Head teacher blog March 1st 2019
It is the first day of spring and the children have enjoyed the fine, dry weather and being able to play on the grass. The temperatures have been ridiculously unseasonal, and children in Year 5 children studying plant reproduction this week have seen bees all over a tree near the farm whose pollen-filled catkin flowers might usually have been expected in a couple of weeks’ time. I am always keen for our grounds and farm to be used as an educational resource and this was a prime opportunity.
This week has seen a flurry of three different governors’ meetings and a governor-led Health and Safety audit. I am hugely grateful for the time and commitment that our well-informed and skilled governors provide the school. These meetings have also provided an opportunity for many of our fabulous colleagues to present and respond to challenges on key areas of school provision: History lead Mrs Loveridge enthusiastically sharing highlights of a partnership with Historic England; well-informed Mrs Kroon and Mrs Lace updating on ‘Maths Mastery’ approaches inspired by the Far East; Mrs Kumar confidently reviewing and evaluating Foundation Stage practice against Ofsted best practice and Mr Cooke presenting a comprehensive, well-evidenced and positive report into the progress and provision for children with SEND.
A new initiative this year has been our ‘Show Time’ club: a chance for children in Y5 and Y6 to experience and enjoy a range of events at theatres and concert halls in the area. Last Saturday, the children enjoyed a ‘Music of Harry Potter’ concert by the world-renowned Halle Orchestra, on Tuesday they were treated to a children’s performance of The Magic Flute by Opera North and next Tuesday night they are off the The Alhambra to see Matilda. This programme appears to have been a great success; if we run it again next year, I wonder if we could get more than 34 children involved and more boys?
