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Top of the class
BIG SHOT MAKES WAVES IN BIG SCHOOL
Jeff Kinney with librarian Zoe Rowley
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International bestselling writer and illustrator Jeff Kinney visited Wolverhampton Grammar School on the UK leg of his global tour to celebrate the release of his latest Diary of a Wimpy Kid book
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid Drive-Thru Experience on 17th November saw families from Wolverhampton and cities across the UK enjoy a fun and interactive outdoor experience themed around Jeff Kinney’s new Wimpy Kid title: Big Shot. Families drove through sportsthemed scenery and participated in basketball and football challenges before reaching the finish line, where Jeff personally delivered signed books and posed for photographs with his fans.
The following morning, Wolverhampton Grammar School, Puffin Books and Authors Aloud UK organised a virtual event that was live- streamed to over 80,000 schoolchildren
from 800 schools across the country. Head librarian at WGS, Zoe Rowley, interviewed Jeff about his new book and his journey to becoming a global bestselling sensation. Students in Years 6 and 7 had the pleasure of being part of the live audience in Big School, and competition winners from the Junior and Senior School were able to ask Jeff questions about his life and what inspired him to write the series. Intriguing questions were also posed by children as far away as Bristol, Cornwall, Coventry, Nottingham, A rapt audience in Big School Swindon and Plymouth. Zoe said: “The event was a huge success and we felt extremely honoured to welcome Jeff to our school,” adding: “It was one of the highlights of my career.”
JOSHUA IS CADET OF THE YEAR
AWrexham Glyndwr student has been named St John Ambulance Cymru’s National Cadet of the Year. Joshua Taylor, a first-year Professional Policing student, was also nominated for Volunteer Cadet 2020/21 at the Lord Ferrers Awards by the North Wales Police Citizens in Policing team.
Joshua, from Caernarfon, has always wanted to be a police officer, and got involved in volunteering at age 14. He now volunteers for the police and St John, and has invested an estimated 400-500 hours of time so far. As a representative of cadets across Wales, Joshua attended an event where Princess Anne was guest of honour. He said: “She was really nice, chatty, and very keen on youth voice, which is what being a cadet leader is all about – empowering young people.” LIBBY IS A PUBLISHED POET
Many students from Abbeygate College entered the 2021 Young Writers Competition: Empowered. The theme aimed to encourage young people to make themselves heard Animet lam as dolupta and take back some control following the disruption of the pandemic. Year 11 student Libby Matthews’ poem was chosen from over 12,000 entries and will appear in an anthology called Empowered – A Fountain of Ink.
THESIS OF THE YEAR FOR ABERYSTWYTH STUDENT
Sara Lind
An Aberystwyth University student has won a prestigious award for developing a new method that could help diagnose animal diseases and cancers. Sara Lind Valdimarsdottir, a student of equine and veterinary bioscience, has been awarded the British Society of Animal Science’s Undergraduate Thesis of the Year. Sara’s study aimed to develop and test a low-cost system for identifying changes to DNA chemistry during development or when an animal is under stress. She now has an opportunity to present her work at the society’s annual conference.
APPLE ACCREDITATION FOR ALDERLEY EDGE GIRLS
Alderley Edge School for Girls has been re-accredited as an Apple Distinguished School for 2021-2024. This status, first granted in 2018, has been awarded for its ongoing commitment to providing a technology-rich environment to support students in achieving their goals in and out of the classroom. The use of iPads in class has allowed teachers to bring learning to life and has allowed students to broaden their skills in videography, photography and drawing.
CRIME CONFERENCE FOR PSYCHOLOGY STUDENTS
Psychology students at Birkenhead School took part in a one-day conference about prison and life behind bars. Thought-provoking Contemplating crime… questions helped them consider whether prison is an effective strategy for crime reduction, and they were presented with a true-life case where they had to act as the jury. They were also able to interview ex-offenders.
RESTAURANT REOPENS AT DERWEN COLLEGE
The popular Orangery has reopened at Derwen College. The restaurant has been closed since March 2020, and students and staff were delighted to usher the first diners to their tables. The restaurant has a new look but prices have been kept competitive.
