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BARNES PRIMARY SCHOOL—NEWSLETTER
EDITION 22 14TH APRIL 2015
This week’s photographs show things you might never have
noticed on the Key Stage 1 site. Any idea where they can be
found?
Welcome back (all parents)
Welcome back to what is going to be a full, lively and
exciting term. There is a great deal for children to look
forward to. Last term was a compact one (just 53 school
days), but there were still many highlights:
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The ‘On Camera’ film premieres at The Olympic Studios
‘I Love Barnes’, Arts Week 2015
The House poetry recital competition
The Year 4 production: It’s all Greek to me
Both the boys’ and the girls’ table tennis teams qualifying
for the national table tennis championship finals
Three staff members travelled to Paris as part of a
European Union Erasmus project
A number of new, high quality new displays were installed
around the school
Our school choirs go from strength-to-strength and
excelled at The Richmond Music Festival
The outcomes for both the Early Years Review and the
Upper Key Stage 2 Review were encouraging and
impressive
An orchestra containing seventy-three musicians played
the Mars movement from Gustav Holst’s ‘The Planets’.
A full list of events for the coming term follows below.
Please note that if there are any changes to dates they will
be communicated via the newsletter.
Events calendar – Summer 2015
Monday 13th
April (for the
week)
Cycle awareness training: 6G
Tuesday 14th
April
Year 5 trip to the Hindu Temple in Neasden
Friday 17th
April
Monday 20th
April
Tuesday 21st
April
Reception trip to Kew Gardens
Wednesday
22nd April
Friday 24th
April
Cycling workshops begin for reception pupils and
continue on future Wednesdays
Year 6 swimming begins
Sunday 26th
April
Monday 27th
April
Tuesday 28th
April
Katie Dyrda running the London Marathon for
the Children in Crisis charity
Year 3 and 4 basketball tournament at Christ’s
School
Lower Key Stage 2 Review (internal)
Thursday
30th April
Thursday
30th April
Monday 4th
May
Junior Maths Challenge for pupils in Year 6
Thursday 7th
May
Thursday 7th
May
The other Year 2 class to Hackney City Farm
Friday 8th
May
Whole class photographs
Monday 11th
May
Friday 15th
May
Key Stage 2 SATs tests – Year 6
Saturday
16th May
After school clubs begin
Year 4 trip to The British Museum
One Year 2 class to Hackney City Farm
Bank Holiday – school closed
Meeting of the school’s governing body
Whole Class Photographs
All Key Stage 2 classes out on school visits
Give and Gain Day – a large group of volunteers
improving the school buildings
Barnes Ball – major PTFA fundraising event
Thursday
21st May
Visitors from Paris, Madrid, Rome and Tallin at
Barnes for two days – Erasmus European Union
project
Friday 22nd
May
Visitors from Paris, Madrid, Rome and Tallin at
Barnes for two days – Erasmus European Union
project
Friday 22nd
May
Monday 25th
May
Monday 1st
June
Last day of half-term; school closes at 2.30 pm
Tuesday 2nd
June
Summer Concert 1 (Years 3 and 4) - evening
Half-term week
School restarts
BARNES PRIMARY SCHOOL—NEWSLETTER
EDITION 22 14TH APRIL 2015
Wednesday
3rd June
Thursday 4th
June
Monday 8th
June
Borough sports event
Tuesday 9th
June
Friday 12th
June
New reception intake induction evening 6.30 pm
Monday 15th
June
Tuesday 16th
June
Years 3 & 4 year-on-year tests all week
Thursday
18th June
Saturday
20th June
Year 5 camping
Thursday
25th June
Friday 26th
June
Meeting of the school’s governing body
Monday 29th
June
Tuesday 30th
June
School reports will go home this week
Thursday 2nd
July
Tuesday 7th
July
Thursday 9th
July
Reception parents consultation meetings
Tuesday 14th
July
Wednesday
15th July
Year 6 production to parents
Thursday
16th July
Thursday
16th July
Friday 17th
July
Sports Day – Key Stage 2
Friday 17th
July
Monday 20th
July
Tuesday 21st
July
PTFA barbeque
Tuesday 21st
July
Last day of the school year; school closes at 2.30
pm
Summer Concert 2 (Years 5 and 6) - evening
Year 5 year-on-year tests all week
Art exhibition at the Old Sorting Office, Barnes
Pond - evening
Year 5 cricket festival
Nursery Parents Induction Evening
Fit for Sport Children’s run in Richmond Park
Saving Londoners’ Lives – special day on learning
basic first aid skills and what to do in a crisis
situation
Reception parents consultation meetings
Parents consultation meetings (Years 1 – 6)
Parents consultation meetings (years 1 – 6)
Year 6 production to parents
