Stopfordian 2010–2011 - Stockport Grammar School

The Stopfordian 2010–2011
cross country, football and athletics and successes for hockey,
rugby, swimming, cricket and rounders teams.
Early in the year the school was inspected by the Independent
Schools Inspectorate, which reminds me of the story of a
headmaster being shown around a village church by the
verger. Near the end of the tour they came to a large grave
and there on the headstone was an inscription ‘An inspector
and an honourable gentleman.’ The verger, seeing a look of
bewilderment on his visitor’s face asked if anything was
wrong. ‘It just seems odd,’ said the head, ‘that two men of
such different qualities should be buried in the same grave.’
Fortunately, our experience was extremely positive and we
were delighted with the inspectors’ overall findings. The Early
Years Foundation Stage, comprising Nursery and Reception,
was judged outstanding, as were the pupils’ achievements,
their learning, attitudes and skills in the rest of the school.
Another area judged as excellent was the links between
parents and school. This did not come as a surprise. We
receive invaluable support from our parents. Accompanying
trips, attendance at school events, help with making costumes
for plays and involvement in many of the school’s activities are
just a few ways parents involve themselves in the life of the
school. Then there is the excellent work carried out by the
SPA. This year, for the first time, a Summer Fair was held on
the school field. A hugely successful and enjoyable day, made
possible by the hard work of SPA committee members and
other parents and staff.
At the end of the year Mrs Hardy took early retirement. As
well as teaching one of the Year 6 classes for many years, Mrs
Hardy has helped to run swimming; teaching and organising
our teams. Louise also organised the Year 6 camping trips to
Wasdale, in the Lake District, and if that was not enough she
has been in charge of lighting at the Year 6 productions and
given up many Sundays to lead parties of children and
parents on walks in the Peak District.
We also said goodbye to Mrs Johnston, who taught a Year 1
class and to Mrs Graham who joined us when Mrs Martin
retired. I record my thanks to all of them.
The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The
superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.
So wrote W. A. Ward. If inspiring our children is one of our
aims, we need to have inspirational teachers. Fortunately, we
do and I am grateful to my colleagues for their hard work and
expertise in providing high quality teaching, something that
was also recognised by the inspectors.
On a warm day towards the end of the Summer Term I was
sitting next to a little boy in one of the infant classes, as he
practised forming his letters. The effort he was having to make
was clearly visible in his contorted face. When he finished I
asked him if he thought he had done well. ‘I am shattered,’ he
said ‘but it is my best writing ever.’ That is all we can ever ask.
L. Fairclough
NURSERY VISITS
Boys and girls in the Nursery welcomed several visitors in the
Spring Term as part of their project about ‘People Who Help
Us’. Fire Fighters from Offerton Fire Station visited to show
the children around their fire engine and talk about the types
of emergencies they are called out to. We all had great fun
squirting water from the hose, all the way across the Junior
School field! We also enjoyed a visit from the Greater
Manchester Police, headed by PCSO Jonathan Ackerely, and
his team, who talked to the children about keeping people
safe, stranger danger and other important everyday roles the
police play in the community. The children even sat in the
back of the van just like the prisoners do when they are being
transported to the station. We also found a visit from the Road
Safety Officer Trevor Rogers very useful. Fun was had by all,
including the staff, who were asked to join in with the role
play! The children listened really well to his stories and songs.
C. Peake
INFANT NEWS
A year in the life of an infant child
passes by all too quickly and is
generally packed full of excitement
and adventure. This past year has
been no exception. There were many
highlights, including our Nativity plays,
Activity Week and Sports Day.
Thank you to all the children, parents
and grandparents who have made this
year so enjoyable.
102 Junior School