Welcome to the Autumn 2017 edition of our school magazine. We hope that all learners, and especially those who joined the school at the beginning of September, have had a good term. In the following pages you will see a selection of the activities that our learners have enjoyed on and off site this Autumn. We have always had a strong commitment to ‘learning outside the classroom’, and this has been very much in evidence this term with some groups spending over half their timetable off-site as we help prepare pupils for the opportunities beyond their time at Meadowside. As anyone who has visited school this term will know, we are now 4 months into a 7 month project to rebuild our pool and changing facilities. The building work has gone very smoothly, and we remain on track for the new facilities to be handed over to us ready for use in the Summer Term. This term our learners have undertaken a number of charitable events including collecting food for Wirral Food Bank, as part of our Harvest Festival celebrations. Learners and staff dressed in spots for Children In Need raising £36.59, we also enjoyed a visit from Pudsey Bear! Finally, we baked and made coffee for our MacMillan Coffee Morning; go to page 19 for details. A big well done to all our staff and learners this term! We would like to thank our friends over at Hays Travel in Birkenhead for their very generous donation to our school earlier this month. I would like to wish all our learners, their families and the entire school community a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Paula Wareing
Flair has welcomed a new member this term—Levi. Our topic has been Autumn and the sensory story called Leaf Man. The story encourages us to explore the different colours, textures, smells and sounds that Autumn brings. We have also been out in the local community, collecting Autumn leaves, conkers, bark etc and then exploring the materials by making collages.
Mrs Lawrence and Claire Albertsen
Computing We have explored Magazines, designing covers and looking at traditional content. Some pupils made a crossword puzzle for one of the pages and some made a cartoon strip for a feature. The cartoon strips have been fun to produce, using iPads and the App Strip Designer. Some pupils showed great imagination, adding captions and storylines. Magazine topics have included Strictly Come Dancing, Dance, Merseyrail and pop star Matty B, to name a few. Skills covered included internet research, iPad photography, layout, font style, background selection, printing, saving and file sharing. Everyone has enjoyed being creative and produced some stylish designs. Mrs Hughes
Music We have been exploring rhythmic patterns, using two songs that go together—Land of the Silver Birch and the Canoe Song. Pupils have enjoyed singing both the songs and request them at every opportunity. The patterns in the songs lend themselves well to group rhythm work, building up small parts to create a whole effect. Skills have included keeping a steady beat, singing, group performance and simple melodic patterns. We have been busy practising Christmas Carols, for performances at various venues. The Signing Singers have sung and signed for Moreton Lung Group, Wesley Grange Residential Home, Asda shoppers and raised money for the RNIB at Tesco. Christmas is our favourite time of year in the Music Department—we have hosted a Christmas Signalong with lots of local schools joining us for a festive musical morning and put together the Carol Service, inviting parents and families to see us perform. Mrs Hughes
There has been a lot of hard work in Maths this term– just as there should be! As you can see from the photographs, pupils have been using and applying their Maths skills in a wide variety of ways. Chestnut group has used different materials to make a range of shapes. They have used straws to make 2D shapes and used their bodies to make 3D shapes. Can you identify any of them? The joys of long division left the Sun group scratching their heads, but all of the hard work and concentration has paid off and they have gotten to grips with the tricky operation, even going as far as handling remainders. Meanwhile, Team group has used their Maths skills in a very creative way. They planned and ran the Hallowe’en Disco, aiming to raise funds for their next venture. As well as writing the rules for the disco and designing the tickets, the group worked out how many party bags would be required, and tested their measuring skills when making scary treats and decorations such as ‘Boonanas’, ‘Angel Defrights’ and ‘Ghostly Garlands’. The disco was a huge success so watch this space for their Christmas plans! In Maths lessons the Willow group is working hard, with wonderful focus, and learning about a wide range of Mathematical concepts such as time, money, addition, division, and algebra. Mrs Dunn
English This term, pupils in KS3, KS4 and Post 16 have read war novels and stories like Private Peaceful, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas and War Games as well as songs and poems, linking to our whole school topic “World War I and II”. Learners have read and listened to excerpts from these books and joined in discussions about them and joined in with poems and songs. Learners have also learned about Remembrance Day; they have looked at keywords and they have read about it. Some pupils have enjoyed reading and sharing stories together. Other pupils have also discussed and written about the Autumn senses. Learners enjoyed playing literacy games, through which they can develop their communication skills as well as practise specific skills such as reading or spelling. Post 16 pupils have been working on Functional English alongside their topic lessons. They have been looking at the basics of word groups and practised speaking, listening, reading and writing skills that they can use out in the community during their offsite visits.
