2024 Summer Term 1

Dear Parents and Carers,

It has been an enjoyable half-term for the pupils, with many educational trips and visits to motivate, engage and inspire pupils in their learning.  The summer term is the best term of the year at Muntham House School, where pupils can enjoy playing outside on the lovely grounds of the school.

Pupils have enjoyed our new addition of the Lambs up at the school farm.  It has been great for pupils to develop their caring side when feeding and looking after the lambs.

Year 11 pupils have been working very hard in preparation for their GCSE examinations and are now over halfway through their exam period.  Staff have supported pupils extremely well throughout this difficult period, and we wish all pupils every success.

Best wishes,

Mr Anderson

Principal 

Muntham House School has achieved a National Accreditation Award from the National Autistic Society. This award recognises the excellent autism practice provided by staff for pupils with autism at the school.

The assessment report describes the school's emphasis on the quality of relationships as ‘excellent', which is consistent with Ofsted's finding that staff have a deep understanding of how to support pupils and help them form healthy, positive relationships.

The accreditation report describes the school environment as a ‘real asset’, with classrooms maintained at ‘low arousal’. It notes that feedback from pupils and their parents is very positive, so thank you to all those who completed the survey.

This is another great achievement for the school, of which the staff team are all very proud. 

Whipsnade Zoo Keeper for a day Experience 

On Wednesday 18th April, Callum and I set off on a 4.5 hour round trip to Whipsnade Zoo, where Callum was lucky enough to be a Zoo Keeper for the day. It was part of an extended work experience opportunity for Callum, who has held down a placement at Holmbush Farm for the past two years, working alongside Louise and Chloe.  

I was honoured to share this day with Callum and to see what goes on behind the scenes at the biggest zoo in England.   

Set in 600 acres of land and home to 2500 animals, our day was certainly jam-packed.  

The day started with a quick introduction and breakfast with one of the zoo keepers, who then put Callum to work with feeding and mucking out the rhinos. Who knew our day would start with stroking a rhino!                                                       

Little did we know that it’s the only Keeper for a Day experience in the UK where you can work with rhinos, giraffes, and elephants all in one day!    

The day was filled with interesting facts, knowledgeable stories, and funny anecdotes about life at the Zoo.  

After a full-on morning, Callum was ready to enjoy a hot lunch and rest in the café. 

The afternoon was spent visiting the elephants, seeing their homes, and hearing how the biggest elephant of the herd is afraid of the steam train. Then, we finished the day by feeding the giraffes their tea.

What an amazing day! Thanks, Whipsnade, for making us feel so welcome. 

Thursday, 9th May 2024, saw Badger’s class venturing down to the coast for a flippin’ amazing trip to Brighton Sea Life Centre! All the pupils (and staff) were so excited to see the majestic marine life, and a big thank you to Seb and Matthew, as it was their idea to do the excursion.

The Badger’s pupils have enjoyed learning about all the world’s most weird and wonderful creatures, which inspired our trip to the Sea Life Centre. With the sun beaming down, our journey to Brighton began. The first stop for the pupils was a tranquil and colourful rock pool filled with giant starfish, and each pupil got the chance to gently pat them, although some of us got a bit friendly and did more of a grab! After such an ordeal, the starfish were left to rest, moving the team onto the main aquarium area where we got to see giant tunas, spotted catfish, and some very elegant jellyfish. It was truly mesmerising.

When we entered the SEA Life Centre, we were startled to see a reptile section; nonetheless, we dove straight in! Some pupils got up close with turtles, iguanas, bearded dragons, and many other creepy crawlies.

Shortly after, the badgers pupils enjoyed a Virtual Reality (VR) experience, which took them into the ocean's depths to swim with the fish and dodge the sharks. Confirming its life-like experience was Louis, who let out more than a few screams, but fun was certainly had! Furthermore, the pupils reached the main aquarium area, where they saw black-tip sharks, giant sting rays, enormous sea turtles, and many more. Entranced by the colours and the phenomenal sea life, I can honestly say it was the quietest badger’s had ever been.

