OASTLERS NEWSLETTER Oastlers School, Flockton Road, Bradford, BD4 7RH, REMINDERS Tel: 01274 430 7456, E:[email protected] Safe, Secure, Successful GCSE Results Day MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD th Welcome to our ‘Covid’ Newsletter! forward to coming back – it’s been too Thursday 20 long! August 2020 What very difficult and challenging times we currently live in! I sincerely 9.30- 11.00am hope, above all, that you are all well, So, keep doing what you are doing for safe and virus free. now – plenty reading, completing tasks from the VLE, keeping in touch During the lockdown period, we have and most of all been running a ‘care hub’ and many keeping safe. children have been attending the hub, taking part in activities each day of which I am pretty sure have been enjoyable and supportive during this uncertain time. We have a routine - wash hands, sanitise, Lexia then get going with whatever activity is planned. We don’t forget the hand washing routine all day long and we Lyndsey Brown try our very best to ensure we are operating the social distancing rules, We wish all our Year 11 which are currently at 2m but that might change soon to 1m. There is and 12 leavers the best so much happening now in terms of updates and guidance. What is im- of luck for the future. portant to say, is that we will be re- turning to school, one way or the We will miss you and other, in September. I cannot say our doors are open for enough how much you have all been missed! I hope you are looking you always!

WELL DONE MATTHEW Wow! We are amazed how well Matthew has done putting up fencing for someone in his neighbourhood. I know who I’ll be asking for help when September 2020 it comes to fencing!

Leavers assembly will be on: Friday 2nd October from 9:30 - 11:00am NEWS FROM THE OASTLERS ‘CARE HUB’ WELL DONE CALLUM!

England Cricket Stars past and present have been sending messages of encour- agement to Callum after watching him in remote training during the Covid-19 lock- down. Rory Burns and Sam Curran started 2020 on England’s victorious tour of South Africa. And now they have taken time out to watch some innovative online coaching sessions with a promising young talent from Yorkshire. Oastlers School has been using technology to give Year 10 student Callum the chance to continue practicing his batting and fielding skills. The school has stayed open throughout the lockdown acting as a local care hub for young people unable to be home-schooled.

Twice a week Callum receives a one to one training session from a professional coach based in Surrey. England international Sam Curran has been a rising star since his test debut two years ago and has been impressed with what he has seen. “I’ve seen some amazing videos of your sessions which you have been doing during lockdown and it looks great.” The Surrey all rounder also invited Callum to visit him after restrictions are lifted in a personalised video. “I really look forward to meeting you in person at the Oval and to show you around the ground.”

Robert Fairbairn, part of the Oastlers School leadership team, explained how the training sessions were set up. “A couple of years ago we were invited to take some learners down to The Oval as guests of Surrey County Cricket club. Around that time we had identified we had a fantastic young cricketer in our midst. Now during the lockdown period, Callum has been working with one of Surrey’s coaches, Michael Jacobs, and the outcomes have been stunning. These virtual reality, one-to-one sessions, have really helped Callum and it’s been absolutely special and amazing to watch him develop.” Former England Captain, Alec Stewart, is Director of Cricket at Surrey CCC also passed on his regards; “We would like to wish Callum all the very best from everyone in the Surrey dressing room, players and coaches.”

Before lockdown, Michael Jacobs was coaching Under 9s for Sur- rey County Cricket Club. Now he is coaching Callum from his gar- den in the Surrey suburbs. “These one-to-one sessions work the same way they would face-to-face. Before we start, I have a quick chat with Callum, make sure the technology works. Then I get one of the teachers to feed some balls to Callum, whilst observing so- cial distancing. We are lucky, in that Mo from the school is a pretty handy club cricket bowler. I get Callum to work on a prescribed skill, if it goes really well, we move onto the next one. If he needs to work on something, I can give him some feedback, and then work on it again.”

Surrey Captain and England opening batsman Rory Burns also sent Callum a personal video message, “It’s great to see you have been managing to practice and train during the lockdown. Particularly with the great man that is Michael Jacobs, he coached me as a youngster. So I’m glad that he is sharing his knowledge with you.” John Neal, Head of Coaching Development at the ECB dropped into a session on Microsoft Teams, to see how it works. “In this time, where we are not allowed to be in the same place and so close together to coach. It is fantastic to see coaches, players and schools, innovating and showing creativi- ty to demonstrate how coaching can still be delivered to motivate and inspire young players.”

Head of Oastlers School, Lyndsey Brown is delighted with the results. It’s fantastic to see Callum working with an elite coach during lockdown, I’m so proud just to watch this learner really focussed and enjoying his cricket. On a serious note, this type of activity is about helping our children to heal as they deal with a really difficult situa- tion of coming into school during a lockdown where many of their classmates are not there and they have to social distance with staff.”

