Gosport Futures Magazine Winter 2022

Gosport & Fareham Multi-Academy Trust Winter 2021

Gosport

FUTURES MAKING A SPLASH

Students sample a life on the ocean waves

LONG-TERM LOYALTY

Recognition for our hard-working pastors

AWARDS NIGHTS

GFM celebrates achievement

Support makes a

GFM Executive Headteacher, Chris Willis, praises the dedication of staff...

DIFFERENCE Inside...

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Community award for pastors Awards broadcast on YouTube Performing arts shine Green initiative uses Lego Community hub to open

8 Youth Parliament success 9 Gomer bonfire night 10 & 11 Maritime adventures 10 & 11

12 Christmas services 13 Hampers for the community 14 Bikeability safety scheme 15 Careers ideas with the army 16 Library gets a revamp 17 Queen’s representative visits 18 Awesome artwork 19 Students test new skills 2

THERE are many wonderful aspects to working in a family of schools that sit at the very heart of the community.

As you will read in this edition of the Gosport Futures magazine, our whole community has been able to continue to provide outstanding opportunities and experiences for our young people across Gosport and Fareham.

Learning opportunities have been enhanced by the tireless efforts of our staff and supported by many community and business partners who have offered their expertise, time and support to give our students the best educational experience across another very challenging academic term.

Our staff have been incredible in

their dedication, support and efforts this term and through their collective endeavour our young people continue to thrive across the organisation and continue to develop their Gosport Futures skills.

The pandemic continues to present challenges. It continues to teach us the importance of unity, of kindness and support, the importance of togetherness.

Our community supporters - be that charities, business or the wonderful Gosport School Pastors - have also been a bedrock, enabling us to deliver the extra support needed.

We thank you all for your support and look forward to an even brighter tomorrow, together.

Positivity goes a long way THIS publication is a true testament to the positivity, motivation and resilience within the GFM Community.

In times of challenge, I feel proud of how pupils, staff, parents and members of the wider community have truly showcased their ability to stay positive.

Staying positive is not only about how to overcome challenges but also about how to be innovative and remain motivated.

This ‘Gosport Futures’ publication itself shows the wide range of endeavours and events that continue to motivate and inspire everyone at the GFM. I feel encouraged that our young people are being supported to become active members of the Gosport and Fareham community and I applaud their achievements during uncertain times.

I praise GFM staff who continue to

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perform and thrive under very challenging circumstances. I extend my thanks to all families and the community for their continued support to go above and beyond for all our learners.

Finally, I want to thank our young people who continue to impress and inspire us with their positivity, maturity and dedication.

It is this energy that continues to drive our ambition to be greater and to aspire further, this year. Thank you all for your support and for ‘Staying Positive’.

Director of Schooling, Geoff Walls

Gosport Pastors with Executive Headteacher, Chris Willis. .

Support recognised with well-deserved County prize...

Pastors make a massive impact

THE Gosport Pastors have been acknowledged for Gosport Futures their passionate support of our students at the Hampshire Council Education awards.

Their work in supporting young people and their families during the pandemic earned them the Community Impact Award.

The Gosport School Pastors, who are now into their eighth year, won the award in recognition of their support to the community. The pastors have helped students to access learning, provided mentoring and supported the delivery of hampers during lockdowns.

School Pastor Coordinator, Karen Tweed, said: “To be able to reassure students during lockdown, obviously meant such a lot to them. And it meant a lot to us as well.

“My team has been fantastic and whenever there has been an opportunity, people have stepped up. We love it.

“Every time you have a conversation with a student, it is such a privilege. They want to come and see us to talk about what matters to them.”

Andy Williams has been working with the Pastors for three years. He said: “It was humbling. We do it because we love it and we love the kids. You make a connection.”

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Gosport Futures

A night to

REMEMBER Virtual awards ceremony beamed far and wide via YouTube...

STUDENTS in Gosport have been rewarded for their outstanding efforts in a night of triumph and celebration as the Gosport and Fareham Multi-Academy Trust (GFM) hosted its awards evening.

Students across the Trust’s five schools celebrated a whole host of achievements as the virtual ceremony shone through living rooms in a YouTube production, featuring live and prerecorded performances from students.

More than 200 students were nominated for awards by their teachers.

