Gosport FUTURES
Gosport & Fareham Multi-Academy Trust
Spring 2021
ESSENTIAL SKILLS AIMING HIGH CAREERS
From the classroom to the workplace.
Long distance swimmer praises our students.
Speakers share their advice and experience.
Rising to the CHALLENGE Executive Trust Leader at the GFM Chris Willis praises the hard work and dedication it has taken to deal with these difficult times...
Inside...
3, 4, 5 Gosport Futures 6 Making space for new hub 7 Service Team’s vital support 8 Pastors help during pandemic 9
GFM Careers Talk initiative
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Yachtsman Alex Thomson
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LEGO challenge and the annual GFM awards
Short-term job opportunities
13 Festive food donations 14 Building trust & music lessons 15 Swimmer praises our students 16 Clubs and socieities
When the GFM came together as a partnership between local schools we had no idea that less than three years later we would be facing the greatest global, and as a consequence the greatest educational, challenge of our generation. The GFM, like most organisations, was not set up with a global pandemic in mind but it has highlighted the importance and strength of our mission to embed ourselves, not just in the traditional school sense but as part of the living and breathing fabric of our town. From the outset we have always sought to undertake more, to go further in our desire to lift not only our students but also their families and our entire community. Our collaborative partnerships established pre-pandemic through our Community Curriculum offer and our GFM Business and Education partnership have – during this most difficult of times – enabled us to offer much needed support to those in the greatest need alongside outstanding curriculum experiences online. As you will read in these pages, because of the support offered across our network of community and business
partnerships, our whole community has been able to readily access the support needed, and not just in terms of their children’s education. Online learning opportunities have been enhanced by the many business partners who have offered their expertise, time and support to give our students the very best educational experience, mentoring and careers advice possible during lockdown. Our community supporters – be that local charities, businesses or the wonderful Gosport School Pastors – have been our bedrock, enabling us to deliver the extra support needed. We tip our collective hats to your selflessness and remain ever grateful to all that have supported the GFM, students and families throughout the last year. This pandemic has taught us all many lessons; chief of all perhaps is the importance of ‘staying connected’ as a community. As a family of schools this has always been at the very heart of our mission, and will continue to be as we move forwards. We thank you all for your tremendous support and look forward to an even brighter tomorrow, together.
Heart-warming reaction to difficulty CEO Ian Potter has highlighted the resilience of staff and students during the ongoing pandemic at our recent annual awards ceremony. “The evening was about recognising all the achievements of students across our network of schools,” he said. “A huge well done not just to our winners but to our entire community. “Many thanks also to our sponsors whose generosity has helped us to fund the equipment required to
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broadcast this event live to our community.” “Not being able to be with our students and community in person does feel like the pandemic is dominating. “I just want to pay tribute to the people I work with who have performed so ably under very challenging circumstances, and to our families and community but especially our young people. “To see the resilience and good humour of people which has helped us all cope during difficult times is genuinely heart-warming.”
BRIGHT FUTURE
New initiative provides key skills linking the classroom to the workplace...
ENSURING every student has the essential skills to succeed has been a focus in lessons, tutor time and clubs throughout this term. Gosport Futures is helping students across the GFM develop skills such as leadership, creativity and problem solving which will equip them to succeed in learning and in future employment. The project, which has received backing from local businesses, is providing the crucial link between classroom learning and employability. GFM Assistant Headteacher Mr Adderley explains: “These skills are vital for all of us. It doesn’t matter if you are just beginning your GFM journey as a student or member of staff, it’s these skills that we all really need to develop and practice. “We constantly use them but by using a clear structure and practising, we all get better. I know that I certainly have improved my listening skills on video calls over the past year.” Recording cards, A1 boards and a steps system have been used to highlight where students are using these core skills during learning, both in class, in clubs and at home. Meanwhile, students have been boosting their career skills and employability by documenting their development on the UniFrog platform. For each of the eight skills students are guided to select examples of where they have improved with easy-to-use guides to useful resources. Mr Adderley says there is lots more to come from this project: “We are all just working really hard on making sure that Gosport Futures are a fundamental part of every lesson. “Using the framework, we can highlight where pupils are strong and where they can develop and we can use this overtly in every classroom, whether that be online or at school to help all of our learners develop those essential skills to succeed.”
