Dear parents, carers and friends,
The end of term 2 and the Christmas festivities fast approach us all. This week, there has been a marked (but very enjoyable) change as I have walked around the school, listening in on classes learning all their songs and their words for the Christmas productions. A full timetable for all of next week’s festivities are listed on the calendar on our website here, as well as listed below. (May I draw your attention to the Christingle Service on Thursday 15th – everyone welcome.)
Christmas lunch will be next Wednesday, 14th December. If you have not yet booked your lunch, you need to go into the office and book a place.
Parties are all next week, and will be organized primarily by class teachers – they will give you all the details you need. Discos, organized by the school council, for children from years 1 to 6 will take place next week, and tickets will be needed for entry – available from Mrs Coleman.
Finally, school will close next Friday, 16th December, at 3.20. This will be a normal school uniform day. School reopens for pupils on Wednesday 4th January 2012. Although I wish to say it to you all in person at some point next week, may I take this opportunity to wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.
Yours faithfully
Zak Willis
Important Christmas Dates
Tuesday 13th
2.00pm Year 3 / 4 production
5.30pm Year 3 / 4 Production
Wednesday 14th
10.30am EYFS Production
Christmas Lunch
1.15pm Year 2 Production
2.00pm EYFS production
4.00pm Year 1 / 2 disco
5.30pm Year 5 / 6 disco
Thursday 15th
9.00am Year 1 / 2 production
10.00am Christingle
1.15pm Year 1 production
2.00pm Year 5 / 6 production
5.30pm Year 3 / 4 disco
5.30pm Year 5 / 6 production
Friday 16th
Final Praise Assembly
School closes for 2011 at 3.20pm
Friday, 2 December 2011
Eastcombe Visit
Today, children from Eastcombe Primary School (a small rural school in the Cotswold Hills, Gloucester) visited Badock's Wood Primary to learn a little about life in a large city school.
Eastcombe children spent the morning in our Year 4, 5 and 6 classes, completing various activites, including spending some time in the Badock's computer suite learning email and swapping email addresses so the children can keep in contact in the future.
In the afternoon, Badock's Year 4 joined Eastcombe in the assembly hall to learn how to play a song on the ukulele - look out for a video of the performance in our gallery and on our Youtube channel soon.
We hope everybody from Eastcombe enjoyed their visit and hope our new friends visit again soon!
To find out more about Eastcombe Primary School, visit their website here...
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Industrial Action
Due to Industrial Action by a number of unions, the school will be closed for pupils on Wednesday 30th November. The Governors and Headteacher have made this decision in the best interests of the safety and welfare of all learners.
School will reopen as normal at 8.55a.m. on Thursday 1st December.
Zak Willis
Headteacher
Announcement: School Closed 30/11/11
The National Union of Teachers (NUT), Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL), National Association of Headteachers (NAHT), National Association of School and Union of Women teachers (NASUWT), Unison and GMB have voted to hold a national strike on November 30th. This action is being taken as part of a campaign against proposals to make changes to public sector pensions.
Due to the number of people represented by these unions in school, the school will be closed for pupils on Wednesday 30th November. The Governors and Headteacher have made this decision in the best interests of the safety and welfare of all learners.
School will reopen as normal at 8.55a.m. on Thursday 1st December.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Badock's Children in Need Total is...
All of the activities held on Friday at Badock's Wood Primary, for the BBC Children in Need Appeal 2011 raised a grand total of:
£193.65
The best amount ever! Well done everybody!!! Special thanks to Miss Norman for organising the day!
Thursday, 17 November 2011
We are all looking forward to Children in Need tomorrow. In a previous newsletter, I sent out all the details (there was a typo but I’m sure you all worked out that any announcements of prizes will be on Monday 21st) and I have no doubt that the children and the community will do us proud once again. May I reiterate one important point – it is a normal uniform day, spotty things added to the uniform.
I am sure you have all heard in the news about a potential strike affecting schools and public services on 30th November. As soon as I know how the running of Badock’s Wood is affected, I will let you know.
Parents’ Evenings
We will hold parents evenings in the week beginning to 28th November. Classes and teacher will publish their timings for everyone to choose. If the published dates are inconvenient for you, please liaise with your class teacher about possible alternatives.
Attendance
The figures for term 1 attendance were amazing: overall, attendance stood at 94.9% - above the national average! 93 pupils had 100% attendance, and we were all delighted with the efforts made.
This term, however, attendance has dipped. Already, our figures are at 93%, and the figure for some classes is awful (I will not list them here, but they will be told). I am about to write to groups and classes to inform them of the need for improvement, and I am meeting with the Education Welfare Service next week, at which meeting I intend to refer all pupils whose attendance is below 90%.
The vast majority of our issues are people who are late. I am sure many of you are bored with me stating that school begins at 8.55, and we have not had a single class make 100% in a week this year simply because of lateness. Please, please, please make every effort to improve this, as it will start to reflect on your child, their class and the whole school.
Yours faithfully
Zak Willis
Headteacher
I am sure you have all heard in the news about a potential strike affecting schools and public services on 30th November. As soon as I know how the running of Badock’s Wood is affected, I will let you know.
Parents’ Evenings
We will hold parents evenings in the week beginning to 28th November. Classes and teacher will publish their timings for everyone to choose. If the published dates are inconvenient for you, please liaise with your class teacher about possible alternatives.
Attendance
The figures for term 1 attendance were amazing: overall, attendance stood at 94.9% - above the national average! 93 pupils had 100% attendance, and we were all delighted with the efforts made.
This term, however, attendance has dipped. Already, our figures are at 93%, and the figure for some classes is awful (I will not list them here, but they will be told). I am about to write to groups and classes to inform them of the need for improvement, and I am meeting with the Education Welfare Service next week, at which meeting I intend to refer all pupils whose attendance is below 90%.
The vast majority of our issues are people who are late. I am sure many of you are bored with me stating that school begins at 8.55, and we have not had a single class make 100% in a week this year simply because of lateness. Please, please, please make every effort to improve this, as it will start to reflect on your child, their class and the whole school.