Commercial supervisor Sharon Jones said the college was “over the moon” that its outlets are now open. “The support of the public is vital to the success of the venues as work experience for our students.” Open weekdays 12pm-2pm. First-class service
LACROSSE SUCCESS FOR MORETON STUDENTS
Lacrosse is thriving at Moreton Hall, with the 1st team currently dominating tournaments around the country. Moreton’s 1st team, U14s and U13s are undefeated against other schools, the U15s have lost only one match and the U12s have won every match except for one draw.
In addition to team success, individual players have risen to national level, with more than half of the fi rst team now playing for national teams. Another success is sixth-form student Hannah Legge, who has gained an athletic scholarship for lacrosse to attend the University of Mount Olive, USA, in addition to an academic scholarship. Head of lacrosse Miss Walsh said: “This demonstrates the commitment and hard work the girls put Hannah Legge in here at Moreton.”
NEW TECHNOLOGY AT NEWTOWN COLLEGE
Fronlas Farm at Newtown College has welcomed the arrival of a Hereford calving simulator, one of only a few in the UK. The simulator, which is almost life-sized, will help Students with the learning aid teach all factors relating to cow reproduction and allow students to practise calving skills before entering the workplace. Although most cows birth unaided, there are times when assistance is required for a safe delivery.
Agriculture lecturer Kath Jones said: “We’re so lucky to have this fantastic tool. Simulators are mostly found in veterinary colleges.”
LAMDA SUCCESS FOR OSWESTRY PUPILS
100% pass rate
Performing arts plays an important role in co-curricular life at Oswestry School, and last term nearly 200 pupils sat a mammoth face-to-face exam session with the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art board (LAMDA). Pupils from year 2 through to GCSE and A-level took exams in Verse & Prose, Public Speaking, Acting and Musical Theatre. Every pupil passed with merits and distinctions, and a massive 86% received the top mark. Bravo!
AWARD RECOGNISES QUEEN’S PASTORAL CARE
The Queen’s School in Chester has been recognised with an award for Best Independent Well-Being & Pastoral School – North West England, in the Education and Training Awards.
Headteacher Sue Wallace-Woodro e said: “I know the level of care and support all the sta at Queen’s provide is exceptional, but it is lovely for them to see it recognised o cially. I am proud to be part of such a nurturing environment, enabling the girls to feel secure in their learning and truly achieve their full potential.” Sue Wallace-Woodroffe
Shrewsbury School has been named as one of seven recipients of a prestigious athletics award, as well as being placed in the distinctive virtual Museum of World Athletics.
The World Athletics Heritage Plaque is awarded for “an outstanding contribution to the worldwide history and development of the sport of track and field athletics and of out-of-stadia athletics disciplines such as cross country, mountain, road, trail and ultra-running, and race walking.” Shrewsbury School has been awarded the plaque alongside Japan’s first Olympic champion and the New York City Marathon, as well as
five other sites. The sport of cross-country running originated at “…an outstanding contribution Shrewsbury School in 1819 with the creation of the to the “paperchase” worldwide game across sport” countryside. The event continues to thrive, with around 70 boys and girls regularly training and competing each season both in the UK and internationally. Sign in to visit the virtual museum at
www.worldathletics.org/heritage/mowa
A long tradition
Education ‘Oscar’ for Myddleton College
One of the newest private schools in the UK has scooped two major awards at the independent education sector’s ‘Oscars’.
Myddelton College, Denbigh, which was founded in 2016, was the only school in Wales to be honoured at the Independent Schools Association awards, with wins for ‘Outstanding international involvement’ and ‘Outstanding sport in a small school’.
The involvement award paid tribute to the college’s pioneering role in reaching out to schools in the USA, Russia and France to form a shared learning network, which began during lockdown. The judges were also impressed at the diversity of Myddelton’s sporting provision for a school whose numbers are below 300. Students have competed at international level at tennis, sailing, wheelchair basketball, fly-fishing and showjumping while their regular outdoor learning days involve scrambling and climbing, canoeing, kayaking and orienteering.
Delighted sta and pupils
REASEHEATH APPRENTICE TAKES WORLDSKILLS GOLD
Reaseheath-trained butchery apprentice Jason Edwards has proved he is the nation’s best by winning a gold medal at the WorldSkills UK Butchery national finals.
