In a week where our focus was on ‘diversity’, we had perfect examples of how every pupil brings their own special talents and abilities to their sports team. On Wednesday the senior girls played a new school on our fixture card, Cranbrook Education Campus. It was brilliant to see a new school so eager to get their girls out playing and simply wanting to enjoy playing sport. The ECS girls represented themselves brilliantly, we moved pupils out of position and allowed for experience in the game and it worked well. Maddie R in Year 8 covered a lot of court, she worked tirelessly along with Leela R who was awarded player of the match. In year 7, it was Josie C who impressed with her tenacity and work rate, well done to all girls involved, two very competitive and enjoyable matches.
The Year 5 and 6 boys all travelled to Blundell’s for an afternoon of lots of hockey against a number of schools. Michael J in Year 6 was the stand out player of the afternoon. ECS sent three teams to this festival and everyone represented the school brilliantly. Mr Haywood and Mr Bartlett were very impressed with the boys’ attitude and willingness to all get involved.
In PE the pupils have been working on their agility. Lots of footwork games like hop scotch, skipping and agility ladders involved. Special mention to Soho in Year 1 who managed to outsmart me in a footwork game – I guess I can be pleased that the pupils have an impressive level of mobility and decision making.
I am off to teach some pirates now in PE (Year 2 pirate day) and very much looking forward to a swimming gala this afternoon where 31 of our pupils will have the opportunity to show how hard they have been working in swimming lessons.
Next week is very busy, the year 5 girls kick start the week with a fixture against Maynard in their Games lessons and 42 pupils represent the school in our annual swimming gala at Exeter School. On Wednesday it is the Year 5 and 6 girls turn to travel to Cranbrook EC and our senior boys will pop around the corner to Exeter School for their hockey fixture. The year 3 and 4 girls and boys will play host to West Buckland and Maynard in their first fixture of the term. A very exciting week ahead, watch this space!
Pupils’ self-esteem, self-confidence and self-knowledge flourish as a result of warm relationships between staff and pupils and the nurturing culture of the school. They also develop because of the encouraging and effective feedback provided by teachers.
The curriculum for the youngest children is highly tailored to their individual needs and interests, while the oldest pupils are supported effectively by teaching planned to develop pupils’ analytical skills and prepare them for the likely academic demands of their senior or secondary school.
Academic leaders employ a robust tracking system which informs teachers’ understanding of the progress made by their pupils…. Teachers adapt their provision in response to needs identified by assessment data. This contributes to pupils’ good progress.
The school provides a wide range of extra-curricular clubs and activities, ranging from the ‘country club’ in the pre-prep school where the children extend their geographical learning, to those exploring coding or ancient history.
Pupils who attain highly in sport are supported in progressing to high level competition by specialist coaching.
Music is embedded across the school. Staff have shaped an inclusive approach where all pupils are involved.
An emotionally-healthy lifestyle is promoted by leaders through the provision of quiet classroom areas and the support available from the ‘wellbeing room’.
Pupils are encouraged to express their views and show appropriate consideration toward those who hold opinions different from their own.
The culture of the school cultivates a sense of self-awareness and an appreciation of the needs of others.
Leaders and staff model high levels of respect and consideration, which are then shown across the community.
Pupils develop a sense of responsibility towards wider society through involvement in local citizenship projects and initiatives.
Leaders maintain an effective safeguarding culture where staff are aware of their responsibilities and respond appropriately should a concern be raised.