Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you and your families are well.
This half term seems to be flying by, the start of the academic year feels like a distant memory. We've still got lots to fit in before we break for half term.
As we continue our drive to improve oracy and the retention of key knowledge, staff have been encouraging their classes to 'turn and talk' about the subject knowledge being taught. Alongside this, we are encouraging the use of mini white boards to carry out learning checks, striving for 100% response to questions posed. It's been pleasing to hear more discussions about the topics being covered as well as a higher ratio of participation across the school. Please can I ask that pupils add a whiteboard pen to their equipment list. We do have a supply but not enough for the whole school once the first runs out.
Our LORIC projects are starting to shape. By and large, the pupils have completed the planning and are now taking action. My wonderful 'Community Group' visited Year 4 at Stockbridge Primary this week, 26 Danebury Reading Mentors paired with 26 Stockbridge Primary pupils. It was such a privilege to listen to them supporting the younger pupils to read. They are excited to be returning next week for book reviews. Lesson 5 every Wednesday is the highlight of the week. There's a hive of activity across the school, pupils are exercising their LORIC skills and becoming more independent by the week. If you'd like to know more about the LORIC strategy, please check out this link.
LORIC PiXL Edge.pdf
On Wednesday we held a whole school assembly on the importance of mental health and how to look after it. We celebrated the success of our Well-Being Ambassadors passing their training course. On Thursday we marked World Mental Health Day with a range of activities including: mindfulness, drawing, yoga, a cake sale and all pupils were offered a coloured ribbon to wear. The majority of pupils wore their ribbons with pride, which was lovely to see. Many thanks to Miss Sandilands for organising the day.
We have had a very positive start to the academic year. On the whole, behaviour and attitudes have been excellent. Unfortunately, over the last few weeks we have seen a small increase in the number of pupils using prejudicial or discriminatory language. Much work has gone into educating pupils about the importance of treating each other respectfully, celebrating diversity and cultures, through the curricular we teach, assemblies, visiting drama productions and guest speakers. I'm sure you have similar conversations at home, but if you haven't had the chance to recently, please can I ask that you reinforce the negative impact prejudicial or discriminatory language can have on other people's mental health. This isn't something we tolerate at Danebury, it's never 'just banter'. Our key value at Danebury is kindness. Unkindness will be challenged, and appropriate sanctions put in place.
Today we welcomed 33 Year 5 & 6 pupils for additional Taster Sessions. They had a great time taking part in Drama, Humanities and Languages. We loved hosting them and very much hope to see them next September.
Next week we look forward to the Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9) Disco on 18th October. The PTA are busy planning the event, last years was a huge success. Lots of fun was had by all.
We also have a number of trips coming up, Year 11 are off to a Careers Fair at John Hanson next week, the GCSE Drama group are off to see War Horse at the Mayflower Theatre and we have a Year 10 and 11 Rewards trip to Thorpe park at the end of this half term.
Please encourage your child to attend a club. There are lots on offer every Tuesday and Thursday afterschool, everyone is welcome, and all are free. Judo is in the gym and run by The Judo Company for free!
Have a great weekend when it comes.
Nicky Goodridge, Head of School
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