As the tour drew to a close, the fun was far from over. We made our way to Brighton’s renowned Pier for some arcade fun (A big thank you to Mr Mockler for the pennies), followed by a picnic on the slightly uncomfortable beach pebbles. But with the sun shining, nothing could dampen our spirits. Our next stop was Mr Whippy himself, and the day ended on a sweet note as the badgers enjoyed their ice creams. When asked about their experience, the children's ice cream-stained smiles and the unanimous '10/10' rating spoke volumes.

A Muntham House School pupil recently completed the 5-week ‘Child Healthy Lifestyle’ programme, which focuses on health improvement, behaviour change, and healthy eating.

As an incentive, the pupil set a target to complete a sponsored walk with a peer to support to raise money for Barnardos charity, which is close to their heart. Barnados supports vulnerable children to give them a sense of belonging, help them feel safer and happier, and give them a strong sense of self.

The sponsored walk took place on May 20, 2024. The two pupils walked four Laps, or seven kilometres, around the Muntham Mile and raised an incredible £200 for Barnardos.

Muntham House School proudly hosted the ENGAGE Southern Regional Football Tournament. Eight teams from the Southern Region participated in this wonderful event, displaying sportsmanship, fair play, and great determination. With over 100 pupils participating, the atmosphere was electric, filled with the positive spirit of competition.

The day was marked by exceptional displays of skill, resilience, and respect as teams from each school competed passionately yet gracefully, embodying the true spirit of the beautiful football game. Players demonstrated impressive teamwork and sportsmanship, making the event not just a competition but a celebration of shared goals and mutual encouragement. 

The tournament saw thrilling matches, with each team giving their all to secure a victory. After a series of intense and closely fought battles, St. Edwards emerged as the proud winners of the tournament on goal difference, a testament to their dedication and hard work. 

As we reflect on a successful day, we are filled with appreciation for the efforts of all the players who made this event memorable. The level of engagement and enthusiasm the pupils displayed is a powerful reminder of sports' positive impact in fostering a sense of community and personal growth. 

We are excited about the upcoming National Tournament at St Georges in June, where our teams will again showcase their talents and sportsmanship against other teams from specialist schools nationwide. 

Congratulations to all participating teams, and a special round of applause for St. Edwards. We are eager to continue this journey and cheer on our teams at the national level. We look forward to participating in the National Competition at St George's Park alongside West Heath School and the winners of the Southern Competition, St. Edwards School. 

This is the season to really work on the School's sustainability, especially as the deadline for the application is in July. Lots can be done in the school grounds due to the nicer weather, including Biodiversity research and promotion,  looking for aquatic species in the ponds, litter picking in the local environment and connecting with nature. For more information on the Eco-school award and what it entails, please see the articles in the link below. All participants are adept, passionate, enthusiastic and have fun along the way. We are going for a distinction this year, which involves encouraging Teachers to switch off lights and big screens in their classrooms, planning and taking part in charity events and reducing the School's use of single-use plastics. 

What is Eco-Schools? - Eco Schools

Benefits of having books available 24/7

After half-term, our boarding pupils are getting upgraded to the library on the floor. Books have always been a big part of Muntham's residential side. It has been decided to give the pupils an upgrade; all the pupils have been involved with selecting books and magazines. Also, brand new CD players have been purchased to accompany our ever-growing audio library.

Having books on floor has numerous advantages. Books can help our pupils improve their literacy skills, broaden their cultural understanding and promote an interest in learning.

Research has shown that having many books available at all times has numerous benefits. According to a recent study published in the journal Social Science Research, not only will it positively impact pupils' academic growth and job attainment, but it will also encourage reading for fun and promote the discussion of literature. 

Reading allows us to be transported from our own world to another. Between the pages of a book, we can become immersed in the lives of fictional characters and learn about a culture entirely different from our own. We can also learn new words and phrases, experience various emotions, and acquire skills and knowledge.

Because of the learning potential, the effects of reading on child development are vast and multiple studies have highlighted its benefits. As such, teachers and parents are in a great position to ensure reading is a key part of children’s daily routines.

