03

Summer 2012

Issue

Education Centre & Sports College Achieving Through Believing

Victoria

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

VEClife
Hello, Goodbye SaLT News Residential News Sports News Extra

Inside This Issue

Sparkle Special News P3 Brazilian Odyssey! P5 VEC Parachute Jump P6 P8 P9

News In Brief
Victoria Education Centre is now live on Facebook. Our page is administered as a business page so you do not need a Facebook account to access it. Be sure to log on regularly to keep up to date with forthcoming events, photos and videos and everything else VEC. 200 was raised for Sparkle in a recent bake sale. All manner of scrumptious dainties were on sale in reception. Thanks to all who contributed. This years Tesco vouchers for schools scheme has been brilliant. Everyone has been so conscientious in bringing in their vouchers we have managed to get an excellent total of 29,078. Also donating their vouchers to us this year were Barclays Bank Canford Cliffs and Wessex Water. The classes benefiting this year are Jens Lammerings life skills group, Class CN, Class JWI and Post 16 MH with books, video cameras and a whole range of support materials on order. Thank you one and all.

Resi Faith Group P11 Performing Arts News P12-14 P15 P16

PPG News with Nicky P18 Classroom Catch-up P19

Ready? Set? Go!

By Rob Belbin

Introduction
Hello and welcome to the Summer edition of VECLife. Well! What a busy Summer it is this year what with the Jubilee celebrations, Euro 2012, Wimbledon, England hosting South Africa in the test arena and the icing on the cake the Olympic and Paralympic games. To add our own stamp on the proceedings this months issue is very much sportingly themed with a wealth of sports stories and reportage, bringing you a complete picture of our sporting activities here at VEC and how sport enables our students in so many ways. Also in this issue an unmissable mega Sparkle announcement, an excellent blog on our recent Sports Week and if you missed our stunning recent drama production you can catch up in curtain call. Add to the menu a Royal visit and our usual mix of news, views and all things VEC and you are in for a tasty dish indeed. Finally Id like to thank all contributors with a special thanks going to Ann Harden who is retiring this term for her great photographic contribution over the years.

After so much speculation and anticipation Great Britains Olympics and Paralympics are now fast approaching us. It seems only yesterday that so many students and staff were crammed into the fitness room to watch the historic moment when IOC president Jacques Rogge made the dramatic announcement that London had beaten Paris in the race to host the 2012 games. The sense of excitement and togetherness was overwhelming in that room with so many students and ex students knowing that this once in a lifetime opportunity was coming to our country. Since that day students and staff at Victoria have built on so many experiences and successes to enhance the value of the games letting them influence what we do every day. Each and every student demonstrates real commitment to the Olympic and Paralympic values of, Respect, Excellence, Friendship, Determination, Inspiration, Courage and Equality no matter what their age or ability. In sport our students continue to succeed at the highest level competing at Regional, National and International levels and its with great excitement that we will watch our ex student Maxine Moore represent Great Britain in the F32 Club throw in the Paralympic Games. Of course all this would not be possible without the huge efforts of so many staff who give up endless. Continued Overleaf

Continued from Overleaf

time in evenings and weekends to support the students, without them none of the achievements of which we are all so proud would be possible.

this is sure to bring many more opportunities for all of our students in the future.

We would like to wish everyone a very happy summer of sport, if you are lucky enough to have tickets, are travelling with the school to the ParaAs we move forward there is still so much to look lympics or watching on the TV enjoy watching forward to in sport, through the Paralympic and and being proud of everything we have achieved Olympic work done Victoria has become nationally as a school and country in this amazing recognised as a centre of excellence in sport and opportunity for us all.

VEC Chosen For Charity Scheme

VEC has been selected to take part in the Community Matters Scheme by John Lewis Poole. Every three months each shop selects three community groups to help. Customers then become directly involved in deciding how much each nominated group receives, by using a token to vote for the organisation they'd like to support. Each shop has 3000 to donate which will be split between the charities according to the proportion of the vote they've received from customers. This means that if a charity receives 31% of the votes, it'll receive a 910 donation. Charities will receive support in whichever way will benefit them the most, either in the form of John Lewis products, volunteering time from Partners, or as financial support.

Moon Girls Report

By Rhiannon Beer

From the last VEC life many of you may remember that a group of us were in training for the moonwalk 26 mile walk around London at night, wearing decorated bras to raise awareness of breast cancer, on the 12th May. I am delighted to report that we all completed the challenge and would like to thank everyone who supported us either through donations, sponsorship, purchasing cakes, badges or bacon butties. We would like to extend our special thanks to Sue Stratis and Andre Kirby for giving up their time and driving the team to and from London.

Weve Made it!!!!!!!

Sparkle Update

We have raised 2.8 million for the new hydrotherapy pool due to the generous donations of time and money from a wide range of local supporters, VEC staff, charitable trusts and local businesses. Thank you to everyone!

