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E D U C A T I O N i n L I T C H A M
THE FUTURE OF THE LITCHAM SCHOOLS
The
governing bodies of Litcham High School and Litcham Primary School
recently decided to merge into a single body. A public meeting
was held at the high school on 18 March to consider the background to
that decision. Those attending were a broad cross-section of
stakeholders and interested individuals: parents; county, district and
parish councillors; school governors; church representatives; teaching
and support staff; representatives of other primary schools and members
of the community.
The major challenges facing our schools, in the short and long term, were outlined. Transformational change in the nature and organisation of education is taking place nationally and internationally, as societies try to prepare young people for the huge global shifts which are taking place. Locally, we must continue to improve the quality of education, to ensure that our young people and rural communities are not left behind. Over the next few years, schools will also have to cope with the impact of reduced government and local authority spending and the threat this may pose to the future of small primary and high schools.
In discussions about the current state of education locally, the close collaboration between the 10 schools and children’s centre in the Litcham Learning Community was noted as a particular strength. This includes joint curriculum work; transition arrangements for pupils transferring from primary to high school and a shared business manager and catering provision. Parents, in particular, clearly value the close contact they enjoy with schools and the feeling that their child is part of a caring and supportive community.
A single governing body for the Litcham schools was seen as a first step in the process of creating an all-through school, educating children from 4 to 16. The evidence from all-through schools elsewhere in England is that they can improve the quality of education through a more efficient use of resources, including teaching and support staff, finance and equipment. Parents also appreciate the greater continuity of relationships and contact that follow. In short, the challenges facing education are an opportunity for us to develop our own solutions to ensure that education survives and flourishes at the heart of our community. While the immediate proposal involves Litcham Primary and Litcham High schools, it was emphasized that the door would be open to other schools in the Litcham Learning Community to join the federation.
The next stage will be a formal consultation, before the governing bodies ratify their decision to merge. Parents, staff and others directly involved in the two schools and Litcham Children’s Centre will receive a copy of the consultation document, as will councillors and representatives of other local bodies. Any other member of the community is welcome to contribute and should contact either of the schools to request a copy of the consultation document. If you would like more information, please contact one of the headteachers.
Jeremy Nicholls Headteacher Litcham High School, Christine Watts, Headteacher, Litcham Primary School
The major challenges facing our schools, in the short and long term, were outlined. Transformational change in the nature and organisation of education is taking place nationally and internationally, as societies try to prepare young people for the huge global shifts which are taking place. Locally, we must continue to improve the quality of education, to ensure that our young people and rural communities are not left behind. Over the next few years, schools will also have to cope with the impact of reduced government and local authority spending and the threat this may pose to the future of small primary and high schools.
In discussions about the current state of education locally, the close collaboration between the 10 schools and children’s centre in the Litcham Learning Community was noted as a particular strength. This includes joint curriculum work; transition arrangements for pupils transferring from primary to high school and a shared business manager and catering provision. Parents, in particular, clearly value the close contact they enjoy with schools and the feeling that their child is part of a caring and supportive community.
A single governing body for the Litcham schools was seen as a first step in the process of creating an all-through school, educating children from 4 to 16. The evidence from all-through schools elsewhere in England is that they can improve the quality of education through a more efficient use of resources, including teaching and support staff, finance and equipment. Parents also appreciate the greater continuity of relationships and contact that follow. In short, the challenges facing education are an opportunity for us to develop our own solutions to ensure that education survives and flourishes at the heart of our community. While the immediate proposal involves Litcham Primary and Litcham High schools, it was emphasized that the door would be open to other schools in the Litcham Learning Community to join the federation.
The next stage will be a formal consultation, before the governing bodies ratify their decision to merge. Parents, staff and others directly involved in the two schools and Litcham Children’s Centre will receive a copy of the consultation document, as will councillors and representatives of other local bodies. Any other member of the community is welcome to contribute and should contact either of the schools to request a copy of the consultation document. If you would like more information, please contact one of the headteachers.
Jeremy Nicholls Headteacher Litcham High School, Christine Watts, Headteacher, Litcham Primary School
 Click for website Litcham High School A Specialist Science College Age range 11-16, approx 569 pupils Headteacher; Jeremy Nicolls downloadable profile News A
lot has been happening in school since the start of the spring
term. Year 8 had an exciting Space Day – part of our
Science College enrichment programme – in which they increased
their understanding of physics and chemistry and developed team skills
through the construction of fabulous machines.
