Darlington 11-19 Practitioner Newsletter

Welcome In This Issue…

• Foundation for Jobs

• Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College - Politics in Washington DC It is a pleasure at the beginning of my year as Chair of the Partnership to introduce the latest edition of the practitioner newsletter. I would also • Darlington College - Great British Cook-off like to take this opportunity to thank Tim Fisher for his excellent • Longfield Academy - Money Skills stewardship of the Partnership over the last twelve months. • The Education Village - Learning has no Limits

In this period of a shifting educational and economic landscape it is • DBC - Apprenticeship Week 2013 Challenges fabulous to read about the vast array of activities, events and • SWDT - Government Localisation to opportunities that are being offered to young people across the area. This Bridge Youth Unemployment Gap edition of the newsletter features an overview of the outstanding • St Aidan’s Academy - Success for Young Darlington Boxer partnership work that is taking place across the borough. These include • Carmel College Students Reap the the much deserved national recognition for the first class work of the Rewards for their Enterprise

Foundation for Jobs Partnership, the success of the Apprenticeship Week • Longfield Academy - Londonderry Cup Final as well as a host of superb projects and initiatives carried out by secondary schools and post-16 providers across the region. • Darlington College - Employment Opportunities

• St Aidan’s Academy Links with India It is evident that the Partnership is a strong one and that its goal of to Boost Education achieving the best possible outcomes for all students remains at the • SWDT - Careers Advice will get people on Ladder to Success forefront of its agenda. I am confident that we will continue on this path • St Aidan’s Academy - Teenager on and I look forward to an optimistic future. Track for Cycling Success

• The Education Village - TeachMeet EV Style

• St Aidan’s Academy - Green Screen Era

• The Education Village - Transition is Not Just for Year 6s

• Carmel College - Chinese Abacus Lessons in Mathematics

• Teesside University News

• Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College - Poetry by Heart

• Carmel College - Darlington Sports Winner’s Scheme Grand Final

• Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College - Dean Judson Building and Racing Hovercrafts

Head teacher, Hurworth School Issue 12 Chair, 11—19 Partnership May 2013 © Darlington 11-19 Partnership

1 Foundation For Jobs

A campaign which links school pupils and students with business and industry has won a national award. Foundation for Jobs, a partnership between The Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council and Darlington Partnership of public and private sector organisations, brings together employers and education providers across Darlington to boost the levels of employment and ‘work-readiness’ of young people under the age of 25. In March it was named the best local economic partnership at the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) awards, presented in London.

Since its creation last year, the Foundation for Jobs has provided more than 1,000 school pupils with direct contact from employers, as well as creating 120 new apprenticeships, 125 internship or work experience placements and giving 66 young people entrepreneurial skills to encourage future business creation.

Archbishop of Canterbury, the Rt Rev Justin Welby, the former Bishop of Durham, is patron of the campaign. Firms and organisations to support the campaign include Cummins Engines, Amec, The Banks Group, Darchem, Virgin Money, Mech-Tool, Marchday, Durham Tees Valley Airport, Modus Subsea, Farmway, the Institution of Civil Engineers and Teesside University, amongst others.

Bill Dixon, leader of Darlington Borough Council, said: “Congratulations to all involved – the staff and organisations involved and the businesses who have committed to giving Darlington’s young people a great future. The award is fantastic recognition of what we have achieved together.”

Chris McEwan, the council’s cabinet member for economy and regeneration and chairman of the Foundation for Jobs board, said: “After all the hard work, the award is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the young people and local businesses.”

Peter Barron, editor of The Northern Echo, added: “I am proud of the leading role The Northern Echo has played in such an important initiative.”

Politics in Washington DC

Seventeen students studying A Level Politics at Darlington’s Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College, recently visited Washington DC as part of a joint trip with Shrewsbury Sixth Form College. Whilst in America’s capital they were privileged to meet with Senator Sanders from Vermont, toured Congress and the Supreme Court and took part in a debate over gun control with representatives from the National Rifle Association and the Coalition to End Gun Violence – very topical.

Student, Katie Hunter, commented: “Meeting politicians, lobbyists and pressure group representatives really brought the Politics and my course to life.”