Monday 9th July a visit to remember To celebrate the official start of the new hydrotherapy pool, VEC welcomed Princess Anne to unveil a plaque to commemorate this wonderful moment. During her visit, Princess Anne talked to many pupils and staff and watched Kieran Collins dig the first turf. Lucky pupils who met the Princess were Sophie Pritchett, Ramon Hansford, Sam Bird and Danielle Crowe presented a posy. Other local celebrity guests attended including Chris Jarvis, Harry Redknapp and Esther Rantzen. Chris and Harry were especially welcomed by staff and pupils and spent time signing autographs. They are both looking forward to returning to VEC in the near future Chris will be performing his CBeebies Show on 17th August a free event for pupils and their families. A round-up of fundraising since April Staff and students have been really wonderful this term organising events from dress down days to cake sales to raise funds and 11 staff are sky diving too! So thank you to you all! A big thank you to Kieran Collins' Granddad who regularly sends us a collecting tin - since April we have received 65.00 The Red, White and Blue Day raised 73.26 so thank you to everyone who took part and donated. Paula Allcroft has been a great support to the Sparkle Appeal by organising events, collecting raffle prizes and sky diving thank you Paula for all your support. Thanks also to Chris Tarring who manages the reception book sales this is great for staff and

Ramon Meets HRH

for Sparkle and since April has raised 130.00 These may be smallish amounts when compared to charitable trust donations, but they mount up and are very welcome. Local schools and colleges Bournemouth Collegiate School visited in May to present us with a cheque for 4,372.14 which was the proceeds from a Winter Ball that the School organised through contacts at the school, we have also received money from two other charitable trusts. Park School have held a number of events this term and are sending us a cheque for 2,000 about 400 of this will be match funded by Barclays which is a welcome bonus. Talbot Heath School have adopted Sparkle as their charity of the year and so far we have received 275 from one forms charity week. Green Cottage Riding Centre donated the proceeds
Continued Overleaf 3

Tuesday 9th October - Charity Golf Tournament, Remedy Oak Golf Course Calling all golfers we still have places available for 4-Ball teams to take part in this wonderful charity tournament at the exclusive Remedy Oak Golf Course. 450 per team to include bacon baps and hot drink on arrival, 18 holes of golf, Corporate supporters half-time drinks on 9th tee, celebration dinner We would like to acknowledge the support we and prize-giving, raffle and charity auction. Enreceive from corporates and in the last three ter a team and support Sparkles 2nd charity golf months the following companies have donated to tournament the first one was so successful, Sparkle: Barclays (Poole), Goadsby & Harding. raising 8,398, and it would be wonderful to do Siemens Poole, John Lewis, Rotary Club of even better this year. Christchurch, Copyrite Business Solutions Friday 26th October The Sparkle Charity AuCharitable Trusts we have recently received tumn Ball, The Italian Villa, Compton Acres some generous donations from Charitable Trusts which have really helped us raise the last 150,000 More information coming very soon on this wonderful event - tables of 10 are available. This will and put some money into the Phase 2 pot! be a very special event as we celebrate the sucMontague Thompson Coon Charitable Trust, Leeds Building Society Charitable Foundation, C W cess of Phase 1 of the Sparkle Appeal and officially launch Phase 2. White Charitable Trust are just a few. Saturday 27th October Black Sheep MCC Fancy Dress Run Events The London Marathon and Grand Shaftesbury Run The Black Sheep Motorcycle Club is holding a fancy dress run starting from Avon Heath Counwere just two of the events in the past few months try Park at 12:00 noon and riding through Dorset and to date these have brought in over 12,000 to VEC Paula Allcroft has organised refreshwith still more sponsorship monies to come in. ments so come along and see all the bikes close up. Friday 2nd November - Sparkle Ladies With thanks to our corporate sponsors. Christmas Shopping Evening - Royal Motor Yacht Club Following on from the very successful event last year, we will be welcoming you to a shopping extravaganza. You can start your Christmas shopping or for those organised people buy your last minute gifts. More information coming soon.

from a charity day which raised 300 for us. Allenbourn School are also supporting Sparkle this year and held a fun sports day in June which Val Ford attended with some of our students. Bournemouth and Poole Colleges Community Fest took place in May and we are expecting to receive about a 1,000 from this event.

Upcoming Events

Christchurch

The Governors Report

The six monthly GOVERNORS LINK meetings have been completed and despite small numbers attending, some useful discussions have taken place. We are exploring ways to interact better with students, staff and parents, both formally and informally. It is hoped to continue Governors Link sessions next term but in a slightly different way. Watch this space! SCHOOL VISITS by Governors to the classrooms, practical sessions and events have continued and hopefully will become more frequent. Following a recent Board meeting, Ceri Vosper, Sarah Gilling and Carolyn Nelms gave a

By Carol Sammons

presentation on How to get the best out of your Governors visit which was extremely helpful. Governors will be present at the School BBQ and on Sports Day where they hope to meet as many parents and students as possible. Finally, the Governors of Victoria Education Centre would like to thank every member of staff for their inspirational and intuitive work at the Centre and to the parents who help with and support the schools events and activities. Governors will continue to offer their support and encouragement at all times.

Ola Brazil
By Mike Whitlock

On May the 16th Amy Hunt, Lauren Hood, Mike Whitlock, and Dave Young along with others from local performing arts groups Remix and Double Act left for Florianopolis Brazil to meet with students from APAE, an organisation much like our own where a few select students have been chosen to perform alongside our group to perform Breathe a show which will mark the opening of the Paralympics sailing at Weymouth. A lot had to be done in two weeks so the days were long and often very hot but everyone worked very hard learning the story and dance moves ready for the opening ceremony. Mike Whitlock reports It wasnt all work though, the staff and students of APAE made us feel so welcome, as soon as we got off the plane we were greeted by APAE with a big welcome banner along with T.V and newspaper reporters. APAE also made sure we enjoyed all that Florianopolis had to offer with daily trips out to beautiful beaches, turtle sanctuaries, BBQs, boat trips and even a football match. The food was amazing, even the chocolate pizza which for Dave was his two favourite foods together at last. Quite emotional when it was time say good bye, everyone had got to know each other very well by the end and the APAE students had made us gifts to remember our time in Brazil, like were ever going to forget such an amazing experience .

The APAE dancers will be arriving in England on the 15thJuly and will hopefully find time to visit the school, so lets try to make them feel as welcome as they made us. The performance will take place on 28th July on Weymouth beach.

