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Edu Educate uca ate educatemagazine.com
FREE
The Magazine for Schools, Parents Parents and P Pupils upils
May – Au ugust 2017
Vanishing Act Are some subjects about to disappear?
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The Big Break Summer activities and things to do for kids, teens and families
Sam Quek
A Precious Time
Olympic gold medallist shares her school memories
Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield
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WE ARE ARE ALL AS TREATED AS TR EA ATED T IND IVIDUALS INDIVIDUALS WE ARE ARE ALSO ALSOP P HI HIGH SCHOOL GH SCH OOL
OPEN PEN EVENING EVENIN THURSDAY THUR SDAY 28TH 28 SEPTEMBER 2017 FR FROM OM 4.30P 4.30PM M - 7.00PM 7.00PM ....................................................................................... IF YOU YOU WOULD WOULD LIKE TO VISIT SOONER, SOONER, THEN PLEASE PLEASE CALL 0151 235 1200
www.alsophigh.org.uk rg.uk ALSO ALSOP P ACHIEVE A C CHIEVE EXCELLENCE EXCELLENCE
“110 students students progressed progressed onto onto University University and Higher Higher Education” Education” - Sept 2016
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Educate Contents Welcome...
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39
Welcome to the May edition of Educate
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71
92-95 Features
55-58
07-10
School eco news Green Plan It success for school
Vanishing act Protecting the curriculum
59-64
22-23
Educate 16+ Education, training and learning
Nursery numbers The future of education
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38-39 Meet the headteacher Roanne Clements-Bedson, headteacher at Knotty Ash Primary School
A week in the life Gary Senior, headteacher at St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, Liverpool
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41-43
Book review This season’s must reads
Summer sorted Activities for all the family
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48-49
Jean Genius Ways to wear demin
Meet the Children’s Commissioner Anne Longfield OBE
104-105
51 Viewpoint The GCSE shake-up
Where can we go? Our pick of what’s happening out & about in the region
106 52-52 Thoughts worth sharing Bitesize thinking
My school days Sam Quek
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 Tel: 0151 709 7567 Photography Liam Deveney Editorial Alan Birkett, Christine Toner, Hannah Fowler, Sarah Brown Design & Production Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 706 7411 Email: post@merseymirror.com Distribution Barbara Troughton Tel: 0151 733 5492. Printed by PCP. Educate magazine is published by Mersey Mirror. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted or reproduced without permission. Disclaimer The information contained within Educate we believe to be correct at the time of printing, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. © Copyright Mersey Mirror 2009.
As the end of the school year approaches and the season of testing both at primary and secondary school begins, we consider how funding cuts are impacting on the range of GCSE options offered to students. Schools in the region are clearly working incredibly hard to manage budgets and maintain their curriculums; however some subject areas appear more affected than others. We find out how our region’s educators are responding to the challenges, and also consider the widereaching effects on the economy by speaking with industry experts. Amidst all the exams taking place this term another key date is almost upon us. The Educate Awards 2017, in partnership with Copyrite Systems and Ricoh, closes for entries on Sunday 25 June. We know many schools, teachers and parents used the spring break to spring in to action by completing submissions via the Educate Awards website www.educateawards.co.uk However if you didn’t get chance there is no time like the present to start putting together your award entry. Don’t miss the deadline and your chance to shine on the red carpet! With a sixteen strong line-up of sponsors already confirmed, momentum is gaining pace ahead of this year’s ceremony on 17 November at Liverpool Cathedral. Whilst everyone in the Educate office is looking forward to getting all your entries off to judges’ houses for judging, we are all also looking forward to the summer and some holiday time-off. The North West has a great choice of activity-based things to do so we’ve rounded up our pick for kids, teens and families to help you get summer sorted. Finally get writing those entries and when this term does draw to an end in July, enjoy the holidays!
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Educate Awards: News from our Sponsors
LIVERPOOL AGENCY DELIVERS REBRAND FOR LEADING UNIVERSITY NETWORK The Foundry Agency has delivered a full scale rebrand for Merseyside’s leading outreach network, Shaping Futures. The integrated communications agency, was tasked with developing a new brand that would re-define the network and help to broaden its reach beyond Merseyside. The Foundry Agency specialises in creating bespoke marketing solutions including website, design, public relations and events particularly within the education sector. Working closely with Chris Bayes,
projects and partnerships manager at Shaping Futures, the agency created a new identity for the network including its new Shaping Futures title and a revitalised logo. New brand guidelines and logo designs were produced for the network, with a colour palette aimed at linking the brand to the lead national institution, the National Network for Collaborative Outreach. The end result is a strong and recognisable logo with a name that accurately represents the network and its objectives.
Following the success of the rebrand, the Foundry Agency will also be developing the brand new Shaping Futures website. Fiona Barnet, director at The Foundry Agency, said: “Briefed with creating a strong and recognisable visual identity for the network, our design team has developed a brand that is both visually stunning and set to enhance the profile of Shaping Futures nationally. “We have been overwhelmed with the feedback from Shaping Futures and we look forward to developing its new website.”
Student’s innovative ‘Eco Brick’ wins award A talented student from Holmes Chapel Comprehensive School in Cheshire has won an award sponsored by Air Products for ‘Protecting the Environment’. James Millington picked up the coveted prize at The Big Bang Competition during The Big Bang UK Young Scientists and Engineers Fair. Held during science week at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, the event attracted over 70,000 visitors. Air Products sponsored the ‘Protecting the Environment’ award, which is designed to celebrate an entry that showed promise of giving the world more productive, energy efficient and sustainable solutions. Air Products’ engineering excellence covers large process plants through to niche innovations; and its products include everything from welding and fabrication, food and beverage, health and personal care to energy, transportation and new technologies. The company has recently signed up to this year’s Educate Awards, as sponsors of the Career Aspiration category. 6
Radio host Chris Ridge, Professor Neil A Downie and Lynn Willacy judged the entries on behalf of Air Products and, after reviewing all the projects, James Millington was named the winner thanks to his innovative ‘Eco Brick’ design, a brick made from recycled household waste. Commenting on James’ design, judge Chris Ridge said: “It was great to see so many innovative and interesting projects from these talented young people. “The variety and depth of the students’ knowledge was exceptional with projects ranging from wind turbines made out of recycled materials; using algae to solve the future fuel shortages and our winner the ‘Eco Brick’ made out of recycled domestic waste and thermoplastics. Well done to everyone who took part.” Since winning his award, James has visited the Air Products’ Europe, Middle East and Asia Research and Development centre in Basingstoke where he spoke with Neil Downie and investigated how using liquid nitrogen may enhance his ‘Eco Brick’ design.
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Lynn Willacy (Air Products community and STEM ambassador), winning student James Millington and Chris Ridge (Air Products global standard products EMEA project development engineering manager)
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Protecting the Curriculum
VANISHing act
By Christine Toner
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Protecting the Curriculum
It’s the summer term and while for many school children that means sports day, school trips and summer performances, for those in the midst of the GCSEs and A Levels it means revision, exams and taking the first step towards their careers. But what if those career options are more limited than might have been hoped? Funding cuts across the educational landscape currently means school budgets are tight and a range of surveys and reports are revealing worrying consequences, including subjects being dropped from school curriculums as a result.
“...However school budgets are increasingly challenging and if we want a world class education for our children it needs investing in.”
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Protecting the Curriculum
According to figures from the National Union of Teachers funding for 16-19 year olds fell by 14% in real terms between 2010-11 and 2014-15.
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Protecting the Curriculum
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Primary News
Dementia friendly School becomes the first to be recognised Holy Family Catholic Primary School, Liverpool has been named as the only Dementia Friendly school in the country. Headteacher Mrs Davidson, said: “We are passionate about educating our children and our community about the disease. As a result, we were approached by Abigail Whelan, a film maker studying at Salford University, to make a film about Dementia and to encourage children to become a Dementia Friend. “With our children being so knowledgeable about the subject our school was chosen and was launched at our special assembly. For four years we have ensured that all our children have the training to be a Dementia Friend and, to encourage these skills, KS2 children visit our local Dementia care home once a week to talk to the residents and make a valuable contribution to our community. “We work closely with the Alzheimer's society and have spoken a few times on Radio to encourage others to become a
Holy Family Dementia Friends with Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson
Dementia Friend. “We often take part in events organised by the Alzheimer’s society and are currently working very closely with the Alzheimer’s Global Youth Animation team who have asked our children to
advise them on the scripts they want to use for an animation which they are in the early stages of making. “This animation will then be sent out worldwide to help and it will target children aged between 7 - 11 years.
Teens make their mark at local primary school A group of communityminded young people have just made their mark by donating a day to helping renovate an outside learning area at Knowsley Lane Primary School in Knowsley. The group of 17 and 18year-olds have already completed their four-week National Citizen Service (NCS), the government’s flagship youth programme, which aims to help young people develop new skills, meet new people and contribute to a community project. However, the 15 teenagers opted to celebrate this year’s NCS Action Day by coming together once again to help transform the outside play and learning area at Knowsley Lane Primary School. Knowsley Community College student Grace Humphrey, 17, also helped tidy up the school’s garden by trimming overgrown bushes and bringing fencing back to 12
life with a lick of paint. “I really enjoyed my NCS course and discovered a lot about myself, as well as experiencing lots of different activities and learning new skills,” she said. Annemarie Longden from Ingeus, who co-ordinated the day, said: “Hopefully some of these new skills have been put to good use and the children here will be able to enjoy all the facilities to the full.” “Our young people have worked hard and made such a difference, but they’ve also had great fun. “The aim was for young people, who have already benefited from taking part in NCS, to come back together and choose another project they want to support. This group opted to tackle a job which is right at the heart of their community and, in doing so, are helping tell other young people about the great experience they could have by getting involved in NCS.”
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Grace Humphrey and Holly Griffiths-Jones at Knowsley Lane Primary School
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Primary News
Primary school are first recipients of Equality Charter Lawrence Community Primary School, Liverpool has become the first recipients of the Anthony Walker Foundation School Equality Charter at an awards presentation at the school. The award acknowledges the schools commitment to ensuring diversity, equality and cohesion are a cornerstone of the school environment enabling pupils to learn, develop and thrive. The award was presented by Dominique Walker who formally presented the Charter to the school. Invited guests included former pupil and current World Champion boxer Tony Bellew. John Au, AWF partnerships and projects manager, said: “This presentation is a testimony to the hard work and sustained efforts of all connected with the school to help children value and respect each other. “We have worked with the school for a couple of years and the evidence is clear when one visits the school that diversity is promoted to the full”. Left: Dominique Walker and boxer Tony Bellew present the Anthony Walker Foundation School Equality Charter to pupils
Well read pupils Halewood CofE pupils has just completed a successful Readathon sponsored read in which pupils rose to the challenge, reading hundreds of books and raising a fantastic £622 for seriously ill children. Their achievement also earned the school free books worth £124, provided by Readathon in partnership with Scholastic Book Clubs to boost school library stocks. Readathon is run by the UK charity Read for Good, which uses the sponsorship money raised to provide a regular supply of much-needed brand new books and regular storyteller visits for all major children’s hospitals in the UK. Each hospital has a tailor-made mobile bookcase, which is jam-packed full of the latest best sellers and classic favourites enabling children to choose just what they fancy, without risk of infection. Headteacher Mr Smith, said: “I can recommend Readathon to any teacher or librarian who wants to get their pupils reading for pleasure. “Readathon creates a real buzz about books in the school and I found children 14
talking about books, sharing and swapping favourites and genuinely motivated to read. Parents also became involved in what their children were reading and shared precious time together talking about books.
“An additional incentive for our pupils was knowing that the money raised would help to buy books for children in hospital. Our pupils are always motivated to help others and I am extremely proud of them for raising so much money.”
Pupils from Halewood CofE raised a fantastic £622 for seriously ill children
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Primary News
Keeping everyone safe Schools unite for safer parking project
St Anne’s and Blacklow Brow School Councillors are joined by, left to right, CEO’s Amber and Debbie, Mrs Maggie Keating, headteacher at St Anne’s Keith Mayles, Parking Manager and Andrea Bate, senior road safety adviser
St Anne’s and Blacklow Brow Schools in Huyton are working together to improve road safety and to get across the ‘keeping everyone safe’ message by better and more considerate parking. This joint project has come about because both schools have serious concerns about traffic related issues in the local area. Mrs Keating, headteacher of St Anne’s said: “Whilst it is appreciated that most parents and carers drive and park appropriately, there is an ongoing problem caused by a small minority of parents and carers from both schools, who are putting children and adults in serious danger due to their inappropriate parking and driving. “These parents and carers have also caused difficulties for
local residents by selfishly blocking their driveways at the beginning or end of the school day.” The St Anne’s and Blacklow Brow School Councillors are now leaders of a joint ‘Road Safety and Keeping Safe Project’. They have been looking at ideas of how to get the message of safe parking across to those parents and carers who currently park and drive inconsiderately. The children recently joined the Civil Enforcement Officers outside both schools with their ‘keep us safe’ placards and received tremendous support from the parents and carers of both schools. They have now also developed a parking contract which is to be launched at special assemblies.
Pupils enjoy a good story St Nicholas Catholic Primary has taken part in a number of fun activities designed to encourage children to ‘enjoy reading’ and to encourage each and every child to read more and to take an interest in books. The school has a strong link with local businesses and have worked with the school over the past year to promote reading throughout the city through a variety of events and activities. These fun activities included tours and podcasts which appeared on the National Literacy Trust website. Claire Simmo, a well-known presenter from Radio City2’s breakfast show, came to read to Key Stage 1 children were she chose a story she regularly reads to her own children. Claire also answered the children’s questions on her love of reading and read a story chosen by the children themselves. Mr Gary Senior, interim headteacher at St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, said: “Lots of fun was had by the children at St Nicholas Catholic Primary and our grateful thanks to Claire for her fabulous support and time. “We are sure the children will already be reading lots more books as well as listening to Radio City in the mornings!” Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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Primary News
Inspiring youngsters Athletes visit Knowsley primary schools Olympic and Paralympic athletes have visited 14 primary schools across Knowsley to inspire more than 4,000 children across the borough to get more involved with sport. Paralympians Craig McCann, Lee Whiteley and Michael Churm, and Olympic divers James Denny and Rebecca Gallentree joined staff and pupils to deliver fitness circuit classes and a motivational assembly for the whole school. On a visit to Plantation Primary School in Halewood, sprinter Lee Whiteley delivered an inspirational talk to staff and pupils about how he overcame obstacles to become a medal-winning and British record holding Paralympic athlete. Lee was born with cerebral palsy. After making the decision to compete in disability sports following an illness in 2011, Lee went on to win a bronze medal
in the 200 metres at the IPC Athletic World Championship in 2013. Like Lee, Joel Hargreaves, a Year 3 pupil at Plantation, also has a disability so meeting Lee was especially important for him. He said: “Lee has proved that he won’t let anything stand in his way, just like I’ve been trying to do by really pushing myself. I really want to achieve my goals like Lee and I hope that one day I’ll be able to play football matches again. “His story gave me hope and I know that no matter what is thrown my way, I just have to get up and keep trying.” Victoria Cheung, Schools 4 Health wellbeing co-ordinator at 5 Boroughs Partnership said: “It’s a pleasure working with Plantation and the other primary schools across Knowsley. The schools’ willingness to embrace the programme has been integral to its success and we’re
Lee Whiteley with a group of pupils from Plantation Primary School in Halewood.
delighted with the results we’ve seen in a relatively short space of time. “Hearing from Olympic and Paralympic athletes who have overcome hurdles to achieve such amazing things is truly inspiring and we hope it sends a message to the children that anything can be possible if you really put your mind to it.”
Pupils meet local author A local published children’s author paid a visit to Rainford C E Primary School where pupils were able to take part in workshops and discover what it takes to become an established writer. Rainford resident Rachel Lyon, whose titles include The Cautionary Tale of the Childe of Hale, Not Enough for Queen Fluff, and I Wish I’d Been Born a Unicorn which appeared on CBeebies Bedtime Stories - revealed to pupils how she achieved her aspirations of becoming an author by writing stories and poems from an early age, and held writing workshops in a bid to encourage the next generation of writers to follow their dreams. Rachel said: “I had a fantastic day at Rainford CofE, the children and staff made me so welcome. “It’s great to be able to tell children that if they believe in themselves and work hard then they can achieve their dream, just like I did.” Headteacher, Anya Richardson, said: “The children were so excited to meet a real author and were inspired by Rachel to pursue their dreams as she has, which is even more meaningful as she was a St Helens school girl who now lives in our village”.
Rachel (seated) with staff and pupils at Rainford C E Primary School
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Remembering Joanna A memorial garden for a much loved 11-yearold Liverpool schoolgirl has been carefully reconstructed at Our Lady of Walsingham Primary School in Netherton following the closure of St Ambrose Barlow Catholic College. Joanna Walker was a pupil at the senior school when she became seriously ill in 2009 and died after suffering a fatal brain haemorrhage. After her death the school community raised funds to create a garden in her memory which has now been transferred to the primary school. A service of dedication was held to remember Joanna and to bless the garden.
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Primary News
A QUALITY SCHOOL
St William of York are celebrating the achievements of their children, families and staff after the announcement that their early years department were recently awarded the Early Years Quality Mark. Headteacher Mr Murphy, said: “Achieving this quality mark celebrates the hard work of everyone involved in our early years department both nursery and reception and the quality of provision for our young children. “It represents an external validation and acknowledgement of good provision, practice and performance. This award is also recognised by OFSTED. “We have received a report based
on the assessment, some of which highlighted the physical environment in the foundation stage which they said was stunning and achieved its aim of creating continuity with home as well as creating a calm learning environment.” They also stated: “This was a very satisfying visit and a privilege to observe the interaction of highly motivated children and adults. This is a Foundation Stage where strong, reliable attachment relationships were understood.” Also, “Partnership working between home and school was a clear strength. The ethos was described as welcoming and happy and I was told that children were loved at St William of York.”
The Treasures of Ancient Egypt come to Bootle School children in Bootle took part in a unique project that brings Ancient Egypt to life … in their school. Christ Church Primary School is working in partnership with The Atkinson on Writing Through Time, a project that uses the remarkable Goodison Egyptology collection to develop children’s writing and literacy. As part of a celebration event, The Atkinson unveiled a remarkable new acquisition Trial Piece of Akhenaten/Nefertiti, in the school so that the teachers and children were the first to see before it goes on show at The Atkinson. Merseyside prize-winning poet Mandy Coe and Egyptologist Claire Ollett have been working with pupils at Christ Church Primary School on Writing Through Time. Writing Through Time was funded by The Atkinson Development Trust 18
and it aims to develop children’s writing skills and levels of literacy across the curriculum at Key Stage 2; it is hoped to share the project outcomes with all Bootle’s primary schools. Christine McGregor, chair of The Atkinson Development Trust said: “The Atkinson Development Trust is passionate about supporting access to these remarkable collections and to encourage their use to inspire children to enjoy writing and reading. “Projects like this are vital if we are to test how children learn and engage and to see if we give them confidence and a love of words! “The Atkinson Development Trust was set up to make a difference using The Atkinson and its collections, to work across communities and to be at the centre of learning for those who may not normally get the opportunity.”
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Pupils get to grips with making their own pizza, with a helping hand from Ariete restaurant manager Eduardo and staff.
