Curriculum and Standards subcommittee Tuesday April 28th

Our last meeting covered a whole medley of topics, ranging from Special Educational Needs, through Curriculum developments, down to Cheerleading! Mrs Jessop came to talk us through the rapid development of SEN provision that has been taking place since she arrived at the school in the Autumn. We have had to write new policies and make new information available on the website for parents to see. Mrs Jessop has created provision maps, trained staff, and developed a whole system to ensure that all pupils get the education they need and deserve. She meets with teachers and teaching assistants and holds regular coffee mornings so that the parents of SEN children can meet and discuss issues in a relaxed environment. The views of both parents and children are canvassed and considered.

It is clear that all her hard work has resulted in improved achievement and progress.Our Spring Term Progress data shows that 85% of SEN pupils are making expected or accelerated progress in Reading, 92% in Writing and 85% in Maths. Accelerated progress can be seen in Reading (50%), and Maths (70%).

Of course Mrs Jessop is central to our provision but our children make progress because the teachers and teaching assistants are all involved in their SEN program. Some specialist provisions are made outside the classroom but SEN work is done on a more constant basis in the class. All staff are responsible for the day to day education and support needed to create confidence and success for those who need extra help.

As a school we hope that all children will achieve to their highest ability and be the best they can possibly be. SEN provision is an important part of this. We are fortunate to have Mrs Jessop to help us in this.

The new curriculum is very challenging, with its higher expectations of what the children should achieve. Mrs Comer is meeting with parents on Monday 11^th May to explain the coming changes.

Other exciting developments, possibly more exciting, are the planned trip to the Globe theatre, possible new IPads and of course, the Cheerleading! It is hoped that both boys and girls will enjoy this and give it a new twist.

Parish News May

The Easter holidays bestowed a much needed two week break upon pupils and staff at the school this month. However, it was an eggsciting end to the Spring term with lots of celebrations including an egg decorating competition, an Easter Egg hunt and our annual much anticipated Egg Rolling competition which is typically a little more competitive amongst the staff than it is amongst the pupils!

The spring term culminated in an Easter service in the church with a chance to retell the Easter story and celebrate the term passed.

Before the end of term, Nursery and Reception had some squirmy little squatters move in, taking the form of frogspawn which eventually turned into tadpoles and I’m now reliably informed that they have moved onto pastures new to start their froggy lives. However, the children very much enjoyed watching the frogspawn growing and changing which supported their learning immensely.

Years One and Two also got closer to nature with a very fun and muddy visit to College Lake in Tring where they were able to experience hands on science learning.

Year Three and Four worked very hard on their Easter Haiku poems, one of which is featured at the end of this article.

Years Five and Six triumphed by reaching the finals of the penalty shoot-out competition at Watford Football Ground amongst other schools. They must have had nerves of steel to be taking penalties in front of such a big crowd! There is much anticipation for the final now.

Moving forward to this term, thanks to funding received as a legacy to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics, pupils are getting the chance to take part in “WOW” PE lessons, enjoying an activity they have perhaps not taken part in before. Nursery and Reception will be experiencing Martial Arts whilst Years One and Two will try out Cheerleading. Years Three and Four are travelling to Sportspace in Hemel for their PE lessons to enjoy the facilities at Sapphire Gymnastics. Years 5 and 6 took part in “WOW” PE last term.

This term Years One and Two are starting a new science topic focusing on Animals and Diet. They have been learning about which food and drink is good and not so good for humans and animals. Years Three and Four are focusing on light and shadow in Science, and have been having great fun seeing whether they could run away from their shadows on the playground. The pupils told me that there is no escaping from your shadow!!

Years Five and Six continue to work hard as SAT’s season is now gearing up. This cohort of year Two and year Six pupils will be the last to take formal SATs papers as the system changes from next year.

Some improvements have also been made to the school over the Easter holidays in the form of a new school hall floor. The governing body are driving forward the use of IT by introducing Office 365 accounts and email addresses for all staff and key stage two pupils, with the added bonus of a free Microsoft Office licence for each pupil for their home computer whilst they remain at the school.

At the end of last term, the school had an inspection from HMI (one level above Ofsted) who rated the school as “Good”, agreeing with the schools own self-evaluation. The school now awaits its next formal Ofsted Inspection in the Summer term. However, the HMI result is extremely good news for the school and a credit to the hard work put in by the staff and pupils over recent years, and we are hopeful of a positive result when Ofsted visit.

Finally, with places for Reception being announced this month, the school is always happy to offer tours to prospective parents for children seeking a place in Reception and the higher years. The children would love to show you their learning and our year Five and Six pupils are always keen to chaperone prospective parents around the school. Please contact the school office on 01442 255734 to book a tour.

I would like to end this month’s update by sharing one of the Easter Haiku Poems written by Kaia in Year 4.

Jesus helped the world

He raised people from the dead

The leaders were so angry

To the cross he went

People visited all day

He was crucified

Can you believe it?

He was nailed to the cross

He dies on the cross

King of Israel

Really was the son of God

Jesus is alive

You can keep up to date with the news and learning of all children at the school through our class blogs which are accessible through the school website.

Clare Rudd

Parent Governor