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provides a range of crucial SKILLS WORKING from a sound foundation, the Primary Phase of the GFM has embraced Gosport Futures recognising that our students will be supported into becoming well rounded individuals. There are different opportunities for exploring Gosport Futures — some are discrete while others are celebrated. Here are a few examples of how the Primary Phase has embraced Gosport Futures.
OUR wellbeing Wednesdays, Friday celebration assemblies and encouragement of students to be mindful has helped them understand how they are feeling during a challenging year. A recent non-screen day saw them participate in an array of mindfulness activities. Every student in the Phase received some seeds and a poem in an envelope. The seeds are intended to be grown as part of our wellbeing learning and they come complete with instructions. The poem is intended to remind the students of how well they are coping with this situation and that we miss them being at school.
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OUR attendance to lock-down lessons across the GFM Primary Phase, is 93%. We educate over 450 students, so we are delighted with such good attendance. Learning with their teachers and classmates, albeit remotely, means the students have continued to broaden their knowledge. They have embraced the tech and adapted to learning in a new way. The students have also managed their schedules really well and have asked for help where needed or solved an issue using their own initiative.
Gosport Futures Spring 2021
TEAM Primary dressed as elves to support the Alzheimer’s Society, raising a total of £477. As part of their No Outsiders curriculum, the society educates students about respect for diversity. This helps them become aware of how some people might change around them as they get older. Elf Day was a creative way to raise funds and highlight the plight of those suffering from this horrible disease.
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THE Primary Phase missed after school clubs which were not possible in the autumn term due to COVID-19. Some of the students used the online communications platform Google Meet to practice their teamwork, creativity, listening and speaking skills while setting-up their own clubs and societies. This proved so successful that a pilot has now been launched where students can assist others to start a new club or society. An adult is invited to attend the session but the students plan, host and share everything themselves. We intend to continue with this endeavour as part of our extended curriculum.
DID you know that LEGO means ‘Play Well — Learn Well’? While the teachers have been supporting some students with small group ‘catch-up’ sessions, accredited LEGO trainer Stephen Shaw has set the youngsters a variety of problemsolving challenges. For example, Year 5 completed some advanced coding tasks. The students built a swing and programmed it to move using control from a motion sensor — an awesome achievement! See page 12 for more on LEGO.
STUDENTS have taken part in a ‘trans-globe adventure’, completing several characterbuilding missions with their peers along the way. The final mission involved them designing their own obstacle course and challenges to raise money for YoungMinds charity. Using an assortment of objects including tyres, hurdles, hula hoops, bean bags, tennis rackets and benches, the students worked together to construct an obstacle station. Each group demonstrated how their station worked, before taking it in turns to try out the different activities. Once every group had completed all activities, the stations were adapted to create one continuous (and muddy) obstacle course. The students raised £813 to support children’s mental health.
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Check out GFM page on Facebook LIFE under lockdown can be tough but this can be particularly tough if one parent is away on a deployment. To combat isolation among Services Families the GFM has had great success reaching out via the new GFM Service Community Facebook group. Social media is one of the main means of communication for many local families and so it was decided the group might be an effective and efficient way of connecting with our community. Through the feed, the GFM are now able to inform parents of events, groups and activities that are taking place throughout the week. This includes Think Different Thursdays aimed at encouraging families to be engaged in something new, hopefully making new friends and boosting mental wellbeing. Alex and Lesley from the service team hosted the first event in the series; a plant-based cooking session. It got a huge thumbs up from families. The theme for the challenges is healthy choice with other sessions including physical activities.
Helping the community
RETIRED staff and a small army of community volunteers are helping to keep our students and staff safe by coordinating Covid testing. The lateral flow test is being led by former Head of Science Louise Webb and one-time Finance Director Denise Sanders. The call to action was heeded and ably supported by a community of around 15 volunteers who have helped test up to 200 staff and students a week since December. Louise said: “We are still very much a part of the GFM community so were happy to help.”
