Belmont Newsletter VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2

NEWSLETTER DATE: DECEMBER 2014

Introducing the Senior Leadership Team Mr Kevin Day—Headteacher Leadership -I can hardly believe just how much Belmont has achieved in the first two terms of this year. When I was appointed to the school before last summer I assured the governors and staff that I had ambitious plans to lead Belmont to “Beyond Outstanding”. After just four months thanks to the efforts of my staff, the students and with the support of our families and governing body we have secured an excellent Ofsted report and made the final of a National Schools award for supporting our Pupil Premium students. I could not have hoped for a better foundation to continue to build upon. I have been delighted by the effort and commitment from the Belmont staff and enjoyed seeing how well the students respond to the skilled and challenging teaching that they receive. I am very much looking forward to the New Year to see what opportunities and challenges await Belmont and our students next. I would like to thank all members of our community that support me and the children to be the very “best we can be” on a daily basis. Mrs Chantel Yeates—Deputy Headteacher Teaching & Learning—We were absolutely thrilled that the Ofsted inspectors acknowledged that the teaching and learning at Belmont is still outstanding. The inspectors were impressed by all the lessons they observed and were even more positive about the progress the students were making within the lessons. We have always been proud of the exceptional progress our students make and we are pleased that inspectors highlighted that very well planned challenging lessons and good links and support from families were the main factors contributing to outstanding learning. Mr Paul Shand—Assistant Headteacher Behaviour & Attendance—At Belmont the safety, healthy and well being of all the people in our community continues to be a high priority for all staff. The Ofsted Inspectors recognised the pupils very positive attitude towards their learning and the pride they take in the school and its environment. “Students excellent behaviour is sustained and encouraged by effective approaches that promote high achievement and lead to a very positive climate for learning”. (Ofsted 2014) Miss Katy Sherwood—Assistant Headteacher Interventions—Part of my role is organising interventions for our students. Our interventions therapies and strategies were highly commended by Ofsted. They appreciated the support and strategies we put into place to raise pupil achievement and progress. The way in which we use the pupil Premium funding was also credited nationally by Schools Minister, David Laws, as a national finalist in the Special School and Alternative Provision category for next year’s Pupil Premium Awards.

Mrs Iliana Petrova—Associate Assistant Headteacher Achievement for All—this is a well-established programme at Belmont. It is about developing trusting and positive relationships between parents/ carers, tutors and pupils. The Structured Conversation model has been a key to the success of Belmont in raising the aspirations and achievement of our pupils. During the inspection, it was noted that ‘Close partnership with parents are reflected in the very positive views expressed in the school’s own survey. Parents receive detailed reports of their child’s progress supplemented by ‘structured conversations’ with staff.’ Many thanks to all members of our School Community and Happy Christmas.

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Curriculum News— English— Mrs Ruth Smith Ahoy my hearties!!!!! Last term, Year 7 looked at adventure stories. The pupils enjoyed reading the story and taking part in a number of activities: They stepped into Jim Hawkins’ character, used different voices and used props to dramatize a freeze frame play script between Jim Hawkins

and Billy Bones! They designed posters to attract a crew aboard their pirate ship! They looked closely at adjectives and nouns to describe characters and settings. They looked at stages in a writing a story.

This term, Year 7 have been looking at the famous author of children’s books, Roald Dahl, and are reading the BFG. The pupils are learning to write their own magical description of Roald’s Dahl’s Big Friendly Giant through the use of similes and adjectives. They are also working towards being able to retell the main events of the story using time connectives and to predict what might happen next. Towards Christmas, we will be writing our own dream recipes……….

Curriculum News— PSHCE—Operation Christmas Child Rachel Nasrat Year 10 spent a very busy day at the Evesham depot for Operation Christmas Child on November 13th. They worked extremely hard checking boxes ready for dispatch to children affected by war, poverty & trauma. Their behaviour was exemplary and we were thanked by the organiser for the generous donations from Belmont and the

help the pupils gave. Many thanks for the donations that were sent in. It was the first time in many years of helping that we didn’t run out of sweets as we were packing the shoe boxes!

