Page 14 - link magazine

14 swindonlink.com • June 2010
Revolution taking place at Red Oaks
FULL Red Oaks Primary School in North Swindon has taken a revolutionary approach to curriculum develop-

COLOUR ment this term by introducing projects that are enquiry-based and pupil–led, writes Juliet Platt.

BANNERS

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01793 542678

26 Eastcott Hill, Swindon SN1 3JG
www.graphicservices.uk.com

D & L Blinds
Rollers • Verticals • Venetians As part of their ‘What makes Great Britain Great?’ enquiry this term, Red Oaks pupils investigated the British mainland,
Pleated Blinds • VELUX plotting landmarks on a human map created on the playing fi eld by North Swindon graphic designer and parent Sam Allen of
®
Conservatory Blinds Elevation Studios. “The Mexican wave we got going around the coastline was very impressive,” said headteacher Terri Menham.
Made-to-Measure Curtains Photo: www.redhousephotography.co.uk
QUALITY BLINDS AT As headteacher Terri Menham people. Why not achieve this “There are new challenges too,
AFFORDABLE PRICES explained, “an enquiry is a big, through inspiring some patriotism like when a six-year-old asks why
open-ended question that we take in our children, and helping them the sea goes out at night. That’s a
Fast and reliable service as our term’s theme from age three feel proud to be British?” big topic for primary school but
All blinds fi tted free to eleven. Just now we’re asking This term, pupils in Years 2 we have to tackle it if the children
Choose from a wide range what makes Great Britain great, and 3 are responsible for tourist ask about it.”
of fabrics from the comfort and within that we then ask the information, including creating a High level learning skills, in-
of your own home children what they would like to guide book with help from graphic dependence and collaboration
fi nd out about. designer Sam Allen that will be are key values that Terri hopes to
Contact Paul on 01793 619428 “The new primary curriculum printed and presented to parents. instil in the children. And there are
www.dandlblinds.co.uk focuses on teaching democracy, Years 4, 5 and 6 have set up a behavioural benefi ts as well. “When
FREE QUOTES NO OBLIGATION citizenship and about signifi cant multi-media company to organise everyone’s focussed and excited
their own version of the Olympic about the same thing across the
opening ceremony. school, behaviour never becomes
o o
olga’slga’slga’shair studiohair studiohair studio come in and talk to the pupils about For the remainder of the summer
“We’ve invited business people to as issue,” she said.
their roles and help with tasks like term the pupils are visiting differ-
marketing and design,” Terri said. ent locations beyond Swindon to
“The most important point is that develop their projects. They will
SUMMER PROMO we are open to opportunities and also be engaged in peer-to-peer
presentations with partner schools
stay focussed on the pupil voice.”
She is clear that most traditional from London, Bristol and Reading,
25% school subjects will be taught dis- as well as welcoming friends from
cretely as part of the enquiry-based their partner school in South Africa.
approach. “Concepts like measures,
“And as for the World Cup, if
OFF ALL shapes and data gathering will be England do well we’re going to be
going through the roof,” said Terri.
covered through the enquiry.
COLOUR School seeks new governor

with selected stylist from the community
Orchid Vale Primary School in Torun Way, North Swindon, has a rare
vacancy for anyone who is interested in the education of the pupils, the
wellbeing of the school and its importance in the local community.
James Trudgian, who became a governor of the school last year said
he thought the role would only suit a trained person with signifi cant
knowledge on educational matters. But after seeking advice, he took the
plunge and today, he knows he has a lot to offer. “The main objective of
the role is to be a critical friend to the school, and to question, question,
question. Well for someone as nosey as me it was a dream role.
“The staff and fellow governors were very welcoming, and because I
live just around the corner I really feel involved in my local community.”
School governors represent the largest volunteer force in the country
with approximately 300,000 at any one time. There are just over 1,000
school governors in Swindon.
Governors do not require any specialist knowledge or experience
as Swindon Council’s governor support team provides training and a
designated helpline.
Anyone interested in discussing the position at Orchid Vale should
contact Paul Davis on 463875 or mail: [email protected].

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