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Issue

December 2013

Achieving Through Believing

Merry Christmas Everyone

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

VEClife

Inside This Issue

Pages

News In Brief

Thank you very much to everyone who supported the Faith Group students in their selling of packets of instant porridge for World Porridge Day. We raised 19.63 to feed two schoolchildren in Africa for a whole year! London Transport inform us that they have now Introduced boarding ramps at 19 more Tube stations. Of the 195 Tube platforms that can be accessed stepfree from the street, 149 now give stepfree access right onto the train, using ramps, raised platform sections, and low floor trains. Useful for that day out sightseeing. Pink Day and Jeans for Genes day 2013 were a great success again with staff getting into the spirit and raising 150 for good causes. Ingrids shoebox of love drive this year provided 48 underprivileged children with toys and fun things to help brighten their lives. A hearty thank you to all that donated. The employability group from class ACO have been selling bookmarks as part of their making a product unit of work. These have been selling well and the aim is to sell enough to cover costs but have a little left to donate to charity.

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 Body Language 18 Classroom Catch-up19 to 23 Odds and Ads Back Page

Princess Royal Opens New Hydro Pool

HRH Princess Anne came to Victoria today to officially open our new Hydro Pool. The Princess, who is a Patron of Livability was greeted by Mrs Pitt-Rivers the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Livability Chair Mrs Caroline Armitage, Chair of Governors Mr Peter Jennings and Principal Mrs Chris Davies. The Princess took a tour of our amazing new pool facilities before meeting staff and students in the media suite. English and Media Teacher Beth Kay chatted to the Princess about the new technology available to our students before showing her to the Radio station. There, the Princess was keen to know about how we use the station and programming schedules. Student and breakfast show DJ Harry Bassett did very well representing VIBE radio and answering her questions. The Princess then made her way to the upstairs outdoor activity area where Mrs Stratis introduced her to Site Manager, Morgan Sindall, Steve Plumb, the architects designers and some of the construction team were also presented. The Princess then made her way to the sports hall where she met some of our many

Ceri Shows HRH around the Pool

patrons and supporters. She also met our sports leaders who demonstrated table cricket before making a keynote speech thanking our donors and highlighting the importance of their continued support. Shortly before departing she was presented with a posy by student Alisha from our Explorers class.

Photo: Fiona Moorey

Foreword

VECLife Winter 2013

Autumn term is Best By Chris Davies

As the Christmas 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. Ive been working in education now for many more years than Id like to remember but my favourite term is always this one, the Autumn Term. At the beginning of the new school year you get to see lots of new faces and you start on all the new challenges and new initiatives which help to make VEC such an exciting and vibrant place to work. This year is buzzing with new things for the students to try. The radio station is the place to be with some very professional broadcasting for us to tune in to; the media suite is up and running and with thanks to everyone for their great fund raising ideas the iPads and trolley arrived this week ready for us to use next term. This year weve had our fair share of fundraising events. At the Christmas Fayre, I got to stand in the stocks (see photo), for an hour of wet sponge bashing (thanks Kelly!) whilst listening to our very own Tracey and her saxophone group. We sold loads of handmade Christmas gifts, chutneys and cakes to parents and friends and the money, alongside that raised by the relay walkers and sparkle fun night has helped considerably to boost our Sparkle Phase 2 appeal for our new therapy building.

SoIts beginning to feel a lot like Christmas .. A time of family, a time of community and a time to think of others all so important to us at VEC. In Charles Dickenss Christmas Carol, Scrooges first ghostly visitor is his ex-business partner, Jacob Marley. Marleys Ghost is gagged and bound by chains. I wear the chains I forged in life..I made them link by link, and yard by yard. Fortunately, our students arent forging chains instead they are enjoying many exciting opportunities, gaining knowledge and skills that will carry them through life. Most importantly, they are learning the importance of understanding, caring and being part of a community. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2014 and as Tiny Tim says in the final words of A Christmas Carol God Bless Us, Every One!

Victoria 24 Hour Relay Raises 1,100

The Great Victoria 24 Hour relay took place in the main reception area on the 11th September. The event was masterminded by O.T. Kelly Westerby. The runners comprised of staff from all the therapy disciplines at Victoria who ran in relay through the day and night. The team completed a "virtual" 111 mile walk from Livability head office in London back to Victoria. They covered the distance on a treadmill in aid of the Sparkle appeal therapy hub. Kelly commented I am totally thrilled with the support from everyone and how well the Therapy team pulled together to achieve our target of 111 miles!!!! It was an amazing and exhausting 24 hours.

Kelly and some of the team celebrate crossing the finishing line. 2

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New Pool Makes Big Splash

The new Victoria Hydrotherapy Pool is now open for business. This state of the art complex complete with audio visual experience is an amazing addition to what our school has to offer our students. Morgan Sindall began the building began last year on a murky day in November and kept good time over the whole project. Site manager Steve Plumb became a familiar figure around school making sure we were all aware of the latest developments. Just after completion Steve commented: A massive thanks to all of you for your understanding and co-operation throughout the last 45 weeks. I know weve caused some disruption to you all, and youve probably all bumped your cars a few Site Manager times trying to reverse park Steve Plumb. between some trees with 5 cars blocking you in! Most importantly of all its been a delight to see the whole thing through and the feedback Im getting from the pool staff is that the kids are loving the new pool.