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All clear for HUB
Site prepared by volunteers for new development... YOUNGSTERS volunteered their time to clear a site designated for a new building as part of a national project. Students from Military Mentors, a Gosport based college which prepares 16-19-year-olds for life in the armed forces, spent the day clearing debris from Brune Park Community School in December. Work will now begin on the site which will become home to a new Royal Navy funded service children and family’s community hub. The potential armed forces recruits from the college took part in the wasteland clearance as part of the National Citizenship Service (NCS) scheme. The nationwide scheme encourages youngsters to get involved in volunteering projects that will make a difference to their community and is incorporated into their college course. The students also did a beach clean of Lee-on-Solent this week as part of the NCS scheme. Military Mentors founder Tony West, a former Navy Commander, said: “The students have learned the importance of helping the community with this project. “Our job is to prepare them for what they may face when they join the military and projects like these are a good grounding. “The GFM have been big supporters
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of ours and we have a strong partnership. Lots of the students taking part today were former GFM students at either Brune Park or Bay House.” Ashley Williams, 16, a former Brune Park student, said: “It felt strange being back in the old school, reliving all the good fun times. It feels good to help out the local community.” Chris Willis, Executive Trust Lead Personal Development and Community at the Gosport and Fareham Trust said: “We have a fantastic working partnership between the GFM and Military Mentors and are delighted with their support. “We are incredibly grateful to the fantastic cohort of Uniformed Public Services students at Military Mentors and Tony West for their hard work.” Military Mentors are now holding open days. To book call 07856 975 376 or apply online at militarymentors.co.uk.
Flag flying high for SUPPORT Mum Nicola Watts has Gosport thanked the Futures Service Team for having a positive influence on her son Henry...
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AS a family we are very close but two big changes in 2020 put us to the test: COVID-19 and dad (Nigel) deploying to the Falklands for seven months. Working from home during lockdown proved tough, the toll of online learning started to take a toll on both my children. Henry became unmotivated and lost his love of learning and reading, which is understandable given the situation. As a service family Henry and my daughter were offered a place at Spring Garden Lane in the summer where they did face to face learning. The subject matter was engaging (Covid and its impact) and they both
The Service Team is helping Nicola Watts and her family during a difficult time while her husband Nigel — pictured with son Henry — is deployed in the Falklands Islands. thrived from having a purpose to learn, a routine and a chance to see others. Henry has now been working with Alex Page since January and again is thriving in the small group environment. His dad deployed in October until May, which was a bit of a shock as he hadn’t been away for a long time. Henry was affected the most; he was feeling
low, missing his Dad and his friends. But Alex has really helped him and has been a great influence on him, we are very grateful for that. Henry is even considering becoming vegan because of Alex’s positive influence. Having positive interaction from a male role model has helped Henry to get through this second lockdown and has eased the time away from his dad.
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Helping heroes and their families really rocks In a previous life Alex Page was a punk rock drummer working with some of the biggest names in the industry including legends The Damned. In a colourful career Alex (pictured) has also worked as a boxing coach and music tutor but his true passion lies in getting the lives of young people back on track. His new role at the GFM is focusing on building confidence and resilience among a group of harder to reach students. In a post-Covid world, his role will become more dynamic; taking students out into the community, exposing them to different career paths and engaging with learners through a multitude of activities. Our blended learning approach allows
students to work in their own time and their own pace. It includes a combination of face-to-face learning, physical activities and dynamic online digital activities. Research shows that being part of a military family can increase the risk of isolation and create barriers to moving onto higher education and employment. This is why the GFM have created its own unique “whole family approach” to working
with Service families. Alex, who also has a marine and maritime background, said: “It is my aim to continue making an impact on people’s lives using my coaching techniques, working with those who may be disengaged with normal day-to-day life and help build confidence, respect and resilience.” Thanks to our funding partners The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC). Through our relationship we have formed partnerships with Aggies, who will support the Play and Stay sessions launching in Spring, and Solent MIND for their support.
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Karen Tweed provides an update on the valuable support offered to students during difficult times...
Pastors still here for YOU!
