Issue

10

Achieving Through Believing

December Merry Christmas Everyone

2014

VEC life

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

Inside This Issue

Pages

All The Latest News 1 to 5

The Staff Room
6 to 8
Eco Committee News 9
Apps Amazing
10
E-Safety
11
The Sports Report
12
Faith Group News
13
Performance and Dance 14
Classroom Catch-up 16 to 23
Diary Dates
Back Page

News In Brief
This years Pink Day raised
69.52 for Cancer charities.
Glenhurst Manor in
Bournemouth have kindly
raised 1180 for us at an
afternoon garden party.
The Poole Flower Show
held at VEC raised over
700 and are helping to
create a roof garden for the
Residential Children's
Home.
Holly Dobell thanks
everyone who came to her
cake sale, it was a great
success and raised 102.74
for stand up to Cancer.
Class JW made 42.50
from their cake sale and
10 from the Dabbawalla
delivery service. All of
which will go towards the
Eco-schools (Toilet
Twinning) fundraising
project to build a toilet
(hopefully a block) in Sierra
Leone.
Class LB raised 67.20
selling bacon butties to an
enthusiastic staff also to
raise money for the toilet
twinning effort. A special
thanks goes to Stuart Fitt
for organising the rolls.
James Sargent raised a
useful 13.65 selling
muffins to raise money for
the tear fund.

Mayor of Poole Opens Woodland Walk

Victorias woodland walk has been officially
opened by the Mayor of Poole. The opening
is the fruition of 4 years work after we were
awarded funding by Stefan Kleipoedszus,
Principal Social Worker of Bournemouths

A woodland environment to explore

Social Care. In conjunction with Mark Hinsley

the Poole Trees Officer, work began in
earnest in October. A team from JWC
Carpentry headed by Jonathan White
provided the expertise. The woodland walk
will be a welcome addition to
activities available to all Adventure Day
students as well as giving access to a
woodland environment to all our Students
and residents from the Explorers class right
up to Post 19. Also in attendance for the
ceremony was Chair of the Board of
Governors Peter Jennings, Livabilitys Head
of Fundraising Alison Shotter and Head
Teacher Simon Brown. We would like to
express our thanks to all involved in the
planning and execution of what is a fantastic
new resource for Victoria.

Welcome to the Aurasma Experience

Changing the way you see and interact with Victoria School
Aurasma is an eye-catching way of bringing
can be magically brought to life. First of all
an object or place to life, this is called an
using a mobile device such as a smartphone,
Aura. This term Jon and I have been
download the Aurasma App (You can do this
working on producing an interactive tour for
via the Apple App Store or Android Google
Victoria. This means that if we are taking
Play) Then you need to sign up and
visitors around the school and, for example,
Follow the Victoria Education Centre
there isnt a swimming lesson going on at the Aurasma Channel. Look for the story with
time, we can use Aurasma to show them a
the Aurasma logo in VECLife. Next, frame the
short video of activities that normally take
tagged image in the viewfinder to unlock the
place in the pool. We have been producing
Aura! For a more detailed guide check out our
Auras for various spaces around the school YouTube page. You can also find out more
to ensure that visitors, parents and
about Aurasma by visiting their website at
inspectors dont miss out on all the amazing
www.aurasma.com.Watch this space for more
things you do at Victoria. An Aura is Auras in further newsletters and keep your
identified by this symbol. To show
eye out when you are in school, there may be
you what Aurasma is all about one of one or two in reception!
the features in this edition of VECLife
1

By Matt Saunders

Foreword

VECLife Winter 2014

Reflections on the Autumn Term

Welcome to the latest edition of

VEC Life everyone. 2014 has
been another successful year for By Simon Brown
Victoria Education Centre. There is plenty to
celebrate and in this bumper, international flavoured
issue you will hear about the wonderful
achievements, activities and events that have taken
place over the autumn term.
Congratulations to the team as we share our 10th
edition! Thank you to all the contributors and a
special mention to Jon Godber (Editor-in-chief) who
is the driving force behind these fantastic termly
newsletters.
The following pages show our firm commitment to
the kind of all-round education that enriches
students lives, develops their wider talents and
prepares them for their next steps. Students and
staff have been going global this term. Our theme a
wider world has lent itself to a whole range of
activities, trips and fun. International Week
provided lots of global education opportunities; we
journeyed across continents, visited select
countries, used the week to investigate whats
global about our classes, school and local
community and thought about what it means to be
British.
Creative arts and sports activities abound, we are
proud of our reputation in these areas and this term
students have continued to enjoy and excel gaining
new experiences whilst developing and

strengthening existing skills.

There have been some fabulous fundraising
initiatives this term as well. The Friends of
Victoria Education Centre (FoVEC) have been
very active and the Christmas Fayre was yet
again, a resounding success. The group goes
from strength to strength and if you are
interested to join them, please do get in touch.
In addition to supporting improvements at VEC,
weve also been raising funds for a number of
other very worthwhile causes. Some of these
have been student-led reminding us all to think
about and help others.
As the autumn term draws to a close I would
like to express by sincere thanks to all the staff
who work so hard to make this such a fantastic
environment for our students to learn and live
in.
So, as the decorations appear, its beginning
to look a lot like Christmas, everywhere you
go, dont worry I wont burst into song! and, its
that time of year when we get the opportunity to
reflect on the past and focus on the future. Im
really looking forward to 2015 at VEC.
This issue has a wealth of features with all the
latest news so please enjoy reading about life
at VEC and on behalf of everyone here at
Victoria Education Centre have a very merry
Christmas and happy New Year.

VEC Raises 40 Boxes of Love

Ingrids annual love in a box charity drive has been a great

success this year with 40 boxes made up and ready to send. The
drive is part of the Mustard Seed Relief Missions wider appeal for
children in Romania, Bosnia and Ukraine. Shoe boxes are filled
with gifts for either boys or girls by donors consisting of either small
toys or practical items like combs or toothbrushes and then sent to
where they are needed most. Ingrid was very pleased with this
years collection commenting We put a smile on 40 young
childrens faces. Love in a box means more to them than we know.
For somebody to show love without knowing them makes it extra
special. Thanks everyone.
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VECLife Winter 2014

Steve Pedals For VEC

Steve Toomer (Chloes Dad) has presented us with a
cheque for 618.45. Steve recently took part in a
three city European bike ride which took in London,
Amsterdam and Brussels covering a total of 340
miles with 130 participating riders. We are very
grateful to Steve for his efforts on our behalf and
pleased to report that this money will go towards the
refurbishment of one of our residential bedrooms.

