Meadowside Magazine
Issue 13 Summer 2017
Find out how
we celebrated Den Day and National Picnic week.
Read about our commission for a mural!
to the Summer edition of the Meadowside Magazine. As you will see in the following pages, we have had a wonderful term, with a wide range of activities contributing to our indoor and outdoor curriculum.
Welcome….
Highlights have included the Post 16 Residential at The Wingate Centre in Wrenbury, which you can read about on page 20, and Den Day on page 19. Our cross-curricular topic has been thoroughly enjoyed and enabled learners to explore ‘Ancient Egyptians and the Aztecs’ across many subjects. As part of the continued investment in our school premises and facilities, we are shortly to start an exciting project which will see a new pool being built, starting Summer 2017. Our plans also include improvements to the changing facilities and the physiotherapy suite. We can’t wait to see it all completed and ready for the learners to use! I hope you all have a fabulous summer break and would like to remind you that Meadowside School opens for the Autumn Term on Wednesday 6th September 2017. Paula Wareing Head Teacher
Our project to collect food and toiletries for The Trussell Trust Food Bank Foundation in Birkenhead, has been a huge success. All the schools involved in The Merseyside School Council enjoyed an amazing day at Liverpool Town Hall.
Bag2School Bag2chool raised an amazing £110.00 for Student Council/Interact Club, thank you for all your help. Next pick up is in September. Pauline Freeman
MFL This term we are learning about houses and food. Pupils have learned new vocabulary, including parts of the house and names of food.
Learners are enjoying working on these topics. They like using visual resources and stories to aid their learning, as well as playing interactive games. We are also looking forward to some food tasting sessions!
In July, learners will enjoy a crosscurricular day where they will join in different activities about France and French culture, through cookery, sports, music and crafts!
Mrs Ubeda
This term we have been looking closely at the work of William Shakespeare, with an emphasis on Macbeth. Learners have unpicked the themes and characters of the play as well as being given plenty of opportunities to act out key scenes. Alongside this, learners had the opportunity to explore different types of print and media including newspapers, magazines, brochures as well as online sources. All learners have been given the opportunity to take a reading book to take home and have a book to read in school. This term we were also fortunate to be visited by M&M Theatre Group who gave us a fantastic performance of The Hobbit. The hall was magically transformed into a theatre for the afternoon. All learners were given the opportunity to attend, it really was an amazing show!
The Sun and Moon groups have been working hard, not only on learning the tragedy of Macbeth, but have also been learning about grammar, and how it is used in every day language. The learners now have a greater appreciation for idioms which is an area that can provide a challenge. They have really been ’on the ball’ and some found it to be ‘a piece of cake’! Alongside this, learners have been learning about speech and how it is integrated into a text. Learners in Fusion have been using their own interests as starting points in their English lessons. They have used topics such as Minecraft to support their learning. Learners have also used a number of different practical literacy games and activities to support them in both spoken and written language.
As well as completing work on Macbeth, learners in Post 16 are continuing to explore English in their offsite curriculum. We use English every day and it is a valuable learning experience to be able to transfer the skills learnt in the classroom into the community.
