Great Gaddesden CoE VA School
For Pupils Aged 3-11
It was a busy end to the academic year for Great Gaddesden
School in July with lots going on as usual.
A much anticipated performance of “The Lion King” which involved
children in year’s three to six was enjoyed by all. You couldn’t walk into a
classroom without hearing someone singing “Hakuna Matata” under their breath. Our
older children put in some remarkable performances which will be remembered by
their peers for years to come, especially comedy double-act Timon and Pumba,
played by Oscar and Bradley, and a rather foreboding and sarcastic Scar Face
played by Callum. Kayley, who played
Nala also impressed everyone with her beautiful solo singing.
The Leavers Service was an opportunity to bid a fond
farewell to our eldest children, some of whom Mrs Comer decreed were definitely
ready to leave as they had grown so tall that she now found herself having to
look up to them! It was also an
opportunity to thank Staff for doing such a wonderful job and dedicating their
time and energy to the pupils, and Mrs Comer for providing another year of fantastic
leadership and dedication to the school.
SATS Results were also published in July and were the best
that the school has seen in recent years. 100% of pupils reached Level 4 (the
required level) in Maths and Literacy, with 60-70% of pupils also reaching
Level 5 in Maths and Literacy. This is a fantastic achievement for pupils,
staff and the school as a whole. Although SATs now no longer exist in their
current format, we are confident that attainment in Year Six will continue on
this trend in years to come.
After so much hard work, August meant a well-earned summer
holiday for staff and pupils.
September has welcomed the start of a new school year and a
new term. We have greeted new pupils and their families and we hope that they enjoy
their time at the school. Our new Nursery and Reception class have been settling
in well, as have all of our pupils, some of whom have been adapting to new
classrooms and different teachers.
This term pupils continue to have the opportunity to
participate in varied extra-curricular clubs outside traditional lesson times.
Staff and Governors continue to provide a wide range of quality clubs in
subjects such as Maths, Science, German, Knitting, Art, Creative and Football.
Clubs change each term for each year.
In the next academic year, as well as maintaining the high
standards we have set in English, Maths and Science, the school is going to
have a focus on "The Arts". Staff have already begun thinking about
projects they plan to undertake in Art, Design & Technology and Music as
well as considering competitions and events which will nurture our children's
creative juices!
Pupils are looking forward to the yearly Harvest Festival
which takes place at the church and will be bringing donations of food and
supplies to donate to those who need them. Children learn about why we do this, and why
it is essential to give back to their community. The children have also been
practicing their singing for the Harvest Festival with gusto. “Autumn Days”
seems to be a particular favourite which some may remember from their own school
days alongside “Conkers”, a newer, very catchy song which celebrates the Autumn
season.
To end our news this month, we are keen to recognise how
greatly our pupils learning is benefitted and positively impacted by residents
in the village and throughout the local community. We would like to extend a very
big “Thank You” to those in the local community who have supported the school
in such a wide variety of ways including:
·
Imparting
expertise to pupils by acting as visiting speakers
·
Providing
locations for school trips and curriculum learning
·
Providing
materials for use in school
·
Helping
with the upkeep of school areas
·
Volunteering
time to listen to children read
·
Acting as
impartial judges at school competitions
·
Helping at
school and extra-curricular events
Thanks once again to all of
those who have supported the school in recent years, it is very much
appreciated! We are always keen to include members of the local community in
school life where appropriate and so if you perhaps have a couple of hours to
spare to volunteer at the school, or have a specialist subject, skill or
knowledge area which you feel pupils or the school would benefit from, please
contact Mrs Comer: head@greatgaddesden.herts.sch.uk,
or telephone or pop into the school office. Additionally, with our focus on the arts this
year, if you, or someone you know, has a particular flair for Art, Drama or
Music, please do contact the school if you would be willing to donate some time
to help celebrate these areas.
We appreciate help from
community members but we are also keen for pupils to give back to the local
community and its members. For example, our pupils very much enjoyed singing to
local residents in the village last Christmas. If you have any suitable suggestions
of how pupils help enrich the local community, then please feel free to get in
touch with us also.
