Welcome to the Summer 2024 edition of our school magazine. Over the following pages you will get an overview of some of the opportunities our learning community offered and the fun we have had this term which include a wide range of work- related learning and partnership working that contribute so much to pupils’ learning outcomes, independence skills and preparednessfor adultlife.
We hope that you all enjoy the forthcoming holiday and would like to remind you that there will be a staggered intake of pupils at the start of the Autumn term to help us to personally support each of them to adjust and settle in, as our numbers grow. We will open for some pupils at 9.05am on Wednesday 4th September for classes which have Key Stage 3 pupils included, (i.e. Aspire, Endeavour, Discover, Focus, Flair and Fathom). We will then increase the number on site to all pupils at 9.05am on Thursday5thSeptember.
Paula Wareing HeadTeacher
Family Support
Thank you to all those families who have attended our ‘Cuppa N Chat’ mornings this term. This will also be regular next year. Please come along, it’s a fantastic opportunity to share experiences with other families and gain some useful advice.
I am also hoping to run another art workshop next term, more details to follow.
Milkshake Monday has been a great chance for pupils to celebrate their positive attendance stories with each other and work towards improving their individual attendance.
Some pupils took part in Hero Hike at Delamere Forest. This was hosted by Claire House. The pupils took part in a 3K walk in the woods. Thank you to everyone who sent in sponsor money.
If you need any support throughout the break, these websites may be useful:
www.familytoolbox.co.uk
www.zillowirral.co.uk
www.neocommunity.org.uk
www.involvenorthwest.org.uk
This year’s Futures Week was based on the theme Hospitality and Catering. We started off the week by hosting an Afternoon Tea for parents and visitors to attend. Students worked very hard to prepare sandwiches and scones forover 40guests.
Some students visited local hotels Hillbark Hotel and Thornton Hall. We were able to bake cookies in Wirral Met College, as a taster of their catering course.
Holy Cross church invited us to serve refreshments and perform some signed songs at their Mothers’ Union meeting. Students used the skills they have learned from the weekly Community Café option, to serve customers, deliver drinks and cleanthe kitchen.
Some students visited Pilgrims Meat factory in Bromborough, Autism Together café and Eastham Lodge Golf Club. They particularly enjoyed making mocktails in local pubs Arrowe Park Hotel and Harry Beswicks.
Asda’s Community Champion donated all the ingredients for everyone to make healthy fruity yoghurt pots and some groups cooked with Mr K and Grant, who held a cook off to compare cooking from scratch and readymades.
Students went to Tranmere Rovers Football Club to meet the hospitality manager and a group visited Stedychefs inLiverpool.
On the final day, students faced Mock Interviews, with visiting professionals. Some students put in a great effort to dress appropriately and look the part.
It was an incredible week, made possible only with the support from our Careers Adviser Kath Magnall and the efforts of Meadowside staff. Well done!
Mrs Hughes
Semi-Formal Curriculum
During Summer Term, the learners in Flourish have enjoyed our topic, ThePeopleWho HelpUs .
This topic has worked well with our Futures Week topic, where we have researched ‘Hospitality and Catering’. The class visited eating establishments such as those in New Brighton (Costa, Greggs, etc), Hillbark Hotel and at ArrowePark Hospital.
The children thoroughly enjoyed Futures Week (Careers), learning how towork incatering. Meetingcustomers, servingand cleaningup!
The children have enjoyed designing their own ‘rescue vehicle’, to show how we are helped. The class were able to choose a rescue vehicle, paint, design their wheels and then accessorise it to make it bespoke.
Since our last Magazine update, the children have covered a wide variety of topics in our “My Thinking and Problem Solving lessons”. They have more understanding of Shape, Data handling and the four operations.
Flourish have really enjoyed their PE lessons, where they have developed their throwing, catching, running, jumping and team work skills. Well done Flourish!
The children in Flourish have a lovely friendship mix, working daily in theirtasks, workingcollaborativelyand having fun.
It has been a pleasure teaching the class this year. So from myself, Kate S, Grant, Sarah and Becky, we hope they enjoy their summer, ready fornew excitingchallenges in September!
Mr Brown
Science
Throughout the Summer Term, pupils in Science have covered a range of topics.
