It is amazing how quickly the weeks zoom by... It seems only last week we were battling the rain and the wind, and now the sun is out and children seem happier, brighter and more alert. It is amazing what a bit of sun will do!
Today, myself and my other half are off to "adoption panel." After adopting our two boys last year, we then began fostering two little girls and decided after a very short time that they should become part of our family too. Hopefully, by the end of today, we will have the girls approved for adoption, and then it is only the court process to finalise, in order to make the two girls "Ratcliffe's". This is a very special day for us, and I wanted you all to know.
Being a dad, I fully appreciate and understand the huge amount of trust that parents put in to the school when they leave their most treasured children in our care. I know that we try our very best to ensure your children are kept safe and secure - and I also know that we do our very best to ensure they have rich, varied and fun learning experiences. Sometimes though we get things wrong, and parents feel rightly let-down by the school. I can't promise that mistakes will never happen, but I can promise that we will listen to any concerns that you may have and act on them as soon as we possibly can. That's why there are always school adults at the doors and gates every morning. We always try to have an open door policy, enabling you to share your concerns at the earliest opportunity.
The first person you should always approach with any concerns is the class teacher. They can be contacted by e-mail, or you can call the school, requesting that the teacher calls. Alternatively, the teacher is available at the end of every day when they dismiss the children - please bear in mind though that teachers run clubs after school, so it may not always be possible to have a long conversation immediately.
If your concerns are not addressed, then any senior member of staff will help you - and I am fully confident that Dawn Funge and Sara White, my Heads of School will take on board any issues raised. Both Heads of School keep me fully informed as to the issues arising on a daily basis, so even when I am not dealing with an issue directly, I am still aware.
When you feel issues are not being resolved, I am available on e-mail, which I always answer within the day, or I can be contacted through the school office to arrange an appointment.
We want to make sure your children are thriving - and sometimes when issues occur, we need to work together to resolve these matters. After all, our job is to ensure your child has a full, balanced, varied and fun learning experience at school, and we equip them for their onward journey to secondary school.
Have a wonderful week, and I hope the sun keeps shining!
GR
Tuesday, 18 March 2014
Tuesday, 25 February 2014
Half way through!
Well, the break we have just had marks the half-way point through our school year. This is an important landmark for our children, as they begin preparing now to move on to their next class. The year 5 children will be told that they are "soon to be the eldest in the school" and we also prepare our youngest children for joining Reception and Year 1.
The first lists are through from the Local Authority, showing us how many families have applied to each school. I am delighted that both schools have had more applicants this year than last year - one indicator that we are doing something right!
I am spending some of my time at the moment looking at building projects at both schools. At Oakfield, we were expecting the start of our major building project to begin in January - but sadly, due to an "environmental" issue, the project has been delayed whilst some more surveys are being carried out. The five new classrooms and new hall WILL be delivered - but not on time - so it is expected that we may have some more mobiles on site for a few months - not a situation I am very happy about. At Temple Hill, work has begun to make the school fully fire-safe-compliant. Older schools, such as Temple Hill were built in the days when fire regulations were less strict. We are vey grateful to the Local Authority who are funding the majority of this work, which will see a fully comprehensive fire warning system, as well as new fire doors etc. across the whole school.
I am spending more of my time at the moment focusing on learning - and progress made by our children so far. In order for children to make GOOD progress, we would expect them to make 2 points of progress by now. This would mean that by the end of the year they will make 4 points of progress. Teachers from both schools will be meeting with senior leaders to demonstrate effective assessment - and show us ways that children who have not made expected progress will be supported to ensure they get back on track.
It's not all about points of progress though - and I am very excited to be welcoming Anne Fine and Chris Wormell to our schools next week. These very famous authors will be meeting with our children and sharing some of their stories. There is also an opportunity for all children to buy a book for the authors to sign. Here's looking forward to an exciting term!
GR
The first lists are through from the Local Authority, showing us how many families have applied to each school. I am delighted that both schools have had more applicants this year than last year - one indicator that we are doing something right!
I am spending some of my time at the moment looking at building projects at both schools. At Oakfield, we were expecting the start of our major building project to begin in January - but sadly, due to an "environmental" issue, the project has been delayed whilst some more surveys are being carried out. The five new classrooms and new hall WILL be delivered - but not on time - so it is expected that we may have some more mobiles on site for a few months - not a situation I am very happy about. At Temple Hill, work has begun to make the school fully fire-safe-compliant. Older schools, such as Temple Hill were built in the days when fire regulations were less strict. We are vey grateful to the Local Authority who are funding the majority of this work, which will see a fully comprehensive fire warning system, as well as new fire doors etc. across the whole school.
I am spending more of my time at the moment focusing on learning - and progress made by our children so far. In order for children to make GOOD progress, we would expect them to make 2 points of progress by now. This would mean that by the end of the year they will make 4 points of progress. Teachers from both schools will be meeting with senior leaders to demonstrate effective assessment - and show us ways that children who have not made expected progress will be supported to ensure they get back on track.
It's not all about points of progress though - and I am very excited to be welcoming Anne Fine and Chris Wormell to our schools next week. These very famous authors will be meeting with our children and sharing some of their stories. There is also an opportunity for all children to buy a book for the authors to sign. Here's looking forward to an exciting term!
GR
Tuesday, 4 February 2014
Behaving badly...?
I'm not quite sure what to make of all the latest media coverage of Mr Gove's new behaviour initiatives...
Behaviour at both Oakfield and Temple Hill is judged as "good" and both teams work incredibly hard to ensure our children are kept safe and happy.
I am not naïve enough to think that behaviour is always good, but I do believe we try our best to ensure that every incident is tackled fairly. Parents - please ensure you speak with a class teacher - either in person or through e-mail if you have an issue that is concerning you about behaviour. Please also feel free to contact myself or my Heads of School, Dawn and Sara for further support.