Head of Politics, Gary Hogg, said: “This is the fourth time the trip has run and not only does it provide an insight into US Politics, it also helps prepare the students for university as they meet and work with students from another part of the UK”.

There was consensus from all that the visit was brilliant!

2 Local Apprentices Taste Success in Battle of the Kitchen

Judges had their taste buds tickled in Darlington at ‘The Great British Menu – Cook-off!’ – a mouth-watering challenge between local apprentices and staff from the National Apprenticeship Service and Darlington College.

The culinary extravaganza held at Darlington College was part of the sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week which celebrated Apprenticeships and the positive impact they have on individuals and businesses.

Apprentices Tom Glasper (16) and Mark Bray (18) won the competition, with the teams challenged to create a three course meal that contained local, British produce in a bid to wow a judging panel which included College Principal, Tim Grant.

Tom and Mark were just some of the local catering apprentices who went head-to-head with the team from the National Apprenticeship Service and Darlington College, which comprised of Compliance Officer, Jon Hall and Business Development Advisor, Danielle Johnson. The apprentices already work in the industry at ‘Seasons’ restaurants in Richmond Station and Darlington, ‘Roots’ at East Rounton and ‘Franco’s’ in Bishop Auckland.

Darlington College currently offers a wide range of Apprenticeship frameworks from Business Administration to Engineering, constantly responding to business needs in challenging times. The apprentices who took part in the cook-off are currently undertaking the Level 2 qualification in Professional Cookery with units covering the preparation of meat, poultry and fish as well as preparing soups, stocks and pastry dishes. Apprentice students then have the opportunity to progress to the Level 3 Apprenticeship in either Kitchen and Larder or Patisserie.

Alan Wallace, Head of Apprenticeships Employer Accounts for the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) in the North East, added: “This Great British Menu – Cook off! was obviously designed to be great fun, but also showcase the talent, skill and enthusiasm some of our outstanding local apprentice chefs bring to the table. It was fantastic to see some of the region’s best young apprentices put through their paces!”

Darlington College’s Sales Support Officer Jane Wilson said: “This was a great opportunity to increase the profile of the benefits of Apprenticeships and showcase the ability of our students under the pressure of competition.” The cook-off capped a hugely successful sixth annual National Apprenticeship Week, with hundreds of events and activities having taken place across England. The over-arching theme for National Apprenticeship Week 2013 was “Apprenticeships Deliver”. This year it was about showcasing the achievements and benefits Apprenticeships deliver for both apprentices and their employers and utilising their experiences to positively inform and persuade others to get involved.

3 Five Lamps Boost Young People’s Confidence in Money Skills at Longfield Academy

On March 12 th young people at Longfield Academy aged 14-15 received a full-day programme called Money Twist, specifically aimed at Key Stage 4 learners.

Money Twist approaches financial capability in a hands-on manner as young people debate, play games, watch video case studies and involve physical activity in their learning. Participants are encouraged to give their own views and critically analyse various financial problems that people are faced with, as well as considering their own financial futures. The workshops are designed to get young people thinking and caring about their finances, both now and in their short and long-term futures. The programme is delivered in 3 sessions:

My Money: Payslips, tax, national insurance, government spending, minimum wage and careers. My Choices: Needs and wants, choices and lifestyle, budgeting, shopping deals and saving. My Future: Interest, current and savings accounts, flow of money, ethical choices and forms of payment.

Feedback from the pupils was excellent. Here’s how their confidence and skills improved over the day: Percentage of participants reporting good or better: Before the programme: After the programme: Understanding of how much the minimum wage is 37% 100% Understanding of what deductions are made from a person’s 16% 88% payslip Understanding of how the government spends tax money 53% 100% Understanding of three realistic ways to save money 58% 100% Ability to prioritise their needs and wants 42% 94% Ability to use a budget to make effective use of money 53% 100% Confidence in making money decisions 63% 100% Understanding of the difference between current and savings 42% 100% accounts Understanding of why banks give and charge interest 32% 100% Understanding of what APR is 21% 82% Confidence in choosing the right bank account 47% 88%

"After today I will feel a lot more confident because I know how to save money and I know what type of job I need. I also know how much I should expect to get paid" - Wayne, 14

"It was really fun, I learnt a lot thanks, learnt a lot of new skills" - Nathan, 15

