Spring Newsletter 2011-2012 - Churnet View Middle School

Churnet View Middle School, Leek, Staffordshire, ST13 6PU Tel: 01538 384939
Email: office@churnetview.staffs.sch.uk Visit: www.churnetview.staffs.sch.uk
SPRING 2012
NEWSLETTER
We will create, for everyone, an environment of opportunity within a culture of success.

Children tell of bullying torment
THREE children have relived their experiences of being bullied as part of a
television show highlighting a Leek school’s tough approach to the problem.
Churnet View Middle School is to feature in the Channel 5 programme My Secret Teens, which focuses on youth issues, on
Wednesday, January 25. It is being co-presented by model Jodie Marsh, who visited the school to recall some of her own
experiences of being viciously bullied as a child. Churnet View youngsters appearing in the film include Milly Shields, aged
13, and Ashley Boswell, aged 12, as well as former pupil Meg Buxton, aged 14, who is now at Leek High School. Milly, who
was bullied because of an abscess on neck, told the Post & Times: “Although part of it was upsetting, reliving a negative
time in my life, it was an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience which I will never forget."Meeting celebrities who have experienced
similar issues to me made me realise it can happen to anyone. "However, Churnet View has ensured my issues
were dealt with and I’m now in a much better place within a happy environment.” Ashley, who was bullied over his weight,
added: “It was a big decision for me taking part in the programme. "But I wanted to help others and although it made me sad
thinking back to when I was bullied at my old school, it didn’t matter because I’m so happy now at Churnet View.” Meg returned
for the filming after being contacted by Churnet View assistant head teacher Karen Broadhurst. She said: “I will hopefully
help others to see that there is life after being bullied.” Mrs Broadhurst put Churnet View forward for the show after producers
sent an email looking for a school which had a staunch approach to bullying. Mrs Broadhurst said: “We had three
children who had been bullied, two from a previous school and one who had an illness. Their lives have now been turned
around and their parents were happy for them to be filmed. “Our school is recognised for its strong stance on bullying, and
the interventions we put in place to alleviate it and support those who are not only being bullied, but the bullies themselves,
who may need just as much support." She added: “If someone somewhere receives some guidance and reassurance from
something seen or heard, then we are extremely happy. Every child took part in one way or other and the atmosphere and
impact was amazing and so inspirational, and it’s carried on since the filming ended. “I
am so proud of the three children who agreed to be closely filmed and tell their story, an
incredibly brave act.” On the last day of filming, the school’s 467 pupils each let off a
balloon pledging that no-one should be bullied. In the programme, Jodie Marsh meets
victims as well as experts who offer an insight into the scale of the problem, from verbal
and physical attacks to adolescents who suffer at the hands of cyber bullies.

