2024 Spring Term 1

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been another positive start to the Spring term for all pupils at Muntham House School.  Seeing so many pupils engaged in their learning and making great progress in class has been great. Kindness and friendships are two values that we celebrated and have promoted across the school this half term.  It has been wonderful to see our pupils working hard to be kind to each other and developing their friendships together. 

Pupils have enjoyed the wide range of subjects and activities offered at Muntham House School, and as you will see in the newsletter, pupils have certainly had fun out on some lovely offsite trips.  

I hope you all have a great half term and look forward to pupils returning to school on Tuesday, 20^th February.

Best wishes,

Mr Anderson

Principal 

On Monday, 29th January 2024, Hedgehog class boarded the school vehicles and headed out for their first offsite trip! There was a lot of excitement as we arrived at Washbrook Farm for a day of learning, exploring and playing.

We started our visit with an animal handling experience. We got close to goats, guinea pigs, chickens and a shire horse. We got a chance to pet each animal and discuss their diets and habitats. We then headed out for a tractor ride around the farm. Throughout the day, we had time to explore both the indoor and outdoor play areas. We dug for gold in the sand and worked together to move a giant swing. We ordered our food at lunchtime, sat in the restaurant, and ate beautifully.

The sun came out for the afternoon, and we had a final play on some small tractors before returning to school. All of the pupils were incredible and made Muntham extremely proud.

It's been another busy term for our Eco-schools committee. One of our main aims is to share awareness of environmental issues and problems and then help to provide tips and strategies for reducing our impact as individuals on the environment and planet. 

At the moment we are thinking of ways in which to reduce our carbon footprint. As a planet, Carbon emissions have risen from 5 billion metric tons to 37.5 metric tons last year. Sadly, these figures are increasingly getting worse. Since 1990, global CO₂ emissions have increased by more than 60 percent. The biggest contribution to this is burning fossil fuels for fuels (transport) and producing electricity. We know that this is closely linked to global warming, which is happening much faster than any other period in time and has serious implications for every living thing on planet Earth.

There are ways in which we can reduce our Carbon footprint, which will probably save you money. Please take the time to complete the questionnaire and think about ways you could improve your score. Advice will be given once you have finished the questionnaire.

It would be very helpful for us to hear back from you, either with changes you might be making to your daily lives or any other thoughts around the issues mentioned. My email address is [email protected], or you can speak with tutors. You can find the calculator at WWF Footprint Calculator. 

Matthew Tunes into Hobgoblin Music Shop!

Hobgoblin is one of the biggest music shops in Brighton. It has many instruments, including Matthew’s favourite, the electric guitar! Matthew tuned lots of guitars and was allowed to play them, too! He also went to their repair shop to see how musical instruments are made good again. Later in the week, Matthew served customers and learned how to greet and help the customers entering the shop.

Matthew loved his work experience and felt he would like to live in Brighton and work in a music-related job. We want to thank Hobgoblin Music for all their support and welcoming Matthew and the MHS staff.

Well done, Matthew, for your successful placement!

Eric Records a Great Work Experience!

Eric recently enjoyed his work experience working in a vintage record shop! He worked with old-style vinyl records and learned about their value and how to look after them.

A big part of the job is stock rotation, customer service and a love of music, which Eric has in abundance!

Chris and Alex, the shop owners, were very impressed with Eric’s work ethic, enthusiasm and how he dealt with the customers. This placement was fun for Eric and gave him another angle of working in the music business/retail.

Well done, Eric!

Ryan Loves 'IT' At His Work Experience!

Ryan recently completed a five-day work experience at Chichester College. Ryan worked on refurbishing and repairing computers in the busy IT department. Chichester College is huge, so there are a lot of computers!

During his placement, Ryan was mentored by Aiden, Tom and Claire. We thank the entire IT team at Chichester College for looking after Ryan. I would also like to thank Miss Sherbourne for finding this placement.

Ryan represented himself very well, and the IT team at Chichester all commented about Ryan being enthusiastic, hardworking, polite and friendly.

Well done, Ryan!

Year 7

Pupils in year 7 have been designing and making vacuum-formed moulds this term. They all chose a logo and replicated this as a wooden mould. The vacuum-forming machine then allows it to be moulded into a plastic-formed shape.

The pupils have all really enjoyed this, making gaming, car and biking logos. They have been learning about the recycling of materials and the properties of plastic and mass production on this project.

