VECLife Summer 2015

Term
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Issue 12 July 2015
Achieving Through Believing
r parents, our patrons and supporters
Its Official...
We are outstanding!
OFSTED Judges Victoria outstanding in all areas. See page 4
Features Galore! Including

The Sports Report, Apps Amazing, The VIBE,
Aurasma, Creative Arts, Faith Club
And Much More!!!
Staff
Awards
Evening
Full Report, Page 8
Classroom Catch-up
What have the students been doing this term?
All the very latest news

from Victoria School
Aurasma: A new way to
experience Victoria.
Look out for our interactive content and guide.
Achieving
Through
Believing
Welcome
Foreword
Welcome to a new look summer edition of VEC Life everyone. By the time you receive this termly
newsletter, it will be the end of a busy, exciting and hugely successful year for Victoria Education
Centre. There is plenty to celebrate in this bumper issue and throughout the pages you will hear
about the wonderful achievements, activities and events that have taken place over the term.
This feature filled edition brings you up to date with all the news and shows our firm commitment
to the kind of all-round education that enriches students lives, develops their wider talents
and prepares them for their next steps. Creative arts activities, digital media opportunities and
sporting events abound, we are proud of our reputation in these areas and this term students
have continued to enjoy and excel. Our international dimension and links with Vista Nova School
in South Africa are now firmly established and we are all benefitting from our eco-schools themes
which heighten our environmental awareness.
We catch-up on this terms classroom activities; tune in for a VIBE radio report and hear how some
of our students have been experiencing work placements. We continue to see the reality of how
much our students are able to express and enjoy themselves through the use of new technologies.
The latest sensory apps are reviewed for you and dont forget to try out the auras in this version.
There are five photos that will come to life and I would encourage you to take advantage of this
amazing interactive technology.
The inspectors called recently and we are delighted that our unique strengths have been
recognised by Ofsted. The inspection report, which has now been published, praises the students
for their achievements and the outstanding outcome is testament to the passion and commitment
of everyone involved with Victoria Education Centre.
This years school production of The Jungle Book was a resounding success and our approach
to National Schools (extreme) Sports Week was action-packed. At the time of writing there are
preparations underway for Sports Day and our Leavers Summer Ball hoedown. Everyone is
getting ready for the end of term and making arrangements for the new
school year and we say farewell to some students, staff and governors
sending them our very best wishes for the future
Overwhelming determination and commitment from staff and students
ensures that VEC continues to thrive and develop. It is a privilege to
be Headteacher of this amazing school and I would like to express my
sincere thanks to all the staff for their continued support and
for making Victoria such a remarkable school.
Enjoy reading this terms newsletter and I wish you all a relaxing,
safe and refreshing summer holiday.
Connect to VEC
Phone: 01202 763697
Mail: vec@victoria.poole.sch.uk
Visit: www.victoria.poole.sch.uk
Follow us: Facebook/victoriaEducationCentre.uk
Our address: 12 Lindsay Road, Branksome Park, Poole, Dorset. BH136AS
2 VEClife
Simon Brown
Headteacher
Contents
News
4-13
Annual Review Information, We Strengthen our ties to Vista Nova School, Pirates and Cars! Staff
Member Lauren Williams Has a Trim for Charity, Class JAs Make-over, Kitty and Sean Run for
Livability, Johnny Real Runs the Marathon for Brandon, Hannah our Canine Friend Moves On,
A Gift from a Good Friend, VEC Tramway is on the way back! VEC says No to bullies, The
Nursing Team Bring a Touch of Glamour to School, SaLT News, Sports Week Digest, Thrilling End
to the Fantasy Football Season, Secret Angel, Do The Stomp!, A Very Special Thanks To....., The
Staff Awards Evening 2015.
Features 14-24
The Sports Report with Hannah Powis, Apps Amazing! Your Guide to Apps with SEN in Mind,
A Guide to Aurasma and how to connect to Victoria, Get the VIBE with Tony Rudd, Belindas
Creative Arts Round-Up, The Eco Report with Jen, Faith Group and other news with Hazel Noyon,
Work Experience Week, The Adverts.
Classroom 26-31
Class JA Experience Peru, Class LB Visit The Sealife Centre, Food and Farming with JW, Class
JA News, Green Island, Yum Yum! Out and About with Furzey, CNs Bug Hotel, The Post 16
Employability Trip, Post 16 Life Skills Round-Up, What is Arne having for dinner?
News in Brief
At the beginning of May
we held a non-uniform
day at Victoria to raise
money for the victims of
the recent earthquake
in Nepal. 155.69 was
raised and sent on to
UNICEF.
Our song for the term
and film has now been
released on YouTube.
Sing and sign along with
Emily here:
https://youtu.be/
Awfl8A5phqU
Victoria hosted The
Bournemouth Jazz
Orchestra on the 8th
June for an informal
evening of big band and
jazz music led by Tony
Waller. The evening was

a huge success with the
orchestra on top form.
Our own Harry Bassett
joined in on the trumpet.
Everyone supported the
event really well and a
fantastic 858.04 was
raised.
Our summer craft fayre
which was held on the
13th June was a huge
success all round. There
were lots to do on the
day with craft stalls, face
painting, games,music
and entertainment.
2862.35
was raised and we would
like to say thanks to all
that turned up to support
us.
Class BE students with

Mrs Calcutt as part of
our work experience
week set up a cafe. After
researching what might
sell well the students got
to work and baked all the
cakes themselves. As
well as gaining a useful
insight into what it takes
to run a cafe they made
152 profit. The money
raised will go to buying
talking scales and digital
measuring jugs for the
food tech room.
To everyone who
supported the Jungle
Book on Sunday 28th
June a huge thank you
and congratulations to
all our fantastic students.
With ticket sales, the

raffle and donations on
the door the total came
to around 440. DVDs
are available to order
price 5 each if you
werent able to come,
or did come and want a
copy. Order forms are
on reception (see Page
22 ed).
Class Pergins students
following the Events
Management course
organised a festival in
June and raised 35 for
FOVEC. The event had
live music from Kimari
Raven, Shaun Gary
Palmer and EJ Evans
as well as food kindly
provided by Tesco.
VEClife
Latest news
We are Outstanding!
The two day Ofsted inspection took place on 2526th June and we are delighted to be recognised
as an outstanding provision.
Ofsted judged Victoria Education Centre as
outstanding in all areas.
We are absolutely thrilled that our integrated
approach to education, therapy and care enables
students to make outstanding progress and
achievement. Ofsted says an outstanding school
is highly effective in delivering outcomes that
provide exceptionally well for all its pupils needs,
ensuring that pupils are well equipped for the next
stage of their education.
The report commented that:
Pupils from the youngest to the oldest
make outstanding progress. They thrive,
enjoy school, and achieve well academically,
vocationally and in their personal and social
development.
The range of subjects and experiences
offered to pupils is excellent. The curriculum
meets the wide range of learning needs

well and equips pupils with the skills they
need.
They praised the quality of teaching which
is outstanding, dynamic and has
numerous strengths, and recognised the
exceptional relationships between staff
and pupils.
The schools work to keep pupils safe and
secure is outstanding and it is noted that
staff are very skilled in ensuring all pupils
are highly engaged in learning.
Ofsted also highlighted that:
Staff are highly committed and enjoy their
work and that parents are equally fulsome
in their praise of the school and hold it in
high esteem.
We are making a real difference to the lives
of our students and their families. We are
delighted that the efforts of all those involved
and the achievements of the school have
been recognised by Ofsted; however we will
not rest on our laurels and we will continue
to ensure that we are doing our very best for
every student.
Important News For Parents and Carers
In the past we have notified parents by letter during the summer holidays of their childs Annual
Review date for the next academic year. This year we will be emailing parents the date during the
holidays. When you receive the email please confirm by email and/or confirm in writing in your
childs student planner. Please advise us of any contact changes. We hope that parents are happy
and prefer this method of advice and if you do have any concerns about this please dont hesitate
to contact Jane Spinney in Administration on 01202 758300. Many thanks.
School Ties to Nova Vista
Victoria has been developing strong links with the Vista

