Educate - Issue 8

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Educate educatemagazine.com

FREE

The Magazine for Parents and Pupils May–August 2009

Reading rocks The value of the written word

Greening of schools Kids tackle the eco challenge

Sponsored by

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Educate Contents Welcome...

08-10

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Green Generation How we can teach our kids to tackle the green issues of today

Fast Broadgreen International School get in the FAST lane

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Sport in Focus Football and athletics from around the region

Primary Schools News Pupils cook up a healthy storm in Prescot

20 School News Launch of new 14-19 Diploma

22 Meet the Headteacher Paul Dickinson, Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College

26-29 Focus Group Why the book is best for our children

30 National School News School Minister praises pupils

34 Meet the Headteacher Dr David Dennison, St Margaret’s Church of England High School

38 Secondary School News Pupils make their mark

40 Secondary School News Students excel

46 Dear Educate Help and advice

48-49 Swotting for Success Those all important revision techniques

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54-55 57

Welcome to the latest issue of Educate. We take a look at environmental responsibilities we have to our future children – should we be thinking about saving the planet rather then just protecting it?

We also take a look at why the book is best for our children. Our guest panel are passionate about the importance of reading to a child’s upbringing and future prospects.

Arts in Focus West Side Story jets into Liverpool

58-59 Hello Sailor This summer’s fashion for kids

Swotting for success – if you’re a first time parent of a Year 6 child you will have entered a new chapter in your life: revision, worry and stress. We give you the top tips on how to help your child to succeed.

60 World Book Day 09 Celebrating books

61 Viewpoint Are four-year-olds too young to meet toddlers’ targets?

62 Book Review What’s new and what’s hot in this seasons must reads

63-67 Events Guide What’s on around the region

68 Educate Competition Win a family break in Ireland with Norfolkline

We have all the latest school news from primary to secondary, showcasing schools, teachers and students achievements, talents and events.

Educate meets up with the teachers, Paul Dickinson, headteacher at Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College who tells us how they are ready to face the future. We also chat to Dr David Dennison on how it’s all a matter of pride at St Margaret’s Church of England High School.

We also view a sea of style for both boys and girls this summer.

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Finally, we interview Ghost Hunter and Psychic, Derek Acorah who takes a stroll down Memory Lane and remembers the time that he played football for Liverpool FC

My School Days Derek Acorah takes a stroll down memory lane and tells us about his school days

A Cut Above Compact launches new Diploma

Published by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email: post@merseymirror.com Executive Editor Kim O’Brien Advertising Sales Manager Andy Rogers Tel: 0151 709 7567 Advertising Sales Liz Bold Tel: 0151 709 7567 Photography Tom Murphy Editorial Alan Birkett, Lucy Oliver, Marya McCann 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.

Many thanks go to our front cover model Evie May Murphy and also to Sefton Park Library, Liverpool

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Worried about your Child’s education?

Do you recognise any of these problems?

Counting on fingers when adding up Difficulty with subtraction • Can’t grasp times tables • Little interest in reading Finds reading hard • Poor spelling Poor handwriting • Poor concentration Learning problems such as these can blight educational progression. However,they can be overcome in as little as 4-6 months CALL TODAY for a free consultation Find out how your child can succeed.

Don’t fail your child. Help them to a bright and prosperous future.

One phone call is all it takes

0151 424 2765 Tom Ledson, BA(Hons) Msc PGCE Halton Bridge Therapy and Training 2 Vine Street, Widnes WA8 6DW

A Perfect Nursery in the City Centre Dukes & Duchesses Day Nursery is committed to creating a safe and secure environment in which: • Every child is happy and stimulated • Every child's efforts are valued • Every child has the opportunity to develop knowledge, skills and understanding according to his or her abilities and regardless of their race, culture and gender • Children learn to respect and look after each other • Values parents as the primary educators of their child For Further details or to arrange a visit call 0151 709 1186 www.dukesandduchesses.co.uk

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All children will benefit from sessions in our fantastic sensory studio

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Educational Resources

Promoting Sustainable Development

Here to There Pack

The pack ‘Promoting Sustainable Development’ is aimed at the 9-13 age range and will have three sections.

Each section will focus on the causes of global warming; ways of reducing carbon emissions and ideas to develop a smaller personal carbon footprint respectively.

The pack will use photographs and local case studies to meet the new national curriculum requirements. It is hoped the pack will be versatile enough to teach sustainable development either as a curriculum dimension itself or within the subject areas of geography, design and technology, science or citizenship. The pack will be available from Merseytravel in the summer term 2009.

The From Here to There pack contains 15 photo cards relating to promoting independence skills in the community.

The pack is written to support young people with specific needs to access local public transport. A range of key tasks has been identified to use public transport and a step-by-step list of skills to achieve each of them has been provided.

Better for Everyone Pack Moving with Merseytravel This pack contains 20 A4 colour photographs relating mainly to local transport issues. There are 60 work cards to support the photographs.

The pack is flexible and can be used with children of all age groups within primary schools.

The pack is written to support the geography curriculum but has the potential to be used in both Literacy and Numeracy activities.

How to Make a Bus Journey The How to make a bus journey Booklet has a series of visual drawings to show how to make a short bus trip. There are 9 simple outline diagrams that depict the important steps that need to be taken to make a bus journey.

The diagrams are very flexible and could be used to prompt speaking or writing tasks or sequencing activities. Students are encouraged to use the booklet to plan and carry out a journey in the local area by bus.

Inside Merseytravel

City Travel with Merseytravel This pack has been written to meet the requirements of the Foundation Stage curriculum for children aged 3 to 5 years as from September 2001. The pack has 15 colour A4 photographs.

In addition 30 different work cards for children to use in the classroom or at home with their parents. The pack promotes the notion that public transport allows people in the local community to get around and travel to different places.

‘Inside Merseytravel’ is a vocational educational pack supporting Business Studies and Leisure Studies for the 14 to 16 age range. It provides two case studies, a public business organisation and an important tourist attraction.

Each page of the pack contains up-to-date data, photographs and activities about the leisure and travel industry. The tasks and activities support students putting together a portfolio of coursework for specific examinations.

The Better for everyone Pack contains 16 A4 colour photographs relating to local transport issues and services. There are 32 work cards to support the photographs. The pack is flexible and can be used to complement a scheme of work relating to Key Stage 4 Citizenship requirements. The pack is divided into four sections covering the topics; Merseytravel as an organisation, social change, rights and responsibilities and sustainable development. A booklet containing teachers' notes is provided that suggests how the pack may be used in the classroom

Moving with Merseytravel Better for Everyone - Keystage 4 Citizenship From Here to There - Learning Difficulties (Independence in the Community) City Travel with Merseytravel Your Bus and Your Community

In order to obtain the education packs Please contact the Community Links Team on 0151 330 1200 or write to: Community Links Team, Merseytravel, 24 Hatton Gardens, Liverpool L3 2AN

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CHILDWALL CHURCH OF ENGLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

StCatholic Vincent de Paul Primary School

A Voluntary Aided School Founded by The Trustees of Salisbury House

Childwall CE School is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School for Boys and Girls in the age range 4-11 years and maintained by the Liverpool Education Directorate.

We at Childwall School welcome you as prospective parents whose

Pitt Street Liverpool L1 5BY “Serving With Love … Striving For Excellence” ◆

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children may join us for the first time, and look forward to a happy,

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contented and fruitful partnership over the coming years.

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Our aim is to: • create a caring and happy community in which Christian values are upheld

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• Provide an education which will contribute to the children’s

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intellectual, social, moral, aesthetic, physical and spiritual

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development

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• Establish positive home, school and church liaisons and a partnership with parents

Please note the School now admits 60 children in reception Childwall CE (Aided) Primary School, Woolton Road, Liverpool L16 0JD Headteacher: Mrs D S Shaw B.Ed. (Hons) Telephone: 0151 722 1553 Fax: 0151 722 4989 "And the child grew and became strong; He was full of wisdom and God’s blessings were upon Him." Luke 2:40

Two great opportunities from ...

◆ ◆ ◆

OFSTED Oct 2007 - ‘St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School is an outstanding school.’

Convenient City Centre Location Places Available Breakfast Club: open from 7.30am Range of After-School Extra-Curricular Activities Two Computer Suites Educational Visits in our Private Minibus Healthy Schools Award Activemark Gold Basic Skills Quality Mark Liverpool Hope University Articled School Status Archdiocesan Religious Education Inspection “an outstanding school”

For further details, contact the Headteacher: Mr P Stewart on

0151 709 2572

Fax 0151 707 8942 email: stvincentdepaul@merseymail.com

Go on a voyage of discoverY at Chester Oo!

z

Balancing being a single parent with getting a job can be difficult ... ... but we’ll help you get there.

Horizons Your Work is a unique, free, three-week programme run by Gingerbread and Barclaycard, giving single parents valuable advice and support on returning to work.

Can we help you? If you are a single parent bringing up school-aged or younger children and are eligible to work in the UK, Your Work can help you:

• boost your confidence and explore your work options • build your skills for work • gain practical experience in a real workplace Call free on 0800 023 4392 for details of how we can help you to get back to work or visit www.yourhorizons.com

Throughout 2009, national charities Gingerbread and Chester Zoo are teaming up to run Learning Together, a course of fun educational activities for single parents and their families.

With free transport and free entry to the zoo, this could be a great opportunity to meet other single parent families, learn new skills, discover more about the zoo and the environment – and have a lot of fun!

The course takes place over 9 weeks, and is open to all single parents with a child or children aged 5 or over.

For more information or to book a place call Joanne Woodley on 07500 958 536 or email joanne.woodley@gingerbread.org.uk

Gingerbread is the national charity working with single parent families. Formed following a merger of the National Council for One Parent Families and Gingerbread, we now provide increased support and a stronger campaigning voice for single parents and their families.

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Now available online.

Visit educatemagazine.com

Now, it’s all just a click away.

Constantly updated, educatemagazine.com the online magazine for parents and pupils is packed with all the latest school and education news as well as our comprehensive Merseyside schools directory.

Essential reading for anyone in Merseyside who has children of school age and a useful tool for school selection.

News and reviews | Interviews | What’s on guide | Events Merseyside schools directory | Competitions | Education & Learning Food & Health | Lifestyle | Shopping & Fashion | Sports | Arts

Get our newsletteilr via ema updates.

Go to www.educatemagazine.com and click on ‘Subscribe to newsletter’.

Educate

The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

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Environmental Feature

In 50 years’ time the environment will be your children and grandchildren’s responsibility. And whether that responsibility will extend to worrying about saving the planet- rather than just protecting it - really depends upon how we teach our kids to tackle issues today.

Words by Marya McCann

Green Generation

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Liverpool’s Year of the Environment is already well under way and by including schools at the forefront of the scheme the Council recognises the importance of children learning to adapt and change the bad habits inherited from us as a smart way forward.

Linking in with an internationally recognised scheme, Eco Schools, which rewards good practice with a series of bronze, silver and green flag awards, the Council’s Environmental Services Team are on hand throughout the year to provide help and support in achieving the top award.

To generate interest and friendly competition between schools and business the Council’s website has drafted a Green Pledge which individuals, schools and businesses can sign up to. Liverpool City Council’s executive member for the environment, Councillor Berni Turner, said: ‘Getting children involved in Liverpool’s Year of the Environment is essential and I hope every school shows how much they love this wonderful city by doing their part and making a green pledge on our website.

‘The next generation really are the future of Liverpool and we want to make sure they’re as environmentally aware as possible. And of course you can never underestimate the strength of “pester-power“, so whatever the young people learn in school they’ll take back to their homes and influence their families.’

The aim is that as the pledges are made, most of which are really simple and easy to put into practice, they will stick in people’s minds, and become the norm. Examples of pledges that both pupils and staff are being asked to make as part of their school day are easily transferable to business and home life:

• Organising waste free lunches • Remembering to switch off lights if last to leave a room • Switching to recycled paper in the office and classroom • Not leaving electrical equipment on standby • Working towards the Eco-Schools flag standard • Carrying out an energy audit • Recycling or composting kitchen waste from the canteen.

Children’s pledges include: • Turning taps off properly and not leaving them running during teeth brushing • Urging parents to switch to re-usable shopping bags and energy saving light bulbs • Walking to school • Using both sides of paper • Re-using plastic bottles • Getting involved in Eco-Schools initiatives To complete a Green Pledge form visit www.ourcityourplanet.org.uk/schools

Many states in America have taken the lead in recycling projects over the past decade and the result is children growing up with more awareness of issues affecting the environment.

Kids for Saving the Earth (KSE) is a foundation based in Minneapolis which aims to provide environmental education for children of all ages.

The website (www.kidsforsavingearth.org) has activities, resources, membership and news for children to use and The Everything Green Classroom Book assists teachers in creating an eco-friendly learning environment.

Incorporating science, numeracy and language skills into each topic the author, Tessa Hill, has brought important issues outside of the classroom into children’s learning. Making greenhouses, learning about weeds, birds, water, trees (and the resulting paper in class) all challenge children to consider the environment on a local and global level, dependant on age.

Closer to home Broadgreen International School has taken environmental issues far beyond a simple understanding of what it means to be green. There is a transitional programme for Year 7 learners called Opening Minds, which takes a variety of subjects and combines them for eight lessons each week.

And in the 6th Form students can study a complete subject, Environmental Systems and Society, as part of the International Baccalaureate.

Science teacher and co-ordinator for the Opening Minds programme, Sharon Rhodes, said: ‘The curriculum in subjects like Science and Geography has elements of environmental issues embedded into them.

Opening Minds, however, is much more overt in its teaching of these issues and

connects them in a much more meaningful way.’ So understanding the reasons behind global warming becomes much more than a scientific lesson; its impact and consequences can be seen both in a geographical and an historical context.

The school also runs an Environment Club which has proved a popular extra-curricular activity. Said Sharon: ’We took part in a field study in the Lake District and after being shown how to conduct research and surveys some of the pupils set up a Green Group and have established a wildlife area within the school.’

As the only school in the city to offer students the International Baccalaureate programme students can gain an understanding of how environmental issues cross over subject boundaries. Within Environmental Systems and Society they consider the impact of global policy, ecocentrism, and social policy as a result of government and business decisions.

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Holly Lodge Girls’ College, West Derby, is leading the way in using its green space to grow food for its students.

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Holly Lodge Girls’ College, West Derby, is leading the way in using its green space to grow food for its students. At the launch of Liverpool’s Year of the Environment it announced that the school allotment will soon be providing fruit and vegetables for the canteen, saving money for the school and giving students valuable experience they will take with them after they leave.

Rachel Powell is the teacher leading the school into greener pastures. She said: ‘We have established the Gardening Angels to oversee the allotment. The group is made up of Year 7 girls who want to build skills which will give them more confidence and self esteem in other areas of school life.

‘We recently organised an Environmental Afternoon which involved students picking up litter and weighing it, just to get an idea of the massive amount of rubbish we all make.

Through a water-carrying exercise the girls also got a glimpse of what many women around the world must do each day, just to survive. It was

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Environmental Feature

enlightening.’

Many local schools like St Michael’s Catholic Primary School, Ditton, have had a gardening club in place for years before the idea of conservation loomed. Children are entered onto a rota which covers all aspects of gardening and not just the nice bits; children are expected to dig small plots, tidy up and weed as well as plant seeds.

There are some great gardening websites designed especially for teachers and pupils who wish to grow a school garden: www.growingschools.org.uk www.growinggrub.co.uk www.rhs.org.uk/SCHOOLGARDENING However, Diane Miller, of Merseyside’s local record centre of biological data, BioBank, stresses that green spaces can be valuable additions to city life without just being areas for growing food. She said: ‘Wildlife can thrive in a variety of natural habitats and its presence is an important way for school children to connect with nature and also

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We are getting more and more interest from schools who see the product as economical as well as an aid to learning.

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understand the importance of making records.

‘Our organisation provides free resource packs for schools so that children understand our simple and effective methods: Who, What, Where and When provides a sound base for us to gather information about the changes on a local level; the answers can be interpreted and contrasted with changes on a national and international level due to global warming.’

BioBank will be running a series of recording events throughout the summer months, monitoring bees and butterflies amongst other eco-species, and schools are invited to get involved in their surveys and projects. The website is interactive and easy to use: www.merseysidebiobank.org.uk The real challenge for schools this year is to find new ways to economise and conserve energy. Such a two-pronged approach will bring tangible benefits for children

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Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

immediately - more money to spend on their learning environment - and in the future through saving energy.

Combined Harvesters is a Liverpool company which is now in demand nationally.

The Bromborough firm, which has just received a Merseyside Innovations Award for its RainCatcher system, is steadily growing and has recently installed products in three Plymouth schools.

Specially adapted to be used in schools the rainwater collection package has been designed so that students can look through a special viewfinder and see how the water is collected, treated and then used around the building and grounds.

