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Posted on: June 8th 2021

Castle Primary's Eve: the off-grid life of a nine-year-old climate activist

Eve, follows a nine-year-old girl on her journey back to mainstream schooling at Castle Primary School (www.castleprimaryschool.com/) after moving to Tinkers Bubble, the oldest off-grid community in the UK.

https://www.theguardian.com/news/georgemonbiot/2021/jun/01/eve-the-off-grid-life-of-a-nine-year-old-climate-activist?CMP=twt_a-environment_b-gdneco&fbclid=IwAR2gzuoM0Ewb16MY1fLlc9xCb0S1Zhola6xRMb2JqxRzqCuZUldPqpEGt1Q

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TRLP Year 6 Graduation Celebration Posted on: 18/07/2022

TRLP Year 6 Graduation Celebration

Year 6 celebrate in style  All Redstart schools were delighted to celebrate with their Year 6 pupils at a very special leavers event hosted by Taunton School.  The SATs are over, the plays are in full swing and the end of school celebrations have started, albeit with lessons still an important focus day-to-day.  All 220 pupils from the schools were treated to a fun filled day of sports, games, activities, singing, arts and craft in the beautiful surroundings of Taunton school.   The children were welcomed to the auditorium for a welcome address before heading off to their rotational fun activities, before the ice cream van arrived to treat pupils to a delicious Mr Whippy in the sunshine.  A picnic was enjoyed on the front lawn of the beautiful gothic Taunton School before the children were invited back into the auditorium for a group performance of their rehearsed ‘Together we can change the world’ song.  There was were also perfrmances by each school and speeches from all Heads of School and Suzanne Flack, CEO of The Redstart Learning Partnership.  A spokesperson for The Redstart Learning Partnership said:  ‘It has been such a wonderful day to celebrate with all the 220 year 6 pupils from The Redstart Schools.  The children have worked so hard this year and have had a lot to contend with during their primary education due to covid restrictions.  We are so proud of them all and we can not wait to see what their futures hold.  The Redstart Learning Partnership would like to thank Taunton School for offering their school for the day and for hosting the event.  Our thanks also go to Bradfords Building Supplies, Hazelgrove Prep School, Hookways in Bristol and Edwards and Wards for their extremely generous and kind donations to make the day possible’.  Mr Handscomb, Head of School from Holy Trinity said: “It’s been a chance to celebrate in style for both the children and their teachers. The children came together to perform a group song that they performed with gusto. They played sports and designed a beautiful collaborative canvas celebrating their memories at primary school. We are immensely proud of our pupils & we’ve all had an amazing day together, especially the ice cream!”                 Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
Priorswood Primary School – Welcome ENGIE Posted on: 22/04/2022

Priorswood Primary School – Welcome ENGIE

  Priorswood Primary School – Welcome ENGIE to learn about construction site safety on the North Taunton Woolaway Project   The pupils and staff from Priorswood Primary School in Taunton (Part of The Redstart Learning Partnership) welcomed Engagement Lead Angela Bolitho from South West and Taunton Council (SWT) and Elaine Jones from ENGIE for a very special assembly to talk about the dangers of trespassing on building sites.  The assembly included a presentation, video and a visit from the ENGIE Mascot! The children were delighted to meet ENGIE and after their visit Angela said: "We had such a positive welcome into Priorswood Primary today by children and staff. All 3 of us were very impressed with how well behaved the children were, how well they listened, participated and took on board the important messages we were sharing about the dangers on building sites.” Members of ENGIE and SWT are visiting a number of schools in Taunton with Priorswood being one of them.  Following the assembly, children could enter a competition to design their own poster warning other children of the dangers of playing on building sites. Winning posters are likely to be displayed on the project site hoardings. Priorswood Primary were delighted that three pupils from the school won with their poster entries and will be presented with a prize on Tuesday 05 April.  Congratulations to Rhoda, Mia and William.  Carly Ellis, Head of Schools at Priorswood Primary said: “With so much demolition and building work going on in the area, it was really important for us to welcome ENGIE and the team into Priorswood to share the dangers that surround the children on a daily basis.  The children had a lot to say and were very receptive to the messages that were communicated”.   The North Taunton Woolaway Project is a large regeneration project which started in 2017.  The major project will see the demolition and regeneration of 186 Woolaway homes and the additional building of 21 new build properties, due to be completed in 2027.  ENGIE is the main contractor appointed by Somerset West and Taunton Council to build homes in Phase A of the North Taunton Woolaway Project. As part of the project ENGIE are working closely with Somerset West & Taunton Council to ensure they are involved in initiatives in the local community. A spokesperson for The Redstart Learning Partnership said: “With such a major building project on the doorstep of Priorswood Primary School it’s crucial that our pupils learn the dangers of playing on building sites and follow these key messages.  We were thrilled to hear that three of Priorswood pupils won the poster competition, congratulations to Rhoda, Mia and William and we hope to meet ENGIE soon”.  Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
TRLP pupils show support for Ukraine Posted on: 22/03/2022