1000 Raised After Parachute Jump

After their leap for Sparkle and over 1000 raised, our intrepid parachutists Andre, Paula and Gemma were totally exhilarated. Read Paulas thrilling account below. Up early and really excited (nervous) - The day was finally here. Car packed up we were soon on our way, the sun was out and there was only light cloud - perfect weather for leaping out of planes! We arrived at the airfield and went to sign in and get trained - this is when we realised Andre hadn't bought his forms with him. Hoping to be on the same plane we decided to wait for Andre's wife and family to drive to Salisbury, on an unexpected day out, with it. We did our training - watched a dvd and practiced jump position by laying over a box! Then began the waiting, first for the form to arrive and then to get called for our plane ride. The plane was going up quite frequently to start with, but clouds started rolling in and the plane trips slowed. Finally, after another couple of hours came the call - a sudden new surge of adrenalin and we were off across the airfield to get kitted up. One group ahead of us, we stood round in our jumpsuits, harnesses and odd hats! But the

Paula: Making it look easy.

plane didn't move. Half an hour went passed and still no breaks in the cloud, we took off harnesses, we were in for another wait. A break in the clouds sent everyone running, the plane was off - we were next. Crammed into the plane watching the ground get further away, the excitement built. Then we were there 10,000 feet. Doors open the rush of cold air was deafening. Andre first - gone - no time to think now. Suddenly I'm on the edge of the plane and whoosh, tumbling, flattened out and then the cameraman joined us, waving and smiling as we hurtled downwards, through the clouds, unable to hear anything, the rushing wind was so loud. In no time at all the main chute was deployed and we waved goodbye to the cameraman. Who, still in freefall, fell like a stone passed away from us. Now it was almost silent, we were able to chat as we floated down. Circling above Old Sarum castle the views were amazing. Then some higher energy flying as we steered the parachute ourselves to do fast circles. Then it was FEET UP, FEET UP, FEET UP - time to land gracefully on our bottoms! Running round on an adrenalin high, with fixed grins and wanting to go again. Now what shall we do next????

A thumbs up from Gemma

Staff Awards Night 2012

By Linsey Palmer-Malt

Chris Davies hosted this years Staff Awards Evening which we moved to July so we could enjoy a lovely evening in our beautiful grounds!! Well, the weather put paid to that plan and we had to revert back to our usual evening indoors. Once again Stewart Fitt prepared an amazing meal which was enjoyed by all. Invitations were sent to staff who have completed Significant Training over the last year or who have been nominated by their peers for going Above and Beyond the call of duty i.e. Outstanding Contribution. Trophies were also presented to staff who have competed over 15 years Service. This year we recognised the following people: Long Service Awards: Presented by Peter Jennings (Chair of Governors) and Carol Sammons (Chair of Staffing & Support Committee) 40 Years (yes 40 years) Teresa Spiers (Night Staff) 25 Years Carolyn Nelms (Teacher) 15 Years Diane Kennedy (Night Nurse), Julie Cox (Teacher), Jen Price (Admin), Sue Barker (Admin), Ann Harden (MFL Teacher), Shirley Platt (Personal Care) Training Awards went to: NVQ3 in Teaching & Learning: Julia Rogers NVQ3 Children & Young People: Sean Mogg, Zenaida Dixon and Paula Ford NVQ3 Business & Administration: Linsey Palmer-Malt NVQ4 Care: Shirley Platt, Lenka Hnilova Maybo Train the Trainer (Physical Intervention): Sean Mogg NSPCC Safeguarding Train the Trainer: Nicky Greenway Post Graduate Paediatric Dysphagia Qualification: Nicky Dawes Management Matters: Sean Mogg, Annie Cheer, Alina Chiuda, Val Ford, Marcia Savage, Peter Calcutt and Paula Ford STA Level 2 Aquatic Teaching: Vicky Francis, Tracy Payne, Sharon Pritchett and Fraser Smith The Team Award went to the Creative Arts Department who were nominated by many staff and especially the Senior Leadership Team who wish to
Teresa Spiers - 40 Years Service 7

Matt, Mike, Annie & Belinda Winners!!!

recognise the amazing contribution that they make across the whole School. Outstanding Contribution Awards went to: Catrin Waugh-Baker (LLSA) for her contribution in leading our Victoria Goes Baroque project. Jens Lammering (WRL & Transition Coordinator) for constantly going Above and Beyond the call of duty. Carmel Bending (LSA) received special recognition by an outside Inspector for her work and so received the Education Outstanding Contribution Award. Martin Cook (PE Assistant) for contribution to Sports both in school and on all our many Sports trips. Sarah Gilling (Head of Speech & Language Therapy) was nominated by every member of her team for her outstanding professionalism and leadership. Tony Rudd (Personal Assistant) who daily entertains large numbers of students at lunchtime and fills the break with laughter was recognised for his Outstanding Contribution. For the first time the Governors presented an award which went to Jen Price (Clerk to the Governors) in recognition of her many years service.