Learning Love and Laughter Awards Celebration
Evening
Grandparents’ Day
Sports Day – Key Stage 1 and reception
Leavers’ Assembly
How children feel
about physical
education and
sport - a
response to
questionnaire
comments (all
parents)
There has been a
recurrent theme
in feedback from questionnaires over a number of years
regarding pupils’ feelings about sport. There are some
extremely positive comments from parents about sports
provision and how much pupils enjoy the range and quality of
sport at our school. In fact some of the most positive
comments I have read have been about this subject. These
have often named our sports teacher and the tremendously
positive impact he has had on their child. There have also
been comments expressing concern about the quality of
relationships between the school’s principal sports teacher
and individual pupils. Some views regarding perceived
favouritism have also been expressed.
These issues have been addressed directly, more than once,
in face-to-face conversations. In fact two conversations
have taken place since the most recent feedback from
parent questionnaires was received. My view is that there is
some misunderstanding about the very high expectations of
the school’s sports teacher. Having worked with him for nine
years I have seen his tireless work to develop a love of sport
and enable pupils to reach very high standards in sport. I
have seen sporting standards rise exponentially. I have also
seen a great love of sport develop amongst the children at
our school. That comes out in the pupil survey below. As far
as choosing teams is concerned, children who attend training
sessions, practise hard and show a positive attitiude and
ethic will be chosen to represent school teams. I see that as
balanced and reasonable.
That said, I accept the message in feedback about some
pupils being put off sport by what could loosely be termed
‘inadequate nurturing’. An ‘all or nothing approach’ isn’t best
suited to children. They require continual encouragement,
non-conditional positive regard and the knowledge that it is
okay to make mistakes – one will get a second chance. The
contents of this article has been fully shared with the staff
member concerned. He continues to have my full support
(and gratitude for his extensive efforts). I am hopeful that
positive developments will emerge as a result. I would like to
extend an invitation to any parent who has a concern about
their child’s views about sport to schedule a meeting with
me. I will listen to the views expressed and offer my full
support to resolve any issues that need addressing. Please
take me up on this offer.
BARNES PRIMARY SCHOOL—NEWSLETTER
EDITION 22 14TH APRIL 2015
Pupil Survey (years 2 to 6) 2015 (all parents)
All of the
Most of the
time
time
Sometimes
Never
Teaching is good at my school
81%
18%
1%
0%
My teacher expects me to work hard
91%
8%
1%
0%
speaking, listening, reading writing and mathematics
80%
17%
2%
1%
The school helps me do as well as I can
71%
25%
3%
1%
I feel safe at BPS
81%
15%
4%
0%
I am happy at Barnes Primary School
58%
36%
6%
1%
I learn a lot in lessons
63%
31%
6%
1%
Teachers at school show me how to improve my work
71%
23%
5%
1%
I love coming to BPS & am proud to belong to the school
77%
16%
5%
2%
We have lots of fun at my school
64%
26%
9%
1%
I join in and enjoy the before school & after school clubs
64%
26%
6%
4%
I know how well I am doing with my learning
58%
30%
11%
1%
I know what I need to do next to improve
57%
30%
11%
2%
I enjoy music and I learn a lot
58%
28%
10%
3%
I enjoy PE and I learn a lot
64%
21%
10%
5%
Home learning helps me to improve my skills
48%
34%
15%
3%
The school deals fairly with any bullying
52%
29%
15%
4%
Overall children's behaviour is good at my school
27%
47%
25%
1%
I enjoy school dinners
13%
29%
43%
15%
The teaching at my school helps me to develop my skills in
Overall the outcomes from the pupil questionnaire,
conducted in the final two weeks of last term, are
encouraging and reassuring. It is clear that pupils believe
that the quality of teaching is very high. It is also clear that
children really enjoy coming to school. The lower scores for
the final three statements will be discussed and evaluated,
with positive action being taken as required (see the next
newsletter). I have to say though that I have never come
across a school where children behave better that they do
at our school – pupils obviously have the highest standards
with regards this important matter.
