Governor News

Supporting KS2 SATS

It is considered good practice for procedures involved in ensuring the security and proper implementation of KS 2 SATS tests to be observed and scrutinised by trusted figures known to the school. This year, from Monday 8th May to Thursday 11th May, scrutiny of all testing sessions was covered by governors.

The Monday to Wednesday sessions were attended by Shelagh Rixon and John Blundell and Shelagh Rixon were in attendance for the Thursday sessions.

New Teacher Interviews

Colin Marscheider and Lynne Jeffs supported the school in appointing a new teacher. Six candidates were shortlisted and were interviewed. The interview consisted of a formal interview and an hour lesson on poetry to Year 3.

Lynne along with Mrs Dismoor observed the lessons and an observation pro-forma was completed for each observation with a discussion with class TAs about candidates effectiveness within the classroom.

Colin along with Mr Ledgard and Mrs Sahota conducted the formal interviews.
Finally a formal discussion about observations and conclusions from written observations and feedback from he formal interview a candidate was appointed

Compton Verney

Lynne Jeffs accompanied 3H on a trip to Compton Verney.
The children explored Bronze Age life through a range of outdoor and hands on activities with a Forest School Leader.
They took part in 5 activities:
Hands on “Wattle and Daub” with mud, straw and manure.
Build and construct a traditional Bronze Age rectangular or round house using natural resources and materials on site.
Grind wheat to make flour.
Prepare fire for heat, survival and protection.
Make bread using water and flour.

Finally the children were able to taste traditional Bronze Age bread whilst sitting around the fire.
The children were keen to try all activities. They worked as teams and it was lovely to see how they helped and supported each other during all the activities.
The adults felt this was a worthwhile experience for the children and that the Forest School Leader was well organised and very knowledgeable.
The children were a credit to the school.

Birmingham Sea Life World

Shelagh accompanied Year Two on a trip to Birmingham Sea Life World on Wednesday 21st November. Penguins, rays, sharks and turtles were the predicted success but an unexpected experience was a visit behind the scenes where the children inspected (and smelled!) some of the food prepared for the fish and other sea-animals. Behaviour was excellent and children stayed very sensibly near their designated adults in spite of all the exciting climbing in and out of tunnels and opportunities to see so many different habitats and creatures on the route round the exhibition.

Visit to Birmingham City Museum and Art Gallery

On Tuesday 15th November, Year 3 visited the Birmingham City Museum and Art Gallery Ancient Greek Department accompanied by teaching staff, support staff, parents and a governor, Shelagh. The children undertook challenging archaeological tasks, identifying some of the artifacts on display and also learnt about how the original Olympic Games were conducted, took part (magnificently!) in their own performance of a Greek Tragedy and joined in a reconstruction of ancient Athens’ annual celebration, the Panathenaic Procession, all in full costume. Behaviour as ever was exemplary and the level of engagement in the drama activities in particular was a pleasure to see. From the wistful looks cast by the children on all the other wonderful exhibits we had to pass by on our way to and from the Greek section, perhaps other visits would be popular!

TEAM BUILDING EVENT

Years 3 and 4 made Grange Farm proud at the team building event they attended at Finham Park School on Monday morning, 14th November 2016. All of the pupils were exceptionally well-behaved, showing great skills in listening and supporting one another throughout the activities as well as collaborating in an outstanding manner with their partner school Finham Primary. Our pupils had the opportunity to enjoy a number of warm-up, parachute, teamwork and drama based games alongside mat races, bench activities and capture the flag. A number of our pupils were awarded gold, silver and bronze medals. All of the participants received certificates in recognition of their hard work as part of a team.

Sultan, Lynne, Shelagh and Colin supported the event.

On 8th November our Year5/ Year6 children took part in a team building event at Finham Park Secondary School where they had to work with children from other schools to solve problems, develop team building skills and complete tasks.
The children were split into 12 groups (about 18 children in each group) and there were varied activities completed in the sports hall and on the outdoor hard courts. Some of the challenges that the children faced were quite demanding and our pupils showed great enthusiasm and committment when attempting the activities.
At the end of the morning the Finham Park Year 10 students chose the top three pupils from each group who showed leadership skills and I am delighted to say our children at Grange Farm were presented with a number of gold, silver and bronze medals.
Well done everyone, a smashing event.

Pete and Shelagh supported the event.

November 15 – The term of office for chair and vice chair has changed from one year to two years.