SCHOOL LIFE

Cockburn stands together for Ukraine: over £3,600 raised

Students and staff from the three Cockburn Multiacademy Trust secondary schools have been busy raising funds for Ukraine.

Students at Cockburn School, Cockburn John Charles Academy and Cockburn Laurence Calvert Academy wanted to do something to raise funds for children in Ukraine and had a non-uniform day where many students wore yellow and blue in support of Ukraine. This comes less than three months after the schools raised over £1,500 for children in Afghanistan.

Having seen on the news the issues in Ukraine, they decided to raise funds for the Save the Children Ukraine Appeal. According to the Save the Children charity, Ukraine's children and families are being forced to shelter in basements and bomb shelters to escape explosions. 7.5 million Ukraine children are now in danger. Amid freezing temperatures, power cuts and food shortages, every day is a struggle to survive. Families are forced to flee their homes. They need urgent help accessing water, shelter and food.

The total raised was £2,196.49. According to the Save the Children charity, this would be enough to fund: • 200 school-in-a-bag kits • 30 months food for a family, or • 120 family hygiene packs.

Tammy Hoskins, Community Fundraising & Engagement Manager for Save the Children says “Save the Children are extremely grateful for the quick response and support shown by Cockburn Multi-academy Trust in raising much needed funds for children and their families affected by the conflict in Ukraine.

“We're aiming to deliver lifesaving aid to 3.5 million vulnerable children and their families but we can only achieve this with the generous support of individuals and organisations like the incredible Cockburn Multi Academy Trust.” For more information on Save the Children, visit www.savethe children.org.uk

Middleton Primary also had a non-uniform day and sold buns in support of the Unicef Ukraine appeal. They raised an incredible £1,415.82. One pupil, Laurence J in Year 3, raised £770.21 of this total with a huge effort in grabbing a tub and going door to door in the community (with help from his mum) and collecting money. Laurence said that he felt really bad for the way the people in the Ukraine were losing their homes and he wanted to help them.

He had learned about some of the devastation at school but had also seen the news reports with his dad. Laurence and his mum had an idea to decorate a collection bucket and his mum posted on social media to help him raise money.

Laurence decorated the tub and set to work. People contacted his mum and said they would like to donate and she drove Laurence to collect the money. Laurence also asked his family to donate, which they did, and he donated his own money which he had saved (£10).

David Gurney, Executive Headteacher, said “I am yet again extremely proud of the students and staff across our schools for raising these huge sums of money. We aim for all of our students to become confident, independent and successful citizens and they showed great pride in supporting children in Ukraine.”

Laurence raised an amazing £770

Celebrating sporting achievements at CJCA

Year 8 student Neithan B’s incredible ability on the football pitch has been recognised outside of Cockburn John Charles Academy.

He has been successful in signing for Manchester United’s under-13 academy and we look forward to following his progress.

In addition, Year 9 student Grace O has been selected to become a Game Changer student ambassador for the South Leeds FA Girls Football Partnership, following a highly professional application.

Head of School, Siobhan Roberts said:

“I am incredibly proud that the skill and aspirations of our students are being recognised on a national level, and that they are being given these fantastic opportunities to develop and excel.”

Pictured with Neithan are Dave Bushell, Manchester United Academy Player Liaison Officer and Adam Burnell PE Teacher

Dazzling performances across Cockburn MAT

Packed audiences were treated to some amazing performances as part of Cockburn School’s MADDFest (Music, Art, Dance and Drama).

On the first night, there was an art exhibition, a showcase of Dance and Music with performers from all three secondary schools. The second night had drama performances from across the MAT and one from the Year 5 revolution ensemble. The main performance on this night was part of the National Connections festival where schools from across the UK perform plays written specially for the National Theatre project. “Remote”, was watched by a director from the National Theatre, the cast will perform next at the York Theatre in April.

Beeston Primary supports ‘Freedom for Ukraine’

On Friday 18 March staff, parents and pupils at Beeston Primary School donated an overwhelming amount of goods and funds for ‘Freedom for Ukraine’.

They also held a non-uniform day where staff and pupils wore yellow and blue to show their support to the people of Ukraine.

Mr Nicholson (Deputy Headteacher), Mrs Wilkinson (Senior Inclusion Support Worker), Mrs Layton (Superintendent) and some of their Year 5 and 6 pupils travelled to Halifax in their school minibus and were greeted by volunteers at Dean Clough Mill.

The children and staff met Ivan (a Ukrainian national), who helped them unpack their minibus and take all of their donations inside. Over 50 volunteers were sorting donated goods into boxes for the next lorry to leave for Poland.

The staff and pupils met Christa Ackroyd, (journalist and presenter) who took them on a tour of the mill so that they could see first-hand how their donations were being sorted and packed.

