Educate September 2015

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Educate educatemagazine.com

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The Magazine for Schools, Parents and Pupils September – December 2015

Measuring Success Ring-fenced funding faces fresh challenges

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All Shook Up Assessment changes explained

Viewpoint Should mobiles be allowed in classrooms?

World of Work Getting students career ready

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Educate Contents 34

Welcome...

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Welcome to the September edition of Educate

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Features

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Educate plus Training and learning on Merseyside

World of work Getting pupils career ready

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38-39 Meet the headteacher Michael Kennedy, St Mary’s College

School is back and a shake-up of how academic performance is assessed is set to begin. Out with the old and in with new is definitely a phrase suited to the changes ahead, with words replacing key stage levels and numbers replacing GCSE grades. This new way of thinking will no doubt take time to be fully understood by teachers, pupils and parents alike so we have put together a simple guide to help explain the key changes.

A week in the life Sue Kerwin, St Andrew’s Maghull Church of England Primary School

80-83 43-46 A new way of thinking Changes in how pupils are assessed

Funding for schools The challenges of ring-fenced funding

94-97 50-51

GCSE results day

Meet the headteacher Les Rippon, St Francis Xavier’s College

98-101 A-level results celebrated

54 Viewpoint Should mobiles be allowed in classrooms?

117 Book review This season’s must reads

56-57 Thoughts worth sharing Bitesize thinking

118-119 Denim versus suede Which camp are you in?

60-62 School eco news Keeping on top of recycling

122 My school days Alex Greenwood - international footballer

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 Liam Deveney, Jim Donnelly Editorial Alan Birkett, Natasha Young, Jennifer Chamberlain, Hannah Fowler, Amelia Heathman 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.

The challenges of assessing pupils is set to come at a time when schools and governing bodies face the fresh challenge of evidencing what they have achieved with ring-fenced funding. With specific budgets used by schools to try to narrow the attainment gap between disadvantaged pupils and their peers, as well as improve physical education in primary schools, we look at the increased pressure to hold schools to account.

Before the summer the Educate office was lucky enough to have several visits from students undergoing work placements. We fully support children getting the opportunity to gain experience in the workplace to help prepare them for the world of work. We find out what opportunities exist across the region to help get pupils career ready.

Finally headteachers offer their thoughts on the growing debate about whether mobile phones should be allowed in classrooms. Have your say and get in touch @EducateMag!

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News

First class report for University Centre The Hugh Baird University Centre has been commended for its excellent university provision with a glowing report from the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA).

The results of its recent QAA Higher Education Review (HER) saw the Bootle based University Centre given not one but two commendations for the opportunities it offers students – one of only seven providers in the country to receive the accolade.

Dean of higher education at the centre, Helen Mathers, said: “We are delighted with the results of our higher education review, which we think reflect our commitment to providing our students with fantastic learning opportunities and relevant employability skills in a modern, friendly and supportive environment.

“As one of only seven providers to receive two commendations for their QAA HER, we are very proud of our staff for their consistent hard work, our students for their honest input into the review and the employers who support us.

“We aim to continue to expand on the good practice identified in the report and maintain the high standards we’ve been commended for.”

Budding gardeners triumph

Proud pupils - the winning Palmerston School celebrate their win A 15-strong group of pupils from Palmerston School in Liverpool have been recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society as part of The Nation’s School Gardening Stars.

Winners of RHS School Gardening Team of the Year 2015, Palmerston School, Liverpool, were chosen for their incredible teamwork and enthusiasm.

Through the group’s hard work and determination, the school – which supports pupils with severe or profound learning difficulties – now has a dedicated gardening area suitable for cross-curricular activities such as mini-enterprise projects and work experience, complete with raised beds created and planted by the students.

In return, working on the project has helped the group to improve their sensory perception and motor skills through outdoor learning, and developed their ability to work together to create a valuable and ongoing resource that will benefit the entire school.

Palmerston School will receive a visit from ITV’s Love Your Garden presenter Frances Tophill this autumn. They will also receive prizes including £500 in gardening vouchers for the school, a selection of gardening tools, and the offer of working alongside RHS gardeners for a day in one of the Society’s spectacular gardens.

The winning Team of the Year will also receive a top-of-the-range greenhouse donated by Keder Greenhouses to help nurture their budding horticultural talents.

Dragons’ Den theatre school opening in Liverpool South After a successful appearance on BBC’s Dragons’ Den in January 2007, Razzamataz Theatre Schools have been opening all across the country and now it is the turn of Liverpool South.

When founder and director of Razzamataz Denise Hutton-Gosney appeared on the show, Duncan Bannatyne was quick to spot the huge potential of the part-time theatre schools business and offered the full investment.

Since the Den, Denise and her dedicated team have been busy building up the Razzamataz brand.

There are now almost 40 schools up and down the country and Lyndsey Winstanley, principal of Razzamataz at 6

The Belvedere Academy is delighted to bring Razzamataz’s unique blend of performing arts to local children.

“Nurturing young talent and building up a child’s confidence and self-esteem is a big part of what we do at Razzamataz,” said Lyndsey.

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“We teach the children a mix of commercial street dance and musical theatre so they get to experience the very best of what the performing arts has to offer.”

As well as classes run by a team of experienced teachers, Razzamataz also prides itself of being able to bring in top professionals in their field to work with their students to inspire them to be the very best they can be.

“I am delighted to be bringing Razzamataz to Liverpool. The whole team is passionate about what they do and the structure of the classes allow children to enjoy and learn about the whole spectrum of performing arts in a fun and stimulating environment.”

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Career Ready

WO R D S B Y

JENNIFER CHAMBERLAIN

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Career Ready

At the end of each academic year, hundreds of thousands of students receive their GCSE and A Level results and exit the school gates for the last time. Many go on to further education or training and others enter straight into the World of Work. Having studied hard for their qualifications, the next generation of workers are ready to dive into employment and become the professionals of the future.

But are they?

“We are launching the WE can campaign to give young people practical advice about making the most of their summer holidays – and beyond – to gain valuable business skills…”

Priti Patel EMPLOYMENT MINISTER

Despite academic achievements, a significant proportion of young people are still not fully prepared for the World of Work. From knowing what to expect on a day to day basis to impressing in an interview, there seems to be a lack of understanding amongst young people as to what the World of Work requires of them, which comes as a direct result of a lack of work experience and careers guidance.

Research from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills found that 66% of businesses believe work experience to be crucial when recruiting new staff. Employers also comment on a lack of ‘soft’ skills such as communication and interpersonal skills as well as management and leadership traits. Whilst young people may leave school with excellent academic achievements, employers are increasingly placing equal emphasis on skills and looking to employ people with relevant practical experience.

The reality results in a difficult catch 22 situation: young people can’t get a job without work experience but they can’t get work experience without a job. It’s clear that the issue of employability, and matching academic education with practical, skill-based learning, needs to be tackled whilst students are still in full time education. After all, it is expected that 14 million jobs will open up in the next decade –

including a substantial amount in the digital sector which are yet to even exist– so it’s imperative that school leavers are equipped with the necessary skills to fulfil these roles.

Hot on the heels of examinations, the government recently launched the WE Can campaign: an initiative which will bring together thousands of young people and some of the biggest businesses in the country. So far, 30 national businesses and 12,000 young people have joined the campaign which will provide opportunities and practical advice on securing work placements and how to make the most of work experience. Run by youth ambassadors, WE Can encourages young people to take ‘workies’, the work version of selfies, to demonstrate to friends at school how work experience has helped them.

“We are launching the WE can campaign to give young people practical advice about making the most of their summer holidays – and beyond – to gain valuable business skills,” says employment minister Priti Patel. “This one nation government wants young people to be at the forefront of the opportunities to get the best start in life.”

Whilst a campaign run by young people for young people, and which taps into youthful trends such as selfies, certainly sounds like a good basis for higher levels of engagement with the World of Work, it risks becoming too much of a

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Career Ready

gimmick. Longevity and quality control is what is needed when it comes to successfully preparing young people for the World of Work.

So where does the responsibility lie in making sure young people access quality work experience? Do businesses need to be more readily engaged? Should the government set out more stringent guidelines for schools? Or should intermediary organisations take the reigns and bridge the gap between schools and businesses?

Realistically, the responsibility should not solely lie with schools, businesses or intermediary organisations, but greater collaboration between them is needed to ensure that work experience is available to all students. Since work related learning was made non statutory and its assigned funding removed, not every secondary school student is given the opportunity to go on a work experience placement. As a result, there is an increasing disparity between students who benefit from quality work placements and those who leave school with little to no experience of the World of Work.

Furthermore, access to work experience has been likened to a ‘postcode lottery’ in that it can vary considerably depending on region. Liverpool, along with Greater Birmingham, has a higher proportion of employers offering work experience placements than in other parts of the country which are in keeping with the city’s lower level of youth unemployment. Councillor Nick Small, assistant mayor and cabinet member for education, employment and skills says, “There’s some amazing work going on in Liverpool schools, but there’s much more we can and should be doing. It’s really important that students are fully prepared for the World of Work and it starts with making the curriculum more relevant to employment and listening to employers about what skills they want.”

Although non statutory, the majority of secondary schools in the Liverpool city region offer at least one work placement and the opportunity is normally opened up to students in Year 10 or 12. In terms of setting up work experience placements, students typically register their interest in a particular area and are then matched up to a suitable employer by a member of staff, or in some cases they may need to find their own placement. They then spend one to two weeks in the workplace learning how their

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“Partnerships between education and business have consistently shown their value in Liverpool to provide a valuable and necessary bridge from school to the world of work and to enable young people to learn the skills, qualities and attributes that the business world requires from new young recruits,” Mike Corley CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF LIVERPOOL COMPACT

chosen business works.

Depending on both the nature of the work and the level of engagement from the employer as well as the willingness of the student, these placements have the potential to give young people a valuable insight into the World of Work.

The most successful work placements can have a huge impact in validating a young person’s career choices, motivating them to work harder in school and can even help establish links for the future. However, less successful placements can be viewed as little more than a box ticking exercise for schools with no long term value for the student.

One school taking the initiative to engage with local businesses is Archbishop Blanch, which recently launched a campaign calling for businesses to help their students become ‘career ready’. Archbishop Blanch School is urging businesses to get involved by signing up to its new programme which hopes to create links between students and local employers.

In conjunction with nationwide charity, Career Ready, students from the sixth form will enrol on a programme that gives them the opportunity to receive mentoring, take master classes, undertake internships and visit businesses.

“The Careers Ready programme is a fantastic

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opportunity to help students grow in confidence and gain essential skills for work,” says Ellie Jones, careers co-ordinator at Archbishop Blanch School. “It also offers employers the chance to have a real positive impact on students’ lives, share their business credentials to a wider community, and who knows, perhaps find some future talent for their company!“ Depending on each school’s resources and budget, students may be assigned an in-house careers advisor to begin to explore their career prospects early on in their education. Notre Dame Catholic College runs a careers education programme which offers students career advice throughout their time at the school. Students as young as eleven are encouraged to consider their personal qualities and attributes as well as researching those required for various job roles.

Year 9 students focus on decision making and preparing to make informed choices for GCSE options and, during Years 10 and 11, students are encouraged to think about employability skills, including CV writing and interviews, as well participating in a work placement after examinations. In sixth form, students complete a second work experience placement which is relevant to their chosen career path. Notre Dame Catholic College has been awarded a Careers Quality Award in recognition of the range and quality of the school’s careers related activities, which supports the notion that the earlier young people begin to prepare for the World of Work the higher the chance of employability.

But what measures do schools without dedicated careers advisors take to ensure their students are given relevant guidance and access to work experience placements? This is where external bodies are crucial in stepping in and relieving the pressure on both schools and businesses. There are numerous organisations across the North West which bring together schools and businesses and secure work placements for students.

One of the most widely recognised in the Liverpool city region is Liverpool Compact Education Business Partnership, which organises 2000 placements for 14 to 18 year olds each year.

Liverpool Compact negotiates the annual work experience calendar as well as offering enterprise days, workshops and professional development opportunities. Importantly, Liverpool Compact

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Career Ready

also facilitates post placement analysis and provides employers with a feedback form to comment on the student’s work during their placement.

“Partnerships between education and business have consistently shown their value in Liverpool to provide a valuable and necessary bridge from school to the world of work and to enable young people to learn the skills, qualities and attributes that the business world requires from new young recruits,” says Mike Corley, chief executive of Liverpool Compact. “Our programmes not only provide work-based learning experiences but greatly strengthen career information advice and guidance. They also open the eyes and minds of young people to see the relevance of their studies and how these are reflected in real environments outside school.”

Earlier this year, Liverpool Compact teamed up with St John Bosco Arts College to organise a careers event which aimed to challenge gender stereotypes in the World of Work.

Liverpool Compact invited high achieving female professionals from industries that are traditionally perceived as male to the school to inspire students and highlight the different career options open to them and where their qualifications could lead them. As well as hosting students for work experience, this event is an alternative example of how businesses can support students by entering into the school environment instead.

In a similar vein, Merchant Taylor’s hosted a careers event whereby professionals from a variety of industries were invited to attend a morning of mock interviews. Sixth form students were matched to professionals from disciplines related to their chosen career paths, asked questions as if it were a real interview, and then given feedback by the employers on what they did well and how they could improve.

Setting up events where students can engage with professionals is extremely valuable for young people, many of whom are yet to have any practical experience of the World of Work.

Mock interviews can prove particularly useful; after all, if young people do not know how to correctly present themselves in front of a panel of employers, they are unlikely to progress past the initial interview stage.

Offering a range of different opportunities is

“There’s some amazing work going on in Liverpool schools, but there’s much more we can and should be doing. It’s really important that students are fully prepared for the World of Work and it starts with making the curriculum more relevant to employment and listening to employers about what skills they want.”

Councillor Nick Small ASSISTANT MAYOR AND CABINET MEMBER FOR EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND SKILLS

vital in getting as many employers involved in supporting young people in their career choices.

It is easy to argue that supporting the future generation of workers falls under corporate social responsibility and therefore all employers should participate; indeed, when statistics show that two thirds of employers consider work experience to be crucial but only around 50% actually offer placements, it’s clear that businesses could take a more active role. However, some enterprises do not have the capacity to accommodate work placements and strict health and safety rules as well as other legal aspects can be off putting

for employers. From a business point of view, it can be difficult to support a student as well as navigating the day to day pressures of the workplace.

Sefton Education Business partnership prides itself on easing the pressure on both schools and businesses when organising work experience placements. “We have a number of staff qualified to be able to carry out the health, safety and welfare checks, and we are a massive source of support should there be an issue during the time of work experience due to our extensive experience, knowledge and passion,” says Joanne Huddart, programmes manager at Sefton Education Business Partnership.

Joanne believes in sharing the responsibility to ensure that the Liverpool city region continues to be a lead in preparing young people for the World of Work, saying, “we need to build resilience, increase confidence and support them in realising exactly what this very different world expects from them. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that no young person is left behind or ill prepared and the earlier we embark on this journey, the better.”

So how early is too early? With schools introducing careers education as early as Year 7, could it be worth incorporating it into primary education too? At this young age, children will not be able to fully grasp the concept of a career or understand the importance of possessing employability skills, but they could certainly benefit from a trip to the workplace where they could get a feel for the environment and be introduced to different industries. Many children would revel in the opportunity to sit at a desk with a computer and spin around on office chairs, and this brief insight could be enough to spark an interest which would lead them through secondary school and beyond.

With the help of organisations and local businesses, schools across the Liverpool city region are making great strides in providing students with varied opportunities to experience the World of Work. From work placements to business events and career fairs, secondary school students are actively encouraged to look beyond the milestones of GCSE and A Levels and to think about the skills they will need in order to become the successful workers of the future.

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Primary News

On the catwalk Pupils strut their stuff for British Red Cross

Pupils at Rice Lane Infants and Nursery School with Tina Robinson from the British Red Cross (far left) and cabinet member for business and enterprise Cllr Gary Millar (far right)

Pupils at Rice Lane Infants and Nursery in Liverpool created a fashion show and unique t-shirt designs to raise money for the Red Cross Hundred2Hundreds campaign.

The Walton school has a history of winning enterprise competitions, previously receiving the top prize at Global Entrepreneurship Congress 2012.

The school’s fundraising efforts were seed funded by £100 from the British Red Cross which ended with the 7-yearold pupils giving professional catwalk models a lesson in walking and posing

with hands on hips showing the latest in children’s fashion tee shirts, raising a total of £771.25.

British Red Cross project Hundred2Hundreds was introduced by Cllr Gary Millar to Liverpool primary schools following his meeting with Tina Robinson and Clare Henderson from the British Red Cross at his business clinic drop-in session in Central Library.

The Red Cross offered Gary £4000 for up to 40 enterprise projects (£100 each) delivered across Merseyside by young people and Rice Lane Infants and Juniors Primary School were the first to

Check mate!

St William of York School chess champion David De La Morena travelled to Manchester to compete in the UK chess challenge Northern Gigafinal.

The event was the final qualifier for the Chess challenge Terafinal which takes place in Loughborough in October this year and will feature most of the country’s top junior players.

The UK chess challenge begins in January each year when over 1500 schools nationally compete in the qualifying stages, the winners of the school events qualify for one of 40 Megafinals which take place around the country, and 12

from these events come the qualifiers for the Gigafinal.

Headteacher Mr Murphy said: “David has been the school champion for the last two years and recently captained the St William of York team at the Merseyside Primary Schools Championships in Liverpool organised by Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC).

“Chess lessons at the school only began in 2013 and for David to reach the final stages of a national competition is a fantastic achievement, and we all wish him well”.

Pictured right: David De La Morena with CSC chess tutor Bob Clark

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sign up and receive their £100 “seed fund”.

Councillor Millar said: “Working with the Red Cross was a fantastic opportunity to inspire an enterprise culture in our schools.

“We can use the Hundred2Hundreds project to stimulate team-work, create great business ideas, help our local communities and raise money for those most in need.

“Rice Lane’s fashion show was professional and fun. Their fundraising summed up exactly why I love this amazing city.”

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

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Fax 0151 707 8942 email: vincent-ao@st-vincentdepaul.liverpool.sch.uk

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Primary News

The big freeze!

The Ice Man comes to Southport There was a real ‘buzz’ around Bishop David Sheppard CE Primary School from both children and staff alike when they arrived in school to see an unusual cube-shaped parcel in the hall.

The discovery of a video message from the Mayor of Fort Chipewyan in Canada explaining that the cube contained something relating to Iceman, deepened the mystery.

Instead of the cube arriving at the House of Lords in London, it seems that it had accidentally been sent to the school! Ice Man’s aim is to banish summer as he wants everywhere to be surrounded by ice!

Throughout the week, children discovered evidence of Ice Man having been around school, with ice cubes and ice clues scattered around. Ms Sutton even found footage of Ice Man on the CCTV cameras!

The pupils were amazed when they discovered a tent on the school field!

Clues suggested that the tent belonged to Magnus Magnusson, a scientist who has spent years tracking the whereabouts of Ice Man. He had left a note explaining that his aim is to prevent climatic chaos.

Mrs Tarjomi, community events co-ordinator, said: “Children and staff

The Ice Man was no match for pupils from Bishop David Sheppard Primary

were delighted when Magnus came to visit us! They had to wake him up from his tent as he had a busy night trying to catch Ice Man. “Magnus spent time answering children’s questions throughout the day.

We were all delighted when Magnus realised that he had finally discovered how to melt Ice Man! “Thanks to the children’s hard work and dedication to learning, their energy succeeded in melting him.

The week has enabled the children to

The sound of music

The Bishop Martin CE Primary School choir

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learn so much without realising that they were doing so.