Suzanne Tunnington, of Combined Harvesters, said: ‘We are getting more and more interest from schools who see the product as economical as well as an aid to learning.’ Schools in Prenton and New Ferry are putting Wirral in the lead when it comes to saving and using grey water.

An office equipment supplier with environmental credentials realised as far back as 1993 that the way forward was to design ways in which office life could save the environment and money.

Ricoh has developed ways to reduce technological resources, lower energy bills and cut down on pollution. In response to research which found that 80% of power used in a machine’s lifetime is during standby, Ricoh designed a machine with an ultra low sleep mode. And rather than produce standard photocopying machines and printers, Ricoh has developed organic and water based toners and inks which save 30 per cent of energy used to produce typical oil based products.

With packaging that can either be re-used in the form of an Ecobag the office equipment suppliers prove that an environmental approach can be incorporated everywhere.

Imagine the amount of photocopying and paper used every day in your child’s classroom and school office and you can see how firms like Ricoh must expand into the education sector.

Office suppliers, Copyrite Systems, based in Speke, not only installs Ricoh products but also provides full and detailed information about the company’s ethos, as well as connected projects like tree planting and card recycling.

Other Useful Contacts Copyrite Systems: 0151 486 2424 www.copyritesystems.co.uk www.ricoh.com/environment

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Carleton House Preparatory School Co-educational Ages 4 - 11

These are exciting times for Carleton House Prep School as we look forward to the move to our new site in time for the start of the new school year in September 2009.

The school is relocating from its present site on Lyndhurst Road to the premises formerly occupied by the Beechenhurst School on the corner of Menlove Avenue and Cromptons Lane.

A major programme of refurbishment has been underway since the start of 2009 to provide rooms and facilities that will do the school proud.

The relocation will enhance what the school is able to offer pupils both present and future. The new facilities available from September will include a Foundation Stage 1 provision for 3 - 4 year olds and hot school lunches. The school will, of course, continue to provide the high quality of education for which it is renowned.

Places available from September in our new Foundation Stage 1 (age 3+) • Flexible provision - Full-Time and Part-Time • Newly refurbished classrooms and facilities for September 2009 in our new site on Menlove Avenue.

• Hot lunches

For further details contact Mr. Peter Andrew, Headteacher on 0151 724 4880 “Carleton House School provides a high quality education within an environment that is highlighted by a deep care and concern for each pupil as a unique individual” Independent Schools Inspectorate June 2006 Accredited by ISC, Member of ISA Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

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Primary School News

Pupils cook up a healthy storm Health and safety are the order of the day

Burnley bound Terry Hillier

Young star strikes a deal Terry Hillier, a pupil of Holy Rosary School, Aintree is a football star to watch out for in the future.

Nine-year-old Terry has just signed a contract with Burnley Football Club after a successful season with his school and football teams.

Since he started playing as goalkeeper for his school team and Barlows JFC U9s his performances have been nothing short of incredible, keeping a total of 83 clean sheets from 138 matches, and at times winning fixtures for his side single handed.

During this time he has been approached by all of the major North West clubs, with a view to signing him. However his dad stated that, the friendly and personal approach made from Burnley FC officials, won Terry over!

Terry has also picked up nine winners titles during his time with his teams, and was unanimously voted the 2008 Parents Player of the Year, after keeping an incredible 54 clean sheets in all competitions last season.

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L-R Year 6 pupils Ben, Tom and James trying out a speed gun as part of a lesson on road safety.

Pupils at Evelyn Primary in Prescot enjoyed a week of dancing, cooking, cycling and sport as part of the school’s health and safety week.

Students as young as four took part in workshops to help them understand how to stay safe and healthy while also having fun.

All week, the school welcomed police, community support officers, paramedics, health advisors and chefs, who helped run fun activities with pupils.

The highlights included ‘tempting tots’ cooking sessions with Community Cooks, during which children invited their parents into school to taste foods from around the world and a ‘wheely fun’ session with the bike safety officers.

The children were given the chance to climb inside a real police car, and

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

were visited by paramedics from the North West Air Ambulance. Later in the week, they took part in a traffic survey and various dance classes and sporting events.

There were also talks from Knowsley’s Oral Health Promotion Team, Healthy Schools, Knowsley PCT, recycling services, Merseytravel, and the community nursery nurse.

Carole Arnold, Headteacher at Evelyn Primary, said: “The children really enjoyed the week – they have learnt so much about serious issues in a creative and enjoyable way.

“The visitors have provided the children with contextual learning opportunities related to real life. The events have been extremely inspirational and I’m sure the children will remember this week and share its messages with their families.”

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Primary School News

Strange but true The staff and pupils of St Michael’s Primary School, Liverpool have a new addition to their community in the shape of a Superlambanana. As with most of these strange creatures, the St Michael’s Lambanana has been designed with a specific theme in mind. “ We’ve had an emphasis on healthy eating within the school,” said Headteacher, Anthony Hegarty. “So it made sense that the lambanana should reflect that theme. I have to say though that it has caused a lot of interest in the school, and I think it has really caught the children’s imagination.”

City school earns glowing report

The children, staff parents and Governors of Our Lady Immaculate Catholic Primary School are celebrating after receiving a glowing OFSTED report.

The school which is based in Northumberland Terrace, Everton were recently awarded an outstanding report.

The inspectors said, “Our Lady Immaculate is a popular school providing an outstanding education for its pupils... the school enjoys strong support from parents who hold it in exceptionally high regard.”

The Governors of the school congratulated the Headteacher and staff for their continued support and commitment to the children and community of Everton.

Triple top for Sefton school A school in Blundellsands has scored a SATs hat-trick with a perfect set of results in Maths, English and Science.

St Nicholas Church of England Primary School in Nicholas Road, achieved 100 per cent at Level 4 .

The results from exams taken by Year 6 pupils at Key Stage Two last year also revealed a rise in its aggregate points score from 285 to 300.

Becky Woods, headteacher, said: “We are absolutely delighted. We are so pleased and proud of the children. It’s also recognition of the hard work of the staff because we have outstanding teachers at our school. We aim to provide a broad balanced education for all children whilst providing plenty of excellence and enjoyment.

“All schools work hard for the benefit of the children and obviously we are very pleased with our results but all schools within the area and within the country do give the best education possible for the children.”

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Primary School News

Safer walk to school

Headteacher inspires school What a difference a year makes

Benji the lion cub

Walking to school has become safer for pupils at five Liverpool schools - with the help of a lion cub.

Benji, the city's road safety mascot, accompanied children from schools in the Walton area as they explored the areas surrounding their schools to discover how they can make them safer places.

They were taking part in the Our Walk to School project which is targeted at schools in areas which have high child road accident rates.

It involves a training programme designed to increase pupils' knowledge of the roads around the schools, help them deal with traffic and give them a greater sense of independence Different schools take part each year.

This year schools in Walton - Blessed Sacrament Junior, Longmoor Primary School, Rice Lane Junior School, Northcote Primary School and St John's Primary School - participated.

As part of the project the pupils went out on 'missions' to explore the local roads, investigating how they walk to school after which, along with Road Safety Officers and teachers, they identified the dangers they encountered on their route. The children then created a map of the area surrounding the school highlighting the dangers they felt important to them.

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Headteacher, Catherine Fairhurst and pupils celebrate their success

Ofsted inspectors have praised a school which has been transformed in just over a year, thanks to “inspirational” leadership from its head teacher, Miss Catherine Fairhurst.

Knowsley Village primary has gone from a rating of “inadequate” to “good” in just 15 months, with inspectors pouring praise on the quality of teaching and behaviour of pupils.

The report found that improvements made at the school have been “sustained and strengthened” in the last year. It noted: “The inspirational leadership of the executive head teacher is driving the school forward strongly so that it is improving in leaps and bounds. As a result, this is now a good and improving school giving good

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

value for money. Standards have risen significantly and achievement is good because teaching is of consistently good quality.”

Inspectors also praised the “exemplary” behaviour of the pupils and said Knowsley Village is “a happy school where smiles and laughter are the order of the day”.

It added: “By the time they leave, pupils are articulate and confident young people ready to take full advantage of the next steps in their education.”

As well as praising the efforts of the head teacher, the report also acknowledged that all teaching staff and school governors have worked extremely hard to help improve the school in such a short period of time.

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“An Outstanding School” – Ofsted 2008

“All children are encouraged to achieve their best in all aspects of their lives. This is reflected in the outstanding progress that is made throughout the school.”

(Inspection report, March 2008)

St Mary & St Paul’s Church of England Primary School, Prescot We offer high educational standards, a broad and rich curriculum and a caring and inclusive ethos.

We have a limited number of places available throughout the school from Nursery and Reception to Year 6 For more information or to arrange a visit to the school please contact 0151 426 6869 St Mary & St Paul’s CE Primary School Bryer Road, Prescot L35 5DN

At St Mary & St Paul’s every child really does matter!

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Primary School News

St Swithin’s Gold Disc Pupils are top of the hit parade The readers of Educate will remember the story about the musical pupils of Our Lady and St Swithin’s, Liverpool and their foray into pop stardom, and the disc of the songs, which they subsequently cut.

The pupils recently topped off their remarkable Capital of Culture Year with a trip to London to show off their talents.

“It was just brilliant,” said Headteacher, Tony McCaul. “They were with pupils from other parts of the country taking part in the event, which was backed by the Princes Trust Foundation.

When it was their turn, they sung very impressively, and were a credit to their families and the school.”

Pupils from Our Lady and St Swithin’s with their Gold record

Bishop Tom opens play area

Pupils from St Finbar’s school, Liverpool were joined by Bishop Tom Williams when he paid a parish pastoral visit to the Liverpool school.

During his visit Bishop Tom also opened the school’s new Foundation Stage educational play area.

“The Government’s new requirements now demand that all nursery and reception children can access an outdoor learning environment on a daily basis,” said Headteacher, Rita Bibby.

The children managed to hold in their excitement long enough to take part in a little singing and say a few prayers, before enjoying a celebratory cake and setting out to investigate their much welcomed new facilities.

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Extra cash for phonics Children’s Secretary Ed Balls has confirmed £9m of funding for training to develop high quality phonics in early years settings and primary schools, as part of the Government’s drive to ensure every child learns to read.

The £9m will mean that every local authority will have a specialist advisor training and support early years practitioners and primary school teachers.

Ed Balls said: “We know that ensuring children are confident communicators and able to read and write well is vital to their development and progress at school.

“In rolling out the Every Child a Reader programme the Government has committed to providing effective early intervention and ensuring every child gets the help they need to learn to read”.

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Primary School News

Cyber Coach inspires children

The St Michael’s and their mini Lambanana outside The Beatles Story

Film fun for pupils It’s a wrap for St Michael’s DVD St Michaels-in-the-Hamlet’s Young Entrepreneur Group have written and produced a DVD to celebrate Liverpools Capital of Culture Year 08.

The children learnt all of their 12 scripts in two weeks, giving up a lot of time and worked exceptionally hard. They then went to 12 locations over just two days with a mini Lambanana showing it the sights and sounds of Liverpool.

These venues included, the Cathedrals, Goodison and Anfield, the Mersey Ferry, Speke Hall and many more, The children met the Lord Mayor and Graeme Sharp who both feature on the DVD. The DVD entitled ‘A date with 08’ was presented at a 'Dragons Den Competition' on the 26th of February.

The children involved were: Leola Keenan Boateng, Callum Gibson, Antonia Harker, Karla Morris, Ella Fradgley, Jim Fearon, Jack McDermott and Jordyn Tomlinson.

A Knowsley primary school has introduced the latest technology into their PE lessons, after securing lottery bid funding.

St Columba’s Catholic Primary School in Huyton is the first in the borough to pioneer their own Cyber Coach system, in which pupils are taught various dance and fitness routines via a large screen projection. Professional coaches are pre-recorded whilst demonstrating their routine, which can then be projected onto a large screen for pupils to follow step-by-step.

The system, which was originally designed for use in leisure centres, offers a whole host of fitness sessions, including cheerleading, bollywood dancing and step-aerobics. The manufacturers of Cyber Coach are hoping to develop the system to offer curriculum lessons to schools.

Rónán Dunne, Headteacher at the school said: “We are delighted to have been given the opportunity to launch this exciting new scheme. Both staff and pupils really enjoy using Cyber Coach which is also a great way of encouraging the children to get more active. We would like to thank the lottery for supporting us with our bid and making this possible.”

Pupils cause for celebration The children at Malvern Primary School, Huyton, have raised around £2500 recently for good causes!

The pupils raised £1982.23 for Barnardo’s by being sponsored to look after their own egg. Barnardo’s were delighted as this was a lot more than the average that is usually collected.

They also raised £503.77 for Comic Relief, and were asked by the BBC to go to the “Big Screen” in Clayton Square Liverpool, where they were filmed taking part in the Philharmonic Whoopee cushion orchestra. They also played games on the big screen which was broadcast on North West tonight and also on Comic Relief Night.

Headteacher, Mrs Kinsella, said: “We are very proud of our children’s achievements and would like to thank everyone who took part in the fundraising events.

Malvern Primary pupils in Clayton Square Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

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Primary School News

Kitty Wilkinson remembered Commemorating history at St Vincent de Paul’s The staff and pupils of St Vincent de Paul Primary, Liverpool have been proud to learn that their school was once the site of one of the first wash-houses established by the pioneering Kitty Wilkinson.

Their school is now the site of a plaque commemorating the life of this extraordinary woman.

“It was part of our contribution to the Capital of Culture year,” said Headteacher Phil Stewart.

Born in Derry, Kitty emigrated to Liverpool with her family, and found work as a domestic. She soon gained the respect and gratitude of her employers, and was granted her own mangle, which she used to take in laundry. During the cholera epidemic of the early 1830s Kitty established her first washroom in the cellar of her

house, as well as a rudimentary infants school in the bedroom.

“There’s a window in the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral,” said Phil. “But we thought it would be a nice idea to commemorate her too.”

Our Lady’s charity sponsorship deal The footballers of a Merseyside school have taken a leaf out of Spanish soccer giants Barcelona’s book, and adopted a local charity as their shirts sponsors. “ I’d heard that Barcelona had set up with UNICEF to sponsor them as an ongoing charity, and felt that it would be good if we could do something similar with CAFOD,” said Paul Towey, Headteacher of Our Lady’s, Hough Green. “I thought it would make CAFOD highly visible in our school, community and indeed our wider Widnes community. It will give the pupils a greater knowledge of their role as ‘global citizens’.”

Our Lady’s Years 5 and 6 squad with their new kits 18

Hitting all the right notes

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With a nice sense of timing, the Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Cllr Steve Rotheram, was on hand at All Saints Catholic Primary School to present the children with their musical awards won the previous day.

At the Liverpool Music Festival at St George’s Hall, both the school orchestra and the school brass band won their respective classes, making it a double for the school. The success of the orchestra was especially unexpected as the children had only been practising together for four weeks!

The Lord Mayor spoke to all the children about his exciting role, and visited the new premises at the school and the Anfield Children’s Centre.

Mr Barnes, the school’s Headteacher, is very positive about the future of music at the school. “We are planning to form a new brass band in September, and then a wind band later in the next school year. The pupils just want more and more.”

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School News

Launch of new 14-19 Diploma

Hospitality hub for the city

Left to right: James Holden, Academy of Culinary Arts; Katie O’Sullivan, Sapporo Teppanyaki/Il Forno; Andrew Haston, Radisson SAS; Eileen Allen, Springboard UK; Lesley Chadwick, 14-19 Partnership and Mike Corley; Liverpool Compact

The Hope Street Hotel, Liverpool was the venue for the launch of the new 14-19 Diploma in Hospitality and Catering.

The aim of the launch was to inform local businesses in the hospitality and education sectors about the ‘Diploma’ which will be taught in schools and colleges from September 2009. The Diplomas are an alternative to traditional qualifications such as GCSEs & A’ Levels.

Mike Corley, Chief Executive from Liverpool Compact EBP, said: “Diplomas are new, exciting and different because students learn about the Hospitality industry through employer led activities, practical experience in the workplace and classroom study.

Liverpool Community College is the local lead for the Hospitality Diploma in 20

Liverpool and Liverpool schools are arranged into four ‘Travel to Learn’ partnerships and there will be a Hospitality ‘hub’ school in each partnership so by 2013 students from all Liverpool schools will be able to access the diploma.

The schools will also receive handson experience with visits from some of the top chefs in Liverpool who will encourage students with practical lessons such as how to prepare and appreciate food and the cooking processes involved.

The launch of this Diploma is being strongly supported by a host of companies and businesses from Liverpool including: Employer Champions, People 1st, Hope Street Hotel, Sapporo Teppanyaki, Il Forno and Radisson SAS Hotel.

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Students make it big in USA

In February Knowsley Community College sports students and staff made a trip to America to take part in the Papa Johns International Tournament (Soccer) in Wichita, Kansas.