Say Hello And Wave Goodbye

Here we have a closer look at our leavers and joiners for this term. Sadly its time to say farewell to some of our staff, three of which have a combined service of 54 years! Julie Cox has been a lower school class teacher with responsibility for Literacy and has been with us for over 15 years. She is looking forward to retirement and travelling the world! She has made a huge contribution not only as a class teacher but throughout the whole school, leading and supporting events. She has served our children so well, bringing innovative ideas to her lessons and ensuring a high level of professionalism, variety and lots of fun times! We wish her every happiness and success. Ann Harden has been teaching French for 18 years and like Julie is planning to fill her retirement days abroad and in the sunshine! She has always remained committed to the school and has endeavoured to explore new innovations and opportunities for the students. Many of our students have been able to achieve French qualifications and will be forever grateful to Ann. We thank Ann for all she has given to the Centre and send her our very best wishes. Christine Hepburn also retires this term after 21 years serving us admirably as our school seamstress. Christine started in 1991 and as well as her general duties she has also helped with specialised jobs for OT. Thanks for all those stitches Chris! And good luck in whatever you do next. Fraser Smith joined us in 2009 and takes up a new full-time post as Key Stage 3 Co-ordinator at the nearby Quay School and we wish him every success in his new role. Marianne Harding also joined our staff in 2009 as music teacher and will be taking up a new full-time post as a Learning Leader at Dame Hannah Rogers School in Devon. We wish her every success for the future. We also wish Sophia Seymour, Mike Moran, Kate Newsham, Christina Chase, and Sophia Railing good luck after their invaluable contribution to our school. From September, Beth Kay will join us in the upper school and will take the lead for English. Beth has worked with us before, teaching English with some of our Key Stage 4 students in 2010/11. Beth is currently teaching English and Media at The Burgate School in Fordingbridge. We look forward to officially welcoming her (back) to the team in September. Esther Curry will also join us in September as a class teacher in the lower school. Esther is currently at Oakhurst Community First School and has many years experience of teaching classes from Year 2 to Year 6. She has also worked with traveller children as part of an outreach service. Esther will take over from Julie Cox and is doing some transition work with Julie this term so you may get a chance to say hello. Our new Paediatrician Dr Del Howard also starts in September. Del writes I am a Consultant Paediatrician specialising in Neurodisability. Up until now I have always worked in London, and have been a consultant in Islington for the past 8 years, but have just moved to Poole with my family. I am really looking forward to meeting all the children & young people, and to working with all the staff at Victoria. I have had a guided tour already and it looks like a wonderful place! I will be holding clinics on Thursday mornings. When not at Victoria, I can be found at the Child Development Centre in Poole Hospital.
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SaLT NEWS

By Sarah Gilling

The SaLT Team have been continuing to promote signing through the signs of the week. This term we have been learning these signs: Staff news: Goodbye to Kate! We sadly had to say thank you and goodbye to Kate who did a sterling job covering Lorraines maternity leave. Kate left us to take up a post as a SaLT in Weston Super mare and we wish her all the best in her future career in Speech & Language Therapy .
Kate Moves On To Pastures New

Thank you to all the parents who came along to learn some Makaton signs. We had a look at some of the signs your children are learning in school and plenty of opportunities to practise them. There will be another opportunity to come along for some signing fun with Nicky on Thursday 27th September at 1.30pm -2.30pm put the date in your diary now! Staff news: welcome back Lorraine! We are delighted to have Lorraine back on our team after her maternity leave. She is the proud Mum of beautiful baby Isabelle! ( baby photo to follow shortly!) Wedding bells! Nicky Dawes is preparing for her wedding to Paul on 7th September. When she comes back to work she will be Mrs Mearing! We wish Nicky and Paul a very happy future together.

The SLT Top Ten Tips For Good Communication

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9

The National Sports Week Blog Spot

As it happened by Katherine Birtwell

National Sport Week Day 1 National Sports Week started with a bang! We began with our own version of the opening ceremony, which consisted of celebrating different countries and the lighting of our own Olympic torch. Then we had a world sports day where each class competed in different sports. Sports included polybat, table cricket, balloon basketball, kurling, boccia and target boccia. Each class was rewarded for showing Olympic and Paralympics values. They all enjoyed the day and we have lots planned for the rest of the week.

National Sports Week Day 3 Grand Prix Day! It was a whole school event. The day started with all competitors having a practice on their track. There were 2 tracks, one for electric wheelchairs and the other was for students that needed pushing. By the end of the morning they needed to do a timed lap - all the students were determined to get a good lap time. Also there were lots to look at like different cars and motorbikes which the students were allowed to sit in. In the afternoon the main event kicked off with both tracks competing for the grand prix title. They had to do as many laps in 30 minutes as possible. We also had safety cars to slow the track down which the students loved. They had to have 2 pit stops within the 30 minutes for drinks and wheel servicing. All the students enjoyed the day and are all looking forward to it next year.

National Sports Week Day 2 Today has been really busy for all involved with different groups of students going off site for sailing with sailability, boat trips on the wheelchair accessible dolphin boat in Poole, trips to AFC Bournemouth, ice skating and trips to Wonderland Adventure Park. Back at school, groups have been Olympic swimming, playing giant games and on a mascot and adventure hunt. Some children have been trampolining, some have been relaxing in a yoga class and we have been playing wheelchair basketball.

National Sports Week Day 4 It was another full day of activities today. There were lots of classes out on trips such as dolphin boat, sandbanks beach, AFC Bournemouth tour and lots more. We had activities here at school like mascot hunt and adventure hunt which all the students have learnt different skills in sports, cheerleading and dance off training for tomorrows dance off competition. We had a boat race today in swimming and also they did some synchronized swimming.

Continued Overleaf

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Residential Faith Group

With Hazel Noyon

R.F.G.

National Sports Week Last Day The day didnt start well as the weather was bad, but that didnt dampen the mood for another exciting day of activities. First we had a big tournament playing balloon volleyball, all the students participated and are really determined to do really well for there country they are representing. It was a very competitive morning but the USA team won the tournament by winning all their games. We had a whole school dance off and they all took part and enjoyed, the effort for all students was great. Then we had a closing ceremony to end a fantastic week of different sports and activities. We announced the winners for the week and gave out prizes.

Our Faith Groups Colours

Residential Faith Group is held every Wednesday from 6pm-7pm. Students attending are encouraged to share their opinions and experiences on a wide range of topics always with lots of singing, signing and laughter.