Jason, 27, completed his FDQ Diploma in Professional Butchery Level 2 last year and manages Littlers Butchers in Hartford. This is his second medal at national level and follows the bronze award that he won at the WorldSkillsUK finals in 2019. He will now go on to represent Team GB in the Apprentice category at the World Butchers’ Challenge in Californiain September. Jason said: “Butchery is a great career for young people, particularly if you like being active and creating things with your hands. There are also a lot of opportunities for progression”. WorldSkills UK is the nation’s largest celebration of vocational skills’ training, and showcases the technical expertise and professionalism required by apprentices. The ‘Olympic-style’ competition features more than 60 skills and contestants must demonstrate the standards required by Jason Edwards: “It’s a great career” their particular industry.
RJAH and Keele University join forces
Medical students from Keele University are getting an exciting opportunity to explore their future career path thanks to a new partnership with Shropshire’s specialist orthopaedic hospital.
The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH) has joined forces with Keele’s School of Medicine to offer medical students a four-week placement, marking the beginnings of a relationship between the two institutions for undergraduate teaching.
At this stage of their studies, students begin to explore postgraduate training, life as a consultant in different specialities and spending time with junior doctors, speciality registrars and consultants to help inform career choices.
Professor Christian Mallen, head of the School of Medicine at
“Students are o ered a four-week A chance to learn from specialists placement” Keele University, said: “RJAH is an internationally renowned institution that provides an outstanding educational experience for our medical students. We are delighted to be working closely with them, not only on educational placements but also on their world-leading research”. “In other countries, the money follows the child”
MEET THE HEAD
Charlie Minogue, of Moor Park School, on levelling up and the transformative power of bursaries
If a random sample of British adults were to play a game of word association when the chosen words were ‘prep’, ‘independent’ or ‘private school’, the results would be predictable,” says Charlie Minogue. ‘Posh’, ‘exclusive’ and ‘expensive’ might make an appearance, although so might ‘excellence’, ‘results’ and ‘success’. Placed against these pre-conceptions, it is easy to see why some politicians believe the days of independent schools’ charitable status to be numbered.
“Even as headmaster of an independent prep school, I sometimes struggle, morally, to reconcile the opportunities we can create with
the reality for many children across the country, despite the best efforts of so many fellow professionals in maintained schools. “What is the answer? Well, we can look to the rest of the world for examples of how state and private education co-exist far more equitably. In this country, all taxpayers fund state education but only some are using it, the others choosing to pay extra for their children to be educated privately. In other countries, the money Head Charlie Minogue follows the child and parents may choose to top this sum up to have their child attend an independent school. “We need to find ways of providing the best possible education to all children in the UK and, whilst there is a moral imperative on schools to offer bursaries and broaden access, there must surely also be a duty for Government to be more creative and forward-thinking.”
Chester graduate tops the global catwalk
AUniversity of Chester graduate has been named as one of the world’s most up-andcoming designers of sustainable fashion. Lili Sipeki is among 10 emerging designers announced as finalists in the highly prestigious, global 2021 Redress Design Award. Recognised Lily Sipeki as the world’s largest sustainable fashion design competition, the Grand Final Show in Hong Kong was opened with Lili’s collection ‘REuniFORM’, which focuses on tackling the large amount of waste that results from school uniforms. By putting sustainable design talent in the global spotlight, the competition creates a unique platform for passionate and talented fashion game-changers to transform the fashion industry. Lili graduated from the University of Chester Fashion Design BA programme One of Lily’s designs in 2020 with first-class honours.
LEARNING FUN AT CHESTER ZOO
Pupils from year 1 at the Firs School Chester, an independent school for boys and girls aged two to 11, recently visited Chester Zoo. The children took part in this exciting trip as part of their science curriculum, learning about classifying animals into mammals, reptiles, birds, fish and amphibians. They participated in a ‘Curious Creature’ workshop and learnt lots of fascinating facts, understanding how to use terms like herbivore, carnivore and omnivore. They also enjoyed looking at teeth in different animal skulls and were amazed at the feel and length of the shed skin of the boa constrictor!
