Wigston Federation of Schools Arts Festival

The planning for the Arts Festival hosted by the Wigston Federation of Schools is well under way. It is scheduled for Monday, 28th June – Saturday, 10th July and promises to be an extremely exciting programme of events across the Family of Schools.

The event commences on Monday, 28th June with Proms on the Park with a Bond theme at South Wigston High School. It includes Abington’s production of Billy Elliott; Bushloe’s Print Exhibition and pupil mono prints sale; the combined schools Literacy Showcase and Dance Extended Services event; the traditional Guthlaxton College Bye Bye Blues concerts and many more. Please put the dates of the festival in your diary and wait in anticipation of an Arts Spectacular brought to you by the combined talents of the Wigston Arts Federation.

The programme for the extravaganza has gone to print and will be available from all schools across the Development Group.

Watch this space!

The Learning Curve

We continue to develop a strong working relationship with the Curve Theatre as we put together the 2010 Change School Programme for the College.

The Year 10 residency at the theatre in April was a phenomenal success in which the twenty-two students and two members of staff became co-constructors of learning alongside Adel Al Salloum (Associate Director), Alex Smith (the Curve), Nettie Scriven and Trevor Wooley (two creative practitioners).

This residency involves our students working with performers, animation artists and practitioners from across the East Midlands. The purpose of the learning activity is to investigate the premise of the independent learner a challenge presented by OfSTED (December 2009).

The programme continues and there will be a teaser campaign commencing Monday, 17th May which will encourage our learners to explore their learning potential through unanswerable questions, mind teasers and optical illusions. This is in preparation for the installation which is scheduled for late June. We will keep you informed of the progress of the project.

Bamboozle Residency

Following the huge success of the Bamboozle Theatre Company residency in November 2007 we are planning a further venture. The College has secured a grant through “Find Your Talent” to support a week long residency with Bamboozle to work in collaboration with Birkett House Special School and Guthlaxton BTEC students. It promises to be an exciting week where students will jointly enjoy a journey into the unknown. Our thanks to Lisa Robinson, colleagues at Birkett House and Bamboozle Theatre Company for sharing this venture.

Calling all Year 9 Prospective Students and Parents…. Dates for your diary

Our thanks to colleagues at Abington, Bushloe and South Wigston High Schools, parents and Year 9 pupils for their hard work and commitment in ensuring that the 2010 liaison process has operated smoothly. The Information Evenings, Parent Evenings, Year 9 Interviews and completion of admission and option forms are complete in readiness for the wonderful technology to do its task in organising teaching groups for the Induction Days. The data is being input and we await eagerly as plans are in hand for the 2010 Summer Induction; the dates of which are Tuesday 6th, Wednesday 7th and Thursday 8th July. This is preceded on Monday 5th July by a Year 9 Parent Evening. If any prospective parents or pupils have concerns regarding this process please contact the College for information.

Community Speed Watch

Councillor Gill Gore and CSO Helen Danson launched an opportunity in April for our students to be involved in training to become a Local Hero supporting the community Speed Watch campaign. A number of students have volunteered to support work in Wigston later in the summer.

Design a Bookmark

The local policing unit is involved in designing a bookmark to promote awareness of anti-social behaviour. Students have been asked to design and submit ideas. All contributions will be warmly received.

Safeguarding

All teaching and associate staff have received appropriate training for safeguarding in line with OfSTED requirements.

TMC Regional Conference

The Mighty Creatives are planning their annual student conference which is scheduled to take place in the Autumn Term. Once again they have requested support from the Guthlaxton College Creative Consultants. Their role will be to act as a steering group and mentors to other pupils from across the region. Good luck to our creative ambassadors.

Farewell

Sadly on Friday, 7th May we bid farewell to two members of the associate staff who have served the College with great commitment since the mid 1980’s. Colin Glasse and Jim Burbage who have been stalwart members of the Premises Team ensuring outstanding care and attendance to the premises and campus.

Colin Glasse joined the College in March 1992 having worked previously for the LA grounds team since 1963. Jim Burbage has worked with the LA since 1971 and Guthlaxton College since October 1987. A combined 86 years service to the LA, a true accolade of the loyalty, commitment and determination of two valued colleagues.

We wish them both a long and happy retirement.

Extended Services

The Wigston Family of Schools has a busy and active programme of extended services.

Across the family teachers, pupils and staff are involved in a whole plethora of activities including:

  • Science Camp – February half term and Easter holiday
  • Gardening Action Group
  • Emotional, Health and Wellbeing through Y 4 U, relate and counselling
  • Parent Support Group
  • Junior Steering Group
  • Student Council Conference Autumn 2010
  • Double Club at the Great Learning Centre
  • Team building, trust building and problem solving to support transition delivered by Steve Burrows
  • Cooking Clubs
  • Right to Read
  • Ready for School
  • DSi’s
  • and many, many more.

These activities are brought to us through the commitment, hard work and dedication of Lisa Robinson the Wigston Family of Schools Extended Services Co-ordinator.

Partnerships

We are fortunate to have a number of very strong and fruitful partnerships which help to ensure that we provide our students and staff with a wealth of opportunities.

The recently formed Learning South Leicestershire group are striving to develop an excellent diploma pathway for students. Working with High and Upper Schools and the Colleges in South Leicestershire has enabled a range of new and challenging activities.

The ongoing work with Burleigh, Hind Leys, John Cleveland and Rawlins Colleges, has led to a sharing of experiences in teaching and learning and a number of joint projects which have benefitted everyone involved. All colleges are Specialist Colleges in a range of different subjects including PE and Science, Performing Arts, Science and Technology and Media Arts.

This is in addition to the excellent working partnerships we have with our feeder High and Primary schools.

These various partnerships are important in offering enrichment to members of our community.

Watch this space for other partnerships links.

Pumpkin Competition

The annual growing competition has begun as the spring weather has approached. This year the competition between the Wigston Family of Schools is growing a pumpkin. At Guthlaxton College, four tutor groups have entered into the spirit of the event. These are WAJ, GCA, HGN and GGH. Our best wishes go to all competitors and we look forward to hearing news of the pumpkins as they grow!

Sally Cox
Deputy Principal

Published on Tuesday 18th May 2010 at 09:00