Maxwell Brown (Year 6 pupil) said:

“We even got to see our donations of nappies, clothes, toys, toiletries, bedding and Minnie Mouse being packed up, ready for the long journey to Poland!”

Through monetary donations, the school collected over £700 which they have also donated to the ‘Freedom for Ukraine’ fund and this money will be used to buy food for refugees at the Ukrainian/Polish border.

Mr Nicholson (Deputy Headteacher) said:

“The support and generosity that we have received from staff, parents and pupils has been absolutely overwhelming.

“We wanted to show our support to the Ukrainian community and we were so pleased when we were offered the chance to visit the depot at Dean Clough in Halifax.

“Christa Ackroyd was very welcoming and took time out from her busy schedule to show our pupils around the mill, giving them an experience that they will never forget. The pupils haven’t talked about anything else since!” Christa Ackroyd showed pupils and staff around the mill

Cockburn School student Tian elected to UK Youth Parliament

Year 11 student, Tian C, has successfully been elected to represent Leeds at the UK Youth Parliament.

The UK Youth Parliament is a youth version of parliament and is a platform given to young people between the ages of 11–18 to represent their constituency at a local, regional, and national level. Elected Members of Youth Parliament (MYPs) are also given the opportunity to work alongside politicians.

Elections for the UK Youth Parliament take place every 2 years. Tian completed a written application which included submitting her campaign manifesto.

Following a shortlisting process, 6 candidates were selected to stand for election and the campaign began. Tian campaigned across the community and via social media. More than 2,000 votes were cast and Tian is one of three new Members of Youth Parliament for Leeds.

This is not the first time Tian has won an election. Last year, she ran for Head Girl at Cockburn School and was voted into this position by the majority of students and staff at the school. She is currently working hard towards her upcoming GCSE exams and hopes to go on to study A-Levels.

Tian said: “In my manifesto, I discussed problems that I believe affect young people the most: their homes, mental health, environment, and education. We should improve housing, increase versatility in

Tian with Shamim Miah and Rob Dixon

education, tackle the stigma of 'not seeking help' and embrace mental health rather than be seen as a hindrance. It is a great honour to have been elected onto the UK Youth Parliament.”

Part of her role will require Tian to work closely with councillors and MPs which will sometimes require trips to the House of Commons, which she is extremely excited about.

To celebrate her success, Cockburn invited former student Shamim Miah to meet with Tian. Shamim is now a Community Governor for the school. Shamim was previously a Member of the Youth Parliament for Leeds and is now pursuing a career in law.

Shamim said: “Congratulations to Tian on becoming the new Member of Youth Parliament for Leeds. As a former member, it is a proud moment to see another Cockburn student at the forefront of youth engagement, who is looking to make the ultimate difference.

“Having spoken to Tian about her ambition and plans over the next two years, I know she will not only represent herself well, but Cockburn, her peers and all of the young people in Leeds. Tian’s enthusiasm for amplifying change has ultimately won over the young people of Leeds and I look forward to seeing her progress.”

Rob Dixon, Head of School said: “We are extremely proud of Tian and her achievements. Her energy and drive have led her to great success and I am sure that she will have much to offer to the Youth Parliament over the next 2 years.” Ryly Dabill-Haigh gives Tyler Anderson by Jeremy Morton

Middleton Primary School art exhibition Sharp La and awa

At Middleton Primary School, all classes from Reception to Year 6 are part of the exhibition at Middleton Park Baptist Church.

Various other local community organisations such as Middleton Elderly Aid have contributed to the exhibition. Each class will visit to see the exhibition and whilst there they are making calendars, with mirrors and designing these around the theme of 'Amazing Me'.

The exhibition is open to the public every Saturday and Thursday from 1-4pm and runs until 7 April.

Middleton Park Baptist Church is located on Middleton Park Avenue opposite Middleton Primary School. Children in Year 3 at Sharp Lane Primary School have raised almost £3,000 for Diabetes UK after learning that one of their number lives with the condition.

Ryly Dabill-Haigh was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, an incurable condition in which the body attacks its own immune system, when he was five. With his body unable to make insulin, he has to make sure his blood sugar levels don’t get too high or too low. This involves having several injections each day.

“When I was five I had

College female P

Leeds College of Building chose International Women’s Day to announce Nikki Davis as the next Principal & CEO and the first woman to hold the post in the 60-year history of the institution.

Nikki is currently the College’s Vice Principal for Teaching, Learning & Quality and will take up the position on 1st August. Incumbent Principal & CEO, Derek Whitehead, will continue in the role until the end of the current academic year to oversee the transition period.

Nikki said: “I’m delighted to be

ane pupils raise funds areness for Diabetes UK

n a cheque for Diabetes UK with pupils and staff from Year 3

absolutely no idea what I had and was really scared, but at six I got a bit more confident, right now at age seven I feel really confident about it” he said.

