Welcome to this edition of our Meadowside Magazine
where we offer you an insight into the vibrant curriculum that has been available this term. The whole school topic, ’Our Planet’, has been evident across the whole curriculum which has helped to reinforce learning. We have used our Immersive Theatre to recreate a variety of multi-sensory environments including rain forests, deserts and the frozen planet. Learners have studied how animals have adapted to survive in these different climates and, to support an example of how they do this, we have even adopted an elephant at Chester Zoo for further study next term! I hope you and your family have an enjoyable Spring break.
Paula Wareing Head Teacher
Environmental Projects At the end of November a group of pupils went to Thurstaston to do a beach clean. It was a lovely day and the group worked very well, we made a difference. During the Autumn the D.of.E group, Gordon Caddy and other Rotarians worked really hard planting nearly 5000 purple crocus bulbs in Queens Park, Hoylake. We went back to check on their progress in February and they looked really pretty. Merseyside School Council Work is continuing on our project with The Trussell Trust Food Bank Foundation in Birkenhead. After a visit we will begin a programme of events and organise a food bank collection point in school.
Bag2School There will be a collection on Tuesday 28th March.
A walk about and meeting has been arranged for April to Mill Green School in Haydock to show our progress so far.
Pauline Freeman
As ever, pupils have been working hard in Maths. We have linked our work with both the whole school topic, and with the Flair group topic on magic and magical things. In Key Stages 3 and 4 we have been learning about measure and capacity by making potions! The Sun group has been exploring negative numbers by researching temperature in different parts of the world and Fusion has been exploring positional language using some of their favourite objects.
Meanwhile in Post 16, pupils have been developing skills for use in real life scenarios. 16L has been using simple lists and tables and has also been using Active Maths activities, to learn to estimate. This term, the Cross Curricular Day was Maths based: you may have already seen the photos on Class Dojo.
Mrs Dunn
This term in English we have been looking at Myths and Legends, Aesop’s Fables and some of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 have been looking at the Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. All learners have been given the opportunity to take a reading book home and have a book to read in school. Stars and Fusion groups have been looking at different Aesop’s Fables. They have been trying hard to work out the moral of each fable and discussing what it means. They have also been creating their own diary entries as well as practising spelling and sentence construction using key High Frequency Words. Sun group has been looking at Myths and Legends such as Theseus and the Minotaur. They have also been learning about debates and have been starting to put together their arguments for and against various topics. The Sun group has also been looking at the Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, extending their punctuation including speech marks.
Moon learners have been focusing on Aesop’s Fables and the Secret Diary of Adrian Mole. They have written their own diary extracts and explored the language and structure needed for these types of text. We have also been using games and activities to extend our vocabulary.
Flair has been exploring the Academy for Witches and Wizards. They have participated in sensory stories, interactive experiences using the Immersive Theatre and lots of hands on activities together.
Post 16 learners have been looking at Myths and Legends and Aesop’s Fables. 1 6L has explored some of the fables as well as reading a variety of different books together as a group. They have practised speaking and listening using games and activities. 16C and 16V have unpicked some Scottish Myths and Legends and have also started to look at debating.
Miss A Branch
BONJOUR!
MFL
This term we are learning about animals. Each Key Stage 3 group has focused on a different habitat and they are developing informational posters and leaflets about one of the animals. Pupils are learning how to describe animals in terms of colours and sizes.
Learners are enjoying learning about animals. They have used a French website to find all the information and they have also enjoyed playing interactive games.
¡HOLA! Spanish Club is growing popular with more pupils every week. We are hooked on the interactive Spanish drama ‘Mi vida loca’ and can’t wait to find out more!
Mrs Ubeda
We have been learning about the instruments of the orchestra and preparing to visit the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool for a concert entitled ‘Musical Revolutions’. We have been working on a timeline, beginning with Bach’s ‘Toccata’ and ending with a new piece called ‘The Sound Collector’, composed by a current member of the Philharmonic orchestra. We enjoyed collecting sounds ourselves, using iPads and USB microphones. We collected some unusual sounds then played them back to the class to see if others could identify the sounds. ‘Toccata’ was a great melody to play and everyone had a go at playing the opening bars on keyboards or piano. Mrs Hughes
ELLIE The topic ‘Album Covers’ has been fascinating. There are a host of amazing original album covers out there and an even greater number of clever variations on those ideas. We have explored different fonts and considered how the right font can make a difference. For example-
We used photo editing software to manipulate photos to use in our own album cover designs. We used tools such as ‘clone stamp’ and ‘lasso cut out’ to alter photographs and imitate some famous album covers. We discovered that online software called Pixlr Editor is just like Photoshop but free to use. The Abbey Road album cover has been parodied hundreds of times and is thought of as the most well known album cover of all time. Key Stage 4 pupils enjoyed setting up the shot to edit themselves into an empty version of the famous cover image. Mrs Hughes
Clubs at lunchtime continue to be a popular option. There is a different club on each day— Monday—Music Club Tuesday—Literacy/Homework Club Wednesday—iPad Club Thursday—Singing/Signing Club Friday—Spanish Club Please see Mrs Hughes if you’d like to join!
This term pupils have been able to take part in lots of different after school clubs including swimming, WiiU, Lego club and Multisports club. Pupils have lots of fun while learning new skills or developing existing ones. Amey and Tony are pictured enjoying their different roles in Lego club. Please enquire if you want to know more about our after school clubs.
The thematic unit ‘Our Academy for Witches and Wizards’ has provided us with a wealth of multisensory experiences that have included lights, sounds and smells. We particularly liked making potions using hand cream and then enjoyed hand or foot massages. Learners in Flair follow the Total Communication environment that focuses on different sensory experiences each day, for example, Monday is represented with the colour red, geranium flowers, Salsa music and the sense ’vision’. The Immersive Theatre is set up to link all of these features at the press of a button. We have also enjoyed linking into the whole school topic of ‘Our Planet—Frozen lands, Rainforests and Deserts’. The Immersive Theatre enables us to imagine ourselves there, with music playing and images all around us. Mrs Hughes
Key Stage 3 pupils have been taking part in boxing, looking at stance, movement, coordination and combinations. They have also explored gymnastics and free running, including different types of rolls, movement and balances then combining these into routines. Fusion has been taking part in games, including taking turns, working together, developing gross motor skills and independent thinking about how to solve a task. Key Stage 4 pupils have been taking part in basketball, developing the leadership skills gained from their Young Leaders training in November. In table tennis pupils have been looking at setting up, serving, different shots, playing a rally, keeping score and refereeing a simple game. Post 16 pupils have been taking part in dodge ball, looking at throwing, movement and dodging, catching, rules of the game, how to referee and playing games with others. Pupils from Key Stage 3 and 4 have also taken part in the LSSP Kin-ball Event. Jess and Ryan came into school to show pupils how to play the game and then we attended a competition the following week where pupils had lots of fun competing against other schools. Post 16 pupils took part in a dodge ball competition against other Merseyside SLD schools. Using their new skills acquired from P.E lessons and we won the secondary competition against Palmerston School. Mr Stubbs
In Science, Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils have been learning about cells in Biology, electricity and electronics in Physics and rocks in Chemistry. Pupils have loved learning about how different forms of power is produced and what is needed to make things work. They have used our newly acquired electronic kits to make helicopters fly into the air, lamps light up and even a fully working radio.
In Personal Social and Health Education pupils have been learning about puberty and relationships. Key stage 3 and 4 pupils have been looking at the human body and how it works and what changes happen when they go through puberty. They have also been looking at what makes good friends and their feelings. Post 16 pupils have been working with Jacky Leasor who comes into school each week, looking at different types of relationships and how this affects pupils’ lives and how they can change. Pupils have also looked at different emotions and what makes them sad or happy. Mr Stubbs
Sean enjoyed looking at his own face using the iPad and showing different expressions and features to staff.
Geography lessons have involved learning about water, environments related to the weather and how wildlife and humans survive, including protecting our planet. Pupils in different groups have learnt though Art, craft, stories, research and/or quizzes.
Topics including the Stone Age, Bronze Age and Charles Darwin have helped pupils to recognise how humans have learnt to adapt and learn about the world in which we live. Pupils looked at cave pictures to find out about life in prehistoric times. They used the British Museum interactive website to locate and find out about artefacts. Some recognised objects from the movie ‘Night at the Museum’ and were amazed they really existed and that a movie was based on this museum. Some pupils in Acorn Group sent me on a search of pictures and information about a particular item when I visited the British Museum. They had to name the item, room location and floor and I am pleased to say I succeeded in this mission.
Mrs Jones
The Fusion group topic has involved preparing clothing and Fair Trade products in Life Skills lessons. They have practised cutting skills, to prepare fruit associated with Fair Trade and the rainforest.
Pupils have been finding out about Fair Trade and charity, making a range of food products related to the Whole School topic, Rainforests and Deserts. They will also be making items that can be sold for profit to go to a charity.
Pupils made food items related to the Whole School topic using Fair trade products when available. As always encouraging independence with related skills for life. Mrs Jones
Key Stage 3 pupils have drawn, decorated and painted Ming vases. Pupils will now use clay to make their coil pots.
Key Stage 4 pupils practised observational drawing still life based on crockery. This work will help them prepare a coffee shop mural for next term.
Post 16C has been learning techniques to help build cylindrical shapes. Pupils learnt how to draw ellipses.
Post 16L pupils are painting their portrayal of Matisse’s painting of a fish bowl. Pupils have learnt that Matisse was the founder of collage. Ms Hoffmann
Key Stage 3 pupils have built their mechanical toys using a crank movement. Luke constructed the sling shot construction toy by copying another.
Key Stage 4 Pupils have designed a key tag and have cut their templates out using sheet material. Pupils used the tools safely, including an electrical fretsaw. They have sanded the edges and are now decorating their designs using different coloured vinyl sheets for the detail. Ms Hoffmann
Our students continue to enjoy work experience at Best Bites CafĂŠ. They attend every week and are always punctual and ready to work with the correct uniform. This term Ellie has been working in the kitchen and the restaurant, she has grown in confidence showing staff that she can be flexible and work where needed. Ewan has been working on taking food orders from customers, with support. He can now do this independently. He has also learnt how to take the orders through to the kitchen, which is not always easy as it can be very busy and noisy.
Kiaran has been helping with setting tables and using the till. He has grown in confidence and works well.
Meadowside students are a pleasure to support, and staff at Best Bites are pleased with their continued progress. Well done Ellie, Ewan and Kiaran! Debbie Gardiner. TA
On Friday 3rd March a team of nine Post 16 students travelled, with staff, to Aintree Racecourse for the Enterprise Showcase. This involved schools from across Merseyside selling the enterprise products they have made during the year, as well as competing for a Dragons' Den Cup. Unfortunately Meadowside did not win the cup this year but our team really enjoyed the entire day. We are very grateful to everyone who supported the event, particularly our 'Dragon', Catherine Meredith.
Kim sets up the bingo and helps the service users check their results. Aimee setting up and clearing away after lunch.
Helena has helped the service users to get their lunch.
Kieran has helped Christina to enjoy a hand massage.
Kim’s horse riding Journey Kim is developing her riding skills to feel confident on her horse Naylor and enjoy her partnership with Naylor and her team of RDA volunteers.
Emily’s horse riding journey Emily has a special saddle to aid her keeping a good position and encourage her confidence when she is riding Millie.
Daniel’s Horse Riding Journey Daniel’s confidence is showing through on his riding of Linford, enabling him to develop his ‘rising trot’
Katie’s Horse Riding Journey Katie is gaining in confidence on her horse Drummer, to keep her correct riding posture.
Claira’s Horse Riding Claira is gaining in confidence on her horse Storm, to be able to keep the correct riding posture.
Luke’s horse riding journey Luke is practising his ‘rising trot’ on his horse Sparky. TA Trish Pude
Each Monday this term a group of Post 16 students has risen to different water-based challenges as they learned how to sail at Crosby Lakeside. We were privileged to be on board for the maiden voyage of a new dragon sailing yacht at the beginning of February. A session in March explored raft building; the students’ designs and construction skills were impressive and they were able to enjoy some time out on the water on their finished craft. Jenny Wright
Key Stage 3 pupils have been learning all about Chinese culture and beliefs. They played the dragon game during Chinese New Year and learnt about the philosophers Confucius and Lao Tze. Ms Hoffmann
When we have visitors come to school they often comment that Meadowside has a very calm atmosphere, and that the children are very well behaved. In recognition of this, we have introduced a ‘Learner of the Week Award’, which will be given out on a Friday to the person who has earned the most Dojos that week. The winner is given a certificate and displays our adopted elephant teddy in their class for a week. So far, the Pupil of the Week Award has been given to the following people:
Daniel M Sophie Sean H Lauren J Luke L (twice) Scott G Matthew D Katie C
Matthew C has been awarded a Head Teachers Award by Woodchurch High School this term for his superb art work.
Well Done Matthew!
This term Post 16 students have been preparing themselves for their Annual Review Meetings. We have been thinking about ourselves and how we can prepare for a meeting or an interview. Key Stage 3 pupils have been learning about families and people who help us in the community. Pupils have discussed their own families and created their family trees. They have also focused on the rules that we have in school, at home and in the community. We have talked about characteristics of a good or bad friend and how we can be a good friend.
Fusion have been looking at their family and friends and what makes them happy. They have also participated in some role-play activities using the puppets to talk about life in a family and how everybody should behave.
Key Stage 4 have been thinking about what they would like to achieve in the future. We split this question down into three parts: 1.
What they would like to achieve this year.
2.
What they would like to achieve next year.
3.
What they would like to do when they leave Meadowside School.
Learners have continued to attend their work experience placements offsite to support them in their decision making when they leave Meadowside School.
Miss A Branch
Rules and the Law has been the focus topic in Key Stage 3 groups. Year 8 learnt about human rights such as shelter, food and education and how their lives are different to children around the world. When they learnt about Martin Luther King, they made posters to show that we should treat each other the same. Year 7 also learnt that we should appreciate each other by thinking and writing what they liked about each class member and writing it to display on posters and to discuss. Making Decisions and Voting was the topic for Key Stage 4. Pupils discussed and developed their own class rules and learnt about the council and how Wirral Council makes decisions. Post 16 students have been learning about how they can vote, personal rights and their future. Citizenship lessons also involve ideas and information related to the Meadowside Student Council. Making Decisions
Mrs Jones
The topic for this term was ‘Our Planet– Rainforest, Deserts and Frozen lands’. Learners in Flair enjoyed the immersive scenes for each area, adding a multisensory aspect to the topic with different music, images and props. Pupils throughout the school had lessons in different subjects that linked to the Whole School topic. In MFL Key Stage 3 pupils made posters based on animals; Chestnut studied the Rainforest, Beech studied the Artic/Antarctica and Acorn studied the deserts. Mrs Jones
We are very proud to announce that at the end of the Autumn Term, the Environmental Education groups had raised enough money to adopt an animal at Chester Zoo. After much debate, we decided to adopt an elephant and as part of the adoption, were given a plush elephant– we didn’t think there would be enough room for the real thing in the sensory garden! The groups have also worked very hard to encourage recycling around school, and to improve our outdoor areas. They are now learning about Fair Trade and will be taking part in an assembly to celebrate the start of Fair Trade Fortnight. Mrs Dunn
We took part in Safer Internet Day this year, learning about emojis for communication. This was a global celebration, with people all over the world looking at safe ways to use the internet. We made sentences out of emojis. Do you know what this says?
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