veclife december 2013

8/13/2019 VecLife December 2013

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Ceri Shows HRH around the Pool

HRH Princess Anne came to Victoriatoday to officially open our new HydroPool. The Princess, who is a Patronof Livability was greeted by MrsPitt-Rivers the Lord Lieutenant ofDorset, Livability Chair Mrs Caroline

Armitage, Chair of Governors MrPeter Jennings and Principal MrsChris Davies. The Princess took atour of our amazing new pool facilitiesbefore meeting staff and students inthe media suite. English and MediaTeacher Beth Kay chatted to thePrincess about the new technologyavailable to our students beforeshowing her to the Radio station.There, the Princess was keen to

know about how we use the stationand programming schedules. Studentand breakfast show DJ Harry Bassettdid very well representing VIBE radioand answering her questions. ThePrincess then made her way to theupstairs outdoor activity area whereMrs Stratis introduced her to SiteManager, Morgan Sindall, StevePlumb, the architects designers andsome of the construction team were

also presented. The Princess thenmade her way to the sports hallwhere she met some of our many

VEClife07Issue2013

December

Princess Royal Opens New Hydro Pool

Inside This IssuePages

All The Latest News 1 to 5

The Staff Room 6

Residential News12 and 13

P.P.G. News Letter 14

Sparkle News 15

The Sports Report 16

Performing Arts 17

Odds and Ads Back Page

Body Language 18

Classroom Catch-up19 to 23

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

Merry hristmas EveryoneAchieving Through Believing

patrons and supporters. She also metour sports leaders who demonstrated

table cricket before making a keynotespeech thanking our donors andhighlighting the importance of theircontinued support. Shortly beforedeparting she was presented with aposy by student Alisha from ourExplorers class.

News In BriefThank you very much to

veryone who supportedhe Faith Group students inheir selling of packets ofnstant porridge for World

Porridge Day. We raised19.63 to feed twochoolchildren in Africa for whole year!

ondon Transport inform ushat they have nowntroduced boarding rampst 19 more Tube stations.

Of the 195 Tube platformshat can be accessedtepfree from the street,49 now give stepfree

ccess right onto the train,sing ramps, raised plat-

orm sections, and low floorrains. Useful for that dayut sightseeing.

Pink Day and Jeans forGenes day 2013 were a

reat success again withtaff getting into the spiritnd raising 150 for goodauses.

ngrids shoebox of loverive this year provided 48nderprivileged children

with toys and fun things toelp brighten their lives. Aearty thank you to all thatonated.

The employability grouprom class ACO have beenelling bookmarks as part ofheir making a product unitf work. These have been

elling well and the aim is toell enough to cover costsut have a little left toonate to charity.

Photo: Fiona Moorey


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Christmas is almost upon usagain and the jolly man withthe big white beard is about!Laden with presents and

Christmas magic and waitingto spread some Christmascheer. If you are looking to visitSanta and take your kids orrelations then here is a listwhere you can catch up withhim.

Until Christmas Eve - Stewarts

Gardenlands Christchurch, TheCountry Garden Centre Holt Nr

Wimborne, Swanage Railway.Every Saturday to 21st

December, Julias House GrottoWimborne Square. Saturday 7ththen Saturday 14th to Monday23rd December,Adventure

Wonderland. Saturdays 7th,14th,21st and Sundays 8th, 15th, and22nd December, Farmer

Palmers Farm Park, OrganfordPoole. And of course not

forgetting theDolphin Centre Poole up toChristmas Eve.

VECLifeWinter 2 13

By George! What An EffortVictoria student George Rogers

undertook an arduous physical

challenge to raise money for hisdream to have a career as a

competitive swimmer. Georgejourneyed from Hengistbury Head tohis home in Upton. The journey wassplit into sections and Georgewalked, wheel chaired and canoedthe distance appearing on radio andTV and raised a much need 4000.

By Rhiannon BeerI am delighted to writeand let you all knowabout two newprojects that I havebeen involved with over the past 12 months. PooleBorough Council has commissioned two projectsthat have opened within the Play CentrePiratesand Princesses (top floor opposite the Library,above the bus station) namely a Changing Places

bathroom facility that is open to anyone, and asensory roomSensory Stars. The idea being thatthese facilities are within an existing play centre andthus creating an inclusive environment for families.The Specialist bathroom is free to use and has aheight adjustable changing bed, a sluice, andclosomat type toilet and height adjustable sink aswell as other facilities. Please take a look!The sensory room has mood lighting, a bubble tube,fibre optics and switch accessible toys. The centre

offers training to access this room which is a one offfee and there is a charge to book the roomthereafter, a reduced rate for Poole residentsIDrequired.

To book the training session please callPirates and Princesses on 01202 680485.

I hope these facilities are of interest to parents andcarers alike and that our young people have another

facility that they can access at weekends and duringthe holidays.

New Community Facilities

Wheres Santa?

The Amazing New Sensory Room


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By Jenny Williams

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Crossings ProposedProposed road improvements to Lindsay Roadcould soon mean a safer journey into work.The improvements, if ratified, would see atable top crossing with high friction surfacingplaced between the church and the Lidl side ofthe road in St Aldhelms road. A Toucancrossing for pedestrians and cyclists is alsoplanned right outside school with the existingbus stop being relocated just past WildertonRd West.

