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Educate educatemagazine.com
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The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils May – August 2015
Transition: Year 6 to Year 7
Achieve, Believe, Succeed
Top tips for pupils and parents
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New judges announced This year’s awards get even bigger
Title Sponsor
My School Days Children’s author Frank Cottrell Boyce
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Deadline for Entries Friday 10 July 2015 Enter now www.educateawards.co.uk
t Most Inspirational Primary School t Most Inspirational Secondary School t Community Partnership Award t Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Primary School t Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Secondary School t Eco School Project of the Year t The Communication Award t Teacher of the Year t Spirit of Enterprise Award t Innovative and Creative Literacy Award t SEND Provision Award t Science Project of the Year t Outstanding Arts in a Primary School t Outstanding Arts in a Secondary School t Career Aspiration Award t WOW Recognition Award t Leadership Team of the Year t Outstanding Teaching of Life Skills t Innovation in Education Award
Associate Sponsors
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Are you interested in negotiating bespoke quality-assured packages of support to motivate your teachers and learners? Are you keen to ensure your teachers receive excellent and exciting professional development that is also evaluative and economical? As well as whole school training, have you thought about one-to-one coaching with video, co-coaching triads or lead teacher development? “confidence of staff gained very quickly” Thornleigh Salesian College, Bolton
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Educate Contents 9
Welcome...
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Welcome to the May edition of Educate.
50
34
Features
64-75
08-11
Educate plus Training and learning on Merseyside
Tales of Transition Year 6 to Year 7
79
38-39 Meet the headteacher James Beaton, Fazakerley High School
A week in the life Greg Parker, headteacher LIPA Primary School
81-83 43-45 On the road to success Reading as a route out of poverty
The Educate Awards 2015 How to make your entry unforgettable
109 50-51 Meet the headteacher Rupert Stead, North Liverpool Academy
Book review This season’s must reads
110-111 54 Viewpoint Mock school elections
Aloha Chill out fashion for the summer
114 56 Thoughts worth sharing Bitesize thinking
My school days Children’s author Frank Cottrell Boyce
60-62 School eco news A castle built for bugs
Published by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email: post@merseymirror.com Executive Editor Kim O’Brien Advertising Sales Manager Andy Rogers Tel: 0151 709 7567 Photography Liam Deveney, Jim Donnelly Editorial Alan Birkett, Natasha Young, Stephen Hurrell, Jennifer Chamberlain, Hannah Fowler Design & Production Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 706 7411 Email: post@merseymirror.com Distribution Barbara Troughton Tel: 0151 733 5492. Printed by PCP. Educate magazine is published by Mersey Mirror. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted or reproduced without permission. Disclaimer The information contained within Educate we believe to be correct at the time of printing, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. © Copyright Mersey Mirror 2009.
As local and national elections took place across the UK, we watched, via the @EducateMag Twitter account, primary and secondary schools stage their own mock elections. #GE2015 was certainly the top hashtag adopted as hundreds of schools broadcasted their election results. The election was clearly embraced by schools and many children were able to experience a real voting process and what that represents. It is further evidence of how good our schools are at extending learning and empowering students to be responsible citizens of tomorrow by providing them with a broad education. This dedication and leadership by the region’s teachers and schools is highlighted annually at the Educate Awards and we expect 2015 to once again recognise and shine a light on the achievements of schools, pupils and staff. Now in its fourth year, the awards have grown hugely and with the deadline July 11 not far away, we urge all schools to visit www.educateawards.co.uk to find out more details about each of the 19 categories and how to enter. Finding a way to make a difference for children has underpinned the career paths of James Beaton, headteacher Fazakerley High School and Rupert Stead, principal North Liverpool Academy, who each share their teaching journeys with us in this issue.
@EducateMag www.educatemagazine.com
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News
OBE awarded to headteacher
Dr Lesley Curtis, headteacher at Everton Nursery School and Family Centre, made a very special visit recently - to collect her OBE from Buckingham Palace. The Queen presented Lesley with her accolade alongside a host of other deserving men and women from across the UK. Lesley was awarded an OBE for her services to education. A national representative of the Teaching School Council, Lesley is a leading figure in the field of early years education, and development and continues to drive Everton Nursery School and Family Centre forward as it continues to achieve an outstanding judgment by Ofsted (this has been achieved consecutively since 2004). Lesley said: “Of course, I feel incredibly privileged and honoured to be recognised in this way. It was an amazing experience and one that I will never forget. “I am passionate about the development of our young children in early years and am keen to promote high quality in nursery schools and other early years providers, not only in Liverpool but across the UK. “Everton Nursery School and Family Centre is the lead school within the North Liverpool Teaching School Partnership, working closely with primary schools, the local authority and HEIs, both locally and nationally”. 6
ARTS AWARD FOR KNOWSLEY PUPILS
Proud pupils receive their Discover Arts Award at Kirkby Library by the ‘talking chair’ (L-R: Peter Marchant, head of Knowsley Library Service; Craig Bradley ‘That Poetry Bloke’ and Matthew Ashton Director of Public Health) A group of Kirkby primary school children have achieved a prestigious, national arts award. Fifteen Key Stage 2 pupils from five Kirkby primary schools, have completed a range of exciting arts activities to achieve the Discover Arts Award. The children visited the exhibition at Kirkby Gallery, created their own artwork and had fun learning more about the arts through games and quizzes. Part of the award involved finding out more about someone famous from the arts. The children chose a range of celebrated figures to research including Leonardo Da Vinci, Shakespeare and even Elvis Presley! The children were presented with their Discover Arts Awards at a special celebration event in Kirkby Library. They were treated to an energetic performance from ‘That Poetry Bloke’, Craig Bradley and he chatted with the children about his passion for poetry and how it is a vibrant a form of entertainment.
Helping to save lives A Liverpool company is leading the fight to raise awareness of sudden cardiac arrest amongst schoolchildren. In schools up to 270 children die every year from cardiac arrest and between 12 to 16 young people die every week in the UK from sudden cardiac arrest with four out of five victims having no prior symptoms. Andrew Cotter, managing director at Concept Hygiene Ltd, said: “It’s not just schoolchildren but teachers and visitors that also run the risk of suffering a cardiac arrest in school. “Our defibrillators come with our complimentary service plan, with regular service calls and a commitment to replacing batteries and pads when necessary free of charge. “We have provided defibrillators to many schools in the North West and recently placed a defibrillator into Lowerhouse Junior School, Burnley, they received a defibrillator after a governor suffered a heart attack at the school in December 2014.” The headteacher of the school, Claire Holgate said: “Having a defibrillator in your school could not only save a life but it could also save your own.”
Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
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Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
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Insight: Year 6 to Year 7
Transition from primary to secondary school is an important milestone in a child’s educational and personal development and, as such, is often met with mixed feelings. For an eleven year old, starting ‘big school’ is an exciting but nerve-wracking rite of passage. Words by
Jennifer Chamberlain
Tales of
Many look forward to the prospect of more independence, extra subject choices and a wider range of extracurricular activities. However, it is also a time of uncertainty and new levels of responsibility can often be cause for concern. For most children, the transition process will trigger plenty of questions: Will I be able to make friends? How much homework will I get? What if I miss the bus? Who will help me if I get lost? What if I find secondary school too difficult?
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Hopes and Fears Speaking from personal experience, a group of girls from Holly Lodge Girls’ College in West Derby and a group of boys from St Francis Xavier’s College in Woolton offered insight into the trials and tribulations of young people in the midst of transition. The most common concerns were first to emerge, and all pupils shared worries about losing and making friends. “I was worried about losing my primary school friends to other schools,” says Nathan. “My best friend went to St Edward’s - I was upset and it knocked my confidence”. When asked how he adapted to this, Nathan says after school clubs had been a good way of making new friends and he believes that sports can really help with transition. Millie had other concerns about friendship. Although she was coming to Holly Lodge with her best friends from primary school, she wasn’t
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sure how the dynamic would change once they arrived. “I was worried about my close friends finding new friends,” she says. Part of the process of transition is navigating different relationships, and problems can arise when old friendships suffer as a result of new peers being introduced. Millie added that although the dynamic in the group had changed, the outcome had been positive and the girls have managed to widen their circle whilst holding on to original friendships. For Emilia and Sophia, this was complicated further because the girls are originally from Poland and Malaysia. They discussed the difficulties of not only moving to secondary school, but to an entirely different country. Sophia talked about her desire to be accepted: ‘‘I was worried that because I am different I wouldn’t be able to find friends and nobody would like me.’ Language, in particular, played a central role in
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Insight: Year 6 to Year 7
L to R: Matthew, Nathan, Luke, Joe, James
Emilia
Emilia’s transition process and she was concerned about her ability to understand. “At first I didn’t understand others as they talk so fast and the accent is strong,” she says. “I was also worried everybody would laugh at my mistakes.” For children with English as an additional language (EAL), the idea of entering into the hustle and bustle of secondary school can be particularly overwhelming.
Myths and Legends Both groups spoke of the ‘myths’ that were fed to them by older pupils. Legends involving strict teachers handing out detentions for no reason and even the age old story of having your head flushed down the toilet! James was particularly concerned about detentions, saying “I kept thinking I would get a detention for being late for a class because I didn’t know where I was going.” Discipline, in the form of the old fashioned detention, is often feared by
Nathan
L to R: Sophia, Emilia, Millie, Jayda, Mollie
! “I was worried about losing my primary school friends to other schools… My best friend went to St Edward’s - I was upset and it knocked my confidence” Nathan, SFX
children moving on from primary school, where rules are more relaxed. In many primary schools, teachers follow a traffic light system for behaviour, warning children and giving them a series of chances before giving out punishment. Despite the new level of discipline, the boys agreed that detentions were given out fairly and some even considered them to be a necessary measure in tackling bad behaviour. Nathan highlights an interesting point about the difficulty of understanding, and adapting to, different teaching methods. “Every teacher has a unique approach and that can sometimes be difficult when changing from one lesson to another,” he says. In primary school, children are able to develop a close relationship with the teacher, and vice versa, but the setup of secondary education provides more variety in teaching approaches – and this can take some getting used to. The relationship between different year groups
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Insight: Year 6 to Year 7
Millie
Mollie
Top Tips Jayda
was a popular area for discussion. Jayda spoke of feeling intimidated by older pupils in the early days, saying: “I kept thinking about how to live up to the older pupils’ expectations – the Year 8s seemed to have so much confidence”. In a similar way, Joe spoke of the ‘prank’ culture found in boys schools, adding “I thought the older pupils would send me the wrong way if I asked where a classroom was”. The boys referred to this as ‘banter’, which often takes places on the ‘yard’ when playing football with older boys. However, the group was quick to point out the difference between banter and bullying. “It’s not bullying because if the other person didn’t find it funny, they’d stop,” says Joe. “It’s just healthy banter. Our school takes bullying seriously and there are even ways to report it anonymously on the website which is good.” Despite wearing a uniform, an issue raised during both discussions was fashion and selfimage. Jayda spoke of how she worried for the entire summer about arriving with the right image in September. “I was stressing over which bag and type of shoes to wear,” she says. “I thought I had to have expensive things and spent months trying to find the perfect ones”. For the boys, it wasn’t bags but coats and, again, they believed wearing the most expensive brands would help them fit in. SATS and Sets Perhaps the biggest shift from primary to secondary education is an academic one. Whilst SATS levels give Year 6 leavers some indication of their ability, most are unaware of how they compare to their peers. Mollie described becoming
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Sophia
Surround JOE yourself with positive people. Choose your friends well, not just because they’re the most popular. Millie Don’t stress about what you wear, it’s not the most important thing. Oh, and wake up early! Jayda Don’t panic about it – everybody is going through the same thing. Mollie Ask for help and advice if you need it. Sophia Don’t care about older pupils looking at you and ignore negativity.
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Emilia
aware of this change, saying “I thought I was clever but I didn’t know how clever I was in comparison to others. I was put in set one for most subjects, but I now feel the added pressure of staying on top.” Many secondary schools carry out tests in the first weeks of September, and place Year 7 pupils into sets depending on the results. Despite the initial pressure, Matthew found the streaming system to be useful. “You’re actually less aware of difference when put into sets as everyone is equal and working on the same level,” he says. “This can build your self- confidence.” The introduction of new subjects into a child’s timetable is par for the course in secondary school. What was once ‘science’ is split into biology, chemistry and physics – three very separate classes that take place in labs. Not only this, but having access to technical equipment and getting used to the language that accompanies it can make secondary school seem like a whole new world.
Mums and Dads Coping with transition not only affects children but parents often have to deal with their child’s concerns as well as their own. Many parents struggle with a feeling of loss of control due to the comparatively detached world of secondary education. Unlike in primary school, where your child spends the year with one teacher, responsibility for their secondary education lies with many people. This is difficult enough for the child to get to grips with, let alone the parent! Almost overnight, your child is given a set of responsibilities which include arriving to school
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Insight: Year 6 to Year 7
Joe
Matthew
Top Tips James
and each class on time, completing homework efficiently, behaving correctly and bringing necessary equipment to school to name but a few. This responsibility demands a certain level of independence from your child, which naturally means they will become less dependent on you. Both groups understood that their parents had been just as worried as them on their first day. Primary schools are often within walking distance of home whereas secondary schools can be miles away and therefore, travelling is a main concern for parents. Allowing your child to travel independently, and often on public transport, at eleven years old seems like a risk: What if he can’t find his way? What if she gets on the wrong bus? What if he doesn’t arrive on time? Staying in contact also came top of the list. Luke spoke of his own fear that his mobile phone might break and he wouldn’t be able to contact his parents. This insecurity can work both ways and parents find comfort in knowing their child has a mobile phone with which they can contact them, particularly on the journey to and from school. Millie and Matthew’s parents had similar concerns about travel but both of them insisted this was unnecessary – their parents were being ‘overprotective’ and they could look after themselves. For other parents, it was uniform that was a cause for concern. Every parent wants their child to look the part, but a full school uniform can be expensive. Add to it other necessities such as a bag, stationery, and a P.E kit and secondary school can become a financial strain for parents, particularly if they have several children in the school system.
Luke
Make the right friends, stay out of trouble and always do your homework. Nathan Don’t worry. Most people already know somebody at the school. But make sure to look out for those who seem to be alone and invite them to be friends. Staff will support you. Joe Be organised and do your homework as soon as you get it, not just before it’s due. Don’t leave it until the last minute! James When you first go into school, scan the yard and try and figure people out. Matthew Ignore older pupils – a lot of what they tell you isn’t true! Luke
Tips for Transition Many schools are beginning to offer summer schools as a way of facilitating transition and easing Year 6 leavers into their new environment. Pupils from both groups attended summer schools provided by the prospective secondary school and believed them to be beneficial. The summer school at Holly Lodge gave the girls a taste of life in secondary school and combined academic lessons with fun activities to encourage them to make new friends. At SFX College, the summer school was more sports focused and the boys were able to get used to the school surroundings, play sports and meet future peers. Although many of the fears associated with the move up to secondary school are understandable and not completely unfounded, the pupils from Holly Lodge Girls’ College and SFX College discovered that their worries did not fully materialise - they had imagined a much worse scenario than the reality that confronted them on their first day. As with any new experience, it was the fear of the unknown. As they approach the end of Year 7, the groups remarked that they were enjoying the sense of independence and freedom that accompanies transition as it made them feel grown up and in charge of their futures. Getting lost and finding your way again, both literally and metaphorically, is part of the process of transition from primary to secondary school, and indeed growing up. It prepares a child for adolescence and the academic demands of secondary education and beyond.
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Primary News
Go penguins School pupil’s tribute to World War One A new piece of public art dedicated to World War One has been unveiled at Liverpool ONE. The giant penguin was designed by Matilda Ashworth from Gateacre, who is a pupil at Woolton Primary School. More than 70 children at the school put forward designs for the penguin, which was originally meant to be part of the Go Penguins Winter’s Trail held in the city in 2009. Eight-year-old Matilda came up with the winning design, which features the penguin in uniform from the era painted with images from the battlefield and poppies. It has gone on display on Thomas Steers Way, next to the Hilton Hotel in Liverpool ONE for five weeks before being moved to a permanent position next to the children’s playground on Quarry Street in Woolton Village. Councillor Mark Norris, assistant cabinet member for education and children’s services, said: “When we came across the penguin we decided we had to find a way of turning it into a piece of public art. “The pupils at the school really embraced the idea and Matilda’s design is a wonderful tribute to the role the city played in World War One. “It has been seen by thousands of shoppers at Liverpool ONE before being moved to Woolton where it is on permanent display.” Matilda said: “I had the idea because at school we were learning about World War One as it is 100 years since it started. It looks better than I expected it to and I am really excited and happy!” Chris Lee, buildings manager at Liverpool ONE, said: “It was fantastic to see Matilda’s design for the penguin in pride of place on Thomas Steers Way. “We are delighted to host the penguin here at Liverpool ONE and are sure visitors really enjoyed the design which honours the role of the city’s soldiers during World War One so vividly.” Right: Matilda Ashworth with her Go Penguin
A first for Longmoor In January Longmoor Primary School, Liverpool became the first school in Merseyside to start working with award winning children’s charity Place2Be. Place2Be provides school-based emotional and mental health services to children aged 4-14, supporting 94,000 children and working in 235 primary and secondary schools across the UK. Place2Be helps children to cope with wide-ranging issues including bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, addiction and family breakdown. By supporting children when they’re younger, Place2Be helps prevent problems from becoming more complex and damaging mental health issues in 12
Year 3 students sang to the guests from Place2Be
later life. To celebrate the end of the first term since Place2Be and Longmoor have worked together, Place2Be CEO Catherine Roche visited the school. During her visit she met with some of
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the children and parents, discussing the benefits of the service and watched a performance by the children at Longmoor who have written a song about Place2Be which will be adopted by the charity as their theme tune.
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Primary News
Slam-dunk in Whiston Rice Lane triumph at tournament Sixteen primary schools from across Knowsley and Liverpool have taken part in a basketball tournament organised by the ‘Everton in the Community’ initiative. The competition, sponsored by education recruitment and training specialists New Directions Education took place in April for the second successive year. As part of their preparation and training for the event, each school received at least two coaching sessions from professional experts – the Everton Tigers. Denise Sunderland, reception teacher from Broadgreen Primary spoke about her school’s participation in the competition: “It’s great to see Everton in the Community and their sponsors organising this fantastic basketball tournament. “This type of initiative allows our pupils to widen their sporting horizons and learn from a competitive arena whilst working alongside dedicated athletes from the Everton Tigers.” The event took place at St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning in Whiston where some of the students helped out on the day of the tournament
Rice Lane Primary School - Ultimate Basketball Champions 2015
as group leaders. After a competitive final between Northwood Primary and Rice Lane Primary - Rice Lane Primary School were victorious for the second successive year, retaining their title as the Ultimate
Basketball Champions 2015. Dave Cooney, school sports coordinator for Rice Lane School said: “The children loved it and it was fantastic to keep hold of our title. We will definitely be back next year!”
CHILDREN SING FOR AFRICA
Sarah Helsby-Hughes, Heritage Opera tries out some voice exercises
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Children of the Blackmoor Infant school choir partnered with international opera signers in a musical performance, with the ambition of raising enough money to provide support and buy computer equipment for the children of Founi Primary School in Sidi Bouzid, Tunisia, a region stricken of high unemployment, poverty and under representation. The event marked a fantastic opportunity for the school choir; in addition every child in the school worked with the opera singers, dressing up in costumes and enjoying a unique, memorable and musical experience. The Department for Education believes the taking part in events such as the concert by Blackmoor Infant School promotes the fundamental British values as part of spiritual, moral, social and cultural saying: “By taking part in this event we are encouraging our children to understand how they are contributing positively to the lives of those living and working locally of our school and to society more widely”.
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Primary News
Children’s artwork in the frame Poetry in motion Holy Family Catholic Primary School are celebrating the news of their Year 6 pupils who have achieved success in a poetry competition they entered which was run by The Atkinson and Merchants Taylor. Pupils were required to write a poem each, based on the theme ‘an ode to the coast’ where they would be competing against pupils in different schools. The primary school had an overall winner with Finley Mawdsley, who read his poem at The Atkinson. In addition two runners up and five commendations in the same year received certificates and a prize for their efforts.
Magic does the trick Reception pupils at LIPA Primary School were excited to see the unveiling of four very special pieces of artwork. The primary school, located in Liverpool city centre, opened in September 2014 and is the latest chapter in the history of LIPA, which was co-founded by Mark Featherstone-Witty and Sir Paul McCartney in 1995. The school focuses on learning through creative and performing arts to enrich teaching and learning in the early development of language, reading, writing and mathematics skills. The school’s latest project saw the pupils’ artwork come to life on a large scale, with the help of local artist Allen Heron. Allen, whose granddaughter Annie attends the school, and headteacher Greg Parker, selected pupils’ winning designs around the theme of ‘Our City’. 16
Allen was then commissioned to recreate the winning pictures on a large scale, with the finished canvases being hung in the school library. Allen, who has previously completed work for Mayor Joe Anderson and several community-focused projects, said: “You cannot believe the amount of detail that was in these pictures - recreating them was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done!” Headteacher Greg Parker said: “We are delighted to unveil Allen’s versions of our children’s artwork, which have really brightened up the school. “We are now looking forward to working with him on our next project, when he will help the children explore themes around culture and the world around us through artwork to decorate our underground play area.”