Key stage 4 pupils have been busy working as meteorologists, keeping a track of our weather systems and understanding the different ways in which we can measure weather,whilealso considering patterns in our weather and the implications of climate change.
Key stage 3pupils have had great fun learning about light and sound in Physics, they really enjoyed our ‘party’ lesson when we listened to music on a big speaker and watched rice and sprinkles ‘dance’.
They also learned lots about plants: germination, growth,photosynthesis and pollination in Biology.
Their Chemistry lessons have focused on the changes that the changes that take place as substances move from solids, to liquids and gases, and back again, including a lovely lesson where we melted and reshaped chocolate.
Mrs Boyd
Discover
Hello and welcome to Discover!
We’ve had such a busy and exciting term enjoying so many fun and varied activities. We studied the artist Keith Haring and made our own pictures and clay models inspired by him.
We also enjoyed earning coins whilst learning our times tables using the program Times Tables Rock Stars.
We have gained experience using Bee-Bots to introduce and secure our learning about position and direction.
Pupils have worked cooperatively & extremely hard to solve problems and enhance friendships, being kind & considerate to one another.
I’d like to thank all the pupils for working so hard and also to our wonderful TA’s for helping the learning happen. Have a wonderful summer break,
Mr Gopsill
Woodchurch Inclusion
James has completed his GCSE in Art, Craft and Design at Woodchurch High school this term and is looking forward to receiving his result in August. For his externally set assignment James drew upon the wisdom he developed throughout the course to create an outstanding final piece of work, a tribal mask.
Well Done James!
Jenny Wilson
Horse Riding with the Foresters’ Horn RDA Group
at Larton Riding School
During the Summer Term the students had the opportunity to be on their horses in the indoor arena and also for a walk outside in the sunshine. They have enjoyed building up their confidence & getting to know the horses.
Trish Pude HLTA
Event —Olympic Legacy Day
We were
able to take a group of budding athletes to take part in Everton in the Community’s Olympic Legacy Day.
The events included Boccia, basketball, archery, football, vaulting, golfand tennis. All the students gave it their all and incorporated the Olympic Values— excellence, respect and friendship.
Although we didn’t win the overall event, we did score the most points in basketball and golf.
They were all a credit to the school. Well done!
Mr Gopsill, Vicky and Jan.
The ‘Activities 4 All’14-19 option group have continued to develop their climbing skills, along with their confidence, teamwork,coordination and many other skills. As wellas having great fun, we arealso completing important challenges each week, that willcontribute towards us gaining our unit accreditations at the end of the school year.
After each of our climbing sessions, we usually play football on the astroturf pitch,aswell as tennis, dodgeball, gymnastics and various other games.
In addition, our semi formal learners have also benefited from accessing the soft play area during quieter times.
Furthermore, we have recently been given full access to try out the newly installed ‘Adventure Golf’ facility that the centre opened earlier this summer.
Learners enjoyed playing 18 mini holes in the dark, space-themed room, designed to give players an all round sensory experience, as wellas providing an exciting environment in whichto practice our putting skills!
Music
We have been exploring World Music this term, drumming along to some Calypso beats and West African Rhythms. Pupils enjoyed playing the Djembe drums. They learned that ‘Djembe’ means ‘Everyone gather together in peace’.
Pupils also used the Bamboo Tamboo sticks, to play repeated rhythmic patterns. Agroup of pupils went to Stanley School, to perform the Bamboo Tamboo rhythms at their music event. Mrs Hughes
Singing & Signing
The Signing Singers have had a busy term, singing for the Mothers’ Union at Holy Cross Church for Futures Week, singing for the Learning Disabilities event at Leasowe Millennium Centre and attending the MSLD Schools’ Music Festival in Liverpool.
The Music festival is the highlight of the Summer Term and entails every special school in the area performing a song and joining in with singing all day. There is usually a bit of dancing too!.
Mrs Hughes
Computing
Throughout the SummerTermwe have looked at how technologyhas been changing over the years. It has been interesting to consider how gaming has advanced from large arcade machines tothe portable, internet connected devices that we have now.
Leaners have considered how technology andthe internet influence us and how we needtostopand thinkbeforewe click.
Well done to all pupils who entered our SummerFairPoster competition.Theyused MS Publisher brilliantly and amazing posterswere created.
