Meadowside Magazine Spring 2024 Issue 32

Welcome to the Spring 2024 edition of our school magazine. Over the following pages you will get an overview of some of the learning opportunities we have offered this term which include a wide range of offsite activities, work experience and partnership working that contribute so much to pupils’ learning outcomes, independence skills and preparedness for adult life.

In addition to our pupils‘ weekly visits to Woodchurch High School Farm, Crosby Lakeside Marina, Larton Riding, Royden Park etc., we also welcome St Michael and All Angels Primary School and Elleray Park School to our site to enable them to benefit from our wonderful facilities.

We hope that you all enjoy the forthcoming holiday and would like to remind you that school re-opens after Spring Break on Monday 15th April.

Paula Wareing Head Teacher

Family Support

There have been some very exciting events at school this term: Leanne from Wirral Mencap came along to our ‘Cuppa N Chat’ morning to talk about Deputyship. This was our best attended coffee morning with lots of useful information being shared. For more information check out their website www.wirralmencap.org.uk

Also this term we hosted our first ever SEND Hub. An afternoon of various services were available to talk to and gather information. This was attended by lots of families and our school governors.

There are still some spaces available to attend the Parent Art sessions starting on 17th April. To book a placepleasegetintouchviaschoolofficeorDojo.

LauraLawton

Student Council

Our students were given a very unique opportunity at the Eureka Science Museum on Friday 19th January.

They were invited to speak to the scientists who are actually at the Antarctic, on the RSS Sir David Attenborough, to find out about their lives, their research, and how they got to be there.

Daniel & Bradley had their questions chosen and went on the live stream to ask the scientists themselves.

Eureka Science Museum was the first place to take part in such an event and the visit provided our students with insight into the essential research that is taking place.

It was covered on Granada Reports and some of us made it on to the TV! (Well, the back of our heads!)

Claire Albertsen

Meadowside Easter Hop

Student Council organised an Easter Hop, for the final weekof term. It raised over £100! Pupils donned their rabbit ears and walked laps of the playground each morning. On the last day of term, everyone enjoyed Hot Cross Buns to finish off the week.

Student Council plan to resume their charitable work with the Rotary Interact Club, raising money for local and community charities as well as an international cause. These events would not be successful without the ongoing support from parents, carers and families. Thank you.

Claire Albertsen

Music

We have been following the Philharmonic Scheme of Work for Music. This year, the concert theme is Going for Gold: The Orchestral Olympics, inspired by the 2024 Paris Olympics. We took a journey through pieces of music that have been inspired or influenced by sport, both old and new.

Some pupils enjoyed a visit to the Philharmonic Hall, in Liverpool.

We particularly liked John Williams’ piece called ‘Summon the Heroes’ and finding out about Joseph Bologne, who was a composer in Paris in the 1700s.

Everyone’s favourite activity in music is playing the keyboards!

Mrs Hughes

Flair class have blasted off into space for our Spring term topic. Travelling through the solar system and beyond. We’ve used all our senses to explore alien worlds in ‘An Alien Planet’, our sensory story for this term. We’ve practiced rolling and kicking space blankets in Physical Development, turned the stars on and off in Cognition and Challenge and made many moonscapes in Creativity! The pupils have enjoyed relaxation sessions under our star projectors, and explored Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets’ in music. Some pupils have used eye-gaze to communicate the order of the planets in our solar system and we’ ve explored gravity defying rocket ships in Sensory Science. We’ve had fun on the moon in Messy Play and explored ‘Explosions in Space’ sensory boxes. We’ ve listened to many space themed songs and stories, but always enjoy coming back down to Earth with a countdown!

Mrs Russell

Maths

Key Stage 3 pupils have carried out some workwith measurement and length. They learnt key terms such as long, short, tall and small, applying this to ordering items by length.

Learners have experienced using different measuring tools and learnt about estimating distance.

Throughout the term, all learners have continued to develop their understanding of number, with a focus on multiplication and division as appropriate.

Learners have developed their understanding of fractions, relating to shapes and quantities. Understanding about the meaning ofequal parts. Mrs Charmley

Humanities

Pupils have been using the 4,8,and 16 point compasses to find where North South East West, NW, and NWW are etc. These have been linked to where towns in the North West, countries in Europe and cities across the world are in relation to each other.

Some pupils have had great success locating degrees of longitude and latitude and writing them as co-ordinates ….

Mrs Brown

Science

For the Spring Term pupils have been busy in both Key Stage three and Key Stage four classes.

Older pupils have been focussed on systems within the human body, covering reproductive systems, the central nervous system, digestive system, and more.

In other lessons, they have been discovering more about forces. They had lots of fun observing air resistance work against gravity while dropping identically sized pieces of paper in different shapes.

