2023 Autumn Term 2

Dear Parents and Carers,

This term has truly been an excellent start to the academic year. Pupils have been engaging and enjoying their lessons and the high-quality teaching provided by our teachers. Numerous offsite trips have taken place to extend pupils' learning outside of the classroom. I have been impressed with how well all pupils have applied themselves. 

The two-night residential trip for years 6, 7 and 8 to Sayers Croft Activity Centre provided the opportunity for pupils to experience and participate in plenty of exciting outdoor and adventurous activities. This trip was a great opportunity for pupils to develop their relationships with each other and members of staff who attended.  Considering this was the first night away from home for some of our pupils, I was pleasantly surprised with how successful all pupils were on this trip.  

Thank you for your continued support of the school, this makes a real difference and helps us to achieve so much for the pupils. I would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and do hope that you all enjoy some good quality family time over the festive holidays.

Best wishes,

Mr Anderson

Principal 

The Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme does a fantastic job of celebrating those who achieve Gold by throwing a big party at Buckingham Palace each year. But this year, the DofE Award wanted to throw another celebration to recognise the great work that those completing their Bronze and Silver Awards carry out. Mr Imbert decided to nominate Ryan H in Year 9 for the ‘Planet Protector Award’. Ryan H is committed to litter picking around the school environment, showing his care and respect for the community space. In addition, he helped found an eco-committee, where he is able to bring in environmentally friendly policy and change. He has used all of this to count towards the volunteering section of his DofE Award. This warranted him being nominated for the ‘Planet Protector Award’. Ryan was chosen for the award’s special mention – one of two people in the country to receive this accolade. He was selected for this award by a long-time DofE supporter and a great voice for environmental issues: Alan Titchmarsh. He was invited to an Award ceremony in London to receive his certificate. He attended, suited and booted, with Mr Imbert, and the day started with a bus tour around Westminster in an old London bus, where the two ate high tea. Then, along with the other award winners, they made their way to the incredible Post Office Museum, where the ceremony took place and gave a chance for all the award winners to meet the DofE CEO, Ruth Marvel, Paralympian Tanni-Grey Thompson, as well as the other winners. Mr Imbert was also very excited to travel on the Mail Rail – the old rail lines that were used to transport mail underneath London streets. It was a fun-filled day, and the school is incredibly proud of Ryan for receiving the award, and he should be proud of himself, too! 

A fantastically big congratulations and well done to all the pupils and staff on the Eco-committee. We have all worked really hard to make our wonderful school even better by making changes to ensure we are more sustainable. The big changes we have made include better recycling, greater numbers of litter bins around the school, and the introduction of terracycling. During the summer holidays, I received the news that we had achieved the Eco-schools award with a merit, meaning we are a year ahead of ourselves. The scheme is ongoing, so we will think of more ways to reduce our negative impact on the environment after half term. Very exciting. 

On 21^st November, 7A had their introduction to the world of careers and employment with a fun-packed visit to KidZania in London! After a journey on the train, staff and pupils checked into the town made for children!

All four pupils tried lots of different jobs including car cleaning, being a police officer, parcel delivery, working in a hotel, aircrew and many other jobs!

After a hard day working different jobs, the pupils went to the KidZania shop and spent the KidZania money they had earned working.

All of our pupils were a credit to the school throughout the whole day, and many of the people they met commented on how friendly and polite they were.

Primary has had a fantastic term with lots of exciting reward trips. We believe in recognising and celebrating the achievements of all, big or small. Our Pupil Reward system and activities are designed to foster a sense of accomplishment and make their academic journey even more memorable.