TRLP pupils show support for Ukraine

The Redstart Learning Partnership shows solidarity for the people of Ukraine When the pupils from the 10 schools affiliated with The Redstart Learning Partnership heard about the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine they all wanted to show their support and help the children and families caught up in the conflict.  As a show of solidarity the 10 schools across the Trust based in South Somerset and Devon participated in non-school uniform days to raise funds to send to Ukraine. The fundraising efforts didn’t end there; the schools and pupils also arranged a number of different activities to raise additional funds including cake sales, bake offs, collections for supplies and craft fairs. The total amount raised across the Trust was £2200.  In another show of unity the pupils from all the 10 schools have planted a sunflower seed (the national flower of Ukraine) to show support and hope for the people of Ukraine.  The pupils will be able to watch the flowers flourish in school as a reminder that they have helped people in this war torn country.  The soil and sunflower seeds were kindly donated by Monkton Elm Garden centre in Taunton and we would like to thank them for their very generous donation.   All the money raised will be sent to the British Red Cross who are directly supporting the Ukraine Crisis appeal.  This will help to provide food, water, medicine, warm clothing and shelter to those whose lives have been torn apart by this dreadful invasion. Schools have also hosted assemblies to give pupils the opportunity to talk about their feelings and recognise that it is perfectly normal to feel anxious about situations like these.  A spokesperson for The Redstart Learning Partnership said:  As a Trust, we felt it was important to play our part and to help the children understand the importance of helping others in times of need. We are extremely proud that our pupils went above and beyond to support the Ukraine appeal.  We sincerely hope the money raised will support children and their families during these very difficult times.” .              Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
The Redstart Primary School welcomes top athlete Posted on: 16/02/2022

The Redstart Primary School welcomes top athlete

The Redstart Primary School –Welcomed record breaking Rich Parker The Redstart Primary School (part of The Redstart Learning Partnership) in collaboration with ‘Sports for Schools’ received a visit last week from Rich Parker, number one ranked halfpipe inline skater in the United Kingdom.  Physical activity was put on a par with academic excellence and mental health for the day to excite, inspire and motivate the children to lead fit and healthy lives.  Rich has been rollerblading since he was just 10 years old and qualified as a professional skater by the age of 17. Since 2004 he has travelled around the world competing at the highest level. Rich won a silver medal at the 2011 X-Games and is the European Champion. He is still the number one ranked UK half-pipe inline skater and he was the second person in the world to ever land a double blank flip 180 on a half-pipe! During Rich’s visit he ran a fun fitness circuit with the children and then delivered an inspirational assembly.  Rich is a fantastic role model who showed the children that the power of hard work, grit and determination and perseverance can help you achieve your dreams.  Rich inspired the Redstart children and the school raised lots of money and he even jumped some teachers in the hall! Rebecca Collins Head of School said: “It was so lovely for the children to meet Rich and watch him show off his talents. He spoke with such passion and knowledge and the children were transfixed.” A spokesperson for The Redstart Learning Partnership said: “Physical and mental wellbeing is so important for our children. We were delighted to see a top athlete attend one of our schools to excite and inspire the children and to get them involved in fun circuits.  The pictures make the day look like lots of fun with the added advantage of raising funds for a good cause. We are just grateful that the teachers remained in one piece!”Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
TRLP are delighted to share Minerva's recent Ofsted report Posted on: 2/02/2022

