Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site, year 9 and 10 had an Art and Photography filled day this term in Saltaire, Bradford. Learners had the fantastic opportunity to visit one of the largest collections of David Hockney’s art, including ‘A Year in Normandie’, a 90m long frieze that captures the changing seasons over the course of a year. Sitting to sketch at the gallery, we were able to experience art close up, seeing the mark making techniques the artist used to create his digital art works. Along with creating a mini artist transcription in oil pastels, learners recorded some of the mark making that Hockney used. Learners also walked along the river taking photographs with digital cameras, connecting to technical skills. Art and photography created will be used in GCSE projects, so look out for an update of what has been created soon!

On Wednesday 17th May, four of our learners represented Coritani in the Humber Quadkids athletics competition. Four events saw our learners (and the staff) jumping with all their might, sprinting across the finish line and throwing howlers to the heavens. Everyone participated in every event and when the going got tough in the 400m race, our team dug deep and never gave up, true resilience in action. Well done to our learners for being ready for the competition, being respectful to those around us, competing safely and  personifying our mindset, we are very proud of your efforts. 

After the success of our venture into wheelchair basketball during Empathy Week, it returned by popular demand, so popular the learners were willing to stop after school to get involved. After a series of drills and relays, ball dribbling skills were introduced and then we had some highly competitive games before finishing with a  form of free-throw shootout which saw Jake and Krista awarded with medals.

We have had the amazing and engaging Explorer Dome visiting Coritani! In the dome, we learnt about our planet, its creation and how it has changed over millions of years (and is still changing now!). We learnt about how earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes are caused and the damage that these do to our planet. The learners watched an experiment with dry ice after discovering how the Earth’s surface cooled down from being a huge ball of lava. Our experience in the dome finished by gazing at the stars, learning about constellations and different solar systems. The learners were left wondering if there is more life out in Space than we know about…

To celebrate 'World Book Day' this year, we visited Lincoln Castle and the Magna Carta. Prior to our visit, we read the story of Robin Hood and discussed the role of King John. He wasn't a very good king in the story or in real life, however he did introduced the Magna Carta, which is seen as the basis of many English laws and helped to influence the US constitution.

Everyone had fun and in addition to seeing the Magna Carta, we walked the walls of the castle, visited the Victorian prison and enjoyed watching how fudge is made, as well as sampling a few flavours. 

As part of our Empathy week plans, blindfold football, supporting videos and resources from the National Empathy Week team we visited the Pods to take part in Wheelchair Basketball.  Training was led by the Wheeler Steelers very own ‘Boots’ and all the visitors, learners and staff had a gruelling morning learning to use the wheelchair through a series of team relays.  During the training cones went flying as our steering did not match our speed.  The session finished with a series of competitive games which were more about fun than ability.  We revisit the Wheeler Steelers in May.