Meadowside Magazine
Issue 25 Autumn
2021
Read about our return to offsite learning
Find out about our fundraising efforts this term
Welcome
to the Autumn 2021 edition of the Meadowside Magazine. As you will see from the following pages, after 4 terms in ‘bubbles’, we have enjoyed a term with a full, normal timetable including off-site visits and a wide range of 14-19 options.
We now have almost 100 pupils and have recently had 2 mobile classrooms installed which will enable us to more comfortably and safely accommodate everyone. We hope they will be ready for us to use early in the New Year.
Parents and carers will be aware that schools have been asked to plan for increased levels of Covid-19 when the new term starts in January. As part of the measures we will have in place to respond to the new Omicron variant, we will have a phased return of pupils across the first 5 days of term. Parents and carers should have each received a letter with their child’s return date. Should you have any queries about this, please do not hesitate to contact the School Office. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Paula Wareing Head Teacher
English The KS3 topic has included many works by Roald Dahl. This has given us the opportunity to read some new and familiar stories and to learn about alliteration, where words begin with the same letter sound– Willy Wonka, Marvellous Medicine and onomatopoeia, where words sound like their meaning. We particularly enjoyed reading George’s Marvellous Medicine and finding out how George got his revenge on his mean old Grandma. We looked at how we could make our own magic medicine using different sweets and edible glitter. Pupils wrote a poem about the sounds the medicine made. Pupils have also studied Roald Dahl’s poems with pupils creating their own alliterative phrases. Matthew’s phrase of ‘beautiful blazing butterflies’ was really good! Post 16 pupils have been studying Bill’s New Frock. They have had good fun looking at the main character, Bill, getting up to all sorts of mischief in a pink dress. At the same time, they thought about gender stereotypes and how they can affect people’s behaviour. Pupils have been building up a character portfolio using adjectives and similes. Mrs Roberts
Maths
Pupils covered a range of topics in Maths during the Autumn term: Key Stage 3: Place Value, Addition, Length, Shape Properties, (2D and 3D) and Time
Key Stage 4 & Post 16: Place Value, Addition, Subtraction, Length and Time All pupils have continued to develop their own understanding of Number relating to value, and sequencing. Some pupils have related this to management of money or problem solving skills. Pupils have enjoyed practical aspects, using different measuring tools. Some pupils have developed skills in estimation, prior to measuring. Mrs Charmley
Science Since class bubbles ended in the Summer Term, pupils have returned to having some of their Science lessons in the Science Room and are now enjoying a wider range of learning opportunities. This term we have been learning about evolution and inheritance, the chemical industry, and the Earth. Pupils have been fascinated to find out about the different layers that the Earth is made up of. Enquire group used bread and apples to make rough models of the Earth, the familiar words like ‘crust’ and ‘core’, helped them to embed their understanding of key vocabulary. Aspire group used eggs to demonstrate how the Earth’s crust is broken into different plates and enjoyed making a model of a tsunami...even though we did get wet! Other groups have enjoyed finding out how we could separate materials using chromatography, going on a ‘sphere safari’, and making fossils from salt dough and coffee. There have been some lovely dinosaur fact files produced and some pupils made a great effort collecting soil samples for homework. Well done everyone! Mrs Dunn
The pupils have worked incredibly hard in Media Studies and produced some amazing work. In the first half of the term we focused on advertising. We looked at a range of adverts and discussed their message, intent and effect. Then the pupils developed, scripted and filmed their own adverts using the green screen. Our next focus was news reporting. Again we looked at a range of news broadcasts and evaluated their effectiveness. We decided to create and film our own news show entitled ‘The Happy News’. We uploaded the broadcast to Class Dojo and the children received some fantastic feedback. Recently we have started to explore films. The pupils have used an App called ‘Toontastic’ to create their own cartoons. We are looking forward to learning more about film production in the coming weeks. The Media group planned and promoted a Christmas Card Competition. Thanks to everyone who entered and well done to the winners!
It has been a busy and productive term for the health and wellbeing group. Each week we start the session with a step aerobics class whilst listening to our favourite music. This helps to build our fitness and lift our mood. Next we discuss personal safety and the pupils respond to a range of scenarios involving online safety, healthy lifestyles and safe choices. Then we take part in an activity to help our wellbeing. For instance we have explored mindful eating, taken part in team building games and given ‘random acts of kindness’ in school to help other people’s wellbeing. Finally the pupils complete a yoga and meditation session. The pupils have shown amazing determination to try new activities and to persist in order to improve their skills. Miss Hudson
The photography options group have worked extremely hard to develop their skills. They have explored several styles of photography and learned how to edit their pictures using a range of Apps. We explored a variety of lighting techniques in order to take some excellent portrait shots.