The Colour Of Faith

The Residential Students Faith Group has had a challenging/thought-provoking term. Back in April, having learned that the international children's charity UNICEF was raising funds for their work by selling colours (-the average computer/ Smartphone/tablet can apparently display 16.7million colours!!) we decided wed like a colour named after us. We chose to be yellow and Liam was set the task of choosing the shade and getting us registered. He duly delivered and what is now known as Faith Group Yellow (see below) Still on a colour theme, we have also thought about how school could become a greener place. This included students being given the opportunity to moan about some bad staff habits!! The students really hate staff forgetting to turn lights/cd players/

tvs off in empty rooms. Alongside talking and listening to each other ,we have enjoyed some new songs to sing and sign-along to. Two students regularly tell us we sing too fast for them to fit the signs in, so theres always laughter too! We have welcomed Tobi and Kaine to our group on a Wednesday evening. Some of our valued contributors to Faith Group now move on to the next phase of their lives away from VEC, and we shall miss them so much. But we know from all theyve given us that they are more than equal to any challenge, and will go on to inspire others as they have inspired us. So an enormous thank you to Liam, Greg, Jade and Lucy. To quote one of our favourite songs at Faith Group Some call it faith, some call it love, some call it guidance from above, you are the reason we found ours, so thank you youre all stars!

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Drama and Creative Arts at VEC

By Matt Saunders

Curtain Call

This years school production was Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Weekly rehearsals started back in February. Tuesdays were the actors rehearsals and Wednesdays were the dancers and movement rehearsals. The first time both elements came together was a week before the show at the De La Salle Theatre!

Scrumdidilyumptious!

I dont think I could pick any one student out, because every single student has achieved so much. Whether it be just getting on stage, remembering a line or movement, or taking a lead role. Each student has grown in so many ways. They are a testament to the staff that support them. I am always surprised and inspired by the way that our students cope with what we throw at them. We spend months rehearsing in the Drama Studio at school and then a week before the show we move it to St Peters, and give them just two full days of rehearsal before performance day. On top of that we expect them to remember their lines and movement while getting used to a brand new space. Every single student involved should be proud of themselves, because if you did not come and see or you have not heard, the show was a huge success. Our students did us and more importantly themselves proud. Speaking of staff I would just like to say a huge thank you to those involved. It sounds cliche, but it really would not be possible to put on something like this without their time (often voluntarily) and dedication. I had an email from one of the students parents congratulating us on a fantastic show, but one thing they said stayed with me and reminded me why we do what we do.

for me it was the smiles on their faces as they clearly were having the time of their lives which was the most poignant.

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Body Language
Performance and Dance at VEC. With Belinda Ellicott

Oily Cart are a specialist theatre company that specialize in sensory theatre and delivering unique performances tailored around each individual audience member. We were very fortunate to be visited by Oily Cart from 16th 20th April 2012 with their amazing and ground-breaking show Something in the Air. This was a huge undertaking and involved delivery of a huge specially-designed 6 metre high rig that was erected in the Sports Hall. There were aerial acrobats, performers, a sensory room and specially designed chairs and wheelchair platforms that allowed 6 students each supported by a member of staff to go up into the air to be amongst the performers. Each chair had an operator who worked to each individual students wishes ensuring that no student went higher than they wished. This project was very kindly funded by The John Thaw foundation, Happy Days Charity and a private sponsor Miss Janet Hall.

had spread throughout the building at VEC and when I came into work on the Friday there was a crowd of people peeping through glass windows of the door to see the magic for themselves.

Here are some student comments: My favourite bit was the bouncing. I liked it when the green and red people sang our names. I liked the green tree people who played on the saxophone. I liked everything. It was all really good. I wish theyd come again. I really enjoyed watching the person in the hoop and spinning around in my chair. Thank you.

This was truly a magical experience the company created the most beautiful performance space and students were transported to another world of sensory experiences that also encompassed science, movement and live music. For most of our students the opportunity to go on a fairground ride does not exist and so this was such a wonderful experience that every student embraced wholeheartedly even those who were initially nervous. By the end of the week news

Thank you for taking me up high and being kind. I wish we could do this every week. We hope to invite Oily Cart back again with their next show as it was such a wonderful experience. For further information about the show please see Oily Carts website www.oilycart.org.uk
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The Seen But Seldom Heard Project

'Seen but seldom heard' is a project that a group of KS4 and Post16 students have been working on during their LEAP sessions for the summer term. Linking with Bournemouth University, the Media School and two professional poets, we embarked on a quest to bring performance poetry to the very heart of our school, and explore, with 13 of our young people, what it is like to be a young disabled person in today's society, and how they feel others perceive them. The project has been a huge success and the achievements are many. A collection of powerful and moving poems, written by our students. A beautiful multi media performance that celebrates the wonderful diverse means of communication that our students use. A performance at Weymouth Pavilion's 360 dome tent as part My name is Jagdev Singh
My name is Jagdev Singh If I could I would change everything. It all started at Bellemoor School When life became cruel Bombs going off in my head A feeling I remember and dread. I was picked up by St John And his paramedics didn't turn the sirens on. When I was eleven years and ten months, my life turned on its head When I was eleven years and ten months, I lost my street cred When I was eleven years and ten months I had a brain injury When I was eleven years and ten months I gained a disability I could not walk I could not talk I could not eat I could not drink Fortunately though... I could still think Six years down the line I am recovering. And even though I see life through a solar eclipse I still have a vision. My name is Jagdev Singh And I am changing everything.