Year 11

Year 11 pupils have started manufacturing their major project for their coursework, which is due to be completed in May 2024. The projects involved reaching out, planning, and designing their own ideas to demonstrate their skills for their GCSE assessment. This year, pupils have designed modern designs for a table, a dog bed, and a guitar case. The pupils still have lots to do to complete these, but they are really enjoying it so far.

In GCSE History, we were lucky enough to have received the Historical Royal Palaces Access Grant, which allowed us to take 8 pupils to Hampton Court Palace to experience a learning session and a tour of the Palace. 

With a selection of Year 9, 10 and 11 pupils, they all got highly involved in debating who should be the successor for Queen Elizabeth I should she have died of smallpox in 1562. Amazing arguments were presented for both sides, with Lady Jane Grey eventually being selected as our heir. 

The pupils then enjoyed an audio-guided tour of the Palace, experiencing the Great Hall, where Henry VIII entertained the Georgian splendour and artwork. The pupils behaved beautifully and were a complete credit to themselves and the school community. 

We would also like to wish Miss Townend luck in her new endeavour to take over this fantastic department - with brilliant plans to include AI Technologies and many more future trips! Watch this space! 

Our Mechanics pupils have continued to impress this half term as they have worked through their Use Of Tools and Motorcycle Servicing modules. While all pupils are at different levels, they are becoming more confident with working independently on the bikes and with our stand-alone motors.

Current jobs are clutch inspection and adjustments, tyre replacement, safely operating motorcycle lifts, and steering bearing repack/replacement. It is great to see the pupils take on these new challenges with a positive attitude and lots of enthusiasm.

Next on the agenda is completing the Servicing modules, more work with clutches, and carburettor rebuilds. We will also look at some specialised tools and how they can improve efficiency and make certain jobs easier and safer.

We look forward to another oily, petrol-headed half-term!

A Christmas Carol – Winter 2023

On 7^th December and 4^th January, Year 10 and 11 pupils had the opportunity to visit Alexandra Palace to see the play ‘A Christmas Carol’, a stage adaptation of the story written by Charles Dickens. It’s the first time we’ve seen this as a play – the English department has begun using the text in teaching both the English Language and English Literature. It was marvellous to gain a deeper understanding of the story through watching actors bring it to life on stage.

Pupils thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as did the staff members lucky enough to experience it too! Pupils found themselves able to discuss how the play differed from the book in terms of character portrayal and the subtle nuances that affected how the story was told. Indeed, playwright and designer Stephen Daldry (famous for his adaptation of ‘An Inspector Calls’) extended the story at the beginning and end to add some context and amusement. We certainly appreciated the cleverness of these additions.

A Big Hello from Team Science. It's been an exciting half-term again for both pupils and teachers. We have been learning about forces, compression, contraction, and friction, to name but a few, with the year 8s.

Year 7s have been learning about air and water pressure by participating in wonderful balloon and bottle experiments.

Year 8s have been learning about forces, compression, contraction, and friction, to name but a few.

The Year 9's are still working well towards their early start towards GCSEs by drawing Bohr models of atoms and ions, showing maturing intelligence.

The year 10s have been superb at gathering further knowledge on energy types and calculations equations on Newtons, and the Year 11s have just finished their chemistry topic of rates of reactions; they have been successful with their end-of-topic assessment and will be revising their knowledge of energy resources after half term. We hope to take some pupils to Marwell soon, which we look forward to. 

Internet Safety 2024

In the Library, we decided to focus on internet safety; we don’t only use books, we also use devices such as iPads and Kindles.

Safer Internet Day is celebrated globally in February each year to promote the safe and positive use of digital technology for children and young people and to inspire a national conversation about using technology responsibly, respectfully, critically, and creatively. Safer Internet Day 2024 is on 6th February. In the UK, Safer Internet Day is organised by the UK Safer Internet Centre, a partnership of three charities – Childnet International, the Internet Watch Foundation and South West Grid for Learning.  The focus is on:

• Young people’s perspective on new and emerging technology
• Using the internet to make change for the better
• The changes young people want to see online
• The things that can influence and change the way young people think, feel and act online.

Before doing an internet safety activity, Year 7 watched a short film that followed the adventures of Sam, Ellie and Alfie as they form a band and enter their school’s Battle of the Bands contest, taking on the mean but ‘cool’ Popcorn Wizards as they go. The three friends learn that while the internet can help them pursue their goals, they need to use it wisely and safely and that ultimately, doing your best, including others and nurturing genuine friendships is much more important than how popular you are.