Nova School in Cape Town, South Africa. Our partnership
started last year as part of an international themed
term and our students had the opportunity to meet their
contemporaries face to face via Skype. Our friendship has
developed rapidly with both schools keen to work closely
together. The Vista Nova School provides education for
students with Cerebral Palsy and other learning disabilities
and was founded in 1954 by concerned parents whose
children had Cerebral Palsy. The school moved to its
current site after being allocated funding by the government
and the official opening took place on March 7th 1968. In
1989 the school established a separate campus and to
4 VEClife
Friends: Nova Vista and Victoria
date has a roll of 420 students and 120 staff. Unlike traditional community based schools, Vista
Nova has learners from all over the Cape Peninsula. The school operates an extensive wheelchair
equipped bus service providing transport to and from school.Our students have engaged with
Vista Nova across primary and secondary phases. A Governor visit has taken place to support and
enhance the shared learning for both school communities. The focus has been on teaching global
issues and developing communication and sharing skills. We look forward to a lasting connection
with our friends at Vista Nova across the whole school and if any Vista Nova students are reading
this, we send our best wishes to you!
Pirates and Cars
By Paula Allcroft
As one of the charities supported by The Pirates
of Poole we attended Harry Paye Day on 20th
June this year entering the parade and running a
couple of stalls. The event on Poole Quay was
attended by about 5,000 people and the sun even
shone a little, although festivities were brought
to a sudden halt with a downpour around 4pm!
The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Anne Stribley, led the
parade and students from VEC arrived in the nick
of time to join in with those already there. They
enjoyed watching the fancy dress competition and
participated in some of the other activities on offer
along the Quay.
The tall ship Tenacious was also berthed on
Poole Quay as part of the fundraising day, and
many people were able to access and enjoy
Matt and Sharon wave the flag

looking round her. We would like to thank The
Pirates of Poole for supporting us again this
year.
On a soggy wet Sunday at the end of May
William Sabine was our number one fundraiser
at the Lazy Sunday Car Show, organised by
Can Am car club. When we werent huddled
in the back of his car he was out rattling the
bucket and saying give us y money raising
about 40 on the day.
Lauren Trims Up For Charity
At the beginning of May staff member Lauren Williams had a charity haircut and
donated her hair to the Little Princess Trust. The Little Princess Trust is an
organisation that provides real hair wigs to both boys and girls across the UK
and Ireland that have sadly lost their hair through the effects of their treatments.
As you can appreciate this is a traumatic and devastating time
for most children. The trust relies solely on the efforts of
fundraisers like Laura as they receive no formal funding. Once
the child receives the wig, they then have it tailored to their requirements to
make it as original as possible to their own hair or to create a new style Laurens
hair will be used in this way by the trust. As well as donating her tresses, Lauren
also raised money for the charity at the same time.
A New Look For JA

Class JA have a new look messy play room
thanks to our friends from the SPSGroup.
The wallpaper, which looks a little like Poole
Park on a summers day has brought a little
bit of the great outdoors in. Class Teacher
Jo Allen said We dont always get to go
out when we want to so its a great way
of bringing the outside in. Thank you the
SPSGroup from Class JA.
www.spsgroup.co.uk
1
VEClife 5
On Your Marks....
Kitty and Sean take
the 10k Challenge
With little more than a weeks training
some more dedicated than others, staff
members Kitty Dean and Sean Mogg
along with their friends Jon Skipton,
Adam Burt and Tom Purcell took on the
challenge of the Grand Shaftsbury 10km
run.Kitty and Sean were rumoured to be
taking odds on who would finish on top,
but it was the whippet Adam Burt a friend
of Victoria Education Centre who came
home first in a time of 51 minutes. All of our
runners followed him home to the finish line
The intrepid runners
safely, although some were enjoying the
stunning views of St Giles House grounds and countryside for slightly longer
but with the support from Victoria Childrens Home and their friends and family they all had a
great day out and are now looking forward to the next challenge, if youd like to join them please
speak to Sean Mogg or Kitty Dean as they plot our next adventure.....
Johnny Runs For VEC

As reported in the March edition of VECLife
Johnny Real ran for us in this years London
Marathon. On May 20th Johnny popped into
Victoria to present his Brother Brandon with
an amazing 844.95p. Johnnys motivation
for taking on this challenge was his Brother
Brandon and on his just giving website he
had this to say:
Brandon, who is 12, cant walk unaided
so gets around in a wheelchair. This
doesnt stop him being an amazingly
cheeky, fun-loving young chap who gives
Johnny with Brother Brandon
me huge motivation and inspiration to train for the toughest event Ive ever done, the
Marathon! Victoria has given Brandon excellent opportunities. One of which he absolutely
loved when he went to see England play rugby at Twickenham! (little bit jealous).
Johnny, who is a triathlon runner, trained hard for the big day and completed the full 26 miles in 4
hours 49 minutes. On behalf of everyone at Victoria, thanks Johnny for your brilliant efforts on our
behalf your donation will go a long way in helping us maintain the level of care we provide for our
students.
Johnny has made a video of highlights from the big day which has been posted on our YouTube
channel and will give you a small insight into what it takes to run 26 miles. See the URL below.
https://youtu.be/MRcwMWHa7Kw
6 VEClife
Good Luck Hannah

By Amy Hunt
Many of you will remember Orbit, the

Golden Retriever who regularly visited us
here at VEC with Graham Elliott. Graham
works for Canine Partners as a Puppy
Parent which means that he looks after
a puppy for a year and is responsible
for giving them basic training as well as
attending weekly sessions with Canine
Partners other puppy parents and their
Good girl: Hannah poses, and at

11 weeks (inset)
trainees. Orbit went on to continue his
training last year and is now fully trained
and working.Graham has continued his
work as a puppy parent and for the last
year has been working with Hannah, a
beautiful Black Labrador. Hannah first
visited us aged 11 weeks and so we have
seen her progress from a small bundle of
fluff who couldnt be placed on the ground
to a beautifully trained dog who is now ready to

start the next part of her training. Hannah has
now gone to Leicester for a two month intensive
training course before she will be matched with her
permanent Canine Partner.
On the 19th June classes Explorers, JW, JA and
LB gathered in assembly to say goodbye and good
luck to Hannah as she visited us for the last time.
We have not said goodbye to Graham as we look
forward to him returning to us soon with his latest
trainee!
A Gift From Frankie
By Jo Allen
Class JA were very fortunate to
have been donated some money
by Frankie and his family. We
really miss our little friend and he
will never be forgotten. He has
enabled the class to have some
new resources and extras to make
their time in class JA more fun, and
we know he would approve of the
choices.
VMR To Make Welcome Return

Tests are underway to pave the return of the Victoria
Tramway. The original tramway was built in 2004 after four
years of planning and opened for business in early 2005.
Former teacher David Delaney did almost all of the work
to get the project up and running (with a tiny amount of
help from yours truly) which provided many an hour of fun
for our students during regular Train Club Fridays with
some students taking operational and driving proficiency
tests. In 2010 the tramway was put into mothballs to make
way for the new driveway extensions until VEC Rehab
engineer Chris Hooker picked up the project. The new
incarnation of the VEC Tramway has been gathering
momentum over the past 18 months culminating on some
tests carried out in June. It is hoped that in the fullness of
time the tramway can be restored to its former glory for
the current generation of our students to enjoy.
On track for a come-back

1
VEClife 7
VEC Says No! To Bullies
In April as a culmination of our anti bullying initiative

(you may remember our anti-bullying week last November) Victoria
has just completed training to help us recognise, prevent and respond
to this behaviour. The training, funded by the Department for
Education, covered all areas where it might occur including the
classroom and online and serves to underline our zero tolerance to
bullying.
A Touch of Glamour Comes to School
Back in April our nursing team organised a night of fashion and fun and all in support of two
very good causes. The Hope and Homes Charity, which is an international charity working to
ensure that children grow up in a loving family and to end suffering in institutionalised care and,
something closer to home, the provision of a lounge where families can spend quality time when
here at Victoria. For just 6 a ticket guests enjoyed
a glass of something nice and a chance to enjoy a
fashion show put on by Travelling Trends. Since its
conception nearly 20 years ago Travelling Trends
has hosted thousands of successful fundraising
fashion shows which, in turn, have helped to raise
thousands of pounds for charitable organisations
throughout the South of England and enjoy
the reputation of Fundraising Fashion Show
Professionals. There was also the opportunity to
buy some of the clothes on show. Everyone had an
amazing evening and, combined with their bakesale,
Our Nursing Team on the Big Night
1200 has been raised.
SaLT News
By Sarah Gilling
On 24th June
Victoria hosted a
training event, organised
by the SaLT dept, for a communication system
called TaSSeLs (Tactile signing for sensory
Learners). Numerous schools from around
Dorset attended, as well as many of our own
staff. We had a very interesting afternoon
learning about the system of touch cues and
supported signing to help understanding. The
system is designed to support the early stages
of communication, and to alert learners that
something is going to happen, so that they
are more aware and have increased control
over their environment. We are purchasing the
resource and will be introducing the system into
some classes next year. Please ask your childs
teacher or SaLT if you want more information
now. We will be letting you know more if your
child is being introduced to these signs in the
new school year.
8 VEClife
Our Thanks and Best Wishes to

Emily and Nicky.
The SaLT team want to wish Emily Oram,
SaLT assistant, all the very best for her future
as a fully fledged SaLT. Emily has been a great
asset to the team and the school and we will
all miss her when she leaves in July. We are
pleased to say that Emily has secured a place at
University College, London, to study Speech and
Language Therapy, good luck Emily!
Nicky Mearing, SaLT, is also leaving us in July,
to await the arrival of her baby! We will really
miss Nicky, but are all looking forward to meeting
baby Mearing soon, and wish her all the best. for
the new arrival!
The Sports Week BlogDigest

Our annual sports week was a little unusual this year but we
managed to get the full week in eventually. That didnt stop it
from being one of the best yet. Read on for our on the spot
blog reports.....
Day One.... 22/6/15

