The Courier

Dear Parents

It was fantastic to see so many of you in school this week for the ‘English for Parents’ sessions run by our staff. The teaching of English has changed quite radically in recent years with the introduction of the new curriculum and getting to grips with this has been quite a learning curve for pupils, not to mention many teachers, across the country. We are of course committed to meeting and exceeding the standards of the national curriculum and in many ways we welcome these changes as they raise the bar and set clearly defined targets.

An additional challenge of course is training staff, both teachers and teacher assistants, to deliver it to the highest possible standard. I believe that many of you who came along this week will have gained a real insight into how we teach these important skills and I hope this will help you support your child with their learning at home.

Another parent event this week was the Year 6 parents’ evenings. Year 6 parents are starting to see the light at the end of the Crescent tunnel as many enter the last half year of your relationship with the school. This is a wonderful time for parents, children and teachers as you look back on all of the successes and achievements with a great deal of pride. There were very many positive comments and feedback on both of the evenings for us to enjoy and these go a long way towards making the job of a teacher such a fulfilling one.

With the half term now upon us I do hope you all have a very good break and I know you will be planning quality time activities with your children. It can be quite amazing how much children can gain from educational visits with their families. I remember taking my own children to the Bosworth battlefield when they were in primary school and how they spent the next month reading, drawing and re-enacting what they had learned on the day. This holiday, my youngest son is keen for us to try out mountain biking and we are heading off to the Forest of Dean to give it a go. One of the best things about having children, I tell myself, is that they do keep you young!

Best wishes for a relaxing half term break.

Joe Thackway

For a two or three week period this year we will be focusing on one of the sayings in the School Promise. We will talk about this in assembly and in form period. It would be great if you could discuss this with your children at home and support the messages we are emphasising in school.

When we return from the half term break, we will look at the idea of being a calm and sensible pupil. The school council chose this one in the category of Good Learners as all children know that they learn best when they are focused in class and there is a determined, hardworking atmosphere.

‘We are calm and sensible’