Assessing pupils’ performance (all parents)
Parents will be aware that a new primary curriculum was
implemented in schools from September 2014. Expectations
for pupils’ performance have been significantly raised. The
assessment system based around performance levels is now
redundant, as it was based on the previous curriculum. We
will be implementing a brand new assessment system based
on the new curriculum from September 2015. Already this
term a pilot project is being trialled and new tests for Years
3, 4 and 5 will be used.
This term a series of articles (starting next week) will
appear in school newsletters explaining the new system and
how its introduction will work and:
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raise academic standards
provide clearer information on performance to
parents
BARNES PRIMARY SCHOOL—NEWSLETTER
EDITION 22 14TH APRIL 2015
Sports review of the Spring Term 2015
The Spring Term was a very busy and successful term for school
sport here at Barnes. Below is an overview of the competitive
sport that has taken place at Barnes since the start of 2015.
Table Tennis
Approximately five years ago a table tennis club started here at
Barnes. I’m not sure anyone could have predicted what some of
our children were destined to achieve. Before Easter, both our
girls’ and boys’ team won the south of England team
Championships and have qualified for the Butterfly National
Team Championships in May. Not only that, but two children have
qualified for the Butterfly Individual National Championships to
be held in April. I’m sure you will agree, huge congratulations go
the way of the children involved, and they are:
Summer music concerts 2015 (all parents)
The Summer Concerts this year will be held in the Key Stage
2 Hall at 6:30pm on the following dates:
Tuesday 2 June Years 3 and 4
Thursday 4 June Years 5 and 6
Barnes Voices will be performing at both events and Little
Voices will perform at the start of the YR 3 and 4 concert
on Tuesday 2 June.
Karen Warner will shortly be inviting children to perform
who currently have instrumental/singing lessons. The children will receive a letter giving details of the concert with a
reply slip which must be completed and returned by Monday
11 May. If your child does not have instrumental or singing
lessons, or if you think we may not be aware they have music
lessons out of school and you would like them to perform in
the concert please email Karen Warner at kwarner@barnes.richmond.sch.uk.
Scooters and safety (all parents, especially of
younger children)
It’s most important that everybody coming to and going from
the school feels safe. This includes very young pre-school
children and elderly grandparents. Yesterday classteachers
of children in Key Stage 1, reception and nursery
communicated the clear expectation that children are not
allowed to scoot on the school premises. That means they
are expected to get off their scooter and push it once they
pass the school gates. Scooters are also not permitted
within the school buildings. I was pleased to see that
everyone was following this rule when they arrived at school
this morning. Thank you. I would add that all children must
be responsible for taking due care and not going too fats
when scooting on pavements close to the school. Everybody’s
support with these sensible safety arrangements is
appreciated.
Girls: Molly Lavin, Jaikalin Batara (also qualified for the
individual championships), Nicole Burnett, Ellie Panton and
Scarlett Patience (who was involved in an earlier round of the
competition).
Boys: Joseph Durling (also qualified for the individual
championships), Ed Small, Kian Shayegan, Thomas Hall and
Cameron Avon.
Good luck to all of them for the team championships.
We also must not forget the year four team who played and won
their first competitive match against Fox Primary School this
term. If they continue practising and improving at the rate they
are at the moment, they may go on to emulate the current team.