The school produces a downloadable weeklyFund-raising activities have seen £750 raised for Cancer Research, through collections, cake and CD sales. Tutor group 8W raised nearly £60 through a yummy sweet and cake sale, for victims of the Haiti earthquake. Some £90 was raised by the Year 11 Certificate of Personal Effectiveness group for the ‘Make Someone Smile’ campaign. Other events to raise money for the Haiti victims are planned. In spite of the mud and freezing conditions, there were excellent performances in the area cross country heats. Five runners – Grace Bird, Seb White, Chris Inwood, Jordan Rix and Nathan Jarrett – qualified for the Norfolk County Championships and all did themselves proud on another cold and wet day. Grace came 4th in her age group and has qualified for the Norfolk team. Last, but not least, Year 10 geographers have been tackling the subject of waste by conducting a waste audit in school. As a result of their work, we hope to be able to increase the amount we recycle and reduce the amount going to landfill. Jeremy Nicholls, Headteacher. Hire our Hall - Our students and community users of the school’s facilities will benefit from a number of improvements carried out over the summer. Any individuals or groups wishing to hire the school’s facilities should contact David Allen, Litcham Learning Community business manager (tel: 01328 701265 or e-mail : allen_d@litchamhigh.net). newsletter 'The Gleaner' see also Annual Report to Parish Council for 2009 |
 Click for website Litcham Primary School Age range 5-11, 92 Pupils Headteacher; Mrs Christine Watts downloadable profile News
Life continues to be busy, and now that the weather has improved we shall spent as much time as we can outside. Willow, our reception children will be visiting Houghton Hall on several Fridays following their Forest Schools Programme. Holly our Yr1 & 2s are going to Ranworth Broad and the Year 3, 4, 5s have already had a wonderful day at Stody Estate, learning all about the Countryside today and how it is farmed. Rowan and Oak Classes, Years 3, 4, 5 & 6, as last year went out to litter pick in the village in support of the Keep Britain Tidy Group’s Big Tidy Up event. Once again Breckland Council, who we are extremely grateful to, loaned us litter pickers and our thanks go also to Mrs. Bishop, teaching assistant for coordinating the whole event. Like last year the children had some very interesting finds, which included a pogo stick and a McDonald’s’ cup, which had become the home of a snail! It is a very worthwhile and enjoyable event in many ways, beneficial to the village community and teaches our youngsters a number of important lessons about being good citizens and how to care and respect their environment. Perhaps in the future so much litter won’t be dropped in the first place. The school Samba Band intends weather permitting to have a carnival on the village green during the afternoon of Monday 28th June and will be performing at this year’s Community Fete on Saturday 19th June. The new school caterer, Simon Nobbs, the High School chef and his team, have more than doubled the number of pupils having a school meal at lunchtimes, which is fantastic. The children are enjoying the new menus so much so that the time they spend in the dinning hall, munching away has increased. 15 new laptops arrived this term and we are extremely pleased with them, as they are making such a difference to lessons where the internet is valuable or their use enhances pupils’ presentation or understanding. Many of the educational games give immediate feedback and they are an important tool in today’s education. We are looking forward to the ‘Shine Show’, which gives our pupils an opportunity to share their talents. If the talent night at this year’s residential is anything to go by it will be excellent. The Norfolk Children’s Book Centre will visit us and all the classes will be treated to a story session and we have a theatre company coming to perform, ‘Arabian Adventure’ too. Our most talented musicians will be joining in with the Norfolk Music Service’s Celebration at the Corn Exchange. Before closing at the end of term the RNLI will lead an assembly for the whole school on Beach & Water Safety. A great deal to look forward to. Christine Watts See also Annual Report to Parish Council for 2009 Friends of Litcham Primary School |
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The Children’s Centre is open 48 weeks a year. We have various activities available. Please see the list below:- We are here to provide services to families of 0 – 5 year olds. If you have any suggestions or thoughts about what you would like to see in the area for yourself and your children please contact Pam or Leanne on 01328 701703, or call in to see us. The area we cover as a Children’s Centre is Litcham, Longham, Gressenhall, Beeston with Bittering, Stanfield, Horningtoft, Mileham, Wendling, Great and Little Fransham, Weasenham All Saints, Weasenham St Peter, Wellingham, Brisely, Houghton, Harpley, Little and Great Dunham, Little and Great Massingham, Tittleshall, Lexham, Rougham, Whissonsett, Beetley and Kempstone. PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION 2 years to school age 9.00am - 3.15pm Monday to Friday during term time CHILDCARE 2 Years+ Breakfast Club 7.45am-8.45am (during Term time only) After School Club 3.15pm-6.00pm (during Term time only) Holiday Club 7.45am-6.00pm (Non-Term time.) Morning Childcare sessions are now fully booked but there are spaces at lunch time and afternoon sessions. Please contact Leanne in the office to book your child’s place on 01328 701703 Stay and Play Toddler Group Every Wednesday from 9:00am – 11:15am Baby Weigh & Stay with your health visitor – fortnightly 2:00pm – 4:00pm, refreshments are provided. HomeStart - sessions on Toilet Training. This is a very informal get together for families who would like some advice and suggestions to help them move forward with their children. Playful Penguins. This is a new support group for families and carers with children under 5 with additional needs. An opportunity to meet other parents and carers to share experiences, concerns or worries you may have. Stibbard Children’s Centre and Fakenham Gateway Children’s Centre are also holding sessions. Please contact Pam for details 01328 701703. Stay and Play Toddler Group meets every Wednesday from 9:00am – 11:15 at Litcham Children’s Centre. Everyone welcome. We also hold regular Coffee Mornings and Craft workshops, see this month news for up to date detials of events Anyone wishing to find out more should contact Hilary on 07909 931-340 All three year olds are funded from the term after their third birthday. see also: entry for Pre-School Groups in Litcham Yellow Pages... |
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