FOR FAMILIES OF PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN
Hereford & Worcester
www.primarytimes.co.uk
Launching the Love of Reading
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From Reception class to a lifetime of stories ..........................................................................................
School Open Days In Hereford & Worcester
Lower House, Whyle Lane, Pudleston, Nr Leominster Herefordshire, HR6 0RQ Tel: 01905 723011 Publishing Editor: Dawn Pardoe - 01905 727909 Design and Production: Paul Blyth Sales & PR : Rachel Seabright - 01905 727900 • rachel@pw-media.co.uk
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Your guide to school open days in the area ..........................................................................................
Teaching Children to Differentiate
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Fact from fiction online ..........................................................................................
Primary Times is independently published and distributed free through Infant and Junior Schools throughout Hereford & Worcester. It is also available by subscription at ÂŁ50 per year. Its aims are to inform families and children of current educational issues, forthcoming events, courses and attractions and to give teachers, pupils and parents the opportunity to participate in the magazine by adding to its contents or joining in the competitions which we run. It is not our intention to publish any racist, sexist or politically based material whatsoever. We also undertake not to carry any advertising which we would consider to be offensive to young families or harmful to the best interests of young children. Primary Times would like to thank all the schools for their assistance in distributing the magazine and for their contributions to its contents. We would also like to thank all the advertisers who have supported this publication and therefore made it possible. Please support their endeavours when and where you can. The copyright on all written material, logos and advertising artwork produced by our studio remains with Primary Times or the relevant contributor. Primary Times is currently publishing over 2,672,883 copies per issue throughout the counties of: Avon, Bedfordshire & Luton, Berkshire, Birmingham & Black Country, Buckinghamshire & Milton Keynes, Cambridgeshire, Cardiff & The Vale, South West Wales, Newport & Monmouthshire, Cheshire & The Wirral, Cornwall, Cumbria, Derbyshire, Devon, Dorset, Edinburgh & The Lothians, Fife, Tayside & Central Scotland, Glasgow & West of Scotland, Essex (North & Mid, South & West), Gloucestershire, Greater Manchester, Hampshire, Hereford & Worcester, Hertfordshire, Ireland (Dublin, Leinster, South and West), Kent (East, North & West), Lancashire, Leicestershire & Rutland, Lincolnshire, London (East, North, South East, South West, South, West), Merseyside, Newcastle, Gateshead and Northumberland, Newport & Monmouthshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Plymouth, Somerset, Staffordshire & Stoke on Trent, Sunderland & Durham, Surrey, Sussex (East & West), Tees Valley, Warwickshire and Solihull, Wiltshire, Yorkshire (North & East, South and West). For further details contact The Primary Times Team on 01905 723011
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk
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Primary Times Back to School 2020
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk
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QUEEN ELIZABETH HIGH SCHOOL
In these difficult times parents and carers will feel the extra responsibility of all the choices they have to make on a daily basis to ensure their children are happy and safe. For those of you now considering the choice of secondary school for your child in 2021, you must navigate a wealth of information, regulation and circumstances so different to what we have been used to, in order to achieve the best fit for your children. Queen Elizabeth High School in Bromyard is a small rural secondary school. We number just under 350 students with admissions to our new Year 7 set at 80 places. In many ways we mirror the provision in so many local primary schools, a small rural offer very bespoke to the needs and aspirations of our students,
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Primary Times Back to School 2020
perhaps this is why so many parents are seeing the benefits that such a small provision can bring to their children as they transition to High School. We develop students academically, securing strong examination performance over a number of years, so that those students who will leave us to progress to college and ultimately university are well placed to access the very best courses in the very best institutions. Equally, we appreciate and cater for those students that see their route differently. Our vocational offer is amongst the very best for students in mainstream secondary schools within the Three Counties area and many of our students go on to their choice of apprenticeship or sustained employment.
Our recently opened Vocational Centre creates real opportunities for our students. Here they can learn skills in construction, animal care and automotive studies, leading to recognised qualifications that see them at an advantage when they come to consider their future Post 16. This breadth of choice in the curriculum is a real strength for our students. We are a happy, vibrant and caring school. We would be pleased to show you through a booked tour from the end of September and through October, just get in touch with us to make a booking. n Mr M Farmer, Headteacher
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk
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MEET FERN
HOLY TRINITY SCHOOL AND SIXTH FORM’S
SCHOOL DOG
Students at Holy Trinity are enjoying being back at school and to once again sharing their day with Fern, the school’s dog. A dynamic, successful and flourishing coeducational school from primary to sixth form, they introduced Fern in response to increasing concerns over mental health and the levels of stress that young people can encounter in the modern-day education system, with Fern a hit with students from Primary to Sixth Form.
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Fern supports the school’s well-being programme, working alongside the school counsellor, and is a regular visitor to all school libraries, encouraging pupils to read to her in a skill that underpins all learning. Headteacher, Mrs Pamela LeekWright, commented: “Fern is popular with all members of our Holy Trinity School community and regardless of age, she has a powerful impact on the emotional well-being of all she meets within school.” n
Primary Times Back to School 2020
Holy Trinity School and Sixth Form Centre Birmingham Road, Kidderminster, Worcestershire, DY10 2BY Telephone 01562 822929 | Email: office@holytrinity.co.uk www.holytrinity.co.uk
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk
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THE KING’S SCHOOL, WORCESTER STARTS TERM BY WELCOMING NEW HEADMASTER Commenting on his plans for The King’s School, Gareth said, “I’m immensely proud to be joining an organisation which has a long history of providing unrivalled opportunities for pupils. “What sets The King’s School apart is its vibrant and dynamic family community, which dates to 1541. I am looking forward to working collaboratively with teachers, staff, parents and pupils to identify and trumpet what truly makes the King’s family unique, whilst at the same time further enhancing the long-term success of the foundation.
One of the country’s leading educational foundations, which oversees three independent schools in Worcester, is excited to welcome its new Headmaster, Gareth Doodes. Gareth brings 20 years of education experience to The King’s School in his position as Foundation Headmaster. He joins the school from Dover College, where he was Headmaster for the past six years. During his career he has taken up several
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Primary Times Back to School 2020
leadership roles at schools including Milton Abbey in Dorset, Oakham School and Taunton School. In his new role at The King’s School, Gareth will provide the strategic leadership and vision for King’s St Alban’s, King’s Hawford and King’s Worcester, all of which deliver first-class independent academic, pastoral and co-curricular provision and for children between the ages of two to 18 years old.
“Ultimately, I am a big believer in an holistic education that balances academic excellence with extra-curricular opportunity and exceptional pastoral care. These three areas working together can foster a real love of learning, whilst at the same time giving children the freedom and confidence to explore and discover their individual passions. It is an immense honour to have been appointed as the school’s custodian at this pivotal moment in its history.” Gareth and his family have strong links in Worcester. His wife, Jessica, has returned to her home county of Worcestershire following Gareth’s appointment, and his two children, aged four and eight, are now pupils at the school. n
PUPILS ADJUSTING TO
THE “NEW NORMAL”
Schools all over the country have been making major adjustments to keep their pupils’ education on track. At The Downs Malvern, children and staff alike have enthusiastically embraced virtual learning, helping to keep on track with curriculum work as well as maintain contact with each other, but are now looking forward to returning to their classrooms. “The children took everything in their stride,” says Headmaster Alastair Cook. “Our approach was to recreate - as far as possible - the classroom experience, and provide the children
with a stimulating way to keep on top of their studies. They could see and speak to teachers and fellow pupils in ‘virtual classrooms,’ and the whole curriculum was delivered by staff embracing the challenges, delivering engaging and creative content.”
we have established safe isolation areas in
Autumn Term begins on 4th September and major adaptations have been made to ensure pupil safety. “Strict protocols are in place for hygiene and distancing,” says Mr Cook, “helped by the fact that we already have small class sizes and large, spacious classrooms. The children will be kept in ‘learning bubbles’, and
work, which is so vital for their future.
case anyone develops symptoms. “We’re looking forward to welcoming them back into a happy caring community, grown stronger through this crisis. The priority now is to ensure our children progress with their curriculum
“We intend to deliver as full a programme as is possible: academic subjects, sports, activities, hobbies, wrap-around care, full and weekly boarding... even the famous Downs Light Railway will be in action!” n
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BE ANYTHING, ACHIEVE EVERYTHING
We passionately believe Prep at Malvern St James Girls’ School provides the best possible start for your daughter. By building solid foundations to last a lifetime, we begin each child on their personalised learning journey. Our staff are incredibly committed, dedicating time and care to ensure your daughter feels safe, confident and happy from her very first day. Pre-Prep at Malvern St James spans the three years from Reception to Year 2 and Prep
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Primary Times Back to School 2020
spans the four years from Year 3 to Year 6. The building also houses the Senior School which enables the youngest girls to benefit from all of the outstanding learning facilities on offer. The excellent specialist subject teachers from the Senior School also teach in Prep.
Our beautiful campus is in Great Malvern, Worcestershire, and School minibuses operate with multiple collection points around Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire. Wraparound care is also available.
We believe in developing the life skills of the girls from their very first day with us; always mindful of the years ahead of them beyond school and the need to prepare them for the wider world.
A warm welcome awaits you at MSJ Prep; to find out more join us at our next Open Morning on Saturday 10 October. n
Are you thinking about teaching?
S E C U R I N G
T H E
B E S T
O U T C O M E S
No Do you have a degree?
Primary
Full Time? Part Time?
Yes Secondary
Full Time? Part Time?
BA Honours Primary and Early Years Education with Qualified Teacher Status (School Based) (3 Years) Initial Teacher Training with Postgraduate Certificate in Education and Qualified Teacher Status (Full Time - 1 Year) (Part Time - 2 Years)
To discover more, contact Tel: 01562 881 110 Email: info@teachwithhaybridge.co.uk Website: www.teachwithhaybridge.co.uk
FAIRFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Peterchurch, Hereford HR2 0SG Tel: 01981 550231 Email: admin@fairfield.hereford.sch.uk Website: www.fairfield.hereford.sch.uk
An “Outstanding” school set in the Golden Valley, consistently one of the best performing non-selective state schools in England
OPEN DAYS
Tuesday 22nd & Wednesday 23rd September Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd October 2020 Prospective parents/carers are invited to visit the school whilst it is in session to experience our unique atmosphere and wide range of opportunities. Tours of the school will take place each day at 9.15am and 2.15pm.
Please contact the school to reserve a place on the tour of your choice.
Parents/Carers are advised to check the school website prior to their visit for any possible changes due to COVID 19. “Students receive an outstanding education at Fairfield High School. This includes their personal development as well as their academic achievement” Ofsted
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk
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Primary Times Back to School 2020
For great days out listings, visit www.primarytimes.co.uk
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