Yours faithfully
Zak Willis
Headteacher
Monday, 14 November 2011
Children in Need
This Friday, there will be various activities to raise money for BBC Children in Need.
Although children must wear their school uniform, they are also encouraged to wear something spotty with it. A 50p donation for this is welcome.
Also, there will be a 'guess the number of sweets in a jar' competition (10p a go) and a 'guess the number of spots on the teddy' competition (10p a go). A correct guess wins the sweets and teddy.
There will be spotty cakes on sale at break (20p each).
Don't forget your money Friday!
Friday, 11 November 2011
Remembrance Assembly
Today, Badock's Wood fell silent for a minute during assembly to remember those who lost their lives during wars.
Mr Willis told a story about how The Great War ended and demonstrated how popies grew from the mud left behind on the battle field.
Thank you to everyone who supported the cause by buying a poppy during the week and wearing it with pride.
Friday, 4 November 2011
We have had a very busy and positive start to term 2. The figures for term 1 attendance are extremely pleasing, and the behavior of the vast majority of pupils has been excellent. You will be pleased to know that – as you quite rightly requested on your feedback forms - we have spoken to the parents of the small group of pupils whose behavior is not of a high enough standard.
Our attendance for term 1 was 94.9% - above the national average! 93 pupils had 100% attendance for the term, only the second time we have been above 90 in the past three years. Really good figures everyone, spoilt mainly by (you guessed it) People Arriving Late! Late marks tarnish the register for the entire class, so please make sure you are here before 8.55 am.
Poppies will be on sale all next week; there is no set price, we just ask for a donation. We will hold a remembrance assembly on Friday 11th.
On the back of this letter is information about Children in Need, which this year takes place on Friday 18th November. All the details are included, but if you have any questions, please come in and see your child’s class teacher.
Working with Avon Wildlife Trust
Julie Doherty from Avon Wildlife Trust has been working with the school to develop links with Badock's Wood Nature Reserve. She will be making a book about the reserve for use in the school and would like to add some memories from people who have lived in the area for a long time. This will help the pupils learn about what life used to be like in Southmead for children in the 1930's,40's, 50's, 60's and 70's. If you think you might be able to help please contact Julie on 01179177270 or juliedoherty@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk. Many thanks.
Children in Need is on Friday 18th November, this year we at Badock’s Wood hope to do our bit with your help.
Here is a list of things that will be taking place during the day to help raise money:
You must come to school in your school uniform as normal but feel free to accessorise slightly with something spotty, for example spotty face paint, spotty hair band, spotty bracelet, spotty belt etc don’t forget your 50p if you’re are wearing something spotty.
Teachers will do the same but donate more money.
A spotty teddy will visit the classes during the day, if you pay 10p you can guess the number of spots on the teddy, the closest guess wins. The winner will be announced in assembly on Monday 17th November.
Cakes made by Miss Norman will be sold at break time for 20p each, special edition spotty cakes might I add.
A jar of sweets will journey around the classes, if you pay 10p you can guess the number of sweets in the jar and again the closest guess wins the jar of sweets. Winner will be announced in assembly on Monday 21st November.
Classes will be called during the day to visit a large drawn Pudsey bear in the hall, they will be able to place down any more money that they wish to donate in a hope that we cover Pudsey in coins. Photographs of each class will also be taken at this point.
Each class has their own collection box, so any loose change or extra donations that you wish to make can be added to the box between now and then. The class with the most collected in their box will receive a treat the following Friday.
I look forward to announcing our grand total shortly.
Come on, show your spots, let’s raise lots.
Have a wonderful, safe Bonfire night everyone. We’ll see you before 8.55 on Monday.
Zak Willis
Our attendance for term 1 was 94.9% - above the national average! 93 pupils had 100% attendance for the term, only the second time we have been above 90 in the past three years. Really good figures everyone, spoilt mainly by (you guessed it) People Arriving Late! Late marks tarnish the register for the entire class, so please make sure you are here before 8.55 am.
Poppies will be on sale all next week; there is no set price, we just ask for a donation. We will hold a remembrance assembly on Friday 11th.
On the back of this letter is information about Children in Need, which this year takes place on Friday 18th November. All the details are included, but if you have any questions, please come in and see your child’s class teacher.
Working with Avon Wildlife Trust
Julie Doherty from Avon Wildlife Trust has been working with the school to develop links with Badock's Wood Nature Reserve. She will be making a book about the reserve for use in the school and would like to add some memories from people who have lived in the area for a long time. This will help the pupils learn about what life used to be like in Southmead for children in the 1930's,40's, 50's, 60's and 70's. If you think you might be able to help please contact Julie on 01179177270 or juliedoherty@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk. Many thanks.
Children in Need is on Friday 18th November, this year we at Badock’s Wood hope to do our bit with your help.
Here is a list of things that will be taking place during the day to help raise money:
You must come to school in your school uniform as normal but feel free to accessorise slightly with something spotty, for example spotty face paint, spotty hair band, spotty bracelet, spotty belt etc don’t forget your 50p if you’re are wearing something spotty.
Teachers will do the same but donate more money.
A spotty teddy will visit the classes during the day, if you pay 10p you can guess the number of spots on the teddy, the closest guess wins. The winner will be announced in assembly on Monday 17th November.
Cakes made by Miss Norman will be sold at break time for 20p each, special edition spotty cakes might I add.
A jar of sweets will journey around the classes, if you pay 10p you can guess the number of sweets in the jar and again the closest guess wins the jar of sweets. Winner will be announced in assembly on Monday 21st November.
Classes will be called during the day to visit a large drawn Pudsey bear in the hall, they will be able to place down any more money that they wish to donate in a hope that we cover Pudsey in coins. Photographs of each class will also be taken at this point.
Each class has their own collection box, so any loose change or extra donations that you wish to make can be added to the box between now and then. The class with the most collected in their box will receive a treat the following Friday.
