It was lovely to welcome so many families into school again this week for our Curriculum Evening and thank you for the overwhelmingly positive feedback. I have to say that I felt incredibly proud of our school community as staff and Subject Leads showcased the amazing things each of their areas offers the children but also gave parents a chance to experience their passion and knowledge firsthand. I was also proud of how engaged and supportive families were, and many staff have commented on how warm the reception they received was.
I very much enjoyed the opportunity to share some of our school development plans for the year ahead and also take some time to celebrate the ethos and beliefs we hold as a school and just how much they contribute to the achievements of our pupils. Whilst immensely proud of the high academic standards and scholarship awards our children continue to achieve, I think it is the character and nature of a BPS child that stands them apart. The PowerPoint pixies prevented me from sharing some photos celebrating this exact thing, and I am actually quite glad that I can use this week’s blog to highlight this in greater detail.
Our new play area around White Cottage has already become a firm favorite with children across the school. The enormous sand pit, multi passenger swing and the loose parts play equipment have already made a remarkable impact. We deliberately changed our playtime set up this year to allow for greater flow, choice and child interaction. It has required further duty commitments from staff to open up more areas, but in typical fashion this has been done with grace and acknowledgement of the benefits for the children. What we have seen already happening has been nothing short of inspiring. Children have been collaborating, cooperating, and resolving when the former doesn’t work, creating and being wonderfully curious. What has been particularly special has been the interaction with children across different year groups. We often talk about the impact of our Year 6 leaders as role models, but every child in the school has the potential to role model, every day. The children are learning so much from each other, they are watching, listening and sharing ideas and knowledge. It is brilliant to see.
I have included some photos and also a reminder of our school Ethos for Learning, which so much of comes to life through these amazing opportunities to play and explore! I am off to explore what extra items we can add to this area to set our little creators new challenges!
Have a lovely weekend.
Jon Chesworth
Headteacher
