Page 26 - link magazine

This is Greendown • 4

Westwords: start of the longest poem Triple whammy from sports stars

Over the last year, a group of teachers from West Swindon schools Surrounded by all the wonder-
have been meeting to promote English creative work. One of the most ful sporting opportunities Swin-
interesting ideas is just starting to take shape in conjunction with the don provides, it's no surprise to
Swindon Festival of Literature. find some outstanding talents
Using just the views, and experiences of life in West Swindon, developing at Greendown.
children from Greendown and partner primary schools aim is to create Alex Povey in year 8, a player
the longest poem ever written about where they live and work. with Shaw FC since 1991, has
When completed, we hope the poem will be displayed in the Link represented England in five
Ccntre as part of next year's Literature Festival celebrations. matches at junior level.
Making a start on the long poem, from left: Anita Singh from Supported all the way by his
Westlea School, Alison Mitchell (Brook Field), Richard Price parents and by his first coach,
(Greendown), Matthew Bonner (Westlea), Kara Mason (Green- Paul Mutlow, Alex won a Shoot
down), Elliott Parsons and Sophie Rigali (Shaw Ridge) competition where the first 200
Alex Povey, Craig They, Kelly
entries won a free trial. But after
Hillier-Bowden
that his own raw talent took him
through to the national side. Now she has trials in Novem-
A goal of a different kind frames ber for the Wiltshire Under 14
another Greendown star. Kelly side and strong ambitions to rep-
Hillier-Bowden now in year 9 resent England at the Olympics.
started playing hockey last year Craig Tiley in year 10 started
under the tutelage of hockey play- cycling after his father began rac-
ing maths teacher Mr Chris Jones. ing again. He quickly discovered
Quickly establishing herself as his own ability and after winning
a talented goalie, she was spotted a cup last year and a national bike
playing for Swindon Ladies by a day event at the Castle Coombe
scout from East Gloucester and circuit, he's on his hike for the
won a Woman of the Match award. finals in Manchester in October.
The play's the thing' New governors' chairman

Greendown has well-established links with its partner primary
schools. Each year Mr Tim Noble and his team are invited to work on leads school forward
new and exciting projects with children in years 4, 5 and 6. statemem
Contributing to Oliver Tomkins world using only a few props that our iMiSSiOfl
Infants School' Arts Week was a included a cat mask, whip and
high point, but devising an im- nylon beach wind break. in education
To implement excellence
provised drama with Freshbrook Later this year it is hoped that
year 6 pupils - most of whom had all year 6 pupils will be visiting
By:
chosen to come to Greendown - Greendown as part of our Shake-
was equally challenging. Based speare term, to watch perform- Maximising individual potential
on the Egyptian creation myth, ances of Midsummer Night's
Thinking of others
Tim and the year 6 pupils worked Dream, specially adapted for this
to recreate the beginning of the age group by Salisbury Playhouse. Building partnership with the community
In December, Westlea year 6
pupils, directed by Tim, will be
performing their own version of
Midsummer Night's Dream.

Andrew Basson, new chair of the Greendown governing body
Greendown's first chair of gov- greatly raised and I pay tribute to
Greendown is West Swindon's
ernors Roger Ogle has stepped headteacher Ian Matthews and
Community School catering for
down from the position he has the staff for coping with The de-
local families and a wide range held since 1985, some 18 months mands placed upon them. Green-
of community groups.
before our first children arrived. down has become the school of
We always make visitors very Commenting on his tenure, he parental choice in West Swin-
welcome and are happy to give said, "the last 12 years have been don, based in the community and
parents tours of the school. both exciting and a challenge for serving the community."
For more information please all concerned. During this time Andrew Basson, a governor for
contact, of huge changes in education, 6 years and a parent of one of our
Primary parents: Tim Noble we have seen the introduction of first graduates, was elected to the
Other parents: Steve O'Sullivan Instructors from the Royal the GCSE, the national curricu- chair at the first governors' meet-
Glos, Berks and Wiltshire Regi- lum, national league tables and a ing of the year in September. He
Community use and bookings: ment army youth team visited new regime for school inspec- Will he carrying on the good
Amanda Yeoman (mornings only)
Greendown In June to put year tion. work of leading Greendown to-
Tel: (0 1793) 874224 8 students through their paces. "Interest in education has been wards the next millenium.

'This is Greendown' is published by Greendown Community School under contract with The Link Magazine