Steve Toomer presents 618 to Mr Brown

Carmel Gets a Facelift

Stonemasons Ian and Jack at work on Carmel

VEC Car and Bike Show

In October staff, students and visitors may have

noticed that Carmel House was having a little work
done. Well, Bridport based Stonemasons of Dorset
came in to work on sections of Carmels stonework.
Carmel House was built way back around 1885 and
being south facing has had to endure all that the
elements have thrown at it. Consequently there was
some very deep erosion to repair. The sections of
Portland stone were built up in layers with a colour
match shelter coat and then cleaned with a
superheated steam cleaner. Carmels gargoyle also
got a face lift and had his teeth cleaned.
Stonemason Ian Viney who has worked on the
Chantry, the oldest building in Bridport, and
apprentice Jack Baldwin from the Princes
Foundation carried out the works. Carmel has also
had a new lick of paint and is now ready for the
Winter.

Despite some pretty awful weather in early

October the first VEC Car and Bike show was
a great success with a good turnout. Some excellent
vehicles were represented and a stunning 235 was
raised from donations and the raffle. Event
co-organiser Paula Allcroft said Even with the rain we
had a good turnout. The BBQ was cancelled, but
bacon butties, tea and cake provided by Stewart
helped. We raised over 200 from donations and a
raffle. Can't thank everyone enough.. A massive
thanks to all who gave up their time to exhibit and
organise this event (especially Stewart for those
Bacon butties). Another show is planned for next
Spring date to be confirmed.

DJ Eye Tech Hits the Airwaves

The Fast and the Furious at VEC

A unique radio show created by EyeGaze user Bram Harrison has been broadcast on the radio.
Bram along with helper Doug Bott created some of the music for the show on his Powerbox 7 using
The Grid 2 and E-Scape software. The show was broadcast on the 22nd November under Brams
nom de plume DJ Eye Tech on phonic FM. You can catch the show now by going to:
www.eyelife.org
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VECLife Winter 2014

Remember Remember...
On Bonfire Night our residential students had fun
making there very own Guy. Using odds and ends
and bits and pieces their impressive Mr Fawkes
was ready in time for the residential
bonfire and fireworks party. Class JAs George
Kettle made the rounds of the school declaring
Penny for the Guy! and collected 28 which was
sent on to Marys Meals in Liberia to care for the
victims of the recent Ebola outbreak. The Guy was
despatched with ceremony on the night and
students and staff alike had a wonderful time.
Penny For The Guy!

The Amazing Holly Cook

By Margaret Humphreys

A big round of applause (and some padded

shorts) to Holly Cook (Amys older sister) for
completing a long cycle ride for charity around
the New Forest earlier in the term. Holly is
fundraising for Livability this year, and managed
to raise 425 for VEC. She is hoping it can go
towards some equipment which Amy will
particularly enjoy perhaps a floor level
trampoline outside. Amazing effort, Holly. Thank
you very much.

Holly on the road

Anti-Bullying Week

A clear message was sent to bullies and their

victims from Victoria over anti-bullying week. The
week took place between the 17th and 21st
November. We held a poster competition and
held discussion sessions with students on this
important issue. Pergins students decided they
would like to make a video which has now been
posted on Youtube. Bullying remains a common
problem particularly in schools and now, in the
age of social media and smart phones, bullying
no longer stops at the school gates. Since its
inception, the internet has introduced us to an
ever-expanding world of educational and social
resources for disabled and special educational
needs students. Despite these advances, many
of those who log on are met with bullying,
intimidation and harassment and none more
so than the young and disabled. One worrying
statistic states that here in Britain 60% of

Tall Stories comes to VEC

The winning posters

students with disabilities reported being bullied,

compared to 25% of the general student
population. Class JW won the Lower School
competition with Class BE winning for the Upper
School.

By Kirsten Watts

At the end of November, Tall Stories Theatre Company brought their

production of Emily Brown and the Thing to VEC. An enchanting story of
a little girl who cannot get to sleep, and goes on some exciting
adventures. A wonderful time was had by all who attended.
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VECLife Winter 2014

Spots Before Our Eyes!

On Children in Need Day 2014 we were all seeing
spots before our eyes! Children in Need Day is
always a colourful affair here at Victoria and this
year was spotty as well. Staff and students had fun
dressing up for this very special cause. We raised a
fantastic 193.83 which will go to good causes. Well
done everyone.

Festive Panels to be Displayed

By Hazel Noyon

The Traders Association of Ashley Road invited the residents

of the Childrens Home to help make some Christmas panels.
These are woven from differently coloured plastic bags on to
a plastic frame. The panels are placed on the fence around
the Christmas tree at St Johns Church, opposite Waitrose. A
lot of local schools get involved. The grand lighting-up
ceremony is on Sunday December 30th, so if you are passing
St Johns Church after that date, look out for our panels!
Presenting the Panels at St Johns

Harvest Thanks
By Amy Hunt

Just to say a HUGE thank you to all who contributed

towards our Harvest collection. We had 3 trolley
loads to deliver and the Poole Food Bank were very
grateful for our help. As I arrived at the food bank, to
drop off the food, a small girl and her mum were
waiting for their box of food. The little girl was so excited to see all of the donations. In particular when I
was taking in a bag containing a tube of Pringles
she began to jump up and down with excitement at
the thought that she might receive these in her box.

It was lovely to see how our food benefits

others but also made me very aware of the
poverty which is right under our noses in
our community. It made me feel very
grateful for all that I have and proud of the
efforts which the students, parents, staff
and friends of the school had put in to
support our local food bank at this harvest
time. Thank you so much to all who
donated and hopefully next year we will be
able to support them again.

The Poole Food Bank provides three days' worth of food to those in crisis, enough for however many people are
in the household. The food is free and the vouchers required to access it are held by a wide range of professionals
in the community, so that those in need can be helped quickly. Most of the food is donated by local churches,
schools, community groups, businesses and individuals. Where possible, a more sustainable solution will be
sought by working with other organisations to help clients access a wider range of support.
If you would like to donate food, logon to http://www.faithworkswessex.org.uk
for the shopping list of standard items, which need to have a 'use by' date of at least six months ahead.
5

VECLife Winter 2014

Welcome to the Winter edition of the staff room.