“The MyBnk workshop helps us for when we're older by saving money now and not spending as much; it’s useful" - Ben, 15

"Good programme, well delivered and very informative" - Miss Anna O'Shaughnessy, Curriculum Leader at Longfield Academy

If you work with young people aged 11-25 and would like to find out more about the MyBnk Financial and Enterprise programmes, call Jenny Donaldson on 01642 702712 or email [email protected]

4 Learning has no Limits

Nine students from year nine at the Education Village Academy visited Sherwoods on Thursday 14 th March to get a taste of what it is like to be an automotive engineering technician. They worked in small groups with Sherwood's technicians to carry out a variety of jobs on vehicles in the workshop. Students were able to help drain a cooling system, check and top up fluid levels and inflate tyres, perform diagnostics on an engine management system, investigate an oil leak and change a wiper motor - not bad for a two hour session! One important purpose of the visit was to give students a real experience of working life in this engineering sector to help them with making appropriate choices for their option subjects as they move towards key stage four and ultimately the career path they may wish to follow.

Apprenticeship Week 2013 Challenges

Apprenticeship Week took place this year between 11 th and 15 th March, and DBC’s Learning and Skills team took part in numerous activities throughout the week to promote the services they provide.

Open days were held at DBC’s workshops at Lingfield Way where potential learners were able to visit the centre and tour the facilities as well as providing them with the opportunity to meet the tutors and discuss the pro- grammes in detail. School visits were organised by staff, who were able to meet directly with the students in school and promote the wide variety of courses delivered within the training centre.

This year DBC apprentices competed in the Tees Valley Apprenticeship Team Challenge event for the first time which was held at Stewart’s Park in Middlesbrough. The event pitted teams from across the Tees Valley area against each other over a number of different gruelling challenges. The team challenges included minefields, rockets, walking the plank and lots of water to name but a few. The event was very well organised and provided the learners and staff with the opportunity to meet other people on similar courses. The day passed very quickly as you were moved from one challenge to the next where excellent support was provided by the rangers and volunteers on site. Even though all managed to get soaking wet, lost in the dark and tangled up in knots, everyone involved in the event had a great time.

Overall the week was a great success with many applications for future courses being completed and all activities running smoothly thanks to the great work and support of everyone involved.

5 Local Powers Needed to Bridge Unemployment Gap

A leading North East training provider is urging government to give local authorities power to channel funding for training into sectors that need the most support, after a report claimed that youth unemployment could be cut by 20 per cent with greater local control.

The Local Government Association (LGA) said that attempts to cut youth unemployment in England are being hampered by excessive bureaucracy and central government control, and that division of training funding at a local level would help to ensure that young people are supported to enter industries in which there are skills shortages.

Michael Blades, business development manager at Newton Aycliffe based SW Durham Training (SWDT), a 45-year old company that delivers engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships and training support, wants to see increased government localisation in order to encourage more people to enter sectors that will help grow the economy.

He said: “With companies such as Nifco and Nissan on our doorstep and Hitachi Rail headed to the region just a stone’s throw away from us in Newton Aycliffe, there can be little doubt that the manufacturing and engineering industry is thriving in the North East. With projected future growth, it is absolutely vital that we take steps now to future-proof this sector and do what we can to create a pipeline of people with the right skills to ensure that the sector continues to prosper.

“Balancing supply and demand is something we have to get right, and in the case of manufacturing and engineering, we’re some way away from achieving this. Greater local control would enable local councils to look at the industries that are burgeoning in their area, and ensure that funding is administered in a way that meets their projected growth. In the case of the North East, we should be encouraging more people to train for careers in manufacturing and engineering, sectors in which there is no shortage of well-paid roles, but not enough talent.”

Research led by the Local Government Association (LGA) found that more than 94,000 people completed hair and beauty courses last year, even though there were only 18,000 new jobs in the sector. By contrast, in construction, around 123,000 people were trained for around 275,000 advertised jobs.

The LGA said this was partly caused by colleges and training providers being paid for every student who receives a qualification, regardless of the local need for those skills.

