Children Enjoying New School Classes

Hundreds of children in Henley started a new school a couple of weeks ago.  From aged 2 to 11, children started at nursery, primary and secondary schools for the first time.

We were delighted to visit all the great Henley schools to see what they were up to and what they were planning.

At Dragonflies Montessori School the children are learning about ‘People Who Help Us’ and have been making crossing patrol lollipop signs and fireman hats.  They hope to arrange a visit from the local ‘Lollipop’ man who helps at the crossing of St Andrews and Vicarage Road.  When we visited St Mary’s School and Sacred Heart the Reception children were enjoying a drama lesson.  At Sacred Heart the new children will also be using and enjoying their new outdoor learning area which has been developed over the Summer.

The topic for the Reception children at Valley Road School is ‘House and Homes’ and they also have a new teacher, Mrs Kate Riches.  At Trinity School, they are learning and reading ‘Traditional Tales’.  Trinity are also planning their first school trip to the River and Rowing Museum for an art and drama workshop.  34 children have joined Rupert House in their Reception classes where they are learning all ‘About Me’ and will also be using their new outdoor learning area next to their playing fields on the Fairmile.

At Badgemore school they’ve welcomed 15 children into Acorn class and Headteacher Jacky Steele said, “It’s lovely to welcome the new children to the school which brings us now to over 10o children.  The building works have continued over the summer and I’m delighted that new school hall and kitchen is now open for all the children to use.”

Gillotts students in Year 7 have been enjoying new lessons such as Biology, Product Design, Drama and Dance.  Catharine Darnton, Headteacher said, “It has been wonderful as ever to welcome our new Year 7 this year. We are always so impressed by how well they cope with the transition to secondary school, and the challenges of lots of teachers, subjects and rooms – all arranged across a fortnightly timetable. They seem to have found their feet quickly and it is good to see real learning going on.  It will be a privilege to share with them the journey across the five years – from primary children to young adults.”

If you’d like copies of any of the photos in this article, please email us at news@henleyherald.com