With Victorias long standing connection with Stoke
Mandeville in the sports area (Ive been myself) I
received this fascinating story from Hilary Stewart Hilarys Dad convalescing, possibly at Stoke Mandeville
regarding her late Father.
between a wheelchair or six months in plaster
Stoke Mandeville Past and Present
from armpits to knees, he chose the plaster
Last September, I received an email from the PE
cast, which he was in for two and a half years.
department, asking for staff to volunteer to
He was cared for in a military hospital
accompany VEC students to the National Junior
somewhere in the UK. (With both my parents
Games at Stoke Mandeville Sports Centre later that
now dead, I have not been able to find out
month. Reading the message, I knew immediately
where.) The photo I have shows him in his
that it was something I wanted to do. Not only did
hospital bed, having been wheeled onto a
the trip give me the opportunity to work more
terrace to get some sun. After his release from
closely with students and staff in a different
the body cast, he had to learn to stand, walk
environment, which was very rewarding and lots of
and live again. Now you know one of the
fun, it also made me think back to a photograph I
reasons that I wanted to go to Stoke
have in my loft at home.
Mandeville. Stoke Mandeville Hospital was the
In 1938, my father had joined the army and in due
first centre for spinal injuries in the UK and
course had been training to fight in the Second
remains the leading centre to this day. It
World War. Unfortunately, he had been injured,
seems possible that he may have been there
suffering a broken back. With no X-rays to assess
I hope to find out one day.
the full extent of the damage and given the choice
A Chip Off The Block
O.T. Rhiannon Beers young son Thomas won a
competition recently by producing an article about
Victoria. The competition was run from Baden
Powell & St Peters Junior School. 34
students entered and Thomas article was
selected out of the final 20 to be posted on the
schools online magazine Webzine. Well done
Thomas.
Tony Bows Out (For Now)
Victorias VIBE Radio guru and all round funster
Tony Rudd has disappeared once more on his
annual sojourn into panto. If you would like to see
the Tonemeister in his new production you can
catch him in Cinderella as Buttons at the
Pomegranate Theatre Chesterfield. Tony is
appearing alongside Strictlys Camilla Dallerup
and Asa Elliott from ITVs Benidorm from 5th
December to the 4th January .

Ins and Outs!

We would like to welcome the following staff to

the Victoria Team: Education Support Workers
Susie Day, Joanna Grant, Georgina Deverell and
Rhian Best. Support Workers Adult Services Sarah Camp and Natalie Saunders, Sports and Activities Administrator Jo Temple, Personal Assistants Erika Smikle, Carrie Cable, Nuno Vicente
and Katia Dario Bank domestic assisstant Eva
Siroki and Nurse Jibeen Parveen. Diana Tatpati
leaves us with our thanks for her amazing work.
Great Expectations
Residential Support Worker Lucy Rogers is
expecting her first child on January 27th. She
knows its a girl but no names have been chosen
as yet. We wish Lucy all the best.

Stop press stop press stop press stop press stop press stop press
stopress

Im told by a reliable source that Amy Hunt

really loves her job!

Stop press stop press stop press stop press stop press stop press
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VECLife Winter 2014

Carolyn and Petes Sterling Service

In September Carolyn Nelms and Peter Calcutt
both completed 30 years of service at VEC. On
behalf of all staff and students thank you both for
your amazing service and contribution to
Victoria. They have both witnessed many
changes here over those years including the
acquisition of Carmel House, the building of the
new residential block, the building of the sports
hall and much more, but above all think of all the
students whove passed through Victoria in
those years and the difference they have made
to their lives. Congratulations Carolyn and
Pete did you know 30 years is 262974 hours?
Or 10957 days? Or 1565 weeks? Or 360
months?

The Way We Were! (Sorry Guys!)

Mark Wins Top Award

By Sarah Gilling

We were thrilled to hear that Marks dedication to

developing technology to enhance the lives of our
students has been recognised. Mark works as an
assistive technology co-ordinator in the school
and he was nominated by his colleagues at VEC
for the Livability Staff awards. He was chosen as
a winner, and was presented with his award by
HRH The Princess Royal at a ceremony on 20th
November in Central London.
Mark has made an outstanding impact on the
lives of the students at Victoria by bringing cutting
edge technology and research to the school. He
initiated our involvement in the SHIVA project
which resulted in the development of software
enabling our youngsters to produce 3D models so
that for the first time students with very little
physical control were able to express themselves

Mark with his award

creatively using this technology.

He is totally committed to pushing the
boundaries of what people who have
disabilities are able to do using technology.
We are very proud to have Mark as a
colleague and are delighted that his
achievements and dedication have been
celebrated in such a special way!

Soundbeam by Royal Appointment

By Mike Whitlock

Back in September I was lucky enough to be one

of the Livability staff to be nominated for the
Princess Royal Livability awards along with our
own Mark Mosley who won an award for his
work with assistive technology and in particular
the Shiva project which enables our students to
create 3D plastic models.
Belinda Ellicott nominated me for soundbeam
and assistive tech in music which has brought us
some funding from a contact given to us by
soundbeam for a OMI vista interactive floor
projection system.

Also invited to London for drinks and

canaps with her Royal Highness was Alison
Richardson for her work with the Employees
Forum that is also on the judging panel.
Being nominated for the award was a huge
honour and a really nice day out in London
which gave me a chance to speak to some of
the head management about soundbeam as
well as the future possibilities of VIBE radio.
After the awards ceremony I met up with
Matt Taylor from ReJenR8 and discussed
future projection mapping projects at V.E.C.
A very productive and enjoyable day.
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VECLife Winter 2014

Andys A Star Turn

Rebecca Rodriquez Writes

On behalf of lower school we

would like to thank Andy Besant in
our rehab department. His endless
enthusiasm and willingness
to help is outstanding and nothing
is too much trouble. He prioritises and
organises his work load appropriately and fairly.
He has a good understanding and is sensitive of
the students needs, being patient when
arranging when to fit in a job that needs doing
around them. Andy creates adaptions for our

Photo Of The Term

students personal needs for example travelling

IPAD holders, easy grip pen inserts etc.- he
can find a way to make anything you require!
Andy takes the time to explain to staff and if
needed to parents also as to what he has done
or needs to do to the equipment that is getting
fixed. Andy then checks in on our class to
follow up and get feed back of adaptions he
has made. He is friendly and approachable at
all times making the situation of a broken
wheelchair a far less stressful experience!
Thank you Andy from class LB, JW , and
Explorers.

We Are Thankful For...

By Sean Mogg

In middle school assembly at this time of year we

talked about the things we are thankful for again.
We then put it together for a poem (below).
I hope you enjoy their poem. The students came
up with all the answers on their own, and had a
great time thinking about all the things we
appreciate at Victoria Education Centre

Victorias new anti speeding deterrent

Is installed.

Well Done Rhi!

In September Rhiannon
Beer our Head
Occupational Therapist
was awarded a
Postgraduate Certificate
in Specific Learning
Difficulties from the
University of Wales.

Good Luck Eddie And Gemma

On behalf of all staff and students I would
like to wish Eddie Milne and Gemma
Steele all the very best for their big day on
December 20th and for their future
together. We hope you have a fantastic
day and a wonderful Honeymoon.

We all have lots to be thankful for, and Im sure

we all agree working with our fantastic students
is definitely one of them.
Merry Christmas Everyone.