Mr Blades added: “If funding was more closely aligned to industry needs it would ensure that people were training for roles in thriving sectors. A more localised approach would prevent people from spending years of their life developing skills that are not needed, and ultimately being left out of work. Manufacturing and engineering are two sectors that offer real job opportunities – the demand is absolutely there, and we just need to see more people sign up to earn while they learn and embark upon apprenticeships in these sectors.”

For more information about courses at South West Durham Training Ltd, visit www.southwestdurham.co.uk or call 01325 313194.

6 Success for Young Darlington Boxer

Young Darlington boxer Ryan Tennant is making his mark in the sport just a year after taking it up.

The 12-year-old, a Year 8 student at St Aidan’s C of E Academy, recently won through two rounds of the national Schoolboy Championships.

Ryan, who fights in the 44-46 kg weight category, won the North East championship with victory in a tournament in Newbiggin, Northumberland, then went on to secure the combined North East and Merseyside area championship with victory in Liverpool.

Although he lost his next fight, against the East Midlands champion, also held in Liverpool and was knocked out of the Championship, the experience has whetted his appetite for more.

Ryan, a member of a local boxing club, said: “I took the sport up just over a year ago because my Dad wanted me to learn to be focused and disciplined. After the first session, I realised that I loved it.

“I regard myself as a toe-to-toe boxer and am keen to develop further and go for other championships,” said Ryan, whose favourite fighter is Floyd Mayweather.

Carmel Students Reap the Rewards for their Enterprise

A group of 19 students from Carmel College have been trading as a Young Enterprise company this year, working with their link teachers, Angela Lindsay and Sarah Harrison, and business advisor Sheena Hunter from Darlington Building Society. Throughout the year they have operated and traded as a company, following com- pany rules and procedures. They trade under the name of Vintage ViBiz, and produce a range of items including:

• Vinyl bowls – made by melting down vinyl records, and creating a range of bowls and bracelet holders • Bracelets made from old ring can pulls • Bags made from fair trade materials, with additional vintage ideas • Rings made from wire and beads • Earring holders • Wrapping of gifts with recycled paper

In February, representatives of the group attended a Trade Fayre at the Metro Centre in Newcastle and were delighted to win a trophy and shield for being judged “the most creative company” with their designs of using recycled materials and creating products with a vintage theme.

Pictured are representatives of the Young Enterprise group with their award at the Metro Centre Newcastle.

7 First Londonderry Success for Longfield

Durham City escaped the heavy snow that had caused extreme disruption to much of Northern England thus the 99 th Londonderry Cup Final between Longfield Academy of Sport (Darlington SFA) and The Academy at Shotton Hall (East Durham SFA) was able to go ahead on Durham University’s 3G pitch.

Longfield, on reaching the final, had only conceded one goal. On their route to the final, Shotton Hall had narrow quarter and semi-final victories by one goal margins.

Although the temperature was about 2°C, the strong, bitingly cold, easterly wind made it feel several degrees below freezing and was accompanied by frequent snow flurries.

Play was very even in the opening exchanges as each side tried to exert their authority over the other.

The first major attempt on goal came in the 8 th minute when a Longfield free kick, taken by Nathan Stephenson, was splendidly saved by Conah Allen. Two minutes later, from another set piece, Longfield took the lead. The free kick, taken by Lewis Rees, was perfectly placed for Callum Bates to head home in style.

The lead was short lived as Shotton Hall were level three minutes later, the result of a super strike from Niall McGoldrick that whistled into the net.

Shotton Hall were reduced to 10 players in the 17 th minute when an off the ball incident was observed by the assistant referee and the red card was shown.

With the numerical advantage it was expected that Longfield would dominate play and win easily. This did not happen due to the work rate and determination of Shotton Hall.

It was not until midway through the second half that Bradley Middleton unlocked a resolute Shotton Hall defence to put Longfield 2-1 ahead.

On a rare excursion up field, Shotton Hall had an effort on goal blocked. From the left wing corner a Niall McGoldrick header levelled the score with 7 minutes remaining.

Longfield regained the lead in the 30 th minute. Shotton Hall were unable to clear the ball from the edge of the 18 yard box. Lewis Rees reacted quickly to fire the home, which eventually gave the Darlington school victory.

Full time: Longfield 3 Shotton Hall 2

After playing in the final for the first time in 2012 and finishing as runners-up Longfield got their hands on the trophy for the first time this season.

