Parkwood shares its stories

Parkwood Academy celebrated the publishing of its book, ‘Sharing our Lives and Communities’ on the 5th April, with a spectacular community event attended by parents, children and supporters.

The book is a collection of poetry and stories from children at Parkwood and its feeder schools, Longley, Pye Bank and Watercliffe Meadow. There are also contributions from parents and residents of Shirecliffe and Burngreave.

The writing reflects the immense diversity of Parkwood’s Family of Schools and aims to build positive connections between the school, the community and pupils.

This project is just one of the ways the school is tackling tensions around the school. The strong support of parents and residents at the event showed how successful the school has already been in bringing people together.

The following is a selection of stories and poems from the book.

For a copy of the book contact Paul Howard, Community Liaison Manager, on 231 0221.

Parkwood to me

Parkwood to me Is like a family, Huddled together, We are all as gentle as a feather.

The new students Used to be scared, Lost, small and nervous, But now we are all confident We want to learn more and we always share You, the reader, Are just a drop, But you in a group Make the ocean.

Demi Fletcher, Y7, Parkwood Academy

Staying in England

Hi, my name is Daniel. When I was a little child I lived in Slovakia where I went to school every day. In 2007 I came to England with my family. It felt very different because I couldn’t even speak English. It was hard to learn and when I came to school I felt sad because I didn’t know what to do. But after three months I was feeling better because I had friends, I knew what to do and my English was getting better.

About four months ago my mum asked me if I wanted to go back to Slovakia. I said no, because this school is much better than in Slovakia and I want to finish my education here. I want to be an interpreter because I know how hard it is when you can’t speak to people.

Daniel Dunka y9, Parkwood Academy

A House Built on a Rock

Our house will be built on hope Our foundations will be made from loving friendship

Our walls will be made of trust With bricks held together with the cement of security

Our roof will be made from appreciation and consideration Our windows will look out on Christians and Muslims working together

Our doors will be open to freedom of speech Our rooms will be filled with warmth of kindness Our home will build to a new beginning

Bader Saleh, Y5, Pye Bank Primary

Proud of Shirecliffe

I moved into the Shirecliffe area almost 28 years ago. As a single parent I was on benefits for a while, but did work in between having my children.

I have found the area has gone through some changes, most of them for the good of the community. There are new developments happening, not least the regeneration of the new Watercliffe Meadow and the start of the new build for Parkwood Academy.

All my children have attended the local schools and have found the experience of it being very beneficial to them. I have no problem in telling mothers of young students that they can succeed. Being from this area or attending the local schools gives the students a head start. It doesn’t, or shouldn’t, hold them back.

My eldest has been a Police Officer for seven years, after attending University in Manchester. My younger daughter is now a qualified Doctor.

By supporting each other we can produce great outcomes. I love living here and would encourage others to be proud of where they come from.

Jackie (Shirecliffe resident)