Reading a physical book before bed helps you relax more than zoning out before a screen. Screens like e-readers and tablets can keep you awake longer and even impair sleep.

A home library is an excellent way to increase your book collection and broaden your knowledge. It is also a great way to add some creativity to your environment.

Unfortunately, the new shelving has not yet arrived. Look out for next term's newsletter, where we will share with you how the pupils are using this wonderful resource.  

Dr. Seuss once wrote, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

RIO SHOWS HIS NATURAL SKILLS AT THE REVIVE CAFÉ!

Rio completed his three-day work experience at the Revive café in Crawley. The days he attended were hectic, and the excellent staff at the Revive café were worried if he would cope. Rio didn’t just cope—he smashed it! He mastered every task he was asked to complete and did a fantastic job.

All the staff and customers took to Rio, with his hard work and big smile. Rio is looking into the catering/hospitality trade, and his work experience would have shown him that he could have a great future ahead of him.

We are all proud of Rio and would also like to thank Jackie and her team at the Revive café.

Oliver gets an insight into the world of Leisure and Fitness!

Oliver recently participated in his Year 10 work experience at the Billingshurst Leisure Centre. Oliver worked in most areas of the leisure centre, including the pool, the gym, and the front desk in the reception area.

We thank Gemma and her fantastic team for giving Oliver an excellent work experience and going the extra mile with him. All the staff commented on how well he got on, particularly his politeness, work ethic, and how he was with anyone who needed help or advice.

Oliver must have made quite an impression, as he has been allowed to volunteer at the leisure centre again.

Well done, Oliver, you were a credit to yourself, the school and your family!                                                 

This term in PSHE, we have been learning about Relationships and Sex Education (RSE). As per the letters at the start of the term, you will have seen what content your child is covering. The lessons are set out such that the year group extends their knowledge and understanding from the previous year’s learning. What is appropriate for Year 10 pupils would not be appropriate for Key Stage 3 pupils. Each class set up their own RSE contracts to outline a set of rules they agreed to, allowing the space to remain safe and supportive. The first rule on each contract, however, is Confidentiality – what we say in the PSHE room stays within the PSHE room. This is to ensure our pupils don’t accidentally share information with younger years who might be listening or sharing the individual stories of their peers. Each group is clearly told that if we, as the adults, are concerned about anything they say, whether for their safety or risk of someone else’s safety, we would not hesitate to speak with our Safeguarding Team. Similarly, as parents and carers, you are more than welcome to hear about the content your child is learning, but we find that most young people aren’t too keen to share this topic at home.

You may also have seen or heard recent reports in the news about Relationships and Sex Education and how or what is being taught in our schools. Please know that we follow the PSHE Association guidelines, which are endorsed by the Department of Education, and all resources are age-appropriate. However, if you have any further queries or would like to know more about the content your child is being taught in secondary school PSHE, you are always welcome to get in touch.

Have a lovely half-term break with your wonderful young people!

It is Team Science's favourite time of year. We can start using the school's beautiful nature areas for tree and insect identification and Ecology topics, such as learning about species distribution and variation.

The year 11s have been focused on revision for their exams and taking it all very seriously.

The year 10s have been eagerly diving into the world of energy, mastering the use of formulas to calculate energy stores. They are now exploring the fascinating topic of electricity and its impact, showing their keen interest and commitment to learning.

The year 9s have been working at GCSE level on the complex topics of respiration and photosynthesis, and we're proud to share that they excelled in their assessments, demonstrating their dedication and understanding.

The year 8s covered many different types of chemical reactions, changes in the earth's form and atmosphere, the rock cycle, erosion, and weathering—all good stuff.

The year 7s have had lots to do, learning about electrical circuits, animals, and classification, and are now learning about light. Lots of learning is happening in Science.

We commend the year 11s who have tried their hardest in the GCSE exams. Well done!

Year 11 pupils have shown great perseverance and commitment this term to get the project bike ready for the Malle Mile Beach Race on the weekend. Thanks to them, we could race the bike, and it did not disappoint!

The Quad Biking Safari at the end of last term went extremely well, and all pupils (and staff) enjoyed themselves despite a bit of rain. It was a fantastic experience that we will hopefully be able to do again in the future.