Congratulations to ourwinners!
Mrs Charmley
Maths
All learners have been developing an understanding of reading the time. This has beenlinked to problem solving around time and the calendar. We have considered different formats of time with analogue, digital, use of Roman numerals, 12hrand 24hr clock. Some learners have problem solved more complex, 2 step conversions of different measures of time.
Key Stage 3have had an additional focuson division and sharing.
Key Stage 4/Post 16 have also focused on angles and direction.
Mrs Charmley
Port Sunlight
KS3 had an amazing tripto SoapWorks, in Port Sunlight to learn about the science of soap. They melted their opaque or translucent soap base ,then chose their own dye, fragrance and texture. After that they visited The Soap Museum, learning about bubbles, smells and the processes of making soap. Everyone had their own soap to bring home and use !
Mrs Brown
Emergency Services Day
Pupils from year 7 had great fun on our recent Emergency Services Day visit! They enjoyed sitting in the different vehicles,dressing up, squirtingwater and getting on a stretcher, whilst learning of the importance of each service. Mrs Brown
Crosby Lakeside Residential
InJune, 19pupils from across the school enjoyed a 2 night residential at Crosby Lakeside.During theirstay they enjoyed 2 water sports sessions, where they learnt to row Katakanus and bell boats. To do this, some pupils had to overcome their fear of being ina boat oron the water. We were lucky enough to enjoy fair weatherwhilstwe were away, and pupils particularly enjoyed a dip in the lake, overcoming the cold and mustering the courage to jump in from the jetty!
As well as the water sports, pupils enjoyed trips to the park, walks in the sunshine, playing games and watching football together, and a forest school session.Some were sceptical about the presence ofdragons, even though we found dragons breath in the trees! Older pupils worked independently in the wooded area and I was amused to be handed a 6inch stick to be told ’it’s my work’!
During our stay, pupils enjoyed anart sessionat the beach. Aidan took some superb photographs of Anthony Gormley’s Iron Men statues, whilst others used watercolours, sand and glue.
As we were selfcatering, there were plenty of opportunities for pupils to develop their independent living skills and they did not disappoint. Chef Nadine did a brilliant jobat keeping us all fed and watered, and all pupils contributed to the cooking and/or cleaning at some point during the stay, with Rhys being our chief ofbrews!
I was really impressed by the resilience, communication and flexibility shown by all ofthe pupils who attended the residential.It was absolutely my privilege to spend this time with them and get to know them better.
This exciting experience would have been entirely impossible without the commitment and support of the staff team, who not only gave up their time to come along on the trip, but also worked tirelessly in the run up, preparing menus, resources and helping to pack everything pretty much, including the kitchen sink! Huge thanks to them, Mrs Dunn
More Crosby fun…
Crosby continued…
PSHE
Semi-formal pupils have been looking at the difference between needs and wants, their own aspirations (things they would like to do in their lives), celebrating differences (aware of themselves and others and some challenges they may face) and success and achievement (positive personal qualities in themselves and others).
Formal Key Stage 3 pupils have been learning about living in the wider world, looking at needs and wants, rights and responsibilities, aspirations, celebrating differences, being an entrepreneur careers and stereotypes, success and achievement and independence and responsibility.
Formal Key Stage 4 and Post 16 (14-19) have also been learning about living in the wider world looking at self-awareness, self-confidence, self-esteem, self management, growth mind-set and personal development, creating a personalised action plan along the way.
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 to the Athletic skills of moving/running (mobility), throwing (striking and kicking) and holding/releasing equipment (dexterity)
Semi formal pupils have been taking part in Athletics, looking at running (moving as fast as they can or moving for longer periods of time), jumping (over obstacles in hurdles or for distance in long jump and the different types of throwing events including javelin and shot put
Formal Key stage 3 pupils have been learning about Athletics, looking at the different disciplines in terms of running, jumping and throwing. Pupils have been able to have experience in sprint starts/running, hurdles (jumping and running), long and triple jump and 3 of the 4 areas of throwing, in javelin, shot put and discus throw.
KS4 and P16 pupils (14-19) have been learning about Athletics, looking at the three disciplines of running, throwing and jumping, but more in depth, extending their key knowledge and skills, new vocabulary, officiating and coaching others
Rebound Therapy
Pupils in their options group have been working hard to complete their Winstrada levels in trampolining/ Rebound with some completing up to level 5.