Day one of our annual sports week 2015 has been a
little weather affected but not enough to dampen the
enthusiasm of our staff and students. The day kicked off
with an introductory assembly and then it was on with
the activities. Unfortunately some of our trips had to be
cancelled because of this morning's downpour but there
was plenty on offer. Today's activities included building
a hot air balloon, an adventure trail of games and some
competitive craft thrown in. Definite highlights were
Is it a Bird? Is it a Plane?
the archery and rock climbing which, as you can see, our
Day Two.... 23/6/15
students enjoyed immensely.
Day two of Victoria's Sports Week 2015 is all but finished and we
have had another day of diverse and fun activities. Classes have
been busy building their hot air balloons while our Green Island
Class has been enjoying a roller coaster simulation. A Balloon
football tournament has been in full swing alongside some gentler
balloon activities in the swimming pool. Classes have also been on
trips out and about today with Class CN and BE Ice Skating at the
Poole Park rink. Sensory and soft play has also played a key part
in the day's events. A great day all round but the buzz now is
for the big day tomorrow when we will be looking at some classic
cars and of course the running of the great annual Victoria Grand
Prix.
Smile of the week

from George!
Day Three.... 24/6/15

Day three of Victoria's sports week 2015 has been blessed
by the weather. A very busy, action packed day started
with our classic car exhibition. This year we were visited
by a whole range of cars from WW2 Jeeps and Bikes to more
modern Jags and Porsches. On then to the Grand Prix. Mayor
of Poole Councillor Ann Stribley started the race with
VIBE DJ Tony Rudd commentating. At the end of the race
the winners were announced in the post race assembly. This
Year's winners were: in 3rd place Danielle Crowe, in 2nd
place James Bradley and this year's champion was William
Sabine. In the "pushed" category race the honours went to:
in 3rd place Thomas Hazelton, in 2nd place Bobby Giordano
The big race.
and (drum roll) the winner was. Honey Arnold Jones. What an
amazing day!
Dance/Off Day.... 26/6/15
It's been an unusual last few days but in true
sports week style Friday came to a close with our
annual sports week dance off. This year's dance off
was as energetic as usual with our students and
staff "getting down" and "busting some shapes". Our
judging team were hard pressed in the elimination
round but in the end winners were decided. This
year's staff winner and Lord of the Boogie was
Matt McLean. It was a more difficult decision in the
students section but the result was as follows: In
3rd place was Leanne Moorey in 2nd place was Abi
Smith, but in first place and Student of Swing for
a year was Class CN's Ryan Skinner. Well done to all
our winners but everyone deserves a pat on the back
Chloe and Brandon Partay!
for sheer effort.
VEClife 9
What a Belter!
Thrilling end to Fantasy Season!
The 2014-2015 Schools Fantasy Football

competition has just drawn to a close and our
student and staff managers had to wait right
up to the very last day to find out how they had
fared this year as it was that close. All of the top eight teams
cracked the 900 point barrier with the top ten places being
taken by staff players with the exception of student winner
Scott Howlett who came 9th overall. Scotts team ooooo youre
talking to a girl scored 59 goals, 37 assists and posted 893
points. This years staff champion was Gary Hicks whose team
Galahs Athletic SoSoBad topped the table for the last two
A very happy Scott with his trophy
weeks scoring 67 goals, 55 assists and a fabulous 1121
points. Incidentally, and to give you an idea of the standard
around the country, Garys team finished 752nd in the nationwide league. Despite starting
strongly Chairman Angus Collins team The Celtic Red Army limped home in 7th place with
51 goals 31 assists and 920 points. Other notable managers were Matt McLeans McDirty
FC who were bridesmaids again coming second for the second time in a row and last years
winners, Kate Baldwins team AFC Baldwin (possibly under the control of her husband) came
in 3rd. Belinda Ellicott is mentioned in despatches with her Kreative Kickers team coming in at
a brilliant 5th place with 54 goals, 37 assists and 980 points. James Bradleys James Naughty
Arsenal came in second for the students, 13th overall with 47 goals, 28 assists and 860 points.
In 3rd place for the students was Ben Poveys Respect Innit team who finished 14th overall with
47 goals 28 assists and 846 points. To see how your team did and for a full run-down of your
stats check out the website or see below for the Victoria school league top 40. Good luck for the
coming season.
Victoria Football League 2014/15

Top 40
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Galahs Athletic SoSoBad: Gary Hicks:

McDirty FC: Matt McLean:
AFC Baldwin: Mrs Baldwin?
AFC Random-ish: Mr Godber
Kreative Kickers: Belinda Ellicott
Mr Ts A Team: Phil Thompson
The Celtic Red Army: Angus Collins
Christines Cheesy Crackers: Christine Phillips
Ooooo Youre Talking to a Girl: Scott Howlett
Im After You Jon Godber FC: Tom Buddell
Matts Geezas: Matt Randall
Kathryns Shooting Stars: Kathryn Webb
James Naughty Arsenal: James Bradley
Respect Innit: Ben Povey
DAVE: Spencer Owens
Sibleys Spurs: Joanne Sibley
The Winners: Reece Collins
Dancing Daisies: Deana Smith
Yer Avin A Laugh: Dennis Green
Charlies Dodgy Angels: Charlie Street
10 VEClife
Points
1121
1102
1085
1072
980
962
920
909
893
893
883
873
860
846
841
833
830
827
823
819
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
Points
What!!: Patrick Asher-Relf
819
Kit Kat FC: Katherine Birtwell
818
Frankies Fury: Jo Allen
817
Sea View Coaches: Shane Mitchener
800
Rogers Dodgers: George Rogers
795
Chelsea Are The Best: Akira Jackson
792
Mr Beans Team: Charlie Scott
791
Amars Magic Team: Amar Chidziva
790
Michaels Magnificent Men: Michael Dooley 784
Dr Who is Epic FC: Samuel Langford
781
Milnes Merry Men: Eddy Milne
780
Smashers Un-United: Sean Mogg
779
Blatantly Lucky: Liam Drummond
776
On The Buses: Joel Bathe-Taylor
774
Rollercoaster Rovers: Jacob Whitehouse
769
Parrys Powerhouse: Hannah Parry
764
The Naughty Nelmses: Mrs Nelms
764
Sweet Cheeks Robinson: Ebony Robinson 760
Rachels Rocking Robins: Rachel Nathaniel 759
The Vamps: Alex Elliott
758
Secret Angel
By Lisa Boyes
The first week after half term, we had a Secret
Angel week at school for the staff. It was a
fantastic week where people picked a name out
of a hat and then had to surprise that member
of staff during the week with an item that they
thought they would like or would make them
smile.
Staff were amazing and the excitement and
intrigue around school was fantastic. Staff were
so thoughtful and clever with their ideas and as
part of our Staff Emotional Health and Well Being,
we will be doing this once a term in the middle of
a term, so that we think about others, too.
A HUGE thank you to all staff who took part and
cant wait for the next one.
Do The Stomp
By Belinda Ellicott
This year the BSO once again performed
concerts at The Lighthouse for students in Key
Stage 2 and we were fortunate to take three
of our classes to take part in this. But this
year they also streamed one of the concerts
live to schools and so four more classes
were able to enjoy the event too. We learnt
some body percussion to join in with a piece
of music called Stomp and also learnt a song
that had been written especially for the concert
that we sang and signed with the whole of
Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. We all
thoroughly enjoyed the experience and cant
wait until next year! We will be singing and
signing the song in our end of year assembly.
A Very Special Thanks to.....

At the end of the summer term we are very sorry to have to say farewell to four valued and long
serving friends.
After 30 years of service Phil Thompson is retiring. Phil started teaching
here in September 1985 - a staggering 30 years ago! He has made a huge
contribution not only as a class teacher but throughout the whole school, leading
and supporting school development and events. For the past two years Phil has
been reducing his time here as part of a phased retirement arrangement and he
is now looking forward to the full retirement plan!
He has served our children so well and his spiritual guidance, dedication and
commitment to the Centre has touched all of those who have worked with him.
He should be rightly proud of his many achievements whilst at the Centre.
We offer him our very best wishes and are delighted that he has indicated he would like to stay
connected with us in the future.
Also leaving us is Chair of Governors Peter Jennings, Governor Carol Sammons and School
Administrator and Clerk to the Governors Jen Price.
Peter joined Victoria as a Teacher in 1993 and served for 15
years before retiring and becoming Chair of Governors, his
service to Victoria has been huge. Carol Sammons served
as Physiotherapist and Head of Physiotherapy for 24 years
until 2006 witnessing many changes here, and then served
on the Board of Governors as representative for Staffing and
Student Support. Jen Price started in 1996 and has brought
her administration skills to many areas of the day to day running of the school
including Finance, PA work and Clerk to the Governors.
The contribution to Victoria by these people over the years has been
immense and we would like to offer our sincere thanks and appreciation and
wish them all the very best for the future.
VEClife 11
The
Staff
Awards
Evening
The Victoria annual staff awards evening took

place on Wednesday 3rd of June this year as the
school celebrated staff achievement across all
areas. The strains of Italian opera was on the air
as the winners enjoyed a sumptuous hot and cold
Latin buffet and had a chance to mingle and chat
to some of the schools governors who were also in
attendance. Head Teacher Simon Brown presented
most of the awards with Chair of Governors Peter
Jennings presenting the Governors award.
It was a lovely evening and we would like to say
a special Thank You to Linsey Tilbury for putting
everything together and, of course, Stewart Fitt for
laying on a scrumptious repast.
Our winners on the evening were as follows:

Awards for attaining a qualification through
training went to Aaron Gregory, Vicky Gregory
and Rachael Charlton. The Livability Trust
Award winners were Andy Besant, Karelia
Wright, Eloise Long, Ewelina Jankowska
and Mark Moseley. Long service awards for 15
years went to Ceri Vosper, Vicki Goldsmith,
Sharon Leonard, and Kelly Westerby. Service
awards for 20 years were received by Jon
Godber, Alison Calcutt, Sue Barker, Julian
Bell, Carol Mitchell and Tricia Turle.
12 VEClife
Awards for 30 years service went to Carolyn