Pupils in Fusion have been improving their communication skills both in school and offsite. In school, they have enjoyed playing literacy games, sharing story books and practising their handwriting skills. Offsite, they have visited a café and a local shop and they have practised their communication skills.
Mrs Ubeda
Pupils in Chestnut group learned the difference between detached, semi detached and terrace houses. They all really enjoyed strengthening the boxes using gummed paper.
In Fusion class Josuha is showing how dexterous he is when placing rings on a peg.
Acorn is working on 2 projects this term—making a tank and building an Anderson Shelter. The pupils have learned how to use the tools to expose wire to enable them to build a circuit.
Acorn group enjoyed a session building vehicles using a construction kit. Some worked in pairs , they all needed to follow visual instructions. Pupils enjoyed the task. Ms Hoffmann
Art lessons have been very enjoyable for our learners Pupils in Fusion group have been enjoying tasks such as threading beads and printing snowman eyes for table runners.
Key Stage 4 pupils are now working on their course work towards a qualification in three dimensional design.
Chestnut learners are enjoying following their portrait contour with the runny ink.
The Acorn group has produced some lovely work based on Modigliani portraits. They have been learning how to use chalk pastels and oil pastels.
Ms Hoffmann
This term Religious Education lessons for Willow learners have involved making positive words.
Chestnut learners have been learning about different religious symbols and their different artefacts. They have also been learning through play the story of Noah and his Ark, using miniature animals to animate and explain the story. Ms Hoffmann
World War 1, World War 2 and the interwar years have been the topic this term. Stories, movie clips, music, dancing, inventions, aviation, map reading, secret codes, people (leaders, inventors), rationing and child evacuees formed some of the events and experiences of people during this time period. Chestnut and Fusion groups have also enjoyed craft and practical tasks. Acorn and Willow groups’ lessons involved more research tasks to find answers to tasks and to find aspects of this topic they are interested particularly in. Chestnut group worked together to make the Remembrance Day poster below. Mrs Jones
Pupils in Acorn and Chestnut groups have taken part in invasion games including rugby, netball and basketball, looking at outwitting their opponents and how the games have changed from 100 years ago including rules, tactics, equipment and safety. Key Stage 4 pupils have been taking part in OAA, (outdoor and adventurous activities), looking at teamwork, problem solving and transferring skills into other curriculum areas. Post 16 pupils have taken part in health and wellbeing sessions every other week, looking at ways in which they can be healthy, including diet and exercise. They have been completing a personal exercise programme and completing set physical tests including the bleep test. When taking part in the practical side of the lesson the pupils have been looking at how to warm up properly and playing dodge ball. Mr Stubbs
In Science Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils have been studying at Biology, Chemistry and Physics: Physics—the earth, moon and sun, looking at phases of the moon, seasons and the solar system. Biology— pupils have been looking at plants, their structure, life cycle and the functions of various parts of plants. Chemistry—pupils have been separating materials, finding out about the different methods we use to separate matter including magnetism, evaporation and distillation .
In PSHE this term ALL pupils have been learning about keeping healthy. They have been looking at what a balanced diet should be, healthy and unhealthy foods, how much exercise we should be doing and relaxation and sleep. Key Stage 4 pupils have been looking at keeping healthy with Jackie and Paddy from Health Services in schools.
Citizenship is taught in pastoral groups. Pupils in Key Stage 3 have been learning about Kings and Queens and Parliament, developing their understanding of British values and current affairs. Key Stage 4 lessons have focused upon how people should and should not be treated, regardless of lifestyle, disability, beliefs, gender, and/or race. Post 16 lessons have related to rules, rights, discrimination, anti-bullying and safety. Year 14 lessons have also linked to preparation for life after Meadowside exploring different scenarios and dilemmas. Thank you to everyone who sent in food for our Harvest Festival! Donations this year went to Wirral Foodbank. Mrs Jones
Key Stage 3 lessons for pupils in Chestnut and Beech groups have involved basic hygiene, (hand washing and cleaning tasks), and kitchen equipment. Other activities have included making snacks, (toast, sandwiches, cold drinks and a cup of tea). Independent Life Skills lessons for Fusion group have covered food choices (healthy and unhealthy foods) and participating in cleaning tasks. Key Stage 4 pupils have made some traditional snack foods that link to the whole school topic by using war time recipes and food supplements. Lessons have also focussed on kitchen hygiene, storage and taking responsibility for their own cleaning. Post 16 pupils’ topic has been traditional foods. This topic has also linked to World War 1 and 2 Whole School topic with pupils using seasonal ingredients, following traditional and war time recipes using food substitutes and weight measures. Mrs Jones
Careers Education at Meadowside enables pupils to develop an understanding of the world of work through discrete lessons, in addition to work experience placements for Yr10 and above. This guides them in the making their own life choices as well as understanding those of others. This term pupils in Acorn ,Chestnut and Willow have studied how to keep themselves and others safe at work. We have used videos and role play to deepen understanding. The overarching theme has been ‘working as part of a team’ Pupils in Fusion, Flair and Team have worked on the idea of ‘self’ and what they want to achieve in their lives. They have used sensory and active learning to imagine what role they see themselves doing—using drawing to create a ‘portrait of themselves at work’. Pupils in Years 10-14 have had a more in-depth look at the skills needed for different careers in Care and Hospitality.
We actively encourage all pupils to take part in learning outside the classroom. This includes a variety of work experience at placements such as Dale Farm and Best Bites. Where possible work experience is tailored to individual aspirations. From January 2018 we will be using AQA to ensure accreditation for skills pupils have gained through their placements. If any parent is able to offer placements for pupils at their own work place, please contact me at school - we are keen to broaden the diversity of opportunity. Many thanks for your support . Ms Goalen
This term we are learning about families and greetings!
MFL
Pupils have been learning new vocabulary such as members of the family as well as greeting words and phrases. One of their favourite activities is our “Bonjour, bonjour� song at the beginning of the lessons.
Learners are enjoying learning about these topics. They like using visual resources and stories to aid their learning, as well as playing interactive games.
As part of our whole school topic link, WWI and WWII, pupils have looked at what food rations were like in France during the World Wars. Mrs Ubeda
Some pupils have enjoyed cracking codes to figure out the names of family members; others have even designed their own comic showing their knowledge of French greeting: other pupils have created lovely basic conversations with puppets.
Pupils enjoy the option of a Lunchtime Club each day. It has been lovely to see Post 16 pupils supporting new Year 7s in the same club. Scott has built up a good score on the Song Quiz App in Music Club. Ellie enjoys listening to the song clips and smiles when they get one right! IPad Club is very popular, pupils mainly enjoy watching YouTube clips/songs or building up points on the Piano Tiles App. Monday—Reading Singing Club songs have focussed on practising for Christmas although we always get a request for Top of the World, by the Carpenters or Mamma Mia. Mrs Hughes
Tuesday—Music Wednesday—iPad Thursday– Singing Friday—Spanish
Literacy club is becoming popular in school. Pupils can come along and read independently. Other learners prefer playing speaking and listening games. We even have story time, sometimes led by pupils . In Spanish Club we have been practising how to greet each other and we are now enjoying Spanish Christmas Carols. Mrs Ubeda
Thanks to your support, our MacMillan coffee event was a huge success. We raised a wonderful ÂŁ160 and a fine time was had by all! Whilst the rest of the school community were testing the cakes and working on their social communication skills, Post 16 pupils did an amazing job, taking orders and serving refreshments. Not a drop of tea, coffee of juice was spilled and they worked as an efficient and effective team. We were all very proud of them. I would like to thank all of those families who donated cakes or came along to the event, it was especially lovely to see so many of our new parents on the day. A warm welcome to you all. Mrs Dunn
Afterschool Clubs This term pupils have been able to take part in lots of different after school clubs including multi sports, WiiU, Science and Christmas craft club Pupils in Science Club explored the world of forensics, and also how light works by separating white light using a prism. Pupils have had loads of fun while learning new or developing old skills. The outcomes for After School Clubs are for pupils to develop personal and social skills and developing their physical self. Mr Stubbs
Enterprise Pupils are all working very hard to make new ideas for Christmas Decorations. We’d like to say a huge thank you for all donations from parents and staff that make it possible to produce our recycled finished products. Ms Hoffmann
KS4 Horse Riding with the Foresters Horn RDA Group at Foxes Riding The first few sessions involved being measured up for safety riding hats. And students looking around to familiarise themselves, with the layout of the arena. They also studied some horse information boards, ready for when they began their riding lessons.
