Upnor (M@W)

River Pathway

Module 6

M@W 2025 Prom

This years M@W prom was bigger and better than ever! Our first year at a new venue and its safe to say it was a huge hit with all involved. What a fantastic night this was, our young adults came dressed to impress and that they certainly did. Music, food and great company, what more could our young adults ask for.

Upnor Class enrichment day

Upnor class had a smashing day at Flipout in lakeside, we enjoyed the whole of the venue practically to ourselves and our young adults made sure to take full advantage of this! Upnor class scaled the climbing walls, enjoyed the assault course maze, took on the wipeout challenge and competed in the football zone head to heads, truly a session of full on activities and enjoyment.

M@W Beach Day!

M@W had the pleasure of visiting Whitstable beach for our annual beach day. Our young adults had a fantastic day, skimming stones, dipping their toes in the ocean and being with friends. We all ate together on the beach with food from a local chip shop and we had no issues with the seagulls this year! We finished our visit off with a round of ice creams which went down fantastically on a hot summer's day.

M@W Summer festival

To celebrate all the students hard work during our enterprise sessions, we hosted a summer festival with items for sell, food to eat and music to enjoy. We had a fantastic turn out and raised a good amount of money to reinvest into our enterprise. Thank you to all that attended and contributed to a great day.

Milestone @ Wilmington Residential

Our Upnor students had a fantastic time on their residential, learning new skills, facing and conquering fears and most importantly having a fun time with friends.

Our students have not stopped talking about the trip since we have come back to module 6, discussing their favourite part, favourite activity and most importantly, the funniest moment!

This was an experience that I am sure they will not forget for many many years to come.

As we embark on another exciting term, I wanted to take a moment to express just how proud I am of all of our students for the incredible effort they’ve shown in completing their ASDAN qualifications. While we’ll continue our journey through the ASDAN Life Skills Challenge and short courses, it's fantastic to be at a stage where the main coursework is drawing to a close and will soon be externally verified.

In the coming weeks, we will focus on preparing students for their upcoming functional skills exams. This includes delving into strategies for decoding and answering questions, addressing any misconceptions, and employing gap analysis to deliver tailored support in small group and individual sessions. While exam success is paramount, we will also keep our eyes on other crucial aspects of learning, such as social skills in the community, and providing varied experiences like work placements and educational trips, including our anticipated visit to the Science Museum and, of course, preparations for prom.

In Upnor class, we will seize the chance to explore scientific concepts through hands-on experimentation and observation, making connections to prior learning and enabling students to apply their knowledge across different subjects. Weather permitting, we’ll make the most of our outdoor area, adding another layer of fun to our learning experiences.

Module 5

Upnor class have been completing the final touches in our ASDAN Preparation for works qualification, creating an extra large poster of the skills and qualities that the class themselves have.

Upnor have started as we mean to go on. Working on our life skills and keeping on top of the cleanliness of our our own working area.

What a great start to module 5 we have had here in Upnor class! We have accessed the community and completed the M@W cafe shopping, we have continued to develop and embed our English and Maths functional skills and have started to put the final touches on our ASDAN portfolios.

Upnor class had the pleasure of attending a special performance from Circo Rum Ba Ba here at M@W! Before the performance we were tasked with creating themed props to be used in and alongside the performance, our theme was set as space exploration.

Upnor class were only too happy to engage and participate with the performers during the production and a great time was had by all.

Circo Rum Ba Ba

Props!

Hello everyone! Welcome to Module 5! Can you believe how quickly the year has flown by? This module is particularly exciting as we’ll be putting the finishing touches on our ASDAN qualifications. It's such a fantastic opportunity to showcase all the hard work our young adults have put in so far.

Throughout this term, we’ll continue to develop those all-important life skills that will serve you well beyond the classroom. From budgeting to communication skills, we’ll cover it all, ensuring that you're well-prepared for whatever challenges might come your way.