I also wanted to give you information about the government's free school meals policy, due to come in to force in September 2014. EVERY child in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 in September will be able to get a free, hot meal every day. Parents will have to elect for their child to receive a meal but eligibility will no longer be on income - it really is FREE for every child in these year groups.
Shortly, we will be conducting a short survey amongst parents to judge what uptake may be for September. We have lots of planning to do...
GR
Behaviour at both Oakfield and Temple Hill is judged as "good" and both teams work incredibly hard to ensure our children are kept safe and happy.
I am not naïve enough to think that behaviour is always good, but I do believe we try our best to ensure that every incident is tackled fairly. Parents - please ensure you speak with a class teacher - either in person or through e-mail if you have an issue that is concerning you about behaviour. Please also feel free to contact myself or my Heads of School, Dawn and Sara for further support.
I also wanted to give you information about the government's free school meals policy, due to come in to force in September 2014. EVERY child in Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 in September will be able to get a free, hot meal every day. Parents will have to elect for their child to receive a meal but eligibility will no longer be on income - it really is FREE for every child in these year groups.
Shortly, we will be conducting a short survey amongst parents to judge what uptake may be for September. We have lots of planning to do...
GR
Monday, 13 January 2014
Happy New Year!
A Happy New Year to all parents, children and staff of Oakfield and Temple Hill.
It seems as if we have been back in school for weeks, and that Christmas and New Year is but a distant memory! On behalf of my staff, thank you very much for all your kind cards and gifts we received. They were all greatly appreciated.
I am looking forward to this term, as this is often the term we see most progress from our children. There are very few distractions this term, which means good progress can be made in reading, writing and maths.
During the Parent Consultation meetings held this week, please make sure you speak with your child's teacher about their learning targets. Each child has a set of targets. These are displayed in the back of their work books and "flip out" at the beginning of each piece of work, as a reminder to your child what they should be working towards. A target is a small step towards achieving the next level or sub-level. A child's target might be "To use exclamation marks in my writing" or it might be "To recognise the names of common 3D shapes." Whatever the target, we would appreciate your help at home to ensure your child achieves it as quickly as possible!
I just wanted to mention that on Friday, we interviewed some trainee teachers for places on the School Direct programme for September 2014. This programme supports the training of teachers in a school setting. This year we have 5 trainees - Vikki Coombes, Tom Gale and Layla Priddy at Oakfield and Charlie McCarthy and Amanda Robertson at Temple Hill. All five trainees are doing a great job, and I can't wait until they are fully qualified. They are a credit to our schools and to the fine teachers who are currently supporting their training. Thanks to Sue Malone, Rachel Smith and Kari Hillkirk at Oakfield and to Emma Watson and Richard Moore at Temple Hill. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
For September 2014 we have been successful in recruiting 3 trainees so far, with just one space left. Thank you so much to Sara Hawkins and representatives from Oakfield's School Council for putting the trainees through their paces during the pupil voice interviews. It is very important to me that our schools are led by our pupils. That is why six of our children had the opportunity to grill these new trainees, and feedback their findings, enabling the interview panel to make informed decisions about who to recruit for next year. Well done children - you were excellent!
GR
It seems as if we have been back in school for weeks, and that Christmas and New Year is but a distant memory! On behalf of my staff, thank you very much for all your kind cards and gifts we received. They were all greatly appreciated.
I am looking forward to this term, as this is often the term we see most progress from our children. There are very few distractions this term, which means good progress can be made in reading, writing and maths.
During the Parent Consultation meetings held this week, please make sure you speak with your child's teacher about their learning targets. Each child has a set of targets. These are displayed in the back of their work books and "flip out" at the beginning of each piece of work, as a reminder to your child what they should be working towards. A target is a small step towards achieving the next level or sub-level. A child's target might be "To use exclamation marks in my writing" or it might be "To recognise the names of common 3D shapes." Whatever the target, we would appreciate your help at home to ensure your child achieves it as quickly as possible!
I just wanted to mention that on Friday, we interviewed some trainee teachers for places on the School Direct programme for September 2014. This programme supports the training of teachers in a school setting. This year we have 5 trainees - Vikki Coombes, Tom Gale and Layla Priddy at Oakfield and Charlie McCarthy and Amanda Robertson at Temple Hill. All five trainees are doing a great job, and I can't wait until they are fully qualified. They are a credit to our schools and to the fine teachers who are currently supporting their training. Thanks to Sue Malone, Rachel Smith and Kari Hillkirk at Oakfield and to Emma Watson and Richard Moore at Temple Hill. Your hard work is greatly appreciated.
For September 2014 we have been successful in recruiting 3 trainees so far, with just one space left. Thank you so much to Sara Hawkins and representatives from Oakfield's School Council for putting the trainees through their paces during the pupil voice interviews. It is very important to me that our schools are led by our pupils. That is why six of our children had the opportunity to grill these new trainees, and feedback their findings, enabling the interview panel to make informed decisions about who to recruit for next year. Well done children - you were excellent!
GR
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
Christmas Time
A very brief note to thank all parents for getting so involved in the life of our schools over this festive period. With an outstanding Christmas Wonderland organised by Temple Hill FOTHS (PTA), ice-skating for every child on the day too, as well as a great Christmas dinner, Temple Hill children and families have enjoyed lots of festive activities.
At Oakfield too, there have been lots of exciting things - such as the discos, ice-skating at Bluewater and Christmas Craft - in the afternoon and evening. I hope all Oakfield families have enjoyed themselves!
I heard on the news a few days ago, I think it was, that one headteacher had decided to cancel the school play, as Ofsted was coming... What a shame for the children and families of that school.. I firmly believe that learning to read, write and add up and take away are incredibly important skills - however, the joy of watching your child in a school play at Christmas - and the pride shown by each child as they sing their heart out will never be second place to an Ofsted inspection at Oakfield or Temple Hill.
GR
At Oakfield too, there have been lots of exciting things - such as the discos, ice-skating at Bluewater and Christmas Craft - in the afternoon and evening. I hope all Oakfield families have enjoyed themselves!