Flair class have thoroughly enjoyed participating in Rebound Therapy on Friday mornings. Some learners now anticipate the activity and look forward to seeing the trampoline being set up.
In addition to having great fun and improving their confidence, muscle tone and communication skills, all learners have completed three separate AQA accreditation units, as well as workings throughthe Winstrada Programme.
Duke of Edinburgh
Pupils have been carrying on their work towards achieving their BRONZE award through completing Physical, Skill, Volunteering and expedition areas of the course. Pupils have made elastic band powered planes, taken part in dodgeball and helped clean up the school and local community environments
MATP/Yoga
Pupils in MATP/yoga have been taking part in boccia and kwick cricket, where they have been, learning (HEART) social skills of playing with others, (BODY) physical skills of throwing the boccia balls/bowling and learning about the rules (HEAD) of how to play and some pupils have also supported others in learning new skills, rules or how to officiate. In yoga pupils have been taking part in completing the 4 routines in Yoga for Schools.
By Mr Stubbs
PE/PSHE Events
Pupils have taken part in the Everton in the Community Olympic day, Football event at Foxfield school where 2 teams played matches versus Foxfield and Clare Mount Schools and also the Shadow dance event at the Floral Pavilion, where pupils learnt the Jerusalema dance and performed in front of a sell outcrowd.
Fusion
Fusion have had a very busy term. Our topic this term has been ‘People Who Help Us’. We have continued to really enjoy exploring the world around us and discovering all of the different people who help us in different places. We have continued to enjoy a wide range of sensory stories and books as well as a range of practical activities relating to our topic.
We have also been focusing on looking after our environment this term, especially relating to recycling and keeping our school litter free. It has been amazing to see such enthusiasm for looking afterour world!
Mrs O’Connor
Sensory Cookery
What a great term we have had in Sensory Cookery! We have continued to make a wide range of tasty snacks which have mainly been tasty sweet treats including cakes and different types of biscuits.
Over the term there has been a huge move towards independence in the kitchen, especially related to hand washing, washing up and identifying/collecting resources needed to cook. I have thoroughly enjoyed supporting the pupils in this option group to develop their confidence and independence from September to now.
Mrs Connor
Cookery Snacks
What a great final term we have had in Cookery Snacks! We have continued to make a wide range of tasty snacks mainly around the theme of the different countries taking part in Euro 2024. Each week we decide what we would like to make for the following week, researching a food from a different country.
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. It has been amazing to see confidence growing weekby week.
Mrs O’Connor
English
This term during English, our pupils have been focusing on the Shakespeare plays, The Tempest and Macbeth. The pupils have had a lovely time watching the plays and learning about the plots. Allpupils have made a storyboard to show their understanding. This week, we have been pretending to be ship wrecked on a desert island, like the character Prospero, in The Tempest. Pupils invented maps and solutions to surviving on a desert island, including practical solutions on how to build a fire and find water. As a solution to attractattention to get off the island, pupils have been writing messages to send in a bottle. We have looked at several reasons why people send messages in bottles. Whilst writing our messages, we have been learning about lots of new types of grammar. The pupils are now looking at the exciting localhistory of The Wallasey Wreckers. The local history is visually displayed on a mural in VictoriaRd, New Brighton. They are going to be making newspaper articles, reporting on the crimes that took place during that era. Roll up, roll up!Read all about it!
Ms Roberts
Drama
During Drama, pupils have beenstudying the Shakespeare play The Tempest. Each pupil chose the role they would like to play, and have been practising hard, learning their lines and acting within their roles. We have been studying how to improvise and using voice control, so the audience can hear our performance. Pupils have been working hard, learning dance routines and songs that are going to be performed during the play.
Ms Roberts
Crosby
At Crosby Lakeside, for our regular Options sessions the pupils have had a wonderful time learning many new skills this term. They have been paddle boarding, kayaking, katakanuing, bell boating and swimming in the lake. Theirparticipation inwater sports has contributed to their positive development ofmind and body leading to higher selfconfidence, and self esteem. Jenny Wright
Focus
During Summer Term, Focus have beenlearning about ‘People that help us!’ We have talked about the skills needed to be a police officer, doctor, teacherand many other jobs. Then we have tried our best to practise these skills to help others.