Amy in class MH has recently had some

excellent news. Amy is the inspiration behinda charity called Swings and Smiles. Her mumand many others in her local community havebeen campaigning and fundraising for sevenyears to develop suitable play facilities andsupport for children with disabilities and theirfamilies in her area. Recently, Amy had a dayat her local bakery in West Berkshire, wherethey are donating profits from special loavesto the charity. (We tried one in classtheyare delicious!) Swings and Smiles have nowsecured suitable premisesThe PhoenixCentre in Newbury, and hope to open early in2014. See the Swings and Smiles website formore details.

www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk

By Margaret Hopwood

We have had another positive term. Severalclasses have had certificates for working onthe Eco-school challenge, well done ClassesJW, MC, EC, MH, KB, KWe and Explorersfor their hard work. They have been doingthings like recycling, switching off lights,

looking after classroom plants, making bughotels and making bird feeders. We have

also had a chance to say thank you to SheilaMarsh for all the recycling she does. Keep upthe good work Sheila! Also Alec Ross hasbeen keeping everyone on their toes, makingsure that classes are remembering to switchoff and recycle.

Also this term the school took part in Switchoff Fortnight, with classes remembering toturn off their lights when they dont needthem and to switch off their computers.Teachers reported It has got us into a goodhabit and Alec made sure we remembered

to turn things off!. Next term we hopeeveryone will remember to keep switching offlights and computers when they are not

needed. The brilliant Vibe jingles and

information have also helped us to remember tothink about our eco-code.

Next term the Eco-committee are hoping to buya compost bin for food waste from class snacksand food tech. We also hope to get people

thinking about keeping our streets clean withstickers to remind people to clean up after theirdogs. Please let us know if you have any other

ideas or would like to join the Eco-committee.Thanks to everyone and have a very Merry(green) Christmas!

Eco Schools News

O Yez! O Yez! Amys an inspiration


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Christmas Greetings from the staff & students ofVictoria Horticulture. Many thanks to all thosewho continued to support us through the year ofdisruption whilst the building works were inprogress. We shall look forward to seeing youand your friends in the New Year when yourgardens need an injection of colour.

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Beth Runs For Ipads and AlopeciaMedia studies and literacy Teacher Beth Kay ranthe Bournemouth marathon in October to raisefunds for the schools IPad appeal and also raised2500 for BeBold. Bebold is a charity that raisesawareness of and supports children with all formsof Alopecia. She posted the amazing time of 3

hours 35 minutes. Beth said afterwards It washard but running for a worthy cause keeps you go-ing. Well done Beth!

From January, Hannah Perry will join us as PE and class teacher. Hannah will lead the subject andhas been teaching PE for 15 years the last 10 of these at Shaftesbury School. We look forward to wel-coming her to the team in the New Year.

Kathryn Webb has also been appointed until the end of the school year and will continue to leadClass KW. Nicky Hewitt returns from her maternity leave in January 2014 and will be taking on a differ-ent role at the Centre as Drama teacher.

A few other staff changes to report this term, we would like to welcome the following staff to Victoria:Philip Lawrence (Health and Safety Advisor), Noi Bainbridge (Assistant Cook), Laura Eastwood(Interim Drama Teacher), Denise Kelly (P.A. Next Steps 2). We also have a fair few bank staff joiningus as follows: Samantha Reed, Mary Roughley, Eloise Forsyth, Poppy Cherrett, Lisa White, Mat-

thew Sturgeon, Emma Hockey, Philippa Broadbent, Rosanna (Rosie) Pengelly, Jonathan An-drews, Lucy Marks. We warmly welcome you all to Team Victoria and look forward to working withyou in the future.

Ins and Outs!

Tony in Worthing PantomimeVictoria staffer and multi-talented performerMr Tony Rudd is performing in panto againthis year. Tony has joined the cast of Jackand the beanstalk at the Connaught Theatre,Worthing. The panto stars ground forcesCharlie Dimmock and runs from Dec 6th 2013to January 4th 2014. If you fancy familyChristmas fun then why not check it out?Charlie and Amy have been and thoroughlyrecommend it. Tony can also arrange for a60% discount on tickets, for more info seeAmy Hunt

Beth pounds out the miles for good causes

SLT Assistant Lorraine Dredge gave birth tobouncing baby boy in November. CongratsLorraine!

I would like to thank everyone for making mefeel so welcome since I started in September.

Especially the staff in the Creative ArtsDepartment, who have put up with me asking amillion questions. Nicky Hewitt will be taking upher post as Drama teacher from Januaryhowever, I will be continuing on Mondays untilEaster! So they havent gotten rid of me yet!

A Thank You From Laura Eastwood

Hort says Hi and Thanks!


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Photo Of The MonthA message From Moira

VECLifeWinter 2 13

During a break in the recent 24 hour marathon thiscandid shot of participating staff shows behind thesmiles revealing exactly the kind of effort needed topull something like that off. Again, full marks everyone...

