Headteacher Newsletter: Issue 20
Headteacher Newsletter: Issue 20 15.7.16
As the final letter of the term, I would once again like to thank all members of the school community for their support and hard work, which has culminated in another great year for Clavering Primary School. The year 6 are to be congratulated on their SATs results (details below). After reading all the reports, it would appear that all the children have progressed well across the school and have enjoyed their learning.
We wish year 6 well as they leave to attend their secondary schools in September. We are looking forward to watching their play, which is to be part of their Leavers’ Assembly next week. We wish them all every success for the future.
We would also, once again, like to say farewell to Mrs Gill Ford who will be leaving us at the end of term after 23 years. She has been a tremendous asset to the school and will be greatly missed. We are looking forward to her returning as a regular supply teacher from September.
The school also said goodbye to Sue Whykes last week who is retiring. She has been delivering our Wider Opportunities music provision for many years and been attached to the school for 30 years. She will be greatly missed. The children led an assembly for her, sung a song written by Mrs Ford and gave her cards.
Reports
Your child’s annual school report has been distributed today. I hope you will find it a useful and an informative summary of your child’s progress during the current academic year, as well as information as to how they are performing against the national expectations.
You will find a slip included with the report, which gives you the opportunity to comment on your child’s achievements. Please complete it and return it to school. We shall take this as an acknowledgement of receipt of the report.
If you would like to discuss any issues arising from the report, please contact your child’s class teacher direct. She will be happy to make an appointment with you.
2016 KS2 SATs Results
Congratulations to Year 6 for their SATs results. It has been a challenge for staff and pupils, across the country, this year adopting the new assessment requirements against the new curriculum. We are pleased with the results. We have exceeded national and Essex expectations for another year.
This year is the beginning of a new assessment system, which is a measure that is completely different from previous years and is not comparable. Progress measures are to be released in the Autumn term by the government and we are yet to hear what the higher achievement threshold is. Outlined below are the test results taken during SATs week and the Teacher Assessment grade for the whole year.
In summary (1 child equates to approximately 4%) –
Reading: Test 73% (national 66%). Teacher Assessment 100%
Grammar Punctuation and Spelling: GPS test 88% (national 74%). There isn’t a test for writing. Teacher Assessment: GPS 100% Writing 77%
Mathematics: Test 81% (70% national). Teacher Assessment 94%
Science: There isn’t a test for Science. Teacher Assessment 92%
Congratulations Clavering Primary School for achieving Enhanced Healthy School Status
We are pleased to announce that at the end of June the Healthy Schools Quality Assurance Group awarded Clavering Primary School Enhanced Healthy School Status for another three years. We were one in three schools last time round that achieved this award and it has been awarded again for another period. Mrs Lipscomb prepared all the school evidence to apply for this award, which included our new outside area developments The Group were very pleased with the outcomes that were achieved.
We would like to thank Mrs Phipps, who met with Mrs Hall and Mrs Lipscomb, to discuss part of the evidence for submission.
Transition and farewells
Induction days
Year 6 pupils who will be joining Joyce Frankland Academy and Saffron Walden County High School enjoyed induction days this week. Pre-school and Reception class have been sharing story time and lunchtimes as part of the transition process. Class swaps for the other children took place this week when pupils spent part of the morning with their new teachers.
Parent Forum
Our Parent Forum met yesterday to review the year, thank our representatives and view the progress of our Outside Area.
I would like to thank our representatives for this year (listed below) for their support and time:
Year R Katherine Elphick and Jilly McNaughton
Year 1 Jenny Van Rooijen and Helen Casson
Year 2 Alice Wilson
Year 3 Sarah Birch and Janine Parker
Year 4 Kym Elliston
Year 5 Lucy Hill and Jacqueline Berglund/Sophie Chalk
Year 6 Sonja Phipps and Jayne Hartley
If anyone is interested in joining the Parent Forum for next year we could be looking for representatives, one each for classes Reception, 3, 4 and 5. Please contact the office if you are interested.
Reception and Year 6 buddy afternoon
On Thursday afternoon, reception children and their Year 6 buddies walked to Jubilee Fields for an end of term celebration. They shared a special afternoon together, which included ice lollies! A big thank you to the Year 6 buddies for being brilliant helpers to reception class this year.
Summer Reading Challenge
A representative from Saffron Walden Library visited us during assembly earlier last week to talk to us about the Summer Reading Challenge.
We hope that many of our children have been inspired to take on the challenge once again this year and are looking forward to reading many exciting books and stories.
Certificates will be awarded in a special assembly next term for all those taking part.
