WOW; what a week!
I can only sympathise with so many on the recent lockdown measures and subsequent implications these may have. It appears we are not YET through the woods, however, this week has proved that, as a community, we have resilience in abundance. We've received messages of support form governors, The Tilian Partnership, parents and members of the community. This is amazing because one of our 6 Bardwell Behaviours is being 'Resilient.'
A few changes have had to take shape and I am saddened to reiterate that our breakfast club offer has now reduced to 2 mornings of the week due to Mrs Webber being at home. Thankfully, we have managed to continue our after-school provision so there will be no changes, here. Although we may have suffered a few staff changes, I am confident that the wonderful staff and community of Bardwell will adapt and continue to support us to ensure that our children get the first class education we all work so hard to achieve.
And, on that note, I am so proud and inspired to share this newsletter with you in order to showcase the successes of the current week. Most notably, our outdoor classroom day, which was an unbelievable success! Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign, which serves to enlighten us that spending time outdoors is AS important for children's development as learning to read and write. At Bardwell, we are certainly trying to carry this torch and we all firmly believe that learning outside of the classroom engages and excites children in spectacular ways; part of our mission is to, therefore, educate everyone that outdoor play is the key to improving children's health, wellbeing and happiness.
On 5th November 2020, every child and adult immersed themselves in the forest, front garden and our newly converted portacabin...'The Green Room'. Children worked, inquisitively, in teams to learn about the beauty and power of nature. Building fires, bug hunting, shelter building and working on a vertical class challenge of making a bug hotel were all examples of the skills and knowledge-based curriculum day. However, as if often the case, there were so many more learning opportunities and experiences that evolved and developed as the day unfolded. In particular, the continual weaving of the Bardwell Behaviours...or lifelong learning skills of being 'inquisitive', 'resilient', 'courageous', 'kind communicating', 'aspirational', and 'reflective'. Some say these are examples of the 'hidden curriculum.' If this is the case, we are certainly advocates of uncovering this curriculum because it is the key driver to empowering our young people to create a fulfilling, happy, and better world!
Mahatma Gandhi once said: 'Be the change you want to see in the world.' My message to the Bardwell children is: 'What an unbelievable change you have made!
I must take this opportunity to thank Mr Hurkett and Mrs Webber, in particular, as they were the champions of this truly memorable day!
So, whilst we're not out of the woods, we're definitely taking solace from the woods and developing a incredible affinity for what's around us and what's dear to us! Speaking to the children, you would never know that we are currently navigating a very difficult world! Numerous quotes, from the day, quite clearly confirmed this...'This is the best day ever!' (Year 2 pupil). 'I love PE and Forest School at this school!' (Year 4 pupil). 'I want to stay here forever!' (Year 5 pupil).
Have a lovely weekend and get the kids outdoors.
Mr Francksen
Executive Headteacher