TENNIS THRIVES AT ELLESMERE COLLEGE
Tennis is stronger than ever at one Shropshire school thanks to a blossoming reputation and stateof-the-art facilities.
Ellesmere College currently has its biggest number of high-level players and is putting on more tournaments than ever before in the history of the school.
Four years ago, it opened its indoor tennis centre, which has four courts – more than most other schools in the country – meaning that students can train every day, rain or shine. The Tennis Academy showcases players on a national level, many of whom are aiming for Wimbledon and turning professional after they finish their studies. In recent competitions 10 students won their categories.
Well played!
WHAT CAN DERWEN COLLEGE DO FOR YOU?
Derwen College, in Shropshire, is a vibrant, award-winning college with a determination to enable young people (aged 16-25) to achieve their goals. Many achieve the skills necessary to leave home and secure employment or further training.
Students work in the unique on-site, commercial areas, which include a garden centre, charity shop, training hotel and print shop, and progress to work placements in the community. Public-facing skills in the community café William, who has a moderate learning difficulty and
“I learnt lots of communication needs, learnt hospitality skills in the college’s training hotel and Orangery restaurant. He says: “I learnt lots of skills at Derwen, like cooking tea and getting a train to skills and work on my own. I also gained my Bronze and Silver DofE even did and took up running. I even did a half-marathon for charity. a halfmarathon” “At the moment I’m doing a catering course at my local college and I am hoping to get a job and move into supported living.” Derwen College is located in Gobowen, with sites at Ludlow, Telford and Walford. Find out more at www.derwen.ac.uk
CHILDREN’S BOOK GIVEN HELPING HAND BY EXPERT
Dr Heather Campbell, lecturer in entomology at Harper Adams University, was asked to work as an entomological consultant on Insects and Minibeasts, one of a series of Ladybird books on the natural world. Heather had a vital role in ensuring that the creatures it featured were correctly depicted and that the book was scientifically accurate.
She said: “What they basically wanted was for someone to say ‘this is wrong’, or to tell them when there were interesting things they could say about each insect. What I would do is send them a lot of notes, saying things like ‘no, that leg runs from that part of the body’ or ‘no, that wouldn’t be that colour’. You don’t need to dumb things down because the readers are children – they understand these concepts. For younger children, it’s at the point where they are often learning all kinds of words, so even something like ‘exoskeleton’ is just another word for them!”
Dr Campbell: no dumbing down AMÉLIE DIVES FOR GOLD
Amélie Creer, a year 9 pupil at Rydal Penrhos school, competed in the Advanced category at the Great Britain Diving Federation competition in Cheltenham, where she was representing the Manchester Aquatics Centre Diving Squad as a guest .She performed six dives in tuck and Amélie in action pike positions across the 1m and 3m springboards and 5m platform. In her fi rst national competition since February 2020, she contributed signifi cantly to the success of the squad, which came away with six gold, six silver and three bronze medals.
SHREWSBURY SCHOOL NAMED IN THE CRICKETER SCHOOLS GUIDE 2022
Shrewbury School: committed to cricket The Cricketer Schools Guide has included Shrewsbury as one of the top 100 senior schools in its annual supplement, which sees entries judged against an extensive set of criteria including commitment to cricket in the curriculum, facilities, fi xture programmes and coaching. Also taken into account was how schools kept the game alive during the pandemic, and how they look to ensure cricket remains a central part of school life.
Master in charge of cricket Andy Barnard said: “The tireless work of our outstanding cricket professionals Adam Shantry and Gwenan Davies, together with the support of our very experienced part-time coaches and ground sta , ensures that we not only provide a very high standard throughout the entire year but also seek to raise the bar year on year.”
SKI SUCCESS FOR ST DAVID’S STUDENTS
Some delighted medallists
The autumn term saw the return of the Welsh Schools Ski Championships in Llangrannog, Ceredigion. Schools from across the country sent teams to compete in the Primary and Senior competitions. This was the fi rst time the event had been staged since 2019 due to Covid restrictions, and St David’s College sent a strong team of nine skiers to compete in both the boys’ and girls’ events. Both teams raced hard and came away with some fantastic results, including several gold medals.
