Page 17 - link magazine

swindonlink.com • September 2008 17
Politeness is key to good Ofsted Become a star at new drama club

In their letter to pupils at Greenmeadow Primary, Ofsted inspectors Starlight Theatre Academy is offering free workshops on 6 September
wrote that they had never seen so many children opening doors for in dance, drama and singing, open to all 7 to 17 year olds.
each other. Lessons at the new academy will son and business partner Luke
“It’s to do with the ethos of the the care, guidance and support for take place on Saturday afternoons at Mooney, who teaches drama, will
school,” said headteacher, Diane pupils are outstanding. ‘This high New College during term time and have the use of three professional
Pritchard. “We do have high expec- quality care leads directly to the students will take hour long classes standard studios at New College
tations of behaviour. Every week we outstanding personal develop- in each of the three disciplines. No and access to the theatre.
put up a target to show what good ment of pupils who are growing previous experience is necessary “Classes will be aimed at the
behaviour looks like; it might be into mature citizens of the future,’ and there are no auditions. age groups attending to make
opening doors or smiling at people. said the report. There was praise During the first term, students sure everyone feels comfortable,”
By the time they get up to Year 6, for the quality of teaching which is will develop skills to be put into said Gemma. “Performing arts is a
they know what courtesy and po- reflected in the attainment of pupils practice with prepared pieces in fantastic way for children to express
liteness looks like and it becomes in Years 1 to 6 which has been above the second term. The year will end themselves; do join in.”
second nature. I think the Ofsted average for several years. with a full scale performance at the To book a place call Gemma on
inspectors were impressed.” Mrs Pritchard said that although Arts Centre. 877429.
Mrs Pritchard said it was impor- the inspection was intense it had Dance teacher, Gemma Thomp- www.starlighttheatre.co.uk
tant for pupils to know the inspec- been more of a conversation than
tors thought well of their school. in previous years, with inspectors
“The children are part of a team passing on ideas. They recom-
effort; they have contributed and mended that the school should
they should be very proud.” increase the size of the Reception
Overall, the inspectors judged class play area and improve the
the school to be good and said that ICT suite.
Glowing report for Haydonleigh as head departs
Headteacher Lilian Stevens, said farewell to Haydonleigh on a high
note: Ofsted inspectors rated the school as outstanding in all areas.
In a letter to pupils, the lead inspector told them that he agreed with
their opinion of the school. ‘It’s no wonder that you told us that you liked
it so much,’ he wrote. ‘From the organic garden to the hatching chicks,
everything that we saw impressed us.’
The inspectors praised Mrs Stevens’ management, writing that she has
empowered all staff to take an active role in improving the school. After
thirteen years at Haydonleigh, three of them as acting head, she has
decided to leave teaching and work in her family business.

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