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
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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: info@blueriver.org.uk
Newsletter Content: Blue River Academy
Newsletter Design: David Smith and Pawel Zylinski (zylpaw@
gmail.com)