Spring/Summer 2015 Newsletter - web friendly (quicker to view on
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Spring/Summer 2015 Newsletter - web friendly (quicker to view on
Blue River Academy Spring/Summer 2015 Welcome Inside this issue 1.Precious lives presentation 2.Callum’s story 3.Mitchell Siviter 4.Students at the restaurant 5.Helping the homeless 6.Magic breakfast talks 7.Outstanding Awards! 8.Magic Breakfast further on 9.Attendance at Blue River 10. Sara Park English exams 11. “I’ll get by with the little” 12. Positive Destinations 13. Jungle challenge 14. The Pump and Drayton Manor Reward 15. Predicted GCSE Grades 16. Student Comments 17. Daniel Green 18. Level 2 first aid course 19. 2015 GCSE progress info-graphics 20. Job Adverts 21. Blue River contact details Precious lives presentation The prep Centre Students received a visit from PC Rob Pedley ( West Midlands police ), May 2015; who delivered a captivating presentation, called: “Precious lives”. PC Pedley talked about young people understanding the consequences of their actions and making the right choice. He highlighted that knife crime was extremely rare: however, for those caught up in such crimes, the outcome was inevitably tragic. As part of the presentation; Alison Cope, a mother who tragically lost her son Joshua Ribera, also gave a talk. She shared her story with the students, Alison painstaking described how much her son’s loss has impacted her and to those who loved him. This served as a stark warning to our students. The students remarked: “ Depzman, was a popular local Rapper – what a tragic waste ……….. “ (Kyham) “ I felt very sorry for the mother – she looked very upset, even though it had been almost a year since her son was killed …………..” (Dominic) “ It was very sad - it makes you think …..” (Dan) Callum’s story Callum Cassidy, was a student who originally attended Blue River in the Autumn Term, following incidents that removed him from his previous establishment. Unfortunately, the ramifications of the incident also followed Callum; and before he had a chance to properly settle, he was removed and sentenced. Based on reports from Blue River and other organisations alike, the sentencing time was significantly reduced. Blue River also tried to make arrangements so that Callum could access the work he missed , but this proved impossible. Callum unfortunately missed the majority of the academic year and returned with a few weeks to go before sitting exams. Callum successfully completed all exams and attended many last minute interviews. Subsequently, we await a successful outcome and foresee a bright future for Callum. Mitchell Siviter I joined Blue River in April, at their Tysley prep centre as a focus tutor. I soon got given the role of supporting maths and careers. 1. What made you decide to join Blue River? I have always had an interest in going into teaching, when the opportunity came to join this organisation I couldn’t resist. This is why I wanted to join Blue River, to make a change and a difference to people’s lives. 2. What do you enjoy about working for Blue River? The thing I enjoy the most about working for Blue River is every day is different and challenging. Also the boys are enjoyable and fun to teach. 3. what does working for Blue River mean to you? To be given the chance to work for Blue River means a great deal to me. The chance to work with this organisation is a great opportunity. 4. What are your plans and ambitions for the future? My plans for my future are to gain higher qualifications in teaching and to enhance my skills and learning. I aim to enhance my skills, so that I can develop my teaching abilities, and help the boys to gain their grades and build a better future. On 26th March 2015, students spent the day at a local restaurant - and really enjoyed themselves! Menu Helping the homeless Recently, kyham Sturgess, volunteered at a homeless shelter, where he served hot food and drink. Whilst there, he gained valuable insight into their circumstances, struggles, and challenges, that subsequently lead them becoming homeless. Abdurasool Abdurasool, recently received a bicycle. It was donated by a Mr. Duncan Ali. Magic Breakfast organisation B r e a k f a s t Recently, two members of staff from the Magic Breakfast organisation came in and spoke to the students about starting up a breakfast club. The students were given ideas on how they could start it up, and how to use the money wisely to make the business a success. The students were set tasks, such as writing down an ideal breakfast, and what they had for breakfast themselves. After this, the students were asked to design a breakfast list and what they should charge so that they could make a profit. 