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Educate educatemagazine.com
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The Magazine for Parents and Pupils May – August 2014
Crucial role of governors Helping to run our primary and secondary schools
+ What can Twitter do for your school?
Learning to grow Land based education
St John Bosco Brand New School Opening September 2014
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StCatholic Vincent de Paul Primary School
Leisure Time Travel The Northwest’s Leading Pilgrimage Company
Pitt Street Liverpool L1 5BY
The Lourdes Experience “Serving With Love … Striving For Excellence”
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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
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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
For over 25 years we have worked closely with teachers, chaplains and school organisers to ensure that our ‘Lourdes Experience’ provides a valuable spiritual and cultural enrichment that will last a lifetime with your students. Our ‘Lourdes Experience’ can be designed around the needs and requirements of your students and can provide an important enhancement of your school curriculum, with the potential of added excursions and visits to places of National, Cultural and Religious importance. Our school consultants (with over 20 years teaching and school trip leader experience) are available to discuss with you the content and possibilities for a bespoke tour plan, one that will give your studens the ‘Lourdes Experience’ of a lifetime. • Prices from £399pp • School references available • Free places for staff * Traveil by Air or Coach See our Lourdes DVD on www.lourdes-pilgrim.com
Fax 0151 707 8942 email: vincent-ao@st-vincentdepaul.liverpool.sch.uk
0151 287 8000
McDermott & Shaw Education Associates are pleased to announce their change of brand to
HexaTex - Teaching Excellence See their new website for teacher CPD products, materials and testimonies. www.hexatex.co.uk “confidence of staff gained very quickly” Thornleigh Salesian College, Bolton
“lively, engaging and practical whole school training” St Ambrose Barlow CHS, Netherton
“very pleased with the Lead Learners Solo programme” Woodchurch High School, Wirral
“the co-coaching triads…impact on quality of learning” Halsnead Primary, Whiston
“30 staff in core departments very much enjoyed triads” Cardinal Heenan CHS, Liverpool
“dept. reviews…would recommend without reservation” Meols Cop High School, Southport
Educate
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Educate Contents 28-29
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Welcome... One word, revolutionise springs to mind to sum up the transformative changes we touch on this issue. The crucial role governors perform in our schools has undergone immense change according to Chris Walker, regional editor of Trinity Mirror North West & North Wales. We get to grips with current school governance when we catch up with Chris along with other experienced Merseyside school governors.
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104-105 Features
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A week in the life Nadine Carroll, headteacher at Whitefield Primary School, Everton
Tweet all about it What difference is Twitter making to schools?
Taking time to tweet is also bringing about huge changes for schools in the region and how they communicate, share ideas and educate. Find out what Twitter can do for your school – if you are not already embracing this ‘revolutionary’ trend!
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Say it out loud What’s your motto?
Getting to grips with governance School governors
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44-45
Book review This season’s must reads
Meet the headteacher Debbie Silcock, Blue Coat School
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Where can we go? Our pick of what’s happening
Land based education is no longer just about farming and here in the North West we have several Higher and Further Education colleges offering extensive horticulture options. Changing the entire sheep rearing industry by conducting trials for the UK feed industry, is just one example of how students are involved in potentially transforming the long term sustainability of farming.
Viewpoint Eating disorders and our youngsters
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Many thanks
28-29 Meet the headteacher James Kerfoot, Childwall Sports & Science Academy
59-61 Learning to grow Land based education
Educate plus Nominations now open for Apprenticeship Awards 2014
104-105
My school days Brian Percival
63-66 School eco-news Happy to help nature
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, Peter Kelly, Liam Deveney Editorial Alan Birkett, 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.
@EducateMag www.educatemagazine.com
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Primary News
Creative approach to maths Captain Morgan and the time tornado Staff at St Finbar’s Catholic Primary, Liverpool know how important numeracy is to the futures of the children they work with – so they’ve been taking some innovative and creative approaches to maths across the school. Early Years children have been developing their mathematical vocabulary and understanding of shapes while having great fun with their new, giant, 3D blocks – while KS1 trips to Knowsley Safari Park and Chester Zoo, together with KS2 visits to Liverpool University and Halifax’s Eureka Centre have provided a huge range of opportunities for mathematical thinking. And, recently, every child in the school met privateer turned pirate, Captain Richard Morgan, as he found himself swept to St Finbar’s by a time tornado. In one of a range of creative maths workshops designed and delivered by multi-arts organisation as creatives, Captain Morgan needed the pupils’ help in returning to his ship, The Good Ship Mathematics – and so set them a number of interactive and energetic challenges, exploring number operations, shapes, spaces, measurements and positional language. Clare Webster, the school’s maths coordinator, is delighted to report that St Finbar’s not only rose to the Captain’s challenges – but also passed each and every one of them! “We had a wonderful day,” she said,
Captain Morgan looks for volunteers to return to his ship
“and the children thoroughly enjoyed all the activities – which absolutely meets our commitment to providing them with opportunities to enjoy numeracy in meaningful ways.” She also reported that, desperate to
know if Captain Morgan made it safely home, the children were delighted to receive a letter from him (dated 1688!) thanking them for their help and telling them he was back on The Good Ship Mathematics.
Pupils dig deep Over 400 pupils, along with their parents and teachers, pitched in to plant new woodland in the grounds of a Stoneycroft primary school. Pupils at Corinthian Community Primary School planted around 500 trees, supervised by members of the Mersey Forest team, who are co-ordinating the project. The school woodland includes a mixture of trees including native broadleaf species holly and scots pine trees. It also includes a small orchard with apples, plums, pears and cherry trees. Once the woodland matures over the coming years, it's hoped that the school will be able to use it as a venue for outdoor natural play sessions. Gary Crockett, headteacher at Corinthian Community Primary School, said: “As the trees grow, we will use the woodland to teach children about nature. It's our hope that one day we’ll be able to use the woodland for forest school sessions, which are focussed on reconnecting our children with nature. “At the moment we're leading forest school sessions in Croxteth Park. We're really excited to be growing a diverse and 12
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Staff and pupils from Corinthian Community Primary start work on their forest
educational natural resource in our school grounds – we can hardly wait for the trees to grow!” Jo Sayers, community development at the Mersey Forest, said: “It was great to see so much enthusiasm from both the staff and pupils who planted the trees, and their families who came along to help them.” The tree planting day was part of a project co-ordinated by the Mersey Forest and supported by the national Big Tree Plant Campaign and the Woodland Trust.
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Primary News
Celebrating fairness Pupils ‘go bananas’ for Fairtrade School children across Knowsley were going bananas in support of farmers and workers in developing countries getting a fair deal. During Fairtrade Fortnight Knowsley mascot Mrs Banana visited schools across the borough promoting this year’s campaign – ‘Stick with Foncho to
make bananas fair’– which encourages people to think about the producer behind the product. Among the schools giving Mrs Banana a warm welcome was Cronton Church of England Primary, where children attended a Fairtrade assembly and heard how the Fairtrade system
ensures smallholder farmers in developing countries receive a minimum price for their produce, plus a Fairtrade premium – an extra amount spent on improving farming practices and health, education and social projects. Teacher Sarah Jones said: “We celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight every year as it’s important that our children learn about the issues facing farmers and workers in the developing world. Mrs Banana’s visit helped children understand this message in a fun and interactive way.” Knowsley is a Fairtrade Borough and the council supports schools across the borough to achieve Fairtrade School status. Knowsley’s cabinet member for leisure, community and culture, Cllr Eddie Connor said: “We are keen to support schools’ Fairtrade fortnight activities so that the consumers of tomorrow know the importance of ensuring farmers in the developing world receive a fair price for the products they produce.” Left: Knowsley Council’s Mrs Banana mascot, Kirsty Martin with Cronton pupils, triplets, (L-R) Sam, John, and Josh Aney.
Wear yellow day fun Staff and pupils from Bishop Martin Church of England School, Woolton joined in to help Marie Curie Cancer Care launch this year’s Great Daffodil Appeal. As Marie Curie Hospice Liverpool is in Woolton Village all the organisations in the Liverpool 25 area were asked to participate in the ‘Wear Yellow Day.’ Bishop Martin School certainly helped to turn their school area yellow. All the children wore something yellow and some of the children made a variety of hats resembling daffodils. All the children brought a donation for Marie Curie. The whole school community from teaching staff, kitchen staff and admin all contributed to decorating the school and grounds to make a yellow splash of colour. The staff also held a yellow cupcake raffle which was donated by L’Oven Cakes.’ One of the schools ex-parents, Mrs Usher created a field of hope arrangement of daffodils and one of the school’s Governors Mrs Ford helped to make the yellow rosettes. The catering staff even decorated the dining hall for the children’s lunches. A truly inspiring community spirit to support such a worthy cause, raising over £450. 14
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Primary News
Transatlantic maths champs Pupils help Team GB win
Great Crosby pupils checking on their Manga High ranking with maths teacher Adrian Cannell
More than 200 pupils at Great Crosby Catholic Primary School helped Great Britain beat the United States in a transatlantic maths challenge. A week-long Fai-Tea contest run by learning website mangahigh.com saw 865 schools across Britain compete against their counterparts in America, solving maths questions to win points for their school and country. Great Crosby beat a school from New York during an online series of 24-hour rounds to help steer Team GB to victory by 466 points to 399 points. The 700-pupil Crosby school was among the highest ranking of the 1,730 schools taking part. Maths teacher Adrian Cannell, said: “Our boys and girls really rose to the challenge. Manga High is leading the way in games-based learning and our pupils love it - it’s a great way of learning while having fun.”
READY BERRY COOK Kirkby C of E Primary School were celebrating becoming regional finalists in a national cooking competition, spearheaded by CBBC presenter Stefan Gates, to find the country’s most creative sweet or savoury berry recipe that tastes great and is nutritionally rich. Beating hundreds of other entries, Kirkby C of E became one of eight regional finalists to win a blender. The school’s entry was a unique recipe for ‘Strawberries and cheese on toast’ and made with low-fat cream cheese, strawberries and brioche. The Let’s Get Cooking club held a tasting session and took samples round the school, involving over 50 people in total. Elaine Parr, who led the cookery club, said: “We tried to think outside the box when designing our recipe, and eventually created a dish with a twist which was both delicious and healthy. “We are so happy to be regional winners.” “The main aim of the Ready Berry cook challenge is to teach kids about the health benefits of eating berries and inspire them to cook from scratch.” Laurence Olins, chairman of British Summer Fruits, said: “The quality of entries we’ve received has been superb. It’s been a real challenge choosing finalists from such talented schools, as the huge variety and creativity in submissions, from traditional dishes with a modern twist to innovative new recipes, has been second to none.” Right: Kirkby C of E master chefs: Rebecca Weller, Sarah Jones and Ella Good with their winning entry. Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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Primary News
Re-igniting the spark for reading
Educate Awards 2014 sponsors Mark Beedles and Siobhan Saunders join teacher Jacqui Davies and Year 6 pupils at St Sebastian’s
Back to school for awards sponsors The Educate Awards 2014 two main sponsors recently took a trip back in time and became pupils again, during a visit to St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School in Kensington. Mark Beedles, managing director of Connex Education, and Siobhan Saunders, chair of Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Hub, were thrilled to have the opportunity to sit in on one of Teacher of the Year 2013 Jacqui Davies’ Year 6 class, whilst on a trip to the school. “It was a wonderful experience,” said Mark. “I was so impressed by the students I spoke to – they were intelligent, friendly and great fun to be classmates with, however briefly!” Siobhan said: “I had a marvellous time being taught by Jacqui. Getting to speak with an Educate Awards 2013 winner made me all the more excited to be a part of the awards this year. “ Other confirmed sponsors for the Educate Awards 2014 include Greater Merseyside Learning Providers, who are sponsoring the Career Aspiration Award, The Design Foundry, who are sponsoring The Communication Award, Vivark Ltd, who are sponsoring the Community Partnership Award, Carillion PLC, who are sponsoring Eco Project of the Year, Liverpool Hope University, who are sponsoring the Most Inspirational Secondary School, Adlib Audio Ltd, who are sponsoring the Outstanding Arts in a Secondary School, Fletchrose Renewables, who are sponsoring Science Project of the Year, The City of Liverpool College, who are sponsoring the Spirit of Enterprise Award and arvato UK, who are sponsoring the Most Inspirational Primary School Award. If you want to know more about the Educate Awards 2014, including how to enter, please visit www.educateawards.co.uk
An eye for design Last summer St Laurence’s Catholic Primary School, Kirkby commissioned a professional artist to work with the children over a number of months to produce some outstanding artwork for their new first floor Keystage 2 corridor. The work is now complete and fully installed and looking absolutely amazing! Headteacher Paul Cronin, said: “The aims of our extensive display are to hopefully inspire our children to read and enjoy books and also to always do their best. “We encourage all of our parents and visitors to come and view the magnificent work. 16
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Fire officer Dave Mottram reads from Aliens With Underpants to St Columba’s pupils
A senior Merseyside fire officer read passages from two books to schoolchildren recently as part of World Book Day. Area manager Dave Mottram from Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, read to a reception class at St Columba’s Catholic Primary School in Hillside Road, Huyton. This was organised by deputy headteacher Mrs Veronica Oprey. He read the book ‘Aliens With Underpants’ by Claire Freedman and Ben Cort to the youngsters and also met and spoke to pupils in other classes during his visit to the school. Area manager Dave Mottram said: “Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service does all sorts of work to engage with young people across Merseyside to help people stay safe from fire. “I was delighted to visit and meet the schoolchildren today in my first visit for World Book Day. “The young people were really interested and asked a lot of questions about what it was like to be a firefighter during my tour of the school.” Miss Margaret Evans, acting headteacher of St Columba’s Catholic Primary School, said: “We were delighted and extremely grateful to the area manager for taking time out of his very busy day to come and read to the pupils here. Reading is very important to us here at St Columba’s. “It is heart-warming and an exciting experience for the children to see such a successful and hard-working officer enjoying reading in the way that Mr Mottram does. “He has clearly re-ignited the spark of pupils’ enthusiasm for reading.”
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Primary News
Reach for the stars
INSPIRE BUDDING LINGUISTS
Parental partnerships are key Pupils from Whitefield Primary School, Liverpool take great pride in their partnership with parents which is at the heart of their school’s success. Headteacher, Nadine Carroll, said: “Parents are central to what we do and we apply our motto ‘Nothing But the Best’ across everything – we talk about the best manners, the best behaviour and about respecting one another.” “In 2013 we were awarded the national parent partnership award as well as being one of only three schools in the country to be awarded national centre of excellence for inclusion. “We also have established very successful ‘Fab Dads and Grandads
Reading Cafe – a chance for male relatives to come in and read with their child in our library. The children and parents really love it. “However we don’t just read books – we have fantastic equipment such as ipads, Kindles and lap-tops which we
love to use. “Whitefield is an excellent school with high standards. Our expectation is that all children will do well and that all pupils will make good and outstanding progress in the time they are here. “Our aim is to make sure children are ready to tackle each part of their educational journey and that they are well prepared for moving from year group to year group and from one Key Stage to the next. “I believe that a good start in primary school will help them to be ready for secondary school and for the rest of their lives! “Most of all we aim to provide a happy and safe environment where children grow as individuals and experience a quality inclusive education. Happy children are active and enthusiastic learners. “We know our pupils well and we do our very best to make sure each child feels valued, relaxed and listened to.”
The hugely successful Fab Dads and Grandads Reading Cafe at Whitefield Primary
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Everton star Gerard Deulofeu with St Vincent De Paul pupils
Spanish duo and Everton FC players, Joel Robles and Gerard Deulofeu paid a visit to St Vincents De Paul Primary School in Liverpool city centre to inspire a class of budding linguists. The young pair dropped by the primary school in Liverpool city centre to join a class of six to seven year-olds for a special celebration of all things Spanish. They learnt more about the culture of the popular European country, took part in a dance class and food tasting session before having the chance to make their very own Spanish dish. Robles and Deulofeu rolled up their sleeves and helped the children to make ‘Tarta de la abuela’ – a chocolate and biscuit cake that is nicknamed Grandma’s Cake. The special day was organised to help students understand how learning a second language can improve their future prospects. Spanish teacher Kathryn Morton said: “The children and staff were absolutely thrilled with our special guests! “This has definitely been a memorable experience for the children and I guess it will be the topic of conversation for quite a while! “Joel and Gerard certainly made a few more fans and the session really helped with getting the children on board with languages through their love of football. “The students now all want to learn to speak Spanish ‘like Joel and Gerry’ what a motivation!”