Staff and students from across Brune Park, Bay House, Gomer Junior, Rowner Junior, Lord Wilson School and the GFM Enterprise Academy celebrated their achievements that were focused on the Trust’s ‘Gosport Futures’ principles.

Chief Executive, Ian Potter, highlighted the sheer amount of talent across the GFM

and the ongoing determination to succeed, despite the challenges of the pandemic.

He said: “It’s all about the young people whose achievements we are celebrating. The willingness to be resourceful and to personally grow, to go that extra mile, to go beyond, to find that confidence, is such an inspiration.

“Those who receive awards are representing the achievements of all young people across the GFM. “I want to thank all the young people.

We do this job because of them. It’s their energy, their enthusiasm, what they bring to the GFM that is encapsulated in tonight’s event.

“I want to thank the teachers for all that they do. We are all about supporting young people, and I want to thank the teachers who nominated them.”

Paralympian sailor, Helena Lucas (pictured above) was guest of honour at the GFM’s annual awards evening.

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Gosport Futures Winter 2021

Paralympian sailor, Helena Lucas MBE, was a guest of honour at the event and helped to inspire students to be confident and resilient by speaking about her journey to winning gold and how she overcame many challenges.

She said: “My message to everybody is to use the resources around you.

You’ve got brilliant teachers, parents and friends around you with experience.

“Use them to help and support you and embrace new challenges. Push yourself out of your comfort zone because that’s how you’re going to learn, improve and move on. Ultimately, just do your best and never give up.”

All students who were shortlisted achieved a GFM awards ceremony medal. The event included awards for sport, problem solving, teamwork, speaking and high attainment.

Students’ prowess in the performing arts is celebrated at two very special events...

Stage set for

SUCCESS

PERFORMING arts students relished the chance to take to the stage once again.

Brune Park School held its Christmas extravaganza at the end of November with students singing, dancing and acting to celebrate Christmas and show off their talents.

‘Stagestruck: a Night at the Musicals’ was also a hit three-night run of performances at Bay House.

Pupils made an outstanding effort to ensure the show went ahead.

Due to Covid, it was the first time in two years that the students had the chance to perform in shows.

Subject Leader in Drama and Film Studies, Pamela Ritchie, said: “We invited all the students in the school to get involved.

“Covid meant we had to have it nice and secure but it was a nice evening to celebrate the students being back on stage and bringing back that love of the performing arts.

“All students shone on stage, sharing their love for the arts and showing their dedication from the previous four weeks during club time

Gosport Futures to put the pieces together.”

Meanwhile, Brune Park Performing Arts students who left the school in the last two years were invited back for the school’s Oscars.

A number of students were nominated for awards in dance, drama, music, film studies and performing arts.

The awards ceremony was carried out without an audience but it was live streamed.

There were also performances from former students who have gone on to succeed in the industry.

The group ‘Avenue Sound’ performed and Emma Merchant- Locke gave a dance solo. Some performers, unable to attend, shared performance videos that were shown during the evening.

Matthew Bourne’s dancer, Callum Bowman, shared his showreel and pianist Myles Tyrrell performed a solo dedicated to Caroline Bintley who retired in July 2021.

Students showed off their talents at the Christmas extravaganza, Oscars ceremony and Starstruck musical.

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Using Lego, students were tasked with building a tool powered by renewable energy.

mate Students use Lego models to address cli

change...

N O I T A V O N N I N E E GR

PRIMARY school pupils Gosport Futures have been helping to make Gosport a greener place to live through the power of Lego.

The STEM curriculum at Gomer Junior School has given learners the chance to design and engineer Lego models that could be used to help tackle climate change.

Year 6 teamed up with engineering recruitment company SERT and the Green Energy Hub to create the models and who are planning to work with the Trust in future developments. Engineers helped pupils discuss their ideas and learn more about renewable energy sources.

Wendy Chen, aged 11, and her team created a machine which uses wave energy to pick up plastic from the sea.

She said: “We live by the coast so it is very important that we look after the sea and all our marine life friends. At Gomer we have the Engineering Habits of Mind which help us to develop our creativity when it comes to approaching STEM projects.”

SERT hopes to support the Government’s objective to be carbon net zero by 2050.