“Learning opportunities have included: letter writing, poetry, instructions for trapping Ice Man, diary entries, newspaper reports, survival guides, temperature comparisons, map work, data handling, 3D shape analysis, measuring, ice experiments, photography and artwork. The list is endless!

“It was wonderful to hear so much excitement around school, with children showing a clear enjoyment for learning”.

Bishop Martin CE Primary Schools’ Summer Music Concert was hailed as a great success, yet again!

Nearly 50 junior children participated in a fantastic evening of summer music.

The choir opened the concert with ‘Sing’ and closed it with ‘So long, farewell!’, with a further six well known songs in between!

The audience were also entertained with a variety of solo instrumentalists (drum, guitar, clarinet), duets and group songs/dance from pupils in Years 3 to 5.

Headteacher: Mr McBride, said: “Well done to all the choir for a superb presentation!

“Many parents commented on the professionalism of this year’s concert, but yet again, we demonstrated that it is fun to ‘get on the stage and have a go’.

“A special thanks to all staff who helped to make the event possible”.

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Primary News

Friendship through football Tiki taki comes to Billinge

Friendship through football - competitors make new friends

Lionel Messi and company may not have been in sight, but that didn’t stop Chapel End Primary School, Billinge celebrating after beating a team from Barcelona in the final of an international football tournament.

Organised by Chapel End Year 3 teacher, Brian

Montrose, the annual Year’s 5 and 6 tournament – held at Chapel End – saw two teams from the hosts, a team from nearby St Aidan’s Primary School and two teams from Barcelona based Oak House battle it out in the 7- a side tournament.

Billinge could have easily been mistaken for Catalonia on what was a beautiful day

for football, with plenty of samba skills and tiki-taka football shown by all the teams involved, but it was Chapel End who was left celebrating after overcoming Oak House 3-1 in the final to lift the trophy.

Brian, who came up with the idea of running the tournament together with university pal, Andy Richards,

A warm welcome at St Charles The Archbishop of Liverpool Malcolm McMahon was welcomed to St Charles Catholic Primary School where he met pupils and staff and saw how they spread the Good News in the school and local community.

The Archbishop, accompanied by Father James Preston, Parish Priest of St Charles’, Mr Steve Roberts, co-chair of governors, Mr Chris Davey, headteacher, and Mary Walker, deputy head and RE co-ordinator, visited each class and talked to the children and teachers.

The Archbishop took with him his crozier and mitre, talked with the children about them, and let some lucky pupils try them on for size.

The children in Year 2 presented him with a ‘welcome’ card, and were generous enough to draw an Arsenal badge on the front, in reference to his support of the club.

As he left, Archbishop Malcolm commented on the warm welcome he had received and on how wonderful the children at St Charles’ Catholic Primary School are.

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Archbishop McMahon with the pupils

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a teacher at Oak House, was full of praise for all who took part.

“The children had loads of fun. It’s not very often the English triumph over a Spanish team in football, but on a serious note, the most important aspect of running this tournament is highlighting the importance of friendship through football”.

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Primary News

MP opens garden of remembrance Conor McGinn MP paid a special visit to Garswood Primary School to assist in the unveiling of a garden of remembrance.

Mr McGinn was joined by St Helens Council’s cabinet member for children, families and young people, Councillor Sue Murphy, school staff and the parents of Zac Barston, a Year 6 pupil who passed away earlier this year, to officially open ‘Zac’s Garden.’

To mark the day, the school participated in a sponsored event which saw children in the nursery and reception classes hold a ‘wild rumpus’ in the spirit of the popular children’s book, Where The Wild Things Are. Year 6 also completed a sponsored swim as a tribute to their class mate, Zac, a keen swimmer who even

continued to swim throughout his illness, glioblastoma multiforme, the most common and aggressive type of brain tumour.

The garden is an outdoor space where the children can go to reflect, read or just have some quiet time complete with a large wooden sculpture of a sloth, Zac’s favourite mammal.

Councillor Murphy, who is chair of governors at the school, said: “It was a privilege to help open this beautiful garden that acts as a wonderful tribute to such a special, inspirational child who will always be part of the Garswood family.”

All monies raised from the sponsored events will go to the Children’s Brain Tumour Research Network based at the Royal Manchester

Conor McGinn with Donna and Jeff Barston and Garswood pupils next to the sloth sculpture

Children’s Hospital, set up following Zac’s death.

Headteacher, Pam Potter, said: “We are determined to raise the profile of glioblastoma multiforme, for which research is very limited.

“To do this, we are committed to hold an annual event at the school to contribute towards the ‘Children’s Brain Tumour Research Network,’ a charity that is very close to our hearts.”

ARRR-eally good time St John Vianney Primary School pupils struck gold on a recent visit to the beach when they came across a mysterious treasure chest.

As a reward for completing so many books throughout the school year as part of a national reading task, the Rainbow Reading Challenge, the whole school visited Crosby beach for a fun day of activities that included sand castle building and treasure hunts.

After coming across the chest that was buried on the beach, the children couldn’t wait to get it back to school and held a pirate themed day which involved everyone dressing up as pirates and reading stories, as they opened the chest which was crammed full of treats.

Headteacher, Marg Roberts said: “The children had such a wonderful time at the beach and really enjoyed reading stories about pirates.

“This was a reward for all the hard work that the children have done over the year. I’m extremely proud of each and every one of them.”

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St John Vianney Primary pupils and staff dressed up to celebrate a pirate themed week at the school.

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Primary News

School gets the bug for Trumpeter Tom ‘hands-on’ science Teachers and pupils at St Vincent de Paul Catholic Primary School in Liverpool are some of the first in the country to be trying a new ‘hands-on’ method for teaching and learning about science.

Pupils at the school have been quick to catch the bug for science by using the system which enables regular and varied practical scientific experimentation in the classroom, even at home.

“With Empiribox everything is ready for teachers to use right out of the box,” said Phil Stewart,

headteacher at St Vincent de Paul.

“By having sufficient materials and equipment to allow working in pairs every week of the school year to conduct a whole range of exciting experiments, we will be more able to nurture a keen interest in the wonders of science which will help our pupils excel as they head for secondary school.”

The nationwide trial has involved more than 50 primary schools during the past year and has recently led to the system being made available to all primary schools in the UK.

St Luke’s Formby pupil, 9-year-old Tom Kearley, has been celebrating an award from the organisation ‘Awards for Young Musicians’.

He received a Robert Lewin Scholarship award which will help towards buying a new Bb trumpet.

Tom and his twin brother Rob both play in the school band led by peripatetic music teacher, Mrs Joan Fogg.

The school’s music and arts co-ordinator, Mrs Jennie Harper said: “Both Tom and Rob are very talented and dedicated musicians, attending band practise every week as well as having individual lessons. The band members were really pleased to hear that Tom had been successful in winning his award.

“Our band were invited to play with the Halle Orchestra in Manchester and we’re all very excited to have this wonderful opportunity to work with such a famous orchestra.”

Bleak Hill battle through to win

The Bleak Hill team celebrates with Saints ace Anthony Walker (front row, fifth from right)

Year 5 and 6 pupils from nine schools across St Helens battled it out for the Wargrave Rugby Trophy on a glorious afternoon as Bleak Hill Primary School ran out as winners after overcoming Carr Mill Primary School in a fascinating final.

Former Saints captain Paul Sculthorpe, MBE, was among the 200 strong crowd and current Saints ace Anthony Walker was on hand to hand out medals.

St Helens RLFC and Rhino Rugby – who kindly donated balls, a shield and medals for competitors- sponsor the inter school tournament, now in its second year.

Over £800 was raised from the tournament through the various stalls and activities on offer which will be used to purchase new PE equipment at Wargrave.

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Primary News

Turning back time Schoolchildren reminiscence at KHT event Knowsley Housing Trust (KHT) took pupils from Evelyn Road Primary School in Prescot on a trip through time at a special reminiscence event at its latest development, The Watch Factory.

They guided the twelve children, aged nine and ten, through the history of the site via a variety of artefacts which brought the development’s historical story to life.

Historical photographs showed the site as The Lancashire Watch Factory, which formed the hub of Great Britain’s watchmaking industry on its opening in 1889. Further photography depicted the 6.75 acre plot of land’s position as a barracks for a battalion of Pals during World War One. Household objects from the 1950s were handed around to invoke the building’s role as headquarters for C Tinlings & Company printing company, which published books and the Liverpool Evening Express throughout the

Evelyn Road pupils learn about the history of the site

period.

Finally a group of older residents at a nearby KHT sheltered housing scheme, Cross Street, were invited to attend the event to share their memories of The Watch Factory and its history with

the pupils.

This is the first of several events involving the KHT Watch Factory team and Evelyn Road Primary School, which is a neighbour of the new development.

Pupils at the reminiscence

event have been invited to generate ideas for street names at the development.

The winning student will take a tour of the site and bury a 2015 time capsule which will be compiled with their classmates.

Gift for village school The after-school club at Knowsley Village Community Primary School has been able to buy a range of new equipment thanks to the support of tissue makers SCA. The company donated £250 for the school to buy craft items for the children to learn new skills, as well as outdoor games and other activities.

“It was a lovely surprise,” said teacher Mrs Carol Ford, who manages the after-school club. “We have up to 20 pupils attending the club each day and they have absolutely loved having so many new things to do. The donation has been very much appreciated.”

The donation came through a request to the mill from employee Amanda Rose, who lives in Knowsley Village and has a daughter attending the school.

Site manager Mark Mannering said: “The after-school club is a great boon for parents and their children and we were pleased to be able to help with new equipment to keep the children interested, active and entertained.”

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Amanda Rose from SCA Skelmersdale Mill (left) with teaching assistants Carole Travis and Helen Cuthell and pupils at the Knowsley Village Community Primary School’s after-school club

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News

Record breaking year for The Educate Awards!

Highest volume of entries for annual awards celebration The Educate Awards 2015 promises to be even bigger than 2014, thanks to a record number of entries submitted.

Hundreds of entries have been submitted for this year’s annual awards celebration, taking place on 20 November at Liverpool Cathedral.

The awards has hit new heights this year, breaking previous records from the last three years as well as signing up three new judges and expanding in to Lancashire and Cheshire.

This year schools from all of the boroughs in the Liverpool City Region (Liverpool, Sefton, Wirral, St Helens, Halton, and Knowsley), and in the areas of Lancashire and Cheshire have entered the prestigious awards, which has categories including Innovative and Creative Literacy, Eco School Project of

the Year, Science Project of the Year and Teacher of the Year.

Kim O’Brien, founder of the Educate Awards, says: “The Educate Awards keeps growing year on year, and the number, and level of entries this year is testament to the high standard of teaching throughout the North West, and the inspirational projects taking place in our schools and colleges.

“This year we have received hundreds of entries from schools in all of the boroughs in the Liverpool City Region and from schools in the new areas of Lancashire and Cheshire. It’s brilliant to see so many schools get involved and share their inspiring efforts with us. We’re looking forward to revealing the shortlist very soon.”

The judging panel are now busy shortlisting the entries, which will be

revealed ahead of the awards ceremony this November.

This year, new judges include football icon Robbie Fowler, Radio City breakfast host Leanne Campbell and Olympian and managing director of Raise The Bar, Steve Smith. While returning judges include Councillor Gary Millar, Liverpool’s cabinet member for business, enterprise and investment; Chris Walker, regional managing editor of Trinity Mirror North West and North Wales; Lesley Martin-Wright, chief executive of Knowsley Chamber; Mark Beedles, managing director of Connex Education; Fiona Barnet, director of The Foundry Agency; Andrew Pimbley of Claremont Farm and Wirral’s Farm Feast; and the education team at the respected Everyman and Playhouse Theatres.

Vice-chancellor awarded CBE Award highlights higher education and teacher training The vice-chancellor of Edge Hill University, Dr John Cater, has been awarded a CBE for services to Higher Education and Teacher Training.

Dr Cater joins a group of outstanding individuals recognised for their achievements.

On learning of the news he said: “Edge Hill has made tremendous progress over the past 20 years, culminating in this year’s Times Higher Education’s University of the Year award and this generous recognition is a testament to everything my colleagues have achieved and acknowledges the debt I have to them all.”

As vice-chancellor of Edge Hill University, Dr Cater is the longestserving head of a United Kingdom higher education institution, having been appointed in 1993.

Edge Hill University has grown and developed considerably during the 22 years of his leadership, moving up by over forty places in national league tables since 2006 and recently being named both University of the Year 2014-15 and Best University Workplace by Times Higher Education as well as being the 22

Vice-Chancellor of Edge Hill University, Dr John Cater

highest rated University in the North West in the last National Student survey.

Dr Cater was also member of department of health’s expert advisory panel on nurse education and training from 1995-97, and he also represents all

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

vice-chancellors on the Joint DH/DfE social work reform board.

He is past chair of the Knowsley 14-19 Collegiate Consortium and the Greater Merseyside and West Lancashire Lifelong Learning Network.

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News

College celebrates

Guild of Students wins student award

Ibraheem Awad

Greenbank College celebrated the achievements of its students at an award ceremony attended by local councillors James Roberts and Laura Robertson-Collins.

Tutors were given an opportunity to select an award winner for their department at the end of the academic year.

This year there were 14 award categories available and each nominee received a certificate and £20 gift voucher.

The overall Greenbank College Student of the Year 2015 was Ibraheem Awad.

Ibraheem said: “I am really surprised and delighted that I have been selected.

“I really enjoy coming to Greenbank College and winning the overall award was a great way to finish off the academic year.”

Education and curriculum manager, Anne Kinsella said: “2014-15 has been a successful year for many of our students and they should all be congratulated for their achievements.

“The awards ceremony is a great way to highlight particular achievements and all fourteen students should be very proud that they were selected by their tutor to receive an award.

“Choosing an overall winner was very difficult but Ibraheem is a great role model, an excellent student and a worthy winner”.

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The Liverpool Guild of Students has won the Student Opportunities Award at the NUS Awards 2015.

Liverpool Guild of Students won the award for their commitment to increasing student opportunities, encouraging students to move from their own individual interests to the interests of the wider community and student body.

The union has increased access to participatory budgets for societies and has also introduced mentoring, providing regular catch-ups to check that societies are meeting their goals and to identify any training needs.

It has also held a series of master classes, from script-writing to education for sustainable development, to increase the number, range and quality of opportunities available.

Society memberships have increased by 2000 this year alone.

The union has also launched several programmes in order to increase student

participation.

The ‘Give it a Go’ programme ensures that there are continual opportunities for members to ‘try’, while the union’s volunteering initiative has seen over 200 organisations/projects registered and over 800 applications to volunteer registered from 514 registered volunteers.

Meanwhile the Leave Liverpool Tidy programme has seen 3.9 tonnes of refuse collected and recycled last year.

Harry Anderson, president at the Liverpool Guild of Students, said: “We’re overwhelmed with the award and we’re really glad to have got some recognition from NUS.” Richard Brooks, NUS vice president for union development, said: “I’m really proud to announce that Liverpool Guild of Students has won the award for student opportunities at the 2015 NUS Awards.

“The awards are fundamentally about celebrating excellence across the many and varied activities of students' unions.”

LITERACY AWARE Kumon has announced their continued work with the National Literacy Trust in 2015.

Only one year ago they began working with the National Literacy Trust and, throughout 2014, associates and instructors across the country took part in various activities to raise money, whilst raising awareness of the importance of literacy, and as a result raised over £19,000 for the charity.

At Kumon they wholeheartedly share the National Literacy Trust’s ethos that reading skills are vital for children’s development.

A new Kumon centre has been opened in Aigburth, and will offer Kumon’s unique maths and English programmes to children of all ages and abilities.

The Aigburth Study Centre is offering a two-week Free Trial (14 days) for new students enrolling between Monday 21 September to Saturday 31 October. The Aigburth centre is located at Enterprise South Liverpool Academy.

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How does a leading design & PR agency operate on a daily basis?

Find out with our FREE school workshops for primary and secondary schools As a leading integrated communications agency, exposure to the workplace is something we strongly believe in and our workshops - launched for the academic year 2015/16 - will provide your school the opportunity to bring your ideas to life in our studio. Whether it’s a school magazine or a logo design; we will provide the insight

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Secondary News

Pair are making waves Georgia and Sophie become rowing champions Two pupils from Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School were crowned rowing champions of England at the National Schools Regatta in Nottinghamshire.

Georgia Shirley and Sophie Gillbanks, represented Merchant Taylors’ Boat Club in the Women’s Junior 14 category.

The pair faced tough opposition from over 30 other esteemed clubs including those from Eton Excelsior RC, City of Oxford RC, Ross Schools and Boston RC. The regatta was split into three heats; the time trial, the semi-final and the final. The girls were fastest in all three, winning the final race comfortably by a margin of four seconds.

This success follows another runaway win in April when the pair represented the North West of England in the InterRegional Regatta, again finishing first in the country with an astounding 17 second lead.

Despite the formidable duo only pairing up as a team last October, Sophie and Georgia have already made Merchant Taylors’ Boat Club history as the first female team to become national champions. It has been 40 years since the title was last won in 1975 by an allmale team.

Georgia Shirley and Sophie Gillbanks who represented Merchant Taylors’ Boat Club

Georgia and Sophie turned their hard work and dedication into training for the British Championships which took place at Strathclyde in Scotland in July.

Their hard work paid off and they are now the British Women’s Junior 14 Champions, capping off a truly remarkable year for the juniors.

Young artist brushes off the competition A Rainhill High School student is celebrating after winning an inter-school art competition.

Year 9 pupil, Georgia Allen brushed off over one hundred entries from 36 schools across Merseyside as she was announced the overall winner of the annual dot-art Schools project competition at an awards ceremony at St George’s Hall.

Judges singled out Georgia’s ‘Nature Study’ piece -created using a biro pen on paper stained in coffee - due to its intricate layers which, according to guest judge Susan M Coles, “required great patience and skill” to perfect every tiny detail.

Georgia received £50 worth 26

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

of Rennie’s Arts and Crafts vouchers, a one year scholarship to dot-art which allows her to showcase and sell her work alongside professional artists, and access to special exhibitions at Tate Liverpool, for her efforts.

Anthony Bennett, head of art at Rainhill High School, said: “Georgia is a student who is highly talented. I think the success brought on by this dot-art Schools competition could finally cement what we have been telling her for the past 12 months, that she truly is a talented individual.”

Georgia Allen is pictured left next to her award winning piece of art

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Secondary News

A new building for St Julie’s School to have environmental footprint Planning has now been approved for the new building for St Julie’s, built largely on their existing site at Woolton Village.

The development will allow the school to provide twenty first century facilities for students in a smart, attractive building that they can be proud of.

The new building makes the most of modern materials and design techniques in a style sympathetic to the heritage setting of Woolton.

The design helps solve lots of the problems inherent in the current sprawling site, including rationalising different curriculum areas into grouped spaces and offering all of the resources needed in a more compact, environmentally friendly footprint.

Speaking shortly after the decision was announced, headteacher Tim Alderman said: “The children of Liverpool deserve the best education in the finest facilities.

“As a popular oversubscribed school we see this planning decision as an affirmation of the great work we do to encourage our students to develop into confident young women and men and make a positive contribution to society locally, nationally and across the globe.”

The planning application has taken a long time as the plans include building on a half acre of green field, which represents just 5% of the field. The plans are for 90% of the school to be built on it’s current site.

Tim Alderman said: “The Trustees

have expressed their desire to work with the council and make good this loss of space by giving three acres of privately owned woodland, part of Woolton Woods, to the council.

“The balance of risk was never in question - a £20 million energy-efficient, facility-rich, spacious and comfortable building for access to about a half acre of green field, with the people of Liverpool gaining five times more land back as ancient woodland.

“Additionally, the footprint of the new school is smaller than the old building, meaning more open space is available on site for sport and recreation.