Nelms, Peter Calcutt and Phil Thompson.
Special awards were presented to Paula Allcroft
(Above and Beyond Award), Sarah Steer and
Kelly Westerby (Rising to the Challenge Award),
Belinda Ellicott (Going the Extra Mile Award),
Sheila Marsh (Positive Contribution Award),
Christine Stapenhill (Outstanding Contribution
Award), Hazel Noyon (Contribution to Extra
Curricular Activities), Sue Stratis (Ghostbusters
Award, Who ya gonna call?), The Music
Department (Governors Award). The team award
this year was given to our amazing Nursing Team.
We value all our staff for their amazing contribution which makes
Victoria such a special place, so whether you have won an award
this year or not we would like to thank each and every staff
member for their past and on-going hard work and dedication.
!
u
o
Y
k
n
a
Th
VEClife 13
Features
Report
s
t
r
o
p
S
e
h
T
Table Cricket
With Hannah Powis
VEC Takes Top Honours
At the end of June our table cricket team

headed to London to take part in the National
Table Cricket Finals. The tournament took
place at Lords, the home of cricket. A total of
eight teams from all over the country took part
with our own superstars making it through the
three match group stage to the final where they
faced Angmering. After a tense match Victoria
prevailed, beating Angmering by 30 runs. We
would like to congratulate our brilliant team on
this amazing achievement as this is the fourth
year on the trot that we have won it. Take a
bow Liam Drummond, George Rogers, Charlie
Williams, Josh Houchen, Robert Ewins,
Spencer Owens and Ebony Robinson.
Swimming
The Dorset Swimming Gala
This year 12 VEC students from all across the school

attended the annual Dorset swimming gala. There
were some very close races throughout all the different
disciplines, front crawl, backstroke and freestyle. All the
swimmers did well and received medals.
Our roll of honour reads: Tyler Powell 1 silver,James Bloor 2 silver, Brandon-Lee Real 2 silver,
Connor Ferris 2 silver, Tom Truong 2 silver, Amar Chidziva 3 silver,
Heather Rowe 3 silver, Charlotte Olive 3 silver, Sophie Young 3 silver (and a gold for the biggest
smile).Alisha Messer 1 gold and 1 silver, Sophie Pritchett 1 gold and 1 silver, Torin Van Breda 1
gold and 3 silver, Well done to one and all, a brilliant effort.
Boccia
National Boccia
Following on from the regional tournament Alex Elliott

and Liam Drummond both qualified for the National
Boccia Championships in Sheffield which took place at
the end of April. With some of the best players in the
country in attendance the standard was extremely high.
Both VEC players played
very well, Liam had a great game against an old friend
and ex-student of the school John Kirkpatrick winning 10-3. Alex qualified past her group stage
and into the semi-final where she faced a tough match against a very good player. It was neck and
neck right until the end with Alex just missing out. A great weekend and some fantastic Boccia!
14 VEClife
Sports Leaders Take Charge

By Hannah Parry
Leadership
In May our Post 16 Sports Leaders hosted a disability

tournament for Year 6 students from Bournemouth
Collegiate as part of their Sports Leaders Level 2 course.
Competitions organised and led by the students were
Boccia led by Sophie Young, Alex Elliott and Ebony
Robinson, Table Cricket led by Harry Bassett, Charles
McKechnie and Josh Houchen, Wheelchair Slalom led
by Abigail Smith and Abi Punchard, Floor Snooker led by
Tom Truong and Ben Povey and Wheelchair Basketball
led by Spencer Owens and Charlie Scott. Students from
Bournemouth Collegiate had great fun learning about the
different disability sports and having a go at each event in
teams. To add to the competitive nature of
Charlie officiates
the morning Victoria students tallied points in each activity towards
a final total for the tournament. Our sports leaders thoroughly enjoyed teaching and
demonstrating the variety of disability sports and having the opportunity to show off their talents.
Our special thanks go to the staff and students of Bournemouth Collegiate.
Duke of Edinburgh
Students Go For Bronze
This year five students went to the New Forest for their
bronze Duke of Edinburgh expedition. They have been
working hard throughout the year to get everything else
for their award up together, with some volunteering in the
radio station and others doing coaching. The expedition
was two days and one night long and involved setting
up and sleeping in tents, cooking dinner and making
breakfast and trekking/orienteering through the forest.
Well done to George Rogers, Esther Bromley, Rob
Ewins, Connor Ferris and Charlie Williams on their
achievement!
The students will be presented with their awards at the
annual Duke of Edinburgh event held in Poole later in the
year.
Sitting Volley
Adventure Awaits!
Ball and Gala Swim
For the first time ever VEC took part in a sitting volleyball
tournament run by Dorset School Games. Seven teams
competed in the event from all across Dorset and there
were some tough opponents. Well done to the sitting
volleyball team for taking part!
The swimming gala took place in the afternoon following
the volleyball tournament with Sophie Pritchett, Esther
Bromley and Torin Van Breda taking part. The gala was
a great success for VEC and all our students came away
with medals for their races.
Connor Completes 1500m

Connor Celebrates
A massive well done to Connor who this term has

completed his 1500m badge. He had to swim 90 lengths
of the pool and managed to complete it in 2 hours and 45
minutes. Well done Connor!!!!
VEClife 15
A p p s A m a z i n g ! Sensopsry
ap
Your guide to apps with SEN in mind.
With over 300,000 apps and rising currently

available its easy to get overwhelmed when it
comes to making choices on the right app to
choose. Once a term Apps Amazing aims to
cherry pick the best apps currently available to
help make that choice a little easier. This month
we are looking at sensory apps. One of the
biggest selling points for iPads in SEN is the
direct way that students can interact with it. No
confusing mouse or bulky keyboard, users of
an iPad can simply touch it to make something
happen. This has been an important step
forward for students who now no longer need to
learn the mechanics of inputting to an IT device,
they can simply touch and explore. Developers
have made great use of this facility and there
are now a tremendous amount of apps which
engage a wider spectrum of students with
complex needs than ever before. Those apps
that provide auditory or visual feedback are
commonly called sensory apps. The following
apps are now widely used at Victoria and are
100% free.
Sensory Cinevox
By Sensory Apps LTD
Free
CineVox is a visually stimulating,

simple and fun app that aims to
improve vocalisation and speech. Cinevox is
a speech therapy game tool that responds to
sounds. With CineVox you can also produce
amazing and fun graphic effects as it responds
to any sounds. CineVox can be used to
encourage children to vocalise and make
sounds, either through the internal microphone
or via an external microphone. There are 21
different visual effects in CineVox, including
mirrors, spirals, bubbles, kaleidoscope and
more. The effects change colour and shape with
volume, so the louder the sound, the more the
effect changes. Sounding fricatives (hissess,
shhh etc.) will change the display with additional
effects. In some modes it gives a snowstorm
effect, in others it makes your image black and
white and in the hall of mirrors mode it further
distorts your image.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 5.1.1 or later.
Compatible with iPhone and iPad.
16 VEClife
Somantics
By Cariad Interactive Free
Somantics is a suite of applications

that use touch, gesture and
camera input to encourage, capture and
amplify the interests of young people with
Autistic Spectrum Conditions and other
related communication difficulties. The goal
of Somantics is to promote greater selfawareness, confidence and independence.
Interaction is flowing and highly expressive.
The applications are non-competitive; users
discover their own purpose. The interface
enables users to choose an application and
exlpore with little, if any, assistance from
others. Independence will increase through
further exploration of the system.
Compatibility: Requires iOS 5.0 or later.
Compatible with iPad.
Pocket Pond
By Cariad Interactive
Free
Relaxing cause and effect app.

Stroke fingers across the screen
to get the effect of touching water. Fish
swim away from your touches plus you have
the ability to add dragonflys and lilypads.
You can also feed the fish and there is
a relaxing soundtrack which, when used
with headphones can really enhance the
atmosphere. Add in customisable lilypads and
thunderstorm effects and you have a very
absorbing sensory experience.
Colour Band
By Ting Wei-Liu Free
ColorBand not only allows you to

play sounds in mid air using the
iPads built in camera but is also a complete
sound sandbox and art creation tool. We all
know children love to create and ColorBand
gives them the tools to let their imaginations
run free. Basically this is a music creation and
art app. There are over 80 different interactive
colours, each one with a unique sound that
represents an instrument or an effect. After

youve finished your drawing, play it using the
iPads built in camera, by touch, or by automatic
playback. You can also have ColorBands mascot
bunny Lalabee dance along to your creations.
A good all round app, though this does require a
level of dexterity.
Spawn Glow HD
By Elements of Design LLC Free
Spawn Glow enables you to create

your own light shows using only
your finger, orchestrate a swarm of squirming,
bouncing, colourful lasers which responding to
the guidance of your touch.
The smooth and responsive touch technology
lends itself to easy, flowing movements of your
lights. Touch the screen and attract the lights
to your finger. Swipe, drag and push the ball of
lights to watch them explode into synchronized
patterns and sprawling beams.
We use this app extensively in the lower
school in class sensory environments. The
bright colours and motion are very engaging
to our students. You can make adjustments to
the settings until youve created the rhythm,
behaviour, and colours of your choice. Using the
sliding scales, change the speed, length, size,
and colour speed of your lasers.
Compatible with iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch.
Just Touch
By Sensory Apps LTD
3D Shape Shifter
By Xanist Software
Free
3D Shape Shifter is a 3D
Morphing experience. Using the
simplest of access tools, your finger you can
explore very colourful 3D shapes in your
own time, or you can pinch and spread
your fingers to zoom in and out. There is a
whole raft of shapes to explore and using a
simple slider system you can also change
the shapes themselves. Its a good sensory
app for sensory rooms but could be improved
with the addition of some relaxing music.
Sensory Splodge
By Sensory Apps LTD Free
Another app from the excellent

Sensory apps LTD developers,
Splodge is basically a painting app but
uses the iPads features to fully realise a
sensory experience. Splatter paint effects,
fish, butterflies and balloons on glowing
backgrounds and add funny sound effects.
Splodge is also switch accessible, using a
bluetooth switch box.
Splodge backgrounds include mirror,
underwater, glowing sun and calming lava.
A good simple fun app for all ability ranges.
Splodge can also be controlled by assistive
technology switches.
Compatible with iPad, iPhone.
Coloco
Free
A fun effects app for all ages with

30+ incredible touch effects. Morph
your face in the Hall of Mirrors - Just Touch.
Experience incredible visual, kaleidoscopic,
entrancing patterns that respond - Just Touch.
Fly through colourful tunnels and galaxy
pathways that open in front of you - Just Touch.
Visually engaging this is also a fully accessible
app and can be used by Bluetooth switch users.
Just Touch app can be controlled by assistive
technology switches.
By Sensory Apps LTD Free
Coloco is a touch painting app

that lets anyone make attractive
but unusual patterned paintings
and drawings. It is a fun way to explore
symmetry, colour, pattern effects through
touch. Produce mirror effects using tubes,
fans, solids and lines, and add a touch of
animation once finished.
That concludes this editions look at sensory
apps. Hopefully there is something here that
you will find useful. See you next time for
more amazing apps!
VEClife 17
AURASMA Augmented Reality
Your guide to interacting with Victoria

Aurasma is the world's leading augmented
reality platform. Available as a free app for
iPhones, iPads and high-powered Android
devices, Aurasma uses advanced image and
pattern recognition to blend the real-world
with rich interactive content such as videos
and animations called Auras. Over the past
year our Media department have been busy
putting together an Aurasma tour for visitors.
This enables us to bring to life any area of
the school so that visitors can see student
activities without the students needing to be
there. In short you point an Aurasma enabled
device such as an iPad or Android phone at a
photograph and the picture comes to life in full
sound and motion. Dotted around Victorias
key areas photos incorporating the Aurasma
logo have been placed near entrances. To
activate the Auras simply point the Aurasma
viewfinder at the image.
Aurasma uses advanced image and

pattern recognition to blend the
real-world with rich interactive
content such as videos and
animations called Auras.
Aurasma and VECLife
We are also using Aurasma in the pages of this

very newsletter. Whenever you find a photo
with a feature with this logo included:
open your Aurasma app, point it at
the photo and voila! Before you can take
advantage of this amazing technology there
are a few simple steps to take.
Setting up Aurasma on your device...
Ok, in order to get this content to work on your device you need to:
1. Download the Aurasma app onto your device. The app is available free for all
Android and Apple devices on Google Play and iTunes.
2. Open the app and swipe through the start-up information until you get to a
sign-up screen.
3. Fill in the details with a user name e-mail address and a password and tap
Join.
4. Next you need to follow our Aurasma channel. Tap the A at the bottom
of the screen to go to the Aurasma home page. Tap the spy glass icon at
the bottom of the page and type Victoria Education Centre into the search
window. Our channel should be the top result.
5. Select it and then tap follow. You are now following our channel.
6. Go back to the viewfinder by taping the square at the bottom of the screen.
7. Frame a tagged image in the viewfinder and the image should come to life.
8. Youre good to go! Use Aurasma to frame the tagged image above to see a
short Aura on our history.
18 VEClife
The
VIBE
themselves bonding with the BP children and mentored

them through the radio process. Helping to voice
a feature on the childrens choice of Mr Bean in a
Nutshell, a few one-liners for the Jokebox Jury and
a live phone interview with their head teacher Mrs
Luford-Evans. The children were still buzzing when
they returned to Baden-Powell and the next batch are
looking forward to visiting on July 1st.
With Tony Rudd
Its been a busy old time on the air for Vibe!

Ben Povey and Josh Houchen both came to
join me for four days work experience. They
began by learning the most important thing of all,
how many sugars Tony likes in his tea!!!
They then researched and presented a one
hour Michael Jackson Special that included
music, factoids, Misheard Lyrics and a Michael
Jackson Quiz.They also voiced the opening
Jingle that introduced a chronological look at
Jacksons Career and contributed creativity and
voice-overs to the Funky Chamelion advert. On
Thursday both of them took part in the Break
Time Show and The Wheeler Fortune Chart
Show before embarking on preparation for their
own final work experience show which included
a look at rap, together with a Famous People
in a Nutshell segment, an EMINEM feature that
Ben had researched at home. Ill miss this crazy
twosome; especially Cake Town Weather and
How do you like them apples!
Ben records part 2

Class CN have been busy making projects
connected to the curriculum including
Henrys Eight Wives and Was Henry
a good King? Many other projects too
including the ECO friendly Bug Hotel and
Ryan Skinner and Jasmine Langfords
Hilarious Shakespeare Series.
Pergins Class came to the studio to host
an On- Air version of their regular Thursday
Quiz with Hillary Stewart proving to be an
excellent Quizmaster. I look forward to the
re-match!!
Ben Povey has completed part 2 of his
story that he wrote himself -The Mystery of
Crystal Cove! Great work Ben.
Sarah Gilling popped in for what seems
like a crazy idea, Makaton on the Radio!
but it really works, please join in with us as
we describe the gestures every morning on
Harrys Breakfast show. Thank you Sarah.
Students from BP on air

Students from Baden-Powell school came to
the radio station, they were joined by Amar,
Sam Moores, (who provided us with cakes)
Jazzy, Ben and Josh for the Baden Powell
Community Project hosted by Beth Kay and
myself.The Victoria students excelled
Akira Jackson has completed Akiras

Comedy Road Show, two Quizzes and
many Dr Who spoofs including one where
the Daleks find it difficult to gain entry to
residential! Sounds familiar anyone! Many
thanks to Caron Mackinlay for her Cameo!
Crackerjack legend Ed Stewpot Stewart
popped in for a chat about his pirate radio
PTO
VEClife 19
days and Lord Shaftsbury was interviewed

about a future Wheelchair edition of the
Shaftsbury Run.
With broadcasting legend Ed Stewart

what goes in to the jingle making process, I
even sang a jingle myself! Jons ears are still
bleeding!
The Lord Shaftesbury Interview
People who help us is a series of interviews
of staff members with interesting pursuits. An
audience with Aaron Gregory started us off
in great style, so any other nominations are
welcome!
Jon Godber has made over 15 cracking jingles
for Vibe and I was fortunate enough to visit the
Plemont Rd studios to help Jingle Jon and learn
Anyone wishing to produce a Show, Eco news,

Story, Quiz or interview please contact me at
Vibe or give me a nudge in the corridor.
So many thanks to all who listen in and email
us regularly, please continue to do so.
VIBE produces around 20 shows a day,

here is our schedule.
The VIBE Shedule.....
Vibe Radio Manager
8.30 am Each morning FULL ENGLISH BREAKFAST SHOW with Victoria's answer to Chris Evans HARRY
BASSETT includes Makaton on the Radio, Thought for the week and Cape Town weather.
9am daily its STORYTIME read and produced by the Vibe Team with contributions from Class BE and CN.
At 10.30 each day its BROADCAST BREAKTIME with classes LB, JW, BE, CN and JA all taking turns with me
in the hot seat.
Mondays: 9 am "Alec Ross Presents"

1.15 pm Charlie Scott and Tom Truong "Reason to like Monday show"
Tuesdays: 9 am Ben Povey, Abi Punchard and Scott Howlett

Lunchtime club at 12 30 pm
Wednesdays: 11 am Wednesday Wind up with Josh Houchen, Samuel Langford and Charlie Williams
delighting us their regular Movie Review with shows as varied as Queen Special's, Swing and Charlie's
fav- the Accordion music special!
Thursdays: 9 am the top 10 with the Horizons "Wheeler Fortune Chart show".
1.15 pm its Philip Henderson, William Paisnel, Sophie young and Charlie Baker show.
2.15 pm Class CN projects.
4 pm. Resi Radio with Mike Whitlock and the gang.
Friday: 9 am "Wheeler Fortune" with BE hand Massage show with Joke box Jury and Quiz.
11 am "The Friday Crew" with Mike Whitlock but mainly hosted by Lawrence!! DO YOU KNOW WHAT I THINK!
12.30 pm Torin and Akira present the Friday lunch slot.
2.15 pm LEAP Radio show
6.15 pm YOUTH CLUB RADIO
COMING SOON!! THE VIBE RADIO CHARTS
THE VIBE RADIO AWARDS Stay tuned for extra shows and interviews as they happen.
20 VEClife
Arts
Creative
Sing, Dance, Act, Play.
ETO Wings Back to VEC
With Belinda Ellicott
After the lovely connection we made last year with