School children cook up a treat Year One pupils at Wargrave Primary School got a real taste of Italy after visiting an Italian restaurant as part of a class project. The children, who have been learning about senses, visited local Italian restaurant, Ariete Italian Bar and Restaurant in NewtonLe-Willows, to explore the senses taste and smell - and they were sure in for a treat. Restaurant manager, Eduardo Carcamo arranged for the pupils to design and make their own pizzas from scratch, with a range of toppings including cheese and tomato and pepperoni, available to use. The children then sat down to eat their pizza while enjoying the real restaurant dining experience, and were able to expand on their vocabulary by describing what their pizza tasted like. Year 1 teacher Amanda Epstein said: “We have been running this project for a number of years now which is a fun and creative way for the children to learn about senses, and each visit is as good as the last.
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Contact Principal Tracy Shirley W: www.helenogrady.co.uk E: liverpool@helenogrady.co.uk T: 0151 482 0443 M: 07908811159
The GetAwayNGetSafe (GANGS) programme is an intensive five session educational/preventative/diversionary programme which aims to educate young people on the dangers of the gang lifestyle for the individual, family and the wider community. It is anticipated it will empower young people to make informed decisions about their current or future associates, thus reducing the potential risk of harm to the individual and the community from gang related behaviour. The programme is inclusive of all learning styles and uses presentations, photographs, role play, music and videos to engage the participants whilst continually sending out the simple message,
GetAwayNGetSafe
Get Away ‘N’ Get Safe www.getaway-n-getsafe.co.uk 07491 098294 Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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Educate Awards: News from our Sponsors
Big Bang North West reveals exciting line-up for 2017
The Big Bang North West 2017, sponsored by AstraZeneca returns on Tuesday 4 July.
Spectacular science shows, the science behind the everyday and how to walk on custard, all this and more will be on offer at The Big Bang North West (BBNW). Headline sponsored by global pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, The BBNW is a STEM celebration which enables young people to discover the exciting and rewarding science, technology, engineering and maths based careers available in the local area via fun ‘quick hitting’ hands-on action. Organised by Educate Awards sponsor All About STEM, The BBNW has lots of exciting activities and performers lined up for 2017 when it returns on Tuesday 4 July at Liverpool’s Exhibition Centre. Marty Jopson, TV presenter and resident science and gadget expert on BBC’s The One Show will be performing along with numerous others on the Scottish Power Show stage. Marty’s spectacular science shows include advanced bubblology, record breaking science, body tricks, planet on your plate and zap, crackle and pop! Elsewhere, platinum sponsor Unilever will be showcasing
the science behind the everyday through some exciting interactive demonstrations. Led by their world-class research and development experts, activities will include the ‘People like Me’ photo booth. As The BBNW’s Media Partner, hi-impact will be exhibiting with awesome activities and filming throughout the event to create an amazing immersive BBNW experience. There will be chance for visitors to become a pit crew, meet a NAO robot and even walk on custard! Simon Willocks of AstraZeneca in Liverpool said: “We want the event to be a big success and to spread the word about the exciting career opportunities that exist for those who study science, technology, engineering and mathematics.” There is still time to book your place for this year’s BBNW. Afternoon bookings are still available but morning bookings are now closed unless you are entering The Big Bang UK Young Scientists & Engineers Competition. For more information and to book your school place at The Big Bang North West 2017, head to www.allaboutstem.co.uk
Championing art and culture in schools The Liverpool Learning Partnership (LLP) is endorsing art and culture in the classroom, through its work with cultural partners across Merseyside. Working as part of the Liverpool Cultural Education Programme (LCEP), the LLP will match-fund ten schools across the city to help make their creative ideas a reality. The LCEP connects partners from education, culture and the city council in a mission to fulfil every child’s right to experience art, culture and heritage, no matter what their background or economic circumstances. The LLP believes culture matters and is a proud sponsor of the Educate Awards, lending its support to the Outstanding Arts in a Secondary School category. 20
Using Liverpool’s rich array of buildings, art and cultural resources as an exciting local curriculum, many of the partnerships will target under-achievers and those at risk of being ‘NEET’ (Not in Education, Employment or Training). Partners include Resonate Music Hub, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as Sense of Sound and Pulse Music Lessons South Liverpool, which aim to bring more music into schools. Primary school children will be tasked with learning new instruments, with “young leaders” from secondary schools acting as their mentors, which will help to familiarise pupils with their future schools and encourage them to develop a new skill. Other partners include the Liverpool
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Everyman Playhouse, Unity Theatre Liverpool, Royal Court Theatre and Collective Encounters, as well as the Confucius Institute, the Bluecoat, DaDa (Disability and Deaf Arts) and FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology). Pupils will visit theatres and create their own work, including a performance by students from special schools which will communicate the barriers faced by young, disabled people. Nearly half of Liverpool’s schools have appointed a “cultural champion” to endorse this mission and drive the project forward. To get involved please contact Alice Demba at ademba.llp@gmail.com or register your details as a cultural champion.
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Belle Vale Community Primary Nursery and Pre-School ‘Pupils feel happy, safe and secure in this caring and supportive environment’ Ofsted June 2014
FREE 15hrs childcare for your 2-year-old or up to 30hrs available for your 3 or 4-year-old in our Early Years Foundation Stage
Limited current Reception places also available
Contact Details: Belle Vale Community Primary School, Besford Road, Gateacre, Liverpool L25 2QF. Headteacher: Mrs J Walker Phone: 0151 487 8571 Email: bellevale-ao@bellevale.liverpool.sch.uk Website: www.bellevaleprimary.co.uk Twitter: @BelleValeSchool
THE FUTURE OF EDUCATION
Nursery nu According to a recent survey by the Modern Fatherhood Project, almost one in three families in Britain are headed by parents who both work full-time. For those families with children under the school age that can mean big headaches when it comes to childcare. Thankfully, there is financial help available but how much you receive - and when you receive it - can differ considerably depending on a number of factors. The current state of play At present all three and four year olds in the UK are entitled to 570 hours of free early education or childcare each year. Most parents will take this as 15 hours free per week for 38 weeks of the year. To access these free hours it doesn’t matter if you’re working or not or what your income is - it’s a provision for every child. If you fit certain eligibility criteria however you may also be able to access free childcare or early education when your child is two years old. If you receive income support, for example, or income related Employment Support Allowance, or if you have an annual income of under £16,190 and you receive tax credits you may be eligible. Children who receive Disability Living Allowance or have special education needs are also eligible for free early childcare. You can find out if you meet the criteria by visiting www.gov.uk. The date your free hours become available depends on your child’s birthday. If you child has a birthday between 1 January and 31 March, your free hours will kick in on the first day of term on or after 1 April. For birthdays between 1 April and 31 August the provision will be available from the first day of term on or after 1 September. And for birthdays between 1 September and 31 December you can start claiming free hours from the first day of term on or after 1 January. The future Given the fact we are just weeks away from a General Election and therefore a possible change in leadership it’s difficult to make any guarantees about what’s on the horizon for just about anything at the moment. However, what we do know is that, as things stand, from September 2017 it will be possible to access 30 free hours of childcare a week.
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A diverse multicultural Catholic Primary School awarded School of Sanctuary Status
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A warm and welcoming
Much Woolton Catholic Primary School
inclusive community •
Proud to serve the Metropolitan Cathedral of Liverpool
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Open 51 weeks of the year
“With Jesus we love, learn and grow”
providing education and wrap around care 0-11 years •
Open from 7.30am to 6pm daily
Further info please contact 0151 709 5532 or admin@stnicholasliverpool.co.uk www.stnicholasliverpool.co.uk 22
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Mr M White Headteacher Watergate Lane, Liverpool, L25 8QH 0151 428 6114 www.muchwoolton.co.uk
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numbers Unless things change, from September parents who both work at least 16 hours per week (or where one parent works and the other has been assessed as being unable to work) will be able to claim 30 hours free childcare a week for three and four year olds (unless either parents earns more than £100,000 a year). How to choose a nursery Finances aside, choosing early years education can be a difficult decision for parents. The Family and Childcare Trust provides a checklist of questions to ask to ensure you’re choosing the right environment for your little ones including: What is the ratio of staff to children? What qualifications and/or experience do the staff have? And what are their policies on discipline and managing children's behaviour? You can find out more by visiting www.familyandchildcaretrust.org.
Broadgreen Primary School Oakhill Road, Liverpool, L13 5UE Telephone: 0151 228 6692 Fax: 0151 221 0235 www.broadgreenprimary.org.uk Email Headteacher: headteacher@broadgreenprimary.org.uk Broadgreen Primary School has a 52 place Nursery and we offer places as soon as pupils are three. We welcome visits to our happy school. Ofsted 2015 rated Broadgreen Primary as a ʻGood School with Outstanding Behaviour and Safety.ʼ ʻHigh quality care and support ensure that pupils feel safe and happy.ʼ Ofsted 2015 ʻImpeccable manners, mutual respect and courtesy are hallmarks of pupilsʼ outstanding behaviour.ʼ Ofsted 2015
The Belvedere Preparatory School 23 Belvidere Road, Princes Park, Liverpool, L8 3TF Telephone: 0151 471 1137 www.belvedereprep.com Email: enquiries@belvedereprep.com
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Finances aside, choosing early years education can be a difficult decision for parents
As nationally recognised by The Times Top 100 Schools, The Belvedere Preparatory School is a leading Independent School for boys and girls aged 3-11. In our care, from Nursery to Year 6, your child will flourish in a safe and nurturing environment. Alongside opportunities to explore, play and develop socially in our extensive and well maintained grounds, your child will also have opportunities to participate in specialist lessons in French, Music and Sport. The success of any school is judged by looking at its pupilsʼ work and talking to them, so we invite you to visit our school and to do just that. We are confident that you will be welcomed by our happy pupils who are courteous and proud of their school.
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Special, Valuable People - successful, visionary and proud - We are a welcoming, highly inclusive, successful and forward thinking community primary school - Exemplary indoor and outdoor learning environment - Highly trained staff providing exciting and challenging learning opportunities for all children - Excellent parental links and involvement - EYFS graded OUTSTANDING by Ofsted (March 17) - 15 hours free entitlement can be taken flexibly - Limited places for children to access 30 hours from September 17 Please visit our website for more details about what makes us so special - http://www.stockbridgevillageprimary.co.uk Call the school on 0151 477 8020 to apply for a nursery place or to arrange a visit to see us in action
To be included in our September primary school feature please call Catherine at Educate Magazine
0151 709 7567 Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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Secondary News
World Class Physicist selected for the British Physics Olympiad Over the past 17 years the British Physics Olympiad has become a staple feature in The Blue Coat School calendar, with their GCSE and A-level physicists always achieving a number of gold, silver and bronze awards. This year, under the watchful eye of co-ordinator Mr Caulkin, Year 13 physics enthusiast Callum has made it all the way through to the final round of this prestigious competition. Callum, who received a top gold in the first round of the competition, progressed to round two which involved sitting a three hour paper tackling questions on gravitation and electromagnetism. Callum’s extensive knowledge and passion for the subject was rewarded with a second gold award and a place in the top 15 nationally. Such an outstanding performance secured Callum an invitation to a four day intensive training workshop held at the University of Oxford. Alongside four other UK students Callum will represent Great Britain at the International Physics Olympiad, competing against eighty-seven teams in Indonesia during the summer.
Callum is congratulated by Mr Caulkin
Launch of The Academy of St Nicholas Plans have been announced over the launch of the Academy of St Nicholas in South Liverpool which will replace the name of Enterprise South Liverpool Academy (ESLA). The new symbolic name of St Nicholas, Patron Saint of Children, represents the ongoing improvements and successes under the leadership of Mrs Anne Pontifex, executive head at ESLA and with the support of a now excellent team of staff. Archbishop Malcolm was able to see the growing ethos of respect, care, and spirituality during his visit recognised in the academy section 48 report which acknowledged rapid improvements ESLA has made. Archbishop Malcolm said: “The Academy is a rapidly improving community that has clearly established its Christian mission and vision to direct success in every sphere. There is a tangibly growing commitment to the common good, increasingly shared by ESLA and the community it serves.” Archbishop Malcom also celebrated improvements and gave blessing to The Academy of St Nicholas and endorsed the hard work by all. Mrs Anne Pontifex who joined The Archbishop on the tour
ESLA pupils meet Archbishop Malcolm
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said: “The change of name for ESLA and the introduction of All Saints Sixth Form College is great news for the region promising innovation in education. It is fantastic that the hard work has been recognised. The future looks bright in South Liverpool and we are all delighted to be a part if this”.
What a day out Maghull High School’s production of ‘Our Day Out’ by Willy Russell, which tells the story of a group of school children leaving Liverpool for a day in North Wales, proved a resounding success for their performing arts team and all the students involved. Headteacher Mr Anderson, said: “We were delighted to have one of our ex-students Matthew Reynolds codirecting alongside our The cast of ‘Our Day Out’ head of performing arts, Ms Guy. “Students and staff worked tirelessly for months, putting in extra time after school and at weekends to ensure the piece was up to our usual high standard. “There were three sell out evening performances attended by family, friends and members of the school’s governing body. As well as this, two matinees provided for partner primaries were a great success and enjoyed by all. “A team of over sixty students and staff across the whole school were involved in not only the performance but also the technical and design aspects”.
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Secondary News
From Croxteth to China College represents the city on international visit award A Liverpool secondary school is the first to send a delegation of students from the UK to the Chinese city of Wenzhou, after being selected to represent the city as an ambassador school in China. Students and teachers from St John Bosco Arts College in Croxteth travelled to Wenzhou in China to explore the city and visit its sister school, Wenzhou No.2 Foreign Language School. St John Bosco was selected as an ambassador school by Access China UK, an organisation which funds school partnerships in China and promotes the exchange of ideas through different international programmes. Headteacher Darren Gidman, Jane Kennedy from the school leadership team and seven students from Year 9 travelled over 5,000 miles to China to meet representatives from its sister school and begin the exciting new partnership. St John Bosco Arts College introduced Mandarin to the curriculum in September 2016 and currently offers the language to 20 Year 7 students. Sixth form students can also learn the language as part of their Enrichment programme. During the trip, St John Bosco toured the campus of Wenzhou No.2 Foreign
British Judo champion strikes gold!
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Language School; took part in calligraphy and Mandarin classes; visited the Wenzhou Museum and Central Plaza; dined with local host families and entertained guests with a special farewell performance. This summer, St John Bosco Arts College will welcome a party of Chinese students to the city and host a number of cultural activities and visits. Both schools are exploring joint projects to make the partnership accessible to all students. Headteacher, Darren Gidman said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to have been supported in securing this opportunity by Access China UK. The
trip was a fantastic experience for both myself and the girls, especially connecting with our sister school in Wenzhou and exploring ideas to continue our exciting partnership. “As a school we always look to enhance the learning experience for both students and staff and this trip was the epitome of this. By forging international links and promoting Mandarin, this programme is really improving our students’ learning and developing them into global leaders. We’re looking forward to welcoming students from Wenzhou to Liverpool this summer to develop our partnership further.”
Pupils from St John Bosco enjoy their China experience
One of Liverpool's most talented young judo stars has won a gold medal at the Sportif International competition in Edinburgh. The impressive feat by Ellie Morris now means that she has won gold at the Northern Ireland Open; Midlands Open; Bytom League; Southend International and the North West Open. Ellie, who attends St. Julie's High School in Woolton, began training in Judo in 2010 when she was just six years old. In 2012 she then started training at her current club, the successful S.K.K. Judo Club in Newton-leWillows run by head
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coach Peter Blood. Ellie, 13, has participated in many competitions from a young age and has won many medals and trophies. Proud mum Michelle Morris says: “Ellie won her first British Championship in 2015 and has also won gold medals at The English Open, as well as becoming British Champion for the second year in succession in December 2016. “Her performances and success have meant she's now been invited to join the England National Judo Squad and she is currently ranked as the British number one in her category. We're all so proud of her.”
In addition to her success on home soil, Ellie has been able to compete internationally in countries such as Holland, Belgium, Poland and Spain where she won gold at the Copa de Espana. Tim Alderman, headteacher at St. Julie's High School adds: “It seems like a month can't go past without hearing the latest instalment of Ellie's fantastic sporting achievements. “She is a great asset to our school and equally, a role model for any young person who only needs to look at her dedication and overall attitude towards her sport and education to see why she's already a double British champion.”
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Secondary News
First for Academy Academy of St Francis of Assisi earns ‘sanctuary’ status The Academy of St Francis of Assisi (ASFA) has become the first secondary school in Liverpool to receive ‘School of Sanctuary’ status as reward for its efforts to provide a safe haven for its pupils. The Kensington-based academy caters for pupils from a wide range of cultural backgrounds, including refugees and asylum-seekers, and more than 40 languages are spoken by the children studying there. Head of school Tracey Greenough, said: “Creating sanctuary is something that I’m thrilled ASFA has been recognised for. Lots of hard work and commitment has contributed to our School of Sanctuary status. “We have undertaken to ensure that pupils feel at home at the joint-faith Catholic and Church of England academy. “Day-to-day life at the academy is underpinned by the Christian values of respect, care, compassion, peace and reconciliation. With these values in mind, creating an inclusive environment for all of our students is at the top of the agenda” As well as meeting the parents or care-givers of each pupil on their arrival at the academy, ASFA staff work hard to break down potential communication barriers. Mrs Greenough said: “More often than
Students from ASFA relax amongst the plants
not, language barriers can lead to the isolation of pupils who arrive with little to no English skills, even the smallest gestures can ease this transition such as providing every pupil with a bilingual dictionary and offering English booster classes. “One of our most successful schemes is our language buddy programme which pairs common language pupils together
to aid each other with language progression.” To help promote positive attitudes, the academy encourages its pupils to learn about other languages and cultures, with Polish and Arabic courses offered up to GSCE level. It also provides a physical haven in the form of a rooftop garden, where pupils can grow and harvest vegetables together.
Student receives Good Citizenship Award Georgia Johnson a Year 9 student from Gateacre School has won the Good Citizenship Award from Liverpool John Moores University during their highly popular Roscoe Lectures at The Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. Georgia, along with her mother and family friends, decided that they needed to give something back to the city and they decided it would be for the homeless. They have been collecting clothing, toiletries and food to share out. Of their own accord they set up a tent and went out to seek people they could help. Georgia was presented with the award by Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nigel Weatherill, chair of the Roscoe Lecture Series, Professor Sir Jon Murphy and Sir Vince Cable. Rachel Woods, head of house at 28
Gateacre School said: “Georgia takes time to talk and eat with the homeless regularly visiting Liverpool city centre with her mother, this shows her compassion and her understanding of
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how life isn’t always straight forward. “Taking time to listen and talk to the homeless is very important to Georgia. “Gateacre School is extremely proud of Georgia and here continued work”.
Georgia Johnson receives her award from Liverpool John Moores University alongside Sir Jon Murphy, Sir Vince Cable and Professor Nigel Weatherill
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Secondary News
Bright future
Starstruck Eva
Rainford High cleans up at awards
Eva Carroll with actress Alison Steadman OBE
Pupils at Rainford High College took home first prize at the Unilever Bright Futures awards
Rainford High Technology College Year 10 cohort claimed first prize at the Unilever Bright Futures Celebration and Assessment Awards in Port Sunlight, for their innovative ‘Soap & Suds Toys’ product. Going head to head with students from 21 schools across the region, teams were given three briefs to choose from to design an innovative new product for Unilever’s Bright Futures programme, which aims to help those in the developing world. Choosing to tackle the ‘clean hands for all’ challenge, Rainford High’s team was tasked with designing a product to encourage children in the developing world to wash their hands, which would reduce the spread of disease and tackle child mortality. Following an initial briefing with Unilever in November 2016, the team quickly developed ‘Soap & Suds Toys’ based around the concept of producing a transparent bar of soap with toys inside. The bar would then be packaged with a re-usable board game, encouraging children to wash their hands in order to release the toys and play the game. The team spent the next four months designing and developing their product, producing prototype soaps and testing different ingredients before developing a 30
citronella-based formula to act as an insect repellent. A final report was produced highlighting the five key areas of the product design: formulation, packaging, consumer technical insight, processing and digital. On the day, students presented their prototype to the board of judges, using diagrams, formulations, handouts and concept models. Receiving full marks from every group, ‘Soap & Suds Toys’ was the stand-out winner. Ian Young, principal at Rainford High, said: “The Unilever Bright Futures programme with All About STEM has proven to be an incredibly engaging way for students to learn more about the possibilities of STEM learning. “As a school we’re always looking for ways to inspire our pupils and help them explore various areas of the curriculum outside of the classroom. I’m confident that this experience will have helped to inform our Year 10 team and hopefully offered some insight into further study and career options. “I’m incredibly proud of our winning team’s innovation, hard work and determination. What’s more, the challenges set throughout the day encouraged pupils to develop many skills, including teamwork, communication, leadership, creativity and presentation skills.”