We are Thankful

Thank you for the trips we go on

Thank you to all our friends
Thank you Andy for fixing our wheelchairs
Thank you to the Teachers for helping us learn
(and put our coats on)
Thank you for the Radio
Thank you for Swimming
Thank you for Maths
Thank you to the Physios for keeping us healthy
and fit
Thank you Stewart for our lunch
Thank you to PE for helping us exercise
Thank you all the staff for helping us

And..
Thank you for the Music!!
8

Eco-School News

VECLife Winter 2014

By Jen Williams

This term has started off with lots of

new students on our Eco-committee.
Our new members include Akira
Jackson, Sophie Young, Amar Chidziva,
Michael Dooley, Joanne Sibley, Charlie
Williams and Phillip Henderson.
This term we have begun to use the compost
bin for class waste, its great to see
students with responsibility for recycling and
composting around school. We are also
delighted to see James Sargent working so
hard at recycling in his free time.
This term the Eco-committee have been
planning a date for our next Switch Off
fortnight 16th March 2015, and class
representatives have been trying to remind
their classes to switch off computers and lights
if they are not using them.
We have also been thinking about people in
other countries as part of our work on Global
Citizenship. The Eco-committee decided to
fund-raise for Toilet-Twinning in order to build

Some of our new Eco-Committee members

toilets in countries such as Uganda and

Sierra Leone. So far classes LB and JW
have raised enough money to buy two toilets,
Green Island have been selling lovely toilet
roll packages and the KS4 and Post 16 Arts
Award students have launched their very
own Toilet Aid CD with all profits going to
our Toilet Twinning appeal. Thank you to
everyone who has helped with this and in the
New Year we hope to have raised enough for
a whole toilet block.
Finally we are delighted to see that the
boardwalk is now open. This will help us to
access the woodland to find out about all the
animals and plants that live in our grounds.
A Merry Christmas and a Happy (and green)
New Year to you all from the Eco-committee!

VEC Christmas Fayre Pulls the Crowds

The Victoria Christmas Fayre 2014 was a great
success this year the amount raised was an
amazing 3650! It was one of our most
ambitious fayres to date with a wide range of
festive attractions. The Tombola and Raffle stalls
were particularly busy and our resident Santa had
a steady stream of customers. We also had some
amazing special guests. Our friends the Pirates of
Poole opened the Fayre in their inimitable way and
the Mayor of Poole honoured us with his presence.
Also on hand were the Friends of the Doctor
Doctor Who appreciation group. They were
resplendent in fancy dress from the popular BBC
show and even brought along a Dalek much to the
delight of the younger attendees. Gifts and crafts
were snapped up and our own Horticulture shop
sold jams and preserves. We would like to say a
massive thank you to all who came and helped on
the Friday night or Saturday and of course those
that came and spent their money. Also a special
thank you to the Pirates of Poole, The Doctors
Family and the Mayor of Poole for supporting us on
the day. A very special thanks must also go to
Kelly Westerby who brought it all together.

Some magic moments from the big day.

9

Apps Amazing!
By Jon Godber
Your Guide To The Latest Apps With
Special Needs In Mind

This time around in Apps Amazing we are

looking at Apps covering the tricky subject of
Maths. Tricky I say because its not easy pitching
the difficulty just right for your childs or indeed
the students ability. Positive feedback and
encouraging characters can help young people
build confidence and excitement about numbers
and shapes and learn basic operations like
addition and subtraction.
The following are just a few of the many Apps
available which covers the many facets of using
numbers over a wide ability spectrum.

Montessori Numbers
By LEscapadou Price:1.99
Montessori Numbers is a set of maths activities that
follows the Montessori method of teaching. One
tenet of Montessori schools is a hands-on approach,
that movement is important for learning and
cognition. So the Montessori curriculum involves a
lot of objects that young people play with and use to
build concepts. Montessori Numbers takes one
specific set of objects, the blocks and number rods,
and translates it to the digital world, using them in
basic maths activities that tap into counting and
quantity. These activities are designed for young
people to work with the materials. There is also a
Building Game, which is less like a game and more
like an opportunity for young people to explore and
play with numbers on their own. This App is 1.99 to
buy but is highly rated by academics and parents
alike. A wide range of activities over a gradual
learning curve.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Compatible
with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Tic Toc Time

By Seven Academy Price 2.49
Tic Toc Time helps children learn to read analog
clocks through a series of discoveries about the
passing of time. This App is also helpful for children
who have difficulty understanding numbers as
concepts. Learn about using a compass, following the
sun and shadows, Earth's rotation, and reading a
clock. There is audio about time-related vocabulary
like "midnight," "quarter to," and "quarter past. When
tasks are complete, there is a nice reward system

VECLife Winter 2014

where water, seeds and sunshine is given so that a

virtual garden can be tended. Children are taught
how to read a clock face and tell the time via a simple
and fun learning path.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 6.0 or later. Compatible
with iPhone and iPad.

ToDo Math
By Locomotive Labs Price: Free
Offers in App Purchases

Todo Math is designed to help children of all abilities

practice maths. This App is particularly helpful to
children who have auditory and visual processing
issues, or language of math issues. It is also beneficial
for children who have fine motor issues. Todo Math is
not just for children with special needs though, it is for
all learners. Several free levels are included, or parents
can upgrade for access to the full curriculum and/or
free play sections.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible with
iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch.

Jungle Coins
By Andrew Short Price: 1.99
Learning about coins is a very important element of
maths which can equip students with life lasting
skills. With this App children can learn to differentiate
coins, count money, compare coins, and give correct
change. Each activity has five predetermined levels.
Level 6 allows you to enter specific coins to help a
child who may have learning difficulties. Parents can
track their child's history in the settings area. The
history gives the date, number of attempts, and time
spent on each activity. This App has won awards
and was even featured in Apples New and
Noteworthy nominations.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible
with iPad.

Hungry Guppy
By Common Sense Media Price: 2.49
Parents choice Silver award winner Hungry Guppy
is an interactive way for pre-school and infant
school children to build a strong concept of addition
and to understand what numbers represent. Hungry
Guppy features a fish who loves to eat numbers,
with 15 total levels. In the dots level young children
who dont yet know numbers can practice addition,
theyll learn for example that .+..=...
Developed for children from 3 to7 this is well worth
a look
Compatibility: Requires iOS 7.0 or later. Compatible
with iPad.
10

VECLife Winter 2014

VEC eSafety Report

By Amy Hunt

Over the past term we have been focussing on

our eSafety provision here at VEC. Alina Chuida
is now the designated, trained Ambassador for
the childrens home and I fulfil the same role for
the school.
Over the next term we will be delivering eSafety
sessions for our Post16 students and will be
rolling this out across the school over the next
year.
We will also be running staff training with the
Think U Know resources, provided by CEOP
(Child Exploitation Online Protection, run by the
National Crime Agency).
We are currently planning, and will soon be
running, a session for parents/carers to come
and learn about the apps/programmes we use
as a school as well as giving helpful tips and

ways in which we can all work together to

keep our students safe online and support
eSafety at home.
For further information regarding eSafety
within the home please have a look at
CEOPs Think U Know website
www.thinkuknow.co.uk/. There are some very
useful resources and a very good parents/
carers section.
If you have any questions regarding eSafety
then please contact myself or Alina and we
will do our best to help.