Miss A Branch
This term in Maths, the Sun, Moon and Star groups have been learning about Maths through the whole school topic. They have explored the lines of symmetry in Egyptian hieroglyphics and considered temperature in different parts of the world. The Flair and Fusion groups have taken a more sensory approach to the same topic. Flair has enjoyed using sand, and Fusion pupils have tried to build their own version of the pyramids, using 2D and 3D shapes. Learners in Key Stage 4 and in Post 16 have begun working towards their new ASDAN qualifications this term. Post 16 have also continued to use Maths in practical situations through their life skills lessons. We have been trying to understand the value of money and have spent some time putting goods into what we think is cost order, before using internet searches to check the actual prices. I imagine there may be some interesting footwear in the homes of learners who think a box of fish fingers and a pair of Nike trainers cost the same! All learners would benefit from spending time over the summer holidays, exploring the prices of items they regularly purchase. Happy holidays everyone. Mrs Dunn
We have been exploring rhythms with the Bamboo Tamboo sticks, tapping along to some Caribbean songs. We went to the Music Festival and performed to a huge audience. Michael gave a brilliant rendition of Yellow Bird on the keyboard. Our favourite song was Bob Marley’s Three Little Birds, as it was easy to play the first few bars on the keyboards and piano. The Bamboo Tamboo sticks sound really good when they are tapped on the floor and hit with a beater in a variety of rhythmic combinations. Everyone had a really good try at creating their own rhythms and writing them down, beginning musical notation. They are a great way to develop group working skills as everyone taps along together. Mrs Hughes
This term we have been focusing on Digital Literacy (the ability to use information and communication technologies to find, evaluate, create, and communicate information). Pupils have been developing email skills, including spotting suspicious emails and making decisions about whether to open them or not. Some ‘click happy’ pupils soon found themselves looking at the virus image. Luckily it was not a real computer virus! We also learned that we don’t answer emails from Joe Bloggs, as we don’t know who he is. At the end of last term, we celebrated World Down’s Syndrome Day. We used iPads to take photographs and present them with PicCollage as posters to mark the lots of socks theme. Mrs Hughes
The Summer has been a very busy term in P.E. Acorn, Beech and Key Stage 4 pupils have been taking part in striking and fielding games including golf and cricket, looking at correct stance, swing, chipping and putting in golf. Pupils have looked at correct bowling, fielding, batting, scoring and umpiring in cricket. Post 16 pupils have taken part in ‘kwick cricket’, looking at batting, protecting the wicket, correct positions, tactics, fielding and bowling.
Pupils from Key Stage 3, 4 and Post 16 have also taken part in the LSSP cricket event at North Liverpool Academy. They had a lovely day competing against other SLD schools in Merseyside.
The Liverpool School Sports Partnership event is a culmination of the year’s hard work by all pupils involved. They take part in archery, football, boccia, athletics, rowing and new age curling. The pupils did themselves and the school proud, by competing to their highest level against other primary and secondary SLD schools from across Merseyside.
All the pupils performed brilliantly, but particular congratulations go to the four P8+ pupils who WON overall in that category.
Mr Stubbs
In Science this term Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils have been studying Biology, Chemistry and Physics, looking at the human body, states of matter and forces and magnets respectively. Physics (forces and magnets) - pupils have been exploring how forces act in our everyday life and how they affect us in sport. Pupils were very interested seeing forces in action e.g. the magnus effect Biology (the human body) - pupils have been finding out about how the human body works. They have looked at the different systems including respiratory, digestive, circulatory, nervous and muscular and how they work. Chemistry (states of matter) - pupils have learned about how different materials react and what materials are used for everyday objects around home and in school.
In PSHE pupils have been learning about puberty and how this affects them as they grow up, (both physically and emotionally) and looking at different relationships that they might have in their life and how these may change over time. Fusion group has been playing games to encourage discussions about building new relationships. Post 16 pupils have been looking at SRE (sex and relationship education), looking at different relationships and how they can change over time and what physical and emotional changes happen as they grow up. They have also had two sessions with Paddy and Jackie, from Health Services in Schools, talking separately about different problems that boys and girls might encounter as they grow up and prepare to lead adult lives away from school. Mr Stubbs
Skills Week 2017 The theme this year was Health and Social Care. Key Stage 4 and Post 16 pupils joined together to access an exciting range of activities and experiences, based around work-related learning. A range of visiting professionals worked with us, including a nurse, a Body Shop product rep, trained First Aiders and a Kooth counsellor. Health based activities included a visit to Total Fitness, a brisk local walk, a fruity yoghurt making session/tour of Asda store and a round of Circuit Training. Care related activities included working with small children in a nursery school, a primary school, the 6th Form College, Dale Farm and Wirral Met. We enjoyed working in a Pharmaceutical factory, a Day Centre and a Care Home.
All groups participated in a presentation to an audience, sharing their highs and details of the week’s activities. Many pupils made a great effort to dress for a job interview, even experiencing the formality of an employer asking questions about the skills and strengths they had to offer a workplace. Finally, a family Bingo event was held, an activity often favoured in Care Homes. HSA supported the event, coordinating prizes and refreshments. Our sincere thanks to our Meadowside parents, who supported Skills Week by donating prizes, coming along to the Bingo event and more. Thanks also to Katherine Magnall, Work Related Learning Co-ordinator, who set up many of the opportunities and is the driving force behind Skills Week. Mrs Hughes
Flair
The topic this term has been ‘Let’s all go on a Summer Holiday’, making the most of the warmer weather and going off site each week to explore the environment. In the classroom we have enjoyed recreating the sensory elements of the beach, paddling in footspas, feeling sand in our toes and making blue gloop to represent the sea. Pupils have enjoyed taking part in a multisensory beach story, donning sunglasses and sunhats and listening to the sounds of the sea. We have used the Immersive Theatre to ‘virtually’ transport ourselves to lots of exciting holiday destinations around the world. Mrs Hughes, Mrs Lawrence, Claire Albertsen
The lives of the Ancient Egyptians and the Aztecs have been studied in History this term. We explored museums on interactive websites and BBC websites, examined artefacts and some great work has been completed. We studied the achievements and influence of ‘Ancient Egyptians and Aztecs’ and how they are still fascinating today. This is also evident in movies and console games. Fusion and Chestnut lessons have included some practical craft based tasks. Geography lessons focused upon rivers, mountains and Wonders of the World. The River Nile, and Wonders of the World also linked to the whole school topic. Mrs Jones
In Key Stage 3, pupils have been looking after the school environment. Activities have included cleaning school windows and tidying garden areas. We have explored environmental issues such as recycling rubbish and protecting our oceans. Human Rights was the topic for Key Stage 4 and Post 16. Key Stage 4 explored our rights as human beings and identified some famous campaigners. They made a great poster and learnt a special dance. In Post 16 the focus was on individuals’ rights and why they are important. The General Election provided a focus for learning how to vote, as part of preparing for life after Meadowside. Mrs Jones
Fusion learners have learnt about healthy foods through games. They made food such as fruit salad and pasta salad. They’ve tried dips from different countries, preparing crudités to eat with the dips. Key Stage 4 learners have been busy working on their accreditation but have also made various food products.
Scott used the bug inspector to check if hands were clean.
Post 16 pupils have also been working on their accreditation and each group has prepared meals associated with different countries and celebrations, as well as maintaining excellent hygiene skills. Some of the lovely food products made this term include Empanadas (spicy meat pasties), meatloaf, pizza, curry and lasagne.
Mrs Jones
Once again we have had another successful term at Meadowside, where we have seen a lot of hard work, good behaviour and exceptional contributions to school life. Those named below have been awarded our weekly ‘pupil of the week’ award this term. Well done! Katie, Daniel S, Ellie, Lewis H-A, Matthew D, Aimee, Ewan and Leanne. Special congratulations to Leanne, who earned a whopping 50 Dojos, the most ever awarded to one person in one week! Any parents who want to keep track of their own child’s Dojo points and see photos of school activities, please ask school for a code.
This term pupils have been able to take part in lots of different after school clubs including swimming, Wii U, Rebound Therapy, Art and Multi Sports club. Pupils have had loads of fun learning new skills or developing old skills. The outcomes for After School clubs are to develop personal and social skills and develop their physical selves.
On Tuesday July 4th we held our annual Sports Day. Six teams competed in a range of skills based activities and games, before the relay races which contributed to the final result. The six teams were named after personal qualities valued at Meadowside: Respect, Determination, Pride, Friendship, Loyalty and Belief.
Thank you to all the families, governors and past pupils who supported the event and helped create such a wonderful atmosphere .Team Loyalty were awarded their medals as overall winners. Mr Stubbs
Learners in Design & Technology have been busy this term. Fusion pupils have been working hard on different activities. They’ve been working together in pairs to complete colourful mobiles and decorate wooden boxes using embellishing materials. Acorn and Beech pupils have been creating their own Automata Toys, evaluating their own and their peers’ work. Acorn and Beech have also started making felt. The plan is to produce enough pieces to make into a bag.
Key Stage 3 pupils have been learning how to blend pastels, taking inspiration from the work of the artist Gordon Hopkins. They used their knowledge of One Point Perspective to paint a landscape using watercolours. Key Stage 4 and Post 16C pupils painted a café bottle top mural design idea. We have been commissioned to produce a mural for Benrick’s café, in Prenton. Post 16 pupils transferred the chosen design onto the wooden board for the bottle tops to be screwed onto, and now the mural is ready to go. Michael and Luke from KS3 have helped in the task too. Ms Hoffmann
In R.E. learners have been revising past learning about the beliefs and practices of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Pupils in Post 16 have been discussing the similarities and differences in the varying religions and how they affect its practice. Ms Hoffmann
Pupils prepared products to sell at the School Summer Fair. They are also trying a new product—decorating/ painting glass bowls and plates to make into cake stands and sweet/nut bowls. Ms Hoffmann
Our cross-curricular topic has a new theme each term which is incorporated into many of the different subjects learners study. This term’s topic has been ‘Ancient Egyptians and the Aztecs’. This included;
Pyramids shapes, symmetry and temperatures in Maths lessons Desert and pyramid images as well as landscapes in Art Celebratory and spicy dishes in Life Skills. Egyptian and Aztecs homes were compared when MFL pupils studied ‘Homes‘ as a topic. In English, pupils tried writing in hieroglyphics. Messages were written to one another and pupils created a cartouche using their names.
The Flair group had sensory lessons with related stories, including using sand and pyramid shapes. Whilst the Fusion learners were making and tasting eastern dips.
Mrs Jones
Den Day was inspired by Save the Children’s campaign to ‘build a better world’ raising awareness about the importance of shelter, sharing resources, helping each other and working together. Each class built a den using donated or found materials and most managed to fit the whole class inside. We were developing the Forest Schools ethos that harnesses the challenges of social interaction, to build a resilience that enables pupils to have continued and creative engagement with their peers and meet their potential. It was good to see older pupils coming to the rescue of groups whose dens had collapsed and for some groups, to join forces with parents who really got stuck in supporting their child and his/her friends. Luckily the sun shone and the rain held off until a few spots after lunch. A downpour would have certainly tested our shelters! Lunch was a celebration of National Picnic Week, (we even had camp fire shaped desserts!) making the most of the outdoors and continuing the ‘working together’ theme as everyone ate together. Mrs Hughes
In June some of our Year 14 learners attended the Leavers’ Residential at The Wingate Centre in Wrenbury, Cheshire. We had a busy but relaxing week, packed with different activities. Pupils enjoyed visiting Nantwich, going bowling, using the excellent gym facilities and visiting the Ice Cream Farm. We had a visit to the Candle Workshop, to see how candles are made, and the learners twisted their own candles! The group also worked on their independent living skills, and did an excellent job of cleaning up their dishes and unpacking their own suitcases. In the evenings we relaxed with movie nights , a pub visit and crafts. Staff and pupils had a thoroughly enjoyable week! Miss Miller, Miss Branch and Mrs Gardiner.
Post 16 Horse Riding with the Foresters Horn RDA Group at Foxes Riding School Students have completed their Countryside Challenge in the outside arena. They received rosettes for completing their challenge. Well done!
Trish Pude TA3
Cambridge Road Day Centre Work Experience This term at Cambridge Road, the students have been working towards their ASDAN Accreditation on Health and Safety in the Workplace. They’ve been undertaking all aspects of health and safety, being aware of the requirements within their own environment as well as understanding the importance of signs for ensuring everyone's safety. Trish Pude
Key Stage 3 have been looking at communities. Learners have been thinking about their local area and what community groups we have. They have also been looking at what our school community looks like and how it works best when everybody is working together. They’ve been looking at different jobs that are used to create a new school, how this is done and especially enjoyed learning about the history of Meadowside School.
Key Stage 4 and 16V have participated in a careers workshop with Wirral Met College. Pupils have had a number of different sessions talking about interview techniques, writing application letters, wearing the right clothing for the right job and staying safe in the workplace. A big thank you to Wirral Met for their help during the workshop!
Miss A Branch
Our students are coming to the end of their work experience at Best Bites in Wallasey and Bromborough. Ewan has been working in the kitchen and recently made an Apple Dorset cake. He followed the recipe and method, with support, and produced a lovely cake which the customers really enjoyed.
Kieran has been helping in the kitchen chopping vegetables and assisting the cook to prepare meals for customers. Ellie has been helping keep the cafĂŠ clean and tidy. They continue to grow in confidence and are improving their independence skills. We are very proud of our pupils. Debbie Gardiner. TA3.
Congratulations to our Chair of Governors, Geoffrey Gubb, who received an invitation to a Royal Garden Party, from Her Majesty the Queen in recognition of all his hard work. Thank you Geoffrey for your dedication and hard work for Meadowside over the years! We are sad to be saying goodbye to our much loved Cover Supervisor Loren Miller. Loren has been a valued member of the Meadowside Team for many years and will be greatly missed. Good Luck for the future Loren!
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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