Celebrations Birdhouse wins twinning quality award for school

ALL SAINTS School in Hesketh Bank is celebrating after receiving a European Quality Label for “the excellence of the work” in its birdhouse project.

The school took part in a British Council eTwinning programme, which was integrated into weekly language lessons with teacher Erzsi Culshaw.

The programme promotes school collaboration in Europe through the use of information and communication technologies by providing support, tools and services for schools.

Launched in 2005 as the main action of the European Commission’s eLearning programme, eTwinning has been co-funded by Erasmus+, the European programme for education, training, youth and sport, since 2014.

All Saints head teacher Tony Currie said: “The curriculum is closely linked so that when we are learning about a certain topic, we also incorporate elements of the other country’s customs, lifestyles, resources and beliefs. As a result, children gain a deeper understanding of what a richly diverse and wonderful world we live in.

“This invaluable learning is empowering children to embrace diversity, broaden their horizons and challenge stereotypical thinking.”

For the award-winning project, set up in spring this year and titled “Vis mig dit fuglehus/Show me your birdhouse”, Year 1 pupils built a bird house, which now takes pride of place in their garden, while learning the numbers and colours in Spanish.

Mr Currie added: “This means that our work, the work of the children and Mrs Culshaw, has been recognised at the highest European level.”

The children who took part, who are now in Year 2, are pictured with Erzsi Culshaw and the birdhouse they built which, they are pleased to report, was occupied over the summer. KEW WOODS Primary School, Southport, is the first school in Sefton to receive a national wellbeing award.

It is one of only five in the North West and only 11 in the country.

It has been working towards The Well Being in Schools Award through Optimus Education over the past year.

It had to submit online evidence and host a verification visit.

This involved a tour of the school, visiting lessons, looking at wellbeing portfolios, meeting pupils, staff, parents and governors.

The award focuses on ensuring effective practice and provision is in place that promotes the emotional wellbeing and mental health of both staff and pupils.

It has a focus on changing the long-term culture of a school and embedding an ethos where mental health is regarded as the responsibility of all.

The verifier said: “Kew Woods is a lovely school, where pupils, staff and families feel safe, supported and where the emotional health and wellbeing of the school

A SOUTHPORT development has been hailed as one of the best in the North West.

Kew development by Barratt and David Wilson Homes North West won the Best Large New Home Development at the North West Property Awards (NWPAs) 2018, seeing off tough competition from developments in community is given the highest priority.”

She also noted that “From observations, interviews and the evidence portfolio, emotional health and well being permeates the school, demonstrated by happy children, wellbehaved and purposeful in their play and learning.

“They were secure and confident that any worries revealed to a teacher, an anti-bullying ambassador or the

‘Worry Monster’ would be quickly resolved by the school.

“Parents confirmed that this was the best school for their children because they were happy and energised by the day’s events, eager to share their experiences.”

Blackburn and Wirral.

This award is designed to recognise the North West’s best large new home development in terms of design, specification and craftsmanship.

Nearly 300 guests attended the awards ceremony at Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral’s Lutyens Crypt.