Victorias International Week

The theme for this term at Victoria has been A
Wider World and the students have been
involved in lots of activities around school
promoting a wider understanding of other
countries and cultures. This culminated in our
International Week. During this week our
students tasted and cooked exotic dishes,
learned dances from far off places and took part
in multi-media stories. Class Arne and Class LB
took part in a Skype link to The Vista Nova
School in Cape Town South Africa and got to
speak with their contemporaries about everyday
life and how their routines differ from ours (You
can read Lisas article on this on page 17). The
students also experienced a planetarium which
was set up in the sports hall.

Playing Petanque, a French game like Bowls.

Over the term a lot of work goes into our class display boards reflecting our students endeavours
here are just a few..

11

VECLife Winter 2014

The
Report
With Katherine Birtwell
Stoke Mandeville Games 2014
On the 22nd September we took 9 students to the
National Junior Games in Stoke Mandeville. There
were lots of sports for the students to compete and
to have a go at. The students got involved in all
sports, these are just some of them:
Wheelchair Football, Polybat, Athletics, Swimming
and Wheelchair Basketball. All the students
competed in different sports. Tom won the pool
competition which he played amazingly throughout
and it was a big a achievement for him. Also they all
really enjoyed the wheelchair football this year.
Sophie, Esther and Connor tried powerlifting. On
the last night they had a disco to show their moves

Roberts on target

and to celebrate their achievements from the

four days that they have been competing.
There was a presentation at the end of the
Competition. They all got a medal. Alex and
Robert won a special award for having
international potential.

Wheelchair Racing Sessions

Martin Cook is currently holding racing wheelchair sessions at the Ashdown Leisure Centre. The
sessions take place every Wednesday from 7pm to 8.30pm and cost only 2. The sessions are being
run as part of the Poole Athletics Club and we have some spare racing wheelchairs. If anyone is
interested in joining in please email Martin here: mcook@victoria.poole.sch.uk

Dorset Team Boccia Competition

Team Victoria in action

Dream Teams and Angus Schemes!

Editorial Comment

The 2014-2015 Schools Fantasy League season

is well underway and early indications show this
could be the most interesting season yet. Early
pace setters Frankies Fury managed by Jo Allen
seem to be dropping off now but James Bradleys
Naughty Arsenal team and Mr Thompsons A
Team still look to be contenders. Last years pack
leaders run by Gary Hicks, Matt McLean and Kate
Baldwin are nowhere in sight so the competition
remains very open. Suspiciously League

On 5th December Victoria welcomed lots of

schools around Dorset to take part in a team
Boccia competition. We entered two teams to
participate in this tournament: Liam, Spencer,
Alex and Ryan competed for Victoria A and
Ebony, Charlie W, Sophie P and Abi P
competed for Victoria B. Both teams won all
their group games by good team work and
communication. They went on to the SemiFinals where both teams narrowly missed out
on the Final. Victoria A and B had to play each
other in a 3rd & 4th playoff. It was very close
and Victoria A won 3rd place!! Well done to
both teams!!

Chairman Angus Collins remains in 3rd place

and has already won one of the Manager of
the Week certificates to universal cries of Fix.
Does he have a secret Add Points button?
12

VECLife Winter 2014

By Hazel Noyon

Faith Group is rapidly outgrowing the

various rooms it has been held in, as it
now includes Post 19 residents. Weve
covered many topics this term, including
writing a poem about remembrance for
National Poetry Day, celebrating World
Porridge Day, Diwali, Hanukkah and
Thanksgiving. Students made a Guy
Fawkes, and George collected 35 to help
our charity Marys Meals feed survivors of
the Ebola virus. We had a wonderful time
on Bonfire Night, with a barbeque (thanks

Bonfire Night outside Carmel

Stewart!), a real fire (thanks Fiona!) and fireworks

(thanks Emma!) Some of the students would have
stayed out all night! The singing and signing
continues to be a highlight each week, as is the
honest sharing of the students, and their real
concern and interest in each other.

Alternatively..
You heard it here first the Alternatives are
currently establishing themselves as a force to be
reckoned with! The Alternatives is the name chosen
by the very recently formed Sensory Music Group
for Post 19. They have already performed live on
VIBE radio, sung to the people who attend St
Aldhelms Church coffee morning, and are in the
process of choosing some wind chimes for the new
walk way through the wood. They intend to have a
great time as a group and to reach out to others in
school and in the community.

Our Poem for National Poetry Week Remembrance

We Remember loads of happy

things Like birthdays, walking
the dog,
Seeing aunties, and garden
parties.
Remembering makes us feel
Happy all over again,
So, we must keep remembering
Special times, places and people.
Words and ideas suggested by Faith Group Students.
13

VECLife Winter 2014

Body Language

Performance and Dance at VEC. With Belinda Ellicott

Little Mermaid Makes

Big Splash
This years production was planned as an
opportunity to show off our fabulous new pool, the
building of which was made possible by The
Sparkle Appeal (supported by the Echo), so the
obvious choice was The Little Mermaid. We have
created this as a film to showcase all our fabulous
new technology using green screen filming and
our media suite. This year not only did the
students act and dance but they also swam,
performed all the songs and created the backing
instrumental music that was used in the film. We
were kindly sponsored by local company Astute
and Moors Brothers Westbourne also contributed
to the production. The premiere took place at
Victoria Education Centre on Sunday 22nd June

Holly gets into character

and there were displays of the galleons made

during Creative Arts Week along with displays
and films of work done by students throughout
the year in their creative arts studies. The audience also had the opportunity to try on some of
the costumes and have their photos taken at
our photo booth. DVDs are now on sale and
can be ordered at reception. A huge thank you
to the stars of the film and all the crew plus a
big thank you to everyone who supported us.

Oily Cart Visit VEC

We were hugely fortunate to have our third visit
from Oily Cart this September thanks to funding
from the DOyly Cart charitable trust and
donations from parents. The show this year was
called The Bounce and took place on giant trampolines with live performers and musicians.
Each show was for twenty minutes and delivered
to two students at a time. It was a fantastic
experience and linked well with our Wider World
termly theme as all the music was played on a
Kanun a Syrian instrument.

Oily Cart: An experience like no other

Leavers Go Back To The Future

This years Leavers Ball had a flavour of Back to
the Future as the theme with many of the
attendees dressing up in 50s style outfits. We
had a fantastic ice sculpture provided by Crystal
Ice Sculptures (the same design as they provided
for President Obamas trip to the UK), projection
mapping provided by Rejenr8 Productions and a
visit from a DeLorean. There were the usual
features, the presentation and slideshows of our
leavers and the vote for the Prom King and
Queen this year Kayleigh and Stuart. A disco

The Iconic DeLorean

and the song Johnny Be Good was performed by

members of our Creative Arts Team to provide
everyone with a time to reflect on friends who
couldnt be with us on the night. Another great fun
evening and a lovely way to celebrate our students
end to their school life at VEC.
14

VECLife Winter 2014

The Shakespeare Schools Festival

On November 6th, 11 of our very talented Arts
Award students stepped out onto the Lighthouse
stage to perform their version of Twelfth Night.
For many of the students this was their first
experience of performing on a stage and what a
way to start! They were absolutely fantastic and
their previous trips to the Globe Theatre must
have surely inspired them to their amazing
thespian performances in front of an almost full
Lighthouse theatre. The play can be heard now
on VIBE radio and watch out for stars of the
future!