English Touring Opera, it was fantastic to welcome
them back again this year to perform their latest show
Waxwings for us. The students (and staff) thoroughly
enjoyed the performance and were able to be part of
the show, helping the evil teacher to make a spiders
web and to free the boy by helping to collect feathers
and build his wings another really lovely afternoon,
kindly funded by Friends of Victoria Education Centre.
The Wonders of The World

This years Creative Arts Week linked to our themes
of The Wider World and People and Places and so
all our activities linked to different Wonders of the
World. Students had a go at Chinese block printing to
create our own Great Wall of China, created peacock
feathers using photographs of their own eyes to build
a Peacock Throne, created The Temple of Petra
from sand sculpture, made trailers of famous films set in the
different locations, as well as having a go at making Incan jewellery and Aztec chocolate. The
class challenge this year was to make their own terracotta warriors. Students also took part in
Sea Battles and Colosseum games and were entertained by music from around the world in
between Egyptian pampering sessions created by LUSH. School is such hard work!
All That Jazz
After last years successful visit from Bournemouth

Jazz Orchestra to launch Friends of Victoria
Education Centre, we were pleased to welcome
them back on Monday 8th June. It was another
fantastic evening of live music played by top class
professional musicians, this year also joined by
our very own Harry Bassett. We were brilliantly
supported and even ran out of chairs! The evening
raised 858.04 and would like to thank everyone who
supported the evening.
Elves and the Shoemaker
Last term in our Dance lessons, Class JW were learning about fairytales and so we decided it
would be a lovely plan to go to see a ballet based on the story of the Elves and the Shoemaker
performed by Northern Ballet. For some of our students, this was their first visit to a theatre and
so it was a really exciting trip. Our favourite bit was when the Elves were bouncing up and down
on the leaves and when everyone lived happily ever after.
PTO
VEClife 21
Musical Magic From New Forest Woodwind

As part of our studies looking at the different instruments
in the orchestra, Classes Explorers, JA, Green Island and
LB all had a visit from Tim who not only plays the flute,
but also the recorder, clarinet and saxophone. We had a
really lovely time listening to the different sounds, music
from different time periods and composers and having a
go at playing the instruments ourselves. We look forward
to welcoming Tim back as part of our Creative Arts Week
where more students will experience these instruments
along with a variety of music from around the world.
The Jungle Book Premier
The
The cast take a bow.
This years production was planned as an opportunity to

show off our fantastic new walkway through the woods.
This year the students were back acting, singing and
dancing to put their own mark on a classic story, plus
we also had cameo appearances by Simon and Angus.
The premiere took place at The Barrington Theatre on
Sunday 28th June and was sponsored by local company
Astute. DVDs are now on sale and can be ordered at
reception 5 each. Congratulations to the stars of the
film and all the crew plus a big thank you to everyone who
supported us.
EC Report
With Jen Williams
This term there has been lots of growing going

on! The tomato growing competition is going
well and Class CN have won the race for the
first green tomato.
Well done Class CN!
Now we are all busy
watering and feeding
our class tomato
plants in the hope of
CNs Winners
winning the heaviest
weight of red tomatoes at the end of term.
There has also been lots of work with plants in
classes too. Class LB have been investigating
conditions for growth, Class JW have grown
grass, Explorers have
been growing
beautiful flower pots
and Green Islands
outside area is
flourishing, just
to mention a few
GIs Planting Areas
examples.
The Hanging Gardens of Victoria planted in
Creative Arts week is also looking wonderful
and the meadow area is starting to grow well.
22 VEClife
The Hanging Gardens of Victoria
Class JW enjoyed sowing the meadow seed

in late spring. Hopefully all these plants will be
helping the butterflies and bees! Our Walk in
Wednesday went well (a big thank you to all
staff who made the extra effort) and the ecocommittee have decided to make this a regular
event with perhaps a week each term where
staff are encouraged to leave their cars at home
for a day (or more!). Chelsea was impressed
with Margarets cycling efforts! Finally, Class CN
have worked on a superb bug hotel with the help
of Kevin Rideout from the National Trust. It is in
the woods by the pond and is already receiving
guests! On behalf of the eco-committee thanks
to everyone for all the great eco work this term
and have a great, green summer.
CNs Bug Hotel
FAITH
Group
And
Other
News
With Hazel Noyon
Alternatively....
The Alternatives (- Next Steps 2 Sensory Music

Group) are becoming stars on the cabaret
circuit well, at least in Green Island! Once a
month, whilst the students have their morning
drinks and snacks, The Alternatives entertain
them by singing and signing. Our repertoire of
songs is growing, and we encourage audience
participation, mostly of the polite kind!
A Day in the Life of a.....
Resonance Board
Well really six days

of the week Im just an
Alfies not bored!
unassuming piece of
plywood on a frame,
stood in the corner of
a room minding my
own business. But
the seventh day you
wouldnt believe what
happens! Children happen, thats what! Im laid on the
floor and have children lowered on to me small ones,
larger ones, squirming ones, still ones, adventurous
ones. Theyre all doing something amazing they
are choosing to communicate. Youd be astounded at
the ways they come up with to do this. Some smile,
some eye-gaze, some gesture, some dance; they are
extraordinarily creative about this communicating!
It seems exhausting after a while some just sprawl
contentedly out flat! For my part I feed back the
sensation of their movement to them, so theyre helped
to become aware of themselves. Im aided in this by
some singing bowls and a massage bug, all of which
resonate on me to enhance the childrens experience of
me. And then its all over again. The stretches, smiles,
the reaching out, singing, exploring are memories.
Im stood up again out of everyones way against the
wall. But never underestimate the significance of an
inexpensive, easily overlooked bit of board!
The Alternatives Entertain
Faith Group News
Regular participants of Faith Group felt that an

Good Luck Jess!
extra-special occasion was required to mark
and we thought about Christian Aid week and the
Jess departure from the Childrens Home to her
Christian festival of Pentecost. We celebrated
adult home! Music-loving Jess has been a very
our lovely school grounds for National School
enthusiastic member of Faith Group since its
Grounds Week Learning through landscape.
beginning 5 years ago. So a psychedelic send-off
and thought about how grateful we are to Carol
took place, a Summer Solstice party with a BBQ.
Jess parents and grandparents came to join the fun and the Hort team and students to sustain such
a lovely environment for us all to enjoy. We also
in their hippie gear! Staff and resident children and
enjoyed celebrating the power of happiness, and
young people dressed up in their colourful hippie
considered angels and UFOs so we have had
gear too, some of the residents had decorated their
own tee-shirts. Everyone enjoyed the warm evening a wide-ranging exploration of all sorts of ideas,
sunshine, the music, food and the opportunity to relax accompanied as usual by lots of singing, signing,
together. Jess inimitable contribution to Faith Group laughter and very thought-provoking moments
prompted by the students responses. Faith
will be sorely missed, but we all hope and pray that
she will quickly settle very happily into her new home Group will continue throughout the school summer
holidays for the Childrens Home residents, and the
with her new friends.
ancient celebration of Lammas Day ( the first wheat
Other than partying, Faith Group participants have
explored and celebrated many themes this term. We harvest), the Edinburgh Festival and the Notting Hill
Carnival are amongst the occasions to celebrate!
thought about the 7th Earl Shaftesbury, Founder of
the Shaftesbury Society which became Livability,
VEClife 23
Work ExperienceWeek
ne
u
J
h
t
9
1
h
t
15
Work experience week at Victoria took place in June with many of our students taking part. Their
placements were wide and varied with the aim of gaining experience from the world of work.
Placements included John Lewis, Adventure Wonderland, the Holton Lee country activity centre
and beach patrol as well as other school based placements.
Customer Service
By Sally Darby
Zeny and I had the privilege of assisting Tom and

Charlie W with their Work Experience at John Lewis.
Dressed in their Business attire (and I must say looking
every bit the part) Tom and Charlie were provided with
badges and security passes. Throughout their time
there Tom and Charlie undertook a variety of duties
including stock checking, Click & Collect, door duty,
security, dealing with customer queries etc. Both really
Tom and Charlie get to work
enjoyed the experience and I am extremely proud that
by representing our School as they did, we have been
fortunate to receive the following quote from the John
By Sue Plackett
Lewis Partnership:Holton Lee was such a wonderful experience, it
was the best week ever, so organised and action
Since you guys have left we have been talking and it
packed.The
appears that Charlie and Tom have left a mark on this
days whizzed
store and our Partners. We felt quite emotional saying
by Ben and
goodbye to you guys, and after a few well placed chats
James wanted
we are all agreed we would love to keep the relationship
to stay there for
going and make it stronger between us Well done Tom
a holiday it was
and Charlie.
so good.
Geoff and Dave
were amazing
By Charlotte Clarke
Back to Nature
Connor Helps Out
Connor chose to help out class JA and the sports

department over his 4 days.
He worked really well in
class JA engaging with
the students in particular
George Kettle and was a
fantastic member of the
team throughout. In Sports
department he helped with
golden goggles tournament,
Connor in Class JA
helped out in a lesson and
got on the trampoline to help
Bobby in explorers for his physio, but mainly set up all
of the grand prix flags and decorations.
On The Farm
The Great Outdoors
they understood our students needs and got to

know them and their characters really quickly.
We had a lovely venue with great access and
kitchen facilities.The activities were varied and
well organised and great fun.
Wonderland
By Lisa Benedetto
Eight students went to Adventure Wonderland and

did daily park checks, shop stock takes, making up
party bags and when all the hard work was done
made the most of the opportunity to be big kids
and go on all the rides. Everyone enjoyed their
experience and they represented the school really
well.
By Julia Rogers
Spencers work experience involved

being a farm hand on a pastoral farm.
He herded the cattle every day and
performed regular maintenance checks
around the farm. He really enjoyed the
experience and has proved his worth
as an excellent herder (see photo).
24 VEClife
Spencer Home on the range
Advertisements
VECLife has a growing readership and a perpetual online presence so if you would like
to advertise your business or services for a small donation to Victoria please contact
Sue Stratis on 01202 768007.
Add Some Colour to your Summer

