Doddle Term 2 winners and numbers

Each week we run a competition where we reward success on our Doddle for tutor groups and individuals.  With 94% of pupils having completed work on our Doddle so far this academic year it is a great time to highlight some of our successes from Term 2:

An example of our weekly competition results

Congratulations to the winners of the March Challenge - seeing which pupil and tutor group could gain the most points for work completed on Doddle. 

Project Poland - Citizenship lessons

Next half term in Citizenship we have registered for ‘Project Poland’.

This is an exciting opportunity for everyone in our school community to not only learn about Polish culture but to support integration in our community. 

The project is organised into three stages detailed below. 

Keep checking the blog for updates of our work on this new project!

Year 7's Trip to LifeLab

As part of their PSHE topic this term, focusing on the risks of smoking, e-cigarettes and energy drinks, Year 7 went to LifeLab for a 'Build a Body for Life' workshop. We were greeted by Donna, who led the boys through a number of practical activities relating to the heart, lungs, digestive system, bones and liver. We finished our morning by learning how to carry out CPR.

The boys' behaviour throughout the morning was amazing– a true reflection of how absorbed they were by the activities on offer - so much so, that Donna asked us to come back next year with our next group of Year 7s.

Well done boys!

STRETCH Programme Workmobility

Workmobility

Pupils on the STRETCH Programme and additional pupils from the main site attend Workmobility as part of their timetables. Pupils work on practical projects involving mechanics and woodwork. 

Using a pasta machine in KS3 cookery

 

3BW enjoyed learning how pasta is made, they made the dough and used the pasta machine to roll it out. 

We discovered that you really need 3 hands to use the machine so teamwork was key.

Their favourite topping was pesto.

Great work 3BW!

STRETCH Programme Boxing

Boxing at Inner City Boxing in St Mary's

Pupils on the STRETCH Programme have been attending sessions at Inner City Boxing as part of their timetables. Boxing coach Fred Piccinino has been working with the Pupils on their fitness and boxing skills.

Polygon in Bloom - March

Polygon in Bloom - March

The school grounds are looking great already with crocuses, daffodils, snowdrops and bluebells appearing. As we move further into spring keep an eye out for other flowers and plants around the school.

RE - Easter Special

Great teamwork! 

 

Today in RE we celebrated Easter by going on an Easter egg hunt, ordering the story of Easter and writing about our beliefs, while being respectful of others. 

Our concept this term is 'Death' so looking at the resurrection of Jesus and studying the Christian faith added another layer of knowledge ready for our evaluations next half term . 

All pupils had very interesting discussions about whether Jesus dying showed Christians that death was nothing to fear.  

Some very thought provoking questions were asked and great debates had while eating chocolate eggs and having fun!

Well done KS3!

Composting Competition

During Citizenship lessons pupils looked at what, why and how they should compost. 

To ensure all staff and pupils were composting the right things, pupils designed composting posters and customized their classroom composting pots.

Both year 7 classes excelled in their efforts and produced some great work meaning we had joint winners!

Well done year 7 and keep up the good work everyone. Special thanks to all the staff who ensure the compost makes it to the allotment every night.

Rob Bradley performance poet

As as school we have been lucky enough to have a visit from Rob Bradley. Rob is a rapper, poet and songwriter. He is the first of a series of poets that will be visiting school as part of the Literature and English curriculum.

During the afternoon, Rob delivered two separate workshops as well as a whole school assembly. Rob is extremely engaging and his ability to freestyle rap is incredible. The boys volunteered a number of different words and phrases, Rob was able to tell a story linking all the words in a live rap performance. We were also lucky enough to hear one of his original songs due to be released in the charts soon.

Rob explained about the importance of reading and how it helps expand vocabulary. During the afternoon session, Rob challenged the boys to find rhyming words and explained how to link phrases together.

The school selecting random words for the freestyle rap.

You can literally hear a pin drop - Rob about to perform his original song.

Afternoon workshop with KS3

Different meanings and use of words

Rob taking on the challenge - can he fit in all the words KS4 chose?

Rob 'spitting bars'!

We all had a wonderful afternoon and would like to thank Rob for his time and showing us his amazing talent. We look forward to welcoming more poets soon.