Tag Rugby
After winning our group in the league stage of the borough
competition, defeating St Osmund’s and Sheen Mount and tying
with East Sheen, we played Chase Bridge before Easter for a
place in the semi-final of the knockout stages. It was a truly
exhilarating match, with us nudging in front in the early stages
only for Chase Bridge to take the lead and hold onto it until we
finally won it 18-17 on the last phase of play of the match. The
team was magnificent, showing genuine determination to stay in
the game. As always, huge thanks go to So Harrison, parent of
Luca, who gives up so much of his time to coach the team. We are
extremely grateful. Thanks also go to John Waller, parent of
Ruby, who volunteered his services when we were in need of a
referee.
Girls’ football
The girls’ team, after winning every one of their league matches,
got through to the quarter-final of the knock-out stage. After
beating St Mary’s and St Peter’s, they are now through to the
semi-final stage where a match against Collis Primary School
awaits them after school today, I hope you kept up the practise
over Easter!
BARNES PRIMARY SCHOOL—NEWSLETTER
EDITION 22 14TH APRIL 2015
Boys’ football
Having won their first two matches, including a very tight
affair at East Sheen, the team approached the New Year
with high hopes. Despite playing very well in all of their
three remaining matches, victories were hard to come by and
the team lost all three. However, everyone involved should
be proud of their achievements. For all the aspiring
footballers in year four and five, Brian is currently planning
next years’ team already.
Indoor athletics
It seems a rather long time ago, but in January our indoor
athletics team finished second overall in the borough.
Barnes has a history of doing very well in this tournament
and it was great to see this year’s team maintain the
standards set by previous year groups.
Basketball
It was great to see fifteen children in year one take part in
a football tournament at Richmond Park Academy this term.
Organised by Nick from Fit for Sport and the PE
department at RPA, the event was a huge success. The
children enjoyed the afternoon and were proud of the
medals and certificates they were awarded.
Much like table tennis, the basketball club started at Barnes
four years ago. Many of the current year five and six team
is made up of children who first joined the club when it
started. Four years later, the current team is undefeated
having won the last two tournaments. As a result, they have
already qualified for the end of term borough championships
in June. It’s also been great to see the next generation of
basketball players in year three and four participate in two
tournaments. I hope they stick with the sport, because
under the guidance of the wonderful coaches of Richmond
Knights, I’m sure they’ll develop into brilliant players.
Netball
Swimming
It’s been an excellent term for netball. The team have won
I couldn’t be prouder of the efforts of the swimming team
every match in the league and have finished top of their
this year. Hampered by the lack of a swimming pool to train
group, meaning we are through to the finals event to be held
in, the team swam their very best at the gala. A number of
in the Summer Term. Coached by the wonderful Miss
children raced in age groups one or two years above them
Thomas, the team performed brilliantly, winning well in every
and the squadron relay team finished second in the borough
match they’ve played. We all have very high hopes that this
– an extraordinary achievement. Four swimmers qualified for
team can do very well indeed in the next stage of the
the finals (Saskia Maini, Maneesh Dhillon, Xavier Dalton and
competition. Watch this space.
Mo Lessey) early in March Mo Lessey even qualified for the
Year one footballers
Cross Country
overall borough final for girls in year four, finishing third
and collecting a medal for her efforts.
The cross country club is one of the most popular at school
and has been the reason behind our success at borough level.
In the borough competition at Richmond Park, the girls’ team
performed particularly well, winning the overall girls event.
In addition, at a tournament at Barn Elms before half-term,
involving children from year three right up to year six, the
year three girls team won their event.
I think it’s very important to highlight the efforts of every
child involved in sport at our school. Whether you measure it
by the number of children participating in Brian’s morning
clubs, the enthusiasm during PE lessons, the number of
children involved in the numerous after-school sports clubs,
or the success our school is currently experiencing at
borough level, children at Barnes are committed to sport
and PE and strive to improve every day. I hope this
continues to be the case for many years to come.
Scott Griffin
Year 6 teacher and PE co-ordinator
BARNES PRIMARY SCHOOL—NEWSLETTER
EDITION 22 14TH APRIL 2015
News in Brief
Repeat Article
It is most important that all Year 6 pupils are here
throughout the week beginning Monday 11th May: SATs
tests week.
A team of current and former BPS dads are raising money
for Stuart Brookes who has been diagnosed with a rare
form of cancer. You can find out more about Stuart’s Goal
here: http://www.gofundme.com/stuartsgoal
It is also very important that pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5
are present each day for their respective tests weeks: from
Monday 8th June for Year 5; from Monday 15th Juine for
Years 3 and 4.
We all know Stu as a regular at the BPS Dads’ weekly
football and we were shocked and saddened when we found
out he has a rare form of cancer (Metastasis Myxoid
Liposarcoma). The disease is not treatable in the UK but a
programme of experimental treatment exists in the States.
Our goal is to help Stuart undertake this treatment by
raising £150,000.
Learning Love and Laughter awards, 2015: we will once
again be celebrating the achievement of pupils who teachers
have identified as showing very high levels of commitment to
our core values: integrity; self-sufficiency; creativity;
personal responsibility; empathy; self-belief and resilience.
As in previous years no pupil chosen last year or the previous
year will be chosen again this year.
We are embarking on number of exciting and fun fundraising
activities in the coming weeks and months including
recreating the first ever Football League match between
Barnes and Richmond. Next month we have a
family screening at the Olympic where we’re showing
Raiders of the Lost Ark which captures Stu's spirit of
bravery and determination.
Getting the 100% attendance certificate: just 64 days to
attend for those pupils who haven’t missed a single day of
school yet!
Stuart’s Goal (parental article: all interested parents)
Stuart’s Goal Charity Screening: RAIDERS OF THE
LOST ARK [PG] - 10am Sunday April 26th, Olympic
Studios.
Tickets are £10 and are available from Jo Patience.
Barnes Children's Literature Festival
Have you bought your tickets yet for the Barnes Children's
Literature Festival on Saturday 25 April? Sessions are
already selling fast, and three events are already sold out,
but there are still tickets available for Sally Gardner, Piers
Torday and Horrible Histories Martin Brown for example.
They also have a special appearance by the sensational 15
year old local schoolgirl Helena Coggan who has just had her
novel published by Hodder, the first in a three book deal.
Don't forget that percentage of all books sold together
with the profit from ticket sales will be donated to local
primary school libraries, including Barnes Primary. For the
full programme, visit http://www.barneskidslitfest.org/
School Uniform Price Increase: As previously mentioned
(see newsletter 20) prices for some uniform items have increased slightly and a revised price list is attached to this
email. Uniform is still available to purchase online via parentmail or from the uniform shop which opens in the Key Stage
2 playground every Thursday morning, where a selection of
second hand uniform is also available.
The Golden Ball:
Just 5 weeks until the 3rd Barnes
Primary Ball. This years theme is ‘wear something gold’! The
Ball committee have been working extremely hard putting
together what promises to be a wonderful event. There will
be a drinks reception, 3 course meal, auction, live music
from the legendary dad’s band (truly a spectable you’ll have
to dance to!) and a DJ set from another of our talented
parents. Tickets and tables are still available from Jo and
cost £75. All profits from this event will go directly to the
PTFA and therefore supporting and enhancing your child’s
education.
After school clubs: start on Monday 20th April until Friday
3rd July (Monday clubs will run until Monday 6th July due to
the May bank holiday.
School Lunch Accounts: The children’s accounts have now
been updated with this half terms school lunch bills. Could
we please remind parents to pay promptly, preferably before
Friday 24th April. Too much admin time is wasted each half
term chasing non-payment.
Your cooperation is much
appreciated. The new summer menu can be found on the
home page of the school website under ‘Barnes Parents’
Noticeboard’.
As always, if you experience any difficulty accessing your
online account or making a payment, please contact Jo.