July/August 2016
Ashdown Primary becomes a CU Learning Destination
T
he official launch of the Children’s University took place in September with many children already geared up and ready to receive their first learning credits.
The deputy mayor Quentin Burch attended the ceremony and handed out certificates to those who had completed the Summer Challenge. Our patron Prem Goyal was unable to attend but sent a video message of encouragement to the children. The level of work completed was outstanding and great fun for all the children to have been involved in over the Summer Holiday. The next challenge is already available and will take us through to the spring, with activities involving Christmas ideas and things to make and do. Also from the evening contact has
Crowborough Deputy Mayor Quentin Burch with children who completed the CU Summer Challenge
By Heather Dace been established with organisations within Crowborough who want to become a learning destination – football clubs, beavers etc so additional learning credits will be available from
these organisations too very soon. If you attend or visit somewhere that you think would be good to become a learning destination, please contact Yolanda Houston yhouston@ashdown.e-sussex.sch.uk
Pupils to get to visit the City
I
n April students will have the opportunity to visit the financial district in London and meet with our Patron Prem Goyal OBE JP. Mr Goyal is keen to encourage children to aspire through education and will take the children on a city tour and lunch.
By Pam Ranger Mr Goyal was unable to visit Ashdown for the launch but sent a video message to the Children and has promised to visit Ashdown in the New Year. Prem highlighted the importance he has always placed on education and described how learning lead him to become a successful entrepreneur.
Prem Goyal OBE JP
Some local Learning Destinations The following are just a few of the local Learning Destinations recognised by the Children’s University.
Kent and East Sussex Railway The Kent and East Sussex Railway is the country’s finest example of a rural light railway. The line gently wends its way from Tenterden - “The Jewel of The Weald” for ten and a half miles, through the unspoilt countryside of the Rother Valley, to terminate in the shadow of the magnificent National Trust castle at Bodiam.
1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield For a memorable family day out in Sussex explore Battle Abbey and Battlefield, the site of the 1066 Battle of Hastings. Discover more about the most famous date in English history while walking in the steps of King Harold and William the Conqueror. An engaging visitor centre features CGI film and interactive displays that tell the story of the great battle and paint a vivid picture of England at the time of the conquest. The audio tour as you walk the battlefield brings the momentous day to life which changed England’s history forever. Explore the atmospheric abbey ruins and stand on the very spot where King Harold is said to have died. We also have a museum, as well as the chance to pause for lunch in our modern café. With so much to see and do, and fun events throughout the year, it isn’t surprising this remains one of the most popular visitor attractions in the South East. A place in history you cannot afford not to visit.
Huntfun Eastbourne treasure hunt
Gain two hours accredited learning, and spend some quality time together at the weekend or in the school holidays! Our Eastbourne treasure hunt is a great fun activity taking you past many local attractions and places of interest, The RNLI Lifeboat Museum, The Wish Tower, Eastbourne Pier and The Military Museum of Sussex, opening your eyes to so many other things you would ordinarily just walk straight past!
Pevensey Castle encompasses a rich history Pevensey Castle is a great family day out in East Sussex, encompassing rich history and fun things to do and see for adults and children. With a history stretching back over 16 centuries, Pevensey Castle chronicles more graphically than any other fortress the story of Britain’s south coast defences. Beginning in the 4th century as one of the last and strongest of the Roman ‘Saxon Shore’ forts, two-thirds of whose towered walls still stand. It was the landing place of William the Conqueror’s army in 1066. During the century after the Conquest a full-scale Norman castle, with a great square keep and a powerful gatehouse, was built within one corner of the fort. In the 1250s the towered bailey wall was constructed, and soon put to the test during the great siege of 1264. There are no toilet facilities except the public conveniences in use presently.
Spa Valley Railway Spa Valley Railway runs heritage steam and diesel trains through the picturesque Kent and Sussex Weald.
Bayham Old Abbey Bayham Abbey makes a fascinating day out on the Kent Sussex border. The impressive ruins include much of the 13th to 15th-century church, the chapter house, and a picturesque 14th-century gatehouse. Now set in grounds designed by famous landscape gardener Humphry Repton, who also planned the grounds of Kenwood House in London. Rooms in the ‘Georgian Gothick’ dower house are also open to visitors.
Get the App If you want to find places to visit and need to know where activities are taking place you can visit the CU website http://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/ or download the app.
Have you got your passport yet? In the early stages Children will begin collecting learning credits in the hard copy passports. Usually one credit = 1 hour of learning. All activities will have the learning credit amount visible, so children can keep a tally on how many credits they are earning. Ashdown Primary has prepared an Autumn Challenge to get children started and earning credits. Information can be found on the school website as well as hard copies for children to take home and check off the activities they accomplish. In addition, you can visit other learning destinations (see pages opposite) at weekends, simply look on the Children’s University website or download the app to find out what is going on. Often many learning destinations offer discounts and when you arrive, have worksheets ready prepared for you to complete. Before children undertake any learning activities or the Autumn Challenge, they must get from the school their temporary passport to record your achievements. You will be given a date and a place to bring
along your completed activities and your passport which will be stamped and credits awarded.....if you do an exceptional piece of work, you might even get extra points! Children should see Mr Pinard or visit the website to make sure they have their temporary passport. In September these passports will be converted to a real passport – please be aware that there will be one off charge of £10.00.
TAKE THE AUTUMN CHALLENGE You can complete as many of the activities listed below towards learning credits. You can also gain learning credits by visiting lots of other destinations or activities across the country. See pages two and three of this edition for some ideas from Sussex. If you are visiting other learning destinations, you will need to get a temporary passport so this can be stamped. Please see Mr Pinard to get your copy or visit the school website. To find out more visit the Children’s University website or downloading the app (see page 3). Many learning destinations offer discounts to Children’s University members. http://www.childrensuniversity.co.uk/
Tell us your news We would be delighted to hear back from you about any of the topics in this edition. Call Yolanda on 07770 347616 or email her at yhouston@ashdown.e-sussex.sch.uk