December 2011

01

Issue

Education Centre & Sports College Achieving Through Believing

Victoria

Termly Newsletter of news and events for parents, our patrons and supporters.

VEClife

this issue
Sparkle Update P.5 P.P.G. News Letter P.6

News In Brief
Its been a busy month for good causes here at VEC with the school holding a Jeans for Genes day. Jeans for Genes provides funding for the care and support of children with genetic disorders. We raised a whopping 207.55. VEC also had a Pink Day to raise money for breast cancer research. 241.66 is winging its way to them. Another great charity Children in Need had their day at VEC too on 18th November with everyone dressing in Civvies for the day and a brill 171.63 was raised. 25.60 has been raised for the Sparkle appeal from a book sale run by Jenny Bastock.Hazel Noyen sends thanks to everyone who donated socks to be given to the clients of Bournemouths Soup Run this Christmas. On Sunday December 18th, Greg ( who initiated the collection) Jordan and Jade will be attending a Carol Service at the Salvation Army in Winton to give the socks to the people who help coordinate the Soup Run.

Residential Round-Up P.8 The Sports Report P.10 Curtain Call, Drama and Dance P.12 Classroom Catch-up P.14
In the frame. Liam Directs, see main feature.

VEC Benefits From Film Technology Grant

VEC now has access to state of the art adapted equipment that allows our students to make their own short films. The specially adapted filming equipment was purchased thanks to a grant by Awards for All. The grant also allowed students to take part in two training workshops where they learned how to use the digital cameras and how to edit footage. The new equipment can be used by students in wheelchairs independently, as the cameras are attached to the wheelchair by a flexi metal arm and the students can control the camera with a switch that can be operated by hand, head or foot. Brighton based film company Fruit Media conducted the training workshops. The new equipment will also be used by students at Livabilitys two other colleges, Nash College in Bromley and Hinwick Hall College in Wellingborough, as well as young people from a range of other Livability projects.

Editorial

Hellos and thank yous! Ok here we go, first of all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our readership. Welcome to VEC life, a slightly rebranded version of the brilliant news4you, a termly newsletter of news, views, events and sometimes trivia of all things VEC. My name is Jon Godber and Ive been charged with taking the helm from your former editor Mo Howells. Mo ran News4you for nearly seven years from 2006 and over that time did a great job in presenting our school and all we do in print form. From Royal visits to OFSTED triumphs Mo badgered and bashed everyone to eke out the best stories and presented them with great skill and a dash of fun. I speak for us all when I say Thank you Mo Youll be a hard act to follow.
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Degree Of Success For Debbie

Congratulations and a hearty pat on the back to our very own HR and Admin Manager Debbie Strain for graduating with a degree in Management with Human Resources. Debbie worked very hard over the past three years and in her own time to get this degree. Her extensive Case Study is entitled 'An Evaluation of Feeling Valued at Work'. Debbie thanks all staff that have assisted her Case Study through the questionnaire and individual interviews that she held. We are delighted that she has achieved this degree and know her HR skills and knowledge will be of great benefit to VEC and our staff. Well Done Debbie!

Woofability lends a paw

Woofability is a locally based organisation operating from Ferndown training assistance dogs for disabled people in Dorset, Hampshire and south Wiltshire. Assistance dogs help around the house by emptying the washing machine, collecting post, getting the telephone, helping with dressing and undressing and lots more. It takes two years to train a dog fully and puppies with the right temperament are selected at six weeks old. Twiggy Lawson is a patron. A visit to us with these marvellous dogs is in the planning stage. If you would like more information, or would like to make a donation to the cost of training one of these dogs the address is as follows. Woofability,12 Garden Walk, Ferndown, Dorset

BH22 9SN Tel: 01202 870067 Email: dogs@the-lodge-myzen.co.uk Www.woofability.com

Princes Trust joins forces with Post 16

Some of the students in Post 16 had the opportunity to work alongside members of The Princes Trust. The visiting volunteers had previously met and worked alongside some Post 16 students, whilst taking part in a project during which they collaborated with Horticulture and oversaw the development of areas of the school grounds. They enjoyed working with students from Post16 so much that they asked to be able to come back and work with them again during the later stages of their course. They asked to deliver a morning of Arts and Crafts to two different classes and it is clear that everyone involved had an excellent time.
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Stuart Lends a Hand

Victoria 'Raising Awareness' tour 2011

By Gary Ayles

As part of a new marketing strategy to raise awareness of the school, staff took part in three major trade shows in London. Kidz South, Naidex and Community Care Live. Closer to home we also had a stand at the Linwood school open evening. The next step will be to maximise the potential of the leads generated at these shows by hosting several Open Days at Victoria after half term 2012 and invite prospective students, parents

and professional partners to come and see the school first hand. The aim is to formulate an annual marketing events calendar, raise our profile and attract new students to join the school or take part in our activities. If you know of any students, parents or professional partners that would like an invitation to these 2012 Open Days please contact; Gary Ayles, Business Development Manager. Email: gayles@victoria.poole.sch.uk

