As the new school year commenced, I visited Barnwood Primary School for an update with Head Teacher Mrs Anne Davies, who is both excited about the initiatives that are planned and delighted at the way the school’s first term is progressing.
Already plans were well advanced at the school for the celebration of the Harvest Festival, which is always an important event in the school’s year. St Lawrence Church organises many ‘Experience’ events in the church, one of which is ‘Experience Harvest’. This event provides a ‘hands on’ experience of Harvest, which the children enjoy immensely. The school has strong links with St Lawrence Church and its members give a lot of their time and energy creating resources and the wonderful displays for these enriching experiences. Also, with the Rugby World Cup - such a topical event - the school is having a Harvest “Values “ focus day which looks at the principles, attributes and values needed from a Rugby player’s perspective, ie, strength, courage, passion and respect to mention a few.
Early in the term Year 6 pupils take on and accept responsibility for a range of activities within the school. They are committed to helping the younger children in the playground areas; are appointed as House Captains, helping to organise “House” activities and get involved in the publication of the School newspaper too. The Barnwood Rangers, as they are known, act as school monitors with playground duties. It is all part of the school’s ethos and is seen as an important stage in preparing them for the big step up to Secondary school next year.
The promotion of the arts at Barnwood is one of the school’s strengths and a particularly exciting initiative is in place to allow every child in Year 4 (8-9 year olds) to learn to play the clarinet. This will be a year -long activity, under the guidance of a dedicated Music teacher, who will be tasked with developing the children’s musical talents.
The school has a very strong link with parents and is always looking for ways to help parents with different aspects of their child’s development. Recent examples include: a Maths “enlightenment” evening and a phonics information session, which demonstrated ways in which parents with Reception school children could assist with their reading skills.
Work to prepare a new prospectus for the school is in progress and this will be ready for the Open Day which is aimed at potential parents with children wishing to join the school’s Reception class next year. There is an open invitation from the school to attend the Open Day on Wednesday 18th November, and anyone interested should contact the school for more details.
Friends of Barnwood School is the new name for the former PTA which continues, alongside the Governor’s fund raising committee, to raise money for the school, which in turn allows the school to procure extra equipment and provide further enrichment activities. Although the school term has hardly commenced the Governors have already organised a fund raising Quiz Night and together with the ‘Friends’ have plans in place for the Christmas Fair, to be held on Saturday 28th November in the school. This annual event is recognised as an occasion not to be missed. So, put the date in your diary.
Finally, it is pleasing to report that the new partnership between Anne and her Co Head teacher Julia Matson, an initiative introduced by the Governors last year, is working really effectively after a very successful transition. I think this situation is endorsed by the positive way that the school is perceived and how well Staff and Pupils enjoy their school lives. Long may it continue!
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