All classes occasionally visit places of educational interest. These are usually linked to current topic work, but may be of a more general educational benefit. Written notice will be given in advance as parental consent is required. Many of these excursions are subsidised by the Friends or from the school budget, but a voluntary contribution is usually requested. Parental assistance with supervision and/or transport is sometimes also requested.
During the Summer term Years 5 & 6 have the opportunity to participate in a residential school trip. This alternates between Grafham Water Centre and Swanage. Detailed information about these visits is issued in the preceding term.
Children may be taken off the school premises for purposes such as rehearsals in church or topic work within the village. Parental permission for this is sought on an annual basis rather than for each instance.
A wide variety of extra curricular activities is available to children, usually from Year 3 upwards. These vary from term to term – details will be given each term in a newsletter. Please refer to the loose–leaf sheets for details of clubs during the current year.We are very grateful to the staff and members of the community who run the clubs voluntarily. A member of the teaching staff is usually present. Children are encouraged to participate in extra curricular activities and to enjoy socialising. However, children join on the understanding that they must attend regularly and for at least a half term. A small charge is required for some activities.
At the present time we are able to offer brass tuition for a small number of pupils by a peripatetic music teacher from the Cambridgeshire Instrumental Music Agency. If demand exceeds places children who show particular musical aptitude will be given priority. The cost of tuition is passed on to parents. Instruments are available for hire from CIMA at a very reasonable cost.
Recorder lessons are offered as an extra–curricular activity from Year 3 upward. These are free but purchase of music books may be necessary.
The brass and recorder players are encouraged to participate in events such as the school carol service, fete and occasionally collective worship.
This is open in the school library on Monday afternoons from 2.15 – 3.30pm, run by a volunteer helper. An excellent selection of books is on sale for children and parents to buy. There is a savings scheme that we encourage children to use prior to making a purchase. On Mondays children may bring money to school to spend in the bookshop during or after school. Younger brothers or sisters may join the club too and specific books can be ordered.
Children are often able to participate in a variety of drama, dance and music activities at Melbourn Village College, which has been awarded Performing Arts status. Our Year 5 children attend an annual Arts’ Day in the summer term.
There are other classes and clubs run within the village available for children to attend including ballet, short tennis, badminton, French and drama.
The School Year, School Council, Collective Worship, Assessment, Reporting to Parents, Educational Visits, Extra-curricular Activities, Music Tuition, School Bookshop, Other Activities