Sporting Chance for Mbeleni School

As part of the International Inspiration link with the Mbeleni Primary School in South Africa Fraser and Fiona returned this term for the final visit. During the visit courses on First Aid procedures were given to the Educators and Young Leaders. Educators were given additional training regarding schemes of work and the importance of warming up and cooling down. The school were given a variety of new equipment to enable them to design new games, these games were taught to other learners from the cluster schools. Young Leaders prepared and delivered activities during the Festival to students, with ages ranging from primary to secondary, from local schools. During the festival, cultural show demonstrations were given from other schools and certificates were awarded to both educators and learners for the completion and attendance at training given by staff from Victoria. The Young Leaders delivered their activities to the cluster school
Mbeleni School KwaZulu-Natal 10th 14th October 2011

Return Trip to South Africa

Fraser Smith & Fiona Barnett

students excellently and all provided an insight into how students can be used as potential educators in the future. Although the three year programme has come to an end we will endeavour to continue the close and successful links that have been made with staff and learners from Mbeleni Primary school.

Signs for the Times

Noisy

The SaLT Makaton signs of the week this December are: 5th-12th December -Noisy and Quiet

Mystery Challenge???
For the new year to raise money for the Sparkle Appeal we will bringing in a new challenge for students and staff. Watch this space for details from our own Carol Sammons.

Quiet

Remember

Forget

Victoria Goes Baroque

By Marianne Harding

The Victoria Goes Baroque Music project has begun with three fantastic days of taster workshops, with Mark Withers, for all students where they have been listening to and conducting clarinet, violin and double bass players from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, and playing a violin, cello or Double Bass (that has been kindly donated by Stentor).Other students have been working with Assistive Music Technology with Doug Bott from Drake Music. Next term ten lucky students will have the amazing opportunity to rehearse and perform with the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment at a concert here for the whole school and later at Pavillion Dance for local primary schools on March 30th 2012. All other students will take part in another three days of workshops to prepare them to take part in the concert as an audience.

Students who really want to play with the orchestra but who dont get the chance this time will be able to take part in an extra workshop from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment and the opportunity to attend a concert in Southampton from their Anthem for a Child tour during Creative Arts Week.

Face Grown and Hand Brushed!

VEC has been looking decidedly hairy later with more facial hair than you can shake a big razor at! Well its all been for a good cause and in support of Movember, a fun event in aid of the prostate cancer charity who are working hard to raise awareness of the condition. Men everywhere were challenged to grow moustaches and make a donation for the privilege. Phil Thompson was our winner and 70 was raised. (Also see page 9.)

The Movember Crew On our staff community front lots of congratulations are in order this issue. Life Skills Teacher Jens Lammering has been blessed with a bouncing baby boy called Otto. SaLTA assistant Lorraine Dredge has had a beautiful baby girl and called her Isabelle. Wedding bells have also been ringing with Beth Winter nee Snell and Rebecca Rodriguez nee Woodward tying the knot. Also congratulations go to former L.S.A. James Colton on winning this years staff award. News is that James and Hannah are enjoying their new L.S.A. job in China and has visited the Forbidden City and the Great Wall as well as enjoying Chinese lessons.

Hatched, Matched and Congrats

Carolyn Steps Up

Class CN Teacher Carolyn Nelms has taken over the mantle of Teaching representative on the board of Governors. Carolyn takes over from former rep Angus Collins.

300,000 to go!!!

Sparkle Update
A big thank you to everyone who has supported the Sparkle Appeal over the last two years. With your help, proceeds from community events, sponsorship of individual efforts and receiving a grant of 1.22 million we can confirm that there is just 300,000 to raise for Phase 1 of the Appeal. This phase will see the building of a new hydrotherapy pool with a proposed building start date of July 2012. Recent events which are helping to swell the funds: Sparkle would like to send a huge thank you to St Georges Methodist Church who donated 1,800 earlier in the year. Rachel McLeans grandparents helped to raise this money from a variety of events including a talent competition. Remedy Oak Charity Golf Tournament our inaugural event in September at this superb golf course had to be cancelled as the weather was extremely bad even for golfers! However, a new date in October saw 15 teams of 4 all tee-off at 11:00am for a wonderful day of golf. This was followed by a celebration dinner, raffle and auction in total we raised 8,398. A tremendous amount made possible by the support and generosity of local businesses, such as Lewis Innovative Investment who sponsored the event. The event was such a success and enjoyed by all that a date has been set for next year joint sponsorship has been agreed by Lewis Innovative Investment and Rocare

last year, the ladies at Bulbury Woods have been supporting Sparkle with a variety of events. Val Ford attended a lunch recently and picked up a cheque for 2,840.93. Sparkle Appeal Ladies Christmas Evening this was another first for Sparkle and proved to be a very successful event. Sponsored by Barclays Wealth, we attracted over 100 ladies and 17 exhibitors bringing a wide range of gifts, home accessories, food, floral decorations, fab frocks and shoes and much, much more. This event was held at Royal Motor Yacht Club who have adopted Sparkle as their charity of the year the venue was superb and a great time was had by all! 1,520 was raised and certainly elevated Sparkles profile among ladies who shop! Victorias Christmas Fair the annual fair proved very successful again and raised just over 2,950 from stall takings and Chriss wonderful efforts in reception since! The Sparkle Raffle raised another 666. In total the amount raised is in excess of 3,600 and there could be more from reception sales! Thank you to all staff and parents who gave their time to support this annual event. Dont forget Sparkle has Golden Bond places in the next Virgin London Marathon 2012 some have already been taken up so dont miss out! Contact Diana or Lorraine in the Sparkle office for an application form. A great idea for New Year Floral Gifts Penn Hill Flowers & Gifts Will be selling floral bouquets for 35.00 to support local charities there is a Sparkle Bouquet and for every sale 5.00 will be donated to our appeal. Available from January 1st.
Here is an example of one of Penn Hill Florists Christmas decorations

