newSletter winter 2019 Easter 2020
Young garden designers Putting smiles collect top RHS back onaward faces
BRUNE PARK is now a friendly, welcoming and supportive school thanks to efforts from the Gosport and Fareham Multi-Academy Trust (GFM), according to a government report. Ofsted inspectors said sharing expertise across the Trust has helped turn Brune Park into a calm and purposeful place for students to learn. The report described leaders at all levels as capable, determined and ambitious with a clear educational vision, while also noting improvements in teaching and behaviour. They Brune Community also said thePark GFM has helpedSchool’s to raise artistic academic studentsand havethe won the top prize at the standards ambitions of students. royal Horticultural Society’s garden design The report states: “Brune Park is a friendly competition. and welcoming school. Students and staff The Year 9 students, handpicked for their getcreative along well together. Most enjoy talents, scooped the students best overall design coming to school. The academy prize after impressing judges at is thegenerally Green Plan calm and purposeful. It showcase. “Inspectors praised school’s They won praise forthe their green innovative space plan, enrichment programme which allows which considered environmental and students wildlife plus the30 wellbeing the school and to impact spend at least minutesofa day at a chosen local club or community. society, as well as the many extraentitled TheonPark, curricular trips offer.the design plans were described as “fullfound of creativity, spirit andrated “The inspection the school to be enthusiasm” by Chelsea FlowerdevelShow gold Good in two categories; personal medaland winner and judge opment leadership, andJilyane praisedrickards. She said: “The creativity washed through significant progress and improvetheir words and knowledge. They have a ment of the school sinceenthusiasm the last that was wonderful spirit and inspection in all noting unmatched in areas, this room today. that quality of education “They are just great and kids. The sensitivity was behaviour and attitudes are areas immense.” still requiring improvement.” The competition win was the result of ten weeks of the planning and development Headteacher Mrs Andrewstagegave following a visit totorHS Wisley at the Proud: The winning students show off their RHS design award and below, listening Power her reaction to advice from a member of staff at the RHS Gardens at Wisley. of term. thebeginning inspection: “This report is Mrs Andrew-Power Students whorelentless took parthard were Melody, Stan, testament to the Freyja, Kayleigh, Blake and Sam, with work andAmber, commitment of the support from teacher Mr Walker GFM community in support of and rHS mentor emma Dunne. the improvement of Brune Park,” Students spoke to inspectors about their pride for Brune Park School. Year 9 student Kayleigh said: “I had an she said. time at rHS Wisley Gardens, meeting amazing “We’re delighted inspectors the assessors and learning new skills, it was a CEO of the GFM Ian Potter “The considerable improvements at Brune worked with so many students five out of five experience. said: “It is incredibly pleasing Park, combined with sustained improvement whoFellow talked student about their school Melody added: “It was eye that Ofsted has noted the role at Bay House, was reflected in outstanding with such pride and were able opening as I never thought I would enjoy the GFM is playing in raising exam results at both A-level and GCSE. This other than to something share the progress thesketching. school and maintaining quality of is evidence of the positive impact that working “I enjoyed my time at they rHS Gardens Wisley is making and how much education in our schools. collaboratively together can have on the system.” and the would love to go of andthe dostaff.’ it all again. It was value commitment Ian Potter beneficial to us as individuals and as a team.” The students are keen to bring their design ideas to life and may have access to funding and support from rHS. Art teacher Mr Walker, who helped to coordinate the project, said: “I cannot speak SAFEGUARDING: have made highly enough about the“Leaders creative talents and sure that systems and processes to keep enthusiasm of our students. “The wonderful received from students safe arepraise verythey thorough. Staff and the judges have was richly deserved. training. After winning trustees safeguarding the award the students are veryon keen to to getstay this “Students have lessons how project off the ground.they might face, such safe from dangers “They to see this project through and as usingwant social media. Students feel safe have gainedany so much in confidence over the to report difficulties they have.” last few months.”
School earns glowing praise from Ofsted report
LEADERSHIP: “Leaders at all levels, including trustees, are determined and ambitious for the school. They want the
very best for all students. subject knowledge and skills they need. “Membership of the Gosport and A large group of capable leaders are taking Fareham Multi-Academy Trust (GFM) is the right steps to improve professional a major reason behind the improvements training and the quality of teaching.” being made. Joint working across GFM ENRICHMENT: “Students are enthusiastic schools has already helped to make Brune about the vast range of clubs and activities Park a better place for students to learn.” that take place every day. TEACHING: “Teachers have thought care“Students also go on trips near and far. fully about the important knowledge they These activities are helping to build pupils’ want students to learn, and in what order. confidence and their understanding of the Brune Park School Newsletter n Winter 2019 1 They ensure that students areCommunity taught the world beyond Gosport.”
Brune Park School Newsletter
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Shaking up a real classic
Leading way with top tips SHINE Education’s Dave Cole gave some excellent tips on developing leadership skills and effective monitoring for impact in the classroom.
School heading in right direction Miss Milne, part of the English Department leadership team, says the school is a very different place under the leadership of the GFM.
OUR Drama Club students have been working on their version of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Well done to Noah, Emily, Shannon, Jacob, Olivia, Sera, Chloe, Georgia and Lily for putting in lots of effort.
GFM has made big difference
Chair of Secondary Governors for the looked in students work books and talked Gosport and Fareham Multi-Academy Trust to them about the about their learning “Having been a teacher at (GFM), Jean Morgan, has expressed her experiences. Brune Park for over 20 delight at the huge improvements being “They also looked at how much progress years when I am asked made at Brune Park recently. students had made and assessed the quality what is the major “In my view the GFM has played a of their work in more detail by studying work difference between significant role in the improvements at books from across year groups. life before and after Brune Park,” she said. “In their final report, inspectors said of the GFM, I always “It has brought a vision and the Maths Department: ‘Teaching plans are give the same answer capacity to the senior leadership of well designed and delivered and trust,” she said. the school which has allowed a students learn the intended “This has always been stable foundation for sustained curriculum well.’ a wonderful school, with kind Mikaela Milne improvement. “It was very pleasing and intelligent students with “We all realise that this is that inspectors focused bags of potential. We have always had just the start of a long journey on the improvements great families, and dedicated teachers. and there is still much work to being made throughout “We now have a team of highly experibe done but there is now a sense the school. enced and talented leaders with whom the of purpose, teamwork and raised “The developments entire community can put their trust. expectations for staff and students. made by all in the curricu“At this school now, everyone from our “It was lovely to see everyone’s lum intent and implementation teachers, support staff, students and families faces when the Ofsted judgements were Jean Morgan were recognised and praised.” get the support they need, and crucially, read out. know who to approach to get that support. “There was real happiness evident when “I have to admit when the GFM took over, someone finally believed in them after so I was nervous. I had been at the school 17 many years of negative judgements. Mrs Hull parent of Year 7 and Year 11 years and change is always scary. “Continued support within the GFM will students: “All my children have been well “My concerns were put at ease straight allow more sharing of good practice.” cared for emotionally, been challenged away in the manner in which the leadership Assistant Headteacher Ms Twining was academically and been given aspirational organised and set out improving the school. part of the Maths Department who spent a opportunities to help them flourish. “The Ofsted report is a vindication of the day with Ofsted inspectors. She said they left “I will continue to highly recommend the huge effort that has gone into improving the no stone unturned during the inspection. school to others.” school. They have confirmed what everyone “First, they wanted to know the intent of in our community is coming to realise; Brune our curriculum; does what we teach allows Miss Dennett parent of a Year 7 student: Park is a school on the up. them to build knowledge needed for later “Having grown up in Gosport and lived life and future learning and careers,” she said. “I am aware that the school has improved. “I have no concerns at the moment and here most of my life, I know this town. Brune “Then, how is it implemented. They just want my daughter to have the best Park has always been the underdog, so to observed over 20 maths lessons to assess the opportunities. speak, but now is very much holding its own. quality of the teaching in the classroom. “She is happy at Brune Park.” “I am proud to be a teacher at this school.” “Throughout their observations, they
What the parents say...
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Brune Park School Newsletter
Students branch out to improve their learning OUR students once again took their learning outside the classroom as part of our emerging Community Curriculum, aimed at unlocking potential for Gosport learners and their futures across the town. More than 700 Year 7 students from Bay House and Brune Park, embarked on a day of wide-ranging activities in January. Highlights included a water safety and life saving skills presentation and a practical session from the RNLI. There was also a treasure hunt at Fort Brockhurst provided by English Heritage volunteers. Students worked together with local community organisations to support a social action activity across Stanley Park. There was also a Ready, Steady, Cook-style demo from Aramark Catering and Drop Everything and Reading literacy sessions. The day was part of the the GFM’s Community Curriculum, a project working in partnership with businesses and community organisations to offer students opportunities which will help boost confidence, Chris Willis resilience and aspirations for their futures. Assistant Headteacher and Community Curriculum Lead Chris Willis said: “This was an exceptional day for our schools and community. “It was the perfect example of our schools working in harmony with the rich resources Students enjoyed a day of learning outside of the available in Gosport to help unlock the classroom thanks to an initiative run by the GFM. wonderful potential of our young people.”
Noah scoops award BRUNE Park Community School came together to celebrate the life of a former student with an evening of art and drama. The Daniel Mace Memorial Award went to Year 8 student Noah (above) who showed passion, dedication and excitement for drama. There are plans to hold the ceremony every year. The competition to design a mural for Daniel was won by student Darren. There are now plans to work with a professional artist to create the memorial within the school building.
YEAR 7 students have been developing their reading skills through specific curriculum-based reading lessons.
Keep calm and carry on studying STUDENTS will be able to stay ahead of their learning while the school is closed by working remotely via online apps. Teachers worked tirelessly to organise a range of resources for students via online platforms such as Google Classrooms, Show My Homework and on the subject pages of the school website. There have also been tips on maintaining a routine which includes creating a structured timetable of learning. As well as keeping on top of academic subjects, families are advised to add in exercise and creative learning into each day. Suggestions include learning an instrument, baking, cooking a meal, learning a new dance and video diaries. Other tips include dedicating a learning space or study area, limiting screen time and making time to talk as a family.
OUR school nurses will offer confidential advice and support to students who need it for their health and wellbeing during school closures. Students aged 11-19 can contact the Your Chat Health messaging service, run by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust. The service is available 8.30am to 4.30pm from Monday to Friday. They aim to respond within one working day. Texts will not be seen outside of normal working hours. If you need help before you hear back from us, contact you GP, NHS 111 or dial 999 if it is an emergency. Young people aged 11 to 19 can send a text to 07507 332160.
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Readers enjoy fundraising STUDENTS turned the celebration of reading for World Book Day into an opportunity to fundraise for Book Aid International. Special assemblies focused on the difficulties children in troubled places have in accessing books with money raised through £1 donations for non-uniform day and cake sale. Students also volunteered to read with Year 5 students from fellow GFM school Rowner Junior and led a group story telling in the library. There were over 60 students involved. Around 65 students took part in our Readathon with a cosy reading corner, complete with reading armchair, blanket, coffee table and lamp in the school reception.
Ms Coombs spoke at the international teachers’ conference in Latvia.
Spreading the word in Latvia A BRUNE PARK teacher has shared her expertise on supporting Special Education Need (SEN) students at an international teachers’ conference. Ms Coombs, who is our secondary school SEN lead across the GFM, was the guest speaker at the event held in Latvia. She held a seminar on supporting Deanne students with brain development impairments and gave a talk on classroom strategies for SEN. Ms Coombs also discussed professional development with staff at four schools in the
Latvian capital of Riga and chatted to students hoping to apply to universities in the UK and across Europe. She said: “The GFM is an internationallyfacing organisation which benefits from many opportunities to share expertise and knowledge with partner schools Coombs across the globe. “It was incredibly beneficial to meet teachers from different cultures who share both a passion for supporting young people and a desire to improve professional standards.”