Schools joining forces to gain strength in depth
Head teachers and governing bodies at Leek High School, Westwood College and Churnet
View Middle School have this week started a consultation process to form a so-called
“hard federation”. The remaining secondary school in the town, St Edward’s Junior High,
will also be collaborating as part of the “Leek Federation”, but not on a formal basis due
to legal reasons as it is an aided church school. It comes just two weeks after the Post &
Times revealed that 10 schools in the town had agreed to a collaboration, entitled Leek
Education Partnership, to ensure that the education of children in Leek will not be harmed
by Government budget cuts. The new Leek Federation will have around 28 governors,
and each of the federated schools will have its own School Management Committee. St
Edward’s will keep it’s current governing body but will have two governors on the new
federation governing body, and vice versa. Each school will retain its own budget, although
the new governing body will have the ability to move money between the schools.
Staff would remain contracted to their current school.
Executive principal of Westwood College Keith Hollins will be taking the leading headship of the federation if governors vote
for the formal agreement to go ahead. He explained: “The federation is an extension of the collaboration of the 10 schools.
This will see the four secondary schools working even closer together. “I think parents will be overjoyed by this move as this
will strengthen the three-tier education system in the town. The local education authority has tried to change Leek’s education
system to two-tier twice over the last 20 years. “And there has also been talk in the distant past about shutting both high
schools and creating one for the town. “However, by forming this federation, it will now be very difficult for the authority to do
either of those things. “I must add that we have the absolute support of the education authority for this federation.” The hard
federation will mean the four schools will be able to develop a range of consistent policies and procedures for a range of
educational activities, such as assessment, learning and teaching, quality control, classroom management and the sharing
of good practice. It will also mean that all staff training days will be the same across the town. Letters about the proposed
federation have this week gone out to parents of all four schools, which have more than 2,500 students between them, and
a more detailed consultation document will be available from March 5.
A number of public meetings are also planned before the governing bodies at each school vote on the proposal. The
schools are envisaging that the new arrangement will start in September this year. What the four head teachers said about
the proposed federation…Reverend John Kime, St Edward’s, said: “The diocese is fully supportive of our collaboration with
the federation and the governing body voted unanimously to move forward on this.” John Spencer, Leek High School, said::
“I expect the town will back this as we will be able to establish improved procedures that will ensure there is ‘joined-up thinking’
around holidays, training sessions, whole school events and transition.” Ian Hamilton, Westwood College, said: “This will
give us the opportunity to raise aspiration in secondary education in Leek.” Julia Turner, Churnet View Middle School, said:
“This will be good for the children socially as there will be even more activities together across the schools, such as joint
performances. The four schools will be able to learn from each other rather than be isolated in our own institutions.”

BURNS DAY
Poetry in History
Mr Bartram, form teacher of 7a, celebrated
Burns Day with his form. The
food technology teacher got dressed in
a kilt. ‘Some children in the form
helped prepare the food for the Burns
Day celebration. The pupils were surprised,
shocked & scared to see him in
the kilt while they cooked haggis, mash
Swede, mash potato, neeps and tatties.
7a pupils said that the day was very interesting
and fun. It was also interesting
to learn about what one of our closest
neighbours celebrate and it was
very unique doing something different.
Mr Bartram dressed in a kilt
Mr Bartram was inspired to do this
day by the current news. He said that
there was a lot of news on the television
about the Scottish Independence
that coincided with Burns Day, this inspired
him to create the fun, learning
experience and activity day.
Robert Burns was born on a farm in
Alloway in Ayrshire in 1759, he died at
the early age of 37 in Dumfries house.
Fellow members of staff Mr Fryer and
Mr Marsh weren’t far from the action.
Some say because there was free food
on offer but others say it was due to
the poetry and dialect of Mr Bartram
that drew them in.
Scotland's bestloved
bard:
Robert Burns
Reported by Ollie Astle Y6

Trucks & Child Safety Day
By Ollie Astle
Trucks and child safety day
is a national road safety programme
aimed at raising
awareness of large vehicles
and the associated dangers
among children aged 7 to 11.
The course was run by the
DHL UK Foundation and DHL
employees.
This unique course allowed
the Churnet View pupils to
learn about road safety with
trucks. The demonstrators
from Sainsbury’s in Stoke
showed the pupils a demonstration
by running over a
bike very slowly.
Pupils are shown truck safety
They learnt about: the
blind spots of a truck,
the truck noise, mirrors,
reversing, stopping distance
and where to walk
on a pavement when a
truck is very close.
A pupil from Y6 (Lucas
Barrow) said ‘the demonstrations
were very good
and showed you the consequences
of a cyclist
being hit by a truck.’
Demonstrators show pupils
the blind spots of a truck

Remembering Patricia!
For the past few weeks, Saffron
Headech, Shannon Frodsham.
Izzy Cope and Abbie Cooper
have been working on Patricia's
Garden. They have been taking
time out of their lunch break to
help bring it back to it’s former
glory! Patricia and her little
brother Marcus, her big sister
Sammy and their Step-Father,
died in a tragic house fire and
the garden is in memory of her.
The four girls have spoken to the
teachers about Patricia and her
siblings, and have made a collage
which is the displayed in the
corridor near the Year 8 entrance.
Teachers have kindly donated
flowers to plant into the garden.
We interviewed the volunteers and
they said “We have tidied up the
area and plants, and we have introduced
new flowers and plants to
make the garden look colourful and
beautiful again. It has been a tearful
experience through memory
lane, & the journey is not over yet.”
Reported by Izzy Proctor Year 7.
Izzy Cope Said “They always had
smiles on their faces, and they
were fun to be around. I miss them
so much and I’m glad that all of my
friends are helping to keep their
memory alive. I miss them and the
garden is a great way to help people
remember them.”

Music Workshop Inspires
On the 2nd of March 2012 our local
Leek band ‘The Cameleonz’ came to
school to do a mini concert for all
years. On the morning, they where
here, they did a work shop for 23 pupils.
When they did the mini concert,
the 23 pupils sang the song ‘Marry
You’ by ‘Bruno Mars’ and it was fantastic.
Marcus (the singer) used to come
to this school so he was really happy
to be back.
Lis and Marcus are a married couple
so they had a really good relationship
on stage.
We asked some pupils (who watched
the performance) and everybody
thought it was very good because it
was really unique music. Their second
single is on sale on the 26th of June,
called ‘The Fire’.
The Cameleonz said:
“Some were a little shy at the start of
the workshop, but by the end of it we
had all of them singing, and they were
fantastic.”
There was also a question and answer
session, giving the youngsters an opportunity
to quiz the two musicians
about the industry. Assistant Headteacher
Steve Fryer said: “The pupils
who took part in the workshop were
selected after they wrote letters about
why they wanted to take part.
From the left, Lis Lawrence, ten-year-old Ellen Mollatt,
Robson Hart, aged nine, and Marcus Birks
Pupil Interviews
My Interview with Grace Mosley by Hollie Buxton:
Did you enjoy the concert?
“Yes, because I enjoy singing, so it was inspirational.”
Who was your favourite singer?
“Both because they work well together as a team.”
What did you think of the workshop song ‘Marry
you’ by ‘Bruno Mars’?
“I thought it was interesting, because I love the
song I thought that they sang it well.”
What were the song’s like?
“The songs were fantastic because they were the
latest kind of music.”
My Interview with Amber Johnson by Hollie
Buxton:
Did you enjoy the concert?
“Yes it was weird because they are my second cousins
but other people didn't know them so it was
good.”
Who was your favourite singer?
“Both because They are both really good at singing.”
What did you think of the workshop song ‘Marry
you’ by ‘Bruno Mars’?
“I thought it very good because they were nice and
loud and because they were all in tune.”
What were the song’s like?
“The songs were extremely good especially their
own songs because they were their own, not covers
of other songs.”

Rocks, Paper, Scissors
or
YOU
DECIDE
or
5A Miss Spurrier (2)
5B Mrs McDonnell (0)
The Rules Number of Players: In a classic game
there are 2 players. Playing is easy; once you start
you will never stop! Step one is to know your resources
and the enemies strategies and tactics...
(2)
Y5 1st
Round
5c Miss Frazer (2)
Y5 Champ
(0)
The next step is to know
how to start the battle...
First, you and your partner
hold out your hands
5D Mrs Berrisford(0) K H
in the shape of a fist.
On the count of three,
S A
say rock paper, and on
6A Mr Flemming(0) scissors show your hand.
2 M
C
Scissors beats Paper
Paper beats Rock
Rock beats Scissors
6B Mrs Smith(0)
P
(2)
6B Mrs Smith(2)
Y6 Champ
Y6 1st
Round
6C Miss Buxton(1)
6A Mrs Gleave(2)
Staff Homework
6A Mrs Gleave(2)
Staff who didn’t score a point during the
tournament and need more practice are:

