Educate Magazine Issue 19

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Educate educatemagazine.com

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The Magazine for Parents and Pupils January – April 2013

BEYOND BUILDINGS Broadening education

NEW Sixth Form Opening

September 2013

+ INSIDE

The Winners

Get active Sportswear for kids

My School Days Marcus Collins

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APPRENTICESHIPS AT KNOWSLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE Our exciting Apprenticeship Programme is continuously expanding to meet the needs of growing businesses.

Apprenticeships are available in the following sectors and at a range of levels:

VOCATIONAL AREA

Case Study

• Accountancy • Business and Administration (All routes available) • Call Centre • Carpentry and Joinery • Childcare • Construction • Computing and IT • Customer Service • Engineering • Fabrication and Welding • Hairdressing, Barbering and Beauty Therapy • Health and Social Care • Hospitality (All routes available) • Maintenance Operations • Motor Vehicle • Painting and Decorating • Property Services • Retail and Warehousing KNOWSLEY • Supporting Teaching and Learning COMMUNITY COLLEGE • Team Leading and Management • Youth Work See our website www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk for full apprenticeship listings JENNIFER YOUNG - Painting and Decorating Apprentice Jennifer Young is a Painting and Decorating apprentice employed by Seddon Property Services.

She attends Knowsley Community College one day a week as part of her apprenticeship training.

Jennifer is excelling on her apprenticeship and recently won the prestigious Painting and Decorating Association Premier Apprentice/Trainee Awards 2012. Her aspirations for the future are to run her own Painting & Decorating company. Jennifer enjoys her time in College and gets on well with her teachers. She said “I am never afraid to ask about learning new skills in the workplace or at College.”

Apprenticeships can be fully delivered in the workplace although some specialised areas require day release to College.

For more information on Apprenticeships please contact the Employer Engagement and Business Development Team on 0151 477 5757.

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Sixth Form Open Evening

Life Enhancing Education

For Boys and Girls

Thursday 31st January 7pm to 9pm

St Margaret’s Church of England Academy Aigburth, Liverpool L17 6AB Tel 0151 427 1825 www.stmargaretsacademy.com

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Educate Contents Welcome...

26-27

Welcome to our latest jam packed issue of Educate.

100-101 106

08-12 Features

66-68

08-12

School eco-news School plans are on the up

Educate Awards 2012 Shining the spotlight on success

71-78

26-27

Educate Plus Career options at 16: Apprenticeships

Meet the headteacher Dermot McNiffe principal of the Academy of St Francis of Assisi

99 Viewpoint Are we failing our children’s health?

34-37 Special educational shake-up Changing the SEN system

100-101 Get on track 2013 Active style sportswear

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58-60

104-105

Partnering for success Building relationships outside of school

Where can we go?

Your guide to what’s happening

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Dear Educate Help and advice

My school days Marcus Collins

Educate meets up with headteacher, Dermot McNiffe, principal of the Academy of St Francis of Assisi whose passion for helping students achieve their full potential saw him follow his vocation into the world of education. We also speak to Christine Rourke, headteacher of Fazakerley High School, winner of the most inspirational high school at the Educate awards 2012.

Our roundtable discuss the biggest changes to the special needs educational system in over 30 years. According to children’s minister Sarah Teather, these reforms will put parents who know what is best for their child, in charge.

We brought together three academic professionals to talk about the government’s proposed changes.

We also get on our marks and take a look at what is new and happening style wise for our budding track stars.

50-51 Meet the headteacher Christine Rourke headteacher Fazakerley High School

With over 200 guests gathered at the Crowne Plaza Hotel we celebrated the inaugural Educate Awards in December.

The awards highlighted the success stories and honoured the inspirational individuals that have helped to ensure the future is bright for young people in the region.

Book review This season’s must reads

Finally, we talk to singer and now actor - Marcus Collins about his school days in Crosby.

Many thanks

64 A week in the life Cheryl Chatburn headteacher at Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School

Published by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email: post@merseymirror.com Executive Editor Kim O’Brien Advertising Sales Manager Andy Rogers Tel: 0151 709 7567 Photography Tom Murphy Editorial Alan Birkett, Lucy Oliver, Christine Toner, Kate Hanratty Design & Production Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 706 7411 Email: post@merseymirror.com Distribution Barbara Troughton Tel: 0151 733 5492. Printed by PCP. Educate magazine is published by Mersey Mirror.

The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted or reproduced without permission.

Disclaimer The information contained within Educate we believe to be correct at the time of printing, no responsibility can be accepted for errors or omissions. © Copyright Mersey Mirror 2009.

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Celebrating outstanding achievement Award Categories: Most Inspirational Primary School

Career Aspiration Award

Most Inspirational Secondary School

Spirit of Enterprise Award

Community Partnership Award

Innovative and Creative Literacy Award

Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Primary Schools

SEN Provision Award

Outstanding Commitment to Sport in Secondary Schools

Outstanding Arts in Primary Schools

Eco Project of the Year The Communication Award

Outstanding Arts in Secondary Schools

Teacher of the Year

WOW Recognition Award

Science Project of the Year

Entries open to all schools throughout Liverpool, Sefton, Knowsley, Wirral, St Helens & Halton

Closing date for entries Monday 30 September 2013 For more information and to receive an entry pack email educateawards@merseymirror.com

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After a tough few years for everyone involved in education the inaugural Educate Awards aimed to highlight the success stories and honour the inspirational individuals that have helped to ensure the future is bright for young people in the region. And with over 200 guests gathering for the glittering ceremony it certainly achieved it's goal.

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he last few years have been difficult for the education sector. Outside influences, from political change to the infamous marking scandal, have grabbed all the headlines and at times it seemed as though much of the media were more than happy to report on the trials and tribulations hitting our schools. But here at Educate we wanted to do the opposite. We all know there are problems beyond our control but we wanted to shine the spotlight on success. Thus the Educate Awards were born.

On December 3 over 200 guests descended on the Crowne Plaza Hotel for the first ever Educate Awards, sponsored

by Merseytravel. Educators and education partners from across Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsley came together to hear stories of innovation, inspiration and outstanding education.

The ceremony was presented by awardwinning writer and actor Neil Fitzmaurice, famed for his work on Phoenix Nights, The Office and Peep Show. Sponsors on the night included Riverside, Carillion and Knowsley Housing Trust.

Executive editor of Educate Magazine Kim O'Brien says: “The evening was a resounding success and celebrated the very best examples of first class education. I'm thrilled for everyone who received an award but everyone who entered should be proud of themselves because the judges were absolutely blown away by the entries.”

The winners…

The Most Inspirational Primary School category was a closely fought one. When coming up with the shortlist judges were particularly impressed with Roscoe Primary School’s ‘Read to Succeed programme’ and St Charles’ Catholic Primary School’s outstanding support for disabled pupils but it was Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School that scooped the award thanks to its ecofriendly, enterprising and nutritional health projects and its ‘can do’ approach.

In the Most Inspirational Secondary School category Fazakerley High School made the shortlist as a result of it’s strong vocational routes and its holistic approach to how the school operates while St Michael’s Church of England High School was chosen thanks to its new 3D learning centre and the fact it was the winner of the “Write a hymn for the Diamond Jubilee’

competition – quite an achievement! But it was Parklands High School that took home the title thanks to its strong links with major businesses and the fact the number of its pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades at GCSE has catapulted from 29% in 2007 to a whopping 79% in 2011.

The Community Partnership Award’s shortlist featured four schools, such was the quality of the entries. Parklands High School was praised for, amongst other things, its annual pensioners party.

Enterprise South Liverpool Academy was applauded for its work with Urban Village community centre while St Christopher’s Primary School received recognition for its FAST programme, leading families to engage with school life. But it was Gateacre High School that was given the award for its work with Merseyside Police and Citysafe.

The Communication Award saw high praise for shortlisted schools Notre Dame – thanks to its positive advertising campaigns and Fazakerley High School – for its Secondary Talk programme. But it was Cronton Church of England Primary School that stood out and took home the award as a result of its school blogsite.

The Teacher of the Year category had some fantastic entries. Shortlisted were Natalie Murphy of Knowsley Park Centre for Learning for her work encouraging students to take up sport and Lorraine Chester of Farnborough Road Infant School for her calm and caring approach to all children. But it was Mr McCole at St Cecilia’s Catholic Junior School who was awarded the title as a result of his enthusiastic and inspirational attitude.

The Sustainable School Project of the Year shortlist featured The Academy of St Francis of Assisi for its Spring Fling groundwork project and St Cleopas Church of England Primary School for its fantastic Roundhouse project but the award went to St Albert’s Catholic Primary School for its Reduce, Re-use and Recycle programme.

Shortlisted for the Spirit of Enterprise Award were Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School for its successful book, which generated £4,000 and The Academy of Francis of Assisi for its work in partnership with Veolia. But the winner on the night was Parklands High School thanks to its success in the Great Enterprise Challenge at GEC 2012.

The Innovative and Creative Literacy Award winner saw some stiff competition from runner up Birkdale Primary School thanks to its Project CLAW (creative writing addressing learning) but ultimately it was St Hilda’s Church of England High School that took home the award as a result of its systematic approach to improve speaking, writing and reading.

The shortlist for the SEN Provision Award featured Farnborough Road Infant School for its dedication and hard work with SEN children and Gateacre High School for its extensive range of intervention programmes. But the award went to All Saints Catholic Primary School for its outstanding commitment to and excellence in inclusion.

The Science Project of the Year category saw Knowsley Park School shortlisted for its Flight Day project as well as Gateacre High School for its work with the European Organisation for Nuclear Research but the winner was Childwall Sports and Science Academy for its Childwall Cuba Troopers 2012 science project.

In the Outstanding Arts Performance category judges praised St Cleopas Church of England Primary School for the Cleopas Carnival, Archbishop Beck for its Last Night of the Proms and Childwall Sports and Science Academy for its large-scale stunning mural. However, the winner was Netherton Moss Primary School for The Cawdor Conspiracy.

The Outstanding Commitment to Sport Award received some fantastic entries. Calderstones School was shortlisted for its success across a full range of disciplines. St Vincent’s also made the list for achieving gold and silver achievements in British Para Climbing event while Sandfield Park was noted for its adaptation of games of wheelchair football and wheelchair basketball. But the award deservedly went to St Laurence’s Primary School for its 25 extracurricular sporting activities.

Finally the WOW Recognition Award saw Broadgreen International School shortlisted for its 60 Stories in 60 Words project, Netherton Moss for The Cawdor Conspiracy and St Margaret’s Church of England Academy for its innovative school volunteering scheme. But the school with the most WOW factor was Sandfield Park, which took home the award for its Modern Times in Modern Times film.

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Congratulations and thank you to all shortlisted schools, runners-up and winners at the Educate Awards 2012

Most Inspirational Primary School Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School

Outstanding Commitment to Sport St Laurence’s Catholic Primary School

WOW Recognition Award Sandfield Park School

Community Partnership Award Gateacre School

Spirit of Enterprise Award Parklands High School

Most Inspirational Secondary School Fazakerley High School

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SEN Provision Award All Saints Catholic Primary School

Neil Fitzmaurice, presenter of the Educate Awards 2012

Innovative & Creative Literacy Award St Hilda’s C of E High School

Sustainable School Project of the Year St Alberts Catholic Primary School

Communication Award Cronton CE Primary School

Outstanding Arts Performance Netherton Moss Primary School

Teacher of the Year Award Mr McCole - St Cecilia’s Catholic Junior School

Science Project of the Year Award Childwall Sports & Science Academy

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Entertainment for the evening included performances by Callum Crighton from Calderstones School (above) and Archbishop Beck (right)

Compere Neil Fitzmaurice and fans

Headteachers past and present

Left: Cllr Liam Robinson, Merseytravel and Cllr Mary Rasmussen

Kayte Walsh, Bullybusters and Christine Murphy, Merseytravel

Retired headteacher, Peter Price talks to Alan Birkett, Educate

Andy Rogers, Educate and Pavlina Kiakides, Scribe

Headteacher Paul Cronin and staff from St Laurence’s Primary, Kirkby

Alison Valentine, Carillion and Dave Valentine

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Primary News

Chocolate workshops Fairtrade has never been such fun Pupils from St Vincent de Paul Primary School in Liverpool recently joined the Junior Chefs’ Academy, the Merseyside-based food education specialist, to learn about Fairtrade and healthy eating by taking part in its christmas chocolate truffle workshops.

Working in two consecutive workshops, the children worked with head chef Paul Cooper to produce a selection of delicious chocolate fruit truffles, which they were then able to take home as presents for their family and friends.

Teachers, pupils and families alike learned about fairtrade foods and the nutritional benefits of fruits such as mango, physalis and redcurrants.

“The Junior Chefs Academy provided a fantastic opportunity, which the children loved,” said Mr Adam Vasco, head of key stage 2 at St Vincent de Paul.

“Educational, fun-filled and tasty, too!

Our school has worked with Junior Chefs plenty of times in the last and it never disappoints!”

Head chef Paul Cooper, with children from St Vincent de Paul Primary

Farm visit

FESTIVAL SHEDS LIGHT Children from Anfield Infant School have been using the art of light to learn about different religious festivals.

The whole school took part with each year group looking at different religions.

The early years children looked at Christianity, making advent calendars and christingles. The Year 1 children looked at Divali, making Rangoli and Divas and the children in Year 2 looked at Hanukkah, making Hanukkah candlesticks.

Assistant Headteacher Wendy Beaumont said: “As we approached christmas, we thought it would be nice to celebrate other 14

cultures that have festivals at this time of year.”

The event was supported by housing association Riverside.

Riverside’s community engagement officer Sophie Brown, who judged the best creations and handed out prizes, said: “We supported this project because we think it’s important to teach children about cultural diversity and introduce them to the different way people live and why.

“I was really impressed with the enthusiasm the children had for the project.”

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For their Christmas treat, on the coldest day of the year, pupils from Runnymede foundation stage visited Stockley Farm in Cheshire.

Wrapped up warm in their hats, gloves, scarves and wellingtons, they went on a very bumpy tractor ride around the farmyard.

They arrived at a stable where ‘Babe’ the donkey greeted them and they then re-enacted the Christmas story.

After a tasty lunch the pupils met some of the animals that live at Stockley Farm and they had a great time playing in the hay.

The highlight of their day was of course meeting Father Christmas!

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Primary News

As easy as one, two, three As part of Phoenix Primary School’s maths week, students from Hope University visited the primary school and planned fun mathematical activities for the pupils.

The activities included the nursery class through to Year 6, including their KS2 SEN assessment class.

It was described as a real challenge for the students who, at times had to adapt their activities to meet the needs of the

children – welcome to the world of teaching!

They rose to the challenge and did a fantastic job. All staff and children thoroughly enjoyed the week and were grateful for all the hard work put in by the students.

Importantly, the profile of maths was raised in the school and it was wonderful to hear children saying: “maths is fun!”

Right: Students orienteering with Year 6 and using lots of mathematical vocabulary.

Lucy’s winning ways Design encourages people to recycle Lucy Spawton, from Trinity St Peters CE Primary School, Formby was celebrating the launch of a banner featuring her artwork to help encourage residents across Merseyside to recycle more.

Lucy’s poster was picked out of 500 entries to be featured at the local household waste recycling centres (HWRC) as part of a competition held to coincide with World Environment Day. Veolia Environmental Services and Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) held the competition as part of their waste education and awareness programme.

School children in Merseyside and Halton were invited to design posters under the heading ‘Encouraging recycling at your local household waste recycling centre.’

Her winning design has been produced into a banner and situated at South Sefton, Formby and Bidston household waste recycling centres with the hope of encouraging users of the sites to recycle their household items. Lucy has also won a £150 prize for her school.

Andrew Deacon, teacher 16

From left to right: Carl Beer, Councillor Joe De’Asha, Lucy Spawton, Andrew Deacon, Alex Paterson.

at Trinity St Peters CE Primary School, said: “Our children really enjoyed creating their posters and demonstrating some of their knowledge about recycling.

“It was fantastic to see our

efforts rewarded when Lucy’s poster was announced as the winning entry, and it was a really proud moment when Lucy was able to visit the recycling centre to see her

creation on display and receive a cheque for £150 for our school.

“We have already used part of Lucy’s prize money to improve the way our school recycles paper”.

School is on the up Blueberry Park Primary School in Dovecot has seen a remarkable turnaround since a damning Ofsted inspection in 2008.

A new board of governors and leadership team were appointed and its latest inspection in May 2012 moved it up from ‘satisfactory’ to ‘good’ despite the more rigorous regime, which was carried out with just two days notice.

Headteacher Kathryn Honey said: “We are

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all so proud of what the school has achieved over the last few years.

“It is fantastic that our hard work and effort has been recognised by the inspectors who know we are doing all we can to deliver a great education.

“It really has been a team effort involving pupils, parents and carers as well as our governors and staff.”

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Primary News

Recycle with Michael School launches charity drive Kirkby Church of England Primary has teamed up with Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd (SATCoL) to launch a new clothes recycling scheme to raise money for the school and the Salvation Army.

The school is participating in SATCoL’s ‘Recycle With Michael’ children’s scheme, in which SATCoL provides a colourful clothes bank for the school, branded with the fun kid’s recycling champion, Michael.

Michael is designed to encourage children and their families to bring their unwanted clothes, shoes and household textile items into school and put them into the bank.

When the bank is full, local collectors from SATCoL pick up the donations and the school is rewarded with an amount of money to spend on its own facilities or within the community, dependent on the weight of donations.

The textiles SATCoL collects are either re-used or recycled, with some being

sold in SATCoL’s charity shops, others being given to the Salvation Army to be used to help people in need and the remainder exported to Eastern Europe where they are sold to provide affordable clothing for those that need it.

Headteacher, Mair Hindmarsh, said: “We decided to introduce the ‘Recycle With Michael’ scheme because it's a fun way to teach children about the importance of textile recycling.

“Textiles are the UK’s fastest growing household waste stream and people sometimes forget that it’s just as important to recycle your old clothes as some of the more obvious items like newspapers and bottles.

“By teaming up with SATCoL we’re helping to divert more clothes from landfill and giving them a new lease of life, whilst raising money for both the school and The Salvation Army, which does such important work in communities throughout the UK”.

Pupils from Kirkby C of E Recycle with Michael

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR Two local schools joined together in December to celebrate St Nicholas’ Day. Pupils from Ursuline Catholic Primary School and St Nicholas CE Primary School walked the short distance down St Nicholas

Pupils from St Nicholas Primary and Ursuline Primary celebrate St Nicholas’s Day with gifts for each other

Road in Blundellsands and swapped classes for the afternoon.

The children from both schools had held special worship services in the morning followed by gift making activities. They learnt about the generosity of St Nicholas and some of the kind deeds he is remembered for.

The home made gifts were then given to their next door school neighbours and the children had a chance to make new friends and look round each others’ buildings.

Becky Woods, Headteacher at St Nicholas CE Primary, said: “The swap was a huge success, children from both schools behaved beautifully and loved sharing gifts with each other.

“The spirit of St Nicholas was definitely alive in both our schools.”

Sian Jones, from Ursuline, who organised the event, said: “It really was a special day that created such a warm and celebratory atmosphere in both schools. The success of the day was certainly summed up by the children asking when we’ll be doing it again!

“It was a true tribute to the thoughtfulness and generosity of the children in both schools.”

Mark McQueen, Headteacher at Ursuline, said: “It is one of the most important days in advent, with its message about kindness and generosity. We were delighted to celebrate it with our neighbours - a day to remember for all the right reasons”.

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Primary News

Magical haven

Caravan transformed into a reading retreat A once neglected caravan has been transformed into a magical haven to encourage more pupils to read.

Pupils at Evelyn Community Primary School, Prescot, have been queuing up to check out the new addition to the school grounds, which arrived at the start of the school term.

