Yaxham Primary School pupils attempt to grow East Anglia’s biggest beanstalk!
Our pupils are brushing up on their gardening skills and taking part in a competition to grow the biggest beanstalk, to tie in with the launch of this year’s Norwich Theatre Royal pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk.
The competition, organised by Pantomime sponsor Jungle PR
www.junglepr.com, will see four schools in East Anglia planting and nurturing runner bean seeds which have been kindly supplied by Suttons. The pre-panto challenge was launched today at our school and members of the local press came along to take photos of the children planting their beans.
The children have the summer to grow the beans before they are judged during British Food Fortnight in September, by a panel including a top city chef, Kate Morfoot from sponsor Jungle PR, a representative from Suttons and a mystery pantomime character!
There will be prizes for:
- Best beanstalk
- The tallest beanstalk
- Most ingenious way of transporting the beanstalk to the theatre for judging
Kate Morfoot, managing director of pantomime sponsor Jungle PR comments: “We came up with this competition idea to get children excited about growing vegetables and about the magic it can bring. Plus, it coincides nicely with a recent piece of national research which suggests that gardening from a young age can help to keep children happy and contented. Good luck to all the pupils at Yaxham Primary School and we look forward to judging the results”
We are really excited to see what results the children can cultivate and will keep you posted with news of the competition!
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Contents - please follow the links below:
"The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils."
Our school is a very popular primary school for 5-11 year-old children serving Yaxham and the surrounding area. Our new school building was completed in October 2005 - replacing the old Victorian school that had been on the same site. We are a small village school and in the current school year 2009/10 there are now 80 children. Many of our children come from the catchment area of Yaxham and Whinburgh, and others from Dereham, Mattishall and the surrounding areas. The school is well supported by our
Governing Body, our PTA - the
Friends of Yaxham Primary School - and is closely linked to our parish church, St Peter's, Yaxham -
www.yaxham.com/church - led by Rev Sally Thurgill.
Please note: the school is currently full for this academic year and for the Reception Class for September 2010. If you would like your child to come to the school then please come and visit us. Contact Mrs Sandra Nightingale, Headteacher - see contact details.
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Summer Term 2010: Dates & Events
Summer term last day 23rd July 2010
Yaxham's Got Tallent 22nd July
Northgate High School Band visit 20th July
Music Presentation 20th July
Pirates Day 16th July
Residential trip to Horsted 14th - 16th July
Sports day 13th July
New joiners day 8th July
Jack & the Beanstalk Launch 7th July
Tide & Time visit to Great Yarmouth 1st July
Half-term 31st May to 4th June 2010
Parents' Evenings
- 21st April 6pm - 8pm
- 22nd April 3.30pm - 5.30pm
Summer term commenced 20th April 2010 (Inset day 19th April)
Spring Term 2010: News & Events
1st April - last day of term - Friends' Hot Cross Buns plus "Resurrection Rock"
31st, March trip to the Planetarium
25th, February, Music Presentation and After-school Book Fair
11th, February, Dereham Times report - "Pupils see funny side of Democracy"
Fiesta Day - Latin American Music - great success - the children very much enjoyed the Latin American music and activities during our Fiesta Day, yesterday. They were all dressed very colourfully and had made some really excellent masks. During the day they took part in various activities related to the whole school topic and enjoyed a Mexican style lunch followed by games.
29th, January, Haiti Earthquake Appeal - The children raised the amazing amount of £522.22 - our thanks to everyone who took part. Dereham & Fakenham Times Report, 6th February 2010 and below at the end of this page, including the song our children composed.
26th, January - Planning Permission granted for change of use for new land to be purchased to extend the playing field.
and...
"The snow did not stop us from going to see 'Robin Hood', this year's Pantomime at the Theatre Royal in Norwich. We got to chat with one of the actors who played the Sheriff of Nottingham's wicked mother."
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School Inspection Reports:
Ofsted 2009 Inspection Report - Yaxham Primary School was inspected as overall as "Good" with "Outstanding" elements.
Schools are graded by Ofsted as "Outstanding", "Good", "Satisfactory" or "Inadequate".
See: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/oxedu_providers/full/(urn)/121129
Church of England 2009 Inspection Report - Yaxham Primary School was inspected for its religious education and was rated overall as "Good".
See: http://www.natsoc.org.uk/siasinspectionandreports/yaxhamapril09.pdf
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Autumn 2009
Class 1 Activities:
Our topic work this term was People Who Help Us. We had a visit from a Police Officer who showed us her car (see photo) and put the sirens on.
Dr Higgins, a dentist, came in and explained how he helps us in his job. The children were very interested in the skull he brought in!
Gary, the Firefighter spoke about his job and showed us how important his uniform is for his job.
Class 2 Activities:
We learnt to play the ukulele. The first tune we have learned to play is 'My Dog Has Fleas!'
