Modeshift Travel Training Award

We are very pleased to tell you that we have been awarded our Modeshift Bronze Award for the second year running. The award was presented by Becky Jane from West Berkshire Council. Becky said:

 

"On Monday 23^rd November, I was very happy to present The Castle school with their bronze Modeshift STARS award for the second year running, in an assembly that morning. The Castle have been presented with this award for their dedication to promote sustainable travel, and change the ways in which their pupils travel to and from school for the better. Two great ways in which they have done this is through independent travel training – where the pupils learn and develop the skills and confidence to travel independently to schools or colleges with 1:1 personalised training. The other way is through Bikeability, where the children are successfully taught the skills to ride their bikes safely on the roads, meaning the pupils will have the confidence to use this as a mode of transport. Congratulations to The Castle school for their efforts, and hopefully this will have a lasting impact on the pupils."

Keeping children safe online

The internet can be a wonderful resource with lots of exciting things to do. However, we are all aware that it does bring additional risks for children and young people. As parents we all want to ensure that our children stay safe and also are able to enjoy the experience of the web - something that can be a challenge. As such we have set up a page on our website entitled "Keeping Safe Online". If you visit the page you will see a variety of links which give advice on how to ensure your child stays safe whilst surfing the internet including guides on safe use of social networks.

Please click here to be taken to the Keeping Safe Online page.

You can also help us by letting us know of any resources you might be aware of for keeping children safe online so we can include them on the page. If you do know of anything you think might be useful please email Jon Hewitt (Headteacher).

Let's work together to ensure that all our children are able to use the internet safely.

Radishes ready for harvesting!

We have been very excited this week as pupils and staff alike have been picking their radishes. It is amazing what the class teams have been able to produce. Below are some pictures of Colchester Class and Appleby Class and their produce - which all went into making a lovely radish salad. Well done guys:

Christmas Carol Concert

Each year, as you may know, we have an annual carol concert for our pupils at St Mary's Church in Shaw. We have always managed to squeeze a few parents in. However, we have grown each year and now that we have 157 pupils with around 100 staff it will unfortunately no longer be safe to have parents attending. I know that this will be sad news for many of you, but I am sure you will understand that the health and safety of our pupils comes first.

I have, of course considered alternatives, such as using another church - however, this is our local church and it is easily accessible for all our pupils from our school and has a special place in out local community. We have also considered running two separate carol services for older and younger pupils - but we feel our pupils get something very special from everyone in the school being together at this very special time.

Of course there will be other events and shows that you will be able to come to.

We will try and video the event and make it available for parents to watch.

I thank you for your understanding,

Jon Hewitt
Headteacher

Castle at the Care Home

Donnington pupils had a really successful visit to Donnington Bupa Nursing Home on 5th November as part of the GO afternoon. The class team took 7 pupils to play bingo with the residents. They were once again a credit to the school. Two of the pupils even came out asking Emily, the class teacher, about raising money to buy something for the residents.

They loved having us there and the students all came out smiling and saying what a wonderful time they had had. Here are a few fabulous photos of the afternoon

Bikeability

Some of our pupils have been working hard on their bike riding skills through the Bikeability Scheme. Last week Chris Barltrop from West Berkshire Council came into school and supported by Chris Mason and Christine Cranstoun spent two session training some pupils on safe riding techniques. The pupils really enjoyed there day and were brilliant. Chris sent a lovely email to say what a great day he had, some of which I put below:

Hi Lisa

I just wanted to touch base following completion of the two day Bikeability course earlier this week. Badges were presented to all 6 pupils who completed level one while 5 completed level 2. 

 

The trainees were all enthusiastic and keen, and listened well too given some of the challenges they face regarding concentration. In addition Christine and Chris were excellent support for me given that my colleague, Alison, had a really unwell daughter and couldn't attend. 

I'd like to thank all the staff I encountered for making me feel welcome and at home.

Chris Barltrop

CBCT

for West Berkshire Council

Here are a couple of pictures:

 

Children In Need

As always, our pupils and staff came out in force to help raise money for BBC Children in Need. The theme was Superheros and we were not disappointed with the wonderful outfits that people wore. The school managed to raise an impressive £240.63. Well done and many thanks to all our wonderful pupils, staff and parents. Here are a few pictures form the day:

Getting involved at Fairclose

Following a fundraising project in conjunction with Mencap "Inspire Me" last year, the students of Lancaster Class bought a card making kit with the idea of using it to build community relationships.

On Wednesday 10th of November Lancaster class ran a card making session at Fairclose Centre where many elderly members of the Newbury community can enjoy activities and social interaction. Initially both teenagers and elderly were wary of each other and had to be encouraged to mix, but before long all parties were getting stuck in together and beautiful cards were made as well as new relationships.

One member of Fairclose was quoted as saying 'I was worried about mixing with the teenagers, but I have really enjoyed my afternoon.  Thank you.'

Fee Rodger teacher of Lancaster says; ' It is really important to use every opportunity to breakdown barriers between the old and the young.  In my experience opportunities, like our Art afternoon, really build bridges and are really rewarding for all parties involved'.

The students have been invited back in January to take part in a flower arranging session.

Bikes galore!

On Wednesday 4th November we were very lucky to have received 8 brand new bikes from Sportline.co.uk. A lovely man called Simon Wild arrived at school with 8 bikes of varying sizes. Some lucky pupils from Corfe and Tintagel Class were able to watch Simon un-wrap these fabulous bikes. This was wonderful timing as on 9th and 10th November 4 of the bikes are being used for Bikeability Training which some of our older students are taking part in. The younger pupils in Primary house were very excited to use the new bikes at playtimes. Simon enjoyed his morning so much he also sent us 8 brand new helmets and some accessories for our older bikes so we can keep them serviced and working. All the pupils involved were very grateful and made Simon a wonderful thank-you card. A huge thank you to the kind generosity of all at Sportline.co.uk.

 

 

 

Keeping on growing

Our pupils and staff are continuing to have great success with their growing beds. The particularly mild autumn has enabled us to have good crops of radishes, which are now being eaten and enjoyed by many. Here is an example of our amazing radish crop. This is a group of prize radishes from Tintagel's bed:

There has been much growth and here is one of our pupils proudly measuring their plants:

Safeguarding at The Castle School

At The Castle School we take safety and wellbeing of our pupils extremely seriously. This is our number one priority. OFSTED check this very carefully and were very happy with what we do stating:

Statutory safeguarding requirements are met and scrupulously followed. The protection of all the pupils is the major priority of the school staff

We have now set up a new page on our website which will show you all the things that we use to ensure that your children are kept safe whilst at school. Please click here to have a look.