Key stage 3 have done lots of work about electricity, building circuits of increasing complexity, and learning about why these circuits sometimes don’t work, by learning about breaks in circuits as well as what will and what will not conduct electricity.

Mrs Boyd

Fusion

Fusion have had a very busy term. Our topic this term has been Space. We have really enjoyed exploring the world around us and discovering what it may be like to live in a different place. We have continued to enjoy a wide range of sensory stories and books about space to develop our love of reading even more!

We have focused on British Values this term and what it means to be part of a community. We have particularly enjoyed a wide range of games and activities which encourage us to work togetheras a team.

Mrs O’Connor

Cookery Snacks

What a great term we have had in Cookery Snacks. We have made a wide range of tasty snacks mainly around the theme of picnic fun. Each week we decide what we would like to make for the following week/weeks. We have tried to also incorporate current events into our sessions including Shrove Tuesday and Easter themed snacks.

Learners have continued to work incredibly hard on their independence skills, developing the confidence to make mistakes and not be deterred to try again next time. Learners have also developed their general knowledge of the layout of the kitchen and require much less support to find the equipment needed.

Mrs O’Connor

PSHE

Semi-formal pupils have been looking at keeping safe while using technology, looking at using the internet, selfies, social media and what can happen when wetake risks.

Formal Key Stage 3 pupils have been learning about keeping safe online, looking at personal information, selfies, online grooming and social media. Pupils have looked at what the risks are when using technology and ways they can keep themselves safer.

Formal Key Stage 4 and Post 16 (14-19) have also been learning about online safety and risks, looking at personal information and digital footprints, social media, selfies and sexting and the laws, online grooming and radicalisation and online gambling.

PE/PSHE Events

Pupils have takenpart in the Everton in the Community International Women’ s Day event at Everton Hub L4, where they took part in games and crafts including sitting volleyball, Football, dance, cake making, army talk, arts and crafts and also knitting/ crocheting activities.

Mr Stubbs

Mr Stubbs

P.E.

Pre formal pupils have been taking part in MATP (Motor Activity Training Programme), looking at the 4 areas of mobility, dexterity, striking and kicking and linking these in with rugby skills of moving with the ball (mobility), passing, receiving and kicking to score (striking and kicking) and holding the ball / equipment (dexterity)

Semi formal pupils have been taking part in rugby FUNdamentals, looking at skills relating to holding, throwing, catching, running, coordination, agility and basic attack and defending.

Formal Key stage 3 pupils have been learning about Tag rugby, learning about correct physical skills in throwing catching and moving with the ball (using two hands), playing games of tag with others or as part of a team, using or incorporating a ball into games of tag, rules of play and playing full games of tag rugby.

KS4 and P16 pupils (14-19) have been learning about Touch rugby, where they have been looking at learning about correct physical skills in throwing catching and moving with the ball (using two hands), rules and tactics of the game, being tackled (touch), rucks (how to start again once you have been tackled and playing full games of Touch rugby with others as part of a team.

Rebound Therapy

The benefits of rebound therapy are :- Improves flexibility and coordination, Promotes core stability and head control, Helps increase spatial and body awareness, Increases confidence with movement, Improves communication and concentration skills, Develops the child's independence.

Duke of Edinburgh

Pupils have started to prepare for achieving their BRONZE award through completing Physical, Skill, Volunteering and expedition areas of the course.

MATP/Yoga

Pupils in MATP/yoga have been taking part in boccia/new age kurling, learning (HEART) social skills of playing with others, (BODY) physical skills of throwing the boccia balls/stones and learning about the rules (HEAD) of how to play and some pupils have supported others in learning new skills, rules or how to officiate. In yoga pupils have started looking at the 4 routines in Yoga for Schools.

By Mr Stubbs

Sensory Cookery

What a great term we have had in Sensory Cookery! We have made a wide range of tasty snacks which have mainly been tasty sweet treats including cakes and different types of biscuits.

It has been amazing to see the development of confidence and independence from all learners, especially when trying a familiar task with varying ingredients. Learners show enthusiasm and a “can do” attitude during our cookery activities and enjoy sampling what has been created afterwards.

I’m looking forward to seeing what incredible snacks we create next term!

Mrs O’Connor

Semi-Formal Curriculum

In Flourish this term the children have welcomed in the Spring term with our topicSpace. The children have planned their own journey up to into Space! The class have enjoyed learning and researching the planets of the solar system, planning what they would take with them on their journey, designed their own rocket and planning their route through the planets!

The children have embraced our weekly Tag Rugby (PE) lessons, learning and improving as the term has progressed. As part of our learning, they have loved playing a mash up of Duck Duck Goose and Tag Rugby!

The children have progressed well in their learning about Money, Time and the four operations, as part of our MTPS (Maths) lessons. The class have really enjoyed using the iPads to play money games and tell the time.

Independence is a key future skill that we push in class, especially in our cookery lessons. The pupils have enjoyed making a range of products independently, such as Pizza, a fruit salad, carrot soup and pancakes.

Mr Brown

Enterprise

Pupils attended the Enterprise Showcase at Aintree racecourse, with other Merseyside Special Schools. Pupils have been making good use of donated materials and created products for sale at Hallowe’en, Christmas and Easter.

Enterprise enables pupils to understand how small businesses are successful, through advertising, marketing, productionand sales.

Pupils have shown great team working skills, cooperating to achieve a good range of Easter products, using innovative ways to package Easter chocolate and lollipops.

At the Enterprise Showcase, pupils faced a Dragons’ Den experience, answering questions about their ideas and products. Pupils gave really good answers but we were not picked as winners. Hopefully next year we will win!

Mrs Hughes

Life Skills

During Spring term, we have focused on following simple recipes with as much independence as possible. Before each activity, the children 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 the children have practiced making hot and cold drinks with as little support as possible. MrKophamel

R.E.

KS3 have been learning about the most famous hymns and parables.

We have been singing along to Amazing Grace and listening to Il Divo’s incredible version of this hymn.

All the KS3 classes have also heard AbideWithMe which is sung at the FA Cup final at Wembly Stadium.

KS3 have also been acting out the parableof The Prodigal Son, which was very entertaining . We have lots of budding actors.

The discussions about the naughty son’s behaviour were really interesting. Was it fair ? Would you have forgiven him ? Would you have given him a party or made him work and wait for forgiveness ?

R.E. Visits and visitors

This term we have been learning about a range of different Christian denominations with Post 16. We have had two amazing sets of people to speak to us.

The Rev Jeff Hughes, our Chair of Governors, came into speak to us about the United Reformed Church. He brought in some robes that were tried on by some pupils. He spoke about baptismal pools and had the class asking and answering so many questions.

We also went up to Holy Cross to meet the Rev Janet and the Rev Josie who is also one of our school Governors. The same pupils looked at the vessels used for communion, listened all about the different coloured robes, the symbolism and had a good look at the baptismal font.

The pupils were an absolute credit to us ! They asked and answered lots of questions using the correct vocabulary and some volunteers were happy to have a try at joining in with everything ! Mrs Brown

D&T

Pneumatics & Hydraulics

Pupils demonstrates a basic understanding of mechanical and fluid systems. They know the difference between pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Pupils were asked to build a model of a pneumatic system and then a

Pupils were able to follow step by step visual instructionsusing ‘You Tube’.

They all really enjoyed the challenges making their Hydraulic models work. Pupils who worked in a team worked really well together sharing and discussing tasks.

Ms Hoffmann

Textiles

Pupils have been workingon the AQA Unit Award Scheme : Picture Making :Textiles / Basic Sewing.

Pupils started off choosing a design, tracing it and transferring the design onto fabric. Pupils have been using different materials and techniques to realise their design e.g. quilting, embroidery, beading, applique and machine sewing.

Ms Hoffmann

Art

Pupils who selected Art for one of their Options have been working on the AQA Unit Award Scheme : Split Drawing

Pupils started off by making an observational drawing of one half of their face. They then looked at different paintings and painters, selecting an image that inspired them and decidedwhichhalftheywantedtoworkwith.

Ms Hoffmann

Art

Colour project inspired by Cat and Dogs.

Pupils have learned and explored lots about colour mixing, what are monochromatic colours and how to mix shades and tints. All about the colour wheel– Primary, Secondary and Tertiary colours. Pupils followed a set of colour blocks to help them mix and match these tertiary colours using black and white to make tints and shades.

Pupils have really enjoyed making these colours up rather than just using the ready made colours from a bottle.

Ms Hoffmann

Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre

Pupils have been working on passing their Health & Safety training and keeping fit at the gym for most of the term but recently were able to venture onto the water. They tried kayaking and bell-boating.

Crosby Lakeside is a stunning water and visitor centre, in the heart of Crosby Coastal Park, in Liverpool. Pupils choose it as part of the 14-19 Options and are able to challenge themselves, develop skills in team working, overcoming personal barriers and building confidence.

Pupils are looking forward to enjoying more water based boating activities as the weather warms up in the Summer.

Jenny Wright

Acclaimed duo, Suzanne and Tracy MBE, otherwise known as Singing Hands returned to Meadowside for another fun day of singing, signing and dancing. They were in the area to celebrate World Down’s Syndrome Day and thanks to avery generous family, brought us their special mix of fun and music. Pupils love to perform and the opportunity to perform with their favourite YouTube stars was definitely embraced.

We shared the joy by inviting some of our past pupils and service users of our partner services-Cambridge Road Day Centre and Autism

We were also incredibly lucky to have been gifted official Singing Hands T-shirts for everyone who wanted one! It was so lovely seeing everyone proudly wearing their merch as they joined in the fun!

Mrs Hughes

Activities4All

Pupils have enjoyed beginning their High Ropes and Walls challenges this term. After mastering the bouldering wall, pupils have learnt how to properly put on their own harnesses and complete basic safety procedures, before beginning their climb. Some learners had no problems climbing up to the top of the 20 foot walls. Other pupils found the height a little more challenging. But, through sheer persistence and determination, along with encouraging words and advice from the certified climbing instructors, all pupils have now attempted to climb to the top and have reached at least the half way mark, before descending with increased confidence using the breaking belay system.

As well as climbing, learners have enjoyed tackling the high ropes course, traversing over the obstacles suspended from the ceiling. After Easter, pupils will continue to complete their AQA accreditation in various climbing challenges on the walls and teamwork style challenges on the high ropes course.

In addition to the climbing activities, our learners have also enjoyed other activities on offer at the centre, such as football, tennis, gymnastics and various other multi sports games/activities and soft play.

Horse Riding with the Foresters’ Horn RDA Group at Larton Riding School

Atthebeginning of theSpringTerm the students worked on their Accreditation, including RDA Horse Care Proficiency Tests.

In preparation for our first ride, thestudents tried on their sweatshirts.

AtLarton Riding School we had our first session of mounting thehorses and moving round thearena learning how to use stop and start commands.

Well doneall.

Trish Pude

English

This term during English, Discover and Enquire have been reading the story Little Red Riding hood. Whilst enjoying the story, pupils have been play acting being a scary wolf, as well as Little Red Riding Hood, picking flowers for her Grandma, in the woods. Whilst studying the book, pupils have been thinking about stranger danger, and have learnt that the moral of the story is, don’t talk to strangers!

Meanwhile, Aspire have been studying different types of text by looking at newspapers, and how headlines, sub-headlines and pictures are all designed to capture a reader's attention. Aspire, have been practising being journalists and have created their own newspaper articles.

KS4 and Post 16,have had the experience of reading Nordic Myths and Tales. We have been learning about Vikings, and how they would tell each other tales of their battles and adventures. Pupils have been studying the different god's, in particular Thor. We're loving learning about Thor's strength and his hammer.

World Book Week

We had a great week during World Book Week. During lunch time pupils could participate by listening to stories in the library. On Thursday, we had a book swap. Pupils could choose a book to take home. On Friday, we had lots of fun dressing up as our favourite book character, listening to the children's poet, Joseph Coelho, and having a special assembly about World Book Day.

Each year, as a school, we enter the Chris Salmon Poetry Competition. This year's theme is "Dream." Hereisaselectionofthisyear'sentriesforthecompetition.

I dream I dream

I dream I dream, it seems a nightmare I’m in, I scream I scream, I screamed for help…. no answer replied, darkness filled the room,THEN BOOM I had a scream, but then I woke up got out of bed And said “Im fed up with these dreams”

Caden Jones

A dream is as simple as string, sometimes you can hear a ping or a bing from a thing. A slingshot flinged a rock, I was wearing any socks

Alfie Walker

Mrs Roberts

Drama

In Drama, pupils have been busy writing scripts for their shoe box puppet shows. Pupils have written their own version of Little Red Riding Hood . They did a spectacular performance of their show for Discover. Pupils are now getting ready for their summer show! Watch this space.

French

This term, during French pupils have been learning the French words for drinks and breakfast. We have held our own French cafe, where the pupils took it in turn to be the waiter/ waitress or customer. Pupils ordered from a French menu, a drink and food item of their choice, and paid in Euros using their knowledge of French numbers. The pupils have had lots of fun learning how to order and serve in French. At the same time, they learnt valuable life skills such as making drinks and food.

Mrs Roberts

Staffing News

We would like to welcome Tina and Dan who joined us as Teaching Assistants having been part of our supply team previously.

In mid-March we were able to hold a lunchtime celebration to wish Natalia and Mrs Russell well as they started maternity leave. We look forward to meeting the newest members of the Meadowside community.

School Governors

We are extremely grateful to all our Governors who give their time and expertise too support our school, and we would like to take this opportunity to thank them all.

We have a vacancy for a Parent Governor to help us ensure that our School Development Plan meets the needs of current and future pupils. If you would like to find out more about this important role then please contact the School Office to speak to the Clerk to the Governors. There is plenty of training available for new and existing governors.

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