We have practised our fine motor skills by completing tasks such as dough disco, finger accuracy games and a range of different crafts. We have improved ourgross motor skills by engaging in weekly music, dance and PE sessions as well as trips off site to a local park.
In ‘My Independence’we have learnt about personal hygiene, following instructions and cleaning up after ourselves. While learning these skills we have also tried to perfect our cheese toasties with as little support as passible. What a great term we’ve had.
Mr Kophamel
Art Endeavour and Aspire
Pupils inEndeavour and Aspire have learned about the Aztec Civilisation, theirGods andtheir use of symbolism. They madeseveral sketches and oncethey decidedon their best idea they enlarged it and usedethnic colours. Pupils learned how towedge clayto get rid of any air bubbles inthe clay. Theyused the clay roller to makeslabs. Pupilsused templates to makeup theirtilein relief. Pupils have hadtheirtiles fired and now will be ableto usethe coloured glazes to complete their tile. This will takeplace next term.
Options Art and Textiles
Pupils from Options Art and Textiles have worked really hard to complete a mosaic forthe playground. Pupils used the plates and bowls the Enterprise ex pupils designed. They enjoyed smashing the plates and bowls learning how to do this in a safe manner. They used small patterned pieces and glued them onto cardboard circles using metal tweezers. Pupils became very adept at using the tweezers. We then moved outside. Pupils learned how to spread the adhesive and then the grout. Well done to all. Ms Hoffmann
D&T
Aspire and Endeavour
Have worked really hard to complete their reflective reworked clothes. Some have been inspired by a name ofa band, others by a new computer game.
They have watched videos on the need to make clothes more sustainable. They have learned how to use pins to join fabrics together, how to sew simple hand stitches, how to cut fabric using fabric scissors and how to use a sewing machine safely. Pupils will be taking part ina FashionShow to show how you can reuse clothes ina colourful imaginative way.
D&T
Enquire and Discover
Symbolism based on the works of the artist Keith Haring
Pupils have looked at the symbols made by Keith Haring of the images of the moving human form. Pupils in Enquire used charcoal to draw their moving figures. They have used unwanted T shirts to rework them into fun original pieces. Pupils have enjoyed working with textiles. Ms Hoffmann
Sports Day
Pupils have spent an afternoon in their respective teams, bonding, creating flags, banners and Olympic torches for their team nations from France, GB, USA, Brazil, Germany, Japan and Australia.
Pupils having a fantastic time taking part Sports Day activities — Archery, Golf, Cricket, Boccia OAA, tennis and athletics (long jump). Pupils have been showing the school games qualities of teamwork, self belief, resilience, respect, honesty, determination and passion. This years winners were TEAM GERMANY (RESILIENCE), well done everyone.
The Chairand Vice Chairs of Student Council went to St Helens TownHall earlier this term for a special event with other Student Councils from schools across Merseyside. Luke was especially pleased to be able to discuss politics with the Lord Mayor of Liverpool and the Mayor of St Helens. They invited us up to Council Chambers fora Q & Asession. We also had a lovely buffet lunch there.
Claire Albertsen
Staffing News
Wewould liketowish Stephanieand Nurse Annawell, as they have started maternity leavethis term. We look forward to meeting the newest members ofthe Meadowside community.
We are also saying goodbye toJacky, whohas been at Meadowside for over 25years.Jacky is retiring and we wish her a long andhappyretirement. Shewill most definitely be missed.
School Governors
We are extremely grateful to allour Governorswho give their time and expertise toosupport our school. Wewould like to takethis opportunityto thank them all for their contribution, particularly Stephenwhois standing down at the end ofhis termin office.
Wewould liketowelcome our new Governors, Ben andGeonelle, withwhomwe look forwardtoworking, to continueto enhance the outcomes for our pupils.
Ourwebsite www.meadowsideschool.com is updated regularly with ourlatest information and news. We are also available on X at https://twitter.com/meadowsidech49 and Facebookat https://facebook.com/meadowsideschoolwirral
We evenhave anInstagram account! You canalso contact the Office on (0151) 678 7711 Meadowside School, Pool Lane, Birkenhead, Wirral CH49 5LA