The St David’s College Senior Girls’ team was also invited to represent Welsh schools in the British Schools Championships in November.
NSPCC WORKSHOPS RETURN
The NSPCC supports schools with its ‘Speak Out, Stay Safe’ programme, which empowers children to speak about their worries Keeping safe together and stay safe from abuse. All workshops were moved online at the start of lockdown in 2020, and now Shropshire has been chosen as one of just a few counties across the UK to be involved in a small-scale pilot working to get the programme back into schools. St Winefride’s was the fi rst to benefi t from a visit from NSPCC Schools Service volunteers, who worked with children in years 5 and 6.
WGU WELCOMES NEXT-GEN SPEECH THERAPISTS
The new BSc (Hons) in Speech and Language Therapy (SALT) at Wrexham Glyndŵr University is new to North Wales and o ers local students an exciting opportunity to prepare for a career A rewarding career as a speech and language therapist for those with eating, drinking, swallowing and communication problems. The degree leads to a professional qualifi cation, meaning that graduates can immediately uphold a caseload.
DRAPERS VISIT THOMAS ADAMS
Thomas Adams School in Shrewsbury welcomed David Chalk, Master of the Drapers’ Company, for a visit at the end David Chalk visits Thomas Adams of November. Accompanied by Colonel Richard Winstanley (clerk), Robert Lumley (school governor) and Gillian Croxford (assistant clerk), the Drapers were keen to see the school in operation, and visited a number of subject areas as well as the boarding accommodation.
The school was founded by Sir Thomas Adams, Master of the Drapers in 1640, and retains close links with the City livery company. In turn, the Drapers’ lends its support, both fi nancially and on the governing body.
COLLEG CAMBRIA PROMOTES WELSH
Coleg Cambria’s branch of Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol – Cangen Cymraeg Cambria – has been a huge success in the past year. Welsh medium students have enjoyed access to training, events and education online and on site, with over 50 students of all ages attending. Llinos Roberts, head of language said: “While we’re working hard tohelp the Government reach its target of 1 million Welsh speakers, it is crucial the programmes we deliver are Myfyrwyr coleg: college students relevant.”
BEGIN A NEW YEAR WITH A MUSICAL JOURNEY
Are you looking for high-quality yet affordable music tuition for your children? North Wales Music Tuition Centres can help. They are a not-for-profit charity operating out of five centres in Abergele, Colwyn Bay, Rhuddlan, Buckley and Johnstown. Their experienced tutors, all DBS-checked, teach in well-equipped studios and encourage learning up to exam and performance standard, but ultimately the learning is tailored to the needs and desires of the student. They also have a reasonably priced instrument loan scheme.
Why not have a go yourself? They have adults on their books learning everything from violin and trumpet to drums. Call 0845 310 5374 to find out more.
Music can o er joy for a lifetime
Children’s University pilot scheme launches
Issuing ‘Passports to Learning’
School children across Wrexham and Flintshire are being challenged to complete 30 hours of extra-curricular and volunteer activities, in order to gain an invitation to a special graduation-style celebration of their achievements.
By the time a child turns 18, they will have spent just 9% of their waking life in a classroom. The Children’s University is about making the most of the remaining 91%.
Wrexham and Flintshire’s scheme works by issuing ‘Passports to Learning’ to young people whose school, college or organisation has signed up to become a member. The young people earn stamp codes by completing activities from a Learning Destination – individuals and organisations that provide exciting opportunities in and outside of school, in the community and online. The pilot scheme will run until May and will be rolled out more widely from September.
BAFTA CYMRU FOR BANGOR GRADUATES
Independent film The Welshman, created by Bangor University graduates Lindsay Walker and Enlli Fychan Owain, has won a BAFTA Cymru Award in the short film category. “I can’t believe it’s won!” said MA Film Making graduate Lindsay. “The film was made completely independently. We were up against tough competition with much bigger budgets behind them – The Welshman was made with almost nothing.”