On top of that, we can’t forget about our Maths and English! These key subjects will not only strengthen your academic foundation but will also help you in your everyday life. Remember, preparation is key as we enter into our final exams!

And speaking of exciting things, let’s not overlook our residential trip at the end of this module—what a highlight that’s going to be! It’s a great chance to bond with your classmates and create some wonderful memories while also engaging in some enriching activities.

Let’s make the most of this module and finish strong! Get ready for a thrilling journey as we dive in!

Module 4

Eid Mubarak - Eid ul Fitr (celebrating the end of Ramadan)

Eid al-Fitr is a special occasion for Muslims and is a time for celebration with family and loved ones. Eid ul Fitr marks the end of the month of Ramadan, a period of month-long fasting for Muslims around the world, and the start of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic (Hijri) calendar.

M@W joined together to help mark and celebrate with our own special meal to mark the end of Ramadan, we had a range of foods including a special dish that was made by some of the students and served from a tajine, we hope you enjoy some of the photo's from the event.

The students also researched information for fact sheets that were placed on the tables to give information about Ramadan and Eid ul Fitr to the rest of the students.

Upnor class business enterprise has began collaborating with M@W horticultural enterprise, to bring life back to the onsite polytunnels and to lead the charge in woodwork repairs, this has been a fantastic opportunity for Upnor class students to showcase the skills and experiences that they have gained within our enterprise sessions.

With the change in weather recently, Upnor have been making the most of the sunshine (while it lasts!) The sports group on a Friday are also taking full advantage of this, and some Upnor students are loving it.

Red nose day!

What a fantastic day had by all here at Milestone @ Wilmington. Our students engaged with biscuit design and making, a design your own t-shirt competition, a limbo competition and a crash course in comedy, followed by a whole site comedy show. Fun, laughter and rasing money, what more can we ask for.

OUR HAMPER WINNER!!!!!!!

Thank you all so much for your generosity when purchasing raffle tickets for our hamper.

A big congratulations to the winner!

This is Upnor class holding the draw.

IMG_1912.MOV

Our amazing students in upnor class were able to attend our mainsite Spring sale and use as much charisma and charm push the sale of the products that they has lovingly crafted.

Challenge accepted!

We have explored movement as part of science week here in Upnor class, having our main focus on movement by wind power. We created our own wind paddles to battle against each other in order to move all the tissue paper to the opponents half as well as designing and making our own paper rockets to launch off from a drinking straw.

Raffle incoming

Upnor class have created a beautiful mother's day / Spring hamper. All items were hand picked by the students in Upnor class.

Raffle tickets are now available and will be on sale right up until the draw takes place (TBC). Prices are below

1 ticket - £1

Strip (5 tickets) - £5

We love to change things up here in Upnor class, our English/Math session below was a fantastic way to engaged all of our students. What a fantastic way to embed such key life skills to each of our fantastic students, skills like giving and receiving instructions, following a sequence and turn taking, everyday skills that are essential to our young adults as they continue to grow and explore the world of adulthood.

Upnor have been in full swing in preparation for the upcoming Spring event (Milestone mainsite, Tuesday 18th March in the TRAC). Crafting wooden hand made book rests, picture frames and a giant hamper as well as some other goodies. We hope to see you there!

Students from across Milestone @ Wilmington as well as some of the students from Milestone @ The Leigh joined forces to take part in a football tournament. Despite the weather, this was a joyfull event enjoyed by all that took part.

Upnor have been planning products to sell at out next sales event. A trip to B and Q was needed to collect the supplies, we will keep you all posted on proposed dates and product information nearer the time.

Welcome back all! This module promises to be as ambitious and successful as the last.

Our first day back and Upner students have been full of fun, laughter and learning. Below are pictures from our positional language maths session titled 'Positional battle ships'. Using the correct positional prompts, students were guided to areas before releasing the paper torpedos over the tables to knock over the oppositions cup towers/ships.