By Amy Hunt

On Friday 6thDecember we said goodbye to

Orbit, the assistance dog who had been visitingus as part of his training.Graham Elliott, a Puppy Parent from CaninePartners, first contacted us back in March with aview to Orbit becoming a regular visitor to theschool. Over the months the students (andstaff!) have enjoyed many visits from Orbit andGraham. They have joined us for assemblies,

as well as break times and they even came tothe Grand Prix back in the summerwhich wasa great test of Orbits training!Class JW invited Orbit and Graham on 2 schooltrips - they accompanied them on a walk toHomebase (with Orbit showing off by pressingthe buttons at traffic lights for the students!) andthey also met up with Orbit and Graham in theDolphin shopping centre. A real highlight of theshopping trip was watching Alfie (JW) hold thelead whilst moving around the shopping centre!Orbit will now move on to the next stage of histraining and will move to an advanced training

centre for 3 months before being matched tohis new ownermany of whom are selectedthrough the works of Hounds for Heroes.We have really enjoyed getting to know bothOrbit and Graham and look forward to Graham,hopefully, bringing his next Assistance dog intraining to visit us in the not too distant future.For more information about the works of CaninePartners please see their website -http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/

Orbit Moves On

Handsome Boy: Canine partner Orbit

I wanted to say a really big thank you for mylast day and for all the special times at Victo-ria. I will miss you all very much but will keepin contact by being a part of the friends

group and coming in at other times.Over my 16 years at Victoria I have experi-enced so much. The trips away were alwaysmemorable and my last recent trip to Brown-sea Island by canoe was a fantastic last trip.Still not quite sure how we all made itacross!!! Very proud that we did!!!The residential trips, although hard work,always resulted in a lot of fun , laughter andtears.I am facing a new challenge but the years at

Victoria have put me in a good place tocope with the future and any difficulties Imay face.Will think of you all, especially towards theend of term but will see you in 2014.Take care and an extra special thank you foryour kindness and thoughts.Very best wishes Moira XX
http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/


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VECLifeWinter 2 13

Step By StepVictorias Hydro PoolIts strange to think that it was only lastJanuary when work started on theHydro Pool project. Weve certainly

come a long way since then! With thePrincess Royals visit marking theofficial opening here are a few photos toremind us of the journey. The sitechanged daily as the pool began tomaterialise. The pool is now being usedby classes for therapy sessions andstaff have also benefited from Aqua fitwork-outs.

Where it all began last January, Then the diggers moved in.

Once the site had been cleared the foundations were dug and the steels were painstakingly placed.

Over the next few months the building arose before our eyes and work began on the interior.

After an incredible fundraising effort and excellent work by the architects and construction crew we arrive at the finished article.


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PunBoard!! A corkboard of puns Some are goodand some are bad. Tap the LOVE IT! note for somesounds of support. Tap the HATE IT! note to hearsounds of disapproval. Tap the screen for anotherpun, and do it all over again.Not much else to report here some of the punsare old and some are new. Feel free to email punsuggestions, and they will try to include them in thenext release.

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Choiceboard Creator:

PunBoard: FreeBy SimplifiedTouch

This editions selection of Apps with special

needs in mind has a communication theme. Allthree Apps are totally free and provide essentialcommunication tools on the go.

Your Guide To The Latest Apps With Special Needs In Mind

By Rhiannon Beer, Sarah Gilling and Jon Godber

Apps Amazing!

Answers :YesNo FreeBy SimplifiedTouch

Answers:YesNo Free allows you to have a fullyfunctioning binary ACC communication device at nocost. It shares many of the same features ofAnswers:YesNo for the iPhone and

Answers:YesNo HD for the ipad, which means inaddition to being able to use the program as asimple yes-no board, you also have the ability toprogram and save text and picture button sets withcustom audio.

If you find the program useful, and would like toincrease the number of available custom buttons,please take a look at Answers:YesNo which allowsyou to save up to 24 custombuttons, 12 with pictures and text, and 12 with text.This is of course in addition to the Yes-No buttonswhich are always available.Answers:YesNo HD more than doubles the number

of available customizable buttons and is designedspecifically for the ipad.

Answers:YesNo Free features allow you to...- Program custom buttons with text and/orpictures- Record custom audio to play when your button isselected- Record audio in any language (you can speak)

- Easily navigate between button sets with swipesor navigation buttons- See a full screen display of selected buttons- Easily toggle yes-no buttons on and off.

Compatibility: Requires iOS 3.0 or later. Compatible

with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

Compatibility: Requires iOS3.2 or later. Compatible with

iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

ChoiceBoard Creator is the updated version of itspredecessor ChoiceBoard Maker. It is the perfect app

Compatibility: Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Compatible

with iPad.

for creating customizable choice boards for the uniqueneeds of individuals with communication challenges. Itreinforces correct choice by expanding the selected im-age as well as playing the customized auditory rewards.It is an excellent tool to train and prepare users for moresophisticated communication devices via an easy,simple-to-use choice-making platform. The possibilitiesare limited by your creativity.