I look forward to announcing our grand total shortly.
Come on, show your spots, let’s raise lots.
Have a wonderful, safe Bonfire night everyone. We’ll see you before 8.55 on Monday.
Zak Willis
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Charter for Respect
After discussion with and consultation of the whole school community, we have finally completed and published our new behaviour policy, called our 'Charter for Respect'. You can download a copy of the charter here...
As you may have heard earlier this week, our harvest festival will take place next Wednesday, 19th October at 2.00pm in the assembly hall. You are all most welcome to join us for this celebration. As per usual, we will make our collection of dried and tinned goods to contribute to our celebration, before distributing them to the community. Should anyone wish to contribute to our collection, please send donations in with children one morning.
Attendance
September is now over, and I am delighted to say that the attendance for the school was above the national average of 94.4, with attendance at 94.8. However, you will see below that there are some big differences between key stage 1 and 2...
Key Stage 1
Percentage: 93.6%
Pupils with 100%: 37
Days of learning lost: 51
Unauthorized absence: 6
Key Stage 2
Percentage: 96.9%
Pupils with 100%: 61
Days of learning lost: 54
Unauthorized absence: 3
You will see that key stage 2 have lost more days in total. However, there are more children in key stage 2, so a higher number of days is not unusual. What is impressive is how many 100%-ers there are, especially in key stage 2.
It has been proven, nationally and repeatedly, that attendance is a key issue in pupils performing well. Please keep up all the good work, and let’s stay above the national average: remember, that was one of the challenges set by OfSTED last year.
Issues out of school
It has been brought to my attention that on a couple of occasions at the end of last week, parents spoke to other people’s children about things that had happened in school. Can I state openly that if you feel you have an issue, it is your responsibility to report it to the school, and that in dealing with it yourself you may well jeopardise the safety of others. Please be fair and considerate in dealing with issues, and you know, I hope, that you can always depend upon the school to resolve the issues appropriately.
Finally, can I say a huge thank you to those of you who returned your questionnaires about the Charter for Respect. This has now been ratified by the Staff and Pupil Wellbeing Committee, and will go to the full governing body next week. A copy will be posted, next week, on the school website, and paper copies are available from the office.
Zak Willis
Attendance
September is now over, and I am delighted to say that the attendance for the school was above the national average of 94.4, with attendance at 94.8. However, you will see below that there are some big differences between key stage 1 and 2...
Key Stage 1
Percentage: 93.6%
Pupils with 100%: 37
Days of learning lost: 51
Unauthorized absence: 6
Key Stage 2
Percentage: 96.9%
Pupils with 100%: 61
Days of learning lost: 54
Unauthorized absence: 3
You will see that key stage 2 have lost more days in total. However, there are more children in key stage 2, so a higher number of days is not unusual. What is impressive is how many 100%-ers there are, especially in key stage 2.
It has been proven, nationally and repeatedly, that attendance is a key issue in pupils performing well. Please keep up all the good work, and let’s stay above the national average: remember, that was one of the challenges set by OfSTED last year.
Issues out of school
It has been brought to my attention that on a couple of occasions at the end of last week, parents spoke to other people’s children about things that had happened in school. Can I state openly that if you feel you have an issue, it is your responsibility to report it to the school, and that in dealing with it yourself you may well jeopardise the safety of others. Please be fair and considerate in dealing with issues, and you know, I hope, that you can always depend upon the school to resolve the issues appropriately.
Finally, can I say a huge thank you to those of you who returned your questionnaires about the Charter for Respect. This has now been ratified by the Staff and Pupil Wellbeing Committee, and will go to the full governing body next week. A copy will be posted, next week, on the school website, and paper copies are available from the office.
Zak Willis
Thursday, 29 September 2011
It is hard to believe September has almost gone, and that we now all need to dig out those shorts for the first weekend of October. Our attendance figures remain impressively high, and are only being damaged by those people who still creep in a few minutes late. Please remember school starts at 8.55 – children should be here before this time.
Let’s share some positives though. Attendance for the first two weeks was well above the national average, and the best class last week, Mr Davies’ class, recorded 99.6% attendance, which is staggering. I am really keen that we start to break the national average for longer periods, so let’s all keep it up. Our prize winners wore their gold, silver and bronze medal – quite rightly – with pride last week at their parties, and a great time was had by all.
Uniform remains impressively smart, and key stage 1 look outstanding in their new PE kits. I would like to raise two small issues: first, a lot of toys seem to be coming into school; could they stay at home please? Second, there is a lot of confusion arising over lunches as children don’t arrive with their packed lunch boxes; can we make sure they arrive with children before 8.55 please?
Apologies – I know I didn’t put a return slip on the year 5 / 6 camp letter. Don’t worry about the slip, please just bring your deposit to Miss Lee in reception and ensure you hand it over personally, making sure it gets recorded.
Message for parents and carers of our new reception children: the Evening Post will be taking photos of our new friends for the special supplement about starting school next Monday at 10.00. Best uniforms please! If you do not wish for your child to be included, please see the class teachers.
Finally, staff at the school will be running the Speakeasy course at school next term. For full details see the reverse of this letter.
I am so glad that this second newsletter records a positive start to the school year. Let’s keep it going everyone.
Zak Willis
Let’s share some positives though. Attendance for the first two weeks was well above the national average, and the best class last week, Mr Davies’ class, recorded 99.6% attendance, which is staggering. I am really keen that we start to break the national average for longer periods, so let’s all keep it up. Our prize winners wore their gold, silver and bronze medal – quite rightly – with pride last week at their parties, and a great time was had by all.
Uniform remains impressively smart, and key stage 1 look outstanding in their new PE kits. I would like to raise two small issues: first, a lot of toys seem to be coming into school; could they stay at home please? Second, there is a lot of confusion arising over lunches as children don’t arrive with their packed lunch boxes; can we make sure they arrive with children before 8.55 please?