Curtain Call: Our Players Take a Bow

A Wicked Trip To The Mayflower

As part of their Creative Arts studies of the Wizard of Oz in Dance, Class CN visited the Mayflower to
watch Wicked. They had a great time and the show introduced us to the Witches before they became
Good and Wicked!

Arts Award Group Visit Potter Studios

For their Arts Award this year, some of our older

students are working on a challenge based around
Harry Potter and designing and creating their own
versions of the well-known characters and locations.
So for their Part B section of the Award, being an
audience member, the most obvious choice was to
take them to Warner Bros. Studio Tour, that shows
all the props, costumes, design and work involved in
the films. We had a fantastic, albeit long, day and
were able to fly on broomsticks, try out our spell
casting and discover all the secrets that go into the
making of a series of iconic films. It really was a
magical day!

Digi Music
With Mike Whitlock

After last years CN celebration song theyve done it

again with their new song heart beat. Made in the
music room using real instruments mixed with a bit of
computer wizardry CN have made another VIBE
radio favourite with people emailing in to the radio
station to hear it. Their last song was a Rio carnival
influenced number with lots of drums and whistles.
This time they have gone Hoe Down with this toe
tapping deep south country sound that really does
get the heart pumping. It begins with Abby G on
vocals saying heart beat in time to a drum giving it a
real heart beat sound and pace and it includes Ryan
Skinner on Drums, William Sabine, Charlotte Olive,
Brandon and Jazzy on Vocals, some live cymbals as
well as Mathew Deans animal sound effects to really
give it its farm yard sound. Founding member of the

Where all the magic happens

band and vocalist Will said this is the best

song ever.

Storm Diggers Cut New Track

For anyone wondering where the Friday
crew radio show presented by some of the
Hort students has gone well. They are back
in the studio working on their follow up song
from last year what does the fox say with
a new VIBE chart buster.
The band who named themselves the
STORM DIGGERS are working hard and
hope to have it ready for the new year.
Theyre not giving too much away about
which song they are doing this time but a
spokesperson from the band said it will
make you shake it like a polaroid picture.
As well as working on the new song they
also have a trip to Absolute Music planned.
15

VECLife Winter 2014

LB

Explorers Get Festive

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Exp
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Green Island

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From Explorers to Post 19!

The Wider World With Class JW
By Sally Thornley

Class JW have been having fun and working

hard this autumn term. The Wider World topic
has opened up the opportunity for some
exciting trips out for our students (and staff).
Our first stop was Kenya, so in September we
went to Marwell Wildlife near Winchester. The
students were lucky enough to take part in an
educational workshop
which meant being
able to meet and hold
some of the live
animals including a
snake and a rat. They
explored the tusk of
an elephant, the feather from an ostrich and
the skins from a snow leopard, cheetah,
snake and an alligator.
Between them they loved feeling the different
textures and were interested in what had to be
said. Holly was brave
and stroked the
not-so-live
alligators
skin however, they
werent all bothered
about stroking the huge
snake which was very much alive.
After visiting Kenya we came back to England
to
experience
the
sights, sounds and
tastes of where we live
today. Class JW loved
making their own Paddington Bear suitcases
complete with a

By Gill Tuttiett

On Friday 5th December we took off in the

school mini bus with our Super driver Terry at
the realms to Stewarts in Christchurch to see
our friend Father Christmas. The Winter
Wonderland was amazing with lots of snow and
arctic animals. The lights were truly magical and
the dancing polar bears could certainly boogie.
Father Christmas looked really dapper and the
presents he gave us were great, we had fun
opening them when we got back to school.
Great time was had by all and we cant wait to
go again next year.
Please look after this bear label and
marmalade sandwiches to go with it (James
was so proud of his). Jen was a little excited to
say to the least when she was able to bring in
her very own favourite childhood
Paddington Bear. He was a guest of honour
for a short while and we were all sad to see
him go. He certainly gave our very own resident Bobby Bear a run for his money! We also
had an outing into Bournemouth where a trip
to Harry Ramsdens fish and chip shop was
considered necessary to get the true smells
and tastes of an English seaside town. Alisha
particularly enjoyed the fish, chips and mushy
peas and was first to finish. Then it was off to
France for some cancan dancing and croissants. The students loved learning through
play from their very own little caf in class with
Tyler providing some
excellent waiter service (at very expensive prices). Of course
this had to be followed
up by a short walk to
Caf Rouge in
Westbourne
where
James ordered his very own baby chino and
where it would only have been rude not to
taste the croissants. They all made good menu
choices and used their je voudrais and
mercis. The waitress was very impressed.
It hasnt all been about having fun and going
on trips, oh no! Class JW continue to engage
well in Jens sensory journeys using sight,
sound, taste, touch and smell to tantalise the
senses. We have continued with our recycling
duties and have willing volunteers within the
class that help out on a weekly basis. Despite
16

VECLife Winter 2014

comments such as yukky and smelly from a

certain student the new
compost bin is proving
to be a thumbs up for
many so thank you very
much to the hard working members of the
Eco-committee. In
October we did some
filming for the harvest festival and two mischievous students decided they would play hide n
seek down near the pond. Any guesses as to
who one of them is? They were pretty tricky to
find and come to think of it Im not even sure
they were found (should you come across them
on your travels please tell them to return to
class).
During International Week in November a large
inflatable dome was put up in the sports hall
where students could enter and experience the
night sky with moving planets, milky ways and
close-ups of the moon. Alfie and Mia particularly
enjoyed the close up pattern making that the
planets were making and were completely mesmerised. In the same week Class JW
chose India to be their
International country
and became
Dabbawallahs for the
day. After cooking
some vegetable
samosas they took

Skyping South Africa

By Lisa Boyes and her Students

It was hard to hear and see them

but I loved itBy Joanne

On 3rd & 4th December BE and Arne class

made a Skype call to Vista Nova School in Cape
Town, South Africa. We all really enjoyed
making new friends and talking about how our
lives are different.
I would really like to meet them and ask
more questionsBy Akira

Comments from Sam Bird using his Eye Gaze

orders from members of staff, dressed up in

saris and kaftans and delivered them to help
raise money for the toilet twinning appeal. We
managed a total of 10 for our samosas and a
recent cake sale brought the grand total up to
60 and enough to buy a whole toilet. Well
done Class JW!
Our Wider World journey ended with a trip to
see Father Christmas who just happened to
be at Stewarts
Garden
Centre
in
Christchurch. (Think of
all the money we have
saved Mr Brown not
having to take all Class
JW students to the
North Pole!) The students thoroughly enjoyed the outing and there was plenty to get
the senses going like cold wintery weather, a
million sparkling decorations, an abundance
of Christmas lights, singing toys, the warmth
of Father Christmas grotto and to top it off
some definite eau de reindeer in the air. Kitty
loved meeting the man himself and was
overjoyed with her teddy bear who she has
named Robert.
We are a busy and colourful class and there
is never a dull moment with students or staff.
Class JW and the team would like to thank all
who have helped them in their first term back
and want to wish everybody a very happy
Christmas!