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Year 10 student Eva Carroll from Notre Dame Catholic College has taken on the role as a Young Lord Mayor of Liverpool. Eva has said that she wants to represent the voices of young people across the city. and as part of her role she will support the Lord Mayor in fulfilling her civic duties and recently attended her first Eva said: “I attended my first event as Young Lord Mayor of Liverpool. It was the Clapperboard Film Awards centred around rewarding the success of young people’s creativity and ability in the making of short films; it allowed me to meet many people in the local community and hear of many success stories as well as meeting some of my all time favourite actors and actresses! “I was lucky enough to meet Liverpool born Alison Steadman OBE most famous for her roles as ‘Pam’ in Gavin and Stacey and ‘Beverly’ in Abigail’s Party. It was a pleasure to meet her. “As well as this, I also met Ricky Tomlinson who is best known for playing ‘Jim’ in The Royle Family and was also born and raised in Liverpool. “After the reception we went through to a theatre and watched all the brilliant short films put together by people in the local community and then watched the awards get presented by Neil Fitzmaurice, Ricky Tomlinson, and Alison Steadman. “Other celebrities supporting the event included famous Liverpool actress Pauline Daniels, Tina Malone from Shameless and Dean Sullivan of Brookside as well as stars from Hollyoaks. I really enjoyed the evening and look forward to the further experiences this amazing opportunity will give me!”
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Everyone Matters Everyone Helps Everyone Succeeds
High Standards Be part of our success story For the ďŹ fth year running more than 7 students in every 10 have left with ďŹ ve good GCSEs and 78% of students have achieved good grades in Maths and English at A*-C. More than 30% of Sixth Form students went to Russell Group Universities and more students than ever achieved apprenticeships with global companies. For more information or enquiries, call 01744 885914 or visit www.rainford.org.uk
@RainfordHigh
Rainford High Technology College Higher Lane Rainford St Helens Merseyside WA11 8NY
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Secondary News
First for Studio School becomes first school to join PlayStation®First The Studio School, based in Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle, has become the first school in the UK to join PlayStation®First, Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe’s (SIEE) global academic program. PlayStation First is designed to inspire and encourage the new wave of developers to create games across all PlayStation platforms. Through PlayStation First, The Studio School can access PlayStation development tools, guidance and support. This means that students get to use the same hardware that game studios around the world are using to create ground-breaking, innovative games on PlayStation. It will allow students in the school to cut their teeth on console development, gaining practical experience creating games on PlayStation. That means students can develop their game ideas into real life concepts and gain skills that modern game studios are hungry for. The Studio School educates young people for success in a digital world
with a focus on employment, entrepreneurship, a new business venture or further studying in the digital sector. Shaun McInerney, principal at The Studio said: “Becoming part of this program will enhance our students’ experience and give them fantastic practical skills across game development. “Students are now able to take their game idea right the way through to the end into a final product, giving them industry experience which isn’t offered elsewhere”.
“At PlayStation, we want to inspire the next generation of digital talent,” said Luke Savage, senior academic development manager at Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe. “The games industry needs new talent. It needs new perspectives, individuals who can push the boundaries and bring us new, innovative experiences. “That’s why we’re excited to have The Studio School join PlayStation First. Together, we’re giving students every opportunity to
become part of the PlayStation family.” Michelle Tilley, senior release manager in Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe’s Liverpool office, said: “It’s important to support new talent locally and PlayStation has always had great, historic links with Liverpool. We’re excited to see the unique and diverse ideas that will emerge from the Studio School and look forward to working in partnership with them to help shape the future of the industry”.
‘Flame’ conference 2017 A group from Bellerive FCJ Catholic College made the long journey to London for the CYMFED Flame Youth Conference, to join Gumley House students and the FCJ Sisters at the SSE Arena, Wembley. The 6am start did not dampen their enthusiasm as they arrived at Wembley to be part of 10,000 young people singing, worshipping and celebrating their Catholic faith, showing that the Church for young people is well and truly alive. Teacher, Mr Mcmenamin said: “The atmosphere in the stadium was amazing and Bellerive students were eager to hear Matt Redman play, as we have been listening to his music in the 32
chapel for weeks on our ‘Flame Fridays’. “Cardinal Bo from Myanmar spoke at the conference and definitely inspired our young people to have hope and make a difference in the world. “They returned to Liverpool at
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midnight, all very tired but still smiling, a shining example of FCJ Companionship! Our young people bring hope for the future of the Church and it was a privilege to spend the day with them.
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Experts in Education Through consultancy, training and professional development, we’ve supported more than 18,000 professionals and have reached in excess of 170,000 children – who are always at the core of what we do. We offer schools a superior service, delivering consultancy, training and professional development via our trusted and experienced team, who have proven track records of excellence and credibility. Our aim is to challenge and enable schools and other settings to be the best they can be. We are dedicated to offering outstanding support to ensure every child and young person has the opportunity to develop, learn, achieve and excel.
Toxteth Annexe Aigburth Road Liverpool L17 7BN Phone: 0151 233 3901 Email: recruitment@si.liverpool.gov.uk Web: www.ednet.co @SchoolImprovementLiverpool @SI_Liverpool
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Secondary News
Futures support University validate programme at St Margaret’s Academy The University of Chester is the latest North West organisation to offer its support to St Margaret’s Academy’s (SMA) futures programme. Year 10 students visited the Chester campus as the Aigburth school launches its latest ‘becoming a teacher’ series, as part of its ‘futures programme’. The latest initiative has been launched in a move to help students enhance their CV when it comes to applying for further study courses, with a focus on teacher training. During the visit, pupils heard from current students on the teaching courses on offer at the university and what is involved in the role of a teacher, as well as practical tips on behaviour management and how to plan a lesson. The visit follows a talk in school from David Cumberland, the university’s executive dean of education and children’s services, with further plans to host mock interviews with pupils later this year. The programme will
Students from St Margaret’s Academy at The University of Chester
conclude with a validation ceremony where pupils will be presented with a certificate of achievement to mark their success. Greg McLean, careers manager at SMA, said: “Our visit to the University of Chester gave pupils a real insight into the further study teaching courses open to them
and what it is like to be a student. Offering students these unique opportunities is fundamental to our careers provision and our latest ‘becoming a teacher’ initiative. “As one of the country’s leading teacher training providers, the University of Chester’s validation of the
programme will add real kudos to the future university or job applications of all pupils involved. I am incredibly grateful for the support the university is providing us with, and I hope that our collaboration will continue to offer unparalleled careers provision for pupils now and in the future.”
Friendship concert hits the right notes The Friendship Concert took place when the Maghull Wind Orchestra visited Archbishop Beck College, Liverpool. They were the guests of the college at a special friendship concert which featured the main college concert band, primary school bands and smaller ensembles. All groups performed separately, entertaining each other before joining together for the final performance of “Game of Thrones” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” which both ensembles had prepared. The concert also saw the performance of the British Association of Symphonic Bands and Wind Ensembles (BASBWE) commissioned work for Band called “Voyage of Valour” by Adam Roberts. Speaking after the event Phil Shotton, director of the Maghull Wind Orchestra said, “This was a wonderful example of how the community and educational world of music collaborated and the Liverpool premier of a commissioned work for wind band made the evening even more special”. 34
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Secondary News
Calderstones pupil stars in moving drama Calderstones School’s pupil Matthew Roberts has set his sights on a career in acting after making his television debut in the harrowing ITV drama Little Boy Blue. The A-level student plays Owen Jones, the brother of 11-year-old Rhys Jones
who was tragically shot and killed as he made his way home from football training. Matthew landed the role in the fourpart drama after a speculative phone call from Purple Giraffe Talent Agency to the Mossley Hill school’s drama department
enquiring about any promising actors they may have. Following a recommendation from the school’s head of drama, renowned casting director, Amy Hubbard, visited the school to audition the 18-year-old and he was cast as Owen Jones in the flagship series, which features leading British actor Stephen Graham as DSI Dave Kelly who heads the investigation into Rhys’ murder. Matthew, who previously attended Yula Acting School and LIPA, has starred in a couple of school productions as Daddy Warbucks in Annie and the Artful Dodger in Oliver but Little Boy Blue is his first TV role. The 18-year-old plans to pursue a fulltime career in acting once his A-level studies are completed in the summer and he has recently been signed to international casting agency Curtis Brown who will co-represent him.
Run for their lives… Students at West Derby School show their support for Syria Two students from West Derby School have organised a fun run to raise funds for the charity, Medecins Sans Frontieres, otherwise known as Doctors without Borders, a humanitarian organisation. Terry Blankson and Dean Jones, both in Year 11, organised the event as part of the mentoring scheme run by exam board AQA and Dame Kelly Holmes trust. Their objective was to create a community project to inspire and engage others. Following sessions with their mentor, Neil Danns and their English teacher, Miss Parker, they decided their project would focus on raising awareness of the plights of the Syrian people and of the charity which aids those in desperate medical need. The boys delivered a thought-provoking and engaging assembly to the Year 7 cohort and highlighted the issues faced by those in war-torn Syria. They invited the full year group to participate in the run – even if they walked, jogged or sprinted their way around the school field. From making posters, to collecting donations and liaising with staff to organise the event, Dean and Terry brought the whole thing together as part of their community project. The run took place on the last day of term, just before the Easter holidays. Year
West Derby pupils community spirit shone through
7 and a number of other students from Year 11 and staff helpers took part in the run to raise money for such a worthy cause. The event was a great success and all of the boys who participated not only raised a fantastic amount of money but also had great fun doing it too, winning prizes such as: Liverpool Football Club memorabilia signed by the manager, Jurgen Klopp; cash prizes; Easter eggs,
and chocolate treats. Altogether, the boys raised an admirable £367.58 for Doctors without Borders. Terry said: “It was a very rewarding and yet fun process. The Year 7 pupils gave generously and really showed their support. Both Dean and I feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity and are proud of the team effort shown by the pupils at West Derby School!”
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Educate Awards: News from our Sponsors
UK first for hi-impact
CONSULTATION RECEIVES HUGE SUPPORT
Company invests in technology
Father Richard Peers
Primary school children find learning is fun with hi-impact robots
Education consultancy hi-impact is bringing innovative opportunities to the region’s schools by investing in 3D scanning technologies. A “first” in the UK, the innovative 3D scanning technology will allow students to create and digitally reproduce material with the potential to make an impact on the real world. The Wirral-based organisation, which is sponsoring the Innovation in Education Award at this year’s Educate Awards, has an experienced and qualified team of teachers and technicians who bring the world of science and technology to life for young people. The consultancy now works with more than 250 schools across the UK and abroad in the primary, secondary and independent sectors. Whether sending 360 degree cameras into space to gain footage and data of the Earth’s atmosphere or using a humanoid robot to introduce and develop skills in programming; the hi-impact team provides powerful learning opportunities that enhance all areas of the curriculum. 36
Jill Billinge, headteacher at Devonshire Park Primary School in Birkenhead, said: “Becoming a hiimpact school has been transformational for our staff and pupils. Deciding to work with the hi-impact team has been the best professional decision of my career.” For teaching staff, a unique factor of the hi-impact business is the transfer of its learning methods to educators, through bespoke CPD to fill training gaps experienced by headteachers and other senior staff. This comes at a time when extra pressure is being brought to bear on schools to provide or source their own training and continual professional development while their resources are shrinking. Alan Thompson, managing director at hi-impact, said: “Our business has developed and grown from a vision to enrich teaching and learning with the use of innovative technologies to one that has made a huge difference to the lives of teachers and children across Merseyside, the UK and even abroad.”
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The Diocese of Liverpool has received a huge level of support from schools on its consultation to form a Multi Academy Trust (MAT). During his first six months as director of education, Father Richard Peers has led the diocesan church schools through a consultation to form a MAT called the Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust. Richard is buoyed by the level of support he has received from schools during the consultation process, saying: “What is exciting is that it is clear that this is what schools are looking for - and that gives us the determination to succeed. “We are on the cusp of a great educational change. The government are overseeing the most revolutionary change in education structures in our lifetime and we are responding in a strategic way as our schools have asked us to do. That involves creating this trust.” While the academisation process has not been without controversy, the diocesan response is clear says Richard. He said: “I think it is vitally important that we keep our family of church schools together. What most distinguishes church schools is that they are places to talk about Jesus. If we are to continue to make a big difference in young people’s lives we need to continue to keep our family of church schools together.” The Trust will use a model that has three hubs: Western, Southern and Eastern. The first hub to open will be the Western Hub covering Liverpool, Sefton and West Lancs. The Southern Hub (Warrington, Halton, Knowsley and part of St Helens) and Eastern Hub (Wigan, East Lancs and part of St Helens) will follow. The Diocese will encourage existing schoolled MATs to flourish and aims to have a Trust Education Officer in place by September. It will then begin working with schools, education staff and others to introduce the first 10 to 12 schools to the hub. The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Revd Paul Bayes is sponsoring the Community Partnership Award at this year’s Educate Awards.
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Meet the Headteacher Roanne Clements-Bedson, headteacher at Knotty Ash Primary School
Starting out as a NQT at Knotty Ash Primary School 15 years ago, Roanne Clements-Bedson has practically grown up at the school where she is now headteacher. Roanne talks to Educate about her career ascent, challenges of her new role and exploring new ideas for collaboration.
Rising through the ranks by Hannah Fowler Roanne Clements-Bedson was cataloguing public sculpture for the Conservation Centre when her teaching epiphany happened. “One of the sculptures was in the courtyard of a primary school,” she explains. “I was walking there and I thought oh my goodness this is where I belong, this is where I need to be!” Before this chance encounter, Roanne grew up in Loughborough and studied art history at university in Leicester. She even spent a year in Italy soaking up medieval architecture. Roanne moved to Liverpool after her degree to complete a Masters in Art History and began her work restoring sculptures for the Conservation Centre, which is part of National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside (NMGM). However, soon after her chance encounter at a primary school, Roanne enrolled for a PGCE and started her teaching career. In 2001, Roanne landed her first job as a NQT at Knotty Ash Primary School in Liverpool and has stayed there ever since – 15 years to be exact. “From the very first time coming to look around, I just felt this is where I belong and I’ve never really been tempted to go anywhere else. The career
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opportunities developed at the right time pretty much,” she says. When asked what drew her in to teaching, Roanne says it’s the joy of children and her love of developing, learning and reflecting on what you can do better – something which is part and parcel of the job for teachers. “However hard things can get, and they can,” she said. “And however down you can get about something in the national agenda which has changed just when you thought you were on track, you just go in to a classroom and there are children who are pleased to see you or that moment when something that they thought they were never going to get actually clicks in to place, it’s magical.” Freshly out of NQT year and on a temporary contract, Roanne was desperate to stay at Knotty Ash so applied for the head of Key Stage 1 position, and got it. Over the last 15 years, Roanne has risen in the ranks, from assistant head to deputy head before taking the most senior position in January 2016. “I felt I was ready for the headship at this school,” said Roanne. “In terms of personal ambition it wasn’t that I wanted to be a head at all but I felt like I didn’t want anybody else to be head at our school. I know what works, I know our parents, our children and the staff and it
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“
I was walking there and I thought oh my goodness this is where I belong, this is where I need to be!
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just felt like the right time and the right thing to do.”
So, is the headteacher role everything she expected it to be? Has there been any surprises or shocks? “I thought I might have to change more to go from deputy to head but actually I haven’t particularly,” explains Roanne. “I’m really pleased that I have managed to change the role to suit me and suit the school and the staff and the situation we’re all in.” The ethos of Knotty Ash is to be a fully inclusive environment which celebrates all children. The school is a fully signing school and all 251 pupils, from nursery to Year 6 learn sign language through half an hour lessons every week. With an established deaf resource base, the school immerses deaf pupils in to all aspects of school life, with all lessons, assemblies and productions signed. For Roanne, not only does this
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help deaf pupils learn key skills in communication and integration but it benefits the school community as a whole. “It brings out such a wonderful side to our mainstream children,” says Roanne. “We’ve seen some absolutely blossom in that role and making those friendships and supporting.” Although teaching was a departure from her previous role, the collaborative ethos she honed working at the Conservation Centre has transferred over. “The collaboration is something I’ve really tried to develop in the last year,” she explains. “Creating opportunities for staff to collaborate because that’s when the exciting things happen and people think ‘what if we tried that’ or linked that subject to that subject, there is that excitement all the time.” In fact, Roanne’s collaborative philosophy was celebrated by Ofsted in January 2017 during an inspection, with Ofsted noting: ‘Since becoming headteacher, you have strengthened opportunities for staff to learn from one another and from training’.
One element of this collaboration is the introduction of paired year groups, which Roanne says allows for a richness in planning. The school has also rewritten the foundation subject curriculum and introduced leadership teams which oversee different subject areas: community and diversity; science and discovery and culture and creativity.
wealth of enrichment opportunities to open children’s eyes to the different career paths and prospects out there.
“As a one-form entry school if you don’t actually plan for collaboration, teachers can be very isolated,” explains Roanne. “Teachers are liaising as teams rather than one individual thinking I have full responsibility for the whole subject as well as class responsibility.”
In the past month, Knotty Ash has also developed a green screen room which gives their children the opportunity to film, produce scripts, hone IT skills and develop transferrable skills such as reading and writing for a purpose (according to Roanne the children are ‘loving it’). On the afternoon I visited the school, the green screen room was a flurry of activity, with children filming a special video for two of the school’s teachers who are soon to tie the knot.
With an art history background, it’s no surprise Roanne is passionate about embedding arts and culture in to the curriculum. “There is so much culture in Liverpool,” she says. “So we’re planning a cultural entitlement for our children which will make sure that during their time with us, they get to see the major galleries in Liverpool and they get to go to the theatre.” From themed weeks, cinema trips, art exhibitions to learning to play the guitar (which Knotty Ash offer to all children in Years 4, 5 and 6); the school offers a
Roanne hopes the school’s varied arts and culture programme will see them recognised with the Arts Mark later this year – an award which recognises schools championing arts and culture.
As headteacher for over a year, Roanne is settling in to the position and is enjoying the challenges of her new role. Although she does admit to missing her own class. “But then,” she adds. “This door is always open and children just wonder in, which is lovely, and they’re not here for anything expect to have a chat and a little catch up.”