Thumbs up from students Students have taken to the water for the first time. Class JW had the honour of being the first students to take part in a therapy session and judging by the smiles loved every minute of it. The all new hoisting and changing equipment has also made life easier for staff. Aqua fit sessions are planned and the pool will be made more generally available in the fullness of time. The official opening will take place sometime in December. For a step by step look at this project please turn to page 9.

Seen But Seldom Heard Wows Public

Our long running collaboration with Bournemouth University came to a very successful conclusion at the Lighthouse in Poole when four students, two former and two current performed alongside professional poets Liv Torc and Jonny Fluffypunk. Feedback and response from the general public was fantastic and the show was a sell out. Hugo Lucas-Rowe, David Young, Lauren Taylor and Jude Wardell Knights performed some of the pieces written. Well done to everyone involved. The performance was a culmination of work that has been produced from a series of poetry workshops that have taken place over the last 18 months. The group began by using both the achievements and media portrayals of Paralympic athletes as a focus for individually written and collectively authored poetry

confronting negative perceptions of disability. As the work progressed, poetry was used as a way for the young people to engage in conversation about issues, policies and practices which affect them and others like them.

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By George! What An Effort

Victoria student George Rogers undertook an arduous physical challenge to raise money for his dream to have a career as a competitive swimmer. George journeyed from Hengistbury Head to his home in Upton. The journey was split into sections and George walked, wheel chaired and canoed the distance appearing on radio and TV and raised a much need 4000.

Wheres Santa?
Christmas is almost upon us again and the jolly man with the big white beard is about! Laden with presents and Christmas magic and waiting to spread some Christmas cheer. If you are looking to visit Santa and take your kids or relations then here is a list where you can catch up with him. Until Christmas Eve - Stewarts Gardenlands Christchurch, The Country Garden Centre Holt Nr Wimborne, Swanage Railway. Every Saturday to 21st December, Julias House Grotto Wimborne Square. Saturday 7th then Saturday 14th to Monday 23rd December, Adventure Wonderland. Saturdays 7th,14th, 21st and Sundays 8th, 15th, and 22nd December, Farmer Palmers Farm Park, Organford Poole. And of course not forgetting the Dolphin Centre Poole up to Christmas Eve.

New Community Facilities

By Rhiannon Beer

I am delighted to write and let you all know about two new projects that I have been involved with over the past 12 months. Poole Borough Council has commissioned two projects that have opened within the Play Centre Pirates and Princesses (top floor opposite the Library, above the bus station) namely a Changing Places bathroom facility that is open to anyone, and a sensory room Sensory Stars. The idea being that these facilities are within an existing play centre and thus creating an inclusive environment for families. The Specialist bathroom is free to use and has a height adjustable changing bed, a sluice, and closomat type toilet and height adjustable sink as well 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 off fee and there is a charge to book the room thereafter, a reduced rate for Poole residents ID required. To book the training session please call Pirates and Princesses on 01202 680485. I hope these facilities are of interest to parents and carers alike and that our young people have another facility that they can access at weekends and during the holidays.

The Amazing New Sensory Room 4

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By Margaret Hopwood

Amy in class MH has recently had some excellent news. Amy is the inspiration behind a charity called Swings and Smiles. Her mum and many others in her local community have been campaigning and fundraising for seven years to develop suitable play facilities and support for children with disabilities and their families in her area. Recently, Amy had a day at her local bakery in West Berkshire, where they are donating profits from special loaves to the charity. (We tried one in class they are delicious!) Swings and Smiles have now secured suitable premises The Phoenix Centre in Newbury, and hope to open early in 2014. See the Swings and Smiles website for more details. www.swingsandsmiles.co.uk

O Yez! O Yez! Amys an inspiration

Crossings Proposed
Proposed road improvements to Lindsay Road could soon mean a safer journey into work. The improvements, if ratified, would see a table top crossing with high friction surfacing placed between the church and the Lidl side of the road in St Aldhelms road. A Toucan crossing for pedestrians and cyclists is also planned right outside school with the existing bus stop being relocated just past Wilderton Rd West.

Eco Schools News

By Jenny Williams

We have had another positive term. Several classes have had certificates for working on the Eco-school challenge, well done Classes JW, MC, EC, MH, KB, KWe and Explorers for their hard work. They have been doing things like recycling, switching off lights, looking after classroom plants, making bug hotels and making bird feeders. We have also had a chance to say thank you to Sheila Marsh for all the recycling she does. Keep up the good work Sheila! Also Alec Ross has been keeping everyone on their toes, making sure that classes are remembering to switch off and recycle. Also this term the school took part in Switch off Fortnight, with classes remembering to turn off their lights when they dont need them and to switch off their computers. Teachers reported It has got us into a good habit and Alec made sure we remembered to turn things off!. Next term we hope everyone will remember to keep switching off lights and computers when they are not

needed. The brilliant Vibe jingles and information have also helped us to remember to think about our eco-code. Next term the Eco-committee are hoping to buy a compost bin for food waste from class snacks and food tech. We also hope to get people thinking about keeping our streets clean with stickers to remind people to clean up after their dogs. 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!
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Beth Runs For Ipads and Alopecia Media studies and literacy Teacher Beth Kay ran the Bournemouth marathon in October to raise funds for the schools IPad appeal and also raised 2500 for BeBold. Bebold is a charity that raises awareness of and supports children with all forms of Alopecia. She posted the amazing time of 3 hours 35 minutes. Beth said afterwards It was hard but running for a worthy cause keeps you going. Well done Beth! SLT Assistant Lorraine Dredge gave birth to bouncing baby boy in November. Congrats Lorraine! A Thank You From Laura Eastwood I would like to thank everyone for making me feel so welcome since I started in September. Especially the staff in the Creative Arts Department, who have put up with me asking a million questions. Nicky Hewitt will be taking up her post as Drama teacher from January however, I will be continuing on Mondays until Easter! So they havent gotten rid of me yet!

