Berkley can look back on 2018 as a hard-working but rewarding year, with a vision for all pupils to enjoy coming to school, all staff enjoying working at Berkley and for all parents and governors to be proud of the school’s achievements.
Headteacher Mr Kirby says, “The expression ‘Each child is my child’ summarises the Berkley approach.
“The positive written feedback received from pupils, parents, staff and external moderators show we have had a successful year, but far from resting on our laurels, we continue to modify our practices to keep moving on an upward curve.
“Schools tend to be over-judged by data, but 2018 has been another pleasing year, both in terms of our KS1 SATs results and the attainment and progress profile of each child. Our emphasis on reading, three times a week, and encouraging our parents to do the same has proved hugely beneficial. As headteacher, I hear each child read regularly and it is heart-warming to see their progress and confidence grow.
“Berkley hold ‘Wow Sessions’ with each topic learned, a recent being an ‘Author in Residence’ inspiring our children’s weekly writing tasks. This, with our writing club and our headteacher’s challenges, encourage writing habits and prowess and have all led to a successful year, with all our children entering the Frome writing competition; four winning prizes and several children having poems published in anthologies.
“In maths, we have added a times-tables challenge for pupils, to aid their mastery of the basics, as well as our parent association providing subscribed maths activities for our children.
“We aim to make learning fun and the children really enjoyed our ‘Diwali Wow Session’ learning dance, sharing henna designs and discussing the world. Check out other activities including the children’s recent rock song on our web site.
“Autumn 2018 saw the school oversubscribed again, with attendance figures rating us 2/38 in the county. It is down to the commitment and collaboration of the staff, pupils, parents and governors that we can look back on 2018 with pride.”