1 g n i d n a Outst Today, 5 students were awarded certificates for outstanding attendance. These students are achieving at least 80% attendance. Magic Breakfast , visits Blue River (Sara Park) On 17th September, Jess de Ayala Rutherford from Magic Breakfast , visited Blue River Academy (Sara Park). Magic Breakfast, is a UK registered charity dedicated to ensuring every child starts their school day with the right breakfast as fuel for learning. Magic Breakfast believes no child’s education should suffer for the lack of a breakfast. They provide free, healthy breakfast food to schools, with over 35% free school meals to reach the hungriest children. At Sara park, students were not only told about the significance of breakfast, but were also acquainted with the healthier options. Jess explained the importance of a balanced diet and how to watch out for calorie loaded food products. Our students found the visit very resourceful. Madia: “I really enjoyed the workshop. It gave me good information about staying fit. Now, whenever I buy food, I always check the calories and fat intake” Asha: “The workshop was very helpful. I have started to eat healthier food now” Students at Sara Park are now encouraged to have breakfast in their first morning break. This not only provides a healthy breakfast for students, but also enables the teachers to know their students better. ‘Healthy breakfast leads to im‘Healthy breakfast leads to improved behavitur and improved proved behaviour and improved performance in school.’ ‘Healthy breakfast leads to imperformance in school.’ Magic Breakfast proved behaviour and improved orperformance in school.’ ganisation Attendance at Blue River Academy We’ve all heard the story: “Research has proven that there is high correlation between school attendance and academic performance and success, while absence from school is often the greatest single cause of poor performance and achievement” Here at Blue River, the evidence suggests this to be 100% accurate. This is why we applaud and reward attendance of all our pupils at Blue River. With one half-term down, we would like to single out two individuals who have not only gained 100% attendance for the month of September, but also the month of October; thereby achieving 100% for the entire half-term. These two individuals are: Mahad Abdillahi and Issa Abdirisiq. Unsurprisingly, these two individuals have progressed onto higher tier learning for some subjects, and are looking set for success academically by the time GCSE coursework and examinations commence. Congratulations to Mahad and Issa. We hope they keep up the good work and continue the strong performance, and achieve 100% attendance for the entire term. Students at Sara Park, pass their Functional Skills in English, Level 1 Exams... This month (Octobor 15), has been an English Focus month at Sara Park. Our students, along with their teacher, Miss Selina Khan, have been working extremely hard to pass their FS English Level 1 exams. Miss Khan, gave the students a plethora of homework assignments, exam practice, and spelling tests. In return, the students gave total commitment, finished homework tasks and complete attention in lessons. Miss Khan commented: ‘My strategy was to work through exam papers, so they familiarise themselves with the questions and gain confidence. It became apparent that the girls had lots of knowledge, but they lacked confidence. I tackled this by encouraging them to answer questions themselves, work on their weaknesses, and to rely on me to a minimal extent. I am very impressed with the girls’ dedication and hard work. I hope they work with the same determination to pass level 2. The most important thing is that they hold confidence in themselves, and understand they are fully capable of passing.’ ‘If students combine belief, commitment, and perseverance, they are most likely to succeed.’ -Miss Khan I’ll get by with a little help from my friends Raheena, joined Blue River in Year 10, after being excluded from her previous school. She faces various challenges; however, with the support of Blue River, Raheena, is making more positive choices for her future. Now in year 11, she is studying for 5 GCSEs including maths, English and science. Although she finds school a challenge at times, Blue River staff have helped Raheena to stay focused on her goals. Raheena, aspires to become a flight attendant and has been given the opportunity to research the requirements needed to reach her goal. The biggest challenge Raheena faces, is to stay focused on her studies. She understands the need for academic study in life, in order to meet the requirements of the college she wants to attend. Raheena (right), Faduma, Nadia with Kelly. The academy understands the frustrations and stress of the final school year. To aid the learners, this year Blue River academy has introduced a weekly dance movement therapy class. Raheena, has been taking part in a range of activities at Blue River Academy. In particular, she is really enjoying her dance movement class. Raheena, enjoys the group movement activities and finds it a fun way to express how she is feeling. ‘I feel like I can work better after a movement class, because it makes school fun. We all end up laughing at what type of movements we make’. Raheena Latif. ‘Blue River is good for me. The teachers always support and motivate me. I feel better focused because the teachers use different methods to help me understand and more one-one support is given, so that I can reach my targets. When I’m in class, I don’t have to concentrate on anything else that’s going on in my life, I can just focus on my work. I really like it here at Blue River and I have made good friends’, - Raheena Latif. Raheena (right) and Faduma, presenting their views on Euthanasia as part of Religious studies lesson. “Raheena, is a lively, thoughtful and intelligent individual, with lots of ideas to bring to the group. I look forward to seeing how she develops further in our upcoming sessions” Kelly Truscott (Movement Therapy Tutor). Lasting Impact (Positive Destinations) All Blue River staff share the philosophy that every child can learn and with the right support, thrive. the decision on what to do at 16 can be a very daunting: this is why Blue River Academy is a member of UCAS Progress, the ‘search and apply’ system; which allows learners to search for courses and apprenticeships. The education leaving age has risen in the past couple of years, from 16 in 2013, to 17 in 2014 and presently 18. Due to this change, Blue River Staff feel that it is vital their students continue learning in areas that they are passionate about, and support them every step of the way. The following information demonstrates the impact Blue River has had on our students. 87.5% - Of Blue River Students accepted at their first choice of positive destination 93.75% - Of Blue River Students continuing staying in education post 16 Lasting Impact (Positive Destinations) 100% - Of Blue River Students to be in full-time education, training or employment post 16 Breaking the Ice with a Jungle Run, at Ackers Adventure Park At the start of a brand new year, what better way to get our students prepared for the strenuous journey that they are about to undergo, than a Jungle Run? No, not the sort of run, that has you panting in need of water; but an obstacle course, filled with outdoor challenges. The challenge was set for the new group of GCSE students who were treated to a trip to the Ackers Adventure Park. All the GCSE students were given the opportunity to participate; and those who accepted the challenge, went on a Jungle Run. The trip consisted of obstacle challenges and team based tasks, where teamwork was the key to success. The trip was a great opportunity for all the students to get to know each other and build lasting friendships with groups they would not normally socialise with. The trip was a huge success, and proved a great ice breaker for teachers and students alike. The PUMP - with Drayton Manor Reward This year all year, 11 learners were given the opportunity to partake on an additional course post GCSE’s, where they could attain extra qualifications on top of their GCSE’s. The course would last only 2 weeks, and upon completion, learners would be credited with a Bronze Arts Award and an AQA Employability accreditation. As a change of scenery, the year 11s were invited to attend comprised mainly of ICT components. All of our learners progressed through this course without any difficulties, with one R.M learner saying: ““it’s easy, it’s just common sense really – talking about the job interview techniques.” All learners were required to learn and answer questions based on, CV writing, job searching, Interview techniques and career planning. Of all the year 11 students who were invited, 9 of them attended and completed the courses. The PUMP in Kitts Green, this was where they would complete the two courses. The Arts award comprised of, Producing, Evaluating, and teaching different Art forms. All of which were new to most of our learners, and something that all picked up very quickly and seemed to enjoy. One learner, H.R said: ‘This place is so good, I wish we could stay here longer.” As a part of the Arts Award, the learners were required to review an artistic production. For this, they were invited to a nearby secondary school where the BBC was recording for a new series of the CBBC television show ‘Our School’. Although our students weren’t there to review the BBC, but in actual fact the DJ’s performance, it was still a fantastic opportunity to see work of that professionalism in practice; and there is always the possibility that a few of our friendly faces may make an appearance in the show. The employability course was more theory assessed, and As an acknowledgement of the hard work these year 11s had done through the year, Blue River decided to treat them to a trip to Drayton Manor. The trip was a huge success, with all the learners thoroughly enjoying themselves. Here’s what the learners had to say: F.O ‘Thank you for taking us, we had a lot of fun’. A.A ‘I liked the day, it was good’. F.M ‘today was awesome, we had to wait ages for Maelstrom - but it was worth it’ Predicted Grades, GCSEs Distant Travelled Core Subjects Initials Initial English Initial Mathematics 76% Predicted/ Wokring Grade C Initial Science 25% Predicted/ Wokring Grade C 28% Predicted/ Wokring Grade C H.A J.A 5.2% F 39% D 8.73 D N.Ah 82% C 22% D 8% C N.A 0% G 17% F 0% D A.A 22.91% E 25.5 D 10.667% C.C T.C 6% 31.5% 0% R.J 43% 40.5% 22.667% R.L 17% D 30% E 48% D F.M 88% A 52% B 17% A H.M 11.46% C 74% A F.N 17% D 23% C 44% C A.N D C 43% D 21.6% C F.O 30.2% D 65% C 21.6% C H.Q 13% 35.% H.R 47% 33.5% C l’ as very helpfu w h ic h w . .V eate a C helped me cr s er ch a te e xams, th N.Ah ‘After E ting me a lot’ r o p p su y b lot, e ts help me a ers helped m en ch d a u te st e d n th a ll s A.A ‘A teacher p me’ ‘All the el h to t es b r ei teachers do th A.AS ‘All the t each other’ ea tr ts en d u s and st ay the teacher w e th e k li o I als R.J ‘I enjoyed th e mentoring talks given to me by M R. Emdad’ ‘I foun d it easy to fit in understand the te and aching at this scho ol. Throughout this year I have improv ed in certain area H.M ‘This school te s’ aches well and help s students with ev ery weakness they have, such as Engl ish for me’ F.O ‘I was clueless before I came to this school, I was brought here whe n I was in year 10 and welcomed with op en arms. Now I’m finishing year 11 and I am ready fo r College’ H.Q ‘The teachers gave me advice fo r the future and he lped me in lessons’ ‘I just want to than k all the teachers for he lping me a lot’ H.R ‘All the teachers have supported and inspired me throughout the year, by mentoring, C.V and homework support’ ‘My experience at Blue River was very useful and enjoyable, gave me the head-start for college. The teachers were very helpful and provided me with all the support needed. I had a lot of fun. N.A ‘The teachers have really helped me this year by explaining tasks in detail, and they never gave up on me even though I lacked skills’ ‘My experience at Blue River has helped me in so many different ways, the teachers were really helpful and everybody was so nice’ M.B ‘In Blue River Academy, I believe I can achieve more than I could in any other school’ A.H ‘All the teachers have particularly supported me and they inspired me this year’ A.Hu ‘My experience at the school was amazing. I really enjoyed it with the nice and lovely teachers that help me during my difficulties and when I needed help. I made great friends and got to know everyone very well. I am pleased to be at this school’ R.L ‘When I first star ted Blue River, I didn ’t like it. I wasn’t really bothered about my education, and I like to disturb other people’s learning. However, all of that has changed, and I’m focusing on my main goals. F.M ‘Blue River is fun and the teachers are awesome. Good education’ F.N ‘I really enjoy it at Blue River Academ y, because they have helped me a lot thro ugh my education. And now I feel proud of mys elf, what I’ve been through and how far I have come so far. The teacher kept me confident and my confidence went stronger and stronger . And I met new friends’ Daniel Green Daniel Green Daniel Green Daniel however, with the support of staff and one to ones, quickly adjusted his attitude and behaviour being at Blue River. Daniel started to ask for more challenging work and even homework, so he could pass his exams. Over the course of several months, Daniel achieved 100% attendance. On top of this, he never absconded from school, and always asked permission from staff to leave the classroom. Daniel positive attitude, matched by his good behaviour, quickly reflected a remarkable turnaround. Daniel’s English skills improved, and on top of that, Daniel showed promising improvement in both maths and ICT. Daniel Green, is a student at Blue River Prep centre. Daniel was sent to the centre after being excluded from numerous schools. His referring agency commented: “Coleshill School, agreed to take him on a managed move, if the L.A. agreed to support the process. Daniel lasted less than a term. He only managed two weeks before being placed on a part time timetable. Key issues were: the inability to stay in class and defiant of rules. Previously he was placed in support unit, but absconded. He would swear at staff, and female staff would find him intimidating at times. He had never demonstrated aggressive behaviour; however, he did ask staff for a hug. He doesn’t get into fights etc, he just refuses to stay where he is put and will be quietly defiant”. Daniel’s attitude towards work of any kind was meet with a negative response, refusing to do work and insulting staff. Often he absconded from school or left the classroom without permission on many different occasions. The excessive use of swearing and smoking outside, caused issues for the centre. Daniel was also put in charge of the breakfast club, where students could eat breakfast before school. Daniel’s role was to monitor stock and buy products, which he needed for the club. Daniel also took the role of cooking breakfast for the other students. The breakfast club, now provides breakfast for both students and staff at Blue River prep centre. After showing a positive attitude towards the breakfast club, Daniel received an invitation to work for the Magic Breakfast club. The invite involved going to London and working in a café ran by a volunteer of the Magic Breakfast club. Daniel has just finished his Level 1 functional skill in English, maths and ICT; and we predict a successful result. The next steps for Daniel would be to complete his Level 2 exams. Both staff and Daniel are preparing for his GCSE exams, which he is more then capable of passing, as long as he maintains his positive attitude. Daniel is determined and focused on achieving his GCSE’s. Level 2 first aid course Level 2 first aid course To ensure the safety of all students and staff at Blue River, numerous staff were sent to complete a Level 2 first aid course. FIRST AID Staff from all centres across Blue River were nominated to take part on this course, to ensure all centres had a qualified first aider: Bosnia House staff: Ethan, Paul, Nigel Small Heath: Rhena, Muslima Sara Park: Emdad Prep Centre: Kashif, Mitchell To pass the course, numerous categories in first aid were taught, such as: CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), correct procedures to follow, how to treat an amputation and DR ABC ( danger, responsive, airways, breathing, circulation). All staff on the level 2 first aid course passed, and received a level 2 qualification in first aid, demonstrating competency in first aid, should the need arise. FIRST AID 2015 GCSE progress Measurement 70% 90% 85% 70% of students passed Maths GCSE 90% of students passed Science GCSE 85% of students passed English GCSE 95% 95% Girls achieved a Pass 65% 65% Boys achieved a Pass Title: English Teacher Salary: £10 per hour Hours 6 - 8 hours Reports to: Curriculum Manager Based at: Blue River Academy, 36 Medley Road, Greet Birmingham, B11 2NE Job purpose: Vacancies To support disengaged 14 – 16 year old pupils to develop their skills in English and Citizenship and support them through a GCSE syllabus in both subjects. Vacancies Key responsibilities and accountabilities: •Develop curriculum based on the specific needs of each pupil •Record and monitor the progress of pupils •Ability to design lessons, schemes of work and timetables •Deliver and evaluate sessions •Complete paperwork •Engage vulnerable young people with behaviour problems •Ability to teach a Citizenship curriculum •Inspire young people •Liaise with social services and other agencies •Attend training to develop relevant knowledge and skills Vacancies Skills and Requirements: • Suitability to work with children. Blue River will conduct DBS and List 99 Checks on all employees and volunteers who have contact with our pupils. •Good standard of English •Good organisational ability •Ability to work with young people with behavioural issues •A desire to enter into the education sector Vacancies Address: 36 Medley Road, Greet, Birmingham, B11 2NE Tel: 0121 766 7981 Website: www.blueriver.org.uk Twitter : @BlueRiverOrg Email: [email protected] Newsletter Content: Blue River Academy Newsletter Design: David Smith and Pawel Zylinski (zylpaw@ gmail.com)