Beth pounds out the miles for good causes

Tony in Worthing Pantomime Victoria staffer and multi-talented performer Mr Tony Rudd is performing in panto again this year. Tony has joined the cast of Jack and the beanstalk at the Connaught Theatre, Worthing. The panto stars ground forces Charlie Dimmock and runs from Dec 6th 2013 to January 4th 2014. If you fancy family Christmas fun then why not check it out? Charlie and Amy have been and thoroughly recommend it. Tony can also arrange for a 60% discount on tickets, for more info see Amy Hunt Hort says Hi and Thanks! Christmas Greetings from the staff & students of Victoria Horticulture. Many thanks to all those who continued to support us through the year of disruption whilst the building works were in progress. We shall look forward to seeing you and your friends in the New Year when your gardens need an injection of colour.

Ins and Outs!

From January, Hannah Perry will join us as PE and class teacher. Hannah will lead the subject and has been teaching PE for 15 years the last 10 of these at Shaftesbury School. We look forward to welcoming 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 lead Class KW. Nicky Hewitt returns from her maternity leave in January 2014 and will be taking on a different 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 joining us as follows: Samantha Reed, Mary Roughley, Eloise Forsyth, Poppy Cherrett, Lisa White, Matthew Sturgeon, Emma Hockey, Philippa Broadbent, Rosanna (Rosie) Pengelly, Jonathan Andrews, Lucy Marks. We warmly welcome you all to Team Victoria and look forward to working with you in the future.
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And Bon Voyage To..

Val Ford Its the end of an era for Victoria as Val Ford retires at the end of this term. Val was appointed in March 1994 as a Physical Education Teacher. Over the past 18 years she has built up the department so that it now delivers not only the national curriculum but a vast range of inclusive sporting activities. Her enthusiastic and determined approach has had an incredible impact across the school and the local community. She has worked tirelessly to engage local schools in outreach activities to ensure that students in mainstream schools dont miss out on what PE and Sport can offer. Over the years she has had to adapt the curriculum to meet the ever changing physical and cognitive needs of the students and find new and exciting ways to include all students in sport. Her lessons are always fun and challenging and her teaching has never been judged anything other than outstanding by any Inspector who has ever visited the school. Val has served as a Governor, she was instrumental in us achieving our Specialist Sports Status; she led the International Inspirations Programme travelling twice to South Africa, she advised and supported on the design of the Sports Hall and Hydrotherapy Pool and will always be remembered for her amazing Sports Days. Wow, what a legacy, thanks Val you will be missed by us all Moira Marshall Moira joined Victoria School on 1st September 1997 as a part time nurse working 18 hours a week. At this time she enjoyed spending time with the nursery students. Moira took on the role as head of nursing in February 2001 and went from strength to strength building the nursing team to what it is today. Moira also enjoyed supporting residential trips especially to the Stoke Mandeville games, Churchtown and most recently to Brownsea Island for the silver Duke of Edinburgh award. However, she was not too keen on the canoeing event. Moira also played a huge part in organising fund raising events and was always happy to be involved always with great enthusiasm. She will be greatly missed by everyone, staff and students alike and we wish her well for the future. Moira will continue to be seen around school with her continuing fund raising efforts and as part of the Beacon Group. (There is a message from Moira overleaf.) Maria Caluori Maria started with us in February 2008 as a class teacher. As well as supporting the Educational Leadership Team, she has endeavoured to explore new innovations and opportunities for the students particularly for those who benefit from a very sensory approach to learning. I know that the students and staff will miss not only her professional contribution but her as a person, always willing to help and support others when needed. Maria takes up a new post in January at Watergate Special School in Lewisham where she will be a cover teacher. Esther Curry Esther joined us last September as a class teacher. Everyone who has worked with her has appreciated her enthusiasm for teaching and her passion to challenge our students to achieve. Her contributions to the development of PSE (Personal and Social Education) within the Centre and other educational initiatives have been very much appreciated. Esther will be taking up a new full-time post as Assistant Head teacher at Christchurch Junior School. We wish all of our leavers every success in their future endeavours and only ask that if ever you are passing to pop in and say hello.
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A message From Moira

I wanted to say a really big thank you for my last day and for all the special times at Victoria. I will miss you all very much but will keep in contact by being a part of the friends group and coming in at other times. Over my 16 years at Victoria I have experienced so much. The trips away were always memorable and my last recent trip to Brownsea Island by canoe was a fantastic last trip. Still not quite sure how we all made it across!!! Very proud that we did!!! The residential trips, although hard work, always resulted in a lot of fun , laughter and tears. I am facing a new challenge but the years at Victoria have put me in a good place to cope with the future and any difficulties I may face. Will think of you all, especially towards the end of term but will see you in 2014. Take care and an extra special thank you for your kindness and thoughts. Very best wishes Moira XX

Photo Of The Month

During a break in the recent 24 hour marathon this candid shot of participating staff shows behind the smiles revealing exactly the kind of effort needed to pull something like that off. Again, full marks everyone...

Orbit Moves On
By Amy Hunt On Friday 6th December we said goodbye to Orbit, the assistance dog who had been visiting us as part of his training. Graham Elliott, a Puppy Parent from Canine Partners, first contacted us back in March with a view to Orbit becoming a regular visitor to the school. Over the months the students (and staff!) have enjoyed many visits from Orbit and Graham. They have joined us for assemblies, as well as break times and they even came to the Grand Prix back in the summer which was a great test of Orbits training! Class JW invited Orbit and Graham on 2 school trips - they accompanied them on a walk to Homebase (with Orbit showing off by pressing the buttons at traffic lights for the students!) and they also met up with Orbit and Graham in the Dolphin shopping centre. A real highlight of the shopping trip was watching Alfie (JW) hold the lead whilst moving around the shopping centre! Orbit will now move on to the next stage of his training and will move to an advanced training

Handsome Boy: Canine partner Orbit centre for 3 months before being matched to his new owner many of whom are selected through the works of Hounds for Heroes. We have really enjoyed getting to know both Orbit and Graham and look forward to Graham, hopefully, bringing his next Assistance dog in training to visit us in the not too distant future. For more information about the works of Canine Partners please see their website http://www.caninepartners.org.uk/ 8

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Victorias Hydro Pool Step By

Its strange to think that it was only last January when work started on the Hydro Pool project. Weve certainly come a long way since then! With the Princess Royals visit marking the official opening here are a few photos to remind us of the journey. The site changed daily as the pool began to materialise. The pool is now being used by classes for therapy sessions and staff have also benefited from Aqua fit work-outs.

Step

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

By Rhiannon Beer, Sarah Gilling and Jon Godber

This editions selection of Apps with special needs in mind has a communication theme. All three Apps are totally free and provide essential communication tools on the go.

for creating customizable choice boards for the unique needs of individuals with communication challenges. It reinforces correct choice by expanding the selected image as well as playing the customized auditory rewards. It is an excellent tool to train and prepare users for more sophisticated communication devices via an easy, simple-to-use choice-making platform. The possibilities are limited by your creativity. ChoiceBoard Creator retains all the previous features PLUS several new updates. New features with this new version include: Large buttons, and black/white contrast to facilitate visual attention Box sizes are now adjustable for those who just need to see a little more clearly Clean board design to minimize visual distraction Space between choice buttons to avoid inadvertent hits Customizable to 1,2,3,4 or 6 choices Users can download their own pictures Users can create blank boxes as distractors to suit users of all levels Now users can preset multiple "correct answer" boxes, and download different sound files to each box a feature that allows users to choose their favourite music with just a tap Other than image files, users can now type text into the choice box use this feature to teach sight words, letter, number recognition Versatile application that can be used to create curriculum content to promote cognitive and literacy skills Ease of use. Intuitive interface allows user to set up activities in minutes Allows users to create multiple pages for each "game" or activity.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 4.3 or later. Compatible with iPad.

Answers :YesNo Free

By SimplifiedTouch
Answers:YesNo Free allows you to have a fully functioning binary ACC communication device at no cost. It shares many of the same features of Answers:YesNo for the iPhone and Answers:YesNo HD for the ipad, which means in addition to being able to use the program as a simple yes-no board, you also have the ability to program and save text and picture button sets with custom audio. If you find the program useful, and would like to increase the number of available custom buttons, please take a look at Answers:YesNo which allows you to save up to 24 custom buttons, 12 with pictures and text, and 12 with text. This is of course in addition to the Yes-No buttons which are always available. Answers:YesNo HD more than doubles the number of available customizable buttons and is designed specifically for the ipad. Answers:YesNo Free features allow you to... - Program custom buttons with text and/or pictures - Record custom audio to play when your button is selected - Record audio in any language (you can speak) - Easily navigate between button sets with swipes or navigation buttons - See a full screen display of selected buttons - Easily toggle yes-no buttons on and off.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 3.2 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.

PunBoard: Free
By SimplifiedTouch
PunBoard!! A corkboard of puns Some are good and some are bad. Tap the LOVE IT! note for some sounds of support. Tap the HATE IT! note to hear sounds of disapproval. Tap the screen for another pun, and do it all over again. Not much else to report here some of the puns are old and some are new. Feel free to email pun suggestions, and they will try to include them in the next release.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 3.0 or later. Compatible with iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. 10

Choiceboard Creator:
ChoiceBoard Creator is the updated version of its predecessor ChoiceBoard Maker. It is the perfect app

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With Beth Kay

Still feeling the Vibe!

Vibe radio has had a great start to the new academic year with a snazzy new colour scheme to echo the logo designed by Jon Godber. We are now operating a regular schedule, starting the day off with A full English presented by Harry Bassett and Jon Godber, who are certainly giving the likes of Chris Evans a run for his money! Tony Rudd and Jon follow on with a Wakey Shakey show running into midmorning. Harry Bassett and Liam Drummond host a variety of music slots during the week and Charley Baker and Mike Whitlock have a rocking Reggae show on a Thursday lunchtime. Kirsten Watts, Tony Rudd and I present the Thursday break time Wakey Breakey show, giving you updates on what the students are learning and much more. We currently have Connor Ferris and Tom Troung working on a Football show that will come out in the New Year. We still have plenty of room for many more shows. Please dont hesitate to step forward; staff, students, parents and friends of victoria alike and get involved. Full training is provided! Please show your support by always make Vibe your first listening choice!

Charley and Mike presenting One step beyond.

Media Mania!
Well the new Media Suite has been put to full use over the autumn term. It has been decorated to sit smartly next to the radio station and now houses all the latest film making and editing and music technology equipment. We have had many different students creating superhero films, podcasts, soundtracks, documentaries and horror films! If you would like to get involved and learn how to create your own film and music productions then just come along to the Media Suite and we will get you started!

Post 19 and Hort on Song

By Mike Whitlock

Horticulture and post 19 students have started a band under the guidance of Mike Whitlock called The Storm Diggers, they are presently rehearsing their first hit which shall be kept under wraps until they are ready to perform it. The students involved are also learning and playing their own instruments as well as their vocal skills. Robbie Faulder is percussion and backing vocals, Michelle Barnes is playing the drums and backing vocals, James wheeler is on Keyboard and backing. From Horticulture we have Chris McBride on guitar, Jamie Kingham on bass and vocals, Darryl Rowley on bass drum, and Laurence 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 stage presence, he will be fronting the band who are hoping to get a couple of songs good enough to perform at next year at Boscombe community fair.
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Residential Round-up
Post 19 Flourishes
By Claire Hunter and Sharon Nix

This short note comes from the students and team of Post 19 Residential to all you readers. We are flourishing up here in the crows nest and are proud to say that despite a few teething problems of relocating units, new paperwork and regulations to get used to, we recently had a positive CQC inspection. I believe the students up here are enjoying the freedom of being out of the classroom and being involved in more hands on adult life skills. The students regularly contribute to the preparation of meals, such as peeling vegetables, washing up or drying the cutlery, laying tables and clearing away after meal times. This includes Max who, by the look on his face, thought that having a go at peeling potatoes was a dirty job and not his favourite choice but splashing in the water when washing up was much more up his street! Lauren has settled in at ACMR music college and can be heard singing like a lark most evenings preparing for her next performance or exam. Wed all like to congratulate her on her dedication and look forward to seeing her name on a billing for concert in the near future. Her aim is to go to Guildford and follow on this career at ACMRs main music college which she visited earlier in November. James and Max are our men of the earth enjoying the luxury of having a Horticulture

facility on site. James informed me that he is learning all the local bird songs for this time of year. Max has found his feet up here on the residential unit and has taken to patrolling the unit on a regular basis. He loves to run from his bedroom to the kitchen every morning (with staff trailing close behind him) to choose his cereal from the packets out on display. Stuart has settled in very well and keeps us on our toes 24/7. Despite the slightly grouchy exterior that he likes to portray sometimes, he is a big softy really. He is happiest when helping around the unit and loves to do jobs for everyone. Lucy returned to Victoria Education Centre a few weeks ago and has once again settled into life here with a smile on her face and a very adult outlook on life. She has taken on helping at St. Aldhelms Church with the coffee mornings and communion service where she assisted the vicar giving out the bread and wine this week. She has also enrolled at Poole College to further her education along with some other students from our Next Steps 2 provision. Finally we would like to welcome all the Post 19 Personal Assistants that have joined VEC since September.

Purbecks Christmas poem

By Julie Greening
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 term together, and look forward to a great new year and to further our adventure. So heres wishing you a holiday time full of times of love and laughter and a new year filled with joy and fun and with love for one another.

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The Short Break Team and I

By Diane Tatpati

My name is Diana Tatpati, I am currently managing the short break service. Over a decade I have been working in Social Care Services, mostly in Elderly Care. I have just completed two months at VEC and am very grateful to everyone who has supported me and will continue to support me to work as a team. I am very privileged to be part of a vast and reputed Livability Team. Working for and with the Children I have noticed a family atmosphere which binds staff from different departments like Physio, OT, nurses, teachers, sports and faith club are all dedicated to make positive difference in students life. I am pleased and impressed to see how efficiently staffs involve students with various communication difficulties, along with

Brownseas Christmas
By Jane Barr

Wow! I cant believe that time of year has come around already. Im proud to say that Brownsea students and staff have been busy making Brownsea unit look all sparkly and festive ready for Christmas. The tree has been decorated and is surrounded by advent presents for each Brownsea student which are opened daily and given out by James and 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 looking around all the different shops and stall looking for those 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 a lovely meal out. Its safe to say that after such a busy afternoon/evening the opportunity was taken by more than 1 for a sneaky snooze on the way 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 and would like to wish you all a very happy holidays and new year.

their parents, in trips and activities. All our students are unique and loving with different needs, yet their choices, rights, privacy, dignity and independence is well understood and honoured at all times. Having received positive feedback from families I have spoken to so far, I feel very proud of our staff dedication and commitment. Last but not the least the support and the informed guidance provided by the team to enhance the students independence in a simple and effective way is amazing. Well Done Team, keep the good work going, and continue to share, learn skills and knowledge from one another. Wishing You All a Happy Holiday Season.

All the gang together

Holly, out shopping 13

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Dear Parents and Carers, My apologies for only holding one meeting this term but we are looking forward to more events in the New Year. I also wanted to let you know that I will be off for the next half-term but Linsey will be here for any of your ideas or concerns. Below is an article updating you on the Children and Families Bill, specifically for those parents of children with S.E.N. There is also an opportunity to be involved in improving the Bill itself.
Merry Christmas

PPG

News letter
With Nicky Greenway

On 4th February 2013, the Government introduced the Children and Families Bill to Parliament including clauses which reform the system 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 disabilities are: Replacing Special Educational Needs (SEN) statements and Learning Disability Assessments (for 16-25 year olds) with a single, simpler 0-25 assessment process and Education, Health and Care Plan from 2014 Providing the same legal protections currently associated with a statement of SEN, but extending these protections up to 25 in further education - instead of being cut off at 16 Requiring that local authorities and health services jointly plan and commission services that children, young people and their families Giving parents or young people the right to a personal budget for their support You can follow the progress of the Children and Families Bill on 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 2012 House of Commons Second Reading - 25th February 2013 House of Commons Committee Stage - 5th March 2013 House of Lords Second Reading - 2nd July 2013 Get involved! Send an email to Edward Timpson, Minister for Children and Families, and Lord Nash, Minister for Schools, and urge them to create a joined up system of support for families with disabled children. For a full PDF copy of the bill visit:
http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/bills/lbill/2013-2014/0059/14059.pdf 14

VECLife Winter 2013

Sparkle Update
By Kelly Westerby
The Great 24 Hour Relay Walk I am totally thrilled with the support from everyone and how well the Therapy team pulled together to achieve our target of 111 miles!!!! It was an amazing and exhausting 24 hours. Thank you everyone for making it such fantastic and inspiring event. We managed to raise 1100! Christmas Fayre The Christmas Fayre was such a fantastic event this year. We had a record amount of people coming to the Fayre, and we managed to raise a staggering 4386!!!! Special thanks go to Chris Jarvis for opening the Fayre for us and the amazing Pirates of Poole who were all so friendly and supportive, the children loved all their gold doubloons they were giving out. There are too many wonderful people to name personally but my heartfelt thanks goes out to every single one of you for giving your time and support to the Christmas Fayre, without you all it would not of been such a wonderful success. Same time, same place next year??????!

Zumba Night A massive thank you goes out to Anna who arranged and ran a Zumba night here at school for our Sparkle Appeal. 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. Christmas Fun Night The wonderful Fiona ran one of her, now famous, quiz nights which had a Christmas theme. We had 10 tables of six who played a Christmas themed beetle drive and much hilarity and competitive spirit ensued. The tables also had to make an Angel with a bag of goodies which were voted in to find the best one. The Dibblin family won with a rather suspicious amount of votes!!! Sparkle Carol Service Thank you to everyone who came and supported Last Wednesday evening we all gathered at St Aldhelms the Fun Night and extra special thanks to Fiona Church for our annual Carol Service. The Church was full who managed to raise a rather wonderful 500! and the choir sang and signed beautifully, but was totally upstaged by the beautiful angels who glided down the aisle to the delight of the congregation. We also enjoyed a wonderful rendition of Silver Bells which George Kettle and Rhys DuBarry played using the soundbeam and bells. After the service the congregation came back to school and enjoyed mulled wine and minced pies. A huge great big THANK YOU must go out to Hazel for organising the service which was so enjoyed by everyone and got us all in the Christmas spirit. We managed to raise 170. Going to press we have managed to raise a grand total of 6230 towards the Sparkle Appeal this term alone!! 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!
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VECLife Winter 2013

The Report
With Katherine Birtwell
Stoke Mandeville Games 2013
On the 23rd September we took 10 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 the sports: Wheelchair Football, Bowls, Polybat, Athletics, Swimming and Wheelchair Basketball. All the students competed in different sports Liam won the Boccia competition which was amazing. Also they all really enjoyed the wheelchair football this year. They all competed in polybat and Alex and Connor won the competition. On the last night they had a disco to show their moves and to celebrate their achievements from the four days that they had been competing.
Connor Takes Aim

Dorset Team Boccia

On the 6th December Victoria hosted this event where 20 teams entered the team competition. It was an all-day event with lots of different school competing for a place in the Regionals in Exeter in February. We entered 2 teams, Victoria 1 and Victoria 2. Victoria 1 had Akira, Kayleigh and Abbie they played really well as a team. Victoria 2 had Liam, Spencer and Alex and they reached the final which they faced QE 2 and beat them 3-0 to gain their place in the regionals in Exeter. Good Luck!!

Residential Faith Group

With Hazel Noyon

R.F.G.

From selling porridge,( the proceeds of which will feed two schoolchildren in Malawi for a year!) to tasting apple products for National Apple Week, Faith Group students have explored many ideas this term. Weve celebrated Harvest Festival, National Poetry Day, USA Thanksgiving, and Hanukah. Weve thought about Remembrance Sunday and memories, and thought about our own strengths and gifts. Our repertoire of songs is growing, and we enjoy singing and signing, using communication aids and books, and sharing together every Wednesday. We all get to choose someone or something to say thank you for, and choose someone or some situation to put into Gods hands.

Making a difference in Malawi

Residential Faith Group is held every Wednesday from 6pm-7pm. Students attending are encouraged to share their opinions and experiences on a wide range of topics always with lots of singing, signing and laughter.
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VECLife Winter 2013

Its all about ourselves!

This term has been about Ourselves. And what a great way for the new teacher to get to know the students! Classes have involved sensory subjects regarding their favourite things such as Colours, Clothes, Food, Sounds and Story time Characters. Students also got to experience some of their teachers favourite things which involved wearing red and dancing to Michael Jackson songs! Other sessions got the students thinking about different emotions and how we each may express ourselves. They were very lucky to be visited each week by an Alien from outer space who was studying human behaviour and their emotions. We can assure you that no students were harmed in any of these experiments! Actors created short scripts around the activities that made them feel a certain way and coloured globes found around the spaceship also helped to describe each students emotion. The Post 16 groups have been busy working towards their Asdan Awards,

Drama and Creative Arts at VEC

Curtain Call By Laura Eastwood

Class MH Costumes and props.

firstly in Mime and currently in Costume and Props. Students have had to think creatively taking a few starting ideas from the teacher and then developing those 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 own ideas and grow as a performer. We are looking forward to the work they will produce over the next few months.

Super Hero Day

Check out these photos of staff and students having fun on Super Hero and Children in Need Day! Everyone got into the spirit of the day and there were loads of fun activities to get involved with. Super hero films were made in our media suite, Super food tasting, a special super hero workout in the sports hall, super stars and even super sound effects and digital music plus much more. Everyone had so much fun and raised 146 for good causes.
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VECLife Winter 2013

Body Language

Performance and Dance at VEC. With Belinda Ellicott

A Night at The Opera

Victoria joins forces with the E.T.O. and Poole High to create a Brand new opera.

On 23rd September a very busy and unusual week began at Victoria Education Centre. Firstly a group of 20 students from Poole High School and 1 from the Bourne Academy arrived and then a group of professional artists from English Touring Opera. Key stage 4 and post 16 students from VEC chose a group to participate in and became either set designers, musicians and performers or documentary and media gurus for the week and the process of creating the original opera Offshore began. Students in the rest of the school took part in set design workshops where they created the beautiful parrots that were used in the production and had an introduction to the instruments that would be used in the performance as well as opera singing and learnt one of the songs that would make up the final show so

Our Star Performers

that they could join in. Then on Friday 27th September we invited an audience of parents and guests including our benefactors from Children in Need to attend the performance along with all the students from VEC. The show was amazing and what everyone had managed to achieve in 4 days was incredible. We also had displays of photographs taken by our media group and a premiere of Abi and Kierans documentary. We all had a lovely week and thank you to all the students and artists who made it so memorable.

Horrible Science with KWE

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 to spot an art exhibition that was also taking place so had a really great time.

KWE enjoying their horrible experience.

Harvest Festival This 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 lovely parcel to In Touch, a local Bournemouth charity.
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VECLife Winter 2013

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All the info, From Oaks to Post 16!

A term in Provence
Class MCs Autumn sensory journey By Hilary Stewart

Bonjour Mademoiselle

This term, Class MC has been travelling to Provence every week to sample life in rural France. With the help of Jacques, our friendly French puppet, we have been practising our French, listening to a selection of greetings and words. All the students, especially George Norris, Amabel and Frankie have loved meeting Jacques and they have been trying hard to copy his French! Another visitor to the sessions has been Fifi the flamingo, who has given us lots of fun jumping up on our laps and also snuggling up for fluffy cuddles. We have joined in with traditional provenal music and dancing and later this term, we are looking forward to a visit from an accordion player. We have been using all our senses in lessons and the

classroom has been filled with the scent of freshly cut French lavender, which we have rubbed between our fingers. Just before half term, we had lots of fun printing designs onto fabric to make a provenal style tablecloth which was then used as part of our harvest celebration and has been very much admired. Perhaps we should think about going into production!

The Harvest Table Cloth

Class EC Visit Santa

By Gill Tuttiett

All wearing Christmas hats, Explorers headed off to see Father Christmas at Stewarts Christchurch. The grotto was amazing with lots of snow covered trees and animals hiding in them. Father Christmas was his same jolly self and very busy preparing for Christmas and all his deliveries. We enjoyed looking at the reindeer even though they ponged a bit! Terry and Gary bought dancing singing Christmas trees which will drive everybody mad . To make matters worse Terry also bought a Father Christmas on a zip line which works when you clap your hands together. Beth and Kitty wandered off looking for chocolate and had to be tracked down before going back to the bus.

The little Santas

We were all well behaved and arrived back at school in time for lunch. Thanks to Garys marvellous driving. Wishing You All A Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. From everyone in Explorers.
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Busy (but fun) Times in Class JW

By Sally Thornley

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 process he did an excellent job though!

Holly Makes a bird feeder

November was a busy month for us and it started off with a visit from LUSH in Bournemouth who visited our school to do a sensory workshop. A couple of lovely ladies came in and showed us some wonderful products. There were massage balms, lip crystals, shower jellies and bath bombs. The smells were truly delightful and the students were all fully engaged in the activities, as were the staff and the classroom smelt delicious.

