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Educate educatemagazine.com
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The Magazine for Parents and Pupils September – December 2013 azakerley igh chool
Achievement for all
Outstanding GCSE results
Top of the class Schools’ exam successes
+ INSIDE Enter Now Deadline 30 September www.educateawards.co.uk
Mixed-ability teaching Developing all children
Religious education v instruction How should faith be taught?
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StCatholic Vincent de Paul Primary School
Childwall C of E Primary School
Pitt Street Liverpool L1 5BY “Serving With Love … Striving For Excellence”
Open Day/Evening
❤
Thursday 10th October 2pm-3pm/6pm-7pm ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Please contact the school
on 0151 722 1553
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OFSTED May 2013 - ‘St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School is an outstanding school.’ Convenient City Centre Location Places Available Breakfast Club: open from 7.30am Range of After-School Extra-Curricular Activities
❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤
Two Computer Suites Educational Visits in our Private Minibuses Healthy Schools Award Activemark Gold Basic Skills Quality Mark Liverpool Hope University Articled School Status Archdiocesan Religious Education Inspection “an outstanding school”
For further details, contact the Headteacher: Mr P Stewart on
0151 709 2572
Fax 0151 707 8942 email: vincent-ao@st-vincentdepaul.liverpool.sch.uk
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Educate Contents Welcome... 52-53
96-99
Welcome to our latest jam packed issue of Educate. With the deadline for submissions to the Educate Awards 2013 just a few weeks away, we take a look at last year’s winners to discover what winning meant to them and what they’ve been up to since the ceremony.
7-10
Educate meets up with new headteacher Amanda Ryan, of Hillside High School and finds out about her plans for the high school. We also speak to Dominic Mackenzie, headteacher of Formby High School, and its strong reputation for national sporting and academic achievements.
110 120-121
Features
76-78
07-10
Building to achieve 21st century schools
Reflecting on success With the Educate Awards looming we take a look at previous winners and what winning meant to them
Our roundtable discuss religious education in schools and how a rise in popularity is re-igniting the debate about whether it should be a core subject – or even taught in schools at all.
79-84 Educate Plus Career options at 16: Apprenticeships
As we enter the autumn season we look how kids can be bold with a simple black and white fashion statement.
22-23
119
Meet the headteacher Amanda Ryan, Hillside High School
Viewpoint Mastering English and maths
28-31
120-121
Educate’s roundtable Religious education in schools
Get graphic Be bold with simple black and white fashion
49-51
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Escaping the middle ground Achieving your child’s full potential
Book review This season’s must reads
52-53
124-125
Meet the headteacher Dominic Mackenzie, Formby High School
Where can we go? Our pick of what’s happening
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126
A week in the life Louise Everitt, headteacher, Mosspits Lane, Primary School, Wavertree
My school days Lynda La Plante
Finally, we talk to Lynda La Plante, author, screen writer and actress about her love of literature. Many thanks
60-62 School eco-news Winning scarecrow sparkles
Hurryte! for
da Closing Monday entries mber e 30 Sept 1 20 3
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 Tom Murphy Editorial Alan Birkett, Christine Toner, Natasha Young, Stephen Hurrell 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.
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Primary News
Taking up the challenge Pupils show support for charity St Michaels and All Angels Primary School, Kirkby have raised £1000 for the Nugent Care Good Shepherd Appeal. The fundraising was led by Year 6 pupils who proudly presented a cheque to Marie Reynolds, fundraising manager at Nugent Care and Phil Thompson, formally Liverpool and England football player and Nugent Care’s patron. Marie and Phil led the assembly at the school were Marie spoke about Nugent Care and all of the services the organisation is responsible for, Phil spoke about his work with Nugent Care and how he supports the charity at their events. He also spoke about growing up in Kirkby and his extensive football career. Marie says: “The Nugent Care Good Shepherd Appeal was founded by Father James Nugent in 1902 and Nugent Care continues his work today providing services for the most vulnerable people living in the North West. “It is great to see how St Michaels and All Angels CP have taken up the
Marie Reynolds and Phil Thompson receive a cheque from St Michaels and All Angels pupils challenge this year and raised such a support these services would struggle to considerable amount for our community run effectively so I would just like to services. Without the pupils and teachers thank everyone involved”.
A premium school
Headteacher Miss Denise Maudsley, and deputy headteacher Mr Damian Walsh recieve their award from Nick Clegg the Deputy Prime Minister 12
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Headteacher Miss Denise Maudsley, and deputy headteacher Mr Damian Walsh, from St John’s Catholic Primary School in Kirkdale, Liverpool, were delighted to receive the school’s North West Regional Pupil Premium Winners Award for 2013 recently. The award was presented by Nick Clegg, the Deputy Prime Minister, at Admiralty House in London. The award sponsored by TES was awarded to schools that had clearly demonstrated their effective use of the pupil premium in order to raise the aspirations and achievement of children in their school. Nick Clegg says, “St John’s has shown that they are among the top performing schools in England for boosting the performance of disadvantaged pupils since the pupil premium was introduced.” After having been encouraged personally by Nick Clegg to submit a testimony demonstrating how the school has used their pupil premium and to what effect, the school was judged to be the winner for the north west region in this, the inaugural Pupil Premium Awards. Bob Gittens the chair of governors at St John’s says, “The governors are extremely proud of the fantastic progress which the pupils are making and this award is recognition of the hard work, skills and dedication of all the staff at St John’s.”
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Primary News
Chloe, Liam and Summer at the Microsoft headquarters in reading
Not so toxic Barlows A team of three pupils form Barlows Primary school were invited to attend Microsoft’s headquarters in Reading in July 2013 to compete in the Microsoft Kodu Kup finals. Being one of only 11 finalists selected nationally from teams of both primary and secondary schools, the school is extremely proud of the pupils. Pupils in Year 5 and 6 had been working on the Kodu initiative as part of their ICT curriculum putting programming at the heart of the topic. Pupils created their game including graphics and programming using the Kodu software. They also designed a game case. The three pupils: Chloe, Liam and Summer all aged 9-10, competed on the day delivering a presentation, Dragon’s Den style, about the game ‘Factory Pollu’ that they had created. The team created their own brand – ‘The Toxic Pandas’ to add their own identity to the game. The pupils were accompanied to the
finals by Stacey Feenan, deputy head and ICT co-ordinator; Tony James, teacher; Tom Morris, JMU student involved in delivering the project and Diane Scrutton, a parent of one of the children. Judges were extremely impressed with the pupils’ game and brand and really liked the advert the children had prepared as part of their marketing strategy. Headteacher, Jan Taylor, says: “Michael Gove frequently talks about computing and the new curriculum to be introduced in 2014. “I believe Barlows is well on our way to computing excellence and providing opportunities for our children to develop their IT skills in order to compete in a digital world. “I am delighted with the children and staff who worked so creatively to compile such an outstanding entry which successfully reached the national finals of the Microsoft Kodu Kup challenge.”
OUTSTANDING St Nicholas CE Primary School, Blundellsands is celebrating after receiving the highest grade from Ofsted. In their recent inspection report the school was described as outstanding. Inspectors, who visited the school in April, praised the high standards of attainment, the excellent teaching and the children’s exemplary behaviour. Also highlighted was the outstanding leadership provided by the headteacher whose drive and enthusiasm were praised. Inspectors commented on the strong and united staff team who lead by example and the very knowledgeable governing body who hold the school to account assiduously. The report states, “Pupils are proud of their school. They contribute in many ways to making it a happy place for everyone.” Headteacher, Becky Woods said: “The whole school is delighted that the quality of education provided at St Nicholas has once again been recognised by Ofsted. Our parents are so supportive and the children, staff and governors work incredibly hard but we also have lots of fun. It is an absolute privilege to lead this outstanding school.”
Breaking Ground Congratulations were in order to the Northcote Primary School brass band for their outstanding performance recently. The band were invited to play at the ‘Breaking the Ground’ ceremony for the new Walton Hospital on Rice Lane. In attendance were representatives from Mersey Care and the NHS, as well as local councillors Steve Rotheram MP, Richard McLinden and Ann O’Byrne. In addition to this, some of the Year 6 children were presented with laminated posters of their artwork that has been displayed on the hoardings surrounding the site for nearly a year. The work produced last year reflects the key messages in the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’, promoting healthy bodies and healthy minds. Headteacher, Mr Morgan, says: “We are very proud of the children for the way they represented the school at such an important event in such an impressive and mature manner”. 14
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Primary News
Doctors on call Win a doctor for a day at your school Plantation Primary School in Halewood is one of the first schools to get on board with a new scheme launched by The Royal Liverpool University Hospital offering schools across Merseyside and Cheshire the chance to win a doctor for a day. The R Charity School programme is providing a unique opportunity for primary school children to raise funds for the Royal through a life sciences sponsored challenge. Each registered school will receive free teaching, fundraising and promotional materials and will take part in a sponsored Doctor for a Day challenge on 14 November, with the option to dress up as doctors and nurses. The doctor for a day from the Royal, Dr Nick Beeching, will be awarded to the school with the highest percentage of pupils who take part. Loren Slade, community and events fundraiser at the Royal says: “Not only is this a great way to help raise much needed funds for the hospital but in return we will provide learning activities and resources, competitive challenges and fundraising materials to support the school every step of the way. “This activity supports the national curriculum and allows children to learn about the importance of life sciences in a fun and interactive way. Our fundraiser is easy for all schools to get involved with.” Money raised via the appeal will be used to fund new lifesaving equipment and state of the art facilities at the Royal
Children from Plantation Primary School in Halewood who entered the Doctor for a Day challenge
which will cover a range of services including; cancer services for young people, critical care, imaging equipment, renal and stroke. Plantation Headteacher, Ian Hardman says: “This is a brilliant opportunity to raise funds for our local hospital but also to encourage pupils to get creative and have fun. The project will also allow our teachers to teach part of the national
curriculum for Science. “We’re all looking forward to dressing up and taking part in the challenges and would love the chance to invite a real Doctor into our school for the day – what a fantastic prize!” To register your school and receive your Life Sciences Fundraising pack call 0151 706 3150 or email loren.slade@rlbuht.nhs.uk
DOUBLE CELEBRATION FOR CRONTON
Cronton Primary pupils meet up with R2-D2
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Earlier this year Cronton CE Primary School had their SCIAS inspection, followed very quickly with an OFSTED inspection resulting in them receiving the highest grades of outstanding in all ten areas covered by the inspections. They are the first school in the Liverpool Diocese to move from “good” to “outstanding” under the newer and much tougher OFSTED framework. As a reward for their excellent contribution to the inspections, the
children on the school council organised a celebration afternoon. Supported by Mrs Myler, one of the school’s teaching assistants, council members had discussions in class to find out how the children wanted to celebrate. Once the ideas started coming in, the school council set about contacting local businesses to ask for help. The fantastic team managed to secure everything requested by the classes, including pony rides and a beach area.
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Primary News
Laying the foundations
Viva la Espana The pupils of Garston Church of England Primary School celebrate 50 years of education Children from a Liverpool school built by the local community are recreated history to mark its 50th anniversary. June 7 marked 50 years since the foundation stone of Garston Church of England Primary School was laid, and since then it has educated around 14,000 children. Local people purchased 400,000 bricks costing sixpence each (2.5 pence in new money) to cover the £12,300 funding shortfall, and enable it to be built. During construction, 50 local brick setters offered their services, 337 people volunteered to help with construction and local people threw notes and coins into builder’s wheelbarrows. To celebrate the half-century, a special service was held at St Michael’s Church to remember how the community came together to deliver the school. Pupils then marched back to school in a recreation of the original parade, carrying banners and balloons before holding a party in the afternoon. Among those taking part were people who contributed towards the brick fund back in 1963. Headteacher Rick Widdowson said: “This school would not have been built if it were not for the generosity of the local community. “We felt it was really important to
make sure that they were involved in the celebrations as they have been fantastic supporters of the school over the last 50 years.” Councillor Jane Corbett, cabinet member for education said: “This school is right at the heart of the local community. Generations of local children have been taught at Garston and I am delighted they are celebrating 50 years of success.”
St Anne’s Catholic Primary School, Overbury Street Liverpool, held their annual Spanish Day as part of their cultural celebrations. St Anne’s is a centre of excellence for Spanish and the children, several of whom had recently returned from a trip to Barcelona, had a fantastic time throughout the day. Dressed in red and yellow the children and staff enjoyed a day packed full of exciting activities. The tapas bar provided them with the opportunity to taste some tortillas, churros and hot chocolate, Manchego cheese and children’s sangria. Whilst each class learnt a Spanish song it was then presented to the rest of the school and their parents and carers during a celebration assembly. With dancing and singing from One Latin Culture all had an extremely fun day!
In the bag Strand Shopping Centre teamed up with local Bootle schools to give children the chance to design a ‘bag for life’ for the centre, as part of the Strand’s ongoing environmental campaign. Entry forms were sent to local schools in the area including Christ Church Primary School and Bedford Primary School. Children were asked to design a bag on the entry form reflecting what Strand Shopping Centre means to them. The competition had over 200 entries and the top 10 designs were uploaded to Strand’s Facebook page in May for viewers to vote for. The winning design was a combination of votes from Facebook and the centre management team. Tom Mooney, aged 11 from Christ Church Primary School won the competition with his ‘Beatles’ themed design. Tom and the other nine finalists visited Strand Shopping Centre recently to see the final product and to receive goody bag prizes for taking part in the campaign. Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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Primary News
Hats off to young graduates! Knowsley schools make the grade Graduates as young as five donned their mortarboards and gowns to mark the end of another successful summer for Knowsley Children’s University. More than 1,600 young people aged 5-14 took part in the three-week long Children’s University programme in June and July. The scheme organises fun and educational activities for children, designed to help them broaden their knowledge and skills while trying new hobbies and making friends. At the end of the programme the young people enjoy a graduation ceremony, hosted at Liverpool Hope University’s Childwall Campus. “Our aim is to give young people a really fun and educational experience which helps them become enthusiastic learners for life,” explains Cllr Graham Wright, Knowsley Council’s cabinet member for children and family services. “The Children’s University allows them to try things they have never done before, meet young people from other schools and, above all, teaches them that learning opens up a world of opportunities that they might never have thought about before. “The graduation itself is a fantastic experience for the young people and their families, and I know for many of them it inspires them to aim for a university education when they’re old enough.” This year, children from 28 of Knowsley’s schools took part in the Children’s University, which started in 2008 and has grown in numbers every summer, now more than 3,000 children have graduated in total. It is expected that the number of Knowsley schools taking part next year will rise to 32. Right: Josh Hughes from The Sylvester Primary School in Huyton is presented with his graduation certificate by Mayor of Knowsley, Cllr Brian O’Hare
Bonjour, hola and hello! All Saints in Anfield is one of the city’s ‘MFL Centres of Excellence’, specialising in French, and recently held its fifth annual Festival of Languages. The week contained a range of activities including African dance workshops, visits to a French Café, Spanish dance lessons, French playground games, Welsh lessons, learning the Arabic alphabet and many more. The week concluded with each year group from Nursery through to Year 6 performing songs and plays in French for their parents and friends. One of the school’s several language specialists, Year 1 teacher Sophie Dowler, is clear of its importance for the pupils. “I have had the benefit of living abroad and learning new languages and cultures and am so passionate about helping our children to have the same.” Headteacher Jeremy Barnes agrees: “I believe that today’s children will need to interact with the world around them far more than yesterday’s children did. We begin 18
language teaching in our nursery classes showing what a high priority we give it here at All Saints.” The school holds the full British Council International School Award and part of the week enabled the children to speak to their friends in schools in Belgium, Spain
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and Sierra Leone. The school has lifelong partnerships and friendships, most recently sending ten Year 6 pupils to take part in a joint outdoor activity trip with their partner school in Veurne, Flanders. In June, staff from their partner school in Waterloo, Sierra Leone visited for a week.
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Primary News
Stepping out for road safety
Pupils from Dovedale Junior School get off to an explosive start
Big school week Explosive start for pupils Recently Year 5 pupils came from Dovedale Junior School to experience ‘Big School Week’ at Calderstones and tried ‘Big School’ lessons in English, maths, science, music and PE. The week was action packed and the pupils were incredibly enthusiastic in their numeracy lesson where they did magic tricks with numbers and then they had to design symbols related to patterns of the times tables. The Dovedale mathematicians loved the lesson and some pupils even asked for homework! In their English lessons pupils showed off their team-working skills by planning, creating and decorating their own ‘Green Heads’ perfecting their paragraphs along the way! In science they wore goggles and took part in experiments, which focused on the importance of colour. Pupils tested household substances to see if they were acids or alkalis, they tested ‘crime scene’ samples to see what metals are in there and used a four foot long ‘giant Bunsen’ to recreate Harry Potter's Goblet of Fire. The pupils also made slime and discovered why a fireball is yellow! Calderstoned teacher Miss Twigg noticed some fabulous future scientists when they studied chromatography and Miss Rimmer was impressed with the Dovedale talent when she worked with the pupils on a super vocal performance. On their final afternoon’s visit the pupils went to a PE lesson; the boys played in a basketball tournament and the girls enjoyed a mat rounder’s competition. Many pupils achieved certificates for outstanding achievements in various 20
lessons and activities during the week. Calderstones Year 7 form captain, Connor Hannaway, says: “It was great to meet the younger pupils and show them around the school. I remember being nervous about starting secondary school and I think that now they have tried out some big school lessons they will feel much more confident about it”.
CELEBRATING ACHIEVEMENT Pupils and staff at Bishop David Sheppard Primary School, Southport were celebrating after gaining a prestigious Arts Mark Award, following a recent inspection by the Arts Council. This is nationally recognised as demonstrating excellence in arts and cultural provision, and Mrs Lindsay, Year 1 teacher says: “Holding Artsmark status demonstrates that our school values the arts and culture, providing evidence that we are providing pupils with enriching art and cultural experiences. “Artsmark is Arts Council England’s flagship programme to enable schools and other organisations to evaluate, strengthen and celebrate their arts and cultural provision. It contributes to the cultural aspect of Ofsted’s requirement that a school promotes students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. “Our school has now gained this important award and we are very proud of our school’s achievements and are ambitious for the future”.
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Pupils in Huyton took to the streets for a record-breaking attempt – all in the name of safety. Nearly 1,000 pupils from St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Infant and Junior schools on Pilch Lane, Huyton, stepped out to take part in a giant walking bus as part of a national event organised by road safety charity BRAKE. The aim of the day was to promote safe walking to school, teaching the children about both road safety and the health benefits of walking, and encouraging motorists to be more considerate of young pedestrians. Before the record attempt, the St Margaret Mary’s pupils took part in a competition to make road safety placards, the winning designs by Olivia Whitehead, Grace Quinton, Lily Roberts, Alexa Martindale and Rica Castillo being proudly displayed during the walk. The giant walking bus was the latest initiative at the schools to encourage pupils to walk to school safely. Both the infant and junior schools have bicycle and scooter storage on site and a monthly walking bus is supervised by school staff. There is also a WoW scheme where children are rewarded with badges if they walk to school every Wednesday. Headteacher of St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Infant School, Jayne Dunn says: “The children have really enjoyed the build up to this record breaking attempt and have learnt a lot about road safety and the benefits of walking to school. “Hopefully we will see even more families leaving the car at home and choosing to make their journeys safely by foot, bike or scooter.”
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Meet the Headteacher Amanda Ryan, Hillside High School
It’s all change at Hillside High School with a new headteacher at the helm. Stephen Hurrell caught up with new head Amanda Ryan to discover her plans for the high school and why her vision remains true to the school's mission statement.
New methods, traditional values Newly appointed head teacher, Amanda Ryan says she is ‘absolutely determined’ to make a difference at Hillside High School upon taking over the reins at the Bootle school. Having worked at the school for ten years, first as a religious education teacher and more recently as deputy head, Amanda has a vision for the school that continues to put it firmly at the centre of the community. The school mission statement is ‘Excellence in the heart of the community’ and is a real stimulus to providing the sort of education she wants all children to have. “I want parents to be happy and confident about sending their children here. Families of Bootle and Liverpool deserve to have an outstanding school,” she says. Founded in 1972 when Bootle Girls' Grammar School joined forces with Balliol County Secondary School, Hillside originally operated from two sites until 1987 when the pupils came together at the Breeze Hill building. Throughout its 40 plus years, Amanda 22
says Hillside's ethos has remained the same – to provide a hub for the childcentred community in which the school operates. “We put our children at the centre of everything we do and every decision we make,” she says. “Children flourish in our school, whatever talents and strengths our pupils have we strive to find and develop these.” In order to do so Hillside aims to offer a curriculum that is traditional with a modern twist, ensuring its pupils study the subjects that provide them with the best qualifications for higher education and the world of work. “The core curriculum is enhanced by options which allow pupils to pick subjects which they will enjoy, flourish and succeed in,” says Amanda. “We are continually implementing new and exciting qualifications to enhance our curriculum, this year we have introduced GCSE computer science and ‘APPs for Good’ which will see our pupils studying ICT through devising their own APPs in Year 9.”
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“
The core curriculum is enhanced by options which allow pupils to pick subjects which they will enjoy, flourish and succeed in
”
As a Science and Language College, Amanda says it’s important the school stays loyal to its specialisms. It was named a flagship specialist school in 2008 and as a result it has offered more options for pupils who want to learn science or languages.
It is one of few schools in the area to offer individual GCSEs in chemistry, biology and physics as opposed to the dual science GCSE offered elsewhere. It also allows pupils to study dual language – French and Spanish – or choose one or the other.
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Amanda says she is determined to deliver a “consistently excellent education” for all pupils. “My enthusiasm for the role will ensure that we will be successful,” she says. “My job is to push forward with rapid developments in teaching and learning that secure excellent pupil progress.” Indeed, she is right to be optimistic as pupils at the school are already making great progress. This year’s GCSE Results saw the school receive its highest ever passes at 5A*-C grades including English and maths. “I am so proud of the achievements of our pupils this year,” says Amanda. “They have achieved so highly and are
able to go on to further education with excellent results from Hillside. The 10% increase in pupils achieving 5A*-C grades including English and maths is testimony to their hard work, the hard work of our team and the support of our community.” Amanda recognises these improvements as being a great starting point for much more and she says the school will by no means become complacent. “I know that we can make even more progress with our pupils this year,” she adds. “The developments in teaching and learning will continue to drive rapid improvement and challenge our pupils to reach their absolute full potential.
“We operate an open door policy at Hillside and are keen for parents to come and see our school and to find out more about what we can do for your children. Our open evening is on Thursday October 3 at 6.45pm but we would love to show parents and prospective pupils our school at any time.” As we wrap up our interview it's hard not to share in Amanda's excitement for the school's future. Indeed, her enthusiasm for Hillside and education in general is contagious. “Teaching is in my blood,” she says. “This school is in my blood and I hope I’m in the school’s blood. I want people to be passionate about the area and passionate about the children. I believe that we are a school that can do that.”
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Primary News
Hat trick joy Primary recognised as ‘inspirational’ St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary, Liverpool was celebrating the good news of the award of an outstanding grade in its recent section 5 Ofsted inspection.
The result of the two-day inspection in May meant that the school is the first Catholic school in the city to retain its outstanding status and one of a small number of schools nationally to receive Pupils from St Vincent de Paul celebrate their award
Ruby goes ‘potty’
Ruby Turner winner of the Marie Curie’s Mini Pots of Care schools initiative 24
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this recognition on three consecutive occasions. The inspection team found the achievement of pupils, their behaviour and safety, the quality of teaching and leadership and management were all outstanding. Inspectors cited the headteacher, senior leaders and governing body as “inspirational.” More importantly the report commented favourably upon the behaviour and attitude of the pupils, which it described as “exemplary.” The inspection comes towards the end of the academic year and cements the school’s attainment data published earlier in the year, which confirms St Vincent’s as one of the highest achieving schools in the city. Headteacher, Mr Stewart, says: “This is an historic moment in the life of St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary and reflects the ethos and mission of the school community who, “Serve with love and strive for excellence’ in all that they do”.
Local Liverpool schoolgirl Ruby Turner dug deep to win the northwest regional paint your mini pot competition as part of Marie Curie’s Mini Pots of Care schools initiative. Ruby, a pupil at Much Woolton Catholic Primary School received her winners’ prize, which included a gardening set for Ruby and £25 in vouchers for the school. Marie Curie fundraiser Antony Jones says: “It’s great that this year’s winner is from a local school. Much Woolton raised a fantastic £320 from their mini pot appeal this year, and thousands more children raised vital funds for Marie Curie Cancer Care by growing the charity’s iconic yellow daffodil logo as part of the Mini Pots of Care appeal right across Merseyside.” Learning support assistant at Much Woolton Primary Mrs Crawford says: “The children had great fun doing Mini Pots of Care, and the lesson plans provided were great at getting the kids involved. “They all planted their bulbs in the autumn, and watched them grow into beautiful
daffodils in spring. “Painting their pots was great fun too, and all the time we were raising funds for Marie Curie, which is such a fantastic cause. “We’re thrilled that Ruby won this year’s paint your Mini Pot competition, and hope to take part in the appeal again next year. I would definitely recommend it to other schools!” Now in its ninth year, mini pots of care is a creative and educational project for schools and groups, teaching children about science, nature and the work of Marie Curie Cancer Care. Last year over 3,200 schools, nurseries and organisations took part in the appeal which invites children aged between 3 and 11 to plant and grow beautiful yellow daffodils and fundraise for the charity. The children receive a free kit including daffodil bulbs to plant in the autumn and care for throughout the winter months, reflecting the work of Marie Curie Nurses, and the charities Liverpool hospice, which provide free care to patients with terminal illnesses.
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Education News
Trail blazing design Widnes firm spearheads augmented reality revolution Widnes creative design firm Printel is trail blazing the latest digital technology augmented reality, helping north west schools to bring their marketing campaigns into the 21st century. Stuart Atherton, Printel’s managing director, says: “Augmented reality is a fantastic innovation which has dozens of amazing applications. “It involves using the camera on your smart phone or tablet. You hold the device over a still photo which is enhanced with augmented reality and the photo magically comes to life with a short video clip.” A number of north west high schools including Liverpool’s Alsop High School have embraced the new technology as a vibrant, innovative way to engage pupils and their parents. “Alsop held an open evening in January when a number of display boards and the traditional prospectus were sprinkled with the movie magic of augmented reality. “The delighted response from both children and adults meant they were both much more engaged with the school and what it had to offer,” says Stuart. Augmented reality is an easy way of livening up school marketing materials. A short film (c.30-40 seconds) is created which might feature a person talking to
camera or an action sequence. This film sits behind a designated stills picture or inanimate object and is activated by downloading a special AR app and then holding a smart device over the trigger. And it has dozens of useful applications. By incorporating AR into a prospectus, schools get the best of both worlds – a glossy prestige document for parents to keep, coupled with the emotional impact of film. Star pupils get the opportunity to explain in their own engaging words why they love coming to school, for instance. AR technology could also be
PROTECTING YOU AND YOUR CHILD AGAINST MEASLES Public Health professionals in Knowsley are advising residents, particularly children, who haven’t had the MMR vaccine to contact their GP. Adults who work with children should also ensure they are vaccinated or immune to measles. You can check your child’s ‘red book’ to ensure they have received the two doses of the MMR vaccine or alternatively, call your GP. In addition, a school vaccination programme will be taking place over the coming months in Knowsley secondary schools for pupils who have received either just one vaccine or no vaccines at all. Measles is a highly infectious disease and spreads easily through coughing and sneezing. The most effective protection against measles infection is full immunisation with two doses of MMR vaccine. It is never too late to get vaccinated, so if you or your child hasn’t received the MMR vaccination, make an appointment with your GP today. For further information, visit www.nhs.uk 26
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incorporated into display boards, banners, subject sheets, welcome messages in reception or a regular newsletter triggered by a school badge. And if schools want to update the message behind the trigger picture, a cost-effective alternative would be to retain the printed picture and just change the film content behind. And the great thing is, all clicks are measurable, so schools can gauge how well they’re doing. For more information, contact Printel on 0800 542 0700 and ask for a free sample. www.printel.co.uk
Carleton House celebrates International Award The staff and pupils at Carleton House Preparatory School are celebrating achieving the prestigious International School Award. The children worked with pupils in schools in Spain and Greece to learn about each other’s homes, school life and pastimes amongst other cultural and language based activities. Scrutinising the portfolio of evidence submitted by the school, British Council assessors wrote:
‘You have delivered relevant international activities with your partner schools focusing on relevant and current international themes. In particular the following activities: ‘Through my eyes’, ‘Our city’ and ‘A day in my life’ are of high quality, innovative and have engaged students both within your school, your partner school and your local community.’ The school is now looking forward to receiving their International School flag and plaque.
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“You’re hired” Kirkby students connect with TV apprentice BBC’s “The Apprentice” candidate Kurt Wilson echoed Lord Sugar’s nononsense style when he judged the mugs, key rings and t-shirts produced by students at All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning in Kirkby as part of their Young Enterprise business venture. Kurt, who survived seven weeks on the reality TV show, spent time with the All Saints’ team who had already collected two of the four prizes on offer in the regional finals. The students set up and managed a personalised printing company called “Royal Heart Design”. He put the aspiring students through a Lord Sugar-style grilling and gave them a unique insight into his experience on The Apprentice as well as answering all their questions and giving business advice. Kurt says: “I think Young Enterprise is a great way to introduce school students to the world of business. These students have proved they can design and produce a product, source materials and sell their wares, whether to fellow students or the wider community. Most importantly they learn about leadership and teamwork in equal measure – Lord
Kurt Wilson with the students from All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning fun presenting our ideas to him.” Sugar would love it!” In the real world, Kurt is a Safety and A spokesperson from the school says: Environment Officer for Peel Ports “It was fantastic to have Kurt visit the Mersey and also has a specialised health school. We try to instil a strong work drinks business called ‘Fuel Shakes’ on ethic into all our students and Kurt was a Renshaw Street in Liverpool. great example of that. We’ve had great
Millie meets her Mascot! In conjunction with Gateacre High School and Belle Vale Adventure playground, Belle Vale Shopping Centre ran a ‘Design a Mascot’ competition with pupils, to create a mascot for the shopping centre and to link in with youths throughout the area for the centre’s ‘Proud of my Roots’ campaign. Tim Quinn, writer for the Guardian newspaper and former editor of Marvel Comics, was on the judging panel that selected the overall winner in the final. Pupils of Gateacre High School and Belle Vale’s Adventure Playground worked on designing a mascot for the centre both in class and during their spare time as homework. Hundreds entered into the competition and the judges recently narrowed down the entries to the final five. The final five worked on their designs in more detail over the holidays and pitched to the panel of judges. The winning applicant was 11-year-old Millie Raines and her design has now been made into a real live mascot that will represent Belle Vale Shopping Centre at their various mall events and the proud of my roots campaign. Millie designed ‘Bella the Bee’ mascot and wowed the judges with her presentation. The judges included Paul Wilson, centre manager at Belle Vale Shopping Centre, the famous writer Tim Quinn, Ian Johnson from the Belle Vale Adventure Playground and Lisa Mitchell from Gateacre School. Paul Wilson, centre manager, says: “The judges were stunned with the standard of the pupil’s presentations and found it a very hard to make a decision. However, Millie’s ‘Bella the Bee’ design was unique and that’s what helped make the winning decision’. 32
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Gateacre High School student Millie Raines meets Bella the Bee
Tim Quinn commented: “In all my years working for Marvel Comics this is one of the best character creations I’ve seen. Fantastic work!”
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Stepping out on annual charity walk
FORMBY STUDENT RAISES £1500 FOR CHARITY
College’s walk on the wild side
Jack arrives at the finish of his marathon kayak challenge
St Mary’s College students get set for their desert trek Pupils at St Mary’s College, Crosby have been putting their best foot forward for charity on their annual sponsored walk. Students and staff took part in the Edmund Rice Walk, a desert trek along the Sefton coastal path. Although St Mary’s is now run as an independent trust, it was set up by the Christian Brothers, and the school remains committed to supporting the spiritual, educational and charitable principles of Edmund Rice, founder of the Christian Brothers movement. As a result, all the sponsor money from the walk will go to a fundraising drive marking the 250th anniversary of Edmund Rice’s birth. The Edmund Rice Beyond 250 Appeal is a year-long
initiative to raise awareness and funds for the international work of the Christian Brothers in the developing world. Donations are still being collected but the final sum is expected to top £1,000. The starting signal for the walk was given by St Mary’s deputy headteacher, Francis Connolly, who says: “I was very pleased to see everyone at the college giving the Edmund Rice Walk their enthusiastic support again this year, in spite of the often difficult conditions. “The event was a great opportunity for staff and students to spend the day together in the open air, and to raise money for an exceptionally good cause at the same time.”
Enterprising pupils donation Pupils from Archbishop Blanch School’s sixth form enterprise group ‘Innovate’ recently visited Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice to present a cheque for £100 as a donation from their profits from selling their “Moving Upward” transition book for primary school Year 6 pupils and their parents. The students were deeply moved by the experience of seeing the babies and the work that takes place at the hospice. 34
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14-year-old Jack Cameron-Pimblett recently completed his personal goal of kayaking the length of the Leeds to Liverpool Canal for charity. Earlier this year Jack battled through 91 locks, 226 bridges and two tunnels to complete his 127 mile journey in five days and three hours, paddling for 21 hours straight on the final day! Jack set himself a goal of raising £10 per mile for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust but in the end he raised a fantastic £1500. Jack says: “It’s a surreal sensation when your mind overcomes your body and you just have the will to carry on.” Jack attends Formby High School and is in Year 9, headteacher Dominic Mackenzie, says: “The whole school community is incredibly proud of Jack and his exceptional determination to succeed and raise funds for this worthy cause.”
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Pictured are some of the Calderstones pupils with their defibrillators as well as their proud PE department with their certificates.
Leading the way School send a message to minister A group of Calderstones pupils recently met Mark King, from the Oliver King Foundation and Liverpool councillor Jake Morrison who are leading a campaign for the government to put defibrillators in all schools.
The schools PE department staff are now trained in using defibrillators and they now have three defibrillators in the school, Calderstones were actually the first secondary school in Liverpool to have defibrillators onsite. Alongside some of the primary schools
Just champion Originally planned to take place as part of the Winter Festival of the Merseyside School Games in March, the Girls Disability Football county final took place in June at Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool. Altbridge School (Knowsley) took first place, West Kirkby Residential (Wirral) second and Bankview High (Liverpool) along with Claremount (Wirral) took joint third place. The Fair Play winner was West Kirkby Residential School. All placed teams all received medals and certificates of achievement. The event involved four teams with 10 girls in each squad. The event was designed for girls in Years 8, 9 and 10 and each squad played against each school team with points awarded for positions. Everton Football Club and Liverpool County Football Association were on hand to spot potential talent, to ensure that girls with the skills are given the opportunities to develop in local clubs. 36
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The winning team from Altbridge School, Knowsley
in Liverpool (who have also now got defibrillators thanks to the OK foundation and Liverpool Life Saving Team) the pupils have recorded a message for Anna Soubry Health Minister, asking for defibrillators in all schools throughout the country.
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A head for business Schools link with health is a winner A group of students from St Julie’s Catholic Girls School in Woolton have been named as the winners of Liverpool Vision’s ‘Head for Business’ Schools Competition, with support from Liverpool Community Health. The competition asked them to complete a number of challenge rounds focused around business planning, sales and marketing, with the aim of helping to nurture the next generation of innovative business talent from across the city of Liverpool. St Julie’s invested a £100 start up fund into launching their business idea called ‘Soap & Curie’ and under the venture are now producing and selling a range of hand-made novelty soaps, with proceeds being donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care. The students involved in the project include: Helena Walker, aged 15; Siobhan Birch, aged 15; Amy Kent, aged 16; and Josephine Tsavalos, aged 15. As well as providing staff to act as business mentors to these young entrepreneurs throughout the competition, Liverpool Community Health also sponsored the distribution of their soaps amongst an audience of city business leaders at a Downtown Liverpool in Business event in March. Bernie Cuthel, chief executive of Liverpool Community Health, says: “We were delighted to be able to support the
The winning team from St Julie’s Catholic Girls School students from St Julie’s Catholic School in getting their exciting new business venture off the ground. It’s a great example of creativity and entrepreneurship, and is also supporting Marie Curie Cancer Care, which is a health cause that’s close to our hearts at LCH, particularly since we deliver palliative care services and care for people suffering with cancer and other serious illnesses at home.
One of the students, Helena Walker says; “We were really excited to have the opportunity to present our idea to an audience of Liverpool’s leading business people at the Women in Business Awards. We’ve already had lots of fantastic feedback about our project, and our soap sales are definitely up. “We are very grateful to the team at Liverpool Community Health for helping us to make it happen.”
It’s happenPing in Liverpool! After the success of last year’s Ping! Liverpool, which saw 40 ping pong tables appear across the city to get everyone fired up for the Olympics –
they made a return trip to the city. And pupils from Alsop High School helped to launch the event at Walton Hall Park along with their local councillor,
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Peter Mitchell. The tables were placed throughout the city, for nearly one month with the objective to get people active and have fun – all for free! After the month was up, ten permanent concrete tables remained in parks and green spaces across the city. This is as a result of the huge success of the 2012 programme which saw thousands of people picking up a bat. Councillor Mitchell says: “We had fantastic feedback from people who made the most of the tables last year, with many people keen to see the tables return so they can dust off their bats and show off their ping pong skills! “I’m sure the initiative will be just as popular this year, and it’s great to know that even when it’s over, the city still has permanent tables in many of our parks and green spaces for people to make the most of all year round.”
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Secondary News
Work underway on College
Mayor Joe Anderson helps start work on the site watched by Paul Dickinson, headteacher and pupils
Bill Leyland has been named the permanent headteacher at Kirkby Sports College
A mission to deliver results New head appointed at KSC Kirkby Sports College (KSC) is continuing its mission to drive improvements after officially appointing a new headteacher who has delivered a second positive Ofsted report for the school. Bill Leyland has been named the permanent headteacher at the Knowsley college after an academy order was signed by Department for Education schools minister Lord John Nash. The news comes within days of a second positive Ofsted report which deemed the college to be making progress towards the removal of special measures applied in November 2012. Mr Leyland has been the college’s acting headteacher since the start of the year. In that time KSC has received two Ofsted monitoring inspections. The latest report, following an inspection back in May, says effective steps are being taken to improve the quality of teaching, while student behaviour continues to improve. Furthermore, expectations of students’ performance have been raised by the introduction of robust systems for setting targets in each subject. The report also acknowledges that under the new leadership the college is emerging as a place of learning which students are 40
increasingly proud of. “Kirkby Sports College is continuing to make great strides forward,” says Mr Leyland. “We have a clear and straight forward strategy to drive excellence in teaching standards as well as student behaviour and achievement. “We are focussed on nurturing growth, unlocking talent and building a better future for our students and the wider community. I am delighted to have secured my role as the college’s permanent headteacher. Alongside the management team, teaching staff and students we are united in our mission to consistently drive improvements.” Commenting on new headteacher Mr Leyland, the report says: “In a relatively short time as principal you have inspired your colleagues and brought them to a realisation of what is possible in terms of high outcomes for students. You have united them behind your vision, which is encapsulated in the college’s mission statement of ‘Inspire, Believe, Achieve’.” Officials say the school’s overall development plan has been strengthened since the last monitoring visit in February. This is being overseen by an Interim Executive Board (IEB) which replaced the school’s governing body.
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Work is underway on a new £17 million energy efficient school which will benefit thousands of Liverpool children. The new Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College is being built by Willmott Dixon Construction on the former Long Lane council depot in Fazakerley. The scheme is part of the Liverpool School Investment Programme, devised as a rescue package following the scrapping of Wave Six of Liverpool’s Building Schools for the Future (BSF) project. It will be environmentally friendly, with a solar panel roof to generate electricity, and will also feature a sports hall with six courts, a 3G pitch, a theatre and recording and dance studios. Mayor Joe Anderson says: “We are determined to make sure every child in the city gets the best possible start in life, and a good education in good surroundings is crucial. “As Mayor, improving schools is a priority and we are also determined to make sure the construction project benefits local firms as well, so we maximise the benefits to the city.” Head Paul Dickinson says: “We are absolutely delighted that work has started on the school and our students are starting to see their dreams become reality. “We have held detailed discussions with the whole community, including parents and pupils whose opinions we have sought and acted upon in terms of the design. “The whole community of Archbishop Beck would like to thank Mayor Joe Anderson, councillor Jane Corbett and the city council for all their efforts in making our new school a reality. “As a school who lost out on government funding at the last minute, we are immensely grateful for everyone’s determination to ensure our new school, with outstanding new facilities for the students and community of Archbishop Beck, is built.” The school is set to open in September 2014.
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Hair-raising theatre trip Star is mobbed by fans Drama students, along with members of the Sacred Heart Catholic College’s choir and orchestra, spruced themselves up and back-combed their hair for a trip to the Liverpool Empire to see Hairspray. Director of performing arts, Mrs Fraser, says: “Apart from the fact Hairspray is a great show, there was the added bonus that an ex-student with a definite XFactor was starring in it. Of course, this was Marcus Collins, who was playing Seaweed Stubbs. “This was a high-energy, whirlwind of a show that kept the whole audience entertained throughout. The cast delivered amazing performances and all the technical aspects of the show were superb. “As for Marcus, he was, of course, the star of the show and it was not just Sacred Heart staff and students who thought so. Every time he came on
Ex-student, Marcus Collins gets mobbed by Sacred Heart drama students stage, the whole audience roared Marcus met them after the show and approval. spent time chatting with them and “However, perhaps the highlight of the signing all their programmes and evening for our students was when tickets”.
Tackling social issues Recently 500 young people from Litherland High School participated in a programme with One Vision Housing in Sefton in an effort to address a range of social issues affecting young people. The school delivered a series of lessons using the innovative ‘Face Up’ multi-media resource, as part of their Intensive Learning programme with young people (aged 12-16yrs). ‘Face Up’ is part of the ‘It’s Not Ok’ programme and is funded by Realising Ambition through the Big Lottery. ‘Face up’ is helping to raise awareness of teenage relationships and domestic violence in line with the national curriculum. Gaining a huge seal of approval from both staff and young people, a teacher from Litherland High School says: “Face Up is a fun, active learning approach that enhances the curriculum for our pupils, providing an opportunity for them to explore teenage relationships and use their knowledge, while learning and understanding how to make informed choices in the future. “Face Up is relevant, interactive and above all else is an educational tool that shows young people what a 42
healthy relationship is, and what one is not, in a format they completely understand. “Our teaching staff also enjoyed delivering the sessions, as the resources are easy to follow and readymade, so saves on our precious time.” A pupil from Litherland High went onto say: “The Face Up resource was brilliant as the activities are really relevant to our lives and provide plenty of advice that can be easily applied to real life situations. “I would recommend the Face Up resource to any school, as young people may have problems with relationships which they need to discuss. This resource helps us to understand the many issues that can occur at any time in a relationship.”
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CAMPAIGN SUPPORT Recently councillor Jake Morrison and Mark King visited Childwall Sports and Science Academy. Mark King’s son Oliver tragically died in 2011 and all schools in Liverpool are involved in the campaign to ensure at least one defibrillator is present in each school. Childwall Sports and Science Academy were delighted to be involved in this programme and recently a group of Year 7 students supported the venture by taking part in a recording which is to be shown to members of the House of Commons to highlight the need for defibrillators in every public building throughout the country. Principal, Dewi Phillips, says: “Childwall Sports and Science Academy is delighted to be involved in this extremely worthwhile project.”
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Developing community links Students secure grant for group Broughton Hall recently participated in the The Youth and Philanthropy Initiative. The initiative is an international program that aims to develop local community leaders by providing a real opportunity for hands on experience of philanthropy that provides them with the skills and awareness to make a positive difference in their communities. All Year 9 students from the school studied the concept of philanthropy in their RE lessons and completed research and presentations in ICT. Each team was set the task of contacting a local charity, visiting them and presenting their cause to their fellow students. Six excellent teams presented in the final using a variety of multimedia to persuade the judging panel to choose their charity. It was a tough decision, however finally the Clubmoor Group (a club for adults with learning difficulties) won the £3000 cheque. Congratulations went to Catherine-ElSaiegh, Daniella Heller, Olivia Campbell and Hannah Browne who travelled to
Broughton Hall Students Catherine-El-Saiegh, Daniella Heller, Olivia Campbell and Hannah Browne with their cheque for the Clubmoor Club London to received their cheque and celebrated with other teams across the UK. Headteacher Ms Clarke, says: “We are
Fashion leaders St John Bosco Student Rebecca Lambert in Year 10 made a fabulous mock leather tasselled bag for her GCSE textiles course. She made such a fantastic bag she entered the ‘Get creative with Abakhan’ competition run by the fabric superstore in Liverpool. Rebecca won the 12-14 year age group and received £50 of high street vouchers and a great accolade from this very prominent local store! Rebecca was delighted and hopes to make more exciting fashion items in the future maybe even be the next big name at Fashion week! Right: Rebecca with fellow Y10 textiles student Joanna Sichivula modelling her bag.
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looking forward to promoting a sense of responsibility, respect and Broughton's commitment to developing compassionate communities”.
Physically speaking A team of four Year 11 pupils from Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School are now the penultimate winners of a national physics competition, with the final round consisting of a three-day event held at the University of Oxford. As a result of winning the extreme physics event last year in Lancaster, the team were invited to compete against other regional winners from all over the country in a masterclass event. The team, consisting of Henry You, John Chan, Sid Baines and Callum Richardson, pitted their wits against others from as far away as Portsmouth in the event sponsored by The Ogden Trust. They took part in undergraduate laboratory tasks, lectures, and even had the opportunity to visit the worldrenowned Begbroke Science Park. The boys questioned the scientists behind nanotechnology and Nobel Prize winning advancements in a range of fields. Finally, they presented their research project on laser and magnetic fusion techniques to a panel of experts. The judges and peer assessors agreed that the Merchants’ team had done the best job and handled the panel’s questions with confidence and a great depth of knowledge. The boys took home the winners’ trophy, along with the knowledge that they came top against some of the best young physicists in the country.
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Joining up the dots The winners of the recent 2012/13 dot-art schools competition were announced at a prize-giving ceremony at the Domino Gallery in Liverpool recently. As well as the overall winners, the top three students from each of the participating schools were all presented with a certificate by the Lord Mayor, councillor Gary Millar. The overall first prize was awarded to James Murphy, a Year 9 pupil from St Margaret’s Church of England Academy. As well as tickets to the Chagall show, he also received a scholarship to dot-art, giving him a year’s membership to dotart’s network, allowing him to showcase and sell his work alongside professional artists. The two runners-up were Isobel Shore from Gateacre School and Jessie Lau from The Blue Coat School, who both won exclusive tickets to see Tate Liverpool’s Chagall Exhibition when the gallery is closed to the public. Lucy Byrne of dot-art says: “The selection of the overall winner of the first dot-art Schools Programme was an incredibly difficult process, as the standard of work submitted was absolutely fantastic. “However, after much discussion, the judges agreed that James’s stunning
painting “Urban” was a very worthy winner. The expressive use of paint, strong colour selection and striking composition combine to produce a truly impressive work of art. I am sure we will be seeing more of this talented artist's work in the future.” Lord Mayor of Liverpool Gary Millar added: “Well done to all these schools for taking part and inspiring the amazing young people to get involved... It's not every school child who gets to see their work on the walls of a gallery!” dot-art Schools is an annual, interactive, inter-school art competition, open to primary and secondary schools based in the Liverpool city region, designed to nurture talent, raise ambition, and take art out of the classroom and into the real world. With the current threats to creative subjects on the national curriculum, dotart Schools offers a way of keeping young people engaged in the arts, allows them to see a creative career path, and encouraging them to attend exhibitions outside of school. Schools are each invited to submit 25 pieces of art work by students in Year 6 and Year 9, which are then subject to an online public vote. Over 380 entries were submitted this year, and can all be viewed online at schools.dot-art.com
James Murphy, a Year 9 pupil from St Margaret’s Church of England Academy with his winning artwork, recieves his award from the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, councillor Gary Millar 46
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The great Bootle bake-off
Rebecca Burke is pictured with judge for the event, Steve Otty and her winning coffee and walnut gateaux Five St Ambrose Barlow students snapped up the chance to show off their baking skills earlier this year at Hugh Baird College. Rebecca Burke, Abigail Clynch, Rachel Hopley, Adam Miller and John Brightman competed against another secondary school to see who the best bakers were. Students from both schools were judged on the taste and making skills for a traditional Victoria sponge cake and a ‘show stopper’. All five students put a lot of time and effort into practicing their ‘show stopper’ pieces that ‘wowed’ the judges. All students were outstanding and Rebecca Burke finished in a well-deserved first place with her coffee and walnut gateaux. Abigail Clynch took second place with her fabulous chocolate fudge cake and Adam Miller was third with his take on chocolate brownies. Congratulations to all the students who took part and we look forward to next year’s competition.
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Meet the Headteacher Dominic Mackenzie, Formby High School
Without even passing through the gates of Formby High it appears the school is steeped in success, with an ‘outstanding’ grade in its most recent Ofsted report and a website highlighting both local and national sporting and academic achievements over recent years.
Sticking to high standards by Natasha Young This strong reputation played a part in attracting headteacher Dominic Mackenzie to the school. Having completed one full year at Formby High, he reflects on his decision to take the helm there from his deputy head position at the also outstanding St Edward’s College. “I wanted to go to a school that had a really strong reputation and I was aware of Formby High’s reputation in terms of academic performance but also because of performing arts. The school has a national reputation for performing arts,” says Dominic. “I wanted to join a school that I felt was similar in terms of the community it served and the demographic to my previous school and what was also really important to me was a school where the values came through really strongly.” According to Dominic, the “really strong position” that Formby High is in allowed him to spend the first year getting to know the students, staff and community while focusing on maintaining continuity, as opposed to 52
having to make “significant or drastic changes”. Shortly after his appointment the headteacher already felt he’d made progress in convincing the community that high standards would be maintained. He added: “We admit 160 students in Year 7 and typically receive about 400 applicants. We had our open evening in September 2012, which was my first major event, and I was really pleased because we received 460 applicants. That to me indicated that out in the community the message has got through that the school is going to continue to be strong.” The top job had long been Dominic’s career goal, from his perhaps slightly unorthodox way in to the profession to spending the last five years of his 16-year St Edward’s stint as the deputy. He started out as an unqualified teacher at the independent school and achieved his teaching qualification in the first year, having worked towards his PGCE with the Open University. “Once I’d joined the profession I was very conscious of wanting to move through and have career progression. I
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“
It’s about saying ‘give it a go, really try your best’ and the vast majority of the students buy into that
”
was very fortunate at St Edward’s because in a fairly short space of time I was able to work my way onto the senior leadership team and to deputy headship level,” explains Dominic. “I worked very closely with the gentleman who’s currently headteacher - John Waszec. He was a real inspiration and a great role model and I think working with him and learning from him gave me the confidence to appreciate I can do the job myself.” With this in mind, it would appear Dominic is leading by example when it comes to the school’s motto; ‘determined to achieve’. It’s a motto he believes “cuts across all aspects of the school”, from the
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classroom to extra-curricular activities and making friends. “It’s about saying ‘give it a go, really try your best’ and the vast majority of the students buy into that,” says the headteacher. “I suppose it’s because they know they’re well supported, they know they’re not going to be judged if they don’t succeed as long as they really have tried their best, and they also know there are lots of opportunities for them, so if they’re not great at sport they might be a good musician. “Part of my responsibility is to ensure they have the opportunities to seek out their strengths and really work with them.” There’s also a focus on helping students achieve their potential once they leave school, and Dominic has made it a priority to ensure their learning is in tune with the working world. He explains: “One of the things I’m very conscious of is that the economic climate and the workplace are changing and what we need to do is evolve to
ensure the children we’re teaching, when they leave school, are prepared for the changing environment. “We’ve started to make what I would describe as significant enhancements to the curriculum, for example, the introduction of computer science as a GCSE. We’ve implemented the extended project as an options choice for the most able in sixth form.” During the summer 200 new computers were also introduced in the school with Dominic adding: “Quite a lot of the work I’m doing is around a campus development plan to ensure we’ve got buildings that are fit for purpose and suited to education in the 21st Century context.” On entering his second year, the headteacher not only hopes for good exam results but says: “The main priorities are to ensure the environment continues to improve, and to build on a lot of the work we’ve done in the last year in terms of the learning environment and the buildings and campus improvements.
“Secondly, to ensure we’re in the position whereby when an Ofsted inspection team does walk through the door it isn’t a big event, that it’s actually just part of the routine and everybody in the school is confident, well equipped and we have everything in place to ensure we receive a judgement which reflects where the school’s actually at.” In the longer term, Dominic sees his future lying firmly with Formby High, saying: “I think in a short space of time I’ve become part of the fabric of the buildings and I want to continue the journey with Formby High over the next however many years, rather than moving on to bigger schools or a different type of work. “Ultimately I’d say that what I want is for Formby High to provide a world class education so that we are the school of choice.” “It isn’t just about improving things that need to be improved, it’s about maintaining the things which are the real strengths.”
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Secondary News
Festival draws record crowds! Event highlights colleges completion
Pupils from the Rainford Rock Choir entertained the crowds
Rainford’s High School’s first ever Summer Festival was a real scorcher – with thousands of people enjoying fun in the sun! On a blisteringly hot summer’s day, the Rainford summer festival drew crowds of over 3,000 visitors to the new state-of-the-art high school. The festival - which was designed to mark the completion of the £27million new school and promote local businesses - featured a packed programme of live music, food, crafts and fun for the whole family. Visitors were treated to a wide range
of attractions including performances from some of the borough’s most talked about up-and-coming bands, an international food court and variety of games, attractions and stalls. Students from the Higher Lane school also showcased their talents in a series of performances across the day. Rainford High School Principal Ian Young says: “It was an amazing day and we were thrilled to see so many local people join us for our celebration of both the school and our village. “Rainford is a vibrant community
and the event really showed just what the area has to offer for everyone.” The festival drew support from a range of local businesses and is set to become a highlight of the local summer calendar for some time to come. Vice Principal, Terry Rigby, says: “I came with my family and we all thought the event was excellent. “In particular we felt there was a real family atmosphere with a range of events and activities to suit everyone. “The whole event was professionally organised and so much better than a typical school fete”.
New beginnings for College How the new build will look at Holly Lodge
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Holly Lodge Girls’ College have confirmed a new building for the school by February 2015, which will house art, music, modern foreign languages and humanities. Headteacher, Julia Tinsley, says: “This will be built opposite our current modern buildings and provide state of the art facilities for those subject areas. “The result is that the school will be ‘united’ around a central courtyard with improved sports facilities for both the school and community. “We expect construction to begin November/December 2013 and to take just over a year to complete. We are very fortunate that during the construction period the present school buildings will not be affected at all. “Teaching and learning will continue without disruption. Once the new building is complete, we will simply move in and take ownership. “This is fabulous news for all staff and students, present and future, who thoroughly deserve the investment being made in them by Liverpool City Council”.
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Secondary News
Try a Trade Broadgreen launch new campaign Liverpool Mutual Homes and Housing Maintenance Solutions launched the ‘Try A Trade’ school campaign in partnership with Broadgreen International School. Year 9 students were involved in the construction taster day event which gave students an insight into the housing and maintenance industry. Five operatives form Housing Maintenance Solutions were involved, each specialising in a different trade including electrical, tiling, joinery, plumbing and gas. The students were split into squads of five and followed a carousel around each activity, which included plumbing a toilet and hanging wallpaper. The enthused pupils all expressed great interest in the activities and some left with aspirations for a career in the construction trades. The LMH staff delivered a fantastic series of workshops, and were impressed with the attitude and enthusiasm displayed by the participants. After the success of this event, future
Pupils learn the basics of joinery plans include another similar event incorporating a whole year group, and a design and make project involving Key
Fun in the sun The sun truly shone on Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning during the first week of the summer holidays when over 250 primary school children attended the north west’s biggest summer school event. The doors were open early to welcome a throng of excited children who were eager to throw themselves into an impressive array of summer activities. Impatient to demonstrate their talents in a wide variety of fun sessions, the children were enthusiastic to get involved. New skills were also discovered through their involvement in eighteen different activities including dance, rugby, trampolining, working with ipads, and designing ‘cream egg’ animals. Throughout the week the school was literally bouncing
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to the sounds of laughter, dancing and drama performances, proof if it were needed that “learning really can be fun”. This is the third year that HASCL has hosted the free summer school which is massively growing in popularity year by year. The programme this year was really able to showcase the wealth of expertise within the school along with partner primaries and external providers; working together, the team provided first quality education and resources for the children of the surrounding areas. The principal, Mr Jamieson says: “The enthusiasm from students of all ages was fantastic and the support of the parents and carers is inspiring, therewas an incredible buzz about the place; the students were racing to get in each day and reluctant to leave.”
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Stage 5 pupils with the possibility of funding to take any serious ideas to the manufacturing stage. Watch this space!
Strength to strength Fazakerley High School continues to move from strength to strength with yet another set of impressive GCSE results. In fact, it is the most improved comprehensive school north of the Headteacher Christine Rourke city centre in congratulates GCSE pupils terms of the number of pupils achieving 5+ A*- C GCSE grades including English and maths. However, it’s not just examination results that makes Fazakerley High the school everybody is talking about. It is currently named as Educate Awards’ Most Inspirational Secondary School, a high profile title recognising its achievements and progress in all aspects of school life. Headteacher, Christine Rourke, says: “The school prides itself on a balanced mix of traditional family values and 21st century learning opportunities. “Staff offer pupils a vast array of experiences helping them develop into responsible, aspirational young people who are socially and emotionally intelligent and ultimately successful in their chosen career paths. “Fazakerley High School recently celebrated its biggest ever Year 7 intake and the whole school community look forward to the academic year ahead”.
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Louise Everitt A week in the life of Louise Everitt, headteacher, Mosspits Lane Primary School, Wavertree
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he life of a primary school head is a varied one! From budgets and briefings to sports days and discos, we caught up with Louise Everitt of Mosspits to find out how a typical week looks for her. Monday: An early start at 7:30am to ensure I am fully prepared for the staff briefing at the start of the school day. I respond to any outstanding emails and meet with my deputies to discuss upcoming events and any other issues that need to be considered in order to ensure the school runs smoothly. The School Council has suggested some improvements for the playground so I’m meeting with Playforce in the afternoon to discuss the development of an enclosed area for football. This is seen as a popular decision by both boys and girls! Tuesday: It’s Class RK’s assembly and the children’s parents are gathered in the school hall to watch as they perform. There’s opportunity to catch up with the parents afterwards when refreshments are served. Later that morning I continue to meet with class teachers to discuss the progress their children have made over the course of the year. In the afternoon I meet with the School Business Manager. We regularly discuss the school budget and how it’s being spent and today we will tie up any loose ends before the summer holiday begins. Wednesday: It’s Sports Day and there’s a buzz around school. The children complete a carousel of activities and thoroughly enjoy the day. I meet with the Site Manager to walk the site and identify work which needs to be completed over the summer. We are having a lot of contractors in and I need to be kept informed of their schedules so I can plan for the new term.
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Thursday: Lots to do today, Year 6 have a ‘Leavers Disco’ 6:30pm – 8:30pm and the school hall needs to be set up and decorated. I organise the delivery of tables and chairs and help the Parents’ Association with table cloths and place settings. The hall is totally transformed and we even have a red carpet and lights for the children to pose on for the cameras when they first arrive in all their finery. Finally, I collect the catering from an outside caterer and ensure the disco and DJ are in place and ready to go. As for the Year 6 children, they are blissfully unaware of what is going on behind the scenes as they have all gone to the Bowling Alley for the afternoon as an end of year treat.
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It’s Sports Day and there’s a buzz around school
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Friday: This morning I am attending a Fire Marshall / Fire Awareness training event with several members of staff. It is sure to be very informative and will help me ensure the school meets its obligations re: Health and Safety. In the afternoon I am hosting a tea party for a member of our cleaning staff who has worked at the school for over 18 years. I spend some time preparing her gift and card from the school in recognition of her long service. Before this, I share cake and juice with those children who have been identified as good role models this week by the lunch time supervisors. And my week doesn’t stop there! This Saturday I am helping to paint the school picnic benches with some parent volunteers and all the materials and paint provided by Barclays Bank. At least it’s going to be dry and warm!
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School Ec News Sponsored by
WINNING SCARECROW SPARKLES Schools take the honours
Sparkle the 25th Anniversary Scarecrow – Childwall CofE Primary School
Geoffrey Giraffe – Whiston Willis Community Primary School
Gary the Gardener – Mosspits Lane Primary School
Thor the Viking Warrior – Melling Primary School
The National Wildflower Centre recently announced the winners of their 5th Annual Scarecrow Festival, which was open to schools and community groups in Merseyside. This year the theme was ‘Traditional Twist’ with judge’s looking for a traditional looking scarecrow with a great character all of it’s own! And, of course to be made of recycled products. The judges Alan Birkett, editor and Andy Rogers, advertising manager from the Knowsley Challenge Newspaper had to tackle the difficult job of judging the entries to the competition. The Scarecrows then went on display at the Annual Scarecrow Festival. The day also included free workshops, which included mini scarecrow making and welly dancing. The winners of the Under 7’s category were Childwall CE Primary with their creation Sparkle the 25th Anniversary Scarecrow. Runners up were Mosspits Lane Primary School with their creation of Gary the Gardener Bethan Badger, teacher from Childwall CE Primary says: “We really loved constructing our scarecrow, the children thought very carefully about what they wanted to use to make it. Lots and lots of good fun were had by both staff and pupils”. Winner of the Under 12’s category were Whiston Willis Catholic Primary School with their creation of Geoffrey Giraffe and runners up were Melling Primary School with Thor the Viking Warrior. 60
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Where there’s muck, there’s maths Pupils from the Academy of St Francis of Assisi realised the importance of maths in the waste industry when they visited the Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre to undertake a maths workshop ahead of their GCSE exam. The pupils were given a tour of the materials recovery facility and set a workbook of real-life questions, which related to the problem that Veolia receive a 30% increase of waste over the Christmas period. Mark O’Hagan, head of maths at the Academy, says” “The students gained a greater understanding of the maths questions because they were able to relate them to the recycling process in the facility and realise how maths is used everyday in this business”.
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Sponsored by
Over the moon
Big Peddle pupils from Bishop David Sheppard Primary, Southport
Bishop David Sheppard Primary School, Southport children are over the moon, after a very active few months. They were delighted to hear that their school came first in Sefton Primary schools that took part in the Big Peddle initiative which aimed to get more children and families using their bikes to travel to school. Mrs Oliver, who organised the activities at the school, says: “I would like to thank everyone who joined in and supported The Big Pedal this year”. Mrs Murphy, headteacher, says: “As a primary school, we came 17th in the entire country and first out of all the primary schools in Sefton! As a result we have won a £150 voucher for Mosscrops Cycles. “Our school is keen to encourage families and children to get on their bikes and cycle to school, keeping our community fit and healthy.”
Eco champs honoured Pupils help to inspire for the future Joe Ball from Marshside Primary School has been named Sefton's Eco Champion for 2013. Joe, aged 11, triumphed in the annual competition which showcases the work of green-thinking young people from across the borough. He picked up his trophy at the annual ceremony held at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, Southport, which also sponsored the event along with e.on. The Mayor of Sefton, Cllr Maureen Fearn, kindly presented the awards. Now in its sixth year, the competition is organised by Julie Kirk and Darren Lloyd, resident teachers at Sefton’s Southport Eco Centre. Other winners of top prizes at the event were Churchtown Primary School for Eco Team of the Year and the brother and sister team of Jason and Jasmine Regan from the Woodvale Woodland project who scooped the community stewardship award. Every school in Sefton is invited to nominate pupils who demonstrate a commitment to the environment and an understanding of how their work supports broader green issues. A total of 22 schools were represented at the event with pupils shortlisted for awards. Eco centre teacher, Darren Lloyd, says: “When we met with Joe it was clear he is a very motivated and supportive young man and the younger children feel able to carry out their duties with confidence because of what they learn from him. His love for the work he does is evident and it is so great to see him using this to share with and inspire others”. For more information and to follow the work of the eco champions please log on to www.southportecocentre.com
Joe Ball receives his trophy for Eco Champion for 2013 from the Mayor of Sefton Cllr Maureen Fearn.
Brother and sister Jason and Jasmine Regan who scooped the Community Stewardship Award.
Churchtown Primary School who were crowned Eco Team of the Year.
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Sponsored by
Recycling buddies! Helping Sefton pupils go even greener! Sefton Council is helping pupils at a Southport primary school go even greener! Children at Churchtown Primary will now be able to recycle even more items at the school due to the delivery of a new bin by Sefton Council through their commercial waste operation. The co-mingled bin, was recently presented to the school and has the capacity for 1,100 litres, can recycle glass and plastic bottles, tins, cans, cardboard and paper and will be collected through a weekly dedicated collection service. The introduction of the recycling bin compliments the school's proactive commitment to recycling and has been arranged through their eco committee made up of 24 pupils of all ages after they contacted Sefton Council. Cllr Trish Hardy, cabinet member communities and environment, says: “It is so pleasing to see how environmental and green issues can play an important part in the school curriculum at Churchtown Primary School. “The fact recycling has become a major part of daily life at the school for both staff and pupils is very refreshing and with the introduction of the comingled recycling bin it means even more waste will be diverted from landfill. “We will always try and support
The new co-mingled recycle bin will enable pupils at Churchtown Primary school to boost their recycling
schemes like this as it is a win win situation and benefits everyone involved”. Churchtown reception class teacher, Patricia Ferguson, who runs the school eco committee, says: “The eco committee are so excited to be recycling even more items and further doing their bit for the environment.
"We are an eco school and are so pleased our letters to Sefton Council have resulted in our school gaining this new bin!" Recycling officers also arranged for Churchtown Primary School's eco committee to visit Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre during June to learn more about green issues.
Landfill shrines get pupils talking rubbish Students from 27 Wirral schools have taken part in an environmental art competition to raise awareness of the amount of waste that goes to landfill sites. The competition, organised by Wirral Council and Veolia Environmental Services, set students the challenge to create a shrine to their landfill sites using acetate maps of one of Merseyside’s landfills. Whilst creating the artwork, students were asked to explore the relationship between their consumer-led society and the amount of waste that goes to landfill. Lynn Struve, eco schools officer for Wirral Borough Council, says: “The landfill maps that were donated by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority have generated much discussion in classrooms about our throwaway society and the 62
students have created inspiring artworks that challenge our wasteful behaviours. “ The winning shrines have been mounted onto frames made from reclaimed timber and are on display at the Williamson Art Gallery. A private viewing of the art work took place, with the Mayor of Wirral, Dave Mitchell, awarding prizes to both schools and individuals for their creative efforts in the competition. The Mayor says: “I was delighted to attend and see all the good work done by so many schools, giving a lot of different ways to re-use and recycle waste. “The Mayoress and I were impressed by all exhibits also in presenting awards to three schools and two individual awards.” Alex Paterson, director of Veolia Environmental Services
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Pupils from Greenleas Primary School, Wallasey received a cheque of £150 from the Mayor and Mayoress of Wirral we encourage visitors to Merseyside and Halton, says: consider the effect their “This competition is part of rubbish has on our earth and the free and inclusive waste to consider changes in their education programme we behaviour that can reduce, offer for schools and reuse and recycle rubbish community groups in before being thrown into a Merseyside. landfill site”. “Through the programme
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Education News
Who should teach sport? New research shows teaching ability not gender as important factor PE teachers can teach school pupils of the opposite sex just as well as they do pupils of their own sex, according to new research. It showed that teaching ability was the most important factor, regardless of whether the teacher is a Sir or Ms. Dr Gary Stidder, principal lecturer at the University of Brighton’s School of Sport and Service Management, who conducted the research, said the findings “fly in the face” of the common perception. He says: “This has dispelled the myth that the biological sex of a PE teacher is a significant factor to be considered in the teaching and learning of physical education in secondary schools. “It makes little or no difference to the learning of secondary school pupils nor is there any evidence to suggest that it jeopardizes the professional development or career prospects of new recruits to the profession despite a history of sexsegregated practice in the past.” His study focused on the school-based training experiences of trainee physical education teachers in opposite-sex secondary schools in Kent and East Sussex. Dr Stidder, whose research has been published in the journal Sport, Education and Society, interviewed mentors, senior teachers, pupils and three University of Brighton trainee teachers over a 75-day training period. The trainee PE teachers believed that
Dr Gary Stidder, principal lecturer at the University of Brighton’s School of Sport and Service Management
professional integrity, competence and generally just being good at their job, were more important than issues associated with their biological sex. “It is suggested that the findings from this study could stimulate professional debate with regards to training policies in secondary school
physical education. “Such debate and actions following from an informed examination of policy could increase the subject knowledge, employment prospects, occupational mobility and professional development of trainee physical education teachers.”
Money matters Financial education charity Personal Finance Education Group (PFEG) has welcomed the latest version of the new national curriculum for England which sees more emphasis being placed on teaching students about money. Following the release of the draft curriculum PFEG has worked with the Department for Education (DfE) on the financial education content in both mathematics and citizenship education. The new curriculum will be taught from September 2014 and will see financial education becoming a statutory part of the curriculum for the first time. 64
Tracey Bleakley, PFEG chief executive, says: “We are absolutely delighted to see greater prominence given to teaching children and young people about money in the new curriculum.
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“PFEG have campaigned for compulsory financial education for 13 years and has wide ranging support from teachers, parents, young people, employers and politicians. We are delighted that the DfE have worked with us on this; in particular we welcome the inclusion of PFEG’s recommendation to incorporate ‘risk management’ in citizenship at key stage 3 and ‘income and expenditure, credit and debt, insurance, savings, pensions’ at key stage 4. “This news sees us moving towards achieving our ultimate goal of ensuring all young people leave school with the skills, knowledge and confidence to thrive and survive in society.”
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Education News
Providing the best
Trevor Myatt and Brendan Doyle from DCE want to highlight the changes in law to schools and colleges. Commercial catering engineering company, DCE are informing schools about a new change of law that they may not be aware of. Brendan Doyle from DCE says: “A recent change in the law means that every school or college has to have their external duct work cleaned every year, this is now a legal and fire safety requirement. “Insurers may not pay out if a system is not properly maintained, the minimum a system should be cleaned is once a year with most sites needing to be done twice yearly to comply with regulations. “We fear that many schools are not aware of this new change of law. A build up of un-cleaned fat deposits in the ductwork can cause fire and run
right through the system causing untold damage to property and more importantly a risk to life. “DCE provide an annual servicing of and reactive call out to all kitchen catering equipment, mechanical tools, LEV/fume cupboards and air conditioning systems, also, the deep cleaning of kitchen ductwork systems and kitchen catering equipment. “We have a proud history of working with schools in the Merseyside area and indeed have over 30 years experience of local authority work in schools and colleges. “All work is carried out in accordance with TR19 Guidelines. DCE can provide a free quote to carry out this service just contact Brendan Doyle on 0151 220 6090 www.dcecommercial.co.uk
NEW JUDGE ANNOUNCED FOR EDUCATE AWARDS 2013
Patrick Richardson, chief executive and founder of Concept LHP, is the latest prominent Merseyside figure to be announced as a judge for the Educate Awards 2013. Concept LHP are a leading Liverpool based company that work with manufacturers to provide lighting, heating and power solutions for clients using the latest renewable technologies. The award that Patrick will be judging is the Eco Project Award. This award is open to schools that have developed environmental awareness through a sustainable based project that has engaged pupils and perhaps the wider community with specific outcomes and impact on the school. Patrick is extremely qualified to judge the Eco Award, with Concept LHP having advised and worked with many schools in the North West and North Wales regions over recent years regarding green issues. The submission deadline for entries for the Educate Awards is the 30th September.
‘Quacking good’ cause This year the Connex Education team adopted and decorated their very own corporate duck in support of the annual Claire House Children’s Hospice Sponsored Duck Race. Nicknamed “Dick the Duck”, this rubbery friend underwent a makeover at the Connex headquarters in Liverpool before being taken to the Museum of Liverpool where it will be on display along hundreds of ducks that have also been sponsored. On 21 of September all the rubber ducks with be taken to the water to swim in the Liverpool Leeds Canal at the Pier in Liverpool to take part in the race.
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Secondary News
Swiss adventure First hand view of science at work At the end of the last academic year eight students from North Liverpool Academy sixth form, from both the science department and the International Baccalaureate programme embarked on a three day adventure to visit CERN and the beautiful city of Geneva. On the first evening the party explored Geneva, walking along the banks of the lake and viewing the open air markets and concerts. The following day the students were up bright and early to go to CERN. They received a lecture from a leading British scientist working at CERN on the ATLAS particle physics project followed by a guided tour of the ATLAS facility, including a look into the control room and at the materials used in the detector. Following this they were then taken across the border into France to see an engineering plant and look at the essential elements that go into the Large Hadron Collider, from the superconducting cables and magnets to the cryogenic chambers. They visited two exhibitions on the CERN site learning more about the latest developments and some of the early work, including the development of the World Wide Web.
North Liverpool Academy Sixth Form visit CERN in Geneva After a very full day they went back to Geneva for the evening meal and a bit of sightseeing. On their final day they toured Geneva, taking in some of the beautiful parkland that surrounds the lake and the science
museum before it was a quick dash back to the airport and home. Despite being short, the trip was packed full of activities and all the students and staff said that they thoroughly enjoyed it.
CELEBRATIONING ACHIEVEMENT Bellerive FCJ, Liverpool celebrated the potential of the women of the future recently with an awards ceremony at St George’s Hall. The celebration evening highlighted the academic and extra-curricular achievements of the pupils by showcasing the talents of the school’s students. Sister Brigid Halligan, headteacher at Bellerive FCJ, says: “The beautiful venue we were gathered in matches the greatness of our pupils. We are proud of them and we were there to celebrate and give thanks for their personal and academic excellence.” The senior school choir and orchestra performed for the audience of students, families, staff and governors, which was held in the hall’s grand concert room. The evening was brought to a close with a series of special awards, which are part of Bellerive’s long and proud tradition. Catergory winners included: The Sporting Victor Ludorum Award won by Charlotte Evans. The Sports Personality by Elizabeth Farrington and The Excellence in Sport by Hollie Muse. The Esme Wilson Memorial Award went jointly to Lucy Deveney and Sophie Lynch. The Good Citizenship Award went to Emily Timmins for her exceptional community contribution. The FCJ Award for Committed and Sustained Contribution to all aspects of college life went jointly to Mollie Griffiths and Lauren Taylor, with The Ruth Voce Award for Debating and English Literature going to Mollie Griffiths also. The evening saw 122 awards handed out for academic success and personal development across all year groups and subject areas in 2012/13. 26 accolades were awarded to each year group from Year 7-9, two in each of the 13 subject areas for progress or achievement. 20 awards handed out to Year 10 students and 22 to Year 11 girls, with five awards for excellence in the sciences, one of Bellerive’s specialisms. 68
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A packed hall for the Bellerive awards
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Education News
Honorary doctorate for local author
Record numbers accepted for university
Writer and creator of the Olympic opening ceremony Frank Cottrell Boyce has received an honorary doctorate from Edge Hill University. The British screenwriter, novelist and occasional actor, also known for his children’s fiction, was acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to British culture. Frank’s honorary award, which was given in recognition of his collaborations with Edge Hill University and his contributions to children’s literature, film and TV, was conferred in a ceremony on the Ormskirk campus in July. He says: “I feel really bad because these students have worked so hard to get their degrees and I’m getting mine for free. “Seriously though, it has been fantastic, it’s not something I expected at all because it’s not the kind of award you would expect to get. It’s been great to meet the students, especially those in film because they are the future and will be around long after I’m gone!” While on campus, Frank also officially opened the university’s arts centre, a £2m refurbishment of university’s theatres and performing arts department to enhance the creative and cultural
A record number of students have been accepted into UK universities within 24 hours of receiving their A-level results, according to the latest figures from the admissions body Ucas. 401,540 applicants have been accepted for undergraduate courses, 9% up on the same time in 2012. This is also higher than 2011, the year before tuition fees trebled to £9,000. Fewer students have entered the Ucas clearing process than last year. The latest figures from Ucas, published a day after students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland received their A-level results, show fewer have entered clearing than last year - 153,070, down almost 9,000 on 2012. Almost 30,000 courses were advertised on the clearing website where Ucas matches students without places to degree courses which are not yet full.
Author Frank Cottrell Boyce
outputs of the institution. Offering final words of advice to students hoping to make it in the creative industries, he said: “Don’t be scared to ask ridiculous questions. When putting together the Olympic Opening Ceremony we never thought the Queen would be willing to jump out of a helicopter for the ceremony but she was well up for it. “Also, remember that friendship and loyalty count for a lot, you need to keep hold of them. Make sure you read a lot – it helps you to break free from the prison of the present.”
Inter-schools fun day launch
Liverpool’s Wheelchair Service hosted a fun day event recently to celebrate the launch of its new ‘Children’s Wheelchair in a Day’ scheme. The fun day event, which took place at Liverpool Wheelchair Service’s Lifehouse Centre at Brunswick Dock, was attended by young wheelchair users from a number of schools, their teachers and parents. The event offered them the chance to take part in creative arts activity sessions, singing sessions, and wheelchair-based sports such as wheelchair athletics, wheelchair basketball sessions run by Greenbank Sports Academy and the Vikings Wheelchair Basketball Club, and wheelchair football which was delivered with support from the LFC Foundation. It also featured a market stall area where the children and young people could find out more about the different health services, support organisations, and wheelchair friendly sports teams and interest groups available in their area. Christine McGhee, Service Manager for Liverpool Wheelchair Service says: “At Liverpool Wheelchair Service, we aim to do much more than just assess and meet the clinical needs of our young wheelchair users. We also want to inspire them and help them believe that they achieve anything they want to, regardless of their disability or the obstacles in their path.” 70
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Free career resource launched Award-winning careers adviser Susan Burke has launched a free resource for schools and students to help deliver high-quality careers advice. Susan says: “I have developed a free career resource called www.susanburkecareers.co.uk and am a strong advocate for using social media in careers including Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest. “The website’s aim is the first step to helping students and parents get the information they need to make informed career decisions. “Think of it like a one-stop-shop to being able to find everything you need, whether it be researching UK or overseas university, exploring Year 9 option choices, applying for apprenticeships or just simply being able to complete career research. “The site is split up via year group from Year 7 to 6th form and further education. As well as a section for parents and guardians, it has an area for careers co-ordinators in schools which anyone new to this role may find useful
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Local Education News
‘Women can fill construction skills gap’
Hugh Baird College Principal Yana Williams
Women could hold the key to closing the skills gap in construction and engineering – but only if more are actively encouraged to look seriously at the industry. That is the view of Hugh Baird College Principal Yana Williams. The Further Education College in Bootle runs a programme of construction and engineering courses for both school leavers and those already working in the
sector, but the majority of those applying for places are still male. With around 8,000 students each year graduating nationally from university with engineering-related qualifications and a market with the capacity to absorb 30,000 there is a yawning skills gap. Ms Williams believes that Merseyside could lead the way in closing that gap by encouraging more women to opt for a career in construction.
“Merseyside is one of a number of UK cities launching huge infrastructure developments,” said Ms Williams. “As a result there is a vital need for skills in the construction sector. At Hugh Baird College we offer 17 construction-related full and part-time courses and the students who apply are predominantly male. “There are tremendous opportunities for women to make a career in construction but many never even consider the prospect. Frequently we hear girls say construction is 'man's work'. The industry however is hungry for skilled workers, male or female, to bridge the current shortfall. “And it is not just female 16-year-old school leavers who are failing to exploit a need in the market. Women looking to retrain often do not consider the engineering sector at all.” Hugh Baird College runs BTEC and National Diploma courses in basic construction, carpentry and joinery, brickwork, painting and decorating and wall and floor tiling. In addition it will work with employers to offer existing female staff training to transition into the construction side of their business. The college will also show them how construction qualifications can offer an alternative route to university and management. Hugh Baird itself is planning to launch degree courses for construction and engineering and sponsored Higher Apprenticeships in 2014. “There is a virtually untapped well of potential female construction workers and engineers which could help meet the growing needs of the industry,” said Ms Williams. “If women can be encouraged to seriously consider careers in the construction sector it could be a great benefit to the region.”
Make it count for children The NSPCC is calling on primary and secondary school teachers in Merseyside to sign up and get number crunching to celebrate Number Day on 3 December 2013. Schools that have registered will receive their fundraising pack in October and will also be able to download additional teaching and fundraising materials including comprehensive, curriculum based resources, created with Oxford University Press, to help teachers deliver interactive and engaging maths lessons that are fun and raise money at the same time! 72
Pupils and teachers can also get involved in activities such as ‘Dress up for digits day’ where pupils make a small donation to wear an item of clothing with a number on it, or take part in quizzes such as ‘Who wants to be a mathionnaire’. Of course, schools are welcome to put on their thinking caps and create their own number day fundraising events too! Local schools fundraising manager, Mel Holland says: “Number Day is open to all primary and secondary schools across Merseyside and is a fantastic, fun way to get children of all ages engaged in
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maths. “We’re keen for as many schools as possible in Merseyside to get involved, so whether you ‘Dress up for digits’, or choose another number crunching activity of your own, getting involved in
number day will help support the vital work of the NSPCC.” To register your school, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/numberday where all curriculum based maths resources will be available to download from mid October.
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Local Education News
From better to best New education plan for Liverpool
Estelle Morris, Baroness of Yardley and Mayor Joe Anderson
A BLUEPRINT to make Liverpool a national leader in school standards has been unveiled. Ambitious targets are set out in a report published by the Liverpool Education Commission, established by Mayor Joe Anderson and chaired by former Secretary of State Estelle Morris, Baroness of Yardley. ‘From Better to Best’ sets out a vision in which the city builds on recent improvements, further raising standards and narrowing the attainment gap between different groups of children. It makes 16 recommendations, including developing a ‘Pupil Promise’, and plans for Liverpool to become the foremost reading city in the country. The ‘Pupil Promise’ would see the development of a Liverpool local curriculum, going beyond the national curriculum and building on work with partners such as cultural organisations, businesses, college and universities. The document proposes that Liverpool should make it a priority for all children to be able to read by the time they leave primary school, as almost one in five locally and nationally do not meet national targets at the moment. A partnership with the respected reader organisation will be created to help drive forward improvements. The report is the result of a 12 month commission into the city’s education system which has involved widespread consultation with schools, businesses, arts, cultural and sporting organisations, faith groups, governors, parents and pupils. Estelle Morris says: “There is no doubt that standards in Liverpool have risen significantly. The city now compares well, and in many cases better, with other similar cities and that is to be welcomed. 74
“However, we can never stand still. The need for more young people to achieve at the highest level will continue and the city needs to respond to the changes brought about by the government agenda. “I don’t underestimate the enormity of this task, but Liverpool now has an improving education system and should have the confidence to set higher targets and push new boundaries.” The study has found that pupils begin primary school significantly below other children elsewhere in the country, but by the time they reach the age of 16 the gap has narrowed to just below the national average. Although GCSE results in Liverpool have risen significantly over the last decade, four out of 10 young people locally and nationally still do not leave school with five A* - C grades including English and maths. For those on free school meals in Liverpool, only one in three achieved these grades, while only 15 percent of those who are in care reached this level. Mayor Joe Anderson says: “I very much welcome and endorse this report, which makes a series of bold but sensible recommendations to identify how we can go further and faster. “Liverpool has made tremendous strides in education over the last few years, but we must not be complacent and I want every child in the city to achieve their full potential. “We owe it to them that they get the opportunity to leave school with relevant qualifications which enable them to forge a decent career.” The report also recommends that an independent panel be established to review progress on the proposals at the end of the next school year.
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JESSICA IS A RISING STAR A City of Liverpool College student is a singing star-in-the-making and will soon be hitting the airwaves after winning a competition to find the most talented local performers. Jessica Finneran, age 17 and from Huyton, stunned judges in the Knowsley’s rising star competition with her powerful voice and confident performance. She went head-to-head with six other finalists in the grand finale, which was held at Knowsley Housing Trust’s Community Day recently. Judges Dave North, DJ at KCC Live; local singer Liza Barton; Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Gary Millar; and 2011 X Factor finalist James Michael, were impressed with the character and confidence of her voice as she belted out hits from musicals Fame and Les Miserables.
Jessica, (above), who has been singing since she was 14, was shocked to win, especially as her mum entered her into the competition as a surprise. Her ambition is to perform in musical theatre, emulating her idol Idina Menzal, star of West End show Wicked, and to be a recording artist. Jessica says: “It was the first time I have performed in front of a large audience. I can’t believe I won! “There are so many amazing songs in musical theatre and it’s just so different. I would love to sing on the stage.” Her prize includes a day in a recording studio and her song will receive airplay on KCC Live. She will also perform at KHT’s Community Achievement Awards in September. Judge Liza Barton says: “I would pay to see Jessica on stage in a musical. Her performance gave me goosebumps.”
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EDUCATE PLUS Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)
New CEO for GMLPF Ex-apprentice to lead organisation James Glendenning has recently taken over the helm at GMLPF as the new chief executive. James is perhaps the perfect example of apprenticeships success – an ex-apprentice taking over an organisation representing over 60 apprenticeships training providers. 34-year-old James started his professional career as a 16-year-old apprentice at Merseyside Training and Enterprise Council. After completing his apprenticeship in business administration, he went
on to climb the ladder in the Learning and Skills Council, developing specialist knowledge in the field of vocational training management. Before joining GMLPF, James worked for Liverpool City Council on the 16 to 19 Commissioning Team. There he acquired an invaluable understanding of the issues surrounding the engagement of the region’s young people, as well as in-depth experience of commissioning public funding and contract management at a senior level.
Making progress Sporty school leavers are breaking into respectable careers in the active leisure and fitness industry thanks to a successful government-funded initiative run by Progress Sports. The Liverpool-based training provider has helped many local young people turn their passion for sports into promising careers through paid apprenticeships with employers like schools and leisure centres. Apprentices on Progress Sports’ programme earn a wage and work towards professional qualifications in activity leadership and coaching. In schools, the CRB-checked apprentices help out in PE lessons, on school trips, and often in the classroom. At break-time they help supervise pupils in the playground, running structured games and tournaments. They also assist with breakfast clubs and after-school activities such as soccer and multi-sports. They quickly become an invaluable resource which is why more schools are coming forward to recruit apprentices. Progress Sports currently have vacancies for recent school leavers and other motivated young people aged 16 to 18. To become an apprentice or recruit an apprentice call Stuart Keir or Kris Flavin on 0151 298 9139.
10 YEARS CHAMPIONING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON MERSEYSIDE
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A blooming career Horticulture: a growing alternative A career in horticulture attracts young people looking for an alternative to desk-based jobs. Horticultural workers produce plants for food or decoration, work in garden centres, or look after parks and gardens. Danny from Southport, is an apprentice grower with Lovania Nurseries, a family business supplying seasonal plants and bulbs to supermarkets and garden centres. Danny helps look after the plants, watering and checking them for pests and diseases. He is on a production horticulture apprenticeship with Myerscough College. Peter Booth, Nursery Manager at Lovania, is very
positive about the future of the industry as a strong career sector for young people. “With investment in qualifications there are all kinds of career opportunities for people in the horticultural industry. Lavonia Nurseries employ 70 full time staff and up to 100 casuals during the summer to keep up with demand so it’s important that everyone here works together as a team which Danny does well.” Myerscough College introduce many young people to the industry of commercial horticulture. For further information about horticulture apprenticeships visitwww.myerscough.ac.uk
Daniel Booth, Myerscough College
BUS ROUTE TO CAREER SUCCESS
Picture: Christian Smith 2013
Who caught the Apprenticeships Bus last month? The iconic vehicle undertook a two-week tour of Merseyside during August to offer support to young people making key decisions about their future after GCSE results. Thanks to the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeships Hub, a partnership between Merseyside’s six local authorities, the National Apprenticeships Service (NAS), GMLPF, Connexions and Job Centre Plus, the bus visited several key locations, providing a one-stop-shop of advice and access to live
apprenticeship job vacancies. Staff from NAS, Connexions, Job Centre Plus and apprenticeships providers were on the bus offering guidance and helping young people apply for live apprenticeship job vacancies. Councillor Nick Small, cabinet member for employment, enterprise and skills visited the bus and spoke to young people finding out about apprenticeships as a next step after their GCSEs: “We need to increase the number of young people in the region taking up apprenticeships so I was really pleased
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
to see young people coming on board to find out about the wide range of apprenticeships available. The success of the Apprenticeships Bus tour shows that sometimes the thing to do is take to the streets and actually talk to our region’s young people about career options they may not have considered.” For people seeking an Apprenticeship vacancy (AV) - or for employers wanting to advertise one - please visit apprenticeships.org.uk or call 08000 150 600. You can download AV Search via the Android or iTunes app stores to find Apprenticeship vacancies in your area.
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‌training for great futures Career specialists in: Traineeships Childcare Hairdressing & Barbering Business and Administration Apprenticeships Childcare Barbering Hairdressing Customer Service Business and Administration Government approved training centre for 24+ Advanced Learning Loans
‌giving young people the skills to compete for Apprenticeships and employment 0151 709 6000 www.tpmnow.co.uk t: @tpmUK f: Training Plus merseyside
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Real ‘eye-opener’ TPM named as dyslexia champion Training Plus Merseyside (TPM) is a real ‘eye-opener’ when it comes to championing dyslexia, according to the Dyslexia Foundation. Steve O’Brien, chief executive of the Dyslexia Foundation, says: “We have worked with TPM for ten years and they have been one of the most proactive organisations. It is a real eye-opener seeing the work they do and the organisation is really at the forefront of supporting dyslexia. “The whole structure at TPM embraces diversity. Other organisations may have one or two people who are qualified to diagnose and support those with dyslexia but what happens when they have a day off? TPM have been living and breathing it for ten years and from the front desk to the basement everybody in there has embraced the process.” TPM uses bespoke software to screen all of its apprentices over the age of 16 for signs of dyslexia, something that is not
often done in schools, and says 13% of students were diagnosed last year. It then helps to train and place them in suitable apprenticeship schemes across the region and offers ongoing support and education. Brian Quinn, director of operations, TPM, says: “Our software has a 98 per cent accuracy and we will then monitor the person for two to three months to create a foundation for proper assessment. “We have an inclusive approach with a fully accessible building and a decade of learning when it comes to dyslexia. We employ a whole organisational approach, which means everybody is fully trained and aware of what we do. We have got a passion for working with like-minded people in the community who can help to support one another.” For more information about TPM visit www.tpmnow.co.uk or visit the Dyslexia Foundation www.dyslexiahelp.org
Shadow Secretary praises City College apprentices The Shadow Secretary of State for Work and Pensions praised the work of the City of Liverpool College and its apprentices during a recent visit. Liam Byrne MP paid a visit to Liverpool Community College to meet with some creative apprentices in their workplaces alongside the college’s principal and chief executive Elaine Bowker. Liam, who was also joined by Cllr Nick Small, cabinet member for employment and skills, visited the private sector lobby group, Downtown Liverpool in Business (DLIB) and inbound marketing agency, Ph. Creative. Liam says: “I was keen to find out more about Liverpool Community College’s successful apprenticeship programmes and their work with local and national businesses. “The college is doing fantastic work and their employer engagement is first class. The City of Liverpool College is doing everything it can to ensure their students gain the skills and job opportunities they need to carve out successful careers.” The college is the UK’s leading apprenticeship provider, after purchasing
the Ellesmere Port based training provider First4Skills in September 2012. It currently trains more than 10,000 apprentices annually for many big companies including; Waitrose, Primark, Argos and New Look. Elaine Bowker, principal and chief executive of the City of Liverpool College, says: “We were pleased to welcome the shadow secretary to the College and
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
Liam Byrne MP (centre) meets members of the City of Liverpool College
Brian Quinn, director of operations of TPM
introduce him to some of our successful creative apprentices in their workplaces. It was also a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work with employers and our successful learning companies. “By closely working with business leaders we’ve been able to give our students the training and opportunities they need to get into work or to even start up their own businesses. “As an innovative, forward-thinking, Gazelle entrepreneurial college we are consistently looking for new ways to develop and inspire our students to prepare them for the world of work.” Councillor Nick Small says: “We were very pleased to welcome Liam Byrne to the college as part of his work with the Youth Jobs taskforce. It was an opportunity to show what we are doing to promote apprenticeships in the city.”
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Q&A Apprenticeships Q My 16 year old daughter left school after her GCSEs this summer and is just starting an Apprenticeship in a large children’s nursery in Liverpool. She is doing most of her training on-thejob with the employer but will also visit a training provider once a week to do additional training. What is the role of the training provider in my daughter’s apprenticeship? Who is responsible for ensuring she actually achieves her qualification? A The training provider, the employer and your daughter herself are all responsible for her achieving her qualification – everyone needs to be fully committed. At the start of her apprenticeship, your daughter’s training provider will draw up a learning plan for her and an individual programme of support. They will visit her in the workplace regularly to monitor her progress against her and make sure she is on track. They will also involve her employer in the process, ensuring your daughter is being given the opportunity to develop her skills on the job, and that her training fits in with her job responsibilities. To find out more, contact your daughter’s training provider who will be happy to explain their role further. Q I always hoped my daughter would go to university as I think a degree is the best way into a job. Now she tells me she wants to leave school after her GCSEs and do an apprenticeship. Does this put an end to a university level education for her? A No, it doesn’t. Some universities now recognise advanced apprenticeships as an alternative to A-levels on applications for courses. Many apprentices progress from their apprenticeship onto a foundation degree and then an honours degree. After your daughter completes her apprenticeship, there is also the option of staying in her job and progressing onto a higher level apprenticeship. Many young people are seeing this alternative to university education as giving the best of both worlds: the chance to gain higher level qualifications at level 4 and 5 whilst still staying in employment. Q Where can we find out what apprenticeships are available in our area? My son is interested in doing an engineering apprenticeship but we’re not sure who offers them or how he goes about getting one. A You can see what current engineering apprenticeships are available in your area by visiting www.apprenticeships.org.uk Your son can also apply online for any apprenticeship via this website.
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L20 is born College targets hospitality industry Leading further education provider Hugh Baird College has unveiled ambitious plans to launch one of the region's first ever hotel schools in a bid to ramp up training standards available to the hospitality sector. The pioneering L20 Hotel School will deliver high quality chefs and service staff to establishments across the region and beyond with intense training for students and professionals in newly built and refurbished bars, dining areas, restaurants and kitchens. The exciting plans also include a conference centre, meeting and events areas and retail space. The vision for the L20 Hotel School was officially presented to key figures from across the UK hospitality industry at a special launch event held at the soon to be opened DoubleTree by Hilton Liverpool. Driving forces behind the project were on hand to make presentations including Hugh Baird College principal Yana Williams, L20 Hotel School director Mike Mounfield and Gordon Cartwright from hospitality consultants Visionarydining.com. L20 Hotel School director Mike Mounfield, himself a former chef with more than 25 years hospitality experience, said the L20 Hotel School is about becoming the supplier of choice for hospitality education and training at all levels. “We know the Visitor Economy is
Left to right, Hugh Baird chair of governors Jim Brown, Double Tree by Hilton general manager David Hughes, L20 Hotel School director Mike Mounfield, Hugh Baird principal Yana Williams, LEP head of visitor economy development Pam Wilsher, Gordon Cartwright of visionarydining.com training, already growing rapidly and only going “A great deal of energy, passion and to get bigger and the demand for jobs creativity has gone into developing our will inevitably increase,” he said. L20 Hotel School to enhance the learning “However, to facilitate this growth, experience for our students and industry extensive and specialist training will be professionals. required. From talking with leading “The college will be opening its own names in the hospitality sector, we know high end restaurant at the end of there is a skills gap which urgently needs September where we will employ fullto be filled.” time staff and apprentices to prepare and Hugh Baird College principal Yana deliver food which represents world class Williams said the L20 Hotel School dining. There will also be a café operated captures the college's progressive by students, for students, reinforcing the outlook. employment and entrepreneurial skills “Yana says: “At Hugh Baird College we required to be successful in the are constantly striving to deliver first hospitality industry.” class standards in education and
Mode’s music training hit the right notes The musical careers of three young Liverpool students are off to a flying start thanks to their hard work, and the expertise, facilities and links to professional networks offered by Mode Training. Musicians Beth Nicholson, Jess Woof, and Shannon Geraghty all recently completed a four-week summer school taster course in Music Performing Skills at Mode. Following the course, the 18-year olds were invited to perform
Musicians Beth Nicholson, Jess Woof, and Shannon Geraghty
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an acoustic set at the North West Regional Apprenticeship Awards held in September at the Preston Guild Hall. All three girls sing and play the guitar. The trio provided background ambient music for the opening drinks reception at the event, followed by an interval set where they covered Price Tag by Jessie J and Change Your Life by Little Mix- original interpretations which highlighted their mellow defining style. Beth, Jess and Shannon had all originally intended to return to school after the summer to pursue their second year in the sixth form but, after getting a taste of working in the music industry, have instead decided to continue their professional learning with Mode. All three girls are now completing Mode’s Key to Apprenticeships course, designed to provide students with the qualifications and practical skills they need to start working in the music industry. As a result, they will soon achieve their Level 2 qualifications in Music Technology & Performance Skills. The girls will then progress onto Level 3 Diplomas in Music Business Management and Music Technology, with their long term aspirations being to record their own music and, ultimately to play at some of the UK’s leading festivals Debbie Tagoe, company director at Mode, says: “Our innovative music training programmes are dedicated to providing our students with the skills and knowledge they need to get ahead in the music industry.”
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Key To Apprenticeships Helping 16 to 18 year olds into Apprenticeships www.key2apprenticeships.co.uk /key2apprenticeships
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New appointment at Career Academies UK
Career Academies UK, the charity which links young people to the real world of work, has appointed former Times journalist Anne Spackman as its new executive director. Anne led a strategic review of Career Academies UK earlier this year and during this time became committed to its cause. The organisation helps raise the aspirations of 16-19-year-olds particularly those with no links to professional and business life - and helps bridge the gap between education and work. Anne joins Career Academies UK from The Times, where her roles included managing editor, digital editor and, most recently assistant/comment editor. She was awarded an OBE for services to charity in 2002 for her work as a trustee and chairman of One Parent Families. Heather McGregor, chair of Career Academies UK, says: “Anne is already a champion of Career Academies UK and is committed to its goal of improving the chances of young people gaining meaningful employment.” Anne Spackman, Career Academies UK’s new executive director, added: “I’m thrilled to join Career Academies UK at this most exciting moment, as the political and educational landscape shifts to embrace exactly the work which the charity does so well. Career Academies UK is built on the belief that exposure to the real world of work is the best way to help young people get jobs. “Our new Career Ready programme, launched this term, delivers the mix of work experience, work visits workshops and personal training which the government now requires schools and colleges to offer all students over 16. “I look forward to working with teachers, business people and other charities to raise these young people's ambitions and help them succeed”.
Knowsley’s got talent Scouse impressionists Les Gibson and Darren Farley have joined forces to bring together voices from the worlds of celebrity and football. The pair teamed up for a new video to promote Knowsley Community College, which they hope will go viral. It features Britain’s Got Talent star Les as the principal Lord Alan Sugar and TV chef Gordon Ramsay as the catering teacher alongside students. Internet sensation Darren, best known for his impersonations of LFC stars, appears as John Bishop as the head of construction, Brendan Rodgers as head of sport and fitness and David Beckham as head of hair and beauty. Les, who grew up in Kirkby, says: “Darren’s got a huge following on YouTube and I am known from Britain’s Got Talent and seeing that we are two scousers, it clicked well. “Some promotional videos can be a little boring so we wanted to bring some fun to the video.
“Students from the college got involved and hopefully we can inspire them. That’s how it started for me - doing impressions of teachers.” The video, will be used to promote the college online in a bid to encourage students to enrol. The sketch was written by former Brookside actor Steven Fletcher and the video was produced by his management and production company 20ten Entertainment. Darren, from Kensington, says: “We’ve been offering this service to businesses over the last couple of years because of my following on YouTube. It makes people laugh and helps the videos go viral. “We even used some of the college’s own students who were great. It’s always good working with Les as it is a real laugh and his Gordon Ramsay impression is amazing.” To watch the video go to http://bit.ly/132shUA
VOODOU WINS AGAIN! Liverpool salon chain Voodou have been crowned winners yet again, by winning a national hairdressing business award for the second year in a row. Hair and beauty salon chain Voodou are renowned in the industry for being continuous innovators with a string of awards praising their website and online marketing. At a glamorous event held at the Lancaster London hotel, Voodou won the title of Website/Innovation of the Year - in the ceremony that rewards and recognises individuals and salons that excel in the business of professional hairdressing. Voodou’s marketing manager Emma Allison was delighted with the company’s win, saying: “To win a national business award two years running is a fantastic achievement for us and we are all so delighted. “By continually searching for new innovative marketing strategies and embracing the world of social media, we
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have managed to appeal to a wider audience of potential clients. “Voodou’s ethos is all about making people look and feel great and we see our website and social media channels as natural extensions of the in salon experience. “They enable us to extend our stylists expertise to a wider audience and ensure that new and existing clients are kept up to date with latest trends, advice, new products and styling techniques, as well as inviting clients to share their own thoughts and views.”
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Rebound has a long and successful track record for delivering unique dance projects into schools across Merseyside. Our work over the last 10 years has built a reputation for delivering fun, exciting and engaging dance sessions to pupils and staff across all key stages to increase participation and improve standards. What we can offer: • Training Programmes • Workshops • Teaching Resources • Schemes of Work (that meet OFSTED requirements)
• PPA Cover • Performance Projects and much more ……
For more information contact us on 0151 489 4616 or reboundcic@aol.com Also check out the website on www.reboundcic.co.uk
Starting September on supply or in a perm job?
Lisa Dovey Team Leader
n an ideal world, every student would leave university and embark on their induction year. Unfortunately, this is not always the case and I frequently encounter NQTs in September who are concerned about their future career. They are weighing up the risks of doing supply- such as not being guaranteed work or not knowing the class you are going into each day- against the merits of taking a job outside of realm of the classroom. We have seen first hand how supply can help NQTs develop confidence and blossom as a teacher. Within a matter of weeks, even the most nervous begin to love the constant challenges and daily variety that supply brings. Supply frequently leads to NQTs gaining long term positions and completing their induction year. During last academic year, a Head asked to interview two NQTs who had worked on supply in their school, for a vacancy. These NQTs were up against other applicants who had chosen to take positions outside of education whilst they pursued the elusive permanent position. The feedback from this Head Teacher was that those who had done supply interviewed BETTER because they could draw upon their experiences outside of the safety of their placements. This lead to the school offering one of Connex’s supply teachers a long term position (and completed their induction year too). Ok, so I may be little bit biased on the supply issue and I appreciate for the majority of people it will be their Plan B. However, supply can be the necessary springboard to gain the experience you need for the position you want!
I
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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Education News
Using drama to beat bullying Local group to go on tour Local drama organisation, Altru Drama, are preparing for their busiest autumn ever – with a range of new projects and events in schools that help bring the curriculum and personal, social and health education (PSHE) issues to life. Established in 2005, Altru have spent the last eight years working in schools across the UK where they perform issue based plays and deliver participatory, creative workshops that engage children in the learning process. In November they’ll be working with dozens of schools across the North West, delivering two anti-bullying plays that help children understand the issues behind bullying and encourage them to speak out. ‘Sticks and Phones’ will be touring schools who hope to tackle cyberbullying while new play ‘Back to Bullying’ is designed to link into this year’s anti-bullying alliance theme and features a future where bullying doesn’t exist. There are a few slots available of the tours for local schools so give Altru a call on 0151 443 0333 if you’re interested in tackling this difficult topic in a creative way.
Teachers lead on literacy In July, Warwick University played host to Teach First’s very first literacy conference. The conference brought together over 1250 participants from England, Wales and Norway, all committed to ending educational disadvantage. It has been the latest addition to the six-week residential course designed to establish participants’ understanding of educational disadvantage and their role in addressing it. The Summer Institute has been established to allow incoming cohorts to develop their understanding of educational theory and practice to prepare them for their school placements. A number of experts in the field of literacy, including Patricia Metham HMI, Jonathan Douglas and Pie Corbett, were invited to impart their knowledge and findings. Amongst them were also Lucy Duffy and Dr Aisling Cowan, literacy co-ordinator and head of English from Calderstones School, Liverpool. “It was a real pleasure to be asked to deliver at this event; the enthusiasm and feedback from the participants has been overwhelming. Literacy is something we are passionate about at Calderstones and we are really proud of the work we are doing, and our place within the Liverpool literacy network; to be able to showcase our strategies on such a stage is really exciting!”, says Lucy Duffy. Calderstones Lucy Duffy at the conference
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New £6 million home for Millstead A new and expanded £6 million school for children with special needs is set to be built in Liverpool. Millstead School – rated ‘outstanding’ by education watchdog Ofsted - caters for primary aged pupils with profound and multiple learning difficulties, severe learning difficulties and autism. It will be able to accommodate 105 youngsters, up from its current roll number of 70. It will move from its tired and outgrown existing building in the grounds of Olive Mount Hospital on Old Mill Lane in Wavertree to the former City Learning Centre
and Campion School site on Prince Edwin Street in Everton. The new building – which is due to open in September 2014 - will include a hydrotherapy pool and rooms where physiotherapy and sensory support will be offered to support pupils from not just Liverpool, but also the wider city region. Headteacher Michelle Beard says: “We are all really excited at the prospect of moving into a brand new building. “The new facilities will be absolutely fantastic and enable us to provide the best possible experiences for our pupils”.
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THE CLASS OF 2013
Pupils from St Julie’s Catholic High School, Liverpool enjoy pre-prom drinks
Students and pupils celebrate in style A touch of the Oscars came to Merseyside as students celebrated five years of achievement and the completion of GCSE and A level exams. The proms were a once in a lifetime chance for pupils to celebrate their achievements and to mark an end to a special phase in their lives. It was also an opportunity for the pupils to say farewell to their teachers, staff members and their class mates. Events were held throughout the city allowing pupils to let their hair down before entering a new chapter in their lives. Primary schools across Merseyside also celebrated the leaving of their Year 6 pupils as they progress and look forward to secondary school.
Staff and pupils from Notre Dame Catholic College prepare for a evening of glamour
The very smart pupils from Halewood Centre for Learning gather before their journey to Haydock Park
Students from Fazakerley High School celebrate
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Pupils from Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College enjoy the evening
The lovely ladies from Holy Family Catholic High School, Thornton
THE CLASS OF 2013
Students from Holy Family Catholic High School enjoy their evening at Sefton Palm House
The girls enjoyed an evening meal to celebrate the end of term
Pupils from Holy Rosary Primary School, Sefton, celebrated their progression from primary to secondary schools in style with chauffeured limousines. The pupils then enjoyed an evening meal at The Blue Anchor, Aintree.
The boys are back in town!
Pretty in pink - the girls arrive in style
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RECORD BREAKERS Merseyside students continue to excel Schools in Liverpool were celebrating after pupils exceeded the national average for the sixth summer in a row, whilst nationally the proportion of GCSEs awarded at least a C grade has fallen for the second year running. St John Bosco Arts College, Croxteth, completed an amazing year – after chalking up a 100% GCSE pass rate of 5 A* - C grades. Provisional results show that the number of students in Knowsley gaining five GCSEs at grades A* C, including English and maths, is up by 2.5% to 43.4% compared to 40.9% last year. In English, pass rates at A* - C are up 4.8% to 53.9%; while maths were maintained at 54.9%. In Sefton, Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School celebrated with 57% of all grades at A*/A whilst Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School had a fantastic 70% at A*-A Grades
Celebrations from Archbishop Beck students
Pupils from St John Bosco who helped to chalk up an amazing 100% pass rate of 5 A* - C grades, with 63 per cent of students gaining 5 A* - C grades including English and mathematics
Celebrating success the girls from Archbishop Blanch School
A fantatstic year for Archbishop Beck students as 93% achieved 5 A*- C grades
For the second year in a row pupils from St Michael’s CofE High School celebrated over 95% of the students achieving 5 or more A*- C passes.
A happy Kate Robson from The Belvedere Academy
The excitement grows for Belvedere Academy pupils
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St Marys College were celebrating after 97 per cent of pupils achieved at least five A*-C grades
Delighted pupils from Rainford High School as the school saw continuous improvement
One for the album students from St Marys College, Crosby
Jumping for joy students from Kirkby High School who saw grades rise by 8.7 per cent
On hand to congratulate her pupils was Fazakerley High School headteacher Christine Rourke
Left: Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ top achievers Callum Richardson, John Chan, Patrick Hagerty and Bjorn Lambrenos. Right: Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ are pictured with proud headmistress Mrs Robinson
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A LEVEL STARS Top marks for Merseyside students Jubilant education chiefs praised Liverpool’s “brilliant teachers” for ensuring students continue to shine. Nationally the proportion of A levels awarded at least an A grade fell for a second year from 26.6% to 26.3%. But in Liverpool the provisional percentage of students managing an A or better has risen from 20 to 23.3%. Pupils in Knowsley have scored a record number of grade A*-C passes in their A level exam results. Provisional results released show passes at A* - C have risen by 10.3% on last year to 61.3%. Halewood Academy Centre for Learning had particular cause for celebration with A Level passes at A*-C up by 24.2% to 77.1% In Sefton, St Mary’s College, Crosby saw an overall pass rate of 98.3 per cent, the proportion of passes at A*, A or B grades was 65 per cent this summer, up from 60 per cent in 2012.
St Mary’s College, Crosby saw a further increase in results
Left to right are Amy McCarthy 2 A*, Ryan Wenham A*,A,C,D, Cara Webb A* 2B’s and Jason Leader 3A’s Halewood Academy A level results students Another record breaking results year for pupils from Archbishop Beck
Hugh Baird students Jade Stokes and Mellisa Finnegan
Congratulations go to Emma Kavanagh from Hugh Baird College, Bootle
Delight from the girls of All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning, Kirkby
Paul Cunningham and Zak McNabb from All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning, Kirkby happy with their results
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Delight for Sarah Kenny from Gateacre, who have bucked the trend with 98% pass rate which is up on last years results
Jack Mulhaney and Katy Farmer from Gateacre celebrate their results
Bellerive FCJ Catholic College pupils delighted with their results
More delight from students at Knowsley Community College
Celebrations from Rainford High students
Pupils from The Belvedere Academy another excellent year of results
Oldershaw Academy A-level students with headteacher Mr Peach and head of sixth form Mr McDonagh
Students from Carmel College celebrated their success in style with bubbly and cake
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FUNDRAISING FUN AT ARCHBISHOP BECK Students at Archbishop Beck got creative to raise funds for the Teenage Cancer Trust. The big-hearted students held a cake sale, offering some delicious baked goods, and a table top sale to raise funds for the very worthy cause, as well as holding collections and selling pin badges and wristbands throughout a week of fundraising. Headteacher Paul Dickinson presented Sian Day, the regional fundraiser for the Teenage Cancer Trust, with a donation raised by students of £686.32. Educate Magazine have also chosen the Teenage Cancer Trust as their official charity for this year’s Educate Awards.
Cake sellers Lucy Forbes and Erin Kelly with a happy customer
Decisions, decisions which cake to choose!
Business is brisk at the cake stall
SUPER SUMMER SLEEPOVER
A sing-song around the campfire before bedtime
A friendly game of football
Goodnight all!
Recently 110 children made history by taking part in the first ever ‘Super Summer Sleepover’ at Farnborough Road Junior School. The evening started at 6.30pm when the children were dropped off by parents armed with teddies for a fun packed evening of outdoor activities, including football, tennis and dance class. Once night fell the children all gathered around the campfire for a mass singsong, with a cake generously donated by the Dutch Bakery. The evening ended with the children bedding down in the school hall to watch a film. For a few children this was the first sleepover they had ever done and what a way to do it with 109 of your friends!! The following morning the majority of the children had to be woken at 7.15am as breakfast was served by lots of tired but happy staff.
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CONNEX OPEN DAY Help for newly qualified teachers Connex Education Liverpool recently held an open day for newly qualified teachers and teaching assistants who are about to embark on their careers. There were a team of friendly consultants on hand to deliver tips and advice on ‘what to expect from supply?’, ‘profile writing’, and ‘help with getting a long term job - the interview process’. Paul Birchall, manager at Connex says: “As a supply agency it’s very important for us that our staff stand out from the crowd. If we can help them by providing extra training then we are more than happy to do so”. Teachers and TAs interested in working within special educational needs had the opportunity to chat with Ashleigh Scott and Hannah McDaid - two of Connex Education’s specialist SEN consultants.
Anthony Lowton (consultant); Hannah McDaid (team leader ); Hayley Hilton (consultant), Paul Birchall (manager); Ashleigh Scott (consultant); Lisa Dovey (team leader); Carla Ramirez (marketing assistant) and Jemma Collins (consultant)
Lisa Dovey: Teamleader Ashleigh Scott (consultant) and Hannah McDaid (team leader)
Lisa Dovey (team leader); Hayley Hilton (consultant) Anthony Lowton (consultant) and Jemma Collins (consultant)
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CHINESE DIMENSION DAY Pupils develop their learning and thinking skills Last year some lucky Year 7 and 8 Fazakerley High School pupils extended their modern foreign language experience by attending Mandarin lessons. In light of the success of this the school are offering a Mandarin language after school club. In addition to the lessons all Year 8 pupils took part in a Chinese themed ‘dimension day’. Dimension days are termly opportunities for pupils to expand their learning and develop their personal, learning and thinking skills. The themed days give pupils the chance to think about and explore extended dimensions of the curriculum in an in-depth way. The aim of the Chinese dimension day was to extend pupils’ knowledge of Chinese culture. Pupils attended an assembly where they found out about the origins of Chinese new year celebrations and about the Chinese zodiac.
Year 8 pupils learn dragon dance movements Jessica and Elle make Chinese kites
The Chinese dragon takes a rest
Making a Chinese stir-fry
Chinese dragon costume
Chinese lion costume
Hannah learns Chinese calligraphy
Thomas designs a Chinese opera mask
Olivia designs a Chinese opera mask
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NOT QUITE 1001 NIGHTS! Not one, but two fabulous performances A group of Year 12 students from St John Bosco School, Croxteth, gave a fabulous performance of ‘Arabian Nights’ to appreciative audiences from Years 9 - 12, as well as teaching staff, family, friends and the A level examiner. The students mastered a challenging script from the Bristol Young Vic Theatre and blended storytelling, physical theatre and hilarious comedy (with a bit of dance and singing thrown into the mix) in their outstanding performances that had the audiences crying with laughter. The school also wowed audiences with one of the youngest casts ever, in their own version of Peter Pan.
Wendy flying away to Neverland
Captain Hook arrives at Neverland
Peter Pan and Tink
A Sixth Form student bringing a feel of Arabia
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BEAUTY AND THE BEAST Guests enjoy a magical night Students of Broadgreen International School threw open their doors in July and invited their friends and family to be their guests at their musical production of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Accompanied by the school band, they performed well known songs such as ‘Be Our Guest’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ with gusto and charm. The whole school got involved in the performance with the technology department making stunning costumes, such as Cogsworth’s clock and the Bashful Wardrobe which all added to the magic of the performance. Both the students and the audience thoroughly enjoyed the performance and are already looking forward to starting rehearsals for next year’s show.
The KS3 dancers in rehearsal
Chloe Birch from Year 7 performed a beautiful solo ballet dance
The orchestra prepare
Gaston proposes to a terrified Belle
The Beast shows his tender side
Maurice’s Mad Machine made by the art department
The costumes of Lumiere and Cogsworth made by the technology & art departments
Mrs Potts and Lumiere despair at the stubborn Beast
The villages sing about the strange girl Belle
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SPORTING SUCCESS Over 2,000 take part in Merseyside School Games Over 2,000 young people took part in the summer festival of the Sainsbury’s School Games at Wavertree Sports Park, Liverpool which involved young people from 7-15 years-old from schools through the boroughs of Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, St Helens and Wirral. Also assisting at the event were 100 young leaders with a range of volunteering roles at each event. The games were opened by Chris McDermott who made history at the London 2012 Olympic Games as a member of the first Team GB handball squad.
Sefton make a break against Halton in the tag-rugby
A team talk for Halton athletes
A young tennis player from Knowsley
Sefton fans get behind their team mates
A Team Liverpool athlete takes to the air
Team Sefton netball in full flight
A Blessed Sacrament player takes to the basketball court
Team Knowsley warm up
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ST BRIGID’S ON PARADE Knowsley pupils enjoy army activity day UK Military School recently facilitated an activity day at St Brigid’s Catholic Primary, Stockbridge Village. The day was aimed at a cohort of 30 mixed Year 6 learners. The day was delivered with a military theme which focused on raising individual self esteem, team building and encouraging self confidence. Some of the activities the learners participated in included command tasks such as ‘camouflage and concealment’ and ‘shelter building’. As a reward for such an interactive fully engaged team, they also managed to fit in time for some fun on the inflatable assault course! The team have worked with a variety of schools, pupil referal units, after school clubs and holiday schemes across the northwest, delivering a variety of courses and interventions to pupils of different ages and abilities. In addition to gaining qualifications, pupils benefit from bespoke packages of learning activities ensuring they remain engaged in learning and make a successful transition into continued education, employment or training.
The secrets of blending into the background
The girls try out the camouflage make-up
The day starts with a team talk
Pupils loosen up for a busy day ahead
The obligatory camouflage
Attacking the assault course
A race to the finish
Over to you!
The final briefing
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Staff and pupils enjoy the sunshine
THE FINAL CURTAIN Mixed feelings as staff and students end an era The last page in the history of Notre Dame at its present site was written in July. It was a day of fun and activities on the lawn, with pupils enjoying events as diverse as skipping, egg and spoon races, beat the goalie and a tug of war, while the majority of students and staff just took the opportunity to relax and appreciate being outside in the warm weather. Then the college band performed and added to the party atmosphere. The sixth form dance group took up the rhythm which encouraged a number of staff to join in and entertain the students in its closing hours, but this was just the beginning of a new era for Notre Dame Catholic College as it looks forward to its move into its new building.
Mixed emotions as pupils leave their present school
A friendly game of tug of war
The sixth form dance group entertain students
Pupils enjoy the party food
Staff enjoying a relaxing day
Staff join in with the sixth form dance group
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EXTREME READS
Mr Harbottle from Mosspits School has a head for heights
In the build up to, ‘I Love Reading Week’ many dedicated teachers and pupils left their comfort zones (literally in some cases!) to raise the profile of ‘reading for pleasure’ by capturing themselves taking part in an ‘extreme read’. Calderstones School’s literacy co-ordinator, Lucy Duffy, says: “English certainly isn’t boring and it is up to us as teachers to show students how exciting it can be! We know that students who read, succeed and we will do whatever it takes to encourage them to do so.”
A scenic read from Rice Lane Infants
Calderstones PE Teacher, Miss Laura Holding
The girls from Bishop Eton get comfortable
A appreciative audience celebrate ‘Blackmoors got talent”
Staff and pupils join in the fun with fancy dress costumes celebrating 75 years
CELEBRATING 75 GLORIOUS YEARS The children at Blackmoor Park Junior School, Liverpool had a wonderful day recently celebrating their school’s 75th anniversary. The day started with a pop band taking the children through the music of the last 50 years. They enjoyed singing and learning about how music has changed over time. In the afternoon the children enjoyed a ‘Blackmoor’s Got Talent’ show and celebrated outside on the school field with barbecue food and home-made cakes. Headteacher Martin Davies, says: “All children received a commemorative teddy and a mug that was specially designed for the occasion. The weather was glorious and that added to the great success of the day. Well done to everyone for all their hard work!”
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MUSICAL CELEBRATION Through the decades with St Gabriels Staff and pupils from St Gabriels CE Primary School, Huyton ended term with a musical extravaganza involving every pupil from reception upwards. Pupils from each year had to research a decade using ICT/literacy skills. They also then talked to parents, family and friends to find out what they could remember from different decades and gather as much information as possible. All the classes then produced artwork which is still on display in the local church. The classes also learnt songs and dances to match their decades which they performed on the day. Parents said that they were totally amazed by the talents of all the pupils involved.
The flower power generation
Rocking around the clock
Cliff Richard and the Shadows send the crowd wild
The ‘matchstick’ men
The Pink ladies show some dance moves
A bit of anarchy punk style
A ‘Thriller’ of a song
A very young Michael Buble
The girls spice up the day
Saturday night fever
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Viewpoint
Teenagers must master English and maths Teenagers who fail to score at least a Grade C in English and maths GCSEs will have to continue studying the subjects, the government has confirmed. Up until now, pupils have been able to drop the subjects at the age of 16 without having gained a qualification in them. Is it right that students will have to carry on studying until they achieve at least a grade C?
David Walker
Bill Leyland
Yana Williams
Brian Lightman
David Walker, policy director at Career Academies UK Carrot or stick? While we welcome students having to gain passes in English and maths, many students will still suffer from the understanding vacuum that education alone can create. Giving students insight into work helps them understand why employers need basic English and maths (the CBI suggests over 70% of school leavers lack relevant work experience) and, although making students continue to study the subjects will help, Career Academies UK believes that giving them experience to understand just why they need to learn will be more impactful. Bill Leyland, Headteacher Kirkby High School Getting to level 2 in English and maths is a very high priority for children. However, it’s still not the only priority. A small percentage of students nationally could sacrifice all the breadth in their education to the age of 18 to achieve this goal and still struggle. In some schools whose students have lower than average attainment, this is a significant minority. While I wholeheartedly welcome the drive for functionality across the board, I think it’s important to remember there will be some children for whom this will sacrifice proven vocational routes to employment for them. Yana Williams, Principal, Hugh Baird College Hugh Baird College welcomes the government’s initiative to give all young people the opportunity to continue studying maths and English. Good maths and English skills are critical for young people to succeed in their chosen career. From customer services to managing money; from punctuality to taking telephone messages, maths and English skills underpin everyday life, employment, business and the UK’s competitiveness in the Global market. Post 16 providers have clearly been challenged with dealing with students under performance in maths and English and for some providers that involves a lot of students. That said it is right that students who do not achieve a particular standard in maths and English should continue to develop their skills which will help them with their current studies and in their long term career aspirations. While gaining a grade C may not be achievable by everyone we must ensure that all students are engaged in the development of these skills. Improvement in maths and English skills is always a positive. Brian Lightman, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) School and college leaders fully recognise the need for all young people to acquire high levels of literacy and numeracy and is in favour of the raising of the participation age. However we have been expressing serious concerns to the Government for some time about the implementation of this very significant new policy about which there are many unanswered questions in the absence of a coherent and funded implementation plan. At a time when post 16 funding is being significantly reduced and feedback from ASCL members continues to show very different states of readiness in different parts of the country it is difficult to see how schools, colleges, employers and local authorities will be able to provide additional classes or recruit suitably qualified teachers.
Last year, there were more than a quarter of a million 19-year-olds without a C grade in English and maths, something which the government wants to change. Education Secretary Michael Gove said the subjects were the ones “employers demand before all others”. Many would never study these subjects again, prompting concerns from employers that too many young people lack skills necessary for work. The intention is for teenagers who missed C grades to retake GCSEs in maths and English, but there will also be an option to take other types of maths and English lessons. Professor Alison Wolf says: “Every other country in the developed world concentrates improving the languages and maths skills of its post-16 students, and so should England. Recognising the central place of English and maths skills in society is long overdue”.
Have your say: To suggest or contribute to a topic for debate in Viewpoint email us at: educate@merseymirror.com or to view our on-line poll visit: www.educatemagazine.com
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Book Review
In association with
by Ashley Armstrong
5-8 Years The Water-Babies by Charles Kingsley, Mabel Lucie Attwell - £20.00 When Tom, a young chimney sweep, falls into a river and drowns, he is transformed from a twelve-year-old boy who has known nothing but brutality and poverty into a 'waterbaby'. In an underwater world surrounded by fairies, insects and water nymphs, he soon discovers a new life of adventure and excitement. Stick Dog Wants a Hot Dog by Tom Watson - £4.99 Stick Dog is back in his second hilarious and hugely illustrated adventure. This time he and his pals are hungry for hot dogs but they need a plan... a must-have for fans of Wimpy Kid and Big Nate. Everyone’s favourite canine cartoon hero, Stick Dog is back! This time he and his friends, Mutt, Stripes, Karen and Poo-Poo are determined to snaffle themselves a delicious snack from the hot dog stand Holly Webb’s Puppy Tales by Holly Webb, Sophy Williams - £5.99 Three gorgeous puppy stories to treasure in one book, from best-selling author Holly Webb. Holly Webb's Puppy Tales includes Alfie all Alone, Sam the Stolen Puppy and Max the Missing Puppy. This lovely collection would make a fantastic birthday present for any little girl who loves puppies and any Holly Webb fan.
9-12 Years Fiction Rendezvous in Russia by by Lauren St John - £7.49 From Cornwall to Russia. Laura, her faithful husky Skye and Tariq are whirled into a breathtaking mystery adventure when they join the film crew on the set of The Aristocratic Thief about an art heist that could never be pulled off in real life. Or could it? Down the Rabbit Hole: An Echo Falls Mystery by Peter Abrahams - £5.29 When Ingrid accidentally leaves her favourite football sneakers at a murder scene, she is sucked into a mysterious case. It's all her fault that the police are on the wrong track, so Ingrid swears to hunt down Cracked-up Katie's killer herself. But Ingrid's life is full of distractions. The Bomber Dog by Megan Rix - £4.99 The Bomber Dog is a gripping and heartwarming story for 9+ readers about a brave puppy who joins the paratroopers during the Second World War and becomes a heroic war dog. Perfect for fans of Michael Morpurgo's War Horse and Lauren St John. Grey is just a puppy when he arrives at the War Dog Training school. Nathan, his trainer, is a brave young soldier. Wolf is a war dog who's seen it all. Grey and Nathan soon become inseparable. Until the day a parachute jump goes tragically wrong!
Teenage Fiction Paper Towns by John Green - £5.29 Who is the real Margo? Quentin Jacobsen has spent a lifetime loving the magnificently adventurous Margo Roth Spiegelman from afar. So when she cracks open a window and climbs into his life - dressed like a ninja and summoning him for an ingenious campaign of revenge - he follows. City of Bones - Mortal Instruments 1 by Cassandra Clare - £5.99 This is the movie tie-in of book one in the international number-one bestselling series The Mortal Instruments. Clary Fray is seeing things: vampires in Brooklyn and werewolves in Manhattan. Irresistibly drawn towards a group of demon hunters, Clary encounters the dark side of New York City - and the dangers of forbidden love. Dodger by Terry Pratchett - £5.99 Dodger is a tosher - a sewer scavenger living in the squalor of Dickensian London. Everyone who is nobody knows Dodger. Anyone who is anybody doesn't. But when he rescues a young girl from a beating, suddenly everybody wants to know him. And Dodger's tale of skulduggery, dark plans and even darker deeds begins.
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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WHERE CAN WE GO? Our pick of what’s happening out & about in the region
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Chester Zoo Lantern Magic
Cats 26 November-7 December Liverpool Empire Theatre Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JE Tel: 0844 871 3017
12 -24 December Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester CH2 1LH Tel: 01244 380280 £9.99 for adults and £8.99 for children (3-15).
Greato one t h watc
Adapted from TS Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, this wonderful blend of fantasy, drama and romance is set on the night that the Jellicle Cats meet for the Jellicle Ball in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse. With an amazing musical score that includes the timeless Memory, spectacular set designs, stunning costumes and breathtaking choreography, CATS is a magical musical like no other. One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, CATS has enchanted audiences in over 300 cities around the world – now you too have the chance to experience this legendary musical phenomenon.
You are invited for an unforgettable night time journey through Chester Zoo. You’ll try lantern making, meet their friendly festive characters, sample some of their deliciously tasty treats and can add your Christmas wish to their giant wishing tree. The Lantern Company have been working round the clock to create a life size animal lantern menagerie and glowing costumed characters for the Chester Zoo Lantern Magic event. A chance for your family and friends to take part in an unforgettably magical journey through the gardens of the zoo and get up close to their toweringly tall giraffe, amazing asian elephant, sumatran tiger and many more favourite animals in this wonderfully real lantern display.
11-12 October
The Best Christmas Present in the World
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The Mystery Plays Liverpool Cathedral, St James’ Mount, Liverpool L1 7AZ. Tel: 0151 702 7255 Tickets: £15 (full price), £12 (concessions)
FUTURE EVENTS
Not Saturday 16 November to beed The Atkinson miss Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB Tel: 01704 533333 Reading by Michael Morpurgo of his Christmas book Best Christmas Present in the World with Virginia McKenna and accompanied by Voices at the Door (six piece award-winning singing group including Coope,Boyes and Simpson, Fi Fraser, Jo Freya and Georgina Boyes) singing Christmas carols from Britain, France and Flanders…… All proceeds are to go to the Farms for City Children
An abridged version of the Chester Mystery Plays 2013 production comes to Liverpool Cathedral. A rare and treasured part of Britain’s cultural heritage, the Chester Mystery Plays are performed every five years by a community cast of hundreds. Iconic Bible stories from Creation to Judgement Day are transformed into a truly spectacular, dynamic theatrical experience through tales of ambition, intrigue, betrayal and passion. The company brought a hugely successful version of the 2008 production to Liverpool to celebrate the European Capital of Culture.
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Friday 4 October
Saturday 12 October
FILM and GAME REVIEW
Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park, Longview Drive, Huyton L36 6EG Tel: 0151 443 5749
Squirrel Cycle Tour Formby Point, Victoria Road, Formby. Tel: 0151 934 4234
Following acclaimed productions of Terrible Tudors, Vile Victorians, Awful Egyptians and Ruthless Romans, Birmingham Stage Company come to Knowsley to present their latest show 'Horrible Histories - Barmy Britain, set in loathsome London.
10.00am-1.00pm. Cost £4 or £6 with bike hire. The route will take you from National Trust across the landscape using paths and roads into Southport from where you can get the train back to Formby or make your way home. The ride will take about three hours including an update on Formby's squirrels.
21-25 October
23-25 October
The Big Draw: Cartoon Constellations, The Tate, Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront, Liverpool L3 4BB Create you own mythical creatures, characters and cosmic beings to populate Tate’s ‘Map of the Heavens’ with artist Jim Medway who’s comic strips have featured in weekly kids’ comics. This exciting family activity is part of the Campaign for Drawing’s national Big Draw event. Free activity 5-9 November
The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Royal Court, 1 Roe Street, Liverpool 0871 231 7792 www.royalcourtliverpool.co.uk Starring Darren Day and Niki Evans, Spelling Bee is William Finn’s Tony Award Winning show that centres on the lives of six quirky adolescents who have entered into the ‘Bee’, a competition that asks the contestants to spell a variety of words.
The Snail and the Whale Liverpool Playhouse Williamson Square, Liverpool L1 1EL Tel: 0151 709 4776 £12 adults, £8 under 16s Creators of The Gruffalo and Room on the Broom stage shows. A tiny snail longs to see the world, so she hitches a lift on the tail of a humpback whale. But when the whale gets beached, how will the tiny snail save him?
Wednesday 4 December
Diversity Limitless Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront L3 4FP Tel: 0844 8000 400 Diversity have announced a brand new arena show 'Limitless' which will will feature some very special guests. Normally incorporating several genres of music from classical to hip-hop, their diverse eye-catching routines won the hearts of the nation.
One Direction - This is us Directed by: Morgan Spurlock Produced by: Simon Cowell Verdict: ★★★★✩ By Andy Kelly They are a bit like Marmite - you either love them or hate them but you have to admit it’s been one heck of a year for One Direction as they were confirmed to be the world’s most popular boyband. This is an intimate all-access look at life on the road for the global music phenomenon. With live concert footage, this inspiring feature film tells the remarkable story of Niall, Zayn, Liam, Harry and Louis' meteoric rise to fame, from their humble hometown beginnings and competing on the XFactor, to conquering the world and performing at London's famed O2 Arena. You can hear it from the boys themselves and see through their own eyes what it's really like to be One Direction.
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons! Starbreeze Studios PC, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 Verdict: ★★★★★ By Andy Kelly
Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons puts the player in control of two nameless siblings, living by the sea in a quaint and gently fantastical kingdom. We see them lose their mother in the opening scene, and then skip forward to them wheeling their sick father to the local doctor. You control both brothers at the same time, with the left stick and trigger moving the elder brother and making him interact with objects, while the same controls on the right manipulate the younger of the two. And what follows is a quest that could be pulled from Grimm's Fairy Tales. The brothers are sent to retrieve the only thing that will cure their ailing father, and it's this journey that forms the basis of the rest of the game. From the bucolic charm of the boys' home village to the farmland beyond, and on through mountains, forests, caves, rivers and snow, you guide them both to their destiny. A video game narrative that will both warm and wrench your heart, in equal measure. Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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My School Days Lynda La Plante – Author, screen writer and actress
My School: I attended Streatham House, Great Crosby, Liverpool. My Favourite Teacher: Difficult one that - Miss Green my art teacher and also my elocution drama teacher Dawn McCormick. Favourite Subject at School: That is an easy one and would have to be literature. Were you streetwise or a bit of a geek? Neither, I was a very happy go lucky pupil as the school was quite lax, and I never felt under pressure. My Favourite Childhood Band/Singer: Doris Day, believe it or not. I loved her shirt dresses with tight belts and full skirts.
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My Favourite ExtraCurricular Activity: Writing plays that I performed with my friends in our garage. Do you remember your first school crush? I used to think that a prefect called Natalie was really amazing but she always ignored me. My Favourite Book: Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. School Dinners: Better than my mother’s cooking and I loved the spotted dick puddings with lashings of custard. Shepherd’s pie was also one my all time favourite’s and I still cook it for myself now. My Ambitions at School: To gain a place at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, which I achieved.
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Born and raised in Liverpool, Lynda La Plante trained for the stage at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art RADA. After finishing her studies, she began her career as an actress appearing with the Royal Shakespeare Company in a variety of productions, as well as popular television series including Z-Cars, The Sweeney, The Professionals and Bergerac. However as an actress she is perhaps best remembered as the hay-fever suffering ghost Tamara Novek in the BBC children’s series Rentaghost. Lynda has received many awards over the course of her illustrious career, including an Honorary Fellowship from Liverpool John Moores University and also became an honorary member of the British Film Institute. Lynda became an author and in 2009 she was inducted into the Crime Thriller Awards Hall of Fame and most recently, in 2013 she was awarded an Honorary Fellowship with the Forensic Science Society (FSSoc); the first nonscientist to be inducted into the professional body – receiving the award for the accuracy with which she portrays forensic science in her books.
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