The activity encouraged pupils to reflect on how technological advances have improved our lives, but also on how much more we have to look after ourselves when using the internet.

Horsham Matters Food Bank and Café at St Andrew’s Church.

On November 13th and 20th, pupils from 10A and 10B visited the Horsham Food Bank. Mike Pell, the manager, told the pupils how the food was collected from supermarkets and donations from the public. The food would then be sorted onto shelves and baskets of fresh produce. Mike then explained that they made up bags of food ready for people to collect. These were collected by people who had just found themselves in need, and these bags were called starter bags because they had all the essentials. The pupils were then asked to make up some of these bags. He gave each pupil a list of food which they had to get from the shelves. It was lovely to see everyone getting involved to help the community.

The food collected by Horsham Food Bank is also used to supply a café run by the church at St Andrew’s in Crawley Road, Horsham. Our Year 11 pupils were invited to help at the Café on 30^th January this year. Before they went, they cooked lots of cakes (Carrot cake, Lemon Drizzle cake, Chocolate Brownies, Spiced marmalade cake and Yoghurt cake!) When they got there, they were put to work straight away setting up the tables and chairs, laying the tables and arranging the cakes. Mike made Gnocchi for the elderly customers, and then they chose a cake for their dessert. Our pupils were involved in every aspect of running the café: washing up, taking orders, giving out food, serving drinks and cakes. I was so proud of them.

After all their hard work, Mike gave them all lunch. Then, it was time to tidy up and put everything away. Again, the pupils got straight to work. They were all thanked and asked if they would come again. Our pupils were very enthusiastic and a credit to our school. I will keep in touch with Mike Pell and arrange another visit soon.

The weather holds all the cards for gardeners, and we have had lots of rain this half term and a very cold spell. With this in mind, we have had to find other things to do, as planting and seed sowing will have to wait for warmer, dryer days. 

The pupils engaged fully with the RSPB bird watch; we made apple feeders to encourage the birds to visit and fed the birds daily with mealworms and seeds. We recorded our findings and observed that we have many Blue tits and Crows. Robins, Nuthatches, Great tits, Wrens, Blackbirds, a pair of Collard Doves and a Song Thrush also visited us. Using binoculars, we saw a Red Kite circling over the playing field.

We made good progress emptying the compost bins when the weather dried up for a few days. This has been added to our raised beds, providing nutrients for the growing year. The pupils enjoyed finding the worms and centipedes hiding amongst the compost.

We have purchased a small propagator. During some of the 1-1 sessions, the pupils sowed some tomato and aubergine seeds. These have not yet germinated, but fingers crossed, we will have some early plants to start the growing season off in the polytunnel.

It’s been an icy term for the animals and pupils coming to their sessions this term, even going down to -7 on some days. Many pupils have enjoyed smashing the ice in the multiple water buckets.

A couple of our hens are back laying this term, meaning a few pupils have been taking the eggs home and reported that they taste very yummy! A few of the braver chickens have been found on top of the farm wall, spying on Mrs Woods' homegrown veggies, leading them to have their wings clipped by one of the pupils to stop a Muntham House chicken run situation.

The goats have been busy exploring new ground with the pupils in the primary department this term. They have had full access to the Muntham Fort, going through the bigger tunnel, climbing to the top of the Muntham Fort and evening testing out the trampolines. The pupils have been trying to persuade the goats into having races, but they are far more interested in filling their tummies with the new leaves on their favourite bush. The pupils are helping to encourage the goats to eat a healthier diet.

Buzz and Woody, the donkeys, have been model students with the pupils who have learnt how to groom and perfect hoof care. The pupils have seen how important it is that the donkeys are looked after correctly, as they cannot do it themselves. Stable management is taught in each session, and watching the pupils grow and excel has been lovely. Over the term, it has been a great success, with all pupils becoming more confident and showing new skills around the animals.

Bangers and Mash, the Pigs, have experienced a very muddy pen this term. While this makes them less appealing to the pupils, they have still been chatting to the pigs over the fence and enjoying the daily fresh fruit and veggies thrown over in the sessions. Unfortunately, Bangers is malting and not looking her gorgeous self. A few pupils gave her a pamper session and oiled her and Mash’s coat. The pupils have been a part of making toys for the pigs out of giant water bottles. After a visit to the DT room to drill the holes, the pigs use their new food toys daily, keeping them happy and entertained.