TRLP are delighted to share Minerva's recent Ofsted report

Minerva Primary School make rapid improvements and take effective action according to Ofsted Minerva Primary School (which is part of The Redstart Learning Partnership) have made a significant and positive impact on the children’s education in a short space of time. Following an OFSTED inspection at the school on 14th January 2022, Her Majesty’s Inspectors (HMI) identified that the leaders and those responsible for governance are taking effective action. The inspectors recognised how the school is building on their previous strengths and making rapid improvements as they continue their journey to make Minerva outstanding in every aspect of school life. The report (which can be found on the school website) identifies that the team are bringing about rapid improvements in the necessary areas. Gareth Nation (Head of School) said: “The children, every member of staff, the wider leadership team and Trustees have pulled together to ensure immediate impact that benefits all of the children; they are at the heart of every decision we make and I am thrilled to be able to recognise everyone’s achievements as we continue to grow in strength. This is an exciting time for the school and we have laid solid foundations to provide the very best for our amazing children.’ Suzanne Flack (CEO) said “Since joining the school in September Mr Nation has created a strong vision for the school. His commitment to the pupils shines through everything that he does. The staff at the school have embraced new opportunities and have welcomed the additional support provided by a range of colleagues from across the Trust. We recognise the school still needs to move forwards but with the excellent progress OFSTED noted I am confident that Mr Nation and his team are well placed to ensure this happens.”   The school’s vision, ‘Growing together making the impossible…possible’ permeates every aspect of the school and the OFSTED report recognises the school’s many strengths. Some of the comments from the report can be seen below. Despite the limitations caused by COVID-19, leaders have taken swift and decisive action. The English and mathematics curriculums have been strengthened. Leaders have improved the English and early reading curriculums successfully. Well- informed staff teach pupils to read effectively. Staff follow the school’s phonics programme consistently. Leaders have introduced a well-planned and sequenced guided reading curriculum. This is helping pupils to deepen their understanding of the texts they read. Pupils’ use of vocabulary is becoming more sophisticated due to leaders’ focus on spoken language. From the moment they start school, children are exposed to classrooms that have plenty of books and printed resources, such as labels and posters. Children in the early years enjoy daily poetry, rhyme and song. Pupils feel safe and well cared for. The curriculum is enhanced by opportunities to visit and learn from others. Leaders have sharpened their systems to identify pupils with speech and language needs quickly. They (the Core Group who are responsible for governance) hold leaders to account for their actions to improve the school and check the progress of curriculum improvements. Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
The Redstart Primary School - Year 6 class of 2021 enjoy their planned residential to Kilve Court. Posted on: 10/11/2021

The Redstart Primary School - Year 6 class of 2021 enjoy their planned residential to Kilve Court.

The Redstart Primary School - Year 6 class of 2021 enjoy their planned residential to Kilve Court. During the week before half-term, the Year 6 classes from The Redstart Primary School (part of The Redstart Learning Partnership) attended their residential school trip at Kilve Court. Despite being rained on for much of the week, the children had a wonderful time enjoying a range of exciting and challenging activities. This included a 6 mile walk across the Quantocks, high ropes climbing, grass sledging, archery and the muddiest stream walk ever! They used their 6 years of Forest School skills to build shelters and fires in the woods. It really was a fantastic week. Mrs Rebecca Collins, Head of School at The Redstart Primary School said: “I am so delighted, after such a challenging year, that the children were able to get to Kilve for their week-long residential and that they had such an enriching experience which no doubt will hold many treasured memories for them”. A spokesperson for The Redstart Learning Partnership said “we were thrilled to see and hear about the fantastic activities that the year 6 pupils from Redstart enjoyed at Kilve Court.  Thankfully the wind and rain didn’t deter them, they clearly are a tough bunch!  It was fantastic to see them all participating in such brave challenges, adventures and enjoying the mud”. Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
Summer term school trips for TRLP school Posted on: 23/07/2021