8 Employment Opportunities

A local MP has given her backing to help find employment opportunities for students with learning difficulties.

Darlington MP Jenny Chapman has pledged to support an initiative by Darlington College to encourage local employers and public sector agencies to look at the benefits of offering work experience to young learners who often miss out on workplace opportunities due to their disabilities.

Principal of Darlington College Tim Grant said: “Darlington College provides a range and breadth of provision, not only for students who are on track to go to university but also for many young people who have come from challenging backgrounds.

“Some of our students come to us with a low level of education and qualifications but whether they have learning difficulties or are high flyers, we open our doors to everybody.

“The one problem that we do have, one that is replicated in colleges all across the country, is providing practical hands on work experience for students who have learning disorders even though these young people can prove to be some of the most loyal and reliable employees.

“Therefore we are delighted that Jenny has given her backing to helping us ensure that each one of our students are given the opportunity to use their individual talents to make a positive contribution within the workplace.”

Learning support staff at the college are hoping that public sector agencies in the town such as the NHS, Darlington Borough Council, the police, fire service, schools and colleges as well as private employers will get on board to offer supervised learning placements for the students.

Chairman of Darlington College, chairman of Darlington Partnership and managing director of Sherwoods Motor Group, Alasdair MacConachie, said: “I know how many requests my own business receives each week for work placements and it is sometimes very difficult to meet the need.

“But as employers we have a social responsibility and I am more than happy to offer my assistance for these young learners to get a foot in the door with employers across the region.”

The college currently has four students requiring employment opportunities: Charlie Sergeant, 17, of Leyburn, who is hoping for a career in catering, Josh Watson, 22, of Hurworth, who is currently volunteering at Thornbeck Col- lege in Durham, Jess Bennett, 18, of Darlington, who would like to work in hospitality and Susie Smith, 23, of Cat- terick Garrison, who has a passion for gardening and working outdoors.

MP Jenny Chapman said: “There is no simple solution to finding work opportunities for many students nowadays. I am more than happy to give my backing to the initiative and I am sure that if the college, local employers, the public sector and The Darlington Partnership get their heads together we can find a way of ensuring that as many young people are given that chance.”

Darlington College students who are looking for work experience opportunities L-R Josh Watson, Jess Bennett, Darlington College Principal Tim Grant, MP Jenny Chapman, Charlie Sergeant, Susie Smith, and chairman Alasdair MacConachie

9 St Aidan’s Academy Links with India to Boost Education

St Aidan’s Church of England Academy has been chosen to develop international links with India as part of a major new school twinning project to boost global education.

Connecting Classrooms is a UK government and British Council education initiative and St Aidan’s Academy has been selected in recognition of its commitment to teaching students about global issues.

Teachers and students are working with Dayanand Public School in India to learn how to become responsible global citizens and to develop the skills needed to work in a global economy.

Academy staff members Richard Johnson and Steph Francom took part in an exchange visit with Dayanand Public School over Easter, during which they worked on classroom-based projects with the aim of giving young people a unique and hands-on international learning experience.

As both the partner schools are located near industrial areas, projects will involve steelmaking, looking at the use of raw material for steel manufacturing and the industry’s effect on the environment and communities. The Indian school is supported by steel firm Tata, which operates in the Indian area and also on Teesside.

Steph and Richard brought back material to be turned into documentaries giving Academy students an insight into life in India.

Steph said: “I am a great believer that travel broadens the mind. All experiences of other countries and cultures enrich you as a person and this project will help our students to realise that their neighbours are not just the people of Teesside and Redcar. It will help them realise what a big world this is, that with globalisation their neighbours are also the people of India.”

Kiki Haines, the international coordinator at St Aidan’s, said: “This is the first time we have had contact with a school outside Europe. It gives students an extra dimension of understanding of the differences in the culture, language and the way people live and also how industry influences our countries.”

Secretary of State for International Development Justine Greening said: “I am very pleased that St Aidan’s Church of England Academy in Darlington is taking on this excellent opportunity to link with schools in other parts of our world.

“Young people and teachers can make a fantastic contribution by sharing the best of Britain with their peers around the world and at the same time, the great thing is that they can get invaluable knowledge of what life is like in other countries.