THE Gosport School Pastors were an integral part of school life prior to the pandemic but given “most are of grandparent generation” what have they been doing since the pandemic struck? The short answer is perfectly summed up by coordinator Karen Tweed who said: “Gosport School Pastors have always claimed to be ‘here for you’ and we still are. “Whether we are able to be in school or not, we meet regularly to pray for the school communities.” Scan the playground at Brune Park or Bay House on any given day in 2019 – a place and time which suddenly seems a lifetime ago – you would almost certainly spot a Gosport School Pastor. But as the world descended into chaos and schools were shut their very important work ground to a halt. Their time was spent tidying up home and gardens, “they have never been tidier,” Karen says, but all were waiting for the day they could return to our schools. In July, the call came and they were invited to meet a group of students at our Spring Garden Lane facility. Karen continues: “We were delighted
Gosport Futures to find out how they were coping and to enable them to share the highs and lows. “The end of term came and as the summer holidays began, we were filled with renewed hope that there might be some kind of return to normality in September.” And we all know what happened next. Since then, they have been helping our admin and year group teams’ package and deliver food to our most vulnerable families. Unable to help our students in person there are now plans to offer online support. Karen said: “We look forward to being that listening ear if someone needs to chat. “Of course it is better to meet in person but we will do what we can for now. In the words of the famous song ‘We will meet again’”.
STEM makes a difference AHT lead Elizabeth Hillawi (pictured) says the GFM STEM programme gives students the skills and mindset to help them make the world a much better place. Throughout history in times of uncertainty people have turned to science to try to solve our problems. From small town doctor Edward Jenner who created the first smallpox vaccine to mathematician Alan Turing who cracked the WW2 Enigma Code. The curiosity fostered in STEM based subjects is the key to future discoveries which could eventually save our planet.
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Trying to make the world a better place through science is what the GFM STEM programme is all about. The aim is to take the endless possibilities and link them to real life situations – when school was open as normal, we worked on green energy
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Developing character for adult life A FOCUS on character development is helping the young people of Gosport become well-rounded and emotionally intelligent citizens. Embedded into the inclusive and broad curriculum, the GFM are committed to cultivating positive character qualities in their students. The secondary phase is working towards the School of Character Kitemark by the Association of Character Education, which “summarises the educational attitude that promotes the development of positive values and attitudes in young people”. Assistant Headteacher for Performing Arts at the GFM, David Malcolmson (pictured) said: “We place great importance on character development as we believe that supporting parents to develop students as well-rounded people enables them to prepare for their adult lives. “We aim to provide students with a greater understanding of their behavioural choices and an awareness of how they fit into the wider community.” designs – since closure, we have worked on computer simulations and basic coding. The real love for STEM, however, comes from tinkering with ideas and reading about problems with no solutions. The benefits of this kind of creativity are so important for our young people, it does wonders for their confidence as well as their mental health.
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Career KICK-START The new GFM Careers Talk allows students to learn from professionals who have made a career from the subjects they are studying... WHO better to learn from than someone who has made a career at the subject you are studying? Wise words and also the rationale behind the new GFM Careers Talk initiative. Started by Brune Park science teacher Alex Ricketts, the idea is to have successful industry professionals address pupils about their careers. It gives students the chance to ask about education and careers paths but also helps to remind them that not
everyone just lands in their dream job. After a series of talks in the science department last year, the mantle has been grasped by the English department at Bay House. With the help of the GFM’s careers team, teacher Becky Anderson has organised three varied talks this term. The speakers include a former national newspaper journalist, a social worker turned author and a historian. There are now plans to roll out
across all subjects. Becky said: “I am really proud to be building on Alex’s excellent work. “It really helps for students to hear about a career from someone who is not their teacher, it makes it real and is really powerful. “All of our speakers got to their dream careers in a really unconventional way which helps students stay motivated and gives them belief they can achieve.”
Work experience continues — remotely If you thought that work experience for students would have to take a seat during the lockdown then think again. The GFM careers team have managed to place 23 students during the February half term at international renowned companies including Spotify, Santander and Wates. The online placements give students a real view of what life is like in the working world as well as how organisations are adapting to the pandemic. GFM career guru Sara Heaysman explains: “The real advantage of the online work experience placements is that they enable students to experience companies they would never normally engage with for geographical reasons. “It would have been totally impossible for us to have four students engaged in a week’s physical work experience at Spotify, for example.” The GFM is also partnering with the Solent Local Enterprise Partnership to pilot a scaled up virtual work experience. Sara continues: “We are currently working to recruit a range of employers
who will be able to offer three-day experiences, including some from our own business network. “We have also contracted to provide a broader online programme for students who don’t wish to apply for a place with a single company, giving them the chance to engage with employees from many different companies as well as participating in a work-based project. “We recognise the real value of employer encounters for our students and are working hard to ensure that even in these strange times students are able to experience a workplace in some form.” Meanwhile, our student mentoring programme in partnership with Brightside will return following last year’s success. Up to 150 students will be offered industry insight mentoring linking them with their career preferences. Lower Sixth students will also get bespoke mentoring support form university undergraduates interested in higher education ahead of UCAS choices. Sara added: “This will give individuals the opportunity to explore their options
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We are working hard to ensure that even in these strange times students are able to experience a work place in some form.