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News
The stage is set
Music Tour to Liverpool
Excitment builds for awards It was lights up at the Everyman theatre on March 1, and the Everyman and Playhouse theatres have since ensured their inaugural season has something for everyone, from seasoned theatregoers to families and younger audiences, with education at the forefront of every performance and activity. At the centre of the new and improved Everyman is the Young Everyman Playhouse, whose young actors, writers, directors and technicians recently presented The Grid, a futuristic tale of humanity and its interaction with technology. For schools, the Everyman Playhouse Education Programme for pupils in primary schools right up to university students is particularly exciting. It aims to encourage a passion for the arts whilst providing resources for classrooms, support for teachers and opportunities to gain new skills, explore ideas, and raise artistic aspirations. The ultimate aim is to assist and actively encourage partnerships between the theatres and schools, through the use of forums, workshops, tours, and talks. These elements are offered in support of the on-stage productions, and are intended to provide insight into the work
of the playwright, the director, the actor, and the technical departments, all the while sharing their contagious enthusiasm for the theatre. As such, Educate is understandably thrilled to announce that The Everyman and Playhouse Education Team are sharing their expertise and acting as specialist judges for the Educate Awards 2014 Outstanding Arts and Creative and Innovative Literacy categories. Dominic Beaumont, communications and media officer at the Everyman Playhouse said: “We are thrilled to be working with Educate Magazine on the Educate Awards 2014. The theatres’ Education Department plays a significant role within our organisation, working with students and practitioners in the formal education system to help introduce students to theatre and encouraging and helping them to develop their own work. “The Educate Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements made by the schools in our region and the awards in Outstanding Arts and Innovative and Creative Literacy across primary and secondary schools helps encourage the young creative practitioners of the future at all levels and ethos The Everyman and Playhouse strongly believe in.”
Celebrating world culture Around 250 children from Crosby schools teamed up for a sellout concert to celebrate world culture, peace and equality. The ‘Diversity 2014’ song, dance and music show, held this year at The Atkinson in Southport, featured ten schools from Crosby - seven primary schools and three secondary schools. Show organiser Becky Woods, headteacher of St Nicholas CE Primary School, Blundellsands, said: “The concert was a colourful showcase that celebrated cultures from across the world through the amazing talents of local dancers, musicians and singers. “The youngsters, who all worked so hard including during rehearsals, got a
real buzz from their performances. Hopefully the experience will live with them for many years.” The show was supported by Sefton Council and compered by journalist and media consultant Peter Harvey.
Diversity 2014 was organised by Crosby Area Partnership in Teaching and Learning (CAPITAL), a collaboration of schools working in partnership to stage events and share resources, expertise and skills.
Young performers from Crosby schools at the Diversity 2014 concert at The Atkinson, Southport
Gary Millar, Mayor of Liverpool joins pupils from St Faith’s for a photo-shoot
Staff and pupils from St Faith’s, Cambridge arrived in Liverpool for a four day music tour. The party containing 51 pupils (aged 9 -13 years old) and six teachers went to Birkenhead High School where they had the fun of playing with their orchestra and listening to the schools choir, as well as performing their own pieces. In the evening St Faith’s played a concert at Liverpool Parish Church, the home church of Miss Kennerley, music teacher at St Faith’s who had organised the tour, with the help of her family. The tour began with a trip to The Beatles Story, punctuated by a reception at Liverpool Town Hall with the Mayor of Liverpool, Gary Millar. Mrs Bunce, director of music St Faith’s, said: “Our Senior Brass ensemble announced his arrival with a fanfare much to the delight of the wonderfully welcoming Mayor. “Counsellor Millar spoke about his city with such passion and he was clearly delighted to welcome visitors from Cambridge. “The visit ended with two photo opportunities: a group picture on the magnificent staircase in the entrance hall and our senior brass who joined the mayor on the steps of the town hall. By this point the Mayor was wearing one pupil’s blazer (complete with prefect badges) and holding a trumpet! “The next stage of our tour took place in the wonderful Liverpool Cathedral, a stunning gothic building. “After evensong pupils were privileged to have an organ demonstration from the charismatic associate organist, Daniel Bishop. From the mobile console we heard awesome music. “We left Liverpool happy and tired, after a wonderful tour in this friendly and beautiful city”.
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Primary News
Cultivating learning Science
day
Reception pupils (L-R:) Mimi, Kieran, Eva, Chloe, Hayley and Eleanor help start the work that will transform their school playing field into an outdoor learning oasis.
Pinehurst Primary School recently enjoyed a special science day in school. All the children carried out practical investigations throughout the day, as well as being involved in demonstrations and presentations by a range of guest speakers and scientists. Once again, they hatched hens eggs and each class had the opportunity to watch and handle the chicks in the incubators and brooding boxes. Pupils also received a visit from Dylan’s Reptiles who brought along lizards, tortoises and plenty of insects. The children also learnt how to make ice cream without a freezer and all about chemistry using a cabbage! Headteacher Mrs Tasker, said: “The children had an inspiring and enjoyable day”.
Pupils in Knowsley have begun work on a project to transform their school playing field into a vibrant oasis for outdoor learning. Children from Malvern Primary School in Huyton have been busy planting hundreds of mixed woodland trees, creating a forest area. Spring bulbs and sapling fruit trees have also been planted, which once established will form a beautiful orchard. The impressive plans will see the school’s vast field developed into an exciting natural space boasting a wildflower meadow, turf labyrinth and science shack. Pupils will have plenty of opportunity to exercise their green fingers, as each year group will have its own allotment. The children will also be able to enjoy pond dipping, bug hunts and bird spotting from the hide. Julie Peach, headteacher at Malvern Primary School, said: “We’re really delighted that so many parents joined the children as we celebrated the start of the work on our new, exciting outdoor learning space. “It will be an amazing journey for everyone involved in the ambitious transformation plans. Pupils will have plenty of opportunities to get hands-on involvement with each phase of the project and of course they will reap the benefits of having a fantastic outdoor learning environment once all the work is complete.”
On track at St Sebastian’s Pupils at St Sebastian’s Catholic Primary School in Kensington ran circles around Educate Magazine on a recent trip to the school. Despite visiting to photograph Teacher of the Year Jacqui Davies in her classroom, when head teacher Dennis Hardiman mentioned some of the students were dressed for PE, they couldn’t resist the chance to watch last year’s Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Primary School winners, at the Educate Awards 2013, in action. The school was given the title at last year’s awards due to the inclusive and diverse sporting activities, both in school and in their extra-curricular programme, which aimed to find a sport suitable for every pupil. However, if they were judged on enthusiasm alone, the young students would surely still be in with a fighting chance. After showing off their many trophies, the Year 2 group was eager to provide a few action shots, and proceeded to race up and down the school’s fantastic outdoor sprint track, complete with a long jump sandpit. Getting to see the inspiration behind the nomination is always a privilege, and the afternoon at St Sebastian’s was no exception. Will any other primary schools be giving them a run for their money at this year’s awards, we wonder? www.educateawards.co.uk 20
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Primary News
Special visitor
Scientists and the Police begin their investigations
Strange events at Pleasant Street School Strange things were happening at Pleasant Street Primary School, Liverpool when pupils turned up for their morning lessons only to see a large purple egg in the school yard. The police were called and they immediately cordoned off the area. Scientists arrived to investigate the egg and they held an assembly. In the assembly the children were told that the scientists would be investigating all morning and they would inform them of any updates. Later on in the day the scientists were concerned about the egg as it was starting to move and they noticed a large crack in the egg so it was taken in the police van to the university for further tests. During the course of the day the children conducted their own investigations to write newspaper reports, diaries, recounts and descriptions. Headteacher Mrs Cunningham, said: “The ‘giant egg’ day was part of an ‘Everybody Writes’ project designed to increase the children’s motivation to write. “The day was a huge success and the children really enjoyed it. The children all produced fantastic writing and they are still talking about it now!”
Children try to peer around the cordon to get a better look
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The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, councillor Gary Millar attended St Christopher’s Catholic Primary School in Speke to present awards to a group of pupils and staff. The group have been working on a specialist package known as Partnership for Literacy (P4L) to introduce new specialist materials developed to raise literacy levels. Staff have been trained in the use of these materials by Trish Jones a specialist teacher from Dyslexia Action’s Liverpool centre with funding provided by KPMG as part of their Action for Literacy campaign. The induction process has been very successful and is designed to continue now that staff are trained and the programme will be used to support other children in the school. “The staff and children have both been totally committed to the project and have made the whole experience enjoyable and worthwhile. It has been a pleasure to work here,” said Trish. “We are extremely grateful to KMPG for their generous support for this project and their commitment to improving literacy standards. We are delighted to be able to work alongside schools in this way”.
The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, councillor Gary Millar presents certificates to St Christopher’s pupils
A token of love
Children from St William of York Catholic Primary School in Thornton took part in a competition to win a book token from their scholastic book fair. Reception and infant children entered a colouring competition and junior children wrote a book review of their favourite book. Headteacher, Mr Murphy said: “The children who entered the competition all put in lots of effort with their entries which made choosing a winner from each class very difficult. “The book fair has again been a huge success and is just part of our continual drive to promote a love of reading”.
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School News
Calling all schools Educate Awards 2014 open for entries
We are once again on the hunt for Merseyside’s top schools in honour of Educate Awards 2014, which are to take place on Friday 21 November in Liverpool Cathedral. Whilst the ceremony itself has fast become a newsworthy affair, with
glamorous drinks receptions, celebrity hosts, award winning meals, and outstanding performances, it is of course the winners and runners up of the Educate Awards that are the evening’s main attraction. Our sixteen award categories have
Victorious Rainford Congratulations were the order of the day as the Rainford High School Year 9 boys football team won the St Helens Cup. Rainford High were victorious against Hope Academy and in a thrilling match ran out 4-0 winners. Goals from Bailey Morgan, Rio Gill and two from James Cawley sealed the victory and made sure the cup was coming back to Rainford.
New opportunities St Edward’s College, Liverpool which educates the choristers of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King, have announced exciting proposals which will see significant developments and opportunities for prospective Cathedral choristers. The proposals will see the junior choir school, Runnymede St Edward’s School, abandoning its independent status and joining St Edward’s College to create an ‘all through Academy’ for pupils aged 4 to 18. For the first time seven-year-old boys and girls will be able to enjoy a specialised choral musical education without reference to their parents’ ability to pay school fees – a unique opportunity in the UK for Catholic pupils. Principal, John Waszek said: “The college has educated children in Liverpool since 1853 and has been the Cathedral choir school since the early 1970s. We remain committed to offering a high quality Catholic education and believe that this proposal will enhance the provision for future generations of college pupils, not least our Cathedral Choristers.” 24
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been chosen with one aim: to showcase the astounding and diverse teachers and schools that ensure their places of learning are filled with imagination, creativity, community and progression. Whether a school has a hugely successful sports team, a thriving eco plot, a successful class project, or a favourite teacher – there is a nomination category for them, and maybe an award with their name on. It’s free to enter, and you can nominate yourself/your school, or on behalf of a third party for as many awards as you see fit. The process is easy, and the main body of the nomination is a word document expressing why the candidate should be considered for the award. The maximum word count is only 750, and you may include images, drawings, links to videos, or anything else you feel supports your entry. All entries are carefully considered by our esteemed panel of expert judges, and those shortlisted are invited to the awards ceremony. The entries never fail to surprise and astound, and Educate Awards 2014 can’t wait to see this year’s nominations. Having visited so many of you, they know every school has something to celebrate. So, don’t hesitate: enter now! To enter, head to www.educateawards.co.uk now. Good luck!
Award Catergories: • Most Inspirational Primary School • Most Inspirational Secondary School • Community Partnership Award • Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Primary School • Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Secondary School • Eco School Project of the Year • The Communication Award • Teacher of the Year • Spirit of Enterprise Award • Innovative and Creative Literacy Award • SEN Provision Award • Science Project of the Year • Outstanding Arts in a Primary School • Outstanding Arts in a Secondary School • Career Aspiration Award • WOW Recognition Award
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Education News
SPRING HAS SPRUNG Arrival of new born lambs brings celebrations Staff and pupils at Bebington High School Co-operative Farm were celebrating the safe arrival of their first batch of spring lambs. Opened in 2013 the farm became the 100th school farm in the UK and one of the first in the Merseyside region, the opening ceremony was performed by Coronation Street legend turned awardwinning cheesemaker, Sean Wilson. Peter Fearon, co-ordinator of landbased science, said: “The farm offers students opportunities to learn outside of the classroom through extra-curricular and vocational pathways, developing life and employment skills whilst building on the co-operative values of selfresponsibility and sustainability. “The students were absolutely thrilled to see the lambs being born, it has given them the opportunity of being involved with the whole process of running a farm. “We are also involved with most of the local primary schools in the area, the schools visit our farm and are shown around by our students, they also talk about the day to day running of the farm and give them an insight to how it is run.” “We are currently selling eggs from our quail, ducks and chickens as well as vegetable plants and hanging baskets.” “The farm has a flock of ten sheep
Feeding time for the orphaned lambs
made up of three pedigree Zwartble ewes and their five lambs and also two donated Texel lambs. “We hope to show some of our Zwartbles at the Cheshire Show in June. We also have two rare breed British Guernsey goats, one of which is in kid, due to give birth in May.”
The farm keeps four rare breed Saddleback pigs that will soon be sent off to slaughter with the meat returning to school to be sold by students to the local community. They are also making artisan soap with some of the milk from the sheep - this will also be sold by the students.
Farm Feast an educational fun packed adventure
Farm Feast organiser Andrew Pimbley
After giving the idyllic rolling fields of Claremont Farm a year-long respite, Andrew Pimbley and his team are back in 2014 with a newly rebranded festival, Farm Feast! A firm favourite in the north west’s culinary calendar, it returns on the weekend of the 25 and 26 May with an even bigger celebration of quality food, drink and music. You can test your taste buds with international street food, have afternoon tea in the vintage village or get stuck into one of the cooking workshops in the good life marquee! Kids will be kept entertained in the little feasters zone with a jam packed programme of activities which includes a fascinating bird of prey display to cupcake decorating, pizza making, bushcraft workshop, a treasure hunt and everything else in between. The little feasters area is educational, interactive and above all, fun. You will also find live music and entertainment, including an evening music event called Livestock. This will be a festival in its own right with artists, an international street food court, a fantastic cocktail bar and beer and cider tent. Educate Magazine is pleased to announce that Farm Feast organiser Andrew Pimbley has joined the panel of judges for this year’s Educate Awards 2014 (www.educateawards.co.uk). Andrew said that he is very pleased to be part of the awards and particularly looking forward to seeing entries in the Eco Project of the Year and Career Aspirations sections, something he said is close to his heart.
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Meet the Headteacher James Kerfoot, Childwall Sports & Science Academy
When James Kerfoot took on the top job at Childwall Sports & Science Academy last September, he was the first new headteacher to be appointed at the school in 20 years. Having already set about making his mark though, breaking away from old routines with dramatic changes, he’s sending out a clear message that ‘Childwall is changing’.
Ringing in the changes by Natasha Young ‘Childwall is changing’ is the new “mantra” for the school, explains James, who had already been working as deputy head since 2010 at Childwall Sports & Science Academy when he took the helm, replacing long-standing headteacher Dewi Phillips. The opportunity to work with Dewi, who he highlights was the most experienced headteacher in Liverpool at the time, along with the “warmth and vibrancy” around the academy, were among the factors originally attracting James to Childwall. Another big draw was the city school’s position as “one of the most, if not the most, multicultural, multi-ability academies” in the area. It’s the type of school that has attracted James throughout his teaching career so far, since his first appointment as a history and PE teacher at Abbey Gate College in rural Chester. “There was an element of being in the school in Chester where I thought ‘they don’t need me’,” recalls James, adding: “I uprooted the family and moved them 28
to a 1,800-strong multicultural comprehensive called North Chadderton School in Oldham because I desperately wanted to, I suppose, prove myself but also because I thought those were the children who needed help the most.” He became head of history and politics at the Oldham school, where he also trained when he first entered the teaching profession, and the position also marked the start of his rise through the leadership ranks. When family reasons saw James move back to Chester, he landed an assistant headteacher job at New Heys in South Liverpool, which had become a national school of creativity. “My job was just brilliant,” explains James. “It was in charge of teaching and learning and professional development for teachers, which was basically looking at every way possible of bringing creative approaches into education. I had the remit to go and see some of the most creative schools in the country, to go and see what practice was out there to try and bring it back.” Having decided to move to a deputy headship at Childwall when New Heys was earmarked for closure and about to
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We’re not just talking about children getting Cs, we’re talking about children making better than expected progress from the start
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merge into the Enterprise South Liverpool Academy in 2010, James has carried his experience of creative practice through to his current position and is very clear about his vision for the school. “It’s just about outstanding teaching and learning, creative teaching and learning, and staff who are prepared to take risks, enjoy themselves and bring the passion into lessons,” he explains. Now light-heartedly comparing himself as a David Moyes to his predecessor’s Alex Ferguson, an analogy which seems fitting in a school where
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sport is a running theme and also for James, who has long been a football coach outside of school too, he describes taking over from such a longserving headteacher as “daunting to be quite honest, but it’s great, it’s exciting”. He adds: “I jokingly say David Moyes but it’s like that isn’t it? How do you change that sort of institution and change the patterns and rhythms of the school? I thought about it really hard and thought it needed to change.” During his relatively short time at the top, James has already introduced a new uniform, new standards and a new leadership team at Childwall, with virtually all senior leaders now said to be new or in new positions. There’s also been what James describes as a “change in language”, moving focus from the government’s drive to improve A* to C grades to simply celebrating children’s individual strengths, improvements and achievements. He explains: “We’re not just talking about children getting Cs, we’re talking about children making better than expected progress from the start. So with some children getting a G, we need to celebrate that as well as others getting an A*. That’s a big shift for teachers and teaching to say it isn’t about, necessarily, just what the government wants, it’s about us doing the right thing for these students. “My passionate belief is that too many schools fall into the trap of focusing on results all day every day, and if you do that you will improve the results but you’ll plateau, you’ll improve them over a one or two year period but you’ll never break through to the good and outstanding territory. If
you focus on outstanding learning the results will happen.” The headteacher’s ‘Childwall is changing’ message also expands to the community surrounding the school, with an aim to also improve the public’s perceptions. New marketing and invitations to local people to visit during open house coffee mornings are all part of the approach, as James says: “My vision is that three years from now when children are walking past the shops, rather than shopkeepers thinking ‘oh no I’m going to have loads of kids buying crisps and causing a problem’, they’re going to be saying ‘good luck in your maths exams’. “What we’re also trying to be, and it’s an interesting tactic, is the most honest school out there. We’re saying we know we’ve got stuff we’ve got to work on.