Apologies – I know I didn’t put a return slip on the year 5 / 6 camp letter. Don’t worry about the slip, please just bring your deposit to Miss Lee in reception and ensure you hand it over personally, making sure it gets recorded.
Message for parents and carers of our new reception children: the Evening Post will be taking photos of our new friends for the special supplement about starting school next Monday at 10.00. Best uniforms please! If you do not wish for your child to be included, please see the class teachers.
Finally, staff at the school will be running the Speakeasy course at school next term. For full details see the reverse of this letter.
I am so glad that this second newsletter records a positive start to the school year. Let’s keep it going everyone.
Zak Willis
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
New School Year
Please note, Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September are INSET days and the school is closed to children. School opens to children for the new term on Monday 5th September.
For information about other dates, visit our calendar page here...
For information about other dates, visit our calendar page here...
Thursday, 21 July 2011
I find it difficult to believe a year has passed. However, when I look back over the course of the year, I am extremely proud of what has been achieved in the course of this year, and write to you for the last time this year, even more proud to be the Head of Badock’s Wood Primary School.
Before I conclude with our achievements, I will need to put some actual news in this newsletter. As you know, school closes for the year at 3.20 tomorrow, Friday 22nd July. School reopens for pupils on Monday 5th September. The Inset days for the next academic year are as follows:
Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September 2011
Tuesday 3rd January 2012
Friday 30th March 2012
Monday 11th June 2012
Breakfast club will continue to run next year. However, the Governing Body have arranged that the club will be run by WISH, with Miss Fitzgerald working there each morning. However, for the club to run successfully, we will require a number of volunteers to assist, and we still require the financial support of families coming to buy their breakfasts. More details will follow in September, but please come along on the 5th September as normal. (Another letter, with menus and prices, is to be circulated).
As you will have read last week, we have a number of staff leaving us. Miss Parnell, Mr Scaiff and Mr Greirson are all moving to pastures new, and we wish them the very best of luck. Mrs Woollacott and Mrs Rich leave the school after many years work for which we offer them enormous thanks. Mr Chris Lambert is also leaving us to work with children in another school. May I take this opportunity to thank each of these colleagues for the work and dedication to the school, and their personal contributions to our amazing journey this year.
And what a journey it has been. Last September, I challenged the staff to reach some highly ambitious targets. Surely, that is what Aspire – Achieve – Enjoy is all about? We knew we would face not one but two visits from OfSTED, and that we had to make significant improvements in many areas. We also shared a school improvement plan which was extremely ambitious in its scope, to the point where some outsiders thought we would not achieve it.
Little did they know…
This year, the school has enjoyed the following successes.
• The best key stage 2 results ever, including maths outcomes in line with the national average;
• Key Stage 1 results all up by an average of 25%;
• Achievement in reading and maths has significantly improved in all year groups, and our average point score (APS – the national average is 3) was 4.17
• Our best attendance for the 11 years of records kept by Education Welfare;
• Not one but two highly complimentary OfSTED reports, including the school’s crowing achievement – the removal of the Notice to Improve category; in addition to this, teaching and learning, progress and leadership were all rated as “Good” or better;
• The school was recognized as an Investor in People organization;
• The school was awarded the Financial Management in Schools standard;
• The school was awarded the Every Child a Reader standard.
Not bad eh? And we completed the entire school improvement plan. And three key stage plans. And a literacy and numeracy plan.
Of course, these lofty ambitions are never realized without the hard work and commitment of dedicated staff. Furthermore, our highly supportive governors, who were also graded as “Good” in our OfSTED inspection, have been invaluable in pushing us all to strive for better outcomes. Finally, nothing at all would be possible without the positive, determined attitudes of our learners who turn up every day with the sole intention of learning. To each and every one of you, may I say two things.
1. Thank you very, very much. You may never know how important your contribution was.
2. We’re aiming even higher next year. And thank you again.
Have a wonderful, calm, safe, relaxing summer, whatever the weather, and I look forward to seeing you all again on September 5th (or sooner!).
Zak Willis
Before I conclude with our achievements, I will need to put some actual news in this newsletter. As you know, school closes for the year at 3.20 tomorrow, Friday 22nd July. School reopens for pupils on Monday 5th September. The Inset days for the next academic year are as follows:
Thursday 1st and Friday 2nd September 2011
Tuesday 3rd January 2012
Friday 30th March 2012
Monday 11th June 2012
Breakfast club will continue to run next year. However, the Governing Body have arranged that the club will be run by WISH, with Miss Fitzgerald working there each morning. However, for the club to run successfully, we will require a number of volunteers to assist, and we still require the financial support of families coming to buy their breakfasts. More details will follow in September, but please come along on the 5th September as normal. (Another letter, with menus and prices, is to be circulated).
As you will have read last week, we have a number of staff leaving us. Miss Parnell, Mr Scaiff and Mr Greirson are all moving to pastures new, and we wish them the very best of luck. Mrs Woollacott and Mrs Rich leave the school after many years work for which we offer them enormous thanks. Mr Chris Lambert is also leaving us to work with children in another school. May I take this opportunity to thank each of these colleagues for the work and dedication to the school, and their personal contributions to our amazing journey this year.
And what a journey it has been. Last September, I challenged the staff to reach some highly ambitious targets. Surely, that is what Aspire – Achieve – Enjoy is all about? We knew we would face not one but two visits from OfSTED, and that we had to make significant improvements in many areas. We also shared a school improvement plan which was extremely ambitious in its scope, to the point where some outsiders thought we would not achieve it.
Little did they know…
This year, the school has enjoyed the following successes.
• The best key stage 2 results ever, including maths outcomes in line with the national average;
• Key Stage 1 results all up by an average of 25%;
• Achievement in reading and maths has significantly improved in all year groups, and our average point score (APS – the national average is 3) was 4.17
• Our best attendance for the 11 years of records kept by Education Welfare;
• Not one but two highly complimentary OfSTED reports, including the school’s crowing achievement – the removal of the Notice to Improve category; in addition to this, teaching and learning, progress and leadership were all rated as “Good” or better;
• The school was recognized as an Investor in People organization;
• The school was awarded the Financial Management in Schools standard;
• The school was awarded the Every Child a Reader standard.