Curriculum News–RE—Mrs Ruth Smith This year, pupils from Year 8 are comparing two different faiths of Christianity and Judaism. They have looked at how the two faiths have similar and different beliefs and customs. This term the pupils have been learning about Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of light. They learned it is an eight day festival when Jews remember the time when they got their holy temple back so they could pray to God again. During this festival, the Jews remember the miracle of the oil lasting for eight days when

it was only meant to last for one day. The Jews normally eat oil fried latke cakes to remember the miracle of the oil. Hanukkah really came to life when a guest visitor, Mrs Shatz,, came to talk to the children about traditional customs that Jews have for this festival. The children really enjoyed playing the game of ‘dreidel’. This popular children’s Jewish games is used during the time of Hanukkah. It is a game that involves spinning the dreidel and betting on which Hebrew letter will be showing when the dreidel stops

spinning. Children usually play for a pot of gelt, which are chocolate coins covered in gold coloured tin foil, but they can also anything really! We played for minstrels! Our pupils also enjoyed eating doughnuts to remember the miracle of oil!!!

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Primary News—Mrs Jackie Nelmes Class 3 news This term Class 3 performed their Viking play to the whole school and Class 3 parents. The children did so well remembering their lines, singing songs before rowing over and invading Britain. There was lots of positive feedback from parents, staff and other Belmont pupils. It was a great production the first one of the new school year. We do have some very talented pupils in Class 3. Apart from being Vikings, Riley and James also told a Viking saga. Elvis the gnome (James) wanted to marry Thor’s daughter but to prove he was clever he had to answer questions. He got them all right including who the best teacher was! And the best school! In the end though he wasn’t that clever because he turned to stone when the door was opened and he saw the sunshine! Class 3 have been learning new French words including saying ‘Joyeux Noel’ (A Happy Christmas). In Geography Class 3 have been learning about the USA. They have been finding out about Kankakee, Illinois where Mrs Nelmes lived 2012-13 and also Tucson, Arizona where Mrs Swift lived. All the class enjoyed International Activity week during November. Class 3 have been reading a range of funny poems and also writing their own. I have been very impressed with their enthusiasm and creativity. It has been a busy term. Wishing you all a Happy Christmas.

Primary Sports News Christmas is coming and we are getting fit! This term Classes 1 and 2 have been swimming at Cheltenham. Class 2 have achieved Level 1 in riding with the RDA. Classes 3 and 4 have been learning to play tag rugby with Ken Cuthbert the community coach and with Finlay, Mrs Nelmes’ coach! On 22nd October all primary pupils took part in an Inter House Cotswold v Malvern sponsored skipping event. Pupils and staff took part in a range of skipping activities during the session which included skipping together using one rope! Altogether £176.50 was raised for the British Heart Foundation. A big thank you must go to our top fund raisers Tilly (£114.50) and Lilly (£53) parents, family and friends. On 2nd December Classes 2 and 3 took part in the Multi Skills festival at Bournside School. This event was organised by Bournside Year 10 pupils. The pupils were split into groups and took part in a range of physical activities. Everybody had a great time.

Key Stage 3 News—Miss Louisa Cave In Key Stage 3 Science – Year 9 children have been learning about energy in everyday life particularly working on the increasing use of renewable energy. Year 8 have been learning about elements and properties of matter, carrying out experiments and

creating their own element super heroes. They even got to play with chocolate whilst exploring how temperature determines if it is in a solid or liquid state. In year 7 they have been learning all about cells, creating their own giant animal and plant cell and

learning about the jobs that the various specialised cells have to do. Overall all of Key Stage 3 pupils have been enjoying exploring the world that surrounds them.

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Key Stage 4 News—Miss Jeanne Field Pupils have been working incredibly hard this term as they continue to meet the demands of the Key Stage 4 curriculum. Year 11 pupils had their first taste of the world of work during October when they completed one week’s work experience. Pupils attended a variety of placements including Whittards Bakery, Battledown Children’s Centre, IT Schools for Africa and Dundry Nurseries. All pupils had a very positive experience and some seemed to grow that little bit taller during the week. All year 11 pupils have also attended their college link days at their chosen college.