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Educate Awards: News from our Sponsors
Making progress Youngsters get fired up to reach new educational goals Vulnerable youngsters are getting fired up to reach new goals at two of Merseyside's newest schools. Progress Schools, an alternative education provider with schools throughout England and headquarters in Speke, now has its first intake of students in place at one of the city’s most exciting youth venues – the Fire Fit Hub Super Youth Zone in Toxteth. More students are receiving their education at Marine AFC, a fan-owned community football club in Crosby, where vital new experiences and opportunities are being opened up for the youth of North Merseyside and South Sefton. At the Fire Fit Hub, teaching of formal academic subjects takes place in state-ofthe-art classrooms. However, students are able to make use of the youth zone’s world-class sport, music and cultural facilities which include five-a-side and seven-a-side football pitches, dance and martial arts studio, fitness suite and gym with its weights and boxing ring. The setting of Progress Schools’ Marine AFC base makes it perfect for its offer of an extensive array of BTEC sports qualifications for learners who are passionate about sport. As well as taking a range of modules which cover both practical and theoretical elements of the qualifications, an added bonus is that they can attend live games and discuss
Progress Schools’ students have a range of sports facilities at the Fire Fit Hub
tactics and formations with their tutor. James Madine, Progress Schools chief executive said: “We are giving young people aged between 13 and 16 an important second chance to learn and gain essential life skills after being excluded from school, or being at risk of exclusion, for a whole variety of reasons ranging from behavioural and emotional issues to long-term illness. “An excluded child is likely to be seen as a source of trouble and many schools are unwilling to take on ‘problem’ pupils.
These are the issues we are aiming to address to make sure exclusion from school is not an exclusion from a good education. “Both our Merseyside schools are based within solid community settings where young learners want to be – so for many of them the first hurdle of actually turning up for lessons is being addressed.” Progress Schools are sponsoring the SEND Provision Award at this year’s Educate Awards.
Wray Bros launch new catalogue Wray Bros, a leading supplier of cleaning supplies, janitorial products and personalised workwear, has launched a new catalogue with a charitable twist. As a proud sponsor of the Educate Awards, Wray Bros services a wide range of educational premises from local primary schools to universities.
Graham and Mark Wray
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Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Its new Jangro cleaning and hygiene supplies catalogue is packed full of the latest innovative products for washroom, housekeeping, kitchen hygiene and floor care. When you buy from a selection of its best-selling products, Jangro will donate a percentage of the sales to Macmillan Cancer Support. Plus, profits from the sale of Wray Bro’s Willy Wiper mascot doll goes to The Prince’s Trust. Some 31 years ago, The Princes Trust helped Graham and Mark Wray, the founders of Wray Bros, set up the company. What started out as a rags and wipers business has now grown in to a thriving operation which continues to thrive and innovate. The catalogue is a comprehensive directory of the necessary cleaning supplies and safety products to keep your site in tiptop condition. The catalogue is easy to navigate so you can quickly find the section and product you are looking for. In addition to our mascot, Willy, the new catalogue also features over 4,000 bestselling products including 975 brand new lines. Wray Bros are committed to offering a choice of high quality products from top manufacturers, with consistent and competitive pricing, backed by a customer service team always pleased to help with enquiries.
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Educate Awards: News from our Sponsors
LJMU wins University of the Year at regional awards Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) has scooped University of the Year at the Educate North Awards 2017. LJMU was awarded the top accolade at a glittering ceremony in Manchester, beating off competition from the University of Liverpool and
the University of Newcastle. Vice-Chancellor Professor Nigel Weatherill who accepted the award, said: “I am delighted that Liverpool John Moores University has won this prestigious award. This is testament to years of hard work by our staff and shows exactly what we can achieve
by working together as a team, which makes LJMU the modern pioneering university in the North. “It is fitting that this exceptional achievement comes in the 25th anniversary year of LJMU - another landmark in the history and journey of our university.” The judging panel commended LJMU for its local, regional and national contribution as well as good leadership. The university’s Sensor City, a joint venture between LJMU and the University of Liverpool, was one of the successes credited for the win, alongside its offer of Degree Apprenticeships, it’s Centre of Entrepreneurship and commended judgements from the Quality Assurance
Agency (QAA) during its Higher Education Review. Educate North is an initiative which aims to celebrate the success and growth of the knowledge sector across the North of England. It was established to recognise the huge economic and social contribution that the HE and FE sectors add to the North. With roots tracing back to 1823, LJMU is proud of ensuring that the benefits of a university education are accessible to everyone with academic ability, irrespective of their social or economic background. The University is sponsoring the Most Inspirational 16-18 Education Provider Award at this year’s Educate Awards.
Crowley’s cake-off Charity event in aid of Dementia UK A Liverpool based solicitors has raised hundreds of pounds for charity with a special “Crowley’s cake-off”, judged by special guests. Paul Crowley & Co, which has offices in Anfield and Liverpool city centre, hosted the event as part of Dementia UK’s ‘time for a cuppa’ campaign. Staff from across the firm were invited to enter their bakes into the competition and sample cakes, tea and coffee in return for a small donation. Liverpool TV personalities June and Leon stepped in to sample and judge the bakes, with prizes for best taste and most appealing cake. April Gallagher was awarded the best tasting cake, while Elle Hayes took home the prize for most appealing cake. A charity raffle was also held, with special prizes donated by local businesses. Prizes included, signed Liverpool FC merchandise, Malmaison Hotel champagne afternoon tea, along with tickets for Knowsley Safari Park, the Comedy Club and various beauty treatments from local salons. After the judging and awarding of prizes the public were invited in for tea coffee and cakes. Senior partner, Paul Crowley, said: “I am delighted to say that we raised over £270.00 for Dementia UK, and I hope that our donation will go a long way in helping the life-changing work that they do for families. “A massive thank you to Chloe Welsh, a paralegal in our clinical negligence department, who took the time to organise the event, a cause very close to the heart of many of our team and clients.” 46
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Paul Crowley (left) with Leon and June and Chloe Welsh.
Dr Hilda Hayo, chief admiral nurse at Dementia UK, said: “The incredible amount raised by companies like Paul Crowley & Co allows Dementia UK to provide more Admiral Nurses, who are a lifeline for many families. Events like this are a fantastic way for communities to come together. “We currently have 184 Admiral Nurses across the country and we want to increase this number to 200 by the end of March. “We believe that everybody with dementia, and their families, should have access to this specialist care and support.”
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Meet the Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield OBE
Now in her second year as Children’s Commissioner for England, Anne Longfield OBE talks to Educate about the North South divide, the need for greater safety online and why there’s never been a ‘golden age’ of childhood.
Childhood Champion by Christine Toner As any parent will tell you, being responsible for the wellbeing of children is hard work. Having to constantly work out what’s best for them, keep them safe and push them to achieve their potential can be an overwhelming task. Spare a thought then for Anne Longfield, the Children’s Commissioner whose role it is to promote and protect the rights of every child in England. Thankfully, it’s a role she seems to have been preparing for all her life. After growing up in West Yorkshire and attending the University of Newcastle Anne moved to London to work for Save the Children, and spent the next 30 years working and campaigning on issues affecting children and families. “During the early 1990s I led campaigns to introduce better childcare provision,” she said. “It’s hard to believe now, but in 1990 there were only 56,000 nursery places in the UK – now there are nearly two million. I’ve a lifelong, passionate commitment to improving children’s lives, particularly the most vulnerable, so I was really proud to be appointed Children’s Commissioner in 2015.” The post of the Children’s Commissioner was established under the Children’s Act 2004 with the aim of making life better for all children and young people by making sure “their rights are respected and realised and that their views are taken seriously”. And a key area in which that must happen is education where, she says, there are a number of challenges that need to be addressed. “There are so many challenges ranging from doing more for children in care, to 48
ensuring all children have the skills they need to thrive in today's digital world, to child protection in schools,” she said. “It’s my job to be a champion for children – making sure that the adults who make decisions listen to what children and young people say about the things that affect their lives.” One of the key issues Anne is focussing on this year is narrowing the North-South gap in opportunities and outcomes. In December she launched a year-long project Growing Up North to look at what makes somewhere a great place to grow up and to put the needs or northern children at the front of the Northern Powerhouse debate. The project comes at a time when the disparity in funding for education between the North and the South has become the topic of widespread debate. “The main purpose of my Growing Up North project is to collect evidence and work with experts to find out why there are disparities in achievement when you compare some parts of the North with London and the South East,” she said. “There are areas in Northern England with the best primary schools in the country, but the lowest adult employment rates. We need to find out why a young person leaving school or college in
“
I think children who grow up in the North deserve the same opportunities as children who grow up in London and the South East
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
”
London or the South East is more likely to go to a top university compared to a young person from the North.” Of course, one of the biggest influences on a child’s future and prospects is their parents. Last year Anne was quoted in several mainstream media outlets after she spoke about parents down south being “pushier” and expressed a need for northern parents to follow suit. She explains the ‘pushy’ element was taken out of context. “I think children who grow up in the North deserve the same opportunities as children who grow up in London and the South East,” she says. “It’s not about being ‘pushy’ – it’s about Northern parents demanding more from the schools their children go to.” It’s a view shared by former Ofsted chief Michael Wilshaw, who has been very vocal on the north south divide in terms of quality of education. Anne says the fact the divide is sparking so much discussion can only be a good thing. “It’s vital that these issues are discussed and are not just swept under the carpet,” she says. “The North of England has a once in a generation opportunity with new metro mayors and the Northern Powerhouse to begin to bridge the North-South divide. There are 3.6m children in the North – and I believe every single one of them deserves to have the best opportunities to help them live healthy, happy and prosperous lives.” One way of ensuring schools in the north have as much to offer as those in the south is to retain the highest quality teaching staff, something which Anne says will naturally happen as the gap starts to close. “All of us as parents want thriving schools which offer the best education for our children, regardless of whether that's
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“
The internet and social media has changed the nature of childhood, bringing amazing opportunities and some risks
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in the North or South,” she says. “I do think if we start to bridge the gap between North and South that will encourage graduates from the many fantastic northern universities, including good new teachers, to stay in the North and build lives and careers here. I'm a proud Northerner and I live close to where I went to school. The North has so much to offer and there is no reason why Northern schools shouldn't be ambitious about attracting the best talent.” The ambitions of the north are set to be realised on a wider scale, of course, as a result of the Northern Powerhouse initiative, and will see the region retain more power while improvements to infrastructure and transport will boost the economy. “Many northern areas will now have regional governments headed by directly elected mayors,” says Anne. “These mayors will have much greater powers than existing local government to shape and define their areas. It’s a perfect opportunity to develop new strategies for regeneration and I want to put children at the heart of this agenda.” But establishing a fairer education offering for northern children hasn’t been Anne’s only focus of late. Indeed, along with her Growing Up North report the Children’s Commissioner’s office has also recently published a report called Growing Up Digital, addressing one of the biggest challenges for children in today’s modern world - dealing with social media. “Society is constantly changing, so there are always going to be new challenges,” says Anne. “One of the biggest is the digital world we live in now. The internet and social media has changed the nature of childhood, bringing amazing opportunities and some
risks. I know parents and teachers worry about it and often feel a bit out of their depth. But it’s a fact of modern life - my five year old nephew has already been using his parents’ tablet for years. It’s why I set up an expert panel to look into how we can give kids the resilience, information and power they need to navigate their way through their online lives. We came up with a number of recommendations, from simplifying terms and conditions of the internet giants, to introducing a Digital Ombudsman who would act as a mediator between children and these social media platforms.” With social media presenting problems, funding cuts to education and an ongoing
disparity based on where you live I’m intrigued to know if Anne thinks it’s easier or harder to be a child in 2017 than in decades gone by? “I don't think there has ever been a golden age of childhood,” she says. “For many life is better than their grandparents or parents could have ever imagined, while for some life is much more complicated and in some cases worse. It is my job to use the office of Children’s Commissioner to improve the lives of all children and particularly the most vulnerable. “I’m an optimist and I believe that is possible and I’ll use my time as Commissioner to continue to fight their corner.”
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Educate Awards: News from our Sponsors
Capita Education fly the flag for Autism and SEN Capita Education’s Liverpool office have been raising awareness of and supporting those with Autism and special educational needs. In April, four members of the Capita team took part in long distance runs in aid of the National Autistic Society. Elaine Berry, primary divisional manager; Clare Woodpark, senior compliance and resourcing officer and Nathan Selby, marketing executive, took part in the Liverpool Vitality Half Marathon, whilst Paul Prescott, principal education consultant, took part in the Manchester Marathon. At the same time, Capita Education’s secondary division have recently supported Cardinal Heenan Catholic High School by purchasing equipment to enable the school to build a sensory garden for SEN pupils to use during break times and after school. Capita’s participation in the sensory garden comes after personal requests from a number of SEN pupils within the school who wrote letters to Lizzie McDonnell, principal recruitment consultant. In a letter to Lizzie, one pupil wrote, “Nine months ago, when we first saw the garden it was in an overgrown state. If we had equipment, imagine what the garden would look like.” Another pupil wrote, “We would like
you to fund this task as we need help to buy plants, seeds, trees and wood and build fences and benches so it would be an area for relaxing and a place to talk to your friends.” The garden will be available for use by all pupils at Cardinal Heenan but will be maintained by 15 SEN pupils within the school. This partnership with Cardinal Heenan is one of many ways that Capita supports schools with its ‘Capita in the Community’ scheme. Tce McCann, regional manager, said: “We love being able to support schools by providing equipment as we have been able to do here. After receiving such inspiring and heartfelt letters from pupils asking for our contribution, saying no was simply not an option.” Capita Education is sponsoring the Teacher of the Year Award at the Educate Awards 2017.
LSSP launch apprentice training for city’s young people Liverpool School Sports Partnership (LSSP) are developing two exciting opportunities for its members for the 2017/18 academic year, including the introduction of apprentice training. LSSP is committed to supporting and developing young people’s physical, social and emotional wellbeing and is sponsoring the Outstanding Commitment to Sport in a Primary School Award at this year’s Educate Awards. In September, LSSP will launch an exciting opportunity for budding sports coaches across the city. Working in partnership with Sporting Futures Training, it will deliver PE and School Sport apprentice training to 16 to 24 year olds. LSSP want to train and develop the city’s young people to be role models for future generations and are hoping to recruit enthusiastic young people to work in local schools. 50
The apprentices will work alongside school staff in the school for four days each week and for one day each week they will work alongside experienced LSSP staff. This will see them develop the skills that are needed in this fast moving and challenging environment. Another one of the exciting opportunities LSSP is launching is Balancability training, which is designed to develop children’s fundamental skills, balance and control. In April, LSSP staff spent an exciting day with an accredited trainer learning how to deliver the training. LSSP’s Balancability training team are ready to work with groups of early years children from across the city, encouraging youngsters to take their first steps in learning to ride, developing the necessary skills to transition from a balance bike to a pedal bike in a safe, challenging but fun way.
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
New outreach programme launched to help region’s schools
A new collaborative outreach programme has been launched which will be delivered across the Liverpool City Region. Shaping Futures is part of the wider National Collaborative Outreach Programme (NCOP) which has been funded by HEFCE. Formerly MNCO, the aim of the network is to provide schools and colleges with support in accessing information about outreach and widening participation activities offered by the partner institutions involved in the network. The outreach programme will work with young people from electoral wards where the progression to Higher Education (HE) is lower than expected, given the GCSE attainment in that area. Shaping Futures – which has just been announced as the Leadership Team of the Year sponsor at Educate Awards 2017 – will have a core programme which will be delivered to selected schools and a wide range of bespoke events. One such event is the ‘Through the Eyes of Boys’, which is a pilot project which will work with young men from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their attainment and raise their aspirations while also teaching important life skills. This project will be launched on May 17 2017. Shaping Futures is also sponsoring a dedicated zone at the Big Bang Fair North West, taking place on Tuesday 4 July 2017 and hosting a Healthcare Skills Show at the University of Liverpool in October.
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Viewpoint
The GCSE shake-up August 2017 sees the implementation of a new grading system for GCSEs in all schools and colleges. A key goal is to provide more differentiation, particularly among the highest achievers, and among the many students who ‘bunch’ in the middle grades. The new GCSEs will be graded 1 to 9, with 9 being the top grade, at standard equivalent to top half of A* and grade 4 will be equivalent to the current C grade. It means what this year would be a low C in future will be a 4, but a high C or B would cover both 5 and 6, and replacing A and A* there'll be three categories from 7 to 9. Instead or in addition, grade 9 could become a super grade to mark exceptional performance by confining it to only the top half of those students who currently achieve the highest grade of A*. As the new system is implemented what do headteachers think the impact will be on students, parents, schools and the community as a whole.
Mike McGarry, associate principal at The Belvedere Academy Like most people involved in education, we at Belvedere spent a lot of time scratching our heads and wondering why this 'development' was being pushed through by the DFE with little initial explanation or rationale. However, once it was clear that it was coming, again, like most people, we had to plot a course as to how we would explain it to our students, governors and parents. The 'A*, A, B, C etc...' grading system was very well understood by most people in the country so we felt careful communication was vital to ensuring a transition to the new system that was as stress-free as possible. After many newsletters, e-mails, briefings and assemblies, we feel that the school community has a decent understanding of how the new grades will work. We continue to consider the impact on our students particularly our current Y11 cohort who will have a 'mixed bag' of grades between numbers and letters. We are clear what they need to achieve to progress into our offer in the Sixth Form but will a grade 5 to us mean the same thing to another provider for example and further down the line will employers really grasp the fine detail being propagated about the difference between a grade 4 and a grade 5 in maths? It's here to stay whether we like it or not and I suppose it will take quite a number of years to work through the system and become embedded particularly in the world of work. The new system should have been given much longer introduction time with clear exemplars from the exam boards being made available but children are very resilient and no doubt they will grasp the changes much quicker and easier than the adults will.
Stephen Brierley, principal at St Margaret’s CE Academy As headteachers, we’re used to change. After all, we’ve seen it before. Generally, a good way forward is: consult widely about the change; pilot it first; review how it goes; take on board feedback; then, roll it out. The new GCSEs have not followed this established pattern. If there was a pilot of the new 9-to-1 GCSEs, I must confess I missed it. If there was any time for considered reflection on feedback received, I’m afraid I missed that too. Instead this whole revolution – the biggest I’ve known for GCSEs in the 28 years I’ve been teaching – has been implemented at a seemingly breakneck speed. Teachers seemingly have little idea what the results will be like this summer: a leading light in Ofsted admits that “trying to work out how pupils will fare, in terms of predicted grades, is even more problematic” this year, and urges inspectors to “not request predictions for cohorts about to take
examinations”. I think that’s an astonishing admission by ‘the system’ these changes have come in far too quickly. Last month Ofqual wrote to schools saying they would “welcome all the assistance you can give us” in raising awareness of the new grading system. Sorry, Ofqual, isn’t that your job? I have enough to do, thank you. Didn’t they give you enough time to implement these changes either? And in the middle of all this? The pupils. They only get one chance (especially now early entry has been banned, more-orless). Does anyone in authority give a second thought to their experiences? I doubt it; they’re all too busy rushing through the next batch of changes they’ll foist on us. Overall, I’d give the Government about a ‘3’ for change management. And in case you’re wondering, in the new 9-to-1 GCSE structure, that isn’t a high grade.
