So we are into the season of goodwill to all men, tinsel, glitter and peace on earth. Christmas has slowly but surely crept up on us at Dean Street and the next 7 days (yes, just 7 more teaching days) will be spent on wrapping up the last term’s work and celebrating in true Christmas spirit.

At Dean Street we have also thought about people who are less fortunate than ourselves. The homeless problem in Manchester and Oldham has been something that Key Stage 4 have discussed and this week we looked at how we can help. Last year we were fortunate enough to receive some coats from a local charity; we have ensured every student is ‘kitted out’ for outdoor and adventurous activities but we have found we have some jackets that are surplus to requirements as they do not fit. Mr Pidlyskyj’s group got in touch with a local charity, Barnabus, who support the homeless and deprived and they picked up the coats which will then be distributed to people on the streets of Manchester. Well done to all those involved, it’s always nice to give something back..

Our intrepid explorers on Duke of Edinburgh’s never fail to amaze me and this past fortnight has been no exception, as they braved the cold weather and were out on their travels..

Last week the Key Stage 4 D of E group delved into some history and again focused on the importance of having the correct equipment when out walking in the countryside. We visited Blackstone Edge where we walked up the Roman Road over the hills up to the Aiggin Stone which marks the crossroads between the Roman Road and the Pennine Way. This is approximately 500 years old and was used as a marker for the path back in Medieval times. From there we walked up to the very scenic Trig point on the edge of the rocks themselves. With the weather hitting a wind chill of -4 the boys had prepared themselves well and layered up effectively so that they all stayed warm out on the exposed hill top..

This week our in our penultimate outing before Christmas, the Key Stage 4 D of E boys went up onto Snake Pass for probably the last time for a while before it gets shut due to snow! We all geared up and were thoroughly prepared for the cool weather thanks to our donations from Gift your Gear. Our winter walk took us through different terrains including Christmas tree forests in which Levi could not believe that Christmas trees actually grew in the wild!

Other terrains we faced were steep hills, moorland and a climb down through heather..

..before a river crossing!

After experiencing the outdoors over the past few weeks the Spring Brook boys are all beginning to respect the weather, how quickly it can change and how to prepare for it in the hills. Well done, boys!

We are still working on our entrances and exits to school. Our new staff and visitor entrance is now exhibiting a piece of work done by Miss Tokelove and her Art groups. This is such a colourful welcome to visitors at Dean Street and it will be this image that we use in the New Year for our ‘Good Work’ postcards for our young people..

Finally, we have so much to look forward to next week – Wednesday is Christmas lunch and Friday will see Dean Street’s very own Christmas markets (complete with stalls) set up!

Just a reminder to all parents and carers that any snow alerts will be done through our Facebook and Twitter pages, through the website and on local radio stations.

Have a great week,

Mrs Tootill
Head of Springboard Project

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