Summer term newsletter-Issue 4 - Hitchin Girls School

GraveleySchool

twenty twoHITCHIN BOYS’ HUB SCHOOL – EXTENDED SERVICES SUMMER TERM 2010 (ISSUE 4)INSIDE :3 CONSORTIUM 22 4 PARENT SUPPORT WORKER6 CHILDCARE UPDATE 7 PARENTING SUPPORT INFORMATION8 SCHOOLS’ PROJECT UPDATE 16 COURSE INFORMATION19 SCHOOL SPORT PARTNERSHIPPLUS: *Mill FM* *Crucial Crew* *Stitch ‘n’ Sew* *NHDC* *The Voice of Hitchin Youth**Out & About* *Urban Saints go to Mexico* *High Sheriff’s Crimebeat Awards*Availablefrom yourschool nowconsortiumtwenty two

2© TDA 2008 Reproduced with permission from the Training and Development Agency for Schools

Consortium 22It is with great delight that I can announcethat every school within our Consortiumis now meeting the ‘Full Core Offer’. Ourschools are, therefore, working inpartnership to provide access to a range ofservices to improve children’s achievementand life chances.• Childcare (in Primary and SpecialSchools) – High quality ‘wraparound’childcare provided on the school site orthrough other local providers• A varied menu of activities/extendedlearning opportunities on offer suchas study support, sport, music, danceand drama and many more• Parenting Support including information,support at key transition points, parentingprogrammes and family learning• Community Access to facilities providingwider community access to ICT, sports, art,adult and family learning• Swift and easy access to a wide rangeof targeted and specialist services e.g.speech therapy, child and adolescentmental health services and intensivefamily supportWhilst our schools are all very different,each offers a wealth of diverse serviceswhich are being developed in line with itscommunity’s needs.Nicky PedderExtended Services Co-ordinator ■Nicky PedderExtended Services Co-ordinator01462 433528Mob: 07891 203451esco@consortium22.co.ukNicola McCarthyParent Support Worker01462 433528Mob: 07929 462096parent.support@consortium22.co.ukHIGHBURYINFANT & NURSERYSCHOOLPRESTONPRIMARY(VC) SCHOOLWHITEHILLJUNIORSCHOOLSAMUELLUCAS JMISCHOOLHITCHINGIRLS’SCHOOLconsortiumtwenty twoWYMONDLEYJMI SCHOOLST IPPOLYTS CofE(Aided) PRIMARYSCHOOLGRAVELEYPRIMARYSCHOOLOAKLANDSPRIMARYSCHOOLMaz GreenbankExtended Services Administrator01462 433528admin@consortium22.co.ukHertfordshire is divided into 38Extended School / ServicesConsortia, which includes everyschool in the County and theirintroduction has been phasedover the past few years. The twoHitchin Consortia cover a hugegeographical area exposing us toboth rural and urban challenges.BREACHWOODGREEN JMISCHOOLBLUEBELLCHILDREN’S CENTREST PAUL’SWALDENPRIMARYSCHOOLHITCHIN BOYS’SCHOOL(HUB SCHOOL)STRAWBERRY FIELDSCHILDREN’S CENTREST MICHAEL’SWOOLMER GREENCofE PRIMARYSCHOOLKNEBWORTHPRIMARYSCHOOLBARLEYFIELDSCHILDREN’S CENTREConsortium 22 comprises 14schools and three Children’sCentres, with Hitchin Boys’ Schoolbeing the ‘Hub’ school and whereNicky, Nicola and Maz are based.All Extended Services Co-ordinatorsand Children’s CentreManagers work closely to ensureservices and opportunities areoffered for the whole family inand around your community.Look on your school noticeboards, newsletters, website forfull details of what is happeningnear you or feel free to contactany member of the ExtendedServices Team.3

PARENT SUPPORTHi! This term everyone faces the prospect of change! For all children as they move class, for those who are just oldenough to start school, and for those who are going on to secondary school the leap of change is even greater. There isalso the forthcoming shift in routine with the summer holidays and the organisation that this entails for parents.As Consortium 22’s Parent Support Worker I am always available to help you find what you need so that you can supportyour children in the best way possible. The kinds of issues parents bring to me are:• Communicating with your child• Your child’s move to secondary school• Managing challenging behaviour• Smoking, drugs & alcohol• Keeping up with your child’s education• Childcare• Relationships• Finances• Bullying• Finding time for yourselfIf you would like information about an issue in your family please get in touchin confidence on 07929 462096 or parent.support@consortium22.co.uk.Surviving the summer holidaysa guide for parents from Parentline Plus4In response to concerns about copingwith the summer holidays Parentline Plushas put together a range of useful tips,for parents, by parents.“The long summer holidays are an excitingprospect for children and young people, butit can be pretty daunting if you are a parentor carer and you need to think about findingchildcare or ways to entertain the kids duringall that time stretching ahead of you” saysParentline Plus Chief Executive Jeremy Todd.“We want parents to know that they are notalone and that often just talking to someoneabout your worries can help, whether that bewith a partner, relative, friend or supportorganisation like Parentline Plus. We havetrained and experienced people who areparents themselves on hand to answercalls to our 24-hour, free and confidentialParentline 0808 800 2222.”Parents bringing up their children alone andseparated families, in disagreement over wherechildren will spend their time, can also find theholidays stressful and depressing, underliningthe fact that the family has changed.In addition to this, parents may feel guiltyabout the limited amount of time they haveavailable with their children, or feel underpressure to take their children on holidaysor days out during the summer that theycannot afford.PARENTLINE PLUS TIPS• Don’t try and fill every minute of every day,it will only exhaust you and the kids don’tneed that much stimulation. If you work orhave other commitments rememberquality is more important than quantity.• Look for what childcare options areavailable in your area. Some parents sharechildcare with friends, relatives and eachother, whilst others balance it with kids’clubs and family centres. A variety ofoptions makes child care more flexible foryou. Ask around for recommendations.• Just relax and try and enjoy it yourself, it’syour holiday too. Don’t feel guilty if youpack the kids off for the day, or get a sitterin for a night out. Other adults can bring infresh entertainment for the kids too and itgives everyone a break.• Give your kids a chance to get bored. Howmany times do you hear kids whining, ”I’mbored”? It’s ok for them to get bored! Givetheir imaginations a chance to come upwith ideas to fill in those long hours. If youare trying to balance the needs of a rangeof ages get them to come up with ideas– have a family meeting to decide.• Make sure that young people getunstructured chill-out time. They need it asmuch as adults. They aren’t being aimlessor lazy if they spend their free timehanging around, watching TV, playing onthe computer, listening to music – or evennot getting out of bed until lunchtime!• Don’t expect your teenager to want tospend the whole holidays playing happyfamilies. They may well want to spend timedoing their own thing, but may be happyenough to spend a day or two withthe family.• If you have to leave your teenagers alonefor any period give them clear instructionsabout what to do if there is a problem.Leave a list of people you trust who theycan go to.• Plan contact arrangements, ensure regularcontact or just simply take time out to talk.For separated parents and their childrenthe lack of routine, separate holidays, ornot seeing a parent at all can be difficult.• Try to get back into a routine. Late nightsand long lazy days are what holidays are allabout but try and ease them back intoroutine as the holiday comes to an end.That way, bedtimes won’t be such astruggle when they do go back to school.If you are a parent or carer andwould like more information and/orsupport you can call Parentline Plus’24-hour free, confidential Parentlineon 0808 800 2222, or go to thewebsite www.parentlineplus.org.uk.