By Annie Cheer

of the 2012 Cultural Olympiad. A book of their poetry ensuring that their poems will last forever and be shared among many. But most importantly of all, our students who have given their heart and soul to their writing this term , have a message for you. They show us that poetry is for everyone, whether you use a communication book, a VOCA, signing, symbols, or your voice........ You have a voice.........it is a beautiful voice...........so use it. 'Seen but Seldom Heard' books will be available to buy early in the new academic year, and of course all proceeds will go towards The Sparkle Appeal. The performance at Weymouth takes place on the evening of the 30th August and tickets can be purchased through myself or the Seen But Seldom Heard website.

http://microsites.bournemouth.ac.uk/seen-but-seldom-heard/

These are our words..Listen...

It makes me feel sad. For the people who stare Everyone is different but judgement takes over. For the people who stare I cant do anything about it. For the people who stare People are always scared of whats different. For the people who stare You are disabled to me. I am disabled to you. We are all aliens on this world. For the people who stare I am crazy but Im just me, dont look at my wheelchair. For the people who stare I am open like a magic door. For the people who stare I am pretty white teeth but yellow on the inside. For the people who stare I am an actor, gifted with every emotion. For the people who stare I am a titanium spine worth 1000s on Ebay. For the people who stare I am my own person. For the people who stare I am a unique cloud, always different every day. For the people who stare I am Shaun the funny sheep. For the people who stare I am a football Nickipedia. For the people who stare I am full of a thirst for knowledge. For the people who stare I want to see a change for the better. For the people who stare I am everything that I am, I cant change. I wouldnt change it for the world. 14

For The People Who Stare For the people who stare Get to know the person youre staring at. For the people who stare Whats your problem? For the people who stare Try to step in my shoes. For the people who stare Dont. It makes me feel scared. For the people who stare

Residential Round-up
With Sharon Nix

As we approach the end of another school year, we often reflect on the terms gone by; good and bad, we learn from our mistakes, and the young people help us to form a vibrant and happy living environment. It is a sad time for the staff on Residential as we say goodbye to students and staff who are moving on; however sad we are to see them go we wish them all the very best of luck. We are happy in the knowledge that the time spent with us has been happy, enjoyable and we have taught them the skills to be as independent as they possibly can, and the staff

have learnt how to care for others to the highest standard possible. Wishing you all a very happy holiday, and looking forward to September and the new challenges that it brings.

Purbeck Unit News

By Jana Chlastakova

Purbecks last meal was very successful, we chose to go to our favourite restaurant called Days in Bournemouth. We all enjoyed eating as much as we could as it was an all you can eat buffet. We were lucky with the weather so we took a stroll to the beach which was lovely. We are sad to be losing Nick and Liam, we had so many great times and memories and we wish them all the best in the future. We would also like to wish good luck to David Satherley as he is moving on and thank him for his great contribution to Purbeck this year.

Brownseas Top Achievers

By Johan Vierbergen

Durlston at the Zoo

By Ewelina Jankowska

Were going to the Zoo, zoo, zoo, How about you, you, you, You can come too, too, too, Were going to the zoo, zoo, zoo. Despite the bad weather forecast Durlston Unit went to Marwell Wildlife Park and had a grrrrrreat time. James had his face painted and transformed into a Tiger Grrrrrrrrrr!

On Brownsea our aim is for students to excel in all aspects of life and this term they have performed exceptionally well by being at the top of the school Football Fantasy League! Every Monday after assembly they come in showing off their certificates and proudly display them in their bedrooms. Well done to Lauren, Lucy, George, Nick D, Scott, Tom J and Greg, you have worked very hard this year! Thank you for everyone who supported the Sparkle Appeal cake sale. We have made over 200 thanks to you and no-one has fallen ill, that I know of! Thank you to everyone who contributed a cake, cookie, flapjack, cupcake and even some foreign delicacies!

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The Report
With Katherine Birtwell London Marathon
On Sunday 22nd April three students went to compete in the London mini wheelchair marathon. We could not have had a more perfect day, beautiful blue skies but not too warm and the boys were all hoping to improve on their times from the previous year. They all had good starts and all three boys managed to come away with new Personal Best times. DSE Boccia Championships We travelled to Sheffield with 6 students on the 27th April for the DSE Boccia Championships. We got to the centre for 9:30am to start the competition. There was a slight delay before our first students played and the competition was fierce with senior National Players. All the students did really well and gained valuable experience, playing with determination and courage. One of the students qualified for the quarter finals but unfortunately didnt win. Table Cricket Regionals Our students were all up for this years table cricket regionals in Taunton on the 23rd April. We had a full team with 2 students acting as reserves and as soon as we arrived they all had to get straight into their game. They played really well throughout the competition beating all the other teams to get to the final. In the final they supported and encouraged each other and they were working together as a team. They fielded first so then they knew what score they had to beat. When they started batting you could see the determination within the team. They batted really well and won the regionals so they will be going to the National Competition in July at Lords. National Boccia Sheffield Our students gained a place at the Nationals in February when they competed in the Regional Boccia. We took 4 students to the Nationals for the weekend in Sheffield. The standard was incredible - there were GB squad members and a lot of boccia England players. Our students played really well in their groups. They gained a lot of experience playing and seeing players like Nigel Murray, Zoe Robinson and Dan Bentley. The whole weekend really benefitted the students and made them determined to practice and become better players for next years competition.
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EXTRA

Exeter Athletics Competition On the 15th May, 11 students went to Exeter to compete at South West Regional Athletics Competition. They all learnt and had experience at competing at a high level. There were track and field events including javelin, shot, wheelchair slalom, 100m, 1500m and relay. The competition was of a high standard and their determination to do well came through. They were competing to gain a place at the National Athletics in Warwickshire in July. Martin thanks all the staff who helped run the events and support students. VEC Students To Represent The South West Nine of our students have qualified for the disability sport events National Athletics Championships which is taking place at the university of Warwick Coventry, Warwickshire. They are going to be part of a 60 athlete team representing the south west of England. Events include the 100 meter wheelchair race, shot putt and javelin. The SW England team are defending champions. Table Cricket Finals We arrived in London on the 14th June for the table cricket finals on the 15th. We all had to wear black table cricket t shirts as this was our team colour. There were 2 group tables, we had 4 games to play and we won all 4 to get to the final. They played so well in the final but they lost to Oakfield. They played so well as a team and our captain got the captaincy for England table cricket.

