Bury Primary School

The children were put through their paces by Nigerian long jumper, Ezekiel Ewulo (or Zeeks). Everyone from Year R to Year 6 and the staff were sweating but still smiling by the end of his short workout. Even our onsite nursery, Little Birds came and joined in – so everyone from 3 to 33 (give or take a few years!) was doing everything from Spotty Dogs (jumping with your opposite arms and legs) to press-ups.

Zeeks then spent some time out at break with the children, with one of our Reception children teaching him how to use the traversing wall. Zeeks then talked to all of the children about his journey to become an international athlete, including the importance of having a plan b in case it doesn’t all work out as you hope.

He was fantastic with the children and was a real inspiration for our many budding sports stars here at Bury. He listened to all of the children’s questions including my favourite from one of our newest children ‘so when are you going to become a superhero?’ Maybe he already is and international long jumper is his disguise!

We also had a visit from inspirational poet Rachel Long, who spent the morning with Buzzard Class giving them a poetry workshop. As with last year, this incredible opportunity was provided by The Arts Society West Sussex Young Arts to 8 local schools and we were delighted to welcome children from Fittleworth to join us. The children were all trying their best with the aim of becoming the Bury Poet Laureate and performing their poetry to a packed audience at the Petworth Literary Festival. Such is the quality of the writing being produced here at Bury that our Y5 and 6 teacher, Mrs Braun, was asked to present what she has been doing to other teachers across West Sussex at a recent English conference.

Amongst all of this we had a visit from Ofsted. The inspector spent two days with us, really getting to know the school and seeing all the fantastic learning opportunities going on, talking with parents, children and staff and spending lots of time in class and out in the woods. We had some fabulous feedback, including: “The school is a harmonious, happy community where pupils become thoughtful, tolerant individuals.”

A particularly pleasing part of the process was that in the Ofsted parent survey, 100% of parents said they would ‘recommend the school to a friend’.

Mr Moore, Headteacher www.bury.w-sussex.sch.uk

St James Coldwaltham School

‘Ooohs’ and ‘Wows!’ were the sounds that could be heard in the classrooms and hall of St James’ Primary School on Thursday 11th October when the school combined an open afternoon with its first Science Fayre. Children brought in a vast range of experiments including lava lamps, vinegar volcanoes, magnetic marvels and exploding Coke bottles and the hall was filled with visiting science guests who introduced the children to the inspiring world of STEM (Science, Technology, Maths and Engineering).

Science is at the heart of the curriculum at St James’ School in Coldwaltham and the children learn by asking questions and then designing experiments and investigations to find the answers through first hand experiences. This is an exciting time at St James’ School with its recent ‘Good’ Ofsted, a new minibus and climbing equipment and plans for further developments in the near future.

www.st-james-coldwaltham.w-sussex.sch.uk

St Mary’s School

The Autumn term is moving along swiftly and the children continue to enjoy a range of curriculum enhancing activities and special visitors.

We were thrilled to formally open our Early Years and KS1 area in November and welcome Bishop Mark from Horsham. He blessed the school and the setting and had the honour of cutting the ribbon. Stephen Heppell, who designs learning spaces all over the world, also came to see the transformation and work alongside the children. We were able to thank so many people who have worked so hard to create this learning space which really does enhance children’s learning.

Bishop Mark from Horsham with studentsYear 4 children visited Drusillas Zoo Park as an introduction to their topic on Rainforests and were mesmerised by the variety of animals there.

There were many opportunities to interact with the wildlife, with the parrots being a particular favourite of children and staff alike!

The focus in November has naturally been Remembrance and Year 6 have visited St Mary’s Church in the village to look at the war graves and discover more about the evacuees who were sent to Pulborough at the outbreak of war. These names and stories are particular poignant this year with the Centenary of WW1.

As the term draws to a close in December we look forward to the Christmas Nativity productions and the Christingle service at St Mary’s Church on Sunday 2nd December. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Children’s Society Christingle which aims to show a child they are not alone at Christmas and to raise money to help vulnerable children. The whole school will be making the Christingle candles during the week and all are welcome to the service on the Sunday.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the dedicated team that we have here at St Mary’s for their continued support this term and the dedication and enthusiasm that they have shown to the children and their learning. My thanks also go to the tireless work of the volunteers and  PTA, who  give of their time so freely, and continue to provide the children with a variety of enrichment activities.

Mrs S Copus (Acting Headteacher) www.st-marys-pulborough.w-sussex.sch.uk