A bright and colourful gingerbread house from the outside, the transformation continues indoors as pupils are greeted with luscious grass, starry skies and a real-life beanstalk from the well-known children’s classic.

Fictional characters welcome pupils as they step inside, with a range of murals bringing stories to life.

The ‘reading emporium’ is filled with a range of books for all reading abilities.

Pupils can relax and enjoy reading with a mug of hot chocolate, or lie on the ‘grass’ and delve into a good book whilst looking up at the ‘stars’.

Head teacher Carole Arnold, bought the caravan for a bargain price of £100, and together with the school’s reading ambassador, Colette McLoughlin, they spent the summer holidays transforming it into a reading retreat for pupils.

“When the caravan came up for sale, it was too good of an opportunity to miss,” explains Carole.

“We consulted with pupils on how they wanted the ‘reading emporium’ to

look, and we had lots of creative and ideas and suggestions. Although the children have had it for just over a month, we’re already seeing their love of reading soar.”

Teachers at the school wanted to create somewhere unique and inspiring for the children to read, so they will associate reading with being fun. The

design of the caravan, both inside and out, helps to engage the children’s imagination as they discover a love of books.

Evelyn pupil, Maisie Jones, 7, said, “I love the reading emporium – it’s like stepping into a magical world of books. I definitely enjoy reading more and the reading emporium makes it more fun”.

Pupils show off their new addition to the school, with reading ambassador, Colette McLoughlin

Blues star backs speed campaign Everton defender Phil Jagielka has backed a city-wide campaign to encourage motorists to slow down.

Jagielka met youngsters from Longmoor Primary School in Fazakerley to launch Everton in the Community and Alder Hey Hospital’s support for the city’s innovative speed reduction initiative, The 20 Effect.

The initiative, delivered by Liverpool City Council and Liverpool Primary Care Trust (PCT) with the backing of Merseyside Police and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service, aims to reduce road injuries by increasing the number of residential roads with 20mph speed limits and raising awareness of the danger of driving 18

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at high speed.

Phil Jagielka said: “It’s no secret that driving unsafely can kill and initiatives such as The 20 Effect can only help to reduce the number of collisions on the city’s roads. It’s a fantastic idea for Everton in the Community to highlight the importance of road safety to kids from such a young age and I hope it has a huge impact on the local community.”

Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, Councillor Tim Moore, said: “This is a fantastic gesture by Everton Football Club. Support for ‘the 20 Effect’ continues to gather momentum, and is gaining support from all sections of the community.

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Primary News

School pays tribute Flying high to retiring teacher

Children, parents and staff at St Mary & St Paul’s CE Primary School, Prescot joined in a special day to celebrate the career of Sue Priestley, who was retiring after a teaching career of almost 40 years.

The last 25 years of Sue’s career have been spent at St Mary & St Paul’s. Most of this time has been in the school’s nursery class, where she has taught more than one generation of many families.

The school’s headteacher, Neil Dixon, paid tribute to Sue: “It’s been a real pleasure to work with Sue and to see the care and dedication with which she’s approached the job. There are literally hundreds of children who’ve been really lucky to have started their school lives with such a fine teacher.

“Sue will really miss teaching because it was such a huge part of her life, but I’m sure that having more time to spend with her gorgeous baby grandson will more than make up for it.”

Sue’s special day featured presentations from the children, parents, staff and governors as well as a special assembly, a gathering of family, friends and former colleagues and even a musical tribute from the rest of the teachers!

The children also presented Sue with a ‘Book of Memories’ featuring highlights from her time at St Mary & St Paul’s – of which there were many.

Primary children were flying high after their first taste of life at a Knowsley Centre for Learning.

More than 500 Year 6 children from schools across Knowsley and surrounds enjoyed a ‘Flight Day’ at Knowsley Park Centre for Learning in Prescot, at which they launched their own rockets, designed kites and flags, met barn owls, and even invented their own aeroplanes.

The day was designed to give primary school children a taste of secondary life – and give them the chance to see the fantastic facilities on offer at the Centres for Learning in Knowsley.

There were plenty of activities, based around the theme of flight in the drama studios, humanities and English departments, where pupils took part in a performance of ‘Flight to a Brave New World’ and met Peter Pan and Wendy.

“We want learning to be fun as well as challenging, and the flight day was really inspirational”, said headteacher, Judy Walker. “It was fantastic to see the excitement and enthusiasm of the Year 6 children, and it was also a wonderful way for them to get into a Knowsley Centre for Learning and try out the brilliant facilities we have here”.

Rebecca Osborne from Whiston Willis gets to grips with the science of fireworks in the lab at Knowsley Park Centre for Learning, Prescot, as part of their flight day.

Dash for Santa Among the 8,000 participants in the annual Liverpool Santa dash at the beginning of December was a group from St Gregory’s Primary School in Netherley.

They took park in the 5km race beginning at Liverpool’s Pier Head. This year the run was started

by Olympic medallist and gymnast Beth Tweddle.

Headteacher, Mrs Deborah Albon, said: “The pupils competed in a dress rehearsal run on the school fields with family and friends coming to watch. It was a wonderful day and the pupils really enjoyed themselves”.

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Primary News

New recruits stop the traffic Billy and Belinda join school Two new recruits are stopping the traffic at a Knowsley primary school.

Billy and Belinda Bollard are outside Park Brow Primary on Broad Lane in Kirkby.

They’ve been made to look like children, are ‘dressed’ in the school colours and mark the crossing patrol area. It’s hoped they’ll make drivers more careful in the area and stop irresponsible parking.

Knowsley Council has provided them in a campaign to tackle ongoing traffic issues around the school.

There are also standard bollards at other problem areas and trees are being planted to stop dangerous parking.

“Billy and Belinda are our latest tactic,” said cllr Dave Lonergan, Knowsley’s cabinet member for regeneration, economy and skills.

“Parking and congestion cause real dangers for children and their carers when they’re arriving and leaving school.

“We want drivers to take notice of the areas they shouldn’t park in and be aware that they’re near a school.”

The traffic measures follow a series of talks between local police community and traffic support officer, the school and the local community.

Staff and pupils at Park Brow Primary in Kirkby meet their new “ classmate” – Belinda Bollard.

Don’t you mess with my tutu Staff and pupils from St Oswald’s Primary School, Liverpool took part in the Macmillan's World Biggest Coffee Morning to raise money for the Macmillan nurses.

The school decided to combine wearing pink to raise money for breast cancer charities and joined the hundreds and thousands of people who were taking part to raise money for the two worthy projects, helping to fund research projects and helping to save and improve lives; ultimately helping people and families when they need it most.

The school opened their school hall doors to parents, families

and the local community inviting them to a coffee morning with a cake sale. Many children and staff had been up baking the night before to sell at the event. One family donated a fabulous chocolate cake to raffle!

Each year group brought cakes into school and sold them to each other to raise money. They were also able to dress in pink, with a few of the boys turning up in tutu’s with pink leg warmers! It cost them a £1 for the privilege.

Fun was had by all and they raised a magnificent £829 which will be split between the two charities.

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Primary News

Flying the flag

CELEBRATING EQUALITY

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool presents the Investors in People award to headteacher Mrs Todd

Over 200 primary school children from the Crosby area recently participated in the annual capital equality and diversity concert at Crosby Civic Hall.

Children from Forefield Infants, Valewood Primary School, Chesterfield High School, St Nicholas CE Primary School, St Michael’s CE High School, Waterloo Primary School and Ursuline RC Primary School performed a variety of cultural pieces from around the world in front of a packed audience of parents, grandparents and other family members.

The concert was compered by Mr Peter Harvey and was organised as part of the international children’s day celebrations to promote the message that all children are special regardless of race, age, gender, ethnicity, language, ability or social background and that Crosby schools celebrate difference and promote equality.

The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Sharon Sullivan recently presented Mab Lane Primary School with the Investors in People Gold award.

On her visit to the school the Lord Mayor presented a plaque and raised the flag outside. Children, parents, staff and governors were present and all enjoyed the celebrations.

The report compiled by the assessors, stated: “The assessor confirms that Mab Lane School has met 128 evidence requirements above the investors in people standard and this equates to a Gold Award requiring at least 126 additional evidence requirements.

“The school has clear, vision and values that are ‘lived and breathed’ throughout the school. People reflect these values and ethos in their work”.

Going for gold

Staff and pupils from Mosscroft Primary school celebrate their international award 22

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Mosscroft Primary School in Huyton, has been awarded the British Council’s prestigious international school award in recognition of its work to bring the world into the classroom.

The international school award is a badge of honour for schools that do outstanding work in international education, such as through links with partner schools overseas.

Mosscroft Primary School’s international work includes activities that have been put together through the British council’s eTwinning website. This work has been identified as a strength of their application.

John Rolfe from the British council, said: “Many congratulations on their well deserved success in being accredited with the British council international school award. The school’s fantastic international work is not only giving the young people a better understanding of the world around them, but it’s really making a difference to their future prospects too.

“Employers are telling us that international skills are just as important as exam results – so everything the school is doing is vital preparation for life in a global society and work in a global economy.

“2012 is a big year for the UK on the world’s stage, and the school deserves a gold medal of its own for all its outstanding commitment to a range of fantastic international work”.

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Open Day Every Day At Merchant Taylors’ Schools we recognise that academic achievement is only one part of an all-round education. As well as gaining the top exam results on Merseyside we pride ourselves in offering the best extra-curricular provision.

To find out more please make an appointment to visit the schools during a normal working day.

@MerchantsCrosby Merchant Taylors Schools, Crosby

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Primary News

Taking up the fight Schools targets illegal parkers outside school St Anne’s Primary School, Huyton have taken up the fight against dangerous parking outside their school gates.

Headteacher, Maggie Keating said: “The school council have been concerned about dangerous parking on Marina Crescent and are know working with the police to try and do something about it.

“The majority of parents park with consideration and care for the children’s safety. However, there are a few people who drop off or collect children, and park on the single yellow lines and zig-zag marking, causing a danger for the children and their families”.

One pupil who is also a member of the school council said: “People who ignore the zig-zag lines are selfish. We are scared that one day someone will be knocked over and seriously hurt”.

The school council are now considering photographing dangerously parked cars and publishing the licence plate numbers through a special school bulletin.

The children explained that parents and carers are reminded about safe parking in the monthly newsletters and have designed ‘slow down’ markings which are at each end of the road.

Classes have also held a competition to design ‘keep children safe’ flyers which will be judged by neighbour inspector Jenny Wilson.

The police and police community

St Anne’s headteacher Maggie Keating and members of the school council deliver their message to inconsiderate parkers. an obstructive manner could potentially support officers have also written to put your child and others at risk. parents and have issued parking fines.

“Another concern we have is that if an Jenny Wilson, said: “We understand as emergency services vehicle needed to parents and carers that you want to see get down Marina Crescent they wouldn’t your child into school safely, as do we as be able due to continuous obstructions. police officers, but leaving your vehicle in

School is on the ball Everton football star Steven Naismith called on smokers to stub it out after visiting a local primary school to highlight the dangers of passive smoking.

The Scotland international visited Broadgreen Primary School recently to support smokefree families; a project urging parents not to smoke in their home.

Naismith took part in a sports session with youngsters, delivered by Everton in the Community, to help them understand how smoking can have an adverse affect on physical ability and their health.

The blues official charity is working alongside Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation to support smokefree families and as well as educating youngsters.

Naismith said: “Projects like this one really help children to understand how smoking can damage their health and makes parents think about how they are putting the children at risk too. I wholeheartedly support this campaign and hope it encourages parents to stub out their cigarettes and create a SmokeFree home for their family.”

In the UK, 42% of children are exposed to second hand smoke at home and in Liverpool alone, 96,400 people smoke with 65% of those smoking in their household. That means that up to 17,000 children under five years old are admitted to hospital each year with a smoking-related illness.

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HILLSIDE HIGH SCHOOL Excellence in the Heart of the Community

‘Hillside High is an outstanding school’ - Ofsted 2007

Contact the school for further details Hillside High School, Science and Language College Breeze Hill, Bootle L20 9NU

0151 525 2630 www.hillsidehigh.co.uk

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Meet the Headteacher Dermot McNiffe, principal of the Academy of St Francis of Assisi

A good school with outstanding features and in the top 10% of schools nationally for improvements in GCSE English and mathematics. The Academy of St Francis of Assisi has improved students results since it opened in 2005 and this is thanks in part to the principal Dermot McNiffe whose passion for helping students achieve their full potential saw him follow his vocation into the world of education.

Raising Aspiration

by Kate Hanratty Next to Newsham Park in the borough of Kensington and Fairfield, Liverpool sits an academy which specialises in the environment and sustainability. With its own solar atrium and solar panels the academy even produces some of its own electricity. The academy not only inspires students to impact upon the outside world it is also raising its students’ ambitions and aspirations year-onyear.

Dermot McNiffe, principal of the Academy of St Francis of Assisi, came to teaching later in life. Originally an engineer for British Aerospace, he worked as a patternmaker and computer programming engineer before deciding at the age of twenty-seven to turn to teaching for a more fulfilling career.

After completing his training as a technology teacher with first-class honours he worked for ten years at an allboy’s high school in Trafford before taking the role as principal of St Francis of Assisi in 2008. It is a role which he says has been the highlight of his career 26

and which has seen his passion to help students achieve their full potential realised.

“I always wanted to work in an inner-city school and make a difference where it was really needed,” says Dermot.

“Every single year in my four years of tenure standards have risen and more than that we have raised the aspirations of young people in our local community.”

Originally set up as part of the regeneration of Kensington, an area of well documented underachievement and deprivation in Liverpool, the school was opened in 2005 and since then student’s results and aspirations have been on the up and up. Recently recognised by The Specialist Schools and Academies Trust as in the top 10% of schools nationally for improvements in GCSE results, the school now sees 98% of pupils achieve five or more good GCSE results at A* - C, which has risen from just 57% in 2008.

The schools latest OFSTED inspection in November 2012 saw the school graded as ‘good overall’ with ‘outstanding’ elements in its education provision.

One of the outstanding elements is the academy’s commitment to its specialism

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of sustainability and the integration of Student Voice (the schools council) within the decision making processes.

Students regularly sit in on staff interviews, senior leadership meeting and even governors meetings to make sure their voices are heard in all aspects of school development.

“

I always wanted to work in an inner-city school and make a difference where it was really needed

”

“They even sat in on my interview’ says Dermot, “We often find that they arrive at the same decisions as we have. The most recent thing that Student Voice told us was that they wanted a sixth form to allow them to continue their education up to the age of 19 at the academy. We have listened to our students and families and we have worked hard to make this

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happen so that in September 2013 our new sixth form will be opening to a large proportion of our students.”

The sixth form, grounded in the academy’s distinct Christian ethos, will offer study options for 16-19 year olds from BTECS to academic A-Levels. The sixth form will be geared towards the future growth of industries in areas such as the sciences and technology in Liverpool and, as always, the academy will be highlighting its specialism in the environment and sustainability.

“I see the future of our sixth form being quite groundbreaking in terms of what we could do in teaching, says Dermot.

“For example how we look at methods of manufacturing through using sustainable materials in conservation projects related to construction and environmental science. The new sixth form will be focussed on reaching out into the community.“ In the spirit of self-sufficiency for the future, the academy’s photovoltaic solar cells produce 5% of its own electricity, a valuable teaching tool for students. The academy has its own gardens including a roof-top garden for the teaching of

horticulture, conservation and life sciences. Students’ work from this extends into conservation projects in the local community and parklands.

The academy’s hard work has not gone unnoticed and it has received a plethora of awards recognising its achievements including the Green Flag Award for the environment. Students even recently took part in a regeneration of Newsham Park, which saw them give part of the Victorian garden, originally built in 1868, a spring clean alongside members of the local community. Staff, students and community volunteers re-painted benches, weeded and re-planted existing planting areas in the park which had become overgrown with weeds. The group also dug and planted four new

wild flower beds to brighten up the park.

The academy’s commitment to science is clear and GCSE achievement in these subjects is well above national average.

The academy also reaches further into the community offering adult education classes to learners in Kensington and Fairfield.

But getting back to the core job of the school, Dermot believes that strong Christian values, caring for the environment and with a strong achievement culture raises aspirations and inspires the students to serve their community.

“The main thing for us is that students take their education and Christian values to impact on the world in a positive way, working to improve things for the future.”

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Secondary News

Girls go for gold Record numbers aim for award Over the past four years Holly Lodge Girls’ College have been working in partnership with Merseyside Police to develop the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

In this time they have increased their numbers to the highest that they have ever been and have record number of students signed up from Year 10 - 13.

They also have one of the highest number of Gold DofE participants in Liverpool.

PC Peter Edmond, Holly Lodge’s safer schools office, said: “We had several students from Holly Lodge attending an awards ceremony to receive their Gold award this year.

“This is being held at St James’ Palace in London and were presented by Prince Edward the Earl of Wessex.

“As part of the safer schools partnership between Merseyside Police and schools across Liverpool, this has been a fantastic opportunity and has been really successful.”

Two of these former Gold students are now training to be young leaders and assessors. They are positive young role models and this will enhance the capabilities of the school to be able to develop and be more successful.

Former gold student, Molly Pendleton has said how she “feels very lucky to have had the opportunity to take part in the DofE with her friends from school and is now grateful to be able to give something back to the school by being an assessor and young leader.”

Molly said: “I have enjoyed everything about the DofE and the training that Holly Lodge staff are still helping me with and will never forget the memories and skills that she has gained from this invaluable course”.

There are three progressive levels of DofE programme which, when successfully completed, lead to Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

To achieve each one, participants must complete a programme of activities in four or five sections that involve helping the community/environment, becoming

fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.

The girls have been volunteering across the city to help others. This ranged from cheering up residents in sheltered accommodation, working in British heart foundation charity shops and helping to fund raise for local charities.

One student Chantelle Day managed to raise £740 for Marie Curie Cancer Care and donated a total of 20" of her hair to The Teenage Cancer Trust.

School army cadets walk tall in poppy appeal Two teenage army cadets from Knowsley headed up a Poppy appeal with the British Legion.

Bradley Walsh and James McDougal were chosen by the Legion to run a remembrance campaign at All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning in Kirkby.

They launched this year’s appeal with Liverpool’s Lord Mayor Sharon Sullivan and became the first ever cadets to represent the Legion at a premiership football game.

Bradley, who’s 16 and with the Duke of Lancs regiment and James, who’s 15 and with the 1 Company Signals met their hero Steven Gerrard at the Liverpool versus Newcastle game.

In the two weeks of the appeal, the boys raised £800 selling poppies at the 28

Army cadets Bradley Walsh, 16 and James McDougal, 15, from All Saints Catholic Centre for Learning in Kirkby promote the Poppy Appeal with Liverpool’s Steven Gerrard. school.

They were helped by other pupils who are army and RAF cadets and those who

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had relatives in the Forces.

They held assemblies and services over the fortnight, using poems and music, laid a wreath at Kirkby Cenotaph and taught drill in PE lessons.

“Their enthusiasm was boundless,” said All Saints RE teacher, Vicki Robinson Powell, who came up with the idea for the school campaign with Christine Bradshaw from the British Legion.

“They came in early and stayed on after school for the campaign as well as selling poppies at the weekend for the cadets.

“They were allowed to wear their cadet uniforms for the two weeks and they just seemed to walk taller. They were a great example to the other pupils.”

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Secondary News

Staff and students of Christ the King, Southport present a cheque of £7,384.20 to Queenscourt Hospice

School Charity exceeds £50,000 Remarkable milestone reached by Southport school Staff and pupils at Christ the King School have broken the £50,000 barrier in their fundraising for charity.

The remarkable milestone was achieved when the school presented a cheque for £7,384.20 to Queenscourt Hospice on a recent visit.

It takes the total raised for various charities over the last nine years to nearly £53,000.

The charities who have been supported by the school are: Water Aid-Tamil Nadu, India, St Nicholas Hospice, South Africa,

Tin-ang-a-Kenya, Thai Children’s Trust, Thailand and Queenscourt Hospice.

This is an amazing achievement and one which staff, pupils and all connected to the school are extremely proud of.

The cheque for £7,384.20 presented to Queenscourt Hospice was from the total fundraising during the last academic year, during which the Southport hospice was the chosen benefactor. Queenscourt Hospice is the school charity for this academic year.

Money was raised in a variety of ways including ‘X’ Factor, cake sales, raffles,

full marathons, refreshments and a disco.

Pupils and staff had the opportunity to look around the hospice during their visit to see where the money will be spent.

Carolyn Lowry from Queenscourt said: “We are extremely grateful to all the staff and pupils at Christ the King School for their dedicated fundraising activities on behalf of Queenscourt Hospice.

“It is marvellous that the school has chosen to continue to support us and the amount of money they have raised is amazing, a real tribute to the effort and time put in by everyone”.

Mixing with the stars Broadgreen International School and BeatBullying, teamed up with Channel 4 Education to train students to become ‘cybermentors’ and to help make bullying unacceptable.

Twenty young people from Years 8 and 9, volunteered to take part in beatbullying’s intense two-day cybermentors programme. The course equipped them with the knowledge and skills they need to offer support to their peers who fall victim of bullying, and to act as anti-bullying advocates in school and the community.

The training was funded by Channel 4 Education and was part of a series of cybermentors training sessions which took place at schools across the country in the lead up to and during national anti bullying week. Cast members from Channel 4’s flagship youth drama Hollyoaks supported the course and joined the students for day two of training.

The Channel 4 information video will be available soon where you will be able to see the cybermentors mixing with the stars!

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Hollyoaks actress Jazmine Franks joined students from Broadgreen International School

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Secondary News

Morocco bound Visit inspires pupils to donate school uniforms The Belvedere Academy recently organised for a huge container of school uniforms and school equipment to go to Morocco to help equip a school called the Talatast Rural Centre.

Peter Dykeaylen, press officer at Belvedere, said: “Pupils have kindly donated a huge amount of clothing and a container full of our pupil’s uniforms (they no longer need) and equipment have been shipped out to help establish and develop this school.

“During the easter break our headmaster was invited by the British Moroccan Society to visit a school called the Talatast Rural Centre which is situated in the Atlas Mountains near Marrakech.

“The school (or learning centre) is for Berber children and women. It was opened in 2010 and is the first of a number of similar initiatives planned by the British Moroccan Society.

“Before the learning centre was opened there was no school at all in the village and children were unable to receive any education.

“The learning centre has now become the focal point of the village with children waiting patiently outside for their opportunity to use its only

Belvedere pupils with their parcels ready to be shipped to Morocco well. If all goes well we could support classroom. In the evening the centre is these schools on a regular basis as they attended by young women, most of who develop. have never been to school.

“We are proud to be involved in this “Inspired and moved by his visit the initiative and feel that it will provide headmaster encouraged pupils to donate enormous help for some extremely items of unwanted uniform for these disadvantaged children and perhaps children at the end of each term or remind us all how fortunate we are to be academic year. The school also is to send associated with a school like Belvedere”. surplus ICT equipment and furniture as

SCHOOLS GET CREATIVE ESLA principal, Mr Pendlebury (centre), presents prizes to the finalists

South Liverpool schoolchildren recently sharpened their coloured pencils and sprinkling glitter for the ESLA christmas card competition.

After receiving over 100 entries from local primary schools, the academy held a special presentation at the centre for the three runners up and overall winner, Kate Douglas from St Christopher’s Catholic

Primary School, to award them all with their certificates and prizes.

Kate’s card creation, a festive take on the ESLA logo, was used as the official Enterprise South Liverpool Academy christmas card for 2012.

Academy principal Mr Pendlebury, said: “We were absolutely delighted with the number of entries we received as the

competition gives us the chance to showcase the amazing artistic talents of our local primary schools.

“It was extremely difficult to choose the winner, as there were so many excellent and creative designs especially as it was clear that the pupils had put a lot of hard work in to the competition. Well done to everyone who took part!”

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Secondary News

Pursuit of further excellence continues School vows to carry on developing for the future The headteacher of The Blue Coat School in Liverpool has vowed to further develop excellence among staff and students after the historic school was judged outstanding in its first Ofsted inspection since converting to an academy.

Ofsted inspectors gave the highest possible rating in all four key categories pupils’ achievement, quality of teaching, behaviour and safety of pupils, and the school’s leadership and management.

Headteacher Debbie Silcock said: “Staff, students, governors and parents should be very proud of this accolade. The last inspection in 2008 set very high standards. It is pleasing that Ofsted recognised that we have developed a culture of continuous improvement, not resting on previous successes.

“Despite this wonderful achievement we will continue to further improve the delivery of high quality education for which The Blue Coat School is renowned locally and nationally.”

The Ofsted report stated: “It is a school where you would want any of your children to be educated because it is a school where everyone succeeds.

“The school’s main asset is the quality of the students. Their behaviour and attitudes to learning are outstanding,

Headteacher Debbie Silcock with Blue Coat students achieve their ambitions. which means teachers are able to teach “Ofsted saw and applauded the quality lessons without any disruption to of teaching, the strong bond between our learning.” students and their teachers and our Julia Shaw, chair of The Blue Coat relentless focus on improvement.

School’s governing body, said: “This “We believe we can play a key role in judgement from Ofsted confirms the the resurgence of Liverpool as one of the quality of education this school provides world’s greatest cities”. to all those who choose us to help them

TAKING IN THE SIGHTS A group of students from Fazakerley High School’s international club recently took part in an educational trip to London.

Fazakerley students outside the famous ‘number 10’ 32

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The first stop of the day was the Houses of Parliament, where the students took in Westminster Palace, the lobbying room and the House of Commons amongst others.

Acting as fine representatives of the school and their community, the students asked intelligent questions ranging from Parliamentarian and Royalist battles to the Tudor tennis balls stuck in the roof!

After passing through St Margaret’s Church, the students’ took part in a tour of Westminster Abbey and closely examined the tombs of British royalty, in particular the shrine to Edward the Confessor.

However the highlight of everyone’s day was still to come. Having made the short trip up Whitehall, the group arrived at Downing Street.

Rather than join the other tourists glancing through the security gates the Fazakerley High students were given special security clearance to enter the famous street and closely inspect the famous ‘number 10’ door itself.

After several photographs, the students then paid their respects at the Cenotaph, and then made their way towards Trafalgar Square and ‘The Mall’.

The final stop before returning home was outside Buckingham Palace.

Although no students managed to spot Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, they universally agreed that they had had one of the most royal school days of all time.

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StCatholic Vincent de Paul Primary School

The Blue Coat School Not For Oneself but for All

Pitt Street Liverpool L1 5BY

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

“Serving With Love … Striving For Excellence”

SIXTH FORM ADMISSIONS 2013 Thursday 24th January 2013 Do you want the opportunity to achieve excellent A-Level results in a stimulating academic atmosphere?

Join us at our Sixth Form Information Evening for external applicants where you can find out what we have to offer.

❤

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

OFSTED Oct 2007 - ‘St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School is an outstanding school.’

Convenient City Centre Location Places Available Breakfast Club: open from 7.30am Range of After-School Extra-Curricular Activities

❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤ ❤

Our Open Evening is on Thursday 24th January Tours will be available from 4.30pm - 6.30pm.

Talks about the Sixth Form Admission process at 5.00pm & 6.00pm. Entrance for talks & tours is via the Clock Tower entrance. No booking required.

Two Computer Suites Educational Visits in our Private Minibus Healthy Schools Award Activemark Gold Basic Skills Quality Mark Liverpool Hope University Articled School Status Archdiocesan Religious Education Inspection “an outstanding school”

The Blue Coat School, Church Road, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 9EE Telephone: 0151 733 1407 Website: www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk

For further details, contact the Headteacher: Mr P Stewart on

0151 709 2572

Fax 0151 707 8942 email: stvincentdepaul@merseymail.com

St Hilda’s is a school which provides a happy and supportive environment in which students achieve significantly above average results and go on to gain places at the UK’s top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge.

At the heart of the Sixth Form are our articulate and enterprising students. They enjoy a rich and varied choice of subjects as well as excellent pastoral support. A Level subjects include all three key sciences – Chemistry, Physics and Biology – and three modern foreign languages – French, Spanish and German – as well as options such as Psychology, Sociology and Media which are new to most Sixth Formers. They are well taught by dedicated, specialist teachers who have high expectations of success.

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To find out more, visit our website www.st-hildas.com and come along to the Sixth Form Open Evening on Monday 4 February 2013, 4.00pm – 6.30pm.

Croxteth Drive, Sefton Park, Liverpool L17 3AL Telephone: 0151 733 2709 • Email: info@st-hildas.com • Website: www.st-hildas.com believe

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Educate’s roundtable

Attendees: Laura Waite, lecturer in SEN and disability studies at Liverpool Hope Lisa O’Connor, programme leader for inclusion, Edge Hill Mary Murphy, assistant head with special responsibility for SEN at Notre Dame Catholic College

Special educational shake-up The government is proposing the biggest shake up of the special educational needs system in schools in over 30 years. Changes to the system include giving parents more control over their child’s financial support budgets and introducing one overarching category of SEN. According to Children’s minister Sarah Teather, these reforms will put parents who know what is best for their child, in charge. While some academics welcome a number of the changes in the shake-up, others worry about where the professionals will come in when deciding what is best for a child with SEN and that these changes might not be of any real benefit to the students they are being put in place to help. We brought together three academic professionals to talk about the government’s proposed changes.

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Laura Waite, lecturer in SEN and disability studies at Liverpool Hope

Under the proposed changes, by 2014 parents will have the right to buy in services, rather than relying on the options decided by local authorities and support agencies. Should parents be in control of how the funding for their child is spent?

Could this system be abused? How will this affect schools?

LW: I think that for some parents that will be quite an empowering thing to happen. We have had direct payments and personal budgets in adult social care for about 16 years now. There are still issues with that after 16 years of it being in place. If they are going to implement this then we need to learn from the issues that we have already had in adult social care and support. It is not going to be for everyone but there will be people for whom it will be a real benefit in terms of them being able to take charge.

MM: From a school point of view I think parents having more say is a very good thing, however the practicalities of how it would be implemented is something I would be quite fearful of. For instance will it be an advantage to all parents? Or will it be an advantage to those parents who are very good at being able to make a case for their child? Therefore it will be an advantage to the middle classes rather than somebody who has an equal or even greater need but who cannot make a case for their particular child. Who will make the decisions on the funding? How quickly will that funding come in? Will it follow the pupil if they move schools? How quickly will the money follow the child? What if the money has already been spent at the other school? Who is going to monitor all of this for best value?

Mary Murphy, assistant head with special responsibility for SEN at Notre Dame Catholic College

Lisa O’Connor, programme leader for inclusion, Edge Hill

Another concern is how would a parent know what is best for their child if they are not engaging with professionals. I know plenty of parents of SEN children who have fought, quite rightly, for years for the best provision for their children but I also know plenty of parents who have fought for the wrong thing for their child.

Some parents might look on Google and think that they know all the correct things when in actual fact they only gain a small amount of knowledge on part of the matter. Where do the professionals come in on all of this?

LOC: I think in relation to schools if there aren’t good collaborations between parents, teachers and SENCO’s that is where it all might fall down. Parents will make decisions based on what they think children need without taking any advice. Some parents will openly come all of the time to speak to you, but other parents have a fear, sometimes of authority or because they don’t understand the jargon that is used in meetings so there is a lack of understanding of what the issues are.

As Mary said someone might think that they are putting something in place that will benefit their child but if they are not going to collaborate with SENCOS, teachers and all those people supporting the child then it might not be the right provision. A lot of parents of children with special needs actually have special needs themselves, so it is a very delicate issue for them.

LW: My difficulty is that we shouldn’t assume that the professionals make the right decisions either all the time. We are quite quick to judge parents. As a person with a child at primary school, there are many incidents where professionals make recommendations that

aren’t good for the child. We are still not working with parents effectively because there is this idea that the professionals know and the parents don’t and that is not true. The difficulty is that the child is left in the middle of all of that. Lots of people don’t have the knowledge to be able to think quite critically about what is out there and what is good for children.

There is a tendency to think there are lots of these amazing strategies out there. Teachers and parents are part of the same discourse in that they think that having an adult joined to the hip with the child is what is required.

MM: And it can be quite the opposite.

LW: What I wouldn’t want us to do is to think that it is only parents who think that. Thousands of teachers think I can’t ‘teach’ these children if I don’t have a one-to-one. As opposed to ‘this is my responsibility and there are different ways which we might use extra support in the classroom’.

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My difficulty is that we shouldn’t assume that the professionals make the right decisions either all the time. We are quite quick to judge parents.

Laura Waite

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Educate’s roundtable

LOC: For some teachers they are not aware that the OFSTED framework looks at the fact that teachers should be supporting pupils with SEN and not a learning support assistant (LSA) or a teaching assistant (TA). It is not their job; the teacher in the classroom should be teaching that child and spending more time with a child who has learning difficulties.

LW: One of the things that really frustrates me is that this is not parents’ fault or teachers’ fault. This is about the expectations on teachers.

It’s not surprising that a teacher has a LSA with one child when they have another 32 children to teach in a climate that is only interested in value added, getting SATS and assessments done.

I appreciate that teachers can sometimes say, hang on this child isn’t my responsibility, there are some of those still left, but they are kind of forced into that in terms of the pressures around them.

According to OFSTED, more than half of pupils classed as having SEN would not be classed as such if “teaching in schools was better”.

LOC: It’s not about teaching it is about training and development. Teachers are being expected to teach an inclusive curriculum with all these learning difficulties that they may have no experience of. Where is the development for them? Who is showing them how to cater for all those needs? I know from when I did teacher training we had a half day on special educational needs. In our university we do now have special school placements, but not all trainee teachers go to a special school or learn about the range of learning disabilities. If a teacher is faced with four children in a class all with a different need, I don’t think it is a matter of ‘your teaching isn’t good enough’. They need to look at what they can do to train teachers to be able to deal with it, strategies which can be put in place as you don’t magically know what every child needs, you have to go and find out, but are they giving teachers the time to do that?

MM: It depends what you mean by special needs. I take exception to the statement by OFSTED. I think it is the framework people are in and not necessarily the teaching. Sometimes you get a student with a particular special need, that need is going to stay with them for the rest of their life, it is not going to alter. Their education will give them strategies to hopefully enter the world of work but it will never alter their special need. So to say ‘If you taught better’ they would not be special needs, I find that quite insulting to special needs pupils and teachers.

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“

I also think you need a significant increase in training for teachers.

Mary Murphy LW: I have the same problem with it, I do think that some changes are likely to make a reduction, but the reality is that we have had a fairly consistent population of disabled children for a long time that’s not going to shift. The difficulty you have is that if you set a rigid criteria by which all children should be able to do x, y, and z by this point in their life, the more rigid you make it the more you are going to deviate from the criteria. Therefore that is largely the reason why we have an increase in that label of special educational need. The curriculum has become a lot more prescriptive, what children are expected to do has shifted and therefore there are more children who are not reaching those targets because they are unrealistic and based on this one size fits all nonsense. I don’t rest the blame on teachers; it is the environment that teachers find themselves in.

The Green Paper on SEN published in 2011 proposes a single category of SEN and a single assessment process will this make the system more effective?

LW: The joined up bit is good joining health, social care and education is a long time coming really. The introduction mentions that children with disabilities and SEN experience a ‘wide range of barriers’. But then it goes on to say barriers of ‘physical and sensory permits, learning disabilities such as dyslexia and other needs.’ They are not the barriers. The barriers are a one size fits all education which is only concerned with SAT levels, GCSE levels and standards. They are the barriers, of course children have a range of impairments, some really quite significant but what causes their exclusion from school doesn’t fall down to ‘what is wrong with that child’. It boils down to an education system that isn’t designed for a diverse range of children.

LOC: Or children who fall just outside of that criteria, it doesn’t mean that they don’t

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have a need, just that they don’t fit.

MM: There will be one category, a simple assessment which encompasses everything.

Special educational needs aren’t like that.

I think it is being done in good faith, but I don’t think the right people are making these decisions.

LOC: No one prolific in SEN has been consulted on this paper.

LW: There are no key figures from my academic area who have been consulted on this either.

Under the proposed assessment process it is thought fewer children will be classed as SEN – why is this and do you agree?

LOC: I think it is because they are going to have boundaries on the categories, but there are going to be children on that borderline who will still have that need but won’t fit the criteria.

So they will become classed as the low achievers in the classroom, but they won’t have the specialist support because they won’t be in the bracket, so it is quite controversial.

MM: We’re talking about human beings, we have no idea what babies are going to be born with in the future. There could be so many babies born in a year with no disabilities and then the next year you will get twenty babies with the same special need. It’s not something you can measure so to say we will do assessments which will cut down the number of SEN, how you can actually work that out? They keep cutting the funding for whatever. Because the government changes quite frequently, there is no consistency, special educational needs children need consistency and permanency, not the system being ran by new people every two years. Nothing is in place long enough for you to feel like you are actually making a difference, it’s like a straightjacket. So can I be controversial and say that it would be better if government wasn’t involved in education in that way?

One in five children are classed as having SEN – the government says this is too many however head teachers' leader Brian Lightman has warned that “tightening the criteria for being identified as having a special need must not be a cost cutting exercise.

MM: You do feel like that is exactly what it is.

LOC: It relates to the question before. What is the criteria? We don’t know what it is but for the children on the borderline it doesn’t mean that their need has gone just because they don’t meet the new criteria.

LW: The reality is most of this comes down to

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the fact that teachers are being expected to teach too many students. Of course parents will try and fight for what is best for their children of course teachers will fight too to get extra help, because the long and short of it is that you can’t teach effectively 32 diverse children without support. It would be better if classes were smaller or if there were always more people in the class to begin with. One of the difficulties is that parents and teachers are seeking diagnostic labels all the time as they see that as the only way that their kid will get some assistance. If the only way you can get support or funding for support is through having a diagnostic label, then that’s why we have more children with SEN because that is the only way that you can get some assistance.

The paper also sets out to prevent the unnecessary closure of special schools, giving parents the choice of whether to send their child to a special school or a mainstream school. What advantages/ disadvantages are there for SEN children being in a mainstream school or a special school?

MM: I have worked in both situations and in one day I have gone to meetings where you get a placement for a child in a special school, because that was the right thing to do. Then in the same day you have someone doing the exact opposite and saying ‘No this child should be in mainstream’. Which sounds ridiculous, but basically with special needs children it is what they need which should be provided for them. For some it is what they need and for others it is not.

LW: I think that is a problem with the system not a problem with the child.

The reality is special schools only exist because of the inadequacy of mainstream education to cater for children. People will always argue that children are better suited to special schools but for me all children should be educated together.

“

It’s not about teaching it is about training and development.

Teachers are being expected to teach an inclusive curriculum with all these learning difficulties that they may have no experience of.

Where is the development for them?

Who is showing them how to cater for all those needs?

Lisa O’Connor

LOC: The Isle of Mann has a school system where everyone is educated in the same environment.

MM: Teachers haven’t got time to educate the person anymore. An exceptional junior school teacher who has now left teaching told me that she knew it was time to leave after the national curriculum came in and there was an incident in school in the corridor between two children. Usually it would only take a brief conversation to identify what was up and let one of the kids know why it wasn’t acceptable to act in this way. But instead her first reaction was to think – I haven’t got time to deal with this. I have to get the class through their exams. She decided then that it was time to give up teaching.

Finally, what changes do you think are necessary in the SEN system?

And do you agree or disagree with the governments overall plan?

MM: Consistency is necessary.

LOC: The overall plan if it works then it is the way forward, but it has got to be consistent and collaborative it can’t be ‘right we have this one plan, we’re all coming together’ and then you get to a meeting and you hear that health can’t come today, social care can’t come, education can’t come because OFSTED is coming in. Whatever the reason if you set these things up then they have to take place and if that doesn’t happen then it is all going to fall down.

MM: I also think you need a significant increase in training for teachers.

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Secondary News

Abbie is a rising star Bellerive student Abbie Gibbs was recently selected from over 200 other young dancers to perform with the English Youth Ballet in Southport.

Abbie was one of only 17 dancers from Liverpool who were successful in auditions to take a corps de ballet role in the touring production of Coppelia.

Abbie has always had a passion for dance and has her sights firmly set on a dancing career.

After ten days of intensive rehearsals, the seventeen young performers appeared alongside the professional dancers in three shows in November.

For Abbie this was ‘a dream come true’.

Reach for the stars

Stargazers John Chan and Sid Baines In the last week of the summer term when most students were thinking about their holidays Merchant Taylor students John Chan and Sid Baines were thinking about more than just enjoying the sun’s rays, they were studying the hidden details of the sun and other astronomical objects.

The students, who are now in Year 11, joined a team working with real astrophysicists at the Astrophysics Research Institute in Birkenhead for a week of cutting edge research.

John and Sid, who are already recognised by the Ogden Trust for their work in the extreme physics competition, enjoyed workshops on asteroids and variable stars with top class experts in their fields. They then worked with other students on their projects, both winning prizes for their presentations and reports.

John’s work used sunspot data to determine the rotation period of the sun, while Sid sifted through brand new telescope images to identify extra-solar planets.

Both boys felt that the best part of the experience was getting an insight into a real astronomer’s job, Sid said: “One of the most interesting aspects was learning about the data processing which requires good numerical skills. It was useful to understand this as I would like to study both maths and physics at university”.

John said: “I was originally thinking of a career in engineering but this experience has changed my mind and I am now looking towards something connected to physics.”

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STUDENTS MAD HAIR DAY

It was a fantastic ‘well done’ to all staff and students at St Ambrose Barlow Catholic High School, who recently took part in a ‘mad hair day’ to raise money for Alopecia UK. The fund raising idea came about following an inspiring whole school assembly where students learnt about Alopecia and the personal story of Holly, who is a Year 10 student.

Supported by her friend Emily, Holly told how she has had alopecia for six years and about the unsuccessful treatments she has had.

Although she has a wig, Holly chooses not to wear it and she proudly told the school that the amount of hair she has does not change the person she is.

Holly recognised the support she has had from the school and her friends, in particular Emily, who have never made her feel uncomfortable about her condition.

The whole school gave her a resounding round of applause for her truly inspiring words. Mr Millington, who led the assembly told the school about Alopecia UK, a charity which supports people with this condition and the idea for ‘mad hair day’ was born!

Students and staff donated for the privilege of accessorising their hair or wearing a wig throughout the day with Mrs White getting the prize for the most wig changes!

A huge well done also go to Adam and Jordan, who raised money with a sponsored silence.

The final mention however must go to Emily who did a sponsored hair cut and lost over 12 inches of her lovely, long hair. What a great friend she is! A big thank you goes to Barbara, the hairdresser, who came in and cut Emily’s hair for free.

The fund raising target was set at £500, yet it looks like the school will have raised closer to £800 when all sponsor money is collected.

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Secondary News

New phase for Academy Exciting era begins for St Francis

Ian Thornhill will bring new levels of professional practice to Gateacre School

Manager brings new skills to Gateacre

The Lodge building which will incorporate the new 6th form The academy St Francis of Assisi, Liverpool is about to enter an exciting phase in its development with the introduction of a sixth form provision in September 2013.

There will be extensive redevelopment of the existing buildings to ensure that we can provide students with an exceptional learning environment.

This will incorporate a 6th form learning space in the Lodge building, which is set in landscaped gardens adjacent to Sheil Road.

They have designed a curriculum in conjunction with students, which meet their needs and aspirations.

The curriculum also reflects the growing knowledge economy within the region and the employment opportunities that will exist in the near future based around the key sectors of life sciences, financial and professional services and creative and digital business.

Dermot McNiffe, principal of the Academy, said: “We will be working closely with universities from all around 40

the country, to ensure that our students are exposed to all the opportunities that a university education can offer and that our curriculum constantly evolves to meet the ever changing landscape of higher education.

“The students will be exposed to experiences that will equip them with the necessary skills to make a smooth transition from our school environment to a higher education setting, or the world of employment. This is particularly important as members of the sixth form.

“The students at the academy will focus not only on academic achievement but also the wide range of enrichment activities available, including a debating society, community projects, performing art productions and a range of sporting activities”.

The students are excited about this new phase of their continuing education at St Francis. Student, Danielle Ungi, said: “I am really excited and looking forward to the opening of our new sixth form in September as I know it will provide an amazing experience for another two years”.

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A local school business manager is bringing the highest levels of professional practice to his role after completing a top national qualification.

Ian Thornhill of Gateacre School was one of only 26 business managers from across the country to complete the school business director (SBD) qualification through the national college for school leadership in the latest phase of the programme.

The masters-level programme is designed to help participants provide direction, exercise sound judgement and manage resources efficiently in some of the most innovative and challenging settings in the education sector.

The SBD programme started in 2010 with a pilot and is now operating nationally. It builds on the national college’s well established certificate of school business management (CSBM), diploma of school business management (DSBM) and advanced diploma of school business management (ADSBM).

Ian said: “The SBD qualification enables school business managers and directors to work at the very highest level within schools.

“In these tough economic times it is vital that schools ensure their limited resources are spent wisely so that students continue to receive the highest quality of education”.

The SBD programme takes between 12 and 18 months to complete and involves self-directed study and assessments.

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Secondary News

Titanic trail reaches an epic conclusion A film exploring Liverpool’s links with the RMS Titanic was premiered at Merseyside Maritime Museum recently.

‘Titanic and Liverpool: a voyage into history’ was conceived by students at Archbishop Blanch School, and produced with the help of Liverpool film company Handstand and a grant of £20,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

What started off as a school project soon became much more: a journey of discovery about local heroes, a city’s heritage and the fundamental workings of how history is made.

In November 2011, armed with a copy of a local newspaper and the promise of a spectacular catalogue of events in the city to commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, six students from Archbishop Blanch School arrived to their history club meeting with a lot of questions. What has Titanic got to do with us? Why was ‘Liverpool’ emblazoned on its hull? And were there even any scousers on board?

Just 12 months later, it is safe to say that their learning curve has been a steep one. Self-christened “Titanoraks”,

the girls have become experts on the part that Liverpool had to play in Titanic’s construction, maiden voyage, and legendary sinking.

Over the past year the team has grown to include teachers, local historians, budding actors and members of the public.

In April 2012, the girls were lucky enough to have press access to the Sea Odyssey event, documented in the film.

They visited theatre projects, local exhibitions and interviewed members of community groups holding their own anniversary events.

Following its premiere, the film is available to local people, schools and community groups. Its value is not only

Awards evening an Olympic event

Celebration, laughter, tears and joy was evident at Archbishop Beck Catholic College 2012 awards evening proving the event a resounding success.

A great variety of people and organisations were present to see the college recognise and applauded its outstanding academic, sporting and cultural achievements.

The audience listened to the heartfelt tribute paid to members of the college community who had given over a hundred years of service to the college.

Headteacher, Paul Dickinson, said: “The warm atmosphere of the awards ceremony was aided by outstanding performances from the college concert band, drama department and college dance ensemble”.

He went on to highlight of the news of the new school to be built for Archbishop Beck, hopefully moving in 2014.

A highlight of the evening was the address given by the Mr Alan Bell the Olympic games chief starter who spoke in glowing terms of the achievements of the college and its community, and urged all to have the confidence to go out and build further on these successes. He also related a number of humour episodes that have happen to him in his role at a number of Olympics.

in the story it has to tell, but in its exploration of how history is made every day by ordinary people.

In completing the project, the students involved have learned not just about the story of the Titanic, but also a wider appreciation of their city’s maritime heritage, a deeper understanding of the complexity of how historical events are recorded and commemorated, and a wide range of media skills including acting, directing and managing camera and sound equipment.

The DVD is available for free to any interested parties. If you would like a copy contact the school via email at admin@blanch.org.uk or telephone 0151 709 1452.

Night school returns to Litherland September saw the return of ‘Night School’ to Litherland High as part of their Community Education Programme.

Courses have ranged from forensics and floristry (in association with The Bridge) through to holiday Spanish and photoshop. It also included a "Flair for Hair" course which was run by Michael John Academy.

The idea for the Michael John courses was to give students the basics to be able to do their own hair, makeup and nails at home.

The courses have proved very popular especially for LHS teacher Karen Heath.

Karensaid: “It’s been fantastic learning a new skill which has then benefitted my family and friends.

“On the Friday morning the day after the course my pupils ask me what I have learned and admire the new hairstyle! It makes a nice change for me to be the student instead of standing in front of a class and I have really enjoyed going back to school”.

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Secondary News

Former pupils create Community Choir College celebrates ‘carol’s concert’ before move Generations young and old of Everton Valley have gathered together in recent months with students and staff of Notre Dame Catholic College to create a community choir.

The college recently welcomed both past and present pupils and staff to take part in the college’s annual festive concert ‘carols by candlelight’ event, a long running tradition for the college for the last 30 years, which tool place over two days in December in the Notre Dame Hall, the former Chapel of the Sisters.

This was the last time the ‘carols by candlelight’ was held at the original college building, before they move to their new home on Great Homer Street in September 2013.

Following in the footsteps of Gareth Malone and Military Wives, Lesley Bentley, choral and community arts director for the college led the choir to success and is hoping to line up the choir for many events in the future.

Leslay said: “The response so far has been staggering. There are around 50 singers already and they are already sounding fantastic.

“Our philosophy is to have a real

community spirit yet a truly professional sound.

“The atmosphere at rehearsals was

very supportive and positive, showing the choir’s capacity to bring people, families and communities together”.

Notre Dame’s community choir

Martella’s winning design

Martella Longley with her winning design 42

A Year 10 student from Kirkby Sports College (KSC) has won a competition to design a new logo for Springfield/ Elms Federation at Bluebell Park, Knowsley.

Martella Longley topped a shortlist of eight designs across all year groups to win the contest and was awarded a £25 cash prize. The student council at Springfield/ Elms Federation voted for her logo.

Marti’s winning design is now in digital version and features on all staff and student uniforms.

Springfield/Elms Federation headteacher John Parkes approached KSC with the idea of launching the competition. He said the school was keen to tap into the talent at KSC. “We wanted to use a logo that was designed by students for students,” “It was an engaging process for pupils of both schools. KSC and Bluebell Park do not simply share a campus and athletics track, we share a history of friendship.

“The competition was an excellent way of giving our neighbours input

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into something as enduring and central to our ethos as our logo.

“We are extremely pleased with the winning design which will be used with pride long into the future.”

KSC head of art Denise Young and fellow art teacher Roy Gibson led the collaboration.

Denise said that the competition aimed to encourage creative students and further the partnership between the two schools.

“At KSC we are keen to nurture the talents of all students,” she said.

“The logo competition was an excellent way of engaging pupils with an eye for art and design. Marti has now created something that will last long beyond her time at KSC. All of the final eight designs were fantastic so well done to Marti for winning.”

KSC assistant principal Jason Webb, said: “We are extremely proud of our links with Bluebell Park.

Moving forward we are keen to build these links which are of great benefit to both sets of students”.

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Education News

Your chance to sign up for charity 10k

Teenage Cancer Trust, the only charity in the UK dedicated to improving the quality of life and survival chances of young people with cancer, is calling on schools across the region to show their support by taking part in a 10k challenge.

Walk, run, swim, cycle, or otherwise travel 10km in January, get sponsored and help transform the lives of young people with cancer.

Those willing to take part can do so alone or as part of a relay in teams of up to four people.

Sian Day, regional fundraiser, says: “Shift the excesses of Christmas and get the blood pumping! Go up against other individuals or teams and see who can raise the most sponsorship.

“Remember, the more creatively you complete the 10km, the more sponsorship you’ll get!”

To take part simply: 1. Decide how to complete your 10km.

2. Contact local businesses to get a prize for the winner.

3. Get fundraising.

For more information, support, advice and to order fundraising materials, contact Sian on 07946 607392 or email sian.day@teenagecancertrust.org Teenage Cancer Trust wants every young person with cancer to have access to specialist support, no matter where they live.

It builds specialist units within NHS hospitals bringing young people together to be treated by teenage cancer experts in a place designed just for them.

For more information, visit: www.teenagecancertrust.org 44

Campaigners walk through City Twelve members of The Oliver King Foundation including Mark King, father of 12-year-old Oliver King, and campaign patron, Wavertree cllr Jake Morrison, walked from Fazakerley through to Woolton recently.

Campaigners collected signatures from residents and businesses right across the City, along the way.

The theme of 12 – 12th January, 12 campaigners – was to reflect on 12 young people losing their lives to SADS each week.

The e-petition was setup by cllr Jake Morrison following the tragic death of 12year-old Oliver King while at King David High School in Wavertree.

These efforts come as The Oliver King Foundation e-petition is due to expire at the end of February. There are fears that although many people are aware of the Foundation, they have not yet signed up.

So campaigners wanted to take the petition to their door-step.

Cllr Jake Morrison said: “It is clear to us

that there are many people supporting the campaign, but we need them to sign the petition. So I suggested to Mark that we walk the streets of Liverpool, and why not make an event of it.

“Let’s take the petition to the people. We will walk through the hearts of all our communities and ask them to sign up to our campaign.

Mark King, founder of The Oliver King Foundation said: “We have to do everything we can to get these signatures.

“Twelve young people die of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome every single week. We need the Government to stop this, and the only way we can go about that at the moment is through our petition.

“In Liverpool we are already working, all 122 primary schools will have defibrillators by the end of January. But we can’t just rest here, what about the rest of the country.”

For more information about the Oliver King Foundation, visit www.theoliverkingfoundation.co.uk

COLLEGE CELEBRATES PARTNERSHIP Knowsley Community College principal, Steve Logan, presented a plaque to Benjamin Edwards from Barclaycard in recognition of their outstanding partnership work.

Barclaycard have been participating in the college’s ‘Work Pairings’ programme which offers young people (16-18) the chance to undertake a seven week intensive period of work experience with a mentor to develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in employment.

Benjamin Edwards, training deliverer at Barclaycard, was keen to get involved in the work pairings programme as it supported the aims of their corporate responsibility policy and also presented opportunities to engage Barclaycard staff in mentor training.

Sarah Vaughan lead officer supported the young people in identifying short and long term goals. Each young person received individual tailored support.

Support was also given via connexions with job searching, CV writing, completing applications and interview techniques.

Five young people were offered work pairing placements, gaining experience of inbound and outbound calls, complaints, communications, quality and control.

There have been many

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successful outcomes from the project, including a learner who after successfully completing work at Barclaycard has gone on to be offered a placement with another organisation and one learner gained fulltime employment at a bank.

Debbie Sweeney, work experience coordinator at Knowsley Community College, said “The work with Barclaycard has been extremely successful and the learners involved have developed skills which will help them to gain employment in the future. In recognition of our work together, we have presented Barclaycard with a partnership plaque and hope that we can continue to provide opportunities for young people in the future”.

Below: Debbie Sweeney – work experience co-ordinator, Benjamin Edwards accepting the plaque from Steve Logan and Sarah Vaughan – lead officer.

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Education News

Praising apprentices Celebrating the achievements of young people A brand new awards ceremony, celebrating the achievements of young people in the world of work, has been launched.

Nominations are currently being invited for the Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards, which will take place on Tuesday 12 March at the magnificent St Georges Hall.

The ceremony will celebrate the star workers of tomorrow - and recognise employers who go the extra mile to provide support and encouragement for apprentices.

The awards are open to apprentices and employers in Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral.

Apprenticeships are fast becoming one of the most popular routes for pupils to pursue after leaving high school.

The Liverpool City Region Apprenticeship Awards will highlight the success of those young people that have already taken the route and inspire those currently considering it.

There are 10 awards and three categories to consider. They are: Category One - Apprentice of the Year (16-24) – there will be six individual awards for each borough.

Category Two - Apprentice of the Year

Trevor Myatt (NLA) and Bredan Doyle (DCE)

PROVIDING THE BEST 2010 saw the amalgamation of Denbri Catering Equipment and A& M Building Services Ltd to form a new company serving schools in the Merseyside area.

Both of these companies have over 30 years’ experience of local authority work in schools and colleges. DCE quickly identified ways to provide the best possible service for schools and are now in a unique position of being the only company in the north west that are able to provide six essential services for schools.

These are the annual servicing of and reactive call out to all kitchen catering equipment, mechanical machine tools, LEV/fume cupboards and air conditioning systems, also, the deep cleaning of kitchen ductwork systems and kitchen catering equipment.

Brendan Doyle, from DCE said: “North Liverpool Academy use DCE for all of these service and enjoy huge savings as a result of our mutli service discount structure. DCE are very proud to be associated with an academy such as North Liverpool and look forward to continuing their relationship for many years to come”.

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(Over 25) – one award with entrants from any of the six boroughs.

In both of these categories, judges will be looking for examples of commitment, contribution, success and progress made by the nominated apprentice.

Category Three – Apprentice Employer of the Year – three awards for small, large and macro employers.

The event is sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation, which champions and supports over 50 Merseyside work based learning providers.

Entries must be submitted by Friday 18 January 2013.

The application form can be found at: www.lcrskillsforgrowth.org.uk/liverpoolcity-region-apprenticeship-awards. For more information, call 0151 709 3871.

Design trailblazers Widnes creative design firm Printel and Liverpool’s Alsop High School are trail blazers in introducing the latest digital technology, augmented reality, into the classroom.

Stuart Atherton, Printel’s managing director, said: “Augmented reality is a fantastic innovation which has hundreds of amazing applications. It involves using the camera on your smart phone or tablet. You hold the device over a still photo, which is enhanced with augmented reality, and the photo magically comes to life with a short video clip or interactive features”.

Alsop will be using the technology to bring prospectuses, leaflets and faculty display boards to life during their sixth form open evening on Thursday 31 January.

Other schools are looking at the technology to enthuse students about history and politics by making historical events such as Martin Luther King’s famous speech spring into action.

Stuart added: “It can work on anything from a billboard advert and magazine cover to branded mugs and business cards. We’ve already had orders from a number of organisations who want to wow prospective clients and customers and we’re currently in

discussion with premier football clubs about introducing a range of branded goods which can deliver greetings from their football heroes.

“Local visitor attractions have also shown an interest because the technology allows static displays to magically start moving and delivering a message.

“There is also huge potential for developing this as an aid for disabled people. The range of applications for this technology is endless and limited only by our imagination.”

Printel’s film division also expanded last year as more schools, companies and organisations commission promotional films.

The demand has been so great that Printel has decided to open a dedicated film unit at Media City in Salford.

Stuart, whose firm won Halton Business of the Year in 2011, is excited by the prospect of being at the centre of the rapidly expanding film and creative digital hub.

“It’s a big step for us to open up a sub office at Media City but hopefully it will pay dividends in attracting new clients and allow us to showcase our work to new audiences,” he added.

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The obvious choice for schools

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Education News

Liverpool PAL’s

Members of The Liverpool Pals Memorial Fund recently took part in the Remembrance Week workshops at Liverpool Anglican Cathedral.

Talks and presentations where given to Year 6 and Year 7 pupils, from Merseyside and surrounding area, about the Liverpool Pals and their role in The Great War, (World War One).

The fund was formed in 2010 so we can place a permanent memorial in Liverpool city centre to the memory of the Liverpool Pals battalions who fought with distinction throughout the war.

In addition to placing the memorial they are looking to identify each of the 2800 men who fell as Pals and some of whom are commemorated on school memorials around the Merseyside, Wirral, Cheshire and Lancashire area’s.

They would be delighted to enlist the help of schools to support them in this worthwhile venture and identify their own Pals from the boards inside the schools.

With the centenary of the war approaching in 2014 they are keen to give talks to schools in order for today’s generation to be aware of the sacrifice made by so many men from Liverpool and surrounding areas who volunteered at the start of the war.

Any schools interested in helping the Pals or who wish to have a visit and presentation/talk should contact the fund at: www.theliverpoolpalsmemorialfund. com 48

New North West director to drive improvements The North West is to have its own Ofsted regional director to drive up standards and transform the quality of education, learning and skills in the region.

Eight regional director posts are being created across England.

As part of a major restructuring exercise, each regional director will have a powerful presence in their region to drive up standards. Each will lead teams of Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs) tasked with monitoring, inspecting, challenging and supporting educational institutions which are not meeting the required standard.

Their core mission will be to support underperforming schools and colleges to improve more quickly.

Ofsted has also launched a new service called Data View (www.dataview.ofsted.gov.uk), a new online tool which allows open access to, and the comparison of, inspection findings about the performance of providers at national, regional, local authority and constituency level over time.

Sir Michael, Wilshaw, the chief inspector of schools in England and head of Ofsted, said: “The key to improvement can be summed up in one word: leadership. That’s why I have made leadership such a central feature of my first annual report.

“We have found huge variations in the performance of schools across different local authority areas.

“If we aspire, as a nation, to move to a world -leading system, we have to reduce these serious inequities across the country.

“That’s why I intend, from January, to use Ofsted’s new regional structure to

Sir Michael Wilshaw, the chief inspector of schools in England and head of Ofsted inquire further into areas that are performing badly. We need to find out what is happening, and inspect where necessary. We will also work with local areas to support them and help them link up with best practice.

“The eight Regional Directors will be my voice in the regions. They will challenge and support in equal measure and will not walk away from the institutions we inspect until they improve.”

GROUNDBREAKING INITIATIVE A ground-breaking new initiative to improve the reading and literacy skills of primary school children is being managed by Edge Hill University.

The Department for Education has chosen the University to provide reading support, a new programme which will help primary schools to improve the reading of their lowest attaining pupils.

Reading Support is designed to raise standards in reading and literacy through interventions for children who struggle to read and through wider support for the teaching of reading and literacy for all children.

Robert Smedley, pro vice-chancellor and dean of faculty of education, at the university, said: “It is fantastic news that

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the DfE have selected us as the only provider in the country to run this new initiative. Edge Hill University is committed to working with schools to improve reading and literacy.

“The university is the largest provider of teacher training and education and has an outstanding reputation for the quality of its work. It has hundreds of partnerships with schools and organisations that share its vision and commitment to changing the lives of young people for the better.

The programme will help primary schools to raise achievement in reading through approaches that combine systematic synthetic phonics with developing children’s comprehension and love of reading.

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Meet the Headteacher Christine Rourke, headteacher Fazakerley High School

Winner of most inspirational high school in the Educate Awards 2012, Fazakerley High School is a ‘family school’, where tea and biscuits are served every day while students talk about their hopes and dreams with the school’s headteacher. We met the head of this inspirational high school, Christine Rourke.

An inspirational headteacher

by Kate Hanratty At the entrance to Fazakerley High School just off Longmoor Lane in Aintree, there is a sign that sits high in the entrance of the high school for 11-19 year-olds.

‘We aspire to inspire’ read the words high and large on the wall. This tenet runs throughout the school’s and students’ daily lives and is a principle that headteacher Christine Rourke holds close to her heart.

Speaking of winning Educate’s most inspirational secondary school award 2012, Christine says: “To me to be named an inspirational school means more than anything else, including places on performance tables. It is essentially what education is all about, so I’m really pleased that it has been recognised in our school.”

But what singles Fazakerley High School, deemed a good school by OFSTED at their latest inspection, from the others who made the shortlist for the award?

“What singles us out is a very clear vision for the school,” says Christine.

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“One of the things that I really believe in very strongly is that the culture and the ethos of the school is the driving factor. If we don’t or can’t inspire pupils then we won’t have any success. Inspiration is about having the right culture and ethos and we have done a lot of work to get that in place.”

The right culture at the school has certainly spurred on some massive changes in attainment. GCSE levels at the school are rising year on year. Six years ago, just 47% of pupils at the school left with 5+ A* to C GCSE grades and this narrowed to 18% including English and Maths. In 2011 / 2012, 92% of pupils at the school left with 5+ A* - C, 50% including English and Maths. I asked Christine just what has changed within the school to see such a marked improvement in attainment levels.

“We make sure that every pupil is looked at as an individual, targets are set for each pupil and we put a lot of emphasis on parental involvement, “says Christine. “Parents come in for review days and if pupils need any further intervention we make sure that is in place. There is a whole raft of things

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which have changed but they all relate back to culture and ethos, I think that if you don’t get that right, then pupils are not going to buy into the bigger vision, if you don’t get the basics right the rest of it won’t follow.”

“

I do believe that the technical side of education in the sort of world we are in is increasingly important

”

The concept of the ‘bigger vision’ at the school is something which certainly inspires. Christine meets with a group of six pupils every day at 11am over tea and biscuits to talk about each of their aspirations and what they want from the future. Fazakerley High School describes itself as a ‘family’ school and clearly a

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school where the headteacher might not know a student’s name, it is not. As head of the school Christine makes efforts to try to get to know each of her students and what they want from the future.

Another aspect, which makes the school stand out is its excellent record as an engineering. One of the top five engineering schools in the country , two of its pupils have gone on to win sought after awards including EEF’s North West Engineer Award and North West Young Apprentice of the year, directly as a result of their grounding in the subject from the school.

“Studying engineering from year 7 brings into sharp focus not just engineering but subjects that would be linked with engineering, such as maths and science and all aspects of technology,” says Christine. “This can then lead into careers in those subjects or equip children for the technological world that we now live in.”

The school has links with big companies such as Jaguar, Scottish Power, Cobalt Housing and is looking at opening a career academy where there will be an intensive mentoring and support program with the help of local and national companies who have agreed to help with apprenticeships, mentoring support and coaching for job interviews.

“I do believe that the technical side of education in the sort of world we are in is increasingly important and something we have to keep up with internationally,” adds Christine.

And the school doesn’t just stop at the pupils, the secondary has some of the

most oversubscribed adult education courses in the area at a time when adult education numbers are dwindling in the rest of the country.

“Schools have an important role in relation to their local community,” says Christine. “It is the role of the school to influence the community’s ethos and raise aspirations in the wider community not just in the school.”

Christine herself has had a long and illustrious career having previously studied at Oxford University before joining Fazakerley High School. Having taught and worked at the school, once teaching English and R.E, for twenty-five

years I asked Christine what she enjoys the most about the headship role which she now occupies?

“You can very much shape the strategic direction of the school as a headteacher, “says Christine.

“You feel in a very privileged position because the way in which the pupils respond to you in your role as head makes you realise just how important that role is. The response we get from our students is extraordinary. The school has changed greatly in the time I have been here it has developed and moved on and I can see that we are stronger now than ever before. “

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Education News

Education Commission is launched Aim to build on successes and identify underachievement THE Education Commission set up by the Mayor of Liverpool has been officially launched at a conference.

The commission is chaired by former education secretary Estelle Morris, Baroness of Yardley, who told an audience of Liverpool headteachers and education stakeholders at the BT Convention Centre that the commission has been tasked with: • Reviewing Liverpool’s progress and achievement against national and international benchmarks • Identifying areas of underachievement and groups that need more support • Setting a vision for the education of young people in the city • Working with schools and partners to respond to the

government’s agenda of school autonomy, and building on the successful partnership between schools and the local authority Mayor Joe Anderson said: “Liverpool has made tremendous strides in education over the last few years. Exam results are at record levels with GCSE results better than the national average.

“We have more schools classed as good or outstanding by Ofsted than any other big city and none are failing.

“But despite the progress, we are not complacent and I want every child in the city to achieve their full potential.

“The commission will come up with a series of recommendations to identify how we can go further and faster, and make sure every

Mayor Joe Anderson with education commission chair Estelle Morris at the BT Convention Centre child gets the opportunity to leave school with relevant qualifications that enable them to forge a decent career.”

The commission is being

Liverpool schools are top of the class Liverpool has more schools classed as ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ than any other big city in the country.

Despite a more rigorous framework being introduced by education watchdog Ofsted at the start of the year, 77 percent of the 168 schools in the city have got the top two rankings. More than half are rated ‘good’ (53 percent) and almost a quarter (24 percent) as ‘outstanding’.

And, for the last 18 months, no school in the city has been classed as failing by being judged ‘inadequate’ or given a ‘notice to improve’.

The statistics show that it places Liverpool in a stronger position than every other big city and region in the country.

It is a major turnaround from just over a decade ago, when 25 schools were judged to have either serious weaknesses or be in special measures, and the education service was on the brink of being privatised because it was 54

failing children.

Councillor Jane Corbett, cabinet member for education, said: “This is an incredible achievement and is testament to the extremely strong and positive relationship between schools, teaching staff, governing bodies and the local authority’s school improvement service in driving up standards and giving children the best possible start in life.

“For a city the size of Liverpool, with all the challenges that deprivation levels bring, to have over three quarters of its schools classed as good or outstanding is just fantastic.

“I would like to pass on my thanks to each and every one of our schools for their help, support and willingness to work together with us on identifying weaknesses and challenging poor performance.

“It places us in a really strong position to meet the increased standards demanded by Ofsted.

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supported by a wider group representing Liverpool headteachers and governors, Liverpool Community College, the Diocese and Archdiocese and trade unions.

Oxford college targets Merseyside Oxford University is targeting bright Merseyside students with an ambitious year-long programme to help get more state school students from the area into Oxford.

St Peter’s College is launching a Merseyside Oxford access programme to encourage and support sixth form students in applying to Oxford.

Starting this month, students selected for the Merseyside access scheme will have access to a year-long programme of academic and application support, including a launch event with parents, two-night residential and academic challenge at St Peter’s College, online mentoring from current undergraduates, and an end-of-year event in Liverpool with academic presentations and awards.

Throughout the following autumn students will have access to application and interview support in their local schools from outreach staff and Oxford undergraduates.

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Education News

Fire in their belly Hugh Baird students acquire new skills Students from Hugh Baird College recently showed off their newlyacquired fire-fighting skills, taught

by Merseyside Fire & Rescue as part of the college’s new ‘connect’ course.

The eight students, who are all aged 16-19, rolled up their sleeves to take part in a live fire-fighting demonstration to display the skills and knowledge acquired during the demanding 12 week training programme.

The fire & rescue course, ‘The Beacon Project’, is designed to offer young people an opportunity to take part in a learning experience away from a college environment and combines practical drill ground and scenario based training with classroom study.

The students learnt fundamental fire service principles such as discipline, respect, leadership, teamwork and responsibility, as well as practical skills including community fire safety, first aid, basic fire-fighting techniques and road safety.

The course, launched in September 2012 offers learners the chance to sample a range of different subjects before they choose an area of further study. It concluded their completion of the entry 3 qualification in occupational studies and they can now go on to study the level 1 element of occupational studies this month.

Hugh Baird College principal, Yana Williams, presented the students with certificates on the day to commemorate their success. She said: “I’m proud of the achievements of everyone involved in

Staff and students from Hugh Baird College join firefighters this fantastic training programme and was extremely impressed with the live fire-fighting demonstration.

“I’d like to thank everyone involved for their hard work and to congratulate the students on completing the course.

“Special recognition goes to Steven Dewsbury for being the ‘most improved student’ and Liam Brown for receiving the ‘ASDAN activities award.”

Mike Jones, additional support lecturer and connect tutor at Hugh Baird

Surprise!

Headteachers special gift There was a special surprise for Broughton Hall’s retiring headteacher Mr Murphy recently when he was presented with a signed football shirt by Liverpool footballer and captain, Steven Gerrard on his retirement.

Steven had made a surprise visit to Broughton Hall school on his way to training at Melwood to present the Liverpool fan with his special gift from fellow staff and pupils.

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College, enthused about the beacon project. He said: “It was clear on the day that the students had realised the true value of working together as a team and had a great sense of respect and commitment.

“You could see the look of pride on their faces, which is truly deserved as they achieved an outstanding amount over a short period of time. I’m delighted with their progress and look forward to continuing teaching them in January.”

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funding they can lead to business sponsorship opportunities.

“Business sponsorship has enabled competitions such as ‘Make your mark with a tenner’ to really have a profound effect upon our network enterprise team,” explains Ian. “This group of students has raised more than £50,000 in the last 4 years to fund trips to New York to work on environmental projects.

Businesses have helped them to build confidence, develop fund raising ideas and see their projects through so that they make money.”

University ties According to the Higher Education Funding Council for England, links between universities, schools, colleges and academies have a key role to play in increasing attainment and aspirations of learners so that they are in a better position to enter further and higher education.

The HEFCE says partnerships exist for many reasons, including: • Developing curriculum to improve the achievement and attainment levels of pupils.

• Work to familiarise learners with higher education through outreach events such as summer schools.

• Support for learners through improved information, advice and guidance.

• Shared governance arrangements, including the establishment of academies and trust schools.

Jack Pendlebury, principal at Enterprise South Liverpool Academy, says working with universities has helped to broaden the school’s offering dramatically.

“Our links with local universities are an integral part of the academy and strengthen our offering to ESLA’s students,” says Jack. “The University of Liverpool is one of our five local sponsors and this relationship has allowed us to develop a wide range of partnership programmes for our students. Close liaison with the institution has created opportunities including Mandarin language lessons for ESLA students, bursaries for students who go on to study at the University of Liverpool and our Scholars Programme, which reduces tariffs for Sixth Form students who wish to study at another Russell Group University.”

Working with the community By working together with the local community schools are able to not only broaden the education of their pupils but also provide a service to locals that would otherwise be missing.

Lisa Mitchell is specialist school’s community

As we move into our new academy building, specially designed features of the new space will incorporate community partnerships into everyday academy life as part of our ‘outward facing curriculum.

JACK PENDLEBURY, PRINCIPAL AT ENTERPRISE SOUTH LIVERPOOL ACADEMY

co-ordinator at Gateacre School. The school is based within a large and varied community and since its move to a new site in September 2011, has become more integral to its surrounding area.

“The community benefits in many ways, from the use of the schools vast facilities, to the entertainment it provides with the shows and concerts regularly produced,” explains Lisa.

“The school is also always open to suggestions of how we can provide a better service to our community.”

The school currently hosts a regular afternoon tea and film club for its local residential homes during the school holidays and IT lessons for its neighbours and workers in the local shopping centre, which are taught by the students.

“The students benefit from experiencing many different organisations, groups and individuals,” says Lisa. “It is also a great opportunity to learn more about their local area and what is available.

There have been many times when projects have taken on lives of their own, with students wanting to continue working with the project partners long after the “work” has finished, namely with Marie Curie in Woolton and the Abbeyfield Residential Home.”

Lisa says Gateacre school has substantial links with its feeder primary schools and provides many joint projects throughout the year in varied subjects, as well as a strong transition programme for its new starters in the September term.

ESLA’s specialist community education outreach group helps the academy to maintain links with the local community, organisations and primary schools.

“These links are essential for the academy’s success and our dedication to community engagement is highlighted in ESLA’s mission statement, which promises a vibrant centre of learning for the area,” says Jack. “As we move into our new academy building, specially designed features of the new space will incorporate community partnerships into everyday academy life as part of our ‘outward facing curriculum’.

“The academy’s excellent sports facilities, business conference centre, hairdressing salon and nursery will provide vocational training centres for ESLA students and families in the community. Outside the main building, a smallscale horticultural farm as well as other specialist science and land-based students facilities will be utilised by local primary schools to enhance their learning resources.”

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Help and advice

Dear Educate

**************************************************** My daughter has just started secondary school and one of the extra-curricular activities she has been invited to join is a Latin class. To increase her employability on leaving school I am keen for her to learn modern foreign languages, particularly Spanish or Mandarin, but that hasn’t been mentioned yet. Is it worthwhile for her to pursue this course? I didn’t learn Latin at school myself, so I’m a bit daunted at the prospect of any home learning she may be set.

The curriculum for secondary school learners has seen a number of changes over recent years, as successive governments seek to raise standards. The current fashion for reintroducing Latin, and in some cases Greek, to the curriculum is believed by the present government to be one way of educating children in the fundamental principles of grammar and language. By studying the mechanics of the language, students benefit from a better grasp of their native tongue and prepare well to undertake other modern languages they study in the future. Of course, with today’s and tomorrow’s school leavers looking to enter the world of work in a global economy, having a second modern foreign language can prove incredibly useful, in any field from engineering to advertising. However, by learning Latin, your daughter will also be introduced to works of classic literature which will engage her in the same way they captured the imagination of the classic English authors she’ll study for her GCSE in English Literature.

Of course, critics of the government will argue that Latin is an elitist subject, favoured by the private education sector, but surely it is better to embrace the opportunity of classics returning to school than to miss out an opportunity to learn from the ancients. If home learning is a requirement of the course then materials will be provided by the teacher, but for some fun activities to try out together and develop your own knowledge visit www.minimus-etc.co.uk where you can read about Minmus the mouse and his Roman family.

My son, who is now almost 8, struggled with learning to read, but now has an interest in science based factual books. He is very keen on anything from spiders and snakes to sharks and jellyfish! As he is exploring some new vocabulary, I’d like to invest in a dictionary but I’ve heard that it’s best to choose an appropriate dictionary for his level. What do you suggest?

I would recommend a dictionary and a thesaurus for your son to use as a reference and to help improve his homework and general vocabulary. A thesaurus is a useful tool to help find a different word and increase the range of vocabulary, and a dictionary can help explain the meaning of words and how to use them correctly in a sentence. The Oxford Primary Thesaurus and Primary Dictionary would be suitable choices for his age range, with suitable definitions and easy to read fonts. The Illustrated Children’s Dictionary is also a popular choice with primary age pupils because it contains images. If you want to invest in something to last him a little while longer, the Oxford School Dictionary or Oxford School Thesaurus are suitable for ages 9+. If you have a Smartphone or tablet and wish to download an app there are a

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number you might like to try such as the Enchanted Dictionary, which is a game encouraging children to learn words and their definitions.

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I have heard rumours that my daughter’s school may reintroduce vertical teaching, and I wonder if you could tell me more about this system please? Her birthday is in May, so does this mean she would be taught with pupils in the year below her? I am concerned that she may not be stretched to her full ability and that she could be separated from her two best friends, whose birthdays are in October.

Vertical teaching has been reintroduced at some secondary schools and academies to allow students the opportunity to choose from a wider range of subjects and, in some cases, to take their GCSEs a year earlier. When pupils are grouped from two year groups, it is usually because the new class is made up of pupils of a similar ability or because they are a smaller group following a particular subject, for which the school does not employ a large department of staff. It does not separate pupils by their birthdays, and in the core subjects it is unlikely that any changes will be made to the groupings. Supporters of the system say that schools benefit from offering a wider range of courses, and that pupils find grouping by interest and ability in this way enables faster progress than grouping by age. For core subjects such as English and Maths, schools have so far continued to stream pupils by age.

Critics’ concerns that pupils taking their GCSEs a year early may not realise their full potential have, so far, proved unfounded as children’s targets remain unchanged. However, as the current government is in favour of a linear exam system, with one opportunity for pupils to take GCSEs (or their equivalents) at the end of Year 11, it is not yet known whether vertical teaching will continue to be explored by schools. However, vertical form groups have proven to be successful in primary and secondary schools, as the mix of ages creates a ‘family’ feel in the classroom and builds up relationships.