They have enjoyed going offside to Clip & Climb, Tilgate Park Nature Reserve, Bowling, Fishers Farm, Swimming & scooters, and even sometimes a trip to McDonald's for our lunch!  We have also put on some fun in-house activities, such as flying our new kites and cooking a variety of different sweets such as cheesecake, rice pop doughnuts, and rocky road. They have also enjoyed the Cinema Room at Muntham, where they got to create their own popcorn mix bags, Tie-dye their own t-shirts & lots more. The pupils get to pick which activity they would like to do and take full responsibility for the points they earn for these each week. The pupils come back with a huge smile on their faces and are extremely grateful for the trips they are able to attend. Remember, it's not just about the rewards – it's about the journey, the growth, and the fun experiences along the way. We have some more very exciting trips planned for the spring term. We can't wait to see the pupil’s achievements next term and celebrate with them!? Keep up the amazing work, Primary!

A cool explorer dome became a super fun way for our younger pupils to learn about light and dark. Their eyes went wide with excitement as they crawled inside the large black dome, ready for an adventure into the world of brightness and darkness. The dome wrapped around them, turning a regular day into a light show.  

Inside the dome, colours went crazy, showing off all the fascinating things about light. They watched as daytime turned into nighttime, and shadows started playing games with them. Stars and planets twinkled above, making their imaginations go wild. Learning was like a game in the Explorer Dome, and the kids loved it. When they finished, they came out with big smiles, all excited to tell everyone about the amazing things they discovered in the magical dome. 

Year ten pupils have been undertaking the first project in their Design Technology lessons, learning some woodworking skills.

They have all really enjoyed the project, learning to mark out, cut and chisel the materials to construct a table or chair for their first project.

This will help them complete their GCSE coursework projects in year eleven.

Pupils have done a fantastic job working through their Mechanics modules this term. Years 10s have begun work on the Use of Tools and Braking Modules and are starting the Motorcycle Servicing module within the last couple of weeks.

Year 11's have continued their good work on the project bike, which is slowly coming together and is now running. This has been helpful for them in creating a feeling of satisfaction and pride, as it has taken a lot of work and time to get it to this level.

Our only current year 9 pupil, Jake, has managed to resurrect a ride-on lawn mower (dubbed The Hornet) that hasn't run in six years. He has shown a level of commitment and focus on this project that has surpassed all expectations and continues to impress with his knowledge and willingness to learn.

We look forward to the pupils continuing their hard work after the festive break.

We have had a tremendous second-half term here. The year 7s have been busy learning about solids, liquids, and gases and then growing crystals to inspect under a microscope.

Year 8s have been studying light and sound waves and how molecules and compounds are formed, which are very advanced topics, and they have been working so well.

The year 9's have started their GCSE course and have been learning about the Periodic table and different types of chemical bonds; they have taken to the challenge superbly.

The year 10's have been learning about Electrical circuits and Forces, as ever, taking their studies very seriously.

The year 11's have been diligent with their learning and homework and completed their assessment on The Central nervous system and Hormonal control; well done to them.

We very much look forward to seeing all the pupils back in January. A big happy holiday from Team Science. 

This half term, Muntham House pupils engaged in a range of tutor, whole school and classroom activities to demonstrate alliance for Anti-Bullying Week. The theme this year is ‘When does banter become bullying?’ Pupils have learnt the difference between banter amongst friends, where the content of their messages is friendly, fun, and reciprocal, and bullying, which is repeatedly making personal and unkind comments to peers, even if they think it’s funny. All year groups have participated in role-playing activities designed to promote discussion about bullies, bystanders and victims, identifying the role in each scenario and considering appropriate ways to manage each situation. If you’re concerned about your child or would like to know more, please don’t hesitate to contact Miss Green. From the PSHE Department, we hope you all have a Happy and Safe Festive Period!

As the curtains draw to a close on another exciting term at Muntham House School, we are delighted to share with you the incredible experiences our drama pupils have embarked upon. The term has been filled with creativity, passion, and unforgettable trips.

