Dear Parents and Carers,
I hope you and your families are well.
Wow, what an incredibly positive start we've had to the term! The school looks fresher and there's a lovely atmosphere in lessons and out and about at break time.
Many thanks for working with us to ensure all the children are dressed in the new Danebury uniform. I apologise for any inconvenience caused if you weren't able to collect all the uniform before school started. In our whole school assemblies and during line ups it's been fantastic to see everyone looking so smart, comfortable and modern. Student Voice has been overwhelmingly positive. I'm glad we've been able to put our new coats to good use on Thursday and today!
I've popped into the majority of lessons this week, the atmosphere has been really purposeful and attitudes to learning positive. I have seen a greater use of teacher learning checks, mainly through mini-white boards which are in the new planners. The ratio of participation has improved, ensuring all pupils are actively engaged throughout. Long may that last.
On Wednesday, I led a whole school assembly on our new LORIC project, afternoons which will take place every Wednesday lesson 5. LORIC is a National accreditation programme which aims to develop personal attributes that are essential for employability and life. The LORIC attributes are Leadership, Organisation, Resilience, Initiative and Communication skills. We are teaching the programme during one tutor time each week, pupils will need to apply these skills during their chosen LORIC project for the term. We have a great range of projects for the pupils to pick from. All projects work towards an outcome that will make a difference to other people's lives within our school and local community.
Here is a list of the projects our pupils were asked to pick from. Each project lasts for a term.
- Sports Leaders Award
- Football Referee Introduction Award
- Journalism - School Magazine
- Young Foresters Project
- STEM -Engineering Project (Boeing are leading these sessions at their Headquarters
- Duke of Edinburg Preparation – Expedition Skills
- Hospitality - supported by some local businesses in Stockbridge
- Photography Project
- Fashion Design Project
- Spanish Café Project
- Master Chef Project
- Enterprise Project - £10 challenge
- Sustainability and Animal Care Project
- Community Project – Helping young and old within our local community
- Performing Arts project
We would love to expand the range of projects. If you have a spare hour on Wednesday afternoons between 14:10-15:10, we would love to hear from you. I am in the process of writing to local businesses for their support. This is an excellent opportunity to strengthen community spirit and for the children to experience something outside their normal curriculum. Many thanks to the parents who have volunteered to help already. I am very grateful.
We are very much looking forward to our first Danebury Open Evening on Wednesday 11th September 18:00-20:00. Please spread the word. We hope to have lots of visitors.
Have a good weekend
Warm wishes, Nicky Goodridge
Head of School
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