Hi! Ellener and Courtney here... we just wanted to say a quick 'hello' to you all! This is our first blog together and want to make it a good one...

Year 6 Pioneers Project 2013

The Pioneers Project is a fun active day every week ( on a Thursday). Year 6 take part in the project. It is our second week joining the project. Nick and Sarah lead the learning tasks, but sadly Nick couldn't make it this week due to be called out to the army! We still had fun this week though with Sarah and Trigger (also known as) Duncan.

This week we've been reading and orientating maps. We'll need these skills because we're going to the Ashdown Forest in the last week, before Christmas. In the afternoon we were given a map of the school grounds and were given a number from 1 to 10. We had to find the number, using the map to help, and then answer the questions provided. 

Last week, our first session, we were split into two teams of 9 per group. The two teams were Hillary and Mallery (two famous explorers). In the afternoon we went outside and learnt to put up a tent and to get across an area without touching the floor. It was all about teamwork. We had so much fun...cant wait till next week!  

Welcome back! Term 1 (September 2013)

My sincere apologies for the delay in getting the first blog of the year out to you.
It has been a somewhat busy start to the new academic year - all very positive and productive, but very busy...

Already there have been some exciting opportunities and challenges for our learners.

Year 1 and Year 3 children have new teachers (Mr Pring and Mr Harris respectively) and are rising to the expectations set. Mrs Clarke joins us too in her role as PPA teacher and has already settled well with children responding positively.

Year 6 have begun the 'Primary Pioneers' project with Nick & Sarah, two military personnel who are delivering a fantastic curriculum using the 'outdoor classroom'. In session one, the children had to work in teams to build bridges and correctly erect tents. Teamwork, communication, self-confidence, resilience, problem-solving (key skills for life long learning) are all promoted through this project and I look forward to seeing the children flourish.

Our clubs letter is going home this week and we hope lots of children will 'get involved' again this year. Another exciting opportunity this year is Gymnastics Club, run by qualified gym coaches. A letter has been sent home and I hope the club proves popular.

From a building perspective, the holidays were very productive. A new safety barrier was installed on the main driveway which makes the immediate area around the school a much safer environment. We have increased car parking spaces to help and relocated the bike store. Pedestrians can now enjoy a car-free walk up to the School Office and the Community Room.

Also, we have have installed hand-dryers in all toilet/sink areas. This not only makes hand washing much more hygenic but it also reduces paper towel waste and helps the environment. We've even installed one in Westview Playgroup!

Arriving soon will be some new high definition screens for interactive use in the classrooms. These will aid learning greatly and provide teaching staff with a fabulous platform in which to produce some great resources and teaching ideas. All very exciting....

Ellener and Courtney, two of our Year 6 pupils, will be starting their blog very soon. Please look out for their brief welcome!