Our school year ended with the school considerably further forward in its development. We have celebrated a GOOD Ofsted inspection under a more rigorous framework, sustained improvements in standards and established a clear path to improved and sustainable leadership. We have our Governing Body and Diocesan 'oversight' to thank for the maintenance of morale, standards and provision at all levels within the school.
A key feature this year has been the continuing partnership with Emberton School and its welcome extension to working with the staff and children of St Andrew's CE School. This has born further fruit through a recent three week 'Take one picture' project initiated by the National Gallery. It was planned in detail by the staff of our three schools working closely together to provide activities for all age groups across the curriculum. We had a marvelous day at Stowe landscape gardens together exploring landscape and story settings through painting, song and role-play and 'Forest School' activities. Mixed teams of pupils from each school spent the day working and playing hard in 'awesome' surroundings, making friends, exchanging ideas and inspiring the adults fortunate to share the day with them and their learning. The commendation by two separate Stowe staff commenting on the behaviour and demeanor of all the children was a testament to their love of learning and pride in their achievements.
The picture that inspired the project, Tobias & the Angel by Verrochio, shows part of a biblical journey that took its subjects from what is now Iraq to Iran. A three-school workshop here at Sherington was not so ambitious but the children did explore their personal 'timeline' journeys (for Year 2 onward to a new school), a mapping activity of the school grounds and some fascinating landscapes and maps in the style of Mondrian. The children's maturity, social and language skills and tremendous involvement at all levels was once again showing the benefits of partnership and cooperation. A return visit by the Year 2 children of all three schools to St Andrew's was no less rewarding for all concerned and allowed the children to wish each other well and celebrate their achievements in this phase of their education as it draws to a close and new challenges beckon.
The Induction days for new children were joyous affairs with the new class seamlessly moving from their Pre-School settings to 'big school'. Home visits confirmed this angst-free atmosphere among the new cohort (parents included!) and we look forward to the coming year with renewed confidence and enthusiasm.
Our Sports Evening was smiled upon by the weather as we completed the events between a heavy shower and bright sunshine. All those who took part were awarded a Good Sport sticker but it was the yellow Team who had the eponymous Feasey Cup awarded by Betty F. who kindly kept score.
At the time of going to 'press' we have the good news that once again we have been awarded a Creative Partnership Grant to work explicitly in the arts across all three schools developing cooperation and Community Cohesion through our policy and practice.
It only remains for us to thank all our children, parents, 'friends' and regular helpers and supporters for their support and encouragement in these interesting and challenging times.
Have a happy and carefree summer. CS
3 July 2010
Nearly 90 children enjoyed a glorious sunny day of high quality sports activities, hosted in the grounds of Sherington CE School. This successful event organised to encompass cooperation, competition and friendship was made possible by specialists Helen Goldbaum & Liz Pattison, both Small School Sports Coordinators. Children from St Andrews and Emberton Schools joined together with Sherington School pupils, to compete in games, unite in a dance routine and enjoy an exciting range of fitness activities. Good fun was had by all and new friendships made.
26 June 2010
We have been holding our induction sessions for the children starting school in September. Already familiar with 'big school' from our liaison programme with the Pre-School the new children were buddied with this year's cohort who showed them the range of learning activities and opportunities available and helped them feel safe and secure.
I like this school, it's wonderful - Oscar
The sandpit was fun - Gemma
I played with Gemma - Chloe
I want to play with the wooden house next time - Joshua
I was a monkey - Mason
The weather was kind to us and the future was there to see at work and play.
19 June 2010
The fine but variable weather brought several answers to pressing questions. We now know who lives in our new Percy's Wood; worms, woodlice, beetles, centipedes, earwigs, snails and slugs as well as bank and field voles and wood mice. Along with the fledging of our broods of baby birds and the bee boxes full of busy inhabitants the school grounds have been a beautiful and productive back drop to many learning opportunities and activities.
The village as a whole was the setting for the first of our summer Geography field-trips when the whole school spent the morning observing and sketching various homes and significant buildings. This coincided with the welcome return of 'our Lisa' (Rogers) to the kitchen; we were greeted on our return with freshly made tomato soup and warm herbie scones.
Mrs Isabel Grant brought her collection of avian puppets and soft toys to kick-off 'Early Birds' week reminding us of the need to be up early and in school on time each day. The prize was not a juicy worm but a fine certificate to be proud of.
Recorder club under Lydia's tutelage continues tunefully at lunch time and the after school Parent-sponsored French Club with Marie is always lively and joyful.
As we enter into the induction programme for September's intake of children please contact us if you are still looking for a school place for your child. You are always welcome to visit and see us at work and play by arrangement.
13 June 2010
Free school milk is available to under-fives under the 'Cool Milk' scheme. Click on the advert for further details and to register.
25 May 2010
Heelands Infant School returned a Community Cohesion visit to Sherington CE School. The day was a productive and enjoyable occasion for all concerned with the children particularly renewing their relationships around our Maypole. All took much home with them in the form of a wider appreciation of children from another school in some very different circumstances.
We said goodbye and good luck to Mr Jamie Flegg who successfully completed his BEd 2 school experience with our Reception group. With Percy the Park keeper's wood planted and an investigation of the mini-beasts living there the children have explored many interesting activities in Literacy, Art and Numeracy with him.
As we finalise our intake list for September of this year please contact us if you are looking for a school place for your child. You are always welcome to visit and see us at work and play by arrangement.
8 May 2010
Sherington CE School is pleased to announce that we have just received the outcome of our recent Ofsted inspection in which we were judged 'good', the 2nd highest of the four Ofsted ratings defined by Ofsted as: "These are very positive features of a school. A school that is good is serving its pupils well." Within the inspection the area of safeguarding and well-being of the children was graded as outstanding.
Some quotes from the Inspection underlining the special features of Sherington C of E village school :
"Teaching at Sherington is consistently good and pupils have well-developed learning skills" "outstanding opportunities to express their ideas verbally mean that pupils are confident and articulate speakers" "relationships are excellent and pupils learn in an atmosphere where they are all valued and very well known as individuals" "this is a school where pupils are happy and say that they feel extremely safe" "the school is led and managed well , and staff and governors alike are committed to doing all they can to make the school outstanding".
This outcome provides a great standard for us to carry forward and develop further.
We returned from the Easter break with several questions in mind. Who is living in Percy's Wood that we planted just before the holiday? An investigation is underway by our Reception children.
How did the world begin? Year 1 will be investigating Creation Stories from countries and cultures around the world. Has the tree we planted in honour of Mrs Tranter realised it is Spring? Year 2 investigated and found the answer in our photo.
Birdsong, frogs, blossom and buds also bring our May-Pole dancing practice and the return of Mrs Feasey (cheers from our older pupils who remember last year) in teaching mode. We look forward to performing at the village May Day celebrations and sharing our skills with Sherington Pre-School and our friends from Heelands School who are due to return a Community Cohesion visit.
