Investors in Pupils

We are working towards achieving Investors in Pupils status this academic year. The student voice representatives from each form who meet on a weekly basis are developing the principles of Investors in Pupils which are:

• An Investor in Pupils tutor group is committed to the development of all its members
• An Investors in Pupils tutor group regularly reviews the needs of all its members
• An Investors in Pupils tutor group takes action to develop members in line with the class plan.
• An Investors in Pupils tutor group understand the difference the development of its members makes to class performance.

The Investors in Pupils award is based on four principles:

• Commitment.
• Review.
• Action.
• Improvement.

These are evidenced through five key areas:

• Learning.
• Behaviour.
• Attendance.
• Classroom Management.
• Induction.

The student voice representatives when they meet formulate agendas from their year group peers based on:

• Teaching and learning.
• Governance/leadership.
• The environment/facilities and
• The community.

Please contact Mr A Maltman if you have any questions about Investors in Pupils.

Mr A Maltman
Vocational Studies

TES Conference: Food For Life

In May 2008, St Wilfrid’s was chosen by Food for Life Partnership to become a Flagship school. A School Nutrition Action Group was soon set up, made up of pupils, teachers and governors to discuss ways of improving the way we see food within school and the local community. Ideas ranged from changing suppliers - increasing the proportion of locally sourced and organic food in school meals - to creating a school garden and allotment plots. The greatest visible outcome of SNAG’s work however has been the brand new canteen area, created during summer this year. Our success with the FFLP was furthered in November last year, when Lee Dawson, Josh Angell, Ben Oldroyd and Miss Egan made a great impression at the YouFood Youth Conference in Bristol. Lee, Josh and Ben helped to create a student manifesto that was presented at the National Soil Association Conference alongside Monty Don. Due to this influence from Food for Life, St Wilfrid’s is only a short step away from becoming the first Secondary school in England to receive the Silver award.

The National Hall, Olympia, was where the presentation at the conference took place. Fiona White, the FFLP London Manager introduced the presentation “The Future of Our Food”, before Lee and Josh began to present, outlining St Wilfrid’s position on food culture before FFLP involvement. Mrs Wright then gave an overview of the SNAG group, its achievements and role within school before leading on to “Wow! That’s a mouthful!” a film about our schools success created by sixth form Media students last year. Josh and Lee returned to the stage to explain the extent of the improvements in food culture at the school, with photographs of the new canteen, community involvement events and farm visits. This led on to a summary of St Wilfrid’s plans for the future regarding food by Mr Walsh, before Fiona concluded the presentation.

Guest Duncan Goodhew was complimentary about the presentation and Fiona White later said, “Lee and Josh really were terrific yesterday and I think our programme is very lucky to have two such enthusiastic and committed, and confident, students involved. I know that Emma Noble (Director of the Food For Life Partnership) feels the same.”

Lee Dawson

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was launched in school last week giving pupils in Y10 and Y12 the opportunity to take part. Students achieve an Award by completing a personal programme of activities in four sections which will involve them helping people or the community, getting fitter, developing skills and going on an expedition. Three of the four sections (volunteering, physical and skills) will need to be completed in students own time therefore, participants need to be enthusiastic, motivated and committed. Disability does not preclude anyone from participating.

Each programme is individual and can be full of activities and projects that personally interest each student. Along the way they’ll pick up experiences, friends and talents that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. The expedition and training will take place in the spring/summer term.

Year 10 students are being given the opportunity to complete the Bronze Award whilst Year 12 are being can complete the direct entry Silver Award which is a great opportunity, especially for those looking to build up their CV before university/job applications.

For Y10 students and parents to find out more about the Duke of Edinburgh’s Bronze Award at St Wilfrid’s, an open evening will be held in the school theatre on Monday 5^th October, 2009 at 6pm.

More information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can be found at http://www.dofe.org/ or please contact Miss Egan at school.