Have your say: To suggest or contribute to a topic for debate in Viewpoint email us at: educate@merseymirror.com www.educatemagazine.com Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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Thoughts Worth Sharing
CURRICULUM VITAE
Elaine Rees CEO, Liverpool Learning Partnership
Your education: I was brought up in South Wales in a small mining town. I studied for a BA in English and Psychology in Keele University and this was coupled with a concurrent certificate in Education. Later on I did an MA in Education Management in LJMU with a dissertation on headteachers as coaches. I also did my National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH) when I became a headteacher. What’s the secret of your success: I have a firm belief that we are all learners and we all have more to learn. I think we learn best alongside others. I have enjoyed a range of jobs in mainstream education, in alternative provision, in an Education Action Zone, and now as the CEO of Liverpool Learning Partnership. Having been a headteacher in Liverpool for 11 years I know how demanding and rewarding teaching is. We have the opportunity to ensure every child really does matter. My philosophy is an open door, with an open mind and a heart that cares! What advice would you give to somebody starting out in education: You can do it! It really doesn’t matter if you make mistakes: the most important thing is to learn from them and try again. We all have different talents and we should try
and excel at these whilst addressing our weaknesses. The most important thing is to be a kind, caring human being. What makes LLP different: The Liverpool Learning Partnership (LLP) was set up by school and education leaders to ensure the needs of all learners are prioritised. Known as ‘The Liverpool Family of Schools’, LLP has almost all schools from every sector signed up to it. Collaboration is at the heart of LLP and we seek to bring an education perspective to major city initiatives. In addition to this, LLP drives forward initiatives including quality marks in Reading for Pleasure, Numeracy, Artsmark and Attendance. Tell us about LLP’s plans for the next 12 months: We have just moved offices so that the whole team can be together. We have recently launched the city wide attendance strategy so we will drive the action plan on that with all partners city wide. Mental health and wellbeing is a focus for us and having published our report on whole school approaches we will now ensure schools have the resources and training to tackle this. Our city wide maths party will take place on 7 July and our new reading co-ordinator has plans for reading clubs city wide whilst our culture lead is seeking to make Liverpool the first Artsmark city.
Tweet all about it The five best educational tweets @AshKnotty We have raised an incredible £570.50 for @comicrelief today! Well done and thank you to everybody involved #RND17 #comicrelief @LiverpoolBCS On Friday retired physics teacher Mr Keith Caulkin received his MBE from Prince Charles for services to education. Congratulations Mr C! @FAITH17T4CG Thank you Margaret Aspinall for leading our Justice Day at @AlsopHighSch an amazing message of HOPE @HFSG_Official @annelongfield Our Liverpool #GrowingUpNorth summit at @Everton packed a punch today. Thanks to everyone. Here linking up with @NP_Partnership on that pitch @mrsirwinmaths So happy to announce that Phoenix Primary School has achieved the LCQM GOLD AWARD! @SI_Liverpool @charowen13 @EducateMag
EDUCATION STATS
71.3 per cent
Attainment of Level 2 (GCSE A*-C or other Level 2 qualifications) in English and maths by age 19 rose from 70.1 per cent in 2015 to 71.3 per cent in 2016.
4.6 per cent
The overall absence rate across state-funded primary, secondary and special schools has remained at the same rate of 4.6 per cent in 2015/16 as in 2014/15. The overall absence rate has remained broadly stable since 2013/14.
69,000
As from 12 April 2017 the Department for Education has approved applications for 131 new schools, creating more than 69,000 places.
25 per cent
There was no significant change in the number of women graduating from UK universities with a core STEM degree in 2016 compared to the year before. Women made up 25% of the total, the same as last year and the year before.
157,879
The number of penalty notices issued for attendance has increased slightly by 4 per cent in the latest year, from 151,125 in academic year 2014/15 to 157,879 in 2015/16
77 per cent
77% of young people with special educational needs such as autism who take A-Levels or equivalent exams will go on to higher education, employment or training
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Thoughts Worth Sharing
Headteacher Talk
Tony Saleh from Clarence High School
One thing I wished I had learned at school: I wish I’d learned that academic success isn’t everything in life. The holistic development of the person enabling she/he to become a functioning, valuable, contributing member of society is equally as valuable as academic achievement for its own sake. The book I haven’t read that I must: The autobiography of Tiger Woods – an absolutely inspirational sportsman who took golf to another level. His sheer single-mindedness along with his talent was awesome.
e t i r u o v a F y M
and why Lisa Morris Director Educating UK
The education story that has caught my eye: The cuts in education spending is something that really worries me. The only result will be bigger classes and the people most affected by that are the children. We should be investing in our future, not making cuts. What I am most proud of about our school: I am extremely proud of my staff at Clarence High School. In my 34 years in education I have never worked with such a dedicated, talented and compassionate group of people. The young people here receive the very best of care and education here in every aspect of their school-life.
“ In three words I can sum up everything I have learned about life: It Goes On Robert Frost
”
This is my favourite quote because: This is my favourite quote as it really is true. Life always goes on. I think it is also quite apt for the education sector, as it is a reminder that we should always continue to move forward, whether it be in a new role, or completing a new qualification or learning a new skill. Life will go on, so we have to be ready for it.
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SCHOOL
SPONSORED BY
Green Plan It success for school RHS Ambassador, Jamie Butterworth, recently met with secondary school pupils from across the North West to help select the regional winners of the Green Plan It Challenge. Jamie, whose role with the RHS is to inspire young people to consider careers in the horticultural sector, was one of a panel of judges that gave feedback on the pupils’ innovative designs for a school or community garden. He was joined by local horticultural industry experts, many of whom have been involved in mentoring the teams of 12 to 14-yearolds who took part in the tenweek design challenge. Winning the best overall project was St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning from Whiston, who came up with a design for a memorial garden dedicated to their inspirational former headteacher, Mr Martyn Campbell who loved gardening and would have been very proud of the design which was a space where students could relax, socialise and read.
Above: Winning the Best Overall Project was St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic Centre for Learning from Whiston
Josh Wood Spiers a pupil in the winning Green Plan It team said: “I have enjoyed being part of the Green Plan It challenge especially designing, talking over ideas and making the model to scale. “I have learnt how to plant seeds, flowering times, soil types, whether a plant is evergreen and I have taken loads of photographs. “I can’t choose my favourite part of gardening - I love everything. It’s totally relaxing and I love working as a team with my friends.” Jamie Butterworth said: “It was fantastic to meet with the pupils and see the amazing designs they’ve come up with. “I hope the experience has given them a real insight into what it’s like to work in the horticultural sector and inspires those who may not have previously considered a career in horticulture to think-twice about their options.”
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A first for St Elizabeth’s Solar-powered PC unveiled at eco-friendly school A school in Merseyside has unveiled a new solar-powered PC, courtesy of an award-winning North West technology firm. Extreme Low Energy (ELe), based in Formby, completed the installation at St Elizabeth’s RC Primary in Litherland ahead of an event hosted by the school’s Eco Council. The Eco Council is made up of pupils at St Elizabeth’s and they meet to discuss how they can be greener and save energy in the school. In partnership with Barden Energy, ELe has provided the school with an Intel Celeron mini PC, a 19in LED monitor, keyboard and mouse along with the mini-solar panel which powers the technology. Caroline Clayton, operations director for ELe, said: “ELe first heard about the school’s Eco Council last autumn and wrote to them to say how fantastic we thought their projects like cycling to school and recycling waste were. “With help from Barden Energy we were able to supply a PC and the solar panel which will allow the students to
Pupils from St Elizabeth’s show off their solar-powered computer
harness the sun’s energy and power the computer. “It was great to see the faces of the
children and parents as the machine was turned on for the first time, powered only by the sun’s energy.”
Fighting climate change Saving the world in Science Week Can you “Save Our World”? This is what Leamington CP School investigated during their science week by looking at recycling and
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preventing climate change. Inspiration came from a visit to Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre run by resource management company
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Veolia. Year 6 kicked off the week with their thought-provoking assembly which included their own song. Each class then completed a design challenge, a science investigation and also researched famous scientists that have made a difference. From Year 4’s eco-friendly toothpaste to Year 1’s bird-feeders made from plastic bottles, reminding us that only a third of all plastic bottles get recycled. Kirsty, Veolia’s education officer, who delivered workshops on ‘Is Plastic Fantastic?’ said: “KS1 did a great job designing reusable bags after listening to a story about how plastic bags in our oceans harm wildlife. “KS2 found out that there are seven different types of plastic and what happens to the plastic litter we find on our streets”. Ashley Fergusson, Year 4 teacher for the school said: “The children responded really positively to the week’s learning opportunities. Hopefully they will go onto think about how their choices affect the environment. It’s been a great week of discovery for us all”.
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Sponsored by
Spreading the message Schools eco project is a big hit Schools from across the Granby Toxteth area of Liverpool are helping to spread the recycling message as part of an imaginative initiative by the Granby Toxteth Development Trust. The project, which is supported by a £8,000 grant from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority and Veolia Community Fund, is part of a wider initiative in the local area that’s working with a range of communities and residents to improve recycling, prevent flytipping and improve the local area and its green spaces. One of the groups in the area includes a growing community of Roma families – and it was pupils from these families who attend St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School and Smithdown Primary School that enjoyed a visit to the Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre to see recycling in action and find out more about what happens to their waste. Julie Aitchison, project officer, from Granby Toxteth Development Trust said: “It is great to see the young people taking such a keen interest in finding out more about how they can become recycling heroes in their community.” Alexandra Bahor, Roma community
development worker said: “It is a good example to see changes in the attitudes of young people who come from countries where recycling is not a priority.
“Here in the UK they can get involved in improving their neighbourhood and encourage adults to join in to create a healthier community.”
Pupils from St Hugh’s Catholic Primary School and Smithdown Primary School learning more about how to recycle better with Kirsty Martin, Veolia’s education and awareness officer at the Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre
Volunteers and pupils sow good! Stanley Park Community Interest Company (CIC) and Carillion with pupils from Pinehurst Primary School and volunteers helped to plant fifty cherry blossom trees and sow wildflower seeds across the Grade II listed park, Stanley Park. The project has been a joint venture between Carillion, who are currently building the new Royal Liverpool University Hospital and Stanley Park CIC, a social enterprise that was set up
in 2016 to create a vibrant space in the park that people feel welcome, safe and happy in. Stanley Park CIC community and park animation manager, Rachael O’Byrne said: “It was fantastic to work with Carillion, volunteers and local children to plant so many trees, bringing a new dimension to our beautiful park. This project will also help Pinehurst Primary School children achieve their Archbishop of York Award, which we were thrilled to
have been part of.” Children from the school are taking part in the Archbishop of York Young Leaders Award which is a unique active citizenship programme that empowers young people to make a difference in their local community whilst growing in key leadership skills at the same time. Headteacher, Stephanie Tasker said: “The Young Leaders Award allows young people to volunteer in their local community, so planting trees was a perfect opportunity for our children to get involved with. “As a school, we visit this park regularly and I think it is very special for our pupils that every time they see the trees and wildflowers they will remember that they have helped create this stunning change to our local park.” Alison Valentine, Carillion community regeneration manager for RLUH said: “We are delighted to have made this project possible by donating trees using money we raised as part of our sustainability week activities. The blossom trees will become a feature of the park which people will be able to enjoy for years to come.”
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GREEN-FINGERED PUPILS Learning outdoors is so much fun Pupils from Belle Vale Community Primary School have taken the classroom outside after spending a morning learning about how to grow plants and vegetables at Liverpool’s iconic Palm House in Sefton Park. In collaboration with Food for Thought (FFT), a unique ‘not-for-profit’ healthy school meals caterer, Year 5 and 6 pupils were taken on a guided tour of the impressive stunning building before delving deep in the undergrowth to examine the plants and vegetables plus the wildlife which inhabits the beautiful glass structure. Jimmy Holland, a school grower for FFT, said: “I’ve been working with a group of pupils from Belle Vale Community Primary School over the past couple of months, together with Dan Barlow (teacher) and Claire Lydiat (learning mentor), to help them appreciate the outdoors more, learn some gardening techniques, and develop team-working skills. “The purpose of the trip was to show the kids what can grow in Merseyside, in the right environment, and to introduce them to the Palm House, as it’s such a fantastic community facility right on our doorstep.”
The children explored the plant life
A butterfly floats by
A quick question for the head gardener
Jimmy Holland who works for Food for Thought
Some flowers gave off a beautiful scent! A quick pose between tasks!
Quiz time
The children were in awe of the plants growing in the Palm House
Palm House staff explained the different flower and plant types
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EDUCATE Education, training and employment
16+
Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)
‘Wise up’ on safeguarding GMLPF to help further education sector Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ Federation (GMLPF) is calling on further education providers to wise up on safeguarding issues. The local umbrella organisation for skills providers is warning that a ‘tick box’ approach will not result in meaningful ways to reduce the risks posed by radicalisation and extremism. GMLPF hosted a continued professional development (CPD) workshop titled ‘Prevent, Safeguarding and British Values: What is Ofsted looking for?’ The government published the prevent strategy in 2011 as part of its overall counter-terrorism strategy. Prevent duty guidance for the further education and skills sector was then introduced in September 2015. This requires all further education and skills providers in England to ‘have due regard to the need to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism’. British values are a set of values which were introduced to keep young people safe and promote their welfare. Institutions are expected to encourage students to respect other people and use their leadership to exemplify British values in their management. However, an Ofsted report in 2016 highlighted that a number of further education providers are not implementing the prevent duty successfully. At the workshop GMLPF helped further education providers understand what they are expected to do to fulfil Ofsted requirements and how to keep learners safe. Delivered by Trevor Alley, who has over 30 years’ experience in the further education sector, the workshop offered providers an informative resource on how to implement and evaluate new strategies; pastoral support and outline Ofsted’s requirements and expectations. Joanne Rymer, membership
Joanne Rymer, (left) at the GMLPF CPD workshop
development manager at GMLPF, said: “While it is impossible to shield pupils from all forms of extremism and discrimination, we believe that equipping staff with the right tools will allow them to recognise the signs and deal with any issues as and when they arise. “It is not enough to simply tick a box to say that your staff have undergone training; it’s about understanding the nature of specific risks in the local community. “Safeguarding young people is a job for us all and this workshop will detail not only what Ofsted are looking for but how providers can demonstrate the impact their strategies are having on learners. “Empowering young people to understand the risks that are out there, particularly in the digital realm, is more
vital than ever. Those working in education need to put safeguarding and British values at the heart of what they do to ensure success and promote diversity and equality.” This workshop is the latest in a series of CPD workshops that are proving popular with GMLPF members. Emma Sinnett from member Mode Training, said: “GMLPF’s latest CPD workshops are a cost effective way to implement staff development and ensure that new practices and standards are maintained within the further education sector. The workshops focus on different hot topics within the skills sector to maximise staff potential, improve staff morale and promote best practice; we have found them thoroughly engaging and informative so far”.
13 YEARS CHAMPIONING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON MERSEYSIDE
www.gmlpf.net
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All at sea Renowned spa and salon services brand, The Onboard Spa by Steiner, visited Hugh Baird College to talk to students about career opportunities on board some of the world’s biggest and most luxurious cruise ships. Steiner is the largest company operating spas at sea and the brand has been synonymous with quality spa and salon services at sea for more than 50 years. The annual visit to the college by The Onboard Spa by Steiner is organised by Hugh Baird College’s curriculum coordinator for beauty therapy – and former Steiner employee – Kelly Randall. Kelly said: “When I first qualified as a beauty therapist, I landed a job with The Onboard Spa by Steiner and spent the first two years of my career travelling the world on luxury liners before working as one of their trainers at the Academy in London. “Now, as a tutor, I am passionate about making sure that our students have access to the same amazing opportunities. “Linking with employers in this way means that we can ensure the students are aware of where their qualification can take them and give them valuable information about what the industry
Hugh Baird students meet former pupil Kelly Randall
expects from them.” Steiner’s UK regional recruitment manager for the North, Janine Brown, said: “As a company, we employ more than 3,000 spa professionals every year, from hairdressers and beauty therapists to acupuncturists and fitness instructors. So our recruitment campaigns are continuous. “Being able to meet the Hugh Baird
students and talk to them face to face means we can give them a glimpse of the exacting standards we expect on board and a realistic picture of what it’s like to work on a cruise ship. “It also gives us a chance to encourage the newest crop of talented hairdressers, beauty therapists and personal trainers to attend one of our recruitment events.”
College launch is a resounding success Enterprise South Liverpool Academy (ESLA) have launched their exciting new Sixth Form College which will open its doors in South Liverpool this September, offering a rich, innovative curriculum and state of the art facilities to students from across Liverpool, Merseyside and beyond. With queues out of the door, 178 families joined them to take an early glance into this unique offer for students post 16. The all new All Saints Sixth Form College, a collaboration between ESLA and The Academy of St Francis of Assisi which are both part of The Liverpool Joint Catholic and Church of England Academies Trust will be a bespoke separate facility based on the current ESLA campus. A holistic approach to the development of young people will be at the heart of All Saints Sixth Form College and students will benefit from the academy’s state of the art £26 million building with facilities including modern ICT rooms, ‘breakout’ spaces for independent learning and eight acres of outdoor space. ESLA is to be renamed The Academy of St Nicholas from September 2017. This represents the Trust’s unique joint faith, Christian ethos. The executive
Educate+ sponsored by GMLPF
Executive headteacher Mrs Anne Pontifex and Mrs Hughes, head of art at ESLA
headteacher of the Trust Mrs Anne Pontifex, said: “The change of name for ESLA and the introduction of All Saints Sixth Form College is great news for the region. The all new, innovative Sixth Form will focus on quality post-16 education in a caring and nurturing environment. Different routes to further education and employment will be available for students as well a varied enrichment programme dedicated to
developing personal and social skills needed for the world of work. “All Saints Sixth Form College will have strong community, education and business links which will allow students to prosper and achieve their aspirations. As part of The Liverpool Joint Catholic and Church of England Academies Trust, the new Sixth Form College will significantly enhance the educational opportunities for young people.”
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“Inspirational” GMLPF apprenticeships sessions are praised GMLPF’s delivery of a new apprenticeship support project to schools across the Liverpool City Region has been described as “inspirational” and praised by the Skills Funding Agency after they carried out an observation. The Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools (ASK) project has been commissioned by the National Apprenticeship Service, part of the Skills Funding Agency (SFA), to support the government’s target of achieving three million apprenticeship starts by 2020. GMLPF has been chosen as one of the delivery partners and offers a range of engaging apprenticeship and traineeship information and support to all learning establishments for Years 10, 11, 12 and 13 across the Liverpool City Region. The aim of the project is to work with teachers, careers advisors, parents and governors to support schools and ensure that they meet their statutory duties regarding the provision of impartial Information Advice and Guidance (IAG), specifically in relation to apprenticeships and traineeships. The project will run until July 2017. As the delivery partner for the Liverpool City Region, GMLPF are offering free services to schools and colleges to increase student’s awareness and understanding of apprenticeships. A range of events and resources have been devised by GMLPF to highlight the benefits of an apprenticeship and debunk the common misconceptions about the qualification. GMLPF’s delivery of the ASK project has been praised by the Skills Funding Agency, who commented that the
Sharne Kelso programme manager at GMLPF
sessions are “stimulating and inspirational” and the GMLPF team are full of in-depth knowledge of apprenticeships, traineeships and the local opportunities available for young people. Sharne Kelso programme manager at GMLPF, who also delivers many of the support sessions in schools said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this funding to deliver the Apprenticeship Support and Knowledge for Schools project across the Liverpool City Region. “All too often, careers guidance in schools – particularly in relation to apprenticeships and traineeships – is unclear, or isn’t engaging enough for today’s young people. “GMLPF believe young people should
understand the full range of opportunities available to them, which includes university, apprenticeships and traineeships, before they leave school and make big career decisions. “We have already started to deliver this exciting programme to schools across the region to develop and increase awareness of apprenticeships and traineeships. Working in partnership with schools, we aim to fill in any gaps in careers provision and work alongside all relevant key partners such as teachers, parents and governors to ensure students in years 10-13 are receiving the best, impartial advice to help shape their future.” Earlier Gareth Jones, apprenticeship strategy manager at GMLPF delivered a careers session to students at The Oldershaw Academy in Wallasey, Wirral. Alison Hughes, vocational education manager at The Oldershaw Academy, said: “Gareth was extremely knowledgeable and the teaching staff and students at Oldershaw were very impressed with his careers session. “Students need to know the different types of progression and career paths now available and here at Oldershaw we promote both university and apprenticeships equally. “It is fantastic news that universities are now able to deliver degree apprenticeships in certain occupational areas and I hope the government continue to provide funding and increase the amount of degree apprenticeships available. Thank you to Gareth and all the team at GMLPF for explaining the ins and outs of apprenticeships to our students.”
