educate issue 16

EducateFREE

The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

educatemagazine.com

FashionAll shadesorange

+INSIDEOlympic expectationsInspiring studentsin 2012

January – April 2012

SpotlightDigitallearning

Brimming withbright ideas

EnterpriseSouthLiverpool AcademyA joint Catholic/Church of England Academy

NEW ACADEMYBUILDINGOPENINGEARLY 2013

Educating the futureentrepreneurs

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Published by Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 709 7567 Fax: 0151 707 1678 Email: [email protected] Executive Editor Kim O’Brien Advertising Sales Manager Andy Rogers Tel: 0151 709 7567 Advertising Sales Jo Tait Tel: 0151 709 7567 Photography Tom Murphy Editorial Alan Birkett, Lucy Oliver, Dina Karim Design & Production Mersey Mirror, 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS. Tel: 0151 706 7411 Email: [email protected] Distribution Barbara Troughton Tel: 0151 733 5492. Printed by PCP. Educate magazine is published by Mersey Mirror. The contents of this magazine are fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reprinted or reproduced without permission. Disclaimer The information contained within Educate we believe to be correct at the time of printing, no responsibility can be accepted for errors oromissions. © Copyright Mersey Mirror 2009.

Welcome...Welcome to the latest issue ofEducate where our round tablepanel discuss the LondonOlympics 2012 and the spin-offbenefits and the expectations forthe events this year.

We also look at whether TV showslike Junior Apprentice andDragon’s Den indicate a growingtrend for our young people to

develop business acumen andcreativity.

We have all the latestschool news fromprimary to

secondary,showcasing schools, teachers andstudents achievements, talentsand events.

Educate meets up withheadteachers, Dr Simon Hulmewhose school, St Michael’sChurch of England School,Crosby, has been transformed byintroducing cutting edgeequipment. We also chat toPatrick Ferguson of De La SalleAcademy who celebrates 10 yearsas a Principal.

From a ripe tangerine toconstruction cone orange we lookat everything orange for springand summer fashion.

Finally, we interview MerseyTiger captain, David Aliu as

he remembers his schooldays.

Many thanks

Features

05-07Enterprising IdeasDeveloping businessacumen

20-21Meet theHeadteacherDr Simon Hulme, St Michael’s Church of England School, Crosby

28-31Going for GoldFocus group roundtable

47-50Technology in theschoolDigital learning

60-61Meet theHeadteacherPatrick Ferguson, De La SalleAcademy, Croxteth

62Dear EducateHelp and advice

64-67School Eco WarriorsSchools do their bit for the environment

84-85Fashion

Orange Crush

89Viewpoint

91Book Review

92-93Where can we go?

94My School DaysDavid Alui

Primary News

09-12Pupils piece ittogether

14-17Slow downaround schools

SecondaryNews

23-26Action packedfundraising

34-38The stark reality

Events

69Highly charged

70-71Putting on a show

72-73Christmas Story

75Bugsy Malone hit

77Life behind the curtain

79Cultural festival

81Resonate studios

83Asian adventures

Educate Contents

3Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

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With TV reality shows like Junior Apprentice and Dragons’ Den indicating agrowing trend for young people to develop business acumen and creativity, ourregion’s schools and young people are proving no exception. From a world first

at Liverpool Arena to specialist training and investment taking place in our areato local success stories, Educate has found that this trend is set to grow –

generating exciting prospects for young people and their communities.

2012 will see the first global Festival of

Entrepreneurship take place in Liverpool, with

118 countries represented and policy-makers,

entrepreneurs, inventors and economists visiting

the city. The event follows congresses which

took place in Kansas, Dubai and Shanghai

(2011), more evidence of Liverpool’s place within

global business. The event promises to get

visitors learning new skills as well as being

inspired by the speakers, and taking

opportunities to network. With a number of local

schools already involved, the value of enterprise

to education and to the future for our region’s

young people is certain. Where this event

promises to foster ‘a new era of business

creation and economic growth’ for all who

attend, it is not surprising that our city should

become the focus for this innovative conference

and the rewards to be gained.

Perhaps it’s all in the name. Enterprise South

Liverpool Academy (ESLA) opened as an

academy in 2010, and is now in the second year

of delivering an education which focuses on

academic qualifications and vocational

experience, under lead sponsor Enterprise, and

The University of Liverpool, Liverpool Council,

the Diocese and Archdioceses of Liverpool.

Principal Jack Pendlebury sees the academy’s

success as forming three clear strands; focusing

on enterprise and business as a specialism

across the school, in teaching languages for

business to students, and concentrating on a

high level of academic achievement. The

academy has been awarded the kitemark

National Standard for Enterprise Education

and the ICE Award for Investing in Community

Engagement. Full day sessions such as the

‘Creating Futures’ day of workshops for Year

7 students, take place to raise students’

aspirations at a young age; placing their future

academic achievement into context. In Year 8,

students attend an ‘Enterprising Minds’ full day

conference where they explore thinking skills

and learning to learn skills by working in groups

and creating and delivering presentations which

explore their new ideas. These new skills are

then transferred across the curriculum.

International connections for the students

and the school are taken seriously, with mutual

benefits. ESLA takes part in the Comenius

Project, where staff develop skills and joint

projects with Swedish school staff, and students

and staff have the opportunity to travel and

explore new ideas across the continent. The

eagerness to embrace different cultures has also

seen a partnership forged with the Confucius

Centre at the University of Liverpool, where

Key Stage Three students are learning Mandarin

for business - alongside NVQ courses in Spanish

and French for business. Mr Pendlebury does

not believe in an artificial distinction drawn

between academic and practical subjects, and

finds such distinctions damaging. He said, “I’m

a strong believer that academic and vocational

talents have to go together. Science, commerce

and engineering require people with talent and

passion – and an understanding of the real

world. All of our students will one day become

employers or employees, so we need to equip

Enterprising Ideas

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them with all of the appropriate skills which

they’ll need. Whilst there are aspects of the

academy’s community links and projects which

will employ the skills of our more practically

minded students, we will need to involve our

very best academics on the business front; in

problem-solving and in presenting for example.

Literacy, numeracy and ICT skills are

fundamental to business, and we’ll continue to

be developing those in our students right across

the curriculum.”

As ESLA is set to open a brand new building

in 2013, we can expect to see the academy take

its mission up a notch. The futuristic £24m

building will certainly be a distinctive landmark

in Garston. Mr Pendlebury adds, “Our aim is to

offer an outward facing curriculum, related to

the students’ own lives. I want them to see the

purpose of their studies and the link to real life,

whilst at the same time offering them a learning

experience. We’ll be opening a series of units or

pods, where students will set up and run a

hairdressing salon, a coffee shop and a nursery

on site for the local community. To do this, the

students will be working with experts in these

fields, delivering industry standard services.”

The school’s new facilities will be matched by

none. Mr Pendlebury added, “A state of the art

conference facility will also be available to book

for external agencies, and we are fortunate to

have eight acres of open land which will be

landscaped for a Learning Park based on

Scandinavian models. The facilities there will

include growing areas for food which will be

produced and marketed, beekeeping facilities

and spaces for students of languages, science

and music to work in various capacities”. A new

era of independent learning is set to dawn.

At the March Global Enterprise Congress at

the Liverpool ACC, part of the global festival of

entrepreneurship, groups of pupils from schools

across the city will present their business ideas,

with a record of their growth and success so far,

to the panel in the semi-final of the competition.

Among the schools who entered the first round

of the competition were students from the Blue

Coat School in Wavertree. Andrea Rimmer,

enterprise and business studies teacher at The

Bluecoat School in Liverpool, commented, “I’m

delighted for our students who have worked so

hard to get this far in the competition. They have

worked with pupils from different year groups,

knowing that they needed something

innovative, creative, sustainable and eco-friendly

in order to stand out. The Plant-It-Blue business

grows plants, creates eco-friendly arrangements

and produces compost for sale to staff, students

and parents, with the profits reinvested into the

business and a portion donated to local

charities. Our school representatives include two

pupils from Year 9, two from Year 10, and two

from Year 12 – but in fact, they’ve got the whole

school community excited and involved in the

process.”

The Blue Coat pupils will be competing with

a number of other local schools at the semi-final,

where students will also benefit from inspiring

talks and presentations to guide the

development of their projects. At Broadgreen

International School, a group of Year 10 students

and sixth form students have created a business

idea which continues the school’s legacy of

working with the elderly in the community.

The ‘Silver Surfer Social’ events which pupils

delivered to local residents have so far included

a Christmas party and a tea dance will soon

follow, along with DVD and book swaps, ICT

training, and a long list of events designed to

inform and entertain. Sonia Cross, PSHE and

enterprise co-ordinator, commented, “We are

absolutely delighted with what the students

have achieved so far, with minimal

funding, and their business idea has

really gone down well with the

local community. 23 secondary

schools have taken part in the

competition so far, which shows

the sort of impact it’s having,

and our students are excited

about what the conference will be

able to offer them.” In the first round of

the competition, schools had to present their

ideas to a Dragons’ Den style panel at Liverpool

Football Club. At the end of January, schools will

be presenting to a panel from Liverpool City

Council, Liverpool Chamber of Commerce, and

to the pupils of other schools. Sonia commented,

“To reach the semi-finals, the pupils need to first

of all address a much bigger audience than

they’ve been used to, and they’ll need to be able

to speak knowledgeably – not just about their

ideas but about the results they’ve had so far,

and predictions for the growth of the business.”

Five secondary schools and five primary schools

will then be chosen to enter the third stage of

the competition in March, with the chance to

win access to a mentor from the business

community and a trip to Washington.

The opportunities provided by success speak

for themselves; success generates success.

While many in the public eye are keen to remind

school-leavers that almost half of new

businesses fail within the first five years, it’s all

the more important for school-leavers to have

practised and refined their enterprise skills

before they enter the working world and leave

behind the valuable support networks created

by schools and competitions. Before Christmas,

Year 9 pupils at ESLA competed for the

opportunity to ‘Be the Boss’ at Mersey Shopping

Park, and spent the day working in roles at the

top of the operation – at one of the busiest times

for retail. Pupils created an application for the

role and were interviewed before being

selected. Winners Carl, Nathan and Lauren

impressed the panel with their interview

performance. Nicola Runcie, strategic director

for enterprise and business, commented, “The

competition gave pupils a taste of what it’s

really like to apply for a job and be grilled at

interview. They had to give three reasons why

they should be chosen, and present themselves

in front of the centre manager and his deputy.”

Pupils in Year 12 are also currently competing

for the opportunity to spend two weeks at

Rathbones PLC (wealth investment

management services) in the Port of Liverpool

building on the city’s UNESCO world heritage

site, waterfront location. Working in the financial

services sector is renowned for being

demanding, and pupils have been

warned they need to forget about

their concept of set tasks and

working hours and taking

scheduled breaks. Instead, the

experience will be all about

seeing the varying demands of the

real job, the challenges and

excitement, as well as the more routine

“Our aim is tooffer an outward

facing curriculum,related to the

students’ own lives".

Jack PendleburyPrincipal of Enterprise

South Liverpool Academy(ESLA)

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nature of some of the work. Nicola added, “It’s

the second year the project has run, with last

year’s students now finishing their A Levels

before applying to universities. Rathbones has

encouraged all students to apply, no matter

what courses they’re taking, so there can be

a real mix. Up to eight students will attend the

programme. Last year’s cohort saw Matthew,

now head boy, and Helen, now deputy head girl,

get involved and really make the most of the

opportunities offered. I also say to pupils that,

even if they find the corporate experience isn’t

for them, and they’re guided towards another

career, then they’ve been fortunate to find out

aged 16 or 17, rather than further down the line.

The benefits of taking part in something like

this are immense.”

The economic downturn over recent months

created an opening which enterprise education

provider RDPO Enterprises has used to train up

and encourage young people to start thinking

about their own careers. With a background in

retail, Rob Owens and his team use industry

knowledge and expertise to run a series of

workshops and programmes in conjunction with

local schools and the curriculum, to develop

business skills and thinking in young people.

The company delivers enterprise projects with

staff teaching business and related subjects,

and equips them with the structures to develop

enterprise education at the relevant levels for

primary and secondary children, as well as in

further education. RDPO offers full week events,

or one-day events over a number of weeks, to

schools and colleges across the north-west,

working with young people to set up and run

new businesses and enterprises and develop

their skills and creativity. “Depending on the age

range of the pupils, we differentiate our projects

accordingly. One format we use is to work with

pupils to create a brochure of products or

services, working to a budget, which they then

market and sell at a Trade Day in the school.

They learn about manufacturing, costs, prices,

revenue and profits, at the same time as

developing a profile and relationship with

parents, and the wider community.”

These products may range from anything like

biscuits, Christmas cards to calendars and

t-shirts, with budgets from £20 to a few hundred

pounds. Aside from the practical, hands-on

activities, the projects are also designed to

inspire young people to reflect on economic

wellbeing. For a generation of parents who seem

to be spending more and more of their income

on their children, this approach is designed to

teach children the relationship between a

working life and material goods. Rob says, “We

work with Lloyds TSB

personnel, who speak to

children about the world of

work and salaries to

develop their financial

awareness.” Success stories include profit-

making school shops and recognized

qualifications for schools running the projects

and awarded the status Enterprise Centre of

Excellence. RDPO is also set to begin delivering

QCS Level 2 Qualifications within its remit of

projects to develop key skills in pupils working

towards vocational qualifications. “Whether we

come into schools for a one day project, for a

number of weeks, or to run an off-timetable

week of activities, our goal is the same. If more

young people can develop their skills and their

confidence in business now and for the future,

then we’ll have made a lasting difference to the

world of business.” When it comes to thinking

big, Rob does not disparage the reality TV

which inspires young people to start up on their

own. He added, “Programmes like Dragons’ Den

are great because they get people interested in

business, and show them the skills needed to

succeed. Rob’s final words of advice? “Don’t be

afraid to go for it,” he says. “Business success

is about having the confidence to go with your

ideas, and the resilience to adapt them to the

market.”

David Craggs from Birkdale High School is

using his time outside of school to continue his

enterprising business ideas. Now 15, David took

part in the ‘Make Your Mark With a Tenner’

enterprise competition three years ago, where

pupils were given £10 and told to turn it into a

business, returning their £10 at the end of the

month. David says, “Using one of my mum’s

recipe books, I made some basic chocolates to

sell to pupils at two local schools, and made

£174 profit. We were able to keep the profits,

and I used them to buy a games console.”

David wanted to capitalize on the momentum,

however, as the Chocolate Wizard idea had

proven to be so popular. “I asked my parents if

it was OK with them for me to keep the idea

going, and they agreed as long as I did it

properly. As a present for my 14th birthday,

I attended a chocolate training course in

Liverpool to make filled chocolates, and I spent

time at home experimenting with different

recipes. My dad is a food scientist, so he knew

what we’d need to do to follow all of the

industry processes. We were concerned about

the complications of becoming properly

registered and insured, but I’ve actually had

five stars from the environmental health

department.” David now spends many

weekends at local farmers’ markets selling his

produce, which can also be bought online at

www.chocolatewizard.co.uk. He added, “I

designed the packaging on a home computer,

and the marketing has really been down to word

of mouth so far.” At school, David is studying

history, geography, maths, physics, chemistry,

English, French and, after he finishes his GCSES,

plans to go on to study for an engineering

degree, whilst making time to continue his

business. “It’s taught me a number of skills, and

not just related to cooking. I’d say that a project

like this gives you a much better idea of how the

world works. It has been challenging at times

because you have to sort out all kinds of

practical details, and it’s not always fun

standing in the cold or the rain at the markets;

you get to see what real jobs can be like. It’s

definitely made me more confident, and I’d say

to other pupils that if you’ve got an idea you

should pursue it – it could turn out to be a

brilliant one.” David will be selling his

chocolates at Southport farmers’ market every

month, at Fir Tree Farm in Rainford at the end

of January, and at the Southport Food and Drink

Festival in May.

“Programmeslike Dragons’ Denare great because

they get peopleinterested

in business,and show them

the skills neededto succeed".

Rob OwensRDPO Enterprises

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Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils8

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Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils 9

Primary News

Pupils piece it togetherHillsborough artwork unveiled

Pupils from All Saints RC Primary Schoolin Anfield have created a unique piece ofartwork to remember victims of theHillsborough disaster.

The project was a unique collaborationbetween Hillsborough Family Support Group,COBRA residents association, Liverpool andEverton Football Clubs and Liverpool JMU artand design department.

A total of 96 pupils have been involved inthe project, which has seen them createjigsaw pieces to be assembled as a largerwork.

Each one depicts either a message or visionof football, laser etched into wood.

The aim is to re-educate a new generationabout the tragic events of 1989 and also to geta fresh perspective on the notion of respect insportsmanship.

The artwork will be initially sited on thecorner of Bala Street and Oakfield Road beforetouring the city.

The artwork was unveiled by Lord MayorFrank Prendergast, who was assisted by exfootballers Graeme Sharp and Phil Neal,Margaret Aspinall from Hillsborough FamilySupport Group, pupils and other communityrepresentatives

Just for the love of reading!Children at BedfordPrimary in Bootle areparticipating in a series ofexciting school projectsaimed at encouraging andcelebrating a love ofreading.

Over the past few weeksclassrooms and resource areashave been buzzing withchildren who have been busycreating special and inspiringplaces to encourage readingfor pleasure.

Given a class budget fromthe Headteacher children setabout designing and makingspecial spaces within oroutside their classrooms,which would provide placesfor children to read, discussand share books.

The children were allinvolved in planning andcreating the reading spacesfrom start to finish with theresults wowing everyone.

Year 4 chose an underwater

theme designed to be an areaof calm and relaxation inwhich children could escapeto.

Year 3 opted for a foresttheme with pre-recorded

music of birds and forestanimals playing softly in thebackground.

A book about a lost islandhas inspired Year 5 and Year 2had a wonderful 'garden'

theme. The winning readingspace designed by Year 1featured a storyteller’s chairand storyteller's hat.

The space was chosenbecause children clearlyenjoyed sitting on the chairand using specially providedstory sacks to tell stories totheir friends.

Mrs Taylor, AssistantHeadteacher says of thereading initiative: “It goeswithout saying that reading,particularly a love of reading isreally important for children.

“We have made a point ofcelebrating reading bychoosing 2012 as beingBedford’s Year of Reading, aswell as the reading corners weare planning lots of otherinspiring activities including:reading workshops forparents, visits from authors,storyteller sessions, narrativeweeks and regular visits to ourlocal libraries”.

The Year 3 forest theme

The artwork is unveiled by Graeme Sharp, Phil Neal and Year 6 pupilsRicci Kearns and Vincent Valerio

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Primary News

Teacher takes a bowPatricia retires after 38 years at school

The first person in Knowsley to getthe Government’s Excellent Teacherstatus is retiring after four decadesin the same school.

Patricia Holden, from Huyton, hastaught around 1500 children in 38 yearsat Prescot Primary in Maryville Road.

The 60-year-old has taught all agesand was twice described by Ofstedinspectors as “more than outstanding”.

She is leaving to spend more time onholidays with her husband and lookingafter her brother who’s recovering from aserious illness.

“She has passion, drive and relentlessenergy,” said Catherine Fairhurst, headteacher at Prescot Primary.

“She’s a natural, but also veryhardworking. There’s never been a daywhen she hasn’t given 100 per cent.

“She believes in every child and theirability to achieve. But adults can learnfrom her as well – she’s such a good rolemodel and very good at developing otherpeople’s skills.”

Patricia started teaching at Prescot in1973, one year before the borough ofKnowsley was created.

“It was Division 16 Lancashire in thosedays,” said Patricia.

“I was teaching when Knowsley wasformed so no-one can claim they have

taught here longer than me!“It doesn’t feel real to be leaving – I’ll

really miss the children and the staff.We’re like a family.”

Patricia is also hoping to continue herlife long interest in history in retirement.

She said: “When my brother was ill

recently, I realised there’s still a lot ofother things I want to do with my life.