All the pupils have done very well on their unit awards so far this year, and it has been good to see some of the newer Mechanics pupils get involved and apply themselves to learning new skills. We look forward to continuing this great work after half term in the lead-up to summer.

Visit to Jacob’s Bagels

Straight after assembly, 7B met Mrs Apicella, Mrs Dawkins, and Mrs Barratt on the school bus. All the pupils were excited because they were not only going to learn how to make bagels, but they were also going to make some themselves!

The pupils were welcomed with a delectable spread of croissants and Danish pastries, a perfect start to their day. As they savoured the treats, Tino, the owner of Jacob’s bagels, briefed them on safety measures and the day's activities.

Breakfast was cleared away, and the pupils got stuck in weighing their ingredients. Then, the yeast was added, and it was all left to ferment while the pupils had a break. Soon after, it was back to work, and the pupils made their dough, shaping it carefully with the hole in the centre for the bagel. Tino then put them in the oven, and it was time for lunch.

It was a beautiful sunny day, so we all sat outside, eating some bagels made for us. Blake and I had smoked salmon and cream cheese, and Max even tried pastrami! After lunch, our bagels were ready, and it was time to tidy up and prepare to go home. Tino gave each pupil a kit to make bagels at home and their bagels.

It was a lovely day, and the pupils behaved beautifully. I look forward to taking another group soon.

The warmer weather has been great for the spring-sown vegetable and flower seeds, and everything is growing fast and well. We will continue to sow root (carrots, beetroot, radish and parsnip) vegetables so we can have a longer season to harvest them, hopefully, some before the pupils finish for the summer and some for when we return in September. Along with the vegetables and flowers, the weeds have grown at an alarming rate, and the pupils have worked hard to keep the garden and polytunnel weed-free; stopping the weeds from flowers and seeds will be a great help over the summer.

We have harvested enough ripe strawberries from the troughs in the polytunnel for every primary pupil to have a taste—some keener than others! The primary pupils have enjoyed lots of seed sowing. They can all confidently plant large seeds such as peas and are now waiting patiently for the first taste of fresh peas. 

We have pricked out and potted hundreds of vegetable plants, all working together to create a fully productive garden. 

We have continued to supply the school kitchen with rocket and parsley and have added radish this week.

The secondary pupils have planted cabbages, broccoli, cauliflower, and beans in the raised beds. The beds are beginning to fill up and look fabulous. This year, we have also grown some dahlias to support the companion planting. The pupils enjoyed choosing which ones we have grown and are eagerly waiting for flowers. 

The birds have been busy, too; we have two families of blue tits nesting in separate boxes and a robin busily catching caterpillars and worms for her chicks. We have discovered some newts have moved into the pond; this gives us hope that frogs will find the pond too, and give us more learning opportunities as we improve their habitats, encouraging more wildlife into the garden. We have counted large numbers of bees pollinating the raspberries and peas and spotted a pair of orange-tip butterflies on some stinging nettles. 

We have signed up to count different types of slugs and snails with the wildlife trust, as gardeners are encouraged to grow with them. We will let you know the results next time. 

The long-awaited sun is finally out, and we have 4 new exciting guests at Muntham House School!  Four lambs have been loaned to Muntham for a holiday. The pupils have all welcomed Oreo, Kinder, Malteaser and Marmite. Many pupils from classes right through the school have come up to meet the lambs, bottle feed them, and spend time in the sunshine. We have our work cut out for us as they have a lot of energy and are often seen bouncing around their pen and very vocal before feeding time. Pupils have been very understanding that they have to be calm and quiet with the young lambs, a valuable lesson in patience and empathy. This experience has been a wonderful educational opportunity for the pupils, allowing them to learn more about how animals react to our body language and the noises that we make.