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more fully and build confidence about their future direction. “We are really looking forward to getting the programme running in the spring and early summer, with more news coming later on potential mentoring for our younger students at the end of the academic year.”
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Floating
IDEAS
Yachtsman Alex Thomson lent his support to the GFM’s maritime and marine curriculum.
Patron of the GFM’s maritime and marine curriculum, yachtsmen Alex Thomson, took time out from preparing for the Vendee Globe to support our programme of events.
Students looking to make a splash in the maritime industry can look forward to using new facilities... OFFERING life changing opportunities to the young people of Gosport has always been at the centre of the GFM vision. That ambition will get its physical embodiment with the opening of new state-of-the-art facilities for students wishing to pursue careers in the marine and maritime industry. Launching in September, the marine and maritime careers feature purposebuilt classrooms located metres from Bay House School in Stokes Bay. Building the workforce for the future with a new NCFE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Sport and Physical Activity, will see students taking on 50 per cent practical work at The Andrew Simpson Centre - a water sports centre based on Langstone Harbour. The scheme has the backing of the greater good across Gosport including Olympic sailing gold medallist Sir Ben Ainslie, MP Caroline Dinenage and international yachtsman Alex Thomson. Steve Osborne, assistant headteacher at GFM explains: “The development of vocational awards is a fundamental part of the GFM’s curriculum strategy. “It’s all about students immersing themselves in the industry they are going to be working in. The water sports course is unique in the local area. Not only will they learn the theory but they will gain the practical skills that they can apply to the industry. They will be
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working alongside the professionals.” Meanwhile, a second vocational award for those interested in the performing arts industry has also been launched. The BTEC Extended Diploma in Performing Arts will see students taking on around 50 per cent practical work and working with professionals from Titchfield Festival Theatre. Students will study dance, drama and music. Mr Osborne added: “One of the things that the young people of today realise is that the days of coming out and having one career are quite limited. ‘We have our A-levels running but we are extending what we offer to deliver the skills of the 21st century. “A-levels are not for everyone and it doesn’t represent the demographic of Gosport. We want to make it more relative to the modern world. It’s about delivering the skills that are going to be really important. “Our students will have access to excellent careers guidance and we are proud of the diversity of our destinations which include university and competitive school leaver schemes and degree apprenticeships.” Both courses are two-year full-time programmes and will include work experience placements. They carry the equivalent of three A-levels, giving students the option of going on to university at the end of the course.
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GFM schools hosted maritime themed assemblies and tutor group sessions during live and virtual events back in October. Students had classes linked to maritime careers and participated in virtual events run by Maritime UK. Events included tours of boats, ships and ports, careers fairs and exhibitions at maritime museums and historic sites across the UK. Alex said: “It’s a great privilege for me to be working with the Gosport and Fareham Multi-Academy Trust. “It’s through initiatives like this that we can inspire young people to progress into the marine and maritime industry, helping to fill that skills shortage and give young people the chance to really thrive in an industry which has so much to offer. “Of course, with the Vendee Globe coming up, I won’t be able to contribute to the virtual events being hosted by the GFM for Maritime Week, but I wish them the best of luck and I look forward to hearing all about it when I’m back on dry land.” Executive Trust Leader at the GFM Chris Willis said: “Maritime Week provided the perfect opportunity to focus on the many career opportunities offered within the marine and maritime sector across Gosport and the surrounding areas. “With the support of our patron Alex Thomson, we are building a skills-based marine and maritime programme into our school curriculum. “We feel now more than ever is the time to invest in the future of our young people by equipping them with the skills to take up exciting careers on the water. “In contrast to many other sectors where employment opportunities are declining there is an ever-growing skills shortage in the marine and maritime sector.”
