Year 10 Focus Day - 'Teen Health'

With headline-grabbing media statements about teenage diet, sexual knowledge and substance mis-use, what better than to get the experts in to provide learning experiences that properly inform the pupils about the real situation.

The result was a really varied and informative day in March that was enjoyed by all. The health professionals were rightly impressed by the willingness of the pupils to embrace the main message of the day. The school nurses returned in the evening to share with parents some of the activities of the day. A typical comment from a parent who attended was:

“A good opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge about what exactly the Year 10 students were being taught on this Focus Day. It was interesting to hear the views and thoughts of other parents and teachers as well as being able to ask questions. These are very important and sensitive issues and it was enlightening to see them approached in this way.” (Mrs Jane Clarke)

 Mr J Lomas - Assistant Headteacher

Keeping things that matter most to local people as

Community Improvement Partnerships Schools located at the heart of the community are well placed to take up the challenge of making Every Child Matters a reality for children, young people and communities. Five Community Improvement Partnerships (CIP) have been set up in Portsmouth through which the Extended Services agenda will be delivered. The aim of this approach is to improve outcomes and opportunities for all children, families and the local communities in which they live.

Extended Services refer to the provision of services and activities for children, young people, families and communities in and around school sites and include: Access to high quality childcare provided on the school site or through other local providers
A varied menu of study support activities such as homework clubs to be on offer
Parenting support including information sessions at key transition points (for example, between
junior and secondary school)
Swift and easy referral to a wide range of specialist support services
Providing wider community access to ICT, sports and arts facilities including adult learning.

The Government vision is that by 2010 all schools will provide access to extended services. Schools, however, are not expected to provide all services on their own, but to work in partnership with nearby schools, organisations and agencies across local areas.

The North East CIP (NECIP) has produced a community map giving information about local services which will be available shortly, along with a response to the recent extensive consultation. If you would like any further information, or have any ideas for community activities, please contact Jo Derham, Project Manager, 07904 809677 or jderham@courtlanejnr.portsmouth.sch.uk 

 Jo Derham, Project Manager (NE Community Improvement Partnership)

Year 9 Enterprise Day with Mary Rose School

In February the Year 9 groups once again excelled themselves in producing imaginative games to go with the books provided. A senior teacher from the Mary Rose School gave pupils the necessary background in morning assembly before the Year 9 tutors could unleash the creative powers of the pupils! The day was hugely productive, thanks to the careful preparation and organisation of Mr Cunningham and Mrs Lee. At the end of the day, each group’s game was judged by our own Mrs Summers and teachers from the Mary Rose School. The standard of entry was as high as ever with the winning groups having the privilege of taking their games to the Mary Rose School and showing the pupils there how to play them. The games from the other groups will be put in boxes and also be taken along. Well done to everyone for an excellent day.

Mr J Lomas—Assistant Headteacher

 Stakeholders' Lunch

We feel that we are very fortunate in having such a wide range of charities, voluntary organisations and other agencies which are prepared to visit the school to greatly enrich the learning experiences of Springfield pupils. The very least we can do is to say thank you over an excellent lunch, provided by Mrs Coe’s Year 10 team, with drinks and entertainment from Year 11 prefects who also met and greeted the guests.

This event occurs every year, as the working relationship with our stakeholders is an ongoing one which we greatly value.

Mr J Lomas - Assistant Headteacher

 Year 9 Focus Day – Make A Difference Day in November

We were once again indebted to the range and commitment of the voluntary organisations who helped to make this day such a success. These included Barnados, Friends of the Earth, Macmillan Cancer, Cosham Baptist Church, Kware Handshake and Portsmouth Institute for the Blind amongst others. The pupils really applied themselves well to the tasks and took the final ‘Show & Tell’ session very seriously, as there were prizes to be won! An excellent day that raised the profile of the charities and the value in volunteering. Mr J Lomas - Assistant Headteacher