CEO of SERT, Mark Edwards, said: “This is the beginning of what we hope will be an enduring collaboration with the GFM to support learning and help develop STEM skills locally.

Executive Headteacher, Georgina Mulhall, said: “Our leading edge curriculum was awarded TES STEM Team of the Year in 2018 and our pupils are motivated by, and understand, real world applications of STEM subjects by experiencing hands-on STEM activities that innovate, inspire and bring learning and career opportunities to life.

“We are committed to preparing our children for the future.”

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Gosport Futures

Positive culture

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Gosport Futures

NOSHEEN AHMED talks about the PGCE training programme at the GFM.

Nosheen Ahmed

All teachers at Bay House have high expectations of the students and are dedicated to helping them achieve their full potential. I have learned so much and feel that Bay House has helped me develop crucial teaching skills.

The English Department has an excellent approach where they share best practice and resources ensuring students have the best start to their career.

A positive learning culture is fostered with the purpose of instilling a lifelong love of learning — this is evident in both the teachers’ enthusiasm and students’ eagerness to learn.

All teachers are passionate about their subjects, and this is reflected in their teaching and preparing for classes.

I will be taking away great memories and my experience here will be invaluable for my future career.

”

Committees take lead

STUDENTS are taking on leadership roles in school to help give them a voice and encourage them to learn new skills.

Both Bay House and Brune Park Schools have created four student committees that the pupils can lead and help make decisions on such as pastoral and wellbeing, careers and community, environment and teaching and learning.

Social Action Lead, Lucy Coleman, said: “This helps to grow their leadership skills and give them those opportunities.

“We want students to feel like their voice matters and that they can

Winter 2021

Gosport Futures

become leaders in the community at this age.”

The students discuss areas that they want to improve. They survey their peers and discuss how they feel about different subjects. They identify the problem and meet with Executive Headteachers to talk through the changes.

Ms Coleman added: “It develops a range of skills for leadership, speaking and listening, problem solving and creativity.”

Students visited Chichester Cathedral as part of an funfilled Culture Day.

The GFM Community hub at Brune Park will open this year.

Countdown to new HUB opening

EXCITEMENT is building as the GFM Community Gosport Futures Hub at Brune Park is set to open this year.

The hub will support over 250 service families with children at school in the GFM but will also be open to the wider community.

Gosport has a significant service population and this is reflected in the large number of service families in the GFM. The hub is available for booking, after school hours (5pm onwards). Contact: community@gfmat.org. For day time bookings, please speak to Lesley Ure.

Growing passions A GROUP of gardeners at Brune Park have been helping to transform their community garden as part of a bid to raise awareness of their environmental impact.

The project, which first began last summer, is being taken on by a small group of students who have demonstrated a great enthusiasm for hands-on, outdoors work.

Three chickens have also recently joined the garden.

It is hoped it will help promote sustainability and healthy eating.

Assistant Headteacher, Tom Morgan, said: “The students love it. They are having conversations and improving their communication skills and teamwork. The long term aim is to have a similar set up on the Bay House site too.”

AWESOME ACTIVITIES AN ACTIVITY-PACKED Culture Day saw learners from Lord Gosport Futures Wilson School visit Marwell Zoo, Chichester Cathedral and the D-Day Museum.

They discussed exhibits, machinery, and the pioneers responsible for developing innovative technology.

Assistant Headteacher, Mustafa Sulo, said: “Our Culture Day has enabled students to go into the public, learn about local history and feel part of their community.

“They have also provided meaningful opportunities for students to develop their social skills and continue to build positive working relationships with staff.

“Providing enriching opportunities for learners to actively participate in their local community is an important part of developing their LWS Futures.”

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A DYNAMIC duo from Brune Park are taking youth Gosport Futures mental health and careers support to the top of the political agenda after being voted members of the UK Youth Parliament.

Year 9 pupil Harvie was inspired to run for the Hampshire South East seat after struggling to get a diagnosis for his ADHD. He says access to youth mental health services is a common problem among his friends, meaning many young people struggle to get the extra support they need.

He has now enlisted the support of Gosport MP Caroline Dinenage who has agreed to help make youth mental health a Government priority.

Harvie will take up his seat alongside classmate Harrison who will campaign for early career support intervention.

The pair won a hard-fought election campaign after winning hundreds of votes from their peers at Brune Park and Bay House.

