As Barnwood Primary School embarks on another academic year , a strategy is in place to ensure that there is continuity for maintaining the future of the school, whilst maintaining the progressive and spiritual approach for which the school is recognised.
Mrs Anne Davies, the Head teacher has, with the blessing of the Governors decided to take a phased approach to retirement, which involves the measured transfer of her role and responsibilities to ,Mrs Julia Matson. Anne will continue as Headteacher for 3 days a week and Mrs Matson the school’s Deputy Head has taken up the position of Co-Headteacher for 2 days a week.
Julia has been at the school since 2004, initially as a Class teacher before becoming a member of the senior management team.
The “partnership” has made a great start with both Anne and Julia very comfortable with this shared role. It is an excellent initiative, as it allows Julia the time to establish herself in the role, before accepting full responsibility and having Anne as a mentor is an added bonus!
The Teaching team also have additional staff members too, they are Mrs Overington who will look after Year 2 and Mrs Paisley , will look after Year 3, whilst becoming part of the Senior Leadership Team also. We wish them both well for the future at Barnwood.
In complying with the Governments directives, there have been two major school developments. One is implementing the the New School Curriculum. Staff worked very hard in preparation for the new curriculum and have created an exciting and engaging prospectus which provides the very best opportunities for all pupils at Barnwood.
The second development is providing Hot School Lunches for the whole Key Stage 1, who are pupils 4 -7 years old. In complying with the Governments mandate, Barnwood has in place a comprehensive range of Lunch menus which offer a range of Healthy and Nutritious meals, provided by ABM Catering.
Three choices are available daily, with a vegetarian option and a salad bar also. It is a credit to the school’s organisation and resources that this status has been achieved so quickly!
Similarly the school is benefitting from a PE & Sport Premium Grant provided to which is being given to all schools to enhance the quality of sport provided for pupils. At Barnwood, £5500 has been allocated for 2013/14 and will be supplemented further over the next two years. The schools objective is to ensure that all pupils have access to high quality PE lessons, alongside greater opportunities for sporting participation, in competitions and sports clubs. To use the grant effectively, the school has a 3 year plan which includes:
*Procuring Extra Sports Kit, Equipment and Resources for PE and Sporting activities& clubs, current and new.
*Subscribing to Local and National Sports Networks will give access to inter school competitions and Improved Staff training opportunities.
*The provision of free transport for “sports” outings and the increased resources for playground games & activities complete the plan. Certainly it will enrich the abilities and ambitions of the Pupils and Staff.
A new school web site is under construction with the objective of enhancing the site and giving quicker and easier access to the elements of the site you wish to review. The end of September was the target completion date.
During October and November, the Singing Development Leader, from Gloucester Cathedral will be training Junior School Pupils in readiness for a Concert at the Cathedral, taking place on the 26th November. An organist and several choristers will accompany the Cathedral’s Singing Leader in the training process. The school is both thrilled and honoured to be chosen to participate in this event, with pupils eagerly awaiting the start of their training for this prestigious event.
Since the start of the new term the School Governors have been particularly busy with fund raising efforts and already a Family Quiz Night and a Ladies Pamper Evening have been organised. In conjunction with the PTA they are also planning the Annual Christmas Fayre which I understand will take place on the 6th December.
Barnwood Church of England Primary School is a valued part of the Community. It has a reputation for creating an Educational, Spiritual and Caring Environment for both Children and Staff. I think that their initiatives and developments at the start of this school year go a long way to demonstrating this!
Finally, let’s wish Anne and Julia every success in their new roles and commend the school Governors for their vision and pro-active initiatives.
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