Since Christmas, most of the pupils in Forest School have been helping the school gain an award from the Woodland Trust. This is the Green Tree for School Award. To achieve the award, the pupils must participate in certain activities listed by the Woodland Trust. The types of activities the pupils have been engaging in are nothing new to them, meaning they have been able to complete the tasks easily, which is wonderful to see as it shows their learning and understanding in this subject have come a long way. The tasks the pupils have been engaging in range from building small log piles for bugs to decorating trees. 

To help the pupils feel as though they are in control of their own learning, I have started to ask some of the groups, in primary and secondary, what they would like to build in the Forest School areas. The rabbit class are continuing with their tree house, whilst one of the year 7 classes will start to build their own bug hotel.

All pupils completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award this year, whether it is Bronze or Silver, have completed their eDofE portfolio. This is an online portfolio where pupils can upload evidence (pictures/videos/write-ups) of the activity they are doing for their Physical, Skills and Volunteering sections. To access their eDofE portfolio, pupils can go to www.edofe.org or download the eDofE app on their phone. 

Explorer, Captain, Sherpa 

An award scheme has been introduced to promote engagement and learning in the Duke of Edinburgh lessons, which will be delivered termly. There are three awards that consider all DofE participating pupils: the explorer award (a pupil who shows an outstanding attitude to learning and pushes themselves to learn more), the captain award (a pupil who leads by example and takes on the roles given to them with conviction); and the sherpa award (a pupil who shows support of their fellow pupils either in lessons or on the expeditions). 

Congratulations to the following pupils who won the inaugural awards: 

Tyler S – Explorer Award 

Dylan S – Captain Award 

Rio W – Sherpa Award 

Year 9  

The Year 9s have started to revise their expedition skills: they went out on a day hike from Pulborough to Muntham House School, showing greatly improved navigation and map reading skills, as well as putting up and discussing tents for their expedition, which will take place in April. Mr Imbert is really happy to see the Year 9s talking so enthusiastically about their expedition as well as making well-thought-out contributions to the preparations. 

Year 10 

The Year 10s also carried out a hike from Pulborough to Muntham. In preparation for the hike, they were challenged with designing the route entirely themselves, as well as writing out a route card that details the distance, duration, direction and description of each leg of their journey. The year group has shown more independence and outstanding engagement in their Duke of Edinburgh Award. 

Mountain biking 

As the weather began to thaw, there were plenty of opportunities to get the mountain bikes out. Sam H, Charlie M and Liam S all cycled the Downs Link to Rudgwick to explore the woodland and session a skate park, developing their technical skills greatly. Bradley S, Oscar W and Charlie K all had a day at Peaselake to develop their basic mountain biking skills. All developed massively throughout the day: Bradley’s balance and centering on the bike allowed him to take downhill sections more easily; Charlie started to work on his cornering techniques, particularly on berms; Oscar worked on getting out of the seat and looking ahead to improve the flow of his ride. Great work! 

KS3

As our KS3 cohort of pupils concludes their exploration of physical education, they emerge not only as adept athletes but also as individuals developing vital life skills. In the realm of hands, the emphasis has been on enhancing agility and flexibility with a unique blend of Kinball, Badminton, and Trampolining. Through these dynamic activities, pupils have refined their motor skills and unlocked a new level of body awareness. The sheer physicality of Kinball, the precision required in Badminton, and the controlled bouncing on the trampoline. 

As part of the heart strand, our boys have delved into the intricate art of communication in pressured sporting situations. Whether during a high-intensity Kinball match or a closely contested Badminton game, the ability to communicate effectively becomes paramount. The heart, symbolising not just the physical organ but also the core of one's emotional and interpersonal skills, has been nurtured through team collaboration, strategic planning, and mutual support. These experiences have cultivated a sense of camaraderie and resilience. 

KS4

This half term has been a fantastic learning experience for our key stage 4 pupils. The activities we have covered this term have been trampolining and Kinball. The pupils have been fantastic this term in trampolining, and we had 47 pupils who managed to achieve a trampolining proficiency award. We had several key stage 4 pupils who achieved level 8, which is very impressive. To achieve their awards the pupils had to complete seven trampolining moves along with performing a routine. Pupils have achieved their head, heart and hands by implementing rhythm and timing while performing their routine and timing the jumping and landing. They have developed analysing and adapting strategies in sports by analysing the move and trying to implement the same technique to complete different trampolining moves. They have developed their resilience and determination by persevering and learning different moves and jumps.  