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Pupils from Evelyn CP Primary School, Prescot where paid a visit from Magic Skills For Schools, who use magic as an aid to mathematics. Magician Robert Newgrosh, said: “Magic Skills For Schools boosts confidence, self-esteem and social skills, and also helps to develop manual dexterity, coordination, memory, presentation, reasoning, numeracy and verbal skills. “Magic increases a child’s self-belief because now they can do something that’s really amazing, and this has the potential to change their whole outlook.” At the end of the programme the children perform a show for classmates and parents, further boosting their confidence and self-esteem. The show provides a tangible end-result plus a real sense of achievement.
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Primary News
Liverpool athletes brew up success in Manchester Over 100 athletes took part in the Typhoo North West regional athletics event at the Manchester Regional Arena. The event, one of a number of regional events taking place this summer, aims to increase the number of disabled people in athletics. One athlete Fran Kelly, aged 11, represented Bluebell Park School from Kirkby, was celebrating after success in the 100m, in which he won a bronze medal. Fran, who has Down’s syndrome, pulled a Usain Bolt bow and arrow pose in celebration at the end of his race. He said: “I just ran as fast as I could – no tactics, just fast! I’m pleased with finishing third - it feels excellent. I play football and bocchia as well. “I’m busy, I know. When I play football I’m a little striker, playing up front. I’m an Everton fan, and my favourite player is Ross Barkley. He’s just the man. I enjoy sport – it makes me feel cool, feel healthy.” Karen Omar, Bluebell Park School teacher and PE co-ordinator, said: “We had seven of our pupils at the event. I’ve been involved in disability sport for a long time. “Obviously, academically some of our children struggle but this is something they can achieve in. And they get so much from it, linking with other peers and socialising. Even just the social
Fran, pulling a ‘Usain Bolt’, is pictured with from left to right Nicole Lloyd, Alex Dawber, Amy Shaw, Reece Day and Katie Malone.
interaction side of this is amazing. “Being in a Special Educational Needs facility, children don’t always get the opportunity to do things outside of school. So we provide pathways to enable children to get involved and have that opportunity.” Barry Horne, chief executive for English Federation of Disability Sport, said: “We’re delighted to welcome back
All you need is love Pupils from Bishop Martin Church of England School, Woolton, were celebrating after Year 1 pupil, Luke Fawcett, won a city art competition with fellow Year 1 pupil Connie Shillito winning second place. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool set primary and secondary schools an art challenge to design or paint a picture based on Liverpool as a global city. As a result, one of the prizes was for the children to work alongside artist Emma Bush. Emma came up with the design based on the school’s links with St Peter’s Church and the Beatles. It was at the Woolton Fete on 6 July 1957 which was held on Bishop Martin School’s field where Paul McCartney first met John Lennon. Emma took inspiration from Peter Blake’s cover of the Beatles Album ‘Sgt Pepper’s’ Lonely Hearts Club Band’. 18
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Typhoo to partner a much-loved programme. The number of people involved in this athletics programme, both competitors and volunteers, is testament to the hard work that takes place every year. Typhoo’s support is extremely valuable and will ensure more disabled people use this opportunity to be active for life.”
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Primary News
PUPIL ENCOURAGES EVERYONE TO GO GREEN A pupil from Oakdene Primary School, Rainhill is celebrating after winning a national art competition to promote green living. Finley Crookes, aged six, was chosen as a seasonal winner in the Year 6 and under category of Worcester, Bosch Group’s Environment 2020 Awards. The awards were established to promote sustainable energy solutions in order to meet the government’s challenging 2020 emission targets. The judges were inspired by his picture and the way in which he included items such as flower heads, to depict a sustainable theme. He was presented with £50 worth of Love2Shop vouchers. Finley’s mother said: “Finley came home one day with a booklet about energy saving from Worcester, Bosch Group. This really made him think about renewable energy and it prompted him to get
involved in the competition. “He has such a creative mind, for instance he suggested putting windmills on sheep to create power whilst they are in a field, and this initiative has allowed him to express himself whilst also becoming more environmentally aware.” Mark Galloway, Worcester’s technical sales manager, who presented Finley with the prize at his school said: “With the rising cost of energy and an ever increasing rise in demand, the way we consume our energy is as important as ever. “With this in mind, Worcester decided to launch the art competition to teach young people the importance of being environmentally friendly as they grow up. The judges felt Finley was a clear winner for his design due to the creative nature of the picture and his innovative suggestions for new energy sources.”
Making a splash
The super swimmers from Years 5 and 6 of St Luke’s Primary School, Formby swept the boards with a magnificent performance at the Crosby Swimming Gala. A very proud Mrs Govan said, “Every child won at least one medal – many of them gold! They also won the girls trophy, the boys trophy and were overall winners of the event. “The children were outstanding. They encouraged each other and there was a great team spirit. They also showed their appreciation for other competitors and were gracious winners”.
Lest we forget
Headteacher, Mr Welsh with Carl Patrick Burns, Ingrid Unda, Erica Kemp (Lord Mayor of Liverpool) and Kerys Cairns.
In September 2014, a group of pupils and staff from Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Liverpool along with children from other local primary schools, visited northern France to commemorate the start of WWI. Headteacher, Joe Welsh said: The whole experience was extremely moving and thought provoking for our children and on return to school we felt that we should commission a lasting memorial to those lost during the war. “We enlisted the services of Welsby Memorials in Garston and they have created a beautiful white marble memorial cross which will stand at our school entrance. The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Erica Kemp, officially unveiled the memorial. “It is crucial that we teach the present generation about WW1, the sacrifices made by the millions who died, were maimed and those that survived with its memories. Our memorial is in recognition of the role played by all the nations that took in part WW1 the men and women on either side”. Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
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Primary News
Making it Count Outdoor maths at Mosspits Primary The children at Mosspits Primary in Liverpool benefit from fantastic outdoor spaces designed to create environmental zones where children can learn outdoors. These include a pirate galleon, a multi-purpose games area and a storytelling zone, the zones are thronged with children at breaktimes – and busy during lessons too, as staff take learning outside the classroom. Hand in hand with continuing to improve and refine the facilities, the school is also committed to developing a whole raft of structured approaches to al fresco learning. Maths co-ordinator, Helen Lisney said: “Our outdoor environment is a learning resource in itself – so we really want to make it count! And, since the world around us is made up of numbers and shapes, outdoor maths is a must!” As a school believing in the importance and value of external relationships, Mosspits invited Liverpoolbased as creatives to come in
for a day to both model some methodologies with children and lead a twilight learning session for teachers. “We know as creatives well,” says Helen, “and recently experienced their approaches to outdoor maths at a conference organised by the Liverpool School Improvement team.” On a bleak, blustery and very rainy day the Reception classes saw their pirate galleon through new eyes as they searched for and identified shapes that are important to a life on the high seas. Pupils in Year 2 participated in three activities – generating material for maths poems, making detailed mathematical and labeled drawings of the fantastically intricate bug hotel and trying a problemsolving puzzle on the giant chessboard. And, as the rain continued to gather strength, teachers stayed on long after the children had gone home, sharing some of the approaches they were already taking, tackling a specially
Pupils check for residents in their bug hotel
designed Maths Trail developed for them by as creatives and planning a whole series of new activities, to be shared across the
school. “We all had a great day!” said Helen. “And nobody seems any the worse for wear from being out in the rain!”
Pupils bury time capsules for future Twenty-three children from Grange Primary School in Merseyside were helped by the Balfour Beatty Thornton to Switch Island road bypass project team to preserve their story for the benefit of future generations. The children placed items from their school curriculum, as well as small toys and notes on their hobbies, into time capsules, and with the support of the project team, buried them in a landscaped area which they had helped to plant. The initiative was one of a number of ways in which the project team have been working with the local schoolchildren. Other activities Balfour Beatty have organised have included a litter picking project, presentations on environmental issues, providing topsoil for their vegetable gardens, and a project to design their own road. 20
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Primary News
Creative learning A world of opportunities beyond their doorsteps Pupils at St Cleopa’s Primary School, Liverpool were given a maths and creative arts masterclass by visiting Chinese teachers as part of the school’s commitment to prepare their students for a “world of opportunities beyond their doorsteps”. The teachers from Huxin School in Pudong, Shanghai led pupils through a number of creative maths exercises, as well as showing them the basics of calligraphy. Jonathan Conn, international schools co-ordinator, who helped arrange the visit, said: “By forging links with Zimbabwe, France and beyond we have shown our children the world that awaits them. “We had a great time learning something different and despite the linguistic barrier we saw that the passion for learning worldwide shines through in any language.”
Community Fun Over 150 people braved the drizzle to take part in a fun packed afternoon held during the Easter holidays at Bishop David Sheppard Primary School, Southport. The Community fun day was sponsored by One Vision Housing, the local Community Police also supported the event, and the children were able to set off the police siren and explore the police van. Family activities included lots of art and crafts along with a whole community art project. Active Soccer was buzzing with children of all ages learning soccer skills and the play council provided some amazing den making activities. There was also a surprise visit by Elsa and Olaf from Frozen, much to the delight of the children! Sefton CVS attended the event and showed families how to make some delicious fresh fruit tartlets. Mrs Siobhan Bayliff, assistant headteacher at the school said: “I would like to thank all the staff and volunteers from school for supporting the event during their school holidays and the organisations, families and children that attended... your support made our day!“
Pupils from Bishop David Sheppard Primary School were treated to a special visit from Elsa and Olaf
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Textile forest grows Schools and community groups from Merseyside have started ‘growing’ their own textile tree as part of a new campaign to reduce waste across Merseyside. The Sew Many Trees project involves unwanted textiles being transformed into a forest of sewn trees. This scheme is the first of its kind on Merseyside and Holy Trinity Primary, Garston are among its first participants. The project aims to reduce the 22,000 tonnes of textiles which are thrown away each year in Merseyside. Each group taking part will organise their own textile collection to provide the materials for their tree, as well as potentially raising some money for their group/ school. As project leader Elizabeth Atherton said: “Participants will gain a greater understanding of opportunities to reduce textile waste from landfill and the potential to generate income by recycling unwanted textiles.” Holy Trinity have received one workshop and are keen to continue knitting more leaves to help their tree to grow.
Holy Trinity Primary collage
Members of the craft group are creating a carer’s tree which will illustrate the full spectrum of emotions which caring for a loved one involves. Judy Cope, who works with the group, remarked that the project had given members a new focus and ‘the chance to work together as a team’ because of the projects imaginative premise. Almost forty schools and community groups from across the city region will be engaged through this programme, which is supported by the Merseyside Recycle and Waste Authority through their community fund 2014-2015.
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News
Creative agency launches free workshops for schools The Foundry Agency, a leading creative design, PR and events agency in Liverpool, has launched a series of media workshops for local schools that will invite pupils to experience the world of work. The Foundry Agency, which has a large education client base, will hold different workshops at its city centre based office for pupils to gain experience in the areas the company specialises in: PR, publishing, print and digital design. Fiona Barnet, director of The Foundry Agency said: “At The Foundry Agency we are passionate about education and
giving pupils different opportunities outside of the classroom through our work experience programmes. We’ve launched the workshops as a way to invite pupils of all ages into our world of work and give them a taste of the opportunities available in a more informal setting. “We held a similar workshop last year with a local primary school and because that worked so well, we wanted to think of a way we could bring this to more schools and more pupils. “Holding different workshops that will look at how PR, publishing, print and
digital design work, whilst also giving pupils a chance to work on their own project, is a great way for them to learn about creative careers and grow creatively themselves.” The workshops are being launched for the academic year 2015-16 and are available to primary and secondary schools. The Foundry Agency is inviting schools to apply to take part by sending an email outlining how their school will benefit from the workshop. Schools should submit their applications to Fiona Barnet: fiona@thefoundryagency.co.uk
Things are hotting up with LIPA Most students look forward to things winding down in the summer - exams aside. Not so the young people at Liverpool Institute for Performing 4:19’s weekend performance academies at The Arts. The talented young performers at LIPA 4:19 are ramping up their efforts for their annual large-scale end of year production, which takes place in June and July in the Paul McCartney Auditorium. Providing professionally-led yet fun performing arts training in acting, dancing and singing for 4 to 19 year olds, performance work is an integral part of the LIPA 4:19 approach. As Samantha Murphy, acting head of LIPA 4:19 said: “Although our students put a lot of hard work into our summer shows, they have great fun developing their skills even further, with the added attraction and experience of performing to a live audience. “The unique buzz of demonstrating what they have learned to family and friends in a professional auditorium setting allows them to get a real taste for the theatre – making them hungry for more!” LIPA 4:19’s summer performances showcase the work students of all ages have produced throughout the year. With material from each of the acting, dancing and singing disciplines, each student gets the chance to perform, while their parents have an opportunity to evaluate how much their child
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has learned and developed their performing skills . With students from the Liverpool, Maghull and Wirral LIPA 4:19 academies contributing to the production, performances will run from Friday 12 June to Saturday 4 July 2015 at LIPA, Mount Street, Liverpool.
Singing their hearts out Aintree Racecourse hosted singers from Resonate Music Hub who were amongst a number of pupils performing the National Anthem prior to the 2015 Crabbie’s Grand National Race. Each year the National Anthem is sung prior to the Grand National with previous performers including Welsh soprano, singer and songwriter, Katherine Jenkins. However, 2015 saw the unique creation of a local children’s choir who sang the National Anthem at one of the biggest sporting events in the world, in front of 72,000 people at Aintree Racecourse and nine million people in the UK on Channel 4. In partnership with Resonate, Aintree worked with five local schools Barlows Primary School, Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School, Holy Name Catholic Primary School, Northcote Primary School and
Resonate Singers - to give 6070 music pupils in the Aintree community an opportunity of a lifetime. Assistant head of service at Resonate Music Hub Jean Tremarco said: “Resonate has a leading role in supporting music in and out of schools, working with partners from across the city we value every opportunity to showcase pupil talent. “We support musical activities, choirs, bands and pupils learning instruments in most schools across Liverpool and operate as a powerful voice for great music in our schools. “Resonate were delighted at being asked to put together a choir to sing at the Grand National. This was such an exciting event for the children and staff of the primary schools involved. Thank you to the Jockey Club for inviting us, I know the children thought the day was amazing!”
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How does a leading design & PR agency operate on a daily basis? Find out with our FREE school workshops for primary and secondary schools As a leading integrated communications agency, exposure to the workplace is something we strongly believe in and our workshops - due to be launched
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Secondary News
A recipe for success Elite sports performers from Rainhill High School were given an insight into what it takes to reach the top in their respective sports - at a sports performance day at Liverpool Football Club’s Academy training facility. Organised by Liverpool FC, the programme started with an introduction into sports psychology by Yvonne Ryan, a sports psychologist from Chimp Management, a company that provides psychological support for Liverpool FC and the England football team, as well as British cycling sensations Sir Chris Hoy, Sir Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome. Yvonne taught the 10 students, who compete either at national or international level in their respective sports, the importance of mental preparation and how to control emotions such as their ‘inner chimp’ to prevent them from making bad decisions during sport. After being able to watch a competitive match between the Liverpool FC U18s and U21s, the pupils
were treated to the players’ lunch, then moved on to afternoon talks which covered issues such as how to reduce the chance of injury and the importance of sports science and nutrition. The students that attended the sports performance day are part of the unique Elite Performers Programme at Rainhill High School which enables them to succeed in their chosen sport as well as achieving excellent GCSE and A-level results. Anya Watters, a Year 8 footballer who plays for Everton, said: “I really enjoyed the day and found the nutrition and sports science talk about growth spurts really useful. “It reassures me that not performing during a growth spurt is normal and nothing to worry about.” Owen Groom, a Year 7 cricketer for Lancashire added: “It was interesting to see how advanced the science side of sport is now, and I found the mental preparation methods particularly helpful because sometimes when I play cricket I can get a bit angry, but now I’m able to control my ‘inner chimp.’”
Rainhill High School pupils pose next to the Champions League trophy with sports psychologist, Yvonne Ryan at the Liverpool Football Club Academy 26
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Inspirational talk Merseyside barrister speaks to students
Notre Dame Catholic College recently welcomed Zia Chaudhry into their school to give a talk on the Muslim community. In the current climate of suspicion and negative media regarding the Muslim community Mrs Pauline Ronan, head of religious education at the college thought it absolutely necessary to invite Zia Chandhry in to speak with Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5 students. Pauline said: “Zia is a Muslim barrister in Merseyside who feels compelled to speak to schools, prisons and other institutions to emphasise that Muslim extremism does not apply to all Muslims. “Notre Dame students found Zia an engaging and fascinating speaker and were eager for him to answer their many questions after his talk to the group.” Year 9 students also welcomed Joanna Millan, a Holocaust survivor as a guest speaker to the college. Pauline said: “Joanna’s testimony will stay with the students and staff for a long time. The remarkable thing that was so inspirational about Joanna was her positivity. Despite all the unthinkable things that Joanna witnessed and lived through, she is full of hope and happiness.”
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News
Every child counts Scheme helps improve literacy and numeracy An Edge Hill University scheme to help improve literacy and numeracy in schools has now helped more than 100,000 children across the UK and beyond. Every Child Counts is a range of successful interventions developed by academics in Edge Hill University, providing professional development, training and resources for school leaders, teachers and teaching assistants to help them to help children who find it hard to read, write and do mathematics. And now, even more children are set to benefit with two more interventions added to the scheme’s already impressive roster. Talk 4 Number is being rolled out to schools with the aim of helping children talk confidently about maths. Aimed mainly at pupils in Year 3 and Year 4, the intervention allows children in small groups to use and understand mathematical language and talk fluently about these methods. In trials, children gained an average ‘number age’ of nine and a half months after less than two and a half months of Talk 4 Number sessions. Nick Dowrick, the Every Child Counts director at Edge Hill University, said:
“Being able to read, write and do mathematics properly can transform children’s lives and futures. “We’d like to thank all the teachers and teaching assistants who have worked so hard to use our interventions to make a difference for 100,000
children. “Our Every Child Counts team at Edge Hill University is continuing to develop and test more interventions so that we can help schools to help the next 100,000 children across the country to develop the skills to set them up for success.”
A real life-saver First aid training delivered at North West primary school A local and successful training provider, Heartbeat Training Ltd, delivered emergency paediatric first aid training to teachers and support staff at Bickerstaffe CE School, a primary school in West Lancashire. Staff learnt how to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), recognise unwell children with conditions such as asthma, how to manage a broken arm and many more important first aid skills. In addition, Heartbeat Training's lead trainer, Alan Ralfs also provided an additional, free session on CPR open to all 28
parents. Alan has been delivering training to the junior children at Bickerstaffe School for several years and said: “We’ve run first aid training sessions for pupils at the school because we firmly believe every child should learn basic life-saving skills so they know what to do in a medical emergency and the sessions with the pupils have always proved extremely successful.” Heartbeat Training has been providing high quality first aid and medical emergency training to GPs, NHS staff, dentists, schools and businesses across the North
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West for over 11 years. First aid training provides life- saving skills, and Heartbeat Training is passionate about empowering teachers and support staff to be able to make a difference when it matters most. Their courses provide staff with the knowledge and confidence to manage common childhood illnesses and injuries ensuring children are safe while they learn, grow and develop. Heartbeat Training only use instructors who are proven senior health care professionals who regularly deliver advanced life support training to nurses and doctors within the NHS, many of whom are recognised instructors with the Resuscitation Council (UK).
They strive to maintain their high standards in all of their courses and always follow the latest, recommended guidelines.
Staff from Bickerstaffe CE School try out their first aid skills
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HEARTBEAT TRAINING LTD
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Secondary News
Challenging perceptions Female professionals inspire ambitious teens A Liverpool secondary school has been challenging stereotypes and promoting careers which are generally perceived as male. St John Bosco Arts College, an all-girls Catholic secondary school in Croxteth, hosted the ‘Females in Business & Industry – Raising the Aspirations and Self Esteem of Young Women’ event. The aim of the event was to present positive female role models to the Year 9 students and highlight the different career options available to them and where their qualifications can take them. Lord Mayor, Cllr Erica Kemp CBE started the day’s proceedings by addressing the Year 9 students. A diverse range of careers were represented on the day, as ambassadors from Merseyside Police, Sefton & Liverpool Women in Business, Willmott Dixon Construction, RAF and the Crown Prosecution Service joined
together to speak about their roles and encourage the teenagers to follow their passions. The day used a ‘speed dating’ format; employers were asked a series of closed questions by students as they tried to guess their profession before the time ran out. At the end of the activity, there was a ‘big reveal’, when each employer introduced themselves and students finally discovered what they do for a living. Lord Mayor, Cllr Erica Kemp CBE, said: “This is a fantastic event to showcase the diverse career options available to young women. “It’s so important to inspire our next generation of workers, and show that there are no limitations on talent, whether you’re male or female. All the women in attendance today demonstrate what can be achieved when you aim high and work hard.” The ‘Females in Business & Industry’ event was
organised by Liverpool Compact EBP, an organisation which aims to equip young people with top employability and entrepreneurial skills. It works with primary and secondary schools and over 6000 employers to develop pupils’ understanding of the ‘world of work’. Debbie Kenrick, enterprise manager at Liverpool Compact EBP, said: “We organise events like this so
that students can meet wonderful, positive, female role models from a diverse range of careers and allow them to pass on the best possible advice and guidance because it comes from personal experience. “They share their professional insight and encourage the students to aim high, be the best they can be and not put a ‘ceiling’ on their ambition.”