Some of the prize-winners

Ramons Bash a very big thank you to Shirley for her fantastic organisation of this extremely successful event Shirley brought together a wide range of acts for this family friendly performance. Over 2,000 was raised to jointly support Sparkle and Ramons new wheelchair. Bulbury Woods Ladies Golf Team Over the

www.pennhillflorists.co.uk Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas from Diana and Lorraine

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PPG

News letter
With Nicky Greenway

Hello to all Parents and Students at VEC. We are very happy to report back on some of the parent group activities this term. We launched our series of events on transition with a Forward Planning Morning on November 4th. The format we used was to provide a panel of people who represented various facets of the services our children will be involved with as they reach 16 and 18 years old, i.e. Further Education, Adult Social Services, Housing and Deputyships. We had a good response from parents with children of all ages and one of the resounding messages of the feedback from this event was that we all need to start planning early and keep up-to date with changes in legislation and rights. A lot of the planned changes in the current green paper on Special Educational Needs Reform are based on adult models of provision such as individual personal budgets for families of disabled children and much more emphasis on parents and students making decisions and being empowered. We aim to follow through this event with another Wills and Trusts Seminar including Disability Wessex advice on Deputyships, a Spring event for students welcoming them to Post 16 and a seminar on benefits, including representatives from Banks on opening accounts. All these ideas and more have come from parents and we continue to ask for and welcome your ideas. We shall certainly have a Future Planning Event every Autumn in order to keep you all informed.

off-site but not far away. Staff would not be part of this group unless invited and Claire Dibblin, our Parent Governor, has kindly offered to organize these meetings on a half-termly basis. We shall keep you posted!

Other news to share from the PPG is that there is no need for me to ask for your holiday experiences as there is now a non-profit making organisation called The Disabled Holidayer which asks for reviews on anywhere including days out, trips overseas, holidays etc. Their website is www.thedisabledholidayer.com and is full of useful tips and advice. As a result of our questionnaire on packed lunches, specific requests for sandwiches will be a routine part of our menu. The majority of parents felt more than happy with our choice of menu but it was felt that older students in particular, would like the choice of sandwiches. WE WOULD LIKE TO LET ALL PARENTS KNOW THAT A THANK YOU BOX HAS BEEN PUT IN THE RECEPTION AREA. THIS WAS AN IDEA FROM STAFF TO GIVE EACH OTHER A WAY OF SHOWING APPRECIATION FOR SPECIFIC DEEDS. HOWEVER WE THOUGHT PARENTS COULD ALSO USE THIS SYSTEM One of the discussions that the PPG parents have raised is that some people may not like the AND THANK YOU SLIPS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM CHRIS TARRING IN RECEPTION. idea of a formal meeting, as in the present structure, and so we have been investigating an Finally, we hope to see as many of you as possible at the parents Christmas lunch on Friday alternative way for parents to meet in a more th informal way. This would run alongside the PPG 16 December 11am-1.30pm. This is an informal event but we do need to know numbers so we and any concerns or ideas could then get fed can plan food and venue accordingly. Wishing into the formal meeting and actioned if appropriate. We are able to use the lounge area you all a safe, happy and joyful Christmas, Nicky th at St Aldhems Church which has tea and coffee Next PPG meeting is on Wednesday 25 January making facilities, toilets and the benefits of being at 1.30pm.

A Little Help From Some Friends

By Jade Verlander

Dorset Parent-Carer Council is run by parents for parents and their families. Its free to join, and they keep you informed of any news which affects families caring for a disabled child as well as offering support and various courses including tackling challenging behaviour. They also offer beach huts for hire (see ad on Backpage). They are wheelchair accessible and available all year round. Both huts have a changing bench fitted and will have a small locker for keys etc. For more info log on to www.dorsetparentcarercouncil.co.uk

Merlins Magic Wand is a worldwide charity for children, aiming to provide magical experiences for those who are seriously ill, disabled or disadvantaged. Children are eligible for one trip a year, and experiences include Weymouth Sea life Centre, Legoland and Chessingtons. You can apply for tickets for the whole family, including siblings. Applying is easy, visit their website at www.merlinsmagicwand.org for more information. We have recently received 4 tickets to Legoland and cant wait to go at half term!! All we had to do was fill in an online form and promptly received a reply of what to do next. A G.P.s certificate confirming our sons disability was required and the tickets came the following week.