Our drama department had the honour of taking our BTEC Performing Arts pupils to witness a rehearsal hosted by the prestigious Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC). The day was a unique opportunity for our aspiring Performing Arts pupils to observe the intricacies of professional theatre production and gain insights into the rigorous preparation that goes into bringing a theatre show to life. They even met Barney the Dog, a puppet in the show. The pupils were blown away by how the puppeteer brought the puppet to life in front of their eyes.

The pupils were not only spectators but active participants, engaging in discussions with the talented cast and crew. This rare glimpse into the world of the RSC has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on our pupils, igniting their passion for the arts.

Our drama department also treated pupils to a magical evening filled with laughter, enchantment, and timeless storytelling. We ventured to the local theatre to watch a Panto, "Beauty and The Beast", at The Capitol in Horsham.

The pupils were captivated by the vibrant costumes, dazzling set designs, and exceptional cast performances. It was an experience that transcended the boundaries of the traditional classroom, allowing our pupils to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of live theatre.

We’ve also had the pleasure of rehearsing the school Christmas show, a Muntham Christmas Carol, featuring not only a very talented cast but also our very own year 8 Stage Manager!

Thank you for your ongoing support, and we look forward to sharing more dramatic adventures in the coming term.

In late November, Charlie attended his work experience at Goodwood's well-known & respected bakery. The Hungry Guest produces all types of fine foods, particularly breads and pastries!

Muntham House would like to thank Chris from the Hungry Guest and his hard-working team, who welcomed Charlie with open arms and shared many of their skills and knowledge.

Charlie has really enjoyed working at the Hungry Guest and has helped make Pastries, sausage rolls, cheese scones, Christmas Jammie dodgers and much more.

Charlie is highly thought of by Chris and all of his co-workers for his hard work, fantastic attitude, and always working with a smile on his face. Well done, Charlie!!!

I would also like to thank Mr Treagus for supporting Charlie at this wonderful placement.

Chris met one of the top figures within the heavy truck industry this week. Chris was spotted and impressed whilst working at DAF UK on his extended work experience. Chris was in the team picture with his workmates as they celebrated finishing 2^nd out of 74 entrants in a national maintenance competition.

Stevie Brown, Manager of the service department, commented

“If Chris gets his GCSEs, along with his fantastic natural ability and attitude, he could have a great future at DAF UK.”

On 22^nd November, Arthur took his Driving Theory test in Chichester and had a comfortable 1^st time pass with points to spare! Arthur is now looking forward to his practical driving lessons with the school driving instructor, Ilohna.

This success is even better because Arthur had only started learning driving theory in September!

Well done Arthur!!!

Following on from the success of the Year 7 Nurture/Literacy Skills program last half term, we have introduced this to other year groups, and we are currently working with two Year 8s.

These sessions are 40 minutes, and 25 minutes of these are spent on reading, sounding out words we are unsure of, looking at how sentences and paragraphs are formed, and beginning to recognise the use of punctuation.  At the end, there is either an online quiz or questions from the book to complete, which aids in tracking and monitoring throughout learning.  We are currently working on both Read, Write, Inc. and the Talisman Series, and at present, a book takes between one and two sessions to complete, depending on new vocabulary.

This is followed by a 15-minute nurture session, where they have Lego to assist with communication, fine motor skills, speaking and listening skills, and emotional literacy.

We have been very busy in Food Tech this half term.

The pupils came straight back to making main meals. They made Cottage Pie, Chicken pasta bake, Singapore noodles and much more. The following week, some pupils were assessed on their knife skills. The improvement was fantastic, and it all made for some satisfying soups.

After all that hard work, it was time to sweeten things up. The majority of the pupils made upside-down cakes. It was generally agreed that the Pineapple upside-down cake was the best, but you might not have seen any of them!

Home cooking is also about home cooking from different nationalities, so the next time we cooked main meals, there were a variety of cultures to choose from:

English Chicken Stew, Indian Biryani, Mexican Chilli Con Carne and Spanish Quesadillas.

Now, as we head towards Christmas, we are making sweets and chocolate logs, and although I don’t have any photos, I hope you get to eat some.