I heard on the news a few days ago, I think it was, that one headteacher had decided to cancel the school play, as Ofsted was coming... What a shame for the children and families of that school.. I firmly believe that learning to read, write and add up and take away are incredibly important skills - however, the joy of watching your child in a school play at Christmas - and the pride shown by each child as they sing their heart out will never be second place to an Ofsted inspection at Oakfield or Temple Hill.
GR
Tuesday, 10 December 2013
Christmas is here....
I have had two really lovely days in school. Yesterday, I saw Oakfield KS2 children performing a range of songs and dances for their parents in the morning. I then saw Temple Hill's Reception and KS1 children in a wonderful play with even more singing and dancing. This morning I watched Oakfield's KS1 children attempt some pretty tricky songs - held together by a brilliant Mr and Mrs Claus (narrators). Tomorrow I am looking forward to Oakfield's Early Years' production.
We all love seeing our children singing and dancing. Even the smallest part in a school play makes parents and children alike, very proud. I am incredibly proud of all our children - and parents - for making Christmas' early start at our schools very special.
Over the next week and a half there are plenty of activities to get involved in at both schools. I know Oakfield children are very welcome to Temple Hill's Christmas Fair on Friday this week... Oakfield Y5 and Y6 are off ice-skating next week (good luck teachers!) whilst all of Temple Hill and our younger children at Oakfield will be off to the pantomime. "Oh no they won't - oh yes they will!!!"
PLEASE come and support our family craft sessions if you possible can. Your children love you being in school - and we love inviting you in too.
Finally, I would like to thank all the adults in school who make Christmas such a great time for our children. Many of our adults have children themselves, and are busily preparing for family Christmas events. However, night after night, the adults in our schools are preparing extra special activities and resources to make this time of year exciting in both of our schools.
Going back to the Christmas shows that many of us have seen in the last two days. They may last half an hour. There may be the odd "quiet" voice or forgotten word. However, the amount of time and effort put in to preparing these shows is immense. I think a great big thank you to all staff is well deserved.
I'm off to my son's new school on Thursday to watch his production. Haydn rarely spoke three and a half years ago. His disabilities mean that many everyday things for a mainstream child are incredibly tiring for Haydn. Two years ago I remember seeing H in a school play. He was left off the stage as his wheelchair couldn't fit, and he was dressed as a reindeer... So imagine how proud I am of my son who this year is the MAIN PART in his school play - "Big, Bad, Ben." This is a show about Ben who is a bit naughty, and tries to disrupt the Christmas story. I told his teacher this week that obviously Haydn didn't have to try TOO hard to be "Big, Bad Ben" as his behaviour at home wasn't always exemplary! Whether he remembers all of his lines or not, I will really appreciate the opportunity to go and watch him and his friends, and I will remember the huge amount of work put in by the school to ensure my memories of Haydn at school this Christmas are special ones.
Have a good week.
GR
We all love seeing our children singing and dancing. Even the smallest part in a school play makes parents and children alike, very proud. I am incredibly proud of all our children - and parents - for making Christmas' early start at our schools very special.
Over the next week and a half there are plenty of activities to get involved in at both schools. I know Oakfield children are very welcome to Temple Hill's Christmas Fair on Friday this week... Oakfield Y5 and Y6 are off ice-skating next week (good luck teachers!) whilst all of Temple Hill and our younger children at Oakfield will be off to the pantomime. "Oh no they won't - oh yes they will!!!"
PLEASE come and support our family craft sessions if you possible can. Your children love you being in school - and we love inviting you in too.
Finally, I would like to thank all the adults in school who make Christmas such a great time for our children. Many of our adults have children themselves, and are busily preparing for family Christmas events. However, night after night, the adults in our schools are preparing extra special activities and resources to make this time of year exciting in both of our schools.
Going back to the Christmas shows that many of us have seen in the last two days. They may last half an hour. There may be the odd "quiet" voice or forgotten word. However, the amount of time and effort put in to preparing these shows is immense. I think a great big thank you to all staff is well deserved.
I'm off to my son's new school on Thursday to watch his production. Haydn rarely spoke three and a half years ago. His disabilities mean that many everyday things for a mainstream child are incredibly tiring for Haydn. Two years ago I remember seeing H in a school play. He was left off the stage as his wheelchair couldn't fit, and he was dressed as a reindeer... So imagine how proud I am of my son who this year is the MAIN PART in his school play - "Big, Bad, Ben." This is a show about Ben who is a bit naughty, and tries to disrupt the Christmas story. I told his teacher this week that obviously Haydn didn't have to try TOO hard to be "Big, Bad Ben" as his behaviour at home wasn't always exemplary! Whether he remembers all of his lines or not, I will really appreciate the opportunity to go and watch him and his friends, and I will remember the huge amount of work put in by the school to ensure my memories of Haydn at school this Christmas are special ones.
Have a good week.
GR
Wednesday, 27 November 2013
Temple Hill Choir needs your support!
A huge congratulations to Temple Hill Choir for making it to the finals of the Heart FM Xmas Factor, 2013!!!
Led by Mr Kitching, our music teacher, the choir's vocal abilities have reached the shortlist of 12 choirs. These will all perform on 10th December at Chatham Dockyard, before the winners are announced.
Please encourage friends and family to vote for our entry.
GR
Led by Mr Kitching, our music teacher, the choir's vocal abilities have reached the shortlist of 12 choirs. These will all perform on 10th December at Chatham Dockyard, before the winners are announced.
Please encourage friends and family to vote for our entry.
Go to www.heart.co.uk/kent/win/xmas-factor/#gusto-form-5255 and
register your details to vote and listen to our entry.
Tuesday, 26 November 2013
The BLOG is back!
I can not believe that the last time I updated this blog was over 6 months ago.... I am really sorry that this slipped by the wayside.
We have a new ICT technician called David, who is with both schools as an apprentice. He is doing a fantastic job, and he could certainly teach me a few things about ICT already - even though HE is the apprentice. He has given me a stern telling off though, and I have assured him that from now on I will be updating the BLOG as regularly as I can. I'll also make sure that there is a reminder on the newsletters for each school.
