School News 2009/2010
Badgemore Primary School receives a glowing report from education watchdog Ofsted - December 2009
The school in Hop Gardens, Henley, was rated “good” overall and many areas were said to be “outstanding”, including its foundation stage, provision of care, guidance and support, pupil behaviour and pupils feeling safe.
At its last inspection in 2006, the school was rated “satisfactory” overall.
Inspectors who visited on November 12 and 13 saw eight lessons and met governors, members of staff and groups of pupils.
Thirty-six parental questionnaires were evaluated as well as those from staff and a sample of pupils.
The report said: “Under its dynamic and highly effective headteacher, the school has improved rapidly since its previous inspection.”
Lead inspector David Carrington said in a letter to pupils that “children in reception make outstanding progress because their work is fun and fascinating” and pupils “enjoy learning, behave excellently and work hard”.
Headteacher Melanie Carruthers said: “It’s great that Ofsted has recognised the hard work of everybody involved. It’s a pleasure to work with such a dedicated team of staff, pupils, parents and governors.”
Year six pupil Jack Thomas, 10, who is vice-chairman of Henley Youth Council, said: “Badgemore has made me a confident person and I feel comfortable putting across the school’s point of view. When I come to school I feel happy and I’d like to stay here for ever.”
The report recommends areas for improvement, including increasing creative learning and strengthening the promotion of community cohesion.
Badgemore pupils let their feet do the talking! - October 2009
October 2009 is Walk to School Month and, concentrating on the health aspect of walking to school, the theme is 'Count me in'. The focus is on measuring the walk to school, and demonstrating how easy it is to reach the recommended daily 60 minutes of moderate physical activity when walking to school is included. The 'Walk to School' campaign encourages parents, children and teachers to think about the way children travel to and from school and the benefits of walking. Walking to school can help children be happier, fitter, gain independence and be healthier.
Each year, there are two nationally recognised events: National Walk to School Week and International Walk to School Month. Melanie Carruthers, Headteacher at Badgemore, says, "This is a fantastic initiative that helps not only our pupils, but also parents and teachers to think about their journey to and from Badgemore School and the many benefits of using their feet instead of their cars."
Badgemore Celebrates 'International Week' - September 2009
BRITISH day completed an “International Week” at Badgemore Primary School at the start of the new school year.
Pupils took part in activities from different nations each day, including tasting Greek food and a Polish barbecue at Fawley Court.
British Day was celebrated with a traditional afternoon tea in the school garden for which the children made cucumber sandwiches, scones,
cakes and lemonade. Assistant Headteacher Lesley Crockett said: “The week has been a great success. The children learnt a lot about our different cultures.”
She thanked parents for their help.
Badgemore School Wins Two Awards! - August 2009
BADGEMORE Primary School is celebrating success in two national initiatives.
It has won an eco-schools bronze award for working towards sustainable lifestyles and the school's
breakfast club, which has been running for a year, has been highly commended at this year's
National Breakfast Club awards.
Headteacher Melanie Carruthers said: "Working towards eco-status has given us an invaluable
insight into improving the environment in which we live."
Badgemore Pupils Race to the Finish Line - July 2009
Badgemore Primary School held its sports day on its playing field next to Friar
Park estate. The races ranged from traditional sprints through to obstacle races, dressing
up races, and the innovative washing line race where competitors had to keep running back
to the start line to fetch socks and other laundry items to peg on their lines.
Melanie Carruthers, head teacher at Badgemore, said: "We had a great turnout. The children
really enjoyed themselves and there was fantastic barbecue, cake stall and toy sale afterwards,
which raised funds for us to update and expand our library."
Badgemore Pupils Turn Green - September 2008
Pupils celebrated all things green during "Eco Week" at Badgemore Primary School in Henley.
The children took part in activities designed to teach them about the environment and what
they can do to protect it. They were visited by Henley poet Ian Florance, who taught them
how he writes, and Christine Brewster, who demonstrated how to make willow baskets. There
was also a live owl display.
Headteacher Melanie Carruthers, said: "The children learned a lot about environmental issues.
They all had a chance to create a number of great pieces of work, such as bird boxes and face
masks, from recycled materials."
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