“I’d like to go to night school, haveholidays and spend more time with mybrother. But I’ll always come back to visit– after 38 years here I won’t be able tostay away.”

Prescot primary teacher Patricia Holden

Award winning pupils shineSchool children in Sefton recently had their voices heard all theway to the North West Employers Awards.

Close on the heels of a ‘Recognising Diversity’ prize at the NorthWest Employers Awards, ‘Different But The Same’ was also showcasedon BBC Radio Merseyside’s Sean Styles programme, with poems readout on air by pupils of St Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary in Bootle.

As part of the workshops with Year 6, pupils were asked to producepoems around the themes. They did this with such enthusiasm thatthe poems were printed and published to create ownership of thebooks for the 1,700 pupils at the 41 primary schools involved in theproject.

A further impact of the poetry collection has been its growingpopularity online, shining a light on equality practices in Sefton, withendorsements from the national LGTB lobby group Stonewall, ShowRacism The Red Card and Save The Children.

Peter Yip, Equality and Diversity Coordinator at Sefton’s Children,Schools and Families department, said: "Whilst we are rightly proud toreceive this award and numerous accolades, the greatest satisfactionhas been in seeing the way children, teachers and staff embraced andtackled the issues so honestly and creatively. Issues of equality,diversity, cohesion and ultimately understanding each other as part ofa friendly, welcoming society, are as relevant now as they have everbeen”.

Radio Merseyside’s Sean Styles with pupils atSt Robert Bellarmine Catholic Primary

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Primary News

In order to raise vital funds for StMarie’s Primary School, Kirkby, anumber of ‘enthusiastic’ staffagreed to take up the challenge ofclimbing England’s highestmountain – Scafell Pike - asking thechildren, parents and parish tosponsor them in this endeavour.

Recently 12 members of staff, plusone past pupil, began the climb at10am. The weather was chilly butthankfully nothing like the torrentialwind and rain that had previously hitthe North West.

The walk did hit a few teethingproblems early on for a few members ofstaff, as the air became very denseduring the climb.

However, the countless supplies ofjelly sweets and lucosade helped thecause, with the remaining staff reachingthe summit in four hours.

There were congratulations for LiamLacey who, at 11 years of age, madelight work of it all and took it in hisstride.

The walk down the mountain was no“walk in the park” either, but thethought of a lovely warm drink (or a pintfor some!) made it a little easier.

The team finally arrived at thefinishing post at 6pm, exhausted, butpleased to know they had completedtheir challenge.

The funds raised will go a long way inproviding vital school funds for thechildren of St Marie’s for theforthcoming school year.

Ain’t nomountainhighenough!!

OFSTEDHAT TRICKBig hand for Bootle school

St Monica’s Primary School, Bootlehas been awarded an outstandingOfsted report for the third time insix years.

Both in May 2005 and June 2008 theschool was judged to be ‘outstanding’.During this period the school was alsoundergoing a £4 million rebuildprogramme on-site, but was stillincluded in a list of twenty exemplaryschools throughout the country.

The Bootle school was alsocommended in an Early Day Motion in

the House of Commons, which drew theattentions of the national and regionalpress.

‘This is a very proud achievement forSt Monica’s, for the Bootle communityand for the city,’ said Headteacher, PaulKinsella.

“We’re one of the many number ofschools offering excellent education inour region and I’d like to thank everyonefor their contribution in gaining such anachievement and it’s a lovely way tostart the new term”.

A big hand for Headteacher, Paul Kinsella and St Monica’s pupils

p01-22 :covers 13/1/12 10:35


Primary News

Wardens are a class actPride in their communityChildren at St Cecilia’s Catholic Junior School,Liverpool are being encouraged to take pride intheir area by Riverside’s Your Place CommunityWardens.

Housing association Riverside is supporting StCecilia’s Catholic Junior School’s PSHE (Personal, Social,Health and Economic) curriculum by distributing aLiveability Citizenship magazine to the pupils.

The magazine covers a variety of topics that arerelevant to young people from anti-social behaviour todog fouling.

Sue Tracey, Riverside’s Community Warden TeamLeader, said: “We are committed to making ourneighbourhoods cleaner, greener and safer. By raisingawareness of the consequences of young people’sbehaviour on their community and equipping them withthe right information, we are encouraging them to make

Thumbs up from pupils Frewin

Pinto and Alex Castley

decisions for themselves which impact on their community in apositive way.”

Philippa Agate, Headteacher at St Cecilia’s Catholic Junior School,said: “The book is a really useful resource. The material is not onlyrelevant to young people but is written in a way which young peoplecan relate to it.”

St Laurence team upwith local charity

The footballers of St Laurence’s Primary School, Kirkby have been sporting acolourful new strip, after sealing a sponsorship deal between themselvesand the Woodlands Hospice, Liverpool.

The deal is the brainchild of solicitor Chris Heiberg, who provides his services freeto the patients of the hospice and is a first sponsorship for Woodlands.

‘They’re fantastic,’ said Headteacher Paul Cronin of the new kit. “We were in needof a small kit, and Chris wanted to do something for one of the associates of thehospice”.

GOT TO DANCEThe future looks bright for twoLiverpool dancers after proving a hiton television.

Tayluer Amos (10) of Our Lady ofGood Help School and Elliott Hanna (8)of St Cecilia’s Catholic Primary recentlyappeared on Sky Televisions ‘Got toDance’ programme and received ravereviews.

Both dancers who have only dancedtogether since July 2011, have wonJunior national dance competitions andawards with Tayluer winning the GirlsJunior Championships and Elliott theBoys National Championship.

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Primary News

Slow down around schoolsPupils design eye catching signsPupils at two primary schools in Crontonwant to teach motorists a lesson.

Staff at Holy Family and Cronton C of Easked pupils to design eye catching signs towarn drivers to slow down around theschools.

The winning designs have now beenplaced in nearby roads warning drivers tostick to 20 mph and it’s hoped they’ll get themessage across.

“It really is so important for drivers to slowright down around schools,” said Cllr DaveLonergan, Knowsley’s cabinet member forRegeneration Economy and Skills.

“We know that children can beunpredictable and don’t always think. Theymight just run out into the road to join afriend on the other side and it can turn into atragedy.

“If drivers control their speed, accidentsare much less likely. These children gotinvolved and have done a lot of hard work fortheir community in order to get thatmessage across.”

The winning entries for the slow downsigns were, from Holy Family, ChristopherBellard, aged 6, Sophie Quayle, aged 10,Charlie Thornton, aged 10 and SamuelWright, aged 10. From Cronton C of E,Sophie Liptrot, aged 5, Max Clayton, aged 8Charlotte Sturdy and Charlotte Gavin bothaged 11.

The winning children from the slow down campaign in Cronton withAndy Millar, group manager for Knowsley’s highways and Cllr DaveLonergan

GreatCrosby’s missionThe school community of Great Crosby PrimarySchool, Liverpool launched their newly revisedMission Statement.

The children, staff, parents and governors workedtogether over the half-term period to redraft the statement,and drew particular motivation from the bible verse ‘...thatthey may have life and have it to the full’ (John 10:10).

“This was a real opportunity to work with our communityto understand and agree our mission for Catholic educationin the 21st Century,’ said Headteacher Pat Speed.

“The project allowed us to reflect on what is important inour school and how our aims would be achieved in order toensure we meet the needs of our children”.

The school celebrated the occasion with a Service ofDedication and Open Day, and with a new sculpturerepresenting the four strands of their mission.Left: Headteacher Pat Speed with the new sculpture

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Primary News

Following the extremely successfulvisit of St Nicholas CE Primary Schoolto their link school, Las Canadas inSegovia, Spain last May, the childrenwere delighted to welcome their newSpanish friends to Liverpool recently.

The 26 children and four of theirteachers stayed in Crosby LakesideAdventure Centre and enjoyedexperiencing the British way of life.

Mornings were spent in St NicholasPrimary where both sets of children gotto practise all they had learnt in theirModern Foreign Language lessonsduring a series of craft, sports and ICTactivities.

The Spanish children really enjoyedusing their English and were veryimpressed with the modern equipmentand facilities in British schools. Theyeven liked the fabulous school dinners!

In the afternoons, the children fromLas Canadas explored the sights ofLiverpool, travelling on the Duck Bus,going on the stadium tour of Anfield andvisiting the Tate Gallery.

They were particularly impressed withthe amount of silverware in the trophyroom at Liverpool FC! Children from both

schools visited the World Museumtogether which allowed them to sharetheir knowledge and understanding ofscience and history.

Deputy Headteacher, Phil Thomson,who organised the visit said, “It has beena fantastic week, watching our childrenand the Spanish children interacting so

brilliantly has been a joy. “It’s just a shame they didn’t bring

their lovely Spanish weather with them!We are already looking forward to takinganother class of St Nicholas children overto Segovia in May and continuing tobuild the relationship between our twoschools.”

Hola Liverpool

First for St Aidan’sStaff and pupils from St Aidan’sCatholic Primary School, Huyton arecelebrating after receiving TheKnowsley Participation Standards OKQuality Kitemark.

The award recognises the level ofquality and good practice services haveevidenced when involving children andyoung people in the design, delivery andevaluation of their services.

Headteacher, Moira Kenneway, said:

“We are delighted to receive this award,the children have worked hard to gain thisrecognition and I am delighted for themall.

“The school has also gained an‘Outstanding’ from Ofsted for the firsttime and just shows that we are all goingin the right direction”.

Colin Scicluna, Knowsley’s ParticipationOfficer, said: “The Participation StandardsKitemark demonstrates that these services

are ‘Getting it Right’ for children andyoung people to ensure they are informed,involved, influential and empowered

“The Knowsley Participation Standardshave been developed using the coreprinciples of the National Youth Agencyand Local Government Association’stoolkit “Hear By Right”. They combinetried and tested standards for activeinvolvement with what Knowsley childrenand young people said about how theywould like to be involved when accessingservices.

“Children and young people have beenconsulted and involved in thedevelopment in the standards, and arenow involved in assessing and moderatingthe portfolio’s of services and ultimatelyawarding successful services the QualityKitemark through SPARK, Knowsley’srecognised Children and Young People’sForum.

“We would like to congratulate StAidan’s on receiving this award”.Left: Headteacher Moira Kenneway,Year 6 Head boy Michael Pearson,Year 6 Head girl Abigail Harrisonand Colin Scicluna, Knowsley’sParticipation Officer

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Primary News

Dream win for a dreamerMarium comes out tops

Ten-year-old Marium Omar fromPrescot is the proud owner of a newmountain bike after winning acompetition to design her dreamcycle.

Marium, who goes to St Luke’sPrimary in Prescot, was joint winner withJack Flaherty from Halsnead Primary inWhiston.

The two were given brand new bikesand several accessories including ahelmet, lock and bike lights.

The competition was run byKnowsley’s Road Safety and Travel PlanTeam as part of a campaign to encouragemore children to cycle to and fromschool.

“We think nine and ten is about theage when pupils start to feel confidentenough to cycle to school,” said Cllr DaveLonergan, Knowsley’s cabinet memberfor regeneration, economy and skills.

“We encourage them to come on theirbikes after they’ve done a cycle trainingcourse, provided at the schools by BikeRight.

“The whole process increases theirindependence, their awareness of roadsafety and their overall health.”Left: St Luke’s primary pupil,Marium Omar pictured with parentsAhamad and Amal and her roadsafety prize – a new mountain bike.

Keeping it inthe familySummerhill Primary in Maghull hasrecently started an after school FamilyCookery Club.

The children and their families have madesmoothies, cupcakes, pizza, bread andvegetable soup made from vegetables theyhave grown in the school garden.

Recently they were delighted to have a‘guest chef’, Site Manager Enrique Fereriajoined them to make a traditional SpanishPaella.

Mrs Rannard who runs the club said: “Thechildren and their families have thoroughlyenjoyed cooking together.

“The families now have their own recipefolders to keep and they have been trying outsome of the recipes at home.

“This is another way to show Summerhill'scommitment to developing strong links withthe families from our school."

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Primary News

‘Sing Up’ St Oswald’sStaff and pupils, not to mentiongovernors, classroom assistants andparents, from St Oswald’s CatholicJunior school, Liverpool were all onsong recently, as the Liverpool schoolsought to earn its Gold Award fromthe music charity ‘Sing Up’.

The Organisation aims to encouragechildren to realise the benefits of singing,and how it might aid their creativity andself-esteem, as well as helping in generaleducation.

But to attain the Charity’s Gold Awardit was necessary for the whole of theschool’s community to lend their voices.The children were encouraged to singboth individually and as a class, as wellas in assemblies and with the schoolchoir.

“We’re delighted that we’ve achievedthe ‘Sing Up’ Gold Award becausesinging and music are an integral part of

what we do here at St Oswald’s.” saidHeadteacher Mary Walsh. “It’s not justan add-on; it’s threaded throughout all

we do. Staff, children and parents allbenefit from our involvement in the ‘SingUp’ Project”.

Love on a plateChristmas is a family affair for schoolSt Anne’s Catholic Primary School,Liverpool began their Christmascelebrations with their Annual SeniorCitizens’ Christmas Lunch andParty.

Grandparents and neighbours of StAnne’s pupils, along with ladies andgentlemen from nursing homes andsheltered accommodation, enjoyed adelicious meal, a game of Bingo andbeing entertained by the childrensinging carols.

Headteacher,JaniceShieldsexplained:

“This is one of the traditions of St Anne’swhich really spreads the true meaning of

Christmas, the gift of love and act ofgiving.

“The whole schoolcommunity is involved in

bringing joy to the lives ofothers. This year one ofthe gentlemen who

attendedthis

event for the first time was unable tospeak as he left, he was so emotional andtouched by the whole experience. Hesimply squeezed my hand and said‘Thank you so much” through his tears.

“This event helps our children seetheir place in society and it also helpstheir sense of community belonging. The

children raise money to support thisoccasion through a jumble sale and

parents and carers kindly give theirtime to set up the hall and serve

the visitors and our school staffkindly prepare and cook thefood. “Barclaycard support us

financial and also allow somestaff to help on the day and

this year we also receivedfinancial support from arelative of one of ournursery children. Theguests have a reallywonderful time, whichis provided by thewhole community!”

Left:HeadteacherJanice Shields andpupils get readyto welcomeguests

Singing their praises,St Oswald’s celebratetheir Gold Award

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Celebrating success100,000 Passport for Learning

A decade ofoutstanding

Headteacher Louise Benson enjoys a break with nurserypupils

Education News

Liverpool Children’s University was proud to see the100,000th Passport for Learning presented to StephenKelly, a student at The Trinity Catholic Primary school.

Since Children’s University was launched at The Trinity inEaster 2011, students have eagerly signed up for an excitingrange of after school clubs, run by both parent volunteers andschool staff, and is, in the words of Ger Graus, CE of theChildren’s University, ‘a magical school’. The presentationwas filmed and will be edited by two budding film students,keen to put the skills they have learned in film club intopractice.

Liverpool Children’s University exists to raise aspirationsand broaden pupil horizons through encouraging children andyoung people to voluntarily engage in learning activities. Theirgoal is to support the desire to be life-long learners bycelebrating participation and independent learning throughlocal learning opportunities.

A Liverpool nursery school has been officially ratedas ‘outstanding’ for a fantastic fourth time!

East Prescot Road Nursery School in Knotty Ash has nowreceived the highest possible ranking from educationwatchdog OFSTED in each inspection since 2000.

It makes it the first in Liverpool – and one of only 70 in thecountry - to achieve the accolade.

Staff are praised for providing a “vibrant and exceptionallywelcoming learning environment”

Headteacher Louise Benson, said: “We are very proud ofour school, and the contribution to its success made bychildren, parents, governors, and staff It is nice to have thededication of everyone’s hard work recognised in this way.”

Fazakerley High School’s annual engineeringweek gets bigger each year.

This year, pupils of all ages were treated to anarray of events and workshops which aimed toopen their eyes to how broad the world ofengineering really is.

Year 10 engineers carried out summer checks onstaff’s cars alerting them of low oil, low pressure intheir tyres and even refilled the screenwash!

Some pupils experienced ‘Chemistry with theCabbage’ workshop. Lorelly Wilson, an expert in allthings scientific visited the school anddemonstrated to pupils how they could carry outexciting experiments!

Under the bonnet

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Meet the Headteacher Dr Simon Hulme, St Michael’s Church of England School, Crosby

Dr Simon Hulme may have only been head for a few shortmonths but he has already transformed St Michael’s Church ofEngland School in Crosby, introducing cutting edge equipmentand a new way of working with feeder schools.

The Crosby-based school wasfounded in 2005, with Dr Hulmetaking the headship in September2011. The school champions twofields that particularly attracted theGloucestershire-born headteacher tothe job: music and Christianity. DrHulme is no stranger to the cityhaving first arrived to study music atUniversity of Liverpool in the 1980s -and where he met his wife.

“I think if I look at my career there aretwo things I have always been interestedin one is music and two is Christianschools,” Dr Simon said. “When I saw myjob advertised and that it was inLiverpool I knew this was the perfect jobfor me. It was very much comingtogether in lots of directions in my life,the music, the Christianity and theplace.”

As a specialist school in English andMusic, St Michael’s is one of only fourschools nationally to hold this particularjoint status. The school regularly performsin Liverpool's Anglican Cathedral, 'One'centre and Crosby Civic Hall. Theirfacilities include a professional recordingstudio, a variety of performance venueson site with high quality lighting andsound systems, and excellent class music

facilities that include the latest computertechnology.

“In English we have a big push onliteracy, which is the key to thecurriculum. We do a big focus in music,building confidence and workingtogether building skills. As far as I’mconcerned as an ex-musician I wouldpromote music in any school I was headof because I think it brings such a lot tothe children and the community, and Iwould also promote English because it isthe key to the curriculum. For mewhether we were called a specialistMusic and English college or not it wouldbe the way I would be leading the schoolanyway.

“There are lots of studies that haveshown studying music helps cognitivedevelopment in children. But you’ve alsogot the children who just get involved inthe shows, choirs and orchestras who areworking together. They may be childrenwho lack confidence and self-esteem andmusic can permeate throughout theschool, a lot of the people who getinvolved may have been reluctant to getinvolved in other things, maybe theydon’t excel in academia but they canexcel on the stage.”

St Michael’s is in fact also the only

Church of England school to exist in theSefton borough with 20 feeder schools.Since taking the headship, Dr SimonHulme has encouraged the Christianethos of the school, for example,introducing the Lord’s Prayer at formtime.

“You can walk anywhere in the schoolat quarter to nine and see everybodysaying the Lord’s Prayer which in 2011,in a busy comprehensive school, is great.It also has a calming effect on thechildren in the morning, they cometogether and staff have been verypositive about the effects. However, what

Transforming a CommunitySchool

There are lots ofstudies that haveshown studying

music helpscognitive

development inchildren

“

”

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the school is not known for is itsacademic success - yet last year it hadan 88 per cent pass rate in A-C, and ourEnglish and Maths score of 55 per centwas in excess of some of our localschools for the first time.

“Last year we received a letter from thegovernment congratulating the school onits outstanding achievement and beingin the top 60 schools for most improved inlast three years,” he said. “Ofsteddescribed our ‘behaviour’ as Grade 1. Iintend to drive the results up even furtherand to take them into the 90s and tomake St Michael’s the first choice schoolfor this community.

“The ethos I’m trying to bring to theschool is excellence; I talk a lot tostudents about being outstanding youngpeople and the reason being that if you’reoutstanding then you stand out. Thesedays particularly with the economicclimate we’re in unless you stand outyou’re not going to get that course, thatuniversity place, that job and that future.I think the children actually understandthe message.”

The launch of a new sixth form centrein January 2012 is one of two majorprojects Dr Simon Hulme has overseen.The block not only features a brand newfully equipped common room, privatestudy facility and a suite of the latestcomputers but also doubles up as a ‘funlearning centre’ which will host activitiesfor primary school children after school,in conjunction with the ‘Children’sUniversity’. In order to improve theschool’s standing in the local communityas a first choice school, the programme ofevents at St Michael’s is intended toimprove the transition of students withtheir feeder schools. The programmeincludes a range of free events from mini-Zumba, Kindle reading club, flashanimation sessions, working in theirrecording studio and even a Wii-club -

and they do offer the more traditionalclasses as well such as Latin and maths.