Students take to The West End A troupe of 32 dancers, including Knowsley College students, alumni and local schools took to the West End stage to showcase two choreographed routines. The dancers were joined by hair and beauty, as they travelled to London to perform in ‘The Stars in Our Eyes show’ at Her Majesty’s Theatre; home of The Phantom of The Opera. Since auditioning in November the dancers have been on a tight schedule to create and refine their routines with section manager, Carmel Moss commenting that tutors are “exceptionally proud of the development that this group has made.” The project allowed for college-wide collaboration as two media make-up students were tasked with creating a striking look for all 32 dancers, enhancing the costumes created by art and design students. The experience has afforded a diverse range of KCC’s students a taste of working life at a top level West End theatre. Five of the dancers were chosen to attend the ‘Can You Dance?’ exhibition in March, where they took part in workshops and were able to speak to industry professionals about future
careers. This follows a special visit to KCC from Can You Dance? founders Matt Flint and Tom Shilcock, for a one-off masterclass earlier this year.
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TRAIN TO TEACH AT LIVERPOOL HOPE UNIVERSITY
PGCE Information Evening Thursday 18th May, 5-8pm, EDEN Building, Hope Park If you have the enthusiasm and drive to make a difference as a teacher, come along to our information evening, where you can learn about applying for a PGCE course starting in September 2017 or September 2018. This is a great opportunity to have an informal, one-to-one chat with a member of our School of Teacher Education, who can help with any questions you have about training to become a teacher, the different bursaries available, or studying at Liverpool Hope.
REGISTER TO ATTEND ONLINE: www.hope.ac.uk/PGCEInfoEvent T: 0151 291 3410 • E: ask-education@hope.ac.uk Top 3 Modern UK University
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Groundbreaking Celebrating three years of The Hope Challenge
Primary school pupils receive their award
Liverpool Hope University is celebrating three years of its ground-breaking Hope Challenge programme, which helps PGCE, BA QTS and School Direct trainees enhance their classroom experience while delivering targeted projects to schools facing challenging circumstances. Trainee teachers at Liverpool Hope can opt to participate in the Hope Challenge alongside their usual course placements. More than 20 primary and secondary schools across the North West have taken part since the pilot programme began in 2014. The trainees and university tutors collaborate with the school to deliver projects that focus on a specific challenge identified by the school. Projects have included creative writing, GCSE mathematics intervention, developing speaking and listening skills in students with English as an additional language (EAL), raising aspirations to improve attendance, and using music to aid reading. The Hope Challenge also allows schools that may not be in a position to support traditional full time trainee placements, to benefit from working with the university and trainees. The programme has been cited in the OFSTED report of one of the participating schools, and was shortlisted for the Higher Education Academy’s Collaborative
Award for Teaching Excellence. Michelle Pearson, head of initial teacher education at Liverpool Hope University said: “The Hope Challenge gives trainee teachers opportunities to widen their experience, but it also plays a fundamental role in challenging perceptions of what it really means to work in a school facing challenging circumstances. “We aim to equip our graduates with the experience and confidence they need to work in these schools, and
really make a difference. Collaboration really is the key, and we are excited that three years in we are going from strength to strength.” Kieran Baillie undertook a School Direct placement via Liverpool Hope, and is now a Year 5 teacher at Florence Melly School. He said: “My class have taken part in two Hope Challenge projects, one on music with world cultures and another on English and art. They enjoyed every minute, especially the opportunity to perform at the university campus at the end
of one of the projects. The visit had a big impact on their aspirations. “The beauty of the Hope Challenge is that the school, the student teacher and education tutors can work together to deliver a tailormade project to achieve the maximum impact for the children. “I found Hope to always be looking for ways to enhance their students' learning opportunities. The partnership is really blossoming, and it is beneficial for everybody”.
Liverpool to Oxbridge Collaborative Project West Derby saw the launch of the third year of Stephen Twigg’s Liverpool to Oxbridge Collaborative Project. The event brought 150 invited students and parents together to formally launch the 2017 programme. A collaboration between the eight secondary schools in the West Derby constituency (West Derby, Holly Lodge, De La Salle, St John Bosco, Broughton Hall, Cardinal Heenan, Broadgreen and St Edward’s College), the collaborative is designed to encourage more students from the area to consider applying to Oxford and Cambridge Universities. Now in its third year, Year 10 and Year 12 students are nominated to the collaborative by their schools and are provided opportunities to visit both Oxford and Cambridge, alongside aspiration-raising events, mock interviews and assistance in writing personal statements and other assistance. The launch, hosted this year by West Derby School, heard from Liverpudlian Oxbridge alumni Leon Tootle and Rachel Cain about their own experiences in applying to and studying at Oxford University, and also Jack Clarke, offered a place at Cambridge University after completing the collaborative’s programme
last year. “I was absolutely delighted”, said Stephen Twigg MP. “It was wonderful to see so many young people come to our launch event, many with parents or other family members. “I started this project because of my own experience as a 17-year-old. One of my teachers at my comprehensive school encouraged me to consider applying to Oxford. I may not have done it without that encouragement. I know we have terrifically bright young people in West Derby, and if we give them the same encouragement I was given, who knows what they can achieve?”
www.gmlpf.net
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The team presenting Derry Matthews, Professor David Richardson, Matt McGovern, Franny Norton, Katie Coyle, Dr James Morton, George Wilson and Dr Graeme Close
WITH HEALTH IN MIND LJMU and Randox Health deliver public health programmes Liverpool John Moores University’s (LJMU) School of Sport and Exercise Sciences and University of Liverpool’s Philip Leverhulme Equine Hospital in partnership with Randox Health completed a week of public health programmes. Racing legend Franny Norton, boxing champion Derry Matthews and Olympic athlete Matt McGovern worked alongside worldleading sport scientists, equine health experts and Randox to deliver interactive sessions and presentations to the public about the benefits of a preventive health approach in exercise and life in general. This included Merseyside school pupils boxing with Derry Matthews, discovering the demands on jockeys through racing Franny Norton on a horse simulator, and learning about different approaches to High Interval Training (HIT), all alongside world-class sport science support. Talks and presentations considered personalised approaches to athletic weight-making, general healthcare and included an open tour of the Research Institute for Sport and Exercise Sciences (RISES), a source of expertise for many elite athletes and the community.
LJMU’s professor of human physiology, Dr Graeme Close
School pupils train with boxing champion Derry Matthews LJMU’s reader in exercise metabolism and nutrition, Dr James Morton
LJMU exercise physiologist, George Wilson, a practical demonstration School pupils race Franny Norton on a horse simulator
Who will be first past the post?
High interval training
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HELP A CHILD ACHIEVE Would YOU like to help children in Merseyside to have a better start in life?
Educating UK offer a range of accredited qualifications which can be undertaken both online and classroom based. Our qualifications include: Level 3 Award and Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (QCF) for teaching assistants. Level 5 Certificate in Observation of Teaching and Learning (QCF), for qualified teachers. Level 3, 4 and 5 qualifications in Education and Training (QCF). www.educatinguk.com email: enquiries@educatinguk.com Telephone: 0151 364 7491
YOU could dramatically improve a child’s chances in life by helping them read in schools. Find out more at www.beanstalkcharity.org.uk Contact: 0151 722 4743 or Email: northwest@beanstalkcharity.org.uk
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SPORTS FOR ALL Primary schools celebrate at sportshall athletics finals Schools across all six boroughs competed against each other in the Sportshall Athletics Merseyside county finals. Organised by Liverpool School Sports Partnership (LSSP) and held at Greenbank Sports Academy, the event saw youngsters take part in a variety of sports including javelin, relay races and the long jump. The morning session saw primary schools go head to head while in the afternoon it was the secondary schools’ turn to compete. The event also saw sports leaders from St Hilda’s CE High School who helped to run the event. Winners of the games were Legh Vale School, St Helens with runners up Farnborough School, Southport, also a special spirit of the games award went to Farnworth CE Primary, from Widnes.
Winners Legh Vale School
Sports leaders oversee the days events
Concentration from this athlete
A determined athlete
Spirit of the Games winners Farnworth School
Sports leaders from St Hilda’s CE High School
Runners-up Farnborough School
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AND THE WINNERS ARE… Record speeds at regional rocket car finals Calday Grange Grammar School hosted the regional finals of the Bloodhound SSC Microbit Model Rocket Car Competition. Primary, secondary and college students went head to head with their rocket creations to see which could go the fastest. Schools competing included Our Lady of Pity (Greasby), Huntington Community Primary School (Chester), St Albans Catholic Primary School (Wallasey), Hugh Baird College and Calday Grange Grammar. Hailed as an ‘excellent initiative’ by skills minister Nick Boles, the Bloodhound SSC is a global engineering adventure using a 1,000mph world land speed record attempt to inspire the next generation about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics). The army were on hand to insert rockets into the foam cars and to supervise, as the rockets reached speeds of over 50mph! In the primary school competition, Wallasey’s St Albans Catholic Primary School won with a top speed of 53.64 mph. Calday Grange Grammar School triumphed in the secondary competition, reaching a top speed of 42.77 mph.
Calday Grammar
Team celebrations
All is done before the button is pressed
Our Lady of Pity School in Greasby
3… 2… 1…!
The rocket which reached a staggering 53.64mph It was a stunning day to race rockets!
Calday Grammar had the fastest rocket in the secondary competition
It was a fun event at Calday Grammar
The winning team from St Albans School
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Education News
Sefton Region’s schools school shortlisted at national TES Awards chef cooks up a storm
Alsop High School (pictured) are shortlisted at the TES Schools Awards alongside six other Merseyside schools
Seven of the region’s schools have been shortlisted for the prestigious TES Schools Awards. Now in its ninth year, the TES Schools Awards celebrate the extraordinary commitment, quality and innovation shown by teachers and support staff across the UK. Everton Nursery School and Family Centre in Liverpool are hoping to scoop the ‘Early Years setting of the Year’ award for a second time, retaining the accolade they won in 2016. Many past winners of the Educate Awards are also shortlisted for the black tie event, including Clare Mount Specialist 68
Sports College, St John Bosco Arts College, Alsop High School and Gateacre School. Clare Mount Specialist Sports College in Wirral is in the running for ‘Alternative-provision school of the year’ alongside West Kirby Residential School, also in Wirral. Meanwhile, St John Bosco Arts College is shortlisted in the ‘English teacher or team of the year’ category for its talented English department. Both Gateacre School and Alsop High School are in contention for the ‘Community impact’ award, both schools picked up awards at the Educate Awards 2016.
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
Lastly, West Kirby Grammar School in Wirral is in the running for the ‘Inspirational’ award. Reacting to the shortlist announcement, Mr Joe Mangan, headteacher at Alsop High said: “As the school approaches its centenary in 2019 our core aim is to impact upon the wider community and contribute to the regeneration of North Liverpool. I believe it is this aim which has enabled Alsop to be shortlisted for this prestigious TES award.” The winners of the TES Schools Awards will be revealed at a gala awards evening at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London on Friday 23 June 2017.
A Sefton Council school cook has received a second place honour in the regional finals of the Lead Association for Catering in Education (LACA) School Chef of the Year competition. Holly Charnock, from Woodlands Primary School, received the honour for a ‘Highly Commended Dessert’ at the event in Altrincham. To reach the regional final, Holly was crowned champion in an area competition between Sefton Council meals service schools. In the semi-final, Holly cooked against the clock using a submitted menu, ingredients list and costings. The finalist had 90 minutes to prepare the meal which had to be suitable for serving to year six children.
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Gary Senior A Week in the Life of… Gary Senior, Headteacher at St Nicholas Catholic Primary School, Liverpool Taking the reins of a school placed in special measures by Ofsted is no easy task, but Gary Senior is thoroughly enjoying his new role at St Nicholas Catholic Primary School in Liverpool. With 24 years’ experience as a headteacher and surrounded by a hard-working, dedicated and child-centred community, Gary says progress is happening at a quick pace – the school’s Bluebirds Nursery has recently been judged Good by Ofsted. With a vision which is ‘striving to be an inspiring and aspirational community following the example of Jesus’, St Nicholas puts its special children at the centre of everything they do. Gary takes us through his busy but rewarding week where inclusivity and team work is key. Monday I leave for school at 6.30am on a typical day and arrive home at 7pm. One of the advantages of getting in early is I usually have an hour to work undisturbed or to have a look around our fantastic school before the start of the day, including a visit to our Bluebirds Nursery (which was recently judged as Good by Ofsted). The day involves a morning assembly and collective worship (it’s lovely to see lots of happy faces – children and staff!), four formal meetings and a governors’ meeting looking at leadership and management. Tuesday First thing this morning is a working group regarding our new school website. We then prepare for a round of observations with my School Leadership Team (SLT) looking at the progress we are making with teaching and learning. As the day goes on, we feel the “happy buzz” you get when things are going well and as a team we are delighted with what we are seeing in our classrooms – happy, smiling children and staff who are working so hard to ensure each and every child makes the best progress possible. A further meeting takes place in the afternoon with the school’s Archdiocesan Officer who has called in to see how things are going. I am delighted to share the good news with her! Wednesday This morning, I attend a meeting called a Local Authority (LA) Project Board where SLT and governors are held to account regarding the progress we are making. I am delighted to hear very positive messages coming from the LA and Archdiocesan officers following a recent two day LA Review and how everyone feels we have “gone from strength to strength since last November”. I cannot
wait to tell staff, children and parents/carers the good news that our efforts, commitment and dedication are being recognised. Thursday The day starts with an important visit from our LA Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) consultant who is helping our team improve teaching and learning. I rarely get the chance to have a lunch break and today is no different with me spending my lunch with a group of Year 5/6 children – you learn so much during these informal moments when children tell you how proud they are of their teachers and teaching assistants or indeed what they are not happy about! During the afternoon, our dedicated chair of governors pays us a visit and takes a tour as well as receiving an update from myself about recent successes. My governing body are newly established, very hardworking and are already providing the right balance of support and challenge as and when needed. Friday Although we are very proud to be a Catholic school serving the Cathedral community, we are also blessed to have such a multi-cultural and multi-faith catchment. Today my EAL (English as an additional language) lead and I are looking at ways of ensuring the induction of new children is as child-friendly, welcoming and supportive as possible. The day ends with our celebration assembly where we share everything that is good about our very special school! During the assembly, the male staff members, including yours truly, are introduced to the children as female super-heroes (in fancy dress I might add!)…something that was definitely not part of my job description!
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VICTORIOUS LISTER GIRLS’ Triumph at primary girls’ football champs Lister Junior School has been crowned girls’ football champions of Liverpool after a memorable competition held at Walton Hall Park, beating Holy Family in a pulsating final to take home the winners’ medals. Fifteen schools took part in the tournament organised by the Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership (LSSP) in conjunction with Liverpool FA, with teams facing each other in group stages with the top two sides facing each other for the right to be crowned city champions. LSSP’s Jo Murray who organised the competition, said: “It has been a fantastic day of football and well done to Lister who are worthy champions. They have played well throughout and have been very consistent. “But each and every girl who has represented their school can be proud of their performances – I’ve been blown away by just how good it has been.”
Lister Junior School, winners of the primary schools girls’ football championships
Skill on the ball
Action shot
Back of the net
The break is on
Goal celebrations
A missed opportunity
Close marking
Holy Family, runners up at the primary schools girls’ football championships
Close control
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Education News
All aboard More sponsors on board for the Educate Awards Strong sponsor line-up bolsters momentum for this year’s Educate Awards. A sixteen strong line-up of sponsors are already confirmed for this year’s Educate Awards, six months ahead of the prestigious awards ceremony. Shining a spotlight on the very best schools, teachers and support staff, the Educate Awards celebrate the excellence in education across the Liverpool City Region, Cheshire and Lancashire. The sponsors are the back bone of the annual event, lending their invaluable support to help us celebrate education and inspirational educators across the region. Returning as title sponsors are Copyrite Systems and Ricoh UK, two of the UK’s most innovative companies which are passionate about collaboration, technology and communication. Earlier this month it was announced that multi-award winning consultancy hiImpact had joined the awards as the new Innovation in Education sponsor while
world leading industrial gases company Air Products will sponsor the Career Aspiration category. Shaping Futures – a new collaborative outreach programme delivered across the Liverpool City Region – is sponsoring the Leadership Team of the Year category. Other category sponsors announced so
far include Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU); The Foundry Agency; Wray Brothers; Paul Crowley & Co; The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt. Revd. Paul Bayes; The Liverpool Learning Partnership (LLP); All About STEM; Liverpool School Sports Partnership (LSSP); School Improvement Liverpool Ltd; Capita Education and Progress Schools. Kim O’Brien, executive editor of Educate Magazine and founder of the Educate Awards, said: “Thanks to our sponsors’ partnership with the Educate Awards, we are able to bring this important event to the region and celebrate inspirational educators and schools. “Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to grow and develop our awards to the scale they are at today, so I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to each and every sponsor.” Entries close on Sunday 25 June and schools are invited to enter across 21 award categories. For more information head to www.educateawards.co.uk.
New roles for athletes Three of St Helen’s recognised sports personalities have taken on new roles as ambassadors of Mill Green School. Between them, boxer Martin Murray and current and former Saints stars, Jonny Lomax and Ade Gardner, have been actively involved with proceedings at the special school in Lansbury Avenue, Parr, for over 10 years – and recently paid a visit to pupils and staff to become official ambassadors. Boxing world title-chaser, Martin Murray officially opened Mill Green’s new school in December 2014 and has returned on numerous occasions since to talk at assemblies and hold boxing workout sessions with pupils. Martin said: “It’s an honour to become an ambassador of this amazing school alongside Jonny and Ade. Every encounter with pupils and staff is guaranteed to put smiles on faces. “They have left as much of a lasting impression on me as I have on them.” Former Saints winger Ade Gardner, who was part of the 2006/2007 treblewinning season, first came to Mill Green on a 10-week placement back in 2011. Unfortunately, injury cut the arrangement short but Ade has continued his links 72
Ade Gardner (back row, sixth in on the left), Martin Murray (fifth in on the right, and Jonny Lomax (first row, kneeling in the middle), with pupils and staff at Mill Green School
with the school, returning every year to take part in the school’s sports weeks. Ade, who now works as assistant strength and conditioning coach at Saints said: “I’ve been visiting Mill Green for six years now. I’m very proud to be an ambassador to a great school where staff do so much to enrich the lives of their students.” Headteacher Warren Brooks said: “We
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
are delighted to have Martin, Ade and Jonny on-board at school. They have devoted many hours of their time to our pupils over the years, so it seemed appropriate to ask them to become school ambassadors, and it was certainly a proud moment when they accepted our request. “They are splendid role-models for our pupils, and every visit is a pleasure.”
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Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland
PEACE PROMS 2017 Concert brings the audience to their feet 3,000 children from 71 primary schools across the North West joined the celebrated Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland (CBOI) to perform at the Peace Proms 2017 at Liverpool’s Echo Arena. Internationally acclaimed conductor Greg Beardsell led the pupils – who came together for the first time as the Peace Choir – to sing alongside Ireland’s most celebrated youth symphony orchestra at a concert held outside of its native Ireland for the first time. A captivated audience was treated to a wide range of musical performances including a Disney medley, traditional Irish music and even a 1990s-inspired dance interpretation, which had many of the audience on their feet.