“Connecting Classrooms will enable pupils to learn about the world around them, about the facts of poverty that face children their own age in developing countries, and how education can help eradicate poverty. It will also benefit teachers by enhancing their professional skills.

10 Careers Advice will get People on Ladder to Success

Better careers advice could hold the key to the growth of the North East’s manufacturing sector, according to one of the region’s leading training providers.

Michael Blades, business development manager at Newton Aycliffe based SW Durham Training (SWDT), a 45-year old company that delivers engineering and manufacturing apprenticeships and training support, believes that the absence of good, up-to-date advice for young people is leaving them ill-equipped to make decisions about whether or not to enter the industry.

He said: “Manufacturing and engineering in the North East are both thriving sectors, and we believe that they could hold the key to the region’s economic prosperity. However, we absolutely have to do all that we can to ensure that this message is reaching young people leaving school.

“When it comes to apprenticeships, school leavers must understand that this is an option that can lead to a long and successful career. This is a message that has to be communicated early on to ensure that by the time people reach the age of 16, they are well informed about their options, and are able to make decisions based on reality rather than perception.

“We rely on schools and indeed parents to ensure that young people are well-informed about the different career paths they can and should take, and we firmly believe that apprenticeships are a fantastic route into business. We absolutely must see better advice for young people, and particularly advice about the manufacturing and engineering sectors, where there is no shortage of well-paid roles, but not enough talent.”

Mr Blades’ comment follows claims by MPs that careers services for young people in England show a ‘worrying deterioration’, after a report from the Education Select Committee that highlights problems with the ‘quality, independence and impartiality’ of current careers advice. There were also concerns about the lack of individual advice available. The National Careers Service, launched last year, offers guidance by website and phone, but it does not provide young people with face-to-face advisers.

Mr Blades added: “As an industry, we face a real challenge, with outdated and inaccurate perceptions of what manufacturing and engineering roles are like. Far from the grey, dirty environments of days gone by, often our young people move into advanced manufacturing roles in clean, high-tech working environments. But often, this message is not being filtered down to young people.

“And of course, in more and more cases, our people are actually entering board rooms and offices after completing their apprenticeship. We teach a blend of academic and theoretical skills – and these are skills that equip people well for business. And we have seen many of our former apprentices go on to have high flying careers.”

SWDT counts Gatwick Airport chief executive Stewart Wingate; Nifco UK managing director Mike Matthews and vice-president of Electrolux Major Appliances Gareth Berry, among its former apprentices. Most famous of SWDT’s former students, perhaps, is comedian Vic Reeves.

Mr Blades added: “It’s an impressive list and we’re really proud of that. To see our students go on to have such success in the industry is a real sign that we have been getting it right, not only on a technical and practical level, but also in respect of the life skills we are teaching them. And that’s something we hope that young people are starting to understand.”

11 Teenager on Track for Cycling Success

A trip to the famed Manchester Velodrome has transformed the life of teenage cyclist Ryan Bainbridge.

The student at St Aidan’s Church of England Academy, went to the Velodrome with the Academy’s Cycling Club, of which he is a member. The visit, which happened before the Summer Olympics, inspired the 13-year-old to pursue a cycling career but the nearest track racing club was in Manchester.

Now, mum Leanne drives him back down to the city every Saturday to train with the Eastlands Velo Club at the Velodrome, which hosted the cycling racing at the Olympics.

During the visits, Ryan, who is in Year 9 at St Aidan‘s, does Team Pursuit training as well as individual time trials, and he is working towards accreditation that will allow him to race.

He said: “I really like cycling. I love going out on my bike and when I went to the Velodrome the first time I just felt so comfortable and confident about being there.”

“We get up at 4am on a Saturday to go down to Manchester and I am working towards becoming accredited, which would allow me to take part in races. I am really keen to keep working at developing my cycling.“

Ryan, whose hero is Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, enjoys rubbing shoulders with some of the big names during his visits to Manchester and has been there when another Olympic winner, Laura Trott, has been there.

Academy House Manager Carole Donald said: “He’s been interested in cycling for a while and something clicked when he went to Manchester. He really took to it. He’s a talented cyclist.”

TeachMeet EV Style

The Education Village Academy hosted its first TeachMeet this term. @EV_TM took place on Tuesday 12 th March and was attended by over 80 people. It was an informal atmosphere in which educational professionals from across the country shared good practice and classroom experiences.