The second major project Dr Simon hasbrought about, which will really put theschool on the map, is the new 'GAIAInnovation Centre' which sees apartnership between St Michael's andGAIA Technologies bring the latestcutting edge ICT resources coming to StMichael's - including astonishing 3Deducational facilities.

“The four-room suite showcases thelatest ICT technology in learning; we willhave 3D screens, 3D technology and 3Dlearning experiences for our students

and also for our feeder primaries. Forexample, if you are looking at a spider, itcomes right out of the screen to yourface and if you then press a button, itdissects into 3D in front of you. Or, if youare doing something on the Nazis you’rein the trenches and it’s a 3D trench andyou’re walking through it. Whilst it’s nicethese days that we project onscreen, it’sstill only 2D and students are used toseeing things in 3D now. This issomething that will bring in the verylatest in technology, making the fun,stimulus part of lessons easier forteachers.”

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Secondary News

Kirkby Sports College has kickstartedan action packed fundraisingprogramme in a bid to gather morethan £10,000 to support an Africanstudent exchange project.

Students and staff at the school arelooking to strengthen ties withcounterparts in Namibia after visiting thesouthern African state last year.

The college is twinned with a numberof schools in the region through the AfricaDreams and Teams project run by theBritish Council and Youth Sports Trust.

Recent fundraising activities haveincluded a sponsored sleepover andsupermarket bag-packing – securingmore than £5,000. The latest event saw afurther £3,000 raised after hundreds ofpeople flooded through the school gatesfor a community Christmas fair.

The overall aim is to raise a grand totalof £10,000 to pay for 15 Namibianstudents to visit Kirkby in 2012.

Funding from Huyton Arts and SportsCentre for Learning will bolster theproject. Additional support is also beinggiven by the Barclaycard branch, inKirkby Town Centre, which is match-funding a number of school events.

Jason Webb, KSC assistant principal,led the most recent school trip to Namibiavisiting Rehoboth High and Dr Lemmersecondary schools.

He said: “The connection we aredeveloping with our partner schools inNamibia is very special. We managed toforge a closer link with our last visitwhich was the trip of a lifetime for ourpupils - none of whom had been out ofEurope.

He added: “We are extremely keen tooffer our African colleagues a similarexperience in Kirkby. They werewonderfully hospitable and we want toreturn that gesture by showing them thegreat sites and sounds of the North West”.

Action packedfundraising

Baljit Ghandi, principal of KSC, in the stocks at a fundraising CommunityChristmas Fair

Pupils set their sights highRecently two of Childwall Sports & Science College students took part in an“Aimhigher” award evening at Liverpool University.

The event was designed to celebrate pupil’s participation on a number of projectsinvolving Liverpool University for the past three years. Students took part in a number ofresidentials and workshops at the University to encourage more youngsters to take upplaces at university especially local universities.

Kate Sefton and Fjolla Grajqevci were delighted to be invited to the Aimhigher awardevening and both were appropriately dressed in university cap and gown and presentedwith certificates in recognition for their outstanding work and dedication in terms ofprogress at Childwall Sports & Science College and their ambitions to go to university.

Headteacher, Dewi Philips, said: “Both Kate and Fjolla are outstanding young womenand I have every expectation that both will achieve their place at University. Certainlyboth deserve to do so”.

Aiming high students Kate Seftonand Fjolla Grajqevci

Studentson track

Enterprise South LiverpoolAcademy (ESLA) joined forces withThe Smallpiece Trust, Lloyd’sRegister Educational Trust and theNational Skills Academy for RailwayEngineering in November to offer agroup of ESLA students the chanceto participate in a one-day railwayengineering challenge devised aspart of Innovation Rail.

Year 9 students were invited to takepart in two tasks; the first to design andbuild a lightweight bridge combinedwith a pre-made track running throughthe centre and the second to design asmall battery-powered vehicle to travelacross the bridge. The student teamswere then judged on the cost, stabilityand aesthetics of both creations.

Mr John Parry, Curriculum Directorfor Design & Technology said:

“We were delighted to be given thisopportunity. The railway STEM Day hasencouraged our students to connect thetaught elements of science, design andtechnology to real world experience inthe field of engineering. We have foundthat, since taking part in the course,many of our students have beeninspired to work harder within theirSTEM subjects in order to achieve theirfuture goals.”

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Secondary News

Awards evening a resounding successThe 2011 Awards Evening proved aresounding success for Archbishop BeckCatholic College.

A great variety of people and organisationswere present to see the college recognise andapplauded its outstanding Academic, Sportingand Cultural achievements. Simply the Best !

The warm atmosphere of the awards ceremonywas aided by outstanding performances from theCollege Concert Band, Drama Department andCollege Dance Ensemble and Chamber Choir

A highlight of the evening was the addressgiven by the Professor Sanderson, who spoke inglowing terms of the achievements of the collegeand its community and urged all to have theconfidence to go out and build further on thesesuccesses and that university is certainly anoption for all.

Shanghai linkon display

The new Museum of Liverpool has displayed a series of gifts, which wereexchanged between students from Cardinal Heenan College, and Grade 6students from Bile High School, Luwan District, Shanghai.The two schools first met during last year’s World Expo in Shanghai, as part of the‘Parallel Lives’ project. They were given money to buy something which they feltreflected their lives and culture.Whilst the Cardinal Heenan students chose more contemporary objects, the Bilestudents opted for more traditional items. These have now been put on display in the‘East Meets West Gallery’ in the museum.

From Crosbyto CardiffErin Donagh, a Year Ten student atSacred Heart, Crosby, has beenselected to join a group of talentedyoung English athletes.

Erin has already excelled in runningand swimming, but has now beenchosen by England Talent to train for aWater Polo team.

“It’s really hard work trying to fit inschoolwork, as well as being trainedby professionals,” said Erin, whotravels to Cardiff every month to joinup with the team.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity andI’ve made some great friends there”.

Pupils from Cardinal Heenan College with their display at the Museum ofLiverpool

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Secondary News

Taiwan visitPupils pay a visit to their sister schoolA group of two staff and six studentsfrom Litherland High recently visitedtheir sister schools in Kaohsiung,Taiwan.

During a very busy week they visitedfour schools, attended a Junior HighSchool camp and performed dances infive very different venues.

Rachel Hughes, one of the dancers,said: "It was really great to visit schoolsand meet students whom we had onlypreviously met virtually, using Skype.

“It was a challenge to dance indifferent places. During one performancethe backing music stopped for nearly aminute but we kept going. We all felt soproud of that."

Jim Donnelly, Headteacher, wasdelighted that a third group of studentshas now visited Taiwan. "The welcomewe always receive is phenomenal. It alsohelps that their winter meanstemperatures of up to 25 degreescentrigade”. Pupils from Litherland High take in some of the sights

Christmas came early for a group of pensioners inSpeke who were treated to an afternoon ofcabaret, dining and games by students atParklands High School.

Almost 100 older people from across the Speke areadescended on the school ready for the annualwassailing, carol singing and festive entertainment atthe Pensioners’ Party.

The highlight of the pensioners’ visit is tucking intothe traditional Christmas buffet that is created free ofcharge by Amey’s chef, the school’s approved cateringand facilities management contractor.

Yvonne Sharples, Headteacher at Parklands HighSchool said: “For over ten years we’ve been hostingthe pensioners’ party and each year the pupils arecommitted to making it bigger and better than theyear before.

“Our young people feel a real sense of prideknowing that the pensioners have enjoyed theirentertainment and company, and I feel really proud ofthem for going the extra mile to care, respect andvalue our communities’ older generations.

“Thanks to Amey we’re able to provide excellentcatering as well as entertainment that makes the partya much anticipated date in the calendar.”

John Holmes, Facilities Account Manager at Ameyadded: “We really enjoy working in partnership withthe school to provide this event. We’re inspired by theenthusiasm of the pupils and also receive a great dealof satisfaction knowing that we’re able to treat Speke’selders to a free, hearty Christmas lunch”.

Life’s a cabaret for pensioners

Ted Hitchmough, 68, joins Parklands’ pupils and Amey’s chefLes Jones

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Secondary News

De La Salle on the shortlistSchool nominated for national education award

De La Salle Academy, Croxteth, hasbeen shortlisted for the OutstandingCommunity Partnership Award atthe Times Educational SupplementSchools Awards.

The school was nominated for thisprestigious national education award forthe work carried out within the schoolinvolving links with the widercommunity, which have been cemented

by the establishment of The Parents’Group.

The Parents’ Group was originallyformed last year as part of the SinnottFellowship Award.

It was felt that there was a need toestablish a place where parents couldmeet and take part in a range ofactivities together.

The Parents’ Lounge was set up with

the help of a grant, but the groupequipped it themselves. The on-sitelocation enables a much closerrelationship between the group andstaff.

The Parents’ Group which meetstwice a week has gone from strength tostrength, with the parents taking thelead role in deciding the activities theywould like to participate in.

Let your fingers do the talkingEach term, St Hilda’s School Parliament votes for acharity to support; alongside these selectedcharities, it also supports special events – and lastterm was no exception.

The National Deaf Children’s Society depends onsupport from volunteers and sponsors to carry out itswork, and St Hilda’s girls (and sixth form boys) have beenlearning their ABCs in order to raise much needed funds.

Their efforts to learn the British Sign Languagealphabet were tested through a ‘finger spellathon’ inwhich pupils were sponsored for each word they wereable to spell.

The best spellers from each year group were enteredinto a grand final and tested by Ian Cockburn andStephen Mckenna, tutors from Merseyside Society forDeaf People. The sponsor money has already been rollingin.

MSDP work each year with small groups of theschool’s pupils, training them for Level 1 of BSL: areflection of St Hilda’s commitment to extendingcommunication into all areas of society. The school’s aimis that every pupil should be able to communicate withany member of the deaf society.

Delesha Kaur Singh, Amelia Carroll, Grace Wall, GurpreetKaur Singh and their BSL tutor Ian Cockburn.

De La Salle pupils and the Parents’ Group celebrated their nomination

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LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

Educate’s roundtable

With London Olympics 2012 now months away the UK has been placed in the spotlightyet again. On a national and international scale, the significance of the events for ourcountry’s political and economic advancement has been the subject of much discussionand, for our readers, the spin-off benefits for young people, their families and our localcommunities are of paramount importance. Our panellists Gareth Stratton, a former P.E.teacher and now Professor of Paediatric Exercise Science at Liverpool JMU, and Head ofP.E at St Ambrose Barlow Catholic College, Rachael Taylor – one of Gareth’s formerstudents at the university - met to discuss their expectations for the events this year.

Going for gold


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What are our expectations of the Olympic

Games and their significance to our nation,

and particularly in our area, over this

coming year?

GS: The last Olympics to be held in the UK were

in 1960, 52 years ago, so there are - quite

understandably - huge expectations behind this

year’s Games and the ripple effect for the nation.

The Olympic Legacy Programme has been set

up precisely for this reason; to make sure that

we capitalise on the events in every way

possible and to encourage that glow about it all

which gets everyone excited and enthusiastic.

When we get to the stage of wall-to-wall

Olympics on television, we’ll have that divide

between the obsessives and everyone else – but

there’s no doubt about it; you can’t escape the

fact that the UK will be on the world stage,

giving out what we hope is a very positive

message. There’s a sense of everyone pulling

together behind a common cause of wanting

GB to go for gold. It goes without saying that

this event is a once in a lifetime opportunity for

many people; better still, there will be events

on television at a time when we can all watch

them. It’s inspiring because it will encourage

young people to aspire to that level of skill and

competition across a range of sports – with a

more even coverage than we usually see. We

will be watching what hard work, commitment

and training can do. There’s a sense of, not

just getting behind a team to want them to

win, but also being inspired to explore your

own potential.

RT: I’m excited because the Olympic Games

promotes activities that aren’t traditional, and

this is inspiring for so many of our pupils. Just

last year, I took some of our pupils to watch the

World Netball Series at Liverpool Arena and it

was the first time that some of them had seen

any professional netball played at that level.

They need to see what’s open to them so that

they too can be inspired to achieve.

GS: The problem with the Games is, of course,

the precipice effect. We need to avoid letting

things slide and failing to capitalise on the

investment, the infrastructure that’s being

created. Hopefully, with the 2015 Rugby World

Cup and 2017 World Athletics Championships

taking place, the Olympics will actually mark

the start of a great sporting decade for the UK.

RT: I completely agree that we need to

capitalise on the infrastructure that will be in

place. It’s frustrating as a P.E. teacher to see

that grass roots level of investment missing.

Community cohesion is crucial and the more

you can do to educate young people about the

world around them the better a society you are

building.

GS: It’s true that you need to catch people in the

net or opportunities to inform and inspire them

are lost. There’s no question that, should the

event go well, the government will want to use

it as a calling card in the next election. What

they don’t seem to be doing, although perhaps

it is too early to say for sure, it putting their

weight behind grass roots level events now.

Success breeds success; the local rugby union

teamI coach went from a 15 a-side team to two

oversubscribed teams of athletes and social

players on the back of that team having a win

at Twickenham. It was as though the success

was a magnet, drawing people in for different

reasons, but spurring them all on to success

in various ways. There becomes this glow

surrounding the event, and we need this to

happen on a larger scale with the Olympics.

It shouldn’t all be about winning; we need a

more inclusive philosophy that values

developing people.

RT: I completely agree; too much concentration

on winning and you get disaffected young

people. If you line up teenagers outside in the

rain, they switch off and hate P.E. You need a

range of activities for girls and for boys; there’s

this preconception that boys only want to play

football – and it’s not true. That’s why we

invested in the mountain bikes and the cycle

track. I truly believe that the goal of our

department is to find an activity for every single

pupil to enjoy in and out of school, and which

they’ll take with them and continue when

they leave.

How are educators using events of great

significance to teach children and young

people about their heritage?

GS: I think it’s crucial that people recognise that

the Games aren’t all about sport. The opening

and closing ceremonies, for instance, are about

art and creativity and we need more of that in

school sports curriculums. The art and creativity

can, for some people, be the most inspiring part

of the whole event. I also think it’s about

drawing people together from different genders,

races, cultures and socio-economic

backgrounds. At the Sydney Olympics in 2000

there was one man taking part in a 50km walk

who became injured halfway through. He had

no chance of winning a medal, but he carried

on anyway and when he entered the arena the

crowds cheered for him as if he had won gold;

his story touched that many people. He might

have ‘lost’ that event, but that experience must

Gareth StrattonProfessor of Paediatric Exercise

Science at Liverpool JMU

Rachael TaylorHead of P.E at St Ambrose Barlow

Catholic College

The Panellists


p23-44:covers 13/1/12 10:55

have been one of the best of his entire life.

That’s what the Olympic Games are all about.

RT: It’s about getting people to become more

open-minded; to show them what some people

have managed to achieve, and to learn the

stories behind the successes is incredibly

powerful.

GS: In 1971, East Germany put all of its efforts

into training up an elite to compete and to win;

the Beijing event put that city on the map, the

question now is, can London match or better

those efforts? I think that we have the history

and the infrastructure to do so; you only have

to look at how the Royal Wedding was received

around the globe. I was in Australia at the time

and there was a real spirit of celebration.

Community cohesion is recognised as

integral to successful schools. Is there a

need in this day and age to teach children

about community and celebration?

RT: Absolutely. The previous government placed

a huge emphasis on participation; and for

schools like ours with specialist status it was

all about getting every pupil involved in sport

in some way, and making progress.

At our Annual Sports Awards at St Ambrose

Barlow, for instance, we recognise pupils

based on the core Olympic and Paralympic

Values of; respect, excellence, friendship,

courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

We award those pupils who, through their

coaching, their effort, and their dedication have

shown these values – even if they aren’t

necessarily the most successful or high-

achieving students. In terms of going out into

the community, we have two high-achieving

Young Ambassadors who will be representing

our school in Sefton by promoting sport in local

primary schools and coaching pupils there on

their skills. We’re also sending P.E. staff into

local primaries to work with staff and pupils,

deliver lessons and help to support their P.E.

curriculum. So far, we’ve been working with

St Benedict’s, Holy Spirit, Our Lady of

Walsingham and Netherton Moss. We’ll be

hosting a number of competition days at our

school site, including a Fun Run for pupils at Key

Stages 1 and 2. We’re also working with the

GetSet network to support teaching about the

Olympics and their significance across the

curriculum; as it applies to geography, maths,

history, media, PSHE and citizenship – just

for starters.

There may be a preconception that the

Olympics is going to mostly inspire P.E

teachers, but in which subject areas and

aspects of school life should the Olympics

also be of great importance?

RT: There’s a whole host of ways in which

a school like ours will be using the Olympics

as inspiration across the curriculum, in every

subject. For the World Cup, we planned and

delivered activities across the curriculum to

inspire and inform students, and we’ll be doing

just that with the Olympics in the Spring and

Summer terms. In CDT, students will be

designing and making Olympic torches and

medals, in music they’ll be composing an

Olympic song and learning music from different

countries. In maths, pupils will examine

statistics from previous competitions, in

geography they’ll be learning the countries,

continents and flags, and in English they’ll be

writing poetry, commentaries and reports based

on and inspired by the events. In art, students

will produce posters, mascots and mosaics, and

in food technology they’ll be experimenting with

recipes from around the world and exploring

nutrition for athletes. In dance, pupils will

choreograph an opening ceremony dance and

work on styles from different cultures, and in P.E.

pupils will try new sports, adopt different roles

and aspire to achieve their personal best: there’s

so much pupils can enjoy trying out.

What is your school doing to reap the

rewards of great events like the Olympics?

RT: Until the funding was stopped, St Ambrose

Barlow Catholic College had specialist sports

status, and our headteacher has been incredibly

supportive of P.E. by maintaining this investment

for pupils, who can take either BTEC Dance or

Sport, or P.E. GCSE. We offer football, tennis,

netball, volleyball, gymnastics, dance, and

trampolining for pupils, but we’re especially

proud that we were the first school in Sefton

to get a mountain bike track three years ago.

We’ve had incredible success in promoting

cycling, and one of our pupils won a cycle

race in Southport last year. As you might

expect, we’ve really tried to capitalise on the

Olympics and some of our gifted and talented

students took the opportunity to meet gold

medalist Jonathan Edwards, who signed the

school flag, just a few weeks ago. Every

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012

Fact FileSt Ambrose Barlow Catholic

College is a mixed schoolof 450 pupils in Netherton. Professor Gareth Stratton’s

research takes place at RISES(Research Institute of Sport and

Exercise Sciences)at LJMU.

The successstories at the

Olympics all beginon the playground,and it’s only by

getting people moreactive that we’ll beable to capitalise

on that.


p23-44:covers 13/1/12 10:55

assembly this year will take one Olympian or

Paralympian, and the form class presenting will

explore the adversity which the athlete has had

to overcome to achieve so highly. By focusing

not only on their success, but on their

determination to succeed we’ll be inspiring

pupils with role models and teaching them

about the merits of hard work.

How are schools and organisations getting

involved in the local community?

RT: Our school is hosting a Schools’ Games Day

in June, where local primary and secondary

schools will come together on a joint sports day.

Where this event differs, is that it won’t all be

about competing, but some pupils will be

involved in the organization; coaching,

officiating and keeping it all running. It’s an

opportunity to use all kinds of different skills

and talents.

GS: One project which I’m particularly proud

of is part of the North West Olympics Legacy

Programme, helping stroke patients to make a

quicker recovery using Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit.

The research has proven the benefits for

patients, and this is one project which is making

a tangible long-term difference to the health

of people in Wirral. At LJMU, we’ve also been

delivering a Face to Face Project, with funding

from the Wellcome Trust, where Year 9 and 10

pupils from Childwall Sports College have been

taking part in experiments and data collection

at our Sports Science department. They’ve then

presented their findings on a poster to use at a

conference, and the benefits have been tangible

in showing students not only what it’s like

inside the Sports Science department, but what

they can aspire to do at university, the

equipment we use, the variety of disciplines,

the impact of Sports Science on and in and

community – and what they can expect to

achieve for themselves. I’m hoping that in six

or seven years time we’ll be seeing some of

those pupils studying Sports and Exercise

Sciences at Liverpool JMU.