The Variety Club is a wonderful charity which helps sick and disabled young children, even with the smaller items they need. A specially adapted car seat costing a few hundred pounds for example might make all the difference to family outings, and the Variety Club do all they can to try and make life a little easier for families. They do this by providing vital daily items that are often overlooked and yet add up to many thousands of pounds every year. Bath mats, Hoists, mobility equipment, learning and communication equipment, electric wheelchairs, and standing frames to name but a few. They are easy to apply for. A form needs to submitted to head office which is then passed to a local team who pay you a house visit to see exactly what you need. They even suggest things you might have forgotten. They also invite you to various family days, balls and childrens parties. We have received a standing frame and an electric wheelchair from them over the years and cannot recommend them enough. Its like gaining another friend who really can help and support you when you need it. For more information visit their website at: www.varietyclub.org.uk/how-we-help/individuals
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Residential Round-up
For those of you who dont know me, my name is Clare Payne and I am the Assistant Manager of the Residential unit. I have been working at VEC for almost 16yrs, all of which has been in the residential department. I have experienced many changes during my time and am now in a position to assist in implementing changes, as Assistant Manager of the department, alongside Vicki Goldsmith (Deputy Manager) and Sharon Nix ( Registered Manager), to continue to improve the service we offer.

By Clare Payne

half termly Student Council meeting by their unit representative. Students feel empowered and are able to contribute to how the residential service runs. With the festive session rapidly upon us, students are getting into the spirit by organising Christmas shopping trips, meals out, visits to see Santa himself (with their lists), and trips to the theatre. So a busy time in residential along with the regular activities we provide i.e. Art Club, Faith Club, Sing and Sign, Sports Club, and Music Club.

Our recent OFSTED inspection gained us an OUTSTANDING achievement, which was great news for our service, and all credit to the staff team and students. Rest assured this doesnt mean we can sit back and relax, we are always Purbeck News reviewing our service and how we can continue By Nikolett Zambo to deliver exceptional standards throughout. Students are actively encouraged to express Since returning from the summer Purbeck their views and opinions on their own personal students have taken on a decorating project to experience in residential within their weekly unit make the Lounge more homely. Students meetings, which then in turn is voiced at our requested to go to the Range, where they bought cushions and a throw for the couch three plants Durlston On The Town and a canvas which they painted By Carlene Gilbert st themselves. We also celebrated James Bradleys On the 1 December, the students from Durlston Unit went to Poole to do their 14th Birthday by going for a walk on the beach, Christmas shopping. They left VEC at 1:30pm followed by a lovely meal at the Harvester which and spent 2 hours wandering around the everyone enjoyed. We have also had a new Dolphin Centre and up and down the high addition to the unit! Ramon joined us after the street in search of the perfect presents for October half term. He has settled in well end entheir families. Unfortunately it was raining but that didnt stop the students enjoying joys socialising with everyone on residential. It is themselves! James from durlston unit said a pleasure having him on the unit. The trip was good. I had a really nice time Finally from everyone on Purbeck, we would like and bought some nice presents for my mum, to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy brothers, my foster brother and my dad. New Year!
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New Arrivals for Sandbanks

By Jane Barr

Sandbanks unit would like to welcome Jacob Whitehouse and Nicole Thomasson who joined us for short breaks in September 2011. We cant believe that another school term is coming to an end. We have lots of fun packed activities taking place which include a festive meal out, a trip to Stewarts garden centre to see Father Christmas, Fish and chips courtesy of Chez Freds and of course the much loved shopping trip where students get the chance to buy gifts for their families.

When we return in January we will hopefully be moving to our new unit which is situated on the top floor. The new unit comes with its own kitchen and multi sensory bathroom, which Im sure all short break students will enjoy taking advantage of. Myself, Vicki, Julie and Michelle would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and to wish you all a merry Christmas and a happy new year.

NEWS EXTRA.NEWS EXTRA..NEWS EXTRA..NEWS EXTRA..NEWS EXTRA..NEWS EXTRA..NEWS EX-

Harvest Festivities
By Marianne Harding

This year our Harvest Festival went around the world with Class MC Salsa dancing in Puerto Rico, Class JC Flamenco dancing in Spain, Class BM Samba drumming in Brazil and Explorers bell ringing Frre Jacques in France.

All the classes had fun learning something about their country, dressing up, dancing, playing instruments from their country and performing in the Harvest Festival just before half term. Thank you for all your food donations .This year they went to the In Touch Christian Mission.