ChoiceBoard Creator retains all the previous featuresPLUS several new updates. New features with this newversion include:

Large buttons, and black/white contrast to facilitatevisual attentionBox sizes are now adjustable for those who just need tosee a little more clearlyClean board design to minimize visual distraction

Space between choice buttons to avoid inadvertent hitsCustomizable to 1,2,3,4 or 6 choicesUsers can download their own picturesUsers can create blank boxes as distractors to suitusers of all levelsNow users can preset multiple "correct answer"boxes, and download different sound files to each boxa feature that allows users to choose their favourite mu-sic with just a tapOther than image files, users can now type text into thechoice boxuse this feature to teach sight words, letter,number recognition

Versatile application that can be used to createcurriculum content to promote cognitive and literacyskillsEase of use. Intuitive interface allows user to set upactivities in minutesAllows users to create multiple pages for each "game"or activity.


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Post 19 and Hort on Song

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Still feeling the VibeVibe radio has had a great start to the newacademic year with a snazzy new colourscheme to echo the logo designed by JonGodber. We are now operating a regularschedule, starting the day off with A fullEnglish presented by Harry Bassett and JonGodber, who are certainlygiving the likes of Chris Evans a run for his

money! Tony Rudd and Jon follow on with aWakey Shakey show running into mid-morning. Harry Bassett and Liam Drummondhost a variety of music slots during the weekand Charley Baker and Mike Whitlock have arocking Reggae show on a Thursdaylunchtime. Kirsten Watts, Tony Rudd and Ipresent the Thursday break time WakeyBreakey show, giving you updates on whatthe students are learning and much more.We currently have Connor Ferris and Tom

Troung working on a Football show that willcome out in the New Year. We still haveplenty of room for many more shows. Pleasedont hesitate to step forward; staff, students,parents and friends of victoria alike and getinvolved. Full training is provided!Please show your support by always makeVibe your first listening choice!

With Beth Kay

Charley and Mike presenting One step beyond.

Media ManiaWell the new Media Suite has been put to full use overthe autumn term. It has been decorated to sit smartlynext to the radio station and now houses all the latestfilm making and editing and music technology equip-ment.

We have had many different students creating super-hero films, podcasts, soundtracks, documentaries and

horror films! If you would like to get involved and learnhow to create your own film and music productionsthen just come along to the Media Suite and we will getyou started!

By Mike Whitlock

Horticulture and post 19 students have started aband under the guidance of Mike Whitlock calledThe Storm Diggers, they are presently rehears-ing their first hit which shall be kept under wrapsuntil they are ready to perform it. The studentsinvolved are also learning and playing their owninstruments as well as their vocal skills. RobbieFaulder is percussion and backing vocals,Michelle Barnes is playing the drums and back-ing vocals, James wheeler is on Keyboard andbacking. From Horticulture we have Chris

McBride on guitar, Jamie Kingham on bass andvocals, Darryl Rowley on bass drum, andLaurence Godfrey on tambourine and vocals,with our newest member Jack Lacey surprising

The Storm Diggers: You saw them here first!

everyone with his lead vocal skills and overall stagepresence, he will be fronting the band who are hopingto get a couple of songs good enough to perform atnext year at Boscombe community fair.


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By Claire Hunter and Sharon Nix

By Julie GreeningPurbecks Christmas poem

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Its Christmas time on Purbeck and the term has nearly gone,September seems so long ago, as we sing our Christmas songs,I remember wondering what might be as we joined the team

together, Four boys would make up Purbeck; wed have to get to know each other.

First there was George, an angel with his blue eyes and fair hair,Then Ben with his great smile and his love of the computer.

Then of course theres Ramon with his cheekiness and humour,And Liam who has taught me more about my love of football!

The staff and students have learned a lot in this first termtogether, and look forward to a great new year and to further our adventure. So heres wishing you a holidaytime full of times of love and laughter and a new year filled with joy and fun and with love for one another.

Residential Round-up

This short note comes from the students andteam of Post 19 Residential to all you readers.We are flourishing up here in the crows nestand are proud to say that despite a few teethingproblems of relocating units, new paperworkand regulations to get used to, we recently hada positive CQC inspection. I believe the stu-dents up here are enjoying the freedom of beingout of the classroom and being involved in morehands on adult life skills. The students regularly

contribute to the preparation of meals, such aspeeling vegetables, washing up or drying thecutlery, laying tables and clearing away aftermeal times. This includes Max who, by the lookon his face, thought that having a go at peelingpotatoes was a dirty job and not his favouritechoice but splashing in the water when washingup was much more up his street!

Lauren has settled in at ACMR music collegeand can be heard singing like a lark most

evenings preparing for her next performance orexam. Wed all like to congratulate her on herdedication and look forward to seeing her nameon a billing for concert in the near future. Heraim is to go to Guildford and follow on thiscareer at ACMRs main music college which shevisited earlier in November.

James and Max are our men of the earthenjoying the luxury of having a Horticulture

facility on site. James informed me that he islearning all the local bird songs for this time ofyear. Max has found his feet up here on theresidential unit and has taken to patrolling theunit on a regular basis. He loves to run from hisbedroom to the kitchen every morning (with staff

trailing close behind him) to choose his cerealfrom the packets out on display.Stuart has settled in very well and keeps us onour toes 24/7. Despite the slightly grouchyexterior that he likes to portray sometimes, he isa big softy really. He is happiest when helpingaround the unit and loves to do jobs for everyone.Lucy returned to Victoria Education Centre a fewweeks ago and has once again settled into lifehere with a smile on her face and a very adultoutlook on life. She has taken on helping at St.Aldhelms Church with the coffee mornings andcommunion service where she assisted the vicargiving out the bread and wine this week. She hasalso enrolled at Poole College to further hereducation along with some other students fromour Next Steps 2 provision.

Finally we would like to welcome all the Post 19Personal Assistants that have joined VEC sinceSeptember.

Post 19 Flourishes


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By Diane Tatpati

VECLifeWinter 2 13

their parents, in trips and activities. All ourstudents are unique and loving with differentneeds, yet their choices, rights, privacy, dignityand independence is well understood andhonoured at all times. Having received positivefeedback from families I have spoken to so far, Ifeel very proud of our staff dedication andcommitment.

Last but not the least the support and the informedguidance provided by the team to enhance thestudents independence in a simple and effectiveway is amazing.Well Done Team, keep the good work going, andcontinue to share, learn skills and knowledge fromone another.Wishing You All a Happy Holiday Season.

Wow! I cant believe that time of year has comearound already. Im proud to say that Brownseastudents and staff have been busy makingBrownsea unit look all sparkly and festive readyfor Christmas.

The tree has been decorated and is surroundedby advent presents for each Brownsea studentwhich are opened daily and given out by Jamesand Scott each morning.

On Tuesday 3rd

December Brownsea unit

enjoyed going Christmas shopping to

Southampton. James, Patrick, Rhys, Scott, Amy,Jess and Holly all had a great fun time lookingaround all the different shops and stall looking forthose perfect presents for their family and friends.James Bradley also insisted on buying a cheeky

little Christmas present as well. In James words Everybody else has one.

Whilst out we also took the opportunity to have alovely meal out. Its safe to say that after such abusy afternoon/evening the opportunity was

taken by more than 1 for a sneaky snooze on theway back to school.

Myself, Megan and Ewelina and all the

Brownsea team would like to take this opportunity

to thank you for all your continued support andwould like to wish you all a very happy holidaysand new year.

By Jane Barr

Brownseas Christmas

My name is Diana Tatpati, I am currentlymanaging the short break service. Over adecade I have been working in Social CareServices, mostly in Elderly Care. I have just

completed two months at VEC and am verygrateful to everyone who has supported me andwill continue to support me to work as a team. Iam very privileged to be part of a vast andreputed Livability Team. Working for and with theChildren I have noticed a family atmospherewhich binds staff from different departments likePhysio, OT, nurses, teachers, sports and faithclub are all dedicated to make positive differencein students life. I am pleased and impressed tosee how efficiently staffs involve students withvarious communication difficulties, along with

The Short Break Team and I

Holly, out shopping

All the gang together


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PPGNews letterWith Nicky Greenway

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Dear Parents and Carers,

My apologies for only holding one meeting thisterm but we are looking forward to more events inthe New Year.I also wanted to let you know that I will be off forthe next half-term but Linsey will be here for anyof your ideas or concerns.Below is an article updating you on the Childrenand Families Bill, specifically for those parents ofchildren with S.E.N. There is also an opportunityto be involved in improving the Bill itself.Merry Christmas

On 4th

February 2013, the Government

introduced the Children and Families Bill to Parliament including clauses which reform thesystem of support for children with special educational needs.

A statement from the Department for Education (DfE) described the Children and Families Bill as'the biggest reform in 30 years'.

The main elements of the Bill for children with special educational needs and disabilitiesare:

Replacing Special Educational Needs (SEN) statements and Learning Disability Assessments(for 16-25 year olds) with a single, simpler 0-25 assessment processand Education, Healthand Care Planfrom 2014Providing the same legal protections currently associated with a statement of SEN, but extend-ing these protections up to 25 in further education - instead of being cut off at 16Requiring that local authorities and health servicesjointly plan and commission servicesthatchildren, young people and their families Giving parents or young people the right to a personalbudgetfor their support

You can follow the progress of the Children and Families Billon the Parliament website.

Below you can find EDCM's briefings for different stages of the Children and Families Bill:

Submission to Education Select Committee for pre-legislative scrutiny- 24th October 2012House of Commons Second Reading- 25th February 2013House of Commons Committee Stage- 5th March 2013House of Lords Second Reading- 2nd July 2013Get involved!Send an email to Edward Timpson, Minister for Children and Families, and Lord Nash, Ministerfor Schools, and urge them to create a joined up system of support for families with disa-

bled children.

For a full PDF copy of the bill visit:http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2013-2014/0059/14059.pdf
http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/childrenandfamilies.htmlhttp://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/childrenandfamilies.htmlhttp://www.edcm.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/http://www.edcm.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/http://www.edcm.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/http://www.edcm.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/http://www.edcm.org.uk/get-involved/take-action/http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2012-13/childrenandfamilies.html


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Sparkle Carol Service

Last Wednesday evening we all gathered at St AldhelmsChurch for our annual Carol Service. The Church was fulland the choir sang and signed beautifully, but was totallyupstaged by the beautiful angels who glided down the aisleto the delight of the congregation. We also enjoyed awonderful rendition of Silver Bells which George Kettle andRhys DuBarry played using the soundbeam and bells. Afterthe service the congregation came back to school andenjoyed mulled wine and minced pies. A huge great bigTHANK YOU must go out to Hazel for organising the servicewhich was so enjoyed by everyone and got us all in theChristmas spirit. We managed to raise 170.