If you are looking for a shortterm job to get your career on track then the GFM might just have the role for you...
e m o s e Aw S E I T I N U T R O OPP GFM is an approved KICKSTART provider. The Trust is offering up to 57 roles across our schools and sites for the young people of Gosport and Fareham as part of the KICKSTART Government initiative. These new six-month paid opportunities, present a significant economic and skills boost for the local community. If all intern placements are fulfilled then the potential economic yield could be as much as half a million pounds. The new paid KICKSTART intern roles are across all areas of Trust activity such as the following: • Children and Families. • Teaching and Learning. • Site and Grounds. • Administration. • Technology and Community. New KICKSTART employees will benefit from an assigned mentor and coach to develop their employability skills and career development. Each new employee will complete a six-month skills portfolio with us and specific accreditations to demonstrate their progress and achievement, enabling them to move onto the next phase of their career. KICKSTART roles can be found through the GFM
website, Jobcentre Plus links and through potential employee’s assigned work coaches. GFM as a local KICKSTART provider is also able to facilitate placements for other local employers that wish to support the initiative with 30 or less placements to offer and would welcome local companies to approach. Ian Potter, CEO of GFM said: “The KICKSTART initiative provides a great opportunity for the GFM to facilitate local investment in young people. “GFM wants to act as a catalyst for improvements in the community, especially in these unprecedented times and the inevitable challenges ahead. “We established our Multi-academy Trust to be able to innovate and create new and different opportunities for our locality.”
FULL DETAILS AT jobhelp.campaign.gov.uk/kickstart GFM Gosport Futures Spring 2021
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IDEAS
ANY Early Years teacher will tell you the best way to stimulate young minds is to incorporate play into learning. It is this logic that has inspires a new GFM project working in partnership with LEGO. LEGO Education teaching resources are cross-curricular, helping our pupils develop invaluable problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills. We are part of a community brimming with inspiration, creativity, and hope for a stronger, more sustainable future. Our students use We:Do kits to build in
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their own school and share this at events such as LEGO League. Stephen Shaw is a LEGO Education Academy Certified Trainer. He is working across the GFM to help develop science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEM) subjects in a creative way. After two years training at their HQ in Denmark, Stephen now spends time with teachers and education specialists to deliver purposeful learning experiences using LEGO. “We have lots of lego in the GFM, including Mindstorms and SpikePrime and use this to help embed engineering habits of mind like adapting, problem-finding, creative problem solving, visualizing and improving. “No child will ever make the same thing and that’s what we love. Creativity is encouraged.”
LEGO challenge — you will need bricks! 1) Build a scene from your favourite movie or book. 2) Recreate a fact from history as a 3D model. 3) Design and build something; a place, an activity or a facility that your local community might benefit from. 4) What if you could build a better world? Where would you begin? What would you design?
5) Build a vehicle and a slope for it to freewheel down. Questions: A) What difference does the size of the wheels make on speed and distance travelled? B) What difference does the run-off surface make (eg carpet vs tiled flooring)? How could you self-propel the vehicle?
Double delight for ‘lockdown legend’
Mr Potter announces some of the winners of our annual awards.
OUR students hard work did not go unrecognised this year with our annual awards ceremony being beamed into living rooms via a YouTube production. The production featured both live and pre-recorded footage from headteachers and representatives. Awards included Progress in the Face of Adversity, Sporting Achievement, Best Community Contribution and Highest Attendance.
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Star of the night was Bay House student Molly Fancey, who received the Chief Executive Officer’s Award after being described by her tutor as a ‘lockdown legend’. It was her second award of the event, having previously been announced as the Greatest Ambassador. After receiving her virtual trophy Molly said: “I am very grateful and honoured. I would like to thank my teachers who nominated me.”
