Friends of Stanmore - a busy time ahead

Happy weekend everybody!

The Christmas fair is creeping up on us fast! The FoS and Christmas Elves have been working really hard to pull it all together. In preparation, we will be holding a Non-Uniform day on Friday 22nd November to raise prizes for the chocolate and bottle tombolas, KS1 could you please bring in boxed chocolate prizes and KS2 could you please bring in an alcoholic or non alcoholic bottle prize. The FoS will be collecting the donations in the morning from the school hall on the day. Along with these donations if you wish to donate any wrapped tombola prizes, unwanted toys or books we will also be collecting these donations during the week of the fair.

We would like to say a special thank you to Bella Barton’s grandma and Penny Mcclelland who have already made some generous donations to our tombolas.

Class reps have all been hunting down parent helpers for the stalls, if you have not yet been approached or have decided you could offer some help, please approach your class rep or one of ourselves. Your help is vital to making sure that we have enough hands on deck to run a successful fair!

Also, you may have seen your children have been designing some amazing Christmas cards. Proofs and order forms should have found their way into your child’s book bag, orders must be returned by Wednesday 13th November and returned to the school office.

Before I let you free to enjoy your wet weekend, on Thursday 14th November, after school the FoS will be holding a year 3/4 cake sale, books and uniform may also be available to purchase depending on the weather. Could years 3/4 please bring in nut free bakes, clearly labelled with ingredients to the office on the morning of the sale. If you are available to help with the cake sale please let us know, as it will be much appreciated! 

Many Thanks,
Rachel, Hayley, Jen and Amy.

Stanmore Post - 8 November 2019

Dear Parents, 

Throughout school this week there have been examples of ‘purposeful and irresistible’ learning. The children in Year 6 have had a fantastic adventure at Condover Hall in Shrewsbury. By now, Year 6 parents will have heard all about the adventures and brilliant time that children have had. Behaviour was outstanding. Children remembered to thank all the adults involved including the coach driver. I would like to add my thanks to our team of super teachers, Mrs Laver, Miss Kempson and Miss Norris. All of the children demonstrated our Keys for Success, giving every activity a go. They threw themselves into their challenges and took part in a range of team building activities. Parents can look forward to tidy rooms at home – all room inspections were passed with flying colours. 

In Years 3/4, children were visited by a Viking who told exciting tales of raiding and settling. Children had the opportunity to experience a range of artefacts and they built a Viking Village.   In Years 1/2,  children were visited by a Wizard who told stories and gave children the chance to join in with a magical performance. Moments like this are part of our new ‘Stanmore Curriculum’ and they really bring learning to life. Children are given the language they need to appreciate the subject, the opportunity to actively participate, and the chance to take an idea and create something of their own.  

You will have noticed some significant improvements to the way our school grounds look. During half term, a grounds team cut back the overgrown areas and brought the grounds back to a more manageable space. We will continue to work towards making our grounds a place that supports the curriculum so that children have an amazing resource in which to play and to learn. We have also made improvements to our site security, and we have an electronic fob system in place. Please can I ask that when you press the door buzzer you are ready to state your name and if appropriate, who you are here to see.  

Further to my recent letter, Miss Norris, has now returned from the residential visit and is ready to be back in Aspen Class, full time, on Monday. Miss Sanders who has been with the class for the last two weeks will remain in the class for next week to ensure a smooth handover. 

Best wishes 

Sharon Taylor

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Pond dipping in science

One of the things that we will be learning about in science this year is the patterns and trends in the world around us. This has given us the opportunity to get out and about and use the grounds.

We have measured the water temperature of the pond, as well as made observations on what we can find living in the pond.

Some lucky children found pond-skaters and water snails... while some only found leaves and twigs!

It was great to get out and about to use the school grounds to experience some irresistible learning, even if it was a bit chilly on a slightly damp Wednesday morning.

Viking Visit!

On Tuesday, Year 3 and 4 were lucky to be visited by a Viking. He answered all of our questions about life in the Dark Ages, and told us some amazing facts about everything from weapons to crime and punishment.

"The best afternoon ever!"