Phil Raises Money and a Smile

Phil doesnt do things by half! As an offshoot of our Movember story, tache of the month winner and Teacher Phil Thompson raised a further 128.12 by getting further sponsorship by shaving half of his Moustache off and putting up with all the comments and strange looks for a week. Well done Phil. Decembeard anyone?
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The Report
With Beverley Morris and Martin Cook
Quest 88 visited the school on Friday 4th November and brought along a selection of bikes, trikes and running bikes, for our students to be assessed on. Throughout the day students came along and had a go on various machines and as you can see below Hugo supported Fraser on the tandem bike. As a result of a fun day there is a chance of setting up a race runner club at the school. Watch this space for further information. Quest 88 will be coming back to do a road show for free in the Spring term 2012. Further information will follow. On Monday 19th September till Friday 23rd September a group of Victoria students attended the National Junior Games at Stoke Mandeville. Evie, JK, Ramon, Marcus, Liam and Kieran where joined by Portia Gumbs and Nathan Blackie. They all took part in a mixture of sport from Boccia to Weight Lifting. They were all a credit to the school showing great sportsmanship even after losing a game. They were a pleasure to watch and be with. I would also like to thank the staff who supported them over the 4 days. It was a tiring and very rewarding trip. Well done all and thank you. Our Champs At Stoke

The Victoria Adventure Days ran during the October half term for Mini and Grand Treks and a great time was had by all. Please look out for the 2012 brochure coming soon. The next Adventure days will be held on:Tuesday14th & Wednesday 15th February 2012 Mini Treks Thursday 16th & Friday 17th February 2012 Grand Treks Run every Friday during term time 6pm till 8pm for children with a physical disability age 12 to 19 years. New from November 2011 Rolling start/Finish time (between 6pm and 8pm) If you would like to drop off or pick up your child at a different time to the start/finish times just ring and we will arrange for you to have access. Film Night Young people can relax, chill out and enjoy all the latest DVD film releases with their friends in our specially adapted facilities. Coming in 2012 - new tuck shop If you would like booking form or for more information please visit www.victoriaadventurebreaks.co.uk or call 01202 758325 This term our Young Leaders have hosted visits from Somerford Community Primary School and St Aldhelms Academy running sessions in Boccia, Wheelchair Balloon Volleyball and Table Cricket.
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VECSport Hosts Boccia Championships

Nine schools and Fifteen teams took part in the Schools Boccia Competition that took place at Victoria School on Friday 25th November 2011. It was a great day of Boccia with some really high standards. The semi final and final were all so close! The Boccia Young Officials from Victoria, St Aldhelms Academy and St Edwards were all fantastic. Thomas Hardy Champs Results4th place = Cranborne School 3rd place = St Aldhelms School The top two teams (Thomas Hardy and QE) will 2nd place = Queen Elizabeth School team 1 now go forward to the Regional Championships 1st place = Thomas Hardy school team 1 which will be held in Exeter on 27th January 2012.

Yoga, an Exercise in Wellbeing

By Stuart Robertson

Yoga is now part of the Post 16 curriculum. Whilst many associate Yoga with contortionist positions with ankles behind the ears etc, it is far from this stereotypical picture, especially at VEC! For our students the focus is on breathing and the coordination of the breath with gentle specific movements. Those who are more physically able take part unassisted , those with higher levels of physical disability have either an LSA to help them or their physiotherapist. With the addition of guided imagery, Yoga is just about accessibility to anyone who can draw breath! Yoga has been adopted in the West primarily as a means of reducing stress and promoting general relaxation and wellbeing. Historically, it has been carried out in the local sports centre or village hall, but more recently it has been taken on board by both primary and secondary schools. Yogas benefits at VEC include : Improvements in concentration and calmness Increased flexibility Improved general health including respiratory and cardiovascular Released tension and tightness from muscles and joints Improved co-ordination and balance Increased ability to identify body parts

Stuart takes a Class

and their location and as a result of this improved spatial awareness. Interestingly, Yoga for children in special schools is being championed by the Prime Ministers wife, Samantha Cameron following the use of special yoga classes at their sons school , Jack Tizards in West London. Research is being carried out by UCL as to the benefits children with special needs get from participating in Yoga classes. Here at VEC the students have really engaged with the yoga sessions and their focus and concentration has been really fantastic, with their achievements outstripping my expectations. If you are interested in learning more then I would be happy to catch up for a chat, or the yoga school associated with the Camerons sons school is www.specialyoga.org.uk
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Shakespeare Schools Festival 2011

On Thursday 17th November 2011, nine of our talented young students performed in the Shakespeare Schools Festival at The Lighthouse Arts Centre, Poole. SSF is the largest youth drama festival in the UK and by the end of this year will have enabled 100,000 young people to perform Shakespeare on a professional stage. This is the second year we have participated in the festival and our students performed a fantastic abridged version of Romeo and Juliet. At this point, we must mention the individual performances by the cast. Evie Boyle as the Nurse, Lauren Taylor as Juliet, and Hugo Lucas-Rowe as Romeo, all of whom worked so hard to give truly outstanding performances that showed great understanding of their characters. We witnessed a great performance from David Young who played four different roles, no mean feat I can tell you! Through his understanding of his own skills as an actor, each character he played was clearly defined by both voice and movement. Kayleigh Willcox made an outstanding contribution to the performance in her debut role as an actress, playing the part of Tybalt and Charley Baker really rose to the challenge of playing Romeos best friend Mercutio. Alec Ross did an amazing job as Benvolio, Amy-Joy McNamara played a wonderfully refined Lady Capulet and Connor Ferris, the youngest and certainly the cheekiest cast member, gave an honest and precise performance as Balthazar. All the students worked so hard and every one of them has grown as a performer and as a person through participating in this play. Under the creative direction of Annie Caldwell assisted by her team this performance showed how the involvement of both music and dance can positively enhance a dramatic production. The regrettable thing about this festival is the fact the students only have the chance to perform once. This is a shame as not only would the students love to perform it again, but those people

