Dear Parents and Carers,
Finally - it's Friday. And what a perfect way to finish our week, celebrating our children's successes within school - earning merits from their teachers - as well as outside of the school. These assemblies are so special and it is gorgeous to see the children's sense of pride and success when they get their moment.
As I write this, the sun is shining and our site manager, Mr Sipa, has begun cleaning the swimming pool in preparation for the start of our children’s lessons. The swimming season is just around the corner - a highlight of our school calendar.
Mr. Jukes began this week with a review of our RSHE (Relationships, Sex and Health Education) curriculum. The DfE (Department for Education) has set out renewed statutory guidance that schools must adopt from September 2026, and this provided an important opportunity for us to reflect on and refine our current provision.
What I value most about these sessions is the depth of discussion they allow. As subject leaders, it is vital that we not only consider the statutory content that must be covered, but also think carefully about what our children need within the context of our school community. These conversations are thoughtful, purposeful, and always centred on ensuring the very best outcomes for our pupils.
Time like this is invaluable in helping us make informed decisions, keeping children at the heart of everything we do, while also ensuring that our curriculum is well-planned and appropriate. It also enables us to prepare for the next stage of the process, which will include a period of consultation with you as our valued stakeholders.
Further information will follow, as we will be sharing our proposed curriculum progression and the resources we intend to use in the new academic year with you, very soon.
In our Wednesday assemblies, we use this valuable opportunity - when we are all together - to nurture empathy, celebrate diversity, and deepen our understanding of inclusion.
There was certainly a buzz palpable around school after our whole-school assembly on Wednesday, when Laurie visited. Laurie is a two-and-a-half-year-old, golden retriever who is bred to produce puppies that will go on to be trained as guide dogs. During the assembly, Elisa (Laurie's owner) spoke to the children about the vital role guide dogs play in supporting independence, the importance of accessibility in everyday life, and how small acts of awareness and kindness can make a meaningful difference.
The children were amazed to learn that, at just two and a half years old, Laurie has already fathered 40 puppies. They also discovered that it costs around £102,000 to train a dog to become a guide dog. While the children were enthralled throughout - responding with plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” - Laurie slept through most of it!
A huge thank you to Mr. Gaston-Nash for organising this for our children.
I wrote to you last week to share news of our incredible wildlife quiz team, who were competing in the second round of the Cheltenham Wildlife Quiz. Although they were not successful in progressing to the next stage, we are incredibly proud of them all for demonstrating true determination and teamwork. They will continue to meet each week to build on their knowledge and come back even stronger next year. Many thanks to Miss Bromley for her dedication and enthusiasm, she gives to her team.
I am overwhelmed by the responses we have received regarding our commitment to the ongoing work we are doing as a school around inclusion. Capturing pupil voice is invaluable, helping us to reflect on our day-to-day practice and ensure we continue to meet the needs of all our pupils. While the Governing Board and Senior Leadership Team will be reviewing all thoughts and opinions in the week after half term, reading what the children have written has truly given me goosebumps.
We will keep the Padlet open until 22nd May - the day we break up for May half term - so please do keep your responses coming.
Our teachers do a phenomenal job, and hearing what inclusion means through the children’s eyes is always inspiring.
Our children in our school community are our highest priority. Please could I ask everyone to drive and park considerately, and in particular to avoid the orange, zig-zag lines directly outside the Glynrosa Gate. Thank you very much for your consideration and support.
Wishing you all a gorgeous Bank Holiday weekend. We look forward to welcoming our children back on Tuesday 5th May.
Warmest wishes,
Mrs. Beccy Andrews