Magazine Summer 2019 Issue 19

Welcome to the Summer 2019 edition of the Meadowside Magazine. As another busy school year draws to a close, I am pleased to share with you some of the highlights of this term’s curriculum .

We still have some days available in our Summer Club which runs on weekdays from 25th July to 7th August, so please do contact the School Office for further information.

I hope you all enjoy the Summer break and would like to remind you that school re-opens on Wednesday 4th September.

Paula Wareing

Head Teacher

Meadowside School Council & Interact Club

Our Bag2School collection in May raised an amazing £120, for ‘Water Aid’ our adopted Interact Environmental Project. Thank you all so much for supporting this unique fundraising opportunity.

Autumn term’s next Bag2school date to be confirmed.

Merseyside School Council

All the schools involved in the Merseyside School Council had an amazing day at Liverpool Town Hall on May 15th.

Each school involved set up a display, explaining how they had raised funds for Claire House.

Brian Douglas-Dala, Chair of Governors at Meadowside, joined us for the day with the Merseyside Mayors and the High Sheriff of Merseyside.

Representatives from Claire House were also there to accept the cheque for over four thousand pounds, a fantastic achievement!

Merseyside School Council “Learning Walk” at Palmerston School was a great day. Jenny,

Jamie and Holly attended. Pauline Freeman

Maths

The big news from Maths this term is that pupils in Post 16 and Key Stage 4 have sat and completed a mammoth 8 exam papers each! They have been submitted and we await the results, which will arrive in the Summer holidays. I am so proud of every pupil who sat the exams, especially those who sat more than one exam per session. Everybody put in a huge effort, tried their best and never gave up, even when the questions got challenging. Later this term there will be a treat arranged to reward them for their efforts.

Meanwhile in the rest of the school, we have been enjoying a lot of active Maths. Planets group gave themselves thinking time by running a length of the playground before answering their questions, and Moon group used maps to calculate time.

I would like to take this opportunity to commend pupils for excellent behaviour in Maths lessons this term.

Mrs Dunn

Art

KS3 pupils have been exploring the topic Space. To introduce the topic they learned what Abstract Art means by looking at paintings by Kandinsky. Jamie listened to a piece of music to inspire his drawing just like Kandinsky used to do. Pupils started by drawing a picture using oil and chalk pastels based on the solar system. They are now exploring different forms of printing. So far they have used techniques such as Monoprinting, Styrofoam, and Stamp printing. Pupils made their own stamps to print from.

Ms Hoffmann

Fusion

What a term! We have had so much fun in Fusion this term and have worked really hard. We have found out so much information about space and the world that we live in. We have designed and named our own planets and brought them to life as 3D models. During Life Skills we have been focusing on how we can look after the environment. We have enjoyed looking at what can be recycled and the process that it goes through. Later in the term we are going to make some items such as bird houses using recycled materials. We have been helping to keep our own classroom clean and tidy as well as helping in the sensory garden to remove weeds and rubbish. We have also really enjoyed learning about the weather and have researched and watched videos of extreme weather and found out where in the world you can expect this.

We have been developing our confidence in the new swimming pool. Swimming is definitely our favourite lesson of the week and we certainly make a splash!!

Mrs O’Connor

English

Pupils in KS3 and KS4 have worked on the topic ‘Space’., learning about labels, instructions and reports. All pupils have worked towards their individual listening, speaking, reading and writing targets. Most pupils have been working on a project to make something related to space, which included labels, instructions and a report or review. They have focused on independent learning and developing problem solving and self-evaluation skills. It has been difficult and challenging at times but all pupils and staff are really pleased with their progress and results. Some pupils decided to make a rocket or a planet model, while others designed their own tower crane or learnt how to make an origami piece. They have all worked on looking up instructions, labelling pictures and diagrams, collecting equipment and reflecting on what worked well and what didn’t. They are currently working on posters, brochures or presentations to explain their projects and to show what they have learned. In addition, pupils in Post 16 have completed their accreditation ‘Step up’ to English, at their appropriate level and have done really well under the pressure of external examination papers!

In May, we were very lucky to enjoy another performance by M&M Productions. The performance of Quasimodo was a very popular and engaging whole school event!

14-19 pupils have completed AQA (The Assesment and qualifications Alliance) units on ‘Using their Body’ and ‘Physical Theatre’. They have led warm up and cool down exercises, explored emotions through music as well as how to use their bodies to represent a character. They have done really well and are proud of their progress.

Well done, everyone!Mrs Ubeda

MFL

This term we have been learning new vocabulary related to hobbies and activities, including names of activities and how to say “I like” and “I don’t like” in French.

Pupils have also enjoyed learning about different types of interests that their peers have as well as French past times and games such as “La Marelle” or French hopscotch.

During the rest of the term, we focussed on creating posters about different events, including flyers advertising French Summer camps, Summer fayres, etc.

Pupils have enjoyed playing games to explore and learn new words, watching clips in French about hobbies and activities and looking at flyers in French about different events .

In the 14-19 options Spanish lessons, pupils have continued to learn some basic Spanish words and phrases such as colours, numbers, days of the week, months of the year and some weather related words. At the beginning of the term, pupils decided they wanted to create a physical calendar using a French one as a guide. Together, they have looked up how to write the necessary vocabulary in Spanish, using bilingual dictionaries, both in print and online. They have continued to work towards completing AQA units related to the areas of study.

Spanish Club is still popular and takes place on Fridays at lunchtime. There, pupils can choose to browse through different authentic materials like phrase books, magazines or story books. Some pupils have shown interest in the difference between British and Spanish handwriting styles and have started to practise Spanish style handwriting. They were surprised to find that not every country or culture uses the same style to teach handwriting in school!

Mrs Ubeda

Music

We have been busy preparing for three different performances this term. — The Edsential music Event at Mosslands School, where the 14-19 Options group performed ‘This Is Me’ to an audience of other schools; the Summer Signalong — hosted at Meadowside and involving pupils from Merseyside Special Schools, performing songs with Makaton signing and the Leavers’ Assembly– an opportunity to say goodbye to our Year 14 pupils and to perform some songs to an audience of parents and peers.

Classroom music making has included exploring a wide range of instruments, playing pieces of music to represent animals or places, inspired by music such as ‘Carnival of the Animals’.

Mrs Hughes

Computing

We have been creating websites using Google Sites, that allowed some great ideas to be put online. We had websites about famous YouTubers, one that featured all things pink, a Minecraft one and one about Fur Suits. Pupils learned how to embed YouTube videos onto the webpage, by copying the code and pasting it into the HTML section of the site.

We have also developed file sharing skills, using Google Drive and Google Slides.

Pupils have continued to use Purple Mash to develop Computing skills. A new Friday afternoon activity group based on Coding and Game Design has been a great success. Pupils have worked on CodeCombat and made some impressive games that included embedded MP3 audio files and special effects to make the game both challenging and fun to play.

Mrs Hughes

RE

KS3 - The topic for Key Stage 3 and Fusion has been creation stories. Lessons have involved music, symbols, scents and problem solving tasks associated with some of the main religious stories. Some pupils have participated in discussions comparing stories. Aboriginal creation Dreamtime story included music and Aboriginal music instruments.

We have also studied charities associated to religions such as Christian Aid.

KS4 - Pupils in Key Stage 4 have been learning about charities , finding out the answers to questions such as What is a charity? Who do they help? What do they do? Discussions have focused on Christian Aid and CAFOD, appeals, charity adverts, and emotions.

We have also studied Easter and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Post 16 - Pupils in Post 1 6 have also learned about charities linked to religion including Christian Aid, CAFOD, Tear Fund and Salvation Army. We also explored the portrayal of religious charities in the media, (TV charity adverts, soaps and films).

Mrs Jones

FlairInvestigates….

Flair have been busy, busy, busy investigating lots of things in technology, science and maths. In DT Luis worked out how to get all the switches and doors to open on the rocket ! When one fell off he worked out how to get it back on.

Josh H tried to see how strong the stick was and if the leaf would rip. He spent a lot of time testing all the natural materials.

Levi wanted to know if he could shake the bud and get a noise from it. He was just about to throw it away when he had another go and changed his mind. Levi loved the soft feel of the petals and kept hold of it for a long time.

Mason was very busy finding and filling up boxes with different materials then found out which of these boxes was the lightest. Josh P felt lots of leaves then decided which leaf felt the nicest. He likes the smell of the toothpaste and the feel of face cream .

Mrs Brown.

Skills

Week

This year’s theme was Sports, Leisure & Well- Being. Pupils in Years 10-14 were offered a selection of work related learning opportunities in a range of areas. Activities included, visiting the Oval Sports Campus of Wirral Metropolitan College, finding out about roles in Sports Development courses and the history of the running track, where “Chariots of Fire” was filmed! We went to Total Fitness Gym and tried out the equipment as well as having a workout in the gym.

Two of our Year 14 students have completed a three year work experience placement at Woodchurch High School, as PE technicians. This enabled them to lead a group of Meadowside students, attending for Skills Week and it was lovely to see them putting their skills and experience into actions. They also ran a session for a class of primary school children from Elleray Park. We visited Eastham Lodge Golf Club and learned about roles on the greens and behind the bar. Other venues included Tranmere Rovers, Everton Community Hub, Bidston Tennis Centre and the Hillbark Hotel. It really was a packed week!

Skills Week is a great way to explore different roles in different workplaces, often finding out that there are roles we never knew existed. Pupils really enjoy trying out aspects of different roles and learn a lot from each different workplace, interviewing workers and seeing for themselves.

The Leisure and Well-Being aspect of the week was also great fun. We started off with Yoga, led by Happy Times Yoga. It was a very relaxing way to start the week as were the Hand Massage classes, where pupils learned the techniques for applying oils and hand cream. Some groups explored recipes for natural beauty therapies, applying face masks made of oats and honey, or hand scrubs made of olive oil and sugar. It all smelled lovely, but was rather sticky!

The final day of Skills Week is traditionally interview day. Pupils dress smartly and face interviews from genuine employers, who are unfamiliar to them. The pupils always do themselves, and the school, proud. The visitors were impressed with the answers they gave and the effort to look smart

There is a lot of work behind the scenes, planning a week of work based activities. We could not have managed without the invaluable help and organisation from Katherine Magnall, who liaises with us and coordinates the different workplaces. We are looking forward to next year’s Skills Week already!

Mrs Hughes

Life Skills

Independent Living Skills

KS3 pupils have been learning about household cleaning. They have learned about what to clean and how to clean. We covered safety aspects of cleaning products, equipment usage and the meaning of public signage including dangers and warnings.

Pupils have participated in kitchen cleaning that has included; washing and drying dishes, setting the table, cleaning floors, windows, washing clothes and making drinks and snacks and cleaning up afterwards.

Pupils have also been involved in learning about re-cycling- why is it important and how to recycle.

The Elm group were faced with a major cleaningup challenge!

The room had been set-up prior to their lesson

Post 16

Post 16 pupils have been undertaking practical tasks that involved making food items based on using basic store cupboard ingredients such as rice, pasta, flour and potatoes. Year 14 choose favourite food products they have previously made or would like to learn to make before they leave Meadowside School this year.

Household cleaning this term tasks included; cleaning fridges, cupboards, floors, sorting cupboards, checking food dates, oven and hob cleaning/safety, using a launderette, fastenings and ironing.

In Life Skills pupils often help each other to develop greater independence such as counting money and supporting each other to use equipment.

Mrs Jones

D&T

This term Acorn and Beech groups are making circuits to be applied to their Acrylic Rocket shaped bedside light. They have enjoyed building their circuit and have designed their Rocket shape. Pupils will be using the electric fretsaw, a wire bender and a soldering iron.

Chestnut pupils have also made their own circuit but they are learning all about torches. They have decided who will be using their torches and are now building the casing using recycled materials.

Elm have used papier-mâché to make the solar system planets, taking note of their different sizes. They are now going to construct their own Orrery mechanism.

Ms Hoffmann

Enterprise

The New Options Enterprise Group

This term, pupils are trying out ideas for new products to make and sell for Enterprise.

Thomas and Holly have made some stunning painted tiles based on paintings by Van Gogh and Matisse. Reece and Leon have cut out the fabric pieces from the sample books that Miss Wareing gave us. We are now making them into fabric zip up pouches for a variety of uses depending on size. Michael is using decoupage technique to decorate a small table that was donated to Enterprise. We are now preparing resources for making Christmas decorations.

Any unwanted decorations would be welcomed for pupils to recycle and reuse.

Ms Hoffmann

Environmental Education

Environmental Education has been an option this term for pupils in the 14-19 cohort, and they have been working towards accreditation in ‘Organic Gardening’ and ‘Growing Vegetables’. Although our pumpkins haven't had time to grow yet, we bought some butternut squash and made soup to give us a taste of what we can look forward to. We sold the soup to staff and our supplies sold out very quickly, with people wanting to place orders in advance for soups we might produce in the future!

In school, pupils made an exhausting attempt to dig over some turf and grow some wild flowers in the playground, despite our best efforts, the seeds didn't grow, but we will try again soon.

We are fortunate to have started a relationship with National Heritage this term. They have delivered some amazing sessions and have allowed our pupils to influence what they learn about. Before the end of term we will be going to the site of a real archaeological dig, and will be continuing the project for a further 2 years. We are so lucky to have been given this opportunity.

Mrs Dunn

Citizenship

We have been focusing on Community and Volunteering this term, looking at local charities and volunteer roles. We considered the difference between paid jobs and voluntary jobs and were very surprised to find that some jobs are done by volunteers, such as the Lifeboat Service.

This year marked the 75th anniversary of the D- Day Landings. Pupils watched videos of the commemorations and considered the impact the event had on the UK. The role of volunteers in D- Day was considerable.

Pupils in Key Stage 3 looked at uniformed services and identified ‘people who help us’. They said that people like Police Officers and Soldiers “get rid of the bad guys”.

Key Stage 4 pupils decided to volunteer within school, to improve the gardens and to raise some funds.

Mrs Hughes

Lauren started a work placement recently at Leasowe Nursery School. I supported her for 2 weeks, she quickly gained in confidence and now goes independently.

Lauren works in the Dolphin room with 2 year olds. Her tasks include helping at snack time, supervising outdoor play, helping with topic work and tidying up.

Lauren is really enjoying it and feels part of the team.

Well done Lauren.

Debbie Gardiner. TA3.

Michael has been attending Merseyside Car Hospital for work experience. He helps staff to do a range of tasks such as removing tyres and putting them back on and also valeting cars. He also has to follow all the health and safety rules applied to the garage while using a range of tools and machinery. It has been great to see Michael work hard at his placement each week.

Karen Roebuck. TA2

EitC ‘Schools Olympics’

Pupils have taken part in the annual Everton in the Community ‘Schools Olympics, this year at Archbishop Beck Tennis Centre. They took part against other Merseyside Special Schools, taking part in events including rugby, tri golf, archery, new age curling, sitting volleyball, football and athletics. It was a chance to put their skills learnt in lessons in practice against other similar ability pupils.

I am very proud to say we have won again this year in the P1-4 category. Well done everyone for taking part.

Mr Stubbs

Horse Riding at Larton Riding School with the Foresters’ Horn RDA Group

During the Summer term the students have been able go into the stables to look at all the tack that is needed to ride and to groom their horses.

The students have also accessed the outside arena to practice for their Countryside Challenge, such as stopping their horse within a square and swapping hands on the reins to reach items.

None of this would be possible without all of the RDA Foresters’ Horn volunteers, who give up their time each week.

Trish Pude TA3

We have been studying the historical period covered by the Stone, Bronze & Iron Ages.

Key Stage 3 have been having fun carving prehistoric scenes into clay using a stick, figuring out how the bronze age people moved the stones to Stonehenge, weaving cloth as they did in the Iron Age and making an Iron Age settlement. Exhausting work !!

Mrs Brown

P.E.

Flair and Fusion groups have been taking part in athletics, looking at throwing, jumping and running/ moving. They have been learning about how to throw and jump for height and distance and different types of running events from running fast for short periods or slow for longer periods of time.

Beech and Chestnut groups have been taking part in badminton, looking at how to hold the racquet, hitting the shuttlecock to serve and then hitting over the net, with some playing small games with a partner.

Acorn group has been taking part in skateboarding, finding out whether they are ‘regular’ or ‘goofy’, (skateboarding terms for their stance), how to step on to the board safely, stepping off/falling safely, pushing off and different ways of turning the board for example carving and kick turns.

Key Stage 4 pupils have been taking part in golf, learning how to strike the balls at targets, putting and chipping the ball for distance and accuracy.

Post 16 pupils have been taking part in cricket while the ICC cricket world cup is happening. They have been learning different positions to play such as bowling, batting and fielding and the skills needed to take part.

Pupils have also been taking part in swimming lessons, covering water confidence, different strokes , floating, keeping safe around the pool and personal hygiene.

Mr Stubbs

Staffing News

At the end of this term we will be saying goodbye to three members of the Meadowside community; we wish our Teaching Assistant Liz and Nurse Pauline a very long, happy and healthy retirement and we hope that Nurse Tracey enjoys her new job. We will miss you all!

We are extremely grateful to Newhall Publishing for their continued support in printing our magazine each term.

Our new website www.meadowsideschool.com is updated daily with our latest information and news.

We are also available on Twitter at https://twitter.com/meadowsidech49 and Facebook at https://facebook.com/meadowsideschoolwirral

You can also contact the Office on (0151) 678 7711Meadowside SchoolPool Lane,BirkenheadWirral CH49 5LA