Pupils have been exploring different alternative activities, including Kinball. We have been exploring different mini-games involving Kinball. We have then built this up into participating in the actual game of Kinball. Pupils have excelled in controlling the Kinball, hitting the Kinball in the air and catching the Kinball, which are key fundamental skills in being successful in the actual game of Kinball.    

The BTEC sport pupils have been working relentlessly and have completed a 6-week fitness plan that progressively works towards a fitness goal. They have included relevant fitness workouts to achieve this goal. 

KS5

As the KS5 BTEC program unfolds, a remarkable skill consolidation and strategic learning journey is underway. Pupils have embarked on a dedicated effort to comprehend the intricacies of breaking down challenging skills into sequential steps. The importance of this methodology lies not only in its application to the curriculum but also in its profound impact on overall progression and performance. 

The emphasis on consolidating learning has become integral to the KS5 BTEC experience. Pupils, with commendable diligence, are not merely acquiring skills but are diligently working to internalise and integrate them into their repertoire. This consolidation is not a mere rote memorisation but a nuanced understanding that forms the bedrock for the subsequent sequencing of skills. 

Primary PE

Football Fixtures

SLSL – We have made 3 visits to Long Lane JFC this term to complete in the South London Special League. Firstly, the U16s took 2 teams, and both competed very well throughout the day. Team 1 managed to win their group, winning 3 games and drawing 1. Team 2 Won 3, drew 1 and lost 1, finishing 2nd place on the day. All players on the day showed great communication skills, teamwork and determination.  

The U14s took a strong team to South London, hoping to follow up on their last visit. A strong group of teams on the day meant every fixture was tough and competitive, and the team needed to draw upon all their skill and teamwork to get the desired results. Some fantastic football later, the team won 2, drew 2 and lost 1, meaning they finished second in the group for the day.   

U12s and Primary – The final fixture of the half term saw our youngest footballers head to South London, full of confidence after winning last time out. The team’s confidence was to be rewarded as some excellent teamwork and football led to them winning all games and, therefore, the group on the day. After a look at the league table for the season so far, The U12s currently are top with 2 fixtures left. A mention must go to Max, who, in every football fixture, has been a credit and fantastic role model for the school.  

Hassocks Friendly - We were very fortunate to be able to invite LVS Hassocks to Muntham for a friendly fixture on the afternoon of Wednesday, 10th January. A strong Muntham team ran out comfortable winners, with the result finishing 16-4. Despite the one-sided nature of the result, the team showed great sportsmanship and teamwork throughout and were great role models for the school in front of our guests from LVS.  

Albion in the Community Cup – A big group of some very excited U16s were very happy to be attending the Albion Cup on 29th January. 2 teams attended but unfortunately didn’t get the opportunity to face off against each other, much to their disappointment. Despite some good, competitive football, neither team were able to qualify for the knockout stages this time around. Despite the disappointment, they all handled this well and are excited to return next year and do better. Mentions must go to Ben and George for winning sportsmanship awards for their respective teams. 

Basketball Academy 

We have had a tremendous start to Basketball Academy this year. All the players have been very excited to meet Zaire Taylor, who is now leading the sessions for us. Zaire is an ex-professional Basketball player and the current Worthing Thunder manager. Zaire brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Muntham, and all the players have been learning and progressing fantastically in the sessions. The players have been focusing on ball handling/shooting and working as a team in their sessions, and they are all making good progress.   

Below are the dates for the next half term.   

This will run from 4-5pm.  

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

20/02

27/02

5/03

12/03

19/03

Football Academy 

This term in football academy we have been focusing on our technical skills such as control and passing the ball. We have also been focusing on passing out wide and using the wings when in possession of the ball. The players have all been working hard and have taken the feedback into the Muntham House tournaments this term. The players have shown great communication and teamwork and we have been working on talking to your teammates who have the ball giving them instructions to benefit the team.  

Below are the dates for the next half term.   

This will run from 4-5pm.  

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! 

The pupils on the Hever floor returned after the Christmas holidays happy, relaxed, and looking forward to the new year and new experiences.

New experiences have been the theme so far this year; our young people have tried their hands at golf, finding much enjoyment in regularly visiting our local golf club and driving range. They have been learning patience and managing their frustrations when things don't go to plan; golf helps to develop fine motor skills, too, all while having fun, so it is great for our pupils. Our pupils look forward to continuing their newfound love of golf as the weather improves with the promise of some coaching from our very own Mr Pusey!

We have also tried out a "youth club" recently which was a great success in helping our pupils develop some independence and improve their social skills with other young people in the wider community, our pupils were understandably nervous and excited, and our staff were on hand, trying not to cramp their style but also giving them some Independence, after the session all that went asked when they could go back. All agreed they had lots of fun!

Other activities include making lovely banoffee pies, off-site clubs such as Cubs and basketball, and our pupils have helped cook dinners for the floor. As well as jumping in the inflatable park to burn off some excess energy.

Fun, new experiences and learning will be the continuing theme for 2024!

The spring term is upon us, and on Bodiam floor, we are very much looking forward to some lighter evenings and warmer weather so we can get on being busy outside. This term, our pupils have spent less time on electronics and more time engaging and connecting with each other socially. We have spent time doing a whole floor puzzle, which has sometimes been testing, but the pupils have persevered. Some of our pupils have entered a colouring competition where they were given their very own lavish set of colouring pens and books with a lovely prize for the winner; this has kept them very busy with competition states high.

Some of the pupils on floor have accessed a club outside of school this half-term. We aim to give each pupil their own activity, which benefits their independence and confidence. At the end of this half term, the pupils took a trip to the new Clip & Climb in Crawley that has just been opened; the pupils really enjoyed this activity.  

As the nights grow longer and the bewitching hour awaits, we on the Arundel floor have been making use of the resources we have to keep us entertained.

We are now onto our fourth puzzle, a 1000-piece sunset scene of Amsterdam. All the pupils on floor enjoy sitting down for ten minutes to pop in some puzzle pieces, and take great pride in reeling off to staff how many pieces they have done. It has been a great communal task for all to take part in and feel achievement. On the flip side, it teaches you about your own well-being and state of mind, with staff and pupils learning when to walk away if they find themselves getting frustrated at not being able to find a certain piece! On top of that, we have been making use of board games, such as Scrabble (swear words do not count) and Chase and Rummikub. Competition is always heated, and again, it is a great way for the pupils to consider their state of mind, forward plan and look for solutions.

The pupils have done us proud on Arundel floor by continuing to take their learning seriously. Homework club is growing, receiving more participants, and extending the amount they achieve each time. The top pupil on Arundel averages around three hours a week, which is a fantastic achievement. One pupil also let slip that they are finding that it helps them during their educational day - Brilliant.

We have ventured out, with most of the pupils now starting their travel training. They have shown excellent awareness and growing confidence with each trip, and the social skills between each other and the general public are progressing nicely. We have also been weekly visitors to the local youth club, as well as attending the local football club at Christ’s Hospital.

So, we continue in good spirits, achieving much and working well with each other, waiting for the first sign of the daffodils that will lead us into spring.

This year, we are offering a series of Coffee Mornings / Support Sessions on key topics. Each session will be on a different focus to help provide additional knowledge and expertise for you in key areas to help support you and your child at home and understand more about their Special Educational Needs. These sessions will also inform you of the successful strategies we use in school with our pupils. Each session will be delivered by a member of the Senior Leadership team. We have carefully selected key topics that will interest as many parents and careers as possible.  The next set of coffee mornings are as follows:

Wednesday 13^th March – Supporting ADHD & Behaviour

Wednesday 8^th May – Trauma Informed Schools

Wednesday 26^th June – Speech Language & communication

Sessions will take place on a Wednesday morning in the conference room.  

- Primary sessions will be at 9:30 - 10:30

- Secondary & POST-16 sessions will be at 11:00 - 12:00

Refreshments will be provided, and there will be an opportunity to meet with other parents at the school if you wish.  If there is a session of interest to you, please complete the booking form below to secure yourself a space.  

Parent Coffee Mornings Bookings Form 2023 - 2024

PLEASE NOTE THAT PUPILS RETURN FROM

HALF TERM:

TUESDAY 20TH FEBRUARY 2024

Term dates are on the school website.

 Term Dates

EASTER BREAK

LAST DAY OF SPRING TERM

FRIDAY 29TH MARCH - INSET DAY

FOR INFORMATION, THE INSET DAYS UNTIL THE END OF

SPRING TERM ARE: