Education Options by Huddersfield

APRIL 2014

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YOUR EXAMINER GUIDE TO THE AREA’S SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Where will your child learn? Take a look at our pick of the schools and colleges in the Huddersﬁeld area who take education seriously

PAGE 2 APril 2014 / EducAtion oPtions

PROMOTION

Find out WHAt MAKEs All sAints sPEciAl Dreams become a reality for the pupils at All Saints Catholic College all saints’ Catholic values encourage students to treat each other with respect. all saints is home to a diverse group of students from countless countries and cultures. From the Humanities, technology, arts, Maths, English, Science through to the sports fields there is something for everyone. Every child truly matters and belongs in the talented rich and thriving community. However, whilst exam results are important, the college encourages students to engage in pilgrimages to Lourdes as well as dramatic productions. Denise Bedford MBE, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager attended the musical ‘Oliver’ in February and commented; “The whole experience was really amazing. I applaud the College for all the hard work and effort that has gone into the making such a

captivating production. I am a frequent theatre goer and one of my friends played Nancy to Robert Lindsay’s Fagan in the WestEnd production, so I am no stranger to top class theatre. It was without a doubt one of the best school shows I have seen.”

This defines what makes All Saints special. The college looks forward to welcoming new students into our community where they can enjoy countless opportunities to succeed and go on to lead fulfilled lives. It’s onwards and upwards at All Saints Catholic College.

All Saints is a voluntary aided mixed comprehensive College, which was granted Humanities Specialist status in 2006. if you would like to visit all saints please call 01484 426466, email us on office@aschc.com or visit our website on www.aschc.com

Every child truly matters and belongs in the talented rich and thriving community.

As Ralph Waldo Emerson observed, “what lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”.

ALL SAINTS CATHOLIC COLLEGE ALWAYS MOVING ONWARDS AND UPWARDS!

Every child truly I am proud to be Head Boy at All Saints Catholic

matters and belongs College and work closely with Martha our Head truth is I haven't in Girl. theThe talented rich been and part of the school community as long as Martha, but this has not prevented thriving community."

me from fulﬁlling my aspirations and potential. From the moment a student joins All Saints, and even after they have left, they matter. Time and time again All Saints is said to be a 'Good School', including Ofsted in February 2013, but is it really a good school? I disagree. All Saints Catholic College is an outstanding school and a joy to attend. It does not just produce good students, it builds good people.

Taer said,“I am ecstatic that I have exceeded my target grade and achieved a grade B.”

As Head Girl I am proud to work alongside Nigel, our Head Boy, as well as being part of the stunning 90% of Year 11 students who achieved grades A*- C in the recent English GCSE exam. A phenomenal 50% of us were above our target grade achieving a magniﬁcent 4 levels of progress - OUTSTANDING! A couple of our talented students reﬂected on their fantastic achievement...

Jevin said,“It is one of the best days of my life, I can't wait for the rest of my results in August!"

All Saints Catholic College - Specialist Humanities College, Bradley Bar, Huddersﬁeld, HD2 2JT • Tel: 01484426466 • Website: www.aschc.com

APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS PAGE 3

OPTIONS OPTIONS OPTI PTIONS Contents Welcome to the latest issue of Education Options. As a parent, finding the right school for your child is vitally important. Nothing prepares children and young adults better for the world ahead than a good education. Some of the best schools in the UK can be found right here on the doorstep in Huddersfield and the surrounding areas. Not only do they offer a thorough education but they help to prepare children for life in the big wide world, further education and the workplace. To help you make the right decision, this issue of Education Options features profiles of many of the schools and colleges in the local area, along with education news and features. Take a look at what individual schools have to offer and make the right decision for your family.

Class Act With activities galore, Holmfirth High School is officially outstanding – see page 10

EDITORIAL Susan Hampshire 01484 437739 susan.hampshire@trinitymirror.com ADVERTISING SALES Andrea Cox 01484 437742 andrea.cox@trinitymirror.com

Education Options is published by Huddersfield Examiner, Pennine Business Park, Longbow Close, Bradley Road, Bradley, Huddersfield HD2 1 GQ. Copyright of editorial content held by Huddersfield Examiner. Reproduction in part or in whole is forbidden save with the express permission of the publishers. It is not our intention to print any matter that discriminates on the grounds of race, sex, sexuality or disability. The magazine is printed by Mirror Colour Printers (Oldham) Ltd. Advertisements are accepted according to our terms and conditions.

2 ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

13 EXPRESS YOURSELF

All Saints Catholic College shows what makes an education there so special

Students get hands-on experience and build skills at The Creative and Media Studio School

5 FANTASTIC FOUR

14 SPREAD YOUR WINGS

The four schools of Netherhall Learning Campus offer individualised learning

Safely soar in a wind tunnel and learn physics ﬁrst-hand as you ﬂy high with Airkix

6 TRADITIONAL VALUES

15 GETTING TO KNOW YOU

Find out how Honley High School has strived for excellence over the past 80 years

Kirklees College announces an extra open day welcoming all prospective students

7 GET MOVING

16 UP TO SPEED

Read about Macmillan Cancer Support's nationwide fundraising dance event

Cutting edge learning tools and the latest news in keeping students safe at school

8 ONE DAY AT A TIME

17 GOALS IN MIND

The leadership at Moor End Academy knows that every day matters in a student's life

Sports enthusiasts can get a foothold on the sports industry at The Education Academy

10 OPEN DOOR

18 READ ALL ABOUT IT

Holmﬁrth High School outlines its key strengths and welcomes you to visit

The pick of new book titiles from Waterstones Kingsgate Centre

11 A GREAT LEAP

19 PREPARATION IS KEY

North Huddersﬁeld Trust School reports on its progress in leadership and student behaviour

Smart uniforms and planning a budget may be key to future success – ﬁnd out why

Welcome... ool h c S h g i H l l Netherha chool S o i d u t S a i & Med e v i t a e r C e Th

Come and discover why everyone is talking about Netherhall High School. Call 01484 221892 to arrange a visit With 2013 exam results the best ever, a recent â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Goodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; OFSTED inspection result and the nationally acclaimed Creative & Media Studio School attracting students from all over Kirklees, Netherhall High School is seeing major year-onyear increases in pupils, as parents select Netherhall as their prefered local choice. If you feel your child may benefit from our unique approach to learning, why not come and see a normal working day at Netherhall High School, meet teachers and students and ask any questions you might have. Netherhall High School, Nether Hall Avenue, Huddersfield, HD5 9PG Telephone (01484) 221892

90% of all our students achieved 5 A*-C GCSEs 100% of Studio School students achieved 5 A*-C GCSEs 60% of all students achieved 5 A*-C GCSEs including English & Maths

APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS PAGE 5

PROMOTION

Four schools united by a common ethos MAKING the right choice of school is a major decision for any parent or carer. We all want our children to be happy, secure and to thrive in a supportive, caring environment. However, we also expect that they will be challenged academically and will develop conﬁdence as they work to achieve their goals. Netherhall Learning Campus consists of four schools, covering the full age and ability range from 3 – 19 years, each with its own distinctive ethos; each with its own individual identity and each catering to the speciﬁc needs of its students.

Whilst the four schools are linked by a common philosophy and by common expectations, the High school and Creative and Media school retain their own particular characteristics. From Year 7 onwards, pupils follow a range of learning pathways, tailored to meet their individual need. The school aims to provide students with as wide a range of options as possible to adequately prepare them for training, further and higher education and the challenges of life beyond the school gates. The standard of teaching has been consistently rated ‘good’ or better in successive OfSTED inspections.

“At Netherhall Learning Campus we are dedicated to unlocking the potential of all our students. That’s why our motto is ‘Success for all’” - Joan Young, Principal Among Kirklees schools, only Netherhall Learning Campus offers children and young adults with a continuous journey from Early Years entry through Key Stages 1 to 4 and beyond to AS and A level studies, via the Studio School. Pupils may join any of the schools at any time. Regardless of the stage at which they start to attend, all students will experience the unique beneﬁt of an education that has been planned by specialist teachers for all stages of a child’s learning journey.

This means that there is: • A common standard and expectation of dress, behaviour and standards of presentation • High quality teaching • Innovative curriculum development • A stimulating and attractive working environment • A recognition of the importance of parents and carers as partners in the learning journey of our children.

PAGE 6 APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS

PROMOTION

From strength to strength HONLEY High School ﬁrst opened its doors as Holme Valley Grammar School in 1932 with the motto ‘Nitimur in Excelsis’. Many of the traditional values have remained over the passage of time – high expectation, academic rigour and the highest attainment outcomes for students in the area. However, it is what the school has

Many of the traditional values have remained over the passage of time

Shakespeare Company; or through the wide range of enrichment and extension activities, including business and enterprise links and opportunities for foreign travel. More importantly, the school is always looking for ways to improve. As the motto stated over 80 years ago, ‘we strive for the highest’. Everyone is looking forward to welcoming you to Honley High School in the future and hope that you can join the school at the Open Evening in September.

developed during the interim period that truly deﬁnes it. At Honley High School, the child is at the centre of everything the school does. Staff aim to nurture and develop the skills, interests and talents of every student whether they be in sport, where the school has national recognition; the arts, through the partnership with the Royal