Drama and Creative Arts at VEC

Curtain Call By Matt Saunders

Romeo+Juliet

who missed this one performance, truly missed out. Four schools in total performed that night, each performing a thirty minute version of one of Shakespeares plays and I can honestly say that our students did us proud. I would even go as far to say that they were the best, but that would just be biased! We all know how Romeo and Juliet ends, and to have people in the audience choking back the tears goes to show how powerful the performance was. The standing ovation that our wonderful cast received was truly deserved. A huge well done to all of our actors, Hugo Lucas-Rowe, Lauren Taylor, Evie Boyle, David Young, Charley Baker, Kayleigh Willcox, Amy Joy McNamara, Connor Ferris, and Alec Ross. Special thanks must go to Annie Caldwell, Vicky Francis, Belinda Ellicott, Mike Whitlock, Karen Wallace and Vickys Dad for taking some wonderful photos of the dress rehearsal. We would also like to thank parents and staff for their continued support. Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say goodnight till it be morrow.

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Classes PT and KB took part in a workshop with English National Ballet and students from Poole High School on Thursday 20th October as part of their work studying Fred Astaire and Gershwin. They had a busy morning learning different sections and steps from the English National Ballet production Strictly Gershwin before heading off to the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton to watch the full show. The show was fantastic with a full orchestra on stage and a conductor who danced! We were also treated to singing, ballet, ballroom dancing, tap and even roller skating with costumes covered with sequins.

Happy

Feet
By Belinda Ellicot

Oh! What A Night!

Although something of a wonderful distant memory, this year our Leavers Ball was planned by a committee of students who took on board the ideas of all our Leavers and Post 16 students to create the VEC Royal Summer Ball 2011. There were presentations of all our Leavers, performances from Status Quo, GLEAP and Big Little Theatre School along with music provided by our very own Tracey with her partner Colin to welcome everyone and a specially formed band for one night only comprising Tom, Aaron and James. Stuart provided massages in the Chillout Zone and Jon was our official photographer while Jason ran a Mocktail Bar and Stewart provided us with party fare. The highlight of the evening was the vote for our own Prom King and Queen with Dan Warren and Mary McBeth taking the crown for these titles followed by a performance of Footprints in the Sand by Lauren Taylor as a tribute to Benji Bennett from all his friends.

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All the info From Oaks to Post 16!

VEC Goes Wild

Up Close and Perssssssonal..

This Edition of VECLife has a decidedly wild flavour. With this terms curriculum themed Wider World it was always going to be. This varied topic has proved a very interesting and engaging one indeed. Classes JW, JC, BM, CN, and MC have been busy learning about the different zones of our natural world. JW have been looking at different countries around the world, JC have been looking at hot and cold deserts with a trip to Marwell to look at Penguins and Lizards while CN have been exploring the lush rainforests of the world. BM have also been looking at rainforests and inventing their own animals (see BM class feature). MC have been looking at the festivals of the world and embarking on sensory journeys! As a culmination to these great activities we were visited by Zoolab. Our students talked about and handled a Scorpion, a Snake, a Tarantula, a Gerbil, a Giant Snail and some Rats! Some were more keen than others but everyone had real fun. More animal magic Inside.

A Word About Zoolab

ZooLab, over many years, has successfully delivered imaginative animal handling workshops to children all across the UK and Northern Ireland. The benefits from using ZooLab's services are clear. As the only national company offering a range of curriculum relevant animal workshops in schools they take great pride in their long record as a safe and trusted part of the educational establishment.

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Zooquest with Class JC

By Amy Hunt

This term classes CN and JC went to Marwell Zoological Park for a fun filled day out with a bit of education thrown in! As part of the Wider World topic class CN are looking at rainforest environments whilst class JC are focussing on hot and cold deserts. Marwell provided an excellent opportunity for both classes to find out more about their topics. Each class enjoyed a session with the zoo staff and were able to take part in hands on activities which supported their topics. Class CN got up very close and personal with Cynthia the hissing cockroach and a rather large King Python. The Beautiful Snow Leopard They learnt about different rainforest creatures and they ways in which they have adapted to live in extreme environments. Class JC also made some new friends, Kylie the stick insect and a very friendly leopard gecko. The students were able to touch the animals and particularly enjoyed learning about the leopard gecko which lets its tail fall off if caught by other creatures - thankfully it didnt see us as too much of a threat and its tail remained intact! After our sessions with the zoo staff we all enjoyed lunch followed by a walk round the park to look at the other animals. We saw tigers, zebra, a leopard, a flamingo chick and some pygmy hippos although we werent too keen on the smell of their enclosure! To end a lovely day out class JC enjoyed penguin feeding time. This was also a rather smelly experience but enjoyed by all! Marwell has excellent disabled access and is extremely wheelchair friendly. We found the disabled toilet (complete with bench and overhead hoist) particularly impressive Marwell staff informed us that it is one of the top 10 disabled toilets in the country! Worth knowing if Abbie getting to grips with nature. you decide to visit the zoo!