We had a visit from two metal detectorists. They brought a display of some of their finds and gave us all souvenirs - three old pennies.
Class 3 Activities:
This term we are participating in the whole school topic of minibeasts.
Amongst our activities will be:
• Regular minibeast safaris around the school grounds, using the children’s minibeast hunting kits.
• Individual projects on a particular minibeast as chosen by the children.
• Rehearsals of drama and music for our forthcoming school musical, “Minibeast Madness” (performed at 2pm and 6pm on Thursday 12th November 2009).
Nature Club trip to Holt Country Park
Some of the Nature Club members enjoyed a day out at Holt Country Park. We planted a pumpkin to bring home and then we had a walk through the park. We collected leaves and took lots of photos.
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Friends of Yaxham School
We are the PTA for the school - come and meet us at our events. Last year we raised record-breaking amounts at our two major events of the year. The Autumn Fair raised over £1,500 and our popular Christmas Bingo raised more than £500! All the money raised will go towards additional activities and equipment for the children during the year. For example, the children are looking forward to their trip to the Theatre Royal pantomime in January, which has been funded in part by the Friends.
Thank you once again and we look forward to seeing you at our various events during 2010.once again and we look forward to seeing you at our various events during 2010.
Mega '60/40' Toy Sale.
Everyone is welcome to come along to our sale at the school on Saturday 24 April, 11am-1pm. There will be lots of good quality second-hand toys, games, baby equipment and books to buy and 40% of the proceeds will go to the Friends fund for the children. (The remaining 60% will be kept by sellers.)
Village Scarecrow Display/Autumn Fair.
The theme this year will be 'Famous People - Past and Present.' We would love villagers to get behind the event once again and create some super celebrities! The display will run for a week from Saturday 18 September, finishing with our Autumn Fair on Saturday 25 September, 12-3pm. Watch this space for more info!
The Friends Committee
Chair: Denise Mayes Vice-Chair: Kerry Neale
Treasurer: Paul Atkins Secretary: Liz Hollis
Plus 13 Committee Members
For more information contact
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"Pupils raise money for people in Haiti
EMMA KNIGHTS, Dereham & Fakenham Times 6th February 2010
Youngsters from Yaxham Primary School have raised more than £500 to help the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
The school near Dereham held a Haiti Day on Friday where the children learnt about what happened in the disaster before taking part in a special assembly. Class three, made up of children from years four, five and six, created a song urging people to help the people of Haiti, which they performed in the assembly. Class two, made up of pupils from years two, three and four, made a recreation of an earthquake. Class one, made up of reception and year one pupils, spelt out the word international and used each of the letters to begin a sentence related to the situation in Haiti.
After the assembly 11-year-old Charlie Wright organised an auction and took on the roll of an auctioneer, raising £32 in five minutes, and each classroom was turned into a shop to raise funds. Class three teacher Mark Ward said: “It was fantastic that the Haiti Day went so well and raised such a large amount of money.”
The song written by children at Yaxham Primary School:
Horror and hope in Haiti
Hear the screaming from Haiti
From that earthquake flattened land
People are dying
Parents are missing
Children are crying
From that earthquake flattened land
Hear their call from Haiti
From that earthquake flattened land
Homes destroyed
Lives are shattered
Hope is lost
Does it really matter?
It's their land
But it's our one world
We can't leave them to their fate
It's their land
But it's our one world
We can't leave them to their fate
We can make a difference
We must make a difference
And now
Before it's too late
Our help must go to Haiti
As much and as quick as we can
Homes rebuilt
Lives are saved
Hope reborn
So let's do what we can!"
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Easter Holiday Activities:
Multi-Sports for 5 to 11 year olds
Tuesday 6 April & 13th April
1pm to 3pm
Yaxham Village Hall
There is no need to book your place for multi sports. Turn up on the day, pay and play. Sports activities cost £2 per child.
Multi sports may include: dodge ball, hockey, cricket, football, tag rugby, netball, badminton, basketball and much more.
Organised by Breckland Council.
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Term Times 2010
Autumn term first day 6th September 2010 (Inset days 1st, 2nd & 3rd September)
Half-term 25th to 29th October 2010
Autumn term last day 17th December 2010
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School Governors
The school has an active Governing Body made up of 12 people, representing the Diocese of Norwich, Yaxham Parochial Church Council, Parents, Staff and Norolk County Council. The Governing Body and its committees (Curriculum, Finance & Premises) each meet twice a term. If you would like to learn more about the role of the Governing Body and or are interested in becoming a governor at Yaxham then please contact the Chairman.