Year 10 pupils have been equally busy preparing for the annual Operation Christmas Child which is run by The Samaritan’s Purse charity. Since 1990, more than 113 million boys and girls in over 130 countries have received a shoebox filled with simple gifts from Operation Christmas Child. In the run up to the event Belmont pupils worked hard to collect items for inclusion in the Christmas boxes, and in November

they went off for a whole day to a warehouse in Evesham where they worked together to prepare the boxes. This is a valuable experience for the pupils as they get first-hand experience of how this charity is able to provide gifts for those less fortunate. Pupils not only pack shoes boxes according to the age and gender of the recipient but then have to seal these and pack them into larger boxes which are placed on pallets ready for the lorry and the long journey ahead. Pupils and staff are now counting down to Christmas. We are all looking forward to our Christmas lunch.

School Council News—Miss Katy Sherwood School Council once again have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our pupils, parents and staff who have contributed to the Bring and Buy sale. The sale takes place on Thursday the 11th of December at 1.30pm. Belmont school would like to welcome you all to the sale. If you can not make it to

the sale then your child can bring money in as they have the opportunity to attend the sale. We would also like to say a special Thank You to "The Friends of Belmont" who will be attending the sale and manning their own stalls at the event. This year we would like to raise over £400 to beat last years

total. The money raised will be going to RDA ( to support their building of new stables) and The Pied Piper Appeal ( who are a local charitywho have supported us in the past). All of the left over goods will go to local charity shops. Thank you again for all of your support.

Sporting News—Mr Craig Musty This term year 7's have been focusing on hockey. They've had the chance to develop their passing, dribbling and shooting skills as well as playing a number of indoor tournaments which they have very much enjoyed. They continue to impress us with their aptitude. 3.3 and 3.5 have been studying football and table tennis. During football lessons pupils have been exploring what makes good game play. We have been honing their skills in passing, tackling and different

shooting techniques. In table tennis pupils have learnt all the basic skills such as how to hold the bat and move effectively as well as the forehand and backhand shots. 3.4 and 3.6 are taking part in badminton. Like with table tennis we have been exploring the fundamentals of the game like stance, movement as well as the various shots like drop shot, clear, net kill and drive. We are now looking for pupils to use these newly acquired skills during game situations.

Year 10's have had the choice of studying table tennis or football. The football group are making real progress and have been looking in detail at the main areas of football. Pupils have been taught about the importance of space, marking and more recently the various types of shooting technique like placement, drive, chip, and volley. All teaching staff have been impressed with the progress made by pupils this term during games and P.E lessons. excellent term of sport in the New Year.

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“Speech & Language Therapy (SLT) support to primary & secondary pupils -Mrs Croney Targets are advised, where appropriate, by Mrs Masson or Mr Shewell, NHS Speech & Language Therapists. The interventions, which may be on an individual or small group basis include: Listening to speech sounds: memory; discrimination; production: sequencing. Expanding vocabulary & concept words using “word webs”. Developing understanding of commands of increasing complexity (number of key words). Developing the correct use of different parts of speech: adjectives; verb tenses; prepositions; pronouns; possessives; question words etc. Using language to express own ideas, feelings, describe events, make up stories. The communication interventions are delivered through toy materials, games, art materials & worksheets. Vocabulary is related to lesson content where possible, to ensure maximun “carry over”. Secondary pupils usually alternate attendance for a term at a time, on a needs-led basis. Parent & carer contact & involvement is always welcomed.