The students learn about how to mount their horses safely.
Then it’s off around the arena and even outside in the lanes. Trish Pude TA3
A themed termly topic is incorporated into different subjects and World War 1 and World War 2 was the topic for this term. This included; stories, poems and letters from the trenches (English), playing trench games and learning about the caring professions (Careers), playing invasion games and the history of football (PE). Measurement, traditional games, maps, distances and statistics (Maths), using war time recipes (Life Skills), making Anderson shelters (DT) and grow your own (Science). In Computing, pupils looked at magazine editions published during and after the World Wars, pupils made their own magazine covers and posters, celebrating the end of the war. Mrs Jones
This term Meadowside Governors: Bryan Douglas-Dala, Graham Spearing, Jeff Hughes, Sudha Rajavelu Krishnamurthy and Stephen Pearson visited Meadowside on their Learning Walk, ‘Adopt a Governor’. Governors were allocated a group to follow and the focus was ‘A Day in the Life of a Pupil at Meadowside School.’ The day started with Wakey Shakey, lessons, break, lessons and some governors stayed for lunch with the pupils. Groups followed were Acorn, Team, Planet, Chestnut, Flair and 16V. All Governors thoroughly enjoyed their Learning Walk and said the experience gave them a better understanding of the pupils and the school day. The photo shows Bryan participating and enjoying Wakey Shakey. Jacqui Wood (Clerk to Governors)
Each term a team of Meadowside students embark on a new challenge; work based learning. This term a small selection of pupils are working at Best Bites Café. Students learn all about running a small business with tasks varying from serving customers to cleaning the restaurant. Our students really enjoy what is often their first experience in the working world using the skills they’ve acquired at Meadowside to become successful in the wider community. Ryan is measuring ingredients to bake and fulfil a customers order. Leanne is using her understanding of food hygiene to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness within her working environment. Maddison is also helping by laying the tables and serving food for waiting customers.
Debbie Gardiner & Jenny Wilson
Christmas Activities Our Signing Singers have been out in force this December, singing for Moreton Lung Group, Wesley Grange and HC1 Care Homes, Woodchurch Methodist Centre, Asda, Tesco and the shoppers of Birkenhead Pyramids. We went on a visit to Wallasey Village URC, where our school governor Jeff is the minister. We hosted the Signalong, welcoming Orrett’s Meadow, Hayfield and Foxfield to join in. We have practised carols for our whole school Carol service at Holy Cross Church at the end of term. We hope you have a Merry Christmas! Mrs Hughes
We welcomed six new members of staff in September. Miss Green, Ms Goalen and Mr Pemberton joined us as teachers, and Ellie, Matt and Becky as Teaching Assistants Congratulations to two of our staff members on their recent marriages, Mrs O’Connor (previously Miss Branch) and Mrs Cookson (previously Miss Cullen). We wish them both all the happiness for the future.
Finally, we would like to extend a warm welcome to our two new parent governors Stephen and Sudha. It really has been a lovely term here at Meadowside.
A large print version of this magazine is available on our website:
www.meadowsideschool.com Meadowside School. Keep up to date with our Twitter feed or follow us on our Facebook page. We are grateful to our sponsor Newhall Publishing, for printing this edition of the magazine.
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