Year 5 Residential to St Marks
Class 5 went to St Mark’s at Audley End for three days on their residential trip. The first day was outdoor activities Big Games and Team building games which the children all enjoyed despite the rain! On Thursday and Friday the focus was drama and we were joined by Jenny Richards form the Active Shakespeare Company who led the sessions on ‘The Tempest’. The children had studied the play before our trip and enjoyed the opportunity to perform their version to their parents and siblings on Friday afternoon. As well as drama workshops on Thursday and Friday we also had more activities; the assault course and archery, a night walk around Audley End and a Tudor banquet. Everyone had a brilliant time and enjoyed the experience of being at St Mark’s.
Maths Challenge Day at Saffron Walden County High School
Jack, Raffie, Abigael and Hannah Sowter represented Clavering primary School at an inter school Maths Challenge Day at SWCHS last week.
There were some very challenging puzzles and problems to solve in an event that ran for the whole day. We are very proud of our team who worked very hard and came second overall by just one point to Radwinter.
Well done to our talented Mathematicians!
Road Safety Years 5 and 6
A road safety officer visited the children in Years 5 and 6 this week with very valuable advice about road safety. The children enjoyed a talk and discussion together before going outside in groups for workshops to further consider issues in context. This is very important for our children as they become more independent and begin to take greater responsibility for themselves and their personal safety.
Archaeological Dig
Cambridge University’s archaeology department work with pupils aged 14-17 through their Higher Education Field Academy. We have been involved in their local test pit digs.
Much to the children’s interest, five pupils from Burnt Mill Academy, Davenant Foundation School, Bishop’s Stortford High School and Passmore Academy, along with their supervisor, dug a 1×1 metre test pit on the edge of our school field.
Over two days, they discovered; building materials from Roman and Medieval times, Victorian pieces of pottery and nails and, most interestingly, white flint from the prehistoric period, which had been heated to a high temperature and then used to heat water.
Extended Tray Day
Thank you to all the parents that were able to attend Tray Day this term to look at your child’s work with them that was on display and in books. We hope you found it informative.
Talent Camp for a group of Year 2 pupils
On Friday 15th July the Uttlesford School Sport Partnership invited two children to take part in a Movement and Challenge Activity Day for pupils in Year 2. Tilly and Oliver participated in the many activities on offer, judo, dance, cricket and tennis. Each of the sessions were led by specialists in their field and at the end of the day pupils were given details of how they may join local clubs in their area.
Year 6 cycling
A group of children from Year 6 took part it an advanced bikeability course this morning. They cycled to Newport where they learned very important cycling skills preparing them for experiencing more traffic and different types of junction and eventualities as they become more independent and venture further on their bikes.
Thank you to Lisa Wright and Julie Palmer for organising this event and inviting our children to take part.
‘Fun Maths’ with Mr Bevan
Mr Bevan visited Year 6 this morning for what has become an annual Maths event. He started to teach us about “Topology”, which was very fascinating. There was a vast amount of things that you could do with this method and it was lots of fun. We also learnt about “Flexagons”, this used to be a challenge in sweet shops to get an extra sweet! We also learnt about Magic Squares which were made in China. We all had immense fun.
By Edan and James Year 6
Clavering V Chrishall Cricket Match SATURDAY 9th JULY
Thank you to everyone who came along to support our wonderful team of Dads (and Jilly and Craig) win against the Chrishall PreSchool team at Wendens Ambo on Saturday. It was such a fun day and the children had lots of space to play games and often helped at the score board! At half time, thanks to Craig, we enjoyed some tug of war games for the mums and children and drew the Raffle which was well supported on the day. Thank you Ross Ferguson for donating the Holiday Inn 1st Prize. The BBQ, teas, ice creams and Pimms went down well and enabled us to raise £1140. Thank you to Stuart Prentice as Captain for doing an excellent job of organising everyone and thank you to all the players, Jack Heald, Leigh Collier, Dan Carter, Dom Crabb, Jilly McNaughton, Paul Birch, Craig Dyce, Ross Ferguson, Tom Collett and Olly Phipps for giving it a go ! Thank you to Simon Elphick and Nick Caton for their umpire skills on the day. Not forgetting all the mums and dads who helped to run the BBQ and bar – Katherine Elphick, John & Emma Waldock, Tracy & Matt Pemberton, Emma Clark, Vanessa Dart, Dee Collett, Vicky Collier, Neil and Emma Copeland, Joss Donoghue and Viv Prentice – thanks for your help. Chrishall are keen for a rematch next year….so we hope to do it again in 2017! Thank you Friends of Clavering
Friends of Clavering – Thank you
A huge thank you to Amanda Crabb, Rachel Betts and their team for all their hard work this year raising money for the school. It is greatly appreciated as it makes a considerable difference to what we can provide for the pupils. The Friends of Clavering contributed to the majority of the funds needed for our new Outside Area. Thank you to all the parents that have supported the events throughout the year. We are extremely fortunate to have such an active and supportive team.
A special thank you to Amanda Crabb who has been Chair of committee alongside Rachel. Amanda will be leaving this position and Rachel will become sole Chair from next academic year.
Questionnaires
Thank you to all the Parents, Staff and Pupils for filling out our annual questionnaires. We are in the process of collating and analysing the findings which, as before, will inform our School Improvement Plan for next year. We will share these with you next term.
Sports Day – reminder
Sports Day is taking place on Tuesday 19th July, 10 – 12. All parents are welcome. Please note, the weather is due to be hot so please make sure children have plenty of suncream applied and have a water bottle and hat.
Sun Protection
Please can you ensure that on sunny days your child brings a hat to wear at break-times and lunch-times. Wide-brimmed or legionnaires hats, which have a cloth attached on the back to give additional protection to the neck, are perfectly acceptable. Sunglasses are not allowed and sun lotion (long lasting waterproof sunscreen with a high protection factor and high UVA protection) should be applied just before the children come to school. This should last until after school and overcomes the need for pupils to bring in lotion.
Healthy and Safety notice regarding the wearing of earrings during PE
We have been informed by Essex that The Primary Code states that all jewellery is to be removed for PE lessons and taping over earrings is not allowed. This means that if pupils cannot take their earrings out they will have to sit out of PE until a time that they can be removed. Schools have to comply with this guidance.
Lost Property
A large amount of lost property is collecting. If your child has lost any clothing please could you have a look through the collection to see if any of it belongs to you. It will be displayed in the main entrance during the last week of term. After this time it will need to be re-cycled.
Lateness
School starts at 8.50 a.m.
We have noticed several children that are consistently arriving late for school – ‘late’ is defined by not being within the school gates by 8.50 a.m.
Please make every effort to be at school on time and if you know that your journey will be disrupted by road works, do allow time for this. Thank you.
Footwear
In the interest of safety, as well as appearance, pupils should wear suitable footwear for school. Shoes should fasten securely and be plain black and low heeled with enclosed toes. Boots, sandals, sling backs and trainers are not appropriate for school. Trainers can be worn for PE.
Clubs and Swimming for the Autumn term – All clubs start week beginning 12th September
MONDAY | ||
Bedazzle | 3.15 – 4.15 | All year groups |
Tennis | 3.15 – 4.15 | All year groups |
Boys Football | 3.15 – 4.15 | Years 4 – 6 |
TUESDAY | ||
Choir (to be confirmed) | 3.15 – 4.00 in the hall | Years 3 – 6 |
WEDNESDAY | ||
Girls Football | 3.15 – 4.15 | Years 4 – 6 |
Fitness | 3.15 – 4.15 | Years 3 & 4* |
THURSDAY | ||
Football | 3.15 – 4.15 | Year 1 |
FRIDAY | ||
Hockey | 3.30 – 4.45 at Newport start date TBC | Year 5 & 6 |
Football | 3.15 – 4.15 | 2 & 3 |
*Fitness Club will be for Years 3 & 4 for the first half term and Years 1 & 2 for the second half term.
Swimming
Swimming will be for Years 2 and 3 and will start on Monday 12th September. A letter will follow early in September.
Music Lessons
Music lessons will start the week beginning 12th September. Music letters will be sent out early in September.
Notice for Parents of Children in Year 3 from September 2016
Free School Meals
Automatic entitlement to a free school meal finishes at the end of Year 2 and only children from low income families are eligible from Year 3.
If your household income is less than £16,190 per year, or you receive Income Support or an equivalent benefit, you will need to make an application in August if you want your child to receive a free school meal from September.
Applications can be made from 1 August 2016 online at www.essex.gov.uk/freeschoolmeals or by calling 0345 603 2200.
An opportunity to raise funds for Clavering Primary School when shopping online:
To raise funds for Clavering Primary School before shopping online –
- please click on www.easyfundraising.org.uk
- then click on Friends of Clavering Primary School.
- Every purchase through many websites (including Amazon and John Lewis) raises a percentage for the school.
ACHIEVEMENTS
STAR OF THE WEEK
Week ending July 1st
Reception Rory Heald – for writing a wonderful thank you letter to Mr Cooke.
Year One George Johnson – for a fabulous 3D skeleton model building.
Year Two Tilly-May Mawdsley – for making great progress in reading and writing.
Year Three Bella Birch – for working very hard and for making great progress in her English and Maths work.
Year Four Georgie Collett – for accurate drawing and interpretation of bar charts.
Year Five RESIDENTIAL WEEK
Year Six Sophie Hartley – for good work in Science learning about the eye.
Week ending July 8th
Reception Holly Williams – for being a credit to herself and to class Reception.
Year One Rosie Cooper – for super joining skills when making her castle.
Year Two Jude Dunn – for improved writing and editing skills and for always being so kind and helpful.
Year Three Summer Hilton-Keech – for demonstrating wonderful manners and for being a very helpful class member.
Year Four Edward Sowter – for editing and improving his story writing, with a particular focus on pronouns.
Year Five Ellie Wilkinson – for always doing what she is asked to do, quietly, reliably and sensibly.
Year Six Alex Taylor – for singing her solo beautifully.
HEADTEACHER’S AWARD
For children who have achieved their personal best:
Reception:
Tommy Crabb – for making excellent progress in Reading and Writing.
Chloe Sundler – for making excellent progress in Reading and Writing.
Year One:
Aiden Prizeman for making good progress in Writing.
Darragh Free – for making good progress in Writing.
Year Two:
Isabelle Down – for making good progress in English and Maths.
Agatha Donker – for making good progress in her Writing.
Year Three:
Millie Smith – for her enthusiasm and effort in all her learning.
Finley Anderson-Patmore – for bringing an individual and thoughtful approach to our
Learning.
Year Four:
Daisy Coy – for a good understanding of ‘Area’ in Maths.
Orla Russell – for writing an exciting story about World War Two evacuees.
Year Five:
Ellie Wilkinson – for improving her Maths skills this year.
Saffron Frewin – for her positive attitude towards her learning especially in Maths.
Year Six:
Megan Carter – for consistent effort, achievement and positive contributions throughout the
course of the year to every aspect of life and work in year 6.
Abigael Beattie – for embracing every aspect of life in year 6 at Clavering and for her
excellent progress and achievements.
‘IT DIDN’T GO UNNOTICED’ AWARD
Amelia Hartley and Caoimhe Kirkham – for helping the Playleaders clean and tidy the Playleader Shed.
THE TIDIEST CLASSROOM OF THE WEEK!
Our cleaners are judging the tidiest classroom each week. The winners are announced in assembly on a Friday. The class that has won the most times at the end of a term will be awarded an afternoon with an activity of their choice or an extra playtime.
Week beginning:
18.4.16 Year 2
25.4.16 Year R
2.5.16 Year 6
9.5.16 Year 4
16.5.16 Year 5
23.5.16 Year 3
6.6.16 Year 1
13.6.16 Year 4
20.6.16 Year 2
27.6.16 Year R
4.7.16 Year 4
11.7.16 Year 6
DATES FOR YOUR DIARY
13th and 14th July Archaeological Dig
15th July School Fete Summer Garden Party
18th July Play Leader Celebration Day out (to be confirmed)
21st July Leavers’ Assembly 1.45pm
21st July Church Service
22nd July Break up for the summer 3.15 pm
1st September Staff Inset – school closed to pupils
2nd September Staff Inset – school closed to pupils
5th September Autumn Term begins
SPORTING EVENTS
15th July Year 2 Talent Camp 2 children from Year 2
19th July Sports Day (10-12)
REMINDERS
Please remember do NOT park at the shop for school events (eg class assemblies, school plays, Tray Day and Sports Day) only for drop off and pick up. The Fox and Hounds are more than happy to accommodate parking at all times. Parking at the shop prevents customers from accessing the shop. Please also be mindful of where you park along Stortford Road outside the imposed restrictions. We have had cars parked opposite the school drive which has made crossing the road and access for the school buses very difficult
Sainsbury’s Active Kids vouchers
We are collecting the Active Kids vouchers from Sainsbury’s. If you shop in Sainsbury’s, we would be very grateful if your children could bring any vouchers into school.
School Uniform
We are now able to order jumpers and cardigans from Tesco. Please log on to tesco.com/ues and follow instructions.
Other items of uniform are available from the supplier below.
How to order:
Our supplier is called Saffron Apparel and samples are available in the office if you would like to view the items before ordering. Ordering can either be over the phone, via email, fax or by post with an order form (the office have forms). The company is in the process of setting up a school ordering website for Clavering, which should be operational by the summer holidays. Alternatively you can visit the shop in Wendens Ambo.
Address: Saffron Apparel Ltd, Ward Unit 2, Bearwalden Business Park, Royston Road, Wendens Ambo, Saffron Walden. CB11 4JX
Telephone: 01799 542142
Fax: 01799 543661
If you have any questions at any time then please feel free to make an appointment.
We wish you all an enjoyable and restful summer holiday and thank you for all your support throughout the year.
Rosalind Allsop
Headteacher