Harvie said: “On a personal level, I have really struggled to get an ADHD diagnosis which has been a huge difficulty for me.

“A diagnosis means you can access lots more support. It is not just me that

Fundraiser’s a big hitter

ed £300 A KEEN cricketer has rais him to ble to buy cricket nets to ena rt. spo ite practise his favour House, Year 10 student at Bay money Ephraim Royle, raised the Cricket rt spo Go with the support of chase pur ld cou ool Club so the sch Brune the on d use be to s net cricket Park site. raise Ephraim was inspired to ut abo ring hea r afte the money who attend rs pee his of e som how ilar facilities private school have sim to ensure d ine erm det s and he wa ing them he could benefit from hav too. ough He raised the money thr the at ue bec bar a and e a raffl hraim and cricket club. It means Ep e their rov imp can other students lls. ski cricketing Tom Assistant Headteacher, r ou nt wa e Morgan, said: “W es iliti fac the ve ha to students y be like this. Why should the they go se cau disadvantaged be l?” oo to a state sch ilities It is hoped that more fac other for le ilab could be made ava s. ool sch two the sports across

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‘A chance to change’: Duo aim to shape politics has faced this issue, lots of friends have reported the same experience.

“There is an issue about youth mental health services that really needs addressing in Gosport, particularly with the impact of the pandemic. I saw the Youth Parliament elections as my opportunity to do something.”

Harrison said: “For me it was a chance to change how the school runs the curriculum.

We need more careers advice earlier on in our education and we need more flexibility

with our choice.

“You have to enjoy your work, so it makes sense that we get to pick what we are passionate about.”

Caroline Dinenage MP, has encouraged the boys to pursue Parliamentary careers.

She said: “I am so pleased that there are so many engaged young people in Gosport who are passionate about making real change for young people in the town.

The future is in good hands.”

Daredevil’s donation Welfare Officer Sarah Cornish, Assistant Headteacher Tom Morgan and Elizabeth Humphries.

Elizabeth Humphries with Associate Headteacher Kerry Sharpe.

A GRANDMOTHER who takes part in daredevil fundraising for her own charity has donated defibrillators to Bay House and Rowner Junior Schools.

Elizabeth Humphries collected money for The Big Match Charity, by taking part in wing walks and other death-defying activities.

It was started in honour of her husband, who died suddenly of a brain tumour, and has helped raised over half a million pounds for projects across Hampshire

GFM Gosport Futures Winter 2021

and Berkshire.

Mrs Humphries said: “It was my son who started the charity after his father died. The incident with the Danish footballer, Christian Eriksen, during the summer made us decide to fund raise for defibrillators.”

Families enjoyed a memorable night out at Gomer’s annual fireworks display.

EXPLOSIVE NIGHT OUT! Gomer Junior School’s annual fireworks display proves a big hit with the crowd...

FAMILIES from Gomer Infant and Gomer Junior gathered to celebrate Bonfire Night with a spectacular fireworks display.

Provided by Glitter Events and organised by the schools’ PTAs, it was attended by around 800 people. It also helped to raise money for projects at both Gomer schools.

Chair of FROGJS (PTA), Janine Biggs, said: “It’s a brilliant community event and it’s always well attended every year.

“It raises significant funds for the schools and people speak so positively about it.”

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Gosport Futures

Making

WAVES

Students learned valuable new skills during a maritime adventure week...

A GROUP of Year 10 students took to the sea on a trip with the Ocean Youth Trust in a bid to build their confidence on the water.

The four day trip saw eight students travelling around the area on board TS Prolific visiting places such as Poole, Chichester and the Isle of Wight.

The students took on different responsibilities and learned about sailing conditions. They also had a man overboard recovery drill as well as learning how to tie a knot.

Blended Learning and Service Community Facilitator, Alex Page, said: “It was new territory for most pupils. A lot of them had not been on a boat let alone sailed one.

“It was quite a big step for many of the group. It was a great experience for their early days of sailing.

“Some of the students had never been to the places we travelled to.

“It had a huge impact. There has

10 GFM

since been talk about the career options in the marine industry. In Gosport we are surrounded by water so there are plenty of jobs in the industry.

“It had a massive impact and it’s something we want to keep alive.”

The students all received an RYA Start Yachting Qualification, which is a recognised qualification that can be kept in their Record of Achievement.

The qualification shows that they mastered some basic sailing skills.

Mr Page added: “Earning the certificate also provides evidence of transferable skills. To complete it, they had to be able to listen, concentrate, work in a team and practise things when they initially struggled.

“As the trip leader on my first residential trip, I cannot say enough positive things about these youngsters as individuals and as a team. I believe this trip has been a pivotal point in the young people’s lives.”

Gosport Futures Winter 2021

Adventurous students boarded TS Prolific to visit Chichester, Poole and the Isle of Wight.

WOMEN IN STEM

FEMALE pupils in Year 8 felt ‘empowered’ about their own futures after taking part in an event to increase women in the STEM industry.

The GFM pupils attended the STEM Crew Maritime Roadshow, accompanied

by GFM’s Key Stage 3 Leader, Kelly Munro. They had chance to connect with apprentices, graduates and women in

Gosport Futures leading roles within the maritime sector as part of the WISE Campaign (Women into Science and Engineering).

The pupils gained confidence in exploring STEM subjects, in a range of

sporting and maritime contexts, to help them make informed decisions about their education.

The campaign reports that women make up just 24% of the STEM workforce. That is why the GFM is committed to supporting STEM subjects, for all pupils, to increase future female employment in this industry.

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Carols for charity Gosport Futures

The Christingle service at St. Mary’s Church, Alverstoke, above, proved popular once again. Below, children enjoy the Icelandic tradition known as Jolabokaflod.

PRIMARY school pupils helped spread festive cheer in the community.

Gomer pupils attended their Christingle at St. Mary’s Church Alverstoke and Rowner pupils attended their service at St. Mary The Virgin, Rowner.

The services supported The Children’s Society, who work to transform the hope and happiness of young people facing hardship.

Year 4 pupils sang superbly and talked about what they were looking forward to at Christmas.

Meanwhile, Year 3 pupils practised an Icelandic tradition where children receive a new book on Christmas Eve. Pupils gathered to read, wore their pyjamas and drank hot chocolate.

The tradition, Jolabokaflod, translates to ‘Christmas book flood’.

The children unwrapped a variety of books and hope they can make this their own annual tradition.

Nativity broadcast proves a hit with viewers TWO HUNDRED families from across the Gomer community experienced a digital nativity from pupils at Gomer Junior School.

‘Hosanna Rock’ saw pupils singing live to retell the Nativity story with a modern twist.

This year pupils used their imagination to think outside the box and how they could make their video different.

The nativity broadcast featured video calls, electric cars and drone footage of all year groups performing.

Associate Headteacher, Karen Digby, said: “The whole school could join in with the sense of celebration.

“We know that families as far as Scotland were watching, which is fantastic. The children had a great time.”

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Student leadership pupils with Gosport Mayor, Mark Hook and Jacob’s Well CEO Stuart Pottinger.

The school community pulled together over the festive period to collect and distribute food hampers...

STUDENTS have helped support those in need by creating hampers of Christmas goodies.

Pupils and staff at Bay House and Brune Park created more than 150 food hampers to donate to Jacob’s Well Care Centre and the Fareham and Gosport Basics Bank, to support people in the community.

Assistant Headteacher, Jo Duff, said: “For a few years around Christmas time we have worked with the food banks to make a donation to the community.

“Each year we task every tutor group with putting together a hamper from a list of items. They then have the challenge of decorating it and making it look special.”

This year there was a unique assembly where representatives

Aiming to be the best Gosport Futures

DELIVERING THE GOODS Gosport Futures from the charities attended to accept the donations.

Ms Duff added: “It was quite overwhelming and very emotional.

“What was lovely this year is that members of staff and our HR department asked if they could contribute hampers as well.

“The whole message behind it is about helping the children to understand that there’s always something we can do to help others and to be a good citizen. It was a really moving thing to be a part of.

“Everyone got behind it and

THE GFM have launched new groups of non-executive directors, called Ambassadors, to help improve school education.

Ambassadors will join the new Schooling Scrutiny and Advisory Groups (SAAGs) and will scrutinise the schools’ performance to enable every young person to receive the best possible educational experience.

Ambassadors will join one of two groups. The School Visit Enquiry Group will conduct visits to the school through

everyone was really enthusiastic about it. It was a very positive experience.

“It was a huge effort by everybody.

I was so proud of what we achieved.”

Head Girl at Brune Park, Zoe Myall said: “It feels amazing knowing how hard everyone at the schools has worked to come together, it feels rewarding and I know that the hampers are going to a good cause.

“It shows us in person how strong our school is when we work as a team and it will have a big impact on the community and will make sure people have presents and food this winter.”

The hampers were presented at an assembly, which was streamed online, with representatives from the charities as well as Gosport’s Mayor, Cllr Mark Hook.

the academic year and report back their findings, whilst the Scrutiny and Evaluation group will attend meetings to scrutinise the work of school leaders.

Both groups will provide support to school leaders to overcome challenges and provide solutions for academic success.

Director of Schooling, Geoff Walls, said: “I know that these ambassadors will make a significant contribution to enhancing the education provision across all of our schools.”

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SAFETY FIRST PUPILS have been learning to ride safely in an essential road and bike scheme.

Year 6 pupils at Rowner Junior and Year 5 pupils at Gomer Junior have been taking part in the Bikeability scheme. The children have been cycling in the school grounds and around the local roads too.

Executive Headteacher, Georgina Mulhall, said: “We are really keen on sustainable travel and it’s important that children are encouraged to walk or cycle to school.

“We have a duty to make sure that children are safe. Most of them have

Gosport Futures

got their Level 2 qualification.

It makes them aware of road safety and how to look after their bikes.

“It’s especially useful for those Year 6 pupils who will go to secondary school in September and who might want to cycle to school to know that they are more proficient.

“Some children are nervous because they aren’t confident riders.

Sometimes we have private sessions for children.

“The amount of resilience required and the sense of achievement the children have got through the weeks is a real boost.

“The children are proud of their achievements which is really good.”

Underpinned by the National Standard for Cycle Training, Bikeability is an improved, updated and more relevant version of the old Cycling Proficiency Scheme, which is delivered by professional instructors.

Cyclists learned how to ride their bikes safely as part of the Bikeability scheme.

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We are keen on sustainable travel and it’s important that children are encouraged to walk or cycle to school...

Executive Headteacher, Georgina Mulhall 14 GFM

Gosport Futures Winter 2021

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Careers ready for take-off A series of events gave students an insight into a range of opportunities offered by the army...

IT WAS ‘Action Stations’ for secondary school pupils who took part in Army training days, set to build resilience and confidence.

Through a new GFM partnership with the Army, Brune Park and Bay House pupils have been taking part in a programme of activities designed to broaden their transferable skills.

150 pupils from Year 8 enjoyed an activity day where they met new people and tested themselves in a variety of team-building challenges.

Pupils who want to develop their skills further also have the opportunity to take part in a five-week course in Year 9, with two-hour weekly sessions.

Year 10 pupils also visited Thorney Island for a ‘Meet the Army’ day. They immersed themselves in mock infantry operations, used simulators to practise

Gosport Futures missile firing, visited a cook house and sat in an Army Air Corps helicopter.

A group of Bay House pupils visited Longmoor Camp in November to take part in an Army Challenge Day, setting themselves against other Hampshire schools in both physical and mental exercises. Activities included setting up a winch to haul a Land Rover up a slope and paintballing.

Careers Leader, Sara Heaysman, said: “It’s about skill building and introducing them to the army as a career option.

“The students really loved it, particularly last year after the pandemic where they

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It’s about skill building as well as introducing them to the army as a career option. The students really loved it...

Careers Leader, Sara Heaysman

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had been in lockdown.

“It reinforces those employability skills and it boosts their confidence.”

Maintaining high safeguarding standards STAFF have been getting regular training on the importance of safeguarding and how to report any concerns about a child.

The schools have a series of procedures and actions that can be taken if either they have concerns about a pupil or if concerns are reported to them.

If necessary the police, social services or local charitable groups could be called in to help.

Designated Safeguarding Lead, Steve Kitchen, said: “The role is to ensure the

Gosport Futures safety and wellbeing of the pupils.

“We have a team of safeguarding leads on both sites.”

Workshops take place on site about online safety and students also learn about topics such as sex, relationships, bullying and peer-on-peer abuse.

Mr Kitchen added: “People think education is the top priority in schools but

safeguarding is the one thing that can trump that. If the kids aren’t safe in school they can’t learn.

“If they aren’t safe in their own community they won’t come into school to learn.”

Work also continued during the pandemic and the lockdowns to ensure that children were safe and supported.

This included ensuring that they had enough food and supplying children with IT equipment to make sure they could continue to learn at home.

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NEW CHAPTER FOR OUR LIBRARY CHILDREN at Rowner Junior School are enjoying their refurbished library which has been given a new lease of life.

The vibrant space is full of a variety of books for the children to choose from and the space can also be used for different library themed activities.

Thanks goes to Adele Hawksworth, who is encouraging more and more children to fall in love with reading.

Associate Headteacher, Kerry

Pupils explore the Rowner Junior School library.

Sharpe, said: “We have relaunched the Rowner library. We have refurbished and restocked the space. It’s an inviting environment.

“We want pupils to want to come to the library and develop that love of reading which is at the heart of our curriculum. It’s a really vital skill.

“Not only do we want children to be able to read well, we want them to love reading. We hope that the library will encourage them to do that.”

Leading the way for new teachers THE GFM are not just teaching children — they are also developing the next generation of teachers.

They are a sub-regional lead school in the HISP Teaching School Hub programme.

GFM CEO, Ian Potter, said: “We are honoured to be playing our part in a local centre of excellence in the government’s Teaching Schools Hub programme.

“We have a proven track record of outstanding provision for young people and for school improvement, which we can now extend to those beyond our schools in partnership with HISP. “It is vital that we continue to strive to improve the quality of education across the system in order to improve the outcomes and life chances for all young people.”

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Trust CEO, Ian Potter

Kickstarting opportunities THE GFM has created a variety of exciting job opportunities as part of a national youth employment scheme.

Since last February, 20 roles have been filled as part of the Kickstart programme presenting a huge economic and skills boost for the community.

GFM has offered an ambitious 57 roles across sectors such as Children and Families, Teaching and Learning, Site and Grounds, Administration, Technology and Community.

All employees benefit from an assigned mentor and coach to develop their employability skills.

Gosport Futures Kickstarter administrator, Courtney Wearn, (pictured) said: “The Kickstart scheme has helped me gain valuable skills.

“I enjoy working for the GFM because you are able to work with different departments and visit different schools.

“I am going to be staying with the GFM to complete a HR Support apprenticeship.

I am excited to start my new role and look forward to the future.”

HIGH PRAISE The Queen’s Representative in Hampshire appreciates GFM’s Covid response...

THE Gosport and Fareham Multi-Academy Trust (GFM) welcomed the Queen’s Representative in Hampshire to thank community volunteers for their efforts during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Deputy Lieutenant, Bella Birdwood, chatted with the army of volunteers who supported the GFMs schools during the closures and lockdown.

This included members of the public who helped with learner and staff testing and charities such as Acts of Kindness, Military Mentors and the Gosport School Pastors.

The event, hosted at the hall at Brune

Executive Headteacher Chris Willis, Deputy Lieutenant Bella Birdwood and Trust CEO Ian Potter.

Gosport Futures Park, was also attended by GFM senior staff and teachers.

Mrs Birdwood said: “I want to show my appreciation and gratitude for all the efforts.

Schools had to adapt to circumstances and try to give their learners some sort of community, and I know how difficult this has been.

“It is a day to say thank you. Thank you

for what you’ve done and are still doing, during this beastly time. A huge thank you, well done, we are really aware of what schools have done and how difficult it was.

We are right behind you.”

Executive Headteacher, Chris Willis, said: “It signalises the impact we had in Gosport and Fareham during the pandemic.

“I am delighted to say how grateful we are to our volunteers that played such a significant part in keeping our children and our families safe and connected. It is such a huge testament to what Gosport is as a community.”

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CONFIDENT CREATIVES

Workshops encourage students to express their artistic side to help build confidence...

Artist Ian Murphy has been helping students.

Right: Some of the students’ creations.

PUPILS have been enjoying creating art work as a way to boost their confidence and learn new skills.

Atelier workshops have been taking place across both Bay House and Brune Park to support students who require further intervention and nurturing.

The classes are more personalised to support students’ development.

Some of the students on the programme have joined due to low attendance after struggling to get back into a classroom environment.

The art programme benefits them as it gives them the opportunity to use their creative skills and build up their confidence again.

Assistant Headteacher, Kerry Bramley,

‘Above and beyond’ GFM pupils participate in an a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Sam in Bay House Sixth Form (LBR), has been selected to represent GB in the 29er class at the Youth Worlds in Oman following him winning the 29er National series and being second at the RYA Youth Nationals in August.

Nola in Year 8 at Brune Park (8G6), runs her own cake-making business called ‘Nola’s Little Bakery’.

Mia in Year 9 at Brune Park (9G4), has been selected to play in the National Super league Netball as part of the Under 17s Surrey Storm Academy, through Hampshire Netball.

Charlie in Year 7 at Brune Park (7L11), plays for Gosport Borough FC team which won the U12s Summer League.

Nathan in Year 7 at Bay House (702), has been selected for the U13s team in the Hampshire Hockey Squad.

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Gosport Futures

Gosport Futures Winter 2021

Gosport Futures said: “We’ve got to the stage where the programme at Brune Park is incredibly busy. The students have been developing their personal attributes through art.

“It’s not about them making art so much, but it’s about how art is a vehicle for them developing themselves, like building their confidence.”

Ms Bramley added: “This programme gives them the opportunity to work in a more nurtured environment. We have had some lovely work.”

The students have been working with clay making imprints and special clay pots.

In addition, artist Ian Murphy worked with Year 10 and Year 11 students as part of their GCSE portfolio.

TECH TALK

PUPILS travelled the world without leaving their classrooms thanks to a Chromebook launch day where they were able to test their creative and technical skills.

The day was streamed across 22 classrooms in Bay House and Brune Park where Year 7 pupils experienced blended learning, explored the globe, took part in a live streamed Social Action project submitting data in real time and created 3D cell models.

Learner, Estelle, said: “The day was really fun as we were taught how to use a Chromebook and Google classroom. My favourite part of the day was using a Google form to do a quiz.”

Pupil, Harry, said: “I think the Chromebook is going to be a great item in my ‘pencil case’.”

Assistant Headteacher, Luke Mulhall, said: “With a backdrop to COVID-19 and an uncertain future, parents and learners have embraced different learning opportunities.”

LWS pupils visited Portsmouth Dockyard and the New Forest.

Students from Lord Wilson School tested their communication skills by meeting new people...

EXPANDING HORIZONS PUPILS have enjoyed a variety of trips outside of school to boost their confidence and improve their communication skills.

Staff from Lord Wilson School (LWS) in Sarisbury Green took students out on trips to help them with their transferable skills, a key factor for those who attend as they all have special educational needs (SEN).

Headteacher at Lord Wilson School, Chris Berry, said: “We take our students to areas of cultural significance such as Portsmouth Dockyard or the New Forest to introduce them to life outside of their local area because some of them can be quite insular.

“We ask them to focus on the people they come across and we talk about how they’ve got to where they are today.

“We try and link that to career development as well as speaking and listening.

We try and do that as much as possible.

“We have days in school that are focused on a particular area such as leadership.

“Teachers are asked to change their lessons for that day to look at leadership or teamwork or creativity.”

At the end of term, students enjoyed a

Gosport Futures festive ice skating trip as well as enjoying Christmas dinner together.

Mr Berry added. “That’s good for social development. Our students have special educational needs so these visits are designed to challenge them and introduce them to things they might not have experienced.

“For our young people, speaking to a stranger can be quite challenging.

They like to communicate with trusted adults.

“It’s about stretching boundaries for our young people. When we went to the ice rink the students talked to the staff about shoe sizes that they needed which is an opportunity for them to talk with people in the wider world.”

Other trips out of school included going to a trampoline park, visiting Rock Up to practise climbing and going to the cinema. Students also took part in litter

“

When we went to the ice rink, the students talked to the staff about shoe sizes that they needed which is an opportunity for them to talk with people in the wider world...

”

Headteacher at LWS, Chris Berry

picks at the beach.

Mr Berry added: “Where we aren’t a community school we have to work harder with our young people.

“Going litter picking helps the students appreciate their surroundings.”

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GOSPORT & FAREHAM MULTI-ACADEMY TRUST

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