Peace Proms 2017 at Liverpool’s Echo Arena
Conductor of the Cross Border Orchestra of Ireland , Greg Beardsell
Wavertree Primary School
The schoolchildren had a fantastic time
Bickerstaffe Primary School
Pupils joined in the fun
St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School
It was a truly memorable experience for all involved
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A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES Iconic themes from favourite films It was a night reminiscent of the Oscars with a star-lit gym and drama studio. Four hundred members of the audience eagerly awaited The Belvedere Academy’s Spring Concert 2017, “A Night at the Movies”. The huge orchestra and chamber choir once again proving that they themselves are a force to be reckoned with as they accompanied scenes from the film, adding to the magical evening. Wonderful performances ensued, all displaying a variety of talent. Iconic themes from films such as Saving Private Ryan, The Hunger Games, Sister Act and The Lion King, and many more which entertained and enchanted the audience. Mr O’Keeffe, subject leader of music at Belvedere said: “This concert was a true marriage of departmental collaboration, with the music, media, and drama departments ensuring that this was the most spectacular concert to grace the Belvedere stage. The school gym was completely transformed into a breath-taking cinematic experience, but the true stars of the evening were the 130 pupils who gave an Oscar winning performance”.
Everyones favourite - Frozen
Songs from The Hunger Games thrilled the audience
Saving Private Ryan
Some performances fused musical and drama productions
What a feeling - Flashdance with disco ball included
The Belvedere Academy’s performance was powerful
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BRINGING HOME THE SILVER St Margaret’s net double at basketball championship St Margaret’s achieved double success at the Liverpool schools basketball championship taking home silverware in both the Year 7 to Year 9 competition for boys. Archbishop Beck’s Year 8 team emerged victorious from their section to secure city honours Held at Archbishop Beck School in Fazakerly and organised by the Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership (LSSP), Calderstones School joined Archbishop Beck and St Margaret’s to battle it out for the double honour of champions of Liverpool as well as representing the region at the Merseyside Games in the summer. LSSP’s Jay Watkinson said: “Congratulations to St Margaret’s on the double win but all three teams involved can be proud of their performances, especially Archbishop Beck’s Year 8s which almost pulled off an incredible double win. “Their match against St Margaret’s Year 9 team was truly brilliant and they almost did the impossible!”
St Margaret’s Year 8 winners
St Margaret’s Year 9 winners Archbishop Beck Year 8 winners
Handshakes after a brilliant match between St Margaret’s and Archbishop Beck
Below: A drive for the hoop
One of the star performers
Action shot
A victory is celebrated
BOOKER SLAM DUNK OPPONENTS School achieve hoop dreams to become city champs
Primary schools’ basketball champions 2017
Stretching for the ball Attack-attack-attack!
A player searches for an opening
There was good sportsmanship throughout the competition
Booker Avenue have been crowned primary schools’ basketball champions of Liverpool after a thrilling afternoon of sporting drama at Archbishop Beck School in Fazakerley. Eleven schools qualified for the finals day at the event hosted by the Liverpool Schools Sports Partnership (LSSP) and the top four: Booker Avenue, Childwall C of E, St Margaret’s, Anfield Road Primary School and Smithdown Primary School qualified for the semi-finals after a series of round-robin matches. Booker Avenue and St Margaret’s, Anfield emerged victorious from the two lastfour clashes to set up a mouthwatering final with the team from South Liverpool avenging an earlier loss at the hands of their opponents in the group stages to clinch the silverware. LSSP’s Jay Watkinson who organised the event, said: “Booker are worthy winners but all of the schools involved can be proud of their performance today – they’ve been fantastic.”
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HARD HITTING STORY Alsop High premieres powerful Holocaust film A powerful film made by the grandson of a Holocaust survivor has premiered at Alsop High School. Filmmaker Darren Richman produced a moving short film titled “84303” about his grandad Zigi Shipper, his time at the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp and his path to freedom. The screening at Alsop High marked the film’s northern premiere and was held as part of the school’s FAITH 2017 initiative. After the screening, Zigi Shipper BEM delivered his Auschwitz Survivor testimony followed by a question and answer session, to enable students to better understand the nature of the Holocaust and to explore its lessons in more depth. The visit was part of the Holocaust Educational Trust’s extensive all year round Outreach Programme, which is available to schools across the UK. The film was named “84303”after the number Zigi was known as by his captors at the concentration camp. Mr Joe Mangan, headteacher at Alsop High School, said: “It is a privilege for us to welcome Zigi Shipper to our school and his testimony will remain a powerful reminder of the horrors so many experienced. “We are grateful to the Holocaust Educational Trust for co-ordinating the visit and we hope that by hearing Zigi’s testimony, it will encourage our students to learn from the lessons of the Holocaust and make a positive difference in their own lives.” Karen Pollock MBE, chief executive of the Holocaust Educational Trust says, “Zigi’s story is one of tremendous courage during horrific circumstances and by hearing his testimony, students will have the opportunity to learn where prejudice and racism can ultimately lead.”
Councillor Jeremy Wolfson, Mr Peter Bull, Mr Zigi Shipper BEM, Mrs October Wright, assistant headteacher, Alsop High School, Mrs Avril Lewis andMrs Michelle Hayward
Zigi with Mrs Sue Roberts and Mrs Margaret Aspinall - Hillsborough Family Support Group
Henry O'Brien from St Paul and St Timothy Junior School, meets Zigi Mr Joe Mangan headteacher, Alsop High School Mr Zigi Shipper BEM
Some performances fused musical and drama productions An Alsop student greets Mr Zigi Shipper BEM
A scene from the film 84303
Rev Jean Flood BEM, team vicar, St Aidan’s Church, Walton with Mr Zigi Shipper BEM
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CELEBRATING DIVERSITY School hosts cultural community festival Calderstones School held a fantastic event to celebrate their community’s diverse culture. Food, dance, music, displays and languages were all thoroughly enjoyed by a large audience of staff, parents, pupils and the community. Headteacher, Lee Ratcliffe said: “The festival was another one of those really feel-good, heart-warming points in the school year. There were plenty of great games, food, music, fun and laughter. Particular thanks must go to Earl Jenkins who co-ordinated the whole thing. We’ve conducted a few rounds of interviews recently and at the beginning of each day I always explain how proud I am to work in a school with such genuine diversity. This event emphasised that richness so clearly. My personal favourite – the Somali ladies who danced for us with such good cheer!”
Somali ladies entertaining
Weronika Grocholska wearing traditional Polish costume
Hassan Al-sawafe Captain Isaac Davis
Mr Wiseman and his group who represented British culture on the evening
Tallulah Marshall and Jennifer Grant
Drummers - Murad Muflahi and Zak Saleh
Capoeria For All encouraging audience members to dance
Weronika Grocholska and Karolina Jaworska singing a traditional Polish song
The Kathryn Dixon Dance School
Calderstones language leaders
Earl Jenkins – assistant head of Year 9 and event organiser
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FOSTERING WELLBEING Academy support for World Autism Awareness Month St Margaret’s Academy (SMA) in Liverpool took part in activities to raise awareness of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Coinciding with World Autism Awareness Month, SMA had a full programme of events lined up to help equip the whole school community with an understanding of ASD. To celebrate Mental Health Awareness Day in April, pupils took part in workshops to help with anxiety and mindfulness, while staff took part in a voluntary yoga workshop for mental well-being. The week also included special talks from guest speakers Alex Lowery and Anna Kennedy OBE. Katie Pritchard, special educational needs co-ordinator at SMA, said: “As a school, we strive to help our young people with ‘hidden’ disabilities such as autism by providing strategies with which they are able to function independently. We also aim to help all our pupils become aware of, understand and accept those around them who may be autistic. We are determined that everyone who is on the autistic spectrum should get the best start possible, and should have the chance to enjoy their time at school as much as everyone else”.
Relax Kids Liverpool sessions with Year 7 students
Daniel John talking to Year 9 students around issues with mental health and ASD
Phil Nichols from Liverpool City Council travel training team with KS3 students working on interaction and independence
Letting it out! Expressing emotions was a fundamental part of the week
It’s a thumbs up for World Autism Awareness month
Movema Dance with Year 7 students building team skills with a Hakka workshop All year groups took part in the week-long event
Relax Kids Liverpool session working on mindfulness and anxiety
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Year 7 Open Evening Sept. 201 entry Thursday June 5.30pm — 8.30pm
Students and parents are extremely positive in their view of the school Ofsted
www.stmargaretsacademy.com
The best days of your life
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Education News
Testing the Water Testing and assessment worry parents and teachers, although both are integral and critical to good teaching accoridng to Rod Bristow, president, UK and Core at Pearson. Rod said:” Teachers understand better than anyone that good assessment is part and parcel of good teaching. But 2017 will be a landmark year in how we assess the progress our children are making in schools. “The government will consult on primary testing, and in secondary schools we will see the first results of the new GCSE, A-level and vocational exams. “In recent years, attitudes towards testing and assessment have become polarised. The heavy weight placed on exams has led teachers and parents to challenge the amount and the nature of testing. But it would be wise to challenge the weight that is placed on assessment as much as the assessment itself. “Earlier this year, a survey we commissioned of parents, teachers and
headteachers confirmed negative attitudes to testing. “Parents complain that the main thing teachers care about now is test preparation and test results, while teachers don’t seem to disagree. “They are concerned that high stakes assessment is distorting the curriculum and leads to pressure to teach to the test, rather than improvements in teaching and learning. “My own view, in common with most teachers, is that qualifications, assessments and the feedback they provide are important. They are an integral and critical part of good teaching, just as they have always been. “Over the coming months we will solicit opinions, engage with teachers and promote any resulting new thinking to bring about positive change in how assessment is used for the benefit of young people. We will publish a report on the results of this consultation at a later date”.
Helping to safeguard young people
Making a difference
Katie Dullaghan, the training director of Happy Teeth Education
As we have all seen on the news recently, the care of children’s teeth are taking centre stage at the moment and not for good reason! Tens of thousands of young children have had decayed teeth removed in England’s hospitals over the last four years. Overall, there have been 128,558 cases of children aged 10 and under needing one or more teeth out since 2011, the figures from the Health and Social Care information centre show. For children aged five and under there were 14,445 extraction cases from 1 April, 2014 to 31 March 2015 and among those aged six to ten, a further 19,336. Dental disease caused by decay is 100% preventable. Katie Dullaghan, the training director of Happy Teeth Education said: “I’ve worked in dental health for over 12 years and during this time I have seen the need for prevention. “By giving education and information to empower and inspire individuals, I aim to make change in the way that we as an area care for our children’s teeth. “Striving to make a difference to children’s teeth and contribute to a healthier Merseyside”.
Summer head start James Riley, founder of GANGS, the hard-hitting and innovative Get Away ‘N’ Get Safe programme, has a simple mission – to inspire and safeguard our young people. James set up GANGS after being a probation officer for 18 years, the last six years working among urban street gangs and organised crime groups on Merseyside. He travels across the UK to deliver his programme to schools, alternative education providers and youth services in a bid to show young people they can take control of their future by making the right decisions. James, who received a High Sheriff Award and Commendation from Merseyside Police, said: “In my years as a probation officer and latterly working among street gangs, there’s virtually nothing I haven’t seen or experienced first-hand. “That’s why I’m passionate about getting young people to stand up and reject gang lifestyle where there are no winners, only losers.” James, who describes his delivery as “personal” rather than “authoritarian”, admits his five-day workshops are all about children developing strategies to keep themselves safe. 86
Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
It has been proven across numerous studies that on average, students score lower on tests at the end of the summer than they do at the beginning of summer (on the same test). So how can you keep your child’s brain active throughout the summer break and minimise the effects of the summer slide and give them a head start in September? Genie Tutors have come up with nine tips on how to use the summer to give your child a head start for the new school year. Check out their top nine tips from cooking to reading at www.educatemagazine.com
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OUT OF THIS WORLD Alien landing causes much excitement Pupils at Much Woolton Catholic Primary School have enjoyed an out-ofthis-world week after an alien spacecraft crash-landed in the school! Extra-terrestrial footprints appeared all over the school and headteacher Mr White was even replaced by blobs of green sticky gloop for a morning. The alien landing was the brainchild of KS1 and English lead Rachael Pace who set up the event as part of a creative writing week designed to “inspire and create a deep love of writing”. Rachael said: “Here at Much Woolton we are working hard to be creative writers. Of course we write every day, but the aim of this is to help the children think carefully about what they are writing and who they are writing for. Once the alien spaceship arrived the children, acted as journalists and have been eagerly writing newspaper reports ever since.” Headteacher Mr White, who emerged unscathed from his encounter with extra-terrestrial beings, said: “The week has been inspiring for all children and a great example of how to engage children to write at a high standard for a purpose. We love weeks like this at Much Woolton.”
The spaceship after a mechanical failure!
The pupils stretch to take a look
There was plenty of excitement in the classrooms A surprise for many students
Headteacher Mr White with KS1 English lead, Miss Pace
The school was covered in alien footprints
Alien imitations!
It was a very exciting day
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BOSCO SHOWSTOPPER Circle of Life is a huge hit at St John Bosco! St John Bosco Arts College held a show-stopping production titled ‘Circle of Life’, putting their twist on the Disney classic The Lion King. Led by transition co-ordinator Clare Burns, the Key Stage 2/3 production is part of the school’s transition outreach to local primary schools. Years 7, 8 and 9 pupils took centre stage alongside St Teresa of Lisieux Catholic Primary School, Barlows Primary School, St Matthews Catholic Primary School, St Alberts Catholic Primary School and Leamington Primary. A packed audience of family and special guests enjoyed the show as pupils hit the stage as all singing, all dancing animals, telling the magical story of Simba’s epic journey to fulfil his destiny as King.
Pupils perform as all singing, all dancing animals
Primary schools performed alongside Years 7, 8 and 9 The production told the magical story of Simba the cub
The production included dazzling dance routines throughout A choir sang during the production
Pupils displayed very creative costumes!
Pupils act out a dramatic scene
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MAKING A SPLASH
Calderstones School won the girls competition
Calderstones celebrate success in the pool Liverpool secondary schools made a splash at the Liverpool City Schools Swimming Championships. Held at Wavertree Aquatics Centre, the event saw pupils from Years 7, 8 and 9 go head to head in the pool. Swimmers battled it out against each other in individual races before relays gave the gala an exciting finale. Competing secondary schools included Calderstones School, King David High School, St Hilda’s CE High School, St Margaret’s CE Academy and St Edward’s College. Calderstones School took first place in the girls competition while St Edward’s College took first prize in the boys competition!
A quick change over A sprint to the finishing line Concentration before the event Showing great technique
On your marks!
The sprint is on!
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STEP INTO SPORT Course offers leadership for all students Merseyside Youth Sport Trust held a conference at Greenbank Sports Academy entitled Step Into Sport to bring together young disabled leaders and non disabled leaders who want to provide more opportunities for young disabled people in sport, and really develop their skills as leaders and role models. Conference organiser and inclusion lead Jon White, from Clare Mount College said: “We were delighted to offer young people sessions on creating a welcoming environment in their leadership sessions. Our athlete role model was Rio 2016 Paralympic footballer Ollie Nugent from Irby, Wirral who spoke about the power of sport to change lives. We were delighted with the high quality of the people delivering the workshops. Palmerston School’s young people inspired us all and we hope the young people have seen the value of sport volunteering in improving their CVs ready for university, work or apprenticeships.”
Above: Role models and team leaders from the conference Right: Meols Cop working with Anna Fitzpatrick
Ollie Nugent, Rio 2016 Paralympic Footballer
Wheelpower!
Powerchair Hockey Coach Nathan from Greenbank was inspiring
Palmerston leading!
St Julies at the English Federation of Disability Sport workshop Liverpool School Sports Partnership competition workshop for young ambassadors
Liverpool School Sports Partnership young leaders training
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SPORT IS THE WINNER SEN schools try their skills at kinball Pupils from six schools for children with Special Educational Needs (SEN) enjoyed a memorable afternoon at Liverpool John Moores University’s (LJMU) IM Marsh Campus as they tried kinball for the first time. Aided by sports leaders from Archbishop Beck, athletes from Elleray Park, Meadowside, Merefield, Palmerston, Princes and Rowan Park schools competed against each other in small matches, as well as enjoying some fun drills and exercises. The sport was adapted to suit the competitors’ needs and provided plenty of fun moments between games. Liverpool School Sports Partnership’s Jess McNally said: “It was a complete success which kept each and every participant involved.” She also thanked LJMU staff who had made it a “brilliant event”. The aim is to hit the ball in the air whilst shouting the colour of one team’s bibs. They must catch the ball before it hits the floor to prevent the other team from scoring a point.
Elleray Park
Sports leaders from Archbishop Beck did a great job
Team-mates supported each other Rowan Park
It was a great afternoon of sport
The LSSP- ran event was fully-inclusive
KEEPING SCHOOLS INFORMED LSSP hold successful training for PE staff
LSSP’s Adella Dando made the introductions
Teachers from primary and secondary schools attended
There were a few laughs along the way
The attendees learnt about the dangers of concussion
LSSP’s Jason Evans opened the event
The Liverpool School Sports Partnership (LSSP) held a successful training day for the region’s PE practitioners. With health and safety at the forefront of everyone’s minds when dealing with children and physical activity, PE and sport, the LSSP event informed schools on the latest information and support. All the schools LSSP work with were invited to attend the training session on ‘How to deal with Concussion’, which was delivered by the Association for Physical Education (AfPE). Vicky Marshall, from LSSP said: “It is important we make sure primary and secondary PE practitioners have access to the right information to enable them to create a safe environment for youngsters and make the right decisions if faced by a head injury. “The beauty of our network is we can bring schools together for an identified training need and bring specialist tutors in.” This training will be followed by a one day health and safety course in June 2017.
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TALENTED PUPILS INSPIRE Pupils shine at secondary dance competition Talented dancers from Liverpool secondary schools came together for a show stopping dance competition. Organised by Liverpool School Sports Partnership (LSSP), the competition was held at Enterprise South Liverpool Academy and was split in to three rounds: Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Key Stage 5. Schools participating included Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College; Enterprise South Liverpool Academy; North Liverpool Academy and St Hilda’s CE High School. Archbishop Beck won both the KS3 and KS4 competitions, with North Liverpool Academy taking the KS5 prize. North Liverpool Academy performed a moving piece about domestic violence which was extremely powerful and thought-provoking.
Key Stage 5 winners North Liverpool Academy
Pupils performed impressive split jumps!
Students from North Liverpool Academy perform a moving piece
Archbishop Beck take the stage!
The competition involved pupils from Years 7-11 and Sixth Form
The look of concentration!
Pupils displayed a range of different dance styles
The judges had an unenviable task to choose the winners
A student performs a perfect pirouette
Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College celebrate a double victory
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CAPTURE THE M MENT Professional school and event photography by Liam Deveney. > Individual, class or whole school > Sports day > Presentations > Performances > Proms > Sales commission for schools > Service contracts available > Online image purchasing
For more information call 07852-925041 email enquiries@ldphoto.co.uk
@PhotoLd
Experience the true glamour and misery of Weimar Germany in Portraying a Nation: Germany 1919 – 1933, open until 15 October. Featuring over 300 works, the exhibition presents the ‘real faces’ of Germany during the inter-war years told through the eyes of painter Otto Dix and photographer August Sander. This exhibition is a must-see for History, Art and German Language students.
BRING YOUR SUB JEC TS TO LIFE AT TATE LIVERP OOL Visiting Tate Liverpool with a school group couldn’t be easier book online: tate.org.uk/learn/teachers or call +44 (0)151 702 7400.
Albert Dock, Liverpool Waterfront
Otto Dix artworks: Self-Portrait with Easel 1926, Reclining Woman on a Leopard Skin 1927 © DACS 2017. August Sander, Police Officer 1925 © Photograph. Samml. / SK Stiftung Kultur - A. Sander Archiv, Köln /VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn and DACS, London 2017.
