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Primary News
Chloe, Liam and Summer at the Microsoft headquarters in reading
Not so toxic Barlows A team of three pupils form Barlows Primary school were invited to attend Microsoft’s headquarters in Reading in July 2013 to compete in the Microsoft Kodu Kup finals. Being one of only 11 finalists selected nationally from teams of both primary and secondary schools, the school is extremely proud of the pupils. Pupils in Year 5 and 6 had been working on the Kodu initiative as part of their ICT curriculum putting programming at the heart of the topic. Pupils created their game including graphics and programming using the Kodu software. They also designed a game case. The three pupils: Chloe, Liam and Summer all aged 9-10, competed on the day delivering a presentation, Dragon’s Den style, about the game ‘Factory Pollu’ that they had created. The team created their own brand – ‘The Toxic Pandas’ to add their own identity to the game. The pupils were accompanied to the
finals by Stacey Feenan, deputy head and ICT co-ordinator; Tony James, teacher; Tom Morris, JMU student involved in delivering the project and Diane Scrutton, a parent of one of the children. Judges were extremely impressed with the pupils’ game and brand and really liked the advert the children had prepared as part of their marketing strategy. Headteacher, Jan Taylor, says: “Michael Gove frequently talks about computing and the new curriculum to be introduced in 2014. “I believe Barlows is well on our way to computing excellence and providing opportunities for our children to develop their IT skills in order to compete in a digital world. “I am delighted with the children and staff who worked so creatively to compile such an outstanding entry which successfully reached the national finals of the Microsoft Kodu Kup challenge.”
OUTSTANDING St Nicholas CE Primary School, Blundellsands is celebrating after receiving the highest grade from Ofsted. In their recent inspection report the school was described as outstanding. Inspectors, who visited the school in April, praised the high standards of attainment, the excellent teaching and the children’s exemplary behaviour. Also highlighted was the outstanding leadership provided by the headteacher whose drive and enthusiasm were praised. Inspectors commented on the strong and united staff team who lead by example and the very knowledgeable governing body who hold the school to account assiduously. The report states, “Pupils are proud of their school. They contribute in many ways to making it a happy place for everyone.” Headteacher, Becky Woods said: “The whole school is delighted that the quality of education provided at St Nicholas has once again been recognised by Ofsted. Our parents are so supportive and the children, staff and governors work incredibly hard but we also have lots of fun. It is an absolute privilege to lead this outstanding school.”
Breaking Ground Congratulations were in order to the Northcote Primary School brass band for their outstanding performance recently. The band were invited to play at the ‘Breaking the Ground’ ceremony for the new Walton Hospital on Rice Lane. In attendance were representatives from Mersey Care and the NHS, as well as local councillors Steve Rotheram MP, Richard McLinden and Ann O’Byrne. In addition to this, some of the Year 6 children were presented with laminated posters of their artwork that has been displayed on the hoardings surrounding the site for nearly a year. The work produced last year reflects the key messages in the ‘Five Ways to Wellbeing’, promoting healthy bodies and healthy minds. Headteacher, Mr Morgan, says: “We are very proud of the children for the way they represented the school at such an important event in such an impressive and mature manner”. 14
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