We all try very hard with communication, but sometimes, the teaching (quite rightly!) gets in the way. I was really pleased to see parents attend Dawn Funge's and Sara White's "Parent Forum" meetings recently. Ideas were shared about how to improve things at Oakfield and Temple Hill. We certainly take your ideas on board, so please keep sharing!
One item which comes up time and time again is HOMEWORK... I would love to know parents' views on homework. Do we offer enough? Would you like it online? Do you like the commercial books, or would you prefer teachers to be setting their own? Homework will be one of the topics we will be asking your opinion on during our consultation days in January.
That's it for today.
GR
We have a new ICT technician called David, who is with both schools as an apprentice. He is doing a fantastic job, and he could certainly teach me a few things about ICT already - even though HE is the apprentice. He has given me a stern telling off though, and I have assured him that from now on I will be updating the BLOG as regularly as I can. I'll also make sure that there is a reminder on the newsletters for each school.
We all try very hard with communication, but sometimes, the teaching (quite rightly!) gets in the way. I was really pleased to see parents attend Dawn Funge's and Sara White's "Parent Forum" meetings recently. Ideas were shared about how to improve things at Oakfield and Temple Hill. We certainly take your ideas on board, so please keep sharing!
One item which comes up time and time again is HOMEWORK... I would love to know parents' views on homework. Do we offer enough? Would you like it online? Do you like the commercial books, or would you prefer teachers to be setting their own? Homework will be one of the topics we will be asking your opinion on during our consultation days in January.
That's it for today.
GR
Monday, 22 April 2013
Term 5 is here!
I can not believe that we are in Term 5 already...!
Term 5 sees SATS for Year 6 and Year 2 - a stressful time for all involved.
This year's Year 6 children are facing a new test - the first time that a grammar, punctuation and spelling test has been used to assess a child's English level. I have absolutely no problem in children being assessed in this area, however, sadly for this group of children, there was very little notice and so the preparation that other year groups will have will be considerably more than this current cohort. We also have the added "challenge" that some of our teachers have never been taught grammar and punctuation themselves to this level, so there is plenty of "checking" and "revising" going on.
I really believe that there should be a high standard of grammar, punctuation and spelling in every piece of writing. However, we are currently trying to get our children to write more content - and sometimes the mechanics of the writing is secondary to the content and style. Some parents question this when looking through a child's work. Teachers want to make sure that children develop ideas and style, alongside good spelling - and sometimes, just sometimes, there is justification for focusing on the content and not just the amount of correct punctuation.
Year 2 children are currently preparing for the Y2 SATS tests. These tests are much more informal, and a teacher's judgement of the level a child is currently working at is much more important than the result of one test.
Year ONE children will also be taking a test later this year. The government now requires all schools to assess children in Year One to see their level of phonics knowledge. How well do they know their sounds? We all know that we need to know our sounds to be able to read and write - and this is why the government sees it as vital that we must assess formally a child's knowledge and skill.
Parents of Y1 children need not worry - the process is painless for most children. It involves sitting in a quiet space with an adult that the child will know well. A series of sounds and small words are shown to the children to read. The test doesn't take too long at all. Last year the children were treated to pictures of a range of "aliens," all with strange-sounding names. All the children had to do was use their phonics knowledge to read the names of the aliens. What will it be this year...?
Testing aside, the final two terms at school are incredibly busy. I have just put in a call to look at availability for our swimming gala in the final term. We are also in planning for our carnival fortnight, as well as all the other things that happen in those final terms. Trips and visits are likely to increase over the next three months - Year 4 children are off to the Natural History Museum for a sleep over in a few weeks. Good luck to them all!
GR
Term 5 sees SATS for Year 6 and Year 2 - a stressful time for all involved.
This year's Year 6 children are facing a new test - the first time that a grammar, punctuation and spelling test has been used to assess a child's English level. I have absolutely no problem in children being assessed in this area, however, sadly for this group of children, there was very little notice and so the preparation that other year groups will have will be considerably more than this current cohort. We also have the added "challenge" that some of our teachers have never been taught grammar and punctuation themselves to this level, so there is plenty of "checking" and "revising" going on.
I really believe that there should be a high standard of grammar, punctuation and spelling in every piece of writing. However, we are currently trying to get our children to write more content - and sometimes the mechanics of the writing is secondary to the content and style. Some parents question this when looking through a child's work. Teachers want to make sure that children develop ideas and style, alongside good spelling - and sometimes, just sometimes, there is justification for focusing on the content and not just the amount of correct punctuation.
Year 2 children are currently preparing for the Y2 SATS tests. These tests are much more informal, and a teacher's judgement of the level a child is currently working at is much more important than the result of one test.
Year ONE children will also be taking a test later this year. The government now requires all schools to assess children in Year One to see their level of phonics knowledge. How well do they know their sounds? We all know that we need to know our sounds to be able to read and write - and this is why the government sees it as vital that we must assess formally a child's knowledge and skill.
Parents of Y1 children need not worry - the process is painless for most children. It involves sitting in a quiet space with an adult that the child will know well. A series of sounds and small words are shown to the children to read. The test doesn't take too long at all. Last year the children were treated to pictures of a range of "aliens," all with strange-sounding names. All the children had to do was use their phonics knowledge to read the names of the aliens. What will it be this year...?
Testing aside, the final two terms at school are incredibly busy. I have just put in a call to look at availability for our swimming gala in the final term. We are also in planning for our carnival fortnight, as well as all the other things that happen in those final terms. Trips and visits are likely to increase over the next three months - Year 4 children are off to the Natural History Museum for a sleep over in a few weeks. Good luck to them all!
GR
Thursday, 14 March 2013
This weather is driving me mad!
Two and a half hours to travel thirty miles to school on Tuesday. All of this for about an inch of snow! I don't blame KCC for not gritting each road - it's just incredibly frustrating when I needed to be in work early.
I had a meeting with a representative from a company called Arbor on Tuesday. The meeting was with my Leadership Teams from both Oakfield and Temple Hill. We were looking at a new Management Information System that has come on the market. I can hear the yawns across the Internet - but seriously, this piece of software will help us to keep parents fully informed about what is going on with their child's learning.
Not only does it have the usual features of a management system that schools need (emergency contact details etc.) but it also connects with parents to let them know, completely up to date, what their child's attendance is like, how well they are doing in certain subjects, how this compares to groups of children in our schools and in the UK. It also outlines what is going on in their school day. Long gone may be the conversations we have all had with our children:
PARENT: "What did you do at school today?"
CHILD: "Nothing...!"
This system will be trialed in both schools across the next few terms, and you may be asked to help us out, with trialling the parent portal - which gives you up to date information about your child.
We are working hard to ensure our new websites are ready for launch shortly. Having trialled the new designs, I can definitely say that they are looking good - and you will all be able to have access to much more information about the school through the new sites. Of particular interest may be the new virtual tours of the schools, as well as up to date policies etc.
You will also find a link on both sites to Kent Fostering.
Fostering in Kent is a great services that looks after thousands of Looked After Children - not only originally from Kent, but from other counties and boroughs of London too. Myself and my better half are foster carers, and have been for the last three years. If anyone is interested in fostering, feel free to follow the link on the websites, or come and talk to me about it. It is so rewarding to look after a child who needs extra support and security. We love it so much - and two of the boys that we currently foster, w hope to finish the adoption process with very soon! I'll keep you all posted.
Hopefully, the weather will change in the next few weeks - ready for a bright, dry and considerably warmer Easter holiday!
GR
I had a meeting with a representative from a company called Arbor on Tuesday. The meeting was with my Leadership Teams from both Oakfield and Temple Hill. We were looking at a new Management Information System that has come on the market. I can hear the yawns across the Internet - but seriously, this piece of software will help us to keep parents fully informed about what is going on with their child's learning.
Not only does it have the usual features of a management system that schools need (emergency contact details etc.) but it also connects with parents to let them know, completely up to date, what their child's attendance is like, how well they are doing in certain subjects, how this compares to groups of children in our schools and in the UK. It also outlines what is going on in their school day. Long gone may be the conversations we have all had with our children:
PARENT: "What did you do at school today?"
CHILD: "Nothing...!"
This system will be trialed in both schools across the next few terms, and you may be asked to help us out, with trialling the parent portal - which gives you up to date information about your child.
We are working hard to ensure our new websites are ready for launch shortly. Having trialled the new designs, I can definitely say that they are looking good - and you will all be able to have access to much more information about the school through the new sites. Of particular interest may be the new virtual tours of the schools, as well as up to date policies etc.
You will also find a link on both sites to Kent Fostering.
Fostering in Kent is a great services that looks after thousands of Looked After Children - not only originally from Kent, but from other counties and boroughs of London too. Myself and my better half are foster carers, and have been for the last three years. If anyone is interested in fostering, feel free to follow the link on the websites, or come and talk to me about it. It is so rewarding to look after a child who needs extra support and security. We love it so much - and two of the boys that we currently foster, w hope to finish the adoption process with very soon! I'll keep you all posted.
Hopefully, the weather will change in the next few weeks - ready for a bright, dry and considerably warmer Easter holiday!
GR
Tuesday, 12 February 2013
End of another term...?
I can not believe it - three more days (after today) and we will have finished another term.
I have had some very successful parent meetings this term. Thank you to all parents that made the effort to come and listen to our plans for the rest of this year.
One thing we spoke about was communication. I'm going to try and write this BLOG a bit more often - and I am trying to get a newsletter out each and every Friday to parents of both schools. Much of the information we give to parents is communicated through Parent Mail - but I'll try to keep up to date on the blog too!
With no Internet at home at the moment, it makes me realise just how reliant we are on technology. We moved house this weekend, and having no Internet has meant e-mail queueing up and things that usually take 1 minute to "google" on the computer, are taking 10 frustrating minutes on my phone.
Whether we like technology or not, this is certainly the way that our children and their children will be communicating - and many of the technological based jobs that our children will be undertaking, haven't been invented yet! This is why we intend to spend more money this year on more technology. IPads for more year groups is a first step, but we would also like to explore other technologies too.
Temple Hill is celebrating its 60th birthday this week! If you are a Temple Hill parent, please make sure you come along to our open afternoon on Thursday. I'll be writing more about this special event again soon - but let me leave you all with an extract from an e-mail written to me from an ex-pupil of the school:
Have a good week.
GR
I have had some very successful parent meetings this term. Thank you to all parents that made the effort to come and listen to our plans for the rest of this year.
One thing we spoke about was communication. I'm going to try and write this BLOG a bit more often - and I am trying to get a newsletter out each and every Friday to parents of both schools. Much of the information we give to parents is communicated through Parent Mail - but I'll try to keep up to date on the blog too!
With no Internet at home at the moment, it makes me realise just how reliant we are on technology. We moved house this weekend, and having no Internet has meant e-mail queueing up and things that usually take 1 minute to "google" on the computer, are taking 10 frustrating minutes on my phone.
Whether we like technology or not, this is certainly the way that our children and their children will be communicating - and many of the technological based jobs that our children will be undertaking, haven't been invented yet! This is why we intend to spend more money this year on more technology. IPads for more year groups is a first step, but we would also like to explore other technologies too.
Temple Hill is celebrating its 60th birthday this week! If you are a Temple Hill parent, please make sure you come along to our open afternoon on Thursday. I'll be writing more about this special event again soon - but let me leave you all with an extract from an e-mail written to me from an ex-pupil of the school:
In April 1963 I won second prize in a 'Brook Bond
National Travel scholarships & Educational Awards' competition for junior
art. The competition was for a drawing/ painting, my entrant was a picture of
baby birds in a nest. My confession is (deep breath) my mum helped me draw the
birds! I felt so guilty when I heard that I had won second prize because it
wasn't truly all my own work, I could choose any book as a prize out of a
catalogue - so I chose The Holy Bible!!! I feel better after that, a lesson to
all children cheating doesn't pay - hope I'm forgiven ha ha.
Have a good week.
GR
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Happy New Year - getting ready for Term 3
Happy New Year to all parents and children from Oakfield and Temple Hill. I hope everyone has had a great holiday so far, and that Santa brought everything you hoped for.
My nine year old was spoilt, as was our two year old - especially because this year we have spent Christmas and New Year with nanny and grandad - my parents, who live near Malaga in Spain. The weather has been great, we have had a great holiday - and now it is nearly time to return home!
I'm really looking forward to Term 3 at Oakfield and Temple Hill. We have lots to look forward to - including a visit from a lady with cerebral palsy. She will be talking with the children about what it is like living with a disability. We also have Alex Danson, part of the Olympic Team GB women's hockey team, visiting both schools in January. She will be talking about what motivated her to become a sportswoman. I can't wait for her visit.
Also in Term 3 we have our Parent Consultation Days. For Oakfield, this is happening on Tuesday 15th January and for Temple Hill, this is happening on Wednesday 16th January. Oakfield parents will be aware of the day, but for Temple Hill, this is the first time this has happened at the school.
School will be closed for normal lessons for the whole day. This will give parents and teachers, as well as support staff to discuss their child's progress fully. To confirm, Oakfield will be closed for lessons on Tuesday 15th January and Temple Hill will be closed for normal lessons on Wednesday 16th January.
On the first day back of school, Monday 7th January, each parent will receive a letter home, asking them to express a preference for a time slot for an interview with the class teacher. It is expected that every parent will attend an appointment, and their child will attend with them.
This is an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss with the teacher exactly where your child's strengths are, and in which areas they need further support.
Please make the effort to ensure that you are able to attend on the day. This is really important in order to support your child's learning.
Also in Term 3, we will be launching our 1:1 private tuition programme. This will enable children who need extra support to be given it either before or after school, or at lunch times. Some of the tuition will be given by the schools' teachers, and some tuition will be given by teachers from outside of the school. If you are offered the opportunity for your child to receive 1:1 tuition, please take up the offer as this is a great opportunity to support your child in gaining pace with their learning.
I look forward to welcoming you all back to school on Monday 7th January.
GR
My nine year old was spoilt, as was our two year old - especially because this year we have spent Christmas and New Year with nanny and grandad - my parents, who live near Malaga in Spain. The weather has been great, we have had a great holiday - and now it is nearly time to return home!
I'm really looking forward to Term 3 at Oakfield and Temple Hill. We have lots to look forward to - including a visit from a lady with cerebral palsy. She will be talking with the children about what it is like living with a disability. We also have Alex Danson, part of the Olympic Team GB women's hockey team, visiting both schools in January. She will be talking about what motivated her to become a sportswoman. I can't wait for her visit.
Also in Term 3 we have our Parent Consultation Days. For Oakfield, this is happening on Tuesday 15th January and for Temple Hill, this is happening on Wednesday 16th January. Oakfield parents will be aware of the day, but for Temple Hill, this is the first time this has happened at the school.
School will be closed for normal lessons for the whole day. This will give parents and teachers, as well as support staff to discuss their child's progress fully. To confirm, Oakfield will be closed for lessons on Tuesday 15th January and Temple Hill will be closed for normal lessons on Wednesday 16th January.
On the first day back of school, Monday 7th January, each parent will receive a letter home, asking them to express a preference for a time slot for an interview with the class teacher. It is expected that every parent will attend an appointment, and their child will attend with them.
This is an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss with the teacher exactly where your child's strengths are, and in which areas they need further support.
Please make the effort to ensure that you are able to attend on the day. This is really important in order to support your child's learning.
Also in Term 3, we will be launching our 1:1 private tuition programme. This will enable children who need extra support to be given it either before or after school, or at lunch times. Some of the tuition will be given by the schools' teachers, and some tuition will be given by teachers from outside of the school. If you are offered the opportunity for your child to receive 1:1 tuition, please take up the offer as this is a great opportunity to support your child in gaining pace with their learning.
I look forward to welcoming you all back to school on Monday 7th January.
GR
Saturday, 17 November 2012
Children in Need
Children in Need 2012 was amazing! Thanks so much to all parents and children who supported this fantastic cause.
Children and staff all turned up at Oakfield and Temple Hill in their pyjamas to raise much needed funds for Children in Need. At Temple Hill, parents also turned up in their nightwear, as Sara White (Temple Hill Head of School) had pledged, on behalf of the Leadership Team, to donate a further £1 for every parent coming in their pj's!
Working between the two schools is a real privilege, and seeing all staff and children having fun, wearing all sorts of stripes, spots, dressing gowns, onesies, etc etc etc, raising money for a brilliant cause was inspiring!
We are always asking parents for money - sometimes for their children's trips, sometimes for charity. I would like to thank you all for always digging deep and finding the money - well done!
GR
Children and staff all turned up at Oakfield and Temple Hill in their pyjamas to raise much needed funds for Children in Need. At Temple Hill, parents also turned up in their nightwear, as Sara White (Temple Hill Head of School) had pledged, on behalf of the Leadership Team, to donate a further £1 for every parent coming in their pj's!
Working between the two schools is a real privilege, and seeing all staff and children having fun, wearing all sorts of stripes, spots, dressing gowns, onesies, etc etc etc, raising money for a brilliant cause was inspiring!
We are always asking parents for money - sometimes for their children's trips, sometimes for charity. I would like to thank you all for always digging deep and finding the money - well done!
GR
Wednesday, 24 October 2012
End of Term 1
I can not believe that term 1 is over!!!
We have achieved so much as a school this term, it's fantastic!
Well done to all children that achieved 100% attendance this term. We will look at the data during the first week back, and ensure all children who received 100% attendance receive their award.
Well done too, to all the children that attended the Turkey trip. Mrs Funge, Mrs Harrison (and Mr Funge!) did a brilliant job looking after all the children, and I understand that their behaviour was exemplary. I really believe that being able to send our children on such an exciting trip is very worthwhile - something that those children will remember for many years to come!
Congratulations to the ELEVEN children who were able to pass their 11+ tests, and therefore are eligible to apply for a grammar school place. We are very proud of all the children who took the test - whether they passed or not.
I hope all the children enjoyed the Black History Day activities today - I know the mask painting and drumming went down very well.
Thanks too to the parents who have supported the school this term. Events, trips and activities would not be possible without your support.
Have a wonderful half term holiday and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on TUESDAY 6th NOVEMBER.
GR
We have achieved so much as a school this term, it's fantastic!
Well done to all children that achieved 100% attendance this term. We will look at the data during the first week back, and ensure all children who received 100% attendance receive their award.
Well done too, to all the children that attended the Turkey trip. Mrs Funge, Mrs Harrison (and Mr Funge!) did a brilliant job looking after all the children, and I understand that their behaviour was exemplary. I really believe that being able to send our children on such an exciting trip is very worthwhile - something that those children will remember for many years to come!
Congratulations to the ELEVEN children who were able to pass their 11+ tests, and therefore are eligible to apply for a grammar school place. We are very proud of all the children who took the test - whether they passed or not.
I hope all the children enjoyed the Black History Day activities today - I know the mask painting and drumming went down very well.
Thanks too to the parents who have supported the school this term. Events, trips and activities would not be possible without your support.
Have a wonderful half term holiday and I look forward to welcoming everyone back to school on TUESDAY 6th NOVEMBER.
GR
Sunday, 14 October 2012
Safe journey!
During the early hours of Monday morning, Mrs Funge will be leading our first trip to Turkey!
Late last academic year, we hosted a group of children from Bilfen School in Istanbul. Bilfen is a private school and the children who attend the school are very privileged. I was fortunate enough to visit the school a few weeks ago, so that I could assess the risks of our children visiting Turkey.
The children who will be embarking on the trip are going to have a ball! Once they step off of the plane in Istanbul, they'll be treated like royalty - visiting the Bilfen schools, going on a boat trip, visiting the sights, smells and sounds of old Istanbul.
Let's all wish them a safe journey, and I hope they have just a BRILLIANT time!
GR
Friday, 12 October 2012
Outstanding!
I have been watching our teachers... They have been observed teaching Literacy, Numeracy, Science - all sorts of things!
The reason I observe, is to make sure that all the staff that we employ are working at an acceptable standard, and that if there are issues for development, they are tackled straight away.
When observing, I look at the quality of plans, the learning environment, the quality of questions, the quality of feedback and marking, the quality of differentiation. the most important aspect of the lesson observation though is whether each and every child has made progress within the lesson. Do they know something now, that they didn't know before....? Can they understand something that they had trouble with previously? Have they developed a skill which they hadn't acquired in other lessons?
In the last week, we have been incredibly lucky to witness THREE outstanding lessons!
Lesson one was a maths lesson. the way the teacher challenged the children, and ensured that each and every child was extending their learning was amazing. During the second lesson, the teacher was guiding children to look at the best language to use for different audiences. The complexity of the work, coupled with the determination of each child to achieve their very best, was inspirational. The final lesson was outstanding, because after over half the lesson, it became infectious... As a child I would have never wanted to leave. The children learnt so much through fun, inspiration, creativity and variety.
I want to ensure that every teacher at Oakfield and Temple Hill are working at a GOOD or OUTSTANDING level. "Just good enough" isn't good enough for our children.
GR
The reason I observe, is to make sure that all the staff that we employ are working at an acceptable standard, and that if there are issues for development, they are tackled straight away.
When observing, I look at the quality of plans, the learning environment, the quality of questions, the quality of feedback and marking, the quality of differentiation. the most important aspect of the lesson observation though is whether each and every child has made progress within the lesson. Do they know something now, that they didn't know before....? Can they understand something that they had trouble with previously? Have they developed a skill which they hadn't acquired in other lessons?
In the last week, we have been incredibly lucky to witness THREE outstanding lessons!
Lesson one was a maths lesson. the way the teacher challenged the children, and ensured that each and every child was extending their learning was amazing. During the second lesson, the teacher was guiding children to look at the best language to use for different audiences. The complexity of the work, coupled with the determination of each child to achieve their very best, was inspirational. The final lesson was outstanding, because after over half the lesson, it became infectious... As a child I would have never wanted to leave. The children learnt so much through fun, inspiration, creativity and variety.
I want to ensure that every teacher at Oakfield and Temple Hill are working at a GOOD or OUTSTANDING level. "Just good enough" isn't good enough for our children.
GR
Monday, 17 September 2012
BBQs and Parent-Teacher meetings
I have just been reminded by one of my Oakfield teachers, and a member of my Oakfield admin team that I haven't written a BLOG entry for a while, so here it is!
To be honest, I haven't had a moment to sit down and write in the last couple of weeks. It has been absolutely manic - both at home and at school.
On Friday, we had the Temple Hill after school BBQ, and I was delighted that so many parents, children and ex-pupils made the effort to join in. Mirroring the BBQ at Oakfield, staff did a fantastic job of cooking the food, mingling with parents and helping to tidy up. It was great to welcome back so many parents to our FIFTH whole school BBQ at Oakfield, and to meet so many parents at Temple Hill - their first of many annual BBQs!
This evening, I will also be holding my final HT Presentation of this term, with a 6 o'clock meeting at Temple Hill. It is always really useful for me to meet parents at these meetings, and for me to be able to share ideas and plans for the coming terms and year.
Communication is improving in both schools, but I want to make it very clear that ALL parents are very welcome to e-mail myself or Heads of School directly, or to make contact with their class teacher via e-mail. All of our e-mail addresses can be found in the home-school planners. Please use the planners to pass on messages too, as these are being checked in school daily.
Parents may, or may not notice that I will not be around either school towards the end of the week, as I am travelling to Istanbul, Turkey to meet the Headteacher and staff of the school where 14 Oakfield children are travelling to next month. The school in Turkey have generously paid for me to visit them, to assess the hotel where children will be staying, and to look at the facilities etc. I really think it is great that our children are experiencing a totally different culture. Let's hope they have a brilliant time! Next year we are hoping to take a mixed group of Temple Hill and Oakfield children to the British School in Berlin.
Right, off for my final HT meeting now.
GR
To be honest, I haven't had a moment to sit down and write in the last couple of weeks. It has been absolutely manic - both at home and at school.
On Friday, we had the Temple Hill after school BBQ, and I was delighted that so many parents, children and ex-pupils made the effort to join in. Mirroring the BBQ at Oakfield, staff did a fantastic job of cooking the food, mingling with parents and helping to tidy up. It was great to welcome back so many parents to our FIFTH whole school BBQ at Oakfield, and to meet so many parents at Temple Hill - their first of many annual BBQs!
This evening, I will also be holding my final HT Presentation of this term, with a 6 o'clock meeting at Temple Hill. It is always really useful for me to meet parents at these meetings, and for me to be able to share ideas and plans for the coming terms and year.
Communication is improving in both schools, but I want to make it very clear that ALL parents are very welcome to e-mail myself or Heads of School directly, or to make contact with their class teacher via e-mail. All of our e-mail addresses can be found in the home-school planners. Please use the planners to pass on messages too, as these are being checked in school daily.
Parents may, or may not notice that I will not be around either school towards the end of the week, as I am travelling to Istanbul, Turkey to meet the Headteacher and staff of the school where 14 Oakfield children are travelling to next month. The school in Turkey have generously paid for me to visit them, to assess the hotel where children will be staying, and to look at the facilities etc. I really think it is great that our children are experiencing a totally different culture. Let's hope they have a brilliant time! Next year we are hoping to take a mixed group of Temple Hill and Oakfield children to the British School in Berlin.
Right, off for my final HT meeting now.
GR
Thursday, 6 September 2012
Is it really Autumn...?
I really can not believe that the summer is over... Where has the time gone..?
A fantastic summer of Olympics and now Paralympics has really fueled the enthusiasm of all staff at both schools, and we look forward to continuing our Olympic Legacy over the coming terms and years.
Temple Hill and Oakfield Year 6 children are all working together today and tomorrow with our old friend, Chris Cook, who swam for team GB in the last Olympics. Chris works so well with the children - I wish I could bottle his enthusiasm and positivity.
I hope to see as many parents as possible at the events coming up in the next few days and weeks. Please check your wall planners for the dates of the whole school BBQs, parent meetings and my Headteacher presentations.
I look forward to welcoming you all in to school over the coming weeks.
GR
A fantastic summer of Olympics and now Paralympics has really fueled the enthusiasm of all staff at both schools, and we look forward to continuing our Olympic Legacy over the coming terms and years.
Temple Hill and Oakfield Year 6 children are all working together today and tomorrow with our old friend, Chris Cook, who swam for team GB in the last Olympics. Chris works so well with the children - I wish I could bottle his enthusiasm and positivity.
I hope to see as many parents as possible at the events coming up in the next few days and weeks. Please check your wall planners for the dates of the whole school BBQs, parent meetings and my Headteacher presentations.
I look forward to welcoming you all in to school over the coming weeks.
GR
Thursday, 28 June 2012
Sports Day
Well, the time is here... Mr Laws has been busy preparing for today, and thank goodness that it looks like we have bright weather so the event can go ahead!
Planning sports day is a logistical nightmare. Years 1 to 6 - 14 classes, all taking part in a range of activities. Water stations, check. Non-competitive and competitive activities, check. Leaders for each activitiy, check. PTA doing refreshments, check! All classes know where they are going, what time they are starting, and what time they need to be back in to school for. Well done Mr Laws for organising the morning so efficiently.
See you all there, I hope!
GR
Planning sports day is a logistical nightmare. Years 1 to 6 - 14 classes, all taking part in a range of activities. Water stations, check. Non-competitive and competitive activities, check. Leaders for each activitiy, check. PTA doing refreshments, check! All classes know where they are going, what time they are starting, and what time they need to be back in to school for. Well done Mr Laws for organising the morning so efficiently.
See you all there, I hope!
GR
Wednesday, 27 June 2012
Pray for sun!
Tomorrow is sports day and Friday is the PTA Summer Fair. Let's hope the weather stays fine...
I am just compiling the finalised versions of class lists for next year. Soon, all children will know which classes they are going in to. It is a busy, yet exciting time of the year!
I just wanted to say something about parent support of the school. We have a range of supporters in the school, all of which are incredibly valuable. We have a number of parent governors who attend regular governor meetings and help to form the strategic direction of the school. We have a brilliant and dedicated selection of parents who support and run the PTA. Without these parents, we would not have such fantastic events, and raise much needed funds for the school.
Probably most importantly though are the HUNDREDS of parents that support the school by supporting their children. Each and every day, there are parents sitting at home hearing their children read, helping with homework or just asking how their day was. This is what helps our children the most - and this is why our children have made more progress this year than ever - thank you!
GR
I am just compiling the finalised versions of class lists for next year. Soon, all children will know which classes they are going in to. It is a busy, yet exciting time of the year!
I just wanted to say something about parent support of the school. We have a range of supporters in the school, all of which are incredibly valuable. We have a number of parent governors who attend regular governor meetings and help to form the strategic direction of the school. We have a brilliant and dedicated selection of parents who support and run the PTA. Without these parents, we would not have such fantastic events, and raise much needed funds for the school.
Probably most importantly though are the HUNDREDS of parents that support the school by supporting their children. Each and every day, there are parents sitting at home hearing their children read, helping with homework or just asking how their day was. This is what helps our children the most - and this is why our children have made more progress this year than ever - thank you!
GR
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