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Delivering the GOODS during difficult times
NO child at a school run by the Gosport and Fareham Trust (GFM) went hungry last Christmas after hampers were handed out to those in need. The hampers helped feed disadvantaged and vulnerable students at GFM schools; Gomer Junior, Rowner Junior, Brune Park Community School and Bay House School. The hampers fed over 800 students from the town over Christmas thanks to the partnership between the GFM and catering company Aramark. It included food for a festive meal and bread, cheese, biscuits and crackers. Assistant Headteacher at the Gosport and Fareham Trust leading on inclusion Faye Longden-Thurgood said: “At this incredibly difficult time the GFM are doing all they can to support families in need. “We know that many people are facing great challenges having been hit hard by the impact of the pandemic.” Meanwhile, the GFM also collected donations for their Christmas Food Bank Appeal in support of Jacob’s Well and the Gosport & Fareham Basics Bank. Dozens of boxes and bags of food and essentials were donated by the families of students at schools across the Trust. Each tutor group at the schools were designated a different item to donate which included toilet roll, shower gel, tea, coffee, soup and pasta. Citizenship teacher at Bay House School Amy Robinson said: “We collected a whopping 40 bags of food from our kind hearted families which SUPPORT for will be donated to people in the local families continued Gosport community. into the New Year with the “By getting students to donate school helping to feed up to items they are taking ownership 450 families per week during for their role in supporting the the second lockdown. Hampers food bank. We also asked them and Tesco vouchers were provided to think about why some families for families of students on free school meals. The Trust also set may need that support. up collection points at Brune “The Trust have worked Park School and Spring collaboratively across both schools Garden Lane. to positively affect the lives of so Volunteers collected kind donations for families in need. many people in our community.”
With the help of volunteers, the GFM ensured food donations reached those who really needed them...
Many thanks to teachers for all their hard work
I just wanted to say a big thanks to all your teachers. The amount of preparation you have all put into ensuring the right level of content, facetime, clarity of access and teaching is really impressive. I’ve been working in my office, but can hear the teachers and would like to praise their virtu virtual teaching style. They are inclusive and involved, understanding of the tech shortcomings, creating amazing discipline and level of engagement.
The bite size live sessions are really working and critical to helping my child to stay connected. I have spent the last 10 months on team calls and I know it’s not easy and how exhausting this can be. I have never seen my child so engaged and positive — I am also really proud of his level of motivation and commitment — he is taking things very seriously and the schedule is giving him real structure. Name and address supplied
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Striking the right chord Assistant Headteacher for Performing Arts at the GFM, David Malcolmson on the benefits of learning an instrument. MUSIC empowers young people to shape their world through sound and allows them to exercise their imaginations. To succeed in the future, students will need to be inventive, resourceful and imaginative, an arts education will help. As well as being creative and enjoyable, playing an instrument has been proven to help relieve stress, create a sense of achievement, build confidence and also to improve patience, memory, discipline and time management skills.
Due to these attributes, the Department for Education say a high-quality music education not only improves self-confidence but also behaviour and social skills as well as contribute to an improvement in academic achievement. At the GFM, we are proud to work with a team of specialist instrumental and vocal teachers to offer a wide range of music lessons that pupils and students are able to access in addition to their normal music curriculum lessons. An early start in music education often results in music becoming a life-long passion. This gift is precious and, whilst not all students go on to play professionally, the seeds sown in the classroom continue to flourish for a lifetime. If you are interested in your child learning an instrument, or receiving vocal lessons, please contact the relevant Head of Music or music co-ordinator at your school.
Gosport Futures
Learning how to build TRUST Building relationships has been the key to discussing sensitive issues with teenagers in an online setting... MR PENFOLD who heads up the Citizenship/ PSHRE programme across our two secondary schools says developing trust has allowed students to feel safe to speak out. His team cover a range of topics including relationships and sex education, misuse of substances such as alcohol and drugs, antisocial behaviour and diversity. Because of the nature of the lesson and learning, his eight-strong team will often be the first port of call for any safeguarding and or complex personal problems students may experience. He says recreating the intimacy and support in the classroom has been the biggest challenge during school closures and lockdown. He said: “Because of the types of discussion we will have with students it will often be one of our team who will be the first to hear about an issue a student may be having. “As you can probably imagine that comes with a tremendous amount of responsibility to make sure the support
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and advice you are giving is correct for that individual student and their situation. “Of course, it is much easier to discuss these complex and sensitive issues within the safety of a school classroom. Classrooms are places where students feel like they can be themselves. “When you are discussing sensitive issues like sexuality or relationships teenagers do not necessarily want to be front and centre in front of their peers. “That is why we have created and signposted a range of resources to support our student’s mental wellbeing during the lockdown.” Over a two-week period just under 1800 students will take part in classes run by Mr Penfold and his colleagues. He added: “We are acutely aware that our students need us now more than perhaps they ever have but equally are perhaps not as well placed to ask for that support.” “That is where trust and relationships built up over time are so crucial to being able to deliver that much needed support. They know we are there for them.”