Awakening in Belvedere
Anticipation grew as the classical music rang out from the speakers around the darkened gym and drama studio. Three hundred members of the audience were eagerly awaiting Belvedere Academy’s ‘Awakening’. 30
With their usual precision and finesse, led by Mr Deakin, the choir, chamber choir and orchestra filed in followed by Mr O’Keeffe. Over one hundred and twenty students, joined by the Belvedere Preparatory School, took part in the Spring Music
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Concert. First up was the massive show opener, Gary Barlow’s Sing and the girls did not disappoint. Newly crowned Wirral Music Festival champions, the chamber choir simply delighted. It is hard to believe that they are a school choir with some singers as young as eleven years old. Accompanying every performance was the orchestra which has doubled in size since last September. The newly formed chamber orchestra, conducted by Mr Deakin, played a number of pieces that showcased the immense talent of the musicians. Not only did the Belvlings have the cute factor but they
can sing too and this was shown in Real Love and the fun When I Grow Up from Matilda. This is only their second performance as a choir and already they are confident performers and crowd pleasers. Unfazed by the large audience, the Belvedere Preparatory chamber choir took to the stage and sang with gusto. Alex Jones performed a wonderful rendition of Popular from the hit musical Wicked whilst Georgia Maestri-Banks sang a haunting version of Ella Henderson’s Yours. As Mr Hill lifted the lights, there were shouts of ‘Encore!’ and we were treated once more to the Lion King classic Circle of Life.
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Working with over 6000 businesses to prepare young people for a successful working life. We are passionate about developing the Career aspirations and employability skills in young people aged 8 to 18 years! We do this through organising: ✔ Business & Enterprise Workshops ✔ Career Fairs ✔ Inspirational Talks - ‘ Females in Business’ ✔ Sixth Form Work Placements ✔ Work Experience ✔ Employability Interviews And much more…. How can we help your School? Activities are motivational, character building and support pupil achievement and behaviour, increasing the quality of your CEIAG, meeting DfE/Ofsted requirements. Please call Maria Hart on 0151 298 9454
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Secondary News
Students check in Partnership enjoys hands on approach Students from Enterprise South Liverpool Academy in Garston swapped the classroom for the airport, as they visited Liverpool John Lennon Airport. Year 7 students visited the airport to take part in a ‘numeracy trail’ and were treated a special tour around the facilities. The visit was designed to boost students’ basic numeracy skills by interacting in real life situations, such as working out baggage allowance and currency exchange. Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) launched the Business Class Partnership with ESLA last September to help students be better prepared for future careers and life. The partnership, coordinated by the charity Business in the Community, involves a series of initiatives as part of their ‘Business Class’ programme. Now, six months in to the partnership, students are enjoying the hands on approach to learning and are seeing the positive benefits of career days like this. Headteacher Kevin Unsworth, said: “We are delighted with the partnership with LJLA, it offers a great opportunity for students to get a better understanding of the work place and practice numeracy skills outside of the classroom setting. Not only is it improving student’s numeracy, it is having a positive impact on their confidence and life skills which are essential for work.” In March, the school had a successful inspection by Ofsted which found the school is making significant progress. The report outlined the school’s plan is ‘fit for purpose’ and how ‘students are making better progress, which is clear when looking at the current data and their work’.
Bellerive welcomes Bishop Tom
Bishop Tom Williams the Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool visited Bellerive FCJ Catholic College and took the time to call into a number of lessons including maths, history, geography, English and RE. He shared some of his experiences of these subjects with the students and took part in a question and answer session with Year 10 on aspects of their catholic faith. He was very impressed with the articulate way in which the students expressed themselves throughout the day. After joining the students for lunch, Bishop Tom formally opened the Elmfield extension (completed in 2013). The extension gives an extra six teaching spaces to help house the growing school population. Bishop Tom was joined at the opening ceremony by three Year 7 students who will hopefully make great use of the spaces in their time at the college. 32
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Academy sponsorship change University Academy Birkenhead (UAB) has undergone a change in sponsorship arrangements, and will now be known as The Birkenhead Park School. Since their inception at the start of 2011 and during this time they have transformed the educational success of their students and last year they improved GCSE attainment by a third, and bucked the national trend at a time when a school is likely to consider itself doing well if it maintains its results. The school have also secured significant improvements in their attendance and punctuality as well as becoming the first Wirral school to sign a partnership with a high performing school in China. The Governors have overseen this programme of improvement and have decided that in order to offer the school the best chance of continuing this progression a new structure of governance would be beneficial. Therefore it has been mutually agreed that UAB will progress with a single sponsor, Wirral Academy Trust that has been set up by Birkenhead Sixth Form College.
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Secondary News
Archbishop Blanch’s history honoured in new build Archbishop Blanch CofE High School for Girls is set to honour its founding schools when its new building opens this September. The state of the art building will open its doors for the start of the next school year and headteacher Heather Duggan says it was important to include a reminder of the school’s beginnings. Ms Duggan said: “The dedicated school chapel will incorporate some of the stained glass windows from the two founding schools, St Edmund’s College and Liverpool Girls’ College, to give a sense of history combined with a thrilling vision for the future.” The new school building, situated on Earle Road, off Smithdown Road, will also feature a ‘Word Wall’, a striking display of words which embody the school’s ethos and Christian values. Ms Duggan said she is delighted at the progress of the work taking place at the
new building. She said: “It is wonderful to witness how things are coming together. We are standing at the brink of an exciting future and the new building, with its fantastic onsite sports pitches, will be able to offer the students and staff the high standard of facilities they so richly deserve.” As from September, the school will be the only Church of England high
school for girls aged 11-16 years, something Ms Duggan says makes it an attractive option for parents. She says: “Single sex education provides many advantages for young girls. For example, girls educated in single-sex schools gain more confidence, make academic gains above those of similar peers in co-educational schools and learn to gravitate towards maths and science as they feel more comfortable in
an all-female environment. A recent success for the girls was winning the Liverpool Law Society Public Speaking competition against extremely tough competition.” The school will be holding its Open Evening for Year 7 Admission in 2016 on Thursday, 24th September 2015 at 6pm. when parents and their daughters will be able to see for themselves the fantastic new facilities on offer.
Dancing their way to the top! Disciplined, committed and passionate performances by Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College’s Performing Arts Dance Ensemble, led to the ensembles taking first place at the recent Liverpool School Sports Partnership dance competition. The dance competition, which is open to all high schools across Liverpool, provides an innovative platform for rich cultural exchange and the promotion of dance within sport. The dancers from Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College competed against a number of well-established schools with highly regarded dance programs. Director of dance at the College, Susan Foster said: “Their hard work and efforts have paid off and they should be so proud of what has been achieve, both dance ensembles gaining first place". 34
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Secondary News
Celebrating success
Celebrating success John Chan, Callum Richardson, Clare Routledge, Sam East and Sid Baines
Five students from Merchant Taylors’ Schools are celebrating offers from Oxbridge this year. Callum Richardson from Hillside, Clare Routledge from Birkdale, Sam East from Orrell Park, John Chan from Liverpool and Sid Baines from Crosby have all received offers from the country’s two oldest seats of learning. Following in the footsteps of such eminent Cambridge alumni as CS Lewis and Samuel Pepys, John Chan has chosen Magdalene College where he will
study architecture. Another pupil on her way to Cambridge is Clare Routledge, who has been offered a place at Homerton College to study education with history. Lincoln College, Oxford, is the destination for deputy head of school, Sam East, where he will read history. Senior monitor Callum Richardson will study economics and management at Brasenose College, Oxford, after completing A Levels in economics, further maths and physics.
Mathematician Sid Baines will take up a place at the oldest royal foundation in Oxford – Oriel College. Heads of Schools, Mrs Louise Robinson and Mr David Cook, have both expressed their pride at the achievements of these five students at a time when Oxbridge entry is more competitive than ever. “It has been another fantastic year for all Year 13 students at Merchant Taylors’ with the vast majority receiving excellent university offers and their first choice options.”
BUCKING THE TREND The 2015 Warwick Commission highlighted the fact that over the past five years, the number of young people taking part in creative and cultural activities in the UK has reduced significantly. But West Derby School continues to buck this trend by investing in the creative and performing arts. Since 2013, West Derby School’s music department has worked in a unique partnership with Pulse Music Liverpool to provide high quality specialist peripatetic instrumental tuition, extra-curricular music activities and recording studio experiences for our students. Pulse director, Andy Pickering said: “We are proud to be able to offer fully subsidised instrument lessons, as we believe students from all backgrounds should have access to music education. “The school’s commitment to widening access extends to covering the costs of exam entry. “We are delighted to provide West Derby with a bespoke music service that supports and enriches the outstanding musical offer that the boys currently enjoy. “In addition to this, we are one of a handful of secondary schools in the city to have benefited from Resonate Music Education Hub’s secondary investment fund. “A large number of pupils regularly participate in concerts bands, rock bands, jazz bands and vocal groups, culminating in three public performances a year. 36
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“We firmly believe that the musical opportunities we have on offer make us an ideal secondary school of choice especially for boys who have a keen interest in music.”
West Derby’s Arts Showcase with the Hudson Ensemble
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Meet the Headteacher James Beaton, Fazakerley High School
From Glasgow to Liverpool via Reading, Fazakerley High School headteacher James Beaton has plenty of experience teaching across the UK. But it is his passion to improve his pupils academically and pastorally that has driven him in his new role at the North Liverpool school.
Inspiring the next generation by Stephen Hurrell
W
hen James Beaton was attending a school in the East End of Glasgow at the age of 12, a French teacher he described as ‘magic’ ignited his passion for teaching. It was, says James, the only thing he has ever wanted to do. After qualifying and teaching in the same school for nine and a half years as a chemistry teacher and head of department, he moved to a girls’ school in Reading. It was from here that he sought a new challenge – and noticed an opportunity at a school in Fazakerley. Fazakerley High School had moved in to a new building in 2005 and James instantly fell in love with the school and area. “I came for the interview and fell in love with the school,” he says. “The head’s vision for the school was phenomenal. I was assistant head and head of science and it was the best job I’ve ever had.” When the headteacher passed away in post, James took on the role of deputy to the new head. This became a 38
headteacher role last summer and he is now determined to bring his own brand of magic to the teaching arena. “Fundamentally I believe in a traditional education. That means they do well in life skills which are numeracy and literacy,” he says. “However, we have a fantastic art department and it’s reflected throughout the school. All art work is displayed appropriately, not just Blu-tacked on the wall. We spend a lot of money creating this and people have wanted to buy it because of the way it’s displayed.” He says the school excels in art, music, dance and drama, with an “extravaganza” at St George’s Hall last year highlighting how the creative arts department permeates all areas of the curriculum. He explains: “When children are exposed to good music, good art and good drama they will do well in all subjects including core maths, English, science and humanities. If they have a well rounded education it can only enhance the experience.”
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“
We call it Family Fazakerley; staff look out for children, children look out for children and staff look out for staff
”
His office reflects his values, with classical music playing in the background and striking art work created by the pupils adorning the walls. The philosophy of the school, says James, is that every pupil leaves the school having developed their potential.
The art displays and performances are not a bolt-on for pupils here; they’re at the core of James and his team’s ideals. Pupils have to want to come to school and improve themselves. The magic that captivated him all those years ago means he is passionate about making life better for his pupils.
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He says: “Everybody looks after each other here. We have a pastoral team who don’t teach and are always available to look after the children. Parents don’t have to wait for teachers to stop teaching. We call it Family Fazakerley; staff look out for children, children look out for children and staff look out for staff. It’s a really caring environment. It’s academic and pastoral – it’s encouraging each other to get the best out of each other.” There are other aspects to the school’s curriculum too – on the day he is interviewed the school is holding a mock election as part of a democracy lesson. The school also has extensive sports facilities, which is described as one of the major reasons why many pupils choose Fazakerley High School. There is also a thriving engineering department. Like the arts, it is taken out of its box as a niche subject and covers the entire curriculum.
“In the past it was seen as very niche and male dominated,” he says: “We don’t want that. It needs to be across the entire curriculum. It will encompass all areas of school. You can have engineering in cookery, within history, within humanities. It’s fundamental to our country.
“The facilities really make a difference to the education of the pupils. Children come in and the environment really makes a difference. The school is 12 years old but it looks as if it has just opened - apart from the artwork, but that just makes it looked lived in and loved.”
“A foundation in engineering is fantastic for our pupils. They’re the most able pupils I’ve ever worked with and equipping them with those skills gives them amazing qualifications for life. We have a number of pupils throughout the year going on to university, doing engineering apprenticeships with companies like Scottish Power and Jaguar.”
For James, passion for the job and a philosophy that ensures pupils grow as people as well as academically is enough to deliver a bright future for anybody who walks through the doors.
Once again, pupils are leaving the school having grown as a person and academically. And, after joining so soon after a new school build, James feels he and the school have grown together as well.
Perhaps the next generation of teachers has already been inspired.
“When I saw somebody who had passion for their subject I thought that’s who I want to be. Somebody who wants to make a difference.”
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Secondary News
Students triumph in London Programmers respond to the challenge A small group of talented Year 8 and Year 9 programmers from The Blue Coat School’s Raspberry Pi Club have been announced the winners in the academic years 7-11 category of the national PA Raspberry Pi Competition. The theme of the competition centred on the concept of healthy living, and saw Blue Coat students respond to the challenge by designing and developing a Raspberry Pi driven prescription dispensing system, enabling patients to access their medication using an encrypted QR barcode on a printed prescription. Year 9 pupil, Daniel, said: “At four o’clock, it was time for the awards ceremony, held at the London Science Museum and hosted by Maggie Philbin. After a short interview with all the teams in our category we were announced as the winners. “As well as winning £1,000 for the school were also were presented with a box of Raspberry Pi accessories which
Members of The Blue Coat School’s winning team included a solar panel and a hand held anyone who is interested in screen. computing, electronics or programming. “We all thoroughly enjoyed the day We are already looking forward to next and would recommend entering to year.”
Liverpool’s newest school opens its doors Studio@Deyes, Liverpool’s newest school will be opening its doors to 150 business and technology students in September 2015. The brand new studio school for ages 14-19, based on Wavertree Technology Park, will offer unique specialisms, including engineering, textiles,
accountancy, entrepreneurship and law. Headteacher, Dean Lythgoe, said: “Studio@Deyes will be a much needed asset to the 14-19 provision in the Liverpool City Region. “We are creating a learning community that will focus on strong qualifications, work ready skills and meaningful work experience that will
Vortex House 40
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ensure all of our students are well equipped for their future steps. “The small school of only 300 students at capacity is partnering with notable regional and national businesses, such as Merseytravel and Barclays, to create a curriculum and enrichment program that addresses the individual
academic, social and emotional progress of every student. “This forward-thinking school focuses on project based learning which incorporates live projects from employers into the daily learning of the students. This ensures that the youngsters immediately learn to apply their knowledge and utilise their skills in a practical way.” Within the newly refurbished state-of-the-art facilities the school community will have access to all the latest technology. The modern, hi-tech building will host student-run businesses, art and design studios and engineering workshops. Within the newly refurbished state-of-the-art facilities the school community will have access to all the latest technology. The modern, hi-tech building will host student-run businesses, art and design studios and engineering workshops.
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Fazakerley High School Years 4 - 6 Open Evening Come and meet the family that is Fazakerley High School!
Come and try out a range of exciting activities across the whole school: • Reach the peaks of the climbing wall • Try out fun Science experiments • Sole our Maths puzzles • MFL workshop • Creative Arts Showcase • Computing Workshop
Family
Honour Success
Wednesday 16th September 2015 4pm-6pm Sherwoods Lane, L10 1LB
0151 524 4530
www.fazakerleyhigh.org
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Reading towards a better future
READING AS A ROUTE OUT OF POVERTY
ON THE ROAD TO SUCC£SS JENNIFER CHAMBERLAIN
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Reading towards a better future
According to Save the Children, almost half of pupils who are eligible for free school meals are not able to read well by the age of eleven. Poor literacy is one of the strongest contributing factors to unemployment in the UK, revealing that limited reading in childhood has a negative impact on adult life. It acts as an intergenerational disadvantage and perpetuates the cycle of poverty for families from lower socio-economic backgrounds. So what can be done to change it? Any attempt to raise literacy levels needs to promote reading as a pleasurable experiencesomething a child should want to do, rather than have to. Studies have shown that there is a strong
motto – ‘District Reader, Lifetime Achiever’ – and children are encouraged to say the motto and understand its meaning. Each month is packed with opportunities to read and to have
programme) for everyone. As teachers and parents, it’s our job to match up children with a book. If it takes a film to get their interest, if it takes baking cakes to get their interest,
link between reading for pleasure and cognitive development, which not only positively impacts on progress made in vocabulary and spelling but also in maths. Thus, children who read for pleasure are more likely to do significantly
fun with it, including book competitions, bedtime reading schemes, visits from authors and book buddy bunnies. Reading has literally become part of the school too. As well as outdoor ‘book stops’ and ‘book benches’, the school now
if it takes robots, nail polish, rugby or dinosaurs, who cares? We’ve got them into books!” This liberal approach proves particularly useful when engaging boys with reading. In terms of literacy, the attainment gap between
better at school than those who do not. There are many excellent global, national
has ‘story steps’: each stair has been painted to look like the spine of a book!
boys and girls in the UK is one of the widest in the developed world, leaving boys from low
and local campaigns created with the aim of using literacy to narrow the existing achievement gap between children from affluent and deprived backgrounds. Supported by research, these
Teachers at The District C.E share J.K Rowling's belief that 'if you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book'. “I passionately believe in building a love of
income families most likely to fall behind. The Premier League Reading Stars is a campaign set up in conjunction with the National Literacy Trust. Available to all children,
campaigns are fired by a belief that developing a love of reading can be more important to a child's educational success than their parent's socio-economic backgrounds. On 5 March 2015, millions of children celebrated World Book Day – a global event that highlights the value of literature. Both primary
reading in all children,” says Heather Wright, teacher and champion for the Year of Reading. “This is why I have championed my ‘zero snobbery’ approach to the Year of Reading project. There is a book (or newspaper, or comic, or sports
but targeted at boys, this scheme captures the motivational power of football and uses it to inspire young people to read. The scheme comprises lesson resources and a series of online videos featuring footballers who act as reading role models for the many children who already view them as idols. It is
and secondary schools across the UK embraced the celebrations and showcased reading as a pleasurable and rewarding experience. Social media feeds exploded with colourful images of children and teachers dressed up as their favourite fictional characters and 14 million book tokens were given to children nationwide. Whilst World Book Day has become a highlight of the academic year, it is the daily efforts made by schools that are truly making an impact. In September 2014, The District C.E Primary school, in St Helens, embarked on a Year of Reading. Proudly declaring their aim to 'utterly drench the pupils in reading’, teachers have been spending the academic year cultivating an attitude of reading for pleasure, in a bid to improve both reading and writing skills in the school. The Year of Reading has its very own
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“I passionately believe in building a love of reading in all children… This is why I have championed my ‘zero snobbery’ approach to the Year of Reading project.” HEATHER WRIGHT ––– TEACHER AND CHAMPION FOR THE YEAR OF READING
used as an intervention resource across both primary and secondary syllabuses; in years 5 and 6, it aims to help children who are struggling to reach the expected level of literacy and in years 7 and 8, it supports those who did not achieve a 4b at the end of key stage two. Many schools in the region have benefited from Premier League Reading Stars, including Halewood Academy in Knowsley. Over the water in Wirral, pupils from Woodchurch High School have welcomed footballers (one of whom was an ex pupil) from Tranmere Rovers FC into the school to help them read. Whilst local schools are benefiting from national campaigns, there are also a number of quality regional movements inspiring a generation of disengaged readers. The Reader Organisation is a charitable social enterprise that works primarily in Merseyside
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Reading towards a better future
to connect people of all ages to literature. In recognising the link between poor literacy and poverty, The Reader Organisation focuses on engaging the most vulnerable and hard-toreach children and young people in the region. The campaign delivers shared reading groups and individual sessions where everything is read aloud in a relaxed, informal environment. Participants are invited to share their personal responses to the stories and poems, with no expectation of a ‘right’ answer. These sessions make reading an enjoyable experience, building the confidence, self-esteem and reading ability of young people. The Reader Organisation acts as a delivery partner for City of Readers –a mission to transform Liverpool into the UK’s foremost reading city. The cornerstone of this ambition is for all children to leave primary school as able readers. “Reading simply for enjoyment is so important to a child’s development and a wonderful activity to share with others,” says Dr Jane Davies, director of City of Readers. “We need everyone in Liverpool to act as role models for our children, reading at home, reading in schools and reading in the community.”
