Newsletter Friday, 5th July 2013 Dear Parents, Carers, What makes a successful transition from Primary to Secondary school? A report was written by researchers from the University of Oxford, the Institute of Education in London, Birkbeck, University of London and the University of Nottingham back in 2008 to respond to the above question. The key findings are as follow: ‘The data analysis revealed five aspects of a successful transition. A successful transition for children involved:
Developing new friendship and improving their self esteem and confidence
Having settled so well in school life that they caused no concerns for their parents
Showing an increasing interest in school and school work
Getting used to their new routines and school organization with great ease
Experiencing curriculum continuity’
This week we had over 103 pupils tasting our curriculum for 5 days. It was very noticeable that on day 1, the year 6 pupils were confident enough to mix with other students from our school at breaktime and lunchtime. Staff witnessed conversations and interactions happening as if pupils and students had always worked together and been in the same institution. Pupils were very positive about the lessons they went to. They were particularly interested in the use of technology with the IPads and the smart table. We had a very successful open evening on Thursday between 4pm and 6pm and over 80 parents came to visit us. I did a presentation to parents outlining the vision, the ethos and culture for the school. Parents asked the following questions: You are promoted the 3Rs: Respect, Responsibility and Resilience. How do you promote Resilience? Resilience is about how you cope in difficult/unknown situation, it is about you persist and remain positive. We promote resilience through our tutor programme, assemblies, lessons and extra curricular activities. We reward resilience through VIVO, our reward system. What do you do for the Gifted and talented Students? First our staff differentiate in lessons by taking into account the needs of all of the students in their class. Second, we have a superb enrichment programme. We are intending to further improve our enrichment programme as we visit many schools looking at best practices. Do you have a PTA? At the moment we do not have a PTA. We would love to set this up and are very keen to work with parents to do this. There seemed to be an interest amongst few parents and I hope that we will be able to start this in September. What is the average class size? The normal average class size would be 25 however we cater for the needs of the students. We have appointed extra staff in English, Maths and Science to ensure that we can have some flexibility with groups as and when it is necessary. We are looking forward to the collaborative work and have scheduled our first meeting with the Headteachers from Ranvilles Infant and Junior School, Wallisdean Junior School and Redlands Primary School on 19 th September to plan our collaborative work for the new academic year. Nadine Powrie Headteacher
Newsletter Friday, 5th July 2013
Governor News The governors have had a very busy week. We have helped in the tendering process for an accountant and auditor for the school under the new academy status, spoken to a new prospective governor, assisted in the induction of our new clerk and attended the ‘Open Evening’. Being involved in the ‘Open Evening’ was such a privilege, as we had the opportunity to talk to Neville Lovett students, staff and prospective new students. We were also able to stand back and watch some of your children who were actively involved in the evening and were thoroughly enjoying themselves; in both the academic and non-academic areas. Elizabeth Webb Chair of Governors Le Marché Français From 25th to 28th June, a little taste of France ‘hopped’ its way over to Neville Lovett School in the form of a French Market in which Year 7 students were able to participate in the ‘snail’ of the century! Mrs Ameaux and Miss Galan transformed their humble classroom into a fantastic ‘marche français’ complete with cafe, shop and food stall. Le Marche was aimed at Year 7 and gave them the opportunity to ‘buy’ typically French products with their hard-earned Euros. Over the course of 4 weeks their French teachers were allocating points in recognition for good work and effort. These points were turned into pretend Euros which could then be spent ‘au marche’. It was a splendid event which all students thoroughly enjoyed. Among the items they could buy using their euros were: crepes, diabolo menthe and grenadine, rucksacks, gym bags, books, diaries, pens, pencils, vocabulary books, reading books and comics, French sweets and French cheese. The more adventurous even had the opportunity to actually sample frogs’ legs and snails.
Newsletter Friday, 5th July 2013 Our 3 R’s At Neville Lovett our ethos is underpinned by three key words; respect, responsibility and resilience. These are referred to throughout school life and we expect all students, staff, governors and parents to follow. In my initial assembly with Year 5 and Year 6, I highlighted the importance of the schools 3R values. The Year 5 and 6 students who have attended the school over the last two weeks have demonstrated the 3Rs in abundance. I have been particularly proud with the way in which they respected each other, especially considering they were in mixed groups consisting of students of differing background, cultures and societies. I purposefully gave the Year 6s their own school timetables on day one and they had to find their way around the school to ensure they got to their lesson on time. It was fascinating to see the students acting so responsibility and supporting each other when they were unsure where to go. If they show this type of character when they arrive in Year 7 in September they will thrive at our school as we are keen to develop independent and responsible learning. Daily feedback from the students has been extremely positive, they have particularly enjoyed English, Maths and Science. Unsurprisingly many of the boys loved Physical Education. Well done to all the Year 5 and 6 students who have visited us, we have thoroughly enjoyed having you at the school and look forward to seeing you all again soon. David Butterworth Assistant Headteacher
Responsibility Resilience Respect “Being given responsibility at school is so good. I can’t wait to be apart of the new school magazine” Year 6 Student
“Respecting others is so important. I always treat others how I want to be treated”
“I’m so excited to come to school here next year because I know I will meet my targets”
Year 6 Student
Year 6 Student
Newsletter Friday, 5th July 2013 Year 5 Activity Week
On Wednesday of last week, Neville Lovett held their annual Year 5 Taster Day whereby students from all feeder and non direct feeder schools were invited to take part in our very exciting day. At Neville Lovett, we not only recognise the importance of a smooth transition between primary and junior education but the importance of choosing the right school for your child, this is why we hold annual taster day to engage our prospective students and to let them know that secondary school is not the daunting experience in which it may seem. The students took part in many exciting lessons during the day, including Science, Physical Education, History and Music. Science Last week, Year 5 tested the properties of different brands of shampoo. We tested the pH of the shampoos, discussing what effect acidic shampoo might have on your hair. Next we looked at the viscosity of the shampoos, looking at how quickly the shampoos run down an incline and whether this affected their performance as a shampoo. Lastly we looked at the quantity of bubbles produced, with some messy and surprising results! Relating Science to real-life scenarios makes it much more memorable (and fun!) for students of all ages, especially our Year 5 friends!
“Science was one of my favourite lessons. I can’t wait to come back” Year 5 Student
Music Year 5’s experienced an afternoon of singing and keyboard skills. We explored cartoon music and ways to get our voices warmed up. All students created a piece of music on the keyboards that described the character of their choice based on Prokofievs famous work of Peter and the Wolf. All performances were fantastic with some clearly budding musicians in the group! Well done Year 5!
“Music was so fun! And Mrs Knight was such a funny teacher!” Year 5 Student
“When I join Neville Lovett I want to have piano lessons because I loved the keyboards” Year 5 Student
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“I loved my music lesson today, can I come back tomorrow?” Year 5 Student
Headteacher
Nadine Powrie MA ED
Address:
St Anne’s Grove, Fareham, Hampshire, PO14 1JJ
Website:
www.nevillelovett.co.uk