Have a wonderful break and a very happy Christmas.

The rain fell in great bucket loads, and it stayed warm; the vegetables grew at an alarming rate. The boys enjoyed eating carrots, very long runner beans, and crunch sweetcorn well into November when the first signs of winter froze the ground and water pipes. The milder autumn kept the squirrels in the woods, allowing the pupils to taste our first apple harvest. We had 6 crunchy, sweet, and juicy apples to share. Sliced up, we all had a little treat. 

The pupils find the garden area a calming space and like to watch the birds, so we made apple bird feeders using windfall apples and sunflower seeds. Robins, bluetits, blackbirds, and a wren have visited us. We researched Robins and found that the young birds are speckled and don't have red breasts until adulthood.

Our winter veg is growing well, and the pupils like to eat the curly kale, but they are not so keen on sprouts!

The polytunnel has been a great space to get creative. We have gathered evergreens from the school woods, and some of the younger pupils have made beautiful table arrangements to share at home. We used some smaller Holly leaves to press into clay to make decorations. Once dry, the pupils painted them carefully to hang them on trees at home. 

The Animals have really been busy this term, with plenty of sessions taking place and the pupils really getting to grips with how to care for them. 

The hens have more or less stopped laying for the season now as the weather changed, and some are moulting. The pupils have been learning about being extra kind to them and learning what foods we can feed them to promote feather growth. It's still a favourite pastime for the pupils to try and catch one of the chickens, but this takes a very calm and still attitude, so we have been working hard on slowing down and breathing, allowing our body language to be positive to others. 

The goats have been on daily walks and runs, investigating the grounds, and even coming into the main school building at times! As they are all a little chubby, we have been giving them healthier snacks and plenty of exercise. We have been concentrating on peer groups and the contrasts between different personalities, as all of our goats are very different characters, and we have been seeing how that can affect others. The pupils have observed how including everyone is beneficial and builds friendships, regardless of diversity. 

Buzz and Woody, the donkeys, have also been enjoying plenty of walks and time out with the pupils. They are very happy to walk wherever the pupils take them, but we are fully aware that we have to be patient as they walk at their own pace, giving the pupils a great opportunity to slow down and take a minute. The pupils have been foraging for healthy treats to give them, understanding the importance that Donkeys have a very strict diet. We have also been learning about the importance of hoof care, grooming and general donkey care.

Bangers and Mash have been getting a little frustrated with each other, so we have been creating ways to enrich their days and ease boredom. Putting together treat boxes, enrichment toys, and items for them to play with has helped, as well as finding food for them whilst out on animal walks. Giving them extra treats is always good, and the pupils have become much more familiar with them and assisted during the vet's regular check-up visits. The pigs have started to slow down as the acorns have disappeared now and the weather changes, meaning they are happy to snuggle up in their ark to nap unless called to come out, as they know it invariably means food is involved! 

The second half of this term has seen the pupils in Forest School being creative during their lessons. This involves using the woodland to help make different craft items. However, whilst most primary pupils have been focusing on this area, the Rabbit class have been carrying on with their tree house. This long-term project still has a way to go until it's finished. 

The biggest event of this half term was when a few lucky primary pupils were taken to Eagle Heights as a reward for their good behaviour. The trip allowed the pupils to get up and close with birds of prey they might never see elsewhere.

Year 9 

9A had their first trip off-site to learn and develop their navigation skills. The group went to Kingley Vale – an amazing nature reserve near Chichester that also hosts ancient yew trees with rumoured links to the battles against the Vikings. Mr Imbert was really impressed by the group’s use of pacing and timings to work out average times to complete each leg, as well as the teamwork shown by James and Jake to help their classmates battle up the big climb at the start of the hike. They also finished off this half term by cooking a fantastic Christmas dinner on the fire in the Forest School area. Awesome term for 9A! 