Making waves Our students were given high praise from someone who knows exactly what it’s like to negotiate choppy waters... ENDURANCE swimmer Anna Wardley knows a thing or two about resilience having swum around the Isle of Wight and through 20 miles of sharkinfested waters in California. So, it was a great honour for her to hail the maturity of GFM students as the keynote speaker at the MAT awards which were streamed on YouTube in October last year. During her talk she praised the schools and students for showing resilience and spoke of her own experiences and tough challenges. Anna raised thousands for charities close to her heart over the years, including the Samaritans in memory of her dad, Ralph Wardley, who died by suicide in 1985 when she was just nine. Speaking after the event, Anna said: “Huge credit to the group of schools in the GFM for hosting this event online to ensure the students are given the credit they
Gosport Futures so clearly deserve. “Now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate the achievements of our young people. “I talk a lot about resilience, as you can imagine it is pretty important in endurance swimming, and the young people at these schools have shown these qualities in absolute spades. “It has been a tough time for lots of people for many different reasons but taking this chance to remind ourselves of what is special in our community is the perfect tonic. “I’m honoured to have been asked to take part.”
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Now, more than ever, it is important to celebrate the achievements of our young people...
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Pleasing plea response WHEN the call went out to local business and the community to help with laptops and computer equipment for GFM students, the response was overwhelming. CEO Ian Potter spoke publicly about the need for laptops, tablets or old games consoles to allow youngsters to continue their classes at home during school closures. The plea was heeded across the town with offers of computing equipment and monetary contributions offered by business and individuals. Notable thanks to the organisations who supported our students. These include Acts of Kindness, The Tug Wilson Fund and also Sarah McBride and Ms Lardi. Businesses that have supported us include Radian Homes, Huhtamaki, Vodaphone and BP. Meanwhile, ITV Meridian interviewed staff about a shipment of new Chromebooks which had been sent by the Department for Education.
GFM Gosport Futures Spring 2021
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Students NUTS about clubs and societies It is hard to stay connected whilst battling the stresses of school closures. But, a beacon of light has been our clubs and societies which have thrived online during lockdown. Our secondary school students have shown great dedication and resilience to make sure we offer a great range of live clubs running every single day. Members of the Reading for Pleasure Club have been reading
Tapping into emotions
Any parent who has not struggled looking after their children during lockdown deserves to be sainted. For the rest of us, we need as much help as we can get which is why the GFM have been on hand to offer extra bespoke support. The 10-week Nurturing Programme aims to empower mums and dads to communicate in an empathic, positive way with their children. It focuses mostly on helping parents to understand thoughts, feelings and emotions (of both parents and children) and on the quality of the relations between the child and parents. Service Children and Families Lead Lesley Ure said: “We believe that adopting a whole family approach is most effective when creating an environment for change.” During lockdown we are ensuring that we can continue with this by offering SOS drop ins with parents, ELSA wellbeing checks for our pupils.
Action Zone site survey More bins and better toi let facilities – that was the verdict of GFM learners when loo king for ways to improve Stokes Bay. It formed part of a £54 m project by Historic England’s Gosport Heritage Action Zone to turn it into a conservation area. A survey was complet ed by 522 students across the GFM, and will be used by Gosport Borough Council and Historic En gland to help with their decision s on how to transform the site. It showed that 47% of students would visit the Stokes Bay area weekly and that 68% tho ught that the area should be pro tected. It did, however, highligh t that the majority of students (65.3%) knew little about the his tory of the area, with over a thi rd of participants suggesting that they wanted to find ou t more. Please contact Tom Mo rgan (tmorgan@gfmat.org) to find out more about more about this project.
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Gosport Futures and discussing Maze Runner and Harry Potter while the popularity of Manga Club has been growing week on week. There has also been a focus on mental health with flourishing new groups such as #Happiness Club, Wellbeing Club and Stress and Anxiety Club. They have also been developing problem solving skills through Bingo and Kahoot Club while also showing leadership to create their own groups. Not forgetting Yoga with Leanne on Monday mornings and our Eco Club who have big plans. Away from live clubs and societies students have been developing their Gosport Futures by entering competitions and pursuing other ideas from the website.
MORE ONLINE AT gfmat.org