to the Autumn issue of the Meadowside Magazine for 2023. It has been a busy term, with pupils and staff working extremely hard together to develop independence, build vocational skills and continue learning. This magazine showcases the incredible achievements across the curriculum and beyond, inspiring brighter futures for all.
Our Christmas Market was a new venture for us and proved to be a great success, largely due to the wonderful team on the Home School Association, the support from parents and the dedication of support staff and teaching staff. A huge well done all round. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone connected to our school community: staff, parents, pupils and friends of Meadowside, for their contribution in truly making Meadowside School ‘The Place to Shine’.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year. Please remember that school opens for pupils on TUESDAY 9th January 2024. Paula Wareing– Head Teacher
Music Music lessons at the start of the term were based on creating and recognising rhythmic patterns. Pupils enjoyed drumming along to patterns and following some on-screen staff notation. Hallowe’en provided some great opportunities for rhythmic patterns, with Saint Saens’ piece Danse Macabre. Pupils also enjoyed playing the keyboards for some simple melodies and songs. The second half of the term has included preparation for Christmas Carol Singing, with pupils building their Makaton signing skills, as they sang along to a wide range of songs. Performances have included singing for the Moreton Lung Exercise group, Asda shoppers and the people of Birkenhead, in the Pyramids shopping centre. We also put together a whole school signed song, for our YouTube channel. Mrs Hughes
Carol Singing has raised over £600 in just a few hours, with pupils singing with enthusiasm and Makaton signing, across the Wirral.
Pupils have shown great commitment and stamina, singing song after song, with a smile on their face. It has been a pleasure to take them out. We have sung at the Autism Together Café, Manor Care Home and the Leasowe Millennium Centre Christmas party! The choir also performed in Holy Cross church, for our school Carol Service. Absolute stars, all of them. Mrs Hughes
Pupils in 16CL and 16V have been working with the National Citizen Service this term, as part of a year long project. The service has supported young people in mainstream schools for a number of years and have now produced an adapted version of the programme for young people with SEND. The groups have been involved in team building activities and have listened to speakers from different charities. Learners have now identified Wirral Ark as the charity they will raise funds for and awareness of, over the coming months; they have proposed a school sleepover, as a way to help raise money!!!! Mrs Dunn
Anti-Bullying Week Pupils across the school joined in with National Anti-Bullying Week activities in November. They learnt about bullying being a group behaviour and how following the school rules will help you to avoid becoming a bully. Some pupils did some work to influence our school’s Anti– Bullying Policy. Others re-enacted bullying scenarios and worked out how to resolve matters, and we also made awareness posters. We now have a named Governor for bullying. This year, we are working towards an award from UAB who will recognise our work to prevent bullying and address any issues which may arise. Mrs Dunn
Work Experience Daniel and Farrell have enjoyed their time doing work experience in Jackson’s Rescue Centre looking after Hedgehogs. During their time there they have learnt how to feed, clean out and weigh them, so they are heavy enough to be released Daniel and Farrell got the chance to ask questions to Becky the head of the centre about what happens to the hedgehogs in the centre during winter., learning that hedgehogs only hibernate if the weather is really cold. Daniel discovered that some hedgehogs are more prickly than others. Tracy Stevenson
Our annual visit from Pudsey Bear was enjoyed by all of the pupils (and staff!) We also raised £150 for Children in Need. Pudsey visited every class and was very grateful for everyone’s support. Pupils were able to dress in spots, yellow or Pudsey themed clothes and everyone looked fabulous! Mrs Hughes
Enterprise The Enterprise group have had a busy term. They have designed a logo for a competition with the other Merseyside special schools. We await the decision on that but our logo demonstrates how we turn unwanted items into saleable goods, by recycling them and producing our own version of the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! Enterprise have been busy making tree decorations from wreaths using pipe cleaners, recycling toilet roll holders and wool to make gonks. New skills were learnt by all the learners from costings to selling the items and they look forward to doing their next project after Christmas. Tracy Stevenson