Year 10 

10A showed an excellent engagement with their learning, as they chose to revisit where they completed their DofE Silver practice expedition so they could learn where they went wrong with their navigation. Dylan S, Ryan H and Charlie S started to practice using contour lines to greater detail to work out location. 

Year 11  

Year 11 took a hike up Box Hill in the drizzly conditions, which was great practice for dealing with wet kit and soggy ground. Oliver C and Joe T showed excellent map reading skills, which have improved their independence ready to take on a trip to Snowdon next year. Billy practised his independence skills a different way and challenged himself to do some travel training and take the bus from his home to Dorking station, where we picked him up. He did it with such confidence and took a few videos on the way. Well done, Bill! MHC pupil Oliver T came in to support the trip as part of his work experience. He was a great help in motivating the pupils, as well as giving them advice for climbing mountains, as he managed to climb Snowdon last year. 

KS3

We have had a great Autumn term 2 in P.E. The pupils have been working extremely hard and have shown great resilience and determination in their activities. The focus of this term has been trampolining. The pupils have been working towards their British Gymnastics Trampolining Awards. The awards start at award 1 and move up to award 15. We have had some pupils working towards their award 10, which is very impressive. All pupils have been learning the different types of jumps, such as tuck, pike, straddle, split and astride. Some pupils have also been learning different drops such as front, back and seat. Pupils have also been experimenting with adding in half/full twists into different jumps and drops.  

KS4

This half term has been a great learning experience for our KS4 cohort, centred on the engaging activities of basketball and trampolining. The focus on "Enhancing stamina for a long, healthy, active lifestyle" has seen significant strides in our pupils' physical fitness. Through rigorous basketball learning activities and the energetic nature of trampolining, pupils have developed cardiovascular endurance and fostered a commitment to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle. The hands-on approach to these activities has instilled a sense of enthusiasm, teamwork, and resilience among the cohort. 

In parallel, the term's emphasis on "Focus and concentration in pressured sports situations" has been particularly impactful. With its fast-paced nature, basketball demands high levels of concentration from our pupils. Negotiating the game's complexities required strategic thinking and quick decision-making, enhancing mental acuity. Similarly, trampolining, with its focus on precision and control, has contributed to the development of mental discipline, preparing our pupils to excel in sports and other high-pressure situations they may encounter. 

Furthermore, the importance of flexibility for both body and mind has been woven into the fabric of our PE curriculum. Through the diverse movements required in trampolining and incorporating mindfulness practices, pupils have experienced physical and mental flexibility interconnectedness. This holistic approach aligns with our commitment to nurturing resilient individuals who appreciate the symbiotic relationship between a flexible body and a flexible mind. 

KS5 

During this half term in KS5, pupils have shifted their focus towards the practical aspect of their BTEC course. They have been actively applying the knowledge acquired in a theoretical setting to real-world scenarios and participating in practical, competitive, and challenging activities. The implementation of this approach has been particularly evident during break-time football sessions, where peer coaching has played a central role. The pupils have showcased mental resilience while refining their skills, such as shooting hoops in basketball and actively working towards attaining proficiency awards in trampolining. 

The integration of theory into practical experiences has proven to be a transformative experience for some of our KS5 pupils, especially when engaging in sports within a competitive environment. The emphasis on peer coaching during break time football has facilitated skill development and nurtured a sense of teamwork among the pupils. Witnessing the mental resilience demonstrated in activities like shooting hoops in basketball highlights the holistic development taking place within our KS5 cohort. 

Moreover, the pupils' commitment to working towards proficiency awards in trampolining underscores their dedication to mastering practical skills. As we observe the positive transformations in these KS5 pupils, it becomes evident that integrating practical elements into their BTEC course has enhanced their sports teamwork and contributed significantly to their personal and social development. 