Not bad eh? And we completed the entire school improvement plan. And three key stage plans. And a literacy and numeracy plan.
Of course, these lofty ambitions are never realized without the hard work and commitment of dedicated staff. Furthermore, our highly supportive governors, who were also graded as “Good” in our OfSTED inspection, have been invaluable in pushing us all to strive for better outcomes. Finally, nothing at all would be possible without the positive, determined attitudes of our learners who turn up every day with the sole intention of learning. To each and every one of you, may I say two things.
1. Thank you very, very much. You may never know how important your contribution was.
2. We’re aiming even higher next year. And thank you again.
Have a wonderful, calm, safe, relaxing summer, whatever the weather, and I look forward to seeing you all again on September 5th (or sooner!).
Zak Willis
Friday, 15 July 2011
Friday, 24 June 2011
SCHOOL CLOSURE NOTICE
Please be aware that on Thursday 30th June, the school will be closed because of industrial action.
School will reopen again the next day, Friday 1st July at the normal time.
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
OFSTED Report June 2011
After the recent very successful inspection of Badock's Wood Primary School, the full inspection report is available to download here...
An interview with Mr Willis, Headteacher, about the report and it's findings is available to listen to via our new podcast, BadocksFM. To listen to the podcast, click here...
To read an article from the Bristol Evening Post, about the successful inspection, click here...
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Sports Day Reminder - 17th June
This Friday (17th June) will be our annual sports day.
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 will in the morning, 9.30am start. Nursery, Reception, Years 1 and 2 will be in the afternoon, 1.00pm start.
Like last year, there will be numerous traditional track based events. There will be an area for parents to sit and watch and cheer, but please to do cross or walk on the track.
If it rains, the day will be postponed until later in the month; we will let you know the new date by newsletter and/or the website.
Wednesday, 8 June 2011
Class Photographs
On Friday 10th June, there will be class photographs. Make sure school uniform is worn!
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
A Reminder!
Don't forget: Monday 6th June is an INSET day and school is closed. Children start back for Term 6 on Tuesday 7th June.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
I am delighted to present with this newsletter a copy of the OfSTED inspection report, following our visit two weeks ago. As you will see, they believe that Badock’s Wood no longer requires significant improvement, and has worked hard to improve since the last inspection. Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the inspection process. At the back of the report is a letter just for the children, which you will find in every report. I will take time to share this with the children in Friday’s praise assembly, but would be most grateful if you shared it with the children at home.
Naturally, we are very pleased with the outcome, and feel it is a true and accurate reflection of the school. Nevertheless, we will work hard to continue to strive for high standards.
Should you wish to ask any questions, or would like anything cleared up, please don’t hesitate to come and see me.
Attendance
Even though OfSTED were impressed, term 5 has been our worst so far for attendance. I am meeting with the Education Welfare Officer early in term 6 when we will look at some of these issues. Please ensure your children are attending school regularly, or action will be taken.
Advance warning – Sports Day: Friday June 17th. Details to follow.
Finally, may I say to everyone – staff and governors included – have a wonderful, relaxing half term. School closes tomorrow for pupils, and reopens on Tuesday 7th June as normal. Although we have achieved good things this term, my aspiration is to achieve great things, and I’m sure we can do this in term 6, rounding off a brilliant year for everyone.
Have a great break.
Zak Willis
Naturally, we are very pleased with the outcome, and feel it is a true and accurate reflection of the school. Nevertheless, we will work hard to continue to strive for high standards.
Should you wish to ask any questions, or would like anything cleared up, please don’t hesitate to come and see me.
Attendance
Even though OfSTED were impressed, term 5 has been our worst so far for attendance. I am meeting with the Education Welfare Officer early in term 6 when we will look at some of these issues. Please ensure your children are attending school regularly, or action will be taken.
Advance warning – Sports Day: Friday June 17th. Details to follow.
Finally, may I say to everyone – staff and governors included – have a wonderful, relaxing half term. School closes tomorrow for pupils, and reopens on Tuesday 7th June as normal. Although we have achieved good things this term, my aspiration is to achieve great things, and I’m sure we can do this in term 6, rounding off a brilliant year for everyone.
Have a great break.
Zak Willis
Thursday, 12 May 2011
OfSTED
As you all know, we have been visited this week by OfSTED. Three inspectors have been working within the school for the last two days to observe the school’s improvement journey. Your contributions and questionnaires have been seen by the inspectors, and were very much valued. Thank you all so much for your contribution.
We will let you know the result as soon as we have the report.
Playground
With the sunny weather (isn’t it brilliant?) many children are quite rightly riding bikes and scooters to school. In the interests of everyone’s safety, could I please ask you to observe the following two items.
1. Please could children and adults of all ages not ride bikes or scooters in the main playground or along the path.
2. When storing bikes and scooters in the bike shed, could learners and carers please take great care – we have had a couple of near misses recently.
Attendance
Attendance for term 4 was our highest so far at 92.9%. Miss Dark’s / Miss Wilkey’s class were the best attenders at 96.8%. We had 71 100% attenders for the term, which is one of our highest figures ever. We still all need to keep going on attendance – term 5 is so short, we could get 100 100%-ers! Let’s go for it.
Advance notice – Term 5 ends on May 27th. Term 6 – the final term this year (where did that go!) will start for learners on Tuesday 7th June.
Once again, a huge thank you for all your comments and questionnaires for the inspection – they really were a massive help.
Zak Willis
As you all know, we have been visited this week by OfSTED. Three inspectors have been working within the school for the last two days to observe the school’s improvement journey. Your contributions and questionnaires have been seen by the inspectors, and were very much valued. Thank you all so much for your contribution.
