LocalSchoolsNews

Supporting others & Wassail on 14th January 3-5pm

It is strange to think, but it was only this time last year that we were dealing with Covid outbreaks across lots of schools in our area. We were no different with over 50% of the school affected in January/February 2021. Roll on 12 months later and it has been great to be in a position to work with other schools again. At the start of this year, as the Sussex Ambassador School for the South Downs National Park, we were asked to speak to colleagues in Hampshire who were keen to learn about how we use the environment around us to enhance the curriculum. If truth be told, this is not something I particularly enjoy doing. As a school, we are constantly looking at areas to improve and so talking about successes is quite challenging (because it can always be better!). Instead, I talked about our journey to where we are and shared what is working for us - at this point in time. Many staff were interested in what we do here at Bury and as a result, we have had the privilege of welcoming visiting teachers to join with our Bury Rangers sessions. This is always great for both the visitors and for ourselves. They get to take ideas back to their own setting and we get to think deeply about why we do certain things the way we currently do them, and most importantly, reflect on how we could do them better. It is also great to receive feedback from the visiting staff

If you would like to experience a Wassail, complete with singing from local singers Duck Pond Sailors, then head to school between 3 and 5pm on Saturday January 14th. Mr Moore, Headteacher www.bury.w-sussex.sch.uk

St. James’ CE Primar y School

Tower of London, Battle Abbey & nativity play

It has been a busy, happy end to 2022 here at St. James! November flew by with some very special trips taking place and December was full of Advent, Christingle and Christmas joy; here are a few highlights of what was a wonderful half-term. Off to the Tower! As part of their learning in English and History, Jaguars visited the Tower of London during November. The day was a wonderful adventure with the children experiencing going to London on the train (no strikes, thankfully!), seeing the sights of London as we walked along the Thames Path and, at the Tower itself, seeing the Crown Jewels and visiting the famous White Tower. There were many steps! It was brilliant day, enjoyed by all! Battle Abbey Jaguars were not the only class out and about in November – Elephants visited the beautiful Battle Abbey as part of their learning about 1066 and the Battle of Hastings. On a very rainy day, the class braved the elements to see this historic site where William the Conqueror overcame Harold to become King. Although quite a long journey, the children all had a wonderful time! Nativity Loveliness Nothing epitomises Christmas in a school more than the Nativity play! Penguins and Rhinos performed ‘A Wriggly Nativity’ in December singing songs such as ‘Bumping Up and Down on a Camel’ with gusto! The children looked amazing and it was a joy to be able to share this time with parents and carers. Wish you all a very Happy New Year! Mrs Lizzie Martin, Executive Headteacher, www.st-james-coldwaltham.w-sussex.sch.uk

Slindon College’s first female Headteacher

Headteacher Mrs Sotiria Vlahodimou

Over 10 years experience in special education Following a thorough and competitive recruitment and selection process the new Headteacher of Slindon College has been announced as it looks forward to further growth in Academic Year 2022/23 and beyond. Slindon College Board of Governors announce Mrs Sotiria Vlahodimou as the new permanent head of the College with immediate effect. Mrs Vlahodimou (BSc, MSc, Post. Grad. Diploma, PGCE, NASENCO, NPQH) has over 10 years of experience in special education in both the mainstream and independent sectors. She studied for her first degree in Medical Microbiology at the University of Surrey and gained her MSc and Post. Grad. Diploma whilst working full time. Following a successful career in paediatric vaccines in the Pharmaceutical Industry she gained a PGCE from the University of Chichester. Mrs Vlahodimou worked in an outstanding West Sussex special school where she refined her own pedagogy in helping children enjoy and achieve in education and gained her SENCo qualification (NASENCo). Heading up a highly qualified team Joining Slindon College in 2016, first as an Assistant SENCo and Specialist Dyslexia teacher (Level 5 Dyslexia / SpLD) and then SENCo, Mrs Vlahodimou completed her NPQH in 2021. Her extensive knowledge of educating pupils who struggle to fulfil their potential in mainstream environments is motivated by her own personal experiences of education. When she was at school she was told that she was not academic enough and not very good with languages. This led Mrs Vlahodimou to dedicate her teaching career to working with children to remove barriers to their learning. Most recently she has had a very successful track record as Acting Headteacher at Slindon College. These experiences shone through in the recruitment process amongst a strong field of candidates. Becoming the first female Headteacher in the College’s 50 year history, Mrs Vlahodimou heads up a highly qualified team in a supportive and calm setting which enables pupils to engage in a learning style that is accessible to them. Mrs Sotiria Vlahodimou, Headteacher, said: “I feel deeply honoured to be able to lead Slindon College going forward and I am very excited about the future. You can be assured that as Headteacher, I will strive to create the best education for each pupil here by nurturing their happiness and self-confidence as learners.” Independent day and boarding school for boys Slindon College is a day and boarding school for boys aged 8-18. If you’d like to find out more about how Slindon College could help your child or to make an enquiry, contact the college or visit www.slindoncollege.co.uk. Slindon College holds Open Mornings in September and March. To register for an upcoming one, visit their website, call: 01243 814320 or email: registrar@slindoncollege.co.uk. Slindon College, Arundel, BN18 0RH.

Ofsted Inspection - "Good" rating celebrated

The staff and pupils at St Mary’s CE (Aided) Primary School are celebrating their recent Ofsted success, following their inspection in September. The school has achieved a ‘good’ rating throughout. The inspectors commented favourably on the fact that leaders have a clear ambition for every pupil to achieve well and enjoy their education. Pupils rise to these expectations and leave St Mary’s well prepared for their future. Leaders are clear about their overall curriculum aims and design and teachers have strong subject knowledge across the curriculum. They present learning clearly and select resources carefully to support pupils. The pupils know and respect the school values and describe them as being the qualities that make a good friend. They understand the link between the school’s value of love and the spiritual and moral parts of their curriculum and are keen to discuss moral and humanitarian dilemmas with empathy and kindness. Pupils are provided with rich opportunities outside the classroom. There are many after-school clubs on offer, which include sports, music and reading opportunities. In Forest School activities, pupils explore the local environment. The solar and windpowered reading shack is a source of great pride. Governors know the school well and they work closely with school leaders to identify strengths and areas to improve. There is a relentless commitment to continue to improve the school. The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. Leaders ensure that staff are well-trained in identifying and reporting any safeguarding concerns. Pupils learn about how to keep themselves safe; they are knowledgeable about online risks and know what to do if they have any worries. Mrs S Copus Head Teacher www.st-marys-pulborough.w-sussex.sch.uk