Thank-you to the individuals who liked, retweeted or sent kind messages about my last Blog post on the theme of Volunteering in Knowsley. Volunteering is something you need to consider if you are low on confidence, looking to start a career or simply wanting to give something back to your community. Get volunteering!
Last week I attended a very powerful and moving drama on the impact of Domestic Violence. Presented by Mad Theatre Company the play is called “Black Eyes and Cottage Pies”. The play highlights how domestic abuse has impacted on teenager Jodie, as well as addressing adult domestic abuse, consent, sexting and the power of peer relationships. The drama was showcased to Knowsley staff on Wednesday – pastoral leads in secondary schools, councillors, Children’s Safeguarding Board members and frontline practitioners and will be rolled out to pupils in the borough’s secondary schools and further education.
Domestic violence is a complex issue which can affect anyone of any age or gender. To help raise awareness of this important issue, Knowsley Safeguarding Children Board and Public Health, commissioned this innovative drama, which is told through the eyes of a child – often the forgotten victim in domestic abuse. I was genuinely moved and impressed by this piece of theatre – please go and see it if the opportunity comes your way.
School attendance in Knowsley has featured a lot in the media last week. Many of you may have seen or read the news items featuring the Kirkby-born actor, Stephen Graham. Stephen is a Hollywood star who played Al Capone in “Boardwalk Empire” among his many roles. He was at Lord Derby Academy meeting pupils and emphasising the importance of attending school to improve your future prospects. Among the comments that proved inspirational to pupils was his line “Whatever you dream you want to do in life, anything is possible if you put the work in”. You can read more about Stephen’s visit in the link here: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/hollywood-star-stephen-graham-returns-10843931
Stephen’s visit was timed to coincide with the announcement of the success of a recent attendance campaign in Knowsley. The campaign started last September and so far, more than 1,500 pupils across the borough have received a bronze medal for achieving 100 per cent school attendance during the autumn term. If they complete 100 per cent during the spring term, they will receive a silver medal and a gold medal upon completion of full attendance for the academic year. To complement the year-long campaign, a shorter 30 day challenge was introduced around the Christmas period – which traditionally sees a dip in attendance. Pupils were encouraged to give full attendance throughout December and January and there was a 19% increase in pupils achieving 100 per cent attendance compared to the previous year.
Congratulations to all the pupils who received awards this week and to our officers in Knowsley for another great initiative.
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