Latest News
Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.
-
A memorable Reception visit to Conkers
Mon 13 May 2024The children in Reception were treated to a wonderful educational visit to Conkers last week. For a lot of them, it would have been their first educational visit at school and considering how may children fell asleep on the way back, they must have had a thrilling time!
Activities included a sensory nature trail, a barefoot walk, a train ride, indoor play and an adventure playground.
Thank you to the staff for organising such a immersive and engaging learning experience and a special thank you to those parents who volunteered to attend as visits like this can't happen without the extra support.
If parents, family or pupils would like to leave a comment about this Latest News story, please click on the link below:
-
Travel Tracker update - Can we get to 30% engagement?
Fri 10 May 2024Pupils using the Living Streets Travel Trackers were awarded their April badges this week with over 166 being given out. There's still time to gain a badge for April if pupils and parents show they have travelled at least once a week actively to school. Simply follow the instructions on the Sustainable Travel page in Parents to find out how to use the Travel Tracker.
Last month's engagement across the school was 23%, the same percentage as the whole school figure from September 2023 to today!
As a school, can we make that figure creep up to 30% by the end of the July? Greswold is sure we can!
-
Let's get moving Greswold.......Street Tag has started!
Thu 09 May 2024Dear Parents/Carers,
Previously, we communicated the launch of the Street Tag competition, an initiative set up by Solihull Council to turn our local area into a virtual playground. Using the Street Tag app, users can record distances, steps and points earned from collecting tags at various locations, which in turn helps the school to climb up the leaderboard rankings, as we compete with other schools in Solihull.
Well the competition which lasts for 8 weeks started on Monday and Greswold are currently in 8th place!
If you've already downloaded the app, please start using it as the scores and points gained by individual pupils is averaged out across the number of users who have downloaded the app, meaning if you have already downloaded it but haven't used it then the school's total points score will be reduced.
The instructions on how to download the app are below in the picture gallery or simply click on the link below to access the toolkit:
-
Beware the Anglo-Saxons of Year 5!
Wed 08 May 2024As part of our ongoing commitment to enhance the curriculum offer here at Greswold, Year 5 travelled back in time on Friday to Anglo-Saxon times to help immerse themselves in their new history topic.
A regular visitor to school, The History Guy, led the children through a range of entertaining and memorable activities alongside Greswold staff to explore the time period more. Throughout the course of the day the children became archaeologists and inferred across a range of artefacts from both Anglo-Saxon times and other time periods; dressed up in different costumes based on the time period; shield exploration, creating a shield wall to see how effective it would have been during the time period; and exploring ancient runes.
The children thoroughly enjoyed the day and were able to gain lots of fantastic knowledge amid this amazing experience.
Thank you to our fabulous PTA who helped to fund this curriculum enhancement.
If parents, family or pupils would like to leave a comment about this Latest News story, please click on the link below:
-
Raising standards by collaborating with other local schools
Wed 08 May 2024This evening, Greswold staff took part in a cluster moderation meeting as year groups with four other schools from Solihull.
The event, hosted by Greswold, brought together teaching staff from Sharman's Cross Junior School, Shirley Heath Junior School, Damsonwood Infant School and Woodlands Infant School.
A really purposeful and productive session helped staff to share, compare and moderate children's work and allowed staff to give and gain professional perspectives and ideas from colleagues across the local authority.
The feedback from Greswold staff was overwhelmingly positive and is definitely something school will be looking to continue and develop further in the future, to the obvious benefit of our pupils and the whole school community.
If parents, family or pupils would like to leave a comment about this Latest News story, please click on the link below:
-
The cricket season is here for year 4 and year 5!
Wed 08 May 2024This half term marks the start of cricket coaching for year 4 and 5 pupils which will culminate in the pupils' participation in the Chance 2 Shine cricket competitions taking place soon. Greswold are current year 5 Chance to Shine champions so finger crossed for another profitable season.
The main thing however is that the children enjoy their coaching sessions, organised by the Solihull Sports' Partnership in conjunction with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, and develop their bowling, batting and fielding skills.