They looked like a great

schoolBy Abigail Smith
I liked the waving and the
talkingBy Mitchell Harvey

We talked to another school on

Skype and the school was called
Vista Nova School in South Africa. We each asked different
questions to do with the school. I
found out that some students have
different disabilities and some
children are in wheelchairsBy
Tom Truong

I enjoyed learning
about their school. I
enjoyed seeing the
students whilst
talking to them
By Jacob Whitehouse

We talked about our school

and what we do here at
Victoria, we told them what
lesson we do and they told us
about their lessonsBy Abi
Punchard
I liked how different it was
By Ben Povey
17

VECLife Winter 2014

Our Variety Club Party

By Class LB

Our class were invited to the Variety childrens party at

the Pavilion. We were greeted at the door by the
volunteers then shown where the students could have
their faces painted and get glittery tattoos. We also had
a show of reptiles, snakes, lizards and spiders followed
by a yummy packed lunch. Then the show began. First
up was the magician, then a juggler, then a balloon
Artist and a Punch and Judy show. All the children
were given an ice lolly donated by a local ice-cream
man and then we all sang the variety song with
Anthony Bygraves. It was a fab day. These were our
students best bits: Sam - Long big snake, I was
excited.
Jacob - Batman tattoo, Daniel - Favourite magician,
Saad Face paint, James felt bumpy.

Saad loved the face paint

Bonjour, Scooby Doo!

By Scooby Doos Minder

Class LB had a visit from Scooby Doo in a

recent French lesson and he had lots of fun
with students learning the French words for
words such as paw and tail as part of
their Animaux Sauvages topic. Students
were able to label 5 parts of Scoobys body
without causing him too much pain! La
bouche (mouth), la tte (head), la patte
(paw), la queue (tail) and la jambe (leg)
were the words we learned. All students
La Tete labelled by Saad

worked really well and enjoyed signing with

Scooby, who found it quite hard with paws, not
hands! Unfortunately, Madame Stewart had just

La Patte labelled by Sam

popped out of the room and so didnt get

to meet our famous visitor but luckily, we
had taken some photos to prove that he
was here!
La Queue labelled by Daniel
18

VECLife Winter 2014

Sweet Toothed CN
By Carolyn Nelms

In Class CN we have been inventing new

chocolate bars. We have researched
ingredients, weights and prices and tried to
use persuasive language on the wrappers.

Williams design for a new Choccy Bar

The Wonderful World of OZ!

By Hilary Stewart

This term Class JA have been on a sensory

journey to Australia, braving high winds and
lashing seas to sail the oceans, with George
Norris working hard hauling ropes and mainsails.
We have met a cuddly koala and played with the
bouncy kangaroo. Sausages have sizzled, popped
and banged at our Aussie barbecue and we have
been snorkelling off the Great Barrier Reef,

Nathan and Lenka working on a Masterpiece

George approves

Honeys not sure!

blowing bubbles, ping pong balls, feathers and

water through straws. Amabel has been trying
very hard to make enough bubbles to splash her
teacher! We have also had a go at painting some
boomerangs in Aboriginal style, with Honey and
Nathan both helping to hold the paintbrush and

George Kettle advising on colours. Weve

had lots of great responses from our
students this term, which has been fantastic
and now we are starting to look forward to
next terms exciting destination Spain!
Gday Poms or should that be Adios
amigos!

A Wider World For Class JA

By Jo Allen

In our Wider world lessons class JA have been

learning all about England and our Royal family.
We have been learning the National anthem and
enjoying the rousing chorus. We have had great
fun planning a special Royal wedding themed
party to help Susie Darling celebrate her 60th
Birthday. We made bunting and flags and even a
bunch of English roses. We sent out invitations to
some of Susie's friends who have worked with
her at school. In our Food Technology lessons
we made cakes to eat at the party.

Happy Birthday Susie

19

Green Island (The Artists formerly known as MH)

VECLife Winter 2014

By Margaret Humphreys

an oasis of loveliness in the former chapel in

Carmel House. If you need a few moments to
recharge, in a atmosphere of twinkly lights, and
happy singing, come and find us. We may even
make you a cup of tea, if
you come at break time!
We have had a happy term,
welcoming Cameron into
the class, and seeing Jess
and Chelsea as our new
Heads of the Class, representing us on the Student
Council and Eco committee.
We are delighted with our new ceiling hoist it has
revolutionised our lives, and we tried to rationalise
our class kit so we fit in better and move around
each other like a well oiled machine.
We all had a chance to experience Oily Carts Sensory Theatre production of Bounce this term
which was an interactive performance that took
place on trampolines. Thanks to Belinda for
organising that.
Following on from last years
successful class play, Alison
has been leading the group
to new heights in preparations for a production of
Zog. Students have been
creating props using various
media and paint techniques.

Sensory fun with Vicky and Amy

We are also really enjoying deconstructed

cookery. Our emphasis has been on exploring
the ingredients and tools used for various
recipes, and 101 things to do with an
egg (and the sequel, 97 things to do with
bread) have proved very popular with staff
and students alike. We
have also tried to do our
bit for the environment
this term, by planting
herbs and flowers outside
class, and by making bird
seed cakes. Our current
venture was inspired by
International Week, when we tried to bring a
little bit of Uganda to the school. We are
raising money for our Eco-School toilet
twinning project. Green Island is hoping to
raise 60 to fund a toilet in Uganda. Well let
you know if we made it in the next issue.
Hang on till then.

KS4 Science Autumn 2014

By Margaret Hopwood

This term the intrepid KS4 science group have been

studying Biology. Some of the students compared
differences between themselves and their friends,
and we looked at height to finger length ratios to see
if we could find a pattern. Thank you to anyone
who has been a guinea pig in our experiments.
Next we made choice chambers to investigate
which habitats woodlice prefer. This led us to the
newly situated compost bin, and a look at rotting
vegetables. Talk of microorganisms made the
teacher wax lyrical about cheese mites, much to
many peoples disgust, and the lessons only got
worse with dramatic enactments of bees
humming over to flowers and inadvertently causing
pollination. Dont be surprised if your Christmas

Eddie and Jacob look at wood lice (yuk!)

20

VECLife Winter 2014

presents include a cutting from an African Violet remember any of it? Will Sue and Margaret ever
or some Vietnamese Coriander, as we also dis- stop going on about compost? We fear not
covered cloning! How did we fit it all in? Can we

Time For Change?