WORKER PAGEGoing to Secondary SchoolChildren’s Top 10 Worries About StartingSecondary School• Being bullied• Not making friends• Getting lost• Homework• Getting into troubleTips for ParentsHappily most children report that they are nolonger worried about these after just one ortwo weeks at school!Most of these concerns are social worries. Tellingyour child this might help him or her to realise thateveryone else is feeling anxious and it is normal tofeel that way. There will be many more children inYear 7 than in Year 6 which means that there isgreater opportunity to make friends.Perhaps if this is a particular concern let thesecondary school know and they may be able toarrange some kind of buddy system or may knowof activities that other children coming up to Year7 are attending that your child could take part in tomake friends before their first day.The other worries are predominantlyorganisational and luckily parents can helprelieve these concerns by working with childrento find out what needs to be done and how toget organised for it, whilst nudging them alongthe road to independence.• Work out what time you need to leave in themorning. It is well worth having some practiseruns at the end of the summer holiday to seehow long it takes to get up and ready. Evenpractise taking the route to school that yourchild will need to follow to get him/her there atthe required time. Don’t forget to practise theroute home too!• During the first week or so, if possible take• Getting to school and back (especially if it involves a bus journey)• Not having the right books and equipment• Not knowing what to do if there’s a problem• Not getting on with the teachers• Not being able to do the worksome time away from work or your othercommitments to be around at the beginningand end of the school day when your childcomes home so that you can initiate those goodhabits for their future career at secondary school.When they come home, get them to sort out theirbag, see what homework they need to do andencourage them to get it done that night ifpossible and have their bag packed up for the nextday to avoid a panic in the morning.• Make sure your child knows what to do if thingsgo wrong, i.e. they forget homework, loseequipment, etc. Always encourage them to asktheir form teacher what to do – they will be ableto direct them as to the correct course of action.It can be very daunting for new students to askadults in school for help but remind them that allthe staff are ready to help Year 7s and, if all elsefails, tell them to ask for directions to the mainschool Reception and see what theReceptionists suggest.• Communication between home and school canfeel more distant when your child goes up tosecondary school but be reassured that staff dowant to know how things are going and don’tbe afraid to ask – teachers will welcomeyour interest.Ref: “Going to secondary school. 101 Tipsfor parents”, by Julie Casey M.Ed availablefrom Futurelink Publishing Tel 01275 334145.If you have any questions for Nicola, your PSW, you can:Email: parent.support@consortium22.co.uk Telephone: 01462 433528 or 07929 462096Or write to: PSW, Woodlands, Hitchin Boys’ School, Hitchin, Herts, SG5 1JBYour story could be featured if you wish.PARENTSUPPORTINBOXDEAR PSWMy son has a SpecialEducational Needs Statementand has an assistant to helphim most of the day atschool. He would like to dothe trampolining afterschoolclub. The school is onlyfunded for an assistant inschool hours and he cannotmanage the club on his ownlike other children because ofhis disability. I have an olderson and two youngerchildren and cannot leavethem or manage them whileI help at the trampoliningclub. I also believe it wouldnot be the best thing for himto have me there at the clubas no other mums attend.Can you help me find a wayof letting him take part inthe trampolining club?Dear ParentThere is an organisation inHertfordshire called Out andAbout that helps people withadditional needs access clubsand activities out of schoolhours. They are continuallyadvertising for volunteerswho would like to assistchildren and adults in areasof life where assistance is notprovided at present. For moreinformation contact Out andAbout on 0845 241 2576or www.oaa.co.uk. Theyhelp anyone with a disabilityor an additional need thatmay prevent them fromaccessing activities.See their article on page 14. ■5

HitchinFun ClubThe Holiday and AfterSchool Club for childrenaged 4 1 /2 - 12 yearsAn invaluable service for allworking parents!When the schools are closed,Hitchin Fun Club is open!Qualified friendly staff can collectchildren from a number ofschools within our consortium.They will enjoy a drink andbiscuit on arrival at the Cluband hot snacks are availablefor an additional small fee.Club children can enjoy variousorganised excursions during theholidays and take part in manyindoor and outdoor activitiesafter school including art andcrafts, table tennis, snooker/pooland badminton, board gamesand sewing or test their skill onthe playstation games, plusmuch more.Excluding bank holidays theFun Club is open all yearround, subject to schoolavailability and having enoughchildren to run the Club.Times during school terms are3pm to 6pm.During the holidays the Club isopen from 8am to 6pm.For costs and more detailsplease contact Angela or Annon 01462 450925/615211.CHILDCARE UPDATEProviding quality childcare is an element theConsortium is totally committed to. The primaryschools are certainly developing unique modelsto suit their individual circumstances to supporttheir families requiring childcare before, duringor after school.For some, providing a reliable timetable ofactivities is proving effective while others arecombining an afterschool activity together withan hour’s childcare.During the holiday periods, childcare providers inHitchin can offer reliable 8am-6pm, five days perweek provision. We will also continue to advertiseinformation regarding other holiday activitieshappening locally via school websites andnewsletters.Childminders are also an invaluable sourceof childcare.Full details of your nearest childcareprovider/childminder can be found athttp://www.hertsdirect.org/comdirectory/childservdir/parentcarer/childcare/ click on ‘ChildcareProviders’ and then click on the green arrow‘Childcare finder on Directgov’.If you are interested in becoming a registeredchildminder full details of training can be foundat http://www.ncma.org.uk/.Should you wish to claim working child taxcredits please also refer to http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/MoneyTaxAndBenefits/TaxCreditsandChildBenefit/TaxCredits/index.htm.Again, should you need any further informationplease do not hesitate to contact any member ofthe Extended Services Team.Nicky Pedder – Extended Services Co-ordinator. ■BREAKFAST, AFTER SCHOOL & HOLIDAYCLUBS – External ProvidersFIRST STOP BREAKFAST BARBased at Hitchin Christian CentreFor Secondary School childrenContact: 01462 442238www.hcc.org.ukHITCHIN FUN CLUBAfter School and Holiday Clubs based atHighbury Infant and Nursery School, HitchinContact: Angela Hillier on 01462 450925STRATHMORE FUN CLUBAfter School Club based atStrathmore School, Hitchinserving Samuel Lucas pupilsContact: Tina on 01462 438499THE COOKIE CLUBBreakfast and After School Club based atHighover School, HitchinContact: Sheila Hammett on 07719 519578or www.thecookieclubhitchin.co.ukAPNI DUNIYA GROUPBreakfast and After School and Holiday Clubbased at Wilshere Dacre SchoolContact: Binder Sheina on 01462 670163Email bsjandi@hotmail.com ■Hitchin Fun Club, HighburySchool, Standhill Road,Hitchin, SG4 9AG. ■6