We will let you know the result as soon as we have the report.
Playground
With the sunny weather (isn’t it brilliant?) many children are quite rightly riding bikes and scooters to school. In the interests of everyone’s safety, could I please ask you to observe the following two items.
1. Please could children and adults of all ages not ride bikes or scooters in the main playground or along the path.
2. When storing bikes and scooters in the bike shed, could learners and carers please take great care – we have had a couple of near misses recently.
Attendance
Attendance for term 4 was our highest so far at 92.9%. Miss Dark’s / Miss Wilkey’s class were the best attenders at 96.8%. We had 71 100% attenders for the term, which is one of our highest figures ever. We still all need to keep going on attendance – term 5 is so short, we could get 100 100%-ers! Let’s go for it.
Advance notice – Term 5 ends on May 27th. Term 6 – the final term this year (where did that go!) will start for learners on Tuesday 7th June.
Once again, a huge thank you for all your comments and questionnaires for the inspection – they really were a massive help.
Zak Willis
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
A warm welcome back to term 5, after an extremely warm (wasn’t it brilliant?) Easter break.
As you all know, school is closed this Friday to commemorate the royal wedding. In order to ensure that the children know exactly what is happening, and why this event is so important it requires a day off school, we have dedicated these three days to activities and learning opportunities all about the wedding, the royal family and about the history connected to it. Assemblies and other activities are also dedicated to celebrating the wedding.
We would like to end the week on a shared celebration, so we will be holding a “street party” in our central playground from 2-3. All children will have lunch as normal, but then we will end the afternoon together. The reason for this letter is to ask two favours.
1. If you could contribute something small, e.g., biscuits or cakes, to the school for the street party, we would much appreciate it. Drinks will be provided by the school – we just need snacks please.
2. If anyone has any photos of street parties past, e.g., 1977, 1981, which they are happy to loan to us to put on display, we would be very grateful to see them.
Children need to be in school uniform throughout the proceedings please – uniform for the first day back was outstanding, many thanks to you all.
School closes at 3.20 on Thursday 28th and re-opens for children and staff on Tuesday 3rd May.
Have a great week and a brilliant May Day weekend everyone.
Zak Willis
As you all know, school is closed this Friday to commemorate the royal wedding. In order to ensure that the children know exactly what is happening, and why this event is so important it requires a day off school, we have dedicated these three days to activities and learning opportunities all about the wedding, the royal family and about the history connected to it. Assemblies and other activities are also dedicated to celebrating the wedding.
We would like to end the week on a shared celebration, so we will be holding a “street party” in our central playground from 2-3. All children will have lunch as normal, but then we will end the afternoon together. The reason for this letter is to ask two favours.
1. If you could contribute something small, e.g., biscuits or cakes, to the school for the street party, we would much appreciate it. Drinks will be provided by the school – we just need snacks please.
2. If anyone has any photos of street parties past, e.g., 1977, 1981, which they are happy to loan to us to put on display, we would be very grateful to see them.
Children need to be in school uniform throughout the proceedings please – uniform for the first day back was outstanding, many thanks to you all.
School closes at 3.20 on Thursday 28th and re-opens for children and staff on Tuesday 3rd May.
Have a great week and a brilliant May Day weekend everyone.
Zak Willis
Thursday, 31 March 2011
April tomorrow. How on earth did that happen?
Term Dates
School Closes next Friday, 8th April, for the Easter Break. School will reopen on Tuesday 26th April for the three-day week, during which we intend to cover a number of activities around the royal family and the wedding, culminating in a tea party on the Thursday afternoon.
Attendance for these three days is just as important as any other days, and your children are expected to attend. School is closed on Friday 29th April for the Royal wedding, and on Monday 2nd May for the Bank holiday, reopening on Tuesday 3rd May for the remainder of term 5 (date for your diaries – term 5 ends on Friday 27th May).
Attendance
Attendance for term 4 has been excellent. In the last two weeks, attendance for the entire school has been above the national average, and the highest in my time here. We have had one class with 100% attendance for the week, which is brilliant, and I am looking forward to many more brilliant attendance figures at the end of next week.
For term 3, overall attendance was 92.2% - the highest this year so far. I am quietly confident that term 4 will be even better, but attendance right up to the very last day is vital, so next Friday will be very important for our figures. As well as one or two items of fun (see below) children will be completing pieces of work, and continuing to follow topics and projects until the very last afternoon – their being here is crucial.
Easter Bonnets
Although Easter seems like a million miles away, many parents and children (and Miss Pingree) have expressed a desire to hold the annual Easter Bonnet parade. Therefore, as final farewell to term 4, the parade of Easter Bonnets will be held on Friday 8th April at 2.30. All children (and staff!) are welcome to join in – bring your bonnets on the day.
I will speak to you all, I hope, before the end of what has so far been an extremely productive term 4.
Zak Willis
Term Dates
School Closes next Friday, 8th April, for the Easter Break. School will reopen on Tuesday 26th April for the three-day week, during which we intend to cover a number of activities around the royal family and the wedding, culminating in a tea party on the Thursday afternoon.
Attendance for these three days is just as important as any other days, and your children are expected to attend. School is closed on Friday 29th April for the Royal wedding, and on Monday 2nd May for the Bank holiday, reopening on Tuesday 3rd May for the remainder of term 5 (date for your diaries – term 5 ends on Friday 27th May).
Attendance
Attendance for term 4 has been excellent. In the last two weeks, attendance for the entire school has been above the national average, and the highest in my time here. We have had one class with 100% attendance for the week, which is brilliant, and I am looking forward to many more brilliant attendance figures at the end of next week.
For term 3, overall attendance was 92.2% - the highest this year so far. I am quietly confident that term 4 will be even better, but attendance right up to the very last day is vital, so next Friday will be very important for our figures. As well as one or two items of fun (see below) children will be completing pieces of work, and continuing to follow topics and projects until the very last afternoon – their being here is crucial.