Oastlers invited media trainer Paul Holloway to make a short film on Callum’s cricket sessions. Paul has worked on projects improving Oastlers’ students digital and em- ployability skills prior to lockdown with social enterprise, Digital Advantage. “The whole film was recorded and edited remotely. One thing that comes across, is the passion and enthusiasm the staff have for the students at Oastlers. I’m a big cricket fan and I was delighted this film has been watched by some cricket superstars who then took the time to send Callum such personal words of encouragement.” You can see the film of Callum in action on twitter @Oastler_School

JADE - 5D PAINTING

Jade has created some amazing pictures using a technique called 5D Painting. This is a similar technique to cross stich- ing where small diamonds are applied to a sticky canvas to create a work of art. Jade well done! We love every piece you have created. Raj Kaur ENGAGE IN THEIR FUTURE ACTS OF KINDNESS - THANK YOU NHS CUP NOTHERN REGION For the past few weeks a group of 2020 learners in the care hub have been baking buns and cakes for the staff at Airedale and Bradford hospitals. Lee Kayden (captain) scoring a - anne, sam, Lisa, Ellesha, Kenny, header in one of the games Stefan, Jayden, Hammad, Matthew helped the team go on to win and myself. Each week I have dropped them off with one of my the tournament. neighbours who works at Airedale or Immy at work has sent them into BRI Oastlers were unbeaten with his wife. throughout the tournament and managed to not concede a The learners have loved making the cakes and buns and giving some- goal in the process. thing back to the NHS staff. Its lovely Winning this prestigious tour- to see all the learners doing some- thing for others. Its been really heart- nament means that Oastlers warming to see and everyone loves will now play in the National taking part. Lucy Harper Finals at St Georges Park (The home of England training facility) Lyndsey said “Well done lads!”

Sean Regan

OASTLERS CAR WASH When the sun is shining the staff and learners are out cleaning cars. They have loved the group activity and the exercise that comes with cleaning cars. They have become quite good valets! LIFE WITH ISOLATION PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT BY OASTLERS They are good and bad things about being in isolation. Lyndsey identified a need within our The good things: DAP School partners that those ● There would be a less settings would require specialised chance of getting Covid19. PPE when they considered reopen- ● We do not have to go to school ing. She asked if that was some- ● And more time with family. thing do'able at Oastlers. My initial Bad things: thought was that we could make the ● We cannot go outside or go to see your friends. clear face screens easily on the ● There is less stuff in shops laser cutter, but that the head to buy because everyone is straps would be difficult as the ma- panicking. chine bed is only A3 size which is ● And there are less sports on TV. too small for them. Maybe we Protection: could share the job with a school To keep yourself more protect- with a larger laser cutter? After a ed you should wear a mask to cover your mouth to stop peo- bit of digging, I found an existing ple from coughing or sneezing strap design which was freely on you. Keep six feet away available to download and changed the design a little to make it possible to from people unless you know be made in three sections. With clear acetate for the screens and 0.5mm them or if he/she is your child. Facts: polypropylene for the straps it was possible for production to begin. ● Covid-19 is a new illness that affects your lungs and your In addition to the DAP schools, I also supplied a batch to Bradford Cat Watch airway. Rescue Kittens, who were unable to carry on their important work of ● Symptoms of Covid-19, re-homing rescued cats without being able to keep themselves and their coughing, short of breath and high temperature. visitors protected. ● Simple measures like wash- ing your hands and using “A massive well done Chris” - Lyndsey Brown anti bacteria hand gel will stop the virus from spread- Chris Davis ing. Opinion: In my opinion I think the isola- tion is boring and annoying be- cause it has stopped things like going to the park and seeing your friends face to face and not on a screen. These are the type of mask you should be wearing if you are going to the shops or just a simple dog walk. Sometimes people can be happy with isolation be- cause we don’t want to catch and spread it around our fami- ly. I get it can help us but some- times it gets boring. James 8TB THE WORLD OF GCSE ART HORROR This year’s GCSE art Learners have worked extremely hard creating My name is Naruto and I am a artwork ready for their assessments and to be exhibited within the ghoul who lost everything, I school. Unfortunately, due to these unprecedented times this year’s art wanted to leave earth to fight a exhibition has been unable to go ahead. Both learners Ryan and Taylor dragon who took everything should be proud at the amount of effort they have put into their work to away from me and I wanted create astonishing portfolios and pieces of art. Here is some of their revenge. pieces of art for you to have a look at we hope that you enjoy. Jennifer Blackwell The only way I could get to the dragon’s world was to travel through a portal. The only problem was I did not know where it was. Just before I gave up looking, I spotted a weird glow underneath a car. I went to have a look and saw the portal. I jumped into the portal and suddenly the world turned dark everywhere.

I knew I was in the world be- cause I straight away saw dark elves walking to the castle of the dragon. I followed them quietly when they reached the gates I crept into the lair.