"The chain outfit was so heavy it nearly squashed me!"

"I held an actual sword."

"I know lots about the Vikings and the Anglo-Saxons now."

Condover Capers - updates from our Year 6 residential trip

7th November

5,4,3,2,1....... we have blast off! 

Today has been all about building, dancing and map reading. 

Rocket launch allowed us to investigate how much water was needed to achieve maximum speed and distance. We might also add that the water was muddy and cold, so extra showers will be needed tonight!

Orienteering allowed us to see the site in all its glory, whilst revising our map reading skills - there were many confused faces!!

This afternoon, we were able to sharpen up our dance moves in the dance studio before heading to the disco tonight.

The final room inspections will happen after dinner, where the best teacher impersonation will earn us even more points. We will then be off to boogie the night away! 

Note from the teachers:

We have all had an amazing, fun-filled week and have been highly impressed by the outstanding behaviour we have seen. Each child has demonstrated all of the keys to success but also a huge amount of courage too.

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6th November

It has been a chilly one today.

Breakfast was warm chocolate croissants - they went down a treat. 

Throughout the day we have all taken part in similar activities where most of them included wearing a harness. From abseiling down a tower to zipping through the forest, we all demonstrated huge amounts of courage.

After a filling lunch of pasta with varying sauces we were ready for even more fun. On the low ropes we were taught how to keep each other safe by becoming master spotters. 

This evening we will be indulging in sausages and mash, followed by movie night in our pjs. 

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5th November

These are a few of the things we have been up to today :)

Started off with a breakfast of eggs, beans, bacon and toast.

Over the day we have all enjoyed a rather muddy archery tag and buggy building, followed by learning how to fence. We all loved wearing the fencing masks!

Dinner was delicious: burger and chips or chicken stir fry followed by pink ring doughnuts.

We are now off to toast marshmallows and sing songs around the campfire.

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4th November - evening update

Everyone had a great coach trip and we are all settled in. We had a lovely dinner of spaghetti and chocolate cake!

The children created ‘room raps’ for the teachers with a full performance by each group of children sharing a room. That was followed by a room inspection.

Some of the children took part in a high ropes trapeze with great confidence. This evening it is time for a quiz.

An amazing first day!

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4th November - afternoon

Everyone has arrived safe and sound at Condover Hall.

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4th November - morning

The coach left school just after 9:30 this morning. The children manhandled their bags (some of which were rather large) to the bus, the bus driver loaded them up. After a pep talk from Mrs Taylor (and then the bus driver) they were off.

Year 3 and 4 creating fantastic Anglo Saxon lapbooks

Year 3 and 4 have astounded their teacher this week with some amazing Anglo Saxon lapbooks.

We have completed are study of fitness for success and have written to Phil Neville with our recommendations to improve the fitness of the England Ladies football team so they can be even more successful and look forward to receiving a reply.

We have been inspired by our musical study of the Hall of the Mountain to produce this colourful pictures of the King Troll. We also used clay to sculpt our own trolls.

Stanmore Post - 25 October 2019

Dear Parents,

This week we concluded our school improvement work to secure our permanent leadership team. From January our team will comprise of:

• Headteacher – Mrs Sharon Taylor

• Assistant Headteacher – Mrs Sally Atkins

• Inclusion Leader – Mrs Jenny Fenton

• Maths Lead and Mentor – Miss Sam Norris

• English Lead and Mentor – Mrs Laura Kempson

• Curriculum Lead and Mentor – Miss Claire Evers

On behalf of the staff I would like to thank Miss Norris for her excellent contribution to school improvement as acting Deputy Headteacher. Miss Norris is well respected by Governors, staff, parents and children. I am delighted that she continues as a valuable member of our leadership team. 

It was good to see the support at the phonics and early reading meetings held this week for parents in Catkins, Year 1 and Year 2. Thank you to Mrs Jones and Miss Day for sharing their expertise. We are really proud of our new reading books and the Read Write Inc. phonics scheme. Read Write Inc. is happening every day across KS1 and for some children in Year 3 and 4. Research tells us that ‘Reading for pleasure is more important for children’s cognitive development that their parents level of education and is a more powerful factor in life achievement than socio-economic background. (Sullivan and Brown 2013)  

Our new high quality topic books were also on display in Year 1 and 2 this week as part of the KS1 outcome afternoon. Children have been writing about their topic ‘Fire Fire!’ as well as building models and setting fire to them! It is a real pleasure to see children experiencing these moment of irresistible learning.