World Book Day - M@W

Quentin Blake Inspired (virtual) Gallery

As part of our World Book Day activities the students were given the opportunity to learn about and study the illustration style of Quentin Blake, famous for illustrating the Roald Dahl books written between 1978 - 1990. They were given examples of his illustrations to recreate or create their own illustration in the style of Quentin Blake using pencil and water colours.

We hope you enjoy viewing the pictures produced as much as we have.

Module 3

As part of Upnor classes ASDAN lifeskills challenge 'Setting personal dreams and goals and smart planning for positive mental health', our students have created healthy and unhealthy lifestyle posters to help guide them towards making good smart health goals.

After a restful and exciting Christmas break, Upnor are back with a bang, no rest for the wicked!

Upnor have squeezed a lot in, in a short amount of time.

See below for how our module 3 is going so far.

Putting our life skills to the test by preparing and cooking muffin pizzas for a cafe special.

As well as Upnor class pushing forward and expanding their knowledge in our functional skills maths, we have taken a more kinesthetic approach to embedding the knowledge of positional language.

Upnor class have continued make great progress in their ASDAN accreditation 'Managing own money'. We have been working with budgeting, incomes and expenditures.

Upnor class have enjoyed getting back into the swing of their ASDAN short courses on a Friday, History have been researching and investigating historical British people on banknotes, Hair and make up have been honing their beauty skills as well as engaging in customer service role play scenarios and Sports have been rolling around the matts while learning all things Judo!

A very merry M@W Christmas

Upnor class and all at M@W have been getting stuck into different Christmas activities, I think it is safe to say that preparing and eating Christmas dinner was the favourite!

From all here in Upnor class, have a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic new year.

Christmas dinner and dance

Biscuit making

Tea dance

Maths - Positional language

Upnor class have been exploring the use of positional language within our everyday lives, whether this is at home tidying up, walking to the shops or making some food, we use it everyday. Upnor were tasked with working in pairs, one blindfolded and the other giving out instructions on how to walk the maze, Upnor class took extra pleasure watching our staff try to complete the maze.

PSPD - Online Communication

Milestone@Wilmngton have been exploring online communication, what happens and how it makes us feel if it is misused and how we can use it in a better way. Upnor, Hever & Rochester class spent time reflecting upon online communication and creating word clouds, creating a presentation & a film to express their thoughts and feelings. We would like to share the film & presentation with you here, we are all very proud of what they have achieved

Copy of Social media

PSPD Films v2.mp4

Module 2

We are full of joy and excitement as we dive into Module 2! In this module, we will continue our journey in ASDAN, focusing on 'Managing Own Money', which will help us become savvy with your finances. We will also explore 'Preparation for Work', giving you the skills we need to succeed in future jobs.

In our Lifeskills challenges, we'll be working together in PSHE and PSPD to boost your confidence and everyday abilities. We will continue our fun functional English and Maths sessions, where you will enhance our reading and numeracy skills in an enjoyable way!

Finally, we can’t wait for our enterprise sessions, where you will unleash your creativity and develop amazing projects. Get ready to learn and have fun together as we embark on this exciting new chapter!

Enterprise

As we get closer to Christmas, Upnor class have made it a main goal to have our products finished whilst maintaining the highest quality possible. Our multi purpose mini Xmas tress have had their final sprays and will be looking for new homes come the Christmas market.

Upnor Class in the community.

In line with our ASDAN Managing own money qualification and our Enterprise session, Upnor class have travelled into Dartford using public buses in order to purchase items needed and to keep within budgets.

ASDAN preparation for work.

Upnor continue to make progress with our Preparation for work ASDAN qualification. As a class, we have interviews our very own head teacher, Sarah Goosani, asking and recording questions relating to skills and qualities that are required to become an employee and how they are able to improve on existing skills and qualities in order to scale to world or employment.

ASDAN managing own money.

Upnor have made very good progress in their Managing own money ASDAN qualification, we have made a particular big effort in understand money and its value. Upnor have taken part in very hands on sessions, learning the difference between each coin, noting what is the same with each coins and most importantly, identifying each coins value.