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Close Encounters of the Scaly Kind

By Class CN

This term we have been finding out about the plants and animals that live in a tropical rainforest. We have learnt that they all depend on each other. The rainforests are being cut down and the animal homes are being destroyed. We met rainforest creatures at Marwell Zoo, but the best thing was when a Boa Constrictor snake came to our classroom. She was called Chrisssssss. Some of us dont like snakes, but we were brave and touched Chris. She was smooth and warm and slithery. She was long and strong and heavy. Her tongue went in and out and she was friendly.

MC Cooks up a Storm
By Margaret Hopwood

MC Post 16 have been cooking their way round the world this term. We have visited Sweden and made ginger snaps; Switzerland for a chocolate spice cake; Turkey for hummus and pita bread, honey and yoghurt; France for chocolate fromage frais; pancakes, gingery lemonade and all sorts of other goodies. Rhys was a dab hand at the switch operated blender; and Jade was keen to make sure all the ingredients tasted ok. Our favourite recipe was probably the pancakes with pear and chocolate filling. If you were passing the dining room on a Wednesday morning this term, you may have heard jingly bells and the Whisky Hornpipe being played. MC Post 16 were learning three different dances as part of their ASDAN numeracy work. We all chose special hats, and made special instruments, and we strutted and shook our stuff magnificently. There was even a special guest appearance from Shirley, Tony and Paula one week. Strictly Come Dancing, eat your heart out.

Posties take on new diploma challenge

By Giles Northover

This term has seen the introduction of the new NOCN 'Independent Living Skills' Diploma. The award itself is made up of a number of modules such as 'Household Skills' and 'Accessing the Community'. Within these areas are a number of challenges students must complete all aimed at increasing the individuals independence as well as enabling them to become confident and effective in asking for help as and when it is required. Through the new course students have already developed their 'Basic Cooking Skills' as well as gaining an understanding of 'Food Hygiene'.

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Brilliant Day at Battistinis!

By Tom, Ray, Lauren Mary, Shane Greg and Dan

Our day at Battistinis was amazing. I really enjoyed looking at the paintwork on the bikes, it was sick! My favourite bike was the one with the red skulls all over it. I had great fun talking to the staff and asking questions about all the different bikes. I hope we can do it again one day. Thanks to all at Battistinis. I loved it as we were all out together and we dont often get to do that. I liked the bikes, they were cool, especially the yellow and purple one. I tried some of the Kangaroo burger in the Bikers Caf and it was good. My mate Dan even had an Ostrich burger and enjoyed it. There was also a bike that was spray painted to look like it was made of wood. It had a woodpecker on its gearstick. I would love to go again.
A massive thank you to all the staff at Battistinis and Sean M. /Alina C. /Ellen v.L./ Becky B. and Jens L. from Victoria school for giving up their time and making it happen.

Ray likes what he sees.

An Open Letter Lucys News

By Lucy and Claire By Marcus and the Leavers Ball student crew

Lucy Willers would like to say thanks to her carers and teachers here at VEC and her Mum. With the support of her care team at home from the end of July 2012 she will be working in the community helping others understand how to manage with their disabilities in two day centres in the Thurrock area. Plus she is hoping to do a child care course starting here at VEC and finishing in 2013 with a Diploma. This has been a really positive outlook from Lucy who has had a lot to contend with and has dealt with it all in a mature fashion and is coming out the other end smiling.

Dear All We would like to thank everyone who participated and contributed in helping set up for the leavers ball we would also like to thank everyone who contributed towards the leavers ball we hope you all had a fantastic night and a fantastic time we like to thank everyone who came we think it was a great success and we hope to make it even more successful next year we would also like to say a massive goodbye to our leavers who have worked their socks off in their last year we also wish them all the best in future and hope that they all fulfill all their fantastic dreams.
Thanks to Belinda Sue Sharon Aaron James Tom Big Little Tracy saxophone group Mike Whitlock Matt Jason Jens Catherine Stewart Jon Martine Chris Vicky Francis Julie Stanley The Black Sheep Motor bike Club Paula Alcroft Residential Staff Horticulture Waitrose John Lewis Lush Stewart Education Staff Angus Simon Brown Carmel.

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BM Get Zoological
By Seb Gulka

As the theme of this term is Wider World, we have been learning about the rainforest animals; we have found out that they have to live in very difficult conditions and to survive have to compete for food and water. We decided it would be fun to create our own animals, some of our ideas are: Toucrocopard; crocodile body to swim and be strong, leopards legs to be fast and climb the trees. Toucan head to look pretty. We designed another animal with wings to be able to fly, it lives at the top of the forest , a tiger body, it eats people and monkeys.

Aaarrgghh!!! Its the Toucrocopard!!!!!