A good selection of perennials & shrubs is always
available at competitive prices!!
Our shop is set up and maintained by young
adults who are supported by the team at Victoria.
All plants on sale are cared for and grown
by the young people themselves alongside
our wide range of gifts and produce. The
shop is our unique way of interacting with our
community and many of our customers return
again and again to access this valuable local
resource.Why not pop in and pick up a bargain
knowing every penny you spend goes back into
supporting the young people at Victoria.
An excellent selection of discounted

Summer bedding is now available!
Open Monday to Friday 9am - 3.30pm
The Official DVD of this years

Production of Jungle Book
Now Available for 5
Matthew Sturgeon
Music Therapist
Music therapy is a psychological

therapy using music as a tool for
interaction between the therapist and
client(s).
Music therapy can help young people
with learning and physical disabilities by:
- encouraging and stimulating physical
movement and co-ordination. - increasing
interaction and communication with
parents, carers and others. - increasing
self-esteem and confidence - helping to
find a new means of expressing emotions.
- enhancing spontaneity and openness to
new ideas.
Please Contact Matthew Sturgeon
Home: 01202 622639

Mobile: 0758 4083445
Email: matthew.d.sturgeon@gmail.com
Website: www.mattsturgeonmt.com
OW!
Order N
Taylor Installations
+ Plumbing + Gas Works

+ Heating + Kitchen Fitting
+ Bathroom and Wet room
Installations + Special
needs requirements and
regulations catered for
Over 20 years experience, fully

qualified and insured.
New to the area after a recent move so
that our daughter can attend Victoria
Education Centre. Free, no obligation
quotations available, special rates
available for the disabled and friends of
Victoria Education Centre.
Please contact Neil Taylor
Home: 01202 831263

Mobile:0759 0060007
Email:taylorinstallations@sky.com
VEClife 25
Classroom
Catch-up
A look back at this terms classroom activities

from Class JA to Post 16
Class JA Experience Peru
This issue
Class JA Class
JW
Class LB
Pergins
Mme Stewart
s
Post 16 roun
Furzey
d-up
Class CN
Green Island
By Hilary Stewart
Summer 2015 has seen class JA journeying in Paddingtons
footsteps to Peru in Culture lessons. We have listened to
the native Peruvian language, Quecha and dressed up in
some traditional colourful clothing to get ourselves in the
mood. I have to thank Nathan and George Kettle for helping
me on our trek into the Andes as both boys helped haul on
the ropes to get me up the mountain safely! We have
all enjoyed listening to the wonderfully atmospheric music of
the region, joining in with various instruments wooden blocks, pan
pipes and shakers. Alexander has particularly enjoyed exploring the look,
texture and feel of the metal ball shaker, which is
lovely and shiny. Recently we had fun making
some potato (originally from Peru) print pictures.
Asher chose his favourite red colour to start
whilst Honeys picture was full of sunny yellow.
Coming down the mountain has been a bit tricky
and George K always seems to find my skiing
hilarious I cant imagine why! However, weve
always got back in time for the next lesson but
we never managed to find Paddington! Next
autumn we are off to Norway so wed better
start hunting out those cosy jumpers and hats
over the summer holiday.
George Plays the Blocks
Sea Life Day Out For Class LB
By Lisa Boyes
On Tuesday 19th May, Class LB went to the
Sealife Centre in Weymouth with free courtesy
tickets from Merlins Magic. We had a fantastic
time and all of the children thoroughly enjoyed
themselves. We explored different fish and
creatures that live under the sea and got to look at
sharks, turtles and touched a star fish, too! Luckily
the weather stayed nice for us and we all had a
fantastic time.
Thanks, Merlin!
26 VEClife
Food and Farming

So what have Class
JW been up to lately I
hear you ask?
Well what a lovely
start to the summer
term as we welcomed
Isabelle into our class.
Welcome Isabelle
She has settled in
really well and especially enjoys the resonance
board where she responds well to the Tibetan
bowls. The topic of Food and Farming meant
great learning opportunities for the students and
some great trips out of course.
We had to start our term off in April by going to
good ol Farmer Palmers didnt wecouldnt not
really! The children had a wonderful time with all
the animals. Some fed the lambs and watched the
cows being milked whilst others held the guinea
pigs, saw chickens running around and stroked
the donkey. Others still had time to monkey
around on the farmcan you spot who the
cheeky animals are?
In June we visited Weymouth Sealife Centre

to learn about the different types of fish and
sea creatures. Tyler loved watching the sharks
swimming above his head in the amazing glass
tunnel.
Our next trip out was Upton Country Park where
the students searched for signs of summer and
believe me they found plenty to look at, smell and
touch. Back in class grass seeds were planted
and the children saw the stages of growth until
they grew into lush patches of green. Maybe we
should have sold them as turf they were so thick
and green?
Still on the theme of Food and Farming the
children made their own ice cream as part of
their topic work. Mia and Harry did some great
switching to puree the fruit and whip up the cream
With Class JW
By Sally Thornley
and both did a marvellous job. We then had to

go on a trip to the local Barford ice cream farm
to sample varieties of delicious homemade
ice cream. This was most enjoyable for the
students and staff but extremely hard work as
you can imagine.
Harry Whips Up a Treat

Alfie enjoyed his trips to the local Tesco
looking for farm produce and adored the
attention from members of the public whilst
Mia appreciated the flowers and made such
a pretty picture at the same time Im sure
youll agree.
Mias Winning Smile

Mid-June we had the pleasure of Charley
Baker in our class helping out and working
hard for her work experience. Charley was
brilliant with the children, a real natural and
we would welcome her back anytime. She
mucked in and got on really well with the
children. Young James in our class definitely
took a shine to Charley and they got on like
a house on fire. Despite the busy school
lives of all in Class JW we still had time to
plant tomato plants and produce the first
red tomato, a competition set by the EcoCommittee. The children have been PTO
VEClife 27
busy repotting and watering their plants (as

Holly is demonstrating) and even though they
were pipped at the post by Class CN they are
doing their best to try and win the next eco-
competition by having the heaviest weight of

tomatoes harvested. Come on Class JW you
can do it!
We continue to take students horse riding on
a Friday morning. Isabelle is the latest recruit
to ride at the Fortune Centre in the New Forest
benefitting from the hippotherapy and loving it
all at the same time.
At the end of June the students went on a trip
to Adventure Wonderland where they had an
amazingly brilliant and truly enjoyable time as
you can imagine. Whilst James and Alfie loved
going on the pirate ship Amy and Shelley were
not so amused! Surely the photo of the term!!
Green Island
By Margaret Humphreys
Green Island will be very different next year, as
our Head Girls Chelsea and Jess are leaving for
By Jo Allen
pastures new. Both girls have contributed hugely
We are really pleased to have some new
to the class. Chelsea has represented us on
switching toys; including a fast train and track
the school Eco committee, and has made sure
and a very fast Mickey Mouse car. Frankie
we have a voice promoting a sensory garden
would have loved to see these racing around.
in school; Jess has been our school council
We have bought some new bean bags and
representative, passing on our thoughts about
an inflatable pea pod to make students more
ways to make the school even better. We will
comfortable when they are chilling out.
miss their musical talents, their sense of fun,
Frankies, older brother Ben will be pleased
Chelseas turns of phrase and superb memory
to hear we have an extending arm for using
for the timetable, Jesss cheekiness and decisive
the iPad. This means that the iPad can be
opinions. Both girls have been a delight to work
positioned in exactly the right spot for everyone with and have matured into beautiful young
to access it. The most exiting development
ladies. We hope to visit them soon and wish
isnt quite finished yet. We are awaiting the
them every success and happiness. Meanwhile
installation of a projector and screen in our
we are looking forward to a good send off at the
Tiny room. This will mean that when students
Summer Ball!
are switching the image will be large enough
Thank you to everyone who has inspired and
for those that have a visual impairment like
supported us this year, including wonderful
Frankie to really focus on and engage with.
parents, therapists and especially Sally,
In addition when watching a cheeky Disney
Natalia, Teresa, Zeni, Lizzy and Millie whose
movie it will be large enough to really enjoy. A
contributions to student welfare are some of the
new disco ball and lights has been installed,
most significant times of the day. Roll on next
making it much more interesting.
termwere looking forward to it already.
Class JWs Photo of the Term!
Class JA News
Miam Miam
(Thats French for yum yum!)
By Hilary Stewart
would be complete without a chance to taste
Classes CN and LB have been learning French the items for ourselves and as the teacher, Ive
vocabulary for different foods this term and how had to do it with both classes terrible! Luckily
I had Elliott in class LB to help me finish off all
to express their own likes and dislikes. Weve
been through a selection of fruit and vegetables, the leftovers. Weve chomped our way through
all very healthy and finally have been working on croissants (awful), pains au chocolat (horrid) and
words for typical French items such as croissant, gaufres (waffles, disgusting) and still cant decide
which ones we like best so will probably have to
pain au chocolat and saucisson.
Of course, no series of lessons on a food theme taste them all again very soon. Bon apptit!
28 VEClife
Out and About With Furzey

By Kathryn Webb
Wow - it has been busy in Furzey Class
this term!! We finished the Spring term by
running our own activity during Creative Arts
Week: Hanging Garden of Babylon. Students
researched the ancient wonder and helped plan
activities for the rest of the school. Georgia
organised making a wind chime which proved to
be a very popular activity. A production line of
stone effect painting and stone river painting was
The Furzey Crews Hanging Garden
presided over by Philip, William, Michael, and
addition, whilst exploring ethnic group culture
James B who did a great job being teachers
Furzey Class was transformed by ESW
Lenkas objects, music and clothing not only
from her native Czech Republic but from
Uganda where she had spent her summer
last year. Everyone enjoyed tasting food,
getting dressed up, dancing and learning the
lingo! ASDAN The Environment sent us out
to use a public footpath and we had a lovely
morning tree spotting at Upton Country Park
and then on another time we went searching
for environmentally friendly products at
Tescos. Right....anyone found a tree yet?!!
Happy tree spotters at Upton Country Park
ASDAN Creativity provided another highlight,
in the form of a a visit to All Fired Up to do
for the day! James S and Ben showed off
some clay painting. It was a lovely relaxing
their horticulture skills, demonstrating how to
day and students did a brilliant job painting
plant seeds and plants into the planters of the
Hanging Garden of Victoria which has bloomed bowls or mugs as gifts for family and friends
all term outside the Drama studio! It was a huge Finally, with all that work done, Furzey
effort for the whole team and the students should Class took some well deserved time out at
Legoland, Windsor. Students had a great
be so proud of themselves!! The sun has been
out and so have Furzey Class!! This summer we day in the brilliant sunshine. We looked
have been out and about all over the place.....all at the models, explored the aquarium and
even the odd ride. Thank-you to Merlin for
work honest!!
ASDAN Popular Culture had us finding out about the entrance tickets. We also need to say a
big thank-you to Georgias Aunt, Lesley, who
local sports facilities at Rossmore Everyone
Active Leisure Centre and students were wowed raised money so that Georgia could have a
special time with her friends at school and
by a trampolinist tumbling before they took part
paid for delicious lunches at All Fired Up and
in a warm up in the dance studio there. Many
Legoland. What a super treat!
thanks to Ali Dougal who organised this trip. In
Dont Bug CN
If you go down to the woods today youre sure of a

BUG surprise. The VEC Bug Hotel is finished! Class
CN are hoping to encourage insects that will help
pollenate our plants. Matt Dean was particulary excited
by the project and when asked to comment said that
he was:
Thank you, Kev (National Trust Ranger)
VEClife 29
The Post 16 Employability Trip
By Hilary Stewart
As part of our work in Employability, we
have completed a unit entitled Planning
and taking part in a visit and next
year, we will be exploring the topic of
customer care. Consequently, students
from Pergins class have recently been on
a trip to Beaulieu. Before selecting this
as our destination, students researched
many local attractions in detail,
considering cost, distance, accessibility
and range of activities. After a very
good discussion based on our findings,
Beaulieu was chosen as the place to visit
and students then set about organising the
Service Manager Jon Tee presents
trip. Josh sent emails to staff to arrange a
driver for the minibus (thanks, Gary!) and to alert our support
team leader that wed all be out for the day. Spencer and
Charlie drafted a letter to send to parents and Charley helped
with completing the necessary school paperwork. Definitely a
great team effort! The day of the trip dawned grey and wet but
undaunted, we set off.
On arrival we had arranged to listen to a presentation from
Beaulieus Visitor Services Manager, Jon Tee, which was very
informative. Did you know that daily visitor numbers can vary
from 100 to 10,000,
depending on
Ebony Looks Around
the time of year and
weather? Or that the most valuable car on display
is worth 11 million? Jon couldnt have been more
helpful and has offered to assist us further in the
future. Following the talk, we decided to eat our
lunch early before heading out to explore. This
proved the perfect decision as by the time we were
ready to head off, the sun was coming out! There is
lots to see, so we split up into groups, arranging to
The Boys Enjoy the Sunshine
meet up later. The Top Gear exhibition was
very popular (and topical) and we all enjoyed the actual motor museum, which was very well laid
out and interesting (although we didnt like their lift a bit small.)
Discussing our trip later back at school, students all
commented on the helpful staff at Beaulieu and the
good range of things to do, (something for everyone
as Charlie said.) The trip has made us more aware
of what is involved in running a visitor attraction and
also the number of different factors which need to be
considered when planning a visit. We all had a good
time and would recommend Beaulieu as a great day
out for people of all ages.
An Interesting and Enjoyable trip Out
30 VEClife
Post 16 Life Skills Round-Up
Potatoes and Police!
By Hilary Stewart
Another busy term nearly over and as usual, P16 Life Skills lessons
have been an interesting mixture. Early in the term both Arne and
Pergins were visited by PCSO Lauren Willder of the Hampshire
Constabulary. Both classes had the opportunity to ask lots of very varied
questions to find out about police work and crime in the community.
Via Laurens radio, we made contact with operators at Hampshire Constabularys
control room in Netley and they said hello from everyone there and told us to behave ourselves!
We also had the opportunity to try on some kit, which we all enjoyed very much!
Most recently, both classes have been learning about some basic cooking techniques.
So far, weve cooked eggs (scrambled, boiled
& fried), potatoes (mash & home made chips),
vegetables (roasted and stir fried) and fish (baked
and fried.) Tasting the finished results has been
interesting with some students game for anything
(Josh Houchen!), some apparently starving (Scott
Howlett!) and some not very keen (you know who
you are!) Weve still got a few things to try out
but hopefully everyone has learned about basic
cooking and had fun on the way!
Whats For Dinner?
Class Arne has recently been on a trip to Tescos

as part of our Life Skills unit on Basic Cooking
Techniques. We went to do some research
into different types of meat, fish and vegetable
products which can be roasted, boiled, fried
or grilled. Searching through the aisles was
great fun. Abi Punchard had the brilliant idea of at the fresh fish counter, where we asked for
recommendations for a good fish to grill. We
seeking out parsnips for roasting and Charlie
were shown lovely fresh trout and plaice and
Scott enjoyed looking at all the chickens.
Sophie Young showed that she was an expert also looked at some delicious sprats for frying.
in supermarket navigation, whilst Scott Howlett All the students were excellent in their behaviour
had a lesson from Matt McLean on barbecuing. and approach to learning, with lots of great
Abi Smith found out more about cooking frozen questions and ideas. Now of course, theres no
excuse for Class Arne students not to be able
vegetables. Abi P and Tom Truong even
to help plan and cook meals at home! Ready,
managed to do some in depth research
steady, cook!!
VEClife 31
Phone: 01202 763697

Mail: vec@victoria.poole.sch.uk
Visit: www.victoria.poole.sch.uk
Follow us: Facebook/victoriaEducationCentre.uk
Achieving Through Believing
life Issue 11 Summer 2015

Compiled, written and edited by Jon Godber unless otherwise stated. Victoria School MMXV

VECLife Summer 2015

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Term

Issue 12 July 2015

Achieving Through Believing

r parents, our patrons and supporters

Features Galore! Including

And Much More!!!

Full Report, Page 8

What have the students been doing this term?

All the very latest news

Look out for our interactive content and guide.

Waller. The evening was

Class BE students with

With ticket sales, the

meets the wide range of learning needs

Important News For Parents and Carers

School Ties to Nova Vista

Victoria has been developing strong links with the Vista

Friends: Nova Vista and Victoria

Pirates and Cars

Matt and Sharon wave the flag

Lauren Trims Up For Charity

A New Look For JA

Johnny Runs For VEC

Good Luck Hannah

Many of you will remember Orbit, the

Good girl: Hannah poses, and at

to a beautifully trained dog who is now ready to

A Gift From Frankie

VMR To Make Welcome Return

On track for a come-back

VEC Says No! To Bullies

In April as a culmination of our anti bullying initiative

A Touch of Glamour Comes to School

Our Thanks and Best Wishes to

The Sports Week BlogDigest

Day One.... 22/6/15

Smile of the week

Day Three.... 24/6/15

Thrilling end to Fantasy Season!

The 2014-2015 Schools Fantasy Football

Victoria Football League 2014/15

Galahs Athletic SoSoBad: Gary Hicks:

A Very Special Thanks to.....

The Victoria annual staff awards evening took

Our winners on the evening were as follows:

Awards for 30 years service went to Carolyn

With Hannah Powis

VEC Takes Top Honours

At the end of June our table cricket team

This year 12 VEC students from all across the school

Following on from the regional tournament Alex Elliott

Sports Leaders Take Charge

In May our Post 16 Sports Leaders hosted a disability

Ball and Gala Swim

Connor Completes 1500m

A massive well done to Connor who this term has

Your guide to apps with SEN in mind.

With over 300,000 apps and rising currently

CineVox is a visually stimulating,

By Cariad Interactive Free

Somantics is a suite of applications

Relaxing cause and effect app.

By Ting Wei-Liu Free

ColorBand not only allows you to