Why Choose us?
Why choose us?
All schools work hard to do the best they can for their pupils- and we are no exception! Our pupils are happy, well supported and cared for, achieve very well academically, and have values and skills which prepare them for the next stage in their educational journeys- so they can go on to make a positive difference to their communities and the wider world. So what else can our school offer your child that makes choosing us the best decision you will make?
A Brass Band!
We are passionate about music at Burghclere- it is a unique part of our school's history. All our children have the opportunity to learn to play a brass instrument when they are in Year 3- this is fully funded by our active Band committee, along with weekly band tuition for all our members. Our band performs in school, at the local church, with local brass bands and at venues in Newbury. We have strong links with Good Vibes Music Academy, who offer tuition in keyboard, guitar and vocals. Along with our school choir and strong music curriculum, music will continue to thrive into the future too!
Collaborative projects with schools across the globe!
All our Y5/6 children have their own Chromebooks, which they use to work on collaborative learning projects with children in other countries. We are part of the JDO Foundation, who support us by providing the technology and opportunity for our children to participate in this amazing scheme. Each term, the children have a 'hangout' with their learning partners and collaborate on learning projects which have included writing and publishing stories, developing fitness programmes, creating their own Google Earth, and so much more! Computing, and the use of a range of technologies, apps and websites, is taught across the school- it is a core part of what we do. Our children leave with computing skills and confidence beyond their peers- setting them up for the future!
Marshmallows around the firepit!
We have a beautiful outside learning area which our youngest children use every week in their Welly Wednesday sessions. These sessions are based on the Forest School approach with children involved in a range of outdoor learning activities including playing with the chickens, hunting for bugs, gardening, building shelters, creating works of art, exploring and enjoying the natural environment, and so much more- whatever the weather! The favourite activity is always cooking around the firepit- and toasting marshmallows is at the top of the list! Our older children have regular opportunities to learn in this environment too including conducting science experiments, recording the weather and even performing their speeches from Macbeth around the cauldron!
Sports and activities galore!
Providing rich experiences and opportunities outside of the curriculum is a key feature of our school. This can be through dance and drama workshops; celebrating events like World Book Day, the King's coronation and the Olympics; singing at the O2 arena; running a mini-marathon; watching performances at the theatre; going on adventurous activity residentials and so many curriculum trips! We offer a wide variety of clubs including choir, dance, computing, art, running, netball, football, rugby and athletics. We take part in a lots of sports events, and, for a small school, have been very successful. We recently won the small schools trophy for the Basingstoke and Deane indoor athletics, and won the rugby league trophy against local schools. ALL our children in Y2-Y6 have the opportunity to represent the school in at least one inter-school sports event every year.
Wrap Around Care!
Our school has a popular Breakfast Club running from 8:00am each morning. It offers toast and fruit in a family style breakfast around the table. Our After-School Club runs until 5:15pm and children have the chance to play games with their friends, inside and outside, do craft activities and relax after a busy day at school!
And there's so much more!
To find out more about what we can offer your child, take a read of our newsletters, or, even better, come and visit us and see our wonderful school in action!