Easter Bonnets
Although Easter seems like a million miles away, many parents and children (and Miss Pingree) have expressed a desire to hold the annual Easter Bonnet parade. Therefore, as final farewell to term 4, the parade of Easter Bonnets will be held on Friday 8th April at 2.30. All children (and staff!) are welcome to join in – bring your bonnets on the day.
I will speak to you all, I hope, before the end of what has so far been an extremely productive term 4.
Zak Willis
Thursday, 17 March 2011
As you all know, tomorrow is Red Nose Day 2011. We have been talking with the children about this event for the last few weeks and they all know how we intend to join in: children must be in school uniform – no exceptions – but they have been encouraged to make their hair look as crazy as they possibly can. Wigs and hats are allowed as well.
During the day, we will photograph the children and take a collection which we will send in as the school’s donation to this year’s appeal. Any parents and carers who wish to join in will have their photo taken for our board as well.
Let’s have a great day everyone.
Reading club will now take place on a Monday lunchtime instead of after school on a Wednesday. All children in years one and two are invited to come along to the Reception classroom between 12.30 and 1.00 with their book bags. Year six reading buddies are also invited to come along - Miss Neal & Mrs Knight look forward to seeing you all there.
Also, just a quick reminder that the World Book Day book review competition will be closing on Friday 25th March. Children are invited to submit a review of their favourite book, these reviews can be in pictures and or writing and should be completed on A4 paper. Please ask your teachers for a piece of paper and hand your entries to Miss Neal by Friday 25th - prizes to be won!!
I have to congratulate some of our year 6 girls on the publication of last week’s brilliant Badock’s Big Mouth – the first edition of the Badock’s Wood newspaper. I have been reliably informed that next week’s edition will be even better – have your 20p coins ready…
Finally, a massive well done to all our bronze silver and gold attendees. Attendance for last term was 92.2% - the best it has been in my time here. Our overall attendance for the year is better than for last year, and we had over 50 children who attended for all of term 3. Those are very impressive statistics – please keep it going.
Zak Willis
Thursday, 3 March 2011
What a great start to term 4, the second half of the year. Attendance for the first half of this year is way up on the same time last year, pupils’ uniform looks excellent, and we have much to look forward to. A warm welcome back to some old friends, and some new (including a new Baby Ford, Marcey Eva, arriving March 1st as planned.) Just a quick note of some dates and projects coming up.
World Book Day
We will celebrate World Book Day this Friday, 4th March. Children will get the chance to listen to stories, join in stories, and will each receive one of the world book day books. All children are invited to dress as a character from a book for the day, and we will be giving prizes to the very best. (Please note – this is not a non-uniform day; if you don’t want to dress up, that’s fine, school uniform will do.)
Key Stage 2 Homework
As of next week, all key stage 2 children will receive writing homework every week. I have informed the whole key stage today how this will work, and they have been given their books. Loss of books will be charged to the family, and not doing homework will mean the children are asked to do it in break / lunch times.
Red Nose Day
RND 2011 is March 18th. We will give you more details closer to the time, but we will be doing some special events for Red Nose Day. Please do not buy costumes, as we will still be in school uniform, just with an unusual, and very easy, twist…
Attendance awards
Next week I will send out letters to the 109 pupils who are in the gold – silver – bronze categories for the first half of the year, who will all get the chance to join in a little “half way there” treat next week.
Here’s to a great second half of the year, where we hope to build on the many successes of the first.
Zak Willis
World Book Day
We will celebrate World Book Day this Friday, 4th March. Children will get the chance to listen to stories, join in stories, and will each receive one of the world book day books. All children are invited to dress as a character from a book for the day, and we will be giving prizes to the very best. (Please note – this is not a non-uniform day; if you don’t want to dress up, that’s fine, school uniform will do.)
Key Stage 2 Homework
As of next week, all key stage 2 children will receive writing homework every week. I have informed the whole key stage today how this will work, and they have been given their books. Loss of books will be charged to the family, and not doing homework will mean the children are asked to do it in break / lunch times.
Red Nose Day
RND 2011 is March 18th. We will give you more details closer to the time, but we will be doing some special events for Red Nose Day. Please do not buy costumes, as we will still be in school uniform, just with an unusual, and very easy, twist…
Attendance awards
Next week I will send out letters to the 109 pupils who are in the gold – silver – bronze categories for the first half of the year, who will all get the chance to join in a little “half way there” treat next week.
Here’s to a great second half of the year, where we hope to build on the many successes of the first.
Zak Willis
Thursday, 17 February 2011
Can you believe we are now half way through this year? It is amazing to think that we have now had 6 months of this year, and very pleasing to think how far we have come.
Term 3 finishes tomorrow at 3.20 – attendance for all children tomorrow is crucial. Term 4 starts – for pupils – on Tuesday 1st March. (Just to give you advance warning, term 4 ends on Friday 8th April.)
Attendance in term 3 has been pleasing, with a number of improvements. We have been telling the children how their class has done each week; last week, 7 out of 10 classes was above 90%, and 4 were above the national average (94%). We still have a high number of children in the gold – silver – bronze categories, and I will be rewarding all of these children just after the half term break.
Dinner Monies
When we return, please could all dinner monies be sent directly to the office. You will notice a change in the office: Mrs Ford is leaving to have her baby, and Mrs elvin will be taking over the office whilst she is away. Welcome to Mrs Elvin, and we wish Mrs Ford (and Mr and Baby Ford) the very best of luck.
Finally, as we reach the half way point, may I say that the children have continued – mostly – to look excellent in their uniform, lateness has gone down and attendance is going up, and the quality of the children’s work has been commented on by a number of visitors as being of a very high quality.
That’s all fantastic. In the second half of the year, we’re going to be even better.
Have a very restful break everyone.
Zak Willis
Term 3 finishes tomorrow at 3.20 – attendance for all children tomorrow is crucial. Term 4 starts – for pupils – on Tuesday 1st March. (Just to give you advance warning, term 4 ends on Friday 8th April.)
Attendance in term 3 has been pleasing, with a number of improvements. We have been telling the children how their class has done each week; last week, 7 out of 10 classes was above 90%, and 4 were above the national average (94%). We still have a high number of children in the gold – silver – bronze categories, and I will be rewarding all of these children just after the half term break.
Dinner Monies
When we return, please could all dinner monies be sent directly to the office. You will notice a change in the office: Mrs Ford is leaving to have her baby, and Mrs elvin will be taking over the office whilst she is away. Welcome to Mrs Elvin, and we wish Mrs Ford (and Mr and Baby Ford) the very best of luck.
Finally, as we reach the half way point, may I say that the children have continued – mostly – to look excellent in their uniform, lateness has gone down and attendance is going up, and the quality of the children’s work has been commented on by a number of visitors as being of a very high quality.
That’s all fantastic. In the second half of the year, we’re going to be even better.
Have a very restful break everyone.
Zak Willis
Thursday, 27 January 2011
January has almost gone – where exactly? – and we have had a calm and productive start to the term. The only noticeable change is a slight rearrangement of the school day, with assembly much earlier, lunch slightly earlier for our older children, and a longer afternoon. So far, a busy lunch hall has been the only issue, but we’re working around that one. Assembly is 9.05 every day, the time at which the registers close.
Today and tomorrow, the school is undergoing an assessment for the Investors’ in People award. Our assessor, Gerry Mountrey, is working with staff at all levels to look at the school’s progress as an organisation. Should anyone else wish to contribute, please come and see me and I’ll introduce you.
Facebook
I’m not on Facebook – after all, I have no friends. However, I have been increasingly concerned about hearing issues arising in school because of comments made on Facebook. OR, incidents in school being discussed. Neither of these are appropriate. In fact, for school business to be discussed on Facebook is utterly unacceptable – staff know it is a disciplinary offence to discuss school issues on Facebook.
Children under 13 should not be using Facebook. If you have an issue that has something to do with an incident in school please see us. If I discover that a child has posted something offensive on Facebook, or that a school issue has been discussed, I will report it to Facebook’s safe usage agent, who may well close those accounts. I will treat this as a Child Protection issue.
Work Club
Please see on the back of this newsletter an advert for a new job club starting at the Children’s Centre. This group is in touch with a number of big employers in the area, and are trying to provide positive solutions as the new government initiative about getting parents back to work take effect.
Finally, advance warning number 1 – school closes on Friday 18th February for half term, and reopens for pupils on Tuesday 1st March.
Zak Willis
Today and tomorrow, the school is undergoing an assessment for the Investors’ in People award. Our assessor, Gerry Mountrey, is working with staff at all levels to look at the school’s progress as an organisation. Should anyone else wish to contribute, please come and see me and I’ll introduce you.
I’m not on Facebook – after all, I have no friends. However, I have been increasingly concerned about hearing issues arising in school because of comments made on Facebook. OR, incidents in school being discussed. Neither of these are appropriate. In fact, for school business to be discussed on Facebook is utterly unacceptable – staff know it is a disciplinary offence to discuss school issues on Facebook.
Children under 13 should not be using Facebook. If you have an issue that has something to do with an incident in school please see us. If I discover that a child has posted something offensive on Facebook, or that a school issue has been discussed, I will report it to Facebook’s safe usage agent, who may well close those accounts. I will treat this as a Child Protection issue.
Work Club
Please see on the back of this newsletter an advert for a new job club starting at the Children’s Centre. This group is in touch with a number of big employers in the area, and are trying to provide positive solutions as the new government initiative about getting parents back to work take effect.
Finally, advance warning number 1 – school closes on Friday 18th February for half term, and reopens for pupils on Tuesday 1st March.
Zak Willis
Friday, 14 January 2011
A happy new year to you all, if I haven’t had the chance to say it already. We’ve had a calm and settled (and wet!) start to term, which has been really enjoyable. Uniform is, as ever, very smart, and attendance seems to be on the up. Thank you all – let’s keep it going. 38 children had 100% attendance in term 2, and 42 are gold attendees. Term 3 was our poorest term last year – please join us in trying to make it our best so far this year.
Start times
We are delighted that more children are attending on time. However, may I remind you all that no-one should be in the school building, other than for breakfast club, before 8.50, and key stage 2 should not come in until their teachers arrive to collect them from the playground. If you need to see your teacher, then please see them at this time, or mention to them about an appointment which we can book at another time. If, however, it is raining, we will ensure the children get the chance to come indoors and stay dry.
Scooters and bikes
For the safety of the children, especially the smaller ones, please can everyone – adults included – refrain from riding bikes and scooters in the playground or on the main path.
Smoking
Parents and carers have been smoking in the playground and on the path. Smoking on the school grounds is strictly forbidden and will be challenged.
Texting service
Please remember that we have whole school texting service to inform you immediately of any notices – this will be our preferred method of contacting you should we need to close school for January snow. In order for us to contact you, we need your very latest number – please ensure the office has this information.
Stay warm and dry everyone!
Zak Willis
Start times
We are delighted that more children are attending on time. However, may I remind you all that no-one should be in the school building, other than for breakfast club, before 8.50, and key stage 2 should not come in until their teachers arrive to collect them from the playground. If you need to see your teacher, then please see them at this time, or mention to them about an appointment which we can book at another time. If, however, it is raining, we will ensure the children get the chance to come indoors and stay dry.
Scooters and bikes
For the safety of the children, especially the smaller ones, please can everyone – adults included – refrain from riding bikes and scooters in the playground or on the main path.
Smoking
Parents and carers have been smoking in the playground and on the path. Smoking on the school grounds is strictly forbidden and will be challenged.
Texting service
Please remember that we have whole school texting service to inform you immediately of any notices – this will be our preferred method of contacting you should we need to close school for January snow. In order for us to contact you, we need your very latest number – please ensure the office has this information.
Stay warm and dry everyone!
Zak Willis
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