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“Reading simply for enjoyment is so important to a child’s development and a wonderful activity to share with others… We need everyone in Liverpool to act as role models for our children, reading at home, reading in schools and reading in the community.’.” DR JANE DAVIES ––– DIRECTOR OF CITY OF READERS
three months. With an ethos of ‘take a book, return a book, donate a book’, the pop up library provides a gathering space where people of all ages and different backgrounds can share their favourite stories. Since it opened, numerous creative activities have taken place in the library in an effort to make it a fun educational centre attracting both primary and secondary pupils and parents. From a staged robbery and CSI investigations to afternoons spent craft making in the cosy corner, the BIG Little Library does more than it says on the tin: it’s a community hub catering for people of all ages and interests. “Our customers range from the very young to the old,” says Lisa Mitchell, specialist school's community co-ordinator. “We also get many customers with learning difficulties who love the shop because it has a very relaxed atmosphere and they don't feel intimidated or ashamed to ask for a book that you wouldn't associate with them. A number of customers have revealed that their reading ability isn't the best but that they're using the library to help them, as it's free.” Gayle Threadgill, a teacher at Norman Pannell Primary in Netherley, says the BIG
City of Readers works with its partners to deliver innovative reading opportunities to schools. One example would be through
Little Library has had a huge impact on both parents and children in our school. “We have enjoyed the workshops immensely
level of literacy. However, the fact that pupils
a ‘reader in residence’: somebody who works within a school and instils a culture of reading for pleasure amongst pupils and teachers alike. The Magical Roadshow provides fun and
leave with an above average level in both literacy and numeracy is testament to the school’s commitment to putting reading at its heart. Every classroom at Whitefield has its own
and it has promoted enjoyment in reading for both our children and parents,” she says. The delivery of workshops by students from Gateacre School has been invaluable, not only for
engaging one hour reading sessions for parents and toddlers. This gives parents and practitioners
‘reading den’ – a place for children to gather and experience the pleasure of reading.
visiting primary schools but also for the pupils themselves; in turn, it helps with their own
the opportunity to engage in shared reading for pleasure and to model the skills and principles of reading with children in a safe, open environment. Early engagement with literacy for both parents and children is vital, particularly
The school even has its own dedicated reading blog where children can be seen demonstrating their love of books online. Whitefield’s enthusiasm for reading extends beyond the classroom and into the community.
reading as well as discovering new authors and titles. Whilst garnering a love of reading at primary level is most crucial, it is very important that this engagement continues once children enter secondary education - ensuring that they
for parents who have not developed a love of literature themselves.
To involve parents and carers, the school hosts a range of reading groups: The Reading Rocks
read for pleasure and not just for homework. It was Dr Seuss who wrote, ‘the more that
“We are fully aware that reading for pleasure has the power to break entrenched educational underachievement from generation to generation as it in itself is transformative in terms of
café is open to the whole family, Take a Break is solely for adults and Fab Dads and Grandads is a fantastic scheme encouraging men to read to their children. Whilst children are still the focus,
you read the more things you will know, the more that you learn the more places you will go.’ In his trademark rhyme, the much loved children’s author points to the link between
educational outcomes,” says Dr Davies. Whitefield Primary School in Everton is a shining example of the efforts being made by schools to encourage both pupils and parents to read. As an urban school where the proportion of children eligible for pupil premium is much
engaging parents is vital in fostering a culture of reading both in and out of the school environment. Another exciting community focused reading project is Gateacre School’s BIG Little Library - a joint venture between Gateacre School and Belle
reading, learning and mobility. Schools, with the support of local and national campaigns, are working harder than ever before to ensure that, regardless of background, every child has an equal chance of success. A quality education can provide one of the best routes out of poverty
higher than average, the children at Whitefield would statistically be expected to have a lower
Vale shopping centre. The BIG Little Library opened its doors on World Book Day for a period of
for children in the UK, and reading is the best place to start.
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Secondary News
Project blossoms into life Challenging project bears fruit St Michael’s High School, Crosby welcomed the Mayor of Sefton, Kevin E Cluskey to officially open St Michael’s Mere their new woodland walk situated at the far end of the school playing fields. The new development has been made possible thanks to funding from the National Lottery whose Big Lottery Fund has come up with £8,646 and Cargill’s Care Council who donated £870. The funding has enabled the school to fell a number of dangerous trees and reduce the growth of ground ivy which together with the planting of a broad mix of woodland wildflowers and trees has encouraged healthier plant growth and attracted a greater variety of wildlife. In addition, a circular path has been created, the pond has been dredged and a dipping platform constructed. Mr Neil McMahon, senior project officer with The Conservation Volunteers, said: “Now that those dangerous trees are out of the way, the prospects here for watching wildlife are terrific. The whole community must benefit from the children’s efforts!” Headteacher, Dr Simon Hulme, said: “St Michael’s Mere now offers a fantastic environmental resource that will be accessible to our school and the wider community. There is much scope for further improvements to this area and it is hoped that more funding may be found to drive the school’s vision forward. “The project has been a truly inspiring partnership, bringing together the whole school and its wider community.” Daniel Vann, a student in Year 11, and chair of the St Michael’s Eco Alliance is delighted: “Working on the Mere Project has been really challenging for all of us. Week after week, and through the cold weather fuelled by Mrs Wilson’s soup, we have cleared the site, planted lots of trees and a wild flower meadow. There will be a great habitat for wildlife this summer and for summers to come. I can’t wait to see it develop.”
Student Chrissie Speed presents flowers to the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Sefton
First-hand experience
School on trial Litherland High School competed in the heats of the Magistrates’ Courts Mock Trial Competition at Mold Magistrates Courts. Students from each school took on the roles of lawyers, witnesses, defendants, magistrates, court ushers and legal advisers, prosecuting and defending a fictitious case. Each school’s performance was judged by three independent observers all of whom had a legal background. After hours of preparation, Litherland High School students gave a fantastic performance. Part of their rehearsal process included staff playing the parts of the accused, even co-principal, Maria Sharratt, got a grilling! During the competition, Litherland High School took on Flint High School and Ridgeway High School winning both cases, and were declared runners up overall. 46
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Broughton Hall Catholic High School students from Years 10 and 11 have returned after a visit to Prague, Krakow and Berlin. In Prague they went on a walking tour of Josefev, the former Jewish quarter, visited Prague Castle, Charles Bridge and the Old Town Square followed by a visit to the Terezin concentration camp. They travelled to Krakow Poland, experiencing the beautiful buildings in the market square with the renaissance Cloth Hall and St Mary’s Church. The following day was spent visiting the concentration camps of Auschwitz and Birkenau, which were very moving experiences. Travelling onto Berlin where an evening visit to the German Bundestag took place proved enlightening. A tour of Berlin included the Berlin Wall, the Topography of Terror, the Jewish Museum and the Holocaust Memorial Site. It was a fantastic trip and the students experienced first-hand the Nazi Third Reich regime during the Second World War.
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Secondary News
‘Eat My Words’ Serving up a literary feast Student Billy Maher of St Ambrose Barlow Catholic High, Bootle was celebrating after taking home the first prize at the ‘Eat My Words’ competition. The first ever Hugh Baird College hosted the first ‘Eat My Words’ competition inspiring school children to serve up a literary feast. The competition, sponsored by the Hilton Liverpool and with crockery provided by Churchills, combined the art of words with the science of food with the aim of improving literacy and motivating budding chefs. The finals took place at Hugh Baird’s state of the art L20 Hotel School kitchens. Years 10 and 11 pupils from schools across Merseyside were invited to enter by planning a menu of three dishes then submitting an article describing their dishes and the costing for the ingredients. Only the best written entries were selected to cook in the final and eight pupils from Archbishop Blanch, St
Ambrose Barlow and Hugh Baird’s 14-16 College, went head to head in the professional kitchens. Judges included Hilton Liverpool chef de partie Chris Todd and Adam Franklin of the Liverpool Yacht Club. All the students who took part were judged a real credit to the school and were awarded a certificate for participation; Rachel Elmer, Billy Maher, Derek McShane and Kieron Williams Prizes were awarded for the best starter, main course and dessert, with each winning a trophy and gaining valuable feedback from the judges. Billy Maher from St Ambrose Barlow took home the prize for best dessert with a sensational churros with a chocolate dipping sauce dish. The judging panel had the difficult task of choosing an overall winner on the day and this went to Billy Maher. The judges commended his dishes and menu structure for its textures, blends of tastes, use of seasoning and the manner in which each dish complimented each other perfectly.
Billy Maher of St Ambrose Barlow Catholic High prepares his churros
Billy was also commended for his work ethic, cleanliness, his coolness under pressure and his efficiency in the kitchen. As part of the prize, Billy also took charge of the L20 Hotel School kitchens on 1 April.
College secure power hockey tournament
The victorious SFX power hockey team
Greenbank Sports Academy hosted the second annual Merseyside Power Hockey Tournament involving eight teams from six local schools. The tournament, which involved approximately 40 disabled and non-disabled children, was fiercely fought, with St Francis Xavier's College eventually declared 48
champions, after the final against Broadgreen International School went to penalties. Aindrea McDaid, PE technician at SFX explained how their team started to play power hockey: “Alex Waring, a Year 10 pupil at our school is an electric wheelchair user and he comes to Greenbank Sports
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Academy every Wednesday to play power hockey. He absolutely loves it and is always talking about it in school. “When we found out about this tournament, we thought that it would be a great opportunity for Alex to play sport with his non-disabled friends, so we brought a team of five along, including Alex.”
Alex said that is was “Epic!!” to play sport with his friends. The other pupils from the school added “We’ve have had a fantastic day – it’s been a completely different experience and our awareness of disability sport has increased.” Tournament organiser Steve Sullivan said: “Power hockey enables disabled children; particularly those using electric wheelchairs, to take part in a contact team sport, alongside their non-disabled peers, using a purpose built wheelchair. It’s so important that disabled children have the opportunity to do this. “The chair, which has been developed by Greenbank Sports Academy in partnership with apprentices from Jaguar Land Rover and North West Training Council, enables players to pass and shoot a ball using a unique propulsion mechanism and have fun in a fast, competitive team sport. “
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PROMOTING SPIRITUAL, PHYSICAL & MENTAL HEALTH
GCSE Results 2014
• 11% Improvement at 5 or more A* - C E/M • 16% Increase in English, now above national average • 10% Improvement in Mathematics Small class sizes ensures • Children make good progress • Staff know each child personally • High levels of support are provided
New facilities include: 2 Football Pitches 1 Rugby Pitch Mountain Biking Track
Fitness Suite 2 ICT Suites ECO Garden
St Ambrose Barlow Catholic High School
sabchs
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Meet the Headteacher Rupert Stead, North Liverpool Academy
Despite working his way up through several senior leadership positions before taking the helm at North Liverpool Academy, principal Rupert Stead insists securing the top job hasn’t always been his ultimate career goal. Instead, his focus has simply been on “finding a way to make a difference”.
Determined to succeed by Natasha Young
and it’s just a developing role.”
t’s almost 12 months since Rupert Stead progressed from being vice principal at North Liverpool Academy to leading the school. Whilst he describes it as a “career defining” step up though, he insists his real priority throughout his time working in education has been about ensuring that pupils leave school with bright futures ahead of them.
I
When Rupert first arrived at North Liverpool Academy as vice-principal five years ago he was no stranger to senior leadership, having held the position of deputy headteacher in Wirral. However, his familiarity and the time he had already spent “setting and resetting the vision and drive” of the academy had made his latest transition to the top somewhat smoother.
“I’m delighted to be the principal and I am very proud but it isn’t something that’s driven me through my teaching career,” says Rupert, who initially trained as a maths teacher in Durham before working at schools in North Yorkshire and then Knowsley, Wirral and Liverpool. “I suppose my teaching career in education has really been focused on finding a way to make a difference.
“You have the advantage in that you understand the context and the nature of the environment in the school and you’ve worked with the children and the parents, but the step up is a different role with different expectations on it so it provides a new set of challenges that are exciting to meet,” says Rupert.
“Initially that was in the classroom, and I suppose that’s driven my passion and determination to provide the best opportunities for all children 50
Among those challenges lies not only the focus on securing an “outstanding” school by working alongside fellow leaders of outstanding schools across the North Liverpool area, but also the ambition
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to equip all children with the skills they need to become successful entrepreneurs once they have left. The school is a specialist Enterprise Academy – an element which, according to its website, means there is a “distinct emphasis on enterprise and an enterprising approach across the curriculum”. In order to implement this way of thinking on such a widespread basis, there are six personal traits for students to build on at the heart of the school, including creativity, teamwork, risk taking, problem solving, determination and reflection. “We know that actually achieving the very best qualifications is key to opening doors for all of our students but once the doors open, they’ve got to have those personal traits, skills and behaviours that will allow them to be successful,” says Rupert. “To be successful in anything, whether it’s doing your homework, taking on a new job or building a car from scratch, you need to be determined.
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“
I suppose my teaching career in education has really been focused on finding a way to make a difference
”
You need to understand that sheer hard graft is going to help you secure your success. “That’s one of the things that we embody in all of the work that we do.” As far as determination goes, it’s an area where Rupert particularly leads by example, and although he is keen to point out that he is just one of a 270-strong team of staff and governors striving to make North Liverpool Academy a success, he hasn’t let his first year of heading it up pass by without making his mark on the school. As well as attracting awards recognition including a nomination for the SEN Provision Award at last November’s Educate Awards 2014, Rupert has also set about strengthening the academy’s cultural and creative provisions.
“One of the things I’ve reaffirmed as principal is that the academy will continue to be a culturally rich environment in terms of creativity and our ability to develop children’s creative aspects,” he says. “So we’re developing our orchestra and we’re developing our performance and our music. Throughout the academy that is also something that is key.” In turn, such success and activity is helping to raise the academy’s profile in the wider community, as the school is taking the opportunity to spread the word of its events and achievements online via social media outlets including Facebook and Twitter. “We look for all ways to share the successes of the academy but also to share what’s actually going on,” explains Rupert. “What is absolutely important for a community and the
people around us is to develop the understanding of what modern schools look like so people feel confident that they understand everything that’s going on. “We’re a very dynamic and interesting institution and there are magnificent things going on every day, every week and I think it’s important that the wider community of North Liverpool but also Liverpool, nationally and internationally can see the work that’s going on. “It’s something that all schools are doing and celebrating but I think it is a key part of engaging with the community and a key part of driving forward the key messages that education makes a difference.”
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News
On the ball Successful start for the Fowler Education Football Academy
Helping to safeguard students Technology is key to secure safety in school
The Fowler Education and Football Academy (FEFA), launched earlier this year by former Liverpool footballer Robbie Fowler, welcomes its first students in September – and staff have been delighted at both the quality and quantity of demand. FEFA, aimed at 16-19 year olds, offers its students a direct route to university with a course that leads to a wide range of academic and vocational qualifications. Graduates of the academy have the opportunity to leave with the equivalent of three A Levels and a string of coaching and sports science qualifications. All of this comes alongside the opportunity for those on the course to further explore their potential on the football pitch – thanks to training and coaching designed to meet the standards of that on offer at the academies of professional league clubs. Robbie Fowler, who says his involvement doesn’t end at putting his name over the door, knows only too well what it’s like to have to face those choices at a tender age and how fortunate he was that the choice he made turned out to be the right one. Every year since turning professional he’s seen young players’ dreams come to an end and often with nothing to fall back on. “I was lucky enough to go on and have, generally, a successful career,” Fowler says, “but it could have gone the other way. 52
“I might have struggled or got a few injuries and not gone on to have the career I had. That’s why we are offering an extremely strong education program alongside the football academy.” The demand for places on the course surprised FEFA, to the extent that they had to increase the number of spots available. At present a handful of those additional places are still available, but that may not be the case for very long. Sports science is a growing industry and one that football has perhaps been late to embrace compared to other sports. The idea that a career in sport is available only to a select few might be true in terms of a playing career, but professional clubs, academies and national sides across the world are fighting over the best sports scientists. FEFA have created a course that gives students the time to decide if their future is aligned with their dreams – and when that time arrives they will have far more than dreams to cling to. There aren’t many courses around that offer that. There aren’t many with as determined a team as Robbie Fowler and his colleagues. “When I go into anything,” Fowler says, “I want it to be a success. The team that I am part of will make that happen.”
Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
Broughton Hall High School is one of the latest schools that are showing their commitment in safeguarding students and enforcing strict security procedures. In order to put systems in place Broughton Hall contacted Auto Time Systems. Simon Nicholson, sales manager at Auto Time Systems, said” “We installed a master clock system at the school which enables teachers, at the touch of a button, to alert all staff and pupils at the school of any type of emergency on site. “The school asked for certain melodies to be available to play at the touch of a button throughout the school. “We commissioned messages such as; ‘lock down’ and ‘all clear’ which could be played instantly throughout the school.” Mike Clays, facilities manager at Broughton Hall said: “The system put in place by Auto Time was very effective, the safety of our students is our main priority. “The system enables us to make students aware of any situation that could be of concern within the school immediately. We are extremely happy with the system that we have in.” Alongside this particular system they also provided the school with a number of indoor synchronised LCD clocks which are linked to the master clock system, so every clock in the school has accurate time. This helps the school to remain punctual making learning more efficient.
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www.abblanch.com
Achieve Believe Succeed OPEN EVENING
THURSDAY 24 SEPTEMBER 2015 6.00pm - 8.00pm
OPEN MORNING WEDNESDAY 7 OCTOBER 2015
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Viewpoint
Mock elections and the democratic process The General Election 2015 was embraced by schools across the region staging their own mock elections in various formats. With polling booths and ballot boxes even installed, many primary and secondary school aged children experienced a real voting process and what it represents. How valuable an opportunity do you think this has been for this generation of school children, at a time when there is widespread opinion that many young people are disengaged with the political system?
Hugh Baird 14-16 College Hugh Baird 14-16 College ran their own mock election with an 80% turnout! Director of young people and head of 14-16 College, Alun Owen said: “For the past 10 weeks, we’ve been encouraging our students to engage with the democratic process culminating in our mock election on 7 May. Linked to their business and enterprise qualification, they studied the manifestos of all of the main parties. It’s given them the opportunity to really think about and discuss the issues
affecting them and how their voice can make a difference. Many of the students have never seen the voting process itself so we also felt it was important to recreate the polling station experience. By the time election day came, they were enthused by the whole process and we intend to keep that enthusiasm alive by promoting similar discussions through their citizenship lessons.
Whitefield Primary School Although our primary aged children are too young to vote legally in this election, they wanted to feel part of what was happening and they wanted to learn about the process for when they can vote. As a preparation and exploration of our democratic system, we had a period of research into party manifestos, a live presentation of the issues and a debate. The children then posted their votes in a ballot box, voting for the party of their choice. The children voted after learning about politics in Britain and
about the issues in each manifesto. They were particularly interested in the issues of education, tuition fees and the environment. Infact, the environment was the issue that caused the most exciting debate and exchanges! “It was good because when we grow up we will want to vote, we can see the point. Also some of us might want to go into politics!” Thomas Whittick, aged 10 “The election in school really got people interested and I think they will be more likely to vote when they are older.” Mikey Forbes, aged 10
Notre Dame Catholic College From our perspective I think running mock elections gives students several benefits. Firstly it introduces them to basic concept of democracy and how we currently choose our politicians, providing first hand experience of making decisions in an election. In addition it also introduces students of all ages to the topics and themes that are important to them, our local communities and the country. Encouraging an understanding and helping
them form their own opinions. Finally for our mock 'politicians' it gives them great experience to form arguments based upon strong beliefs and gets them to engage in healthy debate and discussion: challenging others and defending their own views. Above all these factors, however, is the simple fact that they really enjoy them!
Have your say: To suggest or contribute to a topic for debate in Viewpoint email us at: educate@merseymirror.com www.educatemagazine.com 54
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Kerrie Mailey TV And Film Drama Academy 42 Devon Street, Liverpool, Merseyside L3 8HA Exciting News!!!! From March 2015 Kerrie Mailey Drama Academy will open it’s doors to the UK. Liverpool, Manchester & London Ages 7-18
Academic Year already drawing to a close Mark Beadles, Managing Director
Knowing what to do in an audition is essential. Do you want to feel more confident in castings? Do you want to get an idea of what Casting Directors look for? Do you suffer from nerves? Do you know what to expect in a casting? Do you just want to gain confidence, self-esteem and skill in verbal communication? •
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Kerrie has become a renowned Casting Director & Acting coach and has discovered many youngsters that have gone on to be award winning. Deciding to start a career in acting is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming!
The aim of the Kerrie Mailey Drama Academy is to help students have fun, gain confidence for every day communication as well as preparing students for the world of show business. This is a unique school which covers working in the UK & US.
Please contact kmaileycasting@gmail.com for exact locations, cost and to sign up for
YOUR FREE FIRST LESSON
Our sessions are designed towards children and adults (aged 5+) and cover all abilities. We have families who train together and children can train with parents. The training also covers aspects of other martial arts including Ju-Jitsu, Kung Fu and boxing but we specialise in kickboxing. You will follow a grading structure from white belt through to black belt and beyond!
ALL SAINTS HIGH SCHOOL Roughwood Drive, Kirkby, Merseyside L33 8XF FREE CAR PARKING
Classes take place every
MONDAY & WEDNESDAY between 6-7pm LIMITED PLACES
Hard to believe but the academic year is already drawing to a close. It only seems like September was a few weeks back – and here we are hurtling towards September 2015! With July in sight we are already thinking about next year, making preparations to ensure we continue to serve our existing client schools excellently… and warmly welcome schools who choose to use our services for the first time. We are already speaking to NQTs about helping them with the first steps in their careers: supply is a great way of finding long-term or permanent roles as well as gaining vital practical experience. This time of year also sees an influx of registrations from experienced teachers who plan to leave permanent employment and take up supply work – perhaps as part of a work:life balance adjustment. Our bank of experienced teachers is a huge asset for schools when a critical gap opens up. It’s these unexpected gaps that can scupper even the most organised schools, right at the start of the school year, which is why we are hard at work all summer registering and vetting new staff so we are ready to help if a need arises. We cover all of Merseyside, Warrington and Manchester and have plenty of excellent local qualified Teachers and Teaching Assistants available to solve schools’ staffing headaches. But we are always looking for more, so if you are a Teacher or TA working on supply – or you are thinking of doing so – then please contact us. Or if you know someone who fits the bill please got to our website and tell us – we offer generous financial rewards for good introductions! Come summer sun or summer rain, Connex Education will be busy making sure we are ready to serve our schools – and our excellent teaching staff – come September 2015.