HONLEY HIGH SCHOOL

OPEN EVENING THURSDA 25TH SEPTEMBER 2014 THURSDAY

AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS & PARENTS TO: • Meet students and see their work • Speak with staff, staf try some activities & tour the school • Meet the Headteacher and Senior Team • Collect details about admission arrangements

HEADTEACHER’S ADDRESS 6.15PM AND 7.00PM Tel: 01484 222347

Station Road, Honley, Holmfirth HD9 6QJ

www.honleyhigh.co.uk

Email: office@honleyhigh.co.uk

EXAM SUCCESS! 2013 Results: ENGLISH RESULTS RESUL - 90% A*-C MA MATHS RESUL - 83% A*-C RESULTS 84% GAINED 5 A*-C 78% GAINED 5 A*-C INCLUDING ENGLISH & MATHS

ApRIl 2014 / EDUCATION OpTIONS pAGE 7

GET ON YOUR DANCING SHOES MACMILLAN Cancer Support is excited to announce that its nationwide fundraising initiative, Dress Up and Dance will return to schools and nurseries across the UK on Friday June 20, 2014. The dance extravaganza, which asks children to don their finest dancewear in return for a £2 donation to the charity, was an incredible success in 2013, with over 910 schools raising more than £92,000. This year, Macmillan is working alongside Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools to encourage even more schools and nurseries to sign up to make a difference to those living with cancer. Once registered, schools will receive a Dress Up and Dance toolkit, written

in conjunction with Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools, which includes fun and educational activity to ensure that the event ties in with the National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage. The toolkit will include teaching materials, ideas and activities to help plan a fun dance event as well as a DVD featuring Strictly Come Dancing star Lisa Riley, that is packed with all-new Stagecoach choreographed dance numbers including ‘the Fairy Tale’, ‘the Superhero’ and ‘the Flamenco’. On the day, the children are invited to simply follow the dance moves on the DVD to create a simple yet fun dance number. Primary school teacher Alexandra Coley said: “The children had a

fantastic day taking part in Dress Up and Dance for Macmillan in 2013. Learning the Dress Up and Dance routines tied in well with the PE curriculum and helped us ensure variety within the necessary two hours of physical activity per week. I would encourage other teachers to register their school and get involved with Dress Up and Dance for Macmi llan.” Sarah Kelly, managing director of Stagecoach Theatre Arts schools said: “We are really excited to be working with Macmillan’s Dress Up and Dance initiative for 2014. At Stagecoach, we aim to ensure that as many children as possible are given the opportunity to develop their confidence through singing, acting

and dance. Dress Up and Dance is a brilliant way for us to reach these goals, while engaging children with the fantastic work that Macmillan does to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.” All the money raised from Dress Up and Dance will go towards Macmillan’s vital work providing medical, financial, practical and emotional support to the two million people currently living with cancer in the UK and help ensure no one has to face cancer alone. For more information on Dress Up and Dance or to register visit www.macmillan.org.uk/ dressup or call 0845 673 0720.

PAGE 8 APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT ‘ENJOY and Achieve: Every Day Matters’ is the ethos central to the continued drive for excellence within all aspects of the students’ experiences within the Academy. A safe and stimulating educational environment is provided to ensure care, guidance and challenge for all students. The Academy also has a specially resourced provision for students with a visual impairment. At Moor End Academy, staff pride themselves on ensuring that students have a happy and successful Academy life. “Achievement is outstanding because students consistently make signiﬁcantly more progress than students nationally in English, Science and Mathematics…” Ofsted June 2012 Students have access to a diverse curriculum that recognises and

develops their individual interests, offering a variety of exciting curriculum enrichment opportunities. Working in collaboration with parents, the wider community and other educational partners, staff are able to provide students with a wide range of learning opportunities both in and outside the Academy. The links include ‘Friends of Beaumont Park’, David Brown Gear Systems, Kirklees College, the Rotary club and Leeds University to name but a few. “The outstanding behaviour in and out of lessons makes a valuable contribution to the quality of learning. The strong consideration and respect shown by students and the high level of engagement and cooperation enable students of all abilities to achieve well in lessons…” Ofsted June 2012 High quality teaching and learning

ensures all students make exceptional progress. Through the use of creative and constructive thinking strategies, students gain experience of different teaching strategies to develop their knowledge and understanding. Almost all students

progress to further education or employment. “Teaching is outstanding because it is consistently good, with much that is outstanding...The teaching of thinking skills makes a distinctive contribution to the quality of learning…” Ofsted June 2012

Moor End Academy Website: www.moorend.org

Telephone: 01484 222230

Email: info@moorend.org

Enjoy and Achieve: Every Day Matters

Moor End Academy is outstanding

“Moor End continues to go from strength to strength. The invaluable support we receive from parents is a key partnership in our success. A relationship built on trust and openness.” Principal Ms Jane Acklam

The very strong promotion of students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development ensures that they thrive in the supportive and highly cohesive learning community. High aspirations, outstanding teaching and the rich curriculum result in outstanding achievement. Ofsted June 2012

Teaching Agency Interested in Teaching?

y means life in “To me, the Academ m, displaying a for d its own shape an ment.” loving, caring environ ad Girl Delowerine Grant, He

chers support the “The committed tea Moor End Academy.” students’ success at Boy Hamzah Nazir, Head

Schools Direct is a new way to train to teach. Moor End Academy is lead school for nine Kirklees Primary, Secondary and Special schools all offering salaried and unsalaried places. Please see www.penninealliance.org for more information or contact us directly at PennineTSA@moorend.org

The Pennine Alliance The Pennine Alliance is a group of 40 schools from within Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford. The alliance aims to train the next generation of outstanding teachers. Our schools are committed to providing the highest standard of education for the young people in the Kirklees and wider areas. We are keen to recruit student teachers who share the same commitment. If you share our vision for education, we want to hear from you. If you are interested in your school becoming part of The Pennine Alliance, please contact us. Email: PennineTSA@moorend.org @ Pennine

PAGE 10 APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS

PROMOTION

AN ‘OUTSTANDING’ SCHOOL WELCOME to Holmfirth High School – a Maths, Computing and Applied Learning specialist! This article just gives a snapshot of the work of the school and hope that it will be enough to encourage you to find out more. The school was delighted to be graded òutstanding’ across all disciplines in the last Ofsted inspection and this

Students enjoy school very much, as shown by their excellent attendance

young people to take a personal pride in their school. The school’s key strengths are the broad curriculum, the positive relationships that staff enjoy with pupils, solid links with the local community and the breadth of our extra-curricular activities – from a Duke of Edinburgh awards programme to a performance of ‘Bugsy’ , from a knitting group to trips to Malawi and a myriad of other exciting opportunities – there is always lots going on at Holmﬁrth High! The school door is always open and if you would like to learn more you are more than welcome to visit.

reﬂects the hard work, commitment and dedication from staff, pupils, parents and the wider community. The school ethos is to encourage all students to achieve their potential in whatever area that may be – either academically or vocationally. The school expects high standards of behaviour, appearance, attendance and punctuality and encourage all

Holmfirth High School MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING AND APPLIED LEARNING SPECIALIST

We are pleased to invite you to our

ANNUAL OPEN EVENING Thursday 2 October 2014 All visitors to the school are welcome. We expect to be extremely busy again this year, therefore, two addresses for PROSPECTIVE PARENTS will be held at 6:15pm and 7:30pm. Staff will be available in classrooms between 6:00pm – 9:00pm and look forward to meeting you. Executive Headteacher: Dr A Williams Telephone: 01484 691460 "Holmrth High School is an outstanding school. It is an ambitious, harmonious, learning community, which is outward facing and characterised by strong, respectful relationships which support and encourage each individual to reach their full potential" Ofsted July 2012

APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS PAGE 11

PROMOTION

NEW SCHOOL CONTINUES TO FLOURISH NORTH Huddersﬁeld Trust School continues on its journey to become an outstanding school for the local community. Outcomes from the Ofsted inspection recognised signiﬁcant progress and graded both the behaviour of pupils and the leadership of the school as ‘good’, with positive feedback given in all areas. A clear endorsement of the school’s upward momentum!

Student numbers have increased by over a third in two years In 2013 NHTS was the most improved school in Kirklees for GCSE results and is on track for another rise this summer. The curriculum offers a broad range

of both academic and vocational subjects to suit all. Through its Trust partners, the school offers access to enrichment opportunities across many organisations; this, in conjunction with award-winning careers advice and an ethos of embedding leadership skills in all, helps to prepare students for life far beyond their high school education. As the reputation of the new school has grown, student numbers have increased by over a third in just two years and September 2014 sees the biggest Year 7 intake to date. Executive Head Teacher, Dr Andy Williams, states, “We are proud of our school and encourage prospective families to come and take a look around. A warm welcome awaits.”

��

� ��

Places �� still available �� for �� start, �� September 2014 an application applicationform form Download an www.studio-school.org.uk at www.studio-school.org.uk

A School & College like no other

Kirklees has a thriving Creative and Media sector, with over 1400 companies operating in the area along with many more across the borders into Bradford, Leeds, Wakefield and Calderdale. The Creative and Media Studio School has many effective links with these businesses using them to support project briefs in the classroom as well as providing placement opportunities for students. Studio School students experience first–hand, inspirational support and guidance from both engaged businesses and subject tutors to ensure they have the skills, knowledge and awareness for success in the Creative and Media Industries.

The school also offers a comprehensive enrichment programme, which includes personal coaching, individual programmes of study and working with host businesses. On leaving the Creative & Media Studio School, students will have a variety of pathways available to them including entering the local job market, going on to university, or starting their own business.

Available Subjects You can join the Creative and Media Studio School in either Year 10 or Year 12. Year 10 students study a range of creative qualifications at level 2 alongside core GCSEs in English, Maths and Science. Year 12 students specialise in a range of creative qualifications, with the opportunity to study Business Studies and other A level options. A Level A/S Level 3 GCSEs Level 2 Level 3 Level 3 Level BTEC Diploma Subsidiary- Certificate BTEC Diploma BTEC BTEC Art & Design (Fashion and Clothing) Art & Design (Fine Art) Art & Design (Graphic Design) Art & Design (Photography) Art & Design (Textiles) Business Studies Creative and Media Production (Television & Film) Music and Music Technology (Performing) Performing Arts (Acting) English Language & Literature Mathematics & Further Maths Science (Core & Additional) Sociology

• • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • •

•

• •

• • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

Other GCSE subjects may be available.

For more information contact us on 01484 221892 or visit www.studio-school.org.uk or Facebook.com/Studioschool

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PAGE 14 APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS

PUPILS FLYING HIGH PHYSICS is one of those subjects that is often a challenge to teach in a fun, interactive and informative way …until now. For the young scientist, the Wind Workshop is hosted by Professor Airkix who is on hand to demonstrate his expert knowledge and show just how the wind tunnel works. He will explain the basic principles before setting fun, and hands-on, windbased challenges. All children have the chance to be top of the class… literally! Two unforgettable ﬂights in the safe wind tunnel will bring theory to life…and above all, show how simple and fun science can be! For Key Stages two and four secondary school pupils, every day is a learning day but not always the

most inspirational one when it comes to forces, friction and air resistance. Working in conjunction with National Space Academy Physics education specialists, Airkix has developed Physics is Fun, a forcesbased package to boost learning

and understanding of this often challenging, yet stimulating, subject. Once pupils have experienced the wind and forces in action by indoor skydiving at Airkix, supporting resources including lesson plans and practice questions, are available for teachers to continue the understanding. This package is intended to be accompanied by additional teaching back in the classroom. “Designed with children and accessible science in mind, we know this is a truly inspirational and comprehensive life and learning experience. The combination of indoor skydiving and bespoke workshops is deﬁnitely the formula for success with science: “Flying

Pupils + Forces in action = Fun with physics”, comments Simon Ward, CEO at Airkix. Don’t just take our word for it! Here is what the teachers have to say: “The workshop brought science to life in an exciting way and was easy for the children to relate to. It was a great way of explaining what was actually happening in the wind tunnel. The whole session was well designed and well executed, very safe and a thrilling experience.” Primary school teacher “Fantastic day – the students learnt a lot and had a fantastic time in the airtunnel.” Secondary school teacher. For more information, click www.airkix.com

APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS PAGE 15

PROMOTION

Opening the door to a great future DUE to popular demand, Kirklees College will be hosting an extra open evening this July at its Huddersﬁeld centres. This extra Huddersﬁeld open evening and the Dewsbury open day in June are perfect for school pupils in years 9, 10 and 11 who are thinking about their options when they leave school and want to explore their future ambitions. A course with Kirklees College does not narrow career options, it expands them. As a college, staff help to put students on the right track to work in whichever industry they choose. The specialist courses will help to develop the right skills for a career

in a specific vocation but the college develops transferable skills and knowledge through work experiences, visits from guest speakers and tours of relevant businesses. The support and opportunities at Kirklees College all build students’ confidence, ability and employability. A Levels are not the only route to university and many Kirklees College students progress onto university because their vocational qualifications accrue UCAS points which can secure a place on a degree level course. Come along to one of the college’s centres this summer and find out more. www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk

A course with Kirklees College does not narrow career options, it expands them’’

Open days in 2014 Pre-registe r online to

beat the queue

Your chance to talk to tutors, pick up a prospectus, see the college’s fantastic facilities and apply for a course!

Wednesday 2 July, 5pm – 7pm HUDDERSFIELD CENTRES Huddersfield Centre, Waterfront Quarter Engineering Centre Brunel House Centre Highfields Centre Hargate Hill Centre (Glossop) Taylor Hill Centre

Saturday 21 June, 10.30am – 1.30pm DEWSBURY CENTRES Dewsbury Centre, Halifax Road Batley School of Art

NEW COURSES NOW AVAILABLE FROM SEPTEMBER 2014 including Apprenticeships in environmental conservation, plastering, painting and decorating and The Peter Jones Enterprise Academy.

Tel: 01484 437070 Email: info@kirkleescollege.ac.uk Web: www.kirkleescollege.ac.uk Twitter: @kirkleescollege Facebook: facebook.com/kirkleescollege

PAGE 16 APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS

Developing The Computer Programmers Of Tomorrow NEVER let it be said that the UK isn’t at the forefront of computer technology.

WORD UP! PRIMARY TEACHER LAUNCHES NEW GRAMMAR APP A FULL-TIME teacher is taking the technology world by storm with the launch of an innovative grammar app. Mr Thorne Does Grammar provides a mix of spelling, grammar, maths and phonics, as well as YouTube videos which have had two million hits globally. It is his 15th educational app since the hugely successful Mr Thorne Does Phonics.

Primo is a new wooden play set that teaches young children the basics of computer programming and it’s built in the UK.

Mr Thorne, who is a British primary teacher, created the app himself, making it relevant and useful to parents, teachers and anyone learning to read English (from age six to adult).

The set includes a robot called Cubetto that’s controlled by coloured blocks which children have to put in the correct sequence on a wooden interface. By combining the correct sequence of instruction blocks onto the interface, children are mastering basic algorithms and they become familiar with the process of forming a “queue” of instructions and can learn the logical foundations necessary for more complex programming as they grow older.

Kickstarter goal of £35,000 by 162 per cent, receiving orders of the Primo playset from all over the globe, securing coverage in the likes of Wired, MailOnline and Fast Company and establishing the talented individuals behind Primo as key players to watch in the tech and education arenas.

In late 2013, Primo.io exceeded its

www.primo.io

Mr Thorne Does Grammar is designed to meet the demands of the forthcoming Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar tests (SPAG) in schools. The app also includes a reading test to revisit all the skills taught on the app. The main 20 aspects of English grammar are featured alongside four different mini-quizzes to encourage and assess the correct usage of words and punctuation. This includes adjectives, capital letters, verbs, nouns, homophones, preﬁxes

and sufﬁxes, adverse, propositions, abbreviations and much more. As the user completes the mini quizzes, they will build their points total to earn 15 prestigious grammar awards from beginner to expert to world class. Mr Thorne Does Grammar is available to download from the Apple App Store for £1.99.

Yorkshire Schools Pay Out Over £1.3m in Compensation Due to ‘Basic Health and Safety Failings’ CHILDREN have been seriously injured while at school in Yorkshire due to 'basic health and safety failings', costing taxpayers more than £1.3 million in compensation over the past ﬁve years, according to statistics revealed by the Employment Law Advisory Service (ELAS). The ﬁgures, obtained following a Freedom of Information request, reveal that 11 out of 15 of Yorkshire’s education authorities recorded 171 successful personal injuries claims against schools since September 2008, more than across the whole of Greater London. Rotherham paid out the highest amount in compensation, costing local authority coffers a staggering £289,851. Incidents of note in Yorkshire included

fractured bones, while one child was scalded by hot liquid and another suffered an electric shock while using a soldering iron. Many injuries resulted from unsafe classroom, playground and PE equipment.

many areas are being overlooked by school managers and teachers not through any fault of their own By comparison, Greater Manchester’s 10 boroughs paid out more than £1.5

million for 255 successful claims and Birmingham City Council reported that just under £190,000 was paid out to 47 claimants during the ﬁve-year period. In London, more than £1.6 million was paid out across its 33 boroughs to 142 claimants. ELAS’ lead health and safety consultant, Wayne Dunning said: “ It’s clear from the nature of the accidents that many areas are being overlooked by school managers and teachers, not through any fault of their own, but because they haven’t received the necessary training required to identify the potential risks and hazards that may prevent an accident from happening in the ﬁrst place. “These are quite basic Health and Safety failings and the government needs to invest more in training, so that

accidents that put children in danger are avoided.”

APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS PAGE 17

PROMOTION

PROMOTING THE SUCCESS OF YOUNG PEOPLE

THE Education Academy at Huddersﬁeld Community Trust is pleased to announce the offer of post 16 education for September 2014 .

environment which inspires and promotes the success of young people.

The Education Academy provides excellent levels of high quality teaching and training within the sports, ﬁtness and coaching sector. All programmes are delivered on-site at The Zone by a team of highly qualiﬁed tutors and professional coaches in a unique

Currently working in partnership with local providers, Colleges and industry professionals including Huddersﬁeld Town Football Club and Huddersﬁeld Giants Rugby League Club. The courses have been developed with an emphasis on employability and will develop the academic and vocational skills needed to progress into the sport industry.

FUTSAL SCHOLARSHIPS 2014 / 2015 The Education Academy offer talented 16-18 year olds the chance to combine further education with a unique playing experience. Courses •

Level 1 Diploma in Sport & Active Leisure

•

Level 2 Diploma in Sport

•

Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport

DO YOU WANT TO: �

Achieve a first class education and progress to University

�

Gain qualifications within the sports industry

�

Train and compete in a professional Futsal environment

�

Become an F.A. Futsal coach or referee

�

Study BTEC Sport Level 1 – 3

Apply to become a Huddersfield Town Futsal Scholar….

�

Work with industry professionals

Online www.fltfutsal.co.uk or call 01484 484155

� Have the opportunity to represent the Official

Open Evening Dates : 2nd April, 14th May, 25th June & 16th July

Huddersfield Town Futsal Squad

PAGE 18 APRIL 2014 / EDUCATION OPTIONS

BOOKS Picture Books O Open Very Carefully C by Nicola O’Byrne & Nick Bromley What would you do if you were settling down for a quiet bedtime story and you realised that a crocodile had fallen out of one story and into yours and was – not to put too ﬁne a point on it – furious? This crocodile has ended up in totally the wrong book, so he proceeds to eat his way out in this fantastic début of a very grumpy croc as he tries to escape a storybook that is all wrong for him but is great fun for the reader – just watch out for those teeth!

Weasels by Elys Dolan Weasels - what do they do all day? Eat nuts and berries? Frolic in leaves? Lurk in the dark? Argue with squirrels? Hide in their weasel holes? Well, all these are wrong. What they really do is . . . plot world domination. Find out how their dastardly plans are foiled in this hilarious, off-the-wall début picture book. Each page is packed

PROMOTION

Sarah Nuttall, Rebecca Cobb-Kilner and Amanda Boothroyd of Waterstones review the latest titles for children of all ages

with entertaining details that will have you laughing out loud.

5-8 years Fairy Ponies – The Midnight Escape by Zanna Davidson Holly is staying with her Great Aunt May when she discovers a tiny pony with shimmering wings. At ﬁrst, she thinks she must be dreaming...until two fairy ponies visit her one night on an urgent undertaking: Puck the fairy pony has been snatched by the spoiled girl next-door, and the ponies need Holly’s help to rescue him. Little does Holly know that their midnight escape will lead to a special reward...entry to the secret world of the fairy ponies, hidden in the Great Oak Tree at the bottom of the garden.

S Stinkbomb & Ketchup-Face by John Dougherty Welcome to the world of Great Kerfufﬂe! It’s really great. And there’s usually a kerfufﬂe (the clue’s in the name really).

Come and join our intrepid heroes Stinkbomb and Ketchup-Face as they set off on a highly dangerous and nail-biting adventure (or it may just be very silly and mildly perilous!). Oh, and there might be a few dodgy badgers hanging about too ...Meet the funniest collection of characters ever known to mankind in this stupendously hilarious book that will make you laugh your socks off, and quite possibly your ears too.

9-12 Years Oksa Pollock O by Anne Plichota & Cendrine Wolf Oksa Pollock is just a normal thirteenyear-old girl, moving with her family from her home in Paris to a new life in Londonnew friends, a new school and new adventures. But bizarre things start happening around Oksa. Suddenly, she finds she can produce fire from her hands, move objects with her mind, and even fly. As Oksa experiments with her wonderful new powers, her family notice, and an amazing truth is revealed - Oksa is thrown into a wilder adventure than she could ever have

imagined. A whole world is counting on her. The Last Hope is the ﬁrst book in the phenomenal Oksa Pollock series.

IItch Rocks by Simon Mayo This is the second book in the explosively exciting ITCH series. After almost poisoning his whole class with arsenic gas, going on the run from a psychotic science teacher and nearly dying of radiation poisoning, life is getting back to normal for Itchingham Lofte. But sinister forces are still hunting for Element 126 and will stop at nothing to ﬁnd out where Itch has hidden the precious radioactive rocks. With the help of his sister Chloe and his tomboy cousin Jack, Itch has to put 126 beyond the reach of unscrupulous scientists and international terrorists forever. It’s time to save the world. Again.

Teen Half Bad by Sally Green Half Bad by Sally Green is a breathtaking debut novel about one boy’s struggle for survival in a hidden society of witches. He can’t read, can’t write, but he heals fast, even for a witch. He gets sick if he stay indoors after dark. He hates White Witches but loves Annalise, who is one. He’s been kept in a cage since he was fourteen. All he’s got to do is escape and ﬁnd Mercury, the Black Witch who eats boys. And do that before his seventeenth birthday. Easy.

Out of the Easy O by Ruta Sepetys ‘Out of the Easy’ is set against the backdrop of 1950’s New Orleans where 17 year old Josie Moraine harbours ambitions of leaving her past behind to begin a new future in an elite college. Worried that her past may damage her future, and then ﬁnding herself caught up in the New Orleans underworld Josie strives hard to be her own hero and do the right thing. She’s a feisty, bookloving, truly inspiring character and by the end of the book you will have taken her to your heart.

APRIL 2014 / EducAtIon oPtIons PAGE 19

doEs scHooL unIFoRM MAKE YouR cHILd HAPPY? TV psychologist Jo Hemmings reveals how a well-fitted, good quality uniform improves children’s wellbeing CHILDREN who wear a smart uniform that is specific to their school are not just better behaved and harder working – they’re happier, and less likely to be bullied too, says a top psychologist.

“We know for many hard-pressed families, the cost of school uniform is a significant one, but good quality garments last longer meaning they are better value in the long run, and our research clearly shows that it’s worth going that bit further for your children.”

According to behavioural psychologist Jo Hemmings, a smart looking, hardwearing and well fitting uniform has a significant impact on children’s happiness at school. She says a badged uniform that is specially made for the school is better than off the shelf ‘greywear” because it means children all wear exactly the same. Many parents have just invested in new uniform but a poll for the Schoolwear Association shows the average child gets through four pieces of uniform a year, and the Association recommends parents regularly check uniform for fit and repair. Jo said: “When students wear identical badged uniform, it gves the

child a sense of pride and community, and helps promote positive wellbeing. It avoids bullying issues associated with having to keep up with the latest fashions, or attracting the wrong attention, and instead gives children a feeling of unity and belonging to an identifiable group.” The alternative has the opposite effect, says the mother of two, who originally trained as a teacher: “A badly fitted or tatty uniform means children stand out from their peer group, and can feel embarrassed or uncomfortable, and a likelier target for teasing and bullying. So it’s important that uniform fits your child well, is the same as their school friends, is comfortable to wear, good quality, and kept in good order.” Jo, who has featured on many primetime television shows such as Channel 4’s Big Brother Little Brother and ITV’s This Morning, says a good school

uniform even affects the way teachers see and relate to children: “School uniform has been shown to increase concentration in the classroom, leading to higher achievement. It even improves the way teachers relate to children. The positive perceptions created by school uniform create a halo effect, encouraging teachers to respond well to their pupils, and enhancing their good behaviour.” The Association, whose members clothe three quarters of the nation’s children, has produced a fact sheet to help parents get the best value from their child’s school uniform http:// tinyurl.com/safactsheet Established in 2006, the Schoolwear Association is run on an entirely voluntary basis by some of the sector’s most experienced professionals. www.schoolwearassociation.co.uk

Are our kids plAnning for tomorrow? UK teenagers “more likely to gamble than plan a budget” TEENAGERS in the UK are more likely to place a bet or play the lottery than plan a personal budget, according to figures released today. The Young Persons’ Money Index, commissioned by financial education specialist ifs University College, reveals that nearly one in five teenagers (17 per cent) has gambled within the past year, compared to 15 per cent who had actively thought about their income and expenditure during the same period.

In last week’s budget it was stated that savings ratios over the past few years have plummeted. Commenting on these figures, Alison Pask, vice principal at IfS University College said: “That young people

appear to be more likely to engage in high-risk financial activity, than adopt positive financial behaviours, such as planning a budget, is obviously very concerning and reflects the quick-win culture by which they are surrounded.” The report, which examines the understanding, behaviour and confidence of teenagers towards their personal finances, also reveals some other worrying findings with regards to levels of financial capability. With levels of personal debt rising throughout the UK, just over half, (53 per cent) said they have already been in debt at least once, having borrowed money from parents, friends or relatives. forty-seven per cent say they are saving as little as £10 per month or less and half said they lacked the confidence, or were unsure whether they were yet able to manage their own finances independently. Alison Pask added: “In last week’s budget it was stated that savings ratios over the past few years have plummeted. If adults themselves are

struggling to take on a savings culture, what message is that sending to young people? It’s clear that much still needs to be done to combat harmful financial behaviour at a young age, as we are potentially headed towards some very serious problems if young people are taking on debt without having the confidence or understanding to manage it. “Perhaps the most telling attitude revealed by the report was one student who, when questioned, revealed “money scares me”. It will be through the delivery of effective financial education that we can shift this attitude towards greater levels of confidence and positive financial behaviours. It’s inclusion in the national curriculum is a good start.” Further details of the Young Persons’ Money Index can be found at www.ifslearning.ac.uk/ FinancialCapability/young-persons’money-index

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