What can parents and pupils expect this

year, and in what other ways can they get

involved?

RT: My hope is that the events will encourage

parents and families to get more active, and to

encourage their children to take part in events

after school wherever possible. There are so

many parents who, because they may have had

a bad experience of P.E. lessons when they were

at school, don’t take it as seriously as other

subjects. Of course, when the experts agree that

literacy and numeracy need to take first place

this sometimes translates to people that games

and sport don’t matter. By placing the Olympic

Values at the centre of our P.E. Annual Awards

and by promoting them throughout the

curriculum, I hope that we can show people that

competition isn’t the only or the main aspect of

getting involved.

What sort of evidence or precedent do we

have about the impact of national and

international events on health and

wellbeing?

GS: There’s actually a great deal of research

which suggests that the benefits are not long-

term or lasting. The levels of physical activity

which people engage in here in the UK are still

falling, and have been in decline for some time,

so there’s no evidence that the Olympics is

going to get everyone up and moving. However,

on the positive side you have to recognise that is

we can capitalise on the energy then there are

opportunities which will open up - and for those

who take them, there will be tangible benefits.

RT: I’m hoping that there will be more

understanding for pupils and their families about

the world we live in and the opportunities out

there. Although there may not be lasting

economic benefits, and some statisticians would

count up the cost of the Games rather than the

rewards, all the money in the world can’t solve

the problem of a child who can’t stay after

school for a dance or sports club because he or

she is needed by their parents to pick up and

take care of a younger sibling, for instance.

GS: It’s really a case of examining community

readiness; are we ready? You can’t do hard

numbers with the social stuff. For me, I’d say

we need to ensure that the legacy begins

now, to keep the momentum going, and

to think big. Our Sportslinx

Programme, which goes into

primary schools across Liverpool

every year and works specifically

with Year 5 pupils, gives

youngsters a taste of a variety of

activities whilst we collect data on

their lifestyles. In fact, Sportslinx

won the European Childhood Obesity

group Award in 2011 for its impact on

healthy diet and physical activity. Another

of our research projects, Fit To Succeed, found

that more active youngsters achieved higher

scores in their SATs. Other research has shown

that there are no negative effects from leading a

more active lifestyle; in fact in France, one study

of pupils who increased their levels of activity

from three hours per week to 15 and compared

them to other students, found that academic

attainment showed no difference. That’s a huge

difference in time spent being active - and the

pupils didn’t lose out academically. The success

stories at the Olympics all begin on the

playground, and it’s only by getting people more

active that we’ll be able to capitalise on that.

QUICK LINKSGet Set (the official London 2012education programme)www.london2012.com/getset

Inspire Programme for community projectsinspired by the Gameswww.london2012.com/beinspired

Local Leaders - an opportunity for leaderswithin their communities to get involvedin London 2012www.london2012.com/localleaders

LOCAL LINKSwww.thereachgroup.co.ukwww.sportslinx.org

There’s a wholehost of ways in

which a school likeours will be usingthe Olympics as

inspiration acrossthe curriculum


p23-44:covers 13/1/12 10:55


Students do battleThe Great Enterprise Challenge

Twenty two secondary schools havereached the second stage ofLiverpool’s Great EnterpriseChallenge and battled it out in aDragons Den style pitch atLiverpool Football Club.

Every team, including four from

special schools in the city, have alreadybeen given a start-up fund of £100 todevelop their ideas. Liverpool CityCouncil, in partnership with LiverpoolVision, is the first local authority in theUK to launch such a challenge.

The competition is part of the build

up to this year’s GlobalEntrepreneurship Congress (GEC),where entrepreneurs and thoughtleaders from more than 120 countrieswill be represented.

A trip to Washington DC is the prizeon offer for two winning teams.

North Liverpool Academy pupils pitch to a Dragons Den of from l-r back row; Stephen Twigg, Liverpool West Derby MP; Cllr GaryMillar, Assistant Cabinet Member to the Leader; Max Steinberg OBE, Chief Executive, Liverpool Vision, Front row: Liverpool FCAcademy players Jamie Stephens and Michael Ngoo and Stephen Sama.

Education News

Liverpool Blue Coat student Elizabeth ‘Lizzie’ Magee tookpart in the 2011 series of The BBC’s Young Apprenticereaching the semi-final series!.

Lizzie is currently studying for A Levels in Economics, History,Politics and General Studies at The Blue Coat School following hersuccessful GCSE results achieved at New Heys School Liverpool.

Lizzie has her own business designing personalised guitarstraps and also breeds Jack Russell Terriers. She was one of 12young entrepreneurs from all corners of the UK who embarked ona series of tough tasks, pushing their skills to the limit, each of theaspiring candidates were selected for their academic flair.

Lord Sugar spotted something in all of the 12 youngsters butthere could only be one winner to take the crown of YoungApprentice. Lizzie was extremely successful in reaching thesemi-finals of the series and the school is very proud of her.

Busy ‘Lizzie’

Elizabeth (left) with fellow apprentice contestants

CURTAINS RAISEDON NEW VENTUREBRINGING life to Liverpool’s rich history andinspiring children to engage with big issues is theaim of a new education theatrical business justlaunched in the city.

Lovehistory is an experiential learning package whichpresents the history of Liverpool in all its splendourthrough performance related activities and workshops thatare interactive, educational and engaging.

It also provides training in theatre, film, scriptwriting,combined media, research and production is available toall primary and secondary schools in the Liverpool CityRegion.

Using a team of actors from Alt Valley Community TrustYouth Theatre and semi-professional actors, scenes fromLiverpool’s colourful past are brought to life in a series ofstunning performances for school audiences who then talkabout the themes and issues in workshops.

Lovehistory has been created by Judy Mclean, whohelped develop Liverpool Biennial’s Independent strand, inaddition to developing social enterprises in the city.

She said: “I have for a long time wanted to use historyto put today’s big issues into context. It is an obviousstatement, but there is so much to be learned fromexamining our history and people are losing out if theydon’t think about what history can teach us”.

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Secondary News

The stark realityTerriers set to lead children away from gang crimeA play designed to show the starkreality of becoming involved withgangs and guns, which has beensuccessfully used as part of the KeyStage 3 English curriculum inLiverpool and Knowsley, is beingrolled out at secondary and primaryschools in Sefton.

The play and supporting educationalresource, commissioned by MerseysidePolice in 2008, paid a visit to Savio HighSchool in Bootle and showed theconsequences of becoming involved withguns and gangs and the difficultdecisions that young people can face.

Terriers, was written by localplaywright Maurice Bessman and hasbeen produced by Miriam Mussa. ArielTrust created and developed theeducational support packages. And so farmore than 30,000 secondary schoolchildren in Liverpool and Knowsley haveseen the play and studied it as part ofthe national curriculum.

The Key Stage 3 educational resourceincludes an interactive CD-rom(featuring scenes from the play) thescript and 10 lesson plans. This meansstudents can examine the play in detailand explore the moral dilemma someyoung people could find themselvesfaced with.

For the primary sector MerseysidePolice commissioned Ariel Trust todevelop a bespoke educational resourcepack based on the Key Stage 2 National

Curriculum, and this too is creative,interactive and incorporates lesson plansfor teachers to explore with pupils inrelation to issues raised in the play.

Detective Chief Superintendent TonyDoherty, who heads up the specialistMatrix team, said: “The play comes withan educational CD-Rom and the idea isthat pupils see the play and study it inthe classroom, as they would withShakespeare or any other playwright.

“Following its introduction in tosecondary schools ‘The Terriers’ projectwas fully evaluated. The evaluationshowed an improvement in attititudeand behaviour in respect of guns andgangs, an improved effort in theclassroom whilst studying Terriers, and amarked improvement in attainment atKey Stage 3 English as a direct result ofstudying the play and using theeducational resource”.

Savio High School pupils meet the cast of ‘Terriers’

Leading the way Staff and students from St John BoscoArts College, Liverpool, recently led theway in supporting students to becomeglobal entrepreneurs.

The Conference took place at the Collegewith representatives from throughout theNorth West and was hosted by Clare Youngfrom the TV programme, ‘The Apprentice’.

Students participating in the day worked inteams to identify a problem and then todesign, market and implement the solution.This developed student’s creativity,imagination, innovation and leadership. Itwas hoped that the Global Challenge thestudents engaged in would make a differencein shaping the world they grow up in.

Headteacher, Mrs Anne Pontifex said:“This was a fantastic opportunity for studentsfrom St John Bosco to work alongsidesuccessful entrepreneurs and to furtherdevelop the skills required to be successful inlife”.

TV Apprentice, Clare Young with staff and pupils from St JohnBosco

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Secondary News

THE FUTURE’S BRIGHTWest Derby boys have risen to thechallenge and proved they have what ittakes to debate the educational issues ofthe day.

The school has entered the prestigious BBC‘Schools Questions and Answers’ competition,discussing the benefits of technology ineducation and learning.

Local Member of Parliament and ShadowEducation Secretary, Stephen Twigg MP, waskeen to get involved and thoroughly enjoyedparticipating in the debate.

Alongside Stephen were English teacher andjournalist, Lucy Oliver, Year 11 students Pauland Curtis, Year 10 student Tom and a brillianthost, 6th former Matthew.

The Student Council was also in attendanceand enjoyed grilling the panel.

Hitting the right notesInternational composer visits St Michael’s

Pupils from St Michael's Church ofEngland High School in Crosbywere visited by an internationalcomposer who helped them launchtheir new house system by officiallyopening the house named in hishonour.

Graham Kendrick is an internationallyrenowned composer of Christian music,who has written bestselling songs suchas Shine Jesus Shine, Knowing You,The Servant King and Amazing Love.

Graham was welcomed to StMichaels by attending a celebratoryservice and also participating with animpromptu performance to Year 7 andthe pupils of Kendrick House.

Graham was given a tour of theschool and learned about the new

Pastoral House System that the schoolhas put in place. He finished his visit byplanting the first tree of four torepresent the four house system.

Pupils at St Michael’s are in houseswith form tutor groups made up of amixture of Years 7 - 11 pupils. The fourhouses are named after Christiancomposers to reflect the fact that StMichael's is the only Church of Englandsecondary school in Sefton, as well asonly one of four music with Englishspecialists in England.

Graham stated it was a real pleasureto visit St Michael’s school and anhonour to have a house named after me.I was impressed by the warmth andfriendliness of both staff and childrenand the enthusiasm for excellence and

making learning enjoyable. I lookforward to seeing Kendrick house gofrom strength to strength and wish thewhole school success as they shape thelives of these talented young people.

Head Teacher Dr Simon Hulme said,We were delighted that GrahamKendrick was able to find the time inhis busy schedule to visit St Michael'sto officially 'open' the house named inhis honour.

The pupils can learn much fromsomeone who has achieved so much inhis life through hard work, theapplication of talent and a closeness toGod. I look forward to a continuedrelationship between Graham Kendrickand St Michael's, and Kendrick Housein particular.

Composer Graham Kendrick and Year 7 pupils at the launch of the new house system

Stephen Twigg MP and Lucy Oliver face up to the questions

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Secondary News

St Margaret’s CE High School inAigburth has rounded off anacademic year of national sportingsuccess with an Outstanding fromOfsted for their physical educationdepartment.

The overall effectiveness of PE wasjudged to be outstanding, with theteaching, curriculum, management andachievement all gaining the top grade.The wide range of activities availablewere judged to meet students’ needs“exceptionally well”.

The school offers an outstandingprogramme of extra-curricular activitiesthat enable students to succeed in awide variety of sports.

Highly enthusiastic and committedleadership is well focused on raisingachievement, providing high-qualityworthwhile experiences for everystudent. The courses offered provide awealth of leadership opportunities forthe students too.

A high number of teams andindividuals compete and succeed at

local, county and often national level.The school are particularly pleased to

be the number-one ranked school withNational Schools Basketball UK aftersecuring a fine victory in the final, theculmination of three years hard work forthe Year 9 team. Incredibly, this teamwere also finalists in the EnglandBasketball Championships.

Year 8 reached the national finals too,only losing by a narrow margin against awell organised team from the south ofEngland. They were delighted to endthe season on a winning note withvictory in the Under 13’s LiverpoolSchools’ Basketball Cup.

The Year 8 football team made historyin the national cup semi-final reachingthe semi-final from a starting group of826 schools.

The school continues to excel atcricket and athletics and participation insports including badminton, tabletennis, cross country, swimming androwing has seen regional and somenational success.

Cock-a-hoopOutstanding success for St Margaret’s

St Margaret’s National Schools Basketball UK Champions: Back row:Ciaran Walsh; Alex Taylor; Daniel Adams. Middle row: Charlie Rhodes;Matthew Yorke; Adam Hurst. Front Row: Joel Carter; Andrew Lloyd;Samuel Valentine (captain); Joshua Topping and Patrick Taylor

Students face up to sports science Through a Partnership Grantfrom the Royal Society 120 year10 students from ChildwallSchool have been able to takepart in Face to Face with SportsScience.

The project has been developed byLiverpool John Moores Universityand allows students to interact withthe science that is supporting eliteathletes in training and competition.During six contact days studentsengaged in a range of workshop andresearch activities exposing them tothe science involved with the mostadvanced training methods,techniques and equipment used bythe world’s leading athletes andcoaches. These activities alsoinformed students how they canincorporate significant levels ofphysical activity in their own andtheir own family’s lifestyles.

During Face to Face with SportsScience students conducted aresearch project that required themto record physiological andpsychological measurements.Students analysed data anddeveloped a poster to explain theirresearch project, which waspresented at a special presentationevent.

Dr. John Dickinson, from LiverpoolJohn Moores who led the project said‘This was a successful partnershipfor LJMU and Childwall to beinvolved with. World leading expertsgot the opportunity to talk and excitethe next generation of scientists.This project allows students tounderstand and experience theapplication of science and research.’

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Secondary News

They made it!Pupils a hit with winning designsCongratulations went out to Year 9 Archbishop Blanch School pupils whowere involved in the Survitech, Make it Challenge sponsored by theManufacturing Institute held in November.

The girls produced some excellent design work and overcame some difficultopposition to be crowned the winners of the competition. All of the girls involveddeveloped their knowledge and understanding of the manufacturing industry. Thejudges said the girls “demonstrated excellent presentation techniques and a highlevel of communication, working as a team on difficult challenges”.

In addition to the trophy the team received, one of the girls was awarded anindividual award for her leadership qualities. The pupils will now go forward to theRegional finals which will be held in the summer.

Keep the cashStudents are first to launch a new finance gameSixth form students at Bellerive Catholic College in Liverpoolare learning about financial issues by playing games!

30 students, working face-to-face with experts,enjoy challengingone other as they discover what it is like to be financiallyindependent.

Keep the Cash, a new financial game, was designed by businesseducation specialists.

Sister Brigid Halligan, the head teacher of Bellerive CatholicCollege, said: “I want my students to leave Bellerive with the capacityto build successful futures that must include a clear grasp of finance.

“I was very impressed with the game and I am delighted that weare the first school in the country to use this inspirational andengaging programme for our students. I am confident that it will beof lifelong benefit to each of them.”

The team game replicates the range of financial and employmentissues that face every young adult once they leave home and movetowards financial independence. Students grapple with the issuesthat they will face upon leaving full-time education: writing a CV,attending interviews, opening a bank account, findingaccommodation,paying their monthly bills, managing debt, andunderstanding concepts like credit and interest.

RSC at St Julie’s

The Royal Shakespeare Companypaid a visit to the staff and pupilsof St Julie’s High School, Liverpooland gave a performance of‘Hamlet’.

The Young People’s Shakespeareproduction called ‘The Dane’ was partof the RSC’s autumn tour, whichplayed at schools and theatresnationwide.

The project hopes to reach a muchlarger audience, with particularemphasis on those who would notnormally have access to the RSC’swork, such as schoolchildren. The visitalso gave St Julie’s drama students achance to meet professional actors.

‘They shared tips about performingand learning lines, gave additionaldepth about aspects of the play andcharacters, and told a little of whatinspired them to become actors,’ saiddrama teacher Sue Doherty.

Actor Dharmesh Patel gives amaster class in acting to pupils

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The wheel deal

Education News

During the summer of 2011, Mr John Waszek, Principal at St Edward’sCollege raised over £4000 in sponsorship by completing a ‘Coast to Coast’charity bicycle ride from Liverpool to Hull using the Trans Pennine Trail.

The section of the trail he cycled extends for around 200 miles.All proceeds raised were donated to Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) and the work

of the Christian Brothers at Kanvilli School, Ghana.Since then, two sets of pupils have organised and undertaken their own sponsored

bicycle rides. In October half term, pupils from Year 9 raised £500 for the St Vincentde Paul organisation. In December, Grace Osborne, Charlotte Moorcroft, Isabel Lyonand Rachael Rooney cycled ten miles along the Transpennine Trail and in doing soraised £406 for Children in Need.

St Edward’s Principal,John Waszek starts hisepic ride from the PierHead, Liverpool

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENTParklands Students meet the Queen

At the beginning ofDecember, Parklandsstudents had the honourof meeting Her MajestyQueen Elizabeth II as partof the Royal Liver Buildingcentenary celebrations.

Mrs Sharples and theChair of Governors Mr SandyTittershill accompanied thechildren who were invited

by Royal Liver Assurance,one of the schools trustpartners, in recognition ofthe school’s outstandingexam success.

In August 2011 the schoolachieved the best everresults in its history with82% of students gaining fiveor more A*- C GCSEs.

Scholastic successThree Year 12 pupils from ChildwallCollege have been offered conditionalplaces at Liverpool University forSeptember 2013.

Year 12 Students Conor Jones, GraemePitt, and Fardowsa Abdulkadir have beennotified by Liverpool University that theirapplications to study the followingcourses will be accepted under the‘Scholars Scheme’ between ChildwallSports & Science College and theUniversity.

Conor, Graeme and Fardowsa allachieved excellent GCSE results in 2011and Conor is hoping to study engineeringwhilst Fardowsa is hoping to studycriminal law. Graeme is hoping to take adegree in chemistry.

All three students have been madeconditional offers which reflect theirexcellent GCSE results and if successfulin their applications will receive bursariesto reflect their commitment to theUniversity.

Fardowsa Abdulkadir, Conor Jonesand Graeme Pitt

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PARKLANDS HIGH SCHOOL

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Advisors• Adult Learning Services• STEC Stalls

LEGAL & FINANCIAL ADVICE• Credit Union• Citizens Advice Bureau

SUCCESS FOR PARKLANDS YOUNG ENTREPENEURSIn November 2011 a group of Year 11 students set up a newsocial enterprise business T’S @ THE PARK. The companyproduces promotional tee shirts for all types of occasions andevents. The young people are also actively working to secure andmatch local business sponsorship of tee shirts for localcommunity charities and organisations.Parklands students entered their business enterprise in theLiverpool Schools Great Enterprise Challenge organised byLiverpool Vision and the City Council, one of the key eventsleading up to the 2012 Global Entrepreneurship Congress to beheld in Liverpool in March. The first round of judging took place on the 18th November atLiverpool Football Club, Anfield. Parklands were one of only tensecondary schools to secure a place in the semi-finals at the end ofJanuary and are hopefully going all the way through to the final tobe held in March at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress.

CONGRATULATIONS AND GOOD LUCKIf you want to know more about the business or want to order a tee shirt visit our website

www.parklands.liverpool.sch.uk

‘Going for Gold’2011 Best Results in the School’s History

82% of pupils gained 5 or more GCSE passes at grade A* - C

OTHER SERVICES• South Liverpool Homes• Liverpool Mutual

Homes• Speke Adventure

Playground• Merseyside Police

Parklands Team L:R Amy Phillips, MaganBarnicle, Stephen Sixsmith, Liam

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Health kickAcademy attains National Healthy School Status

Education News

The De La Salle Academy has beenawarded National Healthy SchoolStatus.