Compton House, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BT (off Hanover Street) TEL: 0151 329 2727 FAX: 0151 329 2728 liverpool@connex-education.com
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Thoughts Worth Sharing
CURRICULUM VITAE
E D U C AT I O N S TAT S
James Glendenning Chief Executive, GMLPF
53.4 PER CENT What are your main duties: The CEO role at GMLPF is multi-faceted. At a strategic level I’m tasked with continually moving the organisation forward so that we’re in the best position to meet our members’ needs. The skills sector is an every changing landscape so we are continually having to renew our skills, expertise and resources in order to effectively support our members. This means I have to keep abreast of national Government policy, as well as the changing local and regional context, and consider how learning providers might be affected. Your Education: I did GCSEs at Archbishop Beck and then went into 6th form but dropped out in the second year. It just wasn’t the right choice for me. I dropped out in the February and by March I was on an apprenticeship in business administration and haven’t looked back since. First school: St Francis de Salle. What’s the secret of your success: In the skills sector, one of the main keys to success is keeping up to date with all the latest government skills policies so I do a lot of reading late at night! I’ve worked in the skills sector all my life and being so familiar with how things work certainly helps with getting up to speed with new policies and their implications for our members. But perhaps the thing that helps me most in this field is talking to people.
What advice would you give to somebody starting out in education: Make the most of every opportunity that education provides. I wasn’t the most attentive during lessons – football was more my thing. Schools today seem to have so much on offer, not just standard lessons like maths and literacy but so much extracurriculum activity too. I’d also advise anyone starting in education to take the time to discover and explore what they really enjoy doing. What makes GMLPF different: GMLPF is unique in that it is Merseyside’s only membership organisation for learning providers. It provides its members with a range of benefits including specific support and advice on the particular issues that affect them. We lobby local and national Government on our members’ behalf, providing peer networking opportunities and sharing of best practice. Tell us about GMLPF’s plans for the next 12 months: We aim to develop more member services – we’ve just completed an intensive consultation with our members and partners which has informed a change of strategic direction for the next three years. We are aiming to grow our member numbers and widen our scope to develop services for new customer groups like schools.
Tweet all about it The five best educational tweets @sue_emms Two awards for @SJBLiverpool @bdp_com at @RIBANorthWest awards, Well done! Fantastic evening #BestinNW
The percentage of pupils achieving 5 or more GCSEs or equivalent at grade A* to C (including English and mathematics), in England 2013/14. This is an upward revision of 0.8 percentage points from the provisional results published in October 2014.
87 per cent In 2014, 87 per cent of 19 year olds were qualified to Level 2 or higher - up 0.8 percentage points compared to 2013
4.661 million Births in England have been broadly rising since 2002, leading to increases in primary-aged pupils from 2010. By 2023, the number of pupils in state funded primary schools will increase to 4.661 million, 9 per cent higher than in 2014.
85.2 per cent The proportion of applicants in 2014 who were offered a place at their highest preference secondary school has dropped to 85.2 per cent, down 1.5 per centage points from the 2013 figure of 86.7 per cent.
4678 Since the Academies Act 2010, over 4,000 schools have moved from local authority control to become converter or sponsored academies. Today there are 2,109 secondary academies and 2,569 primary academies this includes free schools, university technical colleges and studio schools.
@GateacreLL Finger knitting, community mixing & happy customers! A very amazing, inspirational Saturday! @EducateMag @BelleValeSC
@StAnnesLiv #PartialEclipse #ScienceInAction Real life learning for our children! So much excitement!
@Childwall_acad Some Year 10 Duke of Edinburgh students visited Edale in the Peak District last week and were joined by Prince Edward!
@lpoolstudio Amazing to hear from Apprentice candidate @jazampawfarr about her experiences in #education @EducateMag
4.5 per cent Overall absence rates have decreased from 5.3 per cent in 2012/13 to 4.5 per cent in 2013/14. This is due to a decrease in authorised absence rates from 4.2 per cent in 2012/13 to 3.5 per cent in 2013/14. Unauthorised absence rates have remained stable at 1.1 per cent.
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Thoughts Worth Sharing
Headteacher Talk
Lesley Curtis OBE from
Everton Nursery School
One thing I wished I had learned at school: Statistics within mathematics classes as that would have helped me to analyse data at a deeper level. Our work as a Nursery School, Children's Centre and Teaching School requires me at times to quantify information to form reports to send to governors, the Local Authority and the Department for Education to demonstrate impact. This work is all very time consuming but very necessary to evidence value for money and impact on children’s learning. The book I haven’t read that I must: The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings! I haven't really time to read books for pleasure but I always like to look through early childhood journals or early childhood book texts from authors such as Marion Dowling and Julia Manning Morton in relation to my work. The education story that has caught my eye: The controversy of having early years teachers without qualified teacher status has been a story emerging in the headlines of education papers
My Favourite
and why Nikki Burton Mallott Senior Learning and Discovery Officer Knowsley Safari Park
My favourite quote is: “In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught.” Baba Dioum I like the quote because it emphasises the value of education for engaging people with the natural world and ultimately it is the root of why people want to protect animals.
E
recently. The concern is that we may have staff working with children under the age of five that have limited qualifications, which long term will be a disadvantage to young children and especially to children in disadvantaged areas. Early Years Teachers have evolved over the last eighteen months following on from the Early Years Professional (EYP). These teachers have no QTS (qualified teacher status) and at present can only work in England. Their pay will be less than a qualified teacher in a mainstream school but they could be employed in schools and nurseries with two year olds. What I am most proud of about our school: The way the staff continue to challenge themselves professionally and look at a variety of ways to enhance and provide high quality early years education with care for children under five years of age. All staff work tirelessly towards the mission and aims of the school/centre which is reflected in everything they do. Maintaining the Outstanding Ofsted judgement four times since 2004 has been a challenge but something I am proud of the staff achieving for the children and school/centre.
“In the end, we will conserve only what we love, we will love only what we understand, and we will understand only what we are taught” Baba Dioum
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www.sfx.liverpool.sch.uk
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Our new science and sports facilities Autumn 2015 Year 6 Open Evening, Tuesday 22 September from 6.00pm We aim for excellence in all aspects of college life, our commitment to this is reflected in the £7.5m investment in the 11 new science laboratories, sports hall and music suite. This contributes to maintaining the high-quality of teaching and learning, whilst sustaining our position as a centre of academic excellence in a safe environment.
To find out more please call 0151 288 1000 or email admin@sfx.liverpool.sch.uk
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School Ec News Sponsored by
A castle built for bugs Children meet minibeasts and animals Young children at Everton Nursery School and Family Centre have created their very own bug castle as part of an exciting eco initiative with the early year’s team from John Moores University. The bug castle is a manmade structure built from materials such as wooden pallets, carpet tubes and logs. The castle, as designed by the children, has several different sections that provide both mini beast and animals such as hedgehogs with nesting. Children used information texts and the internet to research different types of homes such as hotels, caravans and castles. The children worked collaboratively to rename the structure from a bug house, to a ‘bug castle’. The children have worked alongside the students from John Moores University to develop their wood work skills using a range of tools including saws, hammers and screw drivers to create nesting logs to be placed inside the bug castle. Jamie Wilson, deputy headteacher at Everton
Nursery School and Family Centre said: “Sustainability and the environment is an important part of learning for us here at Everton and we’re always keen to get involved in any project that introduces new elements of nature to our pupils. “We have a great relationship with Liverpool John Moores following completion of the bird hide project last year and the idea of following it up with the bug castle was welcomed by us all.” Now complete, the children are able to observe the bugs in their natural habitat which will promote discussion around nature, exploration and the idea of eco sustainability. Nicky Hirst and Diane Boyd, senior lecturers in early year’s at Liverpool John Moores University said: “The aim of the project is in line with the LJMU strategy to work collaboratively with the community and as we have a very good relationship with Everton Nursery School and Family Centre we have worked with them to develop bug hotels in their grounds.”
Calling all schools The National Wildflower Centre have announced that they will be hosting their 7th annual Scarecrow Festival competition at the Centre. The theme for this year’s competition is Flower Power / 1970s. It is their charity Landlife’s 40th birthday this year and they would like you to take inspiration from nature and wonderful wildflowers and/or the decade in which Landlife began (1975). All scarecrows will be showcased over their Scarecrow Festival weekend on 4 - 5 July when they will be opening their doors for free. There’ll be lots of free hands-on activities and workshops run by their great outdoors project for all the family to enjoy and take part in, plus the Wildflower Artisan Market will be onsite too. If you would like to take part in the competition please contact Fleur or Alison at events@landlife.org.uk or call us on 0151 738 1913 if you have any questions or would like further information. 60
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Pupils at Everton Nursery School and Family Centre building the bug castle
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Sponsored by
School’s green credentials Pupils help to launch new city park Pupils from Our Lady & Saint Swithins Primary School, Liverpool helped to launch Alt Meadows, Liverpool’s newest park. The pupils were part of a parade with the Mayor of Liverpool and as well as the parade, there was a chance for the children to sow seeds and plant wildflowers, drumming workshops, a host of environmental crafts and face painting. Work on the park has involved extensive civil engineering work, the diversion of almost 1km of the River Alt, the creation of accessible paths, meadow, wetland and woodland habitat. More than 2000 trees, nearly 4,000 shrubs and 2,100 wetland plants have been planted. Liverpool based charity, The Cass Foundation, have led the project in partnership with the Community Forest Trust. Richard Cass, chairman of The Cass Foundation said: “We’re delighted that after a lot of hard work by a lot of people over the past two years we are formally handing over the new Alt Meadows park to the people of Croxteth. “There is a direct link between how
Pupils from Our Lady & Saint Swithins Primary School join the Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson for the opening of Alt Meadows
much fresh air and exercise people get and their health, happiness and life expectancy; we hope the new park will encourage people to enjoy the fresh air, to
IT’S WASTE NOT, LEARN A LOT! Merseyside’s Recycling Discovery Centres (RDC) welcomed their 20,000th visitor when the Eco Team of Oakdene Primary School, St Helens visited Gillmoss. Caroline Barlow, teacher at Oakdene Primary said: “Our visit was informative and fun. We got lots
of information and guidance to further our school's Eco Schools status”. Veolia’s education officer, Kirsty Martin said: “This is a great achievement for us as an education attraction. “A visit to the RDC offers a unique opportunity for Merseyside schools
Caroline Barlow, teacher is congratulated by Kirsty Martin, Veolia’s education officer
walk and to cycle. “By making the area more attractive it will also encourage investment and job creation.”
New programme launched
and residents to understand what really happens to their waste and recycling. “We dispel many of the myths that are out there. “Schools visiting this summer term can: discover the creatures that do the hard work to make compost; learn about a zero waste lunch in readiness for ‘Empty Classroom Day’ on 19 June or find out what ‘HWRC’ stands for in recycle week (June 22 to 28). “In addition to the normal education programme, this year Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre will be hosting two family open days on 18 July and 7 August”.
In September 2015, Knowsley Safari is launching its brand new programme for secondary school pupils. Famous for its 500 acre safari park, Knowsley offers a truly unique education programme covering traditional topics such as adaptations, habitats and conservation, but now also business topics such as marketing, careers and the role of modern zoos. Knowsley Safari is a fantastic resource for schools and offers two very distinct services: an outreach programme where the team visit the school and a programme which runs on site at the safari park. The safari’s learning and discovery team are the best contact for teachers and as such extend an invitation for teachers to get in touch for more information about availability and topic details.
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Sponsored by
Helping hand for school Finding a perfect place for pupils to enjoy some downtime Forty-three volunteers from housing association, Your Housing Group, picked up paint brushes and gardening tools to give the woodland area at Kirkby Church of England Primary School, Knowsley a make-over. The volunteers, all members of staff from Your Housing Group’s people and communications team, spent a total of 169 hours painting, digging and clearing the woodland in the grounds of the school on Kirkby Hall Lane. The school is already using the spruced up space, with Year 6 finding it a perfect place to enjoy some downtime while doing their SATs, and the nursery class is planning a teddy bears picnic. Wendy Doherty, group director for people and communications at Your Housing Group said: “At Your Housing Group our core values are based on pride, passion and creativity which this activity encapsulates completely.
“I’m so proud of the team. Everyone worked so hard and the transformation of the woodland area was incredible. “We have committed to giving each member of staff seven hours paid time to volunteer with a goal of donating a total of 602 volunteering hours in the first year of being in our new headquarters in Birchwood, which is called 602.” Elaine Parr, extended services co-ordinator at Kirkby Church of England Primary School, said: “All our staff and students are amazed by what’s been achieved. It was a mammoth task and would have taken us months without Your Housing Group’s help. It’s now safe, secure and accessible for the children to enjoy. “This transformation has really changed the lives of every child in the school and Your Housing Group has given us back our woodland, and we can’t thank them enough.”
Staff from Your Housing Group get stuck in to their make-over for Kirkby Church of England Primary School, Knowsley
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Renée’s trip of a lifetime A Year 10 student at St Cuthbert’s Catholic Community College for Business and Enterprise has expressed her delight after winning a Virgin Atlantic Scholarship for a once in a lifetime trip to India. Renée Pattenden will be one of only 30 British teenagers selected from the thousands that applied to travel to Udaipur in Rajasthan, India, this August, as part of a team representing ‘Free the Children’ – a global charity that promotes empowerment and social activism among young people. In order to qualify for this dream trip, each entrant had to write a personal statement about why they wanted to take part and what skills and qualities they could offer, as well as producing a creative piece inspired by the work of Free The Children. GCSE Fine Art student, Renée, one of the founding members of the ‘Cuthies Act’, a group set up in the school to highlight global issues and raise funds for Free The Children, chose to create a painting on the topic of education, as it is one of the main focuses of Free The Children’s work. Renée said: “I applied because I want to help others who don’t have the opportunities that I have. I never want to take my life for granted. I believe everyone should have a school education and enough money to support their family. “I couldn’t believe it when they called me about the trip; I never dreamed I would get picked. It will be such a special summer.” During her trip, Renée, who has never visited a non-English speaking country, will get to explore the sights and sounds of Indian culture, meet with local young people, and take part in a series of workshops exploring global issues. She will also work on a building project as part of Free The Children’s ‘Adopt A Village’ programme, helping out on building either a school or a water supply. I will be able to share my experiences in India at school in September and develop the work of the ‘Cuthies Act.’” she added.”
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EDUCATE PLUS Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)
GMLPF funds online screening tool to help identify dyslexic students Dyslexia Check is a collaboration between the international charity, Dyslexia Foundation, and Liverpoolbased training provider tpm, both pioneers in the field of dyslexia identification and support. tpm, one of GMLPF’s longest standing members, is arguably Merseyside’s leading training provider in this arena. The new service is funded and supported by the GMLPF Challenge Fund, a £200K initiative to support skills development across Liverpool City region. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people in the UK have dyslexia, with many going through life undiagnosed. Individuals who do not have their dyslexia diagnosed miss out on specialist support which can enable them to overcome barriers to personal and professional success. Dyslexia Check provides learning providers with a reliable, on-demand service to screen students for the condition. Once identified, learning providers can then draw up a schedule of appropriate support that will enable their dyslexic students to achieve their full potential. James Glendenning, CEO of GMLPF said: “GMLPF is very pleased to be funding tpm to undertake this project. The aim of the GMLPF Challenge Fund is to support projects that enable experts like tpm to hone their expertise to make a positive difference. “Equality of opportunity is a vital feature of our region’s training infrastructure. But many dyslexic students still go undiagnosed. “This is why we’re supporting tpm‘s online facility that allows the condition to be identified, so students can go on to access the resources they are entitled to and the support they need to achieve
their full potential.” Dyslexia Check is in the first instance available exclusively to training providers
who are contracted with GMLPF to deliver the Key 2 Apprenticeship programme.
A cut above Hairdressing tutor wins top prize
Mode hairdressing tutor, Joanne McCormick has been named UK winner of Revlon’s Style Masters International Competition. Graham Oakes national sales manager for UK & Ireland along with salon account manager Matt Carrigan, Clare Holmes national education manager and Sandra Rivera, marketing intern UK made the journey from London to surprise Joanne with the announcement during a Mode team meeting. As the UK winner of this year’s Style Masters competition, Joanne will join 70 country winners competing for the global winners crown and prize fund worth more than 10,000 euros at the final in Rome. To add to the excitement Mode hairdressing tutor Michael Flood was awarded UK third place in the same competition, an amazing achievement considering both tutors only entered so they could empower other students in preparation for next year’s competition.
10 YEARS CHAMPIONING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON MERSEYSIDE
www.gmlpf.net
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ANDREW COLLINGE TRAINING
Make the right choice For more information: 0151 709 5942 www.andrewcollinge.com
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Gaining an insight to tourism Hotel welcomes university students The Richmond Hotel Liverpool has welcomed a group of 45 tourism students from Liverpool John Moores University to give them an insight into the hospitality industry. The first year degree students, who are studying tourism and leisure management, visited the Grade II listed venue on Hatton Garden to meet the team as part of their tourism fieldwork project. They met The Richmond Hotel’s management team, who highlighted the different aspects of the leisure business and service industry through a series of interactive presentations, including the day-to-day running of a hotel; people management; skills and experience; strategy and marketing; customer base; and finance. The students were then given a full tour of the hotel where they met the wider team. Steven Hesketh, Group director at The Richmond Hotel Liverpool, said: “It was an absolute pleasure to welcome the tourism students from Liverpool JMU to give them an insight into a working hotel. “Liverpool City Region’s Visitor Economy generates an economic impact of £3.64billion a year and supports 48,600 jobs – making
The Richmond Hotel Liverpool
hospitality a rewarding career choice with so much potential. “The Richmond Hotel Liverpool opened its doors less than two years ago but has firmly established itself within the City Region’s thriving hospitality sector. “The students were very engaging and The Richmond team found the experience a very positive one to share our collective knowledge. “We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the future of the hospitality industry and we wish them every success for a bright future.” Dr Steve Burns, programme leader of leisure studies, faculty of education, health and community, added: “We are extremely grateful to Steven and his team at The Richmond Hotel Liverpool for welcoming the students and giving them such a detailed insight into the hospitality industry. “It was a very valuable learning experience and one which will make a definite contribution to widening their knowledge. Links with local businesses play a vital role when it comes to showcasing the industry to our students, and we look forward to working with The Richmond Hotel again.”
Invited to train Rising stars selected by The Academy Three talented goalkeepers from the Liverpool FC Foundation Football College are enjoying playing at the Reds’ Academy after being invited to train alongside some of LFC’s rising stars. Bartosz Kowalczyk, James Mitchison and Zack Lorder, who are all students at the college were invited to join the U18’s/U21’s players in training. The invitation is a reward for the students who have all been making big strides in their work, both on and off the pitch. David MacDiarmid, college director at Liverpool FC Foundation Football College, said: “The Academy’s invitation to Bartosz, James and Zack was really unexpected. The boys were so excited and honoured to be thought of and I know it will provide them with such a fantastic experience.” Alex Inglethorpe, academy director, added: “It has been a pleasure to have the Foundation Football College students with us at The Academy. They’re fantastic lads who have shown their dedication and commitment both on and off the pitch. I hope that they will take a lot from the experience and gain some new insights and skills.” Bartosz, who joined the college from Poland, quickly established himself and has attracted much interest from professional clubs after playing in the college’s squad at the 2014 Dallas Cup, in which they finished runner up. Zack has also made his mark by being national champion with the Liverpool FC Foundation Football College in 2012 and has received three offers from universities to start in September 2015. Fellow Dallas Cup star, James, was a league winner for Exeter’s U18’s and has also received scholarships offers to study in the USA. James said: “To think when I joined the Liverpool FC Foundation Football College I would get the opportunity to train at the Academy with such talented players, some who have played in the first team, is unbelievable. I am going to take as much as I can from the experience.” The College, which is based at Wyncote Sports Ground in South Liverpool is open to boys and girls between 16 and 19 years. Equipped with top-of-the-range facilities supplied by the University of Liverpool, it encourages students to hone their football and coaching skills and gain academic qualifications, including level 1, 2 and 3 in maths, English, ICT and PSD.