Parenting Support Informationparent.support@consortium22.co.ukThere is a wide range of free parenting support and information available to parents and carers ofchildren aged 0-19 years:• Courses• One-off sessions or workshops• Information• Individual support• Telephone support• Support groupsFamily Information Service: 01438 737502www.hertsdirect.org/fsd can providedetails of how to access supportExtended Services will advertiseforthcoming courses and workshopsvia School noticeboards and newsletters.For further information regarding parentingsupport please contact:Nicola McCarthyParent Support WorkerExtended Services, Consortium 2201462 433528Mob: 07929 462096parent.support@consortium22.co.ukOr contact your nearest Children’s Centre for information on support available for 0-5 years:CHILDREN’S CENTRE CONTACT TELEPHONE EMAILBarleyfields, Knebworth & Woolmer Green Sue Smith 07969 309788 Susan.smith@pre-school.org.ukBluebell, Hitchin South & Villages Heather Crouch 07792 137438 bluebell@pre-school.org.ukStrawberry Fields, Graveley & Great Ashby Sam Colderwood 01438 791054 scolderwood@Spurgeons.orgOughton, Hitchin Diana Foley 01462 456329 Admin.oughton@hertschildrenscentres.org.ukYork Road Nursery, Hitchin Jane Toll 01462 459127 Admin.yorkroad@hertschildrenscentres.org.ukVOLUNTEERS WANTEDBecause children come without instructionsAre you a parent, grandparent or carer? Like to supportother parents and are good at listening? We are nowrecruiting volunteers for Parentline who are able to joinour new training course in Hatfield starting in September.THE DATES FOR THIS ARE:-Saturday 4th SeptemberSaturday 11th SeptemberSaturday 2nd OctoberSaturday 9th OctoberFor more details please contact Kath or Lynn on 01707 630101.Be part of something that really does make a difference.* It is a requirement that all Parentlineplus Volunteers and Staff need to be CRB checked7

SCHOOLS’ PROJECT UPDATESt Paul’s WaldenWOODLAND SCHOOLSt Paul's Walden School has introducedForest School on their curriculum. All pupilsattend one afternoon a week for 6 weeksover the course of the school year,experiencing the Forest School curriculum.This has involved parents participating inthe learning and shared professionaldevelopment between staff from our ruralschool and staff from an urban school. Beingin this wonderful location means we have toensure our children are fully engaged in theirenvironment and appreciate their role inmaintaining their woodland landscape.We believe that learning extends beyond theclassroom and the Forest School curriculumencourages our pupils to develop theirinvestigative skills, encourages curiosity andquestioning and risk taking. We have seenpupils transformed in their level of confidenceby having the freedom of the outdoors inwhich to learn. We use our Extended Schoolslinks to share resources with Hitchin Boys'School and this has enabled our small schoolto have these opportunities. ■MULTICULTURAL WEEKSt Paul’s Walden School in Whitwell recentlyheld a multi-cultural fortnight involvingall school pupils. A member of the FamilyLearning team of MECCS organized thewhole school event with the RE Co-ordinator,Helen Peto. All pupils took part in a varietyof workshops over the week includingbollywood dance, traditional Indian dance,Chinese dance, South African gumbootdance, Diwali arts and crafts, henna artworkshop, story telling, dressing up in Asianclothes, chapati and burfi cooking. A Muslimwoman came to talk about her faith andpupils in both key stages were able to askmany questions. This helped deepen theirunderstanding of Islam which they werestudying in Year 2 and 3.Prior to this week the whole school hadvisited the Gurdwara in Hitchin. Parents werevery interested in this learning week andthoroughly enjoyed the multi-cultural assembly,where children presented their dance aftera brief introduction of the history. All thechildren wore clothes that emphasized theculture they were portraying. A demonstrationof the dhol and tabla was provided by anexpert from the Asian community.The following week parents were invited to anRE assembly where children shared theirlearning of Christianity, Sikhism and Islamthrough song, drama and sharing ofinformation books. Children thoroughlyenjoyed the interactive elements and parentsappreciated their children meeting membersof the Asian community who warmly sharedtheir culture. ■ST PAUL’S WALDEN SCHOOL DOTHEIR OWN MINI MARATHONOnly 3 runners out of over 36,000 ran forDementia UK in the London Marathon, but72 children did their own mini marathon forDementia UK in Whitwell!Phil (Rosey) Rosendale (central in thepicture) agreed to run the LondonMarathon with all donated monies going tothis very worthy cause. Due to retire thisyear, Rosey, the Village Postman forWhitwell, said: “Since meeting Jan Burt, alady who works tirelessly at increasing theawareness of dementia, I knew I just hadto help support her fundraising efforts.I thought if I could raise a few quid I wouldbe proud to do so. The Post Office hadagreed to make a donation and then thelocal school offered their support too.”On Friday 23 April the children at St Paul’sWalden JMI School from Reception throughto Year 6 did their own mini marathon toraise money for Dementia UK. The HeadTeacher, Debbie Fenn, decided that theschool would help Rosey’s fundraisingactivity by supporting him with their ownmini marathon. Jan gave a brief introductionto the children about Dementia UK andwhat the School’s support meant to her,then the Reception and Infant schoolchildren left to run the short course whilstthe older children ran a longer course on thesports field. All the children were sponsoredby family and friends, raising a fantastic£537.65. Debbie said “It was a wonderfulopportunity for our pupils to understandwhat supporting a charity actually means– every child pushed themselves to their verylimit and all the staff felt very proudwatching them support one anotherthroughout the afternoon. In fact, at theend of the day we had some very surprisedparents when they were told how many lapstheir child had managed!”It was a hot day but all of the childrenentered into the spirit and had great fun ascan be seen in the attached photograph.Rosey and Jan joined in too running acouple of laps with the children. Rosey said“What an afternoon, each and everyonewas a star”. Rosey has previously runseveral marathons across the world but hiswife told us that “this is Rosey’s lastmarathon” …. watch this space!!!!! ■8

Graveley School Brings Learning to LifeOn Tuesday, 25th May Mayor Sue Mysoncompleted her final day in office byopening Graveley School’s innovativeoutdoor classroom.The project began nearly a year ago in Spring2009 with £700 and a piece of unusedland. It was headed by Tara McGovern, theAssistant Headteacher of the school. Assistedby a small team of parents and a veryknowledgeable grandparent, they managedto gain around £10,000 to fund the project.Parent Claire Winterbourne said: “I guess itwas a case of beg, steal or borrow. Of coursewe didn’t steal anything but we did do a lotof begging!”Donations included Stevenage CommunityTrust, Extended Schools, Graveley ParishCouncil, Hertfordshire Driveways Ltd and GSKwith Danny Gardner from AD Garden Roomsdedicating his time and expertise. Theschool also raised over £2,000 fromfundraising events.The Department for Education and Skills states:“Every young person should experience theworld beyond the classroom as an essentialpart of learning and personal development,whatever their age, ability or circumstances.”Tara McGovern added: “I think that this is afantastic achievement for our small villageschool. The children and local community willbenefit immensely from the experiences andenrichment that such an area will provide.Not only will children have the opportunity tolearn in an outdoor setting but also to learnabout the outdoor environment ‘first hand’.We literally will be ‘bringing learning to life’.”The area has been named McGovern’sOutdoor Garden and now has thefollowing facilities:• An 8m x 4m natural pond surrounded by30sqms of decking and benched area• A ‘boggy’ habitat area• A 6-pallet high ‘bug hotel’• A large oak story-telling chair mountedin front of a circle of artificial lawn• A wooden amphitheatre, complete withteachers’ whiteboard• A quiet reflection area featuring‘The Daydream Tree’• Planting areas and aromatic garden• Surrounding hedgerows• An eco-product pathway leading to all areaswithin the 'outdoor classroom'Mrs Massey, Head Teacher said: “Our outsideclassroom is a fantastic example of what can beachieved when a community works together.”For further information, please contact:Mrs Tara McGovern, Assistant Headteacher,Graveley School, Ashwell CommonGraveley, Herts. Tel: (01438) 351377. ■Highbury InfantSchool & NurseryHighbury Infant School has been working onimproving lunchtime activities for the children.This has included employing a Play Leader fromthe North Herts Council team. Pauline visitsonce a week and provides a range of craft andphysical activities for the children to take part in.The school’s own lunchtime assistants thenhelp Pauline run the activities. The childrenreally look forward to the sessions and therehas been a noticeable improvement inlunchtime behaviour. Pauline encourages themto say what they have particularly enjoyedand to request activities for future weeks. ■St Ippolyts PrimaryPlaying for SuccessTwelve excited Year 5 pupils from St IppolytsCE Primary School embarked on the Playingfor Success programme last half term. Eachweek they were collected from school andchaperoned to Hitchin Town Football Club’sstudy support centre at Baldock to participatein a wide range of learning activities.Enriched by sport and ICT (with a bit offood technology thrown in!), the sessionsencompassed literacy and numeracy skills whichthe children have been able to transfer intotheir learning at school. “I’m much moreconfident at decimals now” and “I can doproblem solving better now” are just two ofthe many positive statements from children.The group particularly enjoyed the ‘hands-on’approach to learning, with the majority ofactivities being carried out without even pickingup a pencil! The opportunity to interview a‘real-life’ footballer was definitely a hit.Most notable is the pupils’ increasedconfidence following the programme, both asindividuals and as a group. Many of thechildren stated that they felt much moreconfident with speaking aloud now and thishas definitely been evident back at school.The programme finished with a CelebrationEvening where parents and teachers attendedto see the children receive medals andcertificates for their achievements during theprogramme. They had the opportunity todemonstrate their new found skills and alsoencourage their parents to have a go too!The Playing for Success programme wascertainly a winner and in the words of onechild: “Can we do it again? But for moreweeks this time?!” ■9

LET’S GET COOKING...... on a budgetChildren from Mary Exton J.M.I School inHitchin North and St. Paul’s WaldenPrimary School in Hitchin South had anexciting opportunity to become real chefsfor a day and compete in a Cook-OffEvent which was held at the PrioryBusiness and Enterprise School in Hitchin.The project was a partnership between thePennies to Pounds Project, Extended SchoolsHitchin North & South and Sainsbury’sActive Kids Cooking Get Cooking. Childrenfrom both schools were invited to enteran enterprising cooking competition whichinvolved all year groups from Receptionthrough to Year 6. The Pennies to PoundsProject partnered with Sainsbury’s to launchthe competition in each school with ademonstration of a range of different foodproducts and how they could be used in fun,healthy eating recipes.Following the launch, chefs from both schoolsacross the year groups were encouraged tobe creative and design their own healthysnacks and meals within given budgets todevelop understanding of money andbudgeting. They then presented their recipeideas to Sainsbury’s, who chose the winningchefs from each age category and thesechildren took part in the Cook-Off Event atthe Priory school.To provide an opportunity for Family Learning,parents & grandparents were encouraged tohelp their children prepare and present theirdishes at the Cook-Off Event. It was anexciting family day with a number of cookssharing the kitchen!Sian Fox from the Sainsbury’s Try Team said:“Sainsbury’s were delighted to be involvedwith the Pennies to Pounds Active KidsCooking Competition in Hitchin. There was afantastic response from both schools withsome fabulous entries. The finalists cooked toa very high standard and we were delightedto welcome them to Sainsbury’s for their treatouting. Keep cooking!!”.The winning chefs from the Cook-Off Eventwere invited to Sainsbury's for a 'treatmorning' in which they had a tour of thestore, tasted different foods and had theopportunity to prepare their own lunch. Eachwinner and runner-up was awarded acooking set to encourage them to continue tobe creative with food and develop their skillsas chefs.Deborah Mills, Pennies to Pounds ProjectManager said:“Enterprise initiatives such as the healthycooking and budgeting project are a creativeand effective way to teach children valuablemoney and budgeting skills. This was anexciting partnership project”The children’s winning healthy recipedesigns will be produced in a cooking bookto be shared and enjoyed by families atboth schools.St Paul’s Walden Headteacher, Debbie Fenn,was able to attend and said:“This has been a very exciting event for ourpupils - we have had a community kitcheninstalled within our school and we arepassionate at ensuring that children havean opportunity to cook regularly. Thiscompetition has demonstrated how creativeall the pupils were with their ideas and theknowledge and love they have for food.It was a wonderful opportunity to use thefacilities at The Priory and the children werevery confident at being in such a big school”.Mary Exton JMI and St Paul’s Walden Primaryare hoping to make this an annual event. ■10

Terrific TeamworkFace 2 FaceThe LearnIT@Hitchin Town Study Centreopened its doors this spring to welcome year1&2 pupils from Breachwood Green PrimarySchool.an awards ceremony rewarding theachievements of the enthusiastic learners. ■There was a buzz of excitement throughoutthe morning as the young learners workedtogether to tackle challenging teambuilding, healthy living and innovative iMacbased activities.The eventful experience culminated inHITCHIN BOYS’ SCHOOL‘The Chronicle’ revivedExtract from the first issue of the Chroniclein 1909 “The Magazine appears for the firsttime. Its aim is not only to record the doingsof the various clubs and societies, but also toknit together inpride of their School, and incommon fellow feeling to one another, all whohave at any time been connected with thisancient Foundation.”This year a team of boys have worked tirelesslyafter School and at lunch times to revive‘The Chronicle’ with broadly the same aim.The Summer Term 2010 edition will be printedand ready for distribution to all boys onFounders Day. ■Face 2 Face is a youthcounselling service based inHitchin, but also offering somesessions at the Stevenage OneStop Shop. The service isoffered to any young personbetween the ages of 13 and21 who feels in need ofsupport. The service is freeunless you are in employment,and then we ask for an affordablecontribution to our service.Counselling helps peoplemake sense of things that feeldifficult in their lives. Ourcounsellors listen carefully toyou, and help you tounderstand your feelings.People come to counselling forall kinds of reasons. The kind ofissues we work with includerelationship and family problems,stress, depression, lowconfidence and self-esteem,loss and bereavement, bullying,difficulties at school, abuse,sexual identity and difficulty incoping with life. Of course,there are other reasons whypeople have counselling. Infact,there is no problem too bigor too small to bring tocounselling.You would normally meet withyour counsellor every week for50 minutes, on the sameday at the same time. Yourcounselling can last anythingfrom four weeks to two years,depending on what youand your counsellor thinkyou need.If you would like to havecounselling then you can ringdirectly on 01462 422432 ortext us on 07980 477726 andleave a number so that we cancall you back. ■11