That’s great, it’s a challenge, but we’re enjoying it, and it gets staff on board.” A theme of aspiring is also at the heart of the academy, with teachers, students and future students alike being encouraged to work hard, want to better themselves, and “research, improve and develop”. It’s an attitude that James has taken whilst developing his own career, and as he continues to progress in his headteacher role, gradually implementing changes and improvements, he adds: “I think you have to get into every job, do it, not stretch too far too fast, do it well, try and show that you’re having impact and reflect. People say the headteacher’s job is the loneliest, hardest job in the world and maybe I’m naive but I’m genuinely loving every day.”
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Secondary News
Tower2Tower Raising awareness of mental health issues
The Calderstones cyclists meet the Lord Mayor of Liverpool Gary Millar
Last November, Calderstones Community Comprehensive School in South Liverpool sadly lost one of its most popular and revered teachers, Mr Phil Gibbons. This mobilised the whole school community to channel its efforts on supporting charity organisations with a mental health focus. Assistant headteacher and PE teacher, Allan Preston, decided to organise a Tower2Tower bicycle challenge from Liverpool’s Radio City Tower to Paris’s Eiffel Tower, and challenged fellow members of staff, governors and expupils to join him. Sixteen drawn from the school community have accepted the challenge
to undertake 500 gruelling miles in just five days in July 2014. They will be raising money for Liverpool-based mental health charity, Imagine Independence. Calderstones teacher, Allan Preston said: “This is a personal challenge for me. I’m proud to be doing this with our school’s community: teachers, students, governors, parents and friends of Calderstones”. Iain Brodie Browne, chief executive of Imagine Independence said: “We are delighted to receive this support from Calderstones School. “Imagine has a positive approach to mental health and works to promote opportunities for people to live a full and
independent life. “This bike ride is an excellent way to assist us in our work”. School governor, Robin Ireland, is chief executive of Heart of Mersey, a Liverpool-based health charity, and will be taking part in the ride. Robin said: “Mental health issues are not always easy to talk about but people often need the support of their family and community but have not found it possible to ask for it. I am delighted to support the school in this challenge”. The cyclists are looking for support from local companies and the public. Donations can be made to: http://www.justgiving.com/T2T2014.
Broughton’s bake off for CAFOD Broughton Hall High School Year 10 students Catherine El Saigh and Megan Speed with the help of the school chaplain Mrs Betts, organised the ‘Broughton’s bake off’. Staff baked cakes which were then judged and tasted by deputy headteacher Mr Preston, food technology teacher Mrs Fox and James from CAFOD. Mr Preston happily complained he had tasted 18 delicious cakes. The winning cake was an Isaac Newton cake designed by Mr Chesworth, science technician. All the cakes were sliced up and sold raising £180 for CAFOD. 30
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The winners recieve their certificates
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Secondary News
An American tale College on song in Texas
Archbishop Beck director of music Bruce Hicks with pupils befor their trip to America
Students from Archbishop Beck Catholic College, Liverpool travelled to the Henry B Gonzalez convention centre, San Antonio, Texas for the Texas Music Educators National Convention. The annual convention features over 200 workshops for band, orchestra, vocal, elementary and college educators and more than 50 performances (from elementary through college and professional groups), including performances by TMEA honour orchestras and honour bands, middle school and high school ensembles selected through a multi-tiered audition process. The convention also showcased over 1,000 exhibit booths representing all facets of the music education industry. Over 25,000 people from Texas and beyond attend the clinics, concerts, research sessions and presentations by
internationally recognised educators. The convention culminated with the TMEA All-State concerts sponsored by the band, orchestra, and vocal divisions. Rachael Patterson a Year 13 student on the tour said: “After our visit to the mid-west conference in Chicago, a few years ago, I knew that this would exceed our expectations on music education, I knew we would learn so much.” Director of music Bruce Hicks said, “Music education is so important to students in our schools. We must provide them with the skills, knowledge and motivation to develop outstanding instrumental and vocal ensembles in our schools.” Mr Hicks added: “As Andre Previn said in 1972 ‘There are a million things in music I know nothing about. I just want to narrow down that figure’. This conference is a way of narrowing the gap.”
Drop it and learn Students and staff at Hillside High School in Bootle have watched a wintry bare tree flourish and grow as shoots of knowledge have appeared on its branches. Each day everyone stopped what they were doing at 2.50pm and wrote down the most interesting thing they had learned on a leaf. These leaves filled the branches of the tree and demonstrated the rich and varied learning that takes place in school. Headteacher, Mrs Amanda Ryan, said: “Hillside High School puts learning at the heart of everything that goes on and students understand that real progress is made when they stop to reflect on what they are learning and why. “We are all immensely proud of the achievements of our students and our learning tree represents the rapid rate at which our skills and knowledge grow every day at Hillside.” 32
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Right: Rachel Dyas with the letter she received from the Queen
HAPPY BIRTHDAY YOUR MAJESTY Rachel Dyas a Year 7 pupil from St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning was delighted, when she received a letter from none other than the Queen. Rachel had sent Her Majesty a birthday card, which she had designed herself, and recently received a letter of thanks from the Palace. “We’re very proud of our pupil,” said teacher Carol Finn. “We’re absolutely delighted by it. Obviously we’ve made a great fuss of her in school and she’s really proud of her letter.
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Secondary News
Broadway magic Musical triumph for pupils
St Hilda’s pupils performing ‘A Night on Broadway’
St Hilda’s C of E High School have staged a musical extravaganza entitled “A Night On Broadway”. The collaborative project between the music and drama departments was a great success, with pupils from all years working together to produce several fantastic nights of entertainment in which they performed over twenty songs from famous musicals. St Hilda’s has five large choirs and several instrumental
groups. The musicians enjoy performing in venues from Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral, the Royal Philharmonic Hall, Royal Liverpool Hospital, Liverpool ONE, and even weddings! Over Easter the chamber choir came first in the youth choir class in the Wirral Festival of Music, Speech and Drama. St Hilda’s are now looking forward to organising a musical later in the year.
Anna serves up success Bellerive FCJ student Anna Carmichael cooked up a storm in London when she travelled to Westminster to take part in the final of the prestigious FutureChef cookery competition and returned as the national champion. The Year 10 student served up a winning menu of lamb shoulder with butternut squash, turned potatoes and wilted spinach followed by chocolate fondant with raspberry syllabub and chocolate chip cookies in a MasterChef style cook-off. Anna beat off strong opposition from 12 other young chefs, despite being ill on the day with a bout of laryngitis. Anna entered ‘FutureChef’ along with the rest of her GCSE catering class last October (and an initial field of 8,250 students across the UK) and was selected to take part in the Merseyside heats in January. She was mentored by Gareth Billington, the head chef at Everton FC ahead of the next stage of the competition in Manchester where she once again kept her cool in the kitchen and secured her place in the national final. Celebrity chef and chairman of FutureChef Brian Turner CBE and TV’s James Martin were both on hand at Westminster Kingsway College to congratulate Anna on her success. Anna’s catering teacher and competition mentor Mrs Gavin described Anna’s success as ‘brilliant’ and described Anna as ‘the most promising young chef in the country’. Anna has a long standing interest in cooking and baking and is keen on pursuing a career in this field in the future, she said: “I’ve always helped my mum out in the kitchen, I really enjoy it. I hope to be a chef in the future and open my own restaurant.” 34
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FutureChef star Anna Carmichael with Gareth Billington, the head chef at Everton FC
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Secondary News
Celebrating women Tori’s big dream has them spell-bound
Tori James meets pupils from St John Bosco Arts College
Scott strikes gold Scott Mitchell, aged 15, from Halewood, and a pupil from St Margaret’s Academy, Liverpool, is the 2013 Manchester and Buxton Kart Club (MBKC) Junior Rotax Champion. The championship was run over 10 rounds from February to November; Scott achieved this in eight rounds at the Three Sisters circuit in Wigan. The team, TMR Development, has won the championship three times in the past two years in the senior class last year and Minimax and Junior max class this year all on the PCR frame. Chris Norris runs the team and Scott has driven for TMR since he started his career. Scott started his karting career at eight-years-old moving from cadets to minimax where he won the Dragon Master trophy in 2011, competed in the national championships in 2012, the MBKC championship is the climax of his karting career. In 2014 Scott will be competing in the Junior Saloon Car Championship (JSCC), racing a Citroen Saxo for his new team Orex Competition. The season runs from April to September at seven tracks including Oulton Park and Brands Hatch. Right: Scott Mitchell with his champions trophy
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As part of International Women’s Day, students at St John Bosco Arts College were lucky enough to welcome Tori James, an intrepid explorer and motivational speaker. Tori spoke to students about her experiences, being part of the first allfemale team to race to the North Pole, and the youngest British woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest and how she overcame negative stereotypes of women when completing these gruelling challenges. Headteacher, Anne Pontifex, said: Tori also spoke about the importance of the ‘3 Ps’ when striving for your goals – passion, preparation, and perseverance. “Students were enthralled by the fantastic experiences that Tori shared and were inspired to achieve their own goals and to “dream big”. “Students were left with the message that they should set themselves ambitious goals and remember that anything is achievable with the right frame of mind! “Our thanks to Tori for leaving the students feeling inspired by a great role model, what better way to celebrate International Womens Day than with an inspirational speaker”.
SPRING FLING
The Academy of St Francis of Assisi opened its doors to the community for their annual ‘Spring Fling’. During this festival, they celebrate their connection to their neighbours and the local community by organising a day to rejuvenate one of their small, local parks They sent volunteers to help dig and re-sow the wild flower gardens they began three years ago. The extra hands made light work of the day and were able to divert some of their younger helpers to the Lodge gardens, where a giant, flowering ASFA was planted. Vice principal, Ian Kelly, said: “All of this work of course fits in with our specialism of sustainability – the programmes we run have enabled us to receive a prestigious ‘Green Flag’ for four consecutive years and means that we are featured on Ofsted’s good practice website for the way we tackle our environmental responsibilities.
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Secondary News
Badminton star Lizzie
Lizzie Tolman - a regular for the England squad
A Formby schoolgirl has been chosen to represent England in a number of international badminton tournaments. 14-year old Lizzie Tolman, a current Year 10 pupil at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School, competed in the under 15 European championships as one of eight players to represent the country. Lizzie played in both the mixed doubles and girls doubles, where she reached the
quarter finals in the mixed category but was knocked out by the top seeds who eventually went on to win. Together with her partner Fee Teng Liew, Lizzie beat the number two seeds in the girls doubles in a very close three set semi-final. Lizzie and Fee are an established doubles pair and have won all domestic under 15 events this year. However, this time they came away with a silver medal
after losing in the final to a strong Dutch side. Two days after returning from Switzerland, Lizzie flew out to Denmark where she played for England in the eight nations, returning with a bronze medal in the team event. Following that, she competed in both the English under 17 and English under 15 nationals in Surrey. Lizzie is now due to compete for Lancashire in the inter county championships where Lancashire is seeded fourth out of 36 counties. The tournament will be played over four days and over 400 players will be staying at Nottingham University, making it a favourite amongst the players. The day after this finishes Lizzie flies out to Belgium to compete for England in Brussels. Despite a hectic training schedule, Lizzie still manages to excel in her studies and is heading for a strong set of GCSE results next year. Her school and family are very proud of her hard work and modest attitude towards her success.
CLARIFICATION In a previous issue we stated Broadgreen International School was the only state school in the area to offer the International Baccalaureate. However, there are other state schools that offer this qualification.
School that just keeps on giving Collecting money for charity is a feature of most schools and Notre Dame Catholic College in Everton is no different. The school is committed to helping those less fortunate and rise to any level to make a difference to the lives of others. The pupils have given generously to a number of charities this year. Since September 2013 Notre Dame has held fund raising events for CAFOD, the British Heart Appeal and Breast Cancer Research but the biggest effort went into collecting for Sports Relief during March. Each day for one week, the physical education department put on activities during lunchtime that encouraged the pupils to donate in fun ways. The pupils could bounce as much as they wanted on the trampoline, take on members of staff in table tennis and a Kilimanjaro Challenge or play football and netball against staff teams. The finale on Friday 21 March was a run or walk around the area of Everton Park that surrounds the sports centre and the new school building. Headteacher, Frances Harrison, said: “The old school in Everton Valley had limited outdoor space and so it was a fantastic experience to be part of the run or walk in an area that was green although quite undulating. “Full use was made of the area surrounding the sports centre and a course was set up that physically challenged all pupils and staff.
“The pupils, as usual, gave their all, with some of the boys taking the run very seriously, going all out to be the first to complete the mile circuit. “Others took it at a more leisurely pace, but in the end it was the taking part that was the most important feature and the communal effort made to raise funds for a great cause. “The physical effort required to complete the course left pupils and staff with a feeling of euphoria and some even questioned why it could not be more regular challenge”.
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Secondary News
Schools’ choir resonates with Gary Barlow A schools’ music hub in Liverpool was buzzing with excitement after being invited to guest star at Gary Barlow’s Echo Arena concerts. The Resonate Music Education Hub based at Notre Dame Catholic College and led by Jean Tremarco got the allimportant call after a recommendation from Culture Liverpool. Ms Tremarco said: “When I received an email asking if I could supply a choir to sing with Gary Barlow I couldn’t believe it! “I contacted Ian Congdon, Echo Arena manager, straight away but didn’t tell the choir as I wasn’t convinced it would happen. “When Ian rang me the next day he asked if I was sitting down and then told me the amazing news! “This was such a great opportunity for them and so deserved as they have worked so hard and dedicated so much to reach this far. “We all enjoyed this experience, and got to know Mr Barlow of course! And yes, I am a fan!” The Resonate choir is a collaboration of 18 Liverpool schools with the singers chosen for the Gary Barlow concerts aged 11+. Resonate soloist performing on both nights Yasamin Zare commented: “Being part of Resonate Singers I feel like I have
The Resonate singers prepare for their concert with Gary Barlow
found another side to me. “I am experiencing the importance of leadership and being in a community of amazing and talent singers. “When I found out that my friends and I were going to sing with Gary Barlow I was shocked! I had no idea what my reaction should be. “I felt that all of my emotions had crashed together and created an emotion that I didn't know I could express.”
Jonathan Dickson, head of service at Resonate Liverpool’s Music Hub said: “These children are fantastic singers, they love to perform together, to make music together and I know Gary was hugely impressed by the energy and quality Resonate Singers brought to the concert. “It was such a wonderful experience for the all young performers who after all the hard work and determination are outstanding ambassadors for Resonate.”
D-MYST down under Belvedere school pupil, Katie LouHolland, a member of the Liverpoolbased creative agency, D-MYST, has been invited by Massey University in New Zealand to help launch their SmokeFree movement ‘it’s my life’. D-MYST is a creative agency made up of young people who feel strongly about the way big tobacco companies target young people. The group work together to design marketing campaigns that aim to denormalise smoking; targeting television programmes such as Coronation Street and Eastenders who portray characters smoking despite the high number of young people who tune in. Katie, 15, will be travelling to New Zealand, as a guest speaker at Massey University’s smoke free summits. She will be joined by Helen Casstles, SmokeFree Liverpool co-ordinator at Liverpool 42
Community Health NHS Trust. Associate professor Elspeth Tilley from Massey University said: “We’ve invited Katie to be part of the summits because of the huge success that D-MYST has had over the last few years.” Katie, whose activism has been motivated by her own mother’s smokingrelated health problems, says young people usually start smoking because of external influences such as their families, peers and what they see in the media. “The media and celebrities can be hugely influential,” Katie says. “On the television you always see people smoking – I think it is being introduced into plotlines more and more and it’s also been glamorised by celebrities.” I am looking forward to taking D-MYST overseas and sharing the successful methods we have used to stop young people from taking up smoking.”
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Katie Lou-Holland (second from right) with fellow D-MYST members
Helen Castles, who will be joining Katie, said “It is exciting to see that the work D-MYST has undertaken is being recognised internationally and that we are now a bench mark for other SmokeFree organisations.”
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Meet the Headteacher Debbie Silcock, Blue Coat School
Debbie Silcock sits in a modern office but a reminder of the Blue Coat School’s 300-year history is never too far away. On the wall hangs a picture of the Bluecoat in Liverpool city centre, the original site of the Wavertree-based school.
Modern history by Stephen Hurrell Having joined the school as deputy head in 2003, following 15 years as a teacher at Calday Grange Grammar School in West Kirby, she took the role of headteacher six years ago at a time when the school was undergoing several changes, including moving from an all boys school to co-ed in 2002. “It was daunting,” says Debbie, “But in the end I was brought in as a vehicle for change because they knew they needed to change. When they advertised it’s what they wanted, somebody who could change things in a way that wasn’t particularly threatening to the school’s traditions. The school at the time had made the decision to go co-ed so therefore I was part of the transition from all boys to a mixed school.” It was a big move for the school, which was founded in 1707 as a means of teaching the city’s poor to read and write, but Debbie has become accustomed to walking the tightrope between modernisation and respecting 44
the school’s traditions. “I think the ethos of the school has improved. The children enjoy it and it has really worked. We’ve also changed the timetable to a two-week timetable and hour-long lessons. That was my job to oversee those sort of things and it’s actually had a positive impact on learning and results – there is a focus on teaching and learning here.” Not afraid to make changes to the school where necessary, Debbie is also mindful of the school’s history. She says: “With the traditions that are here, you’ve just got to be mindful of them. You have to embrace them but also tweak them. You don’t throw it all out and start again because it’s worked for a long time. People enjoy the traditions.” She has also found the biggest advocate for the school’s history was to be found in the classroom. When the school chose to take academy status – a move Debbie says had no affect on the curriculum and was purely a financial decision – the students backed plans to keep the historic Blue Coat name and uniform. “We spoke about it and what it meant
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The staff are really proud to be associated with Bluecoat and we invest a lot of time and effort in them.
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for the school. We wanted to stay with the same name. We are the Blue Coat School. That’s really important after 300 years. More importantly, it’s important to the young people. They wanted everything to stay much the same. “They are the best ambassadors for this school. When we have open evening, they’re the people who take the prospective students round, they’re the ones who tell them what it means to be a Blue Coat student.” While the Blue Coat balances its past with the present, one thing that has remained constant is its involvement in
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Liverpool city life. When asked about the importance of the school to the local area, Debbie said: “I’m glad you said that because I hope other people see it like that. It’s a Liverpool school with children from inside and outside Liverpool. One of our iconic buildings in the city has our name on it and we think our children would hate to be thought of as not part of Liverpool. It’s our job to make sure they feel involved.” Part of that inclusivity comes from creating closer ties at home and further afield. Along with several other local schools it has forged ties with China, including a link to a school to Shanghai and the link to Mandarin lessons for its students. Debbie also encourages the school’s sports teams to compete locally, something the children enjoy. While Debbie admits much has changed at the Blue Coat School over the past ten years, results have been consistently high. The school received outstanding in all areas in a recent Ofsted inspection and exam results are exceptional, something she puts down to the quality of the staff. “Clearly we have to get results
because that is what is expected of us. They have to be high but we set high standards ourselves. We set high targets and by and large we set them realistically but ambitiously. That’s what we do for our students and we wouldn’t expect things from our students that we don’t expect from ourselves. “My staff are crucial, nothing can happen without them. Our departments are really good teams and our pastoral care services are really good teams. The staff are really proud to be associated
with Bluecoat and we invest a lot of time and effort in them.” Debbie says she may not have ever considered becoming a head teacher if a role had not come up at the Bluecoat School. However, even as things change, there is one tradition that remains: “That’s the one thing about Blue Coat – everybody who works here loves working for the school and for the students. It’s about taking the old, appreciating it and adding the new in to enable that.”
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Education News
Echo boss back on board to judge awards The Educate Awards 2014 are delighted to reveal that this year’s judges leading the hunt for Merseyside’s top schools once again include Chris Walker, regional managing editor of Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales. Chris, who manages Merseyside’s favourite newspapers, including the Liverpool Echo, Wirral News, and Crosby Herald, will be reprising his role as judge, using his extensive knowledge of the diverse assortment of schools in the area, gained from both his job and his many years as a school governor. Speaking of his return to judging, Chris Walker said: “I was very impressed last year by the high standard of entries and it is clear there are many great achievements to celebrate in schools throughout Merseyside. However, my most abiding memory was the awards ceremony. To see the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone there, whether they had won or not, was hugely uplifting and a credit to all concerned.” Chris has been a primary school governor for over ten years, and is currently chair of the curriculum committee. It is this passion for education that has proved to
be a real asset in his role as a judge, and will surely continue to assist his consideration of the nominations that are already coming in for the awards this year. It is furthermore a huge pleasure to have involvement from a representative of such a prominent group of publications, and this involvement really demonstrates the importance of the awards intent: to come together and celebrate the astonishing and various successes of the schools in the region. Educate’s executive editor, Kim O’Brien, is delighted to be working alongside the confirmed judges again, saying: “With each year, we receive more and more entries, all of which are increasingly strong in their content. As such, we have found ourselves compelled to enlist more experts to be part of our judging panel. “I’m delighted to have Chris, alongside Lesley Martin-Wright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber, Mark Beedles, managing director of Connex Education, Lisa Murphy, head of initial teacher education at London Southbank University back on board, this year. Not only do they provide real insight and proficiency in the judging process, their continued
involvement also shows their commitment to the goal of the awards, which is to recognise innovative and creative teaching and education across schools in all six Merseyside boroughs, and it’s that level of dedication that, for us, is truly invaluable. “I’m also thrilled to have Andrew Pimbley, of Claremont Farm and the Farm Feast (Wirral Food and Drink Festival), and the Education Team at the Everyman and Playhouse theatres’ join the judging ranks. Their passion for their expertise, and their dedication to educating and
involving young people in the area, makes them ideal judges for the Eco Project of the Year and Spirit of Enterprise awards, and the Creative and Innovative Literacy and Outstanding Arts awards respectively. “I’m sure having such a prestigious board of judges will encourage an even greater number of entries this year, and I honestly can’t wait to see the results.” If you want to know more about the Educate Awards 2014, including how to enter, please visit www.educateawards.co.uk Chris Walker, regional managing editor of Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales with Kim O’Brien, executive editor of Educate magazine
Charlotte is America bound A student at Reaseheath College has won a prestigious internship at the world’s leading equine breeding and research centre. Charlotte Woolley, 21, who is in the final year of her BSc (Hons) Equine Science, will spend three months this summer working at the Virginia Tech State University, USA. The university specialises in breeding and producing top quality sports horses. Charlotte will be trained in veterinary techniques and will help with research into nutrition, reproduction and parasitology. She will also help to prepare young stock for the show ring. The internship is offered through the British Equestrian Federation and is open to all veterinary related institutions in Britain. Charlotte was judged to be the top candidate after writing a 3000 word paper on equine obesity and discussing its welfare implications. Aiming to be a veterinary research scientist, she says: “This is a very exciting opportunity and perfect preparation for my future career.” 46
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Secondary News
On the run Sixth Formers fun run for Sports Relief Rainford Sixth Form students took part in their annual sponsored Fun Run in aid of Sports Relief. Principal of Rainford High, Ian Young, said: “The event was in aid of Sport Relief, which so far raised £229, with more sponsorships coming in. “The event also gives our students the opportunity to build upon their enrichment activities. “The sponsored run was based within Rainford Village, starting at the front of college, heading through the linear park and back through the village, returning to college. “Congratulations to the winner, Jake Simm a Year 12 student, runner up was Connor Sheen, a Year 13 student and the winner of last year. In third place was Luke Molloy, also a Year 13 student. “The first girl back was Charlotte Loftus, followed by Kathryn Taben and Rebecca Grice, who are all Year 12 students. “Thank you to all Sixth Form students who took part and managed to get
Rainford High students get into the spirit of Sports Relief
sponsorships, their money will make a massive difference! Thanks also to
Michelle O’Haire who organised the annual event.”
Pupils grill Liverpool legend Budding journalists and moviemakers from Kirkby High School met Liverpool FC and England legend Phil Thompson as part of a media project to learn more about the area’s history. Year 9 pupils at the school have been perfecting the art of film making by recording Mr Thompson as he underwent a grilling at the hands of youngsters from three local primary schools. The pupils also interviewed older members of the local community for a documentary film called ‘Kirkby The New Town’ which is being produced by Bootle-based SAFE Productions. It is being supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and is exploring the area's growth as part of a community project. Assistant headteacher Karen Soper said the pupils were enthralled by the tales they heard. “Phil Thompson was a pupil at Brookfield High School which was a forerunner to Kirkby High School and was based on the same site,” she said. “He stressed how everything that happened to him growing up in Kirkby informed him in his adult life and his football career. “When he joined Liverpool, he tried to do everything perfectly, such as cleaning the players’ boots, and eventually the management saw this quality in him and gave him a contract. “The pupils were inspired by his answers which reinforced a sense of pride about coming from Kirkby”. Right: Phil Thompson with students at Kirkby High School 48
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Ivana Mendoza-Trejo and her painting entitled: ‘And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him’
ART HAS PRIDE OF PLACE Sacred Heart Catholic College art students have been busy this year preparing work for GCSE and exhibitions. Among them is Ivana Mendoza-Trejo, who is pictured with her painting that depicts a fishing boat moored in still water with a cloudless blue sky above. Art teacher, Mr Daley, was impressed with the piece, saying: “The painting projects a mood of tranquility and rest. The composition is simple, the main components being the boat with its fishing net, the sky and the water. “ The painting, which has been given pride of place in the corridor leading up to St Edward Hall, was painted by Ivana as the final element of one of her two-coursework projects for GCSE. Last year, Ivana completed a very successful Year 11 and is now enjoying the opportunities offered by the AS course in Fine Art.
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Education News
Students support College raise funds for Steve Prescott Foundation The Steve Prescott foundation was presented with a cheque for £1513.51 from staff and students at St Helens College. Head of health sports and public services, Clare Webster, presented the cheque to Steve Prescott campaigner Martin Blondel, and the foundation’s ambassador, Andy Reid. Students from St Helens College showed their support for former Saints star and charity fundraiser, Steve Prescott, by arranging to raise funds for his foundation. Activities organised by the college’s staff and students in conjunction with the Steve Prescott Foundation took place in and around St Helens College during a two-day fundraising challenge. One of the fundraising activities saw Martin Blondel have a hair-raising experience as Level 2 and 3 trainee beauty therapists waxed off Martin’s back, chest and leg hair. Martin said: “Getting waxed has to be the most painful experience of my life. I’m sure Steve would be laughing if he could have seen me going through the pain.
Clare Webster, presents the cheque to Martin Blondel and Andy Reid
“I have watched Steve participate in so many challenges and events; I thought it was my time to do my little bit to help the charity continue to grow. I
would like to give a special thanks to St Helens College and other businesses who continue to support us to help those who are less fortunate.”
Set sail Voyage of a lifetime
The Stavros S Nyarkos
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School children in Merseyside are being given the opportunity to join a voyage of a lifetime. As part of an initiative run by the Wirral Safer Schools Partnership and The Tall Ships Youth Trust, two teenagers are being offered the chance to set sale on a tall ship. Setting sale during October 2014 half term, the young people will be part of a team of forty Year 9 pupils from across Merseyside who will board the Stavros S Nyarkos brig on a trip around the English Coast. Constable Colin Garland from Merseyside Police, said: “The aim of this initiative is to develop self-reliance, team work and confidence. “We have two places for two pupils, a boy and girl, and we are asking people to nominate their son, daughter, grandchild, niece, nephew, friend or even themselves and tell us why they/you deserve one of the places on this year’s trip. “This isn’t a relaxing holiday though and everyone on board will be expected to work. The young people work a series of watches during their voyage and learn other sailing skills in on-board lectures and
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practical activities.” Merseyside Police commissioner Jane Kennedy said: “I am delighted to be able to offer two young people on Merseyside the chance to take part in this once-in-alifetime trip. “Merseyside has a proud maritime history and this is a fantastic opportunity to get a taste of life out on the seas. Alongside the physical challenge, this trip will give the winning teenager the chance to learn new skills, build their confidence and improve their ability to work as part of a team.” The two additional spaces are being funded by the Office of Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner and The Tall Ships Youth Trust. Entries must be no longer than 400 words and should be sent to Colin.Garland@merseyside.pnn.police.uk. Written entries can also be sent for the attention of Con Colin Garland, The Mosslands School, Mosslands Drive, CH45 8PJ. Full contact information including full name, address, email address and contact number must be included.
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Viewpoint
Eating disorders and our youngsters Earlier this year figures released from the Health and Social Care Information Centre (HSCIC) showed the biggest rise in people with eating disorders admitted to hospital is among youngsters aged 10-19. The most common age for girls is 15-years-old and for boys just 13-years-old. Whilst these figures are alarming they only represent inpatient admissions and don’t account for youngsters treated as outpatients. What is the extent of the problem in Merseyside and what help is available for youngsters and parents?
Leigh Best
Erin
Rani Prasad
Debbie Roche
Leigh Best, founder of Talking Eating Disorders (TEDS) There is a lack of data detailing how many people in the UK suffer from an eating disorder. Although the Department of Health provides hospital statistics, these only include those affected by eating disorders who are in inpatient NHS treatment. These figures leave out all those who have not come forward, have not been diagnosed, are receiving private treatment, or are being treated as an outpatient or in the community. We continue to request that the Department of Health conducts reliable studies to provide us with these vital statistics. The most accurate figures we are aware of are those from the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence. These suggest that 1.6 million people in the UK are affected by an eating disorder, of which around 11% are male. Erin, Young Ambassador, Beat I suffered from anorexia from the age of 12, and I strongly believe that schools in Merseyside must make students aware what eating disorders are and what support there is available. The earlier an eating disorder is recognised and treated the more chance that individual has of recovery. I also believe if more people are able to recognise that they or someone else has an eating disorder and access help and support, then this will make a change in the rising figures meaning a change in funding for research. If you are worried about a friend or yourself, make an appointment with your GP. In Merseyside there is a self help and support group called Talking Eating Disorders which is part of the Beat Network. Rani Prasad, consultant clinical psychologist at St Helens and Knowsley Eating Disorders Service Supporting someone with an eating disorder can be very difficult for families and carers. We offer eight-week evening support and training groups so you can speak to someone going through similar experiences. www.youngminds.org.uk is a helpful website too. By the end of the year, we will have set up a service that supports young people at an even earlier age from 0 to 18 years. We accept referrals to our specialist eating disorder service for male and female young people aged 14 to 18 - as well as adults aged 18plus - from GPs, other healthcare professionals and schools. Amongst the staff at our base at Knowsley Resource and Recovery Centre at Whiston Hospital we include: clinical psychologists; a consultant psychiatrist for medical reviews; dieticians and occupational therapists, and our family therapist who creates a safe place for you to talk together as a family. Debbie Roche, founder, NotEDuk, an eating disorder awareness and support group Following the appalling revelations around the death of a four-year-old boy from Coventry, the need for eating disorder awareness in our schools has become more prolific. No longer should teachers be fooled into 'not' taking appropriate action because a child has an alleged eating disorder. Safeguarding children at school is a key function for teachers. Schools are legally bound to have safeguarding policies and whilst it is common for schools to have specific policies about mobile phones, very few have a specific eating disorder policy. Considering the rise in the number of children and young people being diagnosed with an eating disorder (HSCIC, 2012); the knowledge that eating disorders are complex (sometimes fatal) illnesses, and the role that teachers undertake in promoting the welfare and safety of children in their care (in loco parentis), specific eating disorder policies would sit appropriately with such safeguarding responsibilities, ensuring early intervention for pupils and students at risk of an eating disorder.
Eating Disorders are complex psychological conditions. Recovery is possible, but can take years, and relapses are common. Early intervention is vital, as we know that people have a better chance of recovery if they get the right specialist help at the right time. If you want to know more about young people and eating disorders Talking Eating Disorders (TEDS) are holding a conference on Tuesday 20 May 2014 at St George’s Hall, Liverpool. The conference promises to help explode the myths and provide practical empowering solutions for anyone interested in knowing more about the disease. For further information contact leigh@tedsuk.com or visit www.tedsuk.com Parents Resources DVD How to Care for Someone with an Eating Disorder The New Maudsley Method from the SUCCEED Foundation Skills-based Learning for Caring for a loved one with an Eating Disorder ISBN 978-0-415-43158-3 www.tedsuk.com www.b-eat.co.uk www.bemindful.co.uk www.nice.org www.maudsleyparents.org
Have your say: To suggest or contribute to a topic for debate in Viewpoint email us at: educate@merseymirror.com www.educatemagazine.com
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Education News
New president for college Charles said: “My role The students of the here at the college is to City of Liverpool improve on the student College have elected experiences and arrange Charles King as their fun trips and activities. I new student union want students to be able president. to enjoy their time here, to Charles is part of a be given all the newly structured advantages and student union at the opportunities that they college, which is built deserve and wish to on the university achieve. model, with the Charles King student union Elaine Bowker, CEO of president and vice the City of Liverpool president receiving an president College said: “We are keen annual salary. The new union will give students to make the college closer to a university feel, with a structured a voice in how the college is run student union which will give our and the power to influence their students a voice and the power to own learning experience. influence their own learning Charles has a number of plans in experience. The union will also place to enrich student life, in offer a breadth of activities to particular he is keen to support enhance the educational students looking to find regular experience, and offer students a part time work and provide advice rich and rewarding time at the on finding jobs and filling out college.” application forms and CV’s.
Put the breaks on Overwhelming public support for 20mph limits has been revealed by road safety charity Brake and Allianz Insurance, whose survey shows eight in 10 people (78%) think 20mph should be the norm around schools, on residential streets, and in village, town and city centres. The news comes as Brake takes its GO 20 campaign for safe, active, happy communities to parliament, calling on politicians to support the introduction of 20mph as the default urban speed limit. The Brake and Allianz Insurance survey also found: • Seven in 10 (72%) say roads in their town or village need to be made safer for walking and cycling; • Eight in 10 (81%) say traffic travels too fast on some (51%) or most (30%) of their local roads; • Eight in 10 (79%) think it would encourage more people to walk or cycle if roads and routes in their town or village were made safer. With an estimated 12.5 million people in the UK now living in areas implementing or committed to widespread 20mph limits, Brake argues the country is reaching a tipping point where it makes social and economic sense to make a national change in our default, to the benefit of communities everywhere. Areas that have already introduced 20mph limits have seen significant reductions in casualties, such as Portsmouth where they fell by 22%, and Camden, where crashes reduced by 54%.
‘OUTSTANDING’ VERDICT Kirkby Children’s Centres are celebrating after being the first group in the country to be rated ‘outstanding’ under the new Ofsted framework. The Pride, The Eden, The Ark and Northwood children’s centres are the first group in the country to be given the top accolade by Ofsted since the inspectorate introduced much tougher criteria to judge whether children’s centres are meeting the needs of local families. Inspectors heaped praise on the group of four centres, particularly for their work in targeting vulnerable families, even those who may initially be reluctant to use the centre. In fact, Ofsted said that children who had used services at the centre were better prepared for starting school than their peers, and that the commitment of staff to help families have what others take for granted was “astounding”. The Inspector said that “inequalities for disabled children and children with special educational needs are reduced effectively because they receive the right support in the most appropriate way” and that “support for parents to improve their employment prospects is very good”. There was also praise for the work staff do in raising awareness about the free 56
Parents and children from Kirkby Children’s Centres with Cllr Graham Wright, Cllr Ros Smith, and (sitting at the front) Alistair Scott, area children’s centre manager.
nursery places that the most vulnerable two-year-olds are entitled to, and said that, as a result, “almost all of them take up their nursery place and begin their journey to become ready for school.” Summing up, Ofsted said: “Kirkby families are firmly at the heart of everything that is done in the children’s centre group. “Careful thought is given to what, how and where highly effective activities or
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services are delivered. Managers and staff are constantly looking for ways to improve their services so that the opportunities and life chances of families can be enhanced.” The report also said: “The centre group buildings are a haven for families. They are resourced with high quality equipment and furniture. The most valuable resource, however, is the staff team.
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Supply isn’t what it used to be!
Alex Hough Branch Manager at Connex Education Warrington
Over recent years supply teaching has become a common path for many Newly Qualified Teachers to take before they secure their first permanent roles. Over the past ten years, I have met with many anxious and disappointed candidates who haven’t managed to secure a position after graduation. We appreciate how frustrating this can be but we would like to reassure you that supply isn’t the consolation prize… far from it! Have you recently applied for a job and been pipped to the post because of your experience? There is a good chance that the successful candidate has previously worked as a supply teacher. Put yourself in the Headteacher’s shoes. You have two equally good applicants but one has gained a year of additional classroom experience in different settings through supply work. Who would you choose? Last year, I registered a fantastic NQT for supply. They had received “outstanding” for their placements and all their references were excellent. Despite this, when interviewing for a permanent post, they missed out on the role simply due to experience. Three months later (with experience working in a variety of schools), they secured a two term post and started their NQT year. Not only can supply help you to strengthen your experience, it also gives you the opportunity to develop your reputation and show your skills in the very schools you will be applying to. Gaining an insight into these schools can also be incredibly beneficial for the NQT as well. A lot of NQTs have their eye firmly focussed on their induction year which can lead to sending applications out on mass. Whilst this will increase your chances of gaining a position, it will not always guarantee that your post will be in the right school. I have worked with candidates who secure jobs in July but find by the October half term that the school isn’t a good match for them. Working on supply allows you to trial out different schools and choose the right setting for your skills and your future career. These are just a few of the many positives from working as a supply teacher. If you find yourself on supply then take this opportunity to market yourself and gain that essential experience. It is a valuable stepping stone in the pursuit of your perfect position.
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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School Ec News Sponsored by
Happy to help nature Pupils from King’s Meadow Primary School, Ainsdale, played an important part in enriching the habitat of one of Sefton’s most endangered species. The enthusiastic group helped remove rotting vegetation from the dune ponds at Formby - known as slacks - ahead of Natterjack toads returning from their winter hibernation. The fresh water slacks are essential breeding grounds for the Natterjacks, who prefer warm shallow water with sandy, clear areas for their spawn to develop. Large amounts of vegetation can
interfere with the breeding cycle and also encourage other species of amphibian to the detriment of the toads. The pupils will revisit the site in the summer to see the fruits of their hard work. David Currie, Year 5 teacher at Kings Meadow, said: “As a class, we were thrilled to be chosen to take part in this exciting project. The children have learnt about the importance of conservation through a fun, hands on approach. “Everyone had a great time clearing out the slacks and we can’t wait to revisit in the summer to see the result of the
Pupils fly the Green Flag
children’s hard work.” Following the event, the Year 5 pupils teamed up to prepare a summary of their thoughts about the day. It
read: “Even though we got wet feet we loved to scrape the slacks to maintain habitats for the Natterjack toads”.
Pupils from King’s Meadow Primary help clear dune ponds
Eco-students have been helping spruce up North Park in Bootle through an organised litter-pick. Pupils from Linacre Primary School’s eco-club joined forces with staff from Sefton Council to clear up litter left behind in the green flag listed park. The litter-pick was part of an ongoing campaign to promote positive usage of North Park and to encourage the local community to look after it. Further litter-picks in the park involving schools and the local community are planned throughout the year. Cllr Ian Moncur, cabinet member for children, schools, families and leisure, said: "It is very encouraging to see eco-pupils from Linacre Primary School get involved in the litter-pick and take some pride in their surrounding area. “We are very proud of all our parks and green spaces right across the borough and we are very lucky so many of them have the prestigious Green Flag status like North Park does. “We encourage as many people as possible to use and enjoy the parks but please remember to take your litter home with you or use the many bins provided. Dropping litter anywhere is just not acceptable and wastes time and effort that could be used to make improvements”. Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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Sponsored by
Dragons’ Den Pupils enjoy climate week challenge Children at Bishop David Sheppard Primary School, Southport recently took part in their very own Dragons' Den as part of a climate week challenge. Children in Years 1 to 6 were challenged to create something out of recycled materials that would encourage wildlife into the school grounds. The classes competed to 'pitch' their idea to the dragons, Lesley Kirkbride, Dot Mawdsley, from Tesco and Ms Pyke. Year 1 pupils designed bird feeders; Year 2 designed birdhouses; Year 3 designed butterfly feeders; Years 4 and 5 designed insect homes and Year 6 pitched their ideas about transforming the pond area in their eco garden. The winners were Year 1 who made an extremely passionate pitch about how their bird feeder could attract wildlife and be made in an eco-friendly way! Children were presented with a £10 gift certificate in the school awards assembly. Lesley Kirkbride, Tesco community champion said: “Well done to everyone for taking part and presenting such fantastic ideas and designs. I am sure we have some future designers in our midst!”
Year 1 pupils show off their winning designs
Apple of their eye
Mosspits headteacher Mrs Everitt with designer Scot Fletcher and Year 6 pupils Thomas Fletcher and Poppy Kyriakides. 64
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Mosspits Lane Primary School, Liverpool were delighted to celebrate the installation of their new Apple Shelter. Deputy headteacher, Karen Owens said: “The school have commissioned the design after researching ideas for different shelters to enhance outdoor provision for pupils. “We have a long-term vision for developing inspirational learning spaces around school and reengaging children with the outdoors and nature. “We wanted an organic, rustic outdoors feel to the playground and surrounding areas with natural products as well as an eco theme. The school is on a journey towards gaining eco-school status and the Apple Shelter fits this vision well. “We intend to pick up the fruit theme and are looking at creating a fruit nursery and a small orchard on site, all of which will be used to enhance learning for pupils in subjects such as science and DT. “We also plan to celebrate national apple day with tree dressing and
apple pressing - using our apples for cookery projects. The apple will be used as a quiet, reflective space for children during playtimes or it can fit a whole class for storytelling or circle time. “We have also commissioned a Douglas fir sweet chestnut leaf pergola which will be fitted above the benches near to the apple. This has not been built yet, but is the first of its kind. “The apple is handmade from UK grown FSC oak by Handspring Design and is steam bent and laminated in a unique process to make the curvy ribs. The floor and seats are also oak. “They choose oak partly due to its deep cultural resonance but primarily due to its resilience and durability for outside – it will last for a very long time without needing treating or impregnating with the nasty chemicals that most softwood outdoor timber is treated with.” The apple was opened by Year 6 pupils Thomas Fletcher and Poppy Kyriakides.
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Sponsored by
Educrate - caring for your world in a box An initiative aimed at helping children care for their environment is coming to schools in Knowsley. March saw the arrival of special ‘Educrate’ boxes at 12 primary schools in Knowsley helping pupils learn more about four environmental themes: • Theme 1: Food waste reduction - helping students produce recipes using ingredients including leftover food. • Theme 2: Composting and growing from soil to table. Exploring the benefits of growing our own food and producing compost. • Theme 3: Reusing items, ‘swap days’ and exchanges. This crate helps students set up and run a ‘swap day.’ • Theme 4: Making new from old with textiles and knitting workshops, recycling and reusing activities. This crate gives
budding designers a chance to develop skills, such as knitting, sewing, crocheting and embroidery. Local environmental transformation charity Faiths4Change is spearheading the project, in partnership with Knowsley Council, after securing £18,780 funding from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia Environmental Services Ltd Community Fund. The crates, containing all the materials needed to run fun, practical sessions linked to the curriculum. Knowsley Council environment officers and Faiths4Change helped deliver the sessions, encouraging children to run their own ‘green’ activities. Knowsley Council will also monitor the wider impact of the project in the local community by recording waste tonnages to establish
whether behaviour has changed. Calvin Stockton, associate project manager from Faiths4Change said: “We are really excited about this project as it will encourage children to learn about important
environmental issues in a fun, practical way. We hope children will involve the whole school community in the work, and take these environmental messages back home to their families – and the wider community.”
Free uniform scheme given boost A free uniform scheme in Wirral has been given a cash boost to reach out and help more families. The recycling scheme called Wirral Fuss (Free Uniforms for Schools) was set up two years ago by Sheila Fowler to help kit out children for free and lessen the cost to families. Now the group have been awarded £1,850 from Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority’s community fund. Money will be used to develop the scheme further across Merseyside. Wirral Fuss have also set up two new collection points at Tranmere Methodist Church and Lower Bebington Methodist Church, so as to make it easier for parents to take advantage of the scheme. This is in addition to St Luke’s Church in Hoylake, where it was first set up.
Enchanted woods in Stockbridge If you go down to Little Woods today you’re in for a big surprise, as there are two new additions to the woodland walk. Two new tree sculptures have been created thanks to the Stockbridge Junior Rangers. Children from the Stockbridge Rangers and St Albert’s RC Primary School designed the intricate tree carvings. The children were asked to come up with some ideas for the sculptures, which resulted in some fantastic drawings of squirrels, insects and even a badger. The Stockbridge Junior Rangers help look after Little Woods and over recent years have been tidying, cutting back weeds, planting and looking after the pond. The woods are now a fantastic place for families and walkers to visit and enjoy a nature stroll, taking in some wonderful sights along the way. In 2013 the group applied for funding from the National Lottery to create tree sculptures from some of the trees in the woods, and were thrilled when they discovered that their application had been accepted. George Jewell, Stockbridge Junior Rangers Leader said “We were delighted that our bid was successful as it helped us pay for the fantastic tree sculptors who really have brought the children’s ideas to life. It has been a fantastic project for the children to get involved with and brings a new lease of life to the woodland walk.” St Albert’s school children enjoy their ideas brought to life in Little Woods
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Nadine Carroll A week in the life of Nadine Carroll, headteacher at Whitefield Primary School, Everton
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adine Carroll describes her headteaching approach at Whitefield Primary School as “hands-on,” as she works alongside a senior leadership team to create a family atmosphere at the school and get involved in the wide range of weekly activities. Whilst every week is different in her busy role, Nadine provides an insight into her schedule at the school. Monday: We start the week with a celebratory ‘nothing but the best’ assembly. Each class teacher nominates a star of the week - usually a child who has really impressed with their good manners and behaviour or attitude to learning. There’s also a ‘reader of the week’ too and a grown up of the week, who the children vote for as they leave the dining room every day. Meanwhile, lunchtime gold medallists are awarded by the lunchtime staff. We call it Marvellous Monday! At lunchtime on a sunny day I go down to the foundation stage where we had a big investment - they’ve got a sandpit and a twigloo. I enjoy spending time there because it gives me chance to get to know children so that I see them grow up and they identify with me as the headteacher, as somebody who knows them very well. We like to create a real family atmosphere within the school and we find it really helps our children. Their behaviour was found to be outstanding by Ofsted because they manage their own behaviour. Tuesday It’s Zumba at 9am, with a healthy breakfast and ‘me time’ for mums. I’ll drop in and sometimes have breakfast with them - I’m not up to the Zumba yet though! Then on a Tuesday afternoon the children practice choir at about 2.45pm with our choir leader Emma Knowles, a professional actress and singer. She’s wonderful, she comes in and we sing really great songs like ‘Happy’ by Pharrell Williams, lots of up to date stuff that they really enjoy. They’re then joined at the end of school by the adult choir, and the whole group is called the
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Whitefield Community Choir. Children, staff, support staff, teaching staff, parents and ex pupils all sing together. Wednesday We hold the Fab Dads and Grandads Reading Cafe – a chance for male relatives to come in and read with their child in our library. Then sometimes I say to children that I have to do “headteacher things,” and when I do I try and leave my door open because they like to come past my room and say hello. Yesterday I put us forward for the pupil premium awards, and I also look at the school budget. I write the newsletters for the school and make sure all the timetables are right too. I also attend meetings about the building, meet with parents all the time and I’m on the steering group for the Liverpool Primary Headteachers’ Association which meets every month. Plus the school is signed up to the Liverpool Learning Partnership. Thursday I monitor attendance myself every day. We phone parents if they haven’t called and find out why their child is off. In that way attendance has improved from 91.7% to 97.5%, so we have a big drive on it, talk about what good attendance is and try to help families where we can. Then the school dog, Zack, comes in on Thursdays. He has a timetable and I look after him from 11am-12pm when he rests in my office. On a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday it’s also the Reading Rocks Cafe, and that’s run with the school by LJMU students who are in the final year of their BA. We open up the library to families and have about 40-50 people attending each time. I always drop in on that. Friday We end the week with Fabulous Friday; an assembly to celebrate children’s work. Each class brings a piece of work, whether it’s English, maths, a model, art work or something on the iPad. We share it with the whole school, then they get an outstanding certificate and the work gets displayed on a custom-made board called the outstanding work wall.
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EDUCATE PLUS Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)
Nominations now open for Apprenticeship Awards 2014 Awards Categories Apprentice Awards • Apprentice of the Year (Individual awards for Liverpool, Halton, St. Helens, Sefton, Wirral, Knowsley) • Over 25 Apprentice of the Year (Anywhere in the Liverpool City Region)
The nominations for the prestigious Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards 2014 are now open and employers, learning providers and apprentices are being encouraged to nominate deserving applicants for the distinguished awards. After a fantastic inaugural event in 2013, the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards, which recognises hardworking apprentices and dedicated employers from all six Merseyside boroughs, will return for its second year on 20 June 2014. There are a number of awards that apprentices and employers can be nominated for and the deadline for these entries to be submitted by is 2nd May. Ronnie Round, leader of Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, says: “I have championed apprenticeships for many years, and am pleased to say that the City Region has been working well to promote apprenticeships to young people and businesses.” “Businesses who invest in staff through apprenticeships are making a difference and growing, and these
awards will give the chance for this to be celebrated.” “The standard of nominations received for last year’s first awards was very high, and we expect the standard to be even higher this year.” For more information on the Liverpool
Employer Awards • New Apprentice Employer of the Year • Liverpool City Region Apprentice Employer of the Year (Macro) • Liverpool City Region Apprentice Employer of the Year (SME) • Liverpool City Region Apprentice Employer of the year (Large) • The Peter McEvoy Award (For those who have overcome adversity) City Region Apprenticeship Awards 2014, which is sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation and Vivark, please visit www.apprenticeshipswork.org.uk
New award category for awards This year sees the introduction of a new award: the Peter McEvoy Award. This category is for 16 to 24-year-olds who have overcome adversity to start their apprenticeship and make significant progress. The young person should have recently completed their apprenticeship, or be due to complete in 2014. This award has been introduced in memory of Peter McEvoy, chair of Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF) between 2006 and 2013. It marks Peter’s unparalleled dedication to supporting the young people of Merseyside, and in particular his resounding commitment to helping them overcome personal difficulties to achieve success. James Glendenning, chief executive of GMLPF, said: “It is a very important event for our region. It brings the local community together to celebrate the talent and achievements of our hardworking local apprentices and the commitment shown by their employers. “It’s also an opportunity to reflect on the outstanding resource of apprenticeships training provision we have available in the region, delivered by independent learning providers and colleges who work closely with employers to meet their needs as well as the needs of the apprentices.”
10 YEARS CHAMPIONING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON MERSEYSIDE
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Entrepreneurial students Iconic female DJ to comes to Liverpool Mode music technology students Vinny Speare, Levy Hinds and Kieran Clarke have used their entrepreneurial skills to bring iconic female DJ Juicy M to Liverpool. The event has been organised in conjunction with club promoter Mick Ellis and will take place at Aura on Friday 2 May to a capacity crowd. This is not the first time the students who are studying music technology at Mode have organised successful events in the city. They were the brains behind the Hypnosis under 18 events which packed both O2 academy and The Elevator during 2013. DJ Les Calvert music technology tutor at Mode said “The students from Mode Music are set to follow in the footsteps of many successful club promoters from Liverpool. “It’s refreshing to see something different happening in our city organised
by young people who are passionate about music and not just into it for the money.” Vinny, Levy and Kieran gained their
skills on Mode’s Key to Apprenticeship programme which is ideal for young people wanting to start a career in music technology.
Apprenticeships take-off at JLA Two young engineering apprentices from Knowsley are the first to participate in a new apprenticeship programme being run by Liverpool John Lennon Airport, having been selected from a number of applicants keen to seek a career at the Airport. Laurence Corris aged 19 and Jordan Metcalf aged 16, applied to become engineering apprentices at the airport through the National Apprenticeship Service which works with employers looking to recruit apprentices. Engineering at the airport covers a diverse range of key duties essential to the smooth running of all aspects of the airport business including the terminal building, runway and taxiways, lighting systems, heating and ventilation, car parks and baggage bay systems. Lasting three years, in addition to their on the job training, the apprentices will also be studying for an NVQ Level 2 Engineering Maintenance qualification at The City of Liverpool College who have worked closely with the airport to develop their course linked to the airport environment. Funding for the apprenticeship has been provided by Knowsley Borough Council who have been instrumental in helping the airport progress this latest initiative as part of their commitment to raise skills and increase employment opportunities for residents across the borough. Carol Dutton, JLA’s HR director said: “We are delighted to be able to implement this scheme and really
Apprentices Laurence Corris (far left) and Jordan Metcalf (far right) receive a warm welcome from Cllr Ronnie Round and JLA’s Carol Dutton.
appreciate the support of all the partners involved in this project. “The airport as a business is one of the region’s largest creators of employment with over 2,000 people working here for companies both large and small. “This important scheme is the start of an ongoing program to give young people such as Laurence and Jordan, the skills to develop a career here at the airport, bringing fresh ideas and new young talent into the business.”
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
Councillor Ron Round, Leader of Knowsley Borough Council added: “I’m really pleased that the airport is involved in our apprentice programme. It is a major employer in the region and will provide high quality work placements for Laurence and Jordan. With such a great first step onto the career ladder, the sky really is the limit for these young men. “I look forward to us working with the airport to provide future apprenticeships for more young people”
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Ahead of the rest Liverpool apprentices qualify as finalists in leading national hair competition
Back row: Salon owners, Dion Padden and Ian Sadler with Molly O’Callaghan and Corry Davies
Two apprentices training with leading apprenticeships provider tpm in Liverpool have qualified as north west finalists in the L’Oreal Colour Trophy competition. Molly O’Callaghan and Corry Davies are both employed by Hooka Salons in Liverpool. They were selected as two of five regional finalists for the L’Oreal Young Colourist Award. Their skills will be further tested at the finals in June. Hooka Salons is an outstanding example of an apprenticeship employer. They have worked with tpm for many years, providing opportunities for young people to develop award-standard skills which are recognised by national competitions like L’Oreal’s. Salon owner and style director, Dion Padden, who is also a tpm graduate, said: “We are so proud to be the only salon that achieved 100%; all our entries reaching the finals of this leading competition! “This is testimony to how dedicated both Hooka and tpm are to the training and development of the staff and apprentices”.
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
Liverpool hosts UK’s biggest ever graduation for apprentices
Liverpool City Region’s councils and learning providers are celebrating hosting the UK’s biggest ever graduation for apprentices, and the first graduation ceremony of its kind to take place in the North West region. The pioneering Apprenticeship Graduation (Liverpool City Region) ceremony on 29 April was held at the beautifully grand Liverpool Cathedral and there was a huge turn out by qualified apprentices from the Liverpool City Region who were thrilled to be able to graduate. Qualified apprentices were formally recognised at the graduation, which aims to give hardworking apprentices the same recognition that university students receive on the completion of a degree. A huge variety of apprentices attended the graduation from qualified electricians and plumbers to hairdressers and even ice sculptors! Each apprentice made their way onto the stage at the Cathedral and were awarded a ceremonial certificate in front of their proud family and friends. The ceremony was organised by The Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Hub, which is made up of a number of organisations including the six local borough councils, who are all working to elevate the status of apprenticeships in the area. Due to the high demand, two ceremonies were held on 29 April at Liverpool Cathedral at 2:30pm and 6:30pm so that up to a thousand apprentices could graduate. Local bricklayer, Ashley Terron, who won a gold medal at the skills olympics spoke at the ceremonies alongside Jaguar Land Rover’s operations director and chair of the employment and skills board, Richard Else. Prior to the event, Terri Fitzpatrick, assistant development officer within leisure services, said: “Before I started my apprenticeship I didn’t have any qualifications, I now have completed NVQ’s in levels 2 & 3. “Since finishing my apprenticeship with Sefton Council, I have gained full time employment and without undertaking an apprenticeship I would not be in the position that I am in now. “I am very grateful for the continued support I am given and think that the Apprenticeship Graduation (Liverpool City Region) was a great way of recognising apprentice’s hard work” The Apprenticeship Graduation (Liverpool City Region) is not the only event that The Hub are organising for apprentices this year as the annual Apprenticeship Awards will also be taking place on 20 June at Knowsley Hall.
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…training for great futures
As featured on
✔ Apprenticeships with top local employers ✔ Students score tpm 9.5 out of 10* ✔ Specialist services for dyslexic students ✔ High student success rates ✔ Nurturing, caring culture ✔ Smart facilities with cutting edge technology *Skills Funding Agency’s FE Choices Survey August 2012 – July 2013
Because of their consistently inclusive approach, tpm have been featured in a case study with The Dyslexia Foundation that appears in a forthcoming Employer Toolkit, produced by NIACE on behalf of the National Apprenticeship Service. This will support employers in the recruitment of apprentices with learning difficulties and disabilities.
0151 709 6000 www.tpmnow.co.uk t: @tpmUK f: Training Plus merseyside
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
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Reaping the rewards A business built on apprentices A successful St Helens-based company is reaping the rewards of hiring generations of St Helens College apprentices. Airtec Filtration, a specialist dust and fume extraction company, has developed, nurtured and trained three generations of apprenticeships with the help of St Helens College. The latest Airtec Filtration apprentice is 17-year-old Sean Burke, a fabrication and welding apprentice. The ex Maricourt High School pupil
joined the St Helens College apprenticeship programme in hopes of building a successful career in fabrication and welding. Sean said: “After leaving school I enrolled at Southport College to study art and design and after a few months I decided it wasn’t for me and enrolled on St Helens College’s apprenticeship scheme. “An apprenticeship provided me with career prospects as well as a wage and training.
Apprentice Sean Burke (centre) with Karl Rixon and business development customer manager, Andy Rawsthorne
“Although an apprenticeship is far more challenging it’s extremely rewarding. I can see that I am already building the skills, knowledge and experience needed to continue a career in the industry. “The scheme has provided me with an excellent opportunity and it’s fantastic to be working with former college apprentices – I have a great support network at the college and the company.” On hand to mentor and provide Sean with expert advice and guidance is the company’s contract manager, Karl Rixon. A former St Helens College apprentice himself, Karl, believes apprenticeships are the way forward as they provide a skilled workforce as well as fresh ideas and enthusiasm in the workplace. Karl who completed his apprenticeship in 1990 said: “Apprentices bring a spark to the organisation, as well as enthusiasm, loyalty and the desire for continual progression. Over the years I have welcomed and line managed some very successful apprentices. “It is important that as a company we continue to provide the next generation with the skills, knowledge and confidence to build a successful career and to continue company growth.”
At the heart of the community Merseyside-based Hugh Baird College has opened the doors to a brand new multi-million pound facility, following an extensive building project. The new ultra-modern L20 Building, based on Stanley Road, opened recently and is designed to drive community and employer engagement while ramping up higher education provision. Hugh Baird College principal and chief executive Yana Williams said the development would place the educational body at the heart of the community. The 2,600-square-metre facility includes a dedicated university centre with open-plan study areas and a multi-purpose performance arts space for public events, ranging from school productions to conferences. Further community-led facilities include a public library, learning resource centre and a café with an outdoor seating area. Ms Williams said: “This is a really exciting time for the college, signalling our vision and progressive outlook to raise aspirations across the region and engage students with the local community and businesses. The first floor of the building is being opened for businesses, helping to create an industry-led atmosphere
Key to development Hugh Baird principal Yana Williams and Tony Shenton, Wates Construction
and link students with the workplace. The second floor will house the university centre, which will be a dedicated place of study for students taking one of the college’s degree programmes. “The new build will enable us to transform our delivery of higher education in a bid to make it more accessible and affordable for people across the region,” said Ms Williams. “We will now be able to offer a greater depth of degree level courses, certificates in educations and PGCEs, covering areas such as creative arts, health and social care, business management and IT.”
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
Key to Apprenticeships students training with Aigburth Training Opportunities (ATO) took part in a cook-off as part of a special Teaching Liverpool to Cook Campaign. The group cooked alongside chefs in the sunfilled Isla Gladstone conservatory in Stanley Park, creating a delicious chicken stew. As well as gaining cookery skills, the students discovered ways to reduce food waste. The workshop developed their skills in food preparation which will be useful for working in children’s nurseries in the future, which many of the students aim to do. ATO arranged the workshop as a part of their students’ Key to Apprenticeships childcare course. Many young people complete this course after leaving school at 16. They then progress onto childcare apprenticeships, employed by nurseries and by schools. ATO is a local training provider that has an excellent record of supporting its apprentices to progress into university.
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Key To Apprenticeships Helping 16 to 18 year olds into Apprenticeships www.key2apprenticeships.co.uk /key2apprenticeships
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
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APPRENTICE CASE STUDY
Georgia Riley-Woods
Seventeen year old Georgia was referred to Jarvis Training Management (JTM) by her school’s careers advisor for the apprenticeship in childcare in May 2013. She had started a BTEC in childcare at her school in Liverpool, but wanted to leave to start an apprenticeship. Janine Edgar, assessor for JTM, said: “After meeting Georgia, JTM found that she had the desire and relevant school work experience to perhaps start an apprenticeship, but that her maths and English would see her struggle with the functional skills elements of the framework. “Georgia also told us that she was dyslexic and hadn’t sat her GCSEs due to family problems at the time. Unfortunately, at the time we were unable to offer Georgia a route into the apprenticeship she was after. Despite this, she was still adamant that she didn’t want to return to 6th Form. “In August 2013 however, when JTM started to deliver traineeships, Georgia was one of the first names that we thought of who could potentially benefit from the programme. “Georgia soon went from strength to strength and we quickly secured her a work placement in a nursery. Georgia’s maths and English levels progressed and she successfully completed the programme’s employability units to develop her knowledge and understanding of the skills and attributes required to succeed in the world of work. “Upon completion of the traineeship programme in November 2013, Georgia was able to graduate on to the fully-employed apprenticeship in a local nursery that she had so wanted from the beginning.
Pupils plan and prepare Jobs for Tomorrow is a series of local resources including lesson plans, films, case studies and job profiles which will both inspire and enable people across the Liverpool City Region to better plan their career path and progression. The work forms part of the Liverpool City Region’s and Government’s desire for more informed and empowered learner choices, supported by the most up-to-date labour market and careers information, but accessible for school children, undergraduates and jobseekers to see opportunities and pursue them. Funded as part of the Liverpool City Region Deal with Government, the Employment and Skills Board commissioned Greater Merseyside Connexions Partnership to produce the series of careers materials for key economic growth sectors. The materials are aimed to be used by Year 7 pupils onwards and into adulthood and they should be useful to professionals working with young people and adults, including teachers and careers advisors. Richard Else, operations director at Jaguar Land Rover and chair of the Liverpool City Region Employment and Skills Board said: “This is just one of a range of initiatives we are introducing to help our young people and adults prepare for employment. “Not only can our residents better plan their career path, but employers have played a key part in developing the materials to ensure potential employees are aware of the skills employers are looking for. “Through the materials, we are supporting our residents to achieve their career aspirations.”
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
Unlocking your true potential Blackburne House Education are offering traineeships for young men and women (age 19 to 24) in construction, health & beauty, hospitality, events planning, administration and childcare. Claire Dove OBE, chief executive of Blackburne House, said: “The programme is flexible and can be suited to a wide range of career paths. “Traineeships unlock the great potential of young people and prepare them for their future careers by helping them to become ‘work ready’. “They also provide the essential work preparation training, maths and English and work experience needed to get an apprenticeship or other job. “Traineeships are delivered by training providers and funded by the government, with employers providing the valuable work experience placement and interview as part of the programme. “As both an employer and a training provider, Blackburne House is excellently placed and the only provider in Liverpool to be delivering traineeships. It’s social enterprises provide work experience placements for students completing their courses. “Blackburne House is a unique, inspirational learning environment – transforming women’s lives for over 30 years. The college delivers traineeships alongside a range of other courses for women of all ages and abilities.” Awarded Grade 2 by Osfted in November 2013, Blackburne House’s teaching, learning and assessment are described as ‘good with outstanding features’.
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A LONG JOURNEY TO SUCCESS Basetech Training CIC has come a long way since opening its doors to train young people to be motor technicians in July 2011. As Andrew Partington, co-founder of Basetech recalls: “Our opening in 2011 was on a shoestring with no fanfare but with a desire to be the best training centre possible. Our key aim is always to get our students into jobs.” From those humble beginnings Basetech now operates from a £3m training centre on Great Howard Street providing nearly 20 accredited motor technician courses. Basetech is not just about training and education it ensures that each student fully understands the key requirements of getting and staying in a job in the motor industry. Since the beginning we have worked closely with garages and their owners – ensuring that what we deliver to the student is relevant and pertinent to the job market. The commitment of the Basetech team in getting their students into work is unrivalled as over 100 graduates are now in work. It is an even more significant milestone when you consider that Basetech is not contracted or paid to deliver this outcome. Basetech is always looking at opportunities to help its students and always maximise the effectiveness of the funding available to turn lives around such as trips to Pro Drive who build world rally championship cars or to local car dealerships to investigate real work conditions . Andrew said: “We work closely with our partners to ensure that we are always at the heart of the community – this includes local events, shows, and recruitment fairs. “We will soon have a recruitment road show that can visit schools and other events to promote the opportunities in the motor industry.
Basetech apprentices
“To develop our community commitment further, Basetech has opened up a commercial community garage with our partner Xtreme Motors so that we can offer discounts to housing association tenants and community groups - made possible by Basetech students working on the cars. We have opened up the Base Cafe for students and the wider community offering free breakfasts for students. “It is all about the learner, our vision is to empower our learners as Basetech technicians so that their qualities and ambition is recognised and rewarded in the motor industry.” Basetech recently achieved the milestone of over 100 jobs in the motor industry in the last few weeks for its students.
Final few places up for grabs Teenagers considering a career in football coaching can still apply to study for a 1st4sport and FA accredited qualification with Little League Sports. There are a few places left on this years coaching course, which is due to launch in University Academy Liverpool in September 2014. Students will be taught how to deliver a wide variety of sports coaching sessions and how to improve children of different age and abilities, whilst also being offered the opportunity to earn formal FA coaching qualifications. In the first year they will study for an FA Level 1 Certificate in coaching football and a variety of 1st4sport Level 2 vocational coaching qualifications. Year two will see them progress to an FA Level 2 leadership through football qualification alongside Level 3 vocational qualifications. Places are limited but applicants can still secure their place this year at University Academy Liverpool. University Academy Principal, Ms Alison Dearden, said: “The courses offer a chance to earn valuable recognised qualifications for those looking for an alternative to academic further education”. “We are delighted to team up with Little League Sports to offer 16-19 year olds in the area a fantastic opportunity to train to become a professional football coach,” “The course incorporates both practical and theory lessons, along with work placements in local primary schools. “The qualifications gained on the course will open up a wide range of opportunities for the trainee coaches.”
Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF
Vocational study programmes working successfully in schools Michael John Academy in partnership with Broadgreen International School are busy preparing delivery of the Level 2 Principal Learning in Hair & Beauty Studies. This diploma sized programme is recognised as a substantial qualification route and is one of very few that still contribute to school league tables as GCSE grade A-C equivalents. Broadgreen pupils who have selected this as an option will study aspects of hair and beauty from September 2014, fulfilling assignments and gaining a real insight into the industry. Michael John Academy work with schools to support
vocational options in hairdressing, barbering, beauty therapy and nail services. In 2007 at the request of Broadgreen International School they established a commercially focused salon environment, which has been highly successful. Paul Duffy, deputy headteacher, said: “Broadgreen has worked very closely with Michael John for the past seven years with the provision of hair and beauty course’s in the school’s onsite professional standard salon. “Michael John provide all the staff and logistical support in a very successful working relationship that has yielded 100% success for all learners.”
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Education News
Making writing exciting Making a monkey out of study
Top Tweets A selection of the best tweets picked up by @EducateMag
Literacy is always high on the educational agenda, and local organisation Altru Drama have found a novel way to make writing fun, exciting and a real achievement for children in Merseyside primary schools. Following a visit to Chicago to work with American theatre company Barrel of Monkeys, Altru have created ‘The Monkey Project’ which is a real treat for schools. The project starts with a six-week in school residency. Three classes of children take part in writing themed drama workshops, engaging in imaginative activities, modelling and group writing. Each session culminates in independent writing time and each child writes a story in their very own Monkey Journal. At the end of the residency, Altru teachers take all of the books and read every story – all 540 of them! They choose a selection of stories from across the three classes and turn these into a bespoke performance – which has been written by and for pupils. The performance takes place a few weeks later in the school hall and is performed by a Monkey Team of eight actors. It’s a huge celebration of achievement, with each young writer credited as author of their story, lots of cheers, applause and laughter all round. Children also receive their Monkey Journals back, with positive comments on their stories, and each child gets a certificate on completion.
Calling all scarecrows Calling all primary/infant schools and community groups! The National Wildflower Centre have announced that they will be hosting their 6th Annual Scarecrow Festival competition. The theme this year is Happy & Healthy Outdoors, which has been inspired by their nature, health, and wellbeing project, Great Outdoors. This project helps to connect people with nature encouraging more activity in parks and greenspaces. You can be inspired by the weather to depict your ideas; plants, bees, butterflies and outdoor activities – the sky’s the limit! All entries will be displayed around the centre during their Scarecrow Festival weekend of the 5 and 6 July, when they will be offering free entry to the centre all weekend. There’ll also be lots of hands-on activities for all the family to enjoy and take part in over the weekend, all under the theme of Happy and Healthy Outdoors. Entries must be with the Centre by 4.30pm on Monday 30 June. Judging will take place on Wednesday 2 July and winners will be announced on Thursday 3 July. If you’re a lucky winner you’ll be able to come and collect your trophy on Friday 4 July. If you would like your school/group to join in this great opportunity to get creative or if you have any questions please email events@landlife.org.uk 82
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KEEP ON RUNNING
The run included a multitude of outfits
Calderstones School staff and pupils ran, skipped, jumped, hopped or walked a one mile course around the school site for Sports Relief. Organiser of the event, PE teacher Katherine Jackson, said: “ I was thrilled with the enthusiasm and effort of everyone involved. I challenged everyone to wear something red, pupils wore red sport kits, hair accessories, onesies, fancy dress as well as their sports relief wristbands. All year groups took part in the event throughout the day, which saw over 1400 pupils and 60 staff complete the one mile course. Special medals were then presented to those pupils who completed the mile in the fastest time or raised the most money for the charity”.
Staff and students ready at the start
Students and staff enjoy World Book Day
English teacher, Andrew Duncan rolled up his trousers put his trainers on, ran the course and made it back in time to teach his next class
PUPILS BROUGHT TO BOOK A wonderful day was had at St John Bosco on World Book Day, students and staff were invited to come dressed as their favourite character from a book and there were some really wonderful costumes. Miss Markey from the English department spent the whole day teaching as the Gruffalo and some of the students spent the day painted blue or with their toga’s flowing. Headteacher, Anne Pontifex said: “This is always a fantastic day celebrating books and how important they are”. Students also took part in a drop everything and read activity being given surprise extra reading time The Gruffalo alias during the day. Miss Markey
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EARL OPENS NEW ACADEMY A special opening ceremony took place when the Earl of Derby officially opened a new Academy and was keen to state that having met the Dean Trust team, he was confident to put his name against the school. Headteacher, Mr Barry Bridden, who in his short time in office, has made significant impact said: “Respect is paramount and this has resulted in a 3% increase in attendance and a huge decrease in behaviour issues. We believe that Lord Derby Academy will become the school of choice for Knowsley parents, just as our other schools within The Dean Trust.” Above and below: The Earl of Derby opens the new Lord Derby Academy
Headteacher Barry Bridden with the Earl of Derby, pupils and civic guests
FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING
The ‘onesie’ brigade
Right: Headmistress Miss Yardley with Harrison the Lion, Merchants’ Charity Mascot
Thumbs up for a fantastic day of fun
During the last half term a fantastic morning was had by all at Merchant Taylors’ Mixed Infants’ and Junior Girls’ School when the school council raised an incredible £4862 for Sport Relief! The money was raised through a whole school fun run and the school council voted for everyone to wear a ‘onesie’ for the occasion. On the morning of the run, the children were joined by their school mascot, Harrison, as they followed Miss Yardley around the running track in a procession followed by a quick warm up by PE staff. The children showed tremendous determination as they ran, hopped, skipped and jogged around the track with their friends. Smiles, giggles and high-fives were everywhere.
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SPORTY FUN AT CONNEX Staff stay strong to raise fantastic amount Instead of running marathons or swimming laps, the staff at Connex Education, suited up in funny sporty costumes and went on a one-day fundraising fast in support of Sport Relief. “At Connex we are not very sporty but we were not going to let this stop us from raising money for a good cause”, said Mark Beedles, managing director. Giving up food for a day turned out to be more difficult than expected but the team stayed strong and managed to raise the fantastic amount of £1,346 plus gift aid of £301.25
Staff look forward to their day of fun and fundraising
Ste Saunderson shows off his skipping prowess
Ashleigh Scott hoola-hooping Hayley Hilton, Patrick Mooney and Hannah McDaid
James Rose tees off whilst Anthony Lawton watches on
Hayley Hilton at her desk
Jockey Patrick Mooney and cricketer Ste Saunderson
Carla Gonzalez belts out another tune
Jemma Collins takes on Lisa Dovey at office tennis
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FLIGHTS OF FANCY West Derby School, Liverpool held a STEM Day which was based around the idea of the boys designing and building a “propelled glider” style aeroplane. There were four main elements to the project which included: constructions of the fuselage, calculations of wind loading, constructing the propeller and exploring aspects of thrust, drag, lift and weight. They had access to a number of materials and had the opportunity to ‘buy’ some extra materials out of a budget they were given and managed throughout the day. At the end of the day the aeroplanes were tested; the aim to see which aeroplane could travel furthest in the air.
PUPILS SEE LIFE ON THE FRONT
Mr and Mrs Duff from Wallasey who’s fathers both served in these trenches
Left: Richard Vass, who’s fathers momentos make up a good part of the whole display
Right: Conor Ryan and Joanne Kirton
Treasured memorabilia belonging to a First World War hero from Wirral was on display at a shopping centre in Birkenhead. Included in Lt Capt William Vass’ collection is the whistle he blew to send troops ‘over the top’ of the trenches into battle. The priceless items on display were loaned by his son, Richard, in response to an appeal for World War One photos and artefacts. Also on display are his late father’s regimental badge, a blanket he used to keep warm in the trenches, a leather belt, a pair of binoculars and photographs. The exhibition - set up in conjunction with social enterprise Big Heritage - was based in a shop unit and gave local school children the opportunity to see how life was on the front lines during the First World War. The Big Heritage work with schools, colleges and universities across the UK to deliver completely unique school workshops and training to enhance teaching skills.
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TIME FOR REFLECTION The sun never sets on Litherland High School! Litherland High School headteacher, Jim Donnelly has been reflecting over two decades of international links. During that time Litherland High students have visited schools in countries as diverse as China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canada, Spain, Germany and Italy. Jim said: “It has been a privilege to take our students to these different countries and to watch them grow as people when they have come into contact with other cultures. “For many of them their lives have been changed beyond recognition by these experiences. At certain times of the year particularly October half term, we will have students on opposite sides of the world: those in Hong Kong will be getting ready to go to bed while their class mates in Canada will just be getting up for the day. We like to joke that the sun never sets on Litherland High School!”
Friends from Tiawan
A snowy day in Milan
Visit to Canada
Jim Donnelly with pupils in Hong Kong
German exchange visit
The Great Wall of China
A visit to the Bird’s Nest, China
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GUILLEM BALAGUE AT GATEACRE Gateacre School headteacher Gerard Lonergan hailed a “fantastic event for the school” following a highly successful evening of football chat with Guillem Balague, the Sky Sports television personality and Spanish soccer expert. The event, which was held in conjunction with Little League Sports, heard tales from inside the dressing rooms of some of Europe’s top clubs on a memorable night at the South Liverpool school. Mr Lonergan said: “It’s brilliant to have a focus that the local community so loves – everyone here loves their football. It shows that schools are more than just teaching the lessons.”
Guillem Balague, Gerard Lonergan, headteacher, Gateacre School and Geoff Poole
Geoff Poole and Guillem Balague
Joe Mulhearn (Little League Sports), Guillem Balague and Jordan Wright (LittleLeague Sports)
COME DINE WITH US
Students and staff prepare for their ‘Come Dine with Me’ evening
Next step Masterchef
Gaining realistic work experience is crucial when studying for a vocational qualification at college. That’s why students form Greenbank College’s catering department get an opportunity to take over the café area at Time Out, Greenbank Sports Academy on the first Thursday of every month during term time. Diners get to enjoy a The proof is in delicious two course the pudding! meal for just £7.50, whilst students gain experience of creating and serving a menu. The College offers catering courses from Entry Level up to Level 2 and a key focus is to get real experience – in the college canteen, in the Time Out Cafe or out on placement.
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23rd September 2014
24th September 2014
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A TASTE OF INDIA
Pupils meet Oommen Chandy the First Minster for Kerala
Cultural experience for Broadgreen International Broadgreen International School prides itself on its international partnerships and has had strong links with a number of schools in India for over five years. One in particular is St Thomas High School in Kallara Kerala. Their sixth form students were treated to a rapturous welcome, they delivered a range of interactive sessions with the children, participated in a football match and a game of tug of war. The students from St Thomas entertained them with a brilliant dance display and a musical ensemble. The two week trip was action packed. Activities included, elephant rides, visiting a tea plantation, sailing on a house boat and meeting the First Minister of Kerala. They returned enlightened, enriched but greatly humbled by the spirit and hospitality shown to them by all who they met in Kerala.
Mrs Foss receives her Bindi
The start of a wonderful procession
Students give grateful thanks to St Thomas High School for their hospitality
A good tug of war game with Sr Bessymol (Headmistress) of St Thomas High School, Kallara Kelara All lined up for assembly out doors
Learning to wear a sari
Beautiful Indian dancing
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SPRING HAS SPRUNG The sound of music heralds spring at St Margaret’s The students at St Margaret’s CE Academy rose to the occasion once again performing to a full house at their annual spring concert. Over 80 performers contributed to a thoroughly fabulous evening. The thrill and enjoyment of performing was evident from the numerous solo and ensemble items on the programme. The evening started with a magnificent introduction to the recently formed samba band led by Year 12 student Sam Valentine. Other ensembles included the school brass band performing Misirlou and Kryptonite with Jimi Olaleye adding his rap vocals. The school recorder group performed two Renaissance pieces and Matthew Murphy sang and played bass guitar as part of a rock ensemble with Liam Doyle and Ben McLaughlin. Saxophonist Matthew Garnett performed Bach only hours after hearing that he had passed his Grade 8 exam with merit. The newest addition to the evening was the recently formed staff choir who performed Africa by Toto.
Staff choir perform Toto by Africa
The brass band
Jimi Olaleyerapping
Grade 8 saxophonistMatthew Garnett
Tom Stewart performs Titanic
The school choir
Ewan Thomas on the violin
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BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR A showstopping performance leads to a sellout show This year’s school production at the Blue Coat School was the musical ‘Into the Woods’. The show was led by creative director James Lacey and musical director Mr Emery. James is a former student of the Blue Coat, and has paved a successful career in the theatre since leaving the school in 2007. ‘Into the Woods’ is the fourth school production that James has returned to the Blue Coat to direct. James said: “In the past three years of school productions, the students have been challenged in dance in West Side Story, comedy and character work in Beauty and the Beast and singing in Les Miserables. This year we chose ‘Into the Woods’ to challenge the students as young actors and actresses, with a difficult script and complex characters to develop. As ever, the students rose to and exceeded that challenge and put on a fantastic performance.” Year 7 student Abbey Coleman is pursued as Little Red Riding Hood by the Wolf
The baker’s wife (Kelsey Walsh, Lower Sixth) helps Cinderella (Georgia Mason, Lower Sixth).
Lower Sixth students Kelsey Walsh and Jack KauffmanHarding performed fantastically as the baker’s wife and baker
The Witch, played by Lower Sixth student Kate Smith curses the baker and his wife and sends them on a journey ‘Into the Woods’
Jack’s Mother (Alice Backstrom, Year 9) sends Jack (Madhur Varapande, Year 7) to market
Cinderella (Georgia Mason, Lower Sixth) with Rapunzel’s Prince (Alex McWilliam, Year 10)
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Mrs Lunt and Miss Ball help the children to make their fruit crumble
LET’S GET COOKING Pupils don aprons and hats to play the role of chef Parents and children from Rice Lane Infant and Nursery School came together for an after school ‘Cooking Extravaganza’ hosted by Alex Carroll the cookery club leader. Alex said: “I wanted to involve families in the event and hoped to teach children and parents alike, about healthy eating, how to put healthy and tasty recipes together, portion control and some key facts about how much water they should drink and how much fruit and vegetables they should eat per day. “Children had to chop, mix, grate, spread and knead their own ingredients and most were taken home to cook once assembled in foil trays and plates. The event was fantastic and really well attended, there was a real buzz in our school hall, it was lovely to see so many excited faces and families working together”.
Charlet tries the fruity yoghurt (off her mums finger)
Charlie tucks into his lamb and lentil burger
Jessica and Eva get their hands dirty making burgers
Josef, Haidee and Matthew make pizzas with Mrs Ward Lucas and his dad play the ‘match the fat’ game
Ella and Lois shape their burger patties ready for cooking Paulie and Annie make fruity yoghurt cups with the help of Mrs Dean and Miss Harrison
Lewis, Charlie, William and Paulie make pizzas
Josh chops ingredients for his pizza
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THE ONLY WAY IS UP
Staff, pupils and dignitaries celebrate the opening of the new play area
A Southport school’s innovative building project, which saw a playground being built on a roof, was officially opened on Valentine’s Day. LordLieutenant of Merseyside, Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE, was present to mark the grand opening of the new facilities at Birkdale Primary School. As the school had nowhere to expand for a play area, the only way was up and Birkdale Primary now boasts a unique play area on the school’s extended roof. Nick Sheeran, headteacher at the school, said: “We’re all thrilled with the development at the school. It was a joy to see the faces of the children when they first saw their new play space.”
Dame Lorna Muirhead DBE opens the new play area
The tournament gets underway
Headteacher, Nick Sheeran joins in the fun
A GREAT DAY OF COMPETITION Disabled pupils from 11 schools throughout the north west, including Broadgreen International, Woodchurch High, St Chads and South Wirral gathered together at Greenbank Sports Academy in February to play in the Lord Taverners Boccia Tournament. The standard throughout the competition was very high which is testament to the amount of hard work teachers and coaches are providing in preparing the players for the tournament. The event included young leaders from St Nicholas RC School, Liverpool who helped referee the event.
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The King David Primary School Choir
REMEMBERING THE MILLIONS Service to mark Holocaust Memorial Day Civic leaders joined faith leaders to mark Holocaust Memorial Day. Wreaths were laid at the memorial stone in St John’s Gardens in memory of all victims of persecution. This was then followed by a special service at Liverpool Town Hall which was attended by civic and faith representatives as well as members of the local community and focussed on the national theme for this year which is ‘Journeys’. Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Councillor Gary Millar said: “Holocaust Memorial Day gives us the opportunity to remember the millions of people killed in the Holocaust, Nazi persecution and in subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur. “We can honour the survivors of these regimes of hatred and challenge ourselves to use the lessons of their experiences to inform our lives today.”
Ciara Brodie (Young Lord Mayor of Liverpool) of Calderstones School and Ellie-Jay Smith (Junior Lord Mayor of Liverpool) of Rice Lane Junior School Holy Cross Primary School Choir
The Liverpool Sign Choir
King David High School Choir
Conor O’Donnell and Jade Chan, Holy Name Primary School
Speakers from King David High School
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INSPIRATIONAL PERFORMANCES Liverpool City Schools’ Swimming Championships Swimmers from across the city turned in many memorable performances as the Liverpool City Schools’ Swimming Championships were held at the Wavertree Aquatics Centre. St Edward’s won the secondary schools girls’ trophy with St Margaret’s finishing first in the boys competition. Booker Avenue won the large primary schools competition for girls with King David triumphant in the boys section. They will now go on to represent the city in the Merseyside Schools’ Swimming Championship which will be held in July. Belvedere Preparatory School came out on top in the girls competition for smaller primary schools with Our Lady of Assumption’s boys also placed first. A disability gala was also held with swimmers from Aigburth High, Palmerston, Phoenix Primary and Sandfield Park thrilling the watching crowd with a number of memorable and inspirational performances. Event organiser, Nicola Horton, said she had been “blown away” by the quality of the swimming, adding it had been the best competition for “many, many years”. Pictures and story by Liam Deveney
Sandfield Park’s team of swimmers Below: Swimmers perform the Cha-Cha Slide before the primary schools’ gala Ameila Prendegast, Childwall C of E
A time-keeper keeps a watchful eye
Take a deep breath…
Ella McCarthy, St Hilda’s
Owen Halligan, Much Woolton
Enjoying the fun
Stretching for the finish
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Relay race in the secondary schools’ gala
A swimmer in the disability gala gets a helping hand
Much Woolton boys cheer on a team-mate
Calderstones’ Philip Deveney powers to victory
Daniel Lewington with mum Steph and sister Jodie
Poolside fun
Ryan Warriner, captain of St Margaret’s boys’ team, with Stephen Tiffany, senior school improvement officer at Liverpool City Council
Amelia McCoy, captain of St Edward’s girls’ team, with Stephen Tiffany
City of Liverpool swimmer Tom Barton with King David’s winning team
City of Liverpool swimmer Georgina Evans with OLA
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INDUSTRY INSIGHT Unique opportunity for music and drama students Over 60 Gateacre School students took part in an industry day held by local company and Educate Awards 2014 sponsor Adlib. Adlib who regularly tour with the likes of The Script, Bob Dylan and Ellie Goulding, presented a unique opportunity for students to work alongside industry professionals. The day encouraged the development of live engineering and production skills through hands-on experience with regards to lighting and sound. The majority of the students are either studying music or drama, with the experience gained from the day being used towards their coursework. Head of music at Gateacre, Rob Jones said “We are pleased to continue our long standing relationship with Adlib. It was a great day for all the students involved, whether it be backstage or performing.” MD of Adlib and ex-Gateacre student, Andy Dockerty added “We are always delighted to be able to deliver these events as it gives a very real insight to the industry as opposed to the glamorised picture that can be painted.”
Music and drama students
Alex MacKenzie
The Sugarmen
Callum Muies on the lighting desk
Bunkbed entertain the crowd
Sonny Johnson-Clew joins the road crew
Oscar Rimmer on guitar
Callum and Leah rigging the lighting
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Book Review
In association with
by Ashley Armstrong
5-8 Years The Owl Who Was Afraid of the Dark by Jill Tomlinson, Paul Howard £4.99 A heart-warming classic full of animal antics by Jill Tomlinson. Plop, the Baby Barn Owl, is like every Barn Owl there ever was, except for one thing - he is afraid of the dark. “Dark is nasty” he says and so he won't go hunting with his parents. Mrs Barn Owl sends him down from his nest-hole to ask about the dark. Paws and Whiskers by Jacqueline Wilson £10.99 This special anthology features the very best stories about cats and dogs from the world of children’s literature, chosen by bestselling author and Battersea Cats and Dogs Home patron Jacqueline Wilson. It includes a brand new story by Jacqueline herself, Leonie's Pet Cat, as well as extracts from treasured classics such as The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith and Gobbolino the Witch's Cat by Ursula Moray Williams. The LEGO Movie - The Essential Guide £7.49 Everything you need to know about the new LEGO Movie. LEGO Movie The Essential Guide features character profiles and location spreads from the movie, recently released. Plus, there are behind the scenes features about how the movie was made. LEGO Movie The Essential Guide is the perfect companion to the glitz and glamour of the LEGO Movie.
9-12 Years Fiction Ratburger by David Walliams £5.24 The fifth screamingly funny novel from David Walliams, another hilarious, action-packed and touching novel - the story of a little girl called Zoe. Things are not looking good for Zoe. Her stepmother Sheila is so lazy she gets Zoe to pick her nose for her. And now the evil Burt from Burt's Burgers is after her pet rat! Minecraft: the Official Beginner’s Handbook £5.99 You're alone in a mysterious new world, full of hidden dangers. You have only minutes to find food and shelter before darkness falls and the monsters come looking for you. What do you do? The Official Minecraft Beginner's Handbook might just save your life. You can learn how to make a shelter, find resources, craft tools, armour and weapons, and protect yourself from monsters. With tips from Minecraft experts, as well as creator Notch himself. Half Bad by Sally Green £5.99 A breathtaking debut novel about one boy's struggle for survival in a hidden society of witches. You can’t read, can’t write, but you heal fast, even for a witch. You get sick if you stay indoors after dark. You hate white witches but love Annalise, who is one. You’ve been kept in a cage since you were fourteen. All you’ve got to do is escape and find Mercury, the black witch who eats boys. The new Hunger Games, I suspect….
Teenage Fiction Alice Through the Zombie Glass by Gena Showalter £5.29 Alice Bell has lost so much. She thought she had nothing else to give. She was wrong. After a new zombie attack, her world gets even stranger. Mirrors come to life and she can hear the whispers of the dead. But the worst? A terrible darkness blooms inside her, urging her to do dangerously wicked deeds that are impossible to come back from... Divergent - Divergent 1 by Veronica Roth £5.99 The explosive debut by No. 1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth. For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice. Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs. Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. Ostrich Boys by Keith Gray £5.29 ‘It's not really kidnapping, is it? He’d have to be alive for it to be proper kidnapping.’ Kenny, Sim and Blake are about to embark on a remarkable journey of friendship. Stealing the urn containing the ashes of their best friend Ross. After a depressing and dispiriting funeral they feel taking Ross to Ross will be a fitting memorial for a 15 year-old boy who changed all their lives through his friendship. 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
Farm Feast e On the r fo mily fa
25-26 May Claremont Farm, Old Clatterbridge Road, Wirral CH63 4JB Tickets £6 Adults, £4 Children, £16 Family ticket 2 adults, 2 children www.farmfeast.co.uk
Previously known as Wirral Food and Drink Festival, the new and improved Farm Feast - although keeping quality local, seasonal and artisan food and drink at its heart – will this year evolve into a fully fledged family festival with two music stages, providing the perfect start to a summer of fun. For the grown-ups, Farm Feast will feature a beer and cider festival, with over 40 ales and ciders showcasing the quality and diversity of the region’s brewers. Children will have their very own Little Feasters area, jam packed with interactive storytelling, bush craft workshops, cookery lessons and educational fun and games in the food and farming tents.
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it Book ! NOW
Thursday 15 May Victoria Gallery & Museum Ashton Street , University of Liverpool L69 3DR Tel: 0151 794 2348 Imagine going on a cosmic treasure hunt, discovering the secret key to the universe and learning the science behind the stories! Join the fun at the VG&M from 6-7pm, Lucy Hawking will take you on an interactive journey where you will find out about the book ‘George and the Big Bang’ as well as getting a sneak peek at the brand new book ‘George and the Unbreakable Code’. You can also visit the VG&M’s newest exhibition ‘A World A Particle’ which explores the fascinating world of particle physics and take part in some fun science experiments with the university’s physics outreach team from 4-5pm. Children are invited to dress up as scientists or their favourite science fiction character! Booking is required for this event and tickets are priced at £2.
Friday 18 July
ot
N Wednesday 6 August 6.30pm to be d Croxteth Park, Liverpool misse L12 0HB Tel: 0151 625 2929 A tale of Greek Myths and Legends, adapted for the stage by Andy Byron. Join Off The Ground Theatre as they embark on an epic adventure with Jason and his heroic Argonauts. Watch how the mighty Gods of Greece, Zeus and Hera, play with human lives to satisfy their own desires. See how Jason uses all his strength and wit to evade the beastly minotaur, how he and his gang avoid certain doom from the women on the Isle of Lemnos and how they evade the lure from the enchanting sounds of the Sirens…and ultimately win in the quest for the Golden Fleece. Can Jason survive and return home to claim his right to the throne? Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Mandela Day Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ Tel: 0151 709 33 34
FUTURE EVENTS
Jason & The Argonauts
Lucy Hawking: Stellar Stories
One performance, in one location for one night only, in tribute to and celebrating one man’s birthday ‘Nelson Mandela’. Mandela Day will see over two hundred international performers from Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America collaborative on an outdoor large-scale performance spectacle, that brings Brouhaha's 2014 international festival to a close. This early evening event is not to be missed, as Liverpool and its communities remember one of the greatest men in living history.
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Sunday 18 May
19-24 May
VIDEO and APP REVIEW Gagarin First In Space On DVD from Monday 23 June 2014 National Track Omnium Knowsley Velodrome and BMX Park, Longview Drive, Huyton, L36 6EG 0151 443 2200
Under Milk Wood Williamson Square, Liverpool L1 1EL 0151 709 4776
Knowsley Velodrome and BMX Park will also be hosting its first national competition. Around 100 riders from across the country will be competing. Six track races will take place on the velodrome track, including three time trials and three mass-start events.
Both a play and a poem, written by Dylan Thomas, it offers an unforgettable journey into the roots of language and the soul of Wales. Under Milk Wood is a work of genius; ripe with vitality, rich in humour and populated by sublime, eccentric, enchanting characters.
6 June - 5 October
Saturday 21 June
Mondrain and his Studios Tate Liverpool, Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB 0151 702 7400
Hamlet The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn WA7 1BG 0151 907 8360
Dutch painter Piet Mondrain was one of the most important contributors to the development of abstract art at the beginning of the 20th century, famous for his painting style comprising straight lines and clearly defined primary colours. A major highlight will be a life-size reconstruction of his Paris studio.
Something is rotten in the state of Denmark. The Lady protests too much methinks. Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him. What a piece of work is a man. There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy. Presented by Minimum Wage Theatre Company
4-5 July
Sunday 13 July
Starring: Yaroslav Zhalnin, Mikhail Filippov and Olga Ivanova Verdict: ★★★★✩ By Andy Kelly An emotional and incredible true story of a man’s determination and struggle to become the first human being to journey into outer space. Very much in the tradition Hollywood blockbusters such as Gravity and Apollo 13, “Gagarin - First In Space” is a beautifully realised and magnificently shot space saga that tells the true story of the man whose heroism opened the door to man’s conquest of the stars. Released to coincide with the 80th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s birth, the filmmakers have also added a sweet touch, editing the film to run at 108 minutes, exactly the same amount of time Gagarin spent in space orbiting the earth. In 1961 Yuri Gagarin blasted off from Vostok, Russia, it was a mission fraught with danger as he rocketed into unknown territory and an uncertain fate. Part of an elite squad of cosmonauts, Gagarin rose through the ranks, his awe-inspiring bravery setting him apart as the best of the best.
The Poetry App iPad/iPhone/Android, FREE Verdict: ★★★★★ By Andy Kelly
The Long and Winding Roald Atkinson Theatre, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB 01704 533 333
Robin Hood Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk L39 4QP 01695 575171
Join the children of the Formby School of Dance & Drama as they take you on a musical journey through the life and works of Roald Dahl. A show for everyone with great songs and fantastic choreography, a spectacle not to be missed.
Adapted from the earliest Robin Hood ballads pre-dating Chaucer, written in fast-moving, easy-to-follow verse, and introducing all the well-loved characters such as Little John and Friar Tuck, these are tales of camaraderie, swashbuckling action, and riotous comedy. This is an outdoor production.
If you love poetry you will love this, and I found this a great way of introducing children into the wonderful world of poetry. The Poetry App features a virtual living room, where you can look under a human skull, behind a stuffed wild boar or beyond the crackling fire. Hidden away in these places are scores of poetry treasures and some familiar faces: Bob Geldof reads Keats, Roger Moore recites Kipling, Elizabeth McGovern performs Marianne Moore. The idea for the app originally came from writer Josephine Hart, who died in 2011. Her husband, advertising magnate Maurice Saatchi, was inspired by her love of poetry to keep the project going through the Josephine Hart Foundation. Included are some of Hart’s own inspiring essays on poetry. This was perhaps her most memorable observation: “For a girl with no sense of direction, poetry was a route map through life.”
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My School Days Brian Percival - award winning, Liverpool-born film director
My schools: I attended St Marys CE School in Garston, now demolished with housing on the site and New Heys Comprehensive, Liverpool.
My favourite extra-curricular activity: Cycling and swimming, that was until I discovered the joys of girls and other vices, but we won’t go into that. Do you remember your first school crush? Yes. I'm saying no more as I was only about six-years-old at the time.
My favourite teacher: Mrs Paisley. I remember that her husband, Bob (the then Liverpool FC trainer) used to dress up as Father Christmas and give us all Christmas presents. Favourite subject at school: I would have to say art and technical drawing were my favourites subjects at school. Were you streetwise or a bit of a geek? I wandered the fine line in between, I probably thought I was more streetwise than I actually was. My favourite childhood band/singer: Believe it or not there was nothing in the least remotely credible until I left school, or at least nothing that I would own up to here.
My favourite book: I always loved reading Down and Out in Paris and London. School dinners: All I can say is ‘salads served on warm plates’, enough said! My ambitions at school: I always wanted to become an architect or possibly a pilot, neither of which appeal to me now.
Liverpool’s own award winning director, Brian Percival, took time out of his busy schedule to tell us all about his school days in Garston. Such is the director’s love for his home city, Brian chose to hold a charity screening in aid of Liverpool-based Clapperboard UK, of his latest film, The Book Thief at Liverpool’s Picturehouse@FACT, the evening before its official nationwide release. Amongst his work Brian directed a nine-minute short film ‘About a Girl’ which won the BAFTA Award for Best Short Film and several film festival awards in 2001. Since 2010 he has directed seven episodes of the ITV British period drama, Downton Abbey. For his work on the show Brian won the 2010 BAFTA Craft award for Best Fiction Director and the 2011 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Directing for a Mini-series, Movie or a Dramatic Special. In September 2011 Brian dedicated the Emmy he won in memory of the victims of the Hillsborough football disaster.
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