3 Nov 2009 - Autumn Activities at St Mary's
It only seems like yesterday that we were starting another school year, but already the clocks are going back and we’re breaking up for a well-earned break. But in fact so much has happened in the past few weeks…
Year 6 Residential Week at Morfa Bay
A group of 33 intrepid Year 6 children and 3 teachers spent a fantastic week at Morfa Bay Outdoor Activity Centre near Pendine in South Wales. Set up to give the children the chance to try new activities that we cannot provide at school, as well as developing their social skills and independence, the week was hugely successful! Not only did the children learn to live together – including eating, sleeping and working together - but they had the opportunities to try abseiling, archery, a MUDDY assault course, body boarding, climbing, high wires and orienteering. Team work and encouragement was the order of the week- and all joined in with enthusiasm and a growing understanding of their own and others’ strengths and weaknesses.
We are extremely grateful to the variety of groups in Tetbury who helped ensure that all Year 6 children had the opportunity to share this fantastic experience whatever their financial circumstances.
As a flavour of how much the children enjoyed it, here’s how Chloe J described riding the zipwire…
“My heart was racing. My body was shaking. The instructor tried to talk to me, but he couldn’t. I was too busy fearing for what would happen. Then, out of nowhere, I don’t think anyone watching thought it would happen. I jumped. I could feel the wind through my hair, the breeze on my face. I didn’t know what to say, so I screamed. I was overjoyed. I had overcome my fears.”
"Assault Course Conquered!"
Creating Healthy Lunchboxes
Our Year 1 & 2 children have been taking part in entertaining and informative sessions led by Advanced Skills Teacher for Health & Wellbeing, Mrs Jackie Kelly from Gloucester. These were also attended by a number of parents, and were repeated soon afterwards for the Key Stage 2 service.
Badminton Horseless Trials
Not to be outdone by the children’s healthy activities, an intrepid team of staff and parents battled five miles over the jumps and through the lake at the Badminton Estate. They are raising money for three good causes; 50% for Help The Heroes, 25% for Tetbury Hospital, and 25% for our PTA. We are of course still welcoming donations at the School Office!
"Quietly Confident?"
School Council
After the excitement of the elections subsided, the Council has knuckled down and already the pupils are making a positive difference all around the school. With over £300 raised from the sponsored ‘Paint-a-Fence-Panel’ project, the Key Stage 1 Council Representatives - Ben Dedman, Lucy French and Bethany Scriven - and their classes have voted to purchase a new giant caterpillar tunnel, balance beam and other equipment for the infant playground.
Meanwhile, the Key Stage 2 Councillors have met the Schools Grounds Advisor Cathy King to kick-start creating ideas for improving the outside spaces around the Junior playground. Watch this space for further developments…
The Learning Project
A major focus this year is to develop and improve the ways the children learn. An early example of this has been training some of the Year 5 & 6 children as “Learning Detectives”, with a remit to help develop good learning from a child’s point of view. They have been accompanying staff, school governors and Joss Gill (our County Adviser) on a Learning Walk around the school, observing and identifying good practices that are already happening, then celebrating and sharing them across the school.
Open Morning
We recently held a successful Open Morning for current and especially prospective new parents to visit and tour the school. If any parents were not able to attend, or indeed would simply like to get to know the school better, just contact the office at any time, and we would love to welcome you to St Mary’s.