Year 3 pupils learned about Diabetes with Ryly’s help and held a sponsored run to support Diabetes UK.

Insulin was discovered 100 years ago and so the school targeted a combined total of 100 miles for the run, which they achieved raising a staggering £2,813.85.

“The fundraising made me feel really excited when we finished it because I thought we were going to get a cure because I don’t want diabetes any more” said Ryly.

I spoke to some of the pupils who told me about they know about the two types of diabetes, that its about the blood sugar levels, that it isn’t transmissible, that Ryly has to have injections, but it doesn’t stop him joining in all their activities. Ryly explained how this has helped him:

“If I tell them I’m shaky then they’ll tell a teacher to help me.”

He certainly doesn’t let his diabetes get in the way of being active and enjoys his football at The Hunslet Club where he’s recently made the Under 8s team.

appoints first Principal & CEO

Tyler Anderson, Diabetes UK’s regional fundraiser, came into school to meet the children. She commented:

“It was really impressive how kind they were and supportive towards Ryly. It’s changed a lot since I was a child, because I have Type 1 Diabetes myself, so it’s really encouraging to see the awareness grow and also the support.”

“I want to say a huge ‘thank you’ to all the children at Sharp Lane Primary School. It’s a massive amount of money and it will go a long way towards helping people who are affected by diabetes.”

appointed to the role of Principal & CEO at Leeds College of Building and to build on its previous successes and first-rate tradition of delivering exceptional training to learners from across the UK.

“This is an exciting time for the College, and I very much look forward to working with students, staff, employers, and partners to ensure that Leeds College of Building delivers on its potential.”

Derek Whitehead will be retiring from the role after 37 years of working in Further Education and vocational skills training. He was appointed Deputy Principal at Leeds College of Building (the UK’s only specialist Further Education construction college) in 2004, before becoming Principal & CEO.

Mayor supports diversity in construction initiative

Agroup of Year 10 girls from Beeston sampled hands-on construction taster sessions to mark International Women’s Day 2022 on Tuesday 8 March.

Hosted at Leeds College of Building’s Southbank Campus, the pilot event gave female pupils aged 14 and 15 the opportunity to sample construction-related training. These sessions are ideal for those considering a career in the industry.

Mayor of West Yorkshire, Tracy Brabin, joined the cohort from Cockburn School as they learned more about Transport Planning, Architecture, and Painting & Decorating professions. The students listened to talks by female lecturers and then experienced trade skills firsthand.

More than 70,000 people in West Yorkshire alone work in construction. However, many employers struggle to recruit people with the right skills. Currently, women only make up around 14% of construction industry professionals in the UK.

According to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), it is estimated that the sector needs to recruit more than 217,000 new workers by 2025 to support its current activity. The issue is worsened by an ageing workforce, with 22% of the UK’s construction workforce aged over 50.

Nikki Davis, Vice Principal –Teaching, Learning & Quality at Leeds College of Building, said:

“The theme for International Women’s Day 2022 is #BreakTheBias. At the College, we are passionate about being inclusive, challenging stereotypes, and responding to the inadequate number of women employed in construction in the UK.

“These free taster sessions are designed to open the eyes of young women to the exciting and fulfilling careers available in this industry. Skilled specialists are highly sought after for varied construction roles, which are very rewarding and can offer excellent progression, development, and pay.

“Our past female students have an excellent track record of high achievement. Many have gained managerial posts, worked on big construction projects with global firms in areas such as civil engineering or architecture, or won industry accolades. Perhaps some of the girls here today may join their ranks.”

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said:

“For us to deliver that fair and ambitious recovery our region needs, it’s vital that we narrow the skills gap many employers are facing today, and showcase the well-paid, skilled jobs on offer in the construction industry. On International Women’s Day, this event is a fantastic opportunity for young West Yorkshire women to try something new, build their confidence and learn about an exciting new career.

“We know that the most diverse businesses are also the most successful. That’s why it’s so important that we empower women across all our sectors –not only to fulfil their potential, but to fulfil the ambitions and promise of our entire region.”

The Construction Skills Network (CSN) 2021-25 forecast reported that the construction industry’s annual average recruitment requirement is 4.4% a year between now and 2025 –far outstripping the prediction of an annual growth rate of just 1% over the same period. It is expected that construction professionals, technical staff, and construction managers will all become even more highly sought after in the future.

To celebrate International Women’s Day, Leeds College of Building is also offered women over the age of 19 the opportunity to sample a Painting & Decorating programme free of charge. The female-only event, covered basic application of paint effects using rollers and brushes.

Find out more about the college’s International Women’s Day Virtual Event, covering construction careers and training for women, by visiting the college’s Open Events page: www.lcb.ac.uk