Governor News—Celebration Day 12th November Richard Purdon, Community Governor After heavy over night and early morning rain, we were lucky to have a bright, crisp afternoon for a double celebration. We were thanking the Wooden Spoon Charity for the generous donation of over £22,000 part of which was raised at the concert in the Town Hall, just before Christmas. Some parents will have been there to see the Belmont children perform with the Cotswold Male Voice Choir. We have spent the money on a fabulous climbing frame. This has been extensively used by the children since it was safely installed. So representatives of the Charity,

and 1 of the choirs who sang last year, were invited for 12 noon. Firstly, they went into the Assembly Hall to hear a song from the school, which ably showed the Children’s thanks. Then, the visitors went over to the playground, where many photographs were taken. The man in great demand was the former Gloucester, England and British Lion Rugby Star – Phil Vickery.

year’s Senior Team. How relaxed they all looked!! For those, who could stay a little longer, the senior pupils escorted the guests around all of the classes. This confirmed to everybody what a great school Belmont actually is.

And then off to the newly opened Eco classroom to have a delicious buffet prepared by the students in the Catering class. The Head Teacher welcomed all the VIPS. These included the whole of last

“TEA & CHAT” Session 2, 10th November 2014—Mrs Sheila Croney Belmont’s Pastoral Manager, Mr Paul Shand gave an overview of the “Education & Health Care Plans” (EHCPs), which came into force under the “Children & Families Act 2014” from 1st September this year. Mr Shand explained that EHCPs apply to all families & children / young people aged 0 - 25 years who have additional needs. They will be phased in to replace current Statutory Statement of Special Educational Needs, starting with those children & young people who are moving from one stage of their education to another. In practice, Mr Shand said that newly agreed EHCP templates are currently being drawn up for all Year 11 pupils, to ensure that their strengths & interests translate into achievable life outcomes over the coming year as they move on from Belmont. One of the main changes to the statutory requirement is that services must be planned and agreed jointly, with staff from Education, Health & Social Care working together, with schools no longer taking the lead in the annual review process. We were interested to learn that “SEN Personal Budgets” are to be available to some families where it has been agreed that there are gaps in the additional needs provision for particular pupils. Another significant change discussed is that detailed information & advice must now be provided on all services, known as “the local offer”, including the activities & support available during school holidays. Belmont’s “local offer” can be found on our website. More detailed information and a comprehensive guide to Gloucestershire County Council’s “local offer” can be found at: http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk Next TEA & CHAT session: Monday 8th December. “Meet staff from the NHS Speech & Language Therapy Service & Belmont’s Communication Team”. Mince pies 1.30 - 2.45 pm. All parents & carers, (new / not new to the school) very

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Webpage Update

www.belmont.gloucs.sch.uk

Moodle Update

LOOK AT WHAT CAN BE FOUND ON THE GENERAL INFORMATION PAGE ON OUR WEBSITE

Social Use of Language Programme (SULP) Communication Support Intervention Provided weekly by Mrs Croney, MRCSLT (Ret), Dip Counselling on Tues & Weds:

“SULP” is a nationally recognised intervention that is effective with children & young people with moderate learning difficulties & additional needs such as: Autism Sensory difficulties Emotional difficulties It has been designed to help personal, emotional & social development, using communication and thinking skills. It provides a series of multi-sensory activity sequences incorporating stories, modelling & games, within small groups.

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Friends@Belmont Hello Everyone. We just wanted to let you know who won what! Mr Day drew out the three winning raffle tickets: 1st Prize Hamper (with wine) was won by Alison Goodwin 2nd Prize Hamper was won by Rosie Hodges 3rd Prize Biscuits was won by Sarah Screen Christmas cake was won by Mr Freeman, who guessed 5.325 - actual weight was 5.336. Amazing guess!!!! Guess How Many Sweets – won by Connor Burke who correctly guessed 102. Santa chose two numbers at random from the list of names. Winners were Nicole (boy bear called Winter) and Mr Day (female bear called Hope). Next time we do a raffle we will have the tickets printed. You will have plenty of time to sell to your family and friends too. We aim to have some exciting prizes donated by local businesses! Unused items that were donated will be tombola prizes at our next event - the bottle of Gordon’s gin will be a raffle prize! All the money we raised - £95.60 - will go towards a family disco in February or March!!!!!!!!!! Merry Christmas and a Happy 2015 from Friends@Belmont!