24th January 2010
Great excitement as Study Centre staff work with staff from Grendon Outdoor Education Centre to prepare for the opening of the Grendon Study Centre which will operate as a satellite of the Steelbacks Study Centre under the direction of Yvonne Tervit.
First Aid training
Friday 11th September saw a number of the Study Centres staff attending Appointed Persons First Aid training delivered by Phil of First Response Training.
Congratulations
Congratulations to Rob Jones, Diamonds Study Centre Manager who married Julie on Saturday 5th September.
PfS conference May 2009
All five study centres were represented at the national PfS conference in Solihul last week – not only by staff but also by two of our students who were invited to be involved in showcasing the work of the Radiowaves Supporter to Reporter Programme.
On the first day we heard presentations from Simon Morgan, Head of Community Development at the Premier League, and from Sue Hackman from the DCSF. PfS staff from Wakefield talked about how PfS had developed in their area and we were inspired by Sir Mathew Pinsent who regaled us with tales of his olympic rowing career and spoke of the importance of goal setting and perseverance. Young people from the Saddlers Learning Centre showed off their percussion skills and we were able to attend workshops covering a wide range of topics.
QiSS awards were presented between dinner and dessert and we were proud to see the Cobblers Study Centre awarded Emerged status whilst the Saints Study Centre was given Established status. Congratulation to all the staff who worked so hard to achieve these awards.
On the second day of conference Phil Beadle spoke about The Secrets of Creative Teaching, with references to martial arts and the Mister Men! After more workshops we heard from representatives from BT and the Football Foundation about their partnership with PfS in developing the Communicating for Success Initiative, we enjoyed the video made by Radiowaves and the S2R reporters, and left buzzing with new ideas and thoughts about how to move forwards.
Celebrating Success awards
The Northamptonshire Study Centres team were amongst five finalists for the Team of the Year award at NCC’s first ever Celebrating Success awards. We didn’t win, but we were delighted to be shortlisted from over forty nominations. Several members of the team were able to attend the glittering awards ceremony at the Park Inn in Northampton.
Below is a copy of the text of. our nomination.
Team of the year award
Northamptonshire Study Centres have gained widespread recognition for success in supporting schools in raising standards and pupil achievement, attendance and motivation. Based at Northampton Town FC, Rushden & Diamonds FC, Northampton Saints RUFC, Northamptonshire County Cricket Club and Silverstone Circuits, and soon to have a base at Adrenaline Alley in Corby, they have worked together to deliver the core Playing for Success programme to over 1800 Key stage 2 and 3 pupils from 68% of Northamptonshire schools.
In addition they have worked closely with schools and other partners to deliver a range of programmes which make a significant contribution to addressing the educational, social and cultural needs of children, young people and the local community. These include the innovative Kic.in2.study programme which aims to raise the achievement of young people in care by targeting the outcomes of the Every Child Matters agenda. NSC team members also contribute to the outreach programmes offered as PfS on the Road and Double Club by working alongside school staff to deliver sports based enrichment and extension lessons in literacy and numeracy, hosting visiting schools at the study centres, conducting stadium tours etc.
Feedback from young people, parents and school staff is consistently positive.
“…both L and C have made trememdous progress, especially in their reading and writing. I’m sure so much of it is down to their huge increase in self confidence having attended the centre.” (Teacher)
“It’s really cool as you’re learning maths at the same time as having fun” (Student PfS on the Road)
Staff deliver over and above team service delivery as evidenced by the fact that three of our centres have gained Quality in Study Support (QiSS) recognition. Two more are preparing submissions. All five centres have submitted portfolios for Charter Mark accreditation for the Engagement and Active Involvement of Young People and two centres have gained Approved Provider Standard from the Mentoring and Befriending Foundation.
The whole team meets formally five times per year and team members meet as necessary to share curriculum ideas and support one another with the review, evaluation and reporting process required by the national Playing for Success organisation. Professional development is addressed individually and across the team as evidenced by the fact that a number of staff have worked closely with Extended Service colleagues to complete the University of the First Age fellowship which will enrich and extend the learning opportunities on offer.
The Annual Review produced in September of each year provides evidence of the impact of the work of Northamptonshire Study Centres and the excellence of their product. Schools’ willingness to include a reference to the work of the Study Centres in their self evaluation forms reflects their views on the contribution made to school improvement. The study centres website (www.northantsstudycentres.org) is constantly updated to provide information about what the team offers as well as offering opportunities for young people and others to comment on our work and enable us to improve.
Study Centres at Grendon
Northants Study Centres were well represented at the Extended Services Day at Grendon Hall on 19th September.
Jeanette and Vicki offered a Healthy Eating workshop to young people in the lounge – lots of delicious fruit was on offer as well information about the importance of eating healthily.
Paul Burnett Visit
Paul Burnett, the Director of Children and Young Peoples Services, visited some of the Study Centres yesterday. He met students and study centre staff and was briefed on the range of initiatives and projects that the study centres are involved in across the school improvement agenda.