They were highly successful in a number of ways: they won their overall tournament, they won the hearts and minds of their host families, and five of them won scholarships to American universities.

The party consisted of fourteen players and two coaches. They competed against American and Mexican under-19 teams. Before the tournament started the students played against two University teams.

The tournament consisted of playing five games over two days, and the Knowsley team eventually triumphed 1 – 0 in the final against EFC (not Everton Football Club!).

The visit also involved the students touring local Universities and looking at some of the degree programmes on offer, which resulted in four of them being offered scholarships to study at University in the USA. Six others will be back there in the Summer to work on soccer camps.

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Gateacre Community Comprehensive School Arts and Humanities Specialist College

“Specialist status has also brought about a rejuvenation of the school’s enrichment activities, especially in the arts, educational trips and visits.

This is having a positive effect on students’ levels of motivation.”

“Students enjoy school…”

“Specialist status is also helping to revitalise the after school enrichment activities in sport to add to students’ acquisition of healthier lifestyles.”

Ofsted inspection 2007

Grange Lane, Gateacre Liverpool L25 4SD Tel: 0151 428 1569 Fax: 0151 421 1349 Email: gateacre-ao@gateacre.liverpool.sch.uk

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Meet the Headteacher Paul Dickinson, Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College

The future of Archbishop Beck as one of the government’s multi-million pound ‘Schools for the Future’ is causing great excitement at the school where leadership in the community has become one of its most valued attributes. Headteacher Paul Dickinson told us why the move forwards is important for pupils and for future generations…

Ready to face the future Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College on Cedar Road in Walton is a pioneering school in the north end of the city, most recently celebrating an excellent OFSTED report, and enjoying its specialist status for sporting success.

Headteacher Paul Dickinson took the role of managing the establishment 18 months ago, in a return to the school where he first worked as a newly qualified teacher (NQT) in 1988. Much has changed in that time, particularly in the general perception of the school. Two years and four months ago, it was placed under special measures, but staff and pupils have worked hard to move forwards, as the recent OFSTED ratings show. Paul commented: “We’re not there yet but we’re moving in an upward trend in the results and in the culture of the school; there’s also a much more positive feel to the school now”. Outstanding features noted by the inspectors were the school’s leadership and management, care, support and guidance, as well as the capacity to improve in the future – something which is clearly close to Paul’s heart: “One key thing we work on here is the principle of respect. We’ve a very strong Christian mission statement and set of values, and respect is of the utmost 22

importance. That means between the staff, between the pupils, and from student to staff and vice versa. I think I could ask anyone in this school what we stand for here and that’s what they’d say – respect is crucial because once you have that, everything else falls into place.”

The mixed secondary school of pupils aged from 11 to 18 offers places to more than 1200 pupils, many of whom recently took part in Liverpool’s Performing Arts Festival at St George’s Hall. A number of soloists musicians achieved medals for their skills while the senior band won the School Band Festival for the fourth year running and the junior training band also succeeded in the appropriate category for the fifth consecutive year. Extra curricular achievements and skills are valued at Archbishop Beck for developing children for the workplace and to succeed in the modern world.

Paul’s own favourite subject at school was P.E., and he’s found that the subject is also popular with many of the pupils at the college: “It is a fantastic specialism to have as so many of the students will say that sport and games are some of the favourite things to study. We are very fortunate to have been awarded that specialist status.

“One strand of that which is very important is leadership. One of the issues

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which I feel we have across the city is that we have so many children keen to take part in sports but training them up to be able to lead and coach in different sports in their area is something that needs to be developed. We want to create students here who are equipped to go out into the community and start up a sporting club and run courses themselves. I walked into the sports hall the other day and one of out year 10 pupils was umpiring a basketball match – we’re giving them the skills to not just be participators, but leaders.

“I really do believe there is a sport out there for every child and that if you can encourage them to do something they enjoy then you are giving them something they can rely on throughout their lives. It helps a child to develop as an individual.”

As a result, the college now offers tennis, handball, fitness, basketball, dance and cheerleading. Paul added: “When I was growing up the emphasis was just football really – which I loved – but it’s much better now that it’s becoming easier to access other sports.” The school’s new tennis centre also encompasses a dance studio and caters for a multitude of sports for students, and the college’s partner schools. The local junior schools, ten of which are affiliated to Archbishop beck, come and use the facilities, and are

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Interview by Lucy Oliver coached by students who are passionate in the different sporting fields.

Paul’s own passion for teaching came after a stint working in retail, at Macro in Manchester, and his career aspirations have been well satisfied in the city where he was born. He grew up on the edge of Sefton Park and attended St Clare’s Primary School before passing his 11 plus exams to qualify for a place at St Francis Xavier’s in Gateacre. Keen on football as a lad, he left school to study geography, environmental studies and divinity at Christ College, now Liverpool Hope University, and then went back after leaving retail to study for his postgraduate in the same subject, and his Masters in management and curriculum. After working in several schools in the city, including Cardinal Heenan and Alsop high, as well as taking a secondment with the local authority to look at leadership in schools across the city, he was offered the chance to return to Archbishop Beck as headteacher. With extensive experience in the management side of education, it’s clear that his desire for the school to produce leaders of the future is something that’s close to his heart.

“

We’re giving them the skills to not just be participators, but leaders

”

Future plans for the college are exciting pupils and staff at the school. Being the government’s sample school for the Building Schools for the Future (BSF) £30 million programme means entering previously unchartered territory, but Paul and his senior management team are well equipped: “Scott Prisco is an American architect who has been working very closely with us on the design - he did the Microsoft School of the Future in Philadelphia. Our ideas for the new build are innovative as education is moving forwards. We’re not going to be knowledge driven but driven by skills.

“When the new school opens, every child will be given their own portable laptop computer. The knowledge they need is accessible on the screen in front of them.”

The brand new building will come about after a consultation process with parents and the local community over the course of the next year. Students at the

current school and local junior schools will also be presented with the designs, “as the school is going to be built for them.”

The future of the school is not, however, merely a distant dream that’s still on the drawing board; the school is very focussed on what can be achieved now. Paul adds: “We’re about to hold a Hope for the Future themed Mass at the Metropolitan Cathedral to be said by the bishop and we’re looking forward to that. All the partner schools will be attending and taking part in the liturgy in different ways to share the celebration. Liverpool has had a bad press in the past but we have some wonderful children who live here who just get on with their lives and achieve some wonderful things, and this should be

flagged up. They’re a credit to their families, and I’m really looking forward to this opportunity to celebrate that.” For a school where the motto is ‘Only the best will do’, there’s no doubt that Archbishop Beck, now and in the future, will succeed.

Dickinson File Born: 1964, Liverpool Education: St Clare’s Primary and S.F.X, followed by Christ College (Liverpool Hope University) Career: 1988, first teaching job at Archbishop Beck where he stayed for five years, becoming head of the geography department.

2007, returned to Archbishop Beck as headteacher.

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Focus Group

Why the book is best for our children Educate’s roundtable

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Frank Cottrell-Boyce is a writer and parent, passionate about the importance of reading to a child’s upbringing and future prospects. Jo Pollard is a retired English teacher with a life-long passion for books. Jan Hunt is a mother of three teenagers but struggles to get her youngest to read for pleasure. Jim Toal is a retired teacher and a father of four. Andrew Foxley is the lead bookseller at Waterstone’s, and enjoys advising parents and teachers on new titles. Kate Deegan-Spragg is the children’s services co-ordinator for Knowsley, helping parents and toddlers to enjoy reading together and encouraging teens back into the library.

What is your knowledge as a parent of the resources used to improve literacy in schools?

JH: At primary school, my children could change the book every day and parents were encouraged to read with their children.

KH: There are a number of reading schemes, such as the 360 scheme in one school where I taught. It sends a diary out with the book to parents and children have to take it out for a number of weeks. Even if they’ve read it, they have to read it again and again. With the juniors, the children can choose their own books for their enjoyment and there’s an extensive library within the class. They kept a reading record of the types of books they were choosing, and then as the teacher you could ask them to choose something different, a different genre.

When the book club came in and you could buy books of the school, that was also based on what the children liked, like the Horrid Henry stories.

AF: I think it’s good to encourage them to broaden their horizons but sometimes pushing them to read something that doesn’t interest them though can be off-putting.

JP: In secondary there’s a class book which everyone reads together.

KH: I’ve found though that lots of the books chosen by schools for the library are what I’d call ‘boys’ books’, like Ken Sooks’ ‘Kingdom’ and ‘Goodnight Mister Tom’ where, again, the boy is the main character. The girls enjoy them too, but they have been chosen for boys.

AF: That gender divide is less obvious at a younger age, but it becomes more noticeable with teenagers. For the eight to 12s, fewer books are less specific and there’s more of a crossover.

JP: You see the bright pink covers, and they’re all aimed at teenage girls.

AF: yes, There’s a lot of that. (All laugh)

Above: Andrew Foxley, Waterstones’ lead bookseller on Bold Street, Jo Pollard, retired English teacher

KH: You need boys’ and girls’ books. We have exercises where we get a group of boys to chose a book for the girls or vice versa- and it gets them to think about other people’s reading.

FCB: I was in a school last week and I was amazed at the diversity as some schools have no library at all. At one other school I had a horrendous experience. The school had a great reputation and the teacher was young and lovely, but when I started reading to the children she said to them “Now, we’re going to listen out for sentence structure, endings and beginnings” and it was dreadful trying to read after that. It was like going out on a date and saying to someone, ‘I want to see some body mirroring’ – it was really awful. I think that one thing which is being missed here and across the board is that pleasure is crucial to learning.

It’s not some wimpy, side-issue. One recent report on the radio that’s come out said that the biggest marker for success in your career is, ‘do you read for pleasure?’ – not, ‘are you functionally literate, can you deconstruct language?’

JT: That’s interesting. What was the age group you were reading to?

FCB: That’s the shocking thing – they were year four. She spoke to them as if they were a group of trainee writers – and we don’t need any more writers in the world. The weird thing, and as someone who has worked in a cut and thrust competitive industry like the film industry, and banking isn’t dissimilar, is how little writing and reading goes on at work and how much talking and listening goes on in its place. The people who become unbelievably successful you will never see with a pen in their hand – they’re really good at listening and responding to you. One of the reasons that reading out loud at school is important is for this – but that teacher made them not listen to me. Pleasure is crucial to everything Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

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Focus Group

From left: Frank Cottrell-Boyce, writer and parent, Jim Toal, father of four and a retired teacher and Kathie Howard, primary school teacher working as a supply teacher

that you learn. When you’re out playing in the garden you don’t say to a child, ‘right we’re going to work on your spatial awareness skills, general fitness, hand and eye co-ordination and, if you get really good in three years, we’ll have a kick-around.’

KDS: From a public library perspective, before you open a book you need to look at the space you’re providing for the young people. St John’s is a project in Knowsley at the moment in which young people co-manage the services.

They have a space to use and decide what furniture and resources they’d like and let them choose the books. It’s been an eye-opener as we make so many assumptions about what teens like. If you start from seeing what they pick up themselves then you get a very good idea. We used to buy a lot of fiction but we’ve found they actually prefer high graphic coffee table top stuff with pictures. It’s a starting point and may encourage them to look at other things later.

JP: It has to start at home though, and not just at school, but that’s difficult when parents are tired after work.

Where do you think methods in school are lacking?

FCB: Literacy is different from reading books.

One away to encourage parents to read with their children would be if they saw that UNESCO report, as that would make them take more trouble. Parents are willing to pay fees, drive miles to the best schools and hire tutors, but if they knew how effective it is just to read with their child then maybe they’d do that. In schools, it should be an end of the week treat and something to be looked forward to – not like maths on a Monday morning with high levels of functionality and no pleasure. It should be a treat for parents to cuddle up with their kids for a good read. I was in a school in London one morning and I was there to read, with a question and answer session afterwards, but the children were putting their hands up while I

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was reading.

It wasn’t that they were rude, they just didn’t understand the transaction that was taking place, that I was reading to them, as they weren’t used to it.

KH: The major thing in primary schools at the moment is The Big Write where the children have to analyse text for writing. As a teacher, we do it so much that even I find it hard to switch off becomes it’s so engrained. When it comes to writing about books, the children’s vocabulary is much more developed I find than when we’re just talking about books – and we should concentrate more on that. Every school I go into has on one of the classroom walls the ‘VCOP’ standing for vocabulary, connectives, sentence openers and punctuation which they have to find in all the books they read and make notes about.

JT: There’s just reams of this, along with aims and targets at secondary level – whereas if you read for enjoyment you pick all that sort of stuff up anyway.

FCB: There’s a whole bunch of young people who don’t read, who’ve picked that up from their parents and teachers who also don’t read; it feels to me like ‘literacy’ is an anti-reading campaign.

What can schools do to help their children?

KH: There is a problem with some books being written seemingly to fit the relevant criteria.

In one of them there was a female lorry driver as though to keep the girls interested, but it was a topic for boys that was just disguised.

KDS: This is where schools and libraries need to work together to have a good selection of non-fiction and fiction, and they can work together and complement one another.

KH: The school I taught in didn’t have the space for a library and didn’t have links with the local library either – even though it was close.

JP: In my experience, money for books was always bottom of the list.

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FCB: Lots of schools are even chucking out books.

KDS: Not every school has a library service, but Knowsley does. Schools can change their resources over regularly and share them; it’s really a very good service.

Are computers a help or a hindrance in a library?

FCB: Working with computers is just improving functional literacy in schools. The library is not the right place for them. Schools need toilets but you wouldn’t put them in the dining room, and renaming the library as a learning resource centre is completely wrong. Children need to know that the same word applies to Central library, the British Library – it’s a sense of empowerment. The school libraries are places where the kids with learning disabilities, the clever kids, whoever, can all hang out, and it’s a melting pot; it’s a safe environment and takes you on to something else. When I’m invited to a school by a teacher it can be a bit hit or miss, but if the librarian invites me then I know it’ll be great because they’re in touch with the cultural life in the school.

KDS: In the early 80s I used to work for a state of the art learning resource centre in Liverpool, with brand new computers, but all of the books they stocked were from the 60s. I was amazed that they thought they would appeal to the children.

FCB: There’s a danger in that you’re always playing ‘catch up’ with what the children may be into. You said then that those computers were ‘state of the art’, but so many headteachers have proudly shown me their state of the art computer suits and they don’t look that ‘state of the art’ at all – and I’m sure they don’t to the kids either. Schools shouldn’t need to try and be trendy. A lot more children have access to really good computers at home than they do to good books.

What can parents do?

AF: We have a few parents coming in buying

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books for their children’s reading schemes, but they haven’t been encouraged to develop their children’s reading – perhaps because the school wants to keep them all on the same level. In some cases they feel that their children are being held back.

FCB: One reason children can get bored with learning to read is that there’s so much more going on in their heads, which can be more exciting than what’s on the page. If in your head you’re imagining dragons and monsters, and then the book says ‘Biff wanted new trainers’ then of course it’s boring. Some of the classics are amazing, they’re just hard to get through, so we should be reading to them.

KDS: In the Knowsley libraries we try to bring parents and children together to read and schools now have family literacy sessions for those who struggle with reading. We have schemes where you’ll take a basic picture book and put a CD with it, props and a puppet to bring it to life, and parents will engage in that with the child.

JH: I’ve always read books to my children, we’d all sit down together. My teenage son though has no interest at all now, even though my daughters do enjoy reading and one of them is going to be going to university to study English.

He’s 13 and if he finds one he likes then it’s OK; recently he read a Dan Brown book, but I bought him anther one after that and he didn’t want to know. He’d read his one book for the holidays!

Does it matter what children read?

FCB: I would say that it does have to be some fiction. Did your son like the Harry Potter books?

JH: Yes, he liked those, but we all read those together over the summer. He gets on OK at school; it’s just that it’s not his first choice of something to do of an evening.

KH: My daughter lost interest at around the same age and she’d loved books when she was younger. Once she’d finished the Jacqueline Wilson books, she’d only read the odd book. I think that’s sad. Why don’t they like reading any more?

FCB: We hear all the time about this ‘pressure on teenagers’ but it’s not as if they’re being blitzed or evacuated. (All laugh) It’s obviously to do with distractions on the internet, like Facebook. My daughter’s 18 and she’ll sit there updating it but that’s not the same as reading fiction which takes you out of yourself to somewhere else. It teaches you to concentrate, which is really in short supply. You have to be able to hold something in your head.

AF: What’s interesting from our perspective is with TV and films of books, such as Harry Potter and Twilight. People complain about books being made into films, but that does draw people into reading the books, and they’ll race

Above: Kate Deegan-Spragg, children’s services co-ordinator for Knowsley and Jan Hunt, mother of three teenagers, aged 13, 15 and 17

For more information about the reading services and provision offered in Knowlsey, telephone the library service on 0151 482 1849.

Support your local library, and look out for schemes to increase your child’s school library’s stock of books.