Primary PE

The pupils have been looking at team games in upper Primary this half term. We have focused on the core values of teamwork, communication and sportsmanship. Watching the different groups gain confidence in communicating through sport has been excellent. And they are showing excellent sportsmanship while participating in the weekly P.E. sessions in a range of sports. 

Football Fixtures

U16s - 8/11/2023 - SLSL  

As a school and football team, we were in a very fortunate position to be able to take 2 teams to South London on Wednesday, 8th November, with both competing in some very strong fixtures throughout the day and the only hiccup being Mr Adams's ability to follow directions.

Team 1 competed in Group C on the day...  

Team 2 competed in Group D and came out victorious, managing 2 wins and 2 draws and not conceding any goals throughout the day.   

U12s – 22/11/2023 - SLSL  

Primary and Year 7 were always very excited about their football trip. The team showed incredible work ethic, teamwork and sportsmanship on the day, and this led to some very good and strong performances – getting a draw in their first game, thanks to Max for an incredible display of goalkeeping. The team then won their remaining 2 fixtures, which saw them come out as overall winners for the day. As a team, everyone voted for Max as Man of the Match.  

Years 7,8,9 – 29/11/23 - Friendly vs New Barn School  

Following the success of last term’s friendly with New Barn, we were able to host them again, this 2 with 2 fixtures running simultaneously, with 1 in the sports hall and 1 on the hard court.  

Both teams won their respective fixtures and showed good sportsmanship and teamwork.  

It’s been another successful term of football, and it’s great to have so many pupils regularly participating, long may this continue.   

Rugby Academy 

During this half term at the Rugby Academy, the weather has taken a turn, and daylight is diminishing. However, this change has not deterred our resilient and hard-hitting rugby players. They continue their training in the sports hall, focusing on the tactical intricacies of the beautiful game, including the various roles played in a maul and a ruck. Witnessing the pupils support each other and provide peer feedback for improvement shows how strong our community is. 

In addition to honing their skills indoors, the players have utilised the trampoline for line-out practice. This unique training method provides the pupils with an experience closely resembling a real game, highlighting the finesse required in this aspect of rugby. It's commendable to see the dedication and enthusiasm of everyone who has participated in the rugby academy. Rest assured, it will make a return in spring 2024! Keep an eye on this space for updates. 

In conclusion, despite the challenging weather conditions and fading daylight, the Rugby Academy has persisted, fostering teamwork, skill development, and camaraderie among the pupils. The commitment demonstrated by the participants bodes well for the future of rugby in our community. 

Rugby Academy will now be changing to Basketball Academy in the new term.  

Above are the dates on which this will run.  

This will run from 4-5pm.  

Please contact [email protected] to register your pupil or any questions.  

Football Academy 

We have had another successful term for the football academy. The focus of this term has been preparing the team as best as possible for football fixtures. We have been working on how to defend corners and crosses, learning how to be goal-side when defending and marking an attacker. We have also been focusing on passing and then moving into space to create an option for the next pass. The players have shown great leadership, sportsmanship and gamesmanship while playing, and a few older pupils have supported and coached the younger players during the sessions.  

Above are the dates for the football academy next term.  

These run from 4-5pm.  

A reminder that these sessions run every Thursday but do not run on a Thursday when there is an inset day on the Friday.  

Please contact [email protected] to register your pupil or any questions.  

Cricket Academy  

We have been blessed again this term to have the expertise of England Disability Cricket Fred Bridges continuing to coach some of our keen, young cricketers on Wednesday evenings. In the short time Fred has been working with the pupils, the progress they have all made has been incredible, and we hope it will lead to further cricket opportunities for them moving forward.  

This term, the pupils have been working on their batting technique and the different types of shots available. They have also been increasing their knowledge of the rules of cricket through gameplay.  

We have had a slight increase in numbers from the first half of term, so hopefully, that trend continues, and the group will continue to grow after the New Year.  

Above are the dates for the cricket academy next term.  

These run from 4-5pm. 

Please contact [email protected] to register your pupil or any questions.  

Primary Football Academy  

During this half term, the pupils focused on further understanding the game and skills. Each session starts with a warm-up and revolves around the pupils completing a new skill, which they can develop and take into a match situation. This half-term, we have focused on developing first touches and confidence in dribbling. Seeing so many new faces at the Primary Football Academy this term has been great! 

Another term has flown by, and another Christmas to look forward to!

The young people on Hever have been avoiding cold and rainy weather; we have stocked up on board games, Bingo being a particular favourite! Playing board games helps promote communication skills, teach children to follow instructions, learn to deal with boundaries, and find ways to work within them. It also helps them understand that losing isn’t the end of the world. We have been having fun and also learning…. It may be a while, though, until we try Monopoly!

We have had trips out to the cinema, celebrated birthdays, and decorated floor for Christmas.

The pupils on Hever floor have all joined the local library as part of our “Hever in the community” theme. All really enjoyed learning about the library and especially enjoyed being given their own library card.

Hever floor staff and pupils would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas.

Bodiam pupils have had a fun-filled term where they have enjoyed various activities at school; we have utilised the grounds and made use of the board games and puzzles up on floor.

We made our Christmas cards, and the boys enjoyed personalising them for their families.

Runouts are always popular with the boys, and they have also enjoyed Hide and Seek in the dark with flashlights.

Monopoly was one of the board games played several times; the pupils were competitive and played very well.

During the last week, the pupils made sausage rolls and mince pies ready to take home for Christmas.

Bowling was a lot of fun. The pupils were very competitive and encouraged each other as they took their turn.

The pupils enjoyed Laserquest sorting out the teams without any input from staff and ensured that the older pupils were shared evenly so that everyone had a fair chance of winning.

Our end-of-term trip was Jump in. The pupils were amazing; they played so beautifully together and made sure they had fun. The boys were taken to Nandos afterwards for dinner; the pupils were patient while waiting for their food and were polite to the staff serving us.

We have had a fantastic term with the pupils on the floor and enjoyed some quality time with every one of them.

This half term on Arundel floor, we have been developing our culinary skills by producing fine cuisine and tasty treats for all our members. We have seen such delectable delights; it is hard to remember just how many burgeoning chefs and bakers we have on floor. Captivating milk chocolate cookies, voluptuous Victoria sponges, and blow-your-taste buds-away brownies have all been seen on our dessert trolley, as well as sizzling sausages, tasty toasties and perfectly pedicured pizzas! So, next time they tell you they don’t know how to do it, they are fibbing!

Out and about, the pupils have been busy. The latest craze is the local youth club in Horsham, where the pupils can meet and interact with others from the local community. Not only is this an excellent opportunity for the pupils to practice their social skills and independence, but it is also great to use and appreciate the local community services.

Back on floor, a budding homework club is emerging. It is very casual and relaxed in style, which the pupils seem to appreciate. We have built our own blackboard in the kitchen area, and this is where you will find Mr Hind pontificating about how much homework he had to do in ‘his day’!

Other accomplishments include learning how to use a washing machine and tumble dryer, taking visits to the local shop and preparing their own snacks and light meals. On top of this, three young men began their train travel training, learning to read timetables, book tickets, find the correct platforms and catch the relevant train. It won’t be long before we can let them loose on their own!

So, much was achieved, great fun was had, and we all wish you a happy Christmas followed by a cracking new year.

PLEASE NOTE THAT PUPILS RETURNS FROM

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ON:

WEDNESDAY 3RD JANUARY 2024

Term dates are on the school website.

 Term Dates

SPRING HALF TERM

MONDAY 12TH FEBRUARY - FRIDAY 16TH FEBRUARY

LAST DAY OF SPRING TERM

FRIDAY 29TH MARCH - INSET DAY

FOR INFORMATION, THE INSET DAYS UNTIL THE END OF

SPRING TERM ARE: