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If you have information to be included in the next issue of the PEP bulletin, please send your text, image and link by Tuesday at 12pm to pep@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Preparing for study, work and life |
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Campaign launched to find next Member of Youth Parliament
Portsmouth City Council in partnership with Unloc has launched a campaign to find Portsmouth's next Member of Youth Parliament (MYP). Young people aged 11-17 and living in Portsmouth are able to stand for election and vote. The deadline for applications is Friday 5 February.
Anyone wishing to know more about the MYP role and ask questions can register for the online information event on Friday 22 January from 5-6pm.
Voting will take place in March and details on how to vote will be shared nearer the time.
The resources below can be found on the Portsmouth Education Partnership website:
- Short video about the MYP role and the difference it can make, which can be shared with students during assembly, tutor time or as part of a citizenship lesson.
- Information/application pack for those interested in applying, including a link to the online application form.
- Further information for prospective applicants to read before applying.
If you have any questions please contact Sarah.Christopher@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
School improvement |
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Free online engagement model training
The engagement model is an assessment tool that helps schools meet their duties in supporting pupils who are working below the level of the national curriculum and who are not engaged in subject-specific study. The model is suitable for all pupils who have not yet met the whole of pre-key stage 1 in all subject areas. The engagement model replaces P scales 1 to 4. The academic year 2020/21 will be a transition year and the engagement model will become statutory from September 2021.
Across Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Southampton and Portsmouth (HISP) there will be six training packages which have been recommended by teaching school alliances. Each package comprises of 2 or 3 individual sessions and participants are required to complete all the sessions within a package. Full details can be found here.
The training is aimed at senior leaders, SENCOs, class teachers and other professionals who work with pupils working below the pre-key stage standards.
Assessment update
The 2020/21 national curriculum assessments will not take place due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This means the following assessments planned between April and July 2021 are cancelled:
- end of key stage 1 and key stage 2 assessments (including tests and teacher assessment)
- phonics screening check
- multiplication tables check
- science sampling tests
- all statutory trialling
You do not need to complete any further activities to prepare for these assessments. Primary school performance measures will not be published for the 2020/21 academic year.
Schools will shortly receive a revised timetable of local authority assessment support and this will be discussed in more detail at the head teachers briefing on Tuesday 9 February from 4.15 - 5.15pm, via Zoom.
Please contact Sarah Hilditch on Sarah.Hilditch@portsmouthtsa.org if you require any more information.
The DfE has also announced that the EYFS Profile assessment will not be mandatory in 2021, but providers are required to use their best endeavours to complete the profile and provide year 1 teachers and parents with information if possible. Schools who decide they are able to complete the EYFSP this year will not be subject to statutory external moderation. There will be no requirement to submit data to the local authority or to confirm whether they have completed the EYFSP to the Department for Education.
Leadership, recruitment and retention |
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Webinar: Teach Portsmouth presents changing career to teaching |
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Teach Portsmouth's next webinar takes place on Wednesday 27 January 2021 from 4pm. Hosted by Simon Barrable, principal at Portsmouth College, the webinar is aimed at those who are considering a career switch to the profession.
Two teachers who work in the city will talk about the routes they took and provide top tips on making the move. Sean Archibald who worked as an engineer and Tarryn Williams who worked as a police community support officer will talk about their teaching journey.
Those who attend the virtual event can also take part in a live Q&A session. Anyone interested in attending will need to register online.
Help us promote the webinar
Teach Portsmouth have prepared a downloadable toolkit which can be used to promote the event to colleagues as well as parents/carers. The toolkit contains images for social media, example copy for newsletters and much more.
If you know someone who would like to learn more about changing career to teaching, you can download our toolkit to promote the event through your website and social media pages.
Curriculum and CPD |
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Network for BAME staff
As part of the Portsmouth Education Partnership's commitment to Black Lives Matter and anti-racism, a new network is being set up for BAME staff working in schools and colleges.
The network will support equality, diversity and inclusion across the PEP and you will be invited to take part in regular meetings, which will be virtual initially. This will be an opportunity for you to share your views and experiences and work together to create inclusive workplaces for all. The school staff network will link with PCC's network for BAME staff.
To join the network or if you have any questions, please email sarah.christopher@portsmouthcc.gov.uk by Friday 29 January 2021.
Please share this message with any colleagues who may be interested but who do not receive this bulletin directly.
Free access to classical music resource for Portsmouth schools |
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Portsmouth Music Hub is working in partnership with Naxos and they have agreed to make their new classical music resource Naxos MusicBox available free of charge to schools in Portsmouth to help with online learning/delivery until Friday 12 February.
MusicBox is an in-depth introduction to classical music, with a focus on the listening side. There are extensive sections on the instruments of the orchestra, around 50 of history’s most famous composers, a world music section, and a history timeline. The variety of material is suitable for both KS2 and KS3 and can be adapted to suit your students' needs.
If you would like to take advantage of this great offer, contact Julian Edwards jedwards@naxosmusic.co.uk and remember to say you are a Portsmouth school.
Me and My Music: Free creative project for Portsmouth pupils during lockdown
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The Organ Project at St. Mary’s Church, in partnership with Portsmouth Music Hub, is inviting pupils of all ages to participate in its 'Me and My Music' activity. Young people will be encouraged to reflect on their experience of music since the start of the first national lockdown and to produce a creative response in the form of a painting, drawing, photograph, poem or word cloud. These contributions will be collated into a digital exhibition that celebrates what music means to young people in Portsmouth and how their relationship with music has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
Participation is free of charge and digital resources will be provided for all pupils in the form of a video and an instruction sheet, which schools can share via their home learning platforms. To register your interest in this activity please contact activities@theorganproject.org.
Portsmouth Primary Languages New Year update
The latest update for primary languages in Portsmouth is now available to read, including information on:
- ALL Primary Hub meetings for 2021
- Language World 2021: annual conference and CPD event
- Spanish resources
- French resources
- and more...
Healthy conversation skills training
This three-hour, fully interactive online training is designed to encourage and support the philosophy behind making every contact count (MECC), with added peer support, networking opportunities and support to implement what you learn in your daily life. The training is accredited by the Royal Society of Public Health (RSPH) and would provide great evidence of CPD towards various professional registrations.
- Understand how healthy conversations can help people to have better interactions
- Learn about reflective practice and how it can help in your daily life as well as at work
- Understand the factors that can make changing behaviours difficult
- Learn how to actually help people to help themselves
- Understand how to make SMARTER goals for yourself, or help others in setting theirs
- Become part of a larger network of people who want to help!
Upcoming training dates include Thursday 11 February and Thursday 25 February.
For more information and to book your place, visit the Portsmouth Learning Gateway.
If you have any questions please contact Robert.Anderson-Weaver@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
500 Pompey Words competition
Portsmouth Museum's annual competition for young writers can go ahead despite lockdown thanks to a new virtual video tour. The 500 Pompey Words creative writing contest gives senior school pupils (years 7 to 11) who live in Portsmouth the chance to win up to £75 in vouchers by creating an original story, play or poem about items on display in the museum.
This year's short stories can be inspired by anything in the Portsmouth Revisited II exhibition which features more than 70 paintings, prints and photos from across the city.
Although the museum is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, those wishing to take part can still take a virtual tour of Portsmouth Revisited II through the guided video tour.
The deadline for entries is Thursday 18 February 2021.
Free early years and primary courses from Solent Maths Hub |
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Solent Maths Hub has a range of courses and work groups on offer - all of which are free to schools. All of the courses are being run by NCETM trained specialists and take place online so participants will be sent links to log on and participate. Schools are welcome to register any of their staff on any of the programmes and can register more than one person.