Useful links: www.readingmatters.co.uk www.worldbookday.com

ahead to read them.

JH: It’s so much better though if you watch the film after the book. I got ours to read the books first.

KDS: When The Golden Compass came out, that book became very popular and others were taking out other related books from the library, which we put out on display.

What would you like to see as teachers and parents to encourage children to read?

FCB: Reading to a class should be seen as more important, as the children always love it – no matter what age they are, even when they’re 16.

KDS: I think that needs to happen in libraries as well as in schools. I used to love that slot on a Friday afternoon where the teacher read to us.

It’s that element of serendipity – something that you may not have chosen yourself but you’ll be glad you read it.

AF: We’ve tried to set up a session here for parents to come with their children and read, but it needs to be on a more regular basis I feel.

KDS: We have a ‘Words and Pictures ‘session for parents and children which are very wellattended.

JT: The drama side at school brought all different abilities together in a fantastic experience, although that’s not really seen as something which could help a child’s reading.

FCB: As reading isn’t on the curriculum any more, that’s why libraries are so important, along with anything that can make reading happen off the curriculum. It can be done but it needs a librarian who’s skilled.

KDS: It’s also about creative ways to engage people. Last year was the National Year of Reading and in Knowsley we had poets invited into the borough for the day and they went into shops, cafes and just recited poetry to people – it just brought a little bit of imagination to things.

What were your favourite childhood books?

AF: I always adored Roald Dahl books like The Witches and it was amazing looking back as an adult to see how subversive some of those stories are. Kids love that little bit of anarchy and craziness.

JP: I loved Enid Blyton.

JH: So did I especially The Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton.

KDS: I loved all the Grimm fairytales and Andrew Lang, and all the Enid Blyton and The Bobsy Twins, Milly Molly Mandy books as well.

FCB: I liked Andrew Lang and George MacDonald.

JT: I read all of the Agatha Christie novels.

People say there’s too much pressure to read but I think a good book like that is actually an escape from the pressure.

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Schools Minister praises pupils Record numbers achieving the expected levels

Education Bill before the House The Education and Skills Bill which would introduce a requirement to remain in education or training beyond the current statutory leaving age of 16, was recently debated at third reading in the Lords.

Baroness Morgan, Parliamentary Under-Secretary, Department for Children, Schools and Families, moved an amendment committing to undertake a review of the enforcement process for young people who did not comply with the duty to participate so that the system may be improved. She emphasised that young people should be offered appropriate support and a real learning option before any enforcement action could be started. There must be a process of administrative sanctions, support and dialogue with the young person concerned before they reach a youth court, she insisted.

Baroness Walmsley stated that the Liberal Democrats had consistently opposed the compulsion element of the Bill.

Responding, Baroness Morgan argued that if the statutory duty was extended to 18-year-olds then it would make sense to place similar duty on other providers of post-16 education which raised a range of practical and legal difficulties while not necessarily providing any clear benefits.

At the close of the debate, the Bill was passed at third reading and returned to the House of Commons with amendments.

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Schools Minister Sarah McCarthyFry has praised the hard work of pupils and teachers across the country as the Department for Children, Schools and Families published the Primary School Achievement and Attainment Tables.

The results showed record numbers of children achieving the expected level in English, maths and the two subjects combined. Science results remained stable with 88 per cent of 11-year-olds reaching the expected level.

The final, revised national figures showed that: • 73 per cent of children left primary school having reached the expected level in English and maths, compared with 53 per cent in 1997 • A record 81 per cent achieved Level 4 at English, a 1 percentage point rise from 2007 • 79 per cent reached the expected level in maths compared to 77 per cent in 2007 • Figures for science remain stable with almost nine out of 10 students

reaching level four in the subject; and, • 87 per cent of pupils reached the expected level in Reading while 68 per cent achieved Level 4 for writing.

Sarah McCarthy-Fry (above), said: “The difficulties faced during this year’s tests were well publicised and I would like to thank all the teachers who have been affected for their professionalism while the issue was resolved. It is reassuring to note that very few schools were not attributed results in the Achievement and Attainment Tables and that Ofqual has stated that the quality of marking is at least as good as it has been in previous years”.

Recession impacts on students graduation Many students are “very • 28% of students in the concerned” at their lack of North West are receiving job prospects after less financial support from graduation, according to a their parents as a result of survey commissioned by the recession the National Union of Liverpool Guild of Students (NUS).

Students President, The survey, entitled "The Danielle Grufferty Danielle Grufferty, said: Recession and its effects on “This year, the Government will be students", found that: looking at how higher education is • 77% of current students in the North funded, and many university vice West are “concerned” or “very chancellors are already calling for concerned” by current graduate students to be charged even higher fees. employment levels and their likely Students from the North West will be future job prospects joining with NUS to make it clear that • 19% of students in the North West are we will not stand for this, particularly in now more likely to enter into postsuch a harsh economic climate”. graduate study immediately after

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National School News

Views on guidance

Teenage drinking Parents, teenagers and carers in Merseyside are among those being asked to share their views on guidance around young people and alcohol.

Medical guidance being published for the consultation by Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, recommends that young people up to the age of 15 should avoid alcohol altogether.

However, the harsh reality is that by the age of 15 many young people will have already consumed alcohol, often drinking weekly. Five per cent of 11 - 14 year olds in Liverpool, eight per cent in Sefton and six per cent in Knowsley said in an Ofsted survey they have been drunk three or more times in the past four weeks (source: Ofsted Tell Us3 survey 2008).

Further statistics show that: • Across Merseyside there were on average almost 450 hospital admissions of under 18s each year due to alcohol-specific conditions, with Liverpool and Wirral together accounting for well over half of those. (source: North West Public Health Observatory) • Just under a quarter of children aged 11 – 15 in England said they get alcohol from their parents (source: NHS Information Centre).

New online support centre Support for people affected by self-harm A new, unique, online resource for young people affected by self-harm has been launched in response to increasing rates of self-harm in the UK, as identified in the report of the National Inquiry into self-harm among young people ‘Truth Hurts’.

The Inquiry found that one in 15 young people in the UK had selfharmed, and identified a need for ‘much better web-based information on self-harm.

The new resource is hosted on YouthNet’s guide to life for 16 to 24year-olds, TheSite.org at www.TheSite.org/selfharm and provides detailed information on the subject through podcasts, video, written articles, real-life stories and case studies.

Young people can also support, and gain support from, other young people through specialist discussion boards moderated by the charities.

Professional advice is available via a confidential question and answer service and a series of live chats.

Usually, young people who self-harm do so as a way of coping with complex and difficult situations which can range from mental health problems to

bereavement, bullying or abuse. The new self-harm resource is positioned within TheSite.org’s Health & Wellbeing section to allow young people to easily and quickly access information and advice, to help them deal with some of the issues that might be causing their self-harming behaviour.

Fiona Dawe, Chief Executive of YouthNet, says: “Never before has there been such a comprehensive offering of self-harm advice and information, combined with peer-topeer support, available online.

“By working directly with young people affected by the issue, we have been able to create fantastic visual, audio and written content which is relevant, interesting, and inclusive allowing us to get help to young people how they want it, when they need it.”

Unions consider boycott of primary school tests The Executive of the National Union of Teachers and the Council of the National Association of Head Teachers decided unanimously, at their March meetings, to put to their 2009 Annual Conferences identical resolutions calling for a boycott of the 2010 Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum tests.

Both organisations have agreed that any continuation of the statutory tests as a requirement beyond 2009 would be unacceptable for the future of children's education.

Peter Price, Chair of the National Primary Headteachers (NPH), said: “As

Peter Price

many of our colleagues who are union members of either the NAHT or the NUT consider what action to take should

there be a request to boycott next year’s Key Stage Two SAT’s it is important for members of NPH to know clearly the position of their Executive committee.

“Contrary to the opinions of some of our politicians there is also a wealth of evidence to say that the vast majority of parents are strongly opposed to SAT’s as they are presently applied to our year six children.

“Do we think that our children should be tested at all? We clearly say yes they should but it is how they are tested and for what purpose that the debate and anger rages”.

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CALDERSTONES SCHOOL A Specialist Science College Harthill Road, Liverpool L18 3HS Tel: 0151 724 2087 Quotes from OFSTED, November 2007:

“Th is is a g o o d sch o o l th at p ro v id e s an e ffe c tiv e e d uc atio n fo r its stud e n ts an d e n jo ys th e o v e rwh e lm in g sup p o rt o f th e ir p are n ts” “… th e c are an d g uid an c e p ro v id e d fo r stud e n ts are o utstan d in g ” “.. stud e n ts fro m m an y d iffe re n t faith s, c ulture s, an d so c ial an d e c o n o m ic b ackg ro un d s wo rk an d p lay we ll to g e th e r” “Stan d ard s are ab o v e av e rag e , an d h av e b e e n fo r a n um b e r o f ye ars, an d stud e n ts ach ie v e we ll” “Pe rso n al d e v e lo p m e n t is o utstan d in g ” “Stud e n ts’ sp iritual, m o ral, so c ial an d c ultural d e v e lo p m e n t is o utstan d in g ” “…. we ll d e v e lo p e d e c o n o m ic aware n e ss, se lf-e ste e m an d se lf-c o n fid e n c e wh ich p re p are stud e n ts we ll fo r future life ”

Archbishop Beck will be presenting its Annual

"Last Night of the Proms" On July 14th at the College commencing at 7.30 p.m Tickets will be £3.00 for adults and £1.00 for children Tickets will be available from the College Office from July 1st Or Contact the Director of Music Mr Hicks for further information On 0151 525 6326

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Archbishop Blanch CE High School A Technology College & Training School

Mount Vernon Road, Liverpool L7 3EA email: admin@blanch.org.uk

tel: 0151 709 1452

website:www.abblanch.com

“The Headteacher is passionately committed to make this good school outstanding…… she leads the school well and has a clear focus on school improvement” Ofsted 2008 “The school, through its distinctive Christian character, is outstanding at meeting the needs of all learners” SIAS Ofsted 2008 “Good transition arrangements enable year 7 pupils to settle well” Ofsted 2008

OPEN EVENING FOR YEAR 7 ADMISSION 2010

6 JULY 2009 at 6.00 p.m.

A VERY WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU Pupils’ excellent personal development is evident in lessons and around the school. Their courtesy and outstanding behaviour were apparent throughout the inspection.” Ofsted 2008 Apply for a place on your daughter’s aptitude for Music or Art

Archbishop Blanch is a good school, where good teaching and pastoral care of an outstanding quality enable pupils to achieve well.

Pupils show outstanding levels of personal development, demonstrated by their excellent behaviour and maturity for their age.

The broad and balanced curriculum meets statutory requirements and provides well for the needs of all pupils, including those who are very able.

Ofsted 2008

Winner of the School’s Food Trust ‘School of the Month Competition’ for Healthy Eating

Pupils speak positively of the friendliness and approachability of staff, and of how much they enjoy school. They are made to feel safe and secure in a school which values all its members and has clear expectations for the part they all need to play in fostering an inclusive and welcoming Christian community.

SIAS Ofsted 2008

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Meet the Headteacher Dr David Dennison, St Margaret’s Church of England High School

St Margaret’s C of E School is a school steeped in history and tradition. The Aigburth school was originally founded by Alderman William Preston, one time Mayor of Liverpool, and the Vicar of St Margaret’s, Anfield, Reverend John Sheepshanks back in 1879. The school was built before Liverpool’s football ground, and in all that time the school has had only eight headteachers.

It’s all a matter of pride The present headteacher, Dr David Dennison, has been at St Margaret’s for 14 years. In 1981 David gained a Doctorate in Biological Sciences and his love for the Sciences also means that even today he is still involved in research as an Associate Professor of Education at Liverpool Hope University looking at developing new Masters Degrees for the teaching profession.

St Margaret’s is a well-respected and successful school with a proven record of high academic standards taught in a caring Christian family atmosphere. The school is proud to proclaim its Technology and Language College Status and all that this brings to the raising of educational standards. We have 83% 5 A*-C GCSEs and 97.5% A Level pass rate.

So how does the school maintain this constant level of success? Dr David said: “Our success is down to partnership, a partnership between parents, the school and students and when all three play their part you are then in a very good position to bring out the best in youngsters.

“The school of course not only has to provide the highest quality of teaching but also provide the right learning opportunities. It has to also supply a strong pastoral support system and I think here at St Margaret’s we have just got the balance right and that is why we achieved these 34

results, which is very good for an all boys’ school.

“It is true to say that all our staff are academically extremely well qualified and allied with that we have high expectations of the students and this encourages us to aspire.

“Church schools have a reputation of offering good pastoral support and being a soft option, at St Margaret’s it is far from a soft option, the youngsters are expected to work extremely hard and really apply themselves because second best isn’t any good.

Clearly when you visit the school you can see that the relationships between the boys themselves and the boys and the staff is very tangible, you can almost feel it.

Just by walking around the school and going into classrooms you can see that there are very good relationships between the staff and the students and that in turn all good relationships feed in to effective teaching and learning which is very important.

As a Diocesan school, the staff of St Margaret’s are keen to show the importance which is given to regular worship, religious education in the classroom and the general presentation of Christianity in the school family. The school presents the teachings of Our Lord but recognises that commitment is a

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matter for the individual. They want everyone to enjoy their time here, be proud of their school and uphold the principles that underpin a Christian School.

Dr David said: “We are one of three Diocesan schools in the city and because we are in the same organization there are plenty of opportunities to do things together and to support each other and to encourage each other and in that way you gain quite a lot educationally and from the symbiotic relationship between the three schools.

“The Church is also there to offer advice should we need it and to support the school and it is also there for the big events in the life of the school so when it comes to prize evening when we get to use the Cathedral.”

“We get to use what must be one of the largest Cathedrals in the world and that is rather special”.

The school has a wide catchment area that includes not only central Liverpool but also Knowsley and Sefton, the school is keen to emphasize that all children have an equal right to come to St Margaret’s, they must also realize that competition to get into the school is very high.

St Margaret’s has had a lot of building work going on over the last few years which has included a number of new buildings and the building both staff and

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Interview by Alan Birkett students are most proud of is the new £2 million cricket and sports centre which has caught the imagination of not only the students and staff but also the community.

The school has not only invested in the sports centre, but also a new Sixth Form Centre and Humanities Centre.

One of the latest achievements of the school is the fact that St Margaret’s has become a joint specialist school in technology and languages, a feat that Dr David is rightly proud of. “When I moved to St Margaret’s the staff were totally sold on becoming a specialist school so right from my first day there was real enthusiasm for us to pursue specialist status.

“We became a Technology College in 1997, and in those days you have to remember that you had to get quite a lot of sponsorship, we were really fortunate that Fords gave us a really handsome cheque to get the ball rolling.

“Once we established ourselves as a Technology College it was very clear to the

“

The youngsters are expected to work extremely hard and really apply themselves

”

students and the parents that there was a tremendous amount to be gained. The pupils really appreciated the access to high tech equipment and far greater access to computers and other technological devices.”

Clearly as the schools reputation grows and their examination results rise upwards, and after some very good Ofsted inspections, they were invited by the Specialist School Trust to take on another specialism.

“They advised us to take on something that would be a challenge, so we thought about it and with Liverpool being the Capital of Culture and trying to establish itself in Europe that it would be a good idea to become a Language College.

“With the school being a Specialist Technology College and a Language College we thought that they linked together, being able to work with the technology and also through developing the language side, although initially you may not think them as working well, they have in actual fact come together.

“There is a lot of scope for us and we have an enthusiastic department that is driving us forward. The way it is being presented and the new teaching methods to the boys has really enthused us, and the fact they are gaining many more resources and having access to French, German and Spanish nationals who are able to talk to them in their languages bodes well for the future”.

For a school that has had eight headteachers since 1879 and the fact that many of their staff have been with them for many years shows that the continuity of the school brings success, also the fact

that they intend education at St Margaret’s to be life-lasting and life-enhancing says a lot for the school that will surely be a round for long, long time.

Dennison File Born: Ormskirk Career: In 1981, Gained a Doctorate in Biological Sciences, at Edge Hill; Formby High School for six years; Head of Biology at Hutton Grammar School; Archbishop Temple School as Deputy Head for one year and then promoted to the Head of Archbishop Temple School; 1995 became Head of St Margaret’s C of E High School

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Secondary School News

A voice to be heard Success for speakers

Pupils make their mark Olivia Beesley receives her winners cheque from Mrs Bernadette Platt

The Soroptimist International Public Speaking Competition was recently held at Broughton Hall RC High School.

Representatives from schools in the Liverpool area each delivered a three minute speech on the topics of “Does it matter what we wear?” or “Is money ruining sport or not?”

The standard of entries was extremely high and the eventual overall winner was Olivia Beesley, a Year 10 pupil at Archbishop Blanch School. She received her trophy and a cheque for £100 from Mrs Bernadette Platt, the President of the Soroptimist Society, South Lancashire Region.

Following her success Olivia gave an interview on BBC Radio Merseyside about her experience.

Miss Jane Griffiths, Headteacher of Archbishop Blanch School, said “we are very proud of Olivia and fellow student Leanne Kirby who also entered the competition and received a book token for £25”.

Contestants from the six competing secondary schools each received Certificates of Achievement.

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Broadgreen International School pupils have made a positive mark on the school yard facing Queens Drive with a new Graffiti artwork celebrating the recent renaming of the school.

The year 9 pupils worked with a local graffiti artist Keiran Gorman of Zap Graffiti. The following pupils participated Sean Duffy, Kayliegh Maffet, Paige Sumner- Senel, George Rutherford, Jake Sedgewick, Baltizar Ntwali, Belinda Parry, Daniel Bird, Daniel Standley, Liam Smaje, Holly Clarke and Adan Lemdani all in year 9.

Building blocks Liverpool school first for transformational funding Pupils of Alsop High School in Walton are celebrating news they are the first to benefit from the £500 million Building Schools for the Future programme – which will see every secondary school in Liverpool rebuilt or refurbished.

The new facility, designed by 2020 Liverpool, will accommodate a dance studio, areas for dining and socialising, classrooms with retractable walls and bright, open atrium areas. Builders Morgan Ashurst will also refurbish an existing building, which dates back to 1926, to improve teaching facilities for maths and science.

Councillor Marilyn Fielding, Liverpool City Council’s executive member for

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Safer, Stronger Communities, said: “As Chair of Governors at Alsop School, I’m absolutely thrilled that work on this exciting scheme is now up-andrunning. It will transform education at the school for generations to come.

“Alsop is Liverpool’s biggest school, and it’s vital that it provides 21st century learning facilities. So I’m delighted that it is the first of our Building Schools for the Future projects to get underway. It’s great news for the whole community.” Alsop High School is due to be completed in January 2011.

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St Margaret’s C E High School Aigburth Road, Liverpool L17 6AB “Achievement by faith and work” - the key to St Margaret’s success

OPEN EVENING For September 2010 prospective pupils and parents on THURSDAY 2nd JULY 6.00pm to 9.00pm

Admissions information presentations will be held in the school hall at 6.00pm, 6.30pm, 7.00pm, 7.30pm and 8.30pm

• 150 boys accepted into Year 7 from the Liverpool Diocese (Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley) in September 2010.

• Continued for 2010 entry – 15% of boys selected by examination held in September 2009.

• Year 9 National Curriculum Test results are well above national averages for boys in English, Mathematics and Science, maintaining excellent performances in the three core subjects.

• Over 80% of boys gained five or more GCSE passes at grades A* to C in 2008.

• 97% pass rate at Advanced Level in our £1m co-educational Sixth Form Centre.

• £1.5m Design Technology and Humanities Teaching Suites.

• New £2m Cricket and Sports Centre open for all our students.

• St Margaret’s is a Technology & Language College, a specialist school, providing excellent facilities including 250 networked computers giving all students internet and e-mail access.

• Entrance Exam Sat 26th Sept 2009 www.stmargaretshigh.com

"Students feel that the whole ethos of St Margaret’s offers something which ‘will be with them for life’.

In a safe and secure environment they are challenged to aim high regardless of their starting point.”

National Society Statutory School Inspection of Anglican Schools 2007

“Attendance is high, students show enthusiasm in lessons and their behaviour is exemplary.” Ofsted 2007

COME AND SEE WHAT WE CAN OFFER YOUR SON Visiting the school ‘at work’ is the best way to find out what makes St Margaret’s that bit special.

Tours of the school will take place on Mon 14th , Tues 15th, Wed 16th, Mon 21st, Tues 22nd, Wed 23rd, September at 9.30am Contact the school on 0151 427 1825

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Notre Dame Catholic College for the arts The highest achieving girls’ school in the country for student progress Now enrolling our new Year 7 intake for September 2009.

Limited places available Interviews for Sixth Form places will take place in May 2009 Girls of all faiths welcome to apply.

For further details or to arrange a visit, call us now on

0151 263 3104 Headteacher: Miss C B McCann BA MSc Everton Valley L4 4EZ ao@notredame.liverpool.sch.uk www.notredameliverpool.com

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Secondary School News

Hitting all the right notes Arts College celebrate in colourful style St John Bosco Arts College celebrated their annual Prize Giving at the very prestigious Philharmonic Hall recently.

It was a wonderful celebration enjoyed by staff, students and guests alike. The students entertained the audience with Music and Dance in a whole range of styles and genres showcasing the many talents of the Arts College.

The awards given out to the pupils showed a real dedication and testament to learning and the pride the college takes in the student’s successes and achievements.

The guest speaker was Radio City’s Claire Morrow who gave a really inspiring speech reaching right out to the students. She spoke to the girls about her own time at school and the

importance of personal achievement and using your own skills.

The event was a real success and

many of the students and guests commented how much they enjoyed the evening.

Going for Gold at the Festival School celebrates winning four gold medals St Julie’s Catholic High School in Woolton is celebrating four gold medals and two trophies in the prestigious Liverpool Festival of Performing Arts, 2009.

The annual festival, now in its 85th year, draws thousands of performers from across the North West in a competitive spectacle of music, speech, drama and dance. This year the competition was held at St George’s Hall and saw gold medal winning performances for Year 7 in the ‘Shakespeare’ category, Year 10 for ‘mask mime’, Year 13 for ‘group acting’ and for Year 10 students Melissa Hughes and Megan Berry for the ‘duologue’.

Year 10 pupils and their award winning ‘Mask Mime’

With a score of 90 marks the duologue performance gained the highest mark of all of the 14-18 group performances and was awarded the McKee Trophy.

The Year 10 mask mime scored the highest mark for

any original work over the whole week and was awarded the All Stars Cup. Strong performances also secured a silver medal for Year 11 pupil Jodie Comer in the category of ‘solo acting’ and a further silver

medal for Year 12 for Group Acting.

Sue Doherty, Head of Expressive Arts, said: "This has been a phenomenal year for us at the Liverpool Festival, and the prizes are a reflection of the huge amount of preparatory work that the students have undertaken. It is particularly pleasing to win awards across such a wide age range, from Year 7 through to Year 13.”

Sister Ann Marie Gammack, Head Teacher at St Julie’s, said: "I am delighted by this fantastic success of our pupils this year. Seeing our youngest students perform so well gives us great confidence for the future.”

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Secondary School News

Taste of ‘Uni’ life

Pupils Day of Crime A group of Year 9 pupils from Bowring School, Knowsley visited Liverpool John Moores University recently for a day of crime and also to gain an insight to life as a university student.

During the day the pupils took part in lectures, seminars, presentations, a tour of the campus learning resource centre and a view of local student accommodation. Lunch was served in the student union giving the pupils a brief taste of the social side of university life.

The day ended in the Moot Court in the John Foster building where students take part in simulated court proceedings.

Ursula Boote from Aimhigher Knowsley who organised the event, said: “One of the student advocate helpers, Dan Matthews, is a former Bowring pupil which added to the value of the day in terms of aspiration and motivation for the Year 9 students.”

Students enter the world of business College’s flying visit to Speke

As part of the GCSE Applied French course at Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College, and in collaboration with the Regional Language Network North West’s ‘Business Language Champions’ initiative, Archbishop Beck students recently spent an afternoon at the Holiday Inn Hotel at John Lennon Airport to gain a greater understanding of the benefits of having a language qualification in the tourism and hospitality sector.

Business Language Champion initiative is an exchange between schools and business to offer young people first-hand experience of language skills in the working environment.

The pupils were given a tour of the hotel before receiving a presentation by the Hotel Manager and HR Manager in the conference suite about how having knowledge of a language is a major selling point both for a job applicant and the Hotel itself when making foreign guests feel at ease. Next followed an opportunity for the students to film some role-plays in French, including checking into the hotel and asking questions about the hotel facilities. “What a day out”, said Stewart Allen from the College.

Levi makes a ‘boss’ impression Year 8 students from Christ the King Learning Centre, Huyton, recently enjoyed a day with Levi Tafari, a well known Rastafarian poet and performer, who took a day out of his busy schedule performing round the world to introduce the students to his poetry.

Levi recited one of his famous poems “Street of Hope” which reminded the students of some of the things Liverpool is famous for.

The students were intrigued by Levi’s background and religion but even more impressed by his dreadlocks!

Levi set them a task to write a poem about the environment and said he would love to come back to see their poems. After Levi’s visit we gathered some of our Year 8 students together to find out how they felt about Levi’s poetry.

Students, Jack Brady and Michael McNally, said: “We 40

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really enjoyed Levi - he was brilliant and exciting and I liked his old and new poems. The litter poem was boss and the one about global warming”.

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Every Childwall child matters What they say: Ofsted 2009 ‘ This is a school with energy, ambition and high aspirations for its students.’ ‘ Spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding.’ ‘ Pupils feel safe, secure and valued.’ ‘ There is an impressive range of curricular activities, assemblies and extra-curricular opportunities.’ ‘ The quality of care, guidance and support is outstanding.’ ‘ Pupils thrive in this harmonious community and make good progress in their academic work and personal development.’

CHILDWALL SCHOOL A Specialist Sports College

Open Evening: Thursday 24th September, 4.00 – 6.30 p.m.

To view the school please telephone 722 1561 for an appointment Headteacher Dewi Phillips, J.P., B.A., M.Ed. Fiveways, Queens Drive, Liverpool L15 6XZ email admin@childwallsc.co.uk website www.childwallsc.co.uk

Tel: 0151 722 1561

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Secondary School News

Getting a buzz Spelling bee pupils are a resounding success St Margaret’s C of E High School, Liverpool won its local heat of ‘The Times Spelling Bee’ at Odeon Liverpool Switch Island.

The St Margaret’s C of E High School team consisted of three players and a reserve all aged 11 to 12 years old – James Bush, Mark Doherty, Jack Ashworth and reserve Tom Doubtfire, they competed against eight teams from local schools.

The team showed off their mastery by successfully spelling words such as spasm, diagnosis and nirvana.

Rhiannon Moorcroft, teacher at St Margaret’s C of E High School, said: “I’m thrilled for the boys. They trained very hard and came up trumps. I’m very proud of them.”

James Bush, 12, said: “We got off to a really bad start but we recovered really well. We’re so proud to win.”

St Margaret’s C of E High School will go forward to The Times Spelling Bee Semi-Finals with the ten winning teams from the Semi-Finals travelling to London to compete in the Grand Final at the Odeon West End Leicester

Winning celebrations from left to right, Jack Ashworth, Tom Doubtfire, James Bush and Mark Doherty.

Square in June.

The Times Spelling Bee aims to discover the country’s best young spellers and make spelling fun for children of all abilities. More than 750

schools from around the UK, from Shetland to the Channel Islands, entered a team (comprising three 1112 year old children and a reserve) for the local championships.

Our future in their hands The pupils of St Edmund Arrowsmith, Knowsley have been learning about traditional building skills as part of a new heritage programme.

As part of the scheme the pupils visited some of the most interesting conservation projects in the region, such as the restoration work being carried out on St Andrew’s Church in Liverpool, and the famous Victoria Baths project in Manchester.

“The future of (our) 42

heritage will soon become the responsibility of our

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young people, and it’s important that they learn

about the heritage and culture of the borough,” said Cllr Graham Morgan, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Economy and Skills. “By working with our young people to develop their skills in this area, we’re also giving them an advantage in an area of work where skilled people are in short supply.”

The programme covers a range of skills from stone masonry and lime plastering, to help building defences to protect the sand dunes at Formby.

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Secondary School News

Book Speed Dating Fast-paced approach is a hit

World Book Day was celebrated at Belvedere with a fast-paced and unusual game – Book Speed Dating.

All girls were invited to drop by the Library at dinner time and take part.

Each received a card on entering. The girls were then free to move around tables each with a different girl sat at it with her favourite book. Each participant had one minute to convince the girls visiting her table that her book was the best and should be read by everyone!

When the bell was rung after each minute, the girls got up and moved to the next table. Like real Speed Dating, the girls marked their cards with the books they liked the sound of. At the end of each 8 minute session, the cards were handed in and a tally chart made of the most popular books.

Different girls with different books were rotated throughout the session, with an impressive 21 girls volunteering to speak about their book, and 50 taking part in completing the rounds.

The Book Speed Dating began in a civilised manner, with interest and energy building, the bell ringing continuously and flurried movement around the room until the final 15 minutes was organised chaos, as girls clamoured to take part!

At the end, tallies were counted with joint 3rd prize going to Christiana Peterson 7C and Molly Rose 7D for their riveting promotion of ‘Blood Ties’ and ‘Eclipse’ respectively. Maryam Ismail 11S came 2nd with ‘City of Bones’ and Holly Rivers 8B walked away with a set of books for winning 1st prize for ‘New Moon’.

Book Speed Dating was a huge success and will definitely be back in the Library again.

St Edward’s LEPRA cheque St Edward’s College has raised £1412.45 to help the leprosy charity LEPRA. The Year 7 pupils took part in a ‘Fun Workout’ and made donations to the charity, which has enabled them to provide antibiotics to help cure leprosy.

“St Edward’s were amazing and with the money they have raised 67 children can now be cured of the disease,” said LEPRA Community Fundraiser, Jacqueline Fairbairn. “I would like to thank everybody at St Edward’s and their families for making this event such a huge success, nothing was too much for this fantastic school. The Year 7 pupils exceeded everybody’s expectations with their generosity.”

Three heads are better than one!

A most successful joint school reunion for ex-pupils and staff of Archbishop Blanch School and its two founding schools, Liverpool Girls’ College and St Edmund’s College, took place recently Miss Kathleen Goodacre, Headteacher at St Edmunds’ College until its closure in 1981 and the first Headteacher of Archbishop Blanch School, is pictured with her successors, Mrs Kathleen Zimak 19872003 and the current Headteacher, Miss Jane Griffiths.

Miss Griffiths said “it was a pleasure to welcome so many ‘old girls’ at both the Afternoon Tea and the splendid Evening Celebration. We have received many complimentary letters about our pupils, staff and the school buildings. The Quiet Room with its beautiful stained glass windows and the Honours Boards in the corridors evoked lots of memories for the ‘old girls’ who spoke enthusiastically about their school experiences many years ago.”

In fact the event reunited two ladies (from Liverpool Girls’ College and St Edmund’s College) with a branch of their family that they had lost touch with several decades ago! It was most gratifying to note that everyone who attended agreed the traditions and ethos of the two founding schools still flourishes today at Archbishop Blanch School.

If you wish to be added to the school’s mailing list, please contact Jeanette Coppell on 0151 709 1452 or email admin@blanch.org.uk

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Secondary School News

Keeping her head above the clouds

Rebecca is a high-flyer Comic Relief celebrations at Childwall

Rebecca is pictured with Tony Evans sculpture of a heron

High-flying academic Rebecca Kane is reaching for the skies with an RAF gliding scholarship.

Rebecca, 17, who is in the Merchant Taylors’ Sixth Form, has just completed a 20-hour RAF gliding scholarship. She said: “I would not describe myself as a natural adventurer. I don’t go out of the way to do bungee jumps or anything like that, but when there is a great opportunity to experience something new and challenging then I want to take it.”

After serving with Merchant Taylors’ Combined Cadet Force RAF Section for four years, Rebecca was offered the 20hour training programme at BAe Systems Salmsbury. “Accompanied by an expert trainer, I spent 20 hours 44

learning the skills, developing confidence and simply loving the experience among the clouds.”

Rebecca has an offer to read Biological Sciences at Newnham College, Cambridge and ultimately wants to work developing cures for cancer. She added: “Working with the RAF has been an important part of my education and one never knows when the skills I have developed will come in useful. I do know my experiences have given me a great respect for the work of the military.”

Headmistress Mrs Robinson said: “Rebecca is a wonderful role model who contributes to school life inside and outside the classroom and in the skies as well”.

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Students at Childwall Sports College contributed to a highly successful ‘Red Nose Day’ and raised hundreds of pounds for good causes with a range of activities including a concert which was arranged by students in all Year Groups who showed a range of talent including dancing and singing.

Students were given the option of either coming in fancy dress or dressing in red and all 1300 students plus staff took part in an excellent day.

The spirit throughout the school on Red Nose Day was superb with students and staff giving generously to a number of worthy causes.

Childwall Sports College was inspected by Ofsted in March 2009 and one of the comments by Ofsted was that “students enjoyment of school is evident from their enthusiastic contributions in classes and their extensive participation in extra-curricular activities. Students’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is outstanding the school has a warm, relaxed atmosphere in which all flourish and feel included.”

Headteacher, Dewi Phillips, said: “We had an outstanding day to celebrate Comic Relief and our Ofsted comments confirm the superb contribution which staff and students make to Childwall Sports College”.

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Help and advice

Dear Educate

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My daughter, who’s in her final year at primary school, has been bringing home more and more homework which she needs help to do, but I find myself struggling with it. The maths problems look very different to those I did at school. What should I do?

This is a problem for many parents who find themselves spending more and more time helping with their children’s homework. If, as with a subject like maths, your child has a different method to working out a problem, it’s best to ask your child to explain to you what the task is and how it follows on from the word she has done in class. By encouraging your child to discuss her work, you are also helping her to become more independent and to revise the topic which she has been working on. This should jog her memory and as she progresses you may be able to see how the sums are working out – which you could check yourself later using your own methods. Don’t be tempted to teach her a new method or your own method for working out the sums, but don’t let her think that you see the homework time as a chore – see it as some quality time together and you

My older son, who’s eight, loves playing football and is really excited that he’s been chosen for the school team.

However, he suffers really badly from hayfever and I feel so sorry for him with his nose and eyes inflamed.

What can I do?

may be able to discuss a sum and work them out between you; just make sure that you don’t end up doing the work and letting your child copy it. If you’re still finding it a struggle, ask your child’s teacher for some advice on the work set. If you find that your child hasn’t done the work in class - that it hasn’t been taught – then you should also raise this with the teacher before attempting to work it out yourself and confusing your child.

My younger son, who’s six, has picked up some language from another child on the playground, but I’m not happy about it.

What’s the best way to handle this situation?

Before you broach this delicate subject, discuss with your spouse which words you’re not happy about your son using and agree on the boundaries. If either parent swears at home, then this can give out mixed messages to children, so avoid this where possible. It sounds as if you’re already being careful not to use words in your son’s presence which you’re not happy about him using, which is a good start. Next time your son swears, try to be matter of fact and show no reaction to it, so he knows it isn’t funny or interesting. Tell him you don’t want to hear him speak like that again firmly, and don’t respond to it next time the child uses that word. If he seems to enjoy a particular word, teach him a new one to use instead that’s more fun – something that

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sounds interesting – but if he uses it when he’s upset, don’t rise to the bait and encourage him to explain how he really feels in other words. If the words are offensive or hurtful, for example racist or sexist, or offensive to people with disabilities, explain to him what they mean and why he shouldn’t be using them. If the words are sexual, give a short explanation to dispel the mystery around the word and explain that some people use words like that as a swear word because they don’t understand that body parts and sex are natural and ordinary parts of life. By making him see that it isn’t clever to swear and that it won’t ultimately make him more popular – even if it does temporarily on the playground – you may find that he stops the habit.

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Unfortunately, more and more children in the UK are developing allergies to pollen, but by detecting which pollen it is which affects them can help to keep their suffering to a minimum. If symptoms flare up in spring, then it’s likely that tree pollen is the culprit although, as your son is affected playing football, I would say that grass pollen seems to be the problem here.

To keep the symptoms at bay as much as possible the rest of the time, keep him inside when you’re mowing the lawn and keep windows, doors, and car windows closed when the pollen count is high. Wash his hands, face and hair every night at bathtime or as soon as you can after he’s been playing to prevent prolonging the reaction. You may find that these simple things make a huge difference. If not, visit your doctor for advice on medication and inhalants before purchasing anything over the counter, and ask about non-drowsy versions. Above all, encourage him still to play and have as normal and enjoyable a summer as possible.

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Revision

If you are a first time parent of a Year 6 child you will have recently entered a new chapter in your life: revision worry and stress.

Words by Marya McCann

Swotting for success THE ROSE RULE There are various ways of remembering information by using words, phrases or abbreviations. Mnemonics often work well.

These turn the first letters of the words to be remembered into a name or word. One good example is the Rose Rule, fundamental to a child’s study at home and very applicable here: Revise and recap, Organise time and work, Sleep and rest, Eat healthily.

Simple words can be chosen by children who can then insert the piece of information they want to remember easily.

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S

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evision will depend very much on a child’s age. When it becomes necessary parents should help to set up a peaceful and uncluttered space. If internet access will be helpful organise short periods when it can be accessed so that children take part in varied revision methods and don’t become tempted to just browse the web.

You will no doubt have experienced guilt, (for pushing them too hard or for not pushing them hard enough), the dreaded presence of Key Stage 2 books lying around the house and ultimately, worry over whether the tests will affect the rest of their life.

Firstly, it is worth remembering that although SATs are a useful tool for measuring attainment, children will continue to grow and find subjects in which they excel long after this year. Although it may seem like only last week when you were filled with pride if your child could read a whole Biff and Chip book without any help, today they are constantly being urged to perform, hit targets, achieve, improve. There are very few things in life in which you only get one chance, though, and

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rganise a revision and exam timetable. Help children to set realistic targets and put up a wall calendar to mark all relevant dates. Crossing off revision sessions and exams taken with a thick pen should encourage motivation to get to the end. Organise their clothes, food and stationery the night before an exam to cut down on time wasting.

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leep and rest is especially important at these times.

Encourage your child to get plenty of sleep and to take regular breaks. Last minute cramming and late nights does not suit the majority of young learners but respect your child’s preferred way of revising if they really like to read over their work in bed. If

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

E your child is highly motivated, it's important to make sure that he or she doesn't overwork; a short 15-20 minute break every 90 minutes will refresh the mind. Making a drink, playing some sport, listening to some music or watching a TV programme are all good ways to help relax before the next revision session; even a short walk to the local shop will clear the head and help the brain to work more efficiently.

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ating a healthy diet is always important for children and young people and even more so during exam times for increased concentration. Whilst studies looking at the effects of diet on children’s brains are still in the early stages, recent findings suggest that the addition of Omega 3 fatty acids are beneficial. Other studies, aimed at measuring brain function and water, have found that frequent intake of small amounts of fluid help children to remain alert. This is especially true during the long exams your child will sit as he gets older. Exam stress can make some children lose their appetites. If this happens, encourage your child to eat light meals or sandwiches.

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luckily exams aren't one of them.

If your child is already at secondary school then the stress and worry will continue - for them as well as you - unless you introduce some clever techniques. Revision tips, recognising learning styles and even dietary changes can all have a profound effect on a child’s performance. So we have brought together tips and advice from experts for you to pass on to the rest of your family.

VAK Children all learn in different ways; one way of recognising learning styles has become known as VAK (visual, auditory, kinaesthetic.)

Identifying you child’s dominant learning style can help when organising a study plan; auditory learners may find it helpful to record their lessons, or revision sessions and play them over and over again. Visual learners can be encouraged to display their learning in diagram or graph form and kinaesthetic learners may design games, and tasks to carry out as revision.

To test your child and find their dominant learning style use the questionnaire at www.vark-learn.com.

A common problem experienced by pupils is gaps in their learning. Whether they have missed a couple of days at school or are just finding a new topic difficult to grasp most children will have at least one area in which they may never achieve full understanding.

Best practice maybe for teachers to constantly recall and recap, but with pressure on them to move on to the next task pupils can miss out.

A parent’s role then, is to find out which areas the child wants support with and then to look for the best ways to provide help. The BBC Bitesize and ictgames websites are fun and interactive, with child-centred activities and games for children as young as five. www.bbc.co.uk/schools/revision and www.ictgames.com

MUSIC AND LEARNING Language consultant, John McCann, has spent five years studying techniques to improve learning. He said: ‘Over the past 10 years we have learnt more about brain function than ever before.’

Along with recognising learning styles and the importance of a well balanced diet music has also been found to have a profound effect on the way the brain functions and absorbs information.

Research by Georgi Lozonav in the 1960s first revealed that music charges and energises the brain. His studies of the impact of baroque music, which has a rhythm matching the cycle of the brain’s alpha wave, found that it induced a heightened relaxation state, ideal for learning.

Since then controlled studies in America have tested a variety of musical styles to children and adults taking part in training and revision sessions to prove the theory.

Quite astonishingly one piece of music resulted in significant improvements in test results. Said John: ‘Mozart’s Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major caused a sell-out after researchers demonstrated the improvements in maths scores when learners listened to it beforehand. To get the most out of a revision session I would recommend playing one of these pieces of music. At best it will have a significant effect and at worst provide a relaxed and positive environment in which to study.’

The following pieces have also been recommended following research: Beethoven’s Symphony No5 in E Minor, and Chopin’s Waltz No6 in D Flat. Play them as background music while students study, read, or write to: • increase attention levels • improve retention and memory • extend focused learning time • expand thinking skills Finally, it is worth remembering that exercising to keep fit really does extend to the brain. In conjunction with the rise in studies of brain function has been an increase in brain training methods, puzzles and therapies.You may already be familiar with the Yoga-type games of Brain Gym being taught in schools, although basic brain training is a much simpler and effective way to achieve results.

‘There are so many ways we can all improve memory, concentration and understanding by training our brains and making them more efficient and responsive,’ said John. He believes that taking part in new strategies in the form of games and puzzles - benefits children and adults. You can start today by signing up for a daily workout at www.lumosity.com Incorporating all of these tips may be difficult to do at once but even one or two changes will have a positive effect; as parents, as long as we do our best to bring out our

children’s best then we can do little more.

Regardless of age Mike Hughes, author of Closing the Learning Gap, believes that introducing simple rules will improve learning. Although focused upon the learning environment in school these rules can also be interpreted into a home and revision environment:

The brain needs fuel. Oxygen, water and protein are all required for the brain to work efficiently. A glass of water before a study session will enhance the learning which takes place during the revision session.

The maximum that children can concentrate for is approximately two minutes more than their chronological age. Even adults cannot maintain complete concentration for more than 20-25 minutes.

Children remember dramatic, emotional and unexpected experiences. Encourage them to put each topic into context by performing what they have learnt in front of you, and pretending to be the teacher.

Recall is improved when the information is regularly reviewed. Without review, information is forgotten almost immediately. Encourage children to end each session by briefly going through what they have just learnt and recapping on the main points.

Motivation is very important for effective learning. Subtly offer rewards and talk about the benefits of doing well in school to maintain motivation at home.

Parents and carers wanting more information and support can call Parentline Plus on a free helpline: 0808 800 2222, or go to the website www.parentlineplus.org.uk.

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Bellerive FCJ Catholic College an outstanding school Specialising in the Sciences, Maths, Computing and Applied Learning This popular and oversubscribed school is located in a pleasant area of the city, adjacent to two parks. It is a non selective school for girls, with boys admitted to the sixth form.

The intake is from over 40 primary schools throughout the city and beyond.

At Bellerive, we value achievement in its widest sense: academic, personal, social and cultural. The heart of the school is rooted in a strong Catholic tradition.

Bellerive was awarded Sciences specialist college status in 2003 and won Maths and Computing status in December 2007. A third specialism in ‘Applied Learning was awarded this month.

Bellerive is nationally recognised as high performing and as one of the schools in the country to have added value points of 10 or more. It was inspected by both OFSTED and by inspectors on behalf of the Archdiocese. Both inspections came to the conclusion that Bellerive FCJ Catholic College was ‘outstanding’.

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A cut above Compact launches new Diploma in Hair and Beauty Liverpool Compact Education Business Partnership recently organised the Launch of one of the Governments newest qualifications… The Diploma in Hair and Beauty.

This Diploma is one of 17 that has started to be taught in schools from September 2008 and will be rolled out up to 2013. All Diplomas are strongly supported by Employers. The local Champions for the Hair and Beauty Diploma include; HABIA (Hair and Beauty Industry Authority), The Crowne Plaza Liverpool and Ellison’s, the number one supplier to the Hair and Beauty Industry.

The event attracted an audience of over 60 employers from within the Hair and Beauty Industry all keen to learn how they could become involved in linking with schools to help deliver this qualification.

For further information on becoming involved with schools contact Liverpool Compact EBP on 0151 728 9454

Lesley Chadwick, Gill Morris and Kay Pennington

Lesley Chadwick Manager 14-19 Partnership

Mike Corley and Employer Champions

Gill Morris, HABIA

Kay Pennington, Ellison’s

Karen Downey, Jenny Martin Liverpool Compact EBP

Stephen Roberts Crowne Plaza

Employer Champions, Stephen Roberts Crowne Plaza, Kay Pennington, Ellison’s and Gill Morris HABIA having received their Champion Certificates from Mike Corley Chief Executive Liverpool Compact EBP.

Mike Corley Chief Executive Liverpool Compact EBP

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School get in the FAST lane FAST, Families and Schools together is a programme from America being piloted by Broadgreen International School and two other schools in Liverpool.

The programme which aims to raise academic standards and strengthen family relationships.

FAST is a non-profit organisation which sets aside an evening a week for families and FAST trained staff to eat, chat, sing and do craft together.

The first ten week programme culminated in a fabulous graduation ceremony to celebrate the programmes success. Helen Winrow Assistant Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council presented each family with a trophy and a certificate for their successful completion of the programme. But it doesn’t stop there!

Families who are interested in taking part please call 0151 254 6819 for further details

Helen Winrow (centre) with the Cunningham Family The delighted Eyers Family

Happy to receive their award the Ko Family

A family affair the Idowu Family More celebrations with the McCallion Family Donneta Bracey an assessor for the Fast Programme in America

The Stafford Family

The Aspinall Family The Maxwell Family receive their award

The Brown Family with Helen Winrow

The delighted Farrell Family

The Russell Family

A more than pleased Astle Family

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Teaching ‘Respect’ for one another Year 6 pupils from Merseyside schools recently gathered together for the Your Choice Conference held in Liverpool.

The conference was delivered in partnership with Merseyside Police, British Transport Police, Tunnels Police, Merseyside Fire Service, North West Ambulance Service, Mersey Rail, City Safe, Rangers Interpretation Services, Arriva and Stagecoach with the overall aim of improving personal safety, increasing awareness of the law, and reducing anti social behaviour.

The conference has been used as part of a joint Beacon Status bid by Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service and is now a partner in the ‘Respect’ action weeks in Liverpool Knowsley and Wirral, during this period BTP figures have shown there to be a decrease of offences in endangering safety with intent, trespass, obstructing rail operations with intent and missile throwing. There has also been a decrease of incidents occurring on the bus network Your Choice conference has now been embedded into the schools calendar of events, and supports teachers in delivering citizenship as part of the national curriculum Some schools have used the Your Choice conference as part of their evidence of delivering citizenship during Ofsted inspections.

From March 08 to March 09, 131 primary schools attended the conferences; on average 135 children are present at each event.

The Mac of All Trades from Elermental Education Ltd

Billy Bradshaw from Merseytravel

Mersey Tunnels Police

Pupils enjoy the Your Choice welcome

Your Choice co-ordinators

Tony and Kathy from Mojo Theatre Company

Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service

Web Detectives game developed

by Your Choice team

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Wealth of talent at Panathlon Games School children representing the Merseyside boroughs of Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral, Halton and St Helens celebrated the 9th Merseyside Panathlon Games, at the Greenbank Sports Academy, Liverpool.

The games, organised by The Merseyside Sports Partnership, involved disabled youngsters from various Merseyside schools who competed in Athletics, Boccia, Football and Table Tennis.

Ashley Iceton from the Panathlon Challenge said: “Merseyside youngsters are sports mad and ultra competitive so we all had another successful event.

The children were presented with their medals by Great Britain Paralympian, Shelley Woods (pictured below) who won silver and bronze in Beijing. She has also won the London Marathon.

Team Knowsley on the attack against Team St Helens

Team Liverpool celebrate after scoring a goal

Wheelchair slalom isn’t as easy as it looks

Team support for Team Sefton

Team Liverpool seem to have cornered the market on celebrations

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Schools team up against guncrime Young people from 23 schools in Liverpool and Knowsley teamed up to take part in an anti-guncrime seven-aside football tournament organised by Merseyside Police.

The Matrix Challenge Shield is part of an anti-guncrime initiative put together by the Force’s specialist Matrix team.

Chief Superintendent Steve Moore, who heads up the specialist Matrix team, said: “The tournament is part of a wider campaign aimed at educating young people about the consequences of becoming involved in gun and gang crime. It’s great to see these young people participating”.

Alsop HS v Kirkby Sports College

All Saints High School v The Academy of St Francis Assisi

Croxteth Comprehensive v Christ the King CFL

Halewood College v North Liverpool Academy

Alsop HS v Kirkby Sports College

Shorefields Technology College v The Academy of St Francis Assisi

De La Salle v Parklands High School

Knowsley Hey v All Saints High School A budding Benitez or Moyes?

Tournament organiser Steve Swinnerton

Time to warm-up

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Comparisons of yesteryear Helen Forrester’s story of life in Liverpool Many of you may not have heard of Liverpool born Rob Fennah but, if you ask your parents they may be able help you out.

Rob joined his first band Buster in 1974. The group had numerous hit records overseas and received a gold album and two best seller awards.

His latest venture was to adapt ‘Twopence to Cross the Mersey’ one of the best selling books by author Helen Forrester to the musical stage.

