Crowthorne and Sandhurst

Pupils at Crowthorne CofE Primary School enjoy good geography studies according to an inspector.

The Bracknell Forest school was recently visited by an Ofsted representative and his findings have now been published.

The purpose of the visit was to look at key areas of the subject, with a particular focus on the Crowthorne school’s response to ‘Excellence and Enjoyment’ and how it impacts on planning and progression in geography.

The report said: “The overall effectiveness of geography is good with some aspects which are outstanding. Achievement is good and standards overall are above national expectations.”

The inspector noted that:

• At the end of Key Stage 1, pupils demonstrate good basic geographic knowledge including knowing the counties in the UK, capital cities and main points of the compass.
• Pupils can describe the difference between two contrasting locations and are able to answer simple geographic questions.
• At the end of Key Stage 2, most pupils are attaining standards that are above national expectations. They have a good knowledge of fieldwork techniques.
• Pupils enjoy geography as seen by their high levels of engagement and very positive attitudes towards work. They have excellent relationships with teachers and other adults.
• Teachers’ lesson plans are of a very high quality and include clear learning outcomes that focus on what pupils are expected to learn in the subject.

As with all inspections, the report highlighted the need to improve in areas such as identifying in each unit in the key aspects of geography to be assessed, and the need to develop further provision for the most able.

Crowthorne Headteacher Barbara Gellatly said: “We were delighted with our recent Ofsted subject inspection.

“As a school we feel geography has an important role in the overall curriculum we provide for the children. It enables the children to develop a sense of their place in the world and their responsibilities for the future.

“Our pupils enjoy geography lessons. Wherever possible we use the local environment, as the best way to learn this subject is through the soles of their feet.”

Cllr Alan Kendall, Executive Member for Education, said: “Crowthorne CofE Primary School has been recognised as a good school for geography.

“The school provides high standards of education for our children and I congratulate the headteacher and her staff on their continuing success.”

Bracknell Forest Council ~ Crowthorne

An orchestral concert by Crowthorne Orchestra, with guest soloist Ivan Yanakov (piano), conducted by Robert Roscoe.

- Cimarosa: Overture "The Secret Marriage"
- Liszt: Piano Concerto No.1, with soloist Ivan Yanakov
- Frank: Symphony in D Minor

8pm Sunday 14th December 2008

The Old Gym, Wellington College, Crowthorne, Berkshire, RG45 7PU

Tickets:
£8 in advance, £10 on door
Age 16 and under free
£2 discount for students

From Telstar Traveltime, Crowthorne
or contact secretary@crowthorneorchestra.com
Tel. 0118 972 2164

This year's Bracknell Forest Civic Service is being held in the Royal Memorial Chapel at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst on Sunday, 19 October.

The Mayor, Cllr Bob Edger, has invited more than 100 guests to Sandhurst, including Dr Carolyn Boulter, High Sheriff of the Royal County of Berkshire, John Nike OBE, Deputy Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, the Leader of the Council, Cllr Paul Bettison, the Chief Executive Timothy Wheadon and Chief Inspector Simon Bowden Commander of the Bracknell Forest Police Area of Thames Valley Police.

The service will be conducted by the Mayor's chaplain, The Reverend Timothy Cole, who is senior chaplain at Sandhurst and the exit collection will be in aid of the Mayor’s Charity, Childline.

Following the service, the guests have been invited to join Cllr Edger for coffee in the historic Indian Army Memorial Room where artefacts and portraits of the British Indian Army are on display.

Cllr Edger, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the Royal Regiment of Wales, now The Royal Welsh, said: "As a retired officer I am delighted that the Commandant of the Royal Military Academy, Major General David Rutherford-Jones, has given permission for me to hold the Borough Civic Service in the Chapel for what is believed to be the first time.

"The Royal Memorial Chapel is dedicated to those officers and men of the British and Commonwealth forces who have fallen in action over the years. Holding our service in this special place at a time of great military commitment by our serving men and women in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places in the world will be a small but fitting tribute by this Borough to our armed forces, in my opinion.

"I'm sure my guests who have never been to the Chapel before will be impressed by its powerful atmosphere and will be equally impressed by the historical significance of the Indian Army Memorial Room after the service."

Bracknell Forest Council ~ Sandhurst