“The new school had to be designed in this way because the main tower blocks and other buildings around the

Strictly speaking Students from Litherland High School demonstrated their speaking and listening skills in their annual Public Speaking Competition.

The three finalists captivated their audience with a range of topics including ‘If I were Prime Minister’ and ‘The Pressures on Pupils’.

After great deliberation, the three judges (including Andy Rogers from Educate Magazine) finally selected Year 7 pupil, Joel Thornton, as the overall winner with his amusing speech about his most treasured item - his extracted tooth!

Mrs Lowe, English teacher, said: “All of the pupils involved in the performance were exceptional, we were overwhelmed with the talent this year!”

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Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

site are required for the continued operation of the school.

The site is constrained by it's boundaries and historic Grade 1 listed Woolton Hall. English Heritage are fully supportive of the proposal as it stands, as it moves any new building around 100 metres away from the Hall and improves the setting of this historic village heritage asset.

“Once the final plan of the new building was revealed the vast majority of the community have been supportive of this development, and as a school we’ll be working hard to try and consolidate the positive feeling with all members of our community, including those who have voiced concerns over the proposal.”

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Secondary News

New perspectives A fresh approach to learning Students at St Francis Xavier’s College are working in partnership with a leading educational ethos provider.

Students benefit from a unique approach to learning which takes them away from the traditional classroom environment and offers a brand new perspective on education.

SFX students will be given the opportunity to get involved with a variety of motivational activities, which focus on team building and problem solving.

The fun fitness sessions have positive effects on health and wellbeing and have proven to increase attendance as well as improving behaviour and attainment.

The initiative boosts resilience and self-confidence in students with the aim of helping them reach their full potential.

Teachers will work in partnership with staff from the company to support students and continue the fresh approach to learning in the classroom.

Les Rippon, headteacher at St Francis Xavier’s College said: “Teamwork, resilience and confidence are all important skills in and out of the classroom and we know that this programme will encourage these traits in our pupils.

“The instructors’ drive and enthusiasm will help instil our ethos of ‘life in all its fullness’ and we are looking forward to seeing each class flourish.”

Students get a fresh approach to learning

Students join forces with charity Students from St John Bosco Arts College have spearheaded an event with a UK charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour based abuse.

Head girl Antonia Hamer, alongside the head girls team,

Jasvinder Sanghera with Joanna Sichivula planting the tree of remembrance

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Chloe English and Joanna Sichivula organised an awareness day with the charity Karma Nirvana.

The head girls’ team was inspired to take action when the charity’s founder, Jasvinder Sanghera CBE visited the school to deliver a talk relating to her own experiences, which saw her promised into marriage at the age of eight.

Antonia said: “Chloe, Joanna and I wanted to raise awareness of this sensitive issue and educate others about all the work Karma Nirvana does.

“We’ve worked with the charity to develop our ideas and how we can approach the topic with the younger year groups. It started as quite a small event but it’s just grown bigger and bigger!

St John Bosco’s event was held a few weeks before the charity’s first official memorial day to remember victims of honour killings.

The day involved a number of activities and events involving all year groups. Jasvinder Sanghera visited the all-girls secondary school again to deliver an inspirational talk, while Years 7 and 8 took part in a poster competition.

In the afternoon, Antonia, Chloe and Joanna, along with Jasvinder, planted a tree of remembrance in the school’s new gardens.

Jasvinder Sanghera CBE, said: “I am delighted to hear about the students proactive work as this is the true spirit of activism and responsibility in playing a part to change an issue that may not affect you directly but being bothered enough to play your part.

“I have no doubt their awareness will reach others for victims and leave a lasting legacy for future students. My hope is that other schools will follow this lead as education remains at the heart of prevention.”

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Secondary News

Students wow judges A Liverpool secondary school is calling for Liverpool businesses to sign up to its new careers programme which will offer guidance and support to its students.

Archbishop Blanch School has partnered with the UK wide charity Career Ready to offer students a link with employers and open up the world of work.

Launching on September 17, 10 sixth formers will be selected to enrol on the national programme which provides students with an opportunity to undertake internships, receive mentoring, take part in master classes and visit

businesses’ workplaces.

The highly successful programme, which has run for over 10 years, is designed to complement students’ studies and help them perform more effectively in the wider working world.

Over 1,400 companies have supported the Career Ready initiative over the years, from small, independent businesses to multi-nationals – including a quarter of the FTSE 100.

In preparation for the September launch, which will coincide with the school’s move to its new site on Earle Road, Archbishop Blanch is asking

Liverpool businesses to get involved.

Ellie Jones, careers co-ordinator at the school, said: “The Careers Ready programme is a fantastic opportunity to help students grow in confidence and gain essential skills for work.

“Corporate social responsibility is an important practice for any business, and engaging with the wider community can have so many benefits. The Career Ready programme is the perfect occasion to give back and showcase your company’s values.

“It also offers employers the chance to have a real positive impact on students’ lives, share their business credentials to a wider community, and who knows, perhaps find some future talent for their company!

“Whether you want to mentor a student, host a tour around your workplace, offer a masterclass at the school or provide an internship, businesses can choose what best suits their needs and availability.”

Headteacher Heather Duggan, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to our students and to work with local and national business in this way.

“This is a fantastic programme to help our students begin their career journey in a highly structured and focused manner and we look forward to enrolling our first cohort in September.”

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT Pupils from West Derby School were invited to the prestigious Annual International Federation of Warehousing Logistics Association (IFWLA) which was this year based in Liverpool.

The IFWLA selected the UK this year, and particularly Liverpool as their host city, as Derrick Potter is currently their President.

West Derby pupils explain the rules of the game to HRH Princess Anne

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West Derby School enjoys links with Derrick Potter through his business, Potter logistics, and the schools career ready programme.

West Derby pupils showcased a new educational business board game called ‘Business On The Move’.

The game allows players to act as logistics managers and plan how stock is shipped around the world; it is similar to Monopoly but with a real-life business focus.

Pupils demonstrated how the game can be played to a series of global business leaders who asked questions about what they had learned from the game and how it applied to their industry.

Headteacher Margaret Rannard, said: “Our boys put on a brilliant performance for the business delegates but also impressed the conference’s opening guest speaker, HRH The Princess Royal!

“Princess Anne chatted to several of our pupils about the business game and shared a few jokes with them about the unexpected problems that businesses encounter.

“Against the splendour of the town hall, which is adorned with paintings of royalty and important figures from Liverpool’s history, this was quite an honour.

“The boys demonstrated their business knowledge with enthusiasm and Princess Anne seemed very keen to engage with them. They were perfect ambassadors for our school”.

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Secondary News

Rooney races to double gold Conor aims for number one spot Conor Rooney has underlined his status as one of the best young wheelchair racers in the UK at the Typhoo National Junior Athletics Championships 2015 at Warwick University in Coventry.

As part of the North West team, the

15-year-old from Prescot bagged two golds and a silver in his classification of T54.

Conor, who attends St Edmund Arrowsmith in Whiston, came first in the 100m and 800m and helped his relay team win silver in the 4 x 100m despite a

Students lip sync for CBBC A Liverpool secondary school enjoyed a busy few days filming for the CBBC. Calderstones School, in Allerton, took part in a ‘LipDub’ – which involves pupils lip syncing to a song – for CBBC’s Official Chart Show.

Twenty students from the school were featured on Radio One’s official chart TV show and were asked questions about their thoughts on current music.

The film crew and the CBBC team were so impressed with the student’s talent and attitude that they invited them back to record the LipDub. When the episode aired students lip synced to an Avicci mash up throughout different areas of the school. Scenes included the classrooms, sports pitches, the cafeteria and even the pool.

Scenes showcased all of Calderstones talent, including acrobatics, gymnastics and even dancing dinner ladies!

Assistant headteacher, Siân York said: “A lot of fun was had by all...as well as an early night’s sleep from both staff and pupils.

“It was an exciting - yet exhausting, couple of days!”

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heavy fall in the change-over which caused ligament damage and bruising.

The Everton fan, who competes for Knowsley, has been racing for three years after his talent was spotted by Shelly Woods, the elite Paralympian wheelchair racer.

Now Conor wants to emulate the woman who won silver in the marathon at the London 2012 Paralympics and was first in the 2007 London Marathon: He said: “My goal is to be a Paralympian like Shelly and David Weir.

“Wheelchair racing makes me fit and it has changed my life, giving me confidence and helping me make friends.”

Meanwhile the five strong team from Bluebell Park School in Kirkby returned from the championships with a hatful of medals and can now boast four national champions in their classifications and age groups.

Reece Day in the u18 T36 won 400m, Gold, 100m, Silver; 200m, Silver; Nicole Lloyd in the u20 T20 won 100m, Gold; Shot, Silver; Discus, Bronze; Amy Shaw also in the u20 T20 won Javelin, Gold; Discus, Silver; Shot, Bronze; Libby Johnson in the u18 T20 won Discus, Gold; Shot, Silver; and Alex Dawber in the u20 T20 won u20 T20 Discus, Silver; Shot, Bronze.

The two-day Typhoo championships, organised by the English Federation of Disability Sport (EFDS) and supported by Typhoo are one of the highlights of the disability sports calendar with some competitors hoping their success might lead to a golden career in athletics.

Many elite disabled athletes began their own success at this prestigious event, including Shelly Woods herself, Hannah Cockroft, Aled Davies and Hollie Arnold whose talent marked them out as potential world-class athletes.

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Secondary News

Golfing success Pupil Hollie wins German Open is much richer than the UK and the set-up was amazing.

“They had all sorts of events for us, like a big raffle where you could win iPads and Go-Pro cameras, and talks from some of the world’s top caddies.

“The whole thing was a great experience. It was just like being a professional golfer!”

Combining training and schoolwork has required a lot

of hard work from Hollie and the help and support of her friends, family and teachers.

Hollie takes school work away with her when she travels and uses the resource base to study whenever she needs to.

“It is hard to practise and get your school work done but I’ve tried really hard this year and my teachers have been great about giving me work.

Full house at Notre Dame

Golfing prodigy Hollie Muse

Bellerive FCJ Catholic College pupil Hollie Muse has moved one step closer to achieving her dream of being a professional golfer by winning the Allianz German Boys and Girls Open, which was held at the St Leon-Rat Golf Club

in Germany’s Rhine Valley.

Although Hollie has been part of the England U16 squad since 2012, she said the experience in Germany was like being part of a professional tour.

“It was amazing, just like a pro-tournament. German golf

It’s ‘Blowin’ a Gale’ in Liverpool

Cast members of ‘Blowin’ a Gale’

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More than 200 guests attended Notre Dame Catholic College to experience a unique collaboration between In-harmony Orchestra, Notre Dame Catholic College and Resonate.

Choirs, bands and orchestras thrilled guests from across Liverpool in what Notre Dame Catholic College director of arts John McHugh called ‘A celebration of youth music in the area.’

John said: “The evening was a very fitting tribute to what’s been a very special year for us in the city. We’ve seen amongst parents and pupils alike, the social and cultural benefits of providing access to high quality music education and the feedback has been that we really have captured the imagination of so many people in so many schools in the city.

“I believe it’s really important to develop an aptitude for music early in young people in order to create a lifelong learning experience in music.

“A high calibre music education at a young age can have a profound effect in boosting a young person's self development, confidence and awareness”.

Like a tornado, the long awaited production of “Blowin’ a Gale” (A scouse parody of The Wizard of Oz) written and directed by Mr Maloney, arrived onto the brand new stage of Holly Lodge Girls’ College, after months of preparation.

It was a special and exciting occasion as it was the first major production to take place in the college’s state of the art, multi-functional space and the whirlwind production hit the ground; having the audience fill capacity on all four performances.

Terry Maloney, drama teacher at Holly Lodge, said: “The cast, made up of students from Year 7 to Year 12 excelled in demonstrating how talented the young people of Liverpool really are, they entertained the audience by becoming stereotypical characters one could find in Liverpool as Dorothy searches for a way to return home.

“Set and costumes were designed by Year 12 and Year 13 Art students which gave the performance an outstanding array of visual colour and added to the whole spectacle of the show.

“The whole production has helped to forge new friendships amongst students and develop confidence amongst many of the younger cast. “The work that everyone put in really helped to create such a fantastic week which everyone will remember.”

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Meet the Headteacher Michael Kennedy, St Mary’s College

Michael Kennedy has worked in a variety of school’s throughout his teaching career so far, and now in his role at Crosby’s independent fee-paying St Mary’s College, the principal is striving for a way to make the education on offer more inclusive for all.

Aiming for inclusion

by Natasha Young

I

n 2019, St Mary’s College will celebrate its milestone centenary year. It’s an occasion which will not only provide the school with an opportunity to reflect on its 100 years of success, but also a time to look to the future and the difference it can make moving forward.

With just four years to go celebratory plans are already forming, and one key initiative in particular is expected to have a lasting impact – St Mary’s College’s Centenary Fund. A pot of donations in honour of the school’s longrunning presence, it will not only be invested into new facilities to further enhance the education pupils receive, but it will also be dedicated to providing scholarships and bursaries.

“We’ll build up a fund and then invest it and effectively use it to enable those who can’t afford [school fees] to effectively come and it’ll pay the fees for them, or part of their fees to part fund them depending on their household income,” explains Michael who, now in his seventh year of heading up St Mary’s College, has been working towards a

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way of broadening the school’s reach beyond families who can meet the school’s educational costs.

Last year, proposals for the school to widen its access with a bid to become a free school - a move which it was hoped would have moved St Mary’s College ‘from fee to free’ whilst retaining its standards and values – didn’t go ahead.

“The social mix is very important and that was part of the motivation behind the free school bid we did last year,” says Michael. “It was to improve the accessibility to people in South Sefton and Liverpool, and that’s where we got a lot of interest from.”

“

We’ll build up a fund and then invest it and effectively use it to enable those who can’t afford (school fees) to effectively come and it’ll pay the fees for them

”

With a background working in comprehensives, boarding schools and independent schools, this social mix has been apparent throughout the career he has carved out in Stoke-on-Trent and back here in his native Merseyside and surrounding North West.

leadership and St Mary’s College’s strong value of “developing the whole person” and any individual talents they may have by the time he took the helm at the long-established Crosby school.

He recalls the start of his educational career, which itself was borne out of further exploring a personal strength.

The former pupil of Maghull’s Maricourt Catholic High School is a chemistry teacher by trade - a subject which he still teaches at A Level - and was also well acquainted with

“I was at university and someone asked me if I could help tutor them in maths,” he recalls. “Then they went on to pass, so I thought ‘I could get into this’.”

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By no means a one-off success, it prompted Michael into teaching and he eventually climbed the ladder to become a head of science and deputy head at St Anselm’s College in Birkenhead, before securing his first headship at Oakhill College – another independent Catholic school in Clitheroe, Lancashire.

Schooling his own children at St Mary’s College, it was during this time that Michael was subsequently invited to become a governor there.

Having been attracted to take on the principal position by the “feel of the place” and its strong Catholic values, Michael admits that his experience on the school’s governing body had already provided him with a “familiarity” of the inner workings at St Mary’s, making it easier to settle in and carry on with the task in hand, not to mention maintaining the school’s high performance.

Along with an alumni of well known achievers from renowned poet Roger McGough and former director general of the BBC, Lord John Birt to Cardinal Vincent Nichols, the Archbishop of Westminster and head of the Roman Catholic Church in England and Wales; St Mary’s also boasts a strong academic performance with its website highlighting “public examination results are consistently amongst the best in the area, both at GCSE and A Level”.

It’s a trait of the school which Michael believes goes hand in hand with that notion of developing students’ individual talents whether or not they lie in academia. With sport and music having long been important parts of St Mary’s, students are encouraged to take part in a range of lunchtime and after school activities and events and, having co-ordinated Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programmes throughout his time in teaching, Michael is well aware of the benefits such additional interests

can have on young peoples’ productivity.

“Those who do more seem to do better,” explains Michael. “They say ‘if you want something doing, ask a busy person’ and pupils who do more activities have learned other skills like multi-tasking”.

As for the curriculum, Michael says the school is “always looking to bring in new subjects and vary the diet that is provided,” and this new academic year will be no different. Following the addition of Latin in the last year, 2015/16 will see pupils learning more cookery skills as opposed to just food technology, to better equip them for later in life and moving away to university.

“It’s about providing innovative education with traditional values,” adds Michael.

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Secondary News

Wheely good Pupils get their skates on Young skaters and BMX bikers have been given a chance to hone and show their skills thanks to The Birkenhead Park School.

Headteacher Geraint Parry invited Rampworx into school to allow enthusiasts the chance to practice in the safety of their lunchtime enrichment club.

Enthusiastic students have been learning their ‘ollies’ from their ‘fakies’ and practicing their ‘Casper flips’ and ‘crooked grinds’ using skateboards, scooters and bikes.

Safely donned in helmets and t-shirts the students of The Birkenhead Park School also visited Rampworx as part of the schools revolutionary rewards programme.

Geraint Parry the Headteacher said: “Our enrichment programme is as varied as you could imagine, with everything from theatre groups to language societies, but we also offer sporting activity too, and to complement our gym club and highly successful football teams, some students wanted to have a go at wheeled activities too.

“We are lucky to have Rampworx nearby, and they have been fantastic offering our students something that they would normally have to travel to out of school hours.

“Seeing them honing their skills has been a frightening as it has been rewarding, but it is done with a safety first approach.”

Students wow at event The music department at St Hilda’s CE High School was invited to the Liverpool Town Hall to perform at a special event.

The performance was at The Freedom Roll of Associations and Institutions of the City of Liverpool ceremony.

The ceremony was to celebrate the Citizens Advice Bureau, as it has just been granted the Freedom of the City in recognition of the free, independent and impartial advice it offers to the citizens of Liverpool.

The Liverpool city centre branch alone currently deals with approximately 35,000 enquiries each year, all offering free and impartial advice.

The girls delighted guests with items such as Handel’s Sonatina in D minor, Flower Duet by Delibes and even a boomwhacker arrangement of Eye of the Tiger!

A Level pupil Anna impressed guests with her masterful performance of The Acrobat on trombone, while GCSE pupil Kate thrilled the crowd with her own composition.

Miss Linforth, said: “St Hilda’s music department loved its involvement on the day and offered pupils the perfect opportunity to rehearse ahead of their Good Vibrations Summer Concert.”

Sporting superstars Both the boys and girls sports teams from St Ambrose Barlow High School were victorious on the track and field, winning the Bootle Sports Athletics Championships.

Headteacher Mr Hall, said: “There were some fantastic displays of running, throwing and jumping against other schools in the south Sefton area and this resulted in both teams winning overall, a first for the school and a wonderful achievement.

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Guide to Assessment Changes

A NEW WAY OF THINKING Changes in how pupils are assessed

Words by Amelia Heathman

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Guide to Assessment Changes

“

Schools will be allowed to have greater control and input into the way assessments will work in their school, allowing the assessment process to be adapted to the best way possible

The new national curriculum introduced in September 2014 has led to a change in the assessment of pupils in primary and secondary schools. The previous system, when children were assessed using ‘levels’, was considered outdated, difficult for parents to understand, and the Department for Education felt that it failed to ensure that children had enough knowledge at each national curriculum level.

The old system: Levels Previously, children in primary school would be assessed in levels. For example, the average child was expected to achieve at least ‘Level 2’ in English, maths and science in their KS1 SATs, and ‘Level 4’ in the KS2 SATs. This system was heavily criticised as being confusing for parents, and that this style of grading didn’t really represent what a child was capable of. The Department of Education went back to the drawing board and introduced a new system in 2014, which all schools will be using from September 2015. The first new KS1 and KS2 tests in English, maths and science will be sat by pupils in the Summer 2016.

The new system: Changes Now levels are off the table, it’s up to schools what type of assessments they want to use. There will still be the formal assessments at the end of KS1 and KS2 , but the assessing of this and throughout the school year will be different.

Freedom Schools can choose their own informal ways of assessing their pupils, and it can be done in ways that work better for them. Schools will be allowed to have greater control and input into the way assessments will work in their school, allowing the assessment process to be adapted to the best way possible. In general though, pupils will be expected to work at the average, or above, for their year group.

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Guide to Assessment Changes

CASE STUDY Corinthian Community Primary School ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

If you’re unsure about how your child’s primary school is going to be assessing them now, check the school’s website or check with them what the new system is going to be. ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

Corinthian Community Primary School in West Derby already has its new assessment in place. Instead of using levels, pupils at the school will be assessed using a ‘bands’ system. Each year group is a ‘band’ and there are three terms of learning within that band: B, meaning beginning the band, W, working within the band, or Secure, ready to move on to the next band.

The thinking is that children will start the year group at the beginning of the band, move on to the second band by Easter term, Working, so working at the right expectation for the year group by spring and be working at the final band, Secure by the end of year or the summer. Secure means the child will have all the knowledge and skills ready to move up to the next year.

However, as the emphasis on the new assessment process is that not all children will be working at the same level, because not all children are the same, Corinthian make clear that not every child will start at B for the beginning of the year, and it will depend on the individual children and their needs. It is this need for individuality which has called for the change from the levels of system of merely 2C, 2B, or 2A for example.

Corinthian will work alongside other local schools to agree and moderate attainment levels, as well as the school receiving external moderation from the Local Authority.

Standards Whereas before with levels, children were expected to achieve a Level 2 at the end of KS1, and achieve a Level 4 at the end of KS2, a prescribed ‘standards’ system has been suggested to be employed at schools. These standards will be subject to the average of the year group for the whole country, and there are five all together.

From highest to lowest, they will be: mastery; above national standard; national standard; working towards national standard; and below national standard.

Outstanding schools As teachers will have more freedoms in choosing the way they assess and monitor pupils, schools will look to outstanding schools and see what they’re doing in terms of assessment. Schools will be able to take inspiration in this manner, and base their assessment processes on outstanding schools to encourage their schools to do better.

End of Key Stage assessments Alongside the changes, there will be new end of Key Stage tests for children.

There will be new end of KS1 tests and at the end of KS2.

At the end of KS2, there will be teacher assessments for reading, maths and science, where teachers will make a judgement against one piece of work. However, in writing, teachers will be asked to choose from one of several pieces of work that will best describe the child’s attainment.

National scoring for schools The new assessments will translate into new scorings for schools. With the new KS2 tests, children will receive a scaled score between 80 and 120. 100 will be the expected score, so indicating the child will be ‘secondary ready’ and have all the knowledge and skills they need to move up to Year 7.

Parents will see their child’s score, as well as the average scaled score for the school, the region the school is in, and the national average too. This allows an indicator for parents to see how the school itself is doing too, and compare their child’s school to other schools in the region.

Informal assessments Under the new system, teachers will be encouraged to assess their pupils informally on a regular basis. In this way, children will be informally assessed by their teachers using ‘performance indicators’, whereby it will be monitored what pupils know and are able to do at the time of testing.

This will allow teachers an opportunity to check if the children in their class are working at the expected level for their year group, allowing them to spot where pupils are falling behind and may need extra help, as well as recognising when a pupil is exceeding and doing well.

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Guide to Assessment Changes

More parent-teacher conversation As a result of the emphasis on more informal assessments, teachers will be encouraged to provide more regular feedback to children and their parents than before. Parents will be more actively aware of how their child is doing in school, so they can be more supportive of their child’s learning.

Many teachers think that the loss of levels may even lead to broader reporting, as teachers won’t be set within a confined way of analysing how a child is doing, which will lead to more relevant and personal reporting of a child’s progress.

“

The Government recently announced plans to ensure that all pupils study the Ebacc to GCSE. This measure will be implemented for all pupils starting Year 7 this September who will take their GCSE examinations in 2020.

GCSE: The changes explained Changes to GCSE assessments have been in place since last year, when the Government implemented a new system which scrapped modular assessments in favour of a more linear approach and prevented students from resitting exams.

Speaking and listening assessments were also withdrawn putting more focus on written exams, grammar and punctuation.

Grading From September, new GCSEs in English language, English literature and maths will be taught in schools and the grading system will be completely transformed.

Students will no longer be awarded an A*to G but the grading system will become numerical and GCSEs will instead be ranked 9-1, with 9 being the highest grade.

Students beginning their GCSEs this year will therefore receive 9-1 grades in these subjects when they pick up their exams in 2017. The new system will also be implemented for other subjects from next year.

Grade 5 will be the equivalent of a C grade and will become the new benchmark for what is deemed a good pass at GCSE.

Subjects From September, it will be compulsory for all students to study English Baccalaureate (EBacc) core subjects of English, maths, science, a language and history or geography.

English Literature will no longer be a compulsory subject and students who opt to take it as a GCSE will study a new syllabus which focuses on more traditional texts such as Shakespeare.

The Government recently announced plans to ensure that all pupils study the Ebacc to GCSE. This measure will be implemented for all pupils starting Year 7 this September who will take their GCSE examinations in 2020.

In maths, one of the main changes to the syllabus involves a greater focus on finance and learning that can be translated into the ‘real world’. Students will also be required to learn formulae by heart and the percentage of calculator based assessment will be decreased.

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“An Outstanding Catholic School” Liverpool Archdiocese

Open Evening Thursday 24th September

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Meet the Headteacher Les Rippon, St Francis Xavier’s College (SFX)

A lot has changed for St Francis Xavier’s College (SFX) since Les Rippon first joined the school back in 1995, including the school building itself, which is currently undergoing a major refurbishment. His vision for his pupils, however, remains the same, as Educate finds out.

Fostering talent

by Natasha Young

F

or Les Rippon, headteacher at St Francis Xavier’s, one of the benefits of being at the helm of a school is the ability to recognise and develop ability and talent amongst the staff. At SFX, the Catholic academy in Woolton where he has taught since 1995, that job was made all the easier thanks to the fact he knew the school so well when he took on the head role in 2004.

“You are obviously very much aware of the strengths of the school,” he says.

“Obviously you know the staff as well and that’s important because you can identify those people who’d be good at certain things and you can build up a team around you in order to take the school forward.”

Les started his career in County Durham, taking his first teaching job, as a geography teacher, in 1979. In 1987 he moved to the North West and was appointed head of geography at Rainhill High School in St Helen’s, before moving to SFX in 1995.

It is this ability and passion for nurturing talent that is behind plans currently underway to redevelop the school building. The existing school 50

building was originally built in 1961 when the 173 year old college moved to Woolton and the school is currently seeing new £7.5 million facilities take shape that will transform daily school life.

“The big aim was to make sure that we had a school that was going to cater for all of its pupils in terms of whatever their ability is and whatever their gifts and talents might be”, says Les. “We wanted to create a school whereby everybody feels as though they’re important, that pupils can excel in the area they are best at. By that I don’t mean that they leave school with A* A Level grades – that’s great if they’re doing that but for those pupils who maybe aren’t as academically able we’re able to set them up on a course for life, if you like. That’s been the main aim since I started in 2004.”

The new facilities include a state of the art science block, which will be ready for the start of the new 2015/16 school year and a sports hall which is expected to be completed by October.

The hall is designed so that sports can be played at club and regional level, including trampolining, five-a-side football, badminton, volley ball, netball, indoor cricket and athletics and is equipped with an electronic scoreboard

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

“

Change happens, and as long as it’s for the benefit of the youngsters going through the system then everybody’s fully supportive of that

”

and Wi-Fi connected to a plasma screen.

The redevelopment also includes the creation of a new, safer entrance from Woolton Hill Road rather than Beaconsfield Road.

The new building will complement Les’, and indeed SFX’s, ethos of making every child count and developing their skills.

“It’s about being able to have a system whereby we recognise the achievements of all,” says Les. “We might have an awards evening to recognise an academic achievement.

We can have a sports evening to recognise sporting achievement. We can have awards presented through school for pupils that have made the most

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progress in something. They haven’t got the best mark but they’ve made the most progress. It’s about making sure that we’ve got an effective school council so we’re listening to the views of pupils and that they feel valued and part of the whole system.”

Interestingly the actual building work taking place is also playing a part in this philosophy. According to Les, giving pupils an opportunity to have their voices heard in the design stages of the development was important, as the school strives to recognise the achievements of every student and help them to progress, making them feel like a valued part of “the family of SFX”.

“Pupils have had quite an input in terms of the design of various parts of the building,” he explains. “They’ve had an input into the colour schemes in the new science building, they chose the colour of the new flooring, the colour of the walls, and more recently we’ve been looking at new names for various buildings in the school so some pupils have been working with the governors

on those.”

Meanwhile, although the phased construction scheme has brought about “quite a logistical exercise” for the school, it’s also highlighted an example of a career achiever who previously studied at SFX. “One of the site managers for the construction company, Kier, is a former pupil of the school,” says Les. “Her name is Rachel and she was in our sixth form about six or seven years ago. She went off to university, qualified and then got a job in the construction industry so she’s done really well, and it’s very interesting to see her managing all of these people on the site.”

Plus, with work taking place just metres away from a functioning existing building at times, SFX has also found practical and academic ways to make the best of the busy environment.

“The building company has taken pupils around (the building site) on a number of occasions, and pupils stay there all day with questions such as ‘why does this go here?’ and ‘how do

you build this?’” says Les. “From a curriculum point of view it’s also been good because people have, if they’re doing some maths teaching for example, got some real life examples just outside of the window of why it’s important to get accurate measurements of certain things. Or if it’s technology it’ll be looking at building materials and the environmental impact of certain materials that they’ve got there in front of them to see.”

Inevitably, smoothly adapting to the new facilities and ensuring they are fully utilised is high on the agenda for the forthcoming academic year at SFX, and whilst it will be a time of transition for the school, Les has become adept at managing change during his long career in education.

“Change happens, and as long as it’s for the benefit of the youngsters going through the system then everybody’s fully supportive of that,” he explains, adding: “The needs of the pupils have got to come first every time.”

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News

Be aware - stay safe A Merseyside Police initiative to educate school children on how to stay safe around dogs has been given the backing of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside.

Jane Kennedy visited Liverpool College, where the scheme was started, to see for herself how dog handlers from the force are teaching youngsters how to behave around dogs.

Fred, the animatronic Golden Retriever, has visited schools across Merseyside with handler Constable Stuart Davidson to show pupils they should not approach dogs when they are sleeping or eating, should ask dog owners if they can stroke their pets and that dogs who appear to be smiling may actually be displaying aggression.

Pupils are then shown images of dogs and asked how they would respond in the same situations before being introduced to Fred.

Inspector Gareth Phelps, from the dogs and mounted section, said: “This initiative has proved a great success.

The feedback we have had from the schools we have already visited has been overwhelming and we have been inundated with requests to go into more schools, so we are hopeful that we will continue to roll out the scheme across Merseyside.

“It is great to hear that pupils and parents have taken on board the advice we have been giving. Hopefully this proactive approach will mean a significant reduction in the number of children who become the victims of dog bites in Merseyside.”

Gail Gannon, headmistress of Pre-Prep at Liverpool College, said: “Our ethos is about developing the whole child. As a teacher my role is to keep children safe and educate them. It is vital children

learn how to evaluate risk and keep themselves safe as they grow.

“As a mother I want to protect my child and give him the tools to recognise danger and know how to protect himself when I’m not there. As an animal lover I want children to learn about the dog’s view too.

“This isn’t about dangerous dogs it’s about all dogs and learning how to behave around them so that no child has to suffer.”

Jane Kennedy (centre) with pre-prep pupils from Liverpool College

Students shine at music festival

Children perform at this year’s Passion for Music Festival Thousands of school children from across Liverpool joined together for a unique singing event.

Resonate, Liverpool’s Music Hub which provides music education for hundreds of pupils across schools in the city, hosted a unique singing celebration at the newly refurbished Philharmonic Hall.

The fourth Passion for Music Festival 52

week began with 1,300 young people performing at a spectacular concert in front of headteachers, parents, pupils, dignitaries and businesses from across the city.

Primary schools in attendance included Belle Vale, All Saints and Whitefield, while secondary schools Notre Dame Catholic College and St Julie’s also took part in the music

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festival.

Jonathan Dickson, head of service at Resonate, said: “It was a really special opportunity for the children to perform in such fine surroundings, something we know Liverpool's young people relish.

“We’ve been really excited about it and it is the culmination of so much hard work by so many people... it was a fitting end to the academic year.”

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Our new science and sports facilities Autumn 2015 Year 6 Open Evening Tuesday 22 September from 6.30pm We aim for excellence in all aspects of college life, our commitment to this is reflected in the £7.5m investment in the 11 new science laboratories, sports hall and music suite. This contributes to maintaining the high-quality of teaching and learning, whilst sustaining our position as a centre of academic excellence in a safe environment.

To find out more please call 0151 288 1000 or email admin@sfx.liverpool.sch.uk

www.sfx.liverpool.sch.uk

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Viewpoint

Should mobiles be allowed in classrooms?

A study by the London School of Economics into the impact of mobile phones on student performance found that test results improved in schools where mobile phones were banned. More than 90% of teenagers own a mobile phone and although there is no current UK government policy relating to mobile phone use at schools, it is up to the individual school to set its own restrictions.

However smart phones are also mini computers and many schools utilise students’ mobile devices in their classrooms during lessons. With an ongoing debate on the subject what do our panel think?

Shaun McInerney, principal - Life Sciences UTC Learning happens best when we are using all the resources we have – our senses; our emotions; our brains; and the devices that help us harness and organise the knowledge we need to deepen our understanding. Once upon a time schools used old technology: quill and parchment; chalk and blackboards; overhead projectors! Now, it is mobile devices that allow our

students to access the latest research, data, ‘how to’ guides and powerful imagery that can bring even the driest GCSE topics alive. Misusing technology is bound to impede student learning so we need to ensure students use the technology at their disposal responsibly, both inside and outside school.

Tim Alderman, headteacher - St Julie’s Catholic High School There are many positive attributes to mobile phones and they do come with many excellent features. However, at St Julie's, I do not allow students to have phones switched on or visible through the day.

I actually think there is very good guidance on the use of mobile phones in schools. Ofsted state "Teachers should plan lessons very effectively, making maximum use of lesson time and coordinating lesson resources well." With so many distractions such as games and social media, not to mention the plethora of platforms and software on these different phones, the risk of failure is great. Schools have excellent ICT facilities these days and to rely on a vast array of phones in a lesson is not good planning. Not to mention the pressure it puts on the several

children in the class who do not have smart phones, or do but their features are not enabled.

However, the greater concern is still around inappropriate use of mobile phones in schools. Cyber bullying, broadcasting inappropriate messages to many others, distribution of obscene images, threats of violence, grooming, the list is extensive. As representative for Secondary Schools on the Liverpool Safeguarding Children Board I am acutely aware of how phones are used to target vulnerable children, and incidents of child sexual exploitation and cyber bullying are well documented.

Phones are not necessary in school. Providing a safe and secure environment is.

Stephen Brierley, principal - St Margaret’s Church of England Academy Mobile technology has significant implications in many areas of life, not least education; at St Margaret’s we recognise that the world for which we are preparing our young people today is very different from the world for which we teachers were prepared! Whilst there are undoubtedly many opportunities for creative teachers to harness mobile technology in their teaching, there are also, sadly, equally many opportunities for such technology to be misused in a school setting: I am sure every headteacher will have dealt with more than one case of ‘cyber-bullying’ in their time. That is why most headteachers

will, rightly in our opinion, forbid (or at least limit) the use of mobile ’phones in school – as is the case here. But that doesn’t mean we can ignore the impact mobile technology will have on our young people’s lives. Here at St Margaret’s we work hard to educate our learners in the right and wrong way to use technology; through our Christian values, we help each learner develop their moral compass, so that each individual is equipped for life in an increasingly uncertain, and rapidlychanging, world.

Have your say: To suggest or contribute to a topic for debate in Viewpoint email us at: educate@merseymirror.com www.educatemagazine.com 54

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Thoughts Worth Sharing

CURRICULUM VITAE

EDUCATION STATS

James Kerfoot Headteacher, Childwall Sports & Science Academy (CSSA)

Your Education: I attended the King’s School, Chester after being fortunate enough to attain a scholarship. I achieved 10 O-Levels and 4 A-levels. I attended Nottingham University and received a BA Hons, History and obtained my PGCE teaching qualification from Manchester Metropolitan University.

What’s the secret of your success: Resilience and relentless optimism and being lucky enough to have a great team. I am passionate about the fact that everyone in a school is a learner. I attempt to role-model this to staff, students and parents and I give myself a mission to learn every day. I would like to think my other ‘secret’ is being passionate about unlocking students’ creativity and ensuring that they maximise their potential.

What advice would you give to somebody starting out in education: To a young teacher, I would say: “Be a sponge!” Find good role models and learn from them. Enjoy every day and be passionate about working with children and remember the adage that “Children’s learning is not a rehearsal”- They never get their time back so give of your best, every day. To a student, I would say: “Don’t be afraid to fail.”

What makes CSSA different: The passion of the staff and the ability to go the extra mile for the students. We have 42 languages spoken and are a truly inclusive academy. I watch our staff rolling their sleeves up and giving everything to the students which makes me very proud. We have an aspirational and innovative curriculum; a wide range of extra-curricular activities and we really do get to know every child as an individual.

Tell us about CSSA plans for the next 12 months: We have just seen our results go up at both KS4 and 5 and we are planning for all the upcoming exam changes by working intensively with our KS3 students to prepare them. We are also launching the ‘Childwall Learning Gateway’ which is an online platform for all of our parents to view their child’s achievement, attendance and behaviour. We really want to improve our communications with parents and are looking to use emergent technologies to achieve this.

Other than that, our plans are always the same… Be relentless about achieving the best for our students and ensuring they have a great experience at Childwall.

Tweet all about it The five best educational tweets

@CllrNickSmall Well done to everyone getting A-level and AS level results in Liverpool today - what an amazing achievement!

@EducateAwards Exciting news! Delighted to welcome @NCSIngeus to #EA15! They will be sponsoring the #LifeSkills Award.

@lpoolstudio Jack won the #YGD BAFTA for his game Utopia of Rhythm! We are incredibly proud well done Jack, what an amazing achievement! @BAFTAGames

@Joannechocolat 10. Libraries help strengthen communities. In an increasingly fragmented society, we need them more than ever. #TenTweetsAboutLibraries

@ParkBrowCP Great news... We have been the top Kirkby school, in entering the most sports competitions, this school year. Well done to all involved.

2,740,000

The secondary school population has been falling since 2005 and was 2,740,000 in 2015.

However, the number of pupils in state-funded secondary schools starts to rise in 2016 as a result of increase in the birth rate since 2002.

15.2 per cent

Percentage of pupils in state-funded schools (and local authority alternative provision) known to be eligible for and claiming free school meals. This has fallen from 16.3 per cent in January 2014.

15 per cent

Pupils in state-funded secondary schools exposed at home to a language known or believed to be other than English. This is up from 14.3 per cent in January 2014.

4 per cent

National curriculum assessments at Key Stage 2 in England, 2015 have increased by four per cent for grammar, punctuation and spelling test results

1.86 per cent

The percentage of pupils receiving one or more fixed period exclusions has fallen from 1.92 per cent of pupils (146,070) in 2012/13 to 18.6 per cent of pupils (142,850) in 2013/14, which is the lowest figure since 2006/07

£14.8 billion

The total income for academies in 2013/14

£14.7 billion The total expenditure for academies in 2013/14

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Thoughts Worth Sharing

Headteacher Talk

Dr S J Hulme

from St Michael’s Church of England High School

One thing I wished I had learned at school: My Gloucestershire Grammar school provided an excellent grounding but there were no opportunities for learning outside of the classroom. My first job was in a boarding school set in 364 acres and I became aware of how much students could benefit from a much wider view of the concept of learning. This is something that I have brought to St Michael’s when we opened our school farm recently and the ‘St Michael’s Mere’ woodland walk within our own grounds.

The book I haven’t read that I must: Where do I start? There are so many and so little time! I seem to have not read ‘all’ the books by certain key authors so I would like to find the time to read all of Austen, Dickens, Eliot, Tolkien et al rather than just the more popular titles. I also enjoy a good contemporary novel and concur with Jane Austen who states (rather bluntly!) that ’the person, be it gentleman or lady, who has not pleasure in a good novel, must be intolerably stupid.’

My Favourite

and why Claire Dove OBE DL CEO | Blackburne House

The education story that has caught my eye: I am interested in using the latest technologies to inspire and aid learning, and to that end we have introduced ‘Kindles’ and ‘3D’ learning at St Michael’s to good effect, but there are a range of new developments in this area that I have my eye on at the moment!

Exciting times ahead.

What I am most proud of about our school: St Michael’s is a Church of England High school where we place our Christian Ethos at the heart of all we do, and I believe that it is this that has engendered such a warm caring environment for students to learn.

There are so many examples of staff ‘going the extra mile’ for the students to help them achieve their full potential despite whatever hurdles they might face. I am also proud that our students and staff who worked so hard last year and achieved the best ever results in the history of the school, improving the life chances for each and every young person.

“ “Nothing My favourite quote is: “This is a wonderful quote as I have witnessed over many years of working in the education sector how those tiny achievements build and build into the most amazing success stories. We should all celebrate those successes no matter how small.”

succeeds like success. Get a little success and then just get a little more.”

”

Maya Angelou

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News

New sponsors support The Educate Awards The Educate Awards is delighted to announce that MerseySTEM and National Citizen Service have joined The Educate Awards 2015 as associate sponsors.

MerseySTEM work on lots of different projects to bring exciting science, technology, engineering and mathematics to schools across the North West.

Described as the ‘hidden wiring in the system’, MerseySTEM work hard to build and maintain relationships with schools, businesses, industry, colleges and universities so that they can strategically match-make opportunities with need.

The work it does to promote STEM makes it the perfect match to sponsor the Science Project of the Year category.

Michelle Dow, managing director of MerseySTEM, said: “It is an honour and a pleasure for MerseySTEM to be a sponsor for The Educate Awards and we are so proud to be funding the Science Project of the Year Award!

“The awards recognise so many areas of education, the scope of categories is fantastic. MerseySTEM are all about facilitating and promoting STEM, what better way than to give recognition to schools who are excelling in science. We can’t wait to attend the ceremony, celebrate the projects and congratulate the winner.”

The National Citizen Service (NCS) is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 16 to 17 year olds to experience new challenges, learn new skills and make new friends on a four or two week government-backed programme. NCS gives young people skills, opportunities and experiences they can use to succeed in life, whatever they choose to do.

This year, NCS will sponsor the Outstanding Teaching of Life Skills Award, a new category which awards schools that are equipping students with the skills they need for life, such as money management, cooking skills, mental wellbeing and personal development.

GRADUATION SUCCESS

Sefton pupils celebrated their graduation

Sefton Children’s University celebrated another successful year with over 1550 students graduating at Edge Hill University!

The magnificent setting hosted 12 ceremonies for the 38 primary schools and two high schools who participated in the programme.

All graduates had reached the CU milestones by the end of their key stage in order to receive their certificate, having taken part in voluntary learning.

The certificates recognised students from the bronze award for 30 hours of learning right the way up to 1000 hours, 58

the doctorate level.

In total, graduates of 2015 had notched up over 200,000 hours of extra-curricular learning, from after-school clubs to visiting one of our many learning destinations with their ‘Passport to Learning’.

Laura Grigsby, Children’s University manager, said: “Congratulations to all our graduates of 2015 - you have made yourself, your school and your family very proud.

“Thanks to our sponsors, Southport Rugby Football Club for their continued support”.

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

Sarah Hartley, NCS National marketing manager, said: “National Citizen Service (NCS) are delighted to be sponsoring The Educate Awards with the Teaching of Life Skills category.

“We believe strongly in the value of helping young people access and achieve the skills, experiences and opportunities that help them to succeed.

We want to celebrate those schools who believe as we do, in the importance of supporting young people to develop the courage, confidence and ability to achieve the personal and social development skills that enable them to progress and succeed throughout life.”

Earlier this year it was announced Connex Education will return as a title sponsor, alongside associate sponsors Adlib Solutions, Carillion plc, The Foundry Agency, Schools 4 Health Knowsley, eCadets, Paul Crowley & Co, Liverpool Hope University, Greater Merseyside Learning Providers’ Federation, Vivark and The City of Liverpool College.

Showcase your talented artists dot-art Schools are now recruiting for their 4th annual art competition. dot-art Schools is an interactive, online, inter-school art competition which culminates in an exhibition of the winning artworks in the city centre.

Arts professionals shortlist entries and the public vote to select the winners. The competition is open to both primary (Year 6) and secondary (Year 9) schools in the six boroughs of the Liverpool City Region.

Since 2012 over 2,500 children from over 80 primary and secondary schools in the Liverpool City Region have participated.

Susan Coles, guest judge and president of the National Society for Education in Art & Design in 2014 said: “Schools are under such pressure these days, so events like this are so very important- they highlight and showcase, celebrate and share...”

Interested schools need to sign up by 16 December 2015 at http://schools.dot-art.com/contact or contact project manager, Carolyn Murray on 0345 017 666.

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Academic Year already drawing to a close Mark Beadles, Managing Director

The new academic year is upon us, bringing a new set of challenges.

Let’s hope school leaders in particular managed to get a bit of sunshine over the summer - those lingering endorphins are going to come in handy as they get to grips with what 2015/16 may have in store for them!

Top of the list for most schools will be the looming teacher shortage due to the perfect storm of rising birth rates and declining numbers entering teacher training.

There is much debate about the reasons for this decline but no difference of opinion over the challenges schools are going to face dealing with the other half of the coin – more and more families queuing to get in, how to accommodate the extra numbers, and where to find the staff they need to educate them...

A few statistics will help make the problem clear: • In 2014-2015 the number of students entering teacher training was 4,000 fewer than the Government’s target, and 7,700 fewer than in 2010.

• The Department for Education's annual school census report has revealed a 2.1% increase in primary numbers. The primary school population in England has continued to rise sharply, with 94,000 extra pupils this year - the highest level in nearly 50 years.

• The demand for extra places is forecast to be another 460,000 during the next five years - a continuing and increasing pressure on the schools. There are now 87 primary schools with more than 800 pupils, up from 58 in just 2013. That pressure is now filtering up to secondary level.

The report also notes that ethnic minority pupils made up 71% of the increase, so language barriers are a potential increasing challenge and staff with additional language skills will be in huge demand.

Mindful of all of this (and given that our raison d’etre is to solve these problems, not suffer from them!) over the summer we’ve been very hard at work registering and vetting NQTs, qualified teachers and teaching assistants to help meet this demand in our schools. In this we have had the advantage of having a reputation among supply teachers for treating them a great deal better than some others in the business, which has made recruitment a little easier. It also means we hang on to our staff for longer.

While we aren’t complacent about our reputation or our staff levels (after all, the supply workforce is by its nature a particularly mobile and changing one) for now we are very pleased - and relieved! - to be able to say that as we go into September we have a large database of excellent, qualified and fully vetted staff signed up and ready to step in to both emergency day-to-day supply and longer term posts at short notice.

Our advice would be that schools with unexpected vacancies this September and those with posts they’ve been unable to recruit to would be wise to get themselves sorted with an agency which is going to look after them as soon as they can, as they’ll be in stiff competition to attract the right staff.

Similarly, teaching staff looking for work this academic year could do a lot worse than join a supply team. It’s a great way to sample a lot of different schools before settling for one that really clicks. Obviously, we’d like them to join us. Our books are pretty healthy already, but we work hard at being good to work for (we would say that, I know, but nonetheless it’s true) and there’s always more room for excellent, adaptable staff who are up for meeting with us the challenges that the world of education is now facing.

Compton House, School Lane, Liverpool L1 3BT (off Hanover Street) TEL: 0151 329 2727 FAX: 0151 329 2728 liverpool@connex-education.com

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Rubbish Friends Pupils at primary schools in Southport have taken part in a special art project to raise awareness of littering.

School children were asked to design a poster advertising ‘Rubbish Friends’ - a local initiative aimed at encouraging people of all ages to dispose of their waste responsibly.

Rubbish Friends was introduced in 2012 by councillors Pat Keith and Sue McGuire in a bid to decrease the amount of litter within the local community.

Cllr Keith came up with the idea for the poster design competition which was won by Grace Wareing - a Year 6 pupil at St Patrick’s RC Primary School.

Grace’s design will now be seen on Sefton Council refuse wagons in Southport along with other designs from budding artists Travis Bennett from Kings Meadow Primary School, Abigail Finn from Marshside Primary School and Class 8 at Merefield School who were all commended in the competition.

Posters with all four designs will also go onto the large litter bins in and around Southport.

Cllr Pat Keith said: “The response from Southport schools was magnificent and I’m delighted that children have taken this opportunity to lead the way.

“Young people have a great ability to communicate in a simple way yet deliver a powerful message as the winning entries demonstrate.

“It’s not only a great boost for our campaign but it should also encourage people to consider their own environment and respect their surroundings.

“The Rubbish Friends project has proved to be very successful and we are keen to spread the messages to our local schools.

“A big congratulations to all the children who took the time to enter the competition and well done to Grace Wareing and the other designers who can see their efforts emblazoned on refuse wagons and litter bins across the town.”

Teach the teachers!

Legh Vale Primary School in St Helens have been selected to spearhead a range of initiatives across the region to recycle or reuse everything from textiles to furniture.

The school will receive funding from the Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority (MRWA) and Veolia’s Community Fund.

Legh Vale have introduced ‘The Haydock Permaculture Garden Project’, a bespoke permaculture ’show’ garden at the school which will help promote the benefits of sustainability and low impact lifestyles to other schools, groups and projects on Merseyside.

Using an existing outdoor space, household and school materials will be recycled and turned into usable products. The project will include a series of ‘Teach the Teachers’ and parents/child session to provide a skills sharing platform.

MRWA chairperson, Councillor Graham Morgan said: “The community fund is about reducing and preventing the amount of household waste we all produce but, in supporting schools and groups, will this year directly support whole communities and help everyone, from homeless people to vulnerable families, as well”.

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Grace Wareing, a Year 6 pupil at St Patrick’s RC Primary School (2nd right), with her winning Rubbish Friends poster design on a Sefton Council refuse vehicle along with Cllr Pat Keith and other winning designers

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Sponsored by

Keeping on top of recycling A powerful message for the school community When staff and students at St Margaret’s Church of England Academy (SMA) were asked to collect old bottle tops, of all colours and sizes, nobody truly envisioned just what would be achieved from the collection.

Whilst everyone knew they were to be used for an activity at the summer school as part of a day of “Amazing Art” no one knew just what a striking final piece of artwork they would create.

The day-long project was masterminded by Stephanie Davidson and her team in the art department and every staff member and student at SMA were stunned at the final outcome.

Stephanie Davidson said: “There was an obvious theme of environmental awareness and looking after our planet, the students considered their responsibility in this.

“Overall it was a practical day encompassing elements of design technology and harnessing each person’s creativity.

“The result is this colourful piece which every student has contributed to

which was shown to families at the summer school celebration.

“The school will then make this a permanent art installation, announcing a powerful message to the whole school

community.

“The hardest part now, is deciding just where this can be positioned to have pride of place within the school environment”.

Mayor helps growers The Lord Mayor of Liverpool, Tony Concepcion, joined headteacher, Lorraine Walwyn, chair of governors, Glyn Thomson and the PTA at Mab Lane Primary School to prepare planters for growing plants and vegetables.

The planters, which were supplied by Tesco, will be used by the pupils.

The pupils will take care of the planters, harvest and use for food technology and small business ideas.

The initiative, organised by Karen McGuinness, chair of the PTA is wholly funded by Tesco Deysbrook and their champion in the community member, Vicky Nolan, joined the staff and children in the opening ceremony and joined in with the activities.

Headteacher, Lorraine Walwyn said: "We are extremely grateful to everyone involved who has helped the children benefit from a broadened curriculum and hands on experience of growing, harvesting and preparing their own food”.

Back row left to right: Jackie Spencer, Lorraine Walwyn, headteacher, Cllr Tony Concepcion, Rev Glyn Thomson, Sharon Coughlin, Vicky Nolan (Tesco champ), Michelle Dowling. Front row left to right: Sarah Hughes, Karen McGuiness and Sarah Railton.

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Sponsored by

Amazing show success School scoop first prize at Cheshire Show Staff and pupils at St Michael’s High School were celebrating their amazing success as they scooped first prizes at the prestigious Cheshire Show.

Students who work on the school farm took part in the show for the first time this year and were delighted to bring back a collection of first prize rosettes and even a trophy for ‘Best in Breed’ for the flock of sheep bred in the school grounds.

When their sheep produced three little lambs, born on site this spring, the pupils were incredibly proud and really wanted to show them off.

When it was time to demonstrate their skills with the flock, pupils donned white coats and flat caps and entered the show ring well prepared with newly trained sheep.

As the show began, pupils were keen to see if this hard work was going to pay off. First prizes and red rosettes were then awarded to every class the school entered, much to the delight of the pupils.

Anthony Sullivan, a Year 10 pupil, saw his determination and hard work had paid off when he managed to show one of the ewes so well that she was awarded Champion North Ronaldsay at the show.

Anthony said: “I was really nervous, loads of people were watching, but I kept looking at the judge and making sure the sheep was standing well.”

After the show, happy sheep and pupils returned to school with the coveted Malthouse Trophy, awarded for the top North Ronaldsay sheep in the show which now has pride of place in the trophy cabinet

The wonders of recycling Disco fever

hits Ashurst Kirsty Martin from Veolia with winner, Mia McPherson and her sisters Lydia and Rose

Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre held two waste and recycling wonder open days this summer for visitors to discover what happens to their recycling after it’s been collected and to witness the technology and processes used to sort paper from plastic bottles and cardboard from cans.

Attracting over 200 visitors, the events also showcased local projects who work in the community to prevent waste through reducing, reusing and recycling.

Jonathan Hutchinson from Project UP showed how easy it is to upcycle furniture.

Tomorrow’s Women Wirral were also in attendance and presented crafts made at their base, Inspiration Hall, from cushions made from recycled jeans to flowers made from plastic bags and old books.

There was also a hamper up for grabs, donated by Tesco, Park Road. The lucky winner was Mia McPherson.

Chloe McPherson, Mia’s mum said: “We all had a great day; lots of interesting information and lovely activities for the kids. The centre went a long way in demystifying why there’s always a pile of ‘rubbish’ that must never be put in the general waste bin.”

Gillmoss Recycling Discovery Centre will be holding more open days as part of Heritage Week in September and is ready for school visits in the new academic year.

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Pupils from Ashurst Primary School, Newton-le-Willows celebrated their success at the National Wildflower Centre Scarecrow Festival.

The school’s creation - Saturday Night Hayfever - took first prize in the Under 12s category.

All the scarecrows created by schools and community groups from across Merseyside were put on display around the centre for the two-day annual scarecrow festival.

Judging the competition was Carla Simkin, Knowsley culture, development and events officer.

Carla said: “It was a very difficult job of picking the winners and after lots of thought and deliberation we selected Ashurst stunning entry.

“All the entries where so unique, so interesting and so diverse, well done to everyone who entered the competition, they were all winners”.

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School Open Evening Monday September 21st 4pm-7pm

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EDUCATE PLUS Sponsored by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF)

UK’s first of its kind Online training directory Sixty training organisations are reaching out to young people via a single portal at gmlpf.net/mappedout.

Liverpool City Region school leavers can search by type of training and local area on the UK’s first regional online training directory of its kind.

Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF) has spearheaded the online directory called Mapped Out as a tool for young people and those that advise them, including schools, parents, careers advisors and community organisations.

The resource is designed to inspire young people who may not be aware of the local training opportunities available to them – which range from sports

coaching, engineering and horticulture to fashion and construction.

Users of the directory, which can be accessed at gmlpf.net/mappedout can search for apprenticeships, traineeships, study programmes and other training by industry sector. Useful information such as transport routes and financial support available is also listed.

James Glendenning, CEO of GMLPF said: “Merseyside is leading the way in making training increasingly accessible to young people. Our members can get young people into a position to earn whilst they learn.

“The economy is on the up so an increasing number of businesses are considering taking on a young person -

we need to make sure we are easing the process as much as possible through a pioneering central resource.”

James adds: “Pockets of deprivation still persist where a significant proportion of the youth are NEET - not in employment, education or training. This affects their benefits and puts them on a downhill spiral.

“We want to turn that around, by showing young people the opportunities that are out there. The directory will pinpoint where there is training and support on their doorstep”.

Any young person who has left school is encouraged to visit the online directory of training and explore their next options at www.gmlpf.net/mappedout

Programme provides positive impact A dozen youngsters have benefitted from a wellbeing and mindfulness programme funded by GMLPF. Each one of the North Liverpool Community College students has been awarded a certificate as recognition of the progress made.

Their studies took place at North Liverpool Community College, the education arm of Alt Valley Community Trust.

Out of the twelve teenagers, two are now registered with the Stop Smoking Service and one has been encouraging their whole family to eat a more healthy and balanced diet.

The programme was delivered alongside a Key 2 apprenticeships course over six weeks. Called ‘You Only Live Once’, it focuses on

encouraging young people to think again about how and why they make choices that affect their lives.

Abbie, aged 18 from Norris Green said: “We loved every minute, there was lots of practical help and advice.

“I didn’t think healthy eating was something for me but since nutrition was explained to me in more detail I’ve got my mum cooking healthy meals for the whole family!’

Elliot, aged 16 from Croxteth added: “I’ve more than halved my smoking as a result of the advice I got on the course. It’s my aim to give up completely and I’m finding new ways to deal with day to day stresses.

The YOLO programme is really valuable to young people like me.”

To signify the progress made, James Glendenning,

chief executive of GMLPF presented each participant with a certificate.

James said: “Every one of these young people can be proud of what they have achieved.

“GMLPF has long been associated with impacting the social and economic state of young people and those in

learning across Merseyside.

“We are now set to champion wellbeing in broader terms – mindful as an organisation of how a positive psychological, physical and spiritual state of mind can have a lasting positive impact.”

Everybody who successfully completed the six week course was previously NEET.

13 YEARS CHAMPIONING PROFESSIONAL LEARNING ON MERSEYSIDE

www.gmlpf.net

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In the ‘Know’ Academy will play vital role for future The Richmond Hotel Liverpool has teamed up with sister company Know Hospitality to announce plans for a new training academy in Liverpool to enhance and grow skills in the hospitality industry.

Know Hospitality is working in partnership with leading hospitality and national training provider Kaplan Skills and Employment to manage and deliver the new internships.

The Richmond will be the headquarters of the Know Hospitality Academy, and it is from here that students will study and learn all aspects of hospitality from within a working hotel environment.

The programme is aimed at young people aged between 16 and 18, who have a keen interest in starting and developing a career within Liverpool City Region’s thriving hospitality sector.

Each internship lasts 10 weeks, with up to 12 students per intake engaging in a 24-hour per week programme, with each student being assigned a dedicated mentor to offer ongoing support.

The first two weeks will be spent studying food hygiene, functional skills in English and maths, alongside other work-based skills such as improving communications skills; producing a CV; and taking part in mock interviews. The students will also meet industry experts and will be encouraged to build networks with local businesses.

The remainder of the course will see the students take on a trainee role in a chosen aspect of hospitality within the hotel to provide them with first-hand

work-based experience and prepare them for a future in the industry. Participating departments include reception, housekeeping, kitchen and restaurant.

Steven Hesketh, managing director of The Know Collection, and treasurer of Liverpool Hoteliers Association, said: “Hospitality continues to thrive across Liverpool City Region, with new venues opening on an almost weekly basis.

“This growing number of hotels, restaurants and bars need staff – so now is the perfect time to launch the training academy as the first opportunity for young people to learn about the industry first-hand.

“Once students have graduated, our goal is for them to start an apprenticeship so they can embark on

Steven Hesketh, managing director of The Know Collection

the next step in their hospitality career.

“We see this as a way of giving something back to the industry – we may just find the industry leaders of tomorrow.”

Former apprentice scoops award Patrick Wilson, successful principal stylist at Electric Hairdressing, who completed his apprenticeship with training provider tpm recently scooped the ‘People’s Choice Award’ in the prestigious L’Oréal Colour Trophy, alongside colleague, David Halsall.

Patrick and David entered the L’Oréal Colour Trophy competition along with 1000 other entrants this year. The national competition is in its 60th year, making it the longest running live hairdressing competition in the world.

The collaborators’ entry was shortlisted in the top ten from the North West region.

From here their completed look was placed into the public vote and three were selected for the final, including theirs, a stunning entry thanks to David’s colourwork design and Patrick’s visionary cut and styling.

Patrick said: “I enter the colour trophy year on year; last year I reached the finals in the men’s cutting category so this year I decided to use a female model. Self-motivation inspires me most and wanting to succeed in the industry. Industry recognition is important to any successful stylist!”

Helen Carroll, who tutored Patrick on his advanced apprenticeship said” “I’m so proud to see one of tpm‘s former apprentices excelling in the industry!”

Success for voluteer student A young volunteer is celebrating after scooping an award for her work with St Helens Council’s Sport Development team and for the impact it has had on the local community.

18-year-old Carmel College student, Chloe Richardson has worked with Sports Development’s Youth Sports Programme and also does a lot of coaching at her club, Saints Girls at Thattto Heath Crusaders ARLFC As a thank you, Sports Development nominated her for a Local Hero Award, linked to StreetGames National Charity - that recognises young people’s volunteer work and highlights the success of their working partnership with sports development.

For her efforts, Chloe received a certificate and a Local Hero StreetGames Young Volunteers hoodie in recognition of her achievements.

Chloe said: “I’m thrilled to receive such an award which is an indication that hard work really does pay off.

“Volunteering for the Youth Sports Programme is a fun and rewarding prospect which can open so many paths in the direction of the right career. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF

Chloe with her StreetGames Young Volunteers Local Hero certificate

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Hands-on engineering St Edmund Arrowsmith School in Whiston and Beverston Engineering have become part of a funded project by Knowsley Council to help improve young people’s employability skills and raise awareness of local employer’s expectations and opportunities in various sectors.

Andrew Chestnutt, subject leader for technology at St Edmund’s, said: “As part of the project we paid a visit to Beverston to enable students to make a direct link between what is taught in the classroom and it’s application in a real working environment.

“This was a fantastic

experience for the students and gave them more of an insight into how diverse engineering as a sector is.

“Thanks to the visit I am sure that hearing the language and terminology used in context has increased their understanding and will positively impact on the students’ results.”

Rod Wah from Beverston Engineering kindly showed two groups of Year 10 students around his factory and delivered a presentation to them about the manufacturing engineering industry to raise their awareness of growth and Pupils from St Edmund Arrowsmith get an hands-on approach to job opportunities in the engineering sector.

Young producer gets his career on the right track An aspiring music producer from Liverpool is now on the way to securing the career of his dreams, thanks to a Garston-based alternative education provider.

Ryan Sinclair, 18, a former pupil of Parkands High School, Speke, struggled to find his feet after finishing college. He had a keen interest in music and music production, but lacked the confidence and direction to develop these ambitions further.

Employability Solutions, a social enterprise that launched in 2012, helped Ryan realise his full potential, and supported him in gaining a place at Liverpool’s SAE Institute, studying music technology.

Through a personalised scheme delivered by Claire, Nadia and the team at Employability Solutions, Ryan discovered how to develop his talents and realised what he was truly passionate about.

Claire Cook, chief executive at Employability Solutions, said: “When we first met Ryan, we saw a lovely young man with plenty of untapped potential.

Ryan had a dream, but needed to be introduced to the appropriate skills and pathways to take control of his future.

“Over the summer break, Ryan could have easily fallen in with the wrong crowd and lost his aspiration like so many young people from across the local area.

“Ryan’s mother recognised this problem. She wanted to provide her son with an alternative solution and encouraged Ryan to contact us.”

Ryan soon became involved with event planning for the organisation, and pledged his new-found confidence to

Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF

Ryan Sinclair at work in the studio

‘Liverpool Talking Newspaper’, a charity project that provides visually impaired individuals with audible news updates.

Through these projects, Ryan discovered a supportive community of like-minded people and was equipped with the independence, confidence and knowledge to drive his ambitions forward.

Ryan, said: “My mum was worried that I lacked direction, and that I might fall into crime because of it, but I’m finally on the path I want to be on and it feels absolutely great!

“I dreamed of becoming the next Mark Ronson or a big name in the world of

music, but I didn’t know which courses were available to me or what steps to take to get a place on them.

“Contacting Employability Solutions allowed me to unlock my potential; they supported me with my UCAS application and enabled my personal development with their hands-on programme.

“They also helped me find a part time job to support my studies, and coached me throughout both application processes by practicing interview techniques with me.

“Thanks to them, I got the job, and the place at SAE.”

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Cooking up a storm Students wow guests with a celebration of skills dinner

The group in the kitchen before service

Hospitality students studying at Hugh Baird College’s L20 Hotel School amazed guests at a celebration dinner at the College’s L20 Restaurant.

The Celebrate Skills Night, was organised and delivered by students following the Level 1 qualification in professional cookery and food service.

Devised to link students with potential employers and provide meaningful work experience as part of the group’s programme of study, the dinner was attended by hoteliers from across the region, college staff and the parents and family members of the student chefs and

service staff.

The event also provided students studying for higher level qualifications with the chance to develop their supervisory skills.

Speaking at the event, L20 Hotel School director and Hugh Baird College assistant principal Mike Mounfield said: “Tonight is about students showcasing the skills they’ve developed working alongside college staff and the support given by Nigel Haworth, Kenny Atkinson, Adam Franklin, Phil Howard and Simon Rimmer just to name a few.”

“The distance they have travelled as chefs and service staff since arriving at

the L20 Hotel School is truly remarkable and that is testament to their hard work and the dedication of the L20 Hotel School staff.”

“I would like to thank the hoteliers of Liverpool for their continued support and would like to congratulate the students on continued commitment to their studies.”

L20 Hotel School student, Jack Garner, said: “The things I’ve done at college this year have been amazing. I’ve worked with top chefs and I’m looking forward to starting to work in the industry over the summer to get even more experience.”

Liverpool Hope University tops table In the latest National Student Survey results released Liverpool Hope University has been ranked number one university in the North West for teaching, assessment and feedback, academic support and personal development.

The National Student Survey asks final year students at every publicly funded Higher Education Institution (HEI) in the UK to rate their experience by stating to what extent they agree with a set of 22 core questions across eight categories.

As well as being the top university in the North West in four of these categories, Liverpool Hope had the highest average score among North West universities across all of the questions.

This places Liverpool Hope University in the top quarter of universities for student satisfaction in the UK. Subject areas including mathematics and statistics, history, politics, and

Professor Gerald Pillay

philosophy were all given 100% satisfaction rates by Liverpool Hope students, as were courses such as English literature, primary teaching with

early childhood, primary teaching with mathematics, and primary teaching with theology.

Other Liverpool Hope courses with very high overall satisfaction rates include social work, music, psychology and sport and exercise science – all of which achieved above 90% student satisfaction.

Professor Gerald Pillay, vice chancellor and rector of Liverpool Hope University said: “These results are very encouraging.

They reflect our belief that personal and academic development go hand in hand.

“We believe that the key to a good university experience is a collegial environment with small group teaching.

This approach allows our academics to play a key part in the personal development of our students, gives students access to material and ideas at the cutting edge of their subject area, and encourages them in carrying out their own research.”

www.gmlpf.net

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National recognition for St Helens College St Helens College has received national recognition for their tireless work to help young people get back into education or employment.

The college, which has a long standing history of delivering The Prince’s Trust Team Programme, has been named winner of the charity’s North West Team Programme Delivery Award.

David M Taylor, from local company DTC Associates, who work closely with the College’s Prince Trust Team said: “The staff themselves are hardworking, with always a cheerful word or hand for those that struggle in the early days of the programme.

“After 12 weeks the transformation in the learners is always amazing.”

The Prince’s Trust Team Programme is designed for 16 – 25 year olds who are seeking the opportunity to develop interpersonal skills and improve their long term career prospects.

The team at St Helens College have worked with 75 teams throughout the years, helping over 750 learners.

The learners work together on community renovation projects which they spend three weeks preparing and planning for, as well as carrying out a number of fundraising activities and reaching out to local businesses for donations of equipment and materials.

The Prince’s Trust Team at St Helens College

With the team’s support and hard work their learners have accumulated over £176,000 worth of materials and labour for local community projects.

St Helens College’s deputy principal Rob Molloy was presented with the North West Team Programme Delivery Award by Paula Molyneux, Barclays Bank community investment team representative at the Town Centre Campus.

Victoria Kelly, curriculum leader at St

Helens College for Princes’ Trust said: “We are delighted to have received the award and recognition for all of our hard work.

“The team at St Helens College have worked tirelessly for almost two decades and the result of their hard work has been life changing for their learners.

“The award is a credit to both the staff, past and present, who have worked so hard and the inspiring young people who have taken part.”

From challenging pupil to successful owner “My teachers must have thought I was a nightmare” reflects Sarah Noonan.

Brutal honesty from this young woman, who as a little girl in primary school braided the hair of friends and now owns a successful salon in South Liverpool.

Something so very nearly went wrong along the way though. Sarah said: “I knew from a very early age that I wanted to be a hairdresser. My dad works for the council now but when I was young he worked in the hair industry so I was convinced not long after toddler-hood that it was in my blood!

“I really wasn’t interested in school, frankly I was so disruptive my teachers must have thought I was a nightmare. I often didn’t turn up and when I did bother I just wasn’t interested. At the age of 14 I was hurtling towards being excluded.”

“I’d already started to go to Mode one day a week on an alternative education programme to work and train in the student hair salon. I loved it!

“The school must have been at their wits end with me so it was probably a godsend for them when Mode said they had a new full time programme they

Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF

Sarah Noonan who changed her life around thanks to Mode

could try me on.

“Alternative education was pretty new in 2004 and my behaviour didn’t change overnight. Slowly I realised that I had to turn up and when I was there I’d get more out of it if I actually listened.

“Mode were great – my dad didn’t have to send a search party out for me anymore. Because my tutors took a softly, softly approach to encourage me to turn up, there wasn’t much to rebel against.

“Even maths and English seemed within my grasp. We took our time, with

informal coaching – and headphones were provided so we could concentrate.

It was lots of little practical things like that made the difference.

“By the time I was 16 Mode had got me an apprenticeship contract and I was working as a stylist and studying for my NVQ Level 2. It did take a couple of attempts to place me in a salon where I felt settled but within three years I was on a proper wage and well on my way to an NVQ Level 3.

“During this time I picked up the prize at two hair shows run by Mode: my life really was taking shape.

“When I turned 20, I changed to a job in a salon closer to home and not long after an opportunity arose to buy the business. It was a big decision but with support from family and friends I decided to go ahead.

“I’ve had the salon for four years now and my trusty sidekick Craig has been working for me for the last two. He came to me from Mode as an apprentice.

“Because I had taken the step as an apprentice employer, Mode put my business forward for an award and last year I was crowned The Liverpool City Region New Apprentice Employer of the Year.”

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Work experience results in jobs!

Two Liverpool school students have impressed their employers so much during their work experience that they have been offered paid, weekend work as a result!

The placements were organised by Liverpool Compact EBP. The Education Business Partnership works with 6000 employers to provide long and short term work experience for young people.

The aim is to develop students’ confidence, career and employability skills.

Sixth Former Laura Banks, 17, from Holly Lodge Girls’ College wanted to do some regular, long term work experience, once a week, as she wishes to pursue a career as a dispensing optician.

Her school was quick to support her and contacted Maria Hart at Liverpool Compact EBP. She arranged for Laura to work at Specsavers each week for four months.

Laura said: “I hope to study at University to become an optician. Competition is tough but already I have learnt so much on my work experience that will help me and now Specsavers has offered me a weekend job, I’m

so happy.”

Head of Sixth Form at Holly Lodge Girls’ College, Chris Finnegan said: “I can’t emphasise enough how important we think it is to offer our sixth formers the chance to get regular experience in the workplace as well as achieving good academic qualifications.”

Maria added: “Laura has benefited hugely from her placement in so many ways.

This proves how priceless work experience can be to young people.”

Similarly, Michael McGowan, a Year 10 student from Broadgreen International School was enthusiastic about his two week ‘block’ work experience at Croppers Garage.

Owner George Cropper has offered work experience through Liverpool Compact EBP for six years.

Liverpool Compact’s health and safety officer, Ian Urmson who assesses all placements to ensure students are working in a safe environment said: “Croppers Garage provides invaluable experience to aspiring mechanics.

“Michael is the best student we have ever had on work experience. We

Principal optometrist, Rebecca Unsworth from Specsavers who offered a sixth form work placement to Laura Banks at Holly Lodge Girls’ College

recognised his ability so we offered him a weekend job.”

Michael said: “My work experience proved to me that this is the career I want to go for, and I am!”

Careers co-ordinator at Broadgreen International

School, Ken Hilton said: “This is a real success story. Our school values work experience. It brings great results for our students, it shows them what ‘work’ is like and the choices open to them.”

GMLPF funds pioneering project Merseyside teenagers will be the first to obtain a new certificate in healthcare, qualifying them to work in a paediatric setting.

A dozen unemployed young people have completed a four

Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF

week work placement at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool as part of a longer training Key to Apprenticeships programme funded

by Greater Merseyside Learning Providers Federation (GMLPF).

When they graduate, the teenagers, all aged 16-18, will be the very first in the UK to hold a new qualification for providing health care support to children. There has been an unprecedented demand for future places on the course from young people, many of whom are recent school leavers.

The initiative was the brainchild of Gill Mason, principal of GMLPF member, Alt Valley Community Trust, which runs a ‘Communiversity’ in the Croxteth area of Liverpool.

It was conceived as a way to encourage young people to work in the NHS. Almost a third of workers in the NHS are aged 50 plus and the average age of an NHS health worker is set to rise to 47 by 2031. The crisis is spurred on by the pressure of the working environment forcing many into early retirement.

Getting younger people into careers in the NHS has been identified as a way to ease the burden.

Three times as many young people applied for the course than the number of places available. The successful applicants have been training for six months in total, including the work placement at Alder Hey. Successful completion means the teenagers will be the first in the UK to be awarded a certificate in Health Care Support in the Paediatric Setting from Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education (CACHE).

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Green fingers Victorian walled garden to be looked after by college Horticulture at Myerscough College’s Merseyside campus at Croxteth Park continues to go from strength to strength.

As well as highly successful further education courses on offer at the site, Myerscough have announced that they’re taking over the running of the famous walled garden within the grounds of Croxteth Park from Glendale Services.

The walled garden was established in 1850 with approximately two acres of land. The area consists of bedding displays, fruit trees, beehives, vegetable garden, rose garden, and the national collection of hardy fuchsias, soft fruit and herbaceous borders, all of which will now be the responsibility of the college.

Also on site there is an extensive range of glasshouses including a propagation house and Victorian peach house, as well as a commercial nursery and training centre including four polythene tunnels, propagation area, standing area and a

landscape demonstration area.

In addition, Myerscough College horticulture and landscape students have enjoyed success at the recent RHS Tatton

Flower Show.

Students worked alongside The Pond Company to create a beautiful garden, winning a silver medal from the judges.

FIRST CLASS OPPORTUNITIES Students gain international experience Jamie Carragher Sports & Learning Academy is celebrating a successful first year were their students got to experience coaching in Ireland, Norway and New York.

The students have been studying BTEC Level 2/3 sports diplomas along with a Level 1/2 coaching qualification.

Academy director, James Olsen said: “Our first year has been a massive success, its a credit to all the staff involved and the students have been first class in wanting to learn and take the opportunities that we have to offer.

“Some of the students have been away to Ireland, Wales, Norway and New York this summer. This has proven to be a great incentive and a wonderful experience for the 16-19-year-old’s, to have the chance to coach overseas and learn new coaching philosophies has been an invaluable opportunity.”

Jamie welcomes children to the academy open day

Educate Plus sponsored by GMLPF

It’s not all about the football field – class work is also involved

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BTEC Sports Qualifications Level 1, 2, 3 Training & Apprenticeship Programme

be inspired to achieve your goalâ&#x20AC;Ś ENROLLING NEW STUDENTS TO START A CAREER IN SPORT

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GET A TASTE OF YOUR COLLEGE Tuesday 6th October, 5pm - 7:30pm JOIN US FOR OPEN EVENING A chance to meet our expert tutors, ¿QG RXW DERXW FRXUVHV DQG H[SHULHQFH ¿QG RXW DERXW FRXUVHV DQG H[SHULHQFH R RXU H[FHOOHQW IDFLOLWLHV DW ERWK RXU XU H[FHOOHQW IDFLOLWLHV DW ERWK RXU 3ULQFHVV 'ULYH DQG 5RE\ FDPSXVHV 3ULQFHVV 'ULYH DQG 5RE\ FDPSXVHV Call: 0151 477 5850 Visit: V isit: www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk www.knowsleycollege.ac.uk knowsley knowsleycollege college

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Sue Kerwin A Week in the Life of… Sue Kerwin, headteacher St Andrew’s Maghull Church of England Primary School St Andrew’s Maghull Church of England Primary School’s philosophy of ‘education for life, not for tests’ provides a unique and welcoming environment for its pupils. In a school which encourages inventing, experimenting, taking risks and making mistakes, we spoke to its headteacher, Sue Kerwin to understand more about how this primary school operates during a typical week.

MONDAY All days start the same way, outside, rain or shine, greeting the children and parents as they come into school.

A new initiative this year has been the introduction of junior Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs), combatting dangerous and irresponsible parking. A group of children were trained by Merseyside Police, and each morning they patrol with me to promote safety outside our school. Then it’s straight to assembly, a special time when the whole community comes together. We use this time to introduce our Christian Values and set the tone for the week.

At St Andrews it is a key part of our approach – education for life, not tests.

TUESDAY I usually call in to Breakfast Club and sit with the children for a bacon sandwich, and have been known to join the ping-pong tournament! I also chat with the cook to report the children’s feedback about school dinners. This week I’m spending the morning with a headteacher colleague, discussing joint staff training opportunities and collaborative work.

WEDNESDAY Today is special - Year 2 are having a medieval day, complete with knights, princesses and a bouncy castle! We welcome parents at every occasion, and today they’re joining their children to make castles. After the formal banquet, there’s dancing and jousting (with hobby horses and foam jousting sticks!) We also share our days and special events with our community on Twitter (@StAndrewsCoE). A change of pace for staff meeting after school, where there is always an important initiative to discuss - today we’re looking at Mastery in the New

Curriculum ensuring all children are challenged to do their very best.

THURSDAY Thursdays start with Nick, our vicar, leading whole-school worship. The children love to see him, and he chats with staff and shares in school life. A key part of my job is meeting with parents, to celebrate successes, as a shoulder to cry on, or sometimes to nip a problem in the bud. After a particularly difficult meeting I like to go to Reception, where the children insist on taking me on the pirate ship or playing in the mud kitchen. To them, being the headteacher just means I have the best ideas for games.

Thursdays end with a smile, as I run Lego club for Year 3. I value this as a chance to work one-on-one with the children, encouraging team-working and is an opportunity for the children to build a relationship with me, generally assisting with my building skills!

FRIDAY First thing in the morning I meet my Assistant Headteachers and Office Manager, to co-ordinate diaries for next week and share important information, such as common assessment framework (CAF)s, special educational needs and disability (SEND) issues, etc. I spend the morning writing the newsletter which is one of my favourite things to do, as it celebrates all the great things that happen every week. This week was a particular highlight, as I got to announce our hard-earned Early Years Quality Mark, a national recognition for excellent practice. Friday assembly ends the week – certificates and awards are given out and, hopefully, the children head off into the weekend happy and valued.

Whatever the difficulties it really is the best job in the world!

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IT’S A KNOCKOUT A musical showstopper In the short space of two months the pupils of All Saints Primary School became the cast of Bugsy Malone. The children were introduced to the Alan Parker musical and worked tirelessly to develop strong American accents, deadpan acting and exuberant singing.

Pupils showed resilience and confidence along the way, culminating in two evening performances that brought the house down. The children completely enjoyed the experience and were bursting with pride after the final performance, with several children asking, “Can we do it again tomorrow?” The audience were generous with their praise and positive comments giving the children standing ovations each time. Parents were amazed at the ability of their children to command the attention of an audience for nearly two hours.

The cast in full voice

Tallulah

The actors had great fun on stage

Fat Sam’s Speakeasy

Slugger’s Gym

The Splurge Wars Michael Gillespie as Fat Sam

‘Bad Guys!’

The actors check their lines backstage

Bugsy Malone and Blousy Brown at a restaurant “I’m all tied up.”

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A TIME OF CELEBRATION Service marks transition for Year 6 pupils Liverpool Anglican Cathedral was a sea of colour as hundreds of schoolchildren attended the Diocesan School Leavers’ Service for Year 6 pupils. A procession of colourful banners held proudly by the children made its way from the well of the Cathedral through the nave before a service was held to mark pupils’ transition from primary to secondary School. During an energetic and entertaining ceremony, workers from local charity Y Kids led the children in song and dance before Christian Aid staff talked about the merits of charitable work. Readings and prayers were also made by a number of schoolchildren and a pupil from each school hung a prayer on a cow-themed prayer tree which supported Christian Aid’s ‘Moove over Poverty’ campaign.

The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Revd Paul Bayes, closed the ceremony by leading the procession back to the well but not before he led the congregation through a series of celebrations which included Usian Bolt’s ‘lightning’ celebration and Mo Farah’s ‘Mobot’.

A packed cathedral became a sea of colour

A reading is made

The Bishop of Liverpool, The Rt Revd Paul Bayes

Everyone tries the ‘Mobot’

A representative from each school brought forward a prayer

The Bishop of Liverpool does Usain Bolt’s ‘lightning’ celebration during an energetic address to the children There were lots of interactive moments

The choir of Wavertree C of E School

St Andrews C of E School

Children from all over the region attended

It was a very colourful procession from the St Mark’s C of E pupils

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Open evening 24th September 6.30pm ‘Be part of a new beginning’

Executive Headteacher - Mrs F Harrison “Students are particularly well supported because of the school’s caring and supportive ethos” – OFSTED 2014

Savio Salesian College, Netherton Way, Bootle, L30 2NA Tel: 0151 521 3088 www.saviosalesiancollege.com

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Alex Hennessey from St Edwards dominated in the 800m

FUTURE CHAMPIONS Merseyside’s young sports stars battle for honours The finest athletes in the city faced off against each other over two days of memorable competition as the annual Liverpool Secondary Schools’ Athletics Championships were held. Many unforgettable battles on both track and field were fought at the Wavertree Athletics Centre as pupils from Years 710 strove for the honour of being crowned City Champion and the standard was of the highest order in both the boys and girls events. The highlight of the boys’ competition was undoubtedly in the Year 10 high jump between Bluecoat’s Rob Wilcock and Cardinal Heenan’s Steve Jones who are both ranked in the top three in Great Britain. Jones eventually emerged victorious to reverse last year’s result after a fascinating competition in which both boys rose to the challenge.

Meanwhile, Emily Henshall was the star of the day for the girls taking first place on both the track and in the field as well as leading home the relay team of St Hilda’s to ensure she went home with three golds.

Post-race sportsmanship from these young athletes

Joe Cunningham struck gold for St Margaret’s in the javelin

AJ from North Liverpool Academy leaps for glory

80m hurdles medal winners: SFX’s Fidel O’Rourke, Cardinal Heenan’s Tyrell Morton and Gateacre’s Lewis Oats

Year 7 300m medalists: Thomas Ronan, Cameron Crabbe and Anthony Lacey

All smiles after a brilliant 300m race are Declan Swift, Charlie Jolley and Cole Fowlis

The battle in the Year 10 high jump between Rob Wilcock (left) and Steve Jones was one of the highlights of the day’s action with Jones coming out on top

Bluecoat’s Rob Wilcock shows great technique

Childwall’s Daniel Chima took two golds in the javelin and discus

The spectators witnessed many brilliant performances on the track

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Year 8 100m medalists: Lily Cohen, Mia Wilde and Lucy Robinson

An emphatic win in the relay

Year 10 medalists for 100m: Angel Hand, Emily Henshall and Megan Cargill

A fantastic leap in the long jump

Courtney Taylor, Bryony Johns and Isobel Wilson

Broughton Hallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s allconquering relay squad

An Alsop student prepares to launch the shot putt

Winning smiles after a relay win

A runner lunges for the win Javelin action

Going clear in the high jump

An athlete launches her bid for a medal

Year 9 high jump winner Abbie Darby from Bellerive

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SHOW GOES OFF WITH A BIG BANG

The scientists brought the action to life

Hands-on science proves a big hit Close to 6,000 school children attended The Big Bang North West at Aintree Racecourse, in what was their biggest event to date. The Big Bang events enable young people to discover the exciting and rewarding STEM based careers available in their local area via fun ‘quick hitting’ hands-on action! In the main arena, young people witnessed live science shows packed with fire, booms, bangs and fizzes! The main stage was encompassed by racing cars, forensics, construction, electronics, ecofarming, RAF SKYTECH and a horse!

Outside, the children took a walk on the wild-side when they visited National Geographic’s Dr Mike Leahy. His Zoobus was a menagerie of reptiles, insects and arachnids. Along with all of the activities and exhibits, The Big Bang North West hosted the semi-final of The National Science and Engineering Competition.

Entrants showcased their projects to a prestigious panel with the hope of winning one of the amazing sponsored awards or a place in the grand final!

A newborn chick

The children were entertained throughout

Ruby from Thomas Gray School tried out the homemade device

Kirkby High School girls tried out a new Vauxhall car

Visitors queued up to go inside the ZooBus

Pupils could test their speed in the Accelerator Testing the physics of horse racing!

Experiments were carried out all day

The Royal Air Force exhibition

A stand showing how we hunted

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TOP OF THE LEAGUE

St Mark’s pose with their winners’ medals

St Mark’s battle it out to triumph The sun shone brightly on Knowsley Park School where St Mark’s Primary School emerged as winners in a rounders competition held by the Knowsley Schools Sports Partnership (KSSP) for Year 5 & 6 pupils The event saw five schools play each other on a league basis and it was the boys and girls from Halewood which clinched the trophy after two hours of fantastic sporting competition.

Eastcroft Park, Millbrook, St Gabriel’s, St Josephs and St Mark’s battled it out in extremely warm conditions and the sporting spirit shown was of the highest order throughout.

Kerstine Hogg, a partnership development manager for KSSP, said: “It has been a brilliant day. Huge thanks must go to the sports leaders from Knowley Park School who have been our umpires today – they’ve been brilliant and we couldn’t have done it without them.”

Joe Shipway hits another rounder

A Millbrook pupil gets ready to hit another winning shot

This athlete blocks a high bowl

Determined running between the bases

The children had lots of fun

St Josephs prepare to bowl Action from the field Leaning in for the strike

Finley goes for gold

St Gabriel’s block a bowl

Each team batted for eight minutes

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Results day School and students celebrate GCSE results Nationally candidates receiving a GCSE C grade or above has risen for the second year in a row. The number of entrants scoring between A* and C was 69%, up from 68.8% in 2014.

The overall pass rate rose slightly with the number of candidates receiving A*-G was 98.6%, up 0.1 percentage points on last year. The rise follows two years of small declines, from the peak of 99% in 2012.

Early indications show that GCSE results in Liverpool have improved with the number of pupils getting five good grades including English and maths now at 50 per cent, up 0.1 per cent on last year.

However it is a mixed picture across the city, with some schools making gains while others have done less well than last year.

St Francis Xavier’s College in Woolton saw 63% of its pupils obtain higher grade passes, up 4% on last year.

School students in Halton are celebrating their GCSE success, with pupils excelling in a whole range of subjects. Early results show that nearly 70 percent of students gained five or more A* to C GCSE grades.

“

We make no apologies for having the highest expectations of our students and they have once again made us very proud

”

These are excellent results as they show a 3.5 per cent increase on last year.

Wirral schools also saw a boost to their pass rate, with a 0.2% increase to 75.5%. The national average is 69%.

Deyes High pupils celebrate continued success for 2015

Straight A triplets – Francesca, Nicholas and Elise Redmond from St Mary’s College who achieved 36 A* and A GCSE passes between them

Birkenhead Park School have soared into the top 10 per cent in the country, with GCSE results improving for the third year on the trot.

An amazing 100% of candidates achieved high-level passes in chemistry.

Headteacher Geraint Parry said: “Our students form productive working relationships with teachers that care and we make no apologies for having the highest expectations of our students and they have once again made us very proud.”

In Knowsley Halewood Academy achieved an 8.1% increase in the number of students scoring at least five grades at A* to C, including English and maths. The academy is also celebrating an impressive 23.4% increase in passes at grade C or above in English.

And over in Sefton, an impressive 80% of pupils at Formby’s Range High School gained five good GCSEs.

Exceptional results at Bebington High from Rian Johnson two A* 4A and B, Reece Moreland one * four A and three B, James Stanley two A and four A, Alfie Tektas three A and five B

Bebington High Sports College has had another good year with regard to GCSEs

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Congratulations to a Calderstones pupil

Rainford High has achieved its best ever set of results in the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history with a five percentage point increase in the number of students achieving 5A*-C

Students from Calderstones School celebrate another good year

Rainford High pupil Eleanor Yeates gained 7A* and 4A

Blue Coat School were celebrating after 100% success in 5 A* â&#x20AC;&#x201C; C grades, including English and mathematics

Excellent results for Blue Coat School pupils David Grant, Andrew Carr and Alexander Fleet

Year 11 pupils from SFX kept up the good work in their GCSEs achieving 63% higher grade passes

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Christopher Ellis and Brooklyn Jorgenson were high achievers in Gateacre School

Tension in the queue as Gateacre School students wait for their results

Savio Salesian College delighted to celebrate their best ever results at GCSE with 52% of pupils gaining the headline measure of five good GCSE pass grades including English and maths

Celebrations - De La Salle, where 65 per cent of students gained five GCSEs at A* to C grades, compared to 59 per cent last year

A very proud Ben Shenton shares his results

Gateacre School pupil Lily Watts gets the good news

Congratulations to City of Liverpool College pupil Ahmer Khan Amran who got a clean sweep of A* & Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in his GCSEs

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Shawn Fletcher, Ellie Boyes, Patsy Mulhearn from Halewood Academy gained outstanding results

Merchant Taylors’ School celebrate with 60% of all the grades at A*/A

High performers from St Ambrose Barlow pupils Callum 3 A*, 3 A and 3 B, Caitlin 4 A*, 4 A and 1 B and Ryan 1 A*, 7 A, 1 B

Congratulations from Merchant Taylors’ pupils

A proud bunch from Litherland High School

St Cuthberts Catholic High School celebrated with 100% of students gaining a qualification with over 60% achieving five A* - C grades

Liverpool Life Sciences UTC student, Dara Beesley achieved the results of six A and three B

Celebration time for St Mary’s College pupils

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Top grades Tributes paid to hardworking pupils and parents Liverpool’s A-level students were celebrating after hundreds more teenagers succeeded in landing top results.

The number of students whose grades were between A* and C rose by 242 this year compared to 2014, according to Liverpool council.

The city matched the national average pass rate (grade E or above), which rose slightly to 98.1%.

But the number of students across the country receiving top grades of A or A* fell for the fourth year in a row – down 0.1% from 26% in 2014.

Sister Brigid Halligan, headteacher of Bellerive FCJ Catholic College in Sefton Park, whose students won places at some of the UK’s most prestigious universities, added: “This clearly reflects all the hard work of the students and staff, although this could not have been achieved without the tremendous support from parents.”

Wirral schools also celebrated a successful year for A-level results.

Kathryn Podmore, principal of Birkenhead Sixth Form College, said that 530 of her second-year students

successfully completed their A-levels and BTECs this year, with 412 of these A-level results at grades A* to B. In Knowsley, every student entered for an A-level at both Knowsley Community College and Halewood Academy passed their exams. And All Saints Catholic High School in Kirkby celebrated a 100% pass rate in its BTEC qualifications.

“

This clearly reflects all the hard work of the students and staff, although this could not have been achieved without the tremendous support from parents

”

Provisional figures show the grade A* to C pass rate for Knowsley was 55.5% this year.

St Helens schools and colleges saw 53.3% of A-level entries graded

between A* and B this year, compared to 48% last year – a rise of more than 5%.

And in Sefton, Crosby’s Chesterfield High School also reported an impressive 100% A-level pass rate.

Headteacher Simon Penney said: “All the students who applied to university have been offered places at the universities of their choice or, indeed, the chance to upgrade their choice of university because they have exceeded their expectations.”

Education chiefs across Halton have hailed the latest set of A-level and vocational course results.

Results showed that sixth form and college students across Runcorn and Widnes achieved success in a range of academic subjects with 99% of A-level entries being awarded A*-E grades, 1% above the reported national pass rate.

For those completing BTEC and vocational equivalent subjects, a 100% pass rate was achieved, with more than 60% of entries awarded distinction grades, which is equivalent to three A grades at A-level.

Anticipation from students of Calderstones School

Oxbridge bound - nine students from Carmel College, St Helens

Hannah Robb and Phoebe Neville-Evans from Calderstones School celebrate their success

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Students from The City of Liverpool College celebrate after the College achieved 100% pass rates in 21 of its 26 A-level subjects

Students from The Blue Coat School celebrated with 100% A* – E

Glen Barlow from SFX who has become the first student in the history of the school to go on to study medicine at the prestigious Jesus College, Oxford University is congradulated by headteacher Les Rippon

Eleanor Mongey, Stephen Kelly, Karolina Fedan and Kurtis Hegarty from The Kingsway Academy, Moreton

Top of the class – the St Mary’s trio with the year’s outstanding A-level results (from left) Cameron McKay, Niamh Thomas and Philip Thornton

Liverpool Life Sciences UTC recorded a 99% pass rate across all A-level subjects in the school's first set of results since opening in 2013

Rainford High students (Back row left to right) Sally Ashton, Richard Adams, Michaela McIntyre and (front row left to right) Hannah Tabernacle, Hannah Woods, Charlotte Oliver celebrate their results

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The hard work paid off for top achiever Zach Ellis of West Derby School

Rainhill students (Back row left to right): Adam Brine, Amar Majitha, Robert Schenck, Oliver Smiles, Adam Rhys-Jones with (font row left to right): Hannah Slocombe, Amy Roscoe, Imogen Eales

Staff and students at the City of Liverpool College are delighted with their results

Staff and students at Cowley Sixth Form are celebrating the best A-level, IB and BTEC results of all time

Here we go! The wait is finally over for this West Derby student

Merchant Taylors’ School celebrate. All 140 students at both the Senior Boys’ and Girls’ divisions achieved a 100% pass rate

St Margaret’s CE Academy students celebrate an A-level pass rate of 97%

All smiles from Blue Coat School pupils

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Otis from North Liverpool Academy who is off to the University of Liverpool to study Engineering after receiving A* and A grades

Students from North Liverpool Academy celebrate their success

The message says it all for these students from Gateacre School

Students from Gateacre School celebrate another successful year

Bethany Fearon, Heather Sullivan and Laura Kirkwood from Holly Lodge Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; College pose with their results

Rachel Bailey, from St John Bosco, who achieved a grade B in maths, a grade B in English and an A* in history, securing a place at the University of Chicago

A delighted Reece Dean from Calderstones School

Hannah Mackenzie from Holly Lodge Girls College got three Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and is heading to Nottingham University

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ART FOR ARTS SAKE Exhibition proves a great success for students St Margaretâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Academy, Aigburth came together to showcase the talent and achievement of its A Level fine art and photography students with an annual exhibition which was open to the public and parents alike.

The evening was a big success, with an impressive, wide and diverse range of skills on show, including 3D design, textiles and street art, displayed alongside imaginative photography, drawings and paintings. The art department continues to grow and develop with many students successfully going on to study a range of art subjects at top universities.

The exhibition contained work from Year 12 and Year 13 students

The art staff

Ex pupils Liam Rotheram,William Hunt, Alex Watetson and Charlotte Campbell came along to show their support

Andrew Richmond with proud parents

The Camaros provided musical entertainment

Ewan Ramsay with mum Jane Phil and Alice Davidson Perry Leach with his family

Andrew Richmond, Perry Leach, John Woodruff and Paul Walters

Visitors could look at studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; work

Gerrard McDonnell (centre) with his family in front of his paintings

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TOP PERFORMERS ENTERTAIN An unforgettable day of primary athletics Despite temperatures at trackside approaching 90 degrees fahrenheit, athletes from Liverpool’s primary schools put on a show to remember at the annual City Championships held at the Wavertree Athletics Centre. The sun wasn’t the only thing shining as Year 5 & 6 pupils took to the track and field to wow and entertain a huge crowd with some top performances and numerous personal bests achieved.

King David’s Charlie Teare said he was “very happy” to win the Year 6 800m final after an unforgettable battle on the track with Corinthian’s Daniel Brown which was one of the highlights of the event. Top performers on the day included Lister School’s Paige CannonJames who took home three golds to make it five successive years as a City Champion, and Patrick Gamble from St Pauls who was also a triple winner.

An unforgettable day drew to a close with some nail-biting finishes in the relay races with St Pauls and Lister School both impressing but each and every child had given their all in one of the best City Championships in years.

Triple champion Paige Cannon-James from Lister Junior School

Getting ready for the 800m

A Florence Melley pupil storms to victory

Woolton Primary School enjoyed a great day at the meet

Cruising to victory

All smiles for this champion from Liverpool College

Close!!

King David’s Charlie Teare retained his 800m title with another brilliant tactical display

Jack Burke did well in the sprints

A high jumper goes clear

A great leap from this Belvedere Prep girl

Lauren Duthie ran the race of her life to win the 800m

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Just some of the fantastic helpers who made the day possible

FUN IN THE SUN FOR ATHLETES Merseyside’s young sports stars 1500 young people converged on Wavertree Sports Park in glorious sunshine to compete in the Merseyside Sainsbury’s School Games Summer Festival 2015. The event was the culmination of a series of intra and interschool competitions set up across Halton, Knowsley, Liverpool, Sefton, St Helens and Wirral by the Merseyside School Games Organisers, as part of the national Sainsbury’s School Games initiative. The aim of the Games was to encourage young people to participate in sport and achieve their personal best.

