School News 2002

As 2002 draws to an end, we look back on another exciting and varied year.

In the early part of the year 2002, the staff and pupils coped admirably while building work was taking place in the school. The roof of the classroom areas had to be completely re-built to a better design to eradicate the problem of leaks. The classrooms were also re-wired with improved lighting fitted. Each room was also re-decorated and linked to the school's computer network.

Two classes worked in the hall during the building work, one class was accommodated in a mobile classroom on the playground and one class had the use of a large, comfortable detached classroom at the Heys School, a short walk away.

The staff have worked hard to ensure that there has been as little disturbance as possible to the children's education and the children will have the benefit of almost new classrooms when the work has finished. We thank parents for their patience and co-operation during this period.

In 2002, the pupils in Years 2 and 6 took their national SAT tests. This year, we achieved our best ever results in these tests: the result of much hard work by pupils, the skilled and dedicated commitment of teaching staff and support of parents. Recently we received the grades for these results. They were mostly 'A's including lots of 'A'*. The 'A'* grades mean our results were in the top 5% of schools nationally.

In October over forty of our junior children enjoyed a three day visit to London.
Click here to read some of the children's accounts this visit.

We have also arranged several visits to theatres and the cinema.
Click here to read some of the children's reviews of the latest Harry Potter film.
Click here to read some of the children's theatre reviews.

In inter-school sports, our children have been busy and we have gained several second places in team competitions, although of course winning isn't the sole aim of our work in school, rather enjoyment and participation is most important. Our rates of participation are impressive and a success story in themselves - 21 boys have represented the school at football, a girls team entered a 6-a-side competition; over 30 children ran in the cross country; 18 played in a rugby tournament; and 8 represented the school at volleyball.

In December, we enjoyed some successful fund raising events such as our Christmas Fair, which raised over £1100 thanks to everyone's generosity and effort. Our excellent choir entertained shoppers by singing carols in Ashton town centre and we collected over £700. Click here for pictures.

Finally, we have been treated to beautiful and impressive Nativities from the Nursery and Infants, and received the unexpected bonus of the 'Pied Piper' play by a group of Juniors which deserves to be seen by a wider audience in the new year. Click here for pictures of the Infants' Naticity play.