Attendees included 20 trainee teachers from 3 institutions and staff from 27 schools around the North of England.

With 19 presenters covering a variety of topics including aspects of technology in the curriculum, use of solo taxonomy in the curriculum, personal development and reflection and quirky lesson ideas, it was a fantastic opportunity for fellow professionals to get together. TeachMeets occur all over the world and the Education Village Academy has now become one of the North East’s providers.

Follow @EV_TM or #EV_TM for dates and information of our next event.

12 Academy Takes to the Green Screen Era

Students at St Aidan’s are using the very latest in technology to bring subjects such as history and languages to life.

The Academy is using green screen technology which can be used anywhere on the premises. The ‘pop-up classrooms’ can be used to show images ranging from historical characters to weather forecasts in French.

Vice Principal Richard Cullen said: “This technology really brings subjects to life and offers new ways of teaching. It opens up all sorts of opportunities and makes teaching more active.”

Student Daniel Friery is one of those who has used the screen for the Academy’s Comenius project, which fosters better understanding of other countries. He said: “We used the green screen to make a film. It‘s a really good thing to be able to use. It makes classes more interesting.”

Transition—It’s Not Just for Year 6s

As young people face an increasingly complex range of decisions, each with the potential to significantly change the course of their entire career paths, a good source of impartial information, advice and guidance is essential. The Education Village offers a Careers Education Information And Guidance programme to support our KS4 students through a smooth transition. Over KS4 we offer various activities geared to the individual needs of the students which include the following:

• A range of school assemblies taken by FE providers, Apprenticeship and Work Based training providers • Mock interview sessions, CV workshops and interview techniques supported by local employers • College application workshop days • Apprenticeship and work related training application days • All students have the opportunity to access 1:1 advice sessions with one of our knowledgeable career advisors

Last term students attended further and higher education institutions (Darlington College/Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form/Bishop Auckland College/New College Durham/Middlesbrough College/Stockton Riverside College/ Cleveland College of Art and Design/Newcastle University and Teesside University). They also visited local employers and training providers (NACRO/INCLUDE/S and D Training/South West Durham Training/ Darlington Borough Council Apprenticeship Schemes).

The aim of these visits was to enlighten our students and give insight to post-16 study, training and employment. This was done through site tours and interesting workshops, with a view to helping all the students make the right career choice.

Photograph from the recent visit to Newcastle University

13 Chinese Abacus lessons in Mathematics

Chinese teacher Miss Xiaohan Zhang was recently invited into the Mathematics Department of Carmel College to teach the Year 7 students how to use a Chinese abacus.

Miss Zhang, who is working at the College as part of the Confucius Classroom project, showed the students a video about the Chinese abacus, its origins and how it is used on a daily basis in China. One part of the video showed a competition of calculation between a modern calculator and an abacus, with the abacus being much faster, much to the surprise of the students.

The students were introduced to the structure of the abacus and the meaning of every bead.

All the students were given the opportunity to use an abacus and familiarise themselves with the beads before carrying out some simple and then more complicated additions. The class really enjoyed working with the abacus and were very happy to be able to get the correct answers.

Teesside University News

Raising Aspirations for Young People in Care

Bringing together the key people responsible for shaping the future of our young people in care, this conference offers a chance to discuss ways to work together to encourage participation, achievement and progression in education.

22 nd May 2013, 10.00am - 1.30pm, Middlesbrough Campus

Part-time Open Day—For Those Who Wish to Earn While They Learn

If you're thinking about studying part-time, come and find out what we have to offer you at Teesside University. This popular event gives you the opportunity to meet with subject specialists and get all the information you need to know about our courses and the fantastic facilities we have here at Teesside University. Ideal for those students who would like to earn while studying.

15 th July 2013, 2.00pm-7.00pm, Middlesbrough Campus

There’s Still Time to Apply—Don’t Miss Out

There is still time for your students to apply for university entry in September 2013. Bring your students to the full time undergraduate open day to investigate their options and find out more. Your students can get a flavour of life at Teesside University by attending subject talks, touring the campus, viewing accommodation and meeting current students and staff. Open days are highly recommended by those who attend as being helpful in making, or narrowing down, their university choices.