Upnor class had the challenge of trying defeating their very own staff in a coin matching interactive game. One by one the students needed to rush to the board to select the correct coin for the value shown in a race against the clock. I will let you ask you student who won in the challenge!

Upnor class have been using real coins to exchange for items in our very own Upnor board games shop. This has been a fantastic session for our students, gaining confidence in exchanging money and practicing for when we are out in the community.

English - Read, Write Inc.

Our group have been making a great start to the new module. A key element being focused on is engaging and enjoying reading, helping us towards our latest ASDAN qualification, Developing Reading Skills.

Parliament Week

This week is UK Parliament week, in Upnor class the students have been learning about the history of parliament, the different functions of parliament and have taken a virtual tour of the building.

We have also used this as an opportunity to explore the concept of democracy with students either standing for election to be the class representative for school council or reflecting on what they would like to change, why and how they think they would achieve it. Our students where all given the opportunity to stand for election, students who wanted to, where then asked questions by their peers and given the chance to respond. Upnor class then had a democratic vote, for who would be the voice of Upnor class with in our very own school council.

Upnor class school council representatives

ASDAN Lifeskills challenge

Upnor have been exploring the wonderful world of household tasks! We have made a focus this module on the challenge 'Doing own laundry'

We have done our best to make this activity as fun and engaging as possible by creating our very own game that matches all of our learning objective, In small teams competing against the clock, Upnor students needed to empty the washing machine (1 object at a time) before passing it on, eventually arriving at the washing line to be hung up to dry! Our students have said that this may be the way forward for engaging them at home if this activity! Parents, you know what to do.

Social media and online/mobile communications

In today's digital age, social media and online mobile communications have become an integral part of our lives. Upnor Class has been exploring both the positive and negative impacts of these platforms. On one hand, social media allows us to connect with family and friends, even if they live far away. This amazing ability to communicate instantly fosters relationships and helps maintain bonds. For example, sharing photos and updates keeps everyone involved in each other's lives.

However, there are negative aspects to consider. Many young people experience pressure to present a perfect image online. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and anxiety, as they compare themselves to others. Additionally, excessive use of social media can lead to isolation. Instead of engaging in face-to-face interactions, many choose to scroll through their feeds alone.

In conclusion, Upnor Class agrees that while social media has many benefits, it is essential to be aware of its drawbacks. Below is a collective presentation created by the students in Upnor class.

Social media

Module 1

Welcome to Upnor class 2024

In this module, Upnor class will be starting two new ASDAN accreditations, Preparation for work and Managing own money. Both of these ASDAN accreditations promise to develop and enhance our students life skills.

Upnor class are thrilled to be continuing our business enterprise here at M@W. This year will see 4 branches being explored, Pre loved, Seasonal gifts, computing and horticulture. Watch this space for updates.

Of course we will be continuing to work towards gaining a functional skills Maths and English qualification as well as the introduction of our new ASDAN lifeskills challenges PSPD and ASDAN lifeskills challenges independent living skills.

Upnor class have made a great start to their ASDAN preparation for work accreditation. They have been researching into skills and qualities that employers look for when filling vacancies, extracting and recording important information from job adverts to enhance chances of their own applications and working together to create questions to ask employers when being interviewed, Upnor have put the latter to the test on our very own satellite director Nicky.

Upnor class students were tasked with being bakery chefs for a day, needing to highlight skills and qualities they felt would be beneficial to fulfilling the role. During the task of creating banana breads, Upnor class would reflect and discuss how they felt the shift was going.

As part of our ASDAN managing own money, Upnor class have been talking all things budget! We discussed items that we would frequently buy for the M@W cafe before recording the items down. The whole class took a trip to ASDA to locate the items and record the prices, once these were collected we incorporated these figures into our maths session and were able to use calculators to ascertain our final price.

On our recent shopping trip, Upnor class was tasked with locating and collecting items from a shopping list, keeping to a strict budget, students needed to compare prices and stay on track and most importantly, under budget.

Upnor class continue to work hard towards our function skills maths targets. Our students have taken part in kinesthetic sessions, small group sessions, 1 to 1 and whole class sessions, building upon and enhancing their confidence in the use of maths in the classroom, social situations and at home.

Working alongside our Read, Write Inc and English functional skills schemes of work, Upnor class are making promising progress. Each student has enjoyed selecting and reading their own books for our guided reading times, our new reading pens have been a great hit and sparked to life an interest in reading to some of our students. We are continuing to gain confidence in talking to groups in our speaking, listening and communication sessions.

Our PSHE sessions this module have so far focused on healthy active lifestyles, understanding how and why it is important to have a varied diet while staying active and personal appearance and hygiene, understanding how and why it is important to have routines in hygiene and how it can be good for your mental healthy to have an appearance that you are comfortable with.

We have made a real focus on internet safety within our PSPD sessions in this module, taking part in 2 ASDAN lifeskills challenges, 'Basic internet safety' and 'Staying safe online'. Students have been able to identify ways to stay safe in different online situations and how to prevent some situations from being able to happen.

ASDAN Lifeskills

We're thrilled to share that Upnor class has been participating in the exciting ASDAN Lifeskills Challenge, focusing on developing a healthy, active lifestyle. Recently, we had a fabulous time trying our hand at blind football!

All students donned blindfolds, which certainly added a twist to the game. The ball, filled with jingling bells, made it easy to listen out for where it was, but passing it around was a delightful challenge that required teamwork and effective communication skills. Each pupil had to rely on their peers, shouting directions and encouragements while navigating the field.

The atmosphere was buzzing with laughter and cheers as we all tried our best, and even the staff couldn’t help but join in on the fun. It was a fantastic way for everyone to bond, and we are all looking forward to our next adventure in this Lifeskills challenge!

Enterprise 24/25

Seasonal gifts

Exciting news from Upnor Class! We’ve officially kicked off this year's seasonal gifts branch of our 24/25 enterprise. The children are buzzing with creativity as they dive into researching ideas and crafting prototypes. For one idea for this year, we've decided to create charming wooden Christmas trees that will bring some festive cheer to our community.

To ensure we remain eco-friendly, Upnor class are using reclaimed and repurposed wood to give our trees a unique and sustainable touch. The class is eager to get out into the local community to purchase the materials needed for our project, and they’re full of brilliant suggestions on how we can make these trees truly special.

It’s wonderful to see the students collaborating and developing their ideas, and we’re all looking forward to seeing this project come to life. Stay tuned for more updates as we progress!

ASDAN - Managing own money

Upnor class have been making steady progress in our ASDAN accreditation - Managing Own Money! We're diving into the fascinating world of incomes, exploring various income streams to understand how people earn money. The students have been busy creating and sticking to their own budgets, which has been a fantastic learning experience. Recently, we ventured out to our local community, where they practised using their budgets to pay for items. It’s wonderful to see them developing essential life skills while having fun! Their confidence in managing finances is definitely on the rise!

ASDAN - Preparation for work

Upnor Class are excelling within their ASDAN - Preparation for Work accreditation! They've been diving into what employers really seek in new staff by analysing a variety of job advertisements and pinpointing the essential skills and qualities. From teamwork and communication to adaptability and problem-solving, they’ve identified key traits that stand out. They've even taken it a step further by having a chat with our very own satellite director, asking her some intriguing questions about her hiring preferences. To top it off, they're rating their own skills and qualities, which is brilliant for self-reflection. It’s wonderful to see their engagement and understanding of the job market grow each week! Keep it up, Upnor Class!

We have been busy building scrap material bridges during our maths mass sessions, predicting the amount of tinned beans that each bridge would be able to withstand before collapsing. Some students and staff were brave enough, and confident enough to stand on the bridges.

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