The Chairman of the Governors is: Mike Chase
The Clerk to the Governors is: Mrs Pat Twite
The Governors are (and basis of appointment):
- Annette Cheeseman, DBE - Ian Faircloth, Parent Governor
- Justin Stagg, DBE - Grahame Davies, DBE/PCC
- Mike Chase, PCC - Jennie Smith, LEA
- Ian Martin, PCC - Rev Sally Thurgill, Bishop's Governor
- Mark Ward, Staff Governor - Sandra Nightingale, Staff Governor
We have two vacancies: a PCC Governor and a Parent Governor
DBE = Norwich Diocesan Board of Education
PCC = Yaxham Parochial Church Council (the local church "parish council")
LEA = Local Education Authority i.e. Norfolk County Council
So, who are we? - in our own words:
Mike Chase, Chairman
"I live in Clint Green with my wife Julie and have two children that attend Yaxham Primary School. My interests are family genealogy and Norwich City (I've confirmed Robert Chase is no relation)"
Ian Martin,
“Ian lives in Yaxham with Susan, two labradors, chickens & Guinea Fowl; is a member of Yaxham Woodlands Group; and runs his own environmental risk management company.”
Jennie Smith
"Lives in Clint Green with husband, Peter and golden Labrador, Jason. She works as a complementary therapist, is a member of the Yaxham Woodlands Group and the Mattishall Reading Group."
More Biographies (and even photos) to follow!
Committees - We have three main committees:
- Curriculum
Mark Ward (Chairman), Annette Cheeseman, Sandra Nightingale, Jennie Smith
- Finance & Staffing
Ian Martin (Chairman), Sandra Nightingale, Mike Chase, Justin Stagg, Jennie Smith
- Premises
Mike Chase (Chairman), Sandra Nightingale, Grahame Davis, Ian Faircloth, Ian Martin
To contact the governors please write or email the school and mark your email or letter for the attention of the Chairman or the Clerk - see Contact us
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The School's Teachers:
Mrs Sandra Nightingale - Head Teacher
Mr Mark Ward - Class 3
Mrs Marsha Smith - Class 2
Mrs Sue Osborne - Class 2
Mrs Maxine McGarr - Class 1
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"Petition Presented by Friends of Yaxham Primary to Yaxham Parish Council to help achieve school road safety improvements"
A petition with some 80 names of parents, staff and residents was presented by Racheal Higgins of the "Friends of Yaxham School" to Yaxham Parish Council at its meeting, Thursday, 11th March. The parish council agreed and there is to be a meeting with the Parish Clerk to see how we can all work together on this. This followed a governors meeting with Norfolk County Council on the school travel plan, which includes the speed limit, ahead of the Parish Council meeting. Watch this space!!!
Traffic/Speeding Campaign Meeting - This was on Tuesday 27th April at 7pm at the school with County Councillor Cliff Jordan. Parents, Staff and Governors attended, as did members of the Parish Council - wheelie bin "Slow Down" Notices have been distributed and new posters designed by the children will be appearing soon. Thank you to everyone who supports this campaign.
NEW!! go to the Message Board (see menu at the top of this page), join the discussion "Traffic & Speeding in Yaxham" and post your comments - the more involved the more likely we will succeed!!!
We hope soon to have a new flashing sign to warn motorists that there is a school ahead! - well-done to verybody!
We are also working with the Parish Council and Cllr Jordan to try to get the speed-limit reduced between Yaxham and Clint Green, down from 60mph to we hope 40 mph so as to reduce the speed of traffic coming pass the school from the Dereham direction.
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Yaxham Primary School Descends On Great Yarmouth
On the 1st of July the whole of Yaxham School went to Great Yarmouth’s Time and Tide Museum. We went there to learn about the sea and about Great Yarmouth now and then. We all wore T-shirts which we had specially designed on the theme of the sea. We travelled on two coaches and it took an hour to get there.
In the morning we did three activities. First we looked at some objects about the seaside. We had to place them in order from the oldest to the newest. These included a woolly bathing costume, a tin bucket and spade, a Victorian camera and a shell jewellery box.
Next, we went to find out about seaside holidays. We looked into a moving picture machine, we stuck our heads through some holes making it look like we had swimming costumes on and we dressed up in some old clothes.
Then we were visited by a man claiming to be a time traveller. He was supposed to have travelled in time back from the 1950s. He made us think how much has changed since then (like fashion and types of camera) and how some things never change (like England doing badly in the World Cup!).
After that, we all sat down to watch a Punch and Judy Show. The funniest part was when the Police Officer warned Mr Punch being naughty. Most of us then enjoyed fish cakes, sausages and chips from the local fish and chip shop. Others had packed lunches.
In the afternoon we went round the rest of the museum. The best part was the room which was used for smoking fish. It still stank!
Back at school, our T-shirt designs were judged and the winners were Rosie, Travis and Sophie.
I really enjoyed the trip. It taught me about how life was by the sea in the old days.
Daniel Year 6
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Our New School Oct '05
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Our Library
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Our Hall
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Our Faith
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Class 1 - Police Visit
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The Old School
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We kept the old school bell!