19 th June 2013, 10.00am—3.00pm, Middlesbrough Campus

14 Poetry by Heart

Poetry by Heart is a national competition open to all students aged 14-18 and, this year for the first time, Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College in Darlington got involved.

Julie Ashmore, Head of English Literature at QE, takes up the story:

‘After publicising the competition across College we were thrilled to have 10 entrants. Auditions were held and we were so impressed with the quality of the students’ performances that it was decided that all should enter the competition and perform in front of an audience in the Hall. Each student had to recite two poems from collections of pre and post 1914 pieces. The range of poems chosen was delightful; students really took the poems to heart and communicated them with heartfelt emotion.

Our judges on the night of the competition were two local head teachers, Calvin Kipling from DSMS and Sue Richardson from the Education Village, as well as Peter Barron, Editor of the Northern Echo. The judges had a very difficult job but, with strict criteria, they were able to reach a decision quite easily. There was also a ‘people’s vote’ so that the audience could decide whose poem and performance they thought had spoken to them. The atmosphere was electric with live music provided by students Zander McMullon and James McGraw being very much appreciated.’

The winner of the people’s vote was Alice Morley for her performance of Sylvia Plath’s ‘The Applicant’. Alice also came third in the competition overall. Second place went to Thomas Parsons-Munn for his performances of Douglas’ ‘How to Kill’ and Whitman’s ‘Dirge for Two Veterans’. The overall winner was Lizzie Aumonier with her performances of Eliot’s ‘Journey of the Magi’ and Procter’s ‘Envy’.

Lizzie says: ‘It was a fun night. I really enjoyed it and gained a lot from being involved. I hope to do well in the regional finals.'

Darlington Sports Winner’s Scheme Grand Final

Carmel College enjoyed a night of success at the Darlington Sports Winner’s Scheme Grand Final held at Darlington College in January. Students and staff from Carmel were nominated in three of the six categories and were successful in two of them.

The Carmel Athletics Team won the ‘Over 13 Team Award’ for their success at local, regional and national level, and Assistant Principal at the college, Mrs Eve Hannaford, won the ‘Services to Sport’ award for her success with many teams in many sports over the past 38 years.

In one of the other categories, Carmel’s Year 7 Football Team finished runners up to the Darlington Swimming club in the ‘Under 13 Team Award’ but overall it was a fantastic night for the Carmel students.

15 Building and Racing Hovercrafts

School pupils had lots of fun and excitement when they visited Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College and built their own hovercrafts. Teams from Darlington schools designed and built the working vehicles, each capable of carrying a pilot. They then raced them to see whether their designs converted into good performance.

The day-long challenge at QE, held under the Foundation for Jobs banner, was aimed at boosting interest in engineering and understanding of the practical applications of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) subjects. It is hoped such events will encourage young people to consider careers in engineering or related disciplines, where there are expected to be thousands of job opportunities in the North-East over the next decade.

Steve Hunnisett, Vice Principal at QE, worked alongside a specialist team from Bradford University’s School of Engineering, Design and Technology to develop and run the event. Steve also recruited QE students, who already have offers of University places to study Engineering, to act as mentors for the teams of pupils. He said: “It was great to see these young people having fun applying their maths and science to an exciting project. The task they completed on the day also gave them a really good experience of working together as a team to solve a ‘real life’ problem, using their imagination and inventiveness. ”

Joanne Crowther, from Bradford University, added: “We were impressed by the way the students engaged with the hovercraft project. They all worked well in their respective teams, listened to instructions and the proof was really in the pudding during the “Great Race” when every single hovercraft functioned extremely well. We wit- nessed some of the fastest hovercrafts we’ve seen since running this project in over ten years.”

The Foundation for Jobs is a partnership between the Northern Echo, Darlington Borough Council, education providers and the Darlington Partnership of public and private sector firms and organisations in the borough. It is a national award winning project that aims to tackle youth unemployment.

Further information on Foundation for Jobs can be found at http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/ campaigns/foundationforjobs.

Next issue

The next issue of the 11-19 Practitioner Newsletter will be published in October 2013. If you have anything you would like to be featured in the next issue, please send text (and photos if you have them) to [email protected] by 12 th September 2013.

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