By Hilary Stewart

P16 Pergins class have been studying

Government and Politics as part of their Life
Skills lessons over the latter part of this term.
Some of students will be able to vote in the May
2015 General Election and I feel passionately
that they should have the confidence and
motivation to vote and make their voice heard.
We have learned about the Houses of
Parliament (both Commons and Lords) and how
the parliamentary system works, also covering
elections, the history of voting and political
parties. Today (9/12), we have been visited by
Councillor Philip Eades (Liberal Democrat
councillor for Branksome West ward and
parliamentary candidate for May 2015 General
election) who came to talk to us about a range of
issues. As preparation for the visit, Pergins
students had come up with a list of questions
ranging from, What made you go into Politics?,
What are the particular challenges which you
feel need to be addressed in Poole? and What
do you think of the Autumn Statement?

Councillor Eades was very happy to answer all

these questions and more and we were all
impressed with the way in which our students
got involved in some serious discussion.
We had a fascinating afternoon, discussing
many different local and national issues. In the
second half of the lesson, after learning about
the current 3 main political parties VEC students
had the opportunity to raise their own concerns,
such as tuition fees and the lack of disabled
access to Branksome railway station as part of
a mini manifesto. I would like to thank Councillor
Eades for making time to visit us and work with
Pergins class we very much enjoyed his visit.
Hopefully, as a result of this unit of work,
Pergins students may follow the forthcoming
political debate with greater interest and
understanding and more importantly, will never
fail to vote and have their say!

We Eatza the Pizza!

By Kathryn Webb

Classes Furzey, Arne, Pegins and BE all enjoyed a

Pizza Making experience at Pizza Express in
Westbourne during International Week. Staff at the
restaurant shared some of the secrets of their work
and some of the essential health and safety chores
to educate our students about the responsibilities
and duties of restaurant staff. We learned about the
all-important pizza dough and learned how to divide
it up to make neat, regular dough balls before
making our own delicious pizzas which we ate with
the regular customers in the restaurant. The staff at
Pizza Express were so accommodating and
welcoming: these are few of the many positive comments students shared on their return to school. I
learned how much they (Pizza Express) cares about
people with allergies. They talked to us like adults.
Joannes work of art
They wear hats and aprons. I enjoyed going out with
my friends, making pizza and choosing what I
I would like to have spent longer there as I
wanted to put on it. Can I go there more often?
enjoyed the atmosphere!
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VECLife Winter 2014

The Poetic Effect in GCSE English

By Jo Allen

In GCSE English we have been looking at how different

poetic styles and methods are used to create effect. This
term we have been preparing for a controlled
assessment, we have looked at eight different poems
written about the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
We had a go at writing some of our own Haiku poems.
Haiku is a Japanese style of poetry. We wondered if
anyone can work out what the formula for Haiku is by
looking at our poems?

Game Rese
rv
MeerKat f e, Summer.
ilming an
advert. Sq
ueaks
Simples
Quietly

Liam, Ebony
Samuel, Connor, Harry
English lesson
Poetry is odd
Troubles with the troubles
What is going on?
GCSE A
Is what s required
That s my target grade!

school
Classroom, after
fuming
s
Detention, Angu
Shouting, Connor
Laughed.

Belfast, cold and bleak

Car keys flying, fire brewing
The smell of burning.

Life skills group meets Pharmacist

By Hilary Stewart

One of the topics we have been working on this term

has been accessing health services. Pergins and Arne
classes have looked at the origins and breadth of the
NHS. Students have had the opportunity to consider
what makes a medical incident urgent or an emergency
and have taken part in simulated 999 and 111
telephone calls, where many showed impressive
communication skills, making quick decisions and
answering unpredicted questions
accurately.

Q and A with Mr Ritchie

Running through our questions

As part of our work on this topic, Pergins, Arne and

Furzey were all visited by Mr Bill Ritchie, a retired local
pharmacist, who came to talk to us about pharmacy, its
place within the wider provision of healthcare and also
something of his own varied career. Students listened
to our visitor extremely well and asked some very interesting questions.
Here are some examples of just a few:

Abi Smith Why can adults take aspirin

but not children?
Abi Punchard Why does morphine make
you feel sick?
Charlie Scott why does the heart need
air?
It was a fascinating visit and we all learnt a
lot (me included!) We would like to express
our sincere thanks to Mr Ritchie for giving
up his time to visit VEC for the 3 sessions
and hope he enjoyed talking to us. After
meeting him, we all thought that he would
have been great at his job and hope he has
passed his genes onto his granddaughter,
Lauren, who has just started at university,
studying pharmacy!
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VECLife Winter 2014

Pergins Serves Up A Treat

By Hilary Stewart

This term the P16 Pergins Employability group have

been working on a unit called Introduction to the
hospitality industry. We have been researching
various hospitality outlets and the different job
opportunities within this sector.
In order to put some of the hospitality skills that we
have discussed into practice, we held a tea party for
our Carmel House personal care team. These are
members of staff who normally set up, serve and
clear away lunch, as well as helping to take care of
our day to day needs and so it seemed very
appropriate that we should turn the tables and
pamper them!
After welcoming our guests and offering them seats,
the students took their orders for tea or coffee and
encouraged them to help themselves to the scones,
jam and clotted cream that were set out on the
table. At first, everyone was a little nervous but
students and guests soon relaxed and enjoyed the
afternoon.
Samuel Langford was an absolute natural in the
charm stakes and displayed fabulous hosting skills,

Charley Baker kept the conversation rolling and

Spencer Owens made us laugh with his wry
comments (including the fact that Id do all the
washing up!) Finally, Harry Bassett returned
from a therapy session and was persuaded
(fairly easily!) to have a scone too!
Thank you ladies for being our guests and
helping us understand that hospitality
requires lots of thought and effort!

P16 Life skills- Getting about safely

By Hilary Stewart and Sophie Young

Sophie Young and I recently went out on a Life

Skills trip to Westbourne to learn about road
safety. On our return, Sophie produced an account
of what we did with some helpful reminders of the
different types of road crossing and what you
should do at each. Thank you Sophie for helping to Sophie Writes
Today we went to Westbourne to practice
keep everyone at VEC safe!
our road safety skills. We learned how to
cross the road safely. We also learned about
the different types of crossings.
Pelican Crossing
Zebra Crossing
A Pelican crossing is where you press the
button and then wait for the green man to
come on before you cross.
A Zebra crossing is where you have black
and white stripes across the road, there are
no traffic lights, the cars must stop by law if
there is someone waiting to cross.
Stay Safe With Sophie
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Reminder!
Monday 5th January Spring Term Starts
Tuesday 20th January Parents Afternoon and
Evening.
Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February
Half Term
Monday 23rd February Training Day
Sunday 1st March World Book Day
Friday 13th March Red Nose Day
Friday 27th March - Thursday 2nd April
Creative Arts Week
Thursday 2nd April End of Term Assembly

VECLife
Issue 10

Compiled written and edited by Jon Godber unless otherwise stated. Victoria School, Winter MMXIV

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