News round up

Year 6 pupils at Hillmorton Primary School helped to spread goodwill in the run up to Christmas, after the Deputy Headteacher, Craig McKee, came across the idea of a ‘Kindness Advent Calendar. Pupils and members of staff took part by doing a good deed or by spreading kindness on each day of the advent calendar. Activities included pupils making donations to the foodbank, giving someone an unexpected gift such as their favourite chocolate bar and everyone in one class writing down a compliment for someone else and then sharing them.

In the Autumn Term, Clapham Terrace Primary School invited volunteers from the National Literacy Trust and Boots Opticians to deliver an assembly all about eye health. The aim was to emphasise to pupils the importance of caring for their eyes, visiting the opticians regularly and reading for pleasure. Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children were all given copies of Zoo Keeper Zoe to take home.

Well done to the pupils from Brooke School, Boughton Leigh Junior School, Northlands Primary School and Henry Hinde Junior School who joined volunteers at a local Tesco store in the run-up to Christmas to collect nearly two tonnes of food for Rugby Foodbank’s Neighbourhood Food Collection.

Congratulations to Boughton Leigh Infant School pupil Sienna-Louise Bent for designing the winning Christmas card in a competition set by the International Literacy Centre (ILC) London.  Her card - which featured a decorated Christmas tree with presents, a reindeer and snowflakes, was sent to a whole host of VIPs, including the Secretary of State for Education, the Rt Hon Justine Greening MP.  The school follows the ILC’s Reading Recovery programme for pupils who need extra support in reading and writing

Kineton Primary thrilled by live string quartet

In November, pupils and staff at Kineton Primary School enjoyed a performance from the Elias String Quartet.

This was organised by Warwickshire Music in partnership with Leamington Music, to promote live musical performances in schools by young professional artists. Year 5 class teacher, Katie Barritt  commented: "It was a truly memorable experience for our children, that had them buzzing for a long time afterwards." Here are a selection of some of the comments from the Year 2,3 4 and 5 pupils:

Bea - "It made me feel speechless.  It was really amazing opportunity to listen to live music. I loved the one where they were just plucking the strings, I had never heard anything like that before.  It was absolutely AMAZING and I loved every second of it! MIND-BLOWING!"

William - "I enjoyed the whole concert, it just made my day, I will never forget it. What is it like to be famous? I love your music. SENSATIONAL!"

Arthur - "I feel amazed as each song is completely different, so you go through multiple emotions. Also they didn’t just play instruments, they sang and clapped.  LEGENDARY!"

 

 

 

 

Bilton CE Junior School triumphant in national Maths competition

A huge congratulations to Bilton Church of England Junior School who fought off stiff competition to win the prestigious National Young Mathematicians Award in 2016.

Bilton C of E Junior battled through three rounds of competition; firstly taking part in a regional knock-out at Sainsbury’s Explore Learning Centre, then going through to the semi-final where they competed against other top schools in the region to win a space in the Grand Final at Cambridge University on 7 December. The team - comprising Jessica Naylor, Rachel Hyland, Himansa Hingulage and Sriram Chakka - went on to beat over 400 schools nationally to be declared the best young mathematical minds in the country!

The competition, which has been running since 2010, is designed to inspire and challenge talented mathematicians from across the country and is the only team maths competition for primary schools in the UK.  It is run by Explore Learning in conjunction with the NRICH project at Cambridge University and involves teams of four children working together to solve particularly challenging mathematical problems.

Headteacher, Alex Norton, said: “It was a pleasure to go with them and see them working as such an amazing team and watch them win! The team were praised for their considerable mathematical ability and their care for one another. I feel so proud of them.”

Winners pictured receiving their award from CBBC presenter and author Stefan Gates

 

‘Employable Me’ Avon Valley students learn about employability skills

For the second year running, Year 11 students from The Avon Valley School and Performing Arts College have the opportunity to develop the skills that will make them more employable. Throughout the students’ final year, the school will be working in collaboration with coaching organisation Kokoro on the ‘Employable Me’ programme thanks to a grant from Warwickshire County Council.

In the summer term it was announced that Avon Valley was one of six local schools to receive a share of £112,000 which has been given to schools and colleges across the county as part of Warwickshire County Council’s skills for employment programme.

Since September Avon Valley’s Year 11 students have taken part in two half-day, off-site sessions with Kokoro, the most recent of which was held at Benn Hall. During the sessions the students have worked with Kokoro mentors to develop skills which will help them progress with their applications to Further Education providers, and prepare them for post-16 study.

In addition to the sessions with Kokoro, the school has used its grant money to run a number of events including a careers afternoon during which the students met local employers and colleges. Recently, every student has been interviewed by a representative from a local business as part of the school’s mock interview process. Furthermore, the school’s Year 11 students have heard from the local sixth forms and colleges during special assemblies.

Assistant Headteacher, Elaine Stock, said: “The students have already had two wonderful sessions with Kokoro during which they have examined what makes them employable. These events have included sessions on interview techniques, body language and team building. These are skills which will be very important for our students who are currently applying for sixth form, college and apprenticeship places.”

Alison Davies, Headteacher, commented: “Again this year we are very grateful to Warwickshire County Council for providing the grant that has allowed our young people to work with Kokoro. Choosing what to do once they leave school is a big decision and our students are benefitting from the guidance given by Kokoro.”

Karen Powell, one of Kokoro’s founders, said “The students have been fantastic and we’ve really enjoyed working with them. They are fortunate that they attend a school which invests in, and provides, so much advice and careers guidance.”