This prestigious national award hastaken several years of hard work toachieve, with the process starting beforethe school became an Academy. Thecontinuing effort to achieve the awarddemonstrates The De La Salle Academy’sdetermination to place a high priority onthe health of all students and staff.

John Brennan, Healthy Schools Co-

ordinator at The De La Salle Academy andPaula Howard, Assistant Principal andSENCO, worked with Healthy SchoolsConsultant, Linda Kerans, to collect therelevant evidence of good practice at DeLa Salle to complete the application for theaward.

The National Healthy SchoolsProgramme has four core themes• Personal, social and health education • Healthy eating • Physical activity

• Emotional health and wellbeing,including bullying.

Each theme has a number of criteriawhich The De La Salle Academy had tofulfil in order to achieve National HealthySchool Status.

The award was presented to theAcademy by Stephen Tiffany, SeniorSchool Improvement Officer.

The De La Salle Academy has now setits sights on achieving the extendedNational Healthy Schools Status Award.

L to r: Mr Patrick Ferguson, Principal, Ms Paula Howard, Assistant Principal and SENCO, Stephen Tiffany, SeniorSchool Improvement Officer, Linda Kerans, Healthy Schools Consultant and John Brennan, Healthy Schools Co-ordinator

Imogen Cooper of The Blue Coat School metwith the Duke of Edinburgh at an awardsceremony in December to celebrate the Poetryof Place Writing Competition.

Imogen gained a very creditable runner-up prizein this prestigious writing competition which isrun in conjunction with The Royal Liver Group.

POETRY OF PLACE Ding Dong Merrily on HighPupils from Runnymede recentlyproduced a Christmas compactdisc of Christmas music.

Mrs Bixter, Head of Music, said:“The hard part of putting together anyprogramme of Christmas music is notwhat to include, but what to leave out;there is such a wealth of wonderfulfestive music available, bothtraditional and contemporary.

“Additionally, as a composer, I writea great deal of music for the school,with particular emphasis onChristmas. As a result, the children atRunnymede have a large repertoire ofcarols and songs that are unique tothe school, so this music had to berepresented too.

“Planning for Christmas goes on inthe mind of every Director of Musicthroughout the year, as ideas and

thoughts arise in the creative mind,but this becomes a more seriousprocess from around September, aslists and programmes are drawn up.

“The Runnymede Choir, comprisingsixty-five pupils from Years 4 – 6,began rehearsals in October.

“After weeks of intensive learning,rehearsing and polishing, we were asready as we were ever going to be. Onthe big day, the technician arrivedand various groups of singersgathered throughout the day.

“The school was filled with thesound of enthusiastic singing and, bythe end of the day, everything wasaccomplished.

“The C.D.s were distributed just intime for Christmas and the musiciansof Runnymede, big and small, were allready for a very well-earned rest”.

p23-44:covers 13/1/12 10:57

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p23-44:covers 13/1/12 12:47

45Educate The Magazine for Parents and Pupils

Education News

Colin Gilligan, Centre Manager ofNew Mersey Shopping Park gavethree Year 9 students from EnterpriseSouth Liverpool Academy theopportunity to ‘Be The Boss’ for a day.

The students had to submit anapplication and then attend an interviewwith Mr Gilligan and Karl RigbyOperations Manager.

The successful applicants Carl Caskie,Nathan Davies and Lauren Grimes thenhad the opportunity to go behind thescenes at the control centre and managethe Park during one of the busiest timesof the year leading up to Christmas.

The students firstly had to check theweather for the week and determine whathazards it may bring and planaccordingly.

The students also spoke to all deliverydrivers to check if they knew the correctspeed to be driving in the service yardand then collated the information so thatit could be acted up on.

Colin Gilligan said: “The students foundthe experience to be really rewarding andsaid they would love the opportunity tovisit again”.

‘Be The Boss’Pupils go behind the scenes

Raising awarenessCalderstones School hosteda celebration of events heldduring Alcohol AwarenessMonth in November.

During morning assembly,pupils performed a short playand told three moving andpowerful individual storiesrelated to the problems ofalcohol abuse and put on adisplay of artwork.

The efforts put in by pupilsresulted in an award beingmade to the school and T-shirts with pupils’ slogansand designs being producedand distributed in localsurgeries.

Taher Ali Qassim, MBE,Public Health NeighbourhoodManager for Liverpool PCTcommented: “CalderstonesSchool was chosen to host thecelebration event as a directresult of the tremendoussupport and engagement bypupils at the school for theentire period.

“Alcohol abuse is a complexissue. There is no one way orshort cut to fix it but ourcollective efforts, dialogue,discussion, learning and

reflection will enable us tounderstand it better andimprove our way of offeringservices and support to thecommunity.

“I would like to thank allpupils, staff and othercolleagues for theircontribution andinvolvement”.

Pictured are pupils holding T-shirts with their winning designs. Also pictured are Mr Taher AliQassim MBE, Dr Simon Abrams, Councillor Richard Kemp, Sharon Maguire (DeputyHeadteacher) and Brian Davies (Headteacher)

Nathan Davies, Carl Caskie, Lauren Grimes all Yr 9 with Colin Gilligan,Centre Manager for New Mersey Shopping

p45-66:covers 13/1/12 08:15

Please enter via the Sixth Form block inWindermere Terrace

Windermere TerraceSefton ParkLiverpool L8 3SB

tel: 0151 727 2064��

�� Tuesday 7th February 2012

6.00 - 8.00pmfor students seeking

entry in September 2012

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Specialising in the Sciences, Applied learning,

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p45-66:covers 13/1/12 12:47

Technologyin the school

Words by Dina Karim

Digital technology is going beyond gadgets totransforming the very nature of the classroom,

with the opportunities of new technology inschools, both primary and secondary, havingreal significance for personalising learning,

revealing one of the most significantcontemporary educational movements.

Technology in the school


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In the 21st century school, using learning

technologies in education can serve as a

catalyst for whole-school improvement with

innovative technology in the classroom, from

interactive whiteboards to 3D technology,

demonstrating that digital literacy has

become a critical skill for this century. The

benefits of using new technology include

greater access to rich, multimedia content,

the widespread availability of mobile

computing devices that can access the

Internet and the expanding role of social

networking tools for learning and

professional development.

With digital innovations emerging that

require upgrading schools’ technological

infrastructure, schools are forever playing

technological catch up. However, in the past

decade the demands have also quickly

changed, from a focus on simply gaining

connectivity to finding enough bandwidth to

run more complex applications in classrooms

such as, for example, using 3D technology.

One school, and probably the only one in

Merseyside, to have significantly embraced

3D technology in the classroom is St

Michael’s CoE High School in Crosby. The

partnership between St Michael's and GAIA

technologies, a major player in the promotion

of ICT in education, sees a new ‘Innovation

Centre’ in place at St Michael's from January.

Students will benefit from 3D learning

opportunities using the latest cutting-edge

computers and 3D viewing.

Headteacher Dr Simon Hulme commented:

“I believe we’ve got 21st century children

here and they need 21st century resources.

They need to always be inspired by their

learning, and 3D technology does give them

a real ‘wow’ factor when they go into the

classroom and inspires them to engage with

their learning and I think that’s the

fundamental job of teachers: to inspire their

pupils.

“The partnership with GAIA technologies

will allow us to bring our pupils to the

forefront of technology and our pupils have

the benefit of it, which has to be good for

them. Now every classroom will have a

projector, a screen and use of broadband. If

you go into a geography lesson you will see

a volcano erupt, you go into a food lesson

and Jamie Oliver will be doing a recipe and

then the child will be doing it. It just makes

that stimulus part easy. But it’s always

moving and you can’t stand still, and 3D is at

the forefront of things.”

Some governing bodies may be wary of

how much money to invest in the digital

infrastructure of schools especially with

research of new technology on educational

effectiveness not only thin on the ground but

also at risk of being irrelevant by the time it

is completed, because of the rapidly

changing face of the technological

landscape. An example being the iPad, for

instance, which became popular in schools

soon after it was released and well before

any research could be conducted about its

educational effectiveness. Although research

may be scarce anecdotal evidence is not,

with many teachers citing how richer

lessons have become with the inclusion of

multimedia resources in the classrooms and

even attributing higher attainment and

examination results to a rounder learning

experience.

Liverpool-based iblossom Training is

leading the way in providing training for

schools, and teachers, to gain the most out

of their equipment. Their workshops setting

a plan of action over a preferred period of

time, and teachers are trained up in

everything from podcasts to wikis and

animation.

Clare Amin, of iblossom Training,

commented: “What can happen is that

schools can invest in a lot of equipment

and not give their teachers the right

development. If a new teacher has a new

piece of kit, they can’t be expected to pick it

up and run with it. With our training schools

tell us what they want to achieve and we

develop a strategy for them.

“Our training helps integrate new

technology into their classroom to engage

better with the student and create a

dynamic, exciting classroom. The students

of today want everything so quickly,

technology is everywhere so they expect.

Schools need to think about collaboration

with technology, for example, using wikis

“Our training helps integrate new technologyinto their classroom to engage better with thestudent and create a dynamic, excitingclassroom.”

Clare Amin, of iblossom Training

Technology in the school

p45-66:covers 13/1/12 11:30

increasing communication between students

who are used to social media. The iPads are

genius; you can access information so

quickly. There’s also a future in creating your

own app - it’s those kind of devices which

will have an influence on the future.”

Technology has become such an important

part of schools some even run their own

computer servers to maintain control over

not only their systems, but to avoid being

victim to remote server failures. De La Salle

Academy, in Croxteth, is one such school.

Principal Patrick Ferguson commented:

“The school’s ‘nerve centre’ has 10 servers in

there, and the backup for all our drives is

carried by fibre to another building. We’ve

been working on building the servers up for

some time; this is business standard, what

you would get in a bank for example,

running 24-hours a day so the data is written

to many drivers with backups. In traditional

cloud computing you would connect

somewhere else but here, for our own

control, it’s on this site and we own it.

Through cloud computing you’re storing your

data on someone else’s server and

essentially you’re handing over to someone

else, whereas we have total control.

Administration staff digitise all the work the

teachers do, so it’s available on our network

to use and distribute. We also have our own

security company, which is very secure.

“In order not to disadvantage any student

studying at home, for example, the latest

development that we’ve brought in is that if

you’re working and you haven’t got

Microsoft Office and you wanted Powerpoint

you can go onto the cloud and you can use

the cloud Powerpoint.”

Using the FROG learning platform to

power their website, the school’s computer

network allows students to link from home to

facilitate out-of-hours learning. The social

media aspect of FROG also allows students

to work cooperatively on projects in an

online environment that feels familiar to

students.

What next?With the specialist schools programme

abolished in April dedicated funding for

specialist technology schools, who

championed the use of innovative technology

in the classroom, ended. Schools are also

losing out through the scrapping of the

Building Schools for the Future programme,

which as well as investing in school

buildings, also funded IT equipment.

The education secretary Michael Gove

revealed this month that as of September

ICT study would most likely be scrapped, in

favour of more demanding computer science

and programming lessons. At the BETT

show for educational technology in London,

he said that inadequate grounding in

computing offered by the current curriculum

is in danger of damaging Britain's economic

prospects. Under the proposed changes,

schools will be free to use lessons and

resources that have been developed by

experts, the Department for Education said.

In his speech, Mr Gove said: "Imagine the

dramatic change which could be possible in

just a few years, once we remove the

roadblock of the existing ICT curriculum.

"Instead of children bored out of their

minds being taught how to use Word and

Excel by bored teachers, we could have 11-

year-olds able to write simple 2D computer

animations using an MIT tool called Scratch.

By 16, they could have an understanding of

formal logic previously covered only in

university courses and be writing their own

apps for smartphones."

Schools can also make effective use of

existing technology such as interactive

whiteboards, which have become a mainstay

of classrooms across the country. They make

it easy for teachers to enhance presentation

content by easily integrating a wide range of

material into a lesson, such as a picture from

the internet or text from a Microsoft Word

file. For example, in mathematics interactive

whiteboards can be used to represent

areas of mathematical knowledge and

understanding, particularly at secondary

level.

Professor Bridget Somekh, a leading

researcher in ICT, pedagogy and learning,

published ‘Pedagogy and Learning with ICT:

researching the art of innovation’, which

highlighted the importance of interactive

whiteboards in the classroom. She writes:

“Whereas teaching the current national

curriculum and preparing students for

national tests does not provide a clear

rationale for teachers to involve students in

using ICT individually to support their

learning, an interactive whiteboard that is

used by the teacher as a presentational tool

perfectly fits their needs in delivering the

whole-class teaching required by the

mandated numeracy and literacy strategies.”

What will become crucial for schools in the

future, even with the loss of funding, is

identifying what current technologies are

good at and maintaining those technologies.

Although, it’s more than likely there will be

a new generation of multi-touch interactive

whiteboards in the next few years schools

will not have the funding to invest in them

the way they did the first round of

interactive whiteboards. The pressure will be

on schools to maintain the equipment that

they’ve got over the next few years and keep

using the equipment that is effective rather

than being able to invest and renew stock

that they’ve got.

“Instead of childrenbored out of theirminds being taughthow to use Word andExcel by boredteachers, we couldhave 11-year-oldsable to write simple2D computeranimations.”

Michael Gove,education secretary

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Education News

Young people growing up in theNorth West without a dailyroutine or structure such asregular bedtimes and setmeal times are morelikely to struggle atschool and face lowerself-confidence, warns anew report.

The Prince’s Trust YouthIndex reveals how morethan one in ten young people in theNorth West (11 per cent) feel their days"lacked structure and direction" whilegrowing up. The research suggests thatthose with lower school grades aresignificantly more likely to feel this way.

The charity's fourth annual YouthIndex - which gauges how young peoplefeel about their lives across a range ofareas from family life to physical health -shows that young people who claim tohave “lacked structure and direction” areless content and confident than theirpeers.

It also shows how more than one inthree young people across the NorthWest (38 per cent) "always" or "often" feel

down or depressed, while more thanhalf (54 per cent) feel stressed all or

most of the time. The research, which is

based on interviews with2,136 16-to-25-year-olds inthe UK, reveals that thosewith fewer than five A*-Cgrade GCSEs are significantlymore likely to feel this way.

Jackie Tyler, regionaldirector of The Prince’s Trust in the NorthWest, says: "We know from our work withyoung people in the North West that theabsence of structure and routine in ayoung life can have a devastatingimpact. Without the right support,directionless teenagers can become lostyoung adults – unconfident, under-qualified and unemployed.

"Our programmes, which include in-school clubs, give the hardest-to-reachyoung people intense, structured support– helping to prevent potential drop-outsand exclusions. Similarly, our Fairbridgeprogramme builds self-esteem throughone-to-one support outside theclassroom."

New primaryschools openDelighted pupils and staff areenjoying their new homes asthe final three primary schoolsin Knowsley’s Building Schoolsfor the Future (BSF)Programme are now open.

The state-of-the-art buildingsand world class facilities ofStockbridge Village, Park Brow(Kirkby) and Yew Tree (Halewood)opened their doors to pupils at thestart of the new term.

The schools are a major stepforward, providing learningenvironments and educationaldelivery to reflect the demands of21st century learning.

Cllr Graham Wright, Knowsley’sCabinet Member for Children andFamily Services said: “This hasbeen an ambitious programmeand will ensure that we are able toprovide the highest possiblestandard of education for theborough’s future generations”.

Work has also begun on a newSpecial Educational Needs (SEN)School in Southdene, Kirkby.

The specialist facility will caterfor children aged three to 19 withneeds ranging from Profound andMultiple Learning Difficulty toAutistic Spectrum Disorder.

The new facility willaccommodate both Springfieldand The Elms schools and is dueto open in September 2012.

Lack of routineharms school grades

Curriculum changespushed back to 2014The overhaul of the nationalcurriculum in England is to bedelayed by a year, the educationsecretary has confirmed.

A written statement earlier this monthsays the review of core subjects will nowbe implemented in autumn 2014.

“The longer timescale will allow forfurther debate with everyone interestedin creating a genuinely world-classeducation system,” said Mr Gove.

A report from the review's expert panelproposes that a wider range of subjectsshould be compulsory to the age of 16.

The pushed-back timetable means thatinstead of introducing changes forEnglish, maths, science and PE in 2013,the revised curriculums for all subjectswill be introduced in 2014.

However, by the time the revisednational curriculum is in place in 2014, itwill almost certainly only be compulsoryfor a minority of secondary schools, asacademies have the right to "disapply"the curriculum.

Mr Gove points to the international

school league tables, based on the Pisatest results, to argue that England'sstanding has "deteriorated significantly".

The statement from the educationsecretary highlights advances by pupilsin Singapore, Hong Kong, Poland, Albertain Canada and Massachusetts in theUnited States.

"If our schools, and young people, areto become internationally competitiveagain we must learn from the best in theworld," says Mr Gove's statement.

SEFTONSHINES AGAINEducation in Sefton has again wonpraise after a further six schoolsappeared in Ofsted’s annual list of‘Outstanding Providers.’

This year's performance brings thecurrent total of outstanding primary,secondary and special schools in theborough to an impressive 36, with afurther three top scoring maintainednurseries.

In the latest Ofsted annual report,Crosby High, Greenbank High(Academy), Litherland High, Newfield,Rowan Park and St Monica's Primary allreceived the highest rating in the lastyear.

The performance means that 84% ofschools in Sefton have been rated good oroutstanding since the revised Ofstedframework was introduced in 2009. Thisis against a national average of 57%.

p45-66:covers 13/1/12 11:00

Sherwoods Lane, Liverpool, L10 1LB Tel: 0151 524 4530 Fax: 0151 524 4532

Email: [email protected] • www.fazakerleyhigh.org

Prospective students and parents from across Merseyside areinvited to come and see our outstanding facilities and meet our

staff and pupils in a relaxed and friendly environment.

A broad and varied curriculum available to suit the needs of all learnersincluding AS / A2 Level qualifications, L3 BTECs and Level 2 courses.

A Specialist Engineering CollegeFazakerley High School

Sixth FormOpen EveningThursday 9th February 4pm - 6pm

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Education News

Pupils from schools across Seftonfound their voice as part of thisyear's Local Democracy Week.

The event at Litherland High Schoollooked at ways of promoting the voice ofyoung people across the boroughthrough their involvement in the UKYouth Parliament, Youth Cabinet andvarious youth forums.

It also provided a platform for a seriesof debates and workshops organised bySefton Youth Service with secondaryschools as well as Oakfield and RowanPark special schools.

Young people planned and designedtheir own series of debates on a host of

issues, from improving the role of youngpeople in local decision making tosupporting them to present a morepositive and realistic image of local youth.

Joining them in their debates wererepresentatives from a host oforganisations, including Chris Ashbyfrom Sefton Park Rangers, MerseysideFire and Rescue Service, MerseysidePolice and Safer, Stronger Communities.

Cabinet Member for Children, Schoolsand Families, Cllr Ian Moncur, said: “Itwas very pleasing to see so manyschools across the whole of the boroughget involved in Local Democracy Week.

"Events like these encourage young

people to have their say on issues thataffect them and also helps buildconfidence and self-esteem."

Jennie Liptrot, from Sefton YouthService helped coordinate LocalDemocracy Week in Sefton.

She said: “Local Democracy Weekproved very successful, with youngpeople telling us how they have learnednew skills, gained knowledge andbecome more confident as a result of thedebates. "Equally, key professionals froma wide variety of services have valuedthe challenges and ideas presented bythe young people they met and will lookto build on these relationships”.

Key political role for youngYouth make their voices heard

Pupils from Litherland High School who took part in Sefton’s Local Democracy Week

SCHOOL PUPILS GET ‘SPOOKED’ Nationally renowned author of the Spooks seriesof books, Joseph Delaney, visited KnowsleyCommunity College recently to talk about hiswork and the inspiration behind writing thenovels.