Students pass screen test
During an extended tutor time students got the opportunity to read their favourite book or grab one from the library for Drop Everything and Read. Students were also visited by the school’s therapy dog Nigel. There was also a short story competition, reading-focussed lessons, a poster treasure hunt and displays in the library all themed around fairy tales. Year 7 Emily said: “I really enjoy reading any way so the chance to have a full week focusing on reading YEAR 8 students got the chance take was great part in a promotional film on a trip for me. to the Science Museum. “I enjoy being They will feature as part of in the library publicity material in schools for because it is a the highly-anticipated medicines really fun and gallery at the London museum. relaxing place to Students spent the day get on with exploring the museum while reading a book.” being filmed and photographed Librarian Adele Hawksworth discussing the different exhibits, Ms Hawksworth said: during the trip in February. “We wanted to use World Science teacher Mr Saund, who Book Day and Book Week as a way organised the trip and filming through to establish a momentum in creating his contacts at the museum, said: a reading culture across the school.”
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“This was a truly once in a lifetime opportunity. “They they felt uncomfortable at first but the students soon felt relaxed and did a stellar job in front of the camera.” Film producer Laurel Mackie said “The Brune Park students showed curiosity, engagement, patience and positivity as they took part in the film shoot. We could not have done this without them. “We will share the film via our website and social media platforms once it is complete.”
Dancers prove to be real crowd pleasers STUDENTS took what they had learned from masterclasses with dance professionals to put on a fantastic show for proud parents. The final performances in front of a packed audience followed a week-long residence of workshops with the 3Fall Dance Company. Students were split between performers, technical support and promotions with each group playing a vital part in the staging of the final show.
Rush is on to join Robert’s Russian Club STUDENTS are getting the chance to learn Russian thanks to a new club started and exclusively run by a Year 7 student. Robert made his own posters which he put up around the school and manned a stall at the Freshers’ Fair to promote Russian Club. He is the only student to have started his own club and only has minimal staff supervision. He currently has a core of seven or eight students who regularly attend. Members of the group, which was started in November last year, have been selfteaching using a number of online tools and apps to learn the language. Teacher Ms Cannon said: “Robert’s club has been an excellent addition to the clubs and societies rota. He is the first and only student to be running a club with only a staff member for supervision. “I think this is an excellent initiative as Robert is independent and resilient. “He is a real role model for Year 7 and other clubs and societies.”
The dancers enjoy their moment in the spotlight in front of an appreciative audience of family and friends.
While our dancers were on stage, their peers were making sure the show went without a hitch providing the lighting and sound. Our marketing team made sure performers played to a packed house after a sustained poster and advertising campaign to draw in the audience. The day before the show there was a chance to learn from the professionals with a special performance from the 3Fall Dance Company.
Head of Performing Arts Ms Bintley said: “By the end of the evening there were lots of very proud parents, dancers and teachers. So many memories were made that night.” Meanwhile, Year 5 students from Rowner Junior spent an afternoon with the dance company before performing what they had learned to parents. Ms Bintley added: “They could not believe how much dance they had managed to learn in one afternoon.”
Performance is pure class YEAR 11 students left the stage with applause ringing in their ears after a fine performance for their Page to Stage GCSE coursework project. The performance in front of friends and family proved the stepping stone for further improvement in their exams a week later. Drama subject lead Ms Ritchie said: “Following the evening show students worked diligently to improve for their exam. “All the drama teachers are very proud of what the students performed in the examination.” THE GFM STEM Team have been crowned the winners of the Gosport IET/ Airbus Faraday Challenge 2020.
Robert is hoping that more students will join his newly-formed Russian Club.
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Practice is the key to success Tasty Tiny Topics STUDENTS got creative in Tiny Topics Club by decorating gingerbread men.
YEAR 10 student Emily practiced piano and keyboard with music teacher Mr Morgan ahead of her Performance Controlled Assessment. The school offers teaching for a wide range of instruments. If your child is interested in playing an instrument please see Mrs Davies or Mrs Hughes.
Students enjoy rehearsals for their big show.
Talent takes to the stage THE sweet soul sound of Motown provided from the GFM Youth Company, as well as the inspiration for a night of perforsolo singers and musicians. mance themed on social change. Inspired by the Marvin Gaye STUDENTS Named after the Marvin song, questioning the various were invited on stage Gaye classic, What’s horrors happening in today’s to perform in a foreign Going On, our budding language by Onatti Theatre world, students expressed musicians and dancers what they wanted their Company. They performed put on a fantastic show world to look like. plays Les Garçons in French for invited guests. Head of performing and Primera Cita in Spanish Backed by our school arts Ms Bintley said: “The inviting our students to band Revolution belting dancers find it inspirational get involved and try out classic soul sounds, and special to dance to live their skills. the GFM Dance Company music and share the stage with and Dance Club performed such accomplished performers.” choreographed routines. She added: “It was a great evening There were also fine performances enjoyed by a full house.”
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THE school celebrated our talented singers, dancers and musicians at the Brune Park’s Got Talent. Teachers Mrs Davies and Mrs Munro even got in on the act, joining our students, many of which were in Year 7, on stage. School band Revolution got the audience to their feet with a wonderful singalong rendition of The Beatles classic Hey Jude. Ms Bintley said: “Everyone went home with a smile on their face and one parent even asked if they could perform next year.”
Exciting future awaits school leavers THE school said goodbye to our Year 11 students earlier than expected due to the cancelling of GCSE exams. They signed each other’s shirts and enjoyed a final meal together in the school canteen before saying their farewells in March. Headteacher Mrs Andrew-Power said: “We are so proud of our Year 11 students. “They should feel success and pride for everything that they’ve achieved and the hard work they have put in.”
Spotlight is placed on mental health HELPING families access mental health support was the focus for a parent forum hosted by the partner school Bay House. Brune Park families attended the event, run by the GFM, featuring mental health support groups and guest speakers. Topic discussed by speakers included how to build resilience, how families can access support and the benefit of mindfulness. Motiv8 and Gosport School Pastors held stalls at the event. Assistant Headteacher Ms Coombs, who is our secondary school SEN lead across the GFM, said: “We wanted to provide parents with the opportunity to interact with a number of stakeholders who were there to offer support. “It’s a discussion that people are prepared to have. I don’t think it’s easily understood. It’s not like having a broken arm. That’s what makes it so hard. “People who are experiencing problems feel very isolated and alone. It’s so personal. There are no easy answers and that’s a challenge for us.” Ms Ure is the co-ordinator for family mental health at both Bay House and Brune Park School. She said: “Being a parent is often regarded as the hardest job that you do. We are given so much advice and we are worried about everything. It can become really overwhelming. “As an adult, it’s important that we acknowledge different feelings because we are role modelling all the time. Children will remember.”
Denise Banks speaks at the mental health forum about the importance of mindfulness.
Games provide fun and thought
STUDENTS used an extended lunch to play board games. Erika, Tilli and Grace played Disney Monopoly while Madison, Imogen, Kadi, Saskia and Lily Anne had a go at Scrabble.
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YEAR 11 students had social time with our Headteacher Mrs AndrewPower who said: “They are already behaving like university students.�
PRIMARY students from Gomer and Rowner Juniors joined student leaders to get a taste of life at Brune Park.
Picture gallery...
OUR students were transfixed as the Commando MEMBERS of The Earthlings Club are Chefs gave a talk and cooking masterclass. planning a GFM Earth Day.
YEAR 9 students networked with industry professionals and entrepreneurs for the Finding Your Futures event.
STUDENTS have been learning about sustainability by planting vegetables in our school garden.
OUR Year 11 French class during oral practice featuring a carousel activity with board games, question cards and speaking dice.
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NIGEL the dog is keeping an eye on Aden in ACE.
OUR new Assistant Headteacher Ms Brice gave her first assembly in January.
Brune Park School Newsletter