The dragon was there he start- ed laughing as he saw me and I knew I was in for a battle. We battled for a long time but I defeated him. Everyone look- ing was shocked at me. Just then a dark elf prince put a crown on my head.

I knew I was the ruler of this world so I made it a happier place. I made everything green and happy and made sure eve- ryone was happy as could be. TOURETTES AWARENESS MONTH James 9TB Tyler has been working hard over the Covid 19 period and created a fantastic poster on tourettes.

Tyler Churchill HAMMAD’S CAFE WORK EXPERIENCE CREATIONS We were lucky to take an active part in Bradford Manufacturing Week in Aspire is a city centre based October 2019, little did we know at the time that 2020 would curtail all the café that provides catering, exciting activities that had taken place in the previous term. Learners experi- hospitality and customer enced a wide range of opportunities at companies like Solenis, Christeyns, service training to local young Cardinal, JCT600 and Pennine Pnuematic Services. people. Run as a real café, they cater for local business At Solenis two of our learners had the chance to see how a chemical lunches, their own business company works, they participated in experiments and got involved in a wide hub and event space, or any- variety of activities such as research and development, testing and manufac- one who fancies popping in ture. for a bite to eat. At Christeyns two groups of learners were challenged to make a new Hammad started a placement fragrance of shampoo. They had to design and manufacture it under super- at Aspire’s café in the early vision and then go into the board room and present to a senior team in the part of 2020. His culinary company. skills immediately came to the fore as he started to bake his Robert Fairbairn amazing cakes. Some of his produce was sold in the café and the rest eagerly awaited by staff at Oastlers. Lock- down curtailed his one day a week placement but hopefully he will be able to continue when it is safe to do so.

Robert Fairbairn LOCKDOWN

Before l was at school doing my music. Then a few days later lockdown started, when it started I was quite annoyed because I couldn’t finish my music GCSE. After a month of being inside I was starting to get really bored in the house. I was missing school loads, the things I miss about school are being with my band at lunch time and helping Duncan and Lyndsey out. I’ve been keeping my self entertained by coming up with new songs for my band and going on bike rides with my brother and doing a bit of free running with him. I’m still doing my guitar lessons with Geoff on Wednesday through Zoom, at least I’m still getting my guitar lesson so I’m not missing out.

I’ve been in my room most of the time and then a few days later my next door neighbours got a dog called Geoff. During the weeks of the warm spell I’ve been playing with him in our garden which has been so much fun. When the weather was really hot we’ve had a BBQ with the neighbours and one at my grandma’s house which was really nice to see them and just to get out was nice too. Now that you can go out more I’ll be going out more to stop me from getting bored in the house. I can’t wait till lock down is fully over so I can go in to Leeds with my family. I really can’t wait to go back to school in September just to see everyone and to help out like I always do.

I’ve missed the staff at school while not being there. This has been a hard time at home not been able to go out and see anyone. Hopefully things will be back to normal soon. Kyle 11AE KEY MESSAGES HOW IS IT AFFECTING US? A TEENAGER’S FROM LEARNERS PERSPECTIVE Coronavirus is effecting teenagers the most as from year 9 and up every little bit of work counts as we pick our options now because of coronavirus we can’t pick them and we are missing out on important work that we need to learn and we are also missing out on friendship and fun times that we have in school and at breaks and lunches.

From my view of things, I think everyone needs to stay inside otherwise teenagers will never learn the things that are important to us although we may have online school and can get in touch with the teachers it is not enough especially for those who have got learning difficulties and struggle to learn without the extra assistance that they require.

My school (Oastlers) helps kids that struggle to learn without extra assistance and my school has shut down. Now for me I struggle to sit still and do my work but at Oastlers they help me stay calm and sit still for long enough just James 9TB to get through the lesson. Working from home for me is a bit boring and bit of a struggle so I just have to put my mind to do it. At my school they make sure we learn what we need to but they do it in a fun way while keeping us all calm and they make it more interesting without that we just get bored easily. All the people in my school have different learning abilities some of them can only do so much in one lesson while others can do a bit more.

We are also missing out on chances to talk about our home problems and worries with the counsellor in our school which can lead to arguments at home because the kids that find it hard to speak to their parents or carers at home and can get frustrated with themselves and others. I know this because Jade 9TB I find it hard to speak about certain things with my parents and can only talk to Phil (the counsellor). There's just some things that teenagers can’t talk or ask their parents or carers because they are either embarrassed or find it difficult to talk with the people at home.

All of this above we are missing out on and from a teenager’s perspective it can seem really important to us and some of us can be really upset at a time like this.

If everyone in the world just stayed in and listened to the government, it could actually make some teenagers really happy and also it would make the world a better place and we could all get back to normal life and teenagers can get Tyler Churchill back to what is important to them.

I hope that some adults out there read this and realise what is im- portant to us teenagers and ac- tually stay Inside instead of making this coronavirus worse. Yours sincerely Jade

Jade 9CB Arran 7MG