College students as well as pupils from local schoolsincluding Wade Deacon, Kirkby Sports College and StEdmund Arrowsmith attended the event and had thechance to buy and have the books signed.

Many of the students were already huge fans of thebook series and were delighted at having the chance tomeet Joseph, especially since the books are set to beturned into a Hollywood Blockbuster in 2013. It was alsoa chance to capture imagination and understanding ofcreative writing, hopefully inspiring some to go on tofurther study in this area.

A fantastic morning was had by all and the Collegewishes to thank Joseph, as well as all the students andstaff who attended the event.

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Education News

Sporting ambassadors, volunteers andfundraisers were amongst the pupilswho collected awards at Knowsley’sCelebration of Achievement.

The annual awards recognise theoutstanding academic and personalachievements of pupils from schoolsacross the borough in a ceremony whichwas held at the new Huyton Leisure andCulture Park.

Sammy Scotland collected an award forher outstanding contribution to sport andvolunteering. The Kirkby Sports Collegepupil is an ambassador for the nationalprogramme aimed at creating an Olympiclegacy beyond the 2012 games. It’s a roleshe take very seriously; giving up her owntime to volunteer at sporting eventsthroughout the year and motivating otherpupils to get involved and volunteer theirtime.

The Year 11 student also dedicates agreat deal of time to working withyounger children. Sammy coaches minikicks football sessions, started theschool’s successful Change for LifeHandball Club and recently became aBritish gymnastics leader and nowcoaches younger pupils.

Her teachers say Sammy’s enthusiasmfor sport and leadership is contagious.They say she is an extremely talentedyoung lady who is sure to have anamazing career in sports ahead of her.

Year 10 pupil at All Saints CatholicCentre for Learning, Stephanie Stuart,

was nominated for helping to raise over£2,000 for charity and volunteering hertime to teacher her peers PE and dancelessons.

Teachers at St Margaret Mary’sCatholic Junior School put forward sixyear old Rosie Black for being such a wellrounded and caring pupil, displayingmaturity beyond her years while out ofschool helping look after her Dad who iswheelchair bound through MS.

Thirteen year old Thomas Langley-Phillips was recognised for his great

achievements in fencing. The dedicatedyoungster trains three times a week afterdiscovering a talent for the sport during afive week school taster session when atEvelyn Primary. Since then the KnowsleyPark student has gone on to rank secondin the national Leon Paul Junior Series,was 12th in this year’s British YouthChampionship and has recently achievedEuropean Cadet ranking. Thomas has alsobeen selected to train at the North Westacademy under Olympic andCommonwealth champion Pierre-Harper.

Recognising talentKnowsley’s celebration of achievement

Gold Star for servicesLiverpool’s Children’sServices department hasreceived a gold star fromthe government’sindependent regulator foreducation and care.

For the first time ever, theannual OFSTED judgmenthas given the council the topranking of four out of four.

The inspectors have notedthat there has been a “notableimprovement” compared to2010, reporting that the citycouncil has “built upon itsestablished strengths andthere has been good progressin the areas for development”.

OFSTED say thatleadership is strong and thereis an “ongoing commitment

to children’s services,ensuring safeguarding is ahigh priority”.

Around three quarters ofthe 167 schools are ranked asgood or outstanding byOFSTED and Liverpool is theonly major city to have noschools in special measures.

Education results are at anall time high – with 86.5percent of pupils in Liverpoolgetting five good grades and,significantly, the numbergetting five good gradesincluding English and Mathsat the national average for thefirst time ever

Councillor Jane Corbett,cabinet member for educationand children’s services, said:

“This report is testament tothe hard work of our amazingschools and our own staffwho work day in, day out tomake sure our young peoplemake the best possible startin life and stay safe.

“This is an incredible resultwhen you consider the factwe are the most deprived cityin the country with all of theadditional challenges thatbrings.

“Despite the tough anddifficult budget decisions thatwe are having to make, weare determined to prioritiseservices for children andyoung people to make surethey are protected.

"We are committed to

helping our young peopledevelop into achieving,healthy and safe individualsand this report shows we areheading in the rightdirection.”

Councillor Jane Corbett

Knowsley pupils - L/R: Thomas Philips-Langley from Knowsley Park Cflwith Rosie Black from St Margaret Mary’s Catholic Junior School andSammy Scotland from Kirkby Sports Cfl

p45-66:covers 13/1/12 11:00

Nugent Care is one of the oldest and largest charities in Liverpool

providing support to over 7000 adults and children each year.

To help us continue our work Donate Don’t Dump your old clothes and bric-a-bac to Nugent Care!

How to donate:Drop items off at the Nugent Care Charity Shop, 73 Allerton Road, Liverpool

Drop items off at Nugent Care’s Head Office, 99 Edge Lane, Liverpool.Call us to arrange collection 0151 737 2951.

Nugent Care Charity Shop T: 0151 737 2951, 73 Allerton Road, Liverpool. L18 2DH www.nugentcare.orgRegistered charity number: 222930

p45-66:covers 13/1/12 14:36


Education News

Internationalhosts

Teachers from across Europe havevisited a school in Kirkby to learnabout outdoor education for pupilswith Special Educational Needs(SEN).

Springfield School, which serves theneeds of children and young people withphysical disabilities and complex needs,hosted partners from Estonia, Spain andTurkey as part of the Comenuis SchoolProject established to explore SENoutdoor education.

The twelve teachers had a packeditinerary showcasing many of theoutdoor activities Springfield pupils takepart in, inspiring partners to considerdeveloping similar sorts of activities intheir country’s schools.

Delegates met pupils from theschool’s Duke of Edinburgh group whohave all recently achieved their bronzeaward after volunteering in the localcommunity and completing anexpedition with an over night stay.

The pupils’ demonstrated horticulturalskills they’ve learnt tending the school’sgarden and developed through visits tothe Park Haven Trust’s extensive

gardens in Maghull. The international partners took a trip

to Acorn Farm, which pupils frequentlyvisit. They also went to BendriggOutdoor Education Centre in Kendal,which the school uses for residentialtrips.

John Parkes, Headteacher atSpringfield School said: “It’s been areally interesting four days for ourinternational partners.

“Special education is in its infancy inmany partner countries and childrenwith profound and multiple learningdifficulties are often cared for at homeand don’t attend school.

“Seeing firsthand the range of outdooreducation on offer at Springfield Schoolhas really inspired the group who planto go back and share ideas to further thedevelopment of SEN education in theirown countries.

“It’s also been a great opportunity forour pupils who have enjoyedshowcasing their skills and talents andmeeting people from overseas, whichhas been a first for many of ouryoungsters.”

Comenius School Project Partners with Springfield School pupilsBack (L-R): Cllr Jackie Harris; Ishmail Bahadir from Turkey; Fran Villaecisafrom Spain; Jelena Ditjatrina from Estonia and front: John Parkes,Headteacher Springfield School.

Helping to fightdisabilitySt Vincent’s School, a specialistschool for sensory impairment andother needs were invited to takepart in Liverpool Football Club’sEquality 4 all project.

Pupils and staff were taken on aguided tour of the stadium andmuseum. The aim of the tour was,however, for pupils to look at thefacilities offered to disabledsupporters around Anfield. Pupilswere encouraged to photograph andevaluate areas of the club and makesuggestions for improvements toenhance the experiences ofsupporters with disabilities.Suggestions and a montage of thephotographs were used at the end ofthe day as part of a presentation.

Pupils took part in an interactiveBritish sign language workshop,focusing on signing football chants.They participated in an obstaclecourse organised by Guide Dogs forthe Blind. Alan Kennedy, a formerplayer at the club, took part alongsidepupils in each event. Alan spent sometime afterwards chatting to pupilsand commended them on theirachievements and positive outlooks.

Rishi Jain, Social Inclusion officerat Liverpool Football Club whoorganised the day said: “It was a realpleasure to have the school involvedin the event, and the input wereceived was amazing. The childrenare a real credit to St Vincent’s, andprovide a shining example ofexcellence”.

Former Liverpool player, AlanKennedy gave a guided tour of thefacilities

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For prices and further details please contact Gary today

Tel. 07922 804 142All PATHFINDER21 instructors are former and serving military survival professionals, courses are run on a daily basis, overnight stay andweekend packages are available on request. Please note (THIS IS NOT A BOOTCAMP no level of fitness is required by any of our students.)

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Meet the Headteacher Patrick Ferguson, De La Salle Academy

Over the last decade, De La Salle Academy, in Croxteth, has changed dramatically. Under the leadership of Patrick Ferguson, who also celebrates 10 years as Principalthis year, the school has enjoyed a renaissance from beingawarded specialist school status in 2004 to the point where,after an outstanding Ofsted verdict in 2009, the school made asuccessful bid for Academy status in 2011.

The Catholic, all boys grammar schoolestablished in 1952 on the Carr Lane site,provided a grammar school educationthroughout the fifties, sixties andseventies. As a specialist in English,Media and Humanities, the Academy hassince introduced additional advancedlevel courses in law, psychology, mediastudies and film studies. Art at advancedlevel has also been introduced, with aview to accessing careers in design andarchitecture for aspiring students. Foryounger students there has been majorinvestment in Spanish as a secondforeign language, and Mandarin Chineseclasses have been introduced for Year 7and 8 students.

“We are very proud to be an academy,”says Principal Patrick Ferguson. “It hasgiven us the opportunity to beentrepreneurial in our approach and togive our students extra resources. We’veintroduced Mandarin classes becauseeven though it’s an ambitious challengefor our students when they leave here Iwould like them to study part of theirdegree in China. When they graduatethey would have that global view and

would be more competitive and that’spart of our role here to give our studentsthat edge so that they become highlysuccessful.”

Patrick studied sciences at universitybefore entering teaching. His early yearsin teaching were spent in Manchesterand Stockport before moving toLiverpool. His vision for De La Salleemphasises the primacy of ICT as ateaching and learning tool in the 21stcentury.

These curriculum innovations havebeen underpinned by significantinvestment in the Academy’s ICTinfrastructure as a means by whichstudents can learn independently. SeveralApple Mac suites are in development,and the school’s computer network allowsstudents to link from home to facilitateout-of-hours learning. Students withoutthe necessary software on their homecomputers can access it through theschool’s Frog portal, and additional aidsto education, such as Rosetta Stone formodern foreign languages and My Mathsare accessible from school and from homefor every student.

He comments: “When we hadSpecialist School status granted the leadsubject was English because thedepartment was recognised across thecity as a lead school for the teaching ofEnglish. Then we were looking atpathways for young people and where thejob opportunities were in Merseyside andmedia fit well.

“This is an area where there’s a lot ofmedia activity, with film production,

A decade atDe La Salle

St John Baptiste De La Salle, as

founder of De LaSalle Academy,said: Treat allchildren as if

they were thechildren of kings

“

”

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animation and games development alongwith large newspaper, radio stations andonly 40 minutes away from Mediacity.Realistically these are fantasticopportunities for people and there are noother media specific specialist colleges inthe area. We’re recruiting additional staffand investing in green screen technologyfor background manipulation in video soit fits in very neatly with what we’redoing.”

The effects of the additional capital of£10 million associated with De La Salle’sconversion to Academy status arealready manifest, and the capital buildprogramme will also include a range ofbrand new sporting facilities, includingplans for an ice-climbing wall, wheresixth form students train as instructorsand assist primary pupils with their firstexperiences of climbing. Construction isexpected to begin in July with a 12-month completion date. This sense ofadventure is an important component ofchildren’s education, and is furtherencouraged by the addition to thecurriculum of the Duke of EdinburghAward Scheme.

It is not just the impressive evolution ofthe school which has characterisedPatrick’s time as Principal, it is also amanner he has brought with him,creating a school that is calm in itsbehaviour and innovative in its approach.Patrick has given much back to theeducational community in his role as aNational Leader in Education, and theAcademy’s status as a National SupportSchool. He has provided support to anumber of schools across the North Westwhich were struggling to overcomeparticular problems which were affectingtheir leadership.

“There are several things we aim for,”he comments. “One is to create a culturein the morning where students hurry toschool because it’s so good here thatthey’re keen to arrive; we have 96 per

cent attendance. Then at the end of theday they leave calm and orderly.

“We want them to be happy studentsand enjoy their childhood but there’s aserious side and that is focus on yourlearning. So I’m pleased to say they takeit seriously and in the words of St JohnBaptiste De La Salle, we should ‘treat allchildren as if they were the children ofkings’. The students at De La Salle are acredit to themselves and their families; Ihave lost count of the number of visitorsto the school who have commented onthe warmth and friendliness of thewelcome they have received.

“I also have to acknowledge the

outstanding contribution made by thestaff at De La Salle, both teaching andsupport staff. They are always open topersonal development and improvement,and the welfare and interests of thestudents are at the heart of everythingthe staff do. It is because of theiroutstanding performance that the GCSEresults keep rising and the CVA(contextual value added) is consistentlyamongst the top few per cent of schoolsnationally.”

“It really is about that personalsatisfaction in changing young peopleslives and that’s a wonderful, worthyprofession to be a part of.”

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Help and advice

In the final year ofprimary school it’snatural and healthyfor children tosearch for ways tobe independent. Formany children,walking to or fromschool themselves isgreat practice before they attempt the, usuallylonger, journey to secondary school. However, ifyou’re concerned about the traffic outside ofschool – rather than on the route itself – have aword with the headteacher to voice yourconcerns and explain that perhaps parentscould find somewhere safer to stop. In themeantime, quiz your son on road safety andfind out whether he can make the right choices.Then, when you’re confident, try letting himstart the journey a few paces ahead while youwalk behind him. If you have a dog to walk, orother children to drop off at the school or

nursery, then you have a ready excuse forfollowing him. If not, then don’t worry - you aresure to meet other parents following a similarstrategy. To avoid missing out on the news atthe school gates, try agreeing to walk togetherseveral days a week but to let him go ahead ofyou the other days. See how this arrangementworks, as the novelty of the routine may wearoff, and he may be happy to be accompaniedby you again. However, to try to develop hisindependence more generally, allow him to goon small, short errands for you – perhaps to aneighbour, or friend you trust. When it comesto ‘buried treasure’ such as reply slips andletters about school trips, frequently crumpledat the bottom of his schoolbag, encourage himto take more responsibility for his bag and forletters by going through it and checking foranything each evening, which he can then passon to you. This will stand him in good stead forsecondary school, when he’ll be receiving moreregular homework

Most secondary school pupils are issued with a planner, in which they record their timetable, andthe subjects for homework issued each day and the due date. If you go through this with himeach evening, asking him to briefly remind himself (rather than tell you) the tasks that have beenset, you can encourage him to decide when he will be completing the work (to fit sensibly aroundhis extra-curricular activities), before it is due. It may be a good idea, as some schools encourage,for you to tick off homework completed in the planner or diary so that you can both keep an eyeon the work that remains outstanding throughout the week. This also creates a real sense ofaccomplishment for any tricky or complicated projects. For homework that is issued as aworksheet, or by its nature requires pupils to get online, it can be more difficult to track. However,encourage your son to make a habit of writing a brief note in his planner such as, ‘English –Spellings on VLE (Virtual Learning Environment), or ‘Maths – Algebra Worksheet’. Another goodidea would be to store all homework sheets for every subject – in a thin, transparent folder in hisschoolbag. By doing so, even if he gets mixed up on the dates work is due, then completed workwill still be ready to hand in when needed.

My 10 year-old son is keen to be allowed to walk himself to school.Although it is only a short walk, with only a few minor roads tocross, I am concerned about the traffic parking outside the schoolgates at that time of the morning. Also, I feel that I’ve reallybenefitted from being able to accompany him to school in themornings and pick him up, because we have spent quality timetogether on the walk, and I’ve been able to meet and talk to hisfriends’ parents and his class teacher. What do you suggest?

I am writing to ask your advice on helpingmy 11 year-old son become more organisedfor school. He started secondary school inSeptember, and has received a fewdetentions for forgetting to do hishomework, or for forgetting to take it in ontime. He has a homework planner, buteven though he writes his homework in ithe sometimes forgets to take the work inwith him to the correct teacher on time. Now, at the start of thespring and summer term, I’m really keen to get him moreorganised and would like to do it in a way that also teaches him tobecome more independent. What is your advice?

We’ve recently moved houseand my 13 year-old daughterhas had to change schools. Iam worried about her startinga new school this term, in themiddle of the year, wheneveryone else has alreadymade friends. She is generallya happy and outgoing child,but she was reluctant to moveschools and I don’t want herwork or her confidence tosuffer. To add to the problem,she attends a dance class withfriends from her old school,and spends a lot of time atweekends with them. I’mworried that she won’t makenew friends while she still hassuch strong links with her oldclassmates. Please could yousuggest how we can help hersettle in to her new school?

It can be daunting to move schools in themiddle of the year but it is oftenunavoidable, and many pupils findthemselves in a similar position. It’s greatthat your daughter has such strongfriendships and a talent which she enjoyspractising and performing, as this willcertainly help her approach adolescencewith confidence and adapt to changingsituations throughout life. Continue tosupport and socialising with old friends, butencourage her to find new friends at schoolwho she can invite to your house for teaafter school one night. If you are taking herto school by car, see if she has any potentialnew friends who she could walk with, or ifshe could take the bus to school. If youbelieve that she is feeling less than confidentabout facing new classmates, lessons andteachers, try going into the school to meether new form tutor and ask for moreinformation about after school and lunchclubs. If she seems to struggle with thework, remind her that every school follows aslightly different curriculum so that she can’tbe expected to know everything abouttopics she hasn’t studied.

Dear Educate****************************************************

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School Ec WarriorsEducate Magazine takes a look at Eco School Warriors – we bring you

stories from local schools and groups as well as companies involved withthe environmental issues that are relevant in today’s society.

Each issue we bring you more stories about the environmental issues beingaddressed in schools and helping to raise awareness of the world we live inand how we can all help reduce our carbon footprints as well as advice on

recycling and other energy saving advice.

The Government in England wants every school to be a sustainable schoolby 2020 and many schools in Merseyside are facing up to that challenge and

starting their own environmental, garden and wildlife schemes andbecoming ‘School Eco Warriors’

Sponsored by

Classroom on waterMersey Ferries Wildlife Eco-Cruise set to start in SpringSchool pupils across Merseyside willsoon be able to set sail for aneducational wildlife eco-cruise.Commissioned by Mersey Ferries,the eco-cruise is due to start inSpring 2012.

Mersey Ferries in partnership withClimatlantic will run three, two-hour longcruises along Liverpool’s renownedwaterfront each year. Featuring topenvironmental experts and professionalRSPB field teachers, the Wildlife Eco-cruise creates a living classroom on thewater and will take place on 18th April,2nd May and 11th July 2012.

Chris Murphy, Partnership Officer atMerseytravel said: “After completing a

trial cruise over the summer, manyteachers expressed how much theyenjoyed the trip, both the educationalaspects and also seeing how childrenand students gained a betterunderstanding outside of the classroom,with experiencing it first-hand.

“The input we have received fromteachers and pupils has been essentialand we are excited to get started on thefirst of the cruises in the spring.”

As well as getting involved with birdwatching, plankton trawls and maritimeactivities with National Museums andGalleries, the Wildlife Eco-cruise will alsofocus on Liverpool’s Three Graces at thePier Head as well as Antony Gormley’s

‘Another Place’ on Crosby Beach, as thecruise observes the architectural andartistic landmarks that define our citydown the Mersey.

A Wildlife Eco-Cruise workbook isprovided free of charge to all passengersand is packed with educational fun andgames.

Climatlantic is part of a European-wide project in association with othercountries located along the Atlanticcoastline. Working in partnership withthese countries, the scheme allows anopportunity for learning anddevelopment on ways to reducecollective carbon footprints aroundEurope.

Sponsored by

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Investing in ourcommon future

www.climatlantic.co.uk

Step on board and enjoy a journey through Merseyside’swaterfront heritage as you investigate the local wildlifewithin the River Mersey’s diverse ecosystem.

Mersey Ferries in partnership with Climatlantic will be running two-hour long cruises alongLiverpool’s renowned waterfront. Featuring top environmental experts and professionalRSPB field teachers, the Wildlife Eco-cruise creates a living classroom on the water.