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Cheryl Chatburn A week in the life of Cheryl Chatburn, headteacher at Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School

T

he life of a primary school headteacher is about as varied as they come – one can be meeting with governors one minute and singing with the children the next. Here Cheryl Chatburn, headteacher at Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School gives us an insight into her working week.

Monday Monday always starts with the walking bus – the staff pick up children from their homes and escort them to school. Doing this ensures the children all get to school safely but is also a nice way to get everyone together at the start of the week so they can catch up about their fun weekends before school starts.

At 9am we have an assembly to celebrate good attendance – this is to recognise all the pupils who turn up for school every day, on time. Then it’s off to class to start work!

Tuesday On Tuesday morning we have a SNAG group meeting. The SNAG group meet to discuss issues around healthy eating and have successfully changed the uniform of the kitchen staff and initiated a system of reward for healthy eating. The meeting is led by a teacher but I often pop in to give the group a challenge.

Wednesday On Wednesday mornings I get to read some wonderful books with a group of children. This exercise helps to improve the children’s literacy skills but also gives me a chance to spend some time with our students reading some great stories.

At lunchtime we have gardening club, which gives our children a chance to exercise their green fingers!

This involves checking the bins and making sure we’re all recycling before handing out certificates to those classes that are “eco stars”.

“

On Wednesday mornings I get to read some wonderful books with a group of children.

” Thursday It’s time to warm up the vocal chords as Thursday morning is all about singing club! We’re practising for the school concert so our choir gets together to rehearse a few songs and make sure we’re all singing from the same song sheet!

At lunchtime I get together with the lunchtime helpers in the school hall.

These helpers lend a hand at meal times and help to keep the dining room tidy and in order.

Friday On Friday morning we have the good work assembly where our children present their good work books ready to be stamped for good behaviour and hard work. Those children with exceptional behaviour will receive a golden ticket.

Like most days I’ll also take a walk around the school to have a chat with the students and make sure we keep up standards by tucking in shirts!

We continue the eco-friendly theme with our Eco Stars meeting at 3pm.

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School Ec News Sponsored by

Rooftop playground plan approved School plans are on the up A primary school is hoping to solve its lack of space - by putting the playground on the roof.

Birkdale Primary School in Matlock Road, Southport, Merseyside, plans to use the current yard to build four new classrooms, toilets and offices.

A play deck at the 320-pupil school would be enclosed by a sound-absorbing screen. The plans were approved by Sefton Council at a planning committee meeting.

Head teacher Nick Sheeran said: “The play deck will have walls on each side that are high enough and safe enough for the children.

“All the children and all the parents are behind it, and so are the majority of the residents. During the consultation most people liked the modern, 21st Century design.”

He said the expansion would mean the school could increase its intake from 45 to 60 each year.

“We are a very, very popular school, a creative and successful school,” he said.

“We currently have a 60-place nursery but can only take 45 children, so every year there would be parents in tears whose children couldn't get into the school.

“This will go some way to easing those issues”.

Building work is due to start this month to be completed by September.

The importance of our woodlands

Bidst

Gillmon & oss

Pupils from St Margaret Mary’s get a hands-on experience at Knowsley Safari Park Schools from across the region, including St Margaret Mary’s Junior School, Huyton, were invited to Knowsley Safari Park for a day of free rainforest talks, guided woodland exploration walks and art workshops in the reserve’s wild at art centre recently.

The day of activities were in collaboration with the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), to celebrate their annual FSC Friday, a global celebration of the world's forests, which aims to highlight the importance of responsible forest management.

The school activities were run by the reserve’s education team, headed up by Denise Chorley. Denise said: “Learning and discovery are what we’re all about at Knowsley Safari so we jumped at the chance to get involved with FSC Friday. We had a day of exciting, interactive activities to educate the kids about the importance of our woodlands and hope to have created memorable experiences for them”.

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Come and learn about what happens to your recycling The Recycling Discovery Centres, with their interactive experience and latest technology aims to educate children of all ages, and the local community, on the importance of recycling and protecting the natural environment.

The Centres, which are a joint partnership between Veolia Environmental Services and the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority are now taking bookings for schools, colleges and community groups.

To book call:

T: 0151 651 3200 www.veolia.co.uk/merseyside-and-halton

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Sponsored by

Merchants’ Celebrates Eco Week Green ethos brings results In celebration of having their prestigious Green Flag Award renewed for another two years from 2012-2014 and the national GSA ‘Girls Go Green Week’, Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School incorporated eco issues into all their lessons recently.

The pupils were also asked to go green during their normal daily routines and many were being encouraged to walk to school. This was measured and the class that walks to school the most received a prize.

The week was the culmination of an eco-ethos that runs throughout the year at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School.

Initiatives such as the gardening club have seen girls work hard tidying the eco garden and creating new flower beds to encourage bees and butterflies.

In March 2012, the eco committee took part in Keep Britain Tidy’s ‘The Big Tidy Up’. Girls from Years 7 to 13 took to the streets of Crosby to pick up litter and filled six large bin bags in half an hour!

One of the Keep Britain Tidy assessors was very impressed with the schools’ efforts and said: “The school’s curriculum links are particularly impressive and

Staff and pipils from Merchant Taylors proudly show off their grren flag am delighted that our Green Flag award could even serve as an example to some has been renewed. The assessors were so of our ambassador schools. It is obvious amazed by our environmental that the whole school is involved in eco achievements that they have featured us schools work and decision making, and on their website as a case study of good have worked very hard.” practice. Well done girls for all your hard Mrs Hames, teacher and eco cowork this year!” ordinator, praised the girls and said: “I

ELECTRIC FUTURE SAFETY LESSONS

Joe Morris, from the Travel Awareness and Road Safety team, with pupils from St Thomas’ Juniors in Lydiate

Sefton school pupils have been learning about the importance of not being distracted when crossing the road.

The visits, run by Sefton Council's Travel Awareness and Road Safety team, highlighted how children's concentration is affected when using a mobile phone or listening to music.

A futuristic electric vehicle showed youngsters how new hybrid and electric cars make very little noise - meaning it is more important than ever to look before crossing.

The ‘Mia’ electric van, on loan from France, also demonstrated how clean and environmentally-friendly this new type of transport is.

Joe Morris, from the travel awareness and road safety team, said: “The demonstration has been very useful to show the children that in future, when there are more electric and hybrid vehicles around, they must be more vigilant when crossing the road as they may not be able to hear them.

“Wearing headphones listening to music near the road puts people at greater risk and if we can make people aware of this at a young age, then hopefully this will prevent accidents and save lives in years to come”.

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SCHOOLS RAGS TO RICHES CHALLENGE Merseyside pupils are helping their schools earn extra cash under a Merseyside-wide campaign to recycle and reuse old textiles.

The 20 tonne textile challenge is the brainchild of the Merseyside’s eco resource network and is being funded

by Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia Environmental Services and sets Merseyside schools the challenge of finding ways of transforming or reusing a total of 20 tonnes of old textiles by March.

Schools will get up to £500 for every tonne they can save from landfill and pupils will receive help from teachers who have taken part in special workshops to learn about recycling techniques.

Jason Ward of Liverpool World Centre, an eco resource network partner, said: “The aim is to get at least 20 schools involved to gather a

total of 20 tonnes of textiles and use assemblies and lesson time to get schools really thinking about different ways of recycling and reusing the materials.”

Above: Jason Ward (second left) and Councillor DeAsha (third left) are pictured with Merseyside teachers at a workshop staged in Huyton to train school staff in recycling techniques.

Lantern Parade illuminates landfill The former landfill site at Bidston Moss Nature Reserve came alive recently with a lantern procession to raise awareness of the waste that lies beneath.

Six of Wirral’s eco schools and their families joined together to light up the hillside with over 300 lanterns made from recycled materials in an event hosted by Veolia Environmental Services. The lanterns were produced during workshops with the Liverpool Lantern Company using plastic bottles, waste paper and textiles.

The event took place during the European Week for Waste Reduction to highlight the black bag waste that gets sent to landfill each year and to raise awareness of the importance of recycling.

Alex Paterson, director of Veolia Environmental Services Merseyside and Halton, said: “We are pleased we could support this project, which successfully turned waste into an exciting and thought provoking topic for the whole community.”

Lynn Struve, eco schools officer for Wirral Council, who co-ordinated the event, said: “The lantern procession is part of a wider education programme where pupils are leading campaigns in their schools to reduce the amount of waste they produce and increase their recycling to an equal ratio of 50:50.”

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Education News

Hard work pays off

A celebration of achievement in Knowsley The hard work of some of the youngest pupils in Knowsley was celebrated in an awards night at Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning recently.

The Celebration of Achievement evening pays tribute to the best from schools in the area. It’s not just academic success that’s celebrated – there are prizes for good behaviour and consideration for others.

Eliza Stevenson from Blacklow Brow won an award for “Being totally reliable and efficient at all times”.

Eleanor Guy from Huyton Arts and Sports won a prize for being ‘an excellent positive ambassador’ for her school.

She is a very talented singer and recently sang live on a local radio station.

Bradley O’Shaunghnessy from Malvern won an award for all his efforts, competing at national level in martial arts.

Amy Brough from St Margaret Mary’s received her prize for her ‘caring, hardworking and loving nature’.

Anthony McIver was celebrated for his contribution to Sylvester Primary as “an active fundraiser and a member of the school council”.

There were dance and singing performances from children from all the schools involved and refreshments served by the Friends of Huyton Arts and

Pupils from St Margaret Mary’s Infant School perform at the Celebration of Achievement awards at Huyton Arts and Sports Centre for Learning.

Sports.

Students from the executive council of the centre for learning acted as ‘ambassadors’ for their school, talking to parents and children about what it offers.

“Tonight was the culmination of weeks of preparation,” said Sheila Walmsley, headteacher of Blacklow Brow.

“It turned out to be a very successful and truly memorable evening.

“These six schools work together throughout the year, to help the children make their aspirations a reality and shine in their own way.

“Tonight the performers and nominees did exactly that – their very best”.

ChildLine comes to Merseyside schools ChildLine has launched a free service for primary age children in Merseyside, the ChildLine schools service, and are looking for schools to get involved.

The ChildLine schools service is aimed at primary age children, particularly focusing on nine to 11-year-olds, and aims to help them understand what abuse is, including bullying, how to protect themselves and where to get help and support if needed – including through ChildLine.

The service is now booking schools in Sefton, Liverpool, St Helens and Knowsley and is happy to talk to head teachers or other staff members about the service and visiting their school. The service is due to be rolled out into the Wirral in Autumn 2013.

The service is delivered by volunteers 70

and full training and support packages are provided to ensure children receive key safeguarding messages in a sensitive, engaging and age appropriate way.

Helen O’Sullivan, ChildLine area co-ordinator for Merseyside said: “If we are really serious about making an impact on the prevalence of child abuse we have to reach every child and reach them much earlier than we are at the moment.

“The school environment is a good place for us to sensitively help children to recognise, understand and protect themselves from abuse. The school setting is a non-intrusive way to provide children with the advice and support they need.”

If you are interested in finding out more about the ChildLine schools service

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

and booking an appointment at your school, please contact Helen O’Sullivan, ChildLine schools service area co-ordinator, on 07971 673 805 or email: helen.osullivan@nspcc.org.uk

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EDUCATE PLUS

Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)

Career options at 16: Apprenticeships Most young people and their parents realise that apprenticeships are a key career option at 16. Many young people go straight onto an apprenticeship after their GCSEs. An apprenticeship is an employed position with training towards recognised industry qualifications. As well as gaining valuable work experience, apprentices achieve NVQ level 2 or 3, and useful skills for employment such as team-working, problem-solving, and communication skills.

They also gain technical certificates such as BTEC or City & Guilds.

Employers value apprentices because they have work experience and industry skills. Many companies use apprenticeships as a way of recruiting school leavers and developing them as key members of staff. A large proportion of apprentices are kept on with their company after their apprenticeship has finished.

An apprentice’s employer provides their on-the-job training and pays their wages. A learning provider is a specialist training organisation or college who will deliver the rest of the apprentice’s training. The learning provider appoints a mentor for the apprentice, who follows their progress and works with the employer to ensure their training is well planned.

Apprenticeships can take between one and four years depending on the level of apprenticeship, the apprentice’s ability and the industry sector. The government pays for the training of all apprentices who start between the ages of 16 and 18.

To find out more about apprenticeships and opportunities on Merseyside, you can speak directly to a local Apprenticeships learning provider. They are all listed at www.gmlpf.net/apprenticeships

To find out more about apprenticeships visit www.apprenticeships.org.uk Visit www.gmlpf.net/apprenticeships to find out where you can do an Apprenticeship on Merseyside

Case study: Charlotte

Charlotte left school at 16 with no formal qualifications. She enrolled on a dental nursing apprenticeship with Alder Training, a specialist provider of training for the health care sector. They helped her secure an employed apprenticeship position with a Liverpool dental practice and provided her with professional training covering topics such as dental procedures, infection control and oral health. Completing her apprenticeship gave Charlotte the skills, knowledge and qualifications to build a career in dental nursing.

Still employed at the same dental practice, she is now working towards higher qualifications on an advanced apprenticeship with Alder Training.

10 YEARS CHAMPIONING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON MERSEYSIDE

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Apprenticeships: the benefits ✔ a salary: an Apprenticeship is a debt-free route into a career ✔ paid holidays ✔ quality training at a pace to suit the individual ✔ excellent progression opportunities up the career ladder ✔ national, industry-recognised qualifications ✔ gaining the employability skills that employers are looking for ✔ personal development ✔ the possibility to progress from an apprenticeship into university ✔ expert support for apprentices with a learning difficulty or disability FACT: Apprenticeship learning providers meet and often exceed the government’s standards for equal opportunities, health & safety, and safeguarding of young people. This covers their own training centres and the premises of companies who employ apprentices

Learning providers: helping apprentices succeed

Apprenticeships are offered by specialist training organisations or colleges, often referred to as learning providers. Apprentices do the majority of their training “onthe-job” with employers but they are also registered with a learning provider with whom they do additional training to achieve their qualifications. The learning provider appoints a mentor for the apprentice, to follow their progress and work with the employer to ensure the training is well planned.

Learning providers draw up an individual programme of support for each apprentice, tailored to their needs. This might include things like support for learning difficulties, or extra help with maths or English.

Training for great futures I left school at 16. I wanted a “ job but also more qualifications. I enrolled with TPM who got me a paid Apprenticeship with GMLPF. I attended regular training sessions at TPM, achieving my NVQ level 2 and 3 in Business Administration.

I still work at GMLPF but I now have more responsibilities. My Apprenticeship enabled me to get a place at university which I attend part time. In two years I will be the first person in my family to have graduated from university! tpm provided me with the training, support and encouragement to build myself a successful career

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Children & Young People’s Workforce Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools Playwork Teamleading & Management 0151 482 2541 admin@mactac.org.uk www.mactac.org

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Specialist support for apprentices with learning difficulties or disabilities Apprenticeships are a good career option for young people with a range of learning difficulties such as dyslexia or autism. This is thanks to apprenticeship providers who offer highly specialised support tailored for these students.

Training Plus Merseyside (tpm) is one such provider. They offer apprenticeships in barbering, business administration, customer service, childcare and hairdressing, and are recognised by many as a national example of best practice in supporting students with learning difficulties or disabilities. tpm helps many school leavers recognise previously undiagnosed learning difficulties such as dyslexia, ADHD or dyspraxia. tpm helps them secure paid apprenticeships with supportive employers, achieve qualifications and long term employment. tpm uses sophisticated technology for assessing students’ needs so that appropriate support can be provided throughout their apprenticeship programme. Most significantly, tpm’s organisational culture actively celebrates difference which provides a nurturing environment for all young people. tpm’s excellent collaboration with partners such as the Dyslexia Foundation plays an important role in the success of their students, and has been highlighted by Ofsted.

Steve O’Brien CEO of the Dyslexia Foundation comments: “Apprenticeships are a proven route to success for individuals with disabilities such as dyslexia, thanks to

providers such as tpm. This is because they have expertise, experience and a collaborative approach that ensures students receive support that’s tailored to their needs.”

For further information visit www.ll-dd.co.uk and www.tpmnow.co.uk

Case study: Hanna Hannah has dyslexia and dyspraxia. When she started on an apprenticeship with tpm she felt very worried about how others would view her disability. tpm addressed her worries with a programme of encouragement, confidencebuilding and support specific to her needs. Hannah went on to achieve level 2 and level 3 in Children’s Care, Learning and Development on an apprenticeship with tpm. She now holds a supervisory role at a children’s daycare nursery.

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Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF

Apprenticeships: a route to university More universities now accept apprenticeships as an alternative to A-levels on applications for degree programmes. So choosing an apprenticeship at 16 doesn’t mean shutting the door on a university education.

Apprentices who progress onto university usually do so parttime. Most are still employed after their apprenticeship and want to continue working. A part time degree takes longer but the benefit of continued earnings outweighs this.

There’s always the possibility that the employer will contribute towards the cost of a degree, especially if their employee gains skills and knowledge to benefit the whole organisation.

From an early age, Hannah wanted to work with children.

After completing a childcare apprenticeship at Aigburth Training Opportunities, she progressed onto a degree in children & youth studies at Hope University and is soon to graduate. Similarly, Charlotte undertook an apprenticeship in Business & Administration at Training Plus Merseyside (tpm). After completing this she enrolled on a BSc in Psychology with business at Manchester Metropolitan University, graduating with first class honours last summer.

Examples like Hannah and Charlotte prove that apprenticeships are a viable pathway to higher academic achievement.

FACTS: Apprenticeships are available at 3 levels: Intermediate, Advanced and Higher 450,000 individuals started on an Apprenticeship in England in 2010/11

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GMLPF: Raising awareness of Apprenticeships Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF) is a not-for-profit organisation which champions professional learning. It supports a membership of learning providers, helping them shape high quality training provision for the people and businesses of Merseyside. GMLPF works to raise awareness of apprenticeships with employers, parents, schools and young people. For further information visit www.gmlpf.net

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Great Gr eat opportunities, opportunitiess, gr great eat pr prospects ospects Have you y got g what it takes to be the next apprentice? pp Many vacancies available ava ailable now on line

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Check out the appr apprenticeship entices ship page on our website

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www.gmlpf.net

Shared success, common goals: schools & learning provider partnerships

Merseyside Hairdressing Forum

Several Merseyside hair and beauty learning providers collaborate with schools to offer pupils vocational qualifications. These include Michael John Academy, who have recently opened their new academy building in Liverpool City Centre. Their services for schools cover all aspects of developing and implementing a vocational curriculum. They deliver training programmes for 15 schools including Broadgreen High School who they helped develop an onsite training salon, and Litherland High where they are providing additional enrichment programmes for pupils in the evening.

Style Training who have recently opened a brand new training centre in Southport town centre, deliver qualifications in hair, beauty and employment skills to Year 10 and 11 pupils in Christ the King, Greenbank (Southport) and Impact School in Litherland, where they have developed an onsite training salon.

Their alternative curriculum programme is flexible to fit round schools’ timetables with pupils often receiving training on a one-to-one basis.

Liverpool-based Mode has had its alternative provision awarded Grade 1 Outstanding by Ofsted. Mode delivers qualifications to pupils in ESLA, Broughton Hall, Childwall, Calderstones, Parklands, Notre Dame, St Julie’s, Bellerive, Archbishop Beck, and St Francis of Assisi with an almost 100% success rate.

Benefits from these learning provider-school collaborations include higher pupil achievement; tailored support for pupils; work experience and enhanced self-esteem for pupils. www.michaeljohnacademy.com, www.modetraining.co.uk, www.styletraining.co.uk

Choosing to do an apprenticeship with a learning provider who is a member of the Merseyside Hairdressing Forum (MHF) guarantees you will receive high quality training and support for a professional career in hairdressing, barbering or beauty. This is because MHF members have developed and signed up to shared practices which keep standards high. They regularly review practices and identify opportunities for the continual improvement of services for learners on Merseyside.