The film is a documentary about the life of Owain Williams, one of the founders of Mudiad Amddiffyn Cymru, the Movement for the Defence of Wales. Along with two others, Williams – now a councillor - was convicted and jailed for planting an explosive device at the Tryweryn reservoir project north of Bala in 1963. The act was in protest at people being forced to leave their homes in Capel Celyn when the village was drowned to create a reservoir. The project was granted planning permission by Westminster despite being opposed by every Welsh MP.
Director Lindsay added: “Although the story of Tryweryn has been told many times, this is a film like no other. We think it should be viewed not only by Welsh people, but also by those outside of Wales to help understand our history on our terms.”
Enlli Fychan Owain and Lindsay Walker
What’s your area of expertise?
I specialise in therapeutic child care, working with vulnerable children who are cared for away from home for a variety of reasons.
How did you get into this?
I originally trained as a nursery nurse and then went on to work in local authority day nurseries, where I found that occasionally we had concerns for children’s safety. This really got me thinking about how we take care of vulnerable children, when they’re going home to families experiencing chaos and various difficulties. I then trained as a social worker and later gained my Masters degree in therapeutic child care at Reading University.
This unique course changed the way I approached my work as it focused on creating environments for children that are informed by psychology. I learnt about ways of working that promote resilience and well-being.
After completing my Masters, I worked part time as field social worker and started teaching modules in social work alongside. It worked so well because I had real-life, current examples I could use in my teaching. When I saw an opportunity at Glyndwr on the therapeutic child care programme I was surprised; I hadn’t seen it taught anywhere at undergraduate level before. I applied because I’m passionate about helping students who want to work with vulnerable children.
How do you get on the course?
The majority of our students already work full time with vulnerable children and the course was created with that in mind. So the first two years are foundation level and focus on work-based learning. Students then have the option to complete another year, to graduate with a full BA (Hons) degree.
Ideally applicants need to be working in the sector, but it can be volunteer work. They need to be doing at least 10 hours per week, and have access to case studies in their work. Additionally, applicants need the equivalent to a C grade in English and to have completed a Level 3 or 4 course in working with children and young people. The easiest way to find our course requirements is at glyndwr.ac.uk.
We also run a short course of 12 weeks called therapeutic story work, which gives a basic introduction into what we offer on the child care programme. Its aim is to promote understanding about how stories and storytelling can be a fundamental way in which people make sense of their lives.
Expert Dr Vivienne Dacre, principal lecturer in therapeutic child care MEET THE
What does the course entail?
During the first year we try and ensure that all our students have a solid theoretical understanding, as many ideas around trauma and attachment are well known but not clearly understood. We also give them a strong academic grounding so they feel confident in studying at a higher education level. They go on to study modules such as child development and play, adverse childhood experiences, attachment theory and child sexual exploitation.
We develop those ideas in the second year by focusing on the application of theory to practice. We look at how attachment, trauma and resilience theory can all be used in their work and we expore topics like the use of creative methods, child sexual development and the impact of sexual abuse. It’s a blended learning approach: students are only required to attend campus about eight times a year and can access all the learning materials online. “Glyndwr’s values promote a supportive learning environment”
Why should people choose Wrexham Glyndwr University?
Glyndwr’s values promote a supportive learning environment. We have so many support programmes in place because our tutors come from practical backgrounds and understand the pressures of working full time. Many services can be accessed online, which is more flexible for students too.
What practical work is involved?
Reflective practice is incredibly important. Students undertake a range of projects where they demonstrate how theoretical understanding underpins their practice decisions. Some modules require portfolio work: tasks and accounts of practical experiences. They also develop a creative piece on an aspect of their own life story, to develop a safe, informed approach to life-story work with children.
In their final year they’ll conduct their own piece of research. It could be looking at the therapeutic use of animals in care, or the language used in a care environment, but it needs to be individual to them.
Students cover the theory and practice of supporting vulnerable youngsters
What are the career opportunities?
study in social work, teacher training or play therapy. It also opens up so many opportunities in this sector, as many organisations want to see that candidates have a thorough theoretical understanding in addition to practical experience.
We also find that many of our students are promoted within their organisations during the course of the programme. We want them to be confident with their ideas, as they are often the ones that know the child the best. The programme enables them to be confident working in a multidisciplinary context, so they can advocate on behalf of the vulnerable children they work with.