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STEM IN OUR COMMUNITY
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Learning how STEM will shape the future
STEM is one of the key subjects in today’s education system and stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is important because it pervades every part of our lives. Science is everywhere in the world around us. Technology is continuously expanding into every aspect of our lives. One of the companies to see the role that STEM plays with our young people and education is Air Products, who are encouraging young people to see what the gas industry has to offer them and the potential it holds. Lynn Willacy, Community and STEM Ambassador at Air Products regularly holds STEM events to show pupils how STEM will shape the future as our world grows and changes. Lynn said: “It’s about getting the gas industry as a whole better recognised as a great place to work.”
Science ambassador Lin demonstration training
Catalyst SDC Widnes – ‘Gases in my Town’ workshop and shows sponsored by Air Products
The bubble monster
South Cheshire College STEM Festival – Air Products exhibiting as part of a STEM assured celebration Big Bang ‘Protecting our Environment’ Award presentation – pictured left to right are: Greg Foot, Lynn Willacy (Air Products Community & STEM Ambassador), James Millington (winner) and Chris Ridge (Air Products EMEA Project Development Engineering Manager) Tim Peake Exhibition, The Novium Museum, Chichester
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Sponsored Content
Lynn Willacy, Community and STEM Ambassador at Air Products, talks to Educate about her role in turning more young people onto the exciting opportunities on offer in the gas industry
Steaming to success From captivating children with incredible liquid nitrogen experiments to mocking up a museum elevator to look like superstar astronaut Tim Peake’s rocket, it's safe to say Lynn Willacy has been thinking big when it comes to promoting a career in the gas industry. Lynn joined the world-leading industrial gases company in 2000 as part of the customer service team but following a company restructure in 2015 was tasked with inspiring more budding students to get involved with STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, and learn about career opportunities at Air Products. Founded in 1940, the US-headquartered firm has been in operation for over 75 years providing atmospheric and process gases to a range of manufacturing markets including the refining and petrochemical sectors and the food industry. “It’s about getting the gas industry as a whole better recognised as a great place to work,” explains Lynn. Key to Lynn’s strategy has been to utilise the company’s network of ‘Science Ambassadors’ - volunteers from across the business who go into schools to explain more about the gas industry and Air Products to children. “When I started the role we had 35 ambassadors but now we’ve got over 70 going through the programme,” says Lynn. “With this programme we go into schools, free of charge, to do liquid nitrogen demonstrations and talk about Air Products - teaching the children about how gases impact on everyday life. “This is done on an age-specific basis some of our newer ambassadors will go into primary schools but we have got some of our chemical engineers and more technical people who will go in secondary schools and colleges.” Although thrilling experiments have proved an excellent way to get more young people interested in a career in the industry - many of the initiatives Lynn has championed go much more in depth and explain to students the career options available to them. “All our ambassadors are Air Products
employees so they’ve got a good understanding of what we do and it’s something that they do on a voluntary basis”. Lynn is proud to divulge that of the 70 voluntary ambassadors at Air Products, 28 of them are female. Despite this positive statistic she admits the company has concerns about gender bias issues in education when it comes to girls and engineering. “Unless you’re at an all-girls school which has a STEM club - the language of some of the teachers and educators can be very gender bias - it can turn girls off thinking about engineering or science as a career. “As an organisation we are very diverse and very inclusive - if you take a look at our management team and the people that we have in the business in technical and engineering roles then you will find that a high proportion are women.” An exciting recent development has seen the company sign on as an industry partner to support a new European research project led by the Association for Science Discovery Centres (ASDC) known as Hypatia. Funded by Horizon 2020, Hypatia spans 14 European countries and aims to communicate science to young people in a gender inclusive way in order to realise the full potential of girls and boys around Europe to follow STEM related careers. On the issue of STEM, something else Lynn has been keen to explore has been the ongoing debate over STEM vs STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) A 2015 report drawn up by a special commission involving cultural leaders and academic experts said that “creativity and the arts are being squeezed out of schools”. The study cited the UK government’s focus on STEM subjects as a key factor which has led to a drop in the number of schools employing specialist arts teachers. The emergence of the STEAM movement has sought to encourage the increased integration of art and design into education and exalted the virtues of critical analysis which both artists and
For more information about Air Products contact: Air Products Plc, 2 Millennium Gate, Westmere Drive, Crewe, CW1 6AP www.airproducts.com
scientists have in common. Lynn is fully behind the movement and highlights a number of initiatives Air Products has been involved with which have sought to bring art closer together with science. The firm recently sponsored a project called Elementals, which, spearedheaded by a physics teacher, challenged schoolchildren to create their own characters for each element of the periodic table before competing ‘Pokemon-style’ against each other. “It’s about looking for where we’ve got creative elements in science,” says Lynn. “One of the other things we do in primary schools is get the children to act as air separation units - following the process of separating the different elements of air. “For those students who are interested in drama, rather than science, this is a different way of engaging and educating them on the elements of air.” Air Products is also increasingly working with UTCs (University Technical Colleges) and last year partnered with Crewe Engineering and Design UTC here in the North West. Since then, Lynn has overseen a number of projects at the college which have again not only sought to give students of all ages hands-on experience with science experiments, but to also start them thinking about problem solving something Lynn calls an “important skill” in engineering. “This is an example of how to get the students thinking about food freezing and why you would use liquid nitrogen instead of mechanical freezing,” adds Lynn. “Our industry was also starting to get discussed during normal lessons which is brilliant. “This is where creativity comes back into the picture again. If you’re a creative person then you automatically start to look for solutions which is what engineers do.”
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ENTERPRISING PUPILS New Park gets a visit from the Dragon’s Den Pupils at New Park Primary School entered the Dragon’s Den for its award-winning Enterprise and Aspirations Week. The week-long initiative, which won the Spirit of Enterprise accolade at last year’s Educate Awards, is designed to inspire children to begin to think about what job they would like to have when they are older. Every class from Nursery to Year 6 had to create a product and pitch it to New Park’s very own panel of Dragons – headteacher Mrs Hutchings; deputy head Mrs Poulson; finance manager Mrs Barlow and pastoral care manager Mr Povey. Alongside the Dragon’s Den competition, the school also welcomed an array of visitors to talk about their jobs and career paths, the school even welcomed a sea lion trainer! The week ended on a high, with a big market sale of all the pupils’ products, with each class competing to see who could make the highest profit. Over £1,000 was raised during the market sale, which will be donated to charity and different school initiatives. After much deliberation and back and forth from the Dragons, the winners were announced. Class 6W won the Dragon’s Den trophy, thanks to raising over £130. The class created ‘Enchanted Unicorn Dust’ with the power to make your dreams come true. Asked on why they won, one pupil said: “Because we dared to dream”.
The winners from Class 6W
Cake anyone! Waiting for the result
The judging commences
Delicious lollipops
A spot of promotion
The light candle holder company
The judges announce the winners
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Book Review
In association with
5-8 Years A Bear Grylls Adventure 1: The Blizzard Challenge - Bear Grylls £4.99 The first thrilling adventure in the brand-new collectible series for young readers from survival expert and chief scout Bear Grylls. Olly isn’t enjoying activity camp. Why should he bother building a shelter or foraging for food with his teammates - he’d rather be at home in the warm and dry, where the sofa and the video games are. The Homeless Kitten - Holly Webb, Sophy Williams £4.99 Lily and her family are going for a walk with their dog, Hugo, when Hugo sniffs out an amazing secret. A litter of kittens have been abandoned in the woods! Without their mother the kittens may not survive the night, so Lily’s family take them in. Lily loves caring for the kittens - and even Hugo does his best to protect the new arrivals. The Worst Witch - Jill Murphy £4.99 Jill Murphy’s much-loved classic The Worst Witch is the original story of life at a magical boarding school, perfect for readers aged 5-8 years. Mildred Hubble is a trainee at Miss Cackle’s Academy for Witches, but she’s making an awful mess of it. She keeps getting her spells wrong and crashing her broomstick. And when she turns Ethel, the teacher’s pet, into her worst enemy, chaos ensues...
9-12 Years Fiction Beetle Boy - The Battle of the Beetles - M G Leonard £5.49 Dr Bartholomew Cuttle wasn’t the kind of man who mysteriously disappeared. He was the kind of man who read enormous old books at the dinner table and got fried egg stuck in his beard. Darkus Cuttle’s dad is missing, vanished from a locked room and now everything for Darkus is about to change. Miserable and lonely, he is forced to move in with his eccentric uncle Max, next door to the most disgusting neighbours ever. The Girl of Ink & Stars - Kiran Millwood Hargrave £5.49 Isabella Riosse is the daughter of a cartographer who lives on the island of Joya; an isle both steeped in mythology and shrouded in mystery. For the last thirty years, a strict governor has forbidden the island inhabitants from venturing beyond their small township. Isabella is fascinated with the ancient myths of Joya, which is said to have once floated freely over the seas Rooftoppers - Katherine Rundell £5.49 Join plucky heroine Sophie, her eccentric guardian Charles, and her intrepid orphan allies on the rooftops of Victorian Paris, as they encounter suspense and adventure that will keep kids of all ages on the edge of their seats right to the heartwarming end. My mother is still alive, and she is going to come for me one day.
Teenage Fiction Orangeboy - Patrice Lawrence £6.49 All that noise was fighting with the music and the music was fighting with itself. It was the usual crappy mashup, The Beatles mixed with Frank Sinatra mixed with Michael Jackson. But underneath was a bass beat, thump, thump, thump, like my heart. Not cool enough, not clever enough, not street enough for anyone to notice me. I was the kid people looked straight through. NOT ANY MORE. NOT SINCE MR ORANGE. Hour of the Bees - Lindsay Eagar £5.99 “Excited, are we?” Dad says. No. Definitely not excited. Instead of a summer filled with pool parties and barbecues, I’ll be spending my days on a dusty sheep ranch with a grandfather I’ve never met. At least mom and dad are dreading it, too. I’ll have some company in my misery. The Wildings - Nilanjana Roy, Prabha Mallya £5.99 Something is stirring in the heart of Old Delhi... Prowling, hunting and fighting amidst the crumbling ruins of one of Delhi's oldest neighbourhoods, are the proud Wildings. These feral cats fear no one, go where they want and do as they please. Battle-scarred tomcats, fierce warrior queens, the Wildings have ruled over Nizamuddin for centuries. Are you a librarian, teacher or purchasing manager? Do you buy books for your school? 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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Jean Genius
Fashion inspiration for girls and boys, with everyone’s favourite fabric
Stripe cold shoulder top from £15 Next Skinny flared jeans with frill from £13 Next Denim dungarees £24.99 H & M Pale blue denim Bardot neck top £14.99 New Look Blue denim cap £8.99 New Look Denim pump trainer from £14 Marks and Spencer
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Jean Genius
Slim fit denim shorts £14 River Island Dark blue vintage skinny jeans from £15 Next Hooded denim shirt £17.99 H & M Denim slip on shoe £14 River Island Denim five pocket shorts from £12 Next
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WHERE CAN WE GO? Our pick of what’s happening out & about in the region
12-17 June
Wonderland Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JE Tel: 0844 871 3017
Physical Fest w Shop er p o t s
Following sold out seasons in Tampa, Texas and Tokyo, the multi Grammy, Tony and Drama Desk Award nominated Frank Wildhorn's Wonderland receives its UK and European premiere in this brand new British production. Based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Wonderland is described as “an enchanting” musical adaption of Lewis Carroll’s works Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass, which is “a timely and touching story of love in all its forms” and the power of everyday magic in our lives. Sunday 21 May
Book! now
Friday 26 May – Saturday 3 June Various locations around Liverpool City Centre
The festival hosts 10 days of unique workshops from internationally renowned practitioners, performances, street theatre, events, debate, networking and ‘Fest Live’, a showcase for new physical work. The festival also hosts the Young Fest Weekend in May, a weekend of performances and workshops for young people, and runs participatory projects throughout the spring as well as Tmesis Theatre Graduate Company: a graduate physical theatre training and performance project. Physical Fest is the only festival of its kind in Europe that specialises solely in physical theatre, attracting participants and artists locally, nationally and internationally. It has a mixture of work from local, national and international artists with an emphasis on work that hasn’t been to Liverpool or the UK before. To find out more visit: www.physicalfest.com
Clipper Round the World Yacht Race Sunday 20 August Albert Dock, The Colonnades Liverpool L3 4AA www.clipperroundtheworld.com
Do mi n’t ss
An Afternoon with Jacqueline Wilson
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FUTURE EVENTS
St George’s Hall, Liverpool L1 1JJ. Tel: 0151 233 3020 Join much-loved author, Dame Jacqueline Wilson and discover how she started her writing career, how she created some of her best-loved characters as well as hearing about her brand new book, Wave Me Goodbye. Former Children’s Laureate and author of over 100 books, Jacqueline Wilson is one of Britain’s best-selling children’s authors. Best-known for characters like Tracy Beaker and Hetty Feather, she has legions of loyal fans both in the UK and throughout the world. Tickets are £5 for under 16 and £8 for adults. The event starts at 2.00pm.
The biggest round-the-world ocean race is to return to Liverpool with the start and finish of this unique global challenge moving from the capital back to the River Mersey on the tenth anniversary of its last partnership with the region. The 2017-18 edition of the famous Clipper Round the World Yacht Race will set sail from Albert Dock, Liverpool, on Sunday 20 August and return approximately eleven months later in Summer 2018.
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Now on
Thursday 18 May
APP AND GAME REVIEW The Tinybop Collection - The Earth By Tinybop Verdict: ★★★★★ By Andy Kelly
Ancient Egypt World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool L3 8EN Tel: 0151 478 4393 Ancient Egypt is much more than just pyramids, mummies and hieroglyphs. Join in on a 5,000 year journey to discover what life was really like. Explore the mummy room to find out how people achieved eternal life.
Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone in Concert Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool Waterfront. Tel: 0844 800 0400 Audiences will be able to relive the magic of Harry Potter and The Philosopher's Stone™ in high-definition on a giant screen while hearing a full live orchestra perform John Williams’ unforgettable score. Be swept away in this display of music.
Thursday 8 June
7 - 9 July
Run Challenge Delamere Forest Park, Cheshire. Tel: 0300 067 4340
Bluedot 2017 Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, Macclesfield, Cheshire, Sk11 9DL Tel: 01477 571 766 Set against the backdrop of the iconic Lovell Telescope, Bluedot combines a truly stellar line-up of music with a groundbreaking programme of live science experiments and exhibits, family activities, expert talks and immersive artworks.
Run Challenge is a recreational running activity combined with a fun question and answer challenge such as once you reach marker 4, take a selfie with the Gruffalo. These sessions are aimed at individuals or groups of friends who are active. Meet at the Whitefield Car Park, entry £1 Thursday 13 July
Our planet is always changing, right under our feet. But how do you make these concepts meaningful to our pupils? Here's the perfect app. The Tinybop’s ‘Explorer’s Library’ series is also one of the best. You start with a translucent model of the earth that spins with a swipe. You can cut it in half with a cross section tool, and there's a geological time line, so you can see how the Earth looked when it was first forming. As with the other Tinybop apps, your finger drives the concepts (not the other way around). The good stuff happens when you zoom in to a detailed depiction of our planet's surface, and touch one of 12 magnifying glasses or windows that zoom into a detailed scene. My favourite - the volcano where you can change the shape and height in real time, and tap the lava to make it erupt.
Birthdays the Beginning Release date: Tuesday 9 May Developed by: Arc System Works PS4 and PC Verdict: ★★★★★ By Andy Kelly
24 July - 3 September
Young DaDaFest - Perform Everyman Theatre, 5-11 Hope Street, Liverpool L1 9BH Tel: 0151 709 4776
A New Cathedral 1960 Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral, Mount Pleasant, Liverpool L3 5TQ
DaDaFest develops young disabled and deaf artists by providing a platform for them to showcase their creative talent at these Young DaDaFest events; these events are coordinated by Young Leaders. Young DaDaFest - Perform includes performances from: YEP and The Champions.
This exhibition will bring together for the first time a selection of submissions from the 1960 architectural competition for Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral. The international competition attracted 299 entries from around the world.
This is a vibrant, charming god game that focuses on simple, easy-to-understand mechanics. In the game, you create a cube-shaped world on a grid, manipulating its temperature by adjusting the topography of the land. This gives rise to a diverse array of creatures ranging from single-celled organisms to dinosaurs, which you can document in a findings catalogue as you slowly shape the world you wish to create. The game is divided between two modes: Build mode and Macro mode. In Build mode, you shape the world's geography, forming mountains, valleys, and more. After that, you switch to Macro mode, where you advance the passage of time to accelerate the birthing process of lifeforms. You constantly switch between these two modes as you play, adapting the environment to the changes that occur as time progresses and new life grows. Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils
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My School Days Sam Quek - British field hockey player
My schools: I attended Birkenhead High School and Calday Grange Grammar.
My favourite extracurricular activity: Definitely hockey but I was also into football and I am still a big Liverpool FC fan.
My favourite teacher: My favourite teacher was definitely Mrs Concannon, she was my PE teacher and encouraged me in taking up hockey and helping me realise my potential. Favourite subject at school: First and foremost was PE but I also loved biology and geography. Were you streetwise or a bit of a geek? I was definitely a bit of a geek. My favourite childhood band/singer: I love music but was torn between Blue and Destiny’s Child to who was the better.
My favourite book: Anything by Jaqueline Wilson, Girls in Love was my favourite book from Jaqueline. Do you remember your first school crush? Yes! But that is all I am saying on that subject. School dinners: We used to get the option of hot dinner, cold dinner (sandwiches), jacket potato or salad. No one thought it was cool to order jacket potato but I loved it so always did as I didn’t care what people thought. But I did love a hot dinner!! My ambitions at school: I always knew I wanted to go to university, which I did, Leeds Metropolitan University, but it wasn’t until I was about 16-yearsold that I realised that I also wanted to be an Olympian.
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Introduced to hockey at school, Sam's early talent led to her PE teacher encouraging her to join a club, which turned out to be the Mini Panthers in Wirral. Chester HC was Sam's first club as a junior starting in the fourth team before quickly gaining recognition and playing first team hockey for Chester in the National league. During her final season at Chester she was encouraged to train with Bowdon High Town ladies. She plays as a defender for both England and Great Britain's hockey teams, wearing squad number 13. She won gold as part of the British team at the 2016 Summer Olympics, who beat the Netherlands on a penalty shoot-out. Sam was also awarded an MBE in the New Years Honours List 2017 for services to hockey. Sam has now moved into the media spotlight after her participating as a contestant in the sixteenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here! and made it to the final four before being voted out on day 22; she finished in fourth place.
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At Happy Teeth we use education to increase awareness and promote positive change among children’s Oral Health. Our aim is to reduce children’s dental decay in the local area and promote healthy mouths. We provide fun, bespoke, innovative and interactive workshops to engage children in learning about how to keep their teeth and mouths healthy. Workshops are tailored to suit different stages of learning from early years up to Key Stage 4.
ORAL HEALTH EDUCATION SERVICES For more information on how to book one of our workshops in your setting visit our website: https://happyteetheducation.com/ Facebook: @HappyTeethEducation Twitter: @happyteethedu Contact Number: 0151 903 5503
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Liverpool John Moores University
Are e you interested in nterestted in finding out what it is like to study one of many subjects at LJMU? Then sign up for our taster events available to Sixth Form students: www.ljmu.ac.uk/outreachevents Also check out our upcoming Open Days www.ljmu.ac.uk/opendays
REGISTER ONLINE
lljmu.ac.uk/opendays jmu.ac.uk /opendays