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Workers compete with the best
The achievements of apprenticeship learners at the Defence Business Services (DBS), a strand of the UK Government’s Ministry of Defence, have been commemorated in a ceremony in Liverpool city centre. The awards were presented to 28 candidates who had completed their qualifications with Liverpool Chamber Training, the apprenticeship arm of the city’s Chamber of Commerce. Councillor Nick Small, The Mayor’s cabinet member for skills joined DBS chief executive Rod McCurdy and Mary Smyth, operations manager at Liverpool Chamber Training to present the awards to employees who had completed NVQ qualifications ranging from Level 2 in
customer service to Level 5 in management. The partnership between the DBS and the Chamber has made a massive contribution to the confidence, knowledge and skills of the workforce. The successful attainment of Level 5 Management qualifications by eight employees was particularly celebrated as it defies local statistics suggesting Level 5 attainment in Liverpool is some way short of the national average. Paul Lindsay, now NVQ-qualified in Level 3 Management, was bullish in his assessment of the achievements of both himself and his colleagues: “We’re a national organisation but we’ve proved with these awards that a local workforce
in Liverpool can deliver when given a chance and we’ve got a lot to thank our board, management team and the Chamber for giving us that chance to demonstrate that capability” Rod McCurdy, chief executive of the DBS said: “Investing in our current staff and recruiting through Liverpool Chamber Training has without a doubt, led to some fantastic achievements for every learner and this is perfect recognition of their valuable contribution to our organisation. “Ten percent of our work force has now undergone a full apprenticeship framework which helps to validate and document their varied skill-sets and positive working attitude. We’re absolutely delighted with their progress.”
Students help set new Guinness World Record Key 2 Apprenticeship students training with GMLPF member Progress Sports were part of the team who helped a Widnes rugby club into the history books. The sports students, and their tutor Carl Fairhurst, joined Widnes Vikings to set a new Guinness World Record when they joined locals to form the world’s biggest group to do a fitness DVD – a total of 3,400 people took part. The previous record of 2,900 people was set in China. The record-breaking work out took place at the Widnes Vikings’ home ground prior to their opening Super League game. Fans that took part enjoyed free tickets to the game which ended in a spectacular 22-22 final score. Progress Sports student Jordan Byrnes said: “It was a really good event and enjoyable day. It was also my first rugby
league game and it was amazing”. Progress Sports are one of 12 GMLPF members who offer Key 2 Apprenticeship
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
programmes. They specialise in courses leading to careers in sports and fitness instruction.
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Life after college The next stepping stone for students Students from Sacred Heart Catholic Collge middle and upper school heightened their awareness and understanding of apprenticeships. Former student Amy Gillam, now an apprentice
scientist at United Utilities, and Ben Thompson, a field service engineer from the same company, visited the College to talk about life after Sacred Heart. Their visit was part of the Professional Mentor Programme, which has been
Ryan takes to the sky High-Flying St Helens College student Ryan Fairhurst has recently secured his dream job, as cabin crew with global travel company Thomas Cook. Student Ryan, age 18, always knew he wanted to work in the travel industry and used the college website to discover the range of travel and cabin crew courses available. Ryan attended a college open evening and was impressed with what he saw; after a tour of the facilities which included the fuselage of a real aircraft and simulated check in area he applied straight away! Ryan began his studies on a Level 1 travel and tourism course, and enjoyed it from the start. He met new people who he is still friends with now. After successfully completing his Level 1 studies, Ryan applied and joined the Level 2 programme. He found the work a lot harder, but extremely interesting. After this Ryan began his cabin crew training at the college. Ryan said: “I loved the Level 2 course, there was plenty of practical work, learning about time zones, customer service and marketing for example. Moving onto cabin crew was brilliant. It has been a lot of hard work but I would recommend it to anyone.”
running during the academic year and provided a very positive insight into apprenticeships which engaged their audience. Ben and Amy highlighted their own journey into apprenticeships at United Utilities and guidance was provided into the different areas of apprenticeships that the company offers. Headteacher, Mr Walker said: “As a major employer in the North West, our students were motivated to hear about the opportunities available within engineering, field operations, customer service and laboratories. “Students stated how they valued the session to find out more about this pathway and range of academic support provided by employers whilst moving up the career ladder. As well as United Utilities,
representatives from Asset Training visited the College and gave a fascinating insight into other apprenticeship areas students can explore. Asset Training deal with various employers ensuring they match up the right person for any potential apprenticeship position. From an employee perspective, the company explained how they identify opportunities for students seeking an apprenticeship, by understanding each person’s particular skill set and needs. They also explained how they plan an apprentice’s career path and help overcome any barriers along the way. The talks were part of National Apprenticeship Week.
Sacred Heart students
City celebrates its outstanding citizens Knowsley Community College recently saw their annual Citizenship Awards take place, gathering staff, students, parents, carers and college governors to celebrate the achievements of all those nominated. The prestigious event recognises the amazing commitment and selfless dedication of so many students; many of them giving hundreds of hours of their own time to help others. Some volunteer to run vital community groups, whilst others provide care and support to their families and members of their communities, and to simply be ‘good citizens’. They each collected certificates to a deserved applause of a very appreciative audience before the runner up and the winner was announced. It was an extremely difficult choice, but in second place was Luke Murphy and this year’s winner was Chris Browne. Chris Browne is enrolled on Entry 3 PSD and Employability; he is a brilliant student who always puts others first with a kind caring nature within his personality. Chris volunteers at the local youth club as a youth worker and at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool where he helps to hand out meals to patients. Chris went on to represent the College at a ceremony held at Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) in March, which recognises good citizens from sixth forms and FE colleges across Merseyside.
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Stand out in the crowd High School champions the benefits of NCS All Saints Catholic High School, Kirkby believes that National Citizen Service (NCS) is a valuable addition to its students’ CVs. NCS is a once-in-a-lifetime experience offered to 16-17 year olds that builds skills and confidence, helps them get ahead in work and life and gives them a positive role in their local community. In an increasingly competitive job market, NCS gives teens the confidence to stand out from the crowd with their job applications thanks to the extra-curricular nature of the programme and the new skills for work and life they will develop. Being recognised by UCAS, the programme helps teens frame their skills and
experiences for interviews and university applications. Exclusive NCS research reveals that six in 10 employers state that experiences outside the classroom are as important as academic achievements on a CV. NCS represents great value for money for parents. Over 130,000 teens have taken part in this government-backed programme that costs up to £50 per participant. The programme involves an action-packed away residential and a skillsbuilding home residential with time finding out about the local community and designing and delivering a local community action project. Brendan Chorley, deputy
principal, All Saints Catholic High School, said: “Our students make a positive contribution to our school and wider community in lots of
different ways but NCS projects give those involved additional skills and an added focus on improving the local neighbourhood.”
DECADES OF FASHION Competition provides a fantastic showcase Michael John Academy recently held their annual competitions for their learners. This year’s theme was vintage and the learners had to create a look based on a decade of their choice. An award ceremony was held at Renshaw Street Academy hosted by Mark and Chris White of Desperate Scouse Wives fame and the night was attended by many of the Academy’s industry partners who help support the apprenticeship scheme by employing some of the learners. Denise Johnson the business development manager who organised the competitions and the awards ceremony said: “Michael John Academy’s annual hair and beauty competitions are a fantastic showcase for our learners to demonstrate the skills they learn in the academy and in local salons, where many of them work as apprentices. “Competitions stimulate the learner’s imaginations and creative skills which will help prepare them for the many challenges they will face in the commercial word”.
Some of the models for the level 3 students
Lucy Tedd with Chris and Mark White
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
Harriet Woo with Chris and Mark White
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Who doesn’t want to make the most of their employment or career prospects? Now you can quickly and easily with CARRUS, our Career Management Toolkit: ! focus on key qualities employers are most interested in - performance, wellbeing and the quickest ! designed to provoke thinking about how well we are prepared for work, as our employability depends on this. ! Students can improve their ‘hit rate’ towards securing the perfect position for them, by demonstrating that they can take the initiative and responsibility for their own career management. ! meets the needs of schools, colleges and employers by providing a range of up to date, economical and reliable on line assessment measures that get it right first time - for the people they hire and for existing employees they develop.
Ofsted Grade 2 (Good) Provider
Staying on at Sixth Form not for you? Make the right choice for the career of your dreams with Michael John Academy We offer a wide variety of courses including Apprenticeships in:
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Hairdressing Barbering Spa Therapy Beauty Therapy Nail Services
To discuss your career options contact our Recruitment Team on 0151 708 8558 or info@michaeljohnacademy.com For more information go to www.michaeljohnacademy.com Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
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I can do that! How Ashlea achieved her goals Sixth Former Ashlea Walton had always wanted to work with children when she left school and Alison Wheeler, the deputy head at Palmerston School was keen to help her achieve her goal but knew she needed a little help in her quest. Palmerston is a Special School in Woolton for 11-19 year old pupils who have severe and profound learning disabilities. They believe every student can achieve if they are provided with a learning environment that meets their needs. So, Alison approached Liverpool Compact – Education Business Partnership, to see if they could find Ashlea some regular work experience in a nursery. Liverpool Compact EBP works with schools and over 6000 employers to develop the career aspirations and employability skills of young people. Maria Hart, sixth form extended work experience manager at Liverpool Compact EBP approached one of their supportive employers, Woolton Village Day Nursery to ask if they
Maria said: “That was over a year ago and Ashlea is still working there to this day!” So impressed was her employer that they asked Ashlea to continue working
with them indefinitely and she was delighted to accept! Working in the toddler room at Woolton Village Day Nursery, Ashlea assists staff with breakfast duties, learning and play and singing and dancing activities with the children. Nursery nanager & SENCO Nicola Kavanagh said: “We believe in supporting all young people focusing on their ability not disability. Ashlea is a natural with the children.” Ashlea said: “Working with the toddlers is great fun.” Her mum Marg added: “I’d like to thank Liverpool Compact EBP, Palmerston School and Woolton Village Day Nursery for giving Ashlea this opportunity. It has increased her independence skills.” In fact Ashlea and the nursery were presented with an Award for Independence in the Workplace by the Lord Mayor Erica Kemp and North West Community Services to celebrate her achievements. Maria from Liverpool Compact EBP reflected “Ashlea is a fine example of how to achieve your aims, with a little help from a Liverpool employer.”
opportunities and helps you gain valuable experience in coaching. We are now continuing with our BTEC Level 3 qualification, studying anatomy and physiology in sport and I am really enjoying it and
learning more than I could do at any college in the region!” he said. The Academy are holding an Open day on 21st May 6pm-8pm for 16-19 year olds to come along with or without their parents.
Sixth Former Ashlea Walton is pictured with her award for Independence in the Workplace
could work with Ashlea for just half a day a week for three months to equip her with some of the skills and experience she needed in the profession.
ACADEMY CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY Following on from the first year of opening, Jamie Carragher Sports Academy are now looking to recruit male and female school leavers who are interested in a career in the sports industry. The Academy has already proved a success with their vocational courses aimed at 16-19 year olds who wish to combine progression in sports, including coaching, physical education, sport development, sports science and sports therapy. The programme is designed for learners who wish to develop a comprehensive overview of the sports industry, with a
specific focus on football and coaching, provided by UEFA qualified coaches. The course encourages the development of playing skills, whilst also providing a good foundation in training, tactical and coaching techniques as well as providing training in all areas from nutrition and fitness to enterprise and opportunities to progress into employment. Each month Jamie visits the academy to see how the students are progressing and to talk to see how they have developed. Jordan one of the academy’s first student commented on how he had progressed. “The academy gives you
10 YEARS CHAMPIONING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON MERSEYSIDE
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BTEC Sports Qualifications Level 1, 2, 3 Training & Apprenticeship Programme
be inspired to achieve your goal‌
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Virtual Learning success at City of Liverpool College State-of-the-art approach to teaching
A growing number of students are benefiting from The City of Liverpool College’s state-of-the-art approach to teaching and learning, which is also winning acclaim from the industry. The college’s virtual learning resource (VLE), is one of the stand out successes of the last year, with user numbers at 11,000, 90 per cent of the student population. The VLE receives almost 10,000 visits a day – nearly double the same period last year – showing how students are embracing the resource. More than just an information area, students have their own logins to the virtual learning environment which can be accessed by any device. Within the site there are timetables, course information and project submission systems. The VLE also has a jobs’ board and areas in which students share ideas and resources or take part in subject-specific debates. Elaine Bowker, principal at The City of Liverpool College said: “Virtual Learning is one of the stand out success stories of the last year. “At The City of Liverpool College, we have always been committed to virtual learning but we have really improved our offering in the last 12 months, creating a system which is acting as the benchmark for educators. “It is now playing a pivotal role in how our students communicate and access the resources they need to learn and excel in their studies.” Amanda Parker, learning resources and technologies manager, added: “Our
students are familiar with the virtual world and our investment in new technologies brings this to the heart of teaching and learning, providing essential resources and a mobile-friendly flexible approach to learning.” As well as delivering the flexibility for students to learn from anywhere, at any time, The City of Liverpool College hopes the virtual learning environment will boost students’ independent learning skills, better preparing them for the world beyond college, in work or Further Education. “With tutors interacting with students and students themselves forming a learning community within the virtual learning environment, collaboration and independent research become commonplace,” said Amanda. “Through this, our students are building the skills and developing strategies they need for the future in order to be successful in the world of work.”
Mastering maths A successful Challenge Fund bid is making maths more accessible for young people. Based off Park Road, in Liverpool 8, Riverside Learning and Education Centre is running youth-club style maths sessions. By creating a laid back atmosphere and keeping groups small, maths suddenly appears less of a challenge for the youngsters aged 11 to 15. Tutor Graham Johnson said: “The children are turning up with enthusiasm and within weeks we are seeing an improvement in their ability. “If we can make maths seem less daunting, the confidence of these school children will develop. “We’re keeping groups small and this is working, we’d really like to see the programme develop to reach an ever growing number of young people. A parent whose child Sam, aged 11, has been attending said: “So many of my generation gave up on maths and it became the norm – a mindset that needs changing. “When you think about it, that’s not really acceptable – it got me thinking that I didn’t want that for my child and sessions like the ones Sam is attending are setting the standard in doing this”. James Glendenning, chief executive of Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation, which has funded the programme through The Challenge Fund said: “Community-based projects are the building blocks to break a cycle of challenges in education. “Mastering maths has long been a barrier for many, but in Merseyside we are spearheading ways to tackle that and to get ahead of the ongoing Government agenda to raise standards.”
ENGINEERS CALL FOR HELP The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) has called for new legislation to address the engineering and technology skills gap. This includes introducing Ofsted criteria to make sure that teaching of all engineering and technology-related subjects in schools and colleges is fit for purpose – and launching new schemes and incentives to up-skill and retrain the work age population. John Perkins CBE, from the IET, said: “To address the engineering and technology skills gap, we are calling for Ofsted to monitor the performance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teaching in schools and colleges to ensure it includes practical activities, industry engagement and exposure to realworld problems – as well as career opportunities through teaching, visits and contact with practising engineers. Teachers of STEM subjects also need more direct experience of these careers through contact with local employers”.
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Life changing opportunities Young people from North Liverpool Academy in Liverpool were given an exclusive performance when Jermain Jackman, winner of the BBC’s flagship singing competition, The Voice 2014, took over a school
assembly to perform a single from his soon-to-be-released album and to talk to students about the life-changing impacts he experienced on the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme.
Jermain Jackman takes a selfie with some of the staff
As well as performing a selection of tracks from his self-titled album, Jermain spoke to the students about his experience on NCS, the country’s flagship youth programme, in 2012. Jermain explained how NCS helped him overcome challenges such as presenting to a group, as well as giving him the confidence to achieve his ambitions. Jermain said: “The last few years have been an incredible journey for me and I wanted to be able to share some of these experiences with students at North Liverpool Academy who are looking ahead to their own futures. “For me, taking part in NCS in 2012 was a defining moment, helping me to develop the confidence to realise my ambitions. It was an experience I’d encourage everyone to say ‘yes’ to!” Rebecca Jones, head of marketing for North Liverpool Academy, added, “We really enjoyed Jermain’s visit and were thrilled to welcome him to our school. “Jermain has a great story and it is important for the students to see that it is possible to achieve great academic results whilst also building interests beyond that. “We wish him all the success with his album release.”
CHINESE NEW YEAR Students join Liverpool Confucius Institute Liverpool Confucius Institute (LCI) invited 200 local school students to attend a celebration for the Chinese New Year at the Leggate Theatre on the University of Liverpool campus. Pupils and teachers from St Francis de Sales Junior School, Our Lady’s Bishop Eton Primary School, Moorfield Primary School, Wade Deacon High School and University Academy Birkenhead came along to watch and take part in the performance. The pro-vice chancellor and LCI director Professor Michael Hoey and Paul Bradshaw the senior school improvement
officer from Liverpool City Council also attended the celebration. The event was opened with a welcome speech from Professor Michael Hoey to the students. He recounted his experiences of travelling in China and encouraged the students to learn about other cultures. The two hour event included Chinese Kung Fu, lion dancing, acrobatics and Chinese folk music. Students from St Francis de Sales Catholic Junior School performed Chinese fan dancing, and received enthusiastic applause from the audience. At the halfway stage of the performance, the
renowned Chinese Calligrapher Mr Dingcheng Wang was invited onto the stage and wrote a piece of calligraphy: which in English means, “Read ten thousand books, travel ten thousand miles”. This Chinese proverb encourages young people to study
hard and experience the world. The work was presented as a gift to the pupils of St Francis de Sales Catholic Junior School for their excellent performance. The celebration and performance is part of a series of cultural activities organised by
Liverpool Confucius Institute (LCI) to welcome the Year of the Goat. LCI organised lectures, music and dance performances, which offered opportunities for people in Liverpool to have a taste of Chinese culture.
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News
A call for action Schools across the North West urged to support #UpForSchool A World at School is calling on teachers and schools across the North West to help build a record breaking petition- #UpForSchool. World leaders promised to get every child into school by 2015 but progress has stalled. Right now there are 58 million children who will not see a single day of school because of child labour, child marriage, discrimination and conflict. Teachers and schools from around the world are joining a movement of people who are coming together to make a call for action that all children, no matter where they’re born are delivered the right to an education. The A World at School campaign has designed a new teacher’s pack to introduce the #UpForSchool petition into the classroom. The pack includes real stories, exclusive illustrations by Nick Sharratt, five top standard lesson plans for Key Stage 2, 3 and 4 and exciting ways to get the children collecting signatures from press releases, to class to class competitions. Sarah Brown, campaigner and cofounder of A World at School said: “We need teachers across the North West to use their energy and enthusiasm to get their schools involved by downloading the teachers pack and sign their school up to be part of this growing petition. This is a key moment for us to put the pressure on world leaders to keep their promises, making 2015 the year all
children secured the right to go to school and learn.” Led by youth in 85 countries the #UpForSchool petition has secured 6 million signatures in just 7 months, averaging 25,000 signatures a day and is already the world’s biggest ever petition on education. The petition will be delivered to world leaders when they
meet in September to show millions of people are coming together to demanding action is taken to deliver on their promise. Teachers pack can be downloaded at: www.aworldatschool.org/resources/teach ers-pack To join the petition or visit www.upforschool.org
Liverpool law firm advises schools on academy conversion Schools looking to secure academy status should make sure they fully understand the implications involved in converting, a Liverpool law firm has warned. When a school achieves academy status, it must follow a strict procedure to ensure the conversion process is completed successfully. This process increases the workload of headteachers, governors and bursars due to a greater responsibility on their part. Some of the implications involved with achieving academy status include 76
establishing a charitable company known as the academy trust, and securing a funding agreement with the Secretary of State. Financial implications must be considered such as the transferal of assets and school contracts from the governing body to the trust. There are also various implications to consider with regards to land and buildings. Schools need to ensure the transferal of land from the governing body by way of lease or the transfer of the freehold of the land.
Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
Paul Crowley and Co Solicitors, the sponsor of the WOW recognition award at the Educate Awards, is offering advice on the legal implications of academy conversion and hopes to support schools through the unfamiliar process. Derek Dawson, head of commercial, says: “Converting to academy status can be a daunting process for schools and the legal aspect often feels like unchartered territory. We are pleased to be offering this new cost effective service to enable schools to complete the conversion process as smoothly as possible.”
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The Liverpool The L iverpool Confucius Confucius Institute Institute supports suppor ts schools schools in in starting star ting and and developing developing and off M Mandarin Chinese and China tthe he tteaching eaching a nd learning learning o andarin C hinese a nd tthe he sstudy tudy of of China across The he L LCI CI is a no not-for-proďŹ t t-for-proďŹ t o organisation rganisation a cross other other areas areas of of the the curriculum. curriculum. T based University off L Liverpool, aimed att iincreasing awareness b ased in in tthe he U niversity o iverpool, a imed a ncreasing tthe he a wareness of and Merseyside. Our op promote romote of Chinese Chinese llanguage anguage a nd culture culture iin nM erseyside. O ur vvision ision is tto and children and nd a nd support suppor t high high quality quality Chinese Chinese language language teaching teaching sso o tthat hat c hildren a have opportunity about yyoung oung people people in in the the region region ha ve tthe he op por tunity tto o llearn earn a bout Chinese Chinese language language and and culture. culture. If If you you would would like like to to introduce introduce Chinese Chinese llanguage anguage orr cultural at: o cultural enrichment enrichment classes classes at at your your sschool, chool, please please contact contact us us at:
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Greg Parker A Week in the Life of... Greg Parker headteacher LIPA Primary School LIPA Primary School in Liverpool city centre opened its doors in September 2014, and this year marks the school’s first year anniversary. The school immerses children in the creative and performing arts but also has a strong focus on English, mathematics and science. We caught up with headteacher Greg Parker to find out what goes on during a typical week at this creative primary school. Monday Monday starts with welcoming our children and parents into school. At 9.15, we have an appointment with a prospective parent. Given that we are a new school, we try and accommodate when prospective parents want to be shown around the school. I think that first impressions of a school are really important and parents need to feel that the school is a place where they feel that their child can flourish. Each lunchtime is spent with the children and we have worked hard with all the children to ensure that they try new dishes. Chilli-ConCarne is on the menu for the first time and goes down well! A staff meeting at the end of the day finishes things off for Monday. Tuesday Tuesday starts off with a planned observation of teaching in the reception class. The children have a French session as part of the curriculum on a Tuesday afternoon which has really enhanced our curriculum and something which the children enjoy. Children also have ukulele sessions on a weekly basis and our aim is that all children can play the instrument at a basic level by the end of the year. Wednesday Wednesday sees the first of two school performances with Class 1 taking their turn today to showcase their talents to their parents. A combination of drumming, dancing, singing and an alternative take on the children’s book ‘We’re Going On A Bear Hunt’ make for a successful afternoon!
offer for the reception children. I run the ‘Funkie Football Club’ and already I’ve spotted several players who will form the spine of a successful side in years to come! It’s really good to see a good mix of boys and girls involved in sport. Thursday Thursday and Friday mornings are spent in the classroom. We are a small team of staff with only two reception classes at present and this allows me to keep up to date in the classroom, and also gives the teachers their planning, preparation and assessment time. We also have Joe, our music teacher who comes in on a Thursday to teach groups of children. The afternoon brings the second of our school shows with Class 2 leading the way this time. A busy Thursday ends with a full governors’ meeting. Friday Friday morning is again spent in the classroom. Our project-based learning is currently focused on dinosaurs and Class 1 provided some interesting theories on how they became extinct! The afternoon involved meeting with Dominic, one of our governors, to look in detail at all things financial. One of the best parts of our week is the award assembly. This week we combined it with a visit from our local police officer who talked to the children about the importance of keeping safe and also allowed the children to try on some uniform. This was another busy and successful week at LIPA Primary School!
Wednesday is our ‘After-School Night’ with five different clubs on Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
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Guide to the Educate Awards
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CO M P L E H
ETE GUID ET O
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How to make your entry UNFORGETTABLE
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Guide to the Educate Awards
How to make your entry CHOOSE WISELY
With the deadline for entries fast approaching and the fourth annual Educate Awards only months away, we caught up with the judging panel to give you some handy tips when filling out that all important entry form.
The third annual Educate Awards took place in Liverpool Cathedral last November as schools across the Liverpool City Region joined together to celebrate the very best in education. This year will mark its fourth year, and will again celebrate the passionate teachers and the innovative and creative projects that take place throughout the region. The Educate Awards 2015 already looks set to surpass last year, as the awards will now accept entries from schools and colleges in the boroughs of Lancashire and Cheshire. With this expansion comes three, brand new award categories for 2015. These are the Leadership Team of the Year, Outstanding Teaching of Life Skills and Innovation in Education awards. With a growing panel of experts and education champions judging the awards, making sure your entry impresses is vital to taking home one of the prestigious accolades. Joining the panel for 2015 is Olympian and managing director of leadership and development company Raise the Bar, Steve Smith. Having worked with some of the leading businesses in the country, he hopes to bring his unique business insight to this year’s panel. Another new addition to the panel is Leanne Campbell, trained actress and Radio City’s first female breakfast show host. As well as a glittering career in showbiz over the years, Leanne is a qualified teacher and has taught in many primary and secondary schools, youth offending units and colleges across the North West.
Lastly, joining the panel this year is footballing legend Robbie Fowler. This year Robbie will open the Fowler Education Football Academy (FEFA) on Merseyside, a college with a focus on the best of both worlds; a great academic and football education. His partnership with the awards demonstrates his passion for developing and recognising this region’s talent. Returning once again are Councillor Gary Millar, Liverpool’s cabinet member for business, enterprise and investment; Chris Walker, regional managing editor of Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales; Lesley Martin-Wright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber; Mark Beedles, managing director of Connex Education; Fiona Barnet, director of The Foundry Agency; Andrew Pimbley of Claremont Farm and Wirral’s Farm Feast; and the education team at the respected Everyman and Playhouse Theatres. Before the stunning awards ceremony can take place at Liverpool Cathedral on 20 November, the vitally important award entries have to be submitted, reviewed and evaluated. The preparation for your awards entry is just as important as the night itself. There are number of points to consider when planning and completing your entry. We caught up with the judges to find out what they will be looking for this year, their handy tips to those submitting an entry and what the successful components of an award-winning submission comprise of.
“Understand and pick the correct category you are entering”, says Andrew Pimbley. It sounds simple enough, but choosing the right category to shine a spotlight on your school is an important element of the application which should not be overlooked. Lesley Martin-Wright reiterates this point further, saying: “Don’t enter the same application for different award categories. Use this as an opportunity to be recognised for your school’s successes, ambition, effort or aspiration.” The Educate Awards now has 19 categories covering a diverse range of subjects; each award reflects the educational curriculum and the different extra-curricular opportunities available to students. This includes Outstanding Commitment to Sport, Innovative and Creative Literacy Award, Outstanding Arts, Eco Project of the Year and Career Aspiration Award. Choosing the right category for your project may take time, but it will pay off and ensure your inspiring project gets the recognition it deserves.
KEEP TO THE BRIEF Each award has key criteria which the judges will be looking for; whether it’s demonstrating what your school has done to improve student’s interest in sports or showing your creative and innovative approaches to guiding pupils towards future careers, following the entry instructions is fundamental to your entry success. The Foundry Agency’s Fiona Barnet sees this aspect of the entries as of utmost importance. “Keep your entry to the point and answer the criteria specifically, this will improve your chances of a successful entry,” she says. Gary Millar, returning for a second year as a judge thinks “keeping to the brief” is the best advice to help make it to the shortlist.
LESS IS MORE A word document supporting your submission is allowed within the entry guidelines, with 750 words maximum. This word limit gives every applicant the same opportunity to tell the judges why they should win, and as the judges point out, long-winded entries don’t necessarily mean better ones. “Don’t be shy about banging the drum for your school,” says Chris Walker, “but be succinct in telling us why it should win an award.”
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Guide to the Educate Awards
UNFORGETTABLE
Emma Whitley, education manager at the Everyman and Playhouse, says: “Be clear and concise when describing your entry, and illustrate it as much as you can.” And to grab Gary Millar’s attention? “Short and punchier pitches” are what he is looking for this year. Although it is Steve Smith’s first year as a judge, he will be looking for nothing but the best; he is eager to see simple but effective entries that “demonstrate a collaborative approach in all departments”, but he adds: “Keep it short and sweet. I’m looking for real clarity in the entries.”
EVIDENCE YOUR RESULTS As a school or college, when you work on a project from inception to completion, you are immersed in that task and know every detail, intention and outcome about why your project is one which is award worthy. But for our judges, the entry pack they receive will be the first introduction to your eco or science project, community partnership collaboration or how you communicate as a school. “It’s important to remember we have not been involved,” says Emma Whitely, “So you have to be very clear when trying to get the impact and story of your project across.” Try and think about your entry objectively, and examine whether it truly explains and provides evidence to support the statements made in the submission. For all of the judges, evidence is crucial to a fruitful entry. “I am a huge believer in the positive learning we can achieve through the arts,” says new judge Leanne Campbell. “I’m hoping to see heart-warming evidence of how powerful arts teaching can be used in a school environment.” For the Teacher of the Year award, evidencing how a teacher has gone above and beyond for a pupil or class is especially important, says Lesley Martin-Wright. “For those nominated in the individual categories, and who have great responsibilities to children, parents and families, I will be looking for information on how this person has influenced lives or positive outcomes,” she says. Mark Beedles echoes Lesley’s views, saying: “Working in the education sector, you hear so many stories about the pressures schools and teachers are always under, so to see schools and teachers going above and beyond for the sake of
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the children always inspires me.” Mark’s advice for applicants for 2015? “Keep doing what you have been doing the last three years,” he says. “Judging the awards is my favourite time of year.”
DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE NEW When entering a new category, it can be hard to predict what the judges will be looking for, especially as there are no past winners to benchmark your entry against. The Leadership Team of the Year award will be awarded to an outstanding team – involving the head teacher, deputy as well as other senior leadership staff who can demonstrate how their leadership has resulted in key successes within the school. “I want to see examples of schools that have created a culture of value, and teams that can delegate and create autonomy in their decisions,” explains Steve Smith. He adds: “I want to see a leadership team that involved everybody in their journey and fostered a real sense of belonging in the school.” For the Innovation in Education award, your entry should try and answer one important question: How is your school transforming the way students learn with a creative, innovative and pioneering - technology or non -technology based approach? To excel in this category, distinction from the rest is paramount. Fiona Barnet says: “I will be looking for entries that demonstrate the school has done something really different to enhance the learning of its pupils.” The final new category, Outstanding Teaching of Life Skills covers a broad spectrum of projects and activities. While there is no definitive list, indicating how your school has equipped students with relevant life skills such as money management, food knowledge, mental wellbeing and character building will all be well received. For Andrew Pimbley, schools that are “pushing the boundaries of the ‘normal’ education system” will stand out.
STRENGTHEN YOUR ENTRY Providing supporting materials in your entry is the best way to overcome that tricky word limit. “Testimonials from children and young people” are a great way to add value to your application says Gary Millar, or perhaps “do a one minute video pitch” if you want to show off your school’s creativity. Even something simple can transform
an entry, as Emma Whitley suggests: “Quotes and thoughts from those involved always help bring it to life.” Adding visual elements to your entry can also help, says Fiona Barnet. “Photographic evidence will really add to your submission and make it compelling to read,” she says. Including snapshots of your project or progress photos from an exciting school initiative can lift an entry and make your submission stand out amongst the rest.
BE UNFORGETTABLE! Lastly and perhaps most importantly is to make your award entry memorable. “I will be looking for something different, true ‘thinking outside the box’ to make me sit up and go WOW!” says Andrew Pimbley. For Emma Whitley, originality is vital, as she explains entries which will impress her will have “new and innovative ideas. Something I haven’t seen before.” Applications that have stood out for Lesley Martin-Wright over the years have been “full of energy and enthusiasm” and have “demonstrated a significant – and perhaps an unexpected successful outcome, innovation, benefit or advantage.” In the changing landscape of education, it seems innovation is at the top of the judges’ lists for 2015. Passionate, inspirational and engaging are just some of the key words associated with memorable entries and the judges are hoping to find even more impressive projects for 2015. Mark Beedles says: “As always I am looking for entries that truly inspire young minds.”
AND FINALLY… If you have any doubts about whether to get involved in The Educate Awards, Lesley MartinWright urges you to enter, she says: “Do submit an application. This is one of the most empowering awards I have been involved in. Every word and every sentence conveys the importance and significance of our teaching profession – their passion, commitment and dedication to educate and inspire is simply overwhelming.” Entries are now open. Closing date for entries is Friday 10 July 2015. For a full list of award categories and more details on how to enter, go to: www.educateawards.co.uk
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News
Bigger and better! New additions to The Educate Awards judging panel The Educate Awards 2015 promises to be even bigger than 2014, thanks to some exciting new additions to the judging panel. Joining the panel this year is football icon Robbie Fowler, Radio City breakfast host Leanne Campbell and Olympian and managing director of Raise The Bar, Steve Smith. The new additions to the panel come at a time of growth for the annual awards celebration, which saw a record number of entries in 2014. To mark this growth, the awards will now accept entries from schools in the boroughs of Lancashire and Cheshire, in addition to schools in the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral, St Helens and Halton). Kim O’Brien, executive editor of Educate Magazine, said: “We’re delighted to
welcome Robbie, Leanne and Steve to our growing panel of experts and education champions. They are all inspirational figures, who have had tremendous success in their chosen fields. “With Robbie’s sporting insight, Leanne’s performing arts background and Steve’s incredible Olympic journey and business knowledge, I’m certain they will help us celebrate the very best in education. They are all great assets to the judging panel.” Returning to the judging panel are Councillor Gary Millar, Liverpool’s cabinet member for business, enterprise and investment; Chris Walker, regional managing editor of Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales; Lesley MartinWright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber; Mark Beedles, managing director
of Connex Education; Fiona Barnet, director of The Foundry Agency; Andrew Pimbley of Claremont Farm and Wirral’s Farm Feast; and the education team at the respected Everyman and Playhouse Theatres. Earlier this year it was announced Connex Education will return as a title sponsor, alongside associate sponsors Adlib Solutions, Carillion plc and The Foundry Agency. Further associate sponsors now confirmed are Schools 4 Health Knowsley, eCadets, Paul Crowley & Co, Liverpool Hope University, Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ Federation, Vivark and The City of Liverpool College. Entries are now open. Closing date for entries is Friday 10th July 2015. For a full list of award categories and more details on how to enter, go to: www.educateawards.co.uk
Robbie Fowler
Leanne Campbell
Steve Smith
Boost for school sport An extra 60 new specialist primary school PE teachers will be trained up in the North West – after an international rugby star and a Great Britain Water Polo player were among the first wave of recruits. Hannah Rudman, 24, who has competed around the world in water polo championships and John Gillam, a former Ireland international rugby league player, have already got jobs in the classroom under the Government scheme. Forty of the next wave of recruits will be trained by the Ashton-on-Mersey Teaching School Alliance with a further 15 at Liverpool John Moores University. Four will complete the programme at Holy Rosary Primary School, in Sefton. Across England, 220 primary PE specialists have been recruited in two years - and Children and Families Minister Edward Timpson recently 84
Minister for Children and Families Edward Timpson announced a near doubling of the programme. Nationally, 200 new specialist primary PE teachers will be recruited under the scheme in 2015-16. Minister for Children and Families
Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
Edward Timpson said: “We’ve already recruited more than 200 specialist primary PE teachers to bespoke training courses – but we want to go much further. “Specialist PE teachers are vital to help really embed a sporting culture in schools – and get all children into healthy habits. “Our £450million PE and Sport Premium has enabled headteachers to deliver more and better quality sport. Now we want to ensure more schools across the country can benefit from top class games teachers.” The trainees will be the third wave of teachers recruited under the programme launched after the Olympics to improve primary school sport. Trainees spend half their time studying PE and Sport – although they are not restricted to only teaching PE. They also undergo training in the core subjects English, maths and science.
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West Derby School We Deliver Success
Year 5 & 6
Open Evening Thursday 17th September 3pm – 6pm West Derby School, 364 West Derby Road, Liverpool, Merseyside L13 7HQ, T: 0151 235 1333 www.westderbyschool.co.uk @westderbyschool
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MERSEYSIDE SHIELD FINAL Hard fought game sees Cardinal Heenan triumph A hard fought and gripping final saw Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School Under 15s clinch the Merseyside Junior Shield after a 2-1 win over St Margaret’s Church of England Academy at the Liverpool Soccer Centre in Walton Hall Park. A goal in each half from Jacob Shield and Liam Riley was enough to secure the trophy for Cardinal Heenan, despite a late rally from Margaret’s who grabbed a consolation goal through Isaac Kamara. St Margaret’s tried desperately to add to their recent Liverpool Cup win but Cardinal Heenan proved too strong and ran out worthy winners. St Margaret’s Academy will get another chance to lift some silverware in what has so far been an unforgettable season for the team when they compete for the ESFA National PlayStation Schools’ Under 15 Cup at Reading FC’s Madejski Stadium on 20 May.
Merseyside Shield Under 15s winners Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School
St Margaret’s Isaac Kamara bursts forward
A Cardinal Heenan striker volleys for goal
It was a fiercely contested match Rory Campbell (left) and Callum Kavanagh battle for possession
Goalmouth action!
Jacob Shield opens the scoring for Cardinal Heenan (in red)
Jacob Shield (centre) takes the applause after putting Heenan ahead
Isaac Kamara (second left) grabs a consolation goal for St Margaret’s
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“An Outstanding Catholic School” Liverpool Archdiocese
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TAKING IT AS READ Schools book in for reading prize MORE than 20 schools across Liverpool received an award for their work in getting young people to read for pleasure. The Liverpool Reading Quality Mark (LRQM) was launched last year in partnership with the National Literacy Trust and encourages schools to adopt innovative and creative practices to promote reading for pleasure, it is also the first award of this type in the North West. It forms part of the City of Readers campaign which aims to make sure every child leaves primary school able to read. Pupils and staff from the schools took part in a special celebration event at Liverpool’s Central Library where Councillor Lana Orr, Mayoral lead for reading, presented each school with plaques.
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1. Archbishop Blanch C of E School; 2 Barlows Primary School; 3 Belle Vale Community Primary School; 4 Blackmoor Park Junior School; 5 Blessed Sacrament Catholic Primary School; 6 Broughton Hall High School; 7 Dovedale Junior School; 8 Emmaus C of E and Catholic Primary School; 9 Holy Cross Catholic Primary School; 10 Mosspits Lane Primary School; 11 Northway Primary School; 12 Our Lady Imaculate Catholic Primary School; 13 Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Primary
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School; 14 Rice Lane Infant and Nursery School; 15 Rice Lane Junior School; 16 Rudston Priary School; 17 St Anthony of Padua Catholic Primary School; 18 St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary School, 19 St Finbars Catholic Primary School; 20 St Gregory’s Catholic Primary School; 21 St Oswalds Catholic Primary School; 22 West Derby School
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BIG LITTLE LIBRARY OPENING
Erica Kemp officially opened the library. Left to right: Paul Wilson (Centre Manager), Bella (centre mascot), Erica Kemp and Lisa Mitchell (Gateacre School)
Celebrating world culture in music and dance Gateacre School have joined forces with Belle Vale Shopping Centre in hosting the annual release of The BIG Little Library by Gateacre School. The BIG Little Library’s own personal message is “take a book, return a book, donate a book” as the scheme is to promote reading within the community and stands as the gathering place for the community to share their favourite literature and stories. What is even better is that any child or grown-up can be part of the initiative. The idea was inspired by the ‘Little Libraries’ appearing across the UK where phone booths and communal areas were used as a place for people in the local area to donate and collect unused or unwanted books. Lisa Mitchell, the school’s own community co-ordinator, said: “Gateacre School were made aware of the Little Libraries by Andy Pearson who installed a Little Library on Middlefield Road, I saw it and I thought it was great and the Lord Mayor also saw it and she wants one too for the town hall”.
Lord Mayor Erica Kemp with some children from nearby Normal Pannell School
Erica Kemp is presented with her own Little Library for Liverpool Town Hall by headteacher Gerard Lonergan
The library encourage visitors to relax and enjoy themselves
Gateacre’s Charlotte JonesMurphy and Grace Crossley try on some fancy dress hats
Visitors can try writing on a vintage typewriter
A pupil from visiting school Our Lady of the Assumption Primary starts a new book
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COMMUNITY CELEBRATION Spring event a great success Pupils in Y5 at Westvale Primary, Kirkby led a successful, first Westvale Community Day recently. This was in partnership with the Junior Achievement Award (JAA) team and a celebration of the hard work completed with the team during spring term. The pupils had participated in a sport and then completed a focus on their local community covering lots of activities including looking at positive clubs to attend out of school. They produced a leaflet of these clubs with the JAA team to give out on the day as part of their community badge. Pupils also learnt about rules, British values and antisocial behaviour too through drama activities. The day started with an assembly presentation led by Year 5 and included a visit from the fire brigade from Kirkby Fire Station and the local community police for all the children. A successful enterprising marketplace of stalls, with products all the pupils in school had made. Monies raised will go to Knowsley Foodbank.
The Junior Achievement Award Team
Pupils proudly show off their JAA leaflets Queues formed at many of the stalls Beautifully crafted gifts were also on sale
More tasty treats from Year 1 pupils
Pupils welcome Police Community Support Officers
Families try out the tasty treats
Children design their own badges
Year 2 pupils with their market stall
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Inspiring Companionship, Dignity, Excellence, Justice, Gentleness and Hope.
“Bellerive FCJ is an outstanding Catholic College committed to its vision of ‘personal and academic excellence’. Outcomes for individuals and groups of pupils are outstanding.” Archdiocese of Liverpool Inspection 2012
Proudly providing Catholic education in Liverpool since 1844
Bellerive FCJ Catholic College Windermere Terrace Sefton Park Liverpool L8 3SB Tel: 0151 727 2064 www.bellerivefcj.org Specialisms in Sciences, Applied Learning and Maths & Computing
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ACTING ON CRIME Students dramatic interpretations prove a hit Students from Liverpool schools produced dramatic interpretations of crime and anti-social behaviour issues at an event held at St John Bosco Arts College. Act together is an initiative by Citysafe, Liverpool’s community safety partnership and Merseyside Police, and was first introduced in 2008. The event encourages young people to discover more about the impact of crime and anti-social behaviour on themselves and their communities through drama. Each school was given a specific theme which was then used to develop a drama production. The themes covered a range of issues, from drugs and alcohol, to e-safety, hate crime and leaving primary school. The finale for this year’s Act Together included performances from St John Bosco Arts College, North Liverpool Academy, Enterprise South Liverpool Academy, Broadgreen International School, University Academy Liverpool, Redbridge High School and Broad Square Primary School.