At the end of November we descended upon Build a Bear in Bournemouth where the staff were friendly and wonderfully helpful. For those of you who don't know how it works...you enter the shop...choose a bear type...cuddle bear...watch it get stuffed full of fluff...you are given a small cloth heart that you kiss/make a wish upon/rub on your own heart... place this inside the bear...cuddle bear again...choose a terribly cute outfit for the bear to wear...the bear will then have a wash and brush up...yet more cuddles (!)...and lastly you are presented with a temporary home and a birth certificate...job done! The bear was kindly and generously donated by Build a Bear to our class which we 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).

The Lush girls concoct something lovely

The JW crew at Build a Bear 20

VECLife Winter 2013

Class ECs Christmas Tree

By Esther Curry

Class EC volunteered to decorate a tree for St Aldhelms tree festival. The theme this year was musicals and the class decided to make a Les Miserables tree. We made solders, red, white and blue paper chains and musical notes. The students had great fun decorating the tree and seeing all the other trees in the church.
Amars ready to decorate!

Can We Fix It? Yes We Can

By Kathryn Webb

Class KW have being busy building this autumn. We went to the beach to explore and discover the best wet sand consistency for building sand castles. Whilst there we just had to test the schools beach buggies.what fun!! We had a go at different activities linked to building trades to discover how many different jobs are involved to build a house. Finally we designed and built a model of our dream homes. If you want to live in space, under the sea or even in a custard pielook no further!!

KW test the sand

CNs Horrible Science

As written By Brandon-Lee Real

We went to the light hose. We took our seats got comfortable, then the show started. We met the sciencest. One talked about electricity, one talked about bugs and the other talked about inside our bodys. The boy asked questons, they brought him on the stage and went to the different 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.

Getting to know MH
By Margaret Humphreys

Nicole and Angie add the finishing touches

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.
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Class PT, Life Skills and Diversity

By Phil Thompson

Class PT have been very busy this term in class and out. In Life Skills Jamie, John, James and Alec went out with Gemma to practice some important skills, they went to Westbourne, they went on a public bus and bought a snack out in a caf. Katie, Holly, Georgia and Stuart went out with Hilary, aka Madame Stewart, to familiarise themselves with the local area. They also had a visit from the Diversity officer who helped them think about the importance of valuing all people in our society and celebrating their differences. Georgia had 10 mornings of work experience at Tescos and really increased her confidence in working with others and coping with different routines-she also made Deana work hard as well!

Frhliche Weihnachten!
By Hilary Stewart

Life skills groups from Class ACO and Class PT have had an international end to the term with a trip to the Weihnachtsmarkt in Bournemouth town centre, where we were able to look at the gifts, decorations and other items for sale. After a little light shopping (always a pleasure for me!) we tasted some of the delicious, freshly grilled German sausages Bratwurst (pork), Krakauer (pork and ham) and Ksekrainer (pork and cheese). All were very tasty and got the thumbs up from students Jude was even brave enough to try the Currywurst. Both groups enjoyed dry, rain free trips, with Class PT even basking in unusually warm sunshine and able to enjoy listening to an excellent Michael Bubl tribute singer, who appeared on stage, with perfect timing, as we sat down for a drink. Most students were able to find a few suitable gifts for family and friends and both groups came back to school full of good cheer, all the better for the fresh air and a morning out. All that remains is for us to wish VEC Life readers frliche Weihnachten und ein glckliches Jahr!

KS4 Science Goes Bang!

By Margaret Humphreys

Key Stage 4 Science has gone with a bang recently, or more of a sizzle. We were investigating the energy in different crisps, as part of our Keeping Healthy module. The results were not what we expected. Youll have to ask someone in class KB for their data! Well done to the class for their excellent attention to safety. No thermometers were harmed in the making of these experiments.

We loved the Nativity Scene

Jude tries the infamous currywurst 22

Post 16 Living In The Community

By Hilary Stewart

VECLife Winter 2013

Students in P16 Life skills groups have been studying the local area as part of the Living in the Community module of work. We have been out and about photographing local buildings as well as researching community groups and activities. As part of this topic we invited two long term local residents to come and talk to both groups (classes ACO and PT) about living in Poole and to tell us how the area has changed over the past 70 years. Our visitors, June and Roy Barker, were really celled themselves with great baking skills, perfect manners and great respect for our visitors. Our students made a fantastic impression and Roy and June both said how enjoyable and interesting they had found their visit, despite being a little nervous beforehand. Its been a busy term

fascinating to listen to. June used to work in a local shop, making deliveries decades before the giant supermarkets started similar services, whilst Roy told us about the occasion when he watched German pilots dropping bombs on Bournemouth town centre.
Spencer and his biscuits

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

Georgia cooks up a treat

As part of the preparation and planning for the visit, students chose recipes of cakes to make for the visitors (flapjack and gingerbread biscuits) and we worked out the cost of ingredients on a specially prepared list. Each group decided on questions to ask the visitors and spent some time considering how to impress with really good manners and politeness. On the day of the visit, both classes ex-

Our friends June and Roy 23

Reminder!
Tuesday 21st January Parents Afternoon and Evening Education Therapy and Residential.

VECLife
Issue 07

Victoria Horticulture
Christmas Door Wreaths, Christmas Table Decorations, Winter Bedding Plants, Winter Baskets and Planters made to order. Open Monday to Friday 9.00am3.00 pm For All Your Horticultural Needs!

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

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