Page 17 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • January 2008 17
An excellent report for Catherine Wayte
As the Christmas term came to a close at Catherine Wayte Primary School, staff and governors had cause
to celebrate with an Ofsted report which described the curriculum, leadership and management of the
school as outstanding.
The inspectors, who visited As well as opportunities for The Blackthorn School
the school in November, praised learning, inspectors commented of Photography
the learning experiences on offer, on the pupils' obvious enjoyment
which they said were enhanced of school life. Parents and carers 0 Digital image-making
by an excellent range of visits and had told inspectors that this was :- and black and white printing
special events. "The outstanding as important to them as academic based at our specialist
teaching centre near Cricklade
curriculum includes exciting op- progress.
portunities for the whole school The report commended the " - Evening, day and weekend
to work on common themes, such excellent behaviour in the school courses for beginners and
as healthy living or multicultural and the good relations between advanced photographers
awareness," said the report. the children, supported by initia- www.photography-courses.com
tives such as a buddy scheme, Mrs Brierley, left, zcith acting deputy Tel: 01454 416937
pairing children across the head Rachel Farmer and Catherine or 07920 116492
age groups for support and Wayte children
friendship.
Headteacher Laura Brier-
ley, who took up the reins at
Catherine Wayte in January,
was praised for her leadership
which inspires staff at all levels. Professional Tuition 3 For ages 6-16 1
'All members of the senior lead- 3 Individual workplans t4
ership team are having a very in English, Maths
positive impact on school effec- & Science 3 Qualified teachers
tiveness and driving achieve- 3 SATS/GCSE/exam prep
ment and standards upwards,' Free Assessments 3 Unique programmes
wrote the inspectors. (
Mrs Brierley said she was Kip McGrath - Swindon 3 Proven success ^r
delighted that the high quality Unit 83. Basepoint Business Centre, 3 Affordable rates
Catherine Wayte teacher Kamal Miah or- of education at the school had Rivermead Drive, Westlea SN5 7EX
ganised a sponsored after-school dance class been recognised and that the
to raise £300 in December for the victims of inspectors saw it as a friendly
November's Bangladesh cyclone. The former place. "We really do value
clubber who moved to Swindon from Luton each child as an individual.
four years ago took 50 youngsters through The ethos of the school is very
their R'n'B, pop and Saturday Night steps. inclusive."

.4>
Knights and damsels of Haydonleigh
will be shared with Dracula studies
Classrooms became a mini-Camelot for a week of activities in early
December based on King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
at Haydonleigh Primary.
Inpreparation,therewereschool
C mer0f
trips to Windsor and Warwick 13
castles. Throughout the week chil-
dren worked on topics including r yr year,
castles, knights and the Arthurian :. n E . ^ ti ^'► .y New ^ OUT
legends, culminating in a whole ew stp *1 . y
school banquet. Children dressed
as knights and ladies and brought NOW..
along their trusty steeds in the
form of hobby horses made from
broomsticks. l
Haydonleigh is involved with
schools in Romania, Spain and Ire- .^ al p ' f Y^1 Stuck for
land as part of the European Union a gift idea?
Comenius Project and books made
by the children detailing everything
they have learned will be shared
Fantasising about Arthur's land,
with partner schools to foster cul- Joshua Ralph and Tia Heath
tural links and understanding.
Teachers from all three partner topher Columbus and in Romania
schools have visited Haydonleigh pupils are getting their teeth into
after staff from each school travelled stories of Count Dracula. Why not buy a Swindon College ct
to Spain in May. Trips to Romania "We're in a very good group," Gift Voucher to give to a friend,
and Ireland are planned for 2008. said headteacher Lilian Stevens. family member or loved one?
All four schools are working on "The teachers from the other
projects about myths and legends to schools are super. It was interesting
share. Irish youngsters are learning to hear what they said about our
about Finn McCool, the Spanish school and it made us realise how
school is exploring the life of Chris- we take things for granted."