BLUEBELL – Children’s Centre NewsBluebell Children’s Centre services havecontinued to grow in recent months withsuccessful stay and play sessions nowbeing run in the villages of Whitwell andWymondley. In addition we have justbegun working with Jobcentre Plus,carrying out Lone Parent Interviewswhich will take place at the centre whenthe building work is complete. We arealso just about to launch a GrandparentsGroup and a new course of Baby Yoga.The centre is pleased to have run two FirstAid courses which have been very wellattended. The two hour First Aid course forparents had seventeen attendees and wealso ran a crèche. In addition we haveprovided a twelve hour First Aid coursefor providers, as requested through ourPre-School Support Meetings, and this wasfully booked. Bluebell's Outreach WorkerSarah Alderman and Bluebell CoordinatorKatie Brown also successfully completedthis training.We were also thrilled to have recently run asuccessful Parenting course, and the grouphas asked to continue to meet on a monthlybasis which will take place at the new centre.In addition we enjoyed working with the PlayRangers during the Easter holidays providingoutdoor activity sessions for under 5's inBreachwood Green and Whitwell. We havebooked dates for the summer holidays andMay half term so we will be out and about inthe Bluebell van!The Bluebell Team is now busy planning thesummer holiday programme and finishingoff cataloguing our new toy library. We arelooking forward to getting the toy library upand running and think it will be wellsupported by our centre families. Oursummer activities include den buildingsession, family picnics and outdoor activitiesso let’s keep our fingers crossed for somesummer sunshine!We are really looking forward to moving intoour centre building at the end of June but ofcourse you can always contact us via emailbluebell@pre-school.org.uk, phone Heatheron 07792 137483 or take a look at our brandnew website: http://www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/bluebell/.■CRUCIAL CREWCrucial Crew is once again nearly upon us.PCSOs Mandy Aylott and Louise Howardorganise and deliver North Herts Crucial Crew,along with 3 other School Liaison Officers.Crucial Crew is a 'Personal Safety Event'held for all year 6 students across the wholeof North Herts and covers approximately1,350 to 1,400 students aged 10 to 11years from 43 Schools.This year the event will be held at WilshereDacre School, Fishponds Road, Hitchin for 11days from FRIDAY 11th JUNE until FRIDAY25th JUNE 2010.We have found North Herts Crucial Crewinvaluable for all concerned. The studentslearn new skills which are not always availableto them on the schools national curriculumand it helps them get to know all theirlocal PCSOs. The School Liaison Officers findCrucial Crew outstanding in providing themwith a unique opportunity to forge close linkswith both students and staff at the localschools. As students are about to experiencea transition up to secondary school it isinvaluable for them to recognise theirschool’s PCSOs and therefore provide themwith continuity and reassurance.Each school is offered a session either in themorning or the afternoon. The school is splitinto groups of between 5 and 9 studentswho then work their way around 11 differentstaged scenarios on Personal Safety. Eachsession lasts approximately two hours withthe scenarios lasting 10 minutes. The daystarts at 9.15am and ends at 3.30pm and thedates are chosen to work in conjunction withthe schools national curriculum. It isimportant that the information we give isdelivered in an informal and fun way.Research has shown that students are muchmore likely to retain the information if theyenjoy the way it is taught to them.SCENARIOS covered this year are:Anti-Social Behaviour; Railway Safety; FireSafety; Electrical Safety; Drug Awareness;Accidents in the Home; Alcohol Awareness;Road Safety; Internet Safety; Water Safety;Stranger Danger; Anti-Bullying; and Theft.AGENCIES taking part this year are:Herts Constabulary; Life Saving Society;Water Safety Scenario - Charles Ferrier pictured here is retiringfrom North Herts Crucial Crew after 14 years of loyal service.Herts Fire and Rescue; North Herts Homes;North Herts Primary Care Trust; St. John’sAmbulance; Herts County Council; FirstCapital Connect Railways; EDF Energy;The Priory School.Fire Safety Scenario with Herts Fire and Rescue ServiceWe are very pleased to welcome seniorpolice officers such as DCC Simon Parr, ACCHeather Valentine, AC Al Thomas, whoalways take time out of their busy scheduleto visit North Herts Crucial Crew. ■POLICE CONTACTSHITCHIN SCHOOLS’ PCSOsLOUISE HOWARD– 01438 757689AMANDA AYLOTT– 01438 757766SAFER NEIGHBOURHOODTEAM INSPECTOR FOR HITCHININSPECTOR SIMON TABERT– 01438 757507PCSO Louise HowardPCSO Amanda Aylott12

Mandy and I have been successfully running ourclub for 2 years teaching children in and aroundHitchin basic sewing skills. This involves lunch clubs,after school clubs, children’s birthday parties andcreative textile classes within schools.Many of the children have been with us since westarted and we can now see such progress. This tous is one of the most enjoyable aspects of our work.Children quite often bring something in to show usthat they have made at home and like to tell us howthey made it. The children attending our after schoolclub are now proficient using sewing machinetechniques to make simple clothes and accessories.PLAY RANGERS VISITING HITCHINAND THE VILLAGES THIS SUMMER!The NHDC Play Rangers will be running free playsessions throughout the summer in Hitchin and thesurrounding villages. Sessions are free to accessand do not require pre-booking. They are aimed at5-13 year olds, however under 5's are welcome ifa parent/carer stays to supervise them. For moredetails on the parks we will be visiting, check ourwebsite www.north-herts.gov.uk, call the PlayService on 01462 474457 or see our advert in theNorth Herts Summer Brochure.NORTH HERTS SUMMERBROCHURE 2010Once again ExtendedSchools and NHDC areworking to bring you asummer brochure containinginformation on holidayactivities for everyone0-19 years! Copies ofthe brochure will bedistributed to every school and children’s centrein North Herts from the end of June – so if yourchild hasn’t brought one home, please look intheir book bag or ask at the school reception.The brochure will also be on the NHDC websitewww.north-herts.gov.uk. To receive a copy byemail please ring the NHDC Play Service on01462 474457.Our work within schools is lots of fun and we workwith groups of children creating collages andcanvasses to be displayed within the school.We have just piloted our first Adult Sewing Loungeand will start classes in September. If you areinterested in learning how use a sewing machine,creating simple clothes and accessories for thehome please get in touch.If you are interested in any of our courses, pleaseemail us at: stitchnsew@btinternet.com.Many thanksMandy & Kaye ■JOIN IN THE FUN AT THE ST JOHN’SPLAY AND YOUTH CLUBChildren in the St John’s/Sunnyside area have noreason to be bored on a Friday! The Play and YouthClub running at the St John’s Community Centre isgetting even busier with over 40 children attendingevery week. The club provides play activitiesincluding cookery, arts and crafts, sports, games,dressing up, music and also the play area. Entry isonly 50p per child for children starting aged 5 yearsuntil the end of school year 4. A tuck shop isavailable each week. The club is run by NHDC andthe St John’s Community Association with supportfrom Hitchin South Extended Schools. For moreinformation on the club please call the NHDC PlayService on 01462 474457.FRIDAY NIGHT BADMINTONFancy learning to play badminton or would justlike a bit more coaching? The Pay and Playbadminton club runs on term time Fridays atNorth Herts Hitchin Sports Centre and is just£3.50 per week. Open to children and youngpeople of all abilities aged 7 years plus, the clubhas an earlier session for beginners andyounger children and a later session forolder and more advanced players. For moreinformation on how to join the club callJess Young in Sport Development at NHDCon 01462 474257 or email jess.young@northherts.gov.uk.■Hitchin YouthIt’s all actionHow many things are there foryoung people to do in Hitchin?Ten? Twenty? Keep going,you’re getting warmer but stillcold… The Voice of HitchinYouth’s TASTE team (“Tastesomething different”) haveproduced a credit card sizedpullout leaflet listing noless than 95 clubs and societiesfor youngsters which meeteach week. Every kind of sportis included, as is dancing,art, music, theatre and manyother interests. The activitieslisted are mostly for age8-18 but there are somefor younger children too.Please contact MargaretBracey 01462 474830. ■13

TilehouseCounsellingTilehouse Counselling exists toprovide professional counsellingand therapeutic group work forwomen and young people whoare unable to pay private fees.We have a women's centre anda young people's centre, boththese are based in centralHitchin. Each centre has threecomfortable, private counsellingrooms. We offer daytime andevening appointments duringthe week.What is Counselling?People seek counselling formany reasons. Some may beupset by what is happening intheir lives now, or be troubledby the past. Others may feelanxious, confused or depressedfor a reason that may ormay not be obvious, andunable to see the way ahead.Counselling gives you spaceand time to pay attentionto these feelings and workthrough them to enable you tolive in a more satisfying andresourceful way.A counsellor will try and supportyou in this process bylistening attentively andwithout judgement. Togetheryou may identify connectionsor see patterns of which youhad been unaware, enablingyou to think about your optionsand make informed choices.We offer an initial block of foursessions. During this time youwill talk through your issueswith your counsellor and thinktogether about whetherit would be helpful for youto continue with furthercounselling at the Centre.Contact us by telephone,or email us, for furtherenquiries. 01462 440674counselling@tilehouse.org. ■Mill FM 2010Last year Groundwork Hertfordshire ran asuccessful radio station from Westmill CommunityCentre over the summer holidays. The radiostation was run by young people for the wholecommunity and offered a chance to discuss therelevant issues and showcase local talent.Following on from the success of last year’s MillFM we hope this year will be bigger and better.We are relocating the studio to the centre ofHitchin by running it from Soundbase. This willallow more local young people and communitygroups to get involved and share the wonderfulexperiences of those who took part last summer.Anyone living in North Herts can participate inthe running of the station whether it be as asound engineer, running your own show or performinglive. Whether you live in Letchworth,Baldock, Royston or Hitchin it is free to getinvolved. No experience is needed and trainingand support will be provided.If your passion is music, fashion, sport, currentissues or if you want to share your views thenOUT & ABOUTOut & About is a charity which enables disabledchildren and young people to access everydayleisure activities throughout Hertfordshire. Wesupport disabled children from 5 – 13 to becomefully included in their chosen local leisure activity;the ordinary, everyday activities that all childrenand young people can take part in. We also workwith leisure providers to increase their skills andconfidence and enable them to make theiractivities more inclusive for everyone. When itcomes to mainstream leisure activities, disabledchildren and young people are often overlooked,which can leave them feeling lonely and isolated.Our unique delivery model enables disabledchildren to break through barriers, make friendsand have fun in three ways:• Enable disabled children to access their rightto real, active inclusion• Empower disabled children by supportingthem to develop practical skills and increaseconfidence• Enrich the lives of disabled children throughopening up local leisure opportunities andcreating many happy memoriesWe are also always on the lookout forvolunteers. Volunteers support disabled childrenand young people in their chosen leisure activity.Sports, swimming, guides and brownies,cubs and scouts, youth clubs, after school clubsMill FM is your opportunityto share it with the widercommunity. So far Mill FMhas secured £5000 and stillneeds to secure £15,000 to fulfil the fullprogramme. If you would like to get involved orknow local businesses that might be able tosupport the project please contact Diana Hedleyon 01707 255184 or diana.hedley@groundwork.org.uk■are just some of the activities that our volunteerstake part in. The activity may only last a couple ofhours a week but it can make a huge differenceto the young person and their family.Volunteers must be aged 16 and over. They comefrom a wide range of backgrounds, interests andexperience. Some are students at sixth form,college or university, others are in employmentand enjoy having another interest outside work.We recognize that everyone has something tooffer. Whatever your background or experience,the most important thing is having a positiveattitude towards disability and a desire to have fun.If you would like to know more about ourservice and how we could help or would liketo volunteer please check out our Websitewww.oaa.co.uk or contact Paul 07595 091436paul.smyth@oaa.co.uk. ■14

Urban Saints Hitchin build a house in MexicoIt all started at 5am on the 2nd April 2010when 22 young people (aged 13 to 17) and 3leaders from Urban Saints Hitchin caught acoach to Heathrow airport and were thensoon flying over to Los Angeles. After asecond coach journey to San Diego theHitchin group meet up with 120 other youngpeople and leaders from Urban Saints groupsacross the UK. After a ‘good’ night’s sleep thewhole group trekked across the Mexicanborder and spent the rest of the Saturdaysetting up loads of tents as well as trying toget accustomed to no running water,electricity – and of course the long-drop loos.The house build began on Monday. Theteam from Urban Saints Hitchin were takento the site by a coach where we met thefamily we were building a house for– Sandra and Aurelio and their four children.Their current house seemed ok to begin withuntil we realised it was actually built fromscrap materials. They had been waiting for anew home for 3 years and now here wewere ready to build them one! They lived on$11 dollars a day.Monday was the hard graft of levelling theground, mixing concrete (sand, stones andcement) and laying a foundation slab.On Tuesday the wooden frame for the wallsand roof was built. Wednesday involvedhammering all the walls together, putting theroof on and covering the walls with strongwire plus a layer of felt paper. On Thursday theroof was completed with sheets of plywoodand tar roofing paper. As we finally moved tothe last build day, two windows and a doorwere installed and the whole outside of thehouse was plastered.Next came the moment that everyone hadbeen waiting for: the moment when the teamwould finally hand over the keys to the family.This was the most emotional part of the tripand there wasn’t a dry eye in the house -including the whole family, as they told ushow much they appreciated what we haddone for them. Aurelio told us…“With all our heart we want to thank you.With all of our heart we are very grateful. Wepray that God will continue to bless you. Andthank you to everyone. You’re always going tobe in our thoughts. These days that you guyshave been here – we all felt really comfortablewith you guys. What more can we tell you?Because you gave you deserve a lot. We’realways going to follow your example.”A life changing experience for everyoneinvolved – see for yourself at www.youtube.-com/watch?v=Zo432FkxSr8.And if you’re interested in joining the team forthe 2011 Mexico trip then get connected toUrban Saints Hitchin today.Contact Matt Summerfield for moredetails at msummerfield@urbansaints.org or07958 775 145. ■FUNDRAISING VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED FORPARENTLINE PLUS, THE LEADING NATIONALCHARITY PROVIDING HELP AND SUPPORT TOANYONE CARING FOR CHILDREN – PARENTS,GRANDPARENTS, STEP-PARENTS, RELATIVES –FOR FAMILIES LIVING TOGETHER AS WELL AS APARTOUR APPEALWe are currently looking for fundraisingvolunteers for Parentline Plus. Anybody withenthusiasm and energy coupled with fundraising ideas and tips would be very welcome.Please could you email:lynne@parentlineplus.org.uk or phone heron 01707 630100. Our office is based inHatfield if you would like to pop infor a coffee and an informal chat.We look forward to hearing from you.15

COURSE INFORMATIONHELPING IN SCHOOLSWoodlands at Hitchin Boys’ School hasbeen hosting a ‘Helping in Schools’ 15 weekcourse delivered by the WEA and designedto prepare parents and carers forvolunteering in their local school. As anaccredited course, successful completionleads to the NCFE qualification Level 2Award in Developing Skills for SupportingTeaching and Learning in Schools. Thecourse includes a number of topics such asthe National Curriculum, dealing withbehavioural issues and special educationalneeds and gives students the backgroundknowledge they need to develop theirconfidence and help in school.An essential part of the course is the schoolplacement, in which students make acommitment to go into a school on aregular basis to support a class. Thispractical aspect enables them to put intopractice what they learn on the course anddevelop their understanding of the teachingand learning process. In addition, studentscomplete a number of written tasks anda project and they present this in a portfolioin order to receive their accreditation.Feedback from the students shows thatthey find the course invaluable in buildingtheir confidence and understanding in theprimary school system.One of the students, Vicky Wills, writes:“The Helping in Schools course has beenfantastic. During the course we have alllearned so much from our wonderful tutorSuzan Harris and also each other. It hasbeen really enjoyable meeting the otherstudents on the course who have allshown outstanding commitment, eachproducing some excellent work. All thestudents are either parents or carers whohave supported their own children at schooland who now want to help teachers andpupils in schools.The opportunity to learn about how schoolswork and understand school policies,such as health and safety and equalWAYS TO WORKHelping you return to the workplaceopportunities, has been very interesting.The course covered many topics includingthe primary National Curriculum, how tosupport reading and practical ideas to helpchildren in the classroom.This knowledge, alongside our practicalexperience from our school placements, hasgiven us the confidence and ability tobecome effective classroom helpers.Thank you Suzan Harris, the WEA andWoodlands at Hitchin Boys School!”For further information please contactRita Davis, WEA Eastern Region Herts TargetedProgramme Organiser at rdavis@wea.org.uk01438 716237. ■Ways to Work is a training coursedesigned for adults who are returning to fullor part-time employment or voluntary work.The training encourages learners to developself-confidence and new skills for theworkplace. There is also an opportunity toconsider life skills and to set goals for thefuture. The course takes place over fourweeks with a 2.5 hour session every week.The Ways to Work training course was runfor Extended Schools Hitchin South inresponse to identified needs in the Childrenand Young People’s Plan and Local StrategicPartnerships priorities. The training providedfor adult learning and parent support underthe Extended Schools core offer. It also gavethe opportunity to develop communitycohesion targets through offering a serviceto the local community which would helppeople to return to the workplace or takeup local voluntary work.Deborah Mills, Ways to Work Manager, said:'It was encouraging and rewarding to seethe learners grow in self-confidence andmotivation during the training course andto realise they had skills which would openopportunities for them in the workplace'Ways to Work offers learners theopportunity:* To build self-confidence* To develop strengths and experience* To improve communication skills* To prepare and write an effective CV* To practise interview techniques* To set goals and plan for the futureWhat the learners say about Waysto Work:'The course has definitely made me thinkmore optimistically and positively about thechallenges ahead. I realise I have more tooffer than I give myself credit for''Planning for the future has given me hopefor the future''The course went beyond my expectations withfellowship, support, practical input and food forthought. I came to the course with an openmind and I have really enjoyed the process''I have been able to speak out in front of agroup and give my opinion in a discussion''Through Ways to Work I have met newpeople and made friends'For further information please contactDeborah Mills, Liberty Consulting atlibertyconsult7@aol.com 07766 573107. ■16

High Sheriff’s Crimebeat Awards 2010Excerpts from the Crimebeat AwardsIntroductions given by David CansdaleWinner – North Hertfordshire TacklingAnti Social Behaviour Friday Night ProjectTwo features of this project seemed to us tobe the keys to its success. First, partnership,and second, the involvement of the youngpeople themselves.About 2 years ago a range of organisations,including CHILD UK, North Herts Police, NorthHerts District Council, North Herts Homes,Hitchin Town FC, North Herts ExtendedSchools, as well as several other groupsand local people in North Herts, cametogether with a shared concern aboutthe level of anti-social behaviour. They puttogether some funding and contracted CHILDUK, a community interest company led byJohn Manitara, to enlist further support andthen to put on a range of activities for localyoung people.One of the partners is North HertfordshireHomes, with whom Nicola Pearson works,and it was John and Nicola that the judgesmet on a recent Friday evening in a cold anddamp recreation ground in Knebworth. Thegroup identified hotspots in several towns(Letchworth, Hitchin, Knebworth & Baldock)where anti-social behaviour by groups ofyoung people was prevalent.After talking to the young people John, Nicolaand their growing team of sports coaches andothers, some of them volunteers, have beenoffering opportunities such as football andstreet dance in various locations – it wasbasketball coaching under their own portablefloodlights when we visited Knebworth.In addition, they develop agreed codes ofbehaviour with those who attend the sessionsand discuss together a range of issues such assubstance abuse, sexual health and healthyeating – even providing healthy snacks, fruitand drinks. Increasingly, some of theyoung people are helping as well as simplyparticipating. On a typical Friday nightthere can be three sessions being run indifferent towns with over a hundred youngpeople attending.There has been a measurable reduction inincidents of anti social behaviour since theproject started, most notably on Halloweenand Bonfire Night when reported incidents fellto about half previous levels.The responsible authorities got together,identified the problems and bought in someexpertise. CHILD UK have listened to theyoung people and have provided the sort ofthings they want to do in the places they wantto be while, at the same time, challengingtheir behaviour and values. ■17

Hitchin Boys’ School Sports Centre!CAMP ADVENTURE!!!MONDAY – FRIDAY – 8.45AM – 4.15PM26TH JULY – 25TH AUGUST 2010FOR CHILDREN AGED 8 YEARS AND OVERACTIVITIES WILL INCLUDE:TRAMPOLINE, D.M.T, GYMNASTICS, BASKETBALL, BADMINTON,TABLE TENNIS, KWIK CRICKET, FOOTBALL, TENNIS, BENCHBALL,KICK ROUNDERS,VOLLEYBALL, ATHLETICS, CHEERLEADING, ROPES,ARCHERY, FREE STYLE GYMNASTICS AND VARIOUS GAMESCHILDREN WILL NEED TO BRING A PACKED LUNCH, OR ORDER ONEIN ADVANCE. WE WILL PROVIDE WATER AND SQUASH DURING THE DAY,PLEASE ENSURE THEY HAVE A DRINKS BOTTLE. ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELDINSIDE AND OUTSIDE, SUITABLE SPORTS CLOTHES TO BE WORN,IF IT’S HOT PLEASE MAKE SURE THEY HAVE SUNCREAM AND HAT.COST £20.00 PER DAY OR £75.00 FULL WEEK20% DISCOUNT FOR SIBLINGS AND MULTIPLE WEEKSARCHERY COURSEWEDNESDAY’S – 28TH JULY, 4TH, 11TH, 18TH & 25TH AUGUST1-2PM, FOR AGES 8 TO ADULTCOST PER SESSION JUNIOR £12.50, ADULT £15.00MAXIMUM 4 PLACES PER HOURMULTI-SPORTS COURSES 4-8YRS26TH 26TH, 29TH JULY, 16TH & 23RD AUGUST – 1-3PM13TH & 20TH AUGUST – 10-12PMCOST £15.00 PER DAY30% DISCOUNT FOR SIBLINGS & ADDITIONAL DAY’SMULTI-RACQUETS 5-8YRS16TH & 17TH AUGUST – 10-11.30AM, COST £18.00BADMINTON & TABLE TENNIS6YRS & OVER23RD & 24TH AUGUST, 10.30-12PM – COST £18.00FREE STYLE GYMNASTICS 10-18YRSA NEW AND RAPIDLY DEVELOPING ACTIVITY INCORPORATINGPARKOUR, FREE RUNNING AND URBAN GYMNASTICS, LINKEDWITH MARTIAL ARTS KICKING SKILLS!30TH JULY – 1.30-3PM & 2ND AUGUST 11-12.30PMCOST £8.00 PER SESSION OR BOTH FOR £15.0023RD & 24TH AUGUST, 10.30-12PM – COST £18.00IF YOU REQUIRE ANY FURTHER DETAILS OR WOULD LIKE TO BOOK, PLEASEEMAIL ally21hbs@hotmail.co.uk or call ALLY ON 07745569184. PAYMENTSMUST BE SENT TO H.B.S SPORTS CENTRE, GRAMMAR SCHOOL WALK,HITCHIN, HERTS, SG5 1JB, AT TIME OF BOOKING. PLEASE MAKE CHEQUESPAYABLE TO H.B.S AND WRITE NAME AND COURSE ON THE REVERSE.FAMILY FUN WEDNESDAYS!!!10AM-4PM, 28TH JULY, 4TH,11TH, 18TH & 25TH AUGUSTTHIS IS A GREAT WAY FOR FAMILIES TO SPEND TIME TOGETHER,COACHES WILL ORGANISE GAMES ON THE FIELD, INCLUDINGARCHERY AND BOUNCY CASTLE, FACE PAINTING, VARIOUS SPORTSWILL BE HELD IN THE MAIN SPORTS CENTRE AND A SOFT PLAY AREAFOR CHILDREN 3 YEARS AND UNDER. BRING A PICNIC AND SOAK UPTHE SUMMER ON THE FIELD. ALL CHILDREN MUST BE SUPERVISED.DISPLAYS AND TASTER SESSIONS FROM VARIOUS USER GROUPSCOST £20.00 PER FAMILY IF BOOKED IN ADVANCE OR£25.00 PAYABLE ON THE DAY AT RECEPTIONTRAMPOLINE COURSES 3-16YRS26TH & 27TH JULY – 10-11AM OR 11-12PM – COST £135TH & 6TH AUGUST – 10-11AM OR 11-12PM – COST £139TH & 10TH AUGUST – 10-11AM OR 11-12PM – COST £1319TH & 20TH AUGUST – 1-2PM OR 2-3PM – COST £13MULTI-GYM SESSIONSTRAMPOLINE, GYMNASTICS & D.M.T SESSION9TH, 10TH, 13TH & 24TH AUGUST – 2-3.30PMFOR 5 – 16YEARS, COST £8.00 PER SESSIONSUMMER KNOCKOUT!!!H.B.S SPORTS CENTREGRAMMAR SCHOOL WALK, HITCHIN, HERTS, SG5 1JBCAMP ADVENTURE8.45AM-4.15PMFOR CHILDREN AGED 8 YEARS AND OVERFAMILY FUN DAYSWEDNESDAYS – 10AM-4PMSHORT COURSESTRAMPOLINEBADMINTONDOUBLE-MINI-TRAMPOLINEMULTI-SPORTS TABLE TENNISFREE STYLE GYMNASTICSMULTI-RACQUETS CHEERLEADINGARCHERYEmail: ally21hbs@hotmail.co.ukfor further information18

SCHOOL SPORT PARTNERSHIPOur Consortium is served by four Sports Partnerships. Not only do School Sports Co-ordinators deliver PE in Curriculum,they also provide training for Young Sports Leaders and organise the delivery of numerous sports events and festivalsthroughout the year.PLAYGROUND 2 PODIUMWe joined with the Welwyn and HatfieldSSP on 5th February 2010 to run aPlayground 2 Podium Talent ID day.The event was held at Herts Sports Villageand was attended by twenty fourstudents who all had a physical or sensoryimpairment. They took part in a variety ofsports and team building games includingcricket, football, table tennis, new agecurling, speedstacking and athletics. Theday aimed to give young people theopportunity to experience a range of highquality coaching through which to assesstheir sporting potential.Following the Talent ID day seven studentswere then selected to attend Lee ValleyAthletics Centre on 3rd March. This eventwas for selected students who showedgreat potential in their athletic ability andwho could represent the county at disabilityathletics events. Students were giventraining sessions in sprinting, throwing andlong jump and were then measured ontheir performance. Times and distanceswere recorded for each individual, whichwere then written on a certificate for themto take home. Local athletics clubrepresentatives ran the sessions andprovided a point of contact for those whowish to join their local club.Whilst at Lee Valley, Dwain Chambers,100m and 60m sprinter for GB, took a fewmoments out of his training schedule tocome and have his photo taken with thestudents and to sign autographs.YEAR 5 AND 6 SPORTSHALL ATHLETICS220 students from eleven schools acrossSt Albans and Harpenden came together on26th February for the Partnership round ofthe Aviva Sportshall Athletics held atGosling Sports Park.The eleven schools winning their clusterlevel competition were enabled to cometo the Partnership round. Teams weremade up of ten boys and ten girls with eachcompetitor limited to two track and twofield events. Teams battled their waythrough 6 track events and 6 field eventsin total which included an obstacle relay,over & under relay, six lap paarlauf, speedbounce, chest push and javelin.From the Harpenden SSP, Crabtree boys andgirls teams emerged triumphant whilst fromthe St Albans SSP it was a victory forGarden Fields girls team and Wheatfieldsboys team. Crabtree, Garden Fields andWheatfields then qualified for the CountyFinal competition. This took place on 30thMarch at Wodson Park and involved teamsfrom all 12 School Sports Partnershipsacross the county. The competition to winthe title of County Champions was fierce,however Greneway school took the title butclose behind were Crabtree coming animpressive second and Wheatfields &Garden Fields did brilliantly and came third.Thank you to Dan Klinger and Tanya Angusfor helping to organise this event and to theSSCo’s, St Albans Athletics Club, the SportsDevelopment Team and teachers from eachof the primary schools for all their help.Congratulations to all the schools that tookpart in Sportshall Athletics this year, hopeto see you enter again next year!The Schools taking part were:Crabtree for Sir John LawesKimpton for St GeorgesMount Pleasant Lane for MarlboroughCunningham Hill for Francis BaconRoundwood Primary for Roundwood ParkColney Hearth for BeaumontWheatfield Juniors for SandringhamFleetville Juniors for VerulamSt Alban & St Stephen for LoretoGarden Fields for St Albans Girls ■19