Many of the pupils have already been inspired to continue playing cricket at lunchtimes, courtesy of some new equipment funded by the PTA!
-
It's cheerleading time for Year 2!
Wed 08 May 2024As part of Greswold's ongoing partnership with the Solihull Sports' Partnership, based at Lode Heath School, year 2 pupils are getting the opportunity to participate in cheerleading lessons, taught by specialised coaches, once a week this term. The children's co-ordination, rhythm, flexibility and creativity will all be developed through this activity, with some children being eventually chosen to represent the school at an upcoming festival soon.
-
Minutes from our first Parent/Carer Forum
Wed 08 May 2024Thank you to everyone who attended or contributed to our first and very successful Parent/Carer Forum last week. If you couldn't make it then don't worry, we intend to arrange another meeting before the end of the academic year. Below are the minutes from the meeting. We hope they give you an positive insight into the matters discussed at the meeting.
Parent/Carer Forum Meeting Notes
Wednesday 3rd May at 7pm
School attendees: Mr Hornsey, Mrs Woodcock
Parent representatives: Reception Bumblebees, Reception Dragonflies, Reception Ladybirds, Y1 Squirrels, Y2 Badgers, Y3 Sparrows, Y4 Chaffinches, Y4 Nightingales, Y5 Elms, Y5 Sycamores and Y6 Cedars.
What do parents want to gain from being part of the forum?
- ‘Learning has changed so much since we were at school so would like to know more’
- ‘How can we best support children at home?’
- ‘Stay up to date with teaching methods’
- ‘How do I identify potential in my own child? You may know them better as you spend more time with them.’
- ‘Support for new parents in terms of arriving in the middle of a school year or new to the country.’
- ‘Learn more about the curriculum’
- ‘How to bridge the gap between school and individuals’ lives.’
- ‘Building a community’
Positive reflections on school life from Greswold parents:
- ‘Grateful for support with food allergies (3 parents). They feel that school puts their minds at rest and their anxiety is reduced.’
- ‘Appreciation for Miss Carpenter’s support with dietary/medical conditions.’
- ‘So supportive of children with SEND. They leave school with the tools they need to cope in life.’
- ‘Educational visits both residential and day. Parents especially appreciative of staff giving up their weekends for Standon Bowers.’
Reflections to consider on school life
- ‘Would be good to have more lunchtime vegetarian options that are egg free.’
- ‘Would really like to reinstate Dunfield’. Parents felt communication could have been better. When Mr Hornsey explained the reasons for removing the visit, there was a feeling that it would have been good to share these to give parents some context.
- Parents find the wording of ‘voluntary contribution’ frustrating, especially when they receive follow up phone calls/emails. Mr Hornsey and Mrs Woodcock shared the reasoning behind the phrase, however parents asked if the way it was phrased could be changed (e.g. including it in the small print) or if school could send a communication explaining why we have to use the wording.
- Parents really enjoyed the Y5 performance – ‘Could other year groups consider reinstating performances as the children got a lot from it?’
- Leave of Absence requests – Further clarification was sought on decision making and the communication of decisions, especially when requests are sensitive. Parents felt more transparency was needed which would be in keeping with the school's own values. Current guidance and policy on Leave of Absence requests is taken from Solihull Local Authority which is due for updating. It was agreed that this item would form part of the next meeting’s agenda.
Communication
- The main communication system used by school, the App Messaging Service was deemed to be good and Tapestry was very popular with parents with children in Early Years.
- It was really helpful when App Message titles contain key information or words which allows parents to decide whether or when to open the message.
- Some parents would appreciate a 'Class Dojo' type system to help build relationships with teachers, especially if they work and aren’t able to be onsite for drop off/pick up.
- Mr Hornsey and Mrs Woodcock shared reasons for not having such a system at present in Y1-6, including the need to balance a teacher’s professional duties which prioritise the needs of the 30 different pupils in each of their classes, however they did enquire about suggested alternatives. One parent responded about being able to have direct communication with the teacher to help build the relationship.
- Mrs Woodcock reiterated the systems already in place with regards to parent consultations and Meet the Teacher meetings but also stressed that if parents needed to speak to class teachers about something concerning or ongoing, they could ask to arrange a meeting/phone call at a mutually convenient time. It was also highlighted that class teachers are also very keen to form and maintain positive relationships with parents.
- Parents really appreciate being able to speak to the class teacher at the end of the day.
- It was suggested that it would be ideal for new families who start school to have an introduction to the different platforms for communication and how they work – possibly a guide on the website.
- It was also explained the use of Tapestry ceases at the end of Year 1.
- A few parents enquired as to whether ‘Meet the Teacher’ could be done virtually for parents who can’t attend face to face. This instigated a discussion around safeguarding and variables out of the control of the class teacher when conducting virtual meetings with a large number of attendees. If cameras were turned off, how would parents then communicate their questions. This enquiry will be discussed further with Greswold's Senior Leadership team.
- Mr Hornsey emphasised the point that one of our School Improvement Plan priorities for this year is about communication across the school and especially with parents, and so all of the matters discussed at Parent Forum have been or will be explored and addressed in detail before the end of the academic year.
Other topics discussed and shared
School demographic and how it’s changed over the last few years
Greswold’s Curriculum offer
Inclusion
Adaptive teaching
Parental Workshops
Future items for Parent Forum agendas
Leave of Absence Requests
Pupil friendships and social interaction
Home Learning
House Points
Communication
If parents, family or pupils would like to leave a comment about this Latest News story, please click on the link below:
-
Greswold values shining through in Star Pupil assembly!
Tue 07 May 2024Each half term, school focuses on one of our values in particular, with this half term being Independence.
With this in mind, it was a delight to see our value of Independence reflected so prominently in our Star Pupil assembly on Friday. Here are some of the reasons as to why pupils from each class across the school received their certificate from Friday 3rd May.
- For consistently demonstrating our school values of kindness, respect and independence throughout all he does.
- Comes into school with a huge smile and a cheery hello. She is an enthusiastic learner!
- For being a superstar in independently accessing all areas in the classroom and being a good friend to all.
- For pushing herself within her learning, particularly within English this week.
- For showing our value of independence by always giving everything a go by yourself, and choosing appropriate resources to support you through challenges.
- For showing independence and enthusiasm in his writing this week.
- For developing the confidence to work more independently in English and Maths and showing a 'give a go' attitude.
- For showing more independence and resilience in her learning and using the resources around to help her be successful.
- For making a big effort to work independently in lessons.
- Becoming more and more independent throughout year 3. She's persevering and using her growth mindset. Even when a task may seem hard at first, she's realising it's not impossible!
- Showcasing our value of curiosity with his enthusiastic questions and being a wonderful role model.
- For showing increased maturity and independence. I have been able to rely on him to make the right choices both with his learning and at playtimes.
- Utilizing strategies independently that help him to develop his listening stamina and positive attitude to learning in the classroom.
- And making us all smile in the classroom - a lot!
- For his commitment to his learning, always completing tasks to the best of his ability and wanting to make links with what he has learned before.
- For trying to solve his times tables independently.
- Well done, 20/25 you are nearly there!
- For consistently applying himself across the curriculum, demonstrating independence with his learning.
- For her unwavering resilience during our mock SATs week, taking feedback in her stride and acting on it to improve her success.
- For having a positive attitude towards her learning, wanting to make progress, and now beginning to voluntarily share ideas during discussions.
- For always showing independence and resilience in his learning - you are a fantastic role model to your peers.
-
Another out-of-school Greswold pupil success, this time in year 3!
Tue 07 May 2024Last week, several pupils in year 3 demonstrated great teamwork and commitment in achieving a wonderful success in their out-of-school football club.
Max, Otis and Seb, alongside their teammates at Earlswood Town FC, played in and won the Central Warwickshire Youth League Spring Cup, a magnificent achievement, especially considering it was their first season playing together as a team.
School would like to congratulate the boys and their teammates on their impressive achievement while it's also really pleasing to see Greswold pupils continuing the school's strong sporting traditions in their own time too.
We're sure the boys will have a big part to play in the school football team when they reach year 5 and year 6!