Summer term school trips for TRLP school

Schools of The Redstart Learning Partnership enjoy the end of term A number of schools from The Redstart Learning Partnership were not going to let the global pandemic put a stop to their end of year school trips.  After 18 months of interrupted schooling due to covid, things are gradually returning to some sort of ‘normal’ for schools.  With the lifting of certain restrictions, thankfully it was business as usual.  Winsham Primary, Stockland C of E Academy, Priorswood Primary, Holy Trinity Primary and Ashill Primary carefully planned their trips making sure they were fully compliant with all covid guidance keeping the staff and pupils safe, but also making sure they all enjoyed their end of term experiences. Winsham Winsham Primary School ended their year with a trip to Charmouth Beach.  Stone stacking, fossil hunting and a visit to The Fossil Centre were on the agenda with a rewarding ice-cream at the end. The children were amazed at how much plastic they came across when exploring the beach so they are making it their mission next year to campaign about the use of single-use plastic and water pollution.  Stockland C of E Primary Class 1 had the most fabulous, muddy time at The Bear Trail.  Class 2 had a wonderful time at the ‘National Marine Aquarium’ in Plymouth and were very excited to go on their first school trip this year.  Class 3 visited the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth seeing and learning all about fish from starfish to sharks, to sting ray and pollock (the fish in your fish fingers!)  They met Friday, the green turtle and dissected fish, it was very smelly, but lots of fun!  And finally, after an eight month wait the Year 5 and 6 children stayed at Pixies Holt, Dartmoor for 4 nights in bunk bed dormitories and participated in a range of outdoor activities led by instructors from the centre. Priorswood, Taunton Otter Class, from Priorswood Primary School, were lucky enough to enjoy a trip to the Museum of Somerset to find out all about life in Anglo-Saxon times.  The children took part in a re-enactment of a fierce battle between the Vikings and King Alfred, as well as a variety of workshops focussing on the Saxon objects found in the museum.  The year 6 Stag Class have been on three trips celebrating the end of their time at Priorswood. French Weir Park, a PE festival at Taunton Academy and Crealy Adventure Park to finish their time at Priorswood on a high!  Holy Trinity, Taunton The year 6’s from Holy Trinity Primary in Taunton spent the day at COACH kayaking and team building followed by an evening of campfire and camping on the school field ready for a 7am departure to Skern. At Skern they spent the day rafting and completing an assault course. A brilliant time was had by all the children. The Yr4’s have spent the term working on a Tudor topic so they walked into Taunton to sketch the oldest Tudor building in the town. Ashill All pupils from Ashill set out on an intrepid expedition to the Museum of Somerset. Hedgehog Class went straight into the learning room to begin a range of activities based around Somerset myths and legends, whilst the Squirrel Class began their journey through time and were fascinated by the idea that everywhere they walked would have been under the ocean at some point in time. Castle Primary School, Stoke Sub Hamdon Corfe Class enjoyed a number of excursions including Jubilee Woods and an amazing day at the Rural Life Museum in Glastonbury corn flailing, making butter, going on an eye spy trail and touring the museum.  Dunster Class enjoyed a visit from Portals to the Past for their Romans day looking at real Roman artefacts, joining the Roman army, trying on armour, being a gladiator, and throwing javelins.   Drogo class had a fantastic day at Ninesprings today with Becky the Ranger. They went on a Woodland Walk, tried out plant printing, experienced pond dipping and made their own clay animals. Everyone had a brilliant time! A real highlight to the year for Corfe, Drogo and Dunster Classes has been the ROAM forest school sessions, spending days at their own base camp in the woods of Dillington game playing, pizza making, den building, fire lighting, marshmallow toasting, tight rope walking, hammock chilling, mud kitchen messing, badger den finding, tree climbing, clay modelling and so on. Living the dream! Other class trips included: Castle Farm and St Mary's graveyard helping us with our understanding of chronology.   Finally, Fizz Pop Science came to visit Castle School.  Year 1 and 2 had a great time being ‘taste buddies’. The children explored their tongues and all the senses that are involved with taste.  They also enjoyed a fantastically explosive time with Fizz Pop science and a messy highlight making slime.   A spokesperson from The Redstart Leaning Partnership said: “We are delighted that our pupils’ have been able to enjoy their end of term school trips.  They have been through a difficult time recently and being able to get back to normality and to enjoy these experiences has been fabulous. We are very proud of our pupils acting as fantastic ambassadors for their schools and the TRLP and we are all now looking forward to what trips the new school year will bring. We would just like to thank all the school staff, volunteers and staff at each of the locations for making sure the children had a super time and were kept safe at all times, especially by making sure all covid guidelines were strictly adhered to’. Categories: 1 CategorySchool News
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