Portrait by Kayci
Portrait by Amber
One of our favourite sessions was using the green screen to direct and take some amazing photos.
In order to experience sports photography we visited the boxing group. We tried to take photos that captured the action and emotion of sport. Miss Hudson
MFL This term in Spanish and French we have been learning how to count up to 20, the months of the year and days of the week. The pupils are building up their knowledge so they will be able say when their birthday is and how old they are. The pupils have had lots of fun learning numbers by using lots of different songs and playing games, including Stand Up Bingo to support their understanding. Next we will be learning how to talk about ourselves and different celebrations., not forgetting about Christmas, Joyeux Noël. Mrs Roberts
Drama In Drama, pupils have been researching and learning about making shadow puppet shows. They watched a variety of puppet shows, to gather ideas on how to create and make their own shadow puppet show. Each learner wrote and designed a script for their show, some using traditional stories, whilst others created their own. As a class, we researched different ways to make a stage for the show, and decided to use shoe boxes. Each pupil painted a shoe box black, cut a square out of the lid for the stage, covered the square with tracing paper to create the shadow effect and a piece out of the bottom for the puppet and a light to shine through. Pupils then made their puppets in a silhouette shoe out of black paper and straws. Pupils rehearsed their shows and read their scripts. The performances were recorded so they could see their own shows. Mrs Roberts
Music Our theme this term has been Rhythmic Patterns. We have enjoyed playing along to the beat of some pop songs, such as Ed Sheeran’s ‘Bad Habits’, or Imagine Dragons’ ‘Believer’. Pupils have enjoyed playing instruments and have played along to some more traditional songs, such as ‘Lil Liza Jane’ and the ‘Canoe Song’. The melodic patterns in these songs were used as ‘ostinato’ (a repeating pattern played throughout a song). We have especially enjoyed singing again, after Covid restrictions prevented any singing at all last year. The Signing Singers were able to perform at several venues, some raising over £500 for school funds. Music also features on the 14-19 Options offer, with pupils enjoying a session of ‘Sensory Music’ on a Friday afternoon. Mrs Hughes
Environmental Education Pupils in Environmental Education have been busy this term. We have been learning about different types of energy, energy efficiency and energy in the home. Pupils considered different ways to be energy efficient and carried out surveys to find out how energy efficient the other members of our school community were, before using their Maths skills to represent the data in a range of different ways. The pupils learnt about clocks and thermostats and how these are used in the home. As the energy crisis unfolded, pupils learnt about this too, about what has caused it and what the impact is for families. Learners love watching David Attenborough's documentaries which show us the reasons why it is important for us to be energy efficient. The class have learnt about 17 Global Goals which have been drawn up by leaders of 200 different countries, and have prioritised ones which will make the most difference to the environment. These will form the basis of our new and revised Environmental Education curriculum which will begin after Christmas. Mrs Dunn
Fundraising
Fundraising this term has included wearing our jeans on Jeans for Genes day, dressing in pink to support ASDA’s Tickled Pink campaign and meeting Pudsey Bear on Children in Need day. We raised over £100 for Children in Need, almost £80 for Jeans for Genes and £110 for Tickled Pink. The Meadowside Signing Singers will have been out carol singing by the time this magazine is published, and hopefully will have raised some money for Meadowside funds.
The Signing Singers were out Carol Singing in ASDA Woodchurch and in the Pyramids in Birkenhead. We raised over £700 for just a few hours singing. Well done to everyone who took part in that.
Our Student Council organised a food collection for the Charles Thompson Mission, in Birkenhead. Thanks to everyone who sent in food and helped to deliver a car load of food. They were very grateful.
The next Bags2School collection will be on 15th February 2022. Bags will be sent home nearer the time, or you can send in bin bags of unwanted clothing. Do check the lists of what is or isn’t allowed. The money raised is split between Water Aid and Student Council’s own funds. Pauline Freeman– Learning Mentor
Citizenship We have looked at Communities and explored the different types. We have considered the people who serve within the community, such as the emergency services. We also talked about the inequalities within communities and how this can cause conflict. Some classes learned about gender stereotypes, racial discrimination, hate crime and other causes of conflict in different communities. We looked at the impact of the Black Lives Matter campaign and researched some real life stories, featured in the Museum of Liverpool. Some classes looked at how religions can be triggers for conflict, when people’s lack of understanding links to prejudice and discrimination. Mrs Hughes
CAREERS In Careers this term pupils in KS3 have had a fantastic time role playing different jobs by using the actual equipment or using puppets to pretend.