Full information on what is available can be found on the Solent Maths Hub website in the 'work groups' tab.
Early years programmes:
- Building firm foundations in EY
- EY subject knowledge - teachers
- Developing language in EY
Primary programmes:
- Specialist subject knowledge for teaching maths - teachers
- Specialist subject knowledge for teaching maths - TAs
- Developing times tables
- SEND maths
 Free online courses from Portsmouth College
Do you have spare time and would like to learn something new? Portsmouth College
offers a range of free online courses, whether it is upskilling your abilities or simply to broaden your horizons, or just for fun! From mental health to exercise and nutrition, principles of business administration, dementia, and many more. Learn at your own pace from the comfort of your home. 100% support from experienced tutors and a certificate of completion.
If you would like to find out more, visit the Portsmouth College adult education website or contact the team on 02392344347 or adultlearning@tpc.ac.uk.
Online music learning |
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Further to requests from schools, Portsmouth Music Hub is now able to offer a package of 12 weeks of pre-recorded music lessons (years R-6), which can be accessed at home or in school.
If you are interested in this online teaching package, please contact portsmouthmusichub@portsmouthcc.gov.uk for further details including costs.
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Meon Junior School shares experience of successful switch to live and remote learning
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Sara Paine, Headteacher of Meon Juniors has shared how her school are thriving with live and remote learning.
"Moving lessons to live learning was nerve-wracking but we did it. We do three live teaching sessions a day, plus one additional session three times a week – bringing our school community together in assembly.
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Before the first day, I asked parents to please be patient, kind and understanding – and they delivered. My staff were terrified, from newly qualified through to teachers with 30 years’ experience, they were nervous; this is new, out of their comfort zone, and the parents’ messages lifted spirits.
Our biggest challenge has been technology and learning how to use it at such short notice. But, every day we – the teachers, parents and pupils – get better. Being part of the Thinking Schools Academy Trust (TSAT) has been a godsend, I feel that, as a group of schools, we’re moving forward together, overcoming the technological challenges and sharing good practice."
Emotional health and wellbeing |
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Home Office 'Preventing involvement in serious and organised crime' KS3 lesson plans awarded Quality Mark
The PSHE Association have awarded their Quality Mark to 'Preventing involvement in serious and organised crime' — two free lesson plans and teacher guidance from the Home Office designed to prevent young people becoming involved in serious and organised crime.
The year 7 lesson will help students to recognise unsafe or coercive friendships. The year 9 lesson explores the impact of serious and organised crime directly, including the example of young people involved in drugs supply with a focus on county lines (transporting drugs across counties).
Additional free online staff wellbeing sessions
Due to the popularity of the free online staff wellbeing sessions being delivered by Ian Hunkin, further sessions have been added:
- Getting through a tough week: Wednesday 27 January, 4pm - 4.30pm
- Being a reflective practitioner: Wednesday 24 February, 4pm - 4.40pm
- Yoga for emotional wellbeing: Wednesday 10 March, 4pm - 4.30pm
- Bringing it all together: Wednesday 24 March, 4pm - 4.30pm
The sessions are free to all staff from schools in Portsmouth and can be booked via the current courses section of the Sigma teaching School website. Once you have booked a place on the course you will receive emails with links to each online session.
The recordings of the previous staff wellbeing sessions are available here.
If you have any questions please contact Julia Stewart (j.stewart@sigmateachingschool.org) or Ian Hunkin (i.hunkin@deltaeducationtrust.com).
New calendar to support healthier habits
PHE have shared new Our Healthy Year calendars for reception, KS1 and KS2, to support young people to build healthier habits this year.
The flexible, downloadable calendars can be used in the classroom or via remote learning to inspire pupils to eat well, move more, and be mindful of their wellbeing - wherever they are.
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The interactive calendars and supporting curriculum-linked activity sheets can be downloaded from the PHE School Zone.