Tournament
(2)Mrs Keily 7A
Year 7 had the toughest
route again into
the latter stages of
the competition. Five
form classes, in the
year, meant a preliminary
round playoff
C
where 7E were
knocked out.
H
A
(1)Miss Keily 7A
Y7 Champ
(2)Mr Windsor 7B
K
S
(1) Mrs Farrell 7C
Y7 1st
Round
(1)Miss Chidlow 7D
(2) Mr Windsor 7B
M 3
(2)Miss Henning 8A
(1) P
(2) Miss Henning 8A
Y8 Champ
(0) Mr Karim 8D
Y8 1st
Round
(1)Mrs Evans 8B
(1)Miss Whiston 8C
Congratulations to Miss Spurrier (2nd year running)
& 5A who were crowned the champions of Rocks Paper
Scissors Tournament 2012 during our all year assembly.
(2)Miss Whiston8C

BIG NEWS
CHURNET VIEW MIDDLE SCHOOL
PRESS RELEASE
All Change at Churnet View
The end of the Autumn Term will see some staff changes at Churnet View Middle
School. A Leaver’s Assembly was held for Mr Jon Smith, Assistant Headteacher who
is leaving the school after fourteen years. Mr Smith has been promoted to Deputy
Headteacher at Brewood Middle School but he will be very sad to leave Churnet
View. “I have loved every minute working at Churnet View. We work as a very special
team and the children are fantastic. I will miss everyone so much.”
Also retiring after twenty years at the school is Mr Pete Sinclair, Site Supervisor. Mr
Sinclair is looking forward to spending more time with his family but admits that he
will miss all the children and the staff tremendously. “Churnet View is a very happy
school and a great place to be. I have had a very rewarding role and have loved
making the school a safe, welcoming, learning environment for the children.”
Both were presented with a gift to remind them of their time at the school with cards
signed by every child in the school.

SCIENCE &
ENGINEERING WEEK!!
OUR YOUNG SCIEN-
On the 12th-16th march 2012
the school celebrated, National
Science and Engineering
week. In this week we did
lots of different activities. Year
5 and Year 6 made biomes
with different sections. A Forest,
desert, snow and a seaside.
It took 3 lessons. Year 7
and Year 8 made wacky cars
or rockets out of any materials.
Also they spent two lessons
making them. Three lessons
firing them.
Also some people named
theirs. Izzy Proctor, Izzy Cope
and Abbie Cooper named
theirs Cheese String. Everyone
enjoyed the week. It was
better than doing normal lessons
and was more enjoyable
too. Everyone was smiling
happily, having lots of fun
making the wacky cars and
rockets also they had fun firing
the wacky cars or rockets.
To see the video documentary,
please visit our website here:
h t t p : / / w w w . c h u r n e t v i e w . s t a f f s . s c h . u k /
School_Website_C.V.M.S/Subjects_Science.html
Interview with Chloe Hall by Darcy Kiernan
Did you make a wacky car or rocket?
“ a wacky car!”
Did you enjoy the week? “Yes very much”
What was your favourite part? “I enjoyed making
and firing my wacky car, even though it didn't go
very far !”
Who did you work with? “ I worked with one of my
best friends Leah Cooper.”
How far did your wacky car go? “ My car didn't go
very far, it only went 50cm”
What materials did you use to make your wacky
car?
“ I used old cereal boxes, coke bottles, tins, egg
boxes, colourful card and a lot of cello tape.”
Interview with Grace Mosley by Darcy Kiernan
Did you make a wacky car or rocket?
“we made a wacky car! “
Did you enjoy the week?
“yes, it was more fun than your average science
lessons.”
What was your favourite part?
“building and firing the cars/rockets!”
Who did you work with? “I worked with 1 of my
best friend Amber Johnson!“
How far did your wacky car go? “1.5cm ”
What materials did you use to make your wacky
car?
“tissue paper, car board, cello tape etc.“

POSITIVE PARENTS
We end this issue by starting our new feature called positive parents. Do you have family
members who contribute to their community in a positive way? If so they could get extra recognition
for their efforts in our newsletters in the future and show how they influence others.