Focus KS3 This year we welcomed two new Y7 pupils, Harry and James, who have settled into the Meadowside family really well. We have been studying the theme ‘Autumn’ this term, looking at different habitats and which animals live there, the weather and what to wear when the weather changes. We’ve also enjoyed getting to know each other, building a house, lots of cooking and going on a road trip to Carr Farm to collect the school Christmas tree. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Mr Gopsill
Fusion Fusion have settled in really well to the new school year. Our learning this term has focused on the seasons, especially Autumn. We have had the opportunity to complete a wide range of sensory activities as well as develop our independence skills, communication, phonics and keeping safe. We have particularly enjoyed ‘My Outdoor School’ where we have had chance to explore the outdoors, playing games together and learning about the world around us and watching Summer transform into Autumn. We have also really enjoyed a wide range of books this term. Our stories at lunchtime have been particularly enjoyable as well as the sensory story boxes during My Communication. Mrs O’Connor
Sensory Cookery What a great term we have had in Sensory Cookery! We have made a wide range of tasty snacks from Pizza and sausage/cheese rolls to crispy cakes and gingerbread people. Learners have worked really hard on their independence skills, being able to identify ingredients and equipment needed with increasing confidence and knowing how to use them correctly. I’m looking forward to seeing what incredible snacks we create next term! Mrs O’Connor
Cookery Snacks What a great term we have had in Cookery Snacks! We have made a wide range of tasty snacks, sometimes following a specific recipe and other times using up what we have in the cupboards as a creative challenge. Learners have worked really hard on their independence skills, and developing the confidence to make mistakes and not be deterred to try again next time. It has been wonderful to see the collaboration between learners working together to create a batch of tasty treats. I look forward to seeing the confidence grow next term & creating more tasty food. Mrs O’Connor
Computing During September, learners developed their skills using graphics software. They learnt to use a range of different tools following set guidelines, then how to apply them to create their own independently creative images. During the Autumn term, we have focused on directional programming. This has taught learners to follow logical sequences and to consider when loops can make a series of commands more efficient. Some classes used the BeeBot and Cubetto devices to learn about direction and use of different arrow commands with relevant varying numbers for distance and turns. Ms Charmley
Maths Understanding Time is an important life skill which is regularly focused on within Maths.
Key Stage 4 and Post 16 have carried out some work with measurement and length. They have enjoyed estimating and measuring heights.
In the first part of the Autumn term the focus was on Place Value and the understanding of number value in many ways, ranging from 0-10, negative numbers, rounding numbers, larger value numbers, decimals and roman numerals. This has then led into work relating to addition and subtraction, through independent, group work and games. Mrs Charmley
The Home School Association has organised two social events this term– the Welcome Barbecue and the Christmas Social. These events are only possible because of the dedicated team of staff willing to go the extra mile and work after hours. We have very few parents involved in the HSA and would welcome any willing volunteers to help out and support the school. The most recent event, the Christmas Social, was a great success, with past pupils and staff coming along to connect with their Meadowside family.
Special thanks go to Debbie, Laura, Diane and Jenny, who all go above and beyond to make these events a success, raising money for Claire House and their own Meadowside HSA funds. HSA is then able to support school events such as Theatre performances and extras at Christmas. HSA Team
After School Club– Indoor Football After School Indoor Football Club has been a small but energetic club, with pupils learning different skills and techniques for football, including passing and dribbling, scoring and saving. It will hopefully be a club we can run again with a few more players, in the new year.