Pupils have learned how to use a till and developed their skills in recognising and counting money. Learning the Careers song is an important part of starting at Meadowside School. Some pupils were able to support the song by playing simple chords on the class guitar
Pupils learned the Makaton sign for Money which looks like sprinkling something into your flat hand. They learned about different kinds of bank accounts and how we manage our own money.
Pupils in 4L learned about how to write a CV and an Action Plan. This helped them think about what they would like to be when they grow up.
Work Related Learning
Work experience continues to be popular. We have developed a weekly Community Café at Holy Cross Church Hall on a Thursday 1:15 -2:45pm. Volunteers have made great progress in dealing with the public, making and serving food, taking money and keeping accounts. They even designed their own logo .
Pupils at Dale Farm experienced working in gardening, farming and horticulture this Autumn.
Pupils in 4V used the Nationalcareersservice.gov.uk Careers Service website (Gov.UK) to research knowledge, skills, working hours and salary of the jobs they would like to do when they are older. Ms Goalen
PSHE Key Stage 3
Key Stage 3 pupils have been learning about keeping safe, looking at personal safety at home, school and the local community and also ways to keep themselves safer, keeping others safe including First Aid, (recovery and CPR). Pupils have enjoyed learning how to put someone safely into the recovery position and make sure they are safe, and also practicing on the ‘Annie’ doll how to administer CPR in the correct order. Pupils have also been looking at keeping safe while online and what to watch out for including personal information and uploading personal pictures.
Key Stage 4 and Post 16 (14-19) Key Stage 4 and Post 16 pupils have been learning about personal safety, looking at ways of improving their own safety when out and about in the community, keeping others safe including First Aid, (recovery and CPR). They particularly enjoyed and showed some good examples of correctly putting others into the recovery position safely and the correct procedure of CPR. Pupils have also been learning about the possible consequences of knife crime, online safety including selfies, sexting and online grooming and how to keep themselves safer. Mr Stubbs
14 - 19 Options Horse Riding with the Foresters Horn RDA Group at Larton Riding School This term we started with AQA Accreditation. This teaches the students basic horse knowledge such as parts of the horse and the equipment used to groom them, parts of the saddle and bridle. We have also looked at the colours of horses and their various markings. Initially we visited the stables to meet the RDA staff and the horses we will be using. We had fittings to make sure we have the right fit and size safety riding hats.
Before our first ride we tried on our sweatshirts and learnt about suitable clothing for being in the arena. During our first session the students learnt how to mount safely and met the team who will work with them in the arena. Trish Pude
P.E.
Key Stage 3 pupils have been learning about sitting volleyball, looking at their developing knowledge and understanding, rules and tactics (cognitive-HEAD), attitude, effort and communication (Social—HEART) and skill development and application in games and their technique (physical– BODY).
KS4 and P16 pupils (14-19) have been learning about volleyball and sitting volleyball, looking at their knowledge and understanding, rules of how to play and tactics (cognitive-HEAD), officiating (leadership), attitude, effort and communication (Social—HEART) and skill development and application in games and their technique (physical– BODY) X-phase groups (Flair and Fusion) have been taking part in MATP, (motor activity training programme), where pupils have been given opportunities to practise skills that will prepare them for sport without comparison to others. The focus is on achieving personal bests. This can comprise of two types of activity: 1.
skill stations where pupils take part in activities that develop mobility, dexterity, striking and kicking.
2.
group games where pupils can work with others and interact with peers to develop their skills.
Mr Stubbs
Flair A big hello from all of Flair! We have started the school year well and have greeted a new friend into our class, as well as two new members of staff.
During our lessons we had the over arching theme of Autumn and we have all enjoyed exploring the different sounds, sights, smells and objects that we might find during Autumn. We explored our favourite Autumn celebration bonfire night! Some people enjoyed the sounds of the fireworks, and others enjoyed making their bonfire night sky piece of work. Another big day we celebrated was Children In Need, everyone took part as we made cakes, and played in Pudsey's spots. A big well done to all of Flair for an amazing start to the year! Miss Grimster
Art –Aspire The first few lessons, pupils did not enjoy Art. They found it too messy. They found mixing different shades of green using just yellow and blue challenging. By the end of the project all pupils took note of the different shades and tones they mixed and felt proud of their finished painting based on their favourite David Hockney painting. Ms Hoffmann
Focus– Art All pupils enjoyed using bright colours to paint with. They learned how to mix different shades of colours and seeing the outcome. They practised how to hold their paint brush, how to wipe excess paint before painting and to not forget to wash their paintbrush before painting a new colour. Their paintings based on David Hockney’s painting called Garrowby Hill are stunning. Well done Focus.
Ms Hoffman
14-19 Options Art Group Pupils worked towards an AQA Accreditation in producing a visual art piece inspired by the work of an artist. Pupils were asked to look at the work of Gordon Hopkins and design a painting based on a portion, a mix of different ideas to achieve their own painting. Pupils worked really hard to complete their 3D version. They started off using sewing pins but came up with their own version of a hook to hold the beads. They are now on display at the school entrance receiving lots of praise. Ms Hoffmann
Design Technology Bridges Aspire worked really hard to complete their balsa wood bridges. It was slow going but we managed to get it all together. It was a good challenge and introduction to the subject. They liked the busyness of lessons and using the different tools and materials.
KS4 Options —Textiles KS4 Pupils Options Textiles are completing an AQA accreditation. They are designing and making a mobile made of their fabric, using their hand painted fabric pieces. Their Accreditation is based on the pupils being able to fill a bobbin on the sewing machine and then threading the machine ready to sew. Shannah enjoyed tearing fabric strips to decorate. Ms Hoffmann
Construction of a Truss Bridge using coffee and lolly sticks. All pupils worked consistently gluing all their lolly sticks together . They looked forward to seeing the bridges being put together . We then had to think how we could display them. Pupils had already discussed what they wanted their bridge to be used for . We recycled the paper and made the boxes from coffee pod containers. Ms Hoffmann
Woodchurch Meadowside and Woodchurch High school work in partnership to offer an inclusion programme to some of our learners. This Summer one of our pupils gained GCSEs in English, Maths and Science. Well done Lewis! We have one of our learners this year currently working towards GCSEs in History and Art and Design. Jenny Wilson
Inclusion
History
KS3 found out what the slave triangle was and how Liverpool flourished because of this. They took a tour around the Slavery Museum in Liverpool and listened to how William Wilberforce put an act through Parliament to stop slavery. They took part in deciding whether the street names of Liverpool should stay the same and researched amazing people from the past Black History Month. Mrs Brown
Geography Arctic, Savannah and Rainforest Biomes KS3 have been learning about biomes, different climates with their own natural animals and plants. They found where these climate zones are, which animals and plants live there and how they are adapted to that climate. Nearly everyone knows ‘The Lion King’ so they all could tell me something about the African Savannah ! Pupils worked out food chains, using their knowledge of omnivores, carnivores and herbivores . Some pupils had a try at reading a year’s climate chart with rainfall and temperature whilst others looked at the daily temperature with the BBC weather site. Mrs Brown
Computing During Autumn 1, pupils enjoyed using different software for Art Graphics work. They experimented and developed their skills with freehand drawing, using a variety of different texture and colour options. Pupils earned about applying filters to change the feeling and mood of an image. They selected internet images and considered how they can enhance them or edit them using the filters, freehand drawing, text, shapes, stickers and 3D objects.
Over the recent weeks, pupils have been learning about the need to program devices and computers, as they do not have natural intelligence like humans. Classes have had fun pretending to be robots and programmers, with programmers giving out specific instructions for robots to carry out tasks within the room. This concept has then been applied to using Bee Bot devices and/or a number of apps that allow the programming of characters to complete pathways and maze challenges. Some groups have even created their own levelled challenges through the ALEX app. Mrs Charmley
Life Skills KS3 The Healthy Living topic has included exercise, learning about the Eatwell Plate, food groups, basic nutrition and why and how it is important to have a healthy lifestyle. Practical activities have involved making drinks, snacks, food tasting, using practical skills of peeling, grating, and cleaning up. Lesson activities are adapted to suit pupils with some making milkshakes, or hots drinks, fruit faces or fruit snacks, food tasting or making pitta bread pizza.
KS4 & Post 16 The topic this term has been British & European Foods . Pupils have been learning about what are traditional British foods, countries in Europe and tasting or making foods products associated to the country where they originate. KS4 pupils focus has included kitchen hygiene, weight, measure and team work. Post 16 practical lessons involved safety using equipment and working on both independence and team skills. KS4 made snacks or bakery items and Post 16 made meals. This term items made included sandwiches, shortbread, biscuits, bread, jam, pasta, cottage pie, soup and pizza. Pupils completed accreditation this term on units related to a food product that they have made. Mrs Jones
R.E. KS3 The topic for the Autumn term was Celebrations. This included looking at what we celebrate and why? The special ceremonies and customs from some of the main religions linked to birth, (naming a baby), growing up and marriage. The Christmas Story and some of the celebrations that happen in different religions during the Autumn term have also been studied . Focus lessons have included craft cards, an origami cross, stories and songs.
Discover and Enquire lessons included comparing sad and happy celebrations and ceremonies such as weddings and Remembrance Sunday and learning the wedding traditions of different religions. Aspire also learnt about some of the celebrations from different religions and how and why they are celebrated and enjoyed learning a celebration dance. KS4 & Post 16 classes worked on a range of AQA unit award accreditation based upon either comparing the three religions of Christianity, Islam and Judaism or focusing upon one religion linked the RE topic. KS4 work focused on fact finding key information for the 4V and 4C pupils with 4L pupils work related to festivals. Post 16 lessons included learning about some of the main Jewish festivals to find out why and how they are celebrated with some pupils either focussing on the reasons for the festival or how they are celebrated. Mrs Jones
Fusion
The learners in Fusion have enjoyed a wide range of activities during the Autumn term. We have continued to embed our daily routine whilst also developing our independence and self-help skills. Pupils use of alternative communication methods has continued to develop and they are gaining in confidence every day. We have also enjoyed the delivery of our dark den sensory space this term and have had lots of opportunities to use it.
This term pupils had a real focus on working with others, to develop tolerance and understanding of others. We enjoyed a
range of activities and games to support this including board games, bowling and construction.
We have been really engaged in learning about Autumn, we have fully immersed ourselves in the sensory experiences that this season has to offer.
As part of our daily routine we complete a range of independent tasks using our red and green boxes. We have also started to really enjoy our daily phonics sessions which is supporting us to develop our communication skills with others as well as our understanding of the world. Mrs O’Connor
Pupils from KS4 & P16 have been developing new skills and learning about flat pack furniture, understanding how to follow instructions and putting together a cube unit. They have learned about the importance of preparation before beginning a job, and using the right tools. They have filled in holes, sanded walls, masked surfaces and used a roller and paint brushes to paint the wall. They also prepped the cupboard doors and painted them. Mr Stubbs
World Cultures In World Cultures we have explored three countries so far: Japan, Russia and Wales. For Japan we tasted Japanese snacks and pop from the Kenji shop. We tried origami, looked at manga and anime and saw, online, the beautiful scenery across the country. We learned how the Japanese numbers are written and had our names translated into Japanese! When we studied Russia, we looked at images of the amazing colourful buildings, played Tetris, learned to count to three in Russian and cooked a traditional snack called Kartoshka, made from leftover biscuits and chocolate. Our Wales study included trying Bara Brith and Welsh Cakes, finding out about castles and St David, plus some traditional Welsh tales. We also had a try at pronouncing Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogog och
but it is certainly as hard as it looks! Mrs Hughes
Our website www.meadowsideschool.com is updated regularly 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 7711 Meadowside School, Pool Lane, Birkenhead, Wirral CH49 5LA
Staffing News It has been our pleasure to welcome several new members of staff this term. Steph and Fiona have joined us as Mid Day Assistants, Miss Hudson and Miss Grimster are teaching Enquire and Flair groups, and Frances has joined us as our Aquatics Assistant. Heather, Bobby–Jo and Sue have joined our Teaching Assistant 1 team and Stuart and Jordan are Teaching Assistant Level 3’s in Key Stage 4. Mrs Ubeda will be leaving us at the end of this term. Mrs Roberts has been teaching her class all this term and we are delighted that she will be continuing in this role.
Thank you We are extremely grateful to Wirral Lung Exercise Group for their generous support which again enabled us to buy such a splendid Christmas tree. Every Monday and Friday we have been joined by volunteers from our governing body, Mo and Graham, as well as friends of the school, Joyce and Kristie to process the Lateral Flow Tests that have played such a vital part in minimising the risk of Covid-19 in our school. We are so very grateful to them for their time and effort.