The goats are adapting to having new noisy neighbours. They have been having respite away from the new arrivals whilst walking with the pupils around the grounds to find the newly grown shoots they love to eat. The pupils are all mindful of giving the goats as much attention as before to help them keep from getting jealous of the lambs. The pupils have been working hard to entice Spike, our shy goat, out of his shell, and it’s working well. He’s become braver and relishes the pupil's company, and this has been a great project for the boys, which has taught them how to support a nervous character and provide nurture. The goat's winter coats are coming out thick and fast, meaning it can be a very itchy time for them. On one of the hotter days, a pupil helped to bathe them, leaving them feeling fresh. 

Bangers and Mash have moved their enclosures to fresh grass and a more shaded spot now that the ground has dried up. They are happy relaxing in their new paddling pool or receiving lots of cuddles, grooming, and, of course, treats. The pupils have been making treats boxes for the pigs from straw with various treats hidden in them to keep them busy during the school day. 

The chickens enjoy spending their days in the goat and lamb enclosure, often being chased by the new lambs. Eggs are being laid in the wendy house and goat stable, and pupils take great pleasure in daily egg hunts. One of the pupils has spent time making a chicken dust bath for them, which they use to cool off in the sunshine. 

Woody and Buzz have been extremely cheeky and breaking into the sectioned-off paddock covered in grass seed; they can’t wait for the new shoots to come through. The donkeys have met the lambs and are happy with their new neighbours. They still love getting out and about around the Muntham grounds for a walk and snack, but some pupils prefer sitting and chatting to them in the shade of the Muntham oak tree; the donkeys equally love this as it gives them a chance to munch on the grass whilst spending time with the pupils. 

With this month being local history month we have been exploring the Muntham House School grounds. Muntham has a rich history and has been used in many different ways over the years. To explore the grounds we have used metal detectors. Among some of the usual things found, like old screws and nails, there have been some interesting finds. There have been lots of Canadian Army things dug up, lots of old fence posts but also some vehicle parts, too. 

In addition to metal detecting, which has been a great success amongst the pupils, we have also been exploring the local area, seeing how the woodlands change now that summer is approaching. It's also a wonderful opportunity to identify different trees, especially now that the leaves are fully in bloom. 

Explorer, Captain, Sherpa 

To promote engagement and learning in the Duke of Edinburgh lessons, an award scheme has been introduced that will be delivered termly. There are three awards that consider all DofE participating pupils: the explorer award (a student who shows 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 have been awarded the second round of titles: 

Charlie K – Explorer Award 

Harry A – Captain Award 

Ryan H – Sherpa Award 

9A Bronze expedition  

The first expeditions occurred during the first week of the term, with 9A completing its Bronze Award around the Burgess Hill area. The group wanted to experience as much of a wild camping experience as possible, and luckily, Miss Sherbourne supported this by giving the group access to her family’s plot of land. The group thoroughly enjoyed the sense of adventure and demonstrated excellent navigation and camp craft skills. During the post-expedition debriefs, the group could reflect on key learning points from experience and considered what they would do differently next time – which was mainly to carry less weight! Mr Imbert was very impressed by the level of reflection from the group, and is excited to see what expeditions the group plans for Silver next year ... perhaps a canoe trip? 

3 Peaks Training 

Next half term, Muntham House School are carrying out an ambitious expedition for a select group of Year 10 pupils. The pupils are being challenged to complete the 3 National Peaks challenge in 5 days. That entails climbing Ben Nevis (Scotland, 1345m), Scafell Pike (England, 978m) and Snowdon (Wales, 1085m) with a rest day in between. The 8 pupils and 4 staff attending the trip have used this half term to ramp up their training. Unfortunately, there are no mountains in West Sussex. However, we can access the South Downs and Surrey Hills, which provide steep ground for repetitive walking! 

The training sessions have always had a lovely, engaged atmosphere and opened insightful conversations about expedition food and calorific intake, travelling the world, first aid, group morale, and how to wrap your feet properly to treat blisters! Keep your eyes out for the next newsletter, which will detail the challenge in full! Until then, to the pupils attending the trip, keep training, hydrated, and excited! 

KS3

We are delighted to share the exciting developments from this half-term's Physical Education curriculum. Our pupils have been actively enhancing their skills and confidence across a variety of sports. The focus has been on three core aspects: heart, Hands, and Head, each playing a pivotal role in fostering a comprehensive athletic experience. 

Heart: Enhancing Confidence in Sport 

This term, we have concentrated on building self-confidence and resilience among our pupils. Through sports like cricket and softball, pupils have been encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and support their teammates. The growth in confidence was visibly evident as students cheered each other on and celebrated their collective successes. 

Hands: Enhancing Kinaesthetic Awareness 

Kinaesthetic awareness, or the ability to know where one's body parts are in space without looking, is crucial in sports. By engaging in activities such as pickleball, pupils have refined their motor skills and improved their ability to control their movements precisely. These activities help develop a deeper connection between mind and body, enhancing agility and coordination. 

Head: Communicating Tactics in a Positive, Constructive Way 

A significant part of sports education is learning to communicate effectively. This term, pupils have learned to discuss strategies and tactics within their teams positively and constructively. Through practical gameplay in cricket and softball, they practised articulating their thoughts clearly, offering feedback, and adapting to in-game situations while maintaining a supportive team environment. 

Our PE sessions have been vibrant and energetic, with each pupil bringing enthusiasm and commitment to every game and activity. The skills learned extend beyond the sports field, contributing to personal growth and teamwork capabilities that are valuable in all areas of life. 

KS4

It's been an exhilarating term, full of activity and growth. Our pupils have been diving into various sports that not only boost their physical fitness but also nurture crucial life skills. This term's focus has been on the 'Heart, Hands, and Head' approach, where students develop responsibility, leadership, fitness, and strategic communication through sports such as basketball, pickleball, softball, and cricket. 

Heart: Taking Responsibility and Developing Leadership 

Leadership and responsibility are at the core of our PE curriculum this term. Through team sports like basketball and softball, our students have stepped up as leaders, taking responsibility for their teams. This has been a fantastic opportunity for them to not only lead by example but also to develop empathy and understanding, learning how to motivate and support their peers. 

Hands: Physical Fitness for a Long, Healthy, Active Lifestyle 

Our commitment to physical fitness is unwavering, and we aim to instil a love for an active lifestyle that our pupils will carry throughout their lives. From the fast-paced excitement of pickleball to the strategic game of cricket, students have been enhancing their physical endurance, strength, and overall health, preparing them for a lifelong commitment to wellness. 

Head: Communicating Effective Strategy with Confidence 

Strategic thinking and confident communication have been emphasised throughout all our sports activities. In cricket and basketball, understanding and communicating strategies effectively have been crucial. Our pupils have learned to express their ideas clearly and confidently, improving their ability to work as part of a team toward a common goal. 

As we progress, we are excited to see how these foundational skills developed in PE will enhance our pupils' educational journey and beyond. Thank you to all the parents and guardians for your continued support, which enriches our vibrant school community. 

Primary PE

Football Fixtures

South London Special League:  

Under 16s – The under 16s rounded off their season in style, with 2 teams making the trip up to South London for the day. It’s been a very competitive season for both teams but one in which they have worked hard and persevered. All the hard work was worthwhile, as both teams returned with trophies, having won the individual leagues for the season. Winning the league is a testament to the hard work the pupils have put in throughout the year, and they should all be incredibly proud of their efforts. Well done all.  

Under 14s - Our Under 14s made their final trip to Long Lane this season. It was a tough day, with many games against some strong opposition. However, the boys didn't give up and showed great character and perseverance in three performances throughout the day. Even though the results didn't go their way, the team's performance improved game by game.  

Primary and Under 12s - A hugely successful football tournament ended with Muntham House winning the year-long league, capped off with an emphatic 4 – 0 win, with a hat trick from Sam Hay and another goal for Charlie Milner.  All students played with respect and sportsmanship and came out with their heads held high.  Zac (I don’t know his surname) collected the trophy on behalf of the team. 

Parallel Youth Games  

On May 22nd, we participated in the Parallel Youth Games held at the K2 in Crawley. Where we had 27 pupils take part in an array of different sports. This included Street Soccer, Golf, Tennis, Cricket, Climbing and Boccia. The pupils represented the school fantastically and engaged brilliantly in the different sports. We were lucky to return to Muntham with gold medals in Tennis and Cricket. Our street soccer team narrowly missed out on a medal by facing a strong team in the playoff final. 

All pupils should be proud of all their efforts throughout the day. Our Boccia team played well, considering it was their first time participating in that sport. Our golf team played fantastically well and had to try and put on some difficult holes. Our climbing team did brilliantly and climbed various walls of all difficulties. Well done to all who participated on the day; they should all be immensely proud of themselves; we look forward to participating in this annual event next year.  

Cricket Discover Disability Day 

Our Cricket Academy team visited the Sussex Country Cricket Ground based in Brighton and Hove this term. We attended the DIScoverABILITY day, which is Sussex Cricket's annual disability cricket showcase. The event allowed hundreds of people to play on the 1st Central County ground pitch. We participated in a series of batting, throwing, catching and bowling challenges on the field. We also had the opportunity to participate in some wheelchair basketball and some football challenges seeing how fast in MPH we can kick a football. We were also accompanied at the cricket ground by some professional cricket players, where we got the opportunity to meet Jofra Archer and Chris Jordan, who are England Cricket internationals and represent Surrey and Sussex Cricket.  

DIScoverAbility Day 2023 (youtube.com) Here is a link to last year's event.  

It was a fantastic day out, and this is just a reminder that these trips are open exclusively to pupils who attend Cricket Academy. We hope to have more trips similar to this for all the academies moving forward.  

Basketball Academy 

We had another successful term at the Basketball academy. Zaire Taylor, head coach of Worthing Thunder, has been leading the sessions. The players have been working on different types of passing, learning to shoot with the correct technique and how to use a layup in a game situation. The players have also been working on their communication in a team in small-sided drills such as 2v2s and 3v3s. Zaire also led a competition where Charlie won, and he won some merchandise from Worthing Thunder. The basketball academy from next term is going to change to the Rugby academy.  

Rugby Academy 

Next term, we will now have Rugby Academy happening every Tuesday after school. These sessions will be led by Mr Imbert. If you would like to sign up, please contact us.  

Below are the dates for the next term.   

This will run from 4-5pm.  

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

04/06

11/06

18/06

25/06

02/07

09/07

Football Academy 

We have had another successful term at the Football Academy. All the players have been working hard to develop their game. They have been taking the feedback from the coaches and trying to adapt their game to improve themselves as players. We have been working on crossing and finishing and being able to control the ball, turn, and take a shot against the goalkeeper. The players have also taken on board what they have been learning and applied this in sporting football fixtures against other schools.  

Below are the dates for the next half term.   

This will run from 4-5pm.  

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

Cricket Academy  

It has been another successful term for the cricket academy, with all the pupils transferring the skills they have learnt in the sessions with Fred & Dom into more match-like situations. This term's main purpose of cricket has been ‘working the ball’. Finding gaps in the field when batting and running strong in-between the wickets to try and score as many runs as possible. Unfortunately, Fred & Dom can no longer join us on Wednesday evenings, but the P.E. department would like to thank them both and Sussex CCC for their coaching and support throughout this school year and wish them a good summer.  

Below are the dates for the next half term.   

This will run from 4-5pm.  

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

Primary Football Academy  

During our football academy sessions this half term, we have focussed on the importance of resilience, teamwork and sportsmanship. The children have had a variety of drills which have encouraged them to communicate as a team when defending, knowing how to use their teammates in attacking scenarios and the importance of working together. Our pupils are beginning to learn that it is not all about individual goals but rather a team game that needs everyone to play an important role to achieve success. But they also have learnt the social skills of being a graceful winner or loser and how we learn from this, understanding that football is a fun opportunity to play with friends and develop our skills. 

The last few weeks on Hever floor have been busy and fun filled as usual however; we have been starting to have the conversation with our pupils about Transitions and change, since many of our floor will be transitioning from the primary unit to the main secondary provision, this will be a significant transition and period of change for our pupils and by having open conversations on floor we can support what the primary unit is also introducing which can only help prepare them. Talking about change and how to cope with it will help them with this particular transition and prepare them for many other changes and challenges they will face in life. 

Our young people have recently completed their SATS tests, and I am delighted to share that they tackled them with confidence and resilience, a testament to their hard work and preparation.

Since the weather has been kind to us the last few weeks, we have been spending more time outside. We have found another new favourite place to investigate and to let the pupils be “boys”; it has streams and mini waterfalls, trees to climb, dens to build and sticks to collect, which is something they love to do; we have the “stick box “on the floor to prove this!

What an incredible term the pupils at Bodiam have had. This term has been extraordinary, filled with many activities that have brought us all joy. From the delightful smell of freshly baked cakes and cookies to the laughter and friendly competitions over classic games like Uno, our evenings have been full of happiness and camaraderie. Whether the pupils were challenging each other on game consoles or embarking on adventurous explorations into the woods, every moment was cherished and memorable.

Our outdoor adventures have been particularly delightful, from climbing trees to feeding the ducks at Swanbourne Lake. However, the highlight was following a stream into the woods and marvelling at a small waterfall. Movie nights became opportunities to unwind and connect, while colouring books and jigsaw puzzles provided creativity and relaxation. It has been amazing to see the support and companionship the pupils have shown each other, whether by lending a hand during activities or offering a listening ear during quieter times, demonstrating a true sense of community at Bodiam.

We look forward to the next term and many more experiences and cherished memories.

As the old Anglo-Saxon medieval proverb goes, ‘Sweet April showers bring blossoming May flowers’. The metaphor runs true on the Arundel floor, as the everlasting April rains have inspired our pupils' personal, social, and emotional growth while unearthing the effervescent and unique character each holds in their hearts. 

At Arundel, we set high standards. All of our pupils have to build a good work ethic on floor, with homework now a non-negotiable. The pupils have risen to the occasion, settling down to work on their literacy and numeracy, and are actually seeing the benefits of their labours in the classroom. 

Train travel training continues in earnest. There is a trip to the beach this week! The Year 10s and 11s have been out numerous times, learning how to purchase tickets, read timetables, use journey planners on the internet, and, most importantly, find the correct platform and alight in the correct manner. So, life skills training is well underway in their personal preparation for adulthood. 

We’ve been keeping physically and mentally fit with frequent gym visits, games of five-a-side, and lots of woodland walks. In particular, our Year 10s have been preparing themselves for their three peak challenges next month, with most of the pupils going for morning power walks to prepare their bodies and minds for the ultimate challenge that awaits them. 

So, we're ticking along nicely on the Arundel floor, hitting our targets, enjoying our personal growth, and learning how to live in harmony. Thank you to all residents on the Arundel floor—much has been achieved this half-term.  

Four Lambs joined us when they were just a few weeks old and have been bottle-fed by the pupils and staff daily. It has been a great hands-on experience and a joy for the pupils to spend close-up time with the lambs.

Our pupils have had the invaluable opportunity to visit the lambs, learn about bottle feeding, and take care of our new residents. These super friendly and playful lambs have not only entertained us but also taught our pupils about empathy and the responsibilities of caring for young animals.

Pupils have spent quality time with the lambs, cuddling a lamb and relaxing in the farm environment. The good weather has meant that pupils can often be found sitting on the grass or straw bales, feeling very calm while a lamb sleeps on their lap.

We offer a series of Coffee Mornings / Support Sessions this year on key topics. Each session will have a different focus to help provide additional knowledge and expertise for you in key areas to support you and your child at home and help you understand 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 many parents and careers.  The next coffee morning is as follows:

Wednesday 26^th June – Speech Language & communication

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

- Session will be at 10:00 - 12:00

Refreshments will be provided, and you will have the opportunity to meet with other parents at the school if you wish. If you are interested in a session, please complete the booking form below to secure a space.  

Parent Coffee Mornings Bookings Form 2023 - 2024

PLEASE NOTE THAT PUPILS RETURN FROM

HALF TERM ON:

TUESDAY 4TH JUNE 2024

Term dates are on the school website.

 Term Dates

FOR INFORMATION, THE INSET DAYS UNTIL SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE: