 'Macbeth' production exemplify the LFA's commitment to academic excellence.
Stories from the Heart: The true essence of the LFA’s impact has been in the help they have given to some of the students that might need a bit more support. Health and Wellbeing are paramount to students and the LFA are privileged to have funded not only a suggestion box, worry dolls and an LGBTQ+ banner, but SEND Lego Therapy kits and a future trip for young carers to have a fun day out "I just know this trip will make a big difference to these students” said Miss Howard, Pastoral Manager for Year 9 and 10.’
A CALL TO ACTION
The LFA's journey has only just started. Every parent, grandparent, alumni, and staff member are invited to join this quiet revolution. By becoming a part of the LFA, you don’t just support your child and all the students; you become an architect of a thriving community. Contact Trudy for more information.
“We hope to make a difference for every student, whatever their interest!” added Trudy. “Our achievements are more than we could have hoped for, and further funds available from recent events and another year of the 100 Club Lottery (Click to apply) means we can continue the great work for a little longer, but not without more resources soon." "Over the last 3 years we’ve established a series of robust processes, enabling us to manage things more effectively, and allowing new members to get up to speed swiftly, but the most important thing is that we've helped so many students," says Trudy.
Simon Langton Girls’ Grammar School is not just a place of learning; it is a community built on dedication, passion, and the unwavering support of the Langton Family Association. Join the LFA and be a part of something extraordinary.
LFA £13,000 donations to school have funded the following
ART
- Studio Lighting
- DSLR camera
- Christmas crafts
CLASSICS
- Classics trip and play
COMPUTING
- Creative Pathway Film editing
- Lego club robot upgrade
DRAMA / MUSIC
- Blood Brothers workshops
- Digital Theatre+ subscription
- Digital camera
- Playwright visit
- Stage comabt workshop
- Analogue Synthesizer
ENGLISH
- Y12 'Publish a book' research project
- Macbeth production
EXTRACURRICULAR
- D of E backpacks
- Plant propogation materials
- IVE Textbooks
LANGUAGES
- Italian lessons
- Journalism and Languages Day
LIBRARY
- Archive materials
- Headphones
PASTORAL / SEND
- Crochet club equipment
- Lego Therapy
- LGBTQ+ Pride Banner
- Suggestion Box
- Worry Dolls
- Young carers trip
STEM
- Lunar design project
- 3D printer
- Pewter casting machine
- Maths in Action event
- Wood turning tool
SPORTS
- KS3 Football kit
- KS3 Netball dresses
TEXTILES
- Christmas wreath upcycling
- Digital camera
- Fashion careers day
"We’ve come a long way, but this is just the beginning" . "We need more hands and hearts, to keep up the momentum, continue to benefit all students, and take us all into the future."
