Shopping on a budget, devising healthy, nutritious and filling menus, changing beds and polishing shoes...
Shopping on a budget, devising healthy, nutritious and filling menus, changing beds and polishing shoes – all in a day’s work for most busy families but essential life skills nonetheless. So it was that a group of twenty year 7 pupils made the journey to our local Asda on Saturday afternoon with their five pound note and strict instructions to not overspend on their shopping for a two-course meal for four people.
The results were impressive with the pupils rising to the occasion whilst shopping and throughout the whole weekend. Not only with their ability to devise interesting and delicious meals on a tight budget but with their collaboration, team spirit, leadership skills and ability to listen to and support each other. I was in the lucky position to be able to taste a number of their efforts ranging from Spaghetti Carbonara with pancetta, to prawns and rice, homemade pizza and chocolate melting cakes. All delicious and absolutely no favourites! As you know, academic rigour, challenge and close monitoring of individual progress are all high on the list of priorities at Edge Grove but what a one-dimensional education this would be without an essential focus too on life skills, leadership and team spirit. If our pupils are to be successful and accomplished adults, the ability to think critically, listen and respond to others’ ideas and suggestions, work collaboratively and look beyond the obvious are a few of the skills which are necessary. It is therefore the role of any good school to provide these opportunities within a supportive environment where mistakes can be made and lessons learnt. Another reason why we give the Edge Grove Baccalaureate such prominence within our curriculum. My thanks to the many teaching and non-teaching staff who gave up their free time to ensure that the weekend was possible.
I am sorry to announce that Mrs Mitchell, our Head of Girls’ Games will be leaving us at half term to move to Spain to join her daughter who already lives there. We shall all miss Mrs Mitchell’s professionalism and tremendous commitment, her enthusiasm and excellent care of the children and I am sure you will join with me in thanking her for everything and wishing her much happiness for the future. I am pleased to announce that we have been fortunate in appointing an experienced and well-qualified replacement in Mrs Biba Lloyd who currently teaches Physical Education at Northwood College. Mrs Lloyd will join the school for the start of the summer term and in the meantime, her teaching will be covered from within the PE and Games department.
My thanks to the FoEG Committee and in particular Sarah Meier (chief organiser) for staging another fantastic Quiz Evening. It was wonderful to welcome back Mr Wooding as Quiz Master who carried out his role with customary aplomb and to see the Apthorp Hall full and proving to be an excellent venue. After 8 years of trying, and without any sense of hubris, it was a proud moment for the SLT team to be announced the winners and I am still quite unsure as to how it happened! Another brilliant community event which makes the school such a special place. Best wishes Ben Evans