Going to press we have managed to raise a grand total of 6230 towards the Sparkle Appeal this termalone!! Well done everyone, we looking forward to raising much more in 2014! Hope you all have a

fantastic Christmas and a jolly happy new year!

Christmas Fun Night

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Sparkle UpdateBy Kelly Westerby

I am totally thrilled with the support from everyoneand how well the Therapy team pulled together toachieve our target of 111 miles!!!! It was an amazingand exhausting 24 hours. Thank you everyone formaking it such fantastic and inspiring event. Wemanaged to raise 1100!

The Great 24 Hour Relay Walk

Christmas Fayre

The Christmas Fayre was such a fantastic event thisyear. We had a record amount of people coming to theFayre, and we managed to raise a staggering4386!!!! Special thanks go to Chris Jarvis foropening the Fayre for us and the amazing Pirates ofPoole who were all so friendly and supportive, thechildren loved all their gold doubloons they weregiving out. There are too many wonderful people toname personally but my heartfelt thanks goes out toevery single one of you for giving your time and supportto the Christmas Fayre, without you all it would not ofbeen such a wonderful success. Same time, same placenext year??????!

Zumba Night

The wonderful Fiona ran one of her, now famous,quiz nights which had a Christmas theme. Wehad 10 tables of six who played a Christmasthemed beetle drive and much hilarity andcompetitive spirit ensued. The tables also had tomake an Angel with a bag of goodies which werevoted in to find the best one. The Dibblin familywon with a rather suspicious amount of votes!!!Thank you to everyone who came and supported

the Fun Night and extra special thanks to Fionawho managed to raise a rather wonderful 500!

A massive thank you goes out to Anna who arranged and ran a Zumba night here at school for our SparkleAppeal. It was great fun once you got into the Zumba groove. We all shook and shimmied to the Zumba beat

and raised 74. Thank you to all who attended and made the night a success.


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Connor Takes Aim

Dorset Team Boccia

Residential Faith Group is held everyWednesday from 6pm-7pm. Students attending

are encouraged to share their opinions andexperiences on a wide range of topics alwayswith lots of singing, signing and laughter.

With Hazel Noyon

R.F.G.Residential Faith Group

From selling porridge,( the proceeds of which will

feed two schoolchildren in Malawi for a year!) totasting apple products for National Apple Week,Faith Group students have explored many ideasthis term. Weve celebrated Harvest Festival,National Poetry Day, USA Thanksgiving, andHanukah. Weve thought about RemembranceSunday and memories, and thought about ourown strengths and gifts. Our repertoire of songs isgrowing, and we enjoy singing and signing, usingcommunication aids and books, and sharingtogether every Wednesday. We all get to choose

someone or something to say thank you for, andchoose someone or some situation to put intoGods hands.

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Stoke Mandeville Games 2013

Report

The

WithKatherine Birtwell

On the 23rd

September we took 10 students to the

National Junior Games in Stoke Mandeville. There werelots of sports for the students to compete and to have ago at. The students got involved in all sports

these are just some of the sports: Wheelchair Football,Bowls, Polybat, Athletics, Swimming and Wheelchair

Basketball. All the students competed in different sportsLiam won the Boccia competition which was amazing.Also they all really enjoyed the wheelchair football thisyear. They all competed in polybat and Alex and Connorwon the competition. On the last night they had a discoto show their moves and to celebrate their

achievements from the four days that they had beencompeting.

On the 6thDecember Victoria hosted this

event where 20 teams entered the teamcompetition. It was an all-day event with

lots of different school competing for aplace in the Regionals in Exeter in Febru-ary. We entered 2 teams, Victoria 1 andVictoria 2. Victoria 1 had Akira, Kayleighand Abbie they played really well as ateam. Victoria 2 had Liam, Spencer andAlex and they reached the final whichthey faced QE 2 and beat them 3-0 togain their place in the regionals in Exeter.Good Luck!!

Making a difference in Malawi


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Check out these photos of staff andstudents having fun on Super Heroand Children in Need Day! Everyonegot into the spirit of the day andthere were loads of fun activities toget involved with. Super hero filmswere made in our media suite, Superfood tasting, a special super heroworkout in the sports hall, super

stars and even super sound effectsand digital music plus much more.Everyone had so much fun andraised 146 for good causes.

Its all about ourselves!This term has been about Ourselves.And what a great way for the new teacherto get to know the students! Classes haveinvolved sensory subjects regarding theirfavourite things such as Colours, Clothes,Food, Sounds and Story time Characters.Students also got to experience some oftheir teachers favourite things whichinvolved wearing red and dancing toMichael Jackson songs! Other sessionsgot the students thinking about different

emotions and how we each may expressourselves. They were very lucky to be vis-ited each week by an Alien from outerspace who was studying humanbehaviour and their emotions. We canassure you that no students were harmedin any of these experiments! Actors creat-ed short scripts around the activities thatmade them feel a certain way andcoloured globes found around thespaceship also helped to describe each

students emotion.

The Post 16 groups have been busyworking towards their Asdan Awards,

Drama and Creative Arts at VEC

Curtain CallBy Laura Eastwood

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Class MH Costumes and props.

firstly in Mime and currently in Costume and Props.Students have had to think creatively taking a fewstarting ideas from the teacher and then developingthose into their own scenes to perform to the class.The Arts Awards are great for students to study an

area they are interested in and develop their ownideas and grow as a performer. We are lookingforward to the work they will produce over the nextfew months.

Super Hero Day


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Performance and Dance at VEC With Belinda Ellicottody Language

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Harvest FestivalThis year saw another wonderful harvest festival with contributions from all classes within the school

with a real multicultural feel. We had a samba, an Indian harvest song and African influences with the

Circle of Life and slide presentation from our older students. We also had pumpkin maths, painting and

gardening advice including special guest appearances from our own This One and That One (the

schools rabbits) not to mention an intriguing game show and music video. The students and staff were

fantastic at bringing in food for those less fortunate than ourselves and Amy was able to deliver a lovelyparcel to In Touch, a local Bournemouth charity.

As part of their Creative Arts studies Classes CN and

KWE visited The Lighthouse in Poole in November to

watch Horrible Science. This was a great show with

songs, dancing, acting and 3D Boggle Vision where

we witnessed amazing scenes such as bacteria in our

toothbrushes. We were also looking at what else

happens in an Arts Centre and were lucky enough tospot an art exhibition that was also taking place so

had a really great time.

that they could join in. Then on Friday 27th

September we invited an audience of parents andguests including our benefactors from Children inNeed to attend the performance along with all thestudents from VEC. The show was amazing andwhat everyone had managed to achieve in 4 dayswas incredible. We also had displays of

photographs taken by our media group and apremiere of Abi and Kierans documentary. We allhad a lovely week and thank you to all the

students and artists who made it so memorable.

A Night at The Opera

On 23rd

September a very busy and unusual weekbegan at Victoria Education Centre. Firstly agroup of 20 students from Poole High School and1 from the Bourne Academy arrived and then agroup of professional artists from English TouringOpera. Key stage 4 and post 16 students fromVEC chose a group to participate in and becameeither set designers, musicians and performers ordocumentary and media gurus for the week andthe process of creating the original operaOffshore began. Students in the rest of theschool took part in set design workshops wherethey created the beautiful parrots that were usedin the production and had an introduction to theinstruments that would be used in the perfor-mance as well as opera singing and learnt one ofthe songs that would make up the final show so

Victoria joins forces with the E.T.O. andPoole High to create a

Brand new opera.

Horrible Science with KWE

KWE enjoying their horrible experience.

Our Star Performers


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The little Santas

Bonjour Mademoiselle

By Gill Tuttiett

By Hilary Stewart

All the info, From Oaks to Post 16!

EC JW

CNKWE

MC

KBExplorers

VF

Post16

Classroo

m

Catchup

A term in ProvenceClass MCs Autumn sensory journey

This term, Class MC has been travelling to

Provence every week to sample life in ruralFrance. With the help of Jacques, our friendlyFrench puppet, we have been practising ourFrench, listening to a selection of greetings andwords. All the students, especially George Norris,Amabel and Frankie have loved meeting Jacquesand they have been trying hard to copy his French!Another visitor to the sessions has been Fifi theflamingo, who has given us lots of fun jumping up

on our laps and also snuggling up for fluffycuddles.

We have joined in with traditional provenal musicand dancing and later this term, we are looking

forward to a visit from an accordion player. Wehave been using all our senses in lessons and the

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Class EC Visit Santa

classroom has been filled with the scent offreshly cut French lavender, which we haverubbed between our fingers.

Just before half term, we had lots of funprinting designs onto fabric to make a

provenal style tablecloth which was thenused as part of our harvest celebration andhas been very much admired. Perhaps weshould think about going into production!

All wearing Christmas hats, Explorers headed off

to see Father Christmas at StewartsChristchurch. The grotto was amazing with lotsof snow covered trees and animals hiding inthem. Father Christmas was his same jolly selfand very busy preparing for Christmas and allhis deliveries. We enjoyed looking at thereindeer even though they ponged a bit!Terry and Gary bought dancing singingChristmas trees which will drive everybodymad . To make matters worse Terry also boughta Father Christmas on a zip line which workswhen you clap your hands together. Beth andKitty wandered off looking for chocolate and hadto be tracked down before going back to the bus.

We were all well behaved and arrived backat school in time for lunch. Thanks to Garys

marvellous driving.Wishing You All A Happy Christmas and aProsperous New Year.From everyone in Explorers.

The Harvest Table Cloth


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By Sally Thornley

Busy (but fun) Times in Class JW

VECLifeWinter 2 13

Class JW have been working very hard this term in

lots of different areas. They made bug boxes and

bird feeders as part of their eco-challenge which

were made using some recycled materials. Holly

had fun covering her cardboard roll in peanut butter

and then rolling it in seeds whilst Tyler helped to

find some suitable places to put our bug boxes -

thankfully it wasn't in our classroom. A big Thank

you to Tyler who also became our class monitor

for 'Lights Out Fortnight' and got very bossy in the

processhe did an excellent job though!

At the end of November we descended upon Build aBear in Bournemouth where the staff were friendly andwonderfully helpful. For those of you who don't knowhow it works...you enter the shop...choose a beartype...cuddle bear...watch it get stuffed full of fluff...youare given a small cloth heart that you kiss/make a wishupon/rub on your own heart... place this inside thebear...cuddle bear again...choose a terribly cute outfit

for the bear to wear...the bear will then have a washand brush up...yet more cuddles (!)...and lastly you arepresented with a temporary home and a birth

certificate...job done! The bear was kindly and

generously donated by Build a Bear to our class whichwe are very grateful for. Saad was definitely the

biggest cuddler and Honey definitely took the best

photo, I think you'll agree.

Thank you to everyone who have helped Class JW

this term and a Happy Christmas to you all!

(And dont forget cake is always welcome - we are

easily bribed).

Holly Makes a bird feeder

The Lush girls concoct something lovely

The JW crew at Build a Bear

Novemberwas a busy month for us and it startedoff with a visit from LUSH in Bournemouth whovisited our school to do a sensory workshop. Acouple of lovely ladies came in and showed us

some wonderful products. There were massagebalms, lip crystals, shower jellies and bath bombs.The smells were truly delightful and the studentswere all fully engaged in the activities, as were thestaff and the classroom smelt

delicious.


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KW test the sand

Nicole and Angie add the finishing touches

VECLifeWinter 2 13

By Esther Curry

Class ECs Christmas Tree

As written By Brandon-Lee RealCNs Horrible Science

We went to the light hose. We took our seats gotcomfortable, then the show started. We met thesciencest. One talked about electricity, onetalked about bugs and the other talked aboutinside our bodys. The boy asked questons, theybrought him on the stage and went to thedifferent places. First they went to see the bugs,the bugs were humongus and tried to eat him,he gave them old rubbish. Not all bugs are bad,and one helped him excape.

By Margaret HumphreysGetting to know MH

Class MH have been busy this term adjusting to a

different classroom and new classmates. We are

having a lovely time getting to know Hope, Tiago,

Shonia and Amy. As part of an ASDAN award

challenge we have been decorating a Christmas

Tree for St Aldhelms Church Festival. The

theme was Musicals so we chose Circle of life

from the Lion King. Do visit the church over the

road from the school and see our magnificent

creations.

Class EC volunteered to decorate a tree for StAldhelms tree festival. The theme this year wasmusicals and the class decided to make a Les

Miserables tree. We made solders, red, white andblue paper chains and musical notes. The

students had great fun decorating the tree andseeing all the other trees in the church.

By Kathryn WebbCan We Fix It? Yes We Can

Class KW have being busy building thisautumn. We went to the beach to

explore and discover the best wet sandconsistency for building sand castles.Whilst there we just had to test theschools beach buggies.what fun!! Wehad a go at different activities linked tobuilding trades to discover how many

different jobs are involved to build ahouse. Finally we designed and built amodel of our dream homes. If you wantto live in space, under the sea or even ina custard pielook no further!!

Amars ready to decorate!


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Georgia cooks up a treat

By Hilary Stewart

Students in P16 Life skills groups have beenstudying the local area as part of the Living in theCommunity module of work. We have been out andabout photographing local buildings as well as

researching community groups and activities.As part of this topic we invited two long term localresidents to come and talk to both groups (classesACO and PT) about living in Poole and to tell ushow the area has changed over the past 70 years.Our visitors, June and Roy Barker, were really

fascinating to listen to. June used to work in a local

shop, making deliveries decades before the giantsupermarkets started similar services, whilst Roytold us about the occasion when he watchedGerman pilots dropping bombs on Bournemouthtown centre.

As part of the preparation and planning for the visit,students chose recipes of cakes to make for thevisitors (flapjack and gingerbread biscuits) and weworked out the cost of ingredients on a speciallyprepared list. Each group decided on questions to

ask the visitors and spent some time consideringhow to impress with really good manners andpoliteness. On the day of the visit, both classes ex-

VECLifeWinter 2 13Post 16 Living In The Community

celled themselves with great baking skills,perfect manners and great respect for ourvisitors. Our students made a fantastic im-pression and Roy and June both said how

enjoyable and interesting they hadfound their visit, despite being a littlenervous beforehand. Its been a busy term

in Life skills and as Christmas approaches,groups are now looking forward to a trip tothe German style market in Bournemouth,where, as part of our Living in a diverse so-ciety work, we will hopefully sample someGerman style cuisine. Guten appetit!

Our friends June and Roy

Spencer and his biscuits


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Reminder!Tuesday 21st January

Parents Afternoon and EveningEducation

Therapy and Residential.

VictoriaHorticultureChristmas Door Wreaths, Christmas Table

Decorations, Winter Bedding Plants, WinterBaskets and Planters made to order.Open Monday to Friday 9.00am3.00 pm

For All Your Horticultural Needs!

VECLifesue 07

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

veclife december 2013

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