To find out more about the Merseyside Hairdressing Forum and its members visit www.merseysidehairforum.co.uk

FACT: Apprenticeships cover more than 1400 job roles from Dental Nursing to Business Administration, Horticulture to Electrical Engineering.

Merseyside Hairdressing Forum brings together the region’s leading providers of Apprenticeships in hairdressing, barbering & beauty • World class training on Merseyside • Highly successful alternative provision for schools • Helping young people forge professional careers

www.merseysidehairforum.co.uk @MerseyHairForum

MICHAEL JOHN ACADEMY THE SPECIALIST HAIR AND BEAUTY PROVIDER Have vacancies available to train in HAIRDRESSING • BARBERING • BEAUTY THERAPY • NAIL SERVICES & SPA THERAPY If you are aged between 16 to 59 and interested in an exciting and innovative career phone KATIE now on

0151 708 8558 or CALL IN TO OUR WORLD CLASS TRAINING ACADEMY 42-46 Renshaw Street, Liverpool L1 4EF www.michaeljohnacademy.com

Make the right choice for a career in hairdressing For more information contact: 0151 709 5942

or email: info@andrewcollinge.com andrewcollinge.com www.andrewcollinge.com

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Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF

Extra help accessing Apprenticeships Not every young person who leaves school at 16 is quite ready to go straight onto an apprenticeship.

Some need extra help with maths or English, or perhaps communication or IT skills before a company will employ them as an apprentice. The Key To Apprenticeships programme is an ideal way for school leavers to gain extra skills to help them secure an apprenticeship.

Key To Apprenticeships is a short, full-time vocational programme for 16 to 18 year old school leavers. It’s designed to put them in prime position to apply for an apprenticeship and succeed at interview.

Benefits of the Key To Apprenticeships programme • Placements in industry Valuable work experience in your chosen industry • Qualifications Industry relevant qualifications, recognised by employers • Skills Essential skills for success in work and in life such as interview skills.

• Maths and English support Support to improve your maths and English skills if necessary.

• Advice Access to lots of information and advice to help you succeed.

• Apprenticeships opportunities Excellent opportunities to progress from Key to Apprenticeships onto a full apprenticeship

Case study: Aaron

Aaron struggled at school and also had problems at home. He enrolled on a Key To Apprenticeships course at Alt Valley Community College after being excluded from school. Whilst on the course, Aaron received specialist support. He greatly improved his punctuality, attendance and attitude. He gained qualifications and interview skills which enabled him to progress onto an apprenticeship in construction. Now, he’s earning a wage and is well on the way to becoming a professional tradesperson.

Key To Apprenticeships is funded and managed by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation. Find out more at www.key2apprenticeships.co.uk

Key to Apprenticeships sectors The Key To Apprenticeships programme is available in childcare, construction, customer service, dental nursing, glass operations, hairdressing, health & social care, horticulture, hospitality & catering, live events, music production, performance skills, & sports coaching. Find out more at www.key2apprenticeships.co.uk

Key To Apprenticeships Helping 16 to 18 year olds into Apprenticeships www.key2apprenticeships.co.uk /key2apprenticeships

Last year, 560 young people on Merseyside completed a Key To Apprenticeships course and went onto a full apprenticeship, into employment or into further training.

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Professional industry experience for Liverpool music production students Training provider, Mode has teamed up with 7Waves radio to give its music production students exciting professional industry experience.

Students on Mode’s Key to Apprenticeships course in music production are producing all the jingles, lead-ins and background music aired during a slot on the popular Street Beats show. This allows them to develop original compositions for use in a professional capacity, and gives them an insight into typical paid work assignments for the music industry.

Street Beats host, DJ2Kind, highlights the professional and creative skills of the students on Mode’s Key To Apprenticeships course: “We’re using some great lead-ins and background music produced by the students at Mode. They’re getting to develop their skills on Mode’s music production course run for school leavers and other young people interested in a career in the music industry.”

Students on Mode's Key to Apprenticeships course in music production work towards level 1 and 2 certificates in music technology, as well as supplementary qualifications in maths, English and preparing for employment. The course is ideal for 16 to 18 year olds who wish to start a career in music production. Students who complete the course can progress into freelance careers or onto full apprenticeship programmes.

Find out more about Mode’s music production courses at www.modetraining.co.uk

Dates for your diary

KEEP CALM AND

MAKE MUSIC

Key To Apprenticeships courses in Performance Skills and Music Production for 16 to 18 year olds.

Giving young people the skills & professional qualifications to start careers in the music industry.

Find out more www.modetraining.co.uk 0151 709 4640 t: @modetraining f: ModeTraining

11th to 15th March 2013 6th Annual National Apprenticeship Week A week celebrating apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals, businesses and the economy 12th March 2013 Liverpool City Region Apprenticeships Awards Liverpool City Region’s finest apprentices are recognised at a glittering awards ceremony at St George’s Hall 19th March 2013 Spectacular Spectacular Apprenticeships providers tpm & Mode Training join forces to host a high profile joint hair show & competition at Grand Central Hall

FACT: 1200 employers in 26 industries rated apprenticeships more highly that purely academic studies because in the workplace, apprentices “have the experience and skills to contribute from day 1”

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Education News

Centre invests in the future Reaseheath College’s equestrian centre, in Nantwich, Cheshire, offers a range of courses which are ideal for anyone wanting a career with horses.

All Reaseheath’s equine courses contain a high level of equine husbandry and stable management, behaviour and welfare.

The college has strong links with industry and prides itself on turning out students who have both the practical and the theoretical skills required by employers. All students spend time away from college on work placement to increase their range of practical experience.

The most popular courses for school leavers are the Level 2 Diploma in Horse Care and the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Horse Management.

Degree level courses include a BSc in Equine Science and Foundation Degrees in Equine Science and in Equine Science, Complementary Therapy and Natural Horsemanship.

Reaseheath’s equestrian centre has had a recent £2.3 million overhaul. It has a new indoor arena, two outdoor arenas, a round pen for natural horsemanship and 60 horses. For further details see: www.reaseheath.ac.uk/equine

School business managers to have their say The first ever combined survey of school business managers across the United Kingdom took place in October 2012 by National Association of School Business Management (NASBM) and Connex Education, one of the UK’s fastest growing supply agencies for the education sector.

Marketing officer, Bethan Cullen from NASBM had meetings with Connex Education, following conversations and interactions via social media with a variety of school business managers.

“The support we offer to our members is crucial” Bethan said, “We know that the school business management profession are facing immense change at the moment, and we want to understand what their concerns are. Now that we know, we can move towards helping our members further.”

The survey covered topics that have been at the top of the agenda during most NASBM conferences and from feedback during a poll conducted on the ‘Linked In’ professional network.

Commercial manager Mark Ashmore and marketing manager Samantha McCoy from Connex Education approached the NASBM offering to conduct the survey on behalf of NASBM, following their social media feedback.

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“Understanding the needs of school business managers is vital if we are to understand the underlining rate of change and issues that are impacting our schools right now.” said Mark 1,044 schools business managers took part in the survey, offering some excellent insight into their working life and the challenges and opportunities they are facing on a daily basis.

The top four areas of concern schools business managers face are: appropriate training; time restraints; costs and; support from colleagues.

Other interesting facts are that over 95% of schools collaborate in some way when procuring for their school. The survey shows that £8.8M is spent on CPD (continued professional development) with curriculum/teaching & learning being cited as the most important area of CPD. Samantha McCoy, marketing manager at Connex has been in contact with the secretary of state for education Michael Gove and the shadow secretary of state for education, Stephen Twigg. Both parties have been offered a copy of the survey and both parties have said they would welcome a copy of the survey for their perusal.

The survey can be found at: http://www.connexeducation.com/schools-businessmanager-survey-results-2012/

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Reaseheath College has invested £2.3 million updating its facilities.

Academy appoints principals for two new schools

North Liverpool Academy has announced the appointment of two new principals for the Liverpool Life Sciences UTC and The Studio School.

Appointed as the principal of the UTC is Phil Lloyd.

With 20 years experience in education, Phil has spent much of his career based in the West Midlands working in outstanding schools and local authority roles. Phil has been part of initiatives such as the national secondary strategy, new academies and 14-19 curriculum developments. Phil says: “I’m excited by the extraordinary opportunity to bring the combined expertise of leading life science experts in the public, private and university sectors together to develop a unique UTC to benefit the young people of Liverpool”.

Newly appointed principal of The Studio is Shaun McInerney. Shaun was part of the leadership team of North Liverpool Academy for five years, were he ensured business and community partnerships impacted students learning and wellbeing.

A teacher of some of the highest achieving students globally, both at DAIS in Mumbai and UWC Atlantic College in Wales, Shaun has recently returned from a sabbatical in India where he was dean of students and studies for the Aga Khan Educational Service in Hyderabad and interim principal for SCAD World School in Tamil Nadu, both start-up international schools.

“I am excited at the prospect of building a really talented team at The Studio to bring 21st Century learning to life for the young people of Merseyside” says Shaun.

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Education News

The pain caused New for 2013 by prejudice

Halewood Safer Schools Police officer Cheryl McKeegan (centre) with pupils from Halewood Centre for Learning.

The pain caused by prejudice was described in a prizewinning campaign at Halewood Centre for Learning.

Guest speaker Sean Brady told the 12 and 13-year-olds that he’d suffered from cancer and mental illness in his life.

Sean said he’d received lots of sympathy for his battle with cancer but very little for his struggles with mental illness.

He said many people didn’t understand what he was going though and seemed to blame him, making his struggle even harder.

The lack of understanding of what’s different or unknown was at the heart of the “We Hate Hate” programme at the centre.

The six week scheme is organised by Cheryl McKeegan, the safer schools police officer in the Halewood area.

Over the weeks, the Year 8 pupils looked at issues such as

race, religion, disability and the psychology of hate.

Speakers like Sean described how they’d been victims of prejudice and what the consequences had been.

At the end, the pupils were asked to do a presentation about what they’d learned, using poetry, powerpoints and plays.

Prizes were given for the best joint winners were Form 8CWO, for their presentation on race and Form 8SLO, for theirs on disability.

Cheryl McKeegan said: “They all wanted to take turns holding the plaque - they were so proud of what they’d done.

“It really was a great event. The children were lovely, they really got involved.”

This is the second year the “We Hate Hate” project has run at Halewood Centre for Learning and the organisers are impressed with the results.

Adlib practice what they teach...

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2013 is the launch of ‘My Outdoor Classroom’ at the National Wildflower Centre and other green spaces in Merseyside.

My Outdoor Classroom, a registered community interest company, have recently been awarded a place on the School for Social Entrepreneurs Lloyds TSB programme.

A recent natural childhood report by Stephen Moss stated that children are spending less time in natural space. The report found as children grow older, their ‘electronic addictions’ increase. Britain’s 11–15-year-olds spend about half their waking lives in front of a screen.’

The mission of the My Outdoor Classroom is to inspire children and young people to spend more time outdoors in our green spaces, being active and learning new skills. Improve health and well-being through engaging and caring for the natural environment. Encouraging creative and sustainable thinking and reinvesting our profits back in to the community.

It’s very exciting to find out how much you can do with nature. You can also discover your whole area by looking around and seeing what type of things you can do. It’s absolutely amazing it also helps keep the environment clean and healthy for other people who go to that area.

Katelynne, a Year 6 pupil involved with the John Muir discovery award, said: “There are a lot of things to discover, explore, conserve and share together with your family.”’

They are working closely with the National Wildflower Centre to support outdoor learning and connecting more children with nature in 2013 through Forest Schools, The John Muir Award, CDP training and educational visits.

They are also support the ‘Learning Outside Group’ (LOG’s) a free network for school staff interested in all aspects of outdoor environmental learning.

At Adlib they believe that a relationship between a school and industry is vital to provide real world experience and opportunities.

They have been involved directly with schools since Adlib began in 1984, employing 14 young people over the past six years directly from schools or onto apprenticeships. Currently, two are touring as sound engineers with major artistes The Script and Emile Sandi.

Their goal is to utilise their standing within the touring market to bring those skills and technologies into schools. They believe that it is important for schools to understand that for every performer there are up to eight backstage-related jobs.

To represent these jobs to a standard they advocate a minimum level of production facilities within a school. If the technologies accessible to pupils are of a good standard it then becomes easier to excite youngsters into the industry. Once they have installed a system in a school and a young person is inspired, they will provide work experience opportunities for them. Thus they believe connecting our industry to education.

For realistic production solutions, look at a globally recognised company on your doorstep that is proud and passionate about forging a relationship not just a sale.

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Schools and the DofE Developing young people’s skills for life and work

Together with Liverpool Schools we are transforming young people’s lives.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Charity, is a nationally and internationally recognised award which is favoured by universities and employers alike. Over time, we build confidence, dedication and commitment, which are attributes that we all want to see in our young people, in school, life and the workplace.

Building a brighter future for young people.

Liverpool is an amazing place to participate in The DofE, with nearly every school offering their students the opportunity to achieve the award.

If you would like to take part in the world’s leading personal development programme contact your school or the North West Regional Office on 0151 231 6220 or email us at northwest@DofE.org

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DASH FOR CASH Kind hearted students from Broadgreen International School braved the icy weather conditions recently to raise money for children’s hospce, Zoes Place.

Every student in Year 7 took part in a fun filled Santa Dash round Mystery Park to support the wonderful cause. Organised by the PE department at Broadgreen International School Students donned colourful Santa suits and had great fun whilst giving themselves a workout.

HAVING FUN AND RAISING FUNDS Helping to raise money for charity a group of St John Bosco sixth form team took part in the Santa Dash this year.

Staff, governors, students and parents took part in the event raising money for six charities Age UK, Anthony Nolan, Careers UK, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Together for Short Lives and Whizz-Kidz.

All runners were provided with a Santa suit and the Bosco team were no exception having lots of fun wearing beards and dressing up. The team ran the race together helping and supporting each other in true Salesian style. They were supported by fellow staff members who enjoyed the sea of Santa’s although the Bosco group was a bit of a challenge.

A great event celebrating the season while doing their bit for charity

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MAKING A CHOICE Year 6 pupils from The Grange, St Teresa of Lisiuex and St Gabriel’s recently enjoyed a day attending the Your Choice conference at St John Bosco Arts College, Liverpool. The day focused on citizenship in the curriculum and covered a variety of issues which included anti-social behaviour, safer travel, rail, fire and internet safety, hoax calls and the environment.

The conference co-ordinated by Merseytravel, gave pupils the chance to meet and question many of the partners which included Merseyside Police, British Transport Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, North West Ambulance Service and the Park Rangers service.

CHILDREN THRILL THE AUDIENCE Children from Classes 1 and 2 at Litherland Moss Primary School performed their nativity to a packed audience of parents and friends of the school. Children sang, danced and delivered their lines with confidence - definitely some stars in the making!

The children from Netherton Moss Foundation Stage also gave two stunning performances of the nativity story. They performed both in school and then at the Netherton Library.

Audiences were treated to a range of carols and festive songs. Many parents and friends came to support their children, and one proud dad said: “They were all amazing!”

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AN AMERICAN TALE Windfest weekend at Hope University Dr Craig V Hamilton, chairman of the music education department at Ouachita Baptist University, USA, recently paid a visit to Liverpool, where he held a workshop with Merseyside’s top school band, Archbishop Beck Catholic College.

The event was part of Hope University’s WindFest weekend and the college band was put through their paces by Dr Hamilton. After the hour long workshop he praised the performances of the band, the excellent young musicians and their dedication to achieving such a high standard. Bruce Hicks, director of music, said: “This was an outstanding opportunity to have our students work with such a world renowned conductor, we look forward to his next visit”.

Jaymi and Sydney

Kieran and Tom learning improvisation from an expert from the USA

Welcome to Liverpool Dr Hamilton, with Bruce Hicks from Archbishop Beck Tuba smarties

Helen Goldsmith

Dr Hamilton in action

Ellie Nelson learns from Dr Hamilton

Caitlin Ryan French horn player from Beck

Sarah Goldsmith concentrating hard

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‘OUR DAY OUT’ SUCCESS

‘Wow Briggs taught us how to make a straight line’

Rainford High take to the road For the first time ever Rainford High School production went on tour! Due to difficult building circumstances they were fortunate enough to be able to perform their play at Edge Hill University in the Rose Theatre.

Gill Press from the school drama department, said: “We had a fantastic day working with professional technicians on lights and sound and rehearsed thoroughly in this superb, modern venue. Students and staff alike had a great theatrical experience using modern, purpose built dressing rooms and were well supported by family, friends and school staff in both evenings. Willy Russell is an ex-student of ours and we hope we would have made him proud!

‘Orrr Sir you're gorgeous!’

‘Oh relax Mr Briggs the kids will be fine!’

Song ‘I’m in love with Sir’

‘Nobody crosses the road without me!’

‘Ot’s borin, it’s bleedin borin’

‘We had a really good day out!’

‘Scream if you wanna go faster’

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RAINFORD COLLEGE

THE SIXTH FORM

The P Personal ersonal nal T Touch... ouch. o ..

A* -B 47% e t s Ra C e l e b ratin g 1 0 0 % Pas

Grades

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TALENTED CALDERSTONES Pupils leave judges stunned by performances Calderstones School, Liverpool recently took part in the national ‘UK School Talent Tour’ competition.

15 pupils from the school performed to a packed audience and two judges from the Song and Dance Company. Phoebe Adamson, Year 11 was picked by the judges to go through to the next stage, and then the final with the audience voting on Facebook for who was their favourite and who they thought should also go through! Head of performing arts, Chris Sheard, said: “It was a great night and brilliant to see pupils from Year 7 – Year 12 showing the crowd what talent they have. The winning performance left the lead judge stunned and the only feedback he could give was the word ‘phenomenal’!

All the contestants

Jay KuchemannScales (Yr 8) sings Imagine

Olivia Mitchell (Yr 9) goes acoustic

Charlie Airey (Yr 10) sings Times like These

Nathaniel Nyenre (Yr7) sings Price Tag

The winner: Phoebe Adamson (Yr 11) sings Adele

Georgie Lomax Ford (Yr 11) singing Somewhere Over the Rainbow

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50 GOLDEN YEARS

Back to the sixties

Holy Family Primary School, Halewood recently invited parents, relatives, governors, ex staff members and pupils to their school to celebrate 50 years of teaching. Each year looked at a variety of events and milestones throughout the decades, the work that the children produced was then displayed around the school for the visitors to enjoy. The event also included the KS 1 pupils dancing to a range of hits from the 60’s and the 90’s including, The Twist, The Locomotion and Tragedy.

United in song Pupils also signed the songs

HELPING TO REMEMBER

The Maghull High drama students relax

A scene from the play

Pupils from Maghull High School worked with Liverpool Cathedral in a series of workshops exploring Remembrance Sunday. Each day of workshops ended with a promenade performance by the school who expressed Wilfred Owen’s poetry through drama and dance in the Cathedral’s Lady Chapel.

Pupils from various schools around Merseyside have been looking at the experience of war through history, but they have also explored the impact of war on today’s soldiers and their families.

Pupils also had the opportunity to speak to a current soldier, Corporal Mike Davison, who has spent time in Iraq, ask questions and hear what peace means to him. They could then write their own prayers that will be sent to serving men and women in Afghanistan.