Update on Prevent programme referrals
The increasing time children and young people are spending online at the moment means that they may be at greater risk of falling prey to conspiracy theorists and groups trying to radicalise them. We know that there are particular threats from the likes of QAnon and far right wing groups in Portsmouth. The Prevent programme can provide support to individual young people around critical thinking and the need to understand how they can be misled.
Schools are encouraged to make referrals into the programme where they are concerned about a young person or family. The referral form for doing that has changed; the new form is explained here.
Questions about the programme and the referral process can be directed to Charlie.Pericleous@portsmouthcc.gov.uk or John.Webster@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.
Victim support during lockdown
The Victim Care Service, provided by Victim Support, supports adults, children and young people aged 4 years and above with the impact of crime. Support is free, confidential and is available regardless of whether the police are involved. An adult, child, or young person may have been a direct victim or they may have witnessed or experienced a crime. The service can also help parents, carers and professionals to support a child or young person with tailored support resources.
Call locally on 0808 178 1641 or call Victim Support’s 24/7 number: 0808 168 9111 (both are free). You can also talk to someone online 24/7 via the Victim Support website.
An information pack for schools, colleges, parents or guardians can be found here.
Emotional and mental health courses for staff, parents and carers
In partnership with Twenty Twenty Learning, the Southern Universities Network (SUN) is introducing a new programme of CPD online workshops for schools, alongside two workshops for parents and carers. Each workshop is one hour and will be led by Dr Felicity Wallace. There will be opportunities for discussion and questions.
Staff CPD workshops:
- Protecting your mental health as a teacher in a post-Covid world
- Supporting children with emotional and mental health needs in the classroom
- Supporting care-experienced children and young people in the classroom
- Supporting adolescents in the classroom.
Parent and carer workshops:
- Supporting your child with home learning
- Supporting a child with emotional needs at home.
Temporary new location for QA Children’s Emergency Department
From Tuesday 19 January, the Children’s Emergency Department at Queen Alexandra Hospital will temporarily be relocated to the Children’s Assessment Unit on A level within the Paediatric Unit. This move will allow the creation of temporary additional handover space for the high number of patients coming into the adult Emergency Department via ambulance. It forms part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Further details and instructions on how to access the Children's Emergency Department can be found on the NHS Portsmouth Hospitals University website.
Please share this information with parents and carers.
LA updates
Portsmouth governor briefing - Tuesday 2 February, 4.30 - 6.00pm
Following the very successful Portsmouth governor briefing last term, the next governor session will take place on Tuesday 2 February from 4.30 - 6.00pm. An invitation has been sent directly to the 100 or so governors for whom we hold contact details, but I would also be grateful for your help in highlighting this event to governors who may not be on our list.
The feedback from the last meeting was that governor colleagues are particularly keen to focus at these sessions on Portsmouth specific issues. We will therefore as part of this session share information about the three cross-cutting themes that run through our Portsmouth education plan: inclusion, early years and Black Lives Matter. We will also provide a brief general update on key issues that are currently affecting schools.
Governors are asked to RSVP to schoolgovernor@portsmouthcc.gov.uk by midday on Monday 1 February, and an invitation to the Zoom meeting will be sent out that afternoon.
Views needed for Victoria Park redevelopment consultation
Claire Adler is a consultant working on the redevelopment of Victoria Park in Portsmouth, for which £2million is being sought from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Part of the role involves working out the best way to spend some of this money to increase inclusion, particularly for children, local families and schools.
Claire is keen to have a telephone conversation with teachers to find out the best ways for the park to support teaching and families. This could be through creating learning resources with partners such as The Wildlife Trust and Natural History Museum to use in the new park learning centre or school. The call would take up to 30 minutes.
If you would like to take part in the consultation, please contact Claire Adler on claire@claireadler.co.uk before Thursday 21 January.
The HR news information is located on the human resources Google homepage and maintained schools and any academy with an HR Traded Services agreement can access it here.
Further information can be obtained by contacting HR.
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