The initiative was also a fantastic opportunity to identify the sporting stars of tomorrow across Merseyside. 64 trophies and medals were awarded across the competition, which spanned 11 different sports (athletics, hockey, golf, netball, football, boccia, swimming, new-age kurling, rounders, rugby and tennis). David Sweeney, chair of Merseyside School Games Operational Group, said: “The atmosphere at Wavertree was fantastic. Every one of the young people competing put 100% in and it was clear that each of them had earned their place in the final.

Dancers from MD Productions performed at the opening ceremony

One lap to go!

A winning smile to start the Games

A Knowsley student takes part in boccia

Jigstar makes his arrival

Pool action

Celebration time in the hockey

Freestyle football star John Patrick Acquaviva wowed the athletes with his incredible range of skills

The girls football competition was keenly contested

The netball was held in the strong afternoon sun

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The event was held at Wavertree Athletics Centre

King David’s allconquering team

Sefton pupils pose with their medals

This runner shows great technique

Kirkby High School triumphed in the rounders

A ‘no-look’ pass in the rugby

The Media Leaders carried out reporting duties

A Halton school after success in the tri golf

A photo finish!

An athlete lunges for the line in the primary relay competition

Mayor of Wirral Les Rowlands with Young Sports Ambassador Melissa Kelly

Rounders action

Action from the long jump

Happiness is a gold medal in the netball!

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PUPILS COME TO THE FORE

The young golfers before they tee off

A test of skills at Sefton golf tournament Sefton schoolchildren from Years 3 and 4 tried their hand at drives, chips and putts as a Level 2 Tri Golf competition was held in the shadows of Liverpool’s world famous Aintree Racecourse.

Organised by the South Sefton Schools Sports Partnership, six schools battled it out with many budding Rory McIlroys trying the sport for the first time at the event held at the Aintree Golf Centre. Tri Golf uses fun obstacles to replicate the hazards and difficulty of golf and the children played a ninehole course with water, trees and sand bunkers all providing a test of their skills. With a place at the Sainsbury Games up for grabs, it was Bedford Primary School which came out on top.

A special mention goes to St Robert Bellarmine’s Owen Gregory who carded the day’s lowest individual total to win the golfer of the day award.

A St Oswalds pupil pauses before his putt

Bedford School celebrate their win

Gracie is all smiles before taking her shot

Robert shows great concentration

There were medals for the winning school

Shayla impressed with her power

The children have the rules explained to them

The children had great fun on the course

A worm’s eye view of the action

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Diary from Ghana

The difference we make to people

by Nathan Kelly, Year 13 student - Rainford High Technology College Multi-coloured drapes hung from the walls of the church as the village began to file in. All had come to see what was in our three suitcases, the clothes we had brought to be shared amongst the orphaned children of the village.

Everyone had their own desperation as they clambered round us with the hope of being given some of the clothes we had brought.

As the room became saturated, with both people and desperation, I felt my eyes begin to well up.

Despite the upset I felt, another volunteer reminded me that the help we gave to those who received it would have a great impact on them – it was the difference we made to those people that was important.

It was not just that village we helped; the trip, from Rainford College, helped in many places within Ghana.

Throughout the fortnight we built several libraries within various schools of Kumasi, with the hope that the children who attended could receive the best education possible and would in turn be able to better themselves for later life.

Another of our projects occurred in Kumasi Children’s Home; there we helped by tending to the vegetable patch and installed beds – paid for by a Rainford High own clothes day – to help more of the children enjoy a comfortable night’s sleep.

This was particularly important, because many of the children had to sleep on the cold hard floor before we brought them the beds and mattresses.

A further project was in a village, where we helped women who’d been forced to leave their homes, with children, for various reasons. There we cooked traditional food with them and tried our hands at

weaving to see how the village earns an income.

As a group of eight, six students and two teachers, we experienced something that is far beyond words and comprehension.

As a country, Ghana is unlike anywhere I have ever been before and doubt will ever see again.

It has a culture of friendliness and relaxation that was a far cry away from the UK’s often harsh and fast moving pace.

From those we met on the street, to the children who wanted a photograph with us in the schools, everyone was incredibly friendly and a delight to be with.

Ghana itself is a country of rural, chaotic and jagged beauty, from the dirt track roads to the local delicacy of fufu (which is a tasting

experience to say the least), its culture seeps an innate feeling of resilience, happiness and hope for a brighter future.

Before I went, I couldn’t conceptualise what the journey would be like and now it’s over it’s hard to comprehend; it was utterly fantastic and broke all boundaries I’d set for it.

It is a great hope of ours that the help we gave will have a long-term positive impact on all that received it.

Despite many of them having nothing, they were all so happy; it left me awe struck. It is something that many people could learn from, for them happiness was not brought about by materialism, they were simply happy because it is a joyous feeling to have.

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SPORT PROVES REAL WINNER St Helens schools celebrate festival of rugby More than 150 schoolchildren took part in the St Helens Primary Schools Rugby League tournament at the Newton Le Willows Sports Club, with St Theresa’s coming out on top after a fantastic day of competition. Organised by St Helens Rugby League Football Club in partnership with St Helens School Games Programme, 31 teams battled it out to get their hands on the coveted Whittle Cup. The day was also part of the Sky Try initiative which aims to “make a difference by increasing the amount of viewers, spectators and participants to Rugby League”. After a thrilling exhibition of rugby which included an epic ‘golden point’ quarter final, St Theresa’s beat St Peter and Paul in a closely contested final to clinch the famous trophy. Each team had to have a minimum of two girls on the pitch at any time and a number of Year 5 pupils made their mark on a day when sport was the real winner.

St Theresa’s won the Whittle Cup

St Theresa’s celebrate a try in the final

The race is on for the try line

A player just avoids a tackle

Two young stars pose with the Super League Trophy

Each team had two girls on the pitch at all times

Great concentration from this young player A player launches another attack

The standard of rugby was very high throughout the tournament

The players had fun throughout the day

A St John Vianney pupil runs with the ball

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AMERICA COMES TO WEST DERBY

The 50-strong gospel choir called ‘West Derby Fellas’

A song and dance with an international theme West Derby School’s internationally themed event took them to the USA. Workshops were delivered in poetry, art, dance, music and history and lessons during the two days all had an American theme. The boys thoroughly enjoyed their lessons and workshops and the two day event culminated in a hugely successful performance for parents and students at the end of the second day. The American break and lunch menu for the two days was also very much enjoyed by the pupils. One of the visiting workshop professionals said: “It is always interesting to work with new people, and especially enjoyable when it is as part of such a dynamic and well put together event. The vibe in West Derby school is absolutely wonderful in terms of the students readiness to get involved with different art forms”.

A pupil belts out another song

The audience watched broadcasts made by the school’s pupils

Students paraded their paintings

The musical finale

The Beatboxers each took a turn at the microphone

Pupils from all years provided musical support

The audience watched broadcasts made by the school’s pupils

Two young sportsmen show off their basketball skills

The boys only had 48 hours to rehearse

The boys performed some dangerous stunts

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Acting Dancing Singing

Performing arts classes for 4 -19 year olds in Liverpool & Maghull on weekends New term starts 19 September 2015

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SIDE-SPLITTING, RIB-TICKLING, PURRRFECT FAMILY PANTO!

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12 Dec 2015 - 3 Jan 2016 Book Now 0844 871 3017* atgtickets.com / liverpool* group sales 0844 871 3037 www.facebook.com/LiverpoolEmpire

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Book Review

In association with

5-8 Years Cabin Fever - Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney £5.99 Greg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been damaged and Greg is the prime suspect. But the crazy thing is, he's innocent! Or at least sort of. The authorities are closing in, but then a surprise blizzard hits and the Heffley family is trapped indoors. Greg knows that when the snow melts he is going to have to face the music but could any punishment be worse than being stuck inside with your family?

Claude: Lights! Camera! Action! by Alex T Smith £5.99 Claude discovers a film set on the other side of the fence! When the two lead actors are injured, Claude and Sir Bobblysock are asked to take their places. Can they become movie stars with just the simple addition of a wig? Of course they can! Claude was selected for the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize and the Richard and Judy Book Club. Alex T. Smith is the World Book Day Illustrator 2014.

Mad Iris and the Bad School Report by Jeremy Strong, Scoular Anderson £5.99 Pudding Lane Primary's favourite ostrich mascot is back for another adventure! Mad Iris is up to her usual mischief, but this time Ross, Katie and the rest of the school have their work cut out for them to keep her under control - the OFSTED School Inspectors are coming to visit!

9-12 Years Fiction Earthfall: Redemption by Mark Walden £6.99 The thrilling conclusion to the outstanding Earthfall trilogy for sci-fi fans everywhere. Can Earth be reclaimed? The battle for Earth continues. In order to defeat the Voidborn, the alien race that invaded Earth, Sam must come to terms with the Illuminate powers he has inherited and return to London.

The Wolf Wilder Katherine Rundell £11.69 Feodora and her mother live in the snowbound woods of Russia, in a house full of food and fireplaces. Ten minutes away, in a ruined chapel, lives a pack of wolves. Feodora's mother is a wolf wilder, and Feo is a wolf wilder in training. A wolf wilder is the opposite of an animal tamer: it is a person who teaches tamed animals to fend for themselves, and to fight and to run, and to be wary of humans.

The Tapper Twins Go to War by Geoff Rodkey £6.99 Wars are terrible things. I know this because I've read about a lot of them on Wikipedia.

And also because I was just in one. It was me against my brother, Reese. That might not sound like a war to you. Trust me. It was. This is the story of the terrible war between twins, Reese and Claudia Tapper. It began with a cruel and senseless sneak attack in the school cafeteria.

Teenage Fiction The Death Cure by James Dashner £5.99 The Trials are over. WICKED have collected all the information they can. Now it's up to the Gladers to complete the blueprint for the cure to the Flare with a final voluntary test. But something has happened that no-one at WICKED has foreseen: Thomas has remembered more than they think. And he knows WICKED can't be trusted.

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J Maas £7.19 Everyone Celaena Sardothien loves has been taken from her. Now she returns to the empire - to confront the shadows of her past ...The fourth breathtaking instalment in the New York Times bestselling Throne of Glass series. Bloodthirsty for revenge on the two men responsible for destroying her life, and desperate to find out if the prince and his captain are safe, Celaena returns to Rifthold, the seat of so much evil.

More Than This by Patrick Ness £5.99 A boy called Seth drowns, desperate and alone in his final moments, losing his life as the pounding sea claims him. But then he wakes. He is naked, thirsty, starving. But alive. How is that possible? He remembers dying, his bones breaking, his skull dashed upon the rocks.

So how is he is here? And where is this place?

Are you a librarian, teacher or purchasing manager? Do you buy books for your school?

Waterstones Liverpool offers a comprehensive account sales service. Contact Sarah Hughes, Children's Department, Liverpool ONE, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 3DL. Tel: 0151 709 9820

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

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WHERE CAN WE GO? Our pick of what’s happening out & about in the region

Pantomime Season 2015 Dick Whittington - Liverpool Empire Lime Street, Liverpool Saturday 12 December to Sunday 3 January 2016 Cinderella - Epstein Theatre Hanover House, 85 Hanover Street, Liverpool Thursday 10 December to Sunday 3 January 2016 Rapunzel Rock ‘n’ Roll Panto - Everyman Theatre 5-11 Hope Street, Liverpool Sat 28 November to Saturday 23 Jan 2016 The Princess And The Pea - Unity Theatre 1 Hope Place, Liverpool Friday 4 December to Saturday 9 January 2016 Aladdin - Southport Theatre Promenade, Southport Friday 11 December to Saturday 2 January 2016 Mother Goose - Westbourne Hall Westbourne Road, West Kirby, Wirral 8 January 2016 to 10 January 2016 Cinderella - St Helens Theatre Royal Corporation Street, St Helens Friday 4 December 2015 to Sunday 10 January 2016 The Wizard of Oz - Knowsley Leisure and Culture Park Longview Drive, Huyton, Liverpool Saturday 5 December - Sunday 6 December Jack and the Beanstalk - Floral Pavilion Theatre Marine Promenade, New Brighton, Wallasey, Wirral Thursday 7 January 2016 to Sunday 10 January 2016 Sleeping Beauty - Little Theatre Southport Hoghton Street, Southport Wednesday 16 December to Sunday 3 January 2016 Peter Pan - The Atkinson Lord Street, Southport Thursday 14 January to Sunday 24 January 2016

Jacqueline Wilson’s Hetty Feather

Works to Know by Heart: Matisse in Focus 20 November – 1 May 2016 Tate Liverpool Albert Dock, Liverpool L3 4BB 0151 702 7400 This autumn Tate Liverpool presents one of the most iconic works ever made by Henri Matisse (1869 – 1954), The Snail 1953. Due to the delicate nature of the work, this is your only opportunity to see The Snail outside of London, as this masterpiece will not tour to other venues in N t ot our lifetime. mi o be sse Shown alongside The Snail will be d additional Matisse works from the Tate collection that span the genres of portraiture, landscape and still life, encompassing sculpture, painting and works on paper. Displaying works from 1899 onwards, Matisse in Focus will represent over 50 years of this giant of modern art’s fascinating and impressive career. Not to be missed!

Thursday 22 October

For e all th y l i m a f

Tuesday 3 - Saturday 7 November Liverpool Playhouse, Williamson Square, Liverpool L1 1EL 0151 709 4776

From best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson, the tale of plucky Hetty Feather is brought thrillingly to life on stage by award winning script writer Emma Reeves (CBBC’s The Story of Tracy Beaker) and the Olivier Award nominated director Sally Cookson, whose many five star productions include Peter Pan, We’re Going on a Bear Hunt and Stick Man. With an original musical score by Benji Bower, circus skills and a huge heart, Hetty Feather is a terrific adventure.

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FUTURE EVENTS

The Ministry of Science Southport Theatre, Promenade, Southport, Merseyside PR9 0DZ 0844 871 3021 Ministry of Science Live is a 90 minute show which takes the audience on a journey through the different types of energy using demonstrations and historical references as the narrative. Combining the world of education with live experiments and the history of engineering the interactive shows aim is to focus, inspire and educate through the medium of live theatre. We hope to illustrate the importance of engineering in shaping the world we currently live in and the world that our young people will shape.

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Saturday 3 October

24 October - 1 November

FILM and APP REVIEW

Geo Caching Taster Event National Trust Formby, Victoria Road, Formby, Merseyside L37 1LJ 01704 878591 A treasure hunt for the technological age. Geo-caching is a good way to get your kids and teens out and about in the countryside. Download an app to your smart phone before your visit or book online for an hours free hire for a GPS unit (only five available).

Pumpkin Fest WWT Martin Mere, Fish Lane, Burscough, Lancashire, L40 0TA 01704 895181 Join in the fun at Martin Mere for their October half term spooktacular - includes pumpkin carving, create your own spooky face in your very own pumpkin and a pumpkin hunt. There are 15 carved pumpkins named and hidden amoungst the grounds find them all for a chance to win prizes.

Thursday 15 October

24 - 26 October

Hamlet (Live 12a) The Vue, Ocean Plaza, Marine Drive, Southport, PR8 1SQ

Toytopia Exhibition Centre Liverpool, Kings Dock, Liverpool L3 4FP

Hamlet will be broadcast live from the Barbican in London to The Vue as Benedict Cumberbatch takes on the title role of Shakespeare’s great tragedy. As a country arms itself for war, a family tears itself apart.

Forced to avenge his father’s death but paralysed by the task ahead, Hamlet rages against the impossibility of his predicament.

Whether you’re three or 93, you’ll love the brand-new magical family event Toytopia. Hop on the Miniature Train. Whizz, glide and bounce around the test track on the very latest balance bikes, AirBoards, mini tractors and hoppers. Meet Lego-certified engineers, Bright Bricks, and marvel at their amazing Lego structures.

1 Nov 2015 - 31 Jan 2016

25 November to 6 December

POPPIES: Weeping Window St George's Hall, Liverpool L1 1JJ Liverpool's very own St George's Hall will be the location for the travelling sculpture Weeping Window, created by artist Paul Cummins and designer Tom Piper. The iconic poppy sculpture which attracted millions of people to the Tower of London in 2014 will be displayed outside the stunning St George's Hall.

Shrek the Musical Liverpool Empire Theatre, Lime Street, Liverpool L1 1JE 0871 231 7787 Shrek the Musical is this year’s must-see show for all the family.

Featuring all new songs as well as cult Shrek anthem I’m a Believer, Shrek the Musical brings all the much-loved DreamWorks characters to life, live on stage, in an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza.

Error 404 Director: Daniel Hill Stars: Beth Folan, Tyler Maskall, Issy Wealleans Release date: 23 September 2015 Verdict: ★★★★★ By Andy Kelly Error 404 is not an education video, but a compelling and thought provoking drama designed to be used in schools, youth and community groups to ask questions and motivate debate on the issues surrounding internet usage and its place in our society. Error 404 tells the story of a 16-year-old girl, Beth. She has grown up with debilitating depression which manifested itself in an eating disorder. We join her story as she has got her life back on track until seemingly innocent barbs from so called friends online send her on a path back down a road which ultimately ends with her taking her own life. Error 404 examines our obsession with updates and the often ignored dark corners of the web. With genuine accounts of the performer’s lives, taking an often comic yet starkly honest look at the internet.

Globe & Maps

by Azure Iceberg Verdict: ★★★★✩ By Andy Kelly

Globe & Maps by Azure Iceberg is a new app release that features very cool 3D globes and 2D maps that can be viewed either way. This educational tool was designed with the older student in mind and the developers made sure that their product was slick enough to grab and keep a teenager’s attention. With Globe & Maps on their devices, the whole world is at your fingertips and the learning just a tap away. Everything from cartographic, topographic, ocean and geophysical maps are all covered and the app lets one easily switch from 2D to 3D. This app presents a virtual globe that is easy to use and navigate. The app allows users to explore the world around them at their own pace, and according to what interests they may have about the world, it is also a useful tool for teachers to use for instruction purposes.

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

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My School Days Alex Greenwood - International Footballer

My schools: St Monica’s Primary School and Savio Salesian High School.

My favourite teacher: Mr Talbot of Savio, he always supported me through out school, he was always on hand whenever I needed to catch up on my school work if I had been selected to go away with England!

Favourite subject at school: PE, always my favourite, especially when I was allowed to join in with the lads.

Were you streetwise or a bit of a geek?

Definitely a streetwise kid, I was always out the minute I got home from school until my mum shouted me in. But being geeky is definitely something not to be ashamed off.

My favourite childhood band/singer: I love a bit of everything.

My favourite extra-curricular activity: I just loved to play football, as I got older the gym became my next passion after football. I take a lot of interest in nutrition too.

My favourite book: I like any autobiographies 122

Do you remember your first school crush?

Ha ha ha.... yes I do, a lad called Shaun Daulby, he was my best mate for years too!

School dinners: When I was in school healthy dinners were just coming in... I’m not aware of what happens now but I would like to think healthy options are the priority in school. It’s important to educate the younger generation how to look after their bodies, my nephew is three and always takes fruit to school My ambitions at school: I was a very focused kid, I knew what I wanted and wasn’t going to let anything get in my way, and a lot of sacrifices had to be made along the way.... I always wanted to be a professional footballer and represent my country.

Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

Bootle-born Alex Greenwood plays as a defender for Notts County of the FA WSL and previously played for Everton, who she joined at the age of eight, and progressed through the club's Centre of Excellence. In August 2010 she made her first team debut in the 2010–11 UEFA Women's Champions League qualification round where she began her career, and has played for the England women's national football team since 2014.

Greenwood was named the FA Women's Young Player of the Year in 2012.

At the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, she was the youngest member of the England squad and she won a bronze medal when the team beat Germany in the third place play-off.

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