Grant & Erin
Endeavour have had a very good term since returning in September. Our new starters have settled in quickly and have already built close friendships. The older children have continued where they left off last year and have come back to school in a very mature way, carrying on with their phonics programme and showing good phonetic knowledge and understanding during their reading and writing lessons. We have enjoyed reading Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. In Maths, the group have made good progress by further developing their skills in time and addition. We made excellent terrariums in Science when learning about the water cycle recently and have enjoyed learning how to play golf and improve our swimming skills in the pool during P.E lessons. Outside of the classroom, we had a fantastic trip to Chester Zoo last month and we got to go to the cinema to watch Trolls 3 at The Vue in Birkenhead. We are now looking forward to the Christmas programme in school for our remaining two weeks of the year. We would like to wish everybody in the Meadowside community a Very Merry Christmas. Mr Pemberton
Science The classes of Key Stage 3 have had a wonderful term learning about Space in Physics. They refreshed their knowledge on the order of the planets as they orbit the sun and learned about the Earth’s rotation on its axis, creating day and night.
They completed practical activities showcasing how shadows of different lengths are caused by our position in relation to the sun and learned about the changes of seasons too. They linked their learning to Biology lessons, understanding how chlorophyll is replaced in leaves due to the lack of light, and that this causes them to turn into their beautiful autumnal shades.
They finished by learning about life on the International Space Station. Fantastic, everyone! Mrs Boyd
A4A option have enjoyed more fun at the activity centre this half term. Whilst waiting to begin our climbing course in the new year, we have enjoyed learning about climbing H&S, including learning how to safely fit harnesses and how to clip in our carabiners. Away from the high rope walls, we have enjoyed free climbing on the bouldering wall and developing our basic climbing skills. As well as climbing, we have enjoyed the use of the soft play area, playing football and dodgeball on the Astro turf pitch, doing gymnastics, athletics and taking part in fun team games and activities.
Exploring Autumn Flair class have loved our ‘Autumn’ theme this term and used all their senses to engage with the changing season. We have been on sensory walks, foraged for crafting supplies and crunched through the falling leaves! We have explored sensory stories such as ‘An Autumn Walk’, the ‘Hodgeheg’, ‘Hairy Scary Castle’, ‘Bonfire Night’, and ‘A Christmas Carol’. We have investigated the parts of a pumpkin and the ways the leaves change colour in sensory science. We have used our collage skills, splatter painting, and printing to make lots of beautiful autumnal artwork. We have celebrated Harvest festival, Halloween, and Bonfire night. We have engaged in autumn themed messy play including feeling “frogspawn” and pumpkin guts at Halloween, bonfire sensory bins, and cinnamon flour play. We can’t wait to keep developing our senses next term with our space theme.
French This term, during French we have been learning to talk about our families. Pupils have been learning to say family names in French and how many brothers and sisters they have. At the same time practising numbers. Pupils have been learning to describe themselves and their family members by using French adjectives. When talking about their family members, pupils have had to remember the masculine and feminine pronouns for the different names.
Drama This term, during Drama, the group have been studying a variety of projects. As Dickens is the main school author pupils have studied Victorian behaviour. They re-enacted how Victorian ladies and gentleman would behave. Pupils have also been working towards achieving AQA accreditation. Our first accreditation achieved was Improvising and Creativity in Drama. Pupils were tasked with improvising playing a guitar, the saxophone, being a rock star, minding a baby and holding an animal. Recently, pupils have been studying puppet shows and shoe box theatre. Pupils have written their own scripts, made their own puppets and are currently making their own shoe box theatres. Mrs Roberts
English
This term, during English, we have been studying the Dickens novels, Oliver Twist and A Christmas Carol. Pupils have learnt about Victorian life and how poor people would live in work houses and how children were used as chimney sweeps. Pupils who are studying A Christmas Carol have explored the paranormal, ghosts and why we observe Halloween. This term, we have been studying the moral of the story for A Christmas Carol, and why we should give to charity and those less fortunate than ourselves. Pupils have also investigated The Nativity story, The Three Kings, and the giving of gifts to the baby Jesus in the manger, which is where the tradition of gift giving originated from. Pupils have thought about different charities that they could donate to at this time and year. Pupils practised letter writing, and wrote letters to Mr Scrooge, requesting money from him for charity. Pupils investigated different charities that they could donate to at this time of year. They then created posters to help inform fellow pupils why we should give to charity at Christmas time.
KS4 and P16 pupils have been preparing for AQA Accreditation work, and Step Up To English. The Step Up To English groups have been preparing for the Holiday component assessment, by studying the advantages and disadvantages of staycations within the UK. The groups been have studying leaflets to prepare for days out during a staycation, looking at the benefits of the day out compared to drawbacks. Pupils are learning valuable life skills such as reading timetables, assessing prices and maps, whilst studying for the AQA qualification. Mrs Roberts
Life Skills During the Autumn Term, we have focused on following simple recipes with as much independence as possible. Before each activity, the pupils have considered how to be hygienic and safe within the kitchen. The children have made a range of items including: sausage rolls, flapjack, gingerbread, pizza and shortbread. As well as following recipes pupils have practised making hot and cold drinks with as little support as possible. Mr Kophamel
RE at Christmas Time Christmas time at Meadowside is all about fun in our community. We have an all inclusive celebration with a Christmas fair, singing in the community, visits to the church for rehearsals and to make Christingles, with sensory props for the Christmas story. The theme of Charities was beautifully illustrated with a Christmas Jumper Day assembly with Flair, about the work of Save The Children and the older pupils looked at Live Aid and Do They Know its Christmas and famine relief. Mrs Brown
ART All pupils in formal KS3 classes have worked on the topic of Mythology. We were all inspired by a book for children called ‘Mythologica’ based on Greek Gods, brightly illustrated by a contemporary artist called Victoria Topping. Pupils chose a God they had an affinity for, to base their finished art piece. Pupils used printing and collage to complete their work. Pupils were encouraged to experiment on pattern and colour. They enjoyed experimenting using mixed media. Ms Hoffmann
D&T
Torches
Pupils have investigated different types of torches. Aspire and Endeavour pupils have built a parallel circuit using an alarm and a light. Their brief was to design a torch for an elderly person. Pupil have used a soldering iron to connect the wires together. Pupils enjoyed the responsibility of being safe when using the tools. Ms Hoffmann
Meadowside Merry Mile
Many of our pupils took part in ‘The Merry Mile’. This was to encourage morning exercise & raise money for the school’s Student Council. Money raised will enable us to buy further outdoor equipment for the pupils to enjoy. Christmas hats were worn each morning & everyone got in a festive mood, walking to Christmas music each day, plus we managed to raise almost £100! A massive well done to all that took part.
Christmas Markets With Christmas fast approaching, pupils & staff hosted wonderful Christmas Markets. Pupils made lots of exciting gifts & also made some tasty treats. We had a fabulous raffle with some beautiful prizes & some fun games. It was lovely to see our whole school community enjoying the Christmas spirit.
Staff News: We are pleased to be able to welcome several new staff to the Meadowside team– Tom Kophamel joined us in October as a teacher for one of our Post 16 classes. Stuart Gopsill was appointed as a teacher for a Key Stage 3 class, having been with us for several years as a teaching assistant. In September we welcomed teaching assistants Ella, Ciara and Natalia, plus we recently appointed teaching assistants Pauline, Daniel, Lesley, Laura, Amy, Tina, Sarah and Daniel. Our new Site Manager, Simon has also settled in well and has been kept very busy. Two new governors joined the Governing Body– Annabelle O’Connor as a teacher governor and Emma Wright as a parent governor. We hope that they will all be very happy at Meadowside and look forward to their contributions. ClassDojo is still the best means of communication between home and school. If you need support to get set up or log in, please call in to school and assistance will be provided. Staff and parents can share photos and messages both on a group/whole school basis, or privately.
Our website www.meadowsideschool.com is updated regularly with our latest information and news. We are also available on X at https://twitter.com/meadowsidech49 and Facebook at https://facebook.com/meadowsideschoolwirral We even have an Instagram account! You can also contact the Office on (0151) 678 7711 Meadowside School, Pool Lane, Birkenhead, Wirral CH49 5LA