The show tells the true story of a young girl and her formerly wealthy family suddenly thrown into poverty and forced to survive in the slums of Liverpool during the depression of the 1930s Rob is hoping to work with Merseyside schools to give them the chance of viewing the play for themselves and to gain an insight of how the play was put together.

Musical Director: Rob Fennah

Q. Coming from a ‘pop music’ background, what attracted you to write a musical play based on Helen Forrester’s book, Twopence to Cross the Mersey?

A. I first met Helen Forrester at a literary lunch - my brother Alan and I were asked to perform a song we had written called ‘Butterfly in the Rain’. The song was inspired from a line I had read in one of her books.

She loved the song and asked if she could use it when she was giving radio interviews. When I asked her about the possibility of me writing a musical play based on Twopence to Cross the Mersey she agreed - but only on condition the script met with her approval.

Thankfully, it did.

Q. Was Helen Forrester involved in the creative process during the writing of the show?

A. To a point. Helen very kindly let me call her at her home in Canada if I needed to know more about particular characters. For example: Mrs Foster, the landlady of the house they stayed in when they first arrived in Liverpool; and the men outside the employment exchange who befriended Helen's father, giving him advice on how to survive in the slums.

Q. Why do you think her book is still so popular?

A. I think it’s because her account is so honest. Some people have criticised her, saying that things were never that bad. But they forget, Helen and her family came from a very privileged background with nannies, servants and a private school education. When they lost

everything during the depression of the 1930s they had absolutely no idea on how to survive, unlike the working class of Liverpool. Helen’s story explains, in graphic detail, just what this meant to her and her family. They were like fish out of water.

Q. Do you think the show is even more relevant today - given the current economic circumstances?

A. Without a doubt.

Q. The book has formed part of the National School Curriculum for over 25 years. Why do you think that is?

A. Probably because it gives students an insight of what life in Britain was like before we had a decent welfare system or National Health Service.

We take these things for granted nowadays but in pre-war years, if one was ill and couldn’t afford to visit a doctor, the outcome was often very bleak.

of her book completely. Praise indeed. I couldn't have asked for more.

Q. What advice would you give to students interested in writing for theatre?

A. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice!

When I first embarked on this project, I had no idea how complicated it was going to be. But, by asking the right people and taking on board everything they told me, Twopence soon became one of the best selling shows in the UK. Through my experience writing and producing Twopence, I now act as a consultant, offering first hand advice to others wanting to stage a theatre show.

Twopence to Cross the Mersey opens at the Liverpool Empire 6th – 17th October 2009.

Further information from Pulse Records and Productions Ltd – 0151 649 0427 or 07976 643 466.

Q. What message will students take away after watching the show?

A. The show is very positive. With grit and determination, Helen fought, and won, for her right to an education and, despite everything that happened to her, she went on to become a hugely successful writer. The message to students therefore is very clear; ‘If Helen can succeed - then so can I.’ Q. When the show was premiered, Helen Forrester travelled from her home in Canada to attend. What did she think of it?

A. She told the press she thought it was wonderful, capturing the feeling

The Young Helen

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West Side Story jets into Liverpool Broadgreen International School celebrated after a three night sell out production of Bernstein’s West Side Story. Over fifty five pupils from all year groups took part in the recent production. Danielle Ward, 17 played the principal role of Maria who falls in love with the jet gang member Tony, played by Year 11 pupil Christian Harrison. Their convincing romance enthralled the audiences as did the performances by supporting roles, Jamie Karmelhi (Riff), Bethany Eginton (Anita) and Chris Amani (Bernardo).

The pupils gave a particularly emotional and realistic performance during the fight and death scenes. The able accompaniment from the school band and members of the Haydock Brass band encouraged a high standard of musical performance.

Christian Harrison as Tony

Nicole Unwin Danielle Ward and Bethany Eginton

Danielle Ward and Christian Harrison

Jamie Karmelhi

Danielle Ward as Maria

Lara Rutherford

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‘A sea of style inspires both girls and boys fashion this summer with traditional navy and white mixed up with bright colours.’

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girls 1. Blue spot sateen shorts, £8-£13, 3-16 yrs NEXT

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2. Yellow & white stripe vest, £4.50-£7.50, 3-16 yrs NEXT 3. Jersey sundress red stripe, £5-£10, 3-16 yrs NEXT 4. Spotty cotton frill navy dress, £52.95, 2-9 yrs Jigsaw Junior

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5. Navy pinstripe jacket £14-£16, 3-8 yrs J by Jasper Conran, Debenhams

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6. Kids stripes red £16, size 9 child – 3-4 adult, Flip Flop Flo 7. Navy stripes bow jersey dress £10-£12, 3-8 yrs, J by Jasper Conran, Debenhams 8. Two tone bow belt £17, Jigsaw Junior 9. Riviera skirt £16-£18, 2yrs-14yrs Mini Boden 10.Chambray pinafore dress £16-£17, 2-8yrs, John Lewis

9

11. Polka dot sunglasses £6, Marks and Spencer

boys

2

1. Navy ticking stripes hat £4.80, J Junior by Jasper Conran, Debenhams 2. Blue linen pocket shirt £12-£14, 3-8yrs, Debenhams 3. Navy washed cargo pocket shorts, £9.60-£11.20, 3-8yrs, J by Jasper Conran, Debenhams

5 8

4.Kids stripes blue, £16, Size 9 child – 3/4 , Flip Flop Flo 5. Uvex sporty kids sunglasses red and silver, £16.04, sailgb.com 6. Boys towelling shorts £12, 3-10 yrs, Joules 7. Stripey towelling shorts, £12-£14, 1-12 yr, Mini Boden

11

8. Print stripe shirt, £45, 2-16yrs, Hackett 9. Converse All Star Core Hi trainers, £20-£35, size junior 8-5 adult, John Lewis 10. Casio SPS-300C-2V-HP Sea Pathfinder boys water sport watch, £25, John Lewis

6

11. Stripe hoodie, £14-£16, 2-11yrs, John Lewis

Stockists 4

3

Next / John Lewis / Mini Boden / Debenhams / www.sailgb.com / www.hackett.com / Joules www.flipflopflo.co.uk / Junior Jigsaw Marks and Spencer

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World Book Day 2009 World Book Day 2009, the biggest annual celebration of books and reading in the UK and Ireland recently took place in March. The event is aimed at promoting books and reading for the personal enrichment and enjoyment of all. The origins of the day now celebrated in the UK and Ireland come from Catalonia, where roses and books were given as gifts to loved ones on St George’s Day – a tradition started over 80 years ago.

Waterstones recently held an open day at their book store in Liverpool City Centre, and invited pupils from Rice Lane Primary School to select their favourite books.

Pupils from Merchant Taylors, Sefton dressed up as their favourite book characters, while Belvedere Academy held a speed reading event were pupils discussed the merits of their favourite books to each other.

Rice Lane pupil Elizabeth Rice Lane pupils Josh, Josh and Megan

Merchant Taylors pupils Rachael, Cathryn and Molly Rice Lane pupil Aimee

Rice Lane pupils find that it’s a hard decision to select your favourite

Above: Rice Lane Juniors at Waterstones Below: Merchant Taylors dress as their favourite characters Hannah and Mathew as Scoobie Doos!

Lizzie as Willie Wonker

Pupils: Emily, Cecilia, Antonia and Charlotte Harry Potter and friends

Mrs Hardman’s class dress-up as their favourite characters

ere Academy event at Belved Speed reading

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Are four-year-olds too young to meet toddlers’ targets?

Viewpoint

Are the Government being realistic in their goals that all four-year-olds should meet such targets as writing sentences and using punctuation?

Ed Balls MP – Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families I believe that every child in this country is entitled to the benefits of learning through play as set out in the EYFS and that their parents are entitled to the reassurance that their children will be well supported and cared for by high quality childminders and nursery workers. All of these childcare providers, who are registered with and inspected by Ofsted, will now need to adhere to the new EYFS. The very best childminders, nurseries and children's centres will already be implementing the best practice on which the EYFS is based, but we want to drive up standards and ensure everyone working with children do the best they can to help them learn and develop at their own pace.

Megan Pacey – Chief Executive, Early Education “ It is essential that practitioners have an understanding of each child’s development and their individual needs so that they can ensure that each child has the experiences and support they need to thrive. Observing and responding to a child is a continuous process and a professional skill that is key to informing effective planning and quality provision. Regular observational assessments build a picture of a child’s development and comparing this to typical patterns of development can help identify where a child’s development needs supporting or extending. The setting also needs information about the progress of children in order to make decisions about the resources to offer, staff training and development. This information is key for effective self-evaluation and improving the quality of a setting.”

Carol Talbot – Bluebell Nursery School The idea that four-year-olds should have targets on writing sentences and punctuation is preposterous. Young children need to develop physically and emotionally before they are put into more formal educational pursuits.

Children need time and good play to develop. Why is it in Sweden that no child can read or write at six-years-old and yet by the age of 10 or 11 they are European leaders in the literacy stakes? Learning to read and write must have meaning for children without the worry of 'Will I be able to do this?' If placed in a Nursery school of good practice then of course they will.

As parents and teachers we need to focus on letting children play and developing strong independent youngsters who know that they will achieve.

Kathie Howard, Primary supply teacher “In my experience of working at a playgroup, the children were able to identify colours and could recognise their own name by the age of four, but as for writing in sentences and using punctuation – as a parent I wouldn’t want my four year-old to feel under pressure to meet those targets. It’s becoming a preoccupation with parents and causes anxiety. My sister-inlaw teaches a reception class and she told me that one of the parents came in after school to ask her how her four-year-old son was doing and what his targets were. She told this parent that actually, at the moment, his target was to sit on his chair for two minutes at a time – behavioural and social development is what children of that age need. Children also don’t have the vocabulary for writing sentences, and I’m still telling Year 6 pupils where to put capital letters and full stops – so how can we expect a four-year-old to be able to do the same?”

Debbie Barber – Parent "I think the Government is not only unrealistic but misguided in its proposed new targets for four-year-olds. Whilst I agree that correct punctuation and grammar are essential building blocks for literacy this is far too early an age to set targets and make children focus on them. This is a time when children should be encouraged through play to develop their social and communication skills including active listening. Skills which will hold them in good stead later in their education when teachers begin to introduce dryer topics such as grammar. I think we are in danger of switching off too many children to the joy of learning if we constrain them at too tender an age. Four-year-olds should be playing and having fun with learning. I am speaking with the experience of being a mum, grandmother and a nursery and primary school governor”.

Leading educationalists and authors have joined together to try and get the Government to scrap its literacy targets for youngsters.

They argues that fouryear-olds are too young to meet such goals as writing sentences and using punctuation.

As part of the Early Years Foundation Stage framework which applies to all early years - ministers wanted all five-yearolds to be able to write simple words and make attempt at more complex ones.

They also want them to be able to write their own names.

Campaigners claim that parts of the learning requirements set some children up for failure and that those who are less academically bright and do not come from middle class homes were particularly at risk.

Are we in danger of putting too much pressure on our children at a time when they should be doing naturally – learning through play and social contact?

Have your say: To suggest or contribute to a topic for debate in Viewpoint email us at: educate@merseymirror.com or to view our on-line poll visit www.educatemagazine.com

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Book Review

In association with

by Andrew Foxley

5-8 Years Beast Quest: Arax the Soul Stealer

by Adam Blade £5.99 A special one off edition of the popular adventure series, with hero Tom battling against the evil wizard Malvel and the monstrous Arax. This is an exciting, fast paced fantasy adventure packed with all the elements that have made the Beast Quest series so successful.

Harry the Homeless Puppy

by Holly Webb, Sophy Williams £4.99 Grace can't have a puppy of her own, but she loves walking the dogs at the local animal shelter; her favourite is Harry, a lively Jack Russell puppy.Harry loves going for walks with Grace, and soon the two are best friends. But then Harry is rehomed and Grace is heartbroken.

9-12 Years Doctor Who: Prisoner of the Daleks

by Trevor Baxendale £6.99 The Doctor faces his deadliest enemy on the frontiers of space, in a hostile war zone filled with ruthless bounty hunters in this original novel. Epic and thrilling, this is a fantastic read which really gets to the core of what a Dalek is, and how truly terrifying they can be. As such, it should delight fans looking for space-age adventure whilst the TV series is off air.

Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones

by Derek Landy £12.99 Skulduggery Pleasant is a walking, talking skeleton detective fighting the good fight against the forces of darkness, in this third escapade, he and his sidekick are facing a greater threat than ever before. Exciting supernatural adventures, more than lives up to the anticipation.

Christian the Lion

by Anthony Bourke & John Rendall £4.99 A children's version of the amazing true-life story of two Australian students who bought a lion cub in Harrods, and lived with it in their London flat, before it grew up and they were forced to bid an emotional farewell to 'Christian' as he was returned to his native Africa. A sort of Born Free with a twist, this is a remarkable story that animal-lovers will embrace

Teenage The Thirteen Treasures

by Michelle Harrison £6.99 First-time author Michelle Harrison won the Waterstone's Children’s Book Prize with this stunning debut, involving a fifty-year old mystery over the disappearance of a young girl, some dark secrets, and a girl who can apparently see fairies. What can it all mean?

The Escape

by Robert Muchamore £6.99 Robert Muchamore has enjoyed great success writing about the exploits of the teenage secret agents who work for CHERUB - now, in the first of a new series, we get to discover the origins of the organisation during World War II, tense spy thriller set in occupied France.

Marked

by P.C. & Kirsten Cast £6.99 If you liked Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, you'll love this - a spooky tale of a vampire with supernatural powers enrolled at the House of Night. Vampires are all the rage at the moment, and this is one of the best of the new wave of 'teen horror' novels - and if you like it, there are two sequels already, with more to follow soon.

Are you a librarian, teacher or purchasing manager? Do you buy books for your business or institution?

Waterstones Liverpool offers a comprehensive account sales service. Contact Vic Brazel, Sales Department, Waterstones Liverpool, 14-16 Bold Street, Liverpool L1 4DS. Tel: 0151 707 1649

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Events Guide Theatre

Arts

Parks and Nature

■ Now Showing Wonders of the Solar System World Museum Liverpool William Brown Street, Liverpool 0151 478 4393 -2-1-blast off! Come on an adventure around our Solar System without leaving the comfort of your chair in our fantastic family show. This show just got bigger and better, with new up to date information on the solar system.

■ 31st May Liverpool Street Fashion Walker Art Gallery William Brown Street, Liverpool 0151 478 4393 Explore current fashion trends among young people today. It is made up of two exhibitions by students from Liverpool Community College.

■ Until 28th June Shoot Nations International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool 0151 478 4441 Climate change is the theme of a fascinating exhibition featuring photographs taken by young people for a worldwide competition.

■ Until July My Life, My Words International Slavery Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool 0151 478 4441 A small exhibition explores the lives and experiences of people from Liverpool’s black communities and their relationships with the ever-changing city.

A small exhibition showcasing some of the highlights of the Tinne Collection of clothing worn by a Liverpool lady, Emily Tinne, and her six children between about 1910 and 1940.

■ 8th May FEW Friday Night War Crosby Civic Hall, Crosby Road North, Liverpool 0151 928 1919 Tickets £5.00 Superstars from around the world compete in 2 hours of wrestling action featuring The Iron Duke, Bill Stone Cold, Robbie Michaels, Zak Zodiak, Ricky Knight and more.

■ 9th-10th May Art Weekend Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire 01704 895181 From 1.00pm Come along to Martin Mere to help them celebrate the centenary year of the late Sir Peter Scott.

■ 10th May Birds of Prey Display Nanny Goat Park, Recreation Street, St Helens 01744 815586 1.00-3.30pm A display of birds of prey including the Harris Hawk, Vulture and a variety of owls, complemented by several flying demonstrations.

■ 10th May Birds, Bugs & Blooms Speke Hall, Garden and Estate The Walk, Liverpool 0844 800 4799 Normal Admission Charges Apply.

Family fun exploring the natural environment at Speke Hall. Enjoy trails and craft activities.

■ Until July Creepers, leapers and wide eyed peepers - natural history exhibition Prescot Museum, 34 Church Street, Prescot, L34 3LA 0151 430 7787 As part of the national ‘Darwin200’ celebrations, this exhibition explores the natural world around us.

■ Until February 2010 A Sweet Life: Fashion in a Liverpool sugar merchant's family Sudley House, Mossley Hill Road Aigburth 0151 724 3245

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Activities and Adventure

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■ 10th May RPLO Bugs Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, Liverpool 0151 709 3789 Tickets £5.00-£12.00 This is a creepy-crawly concert with music about fleas, bees, wasps, butterflies and other incredible insects. Come along dressed as a bug or bring along a homemade bug.

■ 16th May Conservation Task Day 10am-1pm Stadt Moers Park, Pottery Lane, Whiston 0151 489 1239.

Ranger led practical tasks to help maintain and improve your local green space.

■ 17th May The Ugly Duckling Southport Arts Theatre, Lord Street, Southport 01704 540011 Tickets £5.50 Travelling Light Theatre Company present their heart-warming production of The Ugly Duckling.

■ 17th May Active Knowsley Challenge Knowsley Hall, Knowsley Village 0151 443 2153 Great fun opportunity for all the family to ‘Get Active for 2009’, the event includes everything from cycle rides to walking to running.

■ 17th May Wrigglers McGoldrick Park, Huyton 0151 443 3682 1.00-3.00pm. Could you charm a worm?

Prizes for the longest, fattest and highest number of worms.

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Events Guide Theatre

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Park and Nature

Activities and Adventure

■ 20th-24th May SpongeBob SquarePants: The Sponge Who Could Fly Liverpool Empire, Lime Street, Liverpool 0844 847 2525 Tickets £7.50-£25.00 Family ticket £17.50 Join SpongeBob, Patrick and their zany Bikini Bottom pals in a new musical as SpongeBob embarks on his dream to fly.

■ 21st-22nd May Showcase 2009 Crosby Civic Hall, Crosby Road North, Liverpool 0151 928 1919 Tickets £8.00 A celebration of dance, drama and song involving students of Merseyside Dance & Drama Centre.

■ 19th May Girls Aloud ACC Liverpool, Monarchs Quay Liverpool 0844 8000 400 Tickets £30.00 The UK's premiere girl group, Girls Aloud arrive in Liverpool in the wake of their new 'Out of Control' album.

■ 23rd May Downy Duckling Days Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire 01704 895181 Between 11.30am and 3.30pm. Wander through the outdoor duckling nursery and see the cute sights of the ducklings and goslings whilst learning about the birds.

■ 23rd-24th May HUB Wellington Dock, Liverpool 11.00am-7.00pm Free admission

Two days of funky break-dancing, beat boxing, mad tricks and extreme sports.

■ 24th May Fun Day Delph Lane, Whiston 0151 489 1239 An afternoon of fun for all the family, including dog show, hawk display, face painting, circus skills and much more.

■ 25th May Discovering Nature Stadt Moers Park, Pottery Lane, Whiston 0151 489 1239 1.00-3.00pm A ranger led walk revealing amazing facts about the natural world around us.

■ 26th May Moulding and Casting National Conservation Centre, Whitechapel, Liverpool 0151 478 4999 Discover how conservators make use of moulding and casting in this free hands-on session suitable for families.

■ 27th May Fit’n’Fun Family Health Walk Sefton Park, Lake car park near Aigburth Vale 0151 233 3007 1.00pm. Bring along the family and keep healthy while having fun rambling through Liverpool’s green environment in newly refurbished Sefton Park.

■ 27th May Junior Fishing Taylor Park, St Helens 01744 678073 Normal Admission Charges Apply. Follow your nose and use your senses to sniff out the flower trail around the gardens! Flower power craft activities including pressing and printing in the education room.

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Events Guide

■ 30th May Flower Power Speke Hall, Garden and Estate The Walk, Liverpool 0844 800 4799 1.00-3.00pm. Attractions include a variety of stalls including crafts, activities and traditional entertainment.

■ 30th May Elizabethan Fayre Prescot Town Centre 0151 430 7787 1.00-3.00pm. Attractions include a variety of stalls including crafts, activities and traditional entertainment.

■ 31st May Lancashire Carnival Association: Morris Dancing Competition Bowring Park, Roby Road, Huyton 0151 482 1116 Local teams welcome.

Event includes stalls and slideshows.

■ 30th-31st May Tweenies Live - Top of the Tots Liverpool Empire, Lime Street, Liverpool 0844 847 2525 Tickets £7.50-£25.00 The Tweenies are back with their chart-busting new show Top of the Tots packed with tot-tastic tunes.

Tickets £12.00-£16.50.

■ 6th June Lord Mayor’s Pageant 12-1pm Liverpool City Centre Liverpool city centre will be a sea of green as hundreds take to the streets for the colourful pageant.

■ 6th-7th June Kites over the Mersey – Wirral Kite Festival The Dips, Kings Parade, New Brighton 0151 666 3188 11.00ma-4.00pm Two day event for all the family with a variety of spectacular show kites on display. There will also be a kitemaking workshop.

■ 7th June Knowsley Green Fayre National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Huyton 0151 738 1913

Free event Help The Friends of Court Hey Park and The Great Outdoors as the celebrate the environment.

■ 7th June A Performance of a Lifetime ACC Liverpool, Monarchs Quay Liverpool 0844 8000 400 Tickets £20.00 Hundreds of talented young performers are brought together to perform in a show, which will really be a “Performance of a Lifetime”.

■ 8th-13th June Disney’s High School Musical Liverpool Empire, Lime Street, Liverpool 0844 847 2525 Tickets £12.50-£28.00 Watch the twists and turns of the lovable schoolmates – Troy and Gabriella as they surf the tricky tides of peer pressure and canteen cliques.

■ 10th June Primary Schools Year 4/5 Mixed Kwik Cricket Tournament Prescot Cricket Club, Burrows Lane, Prescot 0151 443 3111 1.00-5.00pm. Both boys and girls are welcome to participate.

■ 13th June Crash Bang Wallop!

National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Huyton 0151 738 1913 Age 7 and above. £5.00 Learn how to play the drums.

■ 18th June Britain's Got Talent LIVE! ACC Liverpool, Monarchs Quay Liverpool 0844 8000 400 Tickets £32.50 Pop fans will get the chance to see the contestants from this edition of the hit reality show in the flesh.

■ 19th June What a Wonderful World Southport Arts Theatre, Lord Street, Southport 01704 540011 Tickets £5.50 Another magical, interactive performance experience for the very young from Lyngo Theatre Company.

■ 19th June HOOF Junior Southport Arts Theatre, Lord Street, Southport 01704 540011 Tickets £5.50 Gasp, as a bare stage transforms into a visual, verbal and musical feast and you are catapulted into a totally improvised fairytale.

■ 20th June Whistonbury Stadt Moers Park, Whiston 0151 489 1239 12.00-4.00pm and 5.00-9.00pm. A fun packed family event to celebrate the long mid summer days with music, dance, stalls, laser quest and much more.

■ 20th-21st June Africa Oyé Sefton Park, Croxteth Drive, Liverpool 0151 708 6200 The UK’s largest, free celebration of African music and culture.

■ 21st June Liverpool Triathlon Liverpool ACC Free to watch Participants aged eight and upwards can swim, cycle and run their way to the finishing line in this inaugural event. www.liverpooltriathlon.co.uk ■ 21st June Father’s Day Afternoon Tea National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Huyton 0151 738 1913 Costs £5.00 Bring your Dad to the Wildflower Centre for a day of pampering.

■ 22nd June Twenty20 Cup www.lccc.co.uk Liverpool Cricket Club, Aigburth Lancashire Lightning take on Leicestershire Foxes.

■ 27th June Craft and Hobby Show: Circus Martin Mere Wetland Centre, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire 01704 895181 Starts at 11.00am. Workshops include juggling, plate spinning, unicyle riding, balancing and stilt walking. At 3pm there will also be a circus show in the Dome.

■ 27th June Sefton Triathlon, Crosby Leisure Centre, Mariners Road, Crosby Starts at 9.00am. Open to all ages from 7-99 years. The largest community triathlon in the UK. Contact 0151 924 3700 for further information.

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Events Guide Theatre

Arts

Parks and Nature

Activities and Adventure

■ 28th June Bowring Park Gala and Steam Fayre Bowring Park, Roby Road, Huyton 0151 482 1116 11.00am-5.00pm. This special event will include a community party with children’s rides, dray horse rides, steam and classic cars, amusements and arena attractions.

■ 2nd July Colour Chart with Hope Street Ltd Albert Dock, Liverpool 0151 702 7400 6.00pm. Inspired by the work in the gallery this summer, professional artists and community groups will create a highly innovative and experimental performances and installations .

■ 3rd July Bat Night Halewood Park, Okell Drive, Halewood 0151 488 6151 8.30-10.30pm. A fascinating look into the amazing world of local nocturnal flying gymnasts! Slideshow presentation followed by a trip out bat detecting.

■ 3rd July Pupils of Claire Williams Charity Concert

2.00pm. A beautiful fusion of original songs, live music, physical theatre and puppetry based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen.

Southport Arts Centre, Lord Street 0151 934 2141 Tickets £7.00 concessions £6.00 7.30pm. The pupils of Claire Williams will be performing a programme of music ranging from classical to well known musicals and popular song.

■ 4th July Merseyside Primary Games The Oval, Bebington 0151 443 2149 10.00am-5.00pm. Multi-sport event aimed at primary aged children.

■ 4th July The Little Mermaid Southport Arts Centre, Lord Street 0151 934 2141 Tickets £5.00

Perfect Parties We offer tailor made parties and celebrations for you and your children ❈ Big Fun Parties – Under 4 years ❈ Themed Parties – 5 – 11 years ❈ Teenage Parties & Hen Parties We will make sure it is a celebration to remember!

For more information please call 0151 734 2001

7 Heathfield Road, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 9EU E: info@bluebellstudios.co.uk www.bluebellstudios.co.uk 66

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■ 5th July Halewood Community Festival Halewood Leisure Centre, Baileys Lane, Halewood 0151 443 2156 Includes a Rose Queen procession, parade, craft fayre, cheerleaders, American footballers, line dancing, fancy dress competition and much more.

■ 14th July Race For Life Knowsley Hall, Knowsley Village 08705 134 314 7.00pm Knowsley Hall provides the backdrop for a 5k run or walk aimed at raising money for Cancer Research UK. The event attracts over 2,000 women of all ages.

■ 15th July A Summer Serenade Huyton Suite, Civic Way, Huyton 0151 443 5615 7.30pm. Adults £5.00 concessions £3.00.

From choirs to concert bands, steels pans to samba. A fantastic evening celebrating the musical achievements of young people.

■ 18th-19th July Scarecrow Festival National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Huyton 0151 738 1913 Free event. Come and say hello to the Scarecrow family all designed by local school children.

■ 18th July Kirkby Community Festival Millbrook Park Millennium Green, Kirkby 0151 443 5619 12.00-4.00pm Family festival day with live comedy, jazz dance and youth groups, circus workshops, arena attractions and more.

■ 23-26th July Scooby-Doo Live On Stage!

Liverpool Empire, Lime Street, Liverpool 0844 847 2525 Tickets £7.50-£10.00 Scooby-Doo and the gang are back! The ultimate cartoon classic explodes onto the stage once again with "Scooby-Doo and the Pirate Ghost".

■ 24th July Family BBQ and Moth Night National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Huyton 0151 738 1913 Tickets £10.00 per head children under 15 eat free. Booking essential.

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Events Guide

■ 25th-26th July Liverpool-Knowsley Mini Cup King George V Playing Fields, Longview Lane, Huyton 0151 443 2152 9.00am-5.00pm. Spectators can enjoy watching more than 1,000 players ranging from 7 to 10 years of age from all over the North West.

■ 28th July-2nd August Liverpool-Knowsley International Soccer Tournament Liverpool University Geoffrey Hughes Playing Fields, Mather Avenue, Allerton 0151 443 2152 Over 100 teams boys and girls from all over the world will complete against representative teams from the UK.

■ 11th-19th August Disneys Beauty and the Beast Liverpool Empire, Lime Street, Liverpool 0844 847 2525 Tickets £10.00-£17.00 . One of the most popular and enchantingly romantic stories ever told comes to life in Disney’s multi-award winning musical.

■ 19-23 August Walking with Dinosaurs ACC Liverpool, Monarchs Quay Liverpool 0844 8000 400 Tickets £20.00-£35.00 Dinosaurs will once again roam the earth in a spectacular new theatrical arena show, which comes to the Liverpool.

■ 30th July -1st August Summer Holiday the Musical Southport Arts Theatre, Lord Street, Southport 01704 540011 Tickets £9.00-£11.00 The famous musical Summer Holiday comes to Southport with an amazing Merseyside cast of youngsters.

■ 5th August National Play Day Event King George V Playing Fields, Longview Lane, Huyton 0151 443 5971 10.00am-3.00pm All ages welcome to take part in freely chosen, risky, challenging and exciting play activities. Activities are free.

■ 7th-9th August Better World: The 2009 Holistic Organic - Eco Show ACC Liverpool, Monarchs Quay Liverpool 0844 8000 400 Tickets £12.00-£10.00 Three zones of over 360 Exhibitors. Three days of Talks, Demonstrations, Music, Stalls.

Television celebrities attending each day.

■ 9th August Knowsley Flower Show National Wildflower Centre, Court Hey Park, Huyton 0151 443 2155 Free event. The Knowsley Flower Show is celebrating its 11th year and is the largest FREE horticultural Show in the North West.

■ 10th-14th August Knowsley Hall Open Days Knowsley Hall, Knowsley Village 0151 489 4827 Tickets £10.00 A rare chance to see inside Knowsley Hall, home of the Earls of Derby since 1385. Tours must be booked in advance.

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Educate Competition

Win a Family Break in Ireland with Norfolkline Norfolkline Irish Sea Ferry Services would like to offer one lucky reader the chance to win a return trip to Ireland for a car and 4 passengers travelling from Liverpool (Birkenhead) to Belfast or Dublin.

Ireland is the perfect holiday destination for all the family and ferry travel is a great value option for those wishing to discover Ireland by car. So you should look no further than Norfolkline to get your holiday needs sorted in 2009!

Ireland offers a wide selection of family activities from country parks and breathtaking coastal routes to entertainment complexes and adventure playgrounds. Accommodation options range from hotels, holiday cottages and self catering facilities to caravan and camping parks, with something to suit every budget.

Get onboard a Norfolkline ferry and sail direct from the UK to Ireland, pack your car full of all the essentials and avoid the holiday chaos at the airport. While onboard Norfolkline passengers can take the opportunity to enjoy a meal in the restaurant, a movie in the onboard cinema or can relax in the comfort of an en-suite cabin.

For great value fares visit www.norfolkline.com.

For a chance to win, just answer this question: What is the Norfolkline website address?

Note: Terms & Conditions The prize relates to an AM or PM sailing and is valid for use until 31st December 2009.

This ferry crossing is for a car and 4 passengers travelling with Norfolkline Irish Sea. This prize is non transferable and no cash alternative is offered.

This prize is subject to availability. Brochure Terms & Conditions Apply

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For further information call 0151 443 3247 or visit knowsley.help4me.info

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My School Days Derek Acorah – Ghost Hunter and Psychic

My School Warwick Bolham High School in Netherton, but that has been closed down for a long time.

My Favourite Teacher That would have to be Mr Jack Westerby.

My Favourite Subject at School Geography, and Sport of course. I absolutely loved football as well as all sports.

My Best Friend at School Robert Hurrell.

My favourite childhood singer/band Without a doubt that would have to be The Beatles, a band that had phenomenal global success – and came from Liverpool.

Do you remember your first school love?

To be perfectly honest I don’t, but then I am a gentleman and wouldn’t tell!

My views on school dinners I did not eat school dinners so I have no idea what they were like.

I was a packed lunch boy with my mum’s lovely homemade sandwiches.

What my teachers said about me in my school report?

“If Derek applied himself to school work as much as sports and football, he would be a brilliant pupil”. What more can I say!

What were your ambitions while at school?

To be a professional footballer. I was lucky enough to play football with teams such as the legendary Bill Shankly’s Liverpool Football Club and then USC Lions in Australia.

Where you streetwise or a geek?

Most definitely a geek.

What does the future hold for yourself?

I’d like to travel more and broaden my horizons – taking my work to other countries and help others to experience the supernatural.

Derek lives near Southport with his wife Gwen. They share their home with their two dogs, Jack and Penny, and two cats, Mindy and Toby.

Over the years Derek has achieved international success with his television, radio and personal appearances as a psychic.

Derek's first supernatural experience came as a child when the spirit of his late grandfather visited him. When young Derek told his grandmother she was not surprised as Derek was to learn that she herself was a medium. His early career was playing football with teams such as the legendary Bill Shankly's Liverpool Football Club and the then premier Australian team USC Lion.

Derek will appear at New Brighton, Floral Pavilion on 12th May 2009.

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– Is your child thriving in a safe, secure, happy environment? – ‘The relationship between staff and pupils, based on mutual respect and trust, is excellent and pupils clearly feel safe, secure and happy in their lessons.

This enriching relationship contributes greatly to the positive learning environment that pervades the school.’

Independent Schools Inspectorate

Tower College, Rainhill Christian Independent School for boys and girls aged 3–16 Termly Fees £1543 – £1815 For more details and /or a prospectus Tel: 0151 426 4333 Or Fax: 0151 426 3338 Visit our web-site on www.towercollege.com Email: towercollege@lineone.net Principal : Miss R J Oxley

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