Climatlantic is part of a European wide project in association with other countrieslocated along the Atlantic coastline. Working in partnership with these countries, thescheme allows an opportunity for learning and development on ways to reduce collectivecarbon footprints around Europe.

Highlights of the Mersey Ferries Wildlife Eco-Cruise include:

• Birdwatching and talks with the RSPB – see up to 25 varieties of birds!

• Examine the Mersey’s ecosystem under the microscopeon the ‘Plankton Trawl’ with experts from National Museums and Galleries

• Burbo Bank Wind Farm and experts from Dong Energy discussing this new resource

• Fascinating commentary from Mersey Ferries on the history of thisrenowned passage

• Liverpool’s Three Graces – The best views of the UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Antony Gormley’s ‘Another Place’ on Crosby Beach

To book please call 0151 330 1444Advanced booking is required as places are limited.

Wildlife EcoCruiseThe perfect choice for a fun,educational day out

Free WildlifeEco-Cruise

workbook forpassengers

Departs

Prices

Pier Head, Liverpool at 10.00amand Seacombe at 10.15am

£7.00 per childOne free adult ticket for every 6 children’stickets (additional adults £7.00)

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Green noses are healthy

A green nose is a good sign, according to one Knowsleyprimary school.

Pupils at Holy Family primary in Halewood painted the tips oftheir noses for Walk to School Week.

Green Nose Day is a regular event for the school to promotehealthy living, such as walking to school and getting moreexercise. Another initiative at the school is “Would You Dare toWalk to School with Mad Hair?” where the pupils make their waywith messed up hair.

“We want to make these things as fun as possible,” said DianeReeves, learning mentor at the school.

“The children love it and I think it encourages more of them totake part.

“We do a lot about how to look after your health and the childrenare quite savvy about eating well, exercising and reducingpollution.”

A survey carried out by the pupils revealed that trafficcongestion at the start and end of the school day causes a lot ofproblems for local residents.

EloiseNicholasgoes greento Walk toSchool atHoly Familyprimary inHalewood.

Come and learn about what happens to your recycling A joint partnership between Veolia Environmental Services and Merseyside Waste Disposal Authority, the new Recycling Discovery Centre with its interactive experience and latest technology aims to educate children of all ages and the local community on the importance of recycling and protecting the natural environment.

The centre is based in Fazakerley in Liverpool and is open all year round for pre-booked visits. PLUS if you book a visit you can apply for a contribution to your travel costs to the centre. To book call:

T: 0151 651 3234

G

i

l

l

m

o

s

s

Recycling gets Top MarksCentre proves to be a big hit with schoolsThe Recycling Discovery Centres, which are a partnershipbetween Merseyside Recycling and Waste Authority andVeolia Environmental Services have proved successful inraising the profile of recycling amongst schools andcommunity groups in Merseyside. The two centreslocated at Bidston and Gillmoss have seen over 1500visitors in the past six months.

Visitors are able to grasp the importance and in depth detailof the recycling process from start to finish, whilst seeing it inaction through tours of the materials recovery facilities.Learning through play is promoted with the use of interactivegames and awareness raising activities.

Teachers have commented “the educational but fun approachkeeps the students engaged throughout the whole visit”. Thecentres offer a range of learning outside the classroomopportunities as well as covering numerous school subjectswhich are part of the National Curriculum and Key Stagethemes.

But it’s not just the students who are learning, teachers say ithas opened their eyes to the possibilities of recycling, andsuccessfully changed their behaviour both in school and athome.

The Education Officer at Veolia Environmental Services,Alistair Baker, explains “it’s great to see the students excitedabout recycling, they have the opportunity to make a realdifference to future recycling rates. The feedback I receivesuggests that many local schools have improved their recyclingfacilities as a result of a visit.”

“We can accommodate group sizes of up to 30, with a flexibleapproach to timings dependant on group needs andavailability”.

To book a visit contact [email protected], 0151651 3200. Alternatively, search ‘Recycling Discovery Centres’ onFacebook or Twitter for more information.

See the recycling process in action from the aerialwalkway

Sponsored by

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www.climatlantic.co.ukwww.climatlantic.co.ukwww.climatlantic.co.uk

Climatlantic is a partnership of European countries(Ireland, UK, Portugal, Spain and France) located along theAtlantic coastline that are working and learning from eachother to reduce their collective carbon footprints.

The website details Merseytravel’s partners’ projects likeAngouleme in France and how they are using electric carsin the town to reduce the amount of fuel consumption.

Examples from other countries are incorporated into the games, stories, forum and lesson activities. The aim is to help children share their ideas and activities with classmates locally and abroad.

The kids’ section for children and young people includes fun games called Carbon Cycle, Climate Chain and Eco-Explorer that introduce important issues.

www.climatlantic.co.uk is a fun and easy to use website for Primary and Secondary schoolchildren, school teachers, parents and carers in Merseyside, the UK and Europe. The website and interactivegames, commissioned by Merseytravel and designed by local agencySplinter Design is for people who want to find out more about theenvironment and smarter travel choices like using public transport,cycling and walking.

GO ON THE WEBSITE NOW

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BröadgreénÍntêrnãtiønalSçhòolA FIRST CLASS EDUCATION------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------

Telephone: +44 (0) 151 228 6800Enquiries@BroadgreenInternationalSchool.comwww.BroadgreenInternationalSchool.com

Broadgreen International SchoolA Technology CollegeQueens Drive Liverpool L13 5UQ United Kingdom

Sixth Form Open EveningThursday 9th February 20126.00pm – 8.00pm

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When does fifteen plus five equal‘Two’? No it’s not a maths quandaryit’s the number of students and thenumber of weeks that BroadgreenInternational School took to put on‘Two’, Jim Cartwright’s acclaimedplay. As part of their InternationalBaccalaureate the sixth formstudents had just over a month tocreate the array of characters thatappear in the highly charged scenesset in a gritty Northern pub. Fromthe emotionally scarred landlordand landlady to the irrepressiblyflirtatious Moth and manipulatedlove struck Maudie the studentstackled the roles with focus andflair. In a relatively short amount oftime they worked hard as anensemble to create a piece that wasboth challenging and entertainingand the audience really appreciatedtheir efforts.

HIGHLYCHARGED!

Broadgreen play has a gritty array of characters

The cast assemble to receive some last minute diirectors notes

Moth tries and fails to woo thecrowd with his dancing skills

KristianWilliams as

the Old Man

Alice paystribute tothe king

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PUTTING ON A SHOW

Music and dance extravaganza

GET INTO THE SWINGSt John’s Catholic Primary School DanceClub has been going for nearly two yearsgrowing from just over twenty girls andboys to over fifty at present. EmmaWarrington is a professional dance teacheremployed by the school taking both the KS1 and KS 2 groups in this after schoolactivity. This Christmas the children put on a dance show which was a great successattended by over seventy parents andrelatives who marvelled at the progress the children have made to perform their show. Emma commented, “I feel soproud of them, they have all worked really hard to perform so well, the kids are brilliant!” The children are nowlooking forward to their Easter show later this year.

BAND VISIT TO BECKArchbishop Beck Catholic College Musicprogramme has experienced great success overmany years. And 2011 was no exception andculminated in a special visit to the College by anAustralian High school Symphonic Band.At the beginning of December the Collegewelcomed the Camberwell High SchoolSymphonic Band, from Melbourne Australia.They presented a combined concert in theCollege sports hall, but before that they weretreated to a local dish, appropriately called“scouse” when both groups had a musician’s tea.Director of Music Bruce Hicks at ArchbishopBeck, (himself an Australian), spoke highly ofthe event and ofthe veryentertaining andrewarding timeboth groups hadtogether. Theplayers then joinedtogether to play anitem en masse -with well over 80players performinga MerseysideAnthem “You’llnever walk alone”.

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FUN ANDLAUGHTER

Prove to be the best medicine

YOU SHALL GO TO THE BALL

Staff and students at Holly Lodge Girl’s College inWest Derby took to the stage to perform a modernversion of Cinderella. They performed for two nights to an audience of over400 who were left spellbound and aching with laughterfrom the wonderful performances. Year 11 BTEC Art students also worked extremelyhard in creating amazing unique costumes for thecast!

GOING GAGA FOR YOGA

Over one hundred pupils from StLawrence Primary school, Kirkdaletook part in a special “Being Well andStaying Safe” week recently.The weeks activities ranged fromyoga sessions, the “fun food chef”popping in to show how to cookhealthy meals, special lessons aboutthe importance of eating healthily,the dangers of smoking, theimportance of dental hygiene andeven how to stay safe online.Organiser Jo Campbell said: “Wewanted to hold this special week ofactivities because the area faces hugehealth challenges, and it’s importantwe get our young people into goodhabits at an early age”.

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Schools from the region celebratedChristmas in festive style.Events ranged from the traditionalnativity plays to christingle servicesand the collection for OperationChristmas Child boxes for those lesswell off. Bellerive FCJ College evenhad a Llama in their Nativity.Also taking place where theBroadgreen International SchoolChristmas Santa Dash and theMosspits Primary Christmas Fayre,whilst children from St Albert’sPrimary School, Stockbridge Villagebecame ‘Toy-testers’ for the day’.Whatever the event all agreed thatit was a wonderful and colourfulChristmas.

THECHRISTMAS

STORY

St Alberts Primaryschool Christmastoy testers

Broadgreen International School Santa Dash

Belvedere pupilswith a van loadof Shoeboxes forthe OperationChristmas Childcharity

Bellerive FCJ CollegeChristmas Nativity - Marywas portrayed by MacyIwiedibo and Joseph byEdward Chihumbiri

St Vincent’s SchoolNativity

St Christopher’s, Spekewith Snow White andthe Eight Dwarfs

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Childwall C of E PrimaryNativity play

St Vincent de Paul, LiverpoolNativity play this year called,“Whoops a Daisy- FallenAngel”

Knowsley Centre forLearning shoeboxappeal

The BluecoatChristmasconcert

Our Lady’s Primary,Prescot entertain

shoppers at LiverpoolOne shopping centre

St Anne’s OverburyStreet ChristmasChristingle service

Springwood Heath PrimarySchool nativity

Mosspits Primary ParentsAssociation Winter Fair

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Gateacre's latest spectacular Musicand Drama Christmas productionwas ‘Bugsy Malone’ which tookplace in their new theatre.The production saw over 150talented students of all agessing, dance, play music andchoreograph the show. Students alsoworked on lighting, sound, stagemanagement, set, props andcostume design.Collaboratively, the students pulledtogether an outstanding productionattended by families and friendsalong with the local community atthe first production in their brandnew school.Everyone had a great time and thepupils really outdid themselves toplenty of audience laughter andcheer.

“WHAT A HITSHOW”

Bugsy Malone productionproves a hit

Jazzy Jeff and The Temperance 17.

Fizzy played byJosh Simpson

The Grand Slam dancers

Jack Dodd, Danielle Bowers and James Kewley playing Bugsy Malone, Louella and Dandy Dan

Blousy Brownplayed byTaylor Burke

The Ventrilioquistand Dummy playedby Catrina Kenwardand Jamie Pike

Knuckles and Fat Samplayed by Nathan Jacksand Louis Crawford

Don’t mess withthe mob!

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Everton Valley L4 4EZ Telephone: 0151 263 3104 Fax: 0151 260 [email protected] www.notredameliverpool.com

Headteacher: Mrs F Harrison BSc (Hons) NPQH

SixthForm Open EveningThursday 9th February 2012- Starts 6.00pm

Notre Dame Catholic College Established1869

AH QU'IL EST LEBON DIEUBON

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Liverpool Empire Theatre recentlyopened its doors to 100 13-16-year-olds as part of the Skills Academyfor Creative & Cultural’s ‘OffstageChoices’ programme.The project offers young people ataste of the wide range of jobsavailable behind the scenes intechnical theatre and live music.The pupils met and experienced thework of a number of professionals,sharing tips and offering the chanceto experience working outside thespotlight. Andrew Rawlinson, GeneralManager at the Liverpool Empire,said: “We are proud to be part of‘Offstage Choices’ and welcomingthem into our fantastic venue andmaybe even a career in the theatreindustry”.

LIFE BEHINDTHE CURTAIN

Theatre opens its doors for aglimpse behind the scenes

That’s a wrap!

Ladies and gentlmenmay I present!

Keeping the audienceenthralled

Take a bow

The workshop alsocovered technical

support

Students run through theirlines for the next scene

Warmup exercises

Testing, testing 1 2 3

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CALDERSTONES SCHOOLA Specialist Science College

Harthill Road, Liverpool L18 3HSTel: 0151 724 2087

Take acloser lookCalderstones Specialist Science Collegehas excellent facilities including 15 ScienceLaboratories, extensive Sports provision, Art rooms and Drama facilities. Our examresults are amongst the best in Liverpool andwe always aim to offer each pupil as manyopportunities as possible both inside andoutside the classroom.

“The school’s true commitment to ensuring that all studentshave equal opportunities to reach their potential is at theheart of everything it does.Students are known as individuals and feel extremely safebecause of the school’s outstanding provision for their care,guidance and support.”

OFSTED November 2010

For a prospectus call 0151 724 2087or visit www.calderstones.co.uk

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Calderstones School held itsinaugural Cultural festival inDecember 2011. The event featuredmusic, food, dance, drama,activities and displays from acrossthe world, drawing on the wealthof diversity within the harmonious,multicultural school population.The event, co-ordinated by MissYork, head of year 11, was an idealopportunity for pupils, parents,staff and the local community togain an understanding of differentcultureswith interactive displays andtraditional costumes on show.Sharon Maguire, deputy headcommented: “Calderstones iscommited to ensuring that allstudents have an equal opportunityto reach their potential and this isat the heart of all that we do”

CULTURALFESTIVAL

Diversity within theharmonious

Henna decoration display

Origami on the Japanesemarket stall

GCSE students performa Bollywood routine

A thriving worldmarketplace

Local Yemenimusiciansentertain thecrowd

Miss Day and pupil WeronikaKozinska in traditional Polishcostume

Daniel Pye singsFrank Sinatra

TraditionalBretoncostumeson theFrancemarketstall

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The Liverpool Music SupportService have been providingmusic education in the city forover 40 years. With our expertinstrumental and vocal tuition,free instrument loans and a wide variety of excitingperformance opportunities, we encourage young people to make music together and, in turn, help to nurture some of the finest young musicians in our city.

CLASSES AVAILABLE FROMSeptember 2011 to July 2012

Let’smakesomenoise

For further information call 0151 207 8580 or email [email protected]

“The best thing we have donein terms of music provision.”Paul Anderson, Headteacher at Northway Primary School

liverpoolmusicsupportservice.com

AH QU'IL EST LEBON DIEUBON

IN ASSOCIATION WITH NOTRE DAME CATHOLIC COLLEGEAH QU'IL EST LEBON DIEUBON

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Liverpool Music Support Service, inassociation with Notre DameCatholic College, have launchedtheir spacious new premises inEverton. Resonate Music &Creativity Studio, which will notonly enable LMSS to flourish butalso allow for a greater range of on-site activity and learning to takeplace, all under one roof.LMSS is working in partnershipwith Liverpool Philharmonic ondeveloping Liverpool’s future plansfor music education and wasdelighted to welcome VasilyPetrenko, Chief Conductor of theRoyal Liverpool Philharmonic toofficially open the new facility.

RESONATESTUDIOS

Vasily Petrenko officially opens new resource

Vasily Petrenko with ‘Chronic’(L to R) Ashley Hancox, Liam

Kelly and Mark Naylor from StMargarets C of E High School

Jonathan Dickson (LMSS), Cllr JohnMcIntosh and Francis Harrison

Pat Naylor, Mel Rooney andJean Tremarco (LMSS)

Collette Peaker, Lesley Bentley, AlfWestwell, Francis Harrison, Bruce Gilham,Andy Rannard and Patrick Kerney ofNotre Dame Catholic College

Above: MarkNaylord of StMargaret’s C

of E HighSchool

The LMSS Team at Resonate

JonathanDickinson(LMSS)

Vasily Petrenko withJonathan Dickson

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The Blue Coat SchoolNot For Oneself but for All

Sixth FormInformationEveningTuesday 17th January 2012 at 5pm

Do you want the opportunityto achieve excellentAdvanced Level results in astimulating academicatmosphere? Then join us atour Sixth Form InformationEvening for externalapplicants where you canfind out what we have tooffer.

Open EveningThursday 5th July 2012 at6pm

YEAR 7 ADMISSIONS 2013The School will hold itsAnnual Open Evening onThursday 5th July 20126.00pm-8.30pm.Presentations will takeplace at 6.15pm, 7.00pm,7.30pm & 8.00pm

Requests for an ApplicationForm will be available on thisevening, for parents of boysand girls considering entry toThe Blue Coat School in 2013

The Blue Coat School, Church Road, Wavertree, Liverpool L15 9EETelephone: 0151 733 1407 Website: www.bluecoatschoolliverpool.org.uk

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In October 2011, 18 year 13 pupilsand three members of staff fromBroadgreen International Schoolheaded off for a fantastic adventurein Southern India. For some pupils,it was the first time they hadexperienced such a diverse cultureand environment. The pupilsrelished the opportunity to dealwith different scenarios andsituations, which really tested theircharacter.During the visit, they attended five

schools and were overwhelmed bythe welcome they received by all ofthe staff and the children. It wasnot unusual to be greeted by a fullprocession of musicians, singingand dancing.

ASIANADVENTURES

Broadgreen pupils experienceculture at first hand

Football - theinternational language

Mia with pupils from NSS High School

Working together - St Thomas Highand Broadgreen pupils

Meal time atJanasevaOrphange

Typical morning assemblyat SNDP Up School, Kerala

Holly, Rachel and Hollyenjoy an elephant ride

p83-96:covers 13/1/12 08:01

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Girls orange handbag£20, Claires

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Stockists claires.com, currys.co.uk, kidscavern.co.uk, newlook.com, next.co.uk, marksandspencer.com, riverisland.com

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p83-96:covers 13/1/12 14:08

Education News

A lot has beendocumented about how21st century learners areable to collaborate,appreciate a trial anderror approach to learningand learn by doingsomething.

We are told we need toharness technology such asthe flipped classroom andweb 2.0, also to utilise socialmedia tools such as twitterin order to engage with our21st century students.

iblossom believe teachersare 21st century learners too.Teachers also want to betaught differently.

They too look to theinternet when they have athirst for knowledge and usesocial media sites such as

Twitter, Facebook and Ningto connect with otherteachers and share ideas andtools. Teachers also learn bydoing and their technologytraining should reflect this.

With this in mind iblossomtrainer’s work in partnershipwith schools and academiesto build tailor made CPDprogrammes.

Working with departmentsand individuals finding outwhat tools best suit theirneeds and coach andsupport them in usingtechnology in the classroom.

With St Aidans, C of EAcademy teachers had avaried level of skills in ICTwhen opening in their newbuilding. iblossomconducted a training needs

21st Century Teachersiblossom Training are taking a revolutionary approach totraining teachers in the use of technology

Junior ChefsAcademyDelivering fun, educational, hands on workshopsto hundreds of North West Primary schools

Themes inc. 2012 Olympic Power foods/ Fairtrade /Krazy kitchen science/ Food Miles /Multicultural and many more...

Tel: 07754-411710Web: www.juniorchefsacademy.co.ukEmail: [email protected]

analysis and set out a plan,which involved a mixture ofgroup workshops, coachingand departmental projects.

The results were amazingwith every teacher learningand more importantly usinga new ICT skill. This rangedfrom recording a video ofkneading bread and placingthis on the whiteboard forstudents to replay tocreating a wiki for a schooltrip.

You don’t have to investin expensive equipment, alot of the tools which aremost valuable are free andonline. Here are someamazing tools you can startusing today:

www.livebinder.com -Online storage tool whereyou can store links towebsites and documents allfor free!

www.wordle.net -Amazing word clouds fromtext, the more frequent thewords the larger it willappear. This is really gainingpopularity within theeducation community.

www.prezi.com - Bored ofPowerPoint try thesezooming presentations.

iblossom offer a number oftraining workshops including

new iPad courses. Theywork with you to determinewhat it is you want yourstaff to be able to dofollowing the course, thisensures you get a servicetailored to you.