D of E Expedition On the 5th July we took 5 students to the New Forest to start their Duke of Edinburgh expedition. We dropped the students at the start and they had to navigate their way to the campsite. The students did really well working as a team and using their map and compass. When they arrived at the campsite they had to cook their meal. Each student helped make their pasta and tomato sauce, then they washed up and dried up afterwards. They all slept in a tent and had an amazing time. We had to abandon on Friday as it was raining. They all achieved a lot in a couple of days, it was a great experience for them all.
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PPG
Hello to ALL parents!

News letter
With Nicky Greenway

It is hard to believe that 2 years have passed since our Parent Participation Group began. Since then a very successful Informal Coffee Group has also been established meeting regularly at Caf Rouge. This has proved really popular and is organised by Clair Dibblin one of our parent Governors.

Events that have been held this term have included a VEC led minibus trip to Kidz South Ex- Events for Autumn Term 2012: hibition in Reading. Feedback was good with parents being able to look at equipment and proTuesday 16th October: Teenager 2 Adult Tranvisions from national suppliers. sition Event for parents and carers of young people aged 13-24 with additional needs or disOur main event was the Mythbusting Direct abilities. The event is designed to help those Payments seminar led by Mike Felstead from young people and their parents / carers underDorset Childrens Services. This was a crucial stand what lies ahead as they move into adultinformation sharing opportunity for parents to hood. There will be representatives from a full understand how funding is allocated for Social range of Post 16 providers and across Children Care and how support and guidance can also be and Adult Services. The event will be held at accessed through locality teams and the ComKingston Maurward, Nr Dorchester (DT2 8PY). mon Assessment Framework (CAF) an alternative to Social Care. We shall continue to proWills, Trusts and Deputyship Orders Seminar mote this awareness for parents, particularly (back by popular demand). Date to be confirmed with the advent of Individual Budgets for families in Autumn Term. of disabled children in 2014. VEC Transition Event Spring Term 2013. The PPG changed its format in May to a Therapies Question Time which gave the opportunity for parents to ask questions or raise any concerns. We are hoping to hold similar events in the future and would welcome ideas and feedback from you on what as parents, you feel would be beneficial. PLEASE note that in September I shall be compiling a register of staff who are willing to do sessional work in their spare time, usually paid for by direct payments. Please e-mail me if you would like me to put you in contact with these staff. ngreenway@victoria.poole.sch.uk I hope you have a lovely relaxed and sunny holiday and look forward to seeing you all in September. Nicky Head of Student Support Services

It would be good to offer more training events as we have a wealth of expertise within the school i.e. S.A.L.T., Moving and Handling, Sex and Relationships, Behaviour Management and Bereavement.

http://www.parentcarerforum.co.uk/
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All the info From Explorers to Post 16!

Class JW
By Sally Thornley

This term a visit from a story teller from Treehouse Theatre made us laugh. Weve been learning about plants. We have grown plants from seed, explored plants and learnt about food from plants. Weve been finding out about farm animals, having fun with ducks and lots of fun at the farm.

MC Talks To The Animals

By Maria Caluori

We went to visit the farm, as an introduction to this terms topic of food and farming. We met the piglets and fed the baby goats, they were very hungry! We went for a walk around to meet all of the animals. Tiago liked the noisy turkey and Hope enjoyed stroking a lamb.

Class NH

By Nicky Hewitt

This term, class NH have been busy, exploring the rainforests, learning about the animals and plants that grow there. We also have been studying farms and farm produce. We had a fantastic trip to Farmer Palmers!

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Down On The Farm With JC

By Amy Hunt

Class JC have had great fun this term exploring our Food and farming topic. We have been very busy and have been on 3 different trips to support our topic.We started the term with a trip to Kingston Lacy. Mr Jennings, a VEC governor, volunteers at Kingston Lacy and he was able to take us all on a tractor and trailer ride around the estate. The weather was beautiful and we all enjoyed seeing the herd of Devon red cows as well as the resident flock of sheep although they werent particularly keen to come very close to the tractors! When we had finished our journey we had a picnic lunch and then got back in the minibuses and headed off to Barford farm an ice cream farm! We all had a choice of flavours and enjoyed sitting out in the gardens in the sunshine a tough days work! Our next trip was to Kingston Maurward animal park. We were greeted by a lady, called Gill, who showed us around the park and introduced us to all of the different animals. We really enjoyed meeting the animals - a 5 day old lamb, a couple of grumpy looking donkeys, some very cheeky goats, some smelly (but quite cute!) piglets, some ponies and foals and 2 spitting alpacas called Ben and Jerry! We learnt a lot about the animals and we were particularly interested to learn that alpacas can be useful in keeping foxes away, any

chance of a couple of alpacas for Pets @ VEC?!

Our final trip was to Honeybrook farm, Wimborne. We were able to wander around the beautiful farmyard and surrounding fields and meet various different animals including some very nosey chickens which seemed to enjoy following us round the farm! The staff at Honeybrook were very helpful and spent some time with us in the pets corner showing us the rabbits and guinea pigs as well as bringing Chloe the Shetland pony over to meet us all. When we left the pets area we were taken to the hatchery where we were able to hold day old chicks and ducklings and we were even able to see an egg mid way through the hatching process and listen to the beak pecking away inside the egg! We have really enjoyed our trips this term and would recommend all 3 visits to others, good fun had by all!

