Newsletter: Friday 24th March 2023

Dear Parents,

First of all, we have lots of news for you about some recent extra-curricular activities.

Tunbridge Wells Junior Enterprise Challenge (Maisy and Jacob):

Last week, a group of 8 children were nominated to go to the Young Enterprise at Beechwood School. Within the first hour we had brainstormed a new idea. The background for our creation was healthy eating so we decided to build an exciting food marble run. On day 1 we built the structure though it was quite plain. Day 2 involved painting and building the structure. By day 3 we made the capsules to go down the marble run. Our product was then judged by 5 judges who decided the top three. Sadly we did not get into the top three but it was a fun experience to learn from.

Bikeability (Isla and Layla):

Over the past three weeks, Year 6 have been doing our Bikeability course.  We were split into three groups.  In only three days, we learnt how to be safe on the road whilst riding our bikes.  We learnt lots of new things such as primary and secondary position, so cars know when they can and can’t overtake you.  We also learnt the A, B, C, D, E, F check to know what to do before we start riding.  Overall, we learnt loads of new skills but most importantly we had fun!

Football (Teddy):

Last Friday, Bidborough School football team played in a tournament at Tunbridge Wells Boys’ Grammar.  We played 8 games and won 5, drew 1 and lost 2.  Unfortunately, we lost on goal difference and came 4th.  Good luck to Southborough and Claremont in the final!

And, hot off the press: The Year 3 and 4 team played in a tournament this evening too. In Mr Carrick’s words, they smashed it, unbeaten, won 4, drew 1 and conceded 0 goals in 5 games! They are through to the final which will be played in May. Well done to the team.

And we still have one week left of term! I look forward to seeing many of you next week for our Learning Reviews, either in person on Tuesday or remotely on Wednesday. These are the ideal opportunity to discuss the data reports that have been sent home today (you might want to check your children’s bags if they haven’t appeared). The gym team will be springing into action next week too, so we wish them luck. Remember that our last day of school is on Thursday. We will be holding our Easter celebration day too on our Thursday so we will cram in the fun and learning until the end.

When we return in April, the weather will of course be so much better…in any case, children may return in summer uniform. Summer dresses with dark green checks (not pastel green) may be worn with white socks. Shorts are also permitted for girls and boys. A gentle reminder that ‘proper’ shoes should be worn – meaning not trainers or ankle boots. Please also remember that children should all now be wearing the new style PE shirts and black shorts or skorts for PE. Before purchasing any items, please do check out our website: https://www.bidborough.kent.sch.uk/Uniforms/ and remember, name EVERYTHING!

We have noticed a surge in children bringing in items from home. Please be aware that these pocket toys can be a distraction in the classroom, particularly ones that fit in a tray – they really are tempting at all points of the day. If your child needs a fiddle toy as part of their education provision, we will provide them. Otherwise, please keep items coming in from home to a minimum and we will be insisting that anything brought into school stays in their bags outside of break times. Also bear in mind that some things can be overly tempting to other children and we cannot ensure they don’t get broken. The current craze of Air Up water bottles for example.

Have a great weekend, don’t forget the clocks ‘spring forward’ on Saturday.

Kind regards,

Julie Burton
Headteacher