Read below to find out more about some of the different activities we have been getting up to; from sporting and musical activities, to visitors and 'wow' days. We are looking forward to helping our children 'explore and grow' further in 2023-24.

• Harvest Festival

  Fri 30 Sep 2022 M Davis

  On Friday afternoon we welcomed parents and relatives into the school to share in our Harvest festival. This is often the first time in the academic year when we are able to share what we have been learning with the wider community, and this year's Harvest festival did not disappoint!

   

  Our Harvest always takes the form of a 'song sandwich', where we share a number of songs and intersperse these with presentations from each class. 

   

  Our youngest children shared what they had learnt about what harvest is, before sharing a rhyme and a song with some enthusiastic actions! Teal Class followed with their self-penned adaptation of 'football's coming home' - where they had rewritten the words to fit harvest.... 'Harvest's coming home!' Cobalt Class shared a thoughtful presentation looking at words that can be spelt using the letters of the word 'harvest' and what these can mean at harvest time. Navy class rounded off the collective worship with some information about the Rutland Foodbank and some prayers. Singing as ever was lusty and enthusiastic - we still love to sing!

   

  Thank you to all the parents and family members who were able to come and join with us for this celebration, and to all those who have contributed to the Rutland Food Bank. We know that all the contributions will be much appreciated by those in need.

• Year 2/3 Walkwise

  Wed 21 Sep 2022 M Davis

  We were very pleased to have support from RCC over the past two days in helping our year 2/3 children develop their road safety awareness through Walkwise. 

   

  On the first morning, the children had a session talking in the classroom about road safety and how to keep themselves safe. For the second morning, the children went out into the village in small groups to put what they had learnt into practice when crossing roads and walking on our narrow pavements.

   

  A huge thank you to RCC for supporting us with this initiative and well done to all involved for some super road safety!

• In Memory of Queen Elizabeth II

  Wed 14 Sep 2022 M Davis

  During this time of national mourning, the children have been thinking about the Queen and all that she has done in service to the country over her long reign. Each class put together some thoughts and pictures, which were kindly taken to London by two pupils over the weekend and left amongst the flowers.

   

  Imagine our surprise on Monday when we received a lovely message from a member of the public who had seen some of the children's messages, and looked up the school email address in order to send us the following message:

   

  "Dear Mrs Davis, 

   

  I'm writing to you to say Thankyou to your beautiful Year 4 and 5 children who created the most lovely tribute book for Queen Elizabeth II. 

   

  I spotted the book among the many flowers at Buckingham Palace and my family enjoyed looking at it. The words and drawings inside were so special. I'm sure the Royal Family will enjoy looking at it when they get the chance. 

   

  Please pass on our thanks and appreciation to all the children who participated. It really is special."

   

  We were all very touched that this lady and her family had not only taken the time to read some of the children's messages, but had also taken the time to find our email address and send a message. 

   

  The children have spent recent days reflecting on all that Queen Elizabeth II has done throughout her reign, through her life of service. May She rest in peace.

   

  

• Ofsted tells us our school is good, the children told Ofsted this school is amazing!

  Fri 02 Sep 2022 M Davis

  Our school was visited by an Ofsted inspection team in June and they have now published the final outcomes.  I am delighted to be able to finally share with you our new OFSTED report which tells us our school is a 'good' school. 

   

  I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all staff, children, governors, and parents - who were the real ambassadors for the school when Ofsted visited. This is a marvellous result, and everyone deserves to take enormous credit for their skills, dedication and hard work to make the school what it is today - a school and team which we all feel extremely privileged to be part of.

   

  There are so many wonderful accolades from the inspector feedback and in the report, and we feel the most important one is how the pupils themselves feel:
   

  'Pupils state their school is ‘amazing’ and they would ‘highly’ recommend it!'
   

  • Exton and Greetham CofE Primary School is a warm and friendly school.
  • The school motto ‘we are kind, we are honest and we forgive’ is evident in all aspects of school life.
  • Leaders are ambitious for all pupils. This school is inclusive. Pupils, including those with SEND receive the support they need to flourish and achieve well.
  • Pupils enjoy coming to school, feel safe and are rightly proud of themselves and their school.
  • Pupils know that everyone is welcome at this school.
  • Pupils are highly respectful of each other and of all adults.
  • Pupils are taught well – teachers explain new ideas and concepts clearly due to strong subject knowledge and nurturing relationships.
  • Pupils said that their teachers are supportive and encouraging and that they make lessons enjoyable.
  • Behaviour is good – no bullying!
  • The children are delightful!
  • Pupils benefit from a wide range of extra-curricular activities.

   

  The ‘good’ judgement re-affirms the resolute commitment from our children, staff, families and governors to ensuring that Exton and Greetham Church of England Primary School is true to its Christian foundation and vision. 

   

  As you can imagine we are not resting on our laurels and are already addressing the key improvement areas that were highlighted. We have planned how we will continue to monitor the effectiveness of our new curriculum with rigour and tenacity and have updated our approaches to provision mapping and target setting.

   

  Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. It is very much appreciated!

   

  What a team!