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Class CN Busy As Bees

By Joanne, Jacob, Connor and Tom

On Friday 6th July we had a bee man called Peter come in to talk about bees. He told us some interesting information that we didnt know before. We learnt that bees collect nectar and keep it in their tummies. Female bees do all the work. They look after the baby bees, clean the hive and feed the queen with royal jelly. Bees only live for 6 weeks, except the queen who can live for 2-3 years because she only lays the eggs. We tried the smoke machine that Peter uses when he is working with the bees. The smoke smelt like cigarettes and we had to go outside so that we didnt set the alarms off. He also wore his special suit with a net over his face. Then we looked at a honey comb. We noticed that it was a pattern of hexagons. Peter brought some honey made by his bees just round the corner from our school. We dunked biscuits in it. It was sticky and gooey. It tasted sweet and delicious. Thank you for coming, Peter. We really enjoyed your talk.

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JWI Builds Community Ties

By Janine Williams

As part of National Sports Week, Class JWi participated in a community project that involved designing and creating a pathway on Sandbanks beach. They spent several Art sessions creating designs, painting bricks and checking that all was ready. On Thursday 28 June, they spent the whole day on the beach, working in teams, consulting the plans they had drawn up, selecting the right bricks to complete the pattern and laying them to create the pathway. The day was not all hard work, however! They also managed to fit in some kite flying, sunbathing and racing in the beach wheelchairs. Everyone agreed that it was a fabulous day thank you, Mrs Calcutt, for organising it!

JWI, building ties with the community

KB Waxing Lyrical
By Kate Baldwin

Post 16 KB have been saying it with poems! During their basic skills lessons the students have been coming up with poems by way of saying thank you to the Oily Cart Troupe for their wonderful performance here. The students also made some gifts to give the performers as we were told that they like red things Holly made a mobile of red butterflies and Joe Scoates made red horses.

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The Post 16 MH Review

By Margaret Hopwood

We have had a splendid Summer term and have been very pleased to welcome Nicole into our class. She already had a number of lessons with us, and has settled in very happily to the new routines. We have been having maths lessons in the dark this half term using UV lights and fluorescent paint to practise visual tracking, shapes and mark making. Nicole has been delighted with the UV bubbles and loved rolling items into the paint and across the paper, and exploring all our glowing objects. She is sometimes bemused by the mad antics of the staff, but usually joins in when she realises we are harmless, and possibly even quite fun. Our favourite lesson is still food technology, and we have loved sniffing, squishing and tasting all sorts of different ingredients, and produced some passable dishes. The most impressive was Foolproof Cheese Souffle, which lived up to its name: the least convincing was Best chocolate cake recipe ever, which didnt. Jade wins the award for breaking the most eggs in one go. She still has (we think) the longest reach in the school, and loves exploring all the items around her. She has given some excellent responses in switching, and in her messy maths, including 101 ways to wear jelly, and hide and seek with playdough. Max also enjoyed messy maths, discovering the joys of plastering with coloured porridge. He has also shown some great responses to bubble work. One lunchtime our classroom did look like a snow scene as we got rather carried away with bowls of foam and bubble mixture but great tracking from Max, and also repeated reaching for the foamy bowls. On the strength of this we hoped he would volunteer for all the food technology washing up, but alas, bubbles in that context were less fun. Rhys has charmed us all with his chatting, responding to voices and sounds around him, and taking turns. He and Liam have particularly enjoyed trialling resonance boards. Thanks to Hazel for organising these and demonstrating them. Rhys is developing fantastic listening skills, and has been able to scratch back responses to the caller. He has also been a relaxed and happy participant in Stuarts (physio) yoga sessions, growing increasingly tolerant of different movements and stretches. He has had a brilliant first year in Post 16. We all enjoyed being outdoors with horticulture during our Experience of Work week. We potted up some plants, and made a hand scrub with different natural ingredients. These were then marketed

and sold on to lucky friends and colleagues. Thank you to Carol Mitchell and all the horticulture team for their patience and flexibility. Jamie went to Adventure Wonderland for his week, and was so successful he got to be Duty Manager twice! He had a great time, greeting children going on the rides, instructing the drivers when to start and stop, and trying on all the animal hats in the gift shop. We were particularly impressed at how well he managed to relate back to us different events that had happened during the day, and how other students had got on. Liam has continued to make achievements with his communication skills, and has enjoyed showing off his talents to any work experience students who have wandered into our path. He spent most of his experience of work week laughing and making eyes at the horticulture students. It was more an experience of how to dodge work. A useful skill! He had a chance to sit in a sports car on Grand Prix day, and was proud to pose for pictures. Some of Liams most amazing work has been achieved using assistive musical technology with Mike. We have worked hard at our ASDAN modules, and we are proud to announce that Jade, Jamie and Liam have all passed their Towards Independence modules with flying colours, and are just awaiting moderation from the external examiner for their Personal Progress Portfolios. Fantastic achievements from all of them. All three of these students have now completed Year 14, and will be leaving the school this July. We wish them every success and happiness.

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Victoria Horticulture
Open Monday to Friday 9.00am3.00 pm For All Your Horticultural Needs!

Victoria Education Centre

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

There are currently seasonal reductions on bedding plants! Dont Miss Out!
Please, please use us rather than the big garden centres as our prices are as good & often better. Orders are now being taken for hanging baskets & containers which can be supplied or bring your own for planting.

Our helpful staff are really looking forward to seeing you!

Term Dates 2012 / 2013

VECLife
Issue 03

Compiled and edited by Jon Godber. Victoria School MMXII.

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