Whether you have attended an information meeting or a parent outcome, heard your child read, helped with Anglo Saxon home learning or started packing for the Year 6 residential after half term, your support this half term is appreciated. 

Enjoy a break next week if you are able to have one. 

Best wishes

Sharon Taylor

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Elm were getting creative this week

Being creative was the driver behind our learning this week.

Elm class have been studying how crime and punishment has changed throughout varying periods of history. To coincide with the Roman Period, we created our very own Roman Curse tablets which were used on criminals who weren’t captured by the Urban Cohort. The message was often linked to a God, where the tablet would then be offered to a statue of the god in a temple. Using air-dry clay, and small wooden tools we etched our messages in.

Halloooweeeeennn!!

As an end of half-term treat, we used glass jars and tissue paper to create Halloween inspired candle holders. Designs varied from cats, to ghosts to even a pink witch!

Stanmore children attend an anti-bullying conference

On Friday 11th October, two year 5 children were supported by the R2L team to represent Stanmore School at the anti-bullying conference.

The aims of the conference were to train and support the children to be “kindness champions” back at their school. The training was anticipated to last not just for anti-bullying week (which occurs in mid-November) but to also become embedded in the school culture.

The children were informed about the rights of a child in accordance with the United Nations Rights of a child 1991. These rights included the right to learn; the right to attend school; the right to be treated fairly and the right not to be hurt by others.

The conference involved a variety of interactive workshops which included examining the role of a “bystander” – the role that someone takes when they witness unfair behaviour but do not act upon it. Stanmore children decided that they would like to change the role of a “bystander” at Stanmore into an “upstander” role. Someone that stands up for a victim and helps them.

The children involved themselves fully in the day demonstrating all of the keys to success alongside showing excellent behaviour. The children have been given the responsibility of being “anti-bullying ambassadors” and Mrs Taylor awarded them with their badges this week.

The new anti-bullying ambassadors have taken away LOTS of ideas from the conference to share with the children. Watch out for an anti-bullying assembly soon!

As a result of the most recent advice from the anti-bullying conference, our new ambassadors will work with staff and children to update our Anti-Bullying code.

In the meantime, if you feel that you are being treated unkindly by your peers, try to follow this idea:

STOP (what you are doing) WALK (away to a safe place) TALK to a trusted adult.

Mrs Mason. R2L lead.

School Improvement Plan 2019-20

This is the content we covered with parents who attended the School Improvement Meeting on 15th October 2019.

Where are we now - the three year trend

• We have seen improvements in attainment and progress by the end of Year 6 in all areas. This reflects the impact of our key aspect of school improvement in 2018 – 19 Outcomes are not yet in line with national and rapid improvement to close any gaps in learning remains a priority for school improvement

• We have seen improvement in the average point score for pupils in the Early Years, reflecting the wider opportunities in the curriculum, allowing more pupils to exceed the early learning goals.

• Phonics is beginning to show some improvements on the previous year and we have taken action to make rapid further improvement in this academic year

• There is a slight decline in outcomes by the end of KS1 reflecting some of the turbulence experienced in this year group last year. Interventions in Year 3 are targeted at pupils who did not make expected progress. This may be within a whole class, small group, or on an individual 1:1 basis

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What are our external stakeholders saying about the school?

• The headteacher provides clear leadership for the school and is developing leadership capacity.

• There is momentum within school improvement work and there have been clear improvements in a wide range of aspects of provision since the last monitoring visit.

• The proportion of strong teaching is increasing. The school improvement plan is sharply focused on improving teaching and learning

• Outcomes improved in 2019, but in most measures remain below national average. The headteacher is targeting attainment at least in line with national average in every phase in 2020. Based on the pace of current developments this is realistically achievable.

• Provision for a small number of pupils with complex social, emotional and mental health needs and staff expertise in managing pupil behaviour have strengthened.

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Our core values

Are key to everything in the school and we are weaving them into more and more aspects of school life.

• Belonging - everyone is welcomed every day as a valued member of an inclusive community, where everyone feels safe, secure and happy.

• Excellence - we set no limits on what can be learned or who is able to learn.

• Support - we celebrate achievements and help people when they need support. 

• Trust - our children develop a sense of trust in themselves to make positive choices and positive contributions.

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Our curriculum

Is based on the following principles:

• Appreciate – to be equipped with a breadth of language, the inclination to learn something new and a sense of wonder 

• Participate – to be actively engaged in the entire curriculum experience, as appropriate, using our ‘Keys for Success.’

• Innovate – to have the aspiration and expectation that a new idea, method or product will be created as part of the curriculum experience

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Our keys to success

Are the behaviours we instil in our children in their attitude to learning.

• Respect

• Resilience

• Persistence

• Organisation

• Co-operation

• Confidence

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School Improvement Plan headlines for 2019-20

In order to continue to improve outcomes so that they are at least in line with national, the school’s key areas for improvement in 2019/20 are:

• Implement the Schools’ Curriculum Strategy with a focus on oracy, early reading, writing (including handwriting) and basic numeracy

• Improve progress, pastoral support and provision for all pupils including disadvantaged and those with SEND

• Ensure that teachers have the subject and pedagogical content knowledge to enhance the teaching and the appropriate use of assessment

• Embed positive behaviour and attitudes to learning

• Improve attendance, particularly for disadvantaged

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Priority 1 - Improve the quality of education so that pupils, particularly the most disadvantaged experience a broad and rich curriculum and achieve well.

• The school’s curriculum is planned and sequenced so that new knowledge and skills build on what has been taught before and towards its clearly defined end points for all pupils

• There is a rigorous and sequential approach to the reading curriculum that is closely connected to phonics knowledge

• Teachers are able to respond and adapt teaching effectively so that all pupils, including disadvantaged and those with SEND, can secure the basic skills of speaking, reading, writing and maths

• Assessment is used to embed and use knowledge fluently, including for higher attaining pupils, or to check understanding and inform teaching.

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Priority 2 - Improve behaviour and attendance so that all pupils achieve well in a safe and respectful environment.

• There is a well understood behaviour policy with clearly defined consequences that are applied consistently and fairly by all staff.

• There is a whole school approach to tackling attendance and punctuality linked to positive attitudes to learning and improving outcomes

• There is a clear and well understood policy for tackling any incidents of bullying

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Priority 3 - Ensure that all pupils, including the most disadvantaged are equipped with the strength of character and cultural capital to achieve well.

• The Stanmore Curriculum has planned opportunities that strengthen personal development including SMSC, each year and over the whole Primary School experience

• Pastoral support is targeted appropriately to support the most vulnerable pupils in R2L and across the school.

• All pupils can articulate what it means to ‘belong’ to Stanmore Primary School

• All pupils participate actively in an interest that brings them joy and motivates them to thrive well

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Priority 4 - Improve leadership and management so that the quality of education at the school is good.

• The shared intellectual capital of the distributive leadership team,including governance, is used effectively to improve the quality of education and raise standards for all pupils including HA pupils, Disadvantaged and pupils with SEND

• A teacher is given responsibility to lead the teaching of phonics so that it is consistently good and improved pupils’ reading

• The additional funding for disadvantaged pupils is used effectively to improve their outcomes

• Continuing professional development for teachers and staff is aligned with the curriculum, and has clear milestones so everyone knows what needs to be achieved and by when.

• The safeguarding culture is effective and underpinned by rigorous systems

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How parents can help

• Encourage children to attend on every possible occasion and arrive on time

• Work in partnership to support the ethos of the school – Belonging Excellence Support and Trust (BEST)

• Notice children using the Keys for Success they will make a difference to successful lifelong learning

• Attend Parents’ Evenings

• Strengthen work ethic by supporting homework

• Enjoy, celebrate and wonder