We shall not forget them as the poppies fall

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Our Sixth Form has many outstanding features Some are simply monumental

New School Building - Opening September 2013

Sixth Form Open Evening Wednesday 27 February 2013 from 6pm

ES

T

A H QU'IL

BON

LE BON DIE U

Everton Valley L4 4EZ Telephone: 0151 263 3104 ao@notredame.liverpool.sch.uk www.notredameliverpool.com Headteacher: Mrs F Harrison BSc (Hons) NPQH

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MODEL PUPILS AT FARNBOROUGH All creatures great and small are created Year 4 pupils at Farnborough Road Juniors, Birkdale recently went to town on their latest curriculum topic entitled Habitats. The children studied Southport and Sefton, their local area, and discovered about their own habitat. For their DT project. the children were set a task to create, using a variety of resources and materials, either their own animal or animal habitat. The animals and habitats could be real or ones the children invented themselves. The children were allowed to use their imaginations to the extreme – with the most amazing results. The models were displayed in the hall for all the children to view and they also invited over their feeder infant school to visit too. An exhibition was also held for parents and families.

Dion Rimmer and his friendly elephant

Bradley Cole and his bird’s nest

A Tall order Abigail Shrimpton with her giraffe

Right: Joshua Taylor with his Angry Bird Left: Amelia Massey and Marley the dog

Cameron Topping gets inventive

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Sing it.

Play it .

Lear n it .

with creating music

Theory Club / Rock Club / Band Skills / DJing / Arranging / Improv. / Garage Band / Jazz / Music ICT / Jam Pods

performing Whole Class Instrumental / Liverpool Youth Orchestra / Tours / Rock Bands / Wind Bands / iPlay / String Groups/ Brass Band / High Profile Venues / Woodwind Groups

Singing Choral / iSing / Resonate Singers / School Choirs / Massed Singing Events ...and much more!

Telephone: 0151 207 8580 resonatehub@notredame.liverpool.sch.uk www.resonatehub.co.uk @resonate hub

LED BY NOTRE DAME CATHOLIC COLLEGE

formerly Liverpool

Music support servic e

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Oggy (Louis Crawford) gets whats coming to him

FAST PACED DRAMA Fun and frolics at Gateacre School As part of Arts Week, The Gateacre Drama Department performed the iconic John Godber classic ‘Teechers’. Auditions were held in October and students began the rehearsal process almost immediately. The play is a lighthearted comedy which highlights some of the class differences between both private and state education. It also centres around the fun and frolics of school life through the eyes of three school leavers in Year 11. Godber’s work is renowned for its minimal set, multi-role and fast pace. The students had to quickly get to grips with the demanding pace, comic timing and not to mention detailed characterisations which made this play work.

Rebekah De Asha and Joanne Goffey

Matthew Callaghan and Daniel Burnistion

‘Mean Girls’ Kelsey Starr and Jodie Myers Louis Crawford and Jake Shaw

The School Dance

Nixon (Josh French) and Basford (Daniel Anderson)

Doug the caretaker (Matthew Callaghan) getting into the festive spirit

‘The Mikado’ Josh French, Daniel Anderson, Jessica Scarth and Abbie Hird

Prime and Parry dance the night away

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WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT Who says girls don’t do physics?

The Belvedere Academy recently attempted to help set the record for the world’s biggest practical science lesson in multiple venues.

The record attempt was being made

by The Belvedere Academy and other schools in the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) as part of its 140th anniversary celebrations this year. Around 2,000 pupils participated in 21 schools nationwide. The event consisted of practical physics experiments measuring gravity, and was organised in accordance with guidelines set by Guinness World Records (GWR). Around 200 Belvedere girls participated - the academy is waiting to hear back from the Guinness World Records to see whether they were successful.

Members of Years 7 and 8 descended upon the hall in a bid to break the record for the biggest practical science lesson in multiple venues Girls demonstrate the ‘dropping method’ of measuring gravity

Head of Science, Mrs J Everett demonstrated the practical instructions to the pupils

Girls working hard to collect their data so that gravity can be calculated

Both pupils and members of staff enjoyed the record breaking attempt

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Viewpoint

Are we failing our children’s health?

A recent study has revealed that more than a third of children about to leave primary school are obese or overweight and the numbers are rising. The figures suggest there has been little progress in the drive to keep weight down. What needs to be done?

Dr Hilary Cass

Mike Dooling

Julie Leasor

Tam Fry

Dr Hilary Cass, president of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health We know that the environment in which our children grow up is conducive to eating too much of the wrong sorts of food and a sedentary lifestyle. So in order to get children on the right track early on, we need to be looking not only at the parents’ role in encouraging active lifestyles and providing healthy food for their children, but also how society can support them in doing so. That includes looking at factors such as how cooking is taught in schools, ensuring school meals are nutritious, that healthy food is affordable to everyone and that children's exposure to junk food advertising is limited.

Mike Dooling, former teacher and parent Having worked with youngsters for over forty years and still actively involved in athletics development so many youngsters I come across are not able to run for any length of distance because they no longer play outside for a magnitude of reasons. It is also noticeable how many schools have dropped out of outside sports, which does not help the cause since the schools sports partnership no longer exists. Before that time all primary schools were monitored to ensure that their pupils had at least two hours of quality PE a week. Without this monitoring things have gone down rapidly in a large number of schools, which has had a detrimental effect on individual pupils, that although there are still a good number of schools do recognise the value of PE within the curriculum. After the success of the Olympics and the national cry for legacy I cannot emphasise enough the need for a framework to be put in place to ensure that all pupils are exposed to a vigorous exercise regime to stave off the obesity problem.

Julie Leasor, Merseyside Sports Partnership’s community manager A number of new initiatives have been launched to tackle this which will bring about more longer term results. For example, Sefton Primary Care Trust’s 0-5 project aims to bring about a change in the mindset of parents, nursery workers, child minders and schools to make active play an essential part of every child’s day. The key to this is a more structured approach to children’s activity using POW! Increased Pulse, Out of breath and Warm. Guidelines recommend at least 30 minutes a day for 1-3 year olds and 60 minutes a day for 3-5 year olds. These guidelines are a starting point, but we all have a responsibility to acknowledge that our more sedentary lifestyles - a product of modern living – do not provide the physical activity that we need to be fit and healthy. We need sport and physical activity in our lives.

Tam Fry, spokesperson National Obesity Forum The fact that obesity doubles during the primary school years from reception year shows that the government must rethink its recent proposals on school dinners and physical activity. It is indictable that we as a nation still have no idea of the ages at which UK children are piling on excess pounds. The fact is that the UK has 9 per cent of 4-5 year olds who are obese and that the number has doubled to 19 per cent by the time they are aged 10-11. The NHS should be using body composition rather than thinking up reasons why it should not be used. Cost is usually its first excuse and decline to consider the cost of doing something as opposed to the cost of doing nothing. In 2007, the Foresight Report set the cost of obesity in 2050 at £50bn per annum if no serious investment was put in hand to stem this epidemic.

More than a third of children about to leave primary school are obese or overweight and the numbers are rising, according to official figures from the school measurement programme.

More than 1 million children were weighed and measured during the 2011/12 school year in the reception class and in Year 6, the last year before they move to secondary school.

Over a fifth (22.6%) of the youngest children, just starting primary school, are either overweight or obese, the data from the National Obesity Observatory shows. But by the time they have reached the last year of primary school that figure has risen to one in three (33.9%).

The new figures suggest there has been little progress in the drive to keep children's weight down in spite of major concerns.

Are we doing enough to help our children and what needs to be done to halt this growing trend.

Have your say: To suggest or contribute to a topic for debate in Viewpoint email us at: educate@merseymirror.com or to view our on-line poll visit: www.educatemagazine.com

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GET ON TRACK 2013

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LAWRIE WEARS Nike training top £9.99, sportsdirect.com Run 365 lightweight jacket £8, sportsdirect.com Sports tights, fast drying fabric, reflective details and back pocket, £12.99, hm.com Nike flex TR junior running shoe, £27.99, sportsdirect.com Sondico long sleeve base layer, £7.99, sportsdirect.com ATHLETE PROFILE

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Educate

The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

Now available online.

Visit educatemagazine.com

www.thecapstonetheatre.com

A Midsummer Night’s Dream rcch Monday 18th Mar 7.30pm £12 (£10 conc) BOX OFFICE: TicketQuarter, Merseytravel Travel Centre, Queen Square, Liverpool L1 1RG. Tel: 0844 8000 410 www.ticketquarter.co.uk

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George Orwell’s 1984 Wednesd daay 1st May 7.30pm £12 (£10 cconc)

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Book Review

In association with

by Jennifer Dobson

5-8 Years Pea’s Book of Big Dreams by Susie Day - £5.99 Eleven-year-old Pea and her wonderfully wacky family are back for their second adventure in this fabulously funny series. Join Pea on her quest to discover what exactly she should be when she grows up. Should she be a writer like mum? Or a footballer? A riot of a read from beginning to end.

The Otter Who Wanted to Know by Jill Tomlinson - £3.99 Pat is an adorable little sea otter. She likes turning up her toes and floating in the sea.

One day Pat's quiet life is turned upside down when she gets caught up in a pretty scary adventure. Suddenly she doesn't have time to ask any questions she will have to find out the answers all by herself.

Atticus Claw Breaks the Law by Jennifer Gray - £5.99 When Atticus receives a mysterious message asking him to a meeting in a sleepy coastal town, he packs his bags and sets off. The writer of the message, it turns out, is none other than Jimmy the Magpie, gang leader. Is a life of crime really for him?

9-12 Years Fiction Winterling by Sarah Prineas - £6.99 Fer has always felt that she doesn't belong. She hears the call of the wild wood, the secrets it whispers. When her grandmother reveals clues about the disappearance of her father and his mystical bond to her mother, Fer begins to unlock secrets about the parents she never knew. A wonderful magical adventure…

Watchman William - Balloon Trouble by Diana Shaw - £5.99 William and Thomas are off on their madcap adventures around the village of Little Hardleigh once again. More than once, William's ghostly skills help to uncover some thrilling crime or puzzling mystery. Loaded with clues, suspect lists and lots of action, help William and Thomas in their efforts to become great detectives. A great read from local author Diana Shaw.

The Magical Peppers by Sian Pattenden - £5.99 A strange old theatre at the end of the pier is the setting for the next fantastic adventure full of magic and mayhem with double act, Esme and Monty Pepper, and their madcap Uncle Potty… A strange island hideaway full of crazy inventions, a hair-raising helicopter rescue-mission, some dodgy fortune-telling and the world's biggest goldfish bowl and the summer they wont be able to forget.

Teenage Fiction Night School Legacy by C.J. Daugherty - £6.99 In the last year, Allie's life has not been the best. The only bright point has been her new life at Cimmeria Academy. It's the one place she's felt she belongs. And the fact that it's brought the dreamy Carter West into her life hasn't hurt... But walls of Cimmeria will prove more dangerous than Allie could have ever imagined.

The Apothecary by Maile Meloy - £6.99 Fourteen-year-old Janie Scott is new to London and she meets Benjamin Burrows who dreams of becoming a spy. When Benjamin's father, the mysterious apothecary, is kidnapped he entrusts Janie and Benjamin with his sacred book, full of ancient spells and magical potions. Now the two new friends must uncover the book's secrets in order to find him.

White Cat by Holly Black - £6.99 Cassel is cursed and cursed by a memory. In a world where magic is illegal and his family are deemed criminals, Cassel doesn't fit in. He has no magical talent - but he's about to uncover a secret that will transform his life for ever.

Are you a librarian, teacher or purchasing manager? Do you buy books for your business or institution?

Waterstones Liverpool offers a comprehensive account sales service. Contact Elaine Green, Children's Department, Liverpool ONE, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 3DL. Tel: 0151 709 9820

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WHERE CAN WE GO? Your guide to what’s happening out & about in Merseyside

One e o f r thly i fam

The Narnia Experience 2013!

11 – 23 February St George’s Hall, Liverpool 0151 924 4468 Tickets: £7-£28

Greato one t h watc

For the first time ever, direct from its London HQ, Guinness World Records arrives on stage with its officially amazing, record-breaking, science mad, all new live show.

From the producers of Brainiac Live! and Science Museum Live on Tour, comes a new show which explores the best, the worst, the weirdest and the unbreakable world records ever attempted and the extraordinary talents in each and every one of us.

You may not be the world’s tallest man, but have you got the loudest voice? Join the official Guinness World Records adjudicator and team of presenters in genuine audience record attempts; unleash your inner skills, understand the world we live in and see if you too can be a record breaker!

FUTURE EVENTS

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

Officially Amazing Science Live!

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street Liverpool L1 9BP 0151 709 3789

Following their sell out production of The Narnia Experience in 2011 - which attracted 17,000 visitors from across the city Crosby charity In Another Place have decided to repeat the event in February 2013 with the same popular walk through format and just minor alterations to the set and script.

The experience itself is a walk-through theatrical experience, where visitors step into a wardrobe of fur coats... stumbling upon a wintery forest of 80 pine trees. The public take on the roles of either Lucy or Edmund and follow the story from their perspective, meeting characters like Mr Tumnus, Mrs Beaver and The White Witch!

In Another Place are gathering a team of around 500 volunteers to produce this event. Team members are being drawn from community groups and churches across Liverpool with many individuals getting involved as well.

The Narnia Experience takes place between 7th and 19th February with the first week dedicated to school visits during the day (with public and groups in the late afternoon early evening). The second week will be devoted to public bookings for what is anticipated to be a must do family event for half term.

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Guinness World Records

Sunday 10 February Arenacross Echo Arena, Kings Dock, Liverpool 0844 8000 400 Tickets: £19-£49 Adrenalin-charged, explosive, insane! Arenacross and Freestyle Motocross explode into Echo Arena.

Arenacross is the crazy indoor off-spring of motocross racing first conceived in America in the 1970s. The sport takes the most spectacular elements of outdoor racing, boils them down into a concentrated cocktail and then shoehorns them into arenas onto purpose-built dirt tracks.

Racing is short, sharp and shockingly spectacular with huge triple jumps, killer mogul sections and fast, banked corners all designed to provide a high-octane sensory feast.

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Saturday 9 February

Sunday 10 February

FILM and GAME REVIEW Les Misérables (2012)

Kerrang! Tour 2013 02 Academy Hotham Street, Liverpool 0844 477 2000

Harry Hill: Sausage Time Liverpool Empire Lime Street, Liverpool 0844 871 3017

Kerrang!, the UK’s biggest selling music weekly magazine, have created another stellar line up for February next year featuring headliners Black Veil Brides, Chiodos, Tonight Alive and Fearless Vampire Killers. Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult over 18 at all times

The self-styled floppy-collared loon is back with a live show.

Joined by showband 'The Harry's', the legendary Stouffer the Cat and a debut solo standup spot by Gary, Harry's son from his first marriage and recognisable for his role as Alan Sugar in Harry Hill's TV Burp.

Oh, and a giant sausage.

Saturday 9 March

One e for thily Fam

14 March – 26 May

Why The Lion Danced Unity Theatre, Hope Place Liverpool 0844 873 2888

The Art of Pop Video FACT Wood Street, Liverpool 0151 707 4444

Deep in the mountains of ancient China, every thirteenth moon a dreaded monster visits the village. The villagers must protect themselves but which animal can save them? Chinese New Year is brought to life in this inventive production featuring live music, song and dance by awardwinning Yellow Earth.

In the first exhibition of its kind in the UK, more than 70 video clips tell the story of the pop video, marking the medium’s substantial contribution to popular culture. the exhibition follows its history from the very beginnings in the 1920s to its most contemporary manifestations.

Friday 15 March

20 March

Ugly Duckling Liverpool Playhouse Williamson Square Liverpool 0151 709 4776

The Search for extraterrestrial intelligence Jodrell Bank, Macclesfield Cheshire SK11 9DL

A poor duckling is lonely and fed-up, shunned by those around her who see her as too ugly to fit in. Follow the duckling on her journey as she overcomes her troubles and turns into a beautiful swan, beginning a happy new life.

Retelling of the famous Hans Christian Anderson fairytale.

Dr Ian Morison will be running an evening tutorial which will be exploring different aspects of the night sky and providing advice on how to get the best out of your telescope. The session will consist of a 50 minute informative talk and 30 minute discussion with hints and tips.

7.30-9.30pm tickets £20.

Directed by: Tom Hooper Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway, Amanda Seyfried, Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter Verdict: ★★★★✩

By Andy Kelly To say that Les Misérables is a musical would be the understatement of the century. The dialogue in the film is sung nearly 100 percent of the time, setting it apart from pretty much every other musical-turned-movie. If three hours of straight singing doesn't sound like your cup of tea, then Les Mis probably isn't for you, but if you appreciate complex characters, an emotionally charged story, and yes, beautiful music, then you're in for a treat.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption-a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. Jackman plays ex-prisoner Jean Valjean, hunted for decades by the ruthless policeman Javert (Crowe) after he breaks parole.

When Valjean agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's (Hathaway) young daughter, Cosette, their lives change forever.

Sribblenauts Unlimited WB Games Nintendo 3DS5 Wii U Verdict: ★★★★★

By Andy Kelly Although released in November 2012, Scribblenauts Unlimited is the kind of thing I want to show off to my non-gamer parents and give to children to tap into their creative potential. It straddles the line of being a video game and something that feels more like thoughtful creative software.

Creative puzzle-solving is still the emphasis in Unlimited. They start easy – you find a hungry dog, and you have to write down what dogs like to eat. Initially it feels like you’re answering simple vocabulary questions, but later puzzles make you work harder. Some of the most enjoyable puzzle outcomes occur when you type in some crazy word that you’re not completely sure will work.

When it does, it’s hard not to be impressed with both yourself and the game.

Finding the more obscure and bizarre ways to solve puzzles is where the experience shines, largely because it’s the kind of fun you create for yourself. The Wii U version of Scribblenauts Unlimited is the truly unlimited version of the game.

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

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My School Days Marcus Collins – Singer Motown, then Destiny’s Child and the Spice Girls, Brandy and Ashanti.

My Favourite Extra-Curricular Activity: I loved anything that was artistic so writing music or making clothes or painting! My mum is a textile designer and maker and she was great with me and the kids in our street. My mother would do summer clubs with us and face paints and taught us how to make things from salt dough and encouraged painting and drawing! I have happy memories of being a child Do you remember your first school crush? Yeah her name was Emma, and I put a heart shaped cake in her draw in Year 2. I adored her. She had Joe 90 glasses and freckles hahaha!

My School: I went to Sacred Heart Catholic College in Crosby My Favourite Teacher: The entire music department they all nurtured me and pushed me to my best Favourite Subject at School: Without a doubt it was music Were you streetwise or a bit of a geek?

I was in between, I played mediator between everyone, I was friends with cool kids, with the goth kids and the nerdy kids! I prided myself on being a versatile person and treating everyone equally as I craved that so much being one of a few black kids and gay kids in our community My Favourite Childhood Band: I loved cheesy pop, and also loved old school

My Favourite Book: I love the Secret Life of Bees and Da Vinci Code! I tried that 50 Shades of Grey but kept blushing because I knew my mum had read it so it got swerved! But I’m also all about celeb autobiographies, I’m currently on Paul O'Grady’s latest offering! Love him.

School Dinners: Bad in primary school, the chicken supreme was dreadful, but high school was great! Twizzlers and drummers with beans and chips on fat days or cheese and beans on a jacket spud served by our lovely Portuguese dinner lady who even asked what you would like first the cheese or the beans!

My Ambitions at School: To be known for being good at something and having the things that made me unique or stand out used to my advantage, instead of ammunition to someone who wanted to be negative!

Liverpool born and bred, Marcus Collins rose to fame, and won the hearts of the nation, on ITV1’s 2011 season of The X Factor. Mentored by music legend Gary Barlow and hugely popular throughout the series, Marcus eventually finished as runner up in front of a sold out audience at Wembley Arena and more than 14 million viewers watching at home.

Since then he has toured the UK as part of The X Factor Live tour and has released the Top 10 album, Marcus Collins.

Marcus who has always loved music and drama and has landed the leading role in Hairspray the Musical, he plays the part of Seaweed Stubbs, one of the coolest kids at Patterson Park High.

The show, which runs at the Liverpool Empire Theatre from Monday 22 April to Saturday 27 April marks his musical theatre debut.

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