For more useful toolsfollow our blog at www.i-blossom.co.ukOr follow us on twitter@iblossomt

Clare Amin of iblossom


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Education News

It’s a FACTFACT (Foundation for Art andCreative Technology) has beenleading the UK video, film and newmedia arts scene for 20 years withgroundbreaking exhibitions,education and research projects. Theorganisation aims to pioneer newforms of artistic and social interactionwith individuals and communities.

FACT’s Schools and Learningprogramme focuses on the creative useand critical understanding of film, art andcreative technology. Education projectsat FACT cater for both pupils andteachers - and are delivered bypractitioners such as speakers, presentersand, primarily, artists with a developedphilosophical practice of their own. FACTprovides schools and colleges with eventsand resources that complement itsexhibition and film programmes, enhancecurriculum work and stimulate an interestin, and understanding of, moving imageculture.

The programme aims to offer multi-disciplinary opportunities that fit withinthe national curriculum, collaborate withteachers to develop cross-curricularactivities and projects and inspire andengage new audiences in film, video and

new media. FACT can come to your school to

deliver day-long skills based workshops toyour class. All workshop leaders arepracticing artists or industry experts withexperience working in education settings

As well as offering workshops andscreenings FACT works to commissionyoung people, teachers and students to

create artworks to be exhibited alongsidethe work of national and internationalartists.

If you are interested in working withFACT or would like further informationplease contact Anna Kronenburg (Schoolsand Learning Co-ordinator)[email protected] / 0151 7074417

Animation workshops atThe Academy of StFrancis of Assisi

Just off Bold Street...-

88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQfact.co.uk / 0151 707 4464

awesome-art-hubbooming-blockbusterstactile-technologiespeoples-playspacefantastic-futurefest

come & play


p83-96:covers 13/1/12 12:40


Education News

No nonsense in the classroomEdward Lear brought back to lifePeter Casey has taught drama in Liverpool schools for 35years. He is a teacher, actor, writer and director who hasextensive experience of working with children of allages.

Peter set up Blindseer Productions in order to bring excitingcharacterisation and storytelling into the classroom tostimulate children's desire to learn.

To celebrate the bicentenary of Edward Lear (born 12th May1812) Peter will be resurrecting the master of nonsense versefor schools throughout 2012, spending the full day with

Dmitri in action

students, delivering the great man's verse and helping them tocreate their own poems in the style of Lear.

Last year Peter added the gloriously eccentric and hirsuteDmitri Mendeleev to his repertoire of famous scientistsincluding Galileo, Darwin and Einstein available for schoolvisits and now there is Lear.

Peter will spend a full day, in character, with your students,informing them on the history of the characters themselves aswell as their teachings.

To find out more about Peter Casey coming to your schoolvisit www.blindseerproductions.com

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Viewpoint

Ofsted announces plans for no-notice inspection for schools

Sir Michael Wilshaw HMCIOfsted has been moving towards a position of unannounced schoolinspection over a period of years. I believe the time is now right for usto take that final step and make sure that for every school we visitinspectors are seeing schools as they really are in the corridors,classrooms and staff room. With our new Parent View online questionnaire we can now make thischange and have confidence that we can still consider the views ofparents during inspections. Ofsted already has considerable experiencein undertaking unannounced inspections and we know it works. Withthis further change, parents and all those interested in what ishappening in our schools can have absolute confidence in Ofsted’sfindings.'

Sally Beevers, Headteacher Broadgreen International SchoolSchools are regularly inspected by Ofsted Inspectors and currentlyreceive only a couple of days’ notice. Schools work extremely hard toensure that all their students are given every opportunity to achieve tothe best of their ability and it is this that drives school improvement,not the “threat” of an imminent Ofsted inspection. The process ofinspection works most effectively when it is based on trust and respect.The concern is that the introduction of this initiative may beunderpinned by the belief that giving schools a period of notice allowsthem to somehow “cheat” the system.It would be most beneficial to be able to work with Sir Michael ratherthan having changes imposed on schools without due consultation.Teachers are already fully committed to continuing improvements inteaching and learning and it is rather disappointing that Sir Michaelfeels even more pressure is necessary without perhaps considering thefull implications of his proposals.

Russell Hobby, General Secretary of the NAHT (NationalAssociation of Head Teachers)It is disturbing to see Ofsted change its position in a matter of days andsuggests the policy has been created with an eye more to the sound-bite than the evidence. If a school could conceal evidence ofwidespread failure in just two days then the whole concept ofinspection is flawed and Ofsted's protestations that it examinesprogress and behaviour over the long-term ring hollow. It will reducethe school's ability to engage with the inspection (through a pre-inspection briefing, for example, or setting up team meetings). And it isthis engagement which translates inspection judgements into realimprovements. Unless inspection leads to such improvements it is awaste of time. The Parent View questionnaire is a deeply flawedalternative. There is no way to verify that it is completed by parents orprovides a representative view of opinions on the school.

Catherine Chapman, Deputy Headteacher, Gateacre SchoolWe welcome No-Notice inspections as we’re very proud of whathappens on a daily basis in our school. Visitors often comment on theexcellent working atmosphere at Gateacre. The only problem I foreseeis if the school has something significantly ‘different’ happening on thedays of the inspection such as a whole school sports day, it means theywill not see our great students and teachers in the classroom.

Ofsted’s new Chief Inspector, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has announced plans to introduce no-noticeinspections for all regular school inspections from September 2012. Arguments say that this will putundue pressure on teachers not knowing when the inspectors will visit their schools.

Have your say:To suggest or contribute toa topic for debate inViewpoint email us at: [email protected] to view our on-line poll visit: www.educatemagazine.com

Since the first Ofsted schoolinspections in 1992 therehas been a steady journeytowards unannouncedvisits. Initially, schoolsreceived over a year’snotice of inspectors turningup. Over time this shiftedto six to eight weeks’notice and then, from 2005,around two days.As part of the changesintroduced in 2009, Ofstedconsulted extensively onno-notice inspections andalso piloted unannouncedvisits. They commented:“We found a great deal ofsupport for the move. Atthat time, however, wecould not overcome theimportant issue of beingable to get parents’ viewsas part of the process. Withthe introduction of our newParent View onlinequestionnaire last year,parents can now sharetheir opinions of theirchild’s school at any time,making a move to no-noticeinspections possible”.The details of how thechanges will work will formpart of a wider consultationon the future of inspectionthat will be announced incoming weeks.

Sir MichaelWilshaw

Russell Hobby

Sally Beevers

Catherine Chapman


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To order the education pack call the Community Links Team on 0151 330 1200or write to: Community Links Team, Merseytravel, 24 Hatton Gardens, Liverpool L3 2AN

A new platform for learningwith Merseytravel Educational Resources

PLATFORM CALLING AT

Each guide plays a part in the curriculum of the school as well as offering pupils useful skills and knowledge for life’s journey ahead.

p83-96:covers 13/1/12 08:03


Book Review by Jennifer Dobson

In association with

5-8 YearsHank Zipzer the World’s Greatest Underachiever and theCrazy Classroom Cascade by Henry Winkler - £4.99According to ten-year-old Hank Zipzer, there are many reasons why he shouldn't have to dohomework, e.g. every pen he owns has run out of ink, his thoughts are controlled by alienbeings, he's allergic to lined paper...Or could it just be that Hank has dyslexia and doesn'twant to look stupid? This is the first book in the highly acclaimed series. You’ll laugh yoursocks off!

Opal Moonbaby by Maudie Smith - £6.99 Martha's decided friends are stupid. Especially if they're anything like Colette and Chloe. Shenever wants another friend. Ever. But it's the first day of the summer holidays, and there's notthat much to do...until she spots a strange little furry creature who leads her to OpalMoonbaby. Read on and find out more!

The Diabolical Mr Tiddles by Tom McLaughlin - £5.99 Meet Mr Tiddles - he's not your everyday cat. He's a cat with attitude! When Harry gets a catof his own, he does everything to make Mr Tiddles happy. Mr Tiddles wants to make Harryhappy too. He brings him little presents ...the odd ones too. A train set, a bizarre mouse,expired that is! A fun book that will keep you giggling!

Are you a librarian, teacher or purchasing manager? Do you buy books for your business or institution? Waterstones Liverpool offers a comprehensive account sales service. Contact Elaine Green, Children's Department, Liverpool ONE, 12 College Lane, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 3DL. Tel: 0151 709 9820

9-12 Years FictionThe Cupcake Diaries by Coco Simon - £5.99 Sometimes starting from scratch turns out to be the icing on the cupcake. It's Katie Brown'sfirst day at her new school and she's already feeling miserable. Her best friend Callie has beeninvited to join the Popular Girls Club and Katie's been left out in the cold. Is their anUnpopular Girls Club she can join? The only thing that makes Katie special is the cupcakethat her mum gives her. A really nice little story.

The Flight of Dragons by Vivian French - £5.99 Marcus, Prince of Gorebreath, has a plan - he wants to take Gracie Gillypot on an adventurefor her birthday, preferably to see a dragon or two. But then he discovers that there may be adragon's egg somewhere within the Five Kingdoms and, what's more, it could be due tohatch at any minute! Read on for fun and mayhem!

The Blue Comet by Rosemary Wells - £10.99 One day in a house at the end of Lucifer Street, on the Mississippi River side of Cairo, Illinois,eleven-year-old Oscar Ogilvee's life is changed forever. The Crash of 1929 has rippled acrossthe country, and Oscar's dad must sell their home - with all their cherished model trains - andhead west in search of work. Forced to move in with his aunt things in his world take on adistracting change and Oscar is set on a journey to travel from coast to coast. Riveting!

Teenage FictionThe Weight of Water by Sarah Crossan - £6.99 Armed with a suitcase and an old laundry bag filled with clothes, Kasienka and her motherhead for England. Life is lonely for Kasienka. At home her mother's heart is breaking and atschool friends are scarce. But when someone special swims into her life, Kasienka learns thatthere might be more than one way for her to stay afloat. A new classic.

Night School by C J Daugherty - £6.99 When everyone is lying, who can you trust? Allie Sheridan's world is falling apart. She hatesher school. Her brother has run away from home. And she's just been arrested. Again. Thistime her parents have finally had enough. They cut her off from her friends and send her awayto a boarding school for problem teenagers. And then there’s the secretive Night School, butwho can she trust?

India Dark by Kirsty Murray - £6.99 A story of secrets, lies and lost innocence. MADRAS, 1910: Posey Swift and Tilly Sweetrick arecaught up in a scandal that will change their lives forever. Singing and dancing across ahundred stages as members of a troupe of Australian child performers, they travel by steamtrain into the heart of India. But as one disaster follows another, money runs short and tempersfray. What must the girls do to break free and also protect themselves! An unusual tale.

p83-96:covers 13/1/12 08:04


WHERE CAN WE GO?Your guide to what’s happening out & about in Merseyside

FU

TU

RE

EV

EN

TS

7th-11th FebruaryLiverpool EmpireTheatre, Liverpool0844 871 3017

Back by popular demand!Starring Claire Sweeney,Les Dennis & Ray Quinn!The international award-winning hit LegallyBlonde The Musical goeson tour. Winner of 7 majorawards including BestMusical 2011 (OlivierAwards) this all-singing,all-dancing romanticcomedy is about knowingwho you are and showingwhat you've got!

Legally Blonde

21st JanuaryMuseum of LiverpoolPier Head, Liverpool0151 478 4545

Liverpool’s Hung GarKung Fu Club perform alion dance to celebrateChinese New Year.Since forming in 1970the Liverpool Hung GarKung Fu club hasperformed a LionDance display inLiverpool's chinatownevery Chinese new year,this year they perform forthe first time at theMusuem of Liverpool.

Lion Dance - Chinese New Year

Festival of Olympic Sports22nd JanuaryEcho Arena LiverpoolFree Event0151 233 5433

This festival event will bring a real Olympic feel to the city,giving everybody the opportunity to celebrate the OlympicGames, sporting excellence and to encourage grassrootsparticipation.On display will be a wide range of NGB exhibitors and Olympicsports demonstrations and there will also be taster sessions foreveryone to enjoy and get involved in.National Governing Bodies and Sports Development officers willalso be on hand to offer a range of information and advice about taking up a sport or joining a club.Also present will be past and present Liverpool Olympians including gymnast Beth Tweddle, highjumper Steve Smith and swimmer Steve Parry.

Not to be

missedColumn31st March 2012 (Date to be confirmed)East FloatWirral WatersBirkenheadWirralCH41 1BP

Forming part of the Cultural Olympiad, 'Column' byAnthony McCall will be sited in East Float, within theBirkenhead Docks.'Column' will be a spinning column of cloud, rising intothe sky as far as the eye can see from the surface ofWirral Waters. A landmark taller than Blackpool Tower, itwill be visible across the North West region and beyond.'Column' is part of Artists taking the lead, a series of 12public art commissions across the UK to celebrate theLondon 2012 Cultural Olympiad. Artists taking the leadis an Arts Council England initiative, in partnership withthe Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Creative Scotlandand the Arts Council of Wales.

MustSee

Swallows and Amazons 27th-31st MarchLiverpool Playhouse, Williamson Square, L1 1EL0151 709 4776

Great

one to

watch

All aboard TheSwallow!Follow CaptainJohn and hisable crew asthey set sail toWildcat Islandon an exoticadventure toencountersavages, capture dastardly pirates and defeat mortalenemies. An action-packed musical adventure for thewhole family, Swallows and Amazons is a story of anidyllic era, of endless summer evenings and the beautyof youthful imagination.Swallows and Amazons is presented by the Children’sTouring Partnership whose recent production ofGoodnight Mister Tom received public and criticalacclaim.

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FILM REVIEW GAME REVIEW

25th FebruaryUnity Theatre1 Hope Place, Liverpool0151 707 0427

A young girl, a hungry wolf,and a walk through thewoods - it sounds like arecipe for disaster, but RedRiding Hood’s not scared…well maybe she’s a little bitscared. A gorgeouslyrendered re-telling of theclassic girl-and-the-wolftale. Exquisite visuals blendwith pantomime-stylesilliness and spookymoments to create anenchanting piece of theatre.

Red Riding Hood

20th-22nd AprilLiverpool City Centre0151 233 2008

A giant story of loveinspired by the Titanicwill take over Liverpool’sstreets. The world’sleading street theatrecompany is creating anevent which will be thebiggest of its kind in theUK in 2012.A Little Girl Giant willtake to the city streets ina spectacular producedspecially for Liverpool byrenowned marionetteexperts Royal De Luxe.

Sea Odyssey

12th February Liverpool Philharmonic,Hope Street, Liverpool0151 709 3789

As athletes gear up forthe world stage,preparing and practisingto excel and to win goldmedals in London weinvite you to join themassed choir of Sing LiveMerseyside as theyperform some of the bestsporting anthemsincluding ‘Proud’ theofficial theme for GB’sOlympic Bid

Sporting Anthems to Welcome the 2012 Games

The Legend ofZelda:SkywardSword

Nintendo Wii

Verdict:★★★★✩By Andy Kelly

Skyward Sword stays true to the Zelda formula,carrying many of the same strengths andweaknesses that have been present for years.When a twister plucks Zelda out of the sky, events areset in motion that only Link, her trusted friend, hasthe power to rise up against, but this is not yourtypical Zelda story. There is no damsel in distresshere. Zelda is every bit Link's equal, and as thepieces of her own quest slowly come into focus, youappreciate the stirring sacrifice that both of thesecharacters make. The supporting cast members -made up of an absurdly evil villain and one-notecitizens - don't resonate in quite the same way. Butthis is still a well-written story that calls forth avariety of emotions on your quest to free the worldfrom evil. For those who loved the original Zelda, you will lovethe new quest, Skyward Sword still feels like anostalgic retread. Those yearning for something newwill be disappointed, but anyone thirsty for anotherexciting adventure will find plenty to enjoy here.

War Horse 12A

Director: StevenSpielbergStarring: BenedictCumberbatch, DavidKross, David Thewlis,Emily Watson, JeremyIrvine, Niels Arestrup,Peter Mullan,

Verdict: ★★★★✩By Andy Kelly

Steven Spielberg’s lush, moving and epic adaptationof Michael Morpurgo’s acclaimed book is a realsentimental movie.But despite the fact that it is largely set amidst the mud-and-blood of the battlefields of World War I it is anold-fashioned family film brimming with values and a veryBritish love for animals.At the outbreak of World War I, Joey, young Albert’sbeloved horse, is sold to the cavalry and shipped toFrance. He’s soon caught up in enemy fire, and fate takeshim on an extraordinary journey, serving on both sidesbefore finding himself alone in no man’s land.But Albert cannot forget Joey and, still not old enough toenlist, he embarks on a treacherous mission to thetrenches to find him and bring him home.The horse stranded in the battlefield caught in the barbedwire leads to the film’s most powerful and movingmoment as a German and an English soldier have a brieftruce as they cut him free.Spielberg – as always - packs his film with beautifully shotscenes, never dwelling on the realistic bloody horrors ofWorld War I, but instead dwelling on an intense bondbetween one young man and his very special horse.

25th MarchFloral Pavilion TheatreNew Brighton0151 666 0000

The Mayor of Wirral’sSpecial Charity presentan evening of spectacularentertainment performedby the youth ofMerseyside. If you arelooking for a great familynight out Spotlight onYouth is one of thepremier children’s varietyshows that showcasesthe many talentedyoungsters we have onMerseyside.

Spotlight On Youth 2012

p83-96:covers 13/1/12 08:04

My School:Cardinal HeenanCatholic HighSchool,SportsCollege,Liverpool.

My Favourite Teacher:That would have to be Mr Mewton, hereally inspired me to aim high and achievemy best.

Favourite Subject at School:Surprisingly it was art, I loved art, though Inever really wanted to be an artist, it wassomething I enjoyed.

Were you streetwise or a bit of a geek?Definitely streetwise, I grew up

in Toxteth and you hadto be streetwisebut it also taught

me to do well atschool.

My FavouriteChildhood

Singer/Band:I was never really into

music but I loved themusic my parents used to

play, people likeLionel Richie and

Earth, Wind and Fire.

My Favourite Extra-Curricular Activity:

Basketball was my favourite after schoolpast-time, I joined the Toxteth Tigers at ayoung age and really enjoyed it.

Do you remember your first school crush?One of my school teachers who shallremain anonymous, going to an all boysschool it had to be a teacher.

My Favourite Book:I am not really a big reader, I enjoy readingbut there has never really been anything,as yet, that has gripped my attention.

School Dinners:I loved them at senior school.

My Ambitions at School:Although I really enjoyedart I always wanted todo well at basketball, Ihave been lucky totravel and visit manyplaces around the world- it’s like going on holidayand getting paid.

My School DaysDavid Aliu – Basketball

Mersey Tigers captainand local lad DavidAliu became theMersey Tigers all-timerecord points scorer inthe BBL in December,and he’s showing nosigns of stopping justyet. He also made his100th appearance forthe Mersey Tigers thismonth.Daliu started playingbasketball at the ageof 14 in his home townof Liverpool, playingfor local side ToxtethTigers. He landed ascholarship in theUSA, playing at theNotre Dame Academy

High School inVirginia, beforemoving on to andgraduating fromMorehead StateUniversity in 2004.Throughout David’scareer he has playedin Italy, Iceland, Spainand Switzerland,amongst a spell inScotland with theRocks and two spellsin his home city withthe Tigers.David and his team-mates are currentlytouring Merseysideschools holdingcoaching sessions.

p83-96:covers 13/1/12 15:59

p83-96:covers 13/1/12 08:05

p83-96:covers 13/1/12 11:24

educate issue 16

Documents

copyright mersey mirror

email andy

educatefreethe magazine

page 1p01

advertising sales jo

school eco warriorsschools

dr simon hulmewhose

henry street