JW On Animals and France

By Jen Williams

Class JW have been to Marwell Wildlife Park to look at animals from Africa. We were very lucky with the weather for an October day. We saw giraffes, bison, zebra and rhinos. We felt the fur of a cheetah. Back at school we made animal faces like the ones wed seen. We also visited Caf Rouge to experience a taste of France. The children tasted many French breakfast tastes and desserts. They found a citron presse a bit sour but enjoyed the hot chocolate. Back at school we made some croissants of our own. Delicieux! The

Super Sonic
The Sonic Manipulator paid us a visit in an event organised by Digital Music Supremo Mike Whitlock. The students were captivated by Claude's mix of techno, dance and robotic rhythms coupled with his wacky sound effects and alien lightshow. Mike says The sonic manipulator (or Claude) is actually a very long way from home, originally from Australia Claude is an inventor and musician who has played synthesizer in many bands before coming up with the unique idea of the sonic manipulator, an alien whose ship has broken down, so he performs his music to earn enough to fix it to fly home.

The music is made from all his own inventions most of which use to be toys that made noise that he has found in charity shops and then modifies the only way he knows how.

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Term and Holiday Dates Nov 2011 to August 2012

Nov 11
SUN 6 13 20 27 MON 7 14 21 28 TUE 1 8 15 22 29 WED 2 9 16 23 30 THU 3 10 17 24 FRI 4 11 18 25 SAT 5 12 19 26

Forward Planning

Dec 11
SUN 4 11 18 25 MON 5 12 19 26 TUE 6 13 20 27 WED 7 14 21 28 THU 1 8 15 22 29 FRI 2 9 16 23 30 SAT 3 10 17 24 31

Jan 12
SUN 1 8 15 22 29 MON 2 9 16 23 30 TUE 3 10 17 24 31 WED 4 11 18 25 THU 5 12 19 26 FRI 6 13 20 27 SAT 7 14 21 28

Feb 12
SUN 5 12 19 26 MON 6 13 20 27 TUE 7 14 21 28 WED 1 8 15 22 29 THU 2 9 16 23 FRI 3 10 17 24 SAT 4 11 18 25

Mar 12
SUN 4 11 18 25 MON 5 12 19 26 TUE 6 13 20 27 WED 7 14 21 28 THU 1 8 15 22 29 FRI 2 9 16 23 30 SAT 3 10 17 24 31

Apr 12
SUN 1 8 15 22 29 MON 2 9 16 23 30 TUE 3 10 17 24 WED 4 11 18 25 THU 5 12 19 26 FRI 6 13 20 27 SAT 7 14 21 28

May 12
SUN 6 13 20 27 MON 7 14 21 28 TUE 1 8 15 22 29 WED 2 9 16 23 30 THU 3 10 17 24 31 FRI 4 11 18 25 SAT 5 12 19 26

Jun 12
SUN 3 10 17 24 MON 4 11 18 25 TUE 5 12 19 26 WED 6 13 20 27 THU 7 14 21 28 FRI 1 8 15 22 29 SAT 2 9 16 23 30

Jul 12
SUN 1 8 15 22 29 MON 2 9 16 23 30 TUE 3 10 17 24 31 WED 4 11 18 25 THU 5 12 19 26 FRI 6 13 20 27 SAT 7 14 21 28

Aug 12
SUN 5 12 19 26 MON 6 13 20 27 TUE 7 14 21 28 WED 1 8 15 22 29 THU 2 9 16 23 FRI 3 10 17 24 SAT 4 11 18 25

Training Days

Holidays

Bank Holidays
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Upcoming Events January 2012 Thursday 19th. Parents afternoon and evening 3.45 - 6.00pm February 2012 Friday 10th. Training Day Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th February-Mini Treks Monday 13th - Friday 17th. Half Term Thursday 16th and Friday 17th February-Grand Treks Tuesday 21st. Arts Award KS3 Dance Display TBC March 2012 Creative Arts Week 19th-23rd

Classified Ads
FOR SALE Available Jan 2012
Silver Toyota Previa 2003 Lowered floor and rear powered ramp plus winch. Adapted by Automotive.7,500 o.n.o. Contact: Mary 02380207180

VECLife
Issue 01

Home-Made Jams and Chutneys for sale

Blackberry & apple, plum, quince Tomato chutney only 1.50 per jar. Limited availability from Horticulture shop

Christmas wrapping paper

Various designs, small donation only. All proceeds to the Sparkle appeal. Limited availability from the Horticulture shop.

Christmas Door Wreaths, Winter Bedding Plants, Winter Baskets and Planters made to order. Open Monday to Friday 9.00am3.00 pm For All Your Horticultural Needs!

Victoria Horticulture

Victoria Education Centre

& Sports College
12 Lindsay Road Branksome Park Poole Dorset BH136AS Tel: 01202 763697

Beach Huts For Hire

Beach huts at Friars Cliff Christchurch or Knoll Beach nr Swanage. Email: dpccbeachhuts@live.co.uk Information we require as follows: Full name, date required, Location of beach hut, Number of children with additional needs accessing the beach hut. You will receive an email confirmation of your booking and a copy of the terms and conditions, for Knoll beach the current code for the Key safe. For Friars cliff instructions on where to obtain the keys. Charges are 4 per day (non refundable) Cheques made payable to Dorset Parent Carer Council.
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Compiled and edited by Jon Godber. Victoria School MMXI