St John Bosco students with ‘Robby the Bobby’
ESLA students
Broad Square Primary
Redbridge High School’s brilliant performance
Deputy Chief Constable of Merseyside Police, Andy Cooke, made a short speech North Liverpool Academy students gave an emotional performance about the effects of drugs
North Liverpool Academy
Guests were treated dramatic interpretations of crime and anti-social behaviour issues
Broadgreen International School
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GREASE IS THE WORD
Grease is the word - from left to right Evan Cunningham, Jack Wilde, Theo Johnson, Olivia Powell, Mark Porter, Zach Cunningham, Nathan Shaw
Too cool for school showstopping performance By Nathan Kelly – Year 12
Rainford High School performed their school production of Grease, the 50’s love story of teenage rebellion, to great applause and many reminiscing accompanying voices – reliving the great memory of the original film. What seemed most apparent for performers and audience alike was the high enthusiasm and pure enjoyment derived from the play. The unity of the cast was down to the five months of rehearsing before the event, sometimes going until 8pm and twice a week. Despite the long and tiring process it was well worth it and brought the cast together; despite their age – all the way from Year 7 to Year 13 to all the teachers involved. The work of everyone helped to create a night that’ll be remembered by all. John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John may have to watch their backs, there’s a new gang on the block.
Emily Galt
The T-Birds
Emily Galt and John Lewis
Mollie Hagan and Tom Forrester-Dean
Beauty School Dropouts
Kathryn Tabern
Danny (Mark Porter) and Sandy (Adele Barnes)
Cheerleaders, Sophie Pye and Isabelle Watkins Rock ‘n’ Roll is here to stay
Musicians - James Crosby and Callum Thomas
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NEW BEGINNINGS FOR HOLLY LODGE
Joan Cunliffe who started at the school back in September 1928, officially opened the new Emmeline Pankhurst Building
Building named after women’s rights campaigner The new-look Holly Lodge Girls’ College in Liverpool has been officially dedicated to the leader of the British suffragette movement who won women the right to vote. The ‘Emmeline Pankhurst Building’, which was officially opened in March, forms the centrepiece of a £7 million revamp of the school site. It houses a main teaching block comprising new humanities classrooms, arts, music and drama spaces including an activity hall, and a Sixth Form centre with a central atrium and café area. Joan Cunliffe who was a pupil at the school in 1928, officially opened the new building. Headteacher Julia Tinsley said: “Staff and students are equally proud to have such fantastic facilities and are enjoying teaching and learning in 21st century surroundings at last. “We have been really anxious to make sure that the new buildings enhance the beautiful campus on which the school is built, and maintain the unique character of Holly Lodge.
The pupils wore Suffragette sashes
A young guest learns about the school’s history Guests were shown the new interactive screens
Headteacher Julia Tinsley welcomes the guests
Mayor Joe Anderson with Joan Cunliffe and Hajar Elawgila
VIPs enjoy a joke
Pupils made speeches about the life of Emmeline Pankhurst
Mayor Joe Anderson is shown some of the art on display
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CALDERSTONES TASTE OF CULTURE An array of food and colour for visitors The 2015 Culture Festival was a very successful event which brought together Calderstones pupils from many different countries, parents and members of the local communities with an amazing showcase of food, music and cultural displays. The aim of the day was to involve the school and wider community to highlight what a multicultural and diverse school Calderstones is and how this should be celebrated. Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, France, South Korea, Yemen, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Spain, Sudan, England, Ireland (all countries to which many pupils have connections) and the culture of the ‘outdoors’ with Emma Taylor, were celebrated with displays of artwork and facts about each country, which had all been produced by the children. Many of the visitors and parents commented on the fantastic atmosphere in the room.
The school canteen served an amazing array of tasty dishes from around the world
Dishes from Sudan were prepared for the event – including a Sudanese pizza!
Delicious home-made Brazilian sweets were on offer.
Pupils’ families prepared and served tasty Indian food treats to guests. The father of one pupil prepares a wonderful ‘Bulgogi’ stir-fry from South Korea
Pupils of all ages wore traditional Asian dress and came together to bring Pakistan, India and Bangladesh
The head of music leads a workshop on African drumming
Traditional English cakes were served to the visitors
Pupils came to experience the Culture Festival and traditional ‘sports’ from each country
Governors from the Al Ghazali Centre invite visitors to taste strong Yemeni coffee
A student and his father invite visitors to see their stall
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The cast of The Wedding Singer
STAR CROSSED LOVERS A modern day Romeo and Juliet at Blue Coat The Blue Coat School held their 2015 school show, ‘The Wedding Singer’, and proved a tremendous success. Old Blue James Lacey returned once again as the creative director for the show; “I always say that we should break the mould with our choice of show, and this year’s does just that. Based on the 1998 movie of the same name, starring Adam Sandler, ‘The Wedding Singer’ was given a musical makeover for Broadway in 2006 and toured the UK in 2008. Featuring an original score of brand new songs, and a few recognisable tunes written by Adam Sandler for the film, the show tells the story of star-crossed lovers Robbie and Julia in a 1980s retelling of Romeo and Juliet… like Shakespeare with a perm and a shell suit!” The final night was particularly emotional this year as a number of the students involved in the show will be leaving the school this year, this was their final School Show. Pictures: Sam Elcock, Year 13 student
The cast perform ‘It’s your wedding day’ in the show’s finale
Year 13 student Jack Kauffman-Harding (Robbie Hart) Year 13 student Kelsey Walsh as Julia Sullivan Kelsey Walsh (Julia Sullivan) and Year 9 student Maisher Tin-U (Tanya)
Year 12 student Thomas Brodrick performs as Sammy Kelsey Walsh (Julia Sullivan) and Jack Kauffman-Harding (Robbie Hart) Year 12 student Elizabeth Falconer (Holly) with Year 10 student Alice Backstrom (Angie) and Kelsey Walsh (Julia)
Talented students perform in the 'Ensemble'
Year 13 student Kate Smith (Linda) with Jack Kauffman-Harding (Robbie Hart)
Jack Kauffman-Harding (Robbie Hart) and Year 9 student Natalia Barton (Grandma)
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ALSOP CAREERS DAY Students plan for their future options Year 8 students at Alsop High School recently started the daunting process of considering their Key Stage 4 Options. To help them on their way they were all invited to the annual Alsop Careers Convention where every subject is represented and local employers also feature. The event was manned by staff, students and employers so that all of the students' queries, questions and concerns were0 addressed. Students attended during the day and parents/carers were invited in the evening to see the information and find out more about the options process. Now in its seventh year the Careers Convention still proves to be incredibly popular with the students and helps to launch this important period in the young people’s lives.
Year 8 students take in all of the information available
Students are enthralled in the ICT and computing qualifications
Michael Clarke, Year 8, gets to grips with Raspberry Pi Spanish GCSE was incredibly popular Careers advice can be fun as well
Jessica Murray learns about GCSE English
Head girl, Amy Adams, proudly shows off her work for potential students
Perry Oliver demonstrates the fitness testing for GCSE PE
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More Able Scholars’ Programme at Alsop High School
A programme to enrich and extend the learning of more able students. Contact Miss N Bruns for more information. Queens Drive, Walton, Liverpool, L4 6SH I Telephone: 0151-235 1200 I Web: www.alsophigh.org.uk
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FUN, CHALLENGE AND ADVENTURE Local Scouts find their inner monkey on the ropes The 1st Herrington Scouts visited Aerial Extreme Knowsley Safari Park at the start of April and they certainly made the most of the lovely weather with a full day on the 50ft high ropes course. Assistant Manager Sam Crichton at Aerial Extreme said: “All of the group had a great time on the ropes! It is always fun to see both children and adults conquer there fear of heights. The course is also great for improving everyone’s teamwork and leadership qualities and one major bonus for schools and the public is once on the course you get free entry into Knowsley Safari Park walk around section, where you can view a variety of animals such as elephants, sea lions, meerkats and plenty more”. Paul from the 1st Herrington Scouts said: “The Scouts had a fantastic time at the Knowsley location during our recent camp. All of the instructors that morning were great with the Scouts, giving them advice and encouragement to help them get round the course”.
Some nervous scouts can be seen getting the golden rules before they start
Mission accomplished some very happy scouts
King of the swingers
Very happy to of completed the middle course
Just one of the four zip wires at the site
Leading the way a very brave scout
A safety briefing before the next challenge Fun for everyone aged 6 years and over
Top course completed now for the 50ft power fan A step into the unknown
Building up the courage for the next obstacle
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The event was to raise money for the Red Cross
FASHION FUNDRASIER Pupils on the catwalk for charity Pupils from Rice Lane Junior School came up with a novel idea to raise funds for the British Red Cross charity - a fashion show. Event organiser, Mrs Doyle, said: “The fashion show was an idea thought of by the Enterprise Club to raise money for the Red Cross. The challenge was to change £100 into hundreds of pounds. The Enterprise Club consists of a group of six Year 2 children, two from each class. They raised £700 for the Red Cross by selling tickets to the fashion show, children designed and made their own t-shirts to sell, they bought Easter eggs to make Easter hampers to raffle, along with cakes to sell, keyrings and bottle openers with the Rice Lane logo on. The children from early years up to Year 2 had a fabulous day and the school received many positive comments from parents.”
The Enterprise Club who organised the show
Freddie rocking the look
One class chose a musical theme
Charlie came as Spiderman
Joseph is an LFC fan! Many parents attended the event Sienna gets into the Easter mode
The Reception Year group
The children designed their own t-shirts
The children had lots of fun
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Book Review
In association with
5-8 Years A Tiny Bit Lucky - Tom Gates by Liz Pichon £5.99 From the winner of the Roald Dahl Funny Prize, the Red House Children's Book Award, the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Blue Peter Best Story Book Award 2013, comes the seventh amazing instalment of Tom Gates' adventures. Will Tom and his band Dogzombies be lucky enough to win the Rockweekly Bandbattle competition? They just might be if they could find time to practice! The Secret Kitten by Holly Webb by Sophy Williams £4.99 Lucy can't help but feel lonely when she and her brother move in with their gran, leaving behind their old friends. Lucy wishes she could have a pet, but Gran isn't keen on animals. A stray kitten catches Lucy's attention, and she instantly falls in love with it. Where will the kitten go if she can't find anyone to take her in? A heart-warming read from best-selling author Holly Webb, perfect for fans of Magic Animal Friends and Animal Ark. Frankie’s Magic Football by Frank Lampard, Luella Wright £3.99 Frankie and his team love playing football. There's always time for a game. And now that they have their magical football they're playing against teams they never imagined! This time the magic football takes them to Australia - what adventures will they find in the land Down Under?
9-12 Years Fiction Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens £5.99 When Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong set up their very own deadly secret detective agency at Deepdean School for Girls, they struggle to find any truly exciting mysteries to investigate. (Unless you count the case of Lavinia's missing tie. Which they don't, really). But then Hazel discovers the Science Mistress, Miss Bell, lying dead in the gym. The Dying of the Light - Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy £5.99 The final shocking, heart-wrenching book in the jaw-droppingly stupendous Skulduggery Pleasant series. Valkerie. Darquesse. Stephanie. The world ain't big enough for the three of them. The end will come...The War of the Sanctuaries has been won, but it was not without its casualties. Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan £11.99 Though the Greek and Roman crew members of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen - all of them - and they're stronger than ever. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already.
Teenage Fiction All I Know Now by Carrie Hope Fletcher £6.49 We all know that growing up is hard to do, and sometimes the only thing that makes it better are the reassuring words of someone who has walked that bumpy road just a few steps ahead of you and somehow ended up as a fully-functioning adult. Carrie Hope Fletcher is that person. Thanks to her phenomenally popular YouTube videos. Insurgent – Divergent by Veronica Roth £5.99 Fighting for survival in a shattered world...the truth is her only hope. The thrillingly dark sequel to No. 1 New York Times bestseller, Divergent. I have done bad things. I can't take them back, and they are part of who I am. Tris has survived a brutal attack on her former home and family. But she has paid a terrible price. Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli £7.99 Straight people should have to come out too. And the more awkward it is, the better. Simon Spier is sixteen and trying to work out who he is - and what he's looking for. But when one of his emails to the very distracting Blue falls into the wrong hands, things get all kinds of complicated. Because, for Simon, falling for Blue is a big deal...
Are you a librarian, teacher or purchasing manager? Do you buy books for your business or institution? Waterstones Liverpool offers a comprehensive account sales service. Contact Sarah Hughes, Children's Department, Liverpool ONE, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 3DL. Tel: 0151 709 9820
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Pine ap from ple prin £10 M t frille d arks and tankini Sp e n cer
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WHERE CAN WE GO? Our pick of what’s happening out & about in the region
-time Nighetnture adv
The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes
Three Queens
Saturday 15 August Exchange Flags, Liverpool, Merseyside L2 3YL
Saturday 23 - Monday 25 May Pier Head, Liverpool L3 1BY www.cultureliverpool.co.uk
Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents its open-air Garden Theatre Tour at Exchange Flags – magical theatre in magical surroundings. In a season full of romance, suspense and enchantment, Chapterhouse is bringing some of literature’s best-loved characters to The Flags’ cobbles. Detective Sherlock Holmes has a mysterious new case to investigate when summoned to a nunnery deep in the English countryside. Holmes and his companion Dr Watson join the search for the most elusive piece of treasure known to mankind. With a missing novice, a death in the convent and some very suspicious nuns, Holmes’ newest case promises to be his most terrifying and challenging yet. Join family and friends for what promises to be a splendid evening of open-air theatre and a murder mystery to be solved. Doors open: 6pm - Show starts: 7pm. Price Adult: £15, Child: £11, Student: £11 (must have valid student card). Family (2 adults and 2 children): £45. Tickets also available from Albert Dock Visitors Information Centre on 0151 707 0729 and See Tickets on 0871 220 0260.
Every Friday in July and August
The Walk, Speke, Liverpool L24 1XD 0151 427 7231
Speke Hall have teamed up with Active Me and Sports Works to deliver an inclusive sports programme. Sporty Speke for All will run every Friday in July and August. They have lots of exciting activities planned including archery, golf, orienteering, cycling and even a climbing wall. Booking is required in advance. This sports programme is specially designed for disabled children and young people and their siblings, parents and carers. For more information: Rachael Hanlon, Sports Development Officer, 0151 427 7231 or rachael.hanlon@nationaltrust.org.uk 112
The waterfront of Liverpool hosts the world’s most spectacular gathering of Cunard’s fleet – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria – as they meet on the River Mersey for the very first time to celebrate its 175th anniversary. The buildup will begin with the early morning arrival of Queen Mary 2 on Sunday 24 May. Following a night berthed alongside the Liverpool Cruise Terminal, she will sail to New Brighton mid-morning the following day to meet her sister ships Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. The fleet will then sail together along the River Mersey, where a breath-taking experience will see the ships in all their glory as they perform a series of synchronised moves. The waterfront will also come alive in the evening with a digital/light projection show on the Three Graces and a mid-river firework displays.
21-25 July
s Sportll a for
Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time FUTURE EVENTS
Sporty Speke For All
N t ot mi o be sse d
Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JE Tel: 0151 702 7320 Winner of seven 2013 Olivier Awards, this highlyacclaimed National Theatre production, embarks on its first ever nationwide tour. Christopher, fifteen years old, has an extraordinary brain – exceptional at maths while ill-equipped to interpret everyday life. When he falls under suspicion of killing Mrs Shears’ dog, it takes him on a journey that upturns his world… Based on the award-winning novel by Mark Haddon, adapted by Simon Stephens and directed by Marianne Elliott.
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Friday 29 May
Saturday 6 June
Ministry of Science New Brighton Floral Pavilion Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wirral, CH45 2JS Tel: 0151 666 0000
Run or Dye Aintree Racecourse Ormskirk Road, Liverpool L9 5AS
Ministry of Science Live is not your ordinary science show – it comes with a bang. It comes with a whoosh. But most of all is comes with a hovercraft built on stage... Oh, and a human canon too! Join the team as they take you on a journey using a few loud bangs to lead the way.
30 June – 18 October 2015
Jackson Pollock: Blind Spots Tate Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB L69 3DR 0151 702 7400 Jackson Pollock is widely considered to be one of the most influential and provocative American artists of the twentieth century. Blind Spots explores this immensely rich and relatively neglected body of work and will provide new insights into this pivotal artist’s influence on post-war art. Adult £11; concession £8.25 10-11 July
A Midsummer Night’s Dream Calderstones Mansion House Gardens, Calderstones Park L18 3JB Award winning MATE in partnership with Shakespeare North and the RSC Open Stages present a spectacular promenade outdoor production. With live musicians and singers, fairy dancers, stunning design and a talented local cast. Tickets £15 adults, £10 children
FILM and APP REVIEW
Run or Dye, the world’s most colourful 5km, will be coming to Liverpool for a colour-filled run. The event will encourage runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to have fun rather than race to the finish line getting covered head-to-toe in colour as they go. Visit www.runordye.co.uk for registration
Saturday 4 July
Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choirs Summer Concert Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool 0151 709 3789 Liverpool Philharmonic Youth Choir, Liverpool Philharmonic Training Choir and Melody Makers take to the stage for the final performance of their 2014/15 Season. Tickets £9 adults and £6 concessions.
Pitch Perfect 2 Director: Elizabeth Banks Stars: Anna Kendrick, Skylar Astin, Rebel Wilson, Brittany Snow, Ester Dean, Alexis Knapp, Hana Mae Lee, Adam DeVine, Anna Camp, Ben Platt, Kelley Jakle, Chrissie Fit, Hailee Steinfeld, Katey Sagal, Elizabeth Banks and John Michael Higgins Release date: 15 May 2015 Verdict: ★★★★✩ By Andy Kelly The sequel to the 2012 film Pitch Perfect, which was loosely adapted from Mickey Rapkin's nonfiction book, titled Pitch Perfect: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory. Whether you love them or hate them the Barden Bellas return and are determined to enter a worldwide competition that an American group has never won in order to regain their status and right to perform. After an exposure mishap with Fat Amy and the president, the Bellas are more determined than ever to prove that a ragtag bunch of American girls can 'run the world.'
Playworld Superheroes! Apple App Store, Google Play and Amazon App Store. Verdict: ★★★★★ By Andy Kelly
Sunday 9 August
Knowsley Flower Show 2015 Court Hey Park, Roby Road, Huyton, Merseyside, L16 3NA Tel: 0151 443 5749 Knowsley Flower Show is the largest free family event in the north west, and 2015 is the Year of the Sunflower, which will be the theme of the show! There are lots of new attractions at this year’s show including Hawkeye Falconry the popular H&M Dog Display and an array of young dancers from schools in the area.
Produced by Liverpool computer company Starship Group, Playworld Superheroes combines touchscreen crafting and combat in an anglicised superhero adventure. Set in a Liverpudlian treehouse, the game allows you to cut and colour a cardboard superhero outfit by simply touching the screen, transporting our young hero into a city full of enemies. Tapping, swiping and dragging navigates the world and targets the stylised aliens, but the simple control system belies the substantial challenge of juggling offensive and defensive manoeuvres. Equally pleasingly, while tablet games with Playworld’s grand orchestral score and highend visuals are usually accompanied by in-app purchases, Superheroes shuns the “free to play” approach with a single upfront cost of £2.99. Unsurprisingly, it is a game that will be as popular with young players as it is with parents. Educate The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils
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My School Days Frank Cottrell Boyce - Screenwriter, novelist and occasional actor
My schools: St Alphonsus’ on Stanley Road, Liverpool, St Bartholomew’s in Rainhill and West Park in St Helens My favourite teacher: I had loads of great teachers. I had a primary school teacher called Sr Paul who placed a lot of trust in me, and an English teacher called Mr Biggs who was keen to teach us that clever and successful was nothing compared to happy and kind. I used to do a Punch and Judy show with him. Favourite subject at school: Biology - thinking about the structure of leaves or the human body was like taking a hallucinogenic drug. Were you streetwise or a bit of a geek? There was no such thing as a geek back in my day. They were just called victims. My favourite childhood band/singer: I’m a massive David Bowie fan.
My favourite extracurricular activity: I was in a few bands. I’m afraid I did a lot of airfix. But in a subversive way I remember a battleship with a pair of boots and a Charles! with a funnel. Do you remember your first school crush? Oh gosh yes. My favourite book: Ever? Probably The Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula le Guin School dinners: My big experience of school dinners was in St Helens. It was an endless conveyor belt of pies. Or to put it another way an endless conveyor belt of happiness. My ambitions at school: To get home in one piece. And to grow up to be a writer.
Frank Cottrell Boyce was born in 1959 in St Helens to an Irish Catholic family. He attended nearby St Bartholomew’s Primary School and West Park secondary. He was an undergraduate at Keble College, Oxford and then completed a doctorate in English, also at Oxford University. Cottrell-Boyce has also adapted novels for the screen and written children's fiction. His first novel Millions was based on his own screenplay for the film of the same name. Cottrell Boyce won the annual Carnegie Medal from the British librarians, recognising it as the year's best children's book published in the UK. His next novel Framed, he made the shortlist for both the Carnegie and the Whitbread Children’s Book Award. In June 2012, he assumed the position of Professor of Reading (the first such professorship) at Liverpool Hope University. He has also achieved fame as the writer for the 2012 Summer Olympics opening ceremony and for sequels to Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: The Magical Car, a children's classic by Ian Fleming.
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University of the Year Edge Hill University is the Times Higher Education University of the Year. This prestigious award acknowledges the University’s exceptional performance including high rates of student satisfaction and graduate employment, the strengthening of our research profile, growth in applications and our contribution to transforming lives in the region. “Edge Hill University is a great success story” John Gill, Editor, Times Higher Education
Open Days Saturday 20th June 2015, 10.00am-3.00pm Saturday 15th August 2015, 10.00am-3.00pm Saturday